1   The memory of Josiah is as sweet as the fragrance of expertly blended incense, sweet as honey to the taste, ^note like music with wine at a banquet.

2   He followed the correct policy of reforming the nation and removed the horrors of idolatry.

3   He was completely loyal to the Lord and strengthened true religion in those wicked times. ^note Jeremiah

4   All the kings, except David, Hezekiah, and Josiah, were terrible sinners, because they abandoned the Law of the Most High to the very end of the kingdom. ^note

5   They surrendered their power and honor to foreigners,

6   who set fire to the holy city and left its streets deserted, just as Jeremiah had predicted.

7   Jeremiah had been badly treated, even though he was chosen as a prophet before he was born, “to uproot and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow,” but also “to build and to plant.” ^note Ezekiel

8   It was Ezekiel who was shown the vision of the divine glory over the chariot and the living creatures.

9   He also referred to the prophet Job, who always did the right thing. ^{note note} The Twelve Prophets

10   May the bones of the twelve prophets rise to new life, because these men encouraged the people of Israel and saved them with confident hope. Zerubbabel and Joshua

11   How can we praise Zerubbabel? He was like a signet ring on the Lord's right hand, ^note

12   as was Joshua son of Jehozadak. They rebuilt the Lord's holy Temple, destined for eternal fame. ^note Nehemiah

13   The memory of Nehemiah is also great. He rebuilt the ruined walls of Jerusalem, installing the gates and bars. He rebuilt our homes. ^note The Patriarchs

14   No one else like Enoch has ever walked the face of the earth, for he was taken up from the earth.

15   No one else like Joseph has ever been born; ^note even his bones were honored. ^note

16   Shem, Seth, and Enosh ^note were highly honored, but Adam's glory

was above that of any other living being.

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