1Let us now praise famous men, our ancestors in their generations.
2The Lord created great glory in them— his mighty power from the beginning.
3Some ruled in their kingdoms and were men renowned for their power, giving counsel by their understanding. Some have spoken in prophecies,
4leaders of the people by their counsels, and by their understanding, giving instruction for the people. Their words in their instruction were wise.
5Some composed musical tunes, and set forth verses in writing,
6rich men endowed with ability, living peaceably in their homes.
7All these were honored in their generations, and were outstanding in their days.
8Some of them have left a name behind them, so that others declare their praises.
9But 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.
10But these were men of mercy, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten.
11A good inheritance remains with their offspring. Their children are within the covenant.
12Their offspring stand fast, with their children, for their sakes.
13Their offspring will remain forever. Their glory won’t be blotted out.
14Their bodies were buried in peace. Their name lives to all generations.
15People will declare their wisdom. The congregation proclaims their praise.
16Enoch pleased the Lord, and was taken up, an example of repentance to all generations.
17Noah was found perfect and righteous. In the season of wrath, he kept the race alive. Therefore a remnant was left on the earth when the flood came.
18Everlasting covenants were made with him, that all flesh should no more be blotted out by a flood.
19Abraham was a great father of a multitude of nations. There was none found like him in glory,
20who kept the law of the Most High, and was taken into covenant with him. In his flesh he established the covenant. When he was tested, he was found faithful.
21Therefore 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.
22In Isaac also, he established the same assurance for Abraham his father’s sake, the blessing of all men, and the covenant.
23He 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.