The praise of Josias, of Jeremias, Ezechiel, and the twelve prophets. Also of Zorobabel, Jesus the son of Josedech, Nehemias, Enoch, Joseph, Seth, Sem, and Adam.

[1] The memory of Josias is like the composition of a sweet smell made by the art of a perfumer: [2] His remembrance shall be sweet as honey in every mouth, and as music at a banquet of wine. [3] He was directed by God unto the repentance of the nation, and he took away the abominations of wickedness. [4] And he directed his heart towards the Lord, and in the days of sinners he strengthened godliness. [5] Except David, and Ezechias, and Josias, all committed sin.

[6] For the kings of Juda forsook the law of the most High, and despised the fear of God. [7] So they gave their kingdom to others, and their glory to a strange nation. [8] They burnt the chosen city of holiness, and made the streets thereof desolate according to the prediction of Jeremias. [9] For they treated him evil, who was consecrated a prophet from his mother' s womb, to overthrow, and pluck up, and destroy, and to build again, and renew. [10] It was Ezechiel that saw the glorious vision, which was shewn him upon the chariot of cherubims.

[11] For he made mention of the enemies under the figure of rain, and of doing good to them that shewed right ways. [12] And may the bones of the twelve prophets spring up out of their place: for they strengthened Jacob, and redeemed themselves by strong faith. [13] How shall we magnify Zorobabel? for he was as a signet on the right hand; [14] In like manner Jesus the son of Josedec? who in their days built the house, and set up a holy temple to the Lord, prepared for everlasting glory. [15] And let Nehemias be a long time remembered, who raised up for us our walls that were cast down, and set up the gates and the bars, who rebuilt our houses.

[16] No man was born upon earth like Henoch: for he also was taken up from the earth. [17] Nor as Joseph, who was a man born prince of his brethren, the support of his family, the ruler of his brethren, the stay of the people: [18] And his bones were visited, and after death they prophesied. [19] Seth and Sem obtained glory among men: and above every soul Adam in the beginning.

[18] They prophesied: That is, by their being carried out of Egypt they verified the prophetic prediction of Joseph. Gen. 50.