The In-Dept Study of the Bible
Ecclesiaticus 44
1 Let us now praise famous men,
our ancestors in their generations.
2 The Lord created great glory in them
his mighty power from the beginning.
3 Some ruled in their kingdoms
and were men renowned for their
power, giving counsel by their understanding.
Some have spoken in prophecies,
4 leaders of the people by their counsels,
and by their understanding, giving instruction
for the people. Their words in their
instruction were wise.
5 Some composed musical tunes,
and set forth verses in writing,
6 rich men endowed with ability,
living peaceably in their homes.
7 All these were honored in their generations,
and were outstanding in their days.
8 Some of them have left a name behind
them, so that others declare their praises.
9 But of others, there is no memory.
They perished as though they had not
been. They become as though they had not
been born, they and their children after them.
10 But these were men of mercy,
whose righteous deeds have not been
forgotten.
11 A good inheritance remains with their
offspring. Their children are within the
covenant.
12 Their offspring stand fast,
with their children, for their sakes.
13 Their offspring will remain forever.
Their glory won’t be blotted out.
14 Their bodies were buried in peace.
Their name lives to all generations.
15 People will declare their wisdom.
The congregation proclaims their
praise.
16 Enoch pleased the Lord, and was taken
up, an example of repentance to all generations.
17 Noah was found perfect and righteous.
Inthe seasonof wrath, he keptthe race
alive. Therefore a remnant was left on the earth
when the flood came.
18 Everlasting covenants were made with
him, that all flesh should no more be
blotted out by a flood.
19 Abraham was a great father of a
multitude of nations. There was none
found like him in glory.
20 who kept the law of the Most High,
and was takeninto covenant withhim.
In his flesh he established the covenant.
When he was tested, he was found
faithful.
21 Therefore he assured him by an oath
that the nations would be blessed
through his offspring, that he would
multiply him like the dust of the earth,
exalt his offspring like the stars,
and cause them to inherit from sea to
sea and from the Euphrates River to the
utmost parts of the earth.
22 In Isaac also, he established the same
assurance for Abraham his father’s
sake the blessing of all men, and the
covenant.
23 He made it rest upon the head of Jacob.
He acknowledged him in his blessings,
gave to him by inheritance and divided his portions.
He distributed them among twelve tribes.