After God spoke long ago ¹  in various portions ²  and in various ways ³  to our ancestors ⁴  through the prophets,

Remember your leaders, who spoke God’s message to you; reflect on the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith.

For it is clear that our Lord is descended from Judah, yet Moses said nothing about priests in connection with that tribe.

By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, ¹  mentioned the exodus of the sons of Israel ²  and gave instructions about his burial. ³ 

Then his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “I will once more shake not only the earth but heaven too.” ¹ 

So God ¹  again ordains a certain day, “Today,” speaking through David ²  after so long a time, as in the words quoted before, ³  “O, that today you would listen as he speaks! ⁴  Do not harden your hearts.”

By faith Abel offered God a greater sacrifice than Cain, and through his faith ¹  he was commended as righteous, because God commended him for his offerings. And through his faith ²  he still speaks, though he is dead.

And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons? “My son, do not scorn ¹  the Lord’s discipline or give up when he corrects ²  you.

Take care not to refuse the one who is speaking! For if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less shall we, if we reject the one who warns from heaven?