Contemporary English Version King Josiah 1 The memory of Josiah is pleasant, like skillfully mixed incense or the taste of honey, or like music at a banquet where wine is served. 2He did right and led the nation to get rid of its idols and turn back to God. 3Many had rejected God's Law, but Josiah was faithful and encouraged others to obey God. The Prophet Jeremiah and the Evil Kings of Judah 4David, Hezekiah, and Josiah were good kings, but the other kings of Judah sinned terribly and rejected the Law of God Most High. So he took away their kingdom 5and gave their glorious power to foreigners 6 who burned down Jerusalem, the city God had chosen for his temple. The city streets lay empty, just as Jeremiah had said. 7He had been chosen as a prophet before his birth and was later told to speak of doom and destruction, of rising and rebuilding. But the evil kings of Judah mistreated him. The Prophet Ezekiel 8 Ezekiel saw a vision of the Lord's glory above the living creatures that were his chariot. Job 9 God said that Job always did what was right. The Twelve Prophets 10I pray that the twelve prophets will live on in their descendants because they helped Israel stand firm during hard times by giving them hope. Zerubbabel 11 What is the best way to praise Zerubbabel? He was like a valuable ring on the Lord's right hand, 12 as was Joshua son of Jozadak. They built a holy temple for the Lord, and it will always be famous. Nehemiah 13 We should honor Nehemiah because he rebuilt the homes in Jerusalem; he repaired the city walls and put in strong new gates. Other Great Ancestors 14No one like Enoch has ever been born-- he was taken up from earth to heaven. 15And no one like Joseph has ever been born-- he kept Israel from starving and ruled his brothers; then after his death, the people of Israel watched over his bones. 16Shem and Seth are also honored, but of all God's creatures, Adam was the greatest. Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®) © 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. Bible text from the Contemporary English Version 2nd Edition (CEV®) is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by American Bible Society, 101 North Independence Mall East, Floor 8, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2155 (www.americanbible.org). Learn more at www.cev.bible. Discover .BIBLE resources for your ministry at www.get.bible/cev. |