# verses

book: 1Macc
contenido:
And he divided the people, andset the horsemen in the midst of the footmen: but the enemies’ horsemen were exceedingly many.


book: 1Macc
contenido:
And they sounded with the trumpets; and Cendebaeus and his army were put to the rout, and there fell of them many wounded to death, but those who were left fled to the stronghold:


book: 1Macc
contenido:
at that time was Judas John’s brother wounded: but John pursued after them, till he came to Kidron, whichCendebaeus had built;


book: 1Macc
contenido:
and they fled to the towers that are in the fields of Azotus; and he burnt it with fire; and there fell of them about two thousand men. And he returned into Judea in peace.


book: 1Macc
contenido:
And Ptolemy the son of Abubus had been appointed captain for the plain of Jericho, and he had much silver and gold;


book: 1Macc
contenido:
And his heart was lifted up, and he was minded to make himself master of the country, and he took counsel deceitfully against Simon and his sons, to make away with them.


book: 1Macc
contenido:
Now Simon was visiting the cities that were in the country, and taking care for the good ordering of them; and he went down to Jericho, himself and Mattathias and Judas his sons, in  the hundred and seventy and seventh year, in the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat:


book: 1Macc
contenido:
and the son of Abubus received them deceitfully into the little stronghold that is called Dok, which he had built, and made them a great banquet, and hid men there.


book: 1Macc
contenido:
And when Simon and his sons had drunk freely, Ptolemy and his men rose up, and took their arms, and came in upon Simon into the banqueting place, and killed him, and his two sons, and certain of his servants.


book: 1Macc
contenido:
And Ptolemy wrote these things, and sent to the king, that he should send him forces to aid him, and should deliver him their country and the cities.


book: 1Macc
contenido:
And he sent others to Gazara to make away with John: and to the captains of thousands he sent letters to come to him, that he might give them silver and gold and gifts.


book: 1Macc
contenido:
And one ran before to Gazara, and told John that his father and kindred were perished, and he has sent to kill you also.


book: 1Macc
contenido:
And when he heard, he was sore amazed; and he laid hands on the men that came to destroy him, and killed them; for he perceived that they were seeking to destroy him.


book: 1Macc
contenido:
And the rest of the acts of John, and of his wars, and of his valiant deeds which he did, and of the building of the walls which he built, and of his doings,


book: 1Macc
contenido:
behold, they are written in the  chronicles of his high priesthood, from the time that he was made high priest after his father.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
The kindred, the Jews that are in Jerusalem and those who are in the country of Judea, send greeting to the kindred, the Jews that are throughout Egypt,and wish them good peace:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and may God do good to you, and remember his covenant with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, his faithful servants;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
In the reign of Demetrius, in the hundred threescore and ninth year, we the Jews havealready written to you in the suffering and in the extremity that has come upon us in these years, from the time that Jason and his company revolted from the holy land and the kingdom,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and set the  gate on fire, and shed innocent blood: and we implored the Lord, and were heard; and we offered sacrifice and mealoffering, and we lighted the lamps, and we set forth the  show bread.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Written in the hundred fourscore and eighth year.
THEY that are in Jerusalem and those who are in Judea and the senate and Judas, to Aristobulus, king Ptolemy’s teacher, who is also of the stock of the anointed priests, and to the Jews that are in Egypt, send greeting and health.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For when the prince was comethere, and the army with him that seemed irresistible, they were cut to pieces in the temple of Nanaea by the treachery of Nanaea’s priests.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For Antiochus, on the pretence that he would marry her, came into the place, he and his  Friends that were with him, that they might take a great part of the treasures in name of a dowry.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when the priests of Nanaea’s temple had set  the treasures forth, and he was come there with a small company within the wall of the precincts, they shut to the temple when Antiochus was come in:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and opening the secret door of the panelled ceiling, they threw stones and  struck down the prince, and they hewedhim and his company in pieces, and struck off their heads, and cast them to those that were without.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Whereas we are now about to keep the purification of the temple in themonth Chislev, on the five and twentieth day, we thought it necessary to certify you thereof, that  you° also may keep a feast of tabernacles, anda memorial of the firewhich was given when Nehemiah offered sacrifices, after he had built both the temple and the altar.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For indeed when our fathers were about to be led into the land of Persia, the godly priests of that time took of the fire of the altar, and hid it privily in the hollow of a well that was without water, wherein they madeit sure, so that the place was unknown to all men.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Now after many years, when it pleased God, Nehemiah, having received a charge from the king of Persia, sent in quest of the fire the descendants of the priests that hid it. When they declared to us that they had found no fire, but thick water,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
he commanded them to draw out thereof and bringto him: and when  the sacrifices had been offeredon the altar, Nehemiah commanded the priests to sprinkle with the water both the wood and the things laid thereupon.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when it was done, and some time had passed, and the sun shone out, which before was hid with clouds, there was kindled a great blaze, so that all men marvelled.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And the priests made a prayer while the sacrifice was consuming, both the priests and allothers, Jonathan leading and the rest answering, as Nehemiah did.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And the prayer was after this manner:
O Lord, Lord God, the Creator of all things, who are terrible and strong and righteous and merciful, who alone are King and gracious,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
who alone supplyevery need, who alone are righteous and almighty and eternal, you that save Israel out of all evil, who made the fathersyour chosen, and did sanctify them:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Gather together our Dispersion, set at liberty those who are in bondage amongst the heathen, look upon those who are despised and abhorred, and let the heathen know that you are our God.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And as soon as the sacrifice was consumed, then Nehemiah commanded  to pouron great stones the water that was left.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when this was done, a flame was kindled;  but when the light from the altar  shone near it,all was consumed.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when the matter became known, and it was told the king of the Persians, that, in the place where the priests that were led away had hid the fire, there appeared the water, wherewith also Nehemiah and those who were with him purified the sacrifice,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when the king would show favour to any, he would takefrom them many presents and give them some ofthis water.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And Nehemiah and those who were with him called this thing Nephthar, which is by interpretation, Cleansing; but most men call it Nephthai.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
It is also found in the records, that Jeremiah the prophet commanded those who were carried away to take of the fire, as has been signifiedabove:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and how that the prophet charged those who were carried away, having given them the law, that they should not forget the statutes of the Lord, neither be led astray in their minds, when they saw images of gold and silver, and the adornment thereof.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And it wascontained in the writing, that the prophet, being warned of God, commanded that the tabernacle and the ark should follow with him,  when he went forth into the mountain where Moses went up and saw the heritage of God.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And Jeremiah came and found  a chamber in the rock, and there he brought in the tabernacle, and the ark, and the altar of incense; and he made fast the door.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And some of those that followed with him came there that they might mark the way, and could not find it.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when Jeremiah perceived it, he blamed them, saying, Yes and the place shall be unknown until God  gather the people again together, and mercy come:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and then shall the Lord disclose these things, and the glory of the Lord shall be seen, and the  cloud.
As also it was showed with Moses; as also Solomon implored that the place might be consecrated greatly,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and it was also declared that he, having wisdom, offered a sacrifice of dedication, and of the finishing of the temple;so we would have it now.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
As Moses prayed to the Lord, and fire came down out of heaven and consumed the sacrifice, even so prayed Solomon also, and the fire came down and consumed the burnt offerings;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
(and Moses said, Because the sin offering had not been eaten, it was consumed in like mannerwith the rest;)


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And the same things were related  both in the public archives and in  the records that concern Nehemiah; and how he, founding a library, gathered together the books about the kings and prophets, and thebooks of David, and letters of kings about sacred gifts.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And in like manner Judas also gathered together for us all thosewritings that had been scattered by reason of the war that befell, and they arestill with us.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Seeing then that we are about to keep the purification, we write to you; you° will therefore do well if you° keep the days.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Now God, who saved all his people, and restored the heritage to all, and the kingdom, and the priesthood, and the hallowing,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
even as he promised through the law,— in God have we hope, that he will quickly have mercy upon us, and gatherus together out of  all the earth to the holy place: for he delivered us out of great evils, and purified the place.
____________________


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Now the things concerning Judas Maccabaeus and his kindred, and the purification of the  great temple, and the dedication of the altar,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and the manifestations that came from heaven to those that vied with one another in manful deeds for the religion of the Jews; so that, being but a few, they  rescued the whole country, and chased the barbarous multitudes,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and recovered again the temple renowned all the world over, and freed the city, and restored the laws which were like to be overthrown, seeing the Lord became  gracious to them with all forbearance:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
these things, I say, which have been declared by Jason of Cyrene in five books, we will assay to abridge in one work.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For having in view the confused mass of the numbers, and the  difficulty which awaits those who would enter into the narratives of the history, by reason of the abundance of the matter,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
we were careful that they who choose to read may be attracted, and that they who wish wellto our cause may find it easy to recallwhat we have written, and that all readers may have profit.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And although to us, who have taken upon us the painful labour of the abridgement, the task is not easy, buta matter of sweat and watching


book: 2Macc
contenido:
(even as it is no light thing to him that prepares a banquet, and seeks the benefit of others); yet for the sake of the gratitude of the many we will gladly endure the painful labour,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
leaving to the historian the exact handling of every particular, and again  having no strength to  fill in the outlines of our abridgement.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For as the masterbuilder of a new house must care for the whole  structure, and again he that undertakes to  decorate and paint it must seek out the things fit for the adorning thereof; even so I think it is also with us.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
To occupy the ground, and to  indulge in long discussions, and to be curious in particulars, becomes the first author of the history:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
but to strive after brevity of expression, and to avoid a laboured fullness in the treatment, is to be granted to him that would bring a writing into a new form.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Here then let’s begin the narration, only adding thus much to that which has been already  said; for it is a foolish thing to make a long prologue to the history, and to abridge the historyitself.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
WHEN the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and the laws were kept very well, because of the godliness of Onias the high priest, and his hatred of wickedness,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
it came to pass that even the kings themselves did honour the place, and glorify the temple with the noblest presents;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
insomuch that even Seleucus the king of Asia of his own revenues bare all the costs belonging to the services of the sacrifices.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, having been made guardian of the temple, fell out with the high priest about the  ruling of the market in the city.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when he could not overcome Onias, he got him to Apolloniusthe son of  Thrasaeus, who at that time was governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and he brought him word how that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of untold sums of money, so that the multitude of the funds was innumerable, and that they didn’t pertain to the account of the sacrifices, but that it was possible that these should fall under the king’s power.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when Apollonius met the king, he informed him of the money whereof he had been told; and theking appointed Heliodorus, who was his chancellor, and sent him with a commandment to accomplish the removal of the aforesaid money.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
So forthwith Heliodorus took his journey, under a colour of visiting the cities of Coelesyria and Phoenicia, but in fact to execute the king’s purpose.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been courteously received by the high priest  of the city, he laid beforethem an account of the information which had been givenhim, and declared wherefore he was come; and he enquired if in truth these things were so.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and moreover somemoney belonging to Hyrcanus theson of Tobias, a man in very high place,and that the case was not as that impious Simon falsely alleged; and that in all there were four hundred talents of silver and two hundred of gold;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and that it was altogether impossible that wrong should be done to them that had put trust in the holiness of the place, and in the majesty and inviolable sanctity of the temple, honoured over all the world.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But  Heliodorus, because of the king’s commandments given him, said that in any case thismoney must be confiscated for the king’s treasury.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
So having appointed a day, he entered in to direct the enquiry concerning these matters; and there was no small distress throughout the whole city.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And the priests, prostrating themselves before the altar in their priestly garments, andlooking towards heaven, called upon him that gave the law concerning deposits, that he should preserve thesetreasures safe for those that had deposited them.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And whoever saw the mien of the high priest was wounded in mind; for his countenance and the change of his colour betrayed the distress of his soul.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For a terror and a shuddering of the body had come over the man, whereby the pain that was in his heart was plainly shown to those who looked upon him.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And those who were in the houses rushed flocking out to make a universal supplication, because the place was like to come into contempt.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And the women, girded with sackcloth under their breasts, thronged the streets, and the virgins that were kept in ward ran together, some to the  gates, others to the walls, and some looked out through the windows.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Then it would have pitied a man to see the multitude prostrating themselves all mixed together, and the expectation of the high priest in his sore distress.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
While therefore they called upon the Almighty Lord to keep the things entrustedto them  safe and sure for those that had entrusted them,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when he was already present there with his guards near the treasury, the Sovereign of spirits and of all authority caused a great  apparition, so that all that had presumed to comein with him, stricken with dismay at the power of God, fainted and were sore afraid.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For there was seen by them a horse with a terrible rider upon him, and adorned with beautiful trappings, and he rushed fiercely and struck at Heliodorus with his forefeet, and it seemed that he that sat upon the horse had complete armour of gold.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Two other also appeared to him, young men notable in their strength, and beautiful in their glory, and splendid in their apparel, who stood by him on either side, and scourged him unceasingly, inflicting on him many sore stripes.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when he had fallen suddenly to the ground, and great darkness had come over him,his guards caught him up and put him into a litter,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and carried him, him that had just now entered with a great train and all his guard into the aforesaid treasury, himself now brought to utter helplessness, manifestly made to recognise the sovereignty of God.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And so, while he, through the working of God, speechless and bereft of all hope and deliverance, lay prostrate,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
they blessed the Lord, that made marvellous his own place; and the temple, which a little before was full of terror and alarm, was filled with joy and gladness after the Almighty Lord appeared.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But quickly certain of Heliodorus’s familiar friends implored Onias to call upon the Most High, and grant life to him who lay quite at the last gasp.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And the high priest, secretly fearing lest the king might come to think that some treachery towards Heliodorus had been perpetrated by the Jews, brought a sacrifice for the deliverance of the man.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But as the high priest was making the atoning sacrifice, the same young men appeared again to Heliodorus, arrayed in the same garments; and they stood and said, Give Onias the high priest great thanks, for for his sake the Lord has granted you life;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and do you, since you have been scourged from heaven, publish to all men the sovereign majesty of God. And when they had spoken these words, they vanished out of sight.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
So Heliodorus, having offered a sacrifice to the Lord and vowed  great vows to him that had saved his life, and having graciously received Onias, returned with his army to the king.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when the king asked Heliodorus, what manner of man was fit to be sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he said,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
If you have any enemy or conspirator against the state, send him there, and you shall receive him back well scourged, if he even escape with his life; because of a truth there is about the place a power of God.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For he that has his dwelling in heaven himself has his eyes upon that place, and helps it; and those who come to hurt it he strikes and destroys.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But the aforesaid Simon, he who had given information of the money, andhad betrayed his country, slandered Onias,saying that it was he who had incited Heliodorus, and made himself the author of these evils.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And him that was the benefactor of the city, and the guardian of his fellow countrymen, and a zealot for the laws, he dared to call a conspirator against the state.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when the growing enmitybetween them waxed so great, that even murders were perpetrated through one of  Simon’s trusted followers,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Onias, seeing the  danger of the contention, and that  Apolloniusthe son of Menestheus, the governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia, was increasing Simon’s malice,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
betook himself to the king, not to be an accuser of his fellow-citizens, but looking to the good of all the  people, both public and private;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
for he saw that without the king’s providence it was impossible for the state to obtain peace any more, and that Simon would not cease from his madness.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when Seleucus was deceased, and Antiochus, who was called Epiphanes, succeeded to the kingdom, Jason the brother of Onias supplantedhis brother in the high priesthood,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
having promised to the king at an audience three hundred and threescore talents of silver, andout of another fund eighty talents;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and beside this, he undertook to assign a hundred and fifty more, if it might be allowed him  through the king’s authority to set him up aGreek place of exercise andform a body of youthsto be trained therein, and to register the inhabitants of Jerusalem ascitizens of Antioch.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when the king had given assent, and he had gotten possession of the office, he forthwith brought over them of his own race to the Greek fashion.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And setting aside the royal ordinances of special favour to the Jews, granted by the means of John the father of Eupolemus, who went on the ambassage to the Romans for friendship and alliance, and seeking to overthrow the lawful modes of life, he brought in new customs forbidden by the law:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
for he eagerly established aGreek place of exercise under the citadel itself; and caused the noblest of the young men to wear theGreek cap.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And thus there was an extreme of Greek fashions, and an advance of an alien religion, by reason of the exceeding profaneness of Jason, that ungodly man and no high priest;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
so that the priests had no more any zeal for the services of the altar: but despising the sanctuary, and neglecting the sacrifices, they hastened to  enjoy that which was unlawfully provided in the palaestra, after the summons  of the discus;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
making of no account the honours of their fathers, and thinking the glories of the Greeks best of all.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
By reason whereof sore calamity beset them; and the men whose ways of living they earnestly followed, and to whom they desired to be made like in all things, these they had to be their enemies and to punish them.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For it is not a light thing to do impiously against the laws of God: but  these things the time following shall declare.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
the vile Jason sent sacred envoys,  as being Antiochians of Jerusalem, bearing three hundred drachmas of silver to the sacrifice of Hercules, which even the bearers thereof thought not right to use forany sacrifice, because it was not fit, but to  expend on another charge.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And though in the purpose of the sender thismoney was for the sacrifice of Hercules, yet on account of  present circumstances it went to the equipment of the galleys.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Now when Apollonius theson of Menestheus was sent into Egypt for the  enthronement ofPtolemy Philometor as king, Antiochus, learning thatPtolemy had shown himself ill affected towards the state, took thought for the security of his realm; wherefore, goingby sea to Joppa, he travelled on to Jerusalem.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And being magnificently received by Jason and the city, he was brought in with torches and shouting. This done, he afterward led his army down into Phoenicia.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Now after a space of three years Jason sent Menelaus, the aforesaid Simon’s brother, to bear the money to the king, and to  make reports concerning some necessary matters.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But he being commended to the king, and  having glorified  himself  by the display of his authority, got the high priesthood for himself, outbidding Jason by three hundred talents of silver.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And having received the royal mandates he cameto Jerusalem, bringing nothing worthy the high priesthood, but having the passion of a cruel tyrant, and the rage of a savage beast.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And whereas Jason, who had supplanted his own brother, was supplanted by another and driven as a fugitive into the country of the Ammonites,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Menelaus had possession of the office: but of the money that had been promised to the king nothing  was duly paid, and that though Sostratus the governor of the citadel demanded it


book: 2Macc
contenido:
(for to him appertained the gathering of the revenues); for which cause they were both called by the king to his presence.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And Menelaus left his own brother Lysimachus for his  deputy in the high priesthood; and Sostratusleft Crates, who was over the Cyprians.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Now while such was the state of things, it came to pass that they of Tarsus and Mallus made insurrection, because they were to be given as a present to Antiochis, the king’s concubine.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
The king therefore cameto Cilicia in all haste to settle matters, leaving for his  deputy Andronicus, a man of high rank.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And Menelaus, supposing that he had gotten a favourable opportunity, presented to Andronicus certain vessels of gold belonging to the temple, which he had stolen: othervessels also he had already sold into Tyre and the cities round about.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when Onias had sure knowledgeof this, he sharply reproved him, having withdrawn himself into a sanctuary at Daphne, that lies by Antioch.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Wherefore Menelaus, taking Andronicus apart, prayed him  to kill Onias. And coming to Onias, and  being persuaded to use treachery, and being received as a friend,Andronicus gave him his right hand with oathsof fidelity, and, though he was suspectedby him, so persuaded him to come forth of the sanctuary; and forthwith he  despatched him without regard of justice.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For the which cause not only Jews, but many also of the other nations, had indignation and displeasure at the unjust murder of the man.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when the king was come back again from the places in Cilicia, the Jews that were  in the city pleaded beforehim against Andronicus (the Greeks also joining with them in hatred of the wickedness), urging that Onias had been wrongfully slain.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Antiochus therefore was heartily sorry, and was moved to pity, and wept, because of the sober and well ordered life of him that was dead;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and being inflamed with passion, forthwith he stripped off Andronicus’s purple robe, and  tore off his under garments, and when he had led him round through the whole city to that very place where he had committed impiety against Onias, there he put the murderer out of the way, the Lord rendering to him the punishment he had deserved.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Now when many sacrileges had been committed in the city by Lysimachus with the consent of Menelaus, and when the bruit thereof was spread abroad outside, the people gathered themselves together against Lysimachus, after many vessels of gold had been already dispersed.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when the multitudes were rising againsthim, and were filled with anger, Lysimachus armed about three thousand men, and with unrighteous violence beganthe conflict, one Hauran, a man far gone in years and no less also in madness, leadingthe attack.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when they perceived the assault of Lysimachus, some caught up stones, others logs of wood, and some took handfuls of the ashes that lay near, and they flung them all pell-mell upon Lysimachus and those who were with him;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
by reason of which they wounded many of them, and some they struck to the ground, and allof them they forced to flee, but the author of the sacrilege himself they killed beside the treasury.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when the king was come to Tyre, the three men that were sent by the senate pleaded the cause before him.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But Menelaus, seeing himself now defeated, promised much money to Ptolemy theson of Dorymenes, that he might win over the king.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Whereupon Ptolemy taking the king aside into a cloister, as it were to take the air, brought him to be of another mind:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and him that was the cause of all the evil, Menelaus, he discharged from the accusations; but these hapless men, who, if they had pleaded even before Scythians, would have been discharged uncondemned, them he sentenced to death.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Soon then did those who were spokesmen for the city and the familiesof Israel and the holy vessels suffer that unrighteous penalty.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For which cause even certain Tyrians, moved with hatred of the wickedness, provided magnificently for their burial.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But Menelaus through the covetous dealings of those who were in power remained still in his office, growing in wickedness,  as a great conspirator against his fellow-citizens.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And itso befell that throughout all the city, for the space of almost forty days, there appeared in the midst of the sky horsemen in swift motion, wearing robes inwrought with gold andcarrying spears, equipped in troops for battle;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and drawing of swords; andon the other side squadrons of horse in array; and encounters and  pursuits of botharmies; and shaking of shields, and multitudes of lances, and casting of darts, and flashing of golden trappings, and girding on of all sorts of armour.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when a false rumour had arisen that Antiochus was deceased, Jason took not less than a thousand men, and suddenly  made an assault upon the city; and those who were upon the wall being routed, and the city being now at length well near taken, Menelaus took refuge in the citadel.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But Jason slaughtered his own citizens without mercy, not considering that good success against kinsmen is the greatest ill success, but supposing himself to be setting up trophies over enemies, and not over fellow-countrymen.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
The officehowever he didn’t get, but, receiving shame as the end of his conspiracy, he passed again a fugitive into the country of the Ammonites.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
At the last therefore he met with a miserable end: having been  shut up at the court of Aretas the prince of the Arabians, fleeing from city to city, pursued of all men, hated as an apostate from the laws, and held in abomination as the butcher of his country and his fellow-citizens, he was cast forth into Egypt;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and he that had driven many from their own country into strange lands perishedhimself in a strange land, having crossed the sea to the Lacedaemonians, as thinking to find shelterthere because they were  near of kin;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and he that had cast out a multitude unburied had none to mourn for him, nor had he any funeral at all, or place in the sepulchre of his fathers.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Now when tidings came to the king concerning that which was done, he thought that Judea was in revolt; whereupon setting out from Egypt in a furious mind, he took the city by force of arms,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and commanded his soldiers to cut down without mercy such as came in their way, and to kill such as went up upon the houses;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and there was killing of young and old, making away of boys, women, and children, slaying of virgins and infants.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And in all the three daysof the slaughter there were destroyed fourscore thousand,whereof forty thousandwere slain in close combat, and no fewer were sold than slain.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But not content with this he presumed to enter into the most holy temple of all the earth, having Menelaus for his guide (him that had proved himself a traitor both to the laws and to his country),


book: 2Macc
contenido:
even taking the sacred vessels with his polluted hands, and dragging down with his profane hands the offerings that had been dedicated by other kings to the augmentation and glory and honour of the place.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And Antiochus was lifted up in mind, not seeing that because of the sins of those who lived in the city the Sovereign Lord had been provoked to anger a little while, and therefore his eye wasthen turned away from the place.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But had it not so been that they were already bound by many sins, this man, even as Heliodorus who was sent by Seleucus the king to view the treasury, would, so soon as he pressed forward, have been scourged and turned back from his daring deed.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
However the Lord didn’t choose the nation for the place’s sake, but the place for the nation’s sake.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Wherefore also the place itself, having shared in the calamities that befell the nation, did afterward share inits benefits; and theplace which was forsaken in the wrath of the Almighty was, at the reconciliation of the great Sovereign, restored again with all glory.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
As for Antiochus, when he had carried away out of the temple a thousand and eight hundred talents, he departed in all haste to Antioch, thinking in his arrogance to make the land navigable and the sea passable by foot, because his heart was lifted up.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And moreover he left governors to afflict the race: at Jerusalem, Philip, by race a Phrygian, and in character more barbarous than him that set him there;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and at Gerizim, Andronicus; and besides these, Menelaus, who worse than all the rest exalted himself against his fellow-citizens. And having a malicious mind  towards the Jewswhom he had made his citizens,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
he sent that  lord of pollutions Apollonius with an army of two and twenty thousand, commanding him to kill all those that were of full age, and to sell the women and the younger men.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And he coming to Jerusalem, and playing the man of peace, waited till the holy day of the Sabbath, and finding the Jews at rest from work, he commanded his men to parade in arms.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And he put to the sword all those who came forth to the spectacle; and running into the city with the armed men he killed great multitudes.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But Judas, who is alsocalled Maccabaeus, with nine others or thereabout, withdrew himself, and with his company kept himself alive in the mountains after the manner of wild beasts; and they continued feeding on  such poor herbs as grew there, that they might not be partakers of thethreatened pollution.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And not long after this the king sent forth  an old man of Athens to compel the Jews to depart from the laws of their fathers, and not to live after the laws of God;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and also to pollute the sanctuary in Jerusalem, and to call it by the name of  Jupiter Olympius, andto call thesanctuary in Gerizim by the name of  Jupiter the Protector of strangers, even as they  were that lived in the place.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For the temple was filled with riot and revellings by the heathen, who  dallied with prostitutes, and had to do with women within the sacred precincts, and moreover brought inside things that were not befitting;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and  the place of sacrifice was filled with those abominable things which had been prohibited by the laws.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And a man could neither keep the Sabbath, nor observe the feasts of the fathers, nor so much as confess himself to be a Jew.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And on the day of the king’s birth every month they were led along with bitter constraint to eat of the sacrifices; and when the  feast of Bacchus came, they were compelled to go in procession in honour of  Bacchus, wearing wreaths of ivy.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
A decree went out to the neighbouring Greek cities, by the suggestion of Ptolemy, that they should observe the same conduct against the Jews, and should make them eat of the sacrifices;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and that they should kill such as didn’t choose to go over to the Greek rites. So the present misery was for all to see:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
for two women were brought up for having circumcised their children; and these, when they had led them publicly round about the city, with the babes hung from their breasts, they cast down headlong from the wall.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And others, that had run together into the caves near by to keep the seventh day secretly, being betrayed to Philip were all burnt together, because they scrupled to defend themselves, from regard to the honour of that most solemn day.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
I beseech therefore those that read this book, that they be not discouraged because of the calamities, but account that these punishments were not for the destruction, but for the chastening of our race.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For indeed that those who act impiously be not let alone any long time, but immediately meet with retribution, is a sign of great beneficence.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For in the case of the other nations the Sovereign Lord does with patience forbear, until that he punish them when they have attained to the full measure oftheir sins; but not so judged he as touching us,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Wherefore he never withdraws his mercy from us; but though he chastens with calamity, yet does he not forsake his own people.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
However let this that we have spoken suffice to putyou in remembrance; but afterthese few words we must come to the narrative.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Eleazar, one of the principal scribes, a man already well stricken in years, and of a noble countenance, was compelled to open his mouth to eat swine’s flesh.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But he, welcoming death with renown rather than life with pollution, advanced of his own accord to the instrument of torture, but first spat forththe flesh,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
coming forward as men ought to come that are resolute to repel such things as noteven for the natural love of life is it lawful to taste.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But those who had the charge of that forbidden sacrificial feast took the man aside, for the acquaintance which of old times they had with him, and privately implored him to bring flesh of his own providing, such as was befitting for him to use, and to make as if he did eat of the flesh from the sacrifice, as had been commanded by the king;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
that by so doing he might be delivered from death, and for his ancient friendship with them might be treated kindly.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But he, having formed a high resolve, and one that became his years, and the dignity of old age, and the grey hairs  which he had reached with honour, and his excellent  education from a child,  or ratherthat became the holy  laws of God’s ordaining, declared his mind accordingly, bidding them quickly send him to Hades.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For it becomes not our years to dissemble,said he, thatthrough this many of the young should suppose that Eleazar, the man of fourscore years and ten, had gone over to an alien religion;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
andso they, by reason of my dissimulation, and for the sake of this brief and momentary life, should be led astray because of me,  andthus I get to myself a pollution and a stain of my old age.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For even if for the present time I shall remove from me the punishment of men, yet shall I not escape the hands of the Almighty, either living or dead.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and  leave behind a noble ensample to the young to die willingly and nobly a glorious death for the reverend and holy laws. And when he had said these words, he went immediately to the instrument of torture.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when they changed the good they will bare him a little before into ill will, because  these words of his were, as they thought, sheer madness,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and when he was at the point to die with the  stripes, he groaned aloud and said, To the Lord, that has the holy knowledge, it is manifest that, whereas I might have been delivered from death, I endure sore pains in my body by being scourged; but in soul I gladly suffer these things for my fear of him.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
So this man also died after this manner, leaving his death for an ensample of nobleness and a memorial of virtue, not only to the young but also to the great body of his nation.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And it came to pass that seven kindred also with their mother were at the king’s command taken and shamefully handled with scourges and cords, to compel them to taste of the abominable swine’s flesh.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But one of them made himself the spokesman and said, What would you ask and learn of us? for we are ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our fathers.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and when these forthwith were heated, he commanded to cut out the tongue of him that had been their spokesman, and to scalp him, and to cut off his extremities, the rest of his kindred and his mother looking on.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when he was utterly  maimed,the king commanded to bring him to the fire, being yet alive, and to fry him in the pan. And as the vapour of the pan spread far, they and their mother also exhorted one another to die nobly, saying thus:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
The Lord God sees, and in truth is  entreated for us, as Moses declared in  his song, which witnesses againstthe people to their faces, saying, And he shall be  entreated for his servants.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when the first had died after this manner, they brought the second to the mocking; and they pulled off the skin of his head with the hair and asked him, Wilt you eat, before your body be punished in every limb?


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But he answered in the language of his fathers and said to them, No. Wherefore he also underwent the next torture in succession, as the first had done.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when he was at the last gasp, he said, You, miscreant, do release us out of this present life, but the King of the world shall raise up us, who have died for his laws, to an eternal renewal of life.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And after him was the third made a mocking-stock. And when he was required, he quickly put out his tongue, and stretched forth his hands courageously,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and nobly said, From heaven I possess these; and for his laws’ sake I treat these with contempt; and from him I hope to receive these back again:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
insomuch that the king himself and those who were with him were astonished at the young man’s soul, for that he nothing regarded the pains.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And being come near to death he said thus: It is good to die at the hands of men and look for the hopes which aregiven by God, that we shall be raised up again by him; for as for you, you shall have no resurrection to life.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But he looked towards  the king and said, Because you have authority amongst men, though you areyourself corruptible, you do what you will; yet think not that our race has been forsaken of God;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And after him they brought the sixth. And when he was at the point to die he said, Be not vainly deceived, for we suffer these things for our own doings, as sinning against our own God: marvellous things are come to pass;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But above all was the mother marvellous and worthy of honourable memory; for when she looked on seven sons perishing within the space of one day, she barethe sight with a good courage for the hopesthat she had set on the Lord.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And she exhorted each one of them in the language of their fathers, filled with a noble temper and stirring up her womanish thought with manly passion, saying to them,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
I know not how you° came into my womb, neither was it I that bestowed on you your  spirit and your life, and it was not I that brought into order the first elements of each one of you.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Therefore the Creator of the world, who fashioned the  generation of man and devised the  generation of all things, in mercy gives back to you again both your  spirit and your life, as you° now treat yourselves with contempt for his laws’ sake.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But Antiochus, thinking himself to be despised, and suspecting the reproachful voice, while the youngest was yet alive didn’t only make his appealto him by words, but also at the same time promised with oaths that he would enrich him and  raise him to high estate, if he would turn from thecustoms of his fathers, and that he would take him for his  Friend and entrust him with affairs.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when the young man would in no wise give heed, the king called to him his mother, and exhorted her that she would counsel the lad to save himself.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But bending towards him, laughing the cruel tyrant to scorn, she spoke thus in the language of her fathers: My son, have pity upon me that carried you nine months in my womb, and gave you suck three years, and nourished and brought you up to this age, and sustained you.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
I beseech you, my child, to lift your eyes to the heaven and the earth, and to see all things that are in it, and thus to recognise that God made them not of things that were, andthat the race of men in this wise comes into being.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Don’t be afraid of this butcher, but, proving yourself worthy of your kindred, accept your death, that in the mercyof God I may receive you again with your kindred.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But before she had yet ended speaking, the young man said, Whom wait you° for? I obey not the commandment of the king, but I listen to the commandment of the law that was given to our fathers through Moses.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But you, that have devised all manner of evil against the Hebrews, shall in no wise escape the hands of God.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and if for rebuke and chastening our living Lord has been angered a little while, yet shall he again be reconciled with his own servants.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But you, O unholy man and of all most vile, be not vainly lifted up in your wild pride with uncertain hopes, raising your hand against the heavenly children;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For these our kindred, having endured a  short pain that brings everlasting life, have now  died under God’s covenant; But you, through the judgement of God, shall receive in just measure the penalties of your arrogance.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But I, as my kindred, give up both body and soul for the laws of our fathers, calling upon God that he may speedily become  gracious to the nation; and that you amidst trials and plagues may confess that he alone is God;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and that in me and my kindred  you may stay the wrath of the Almighty, which has been justly brought upon our whole race.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But the king, falling into a rage, handled him worse than all the rest, being exasperated at his mocking.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Let it then suffice to have said thus much concerning theenforcement of sacrificial feasts and theking’s exceeding barbarities.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But Judas, who is alsocalled Maccabaeus, and those who were with him, making their way privily into the villages, called to them their kinsfolk; and taking to them such as had continued in the Jews’ religion, gathered together as many as six thousand.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And they called upon the Lord,beseeching him to look upon the people that was oppressed by all; and to have compassion on the sanctuary also that had been profaned by the ungodly men;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and to have pity on the city also that was suffering ruin and ready to be made even even with the ground; and to listen to the blood that cried to him;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and to remember also the lawless  slaughter of the innocent infants, and  the blasphemies that had been committed against his name; and to show his hatred of wickedness.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when Maccabaeus had trained his men for service, the heathen at once found him irresistible, for that the wrath of the Lord was turned into pity.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And coming unawares he set fire to cities and villages. And in winning back the most important positions, putting to flight no small number of the enemies,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
he especially took advantage of the nights for such assaults. And his courage was loudly talked of everywhere.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when Philip saw the man gaining ground by little and little, and increasing more and more in his prosperity, he wrote to Ptolemy, the governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia, that he should support the king’s cause.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
AndPtolemy quickly appointed Nicanor theson of Patroclus, one of theking’s  Chief Friends, and sent him, in command of no fewer than twenty thousand of all nations, to destroy the whole race of Judea; and with him he joined Gorgias also, a captain and one that had experience in matters of war.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And Nicanor  undertook bythe sale of the captive Jews to make up for the king the tribute of two thousand talents which he was to pay to the Romans.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And immediately he sent to the cities upon the sea coast, inviting them to buy Jewish  slaves, promising to allow fourscore and ten  slaves for a talent, not expecting the judgement that was to follow upon him from the Almighty.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But tidings came to Judas concerning the inroad of Nicanor; and when he communicated to those who were with him the presence of the army,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And others sold all that was left over to them, and withal implored the Lord to deliver those who had been soldas slaves by the impious Nicanor or ever he met them;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
andthis, if not for their own sakes, yet for the covenants made with their fathers, and because he had called them by his reverend and glorious name.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And Maccabaeus gathered his men together, six thousand in number, and exhorted them not to be stricken with dismay at the enemy, nor to fear the great multitude of the heathen who came wrongfully against them; but to contend nobly,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
setting before their eyes the outrage that had been lawlessly perpetrated upon the holy place, and the shameful handling of the city that had been turned to mockery, and further the overthrow of the mode of life received from their ancestors.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For they, said he, trust to arms, and withal to deeds of daring; but we trust on the almighty God, since he is able at a beck to cast down those who are coming against us, and even the whole world.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And moreover he recounted to them the help given from time to time in the days of their ancestors, both thehelp given in the days of Sennacherib, how that a hundred fourscore and five thousand perished,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and thehelp given in the land of Babylon, even the battle that was fought against the  Gauls, how that they came to the engagement eight thousand in all, with four thousand Macedonians,and how that, the Macedonians being hard pressed, the  six thousand destroyed the hundred and twenty thousand, because of the help which they had from heaven, and took great booty.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when he had with these words made them of good courage, and ready to die for the laws and their country, he divided his army into four parts;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
appointing his kindred to be with himself leaders of the several bands,to wit, Simon and Joseph and Jonathan, giving each the command of fifteen hundred men,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and moreover Eleazer also:then, having read aloud the sacred book, and having given as watchword, THE HELP OF GOD, leading the first band himself, he joined battle with Nicanor.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And, since the Almighty fought on their side, they killed of the enemy above nine thousand, and wounded and  disabled the more part of Nicanor’s army, and compelled all to flee:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and they took the money of those that had come there to buy them. And after they had pursued them for some  distance, they returned, being constrained by the time of the day;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when they had gathered  the arms of the enemy together, and had stripped off their spoils, they occupied themselves about the Sabbath, blessing and thanking the Lord exceedingly, who had saved them to this day, for that he had caused a beginning of mercy to distil upon them.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And after the Sabbath, when they had given of the spoils to the  maimed, and to the widows and orphans, the residue they distributed amongst themselves and their children.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when they had accomplished these things, and had made a common supplication, they implored the merciful Lord to be wholly reconciled with his servants.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And having had an encounter with the forces of Timotheus and Bacchides, they killed above twenty thousand of them, and made themselves masters of strongholds exceedingly high, and divided very much plunder, giving the  maimed and orphans and widows, and moreover the aged also, an equal share with themselves.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when they had gathered the arms  of the enemy together, they stored them all up carefully in the most important positions, and the residue of the spoils they carried to Jerusalem.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And they killed the  phylarch of Timotheus’s forces, a most unholy man, and one who had done the Jews much hurt.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And as they kept the feast of victory in the  city of their fathers, they burnt those that had set the sacred  gates on fire,and amongst them Callisthenes, who had fled into  an outhouse; andso they received the meet reward of their impiety.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
being through the help of the Lord humbled by them who in his eyes were held to be of least account, put off his glorious apparel, andpassing through the midland,  shunning all company like a fugitive slave, arrived at Antioch,  having,as he thought, had the greatest possible good fortune, though his army was destroyed.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And he that had taken upon him to make tribute sure for the Romans by the captivity of the men of Jerusalem published abroad that the Jews had One who fought for them, and that  because this was so the Jews were invulnerable, because they followed the laws ordained by him.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For he had entered into the city called Persepolis, and he assayed to rob  a temple and to hold down the city. Whereupon there was an onset of the multitudes, andAntiochus and his men turned to make defence with arms; and it came to pass that Antiochus was put to flight by the people of the country and broke up his camp with disgrace.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And while he was at Ecbatana, news was brought him what had happened to Nicanor and the forces of Timotheus.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And being lifted up  by his passion he thought to make the Jews suffer even for the evil-doing of those that had put him to rout. Wherefore, the judgement from heaven even now accompanying him, he gave order to his charioteer to drive without ceasing and despatch the journey; for thus he arrogantly spoke: I will make Jerusalem a common graveyard of Jews, when I come there.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But the All-seeing Lord, the God of Israel, struck him with a  fatal and invisible stroke; and as soon as he had ceased speaking this word, an incurable pain of the bowels seized him, and bitter torments of the inner parts;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But he in no wise ceased from his rude insolence; no, still more was he filled with arrogance, breathing fire in his passion against the Jews, and commanding to haste the journey. But it came to pass moreover that he fell from his chariot as it rushed along, and having a grievous fall was racked in all the members of his body.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And he that but now supposed himself to have the waves of the sea at his bidding, so vainglorious was he beyond the condition of a man, and that thought to weigh the heights of the mountains in a balance, was now brought to the ground and carried in a litter,  showing to all that the power was manifestly God’s;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
so that out of the body of the impious man worms swarmed, and while he was still living in anguish and pains, his flesh fell off, and by reason of the stench all the army turned with loathing from his corruption.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And the man that a little before supposed himself to touch the stars of heaven, no one could endure to carry for his intolerable stench.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Therefore he began in great part to cease from his arrogance, being brokenin spirit, and to come to knowledge under the scourge of God, his pains increasing every moment.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when he himself could not stand his own smell, he said these words: It is right to be subject to God, and that one who is mortal should not  be minded arrogantly.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And the vile man vowed to the sovereign Lord, who now no more would have pity upon him, saying on this wise:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
that the holy city, to the which he was going in haste, to lay it even with the ground and to  make it a common graveyard, he would declare free;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and as touching the Jews, whom he had decided not even to count worthy of burial, but to cast them out to the beasts with their infants, for the birds to devour, he would make them all equal to citizens of Athens;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and the holy sanctuary, which before he had plundered, he would adorn with goodliest offerings, and would restore all the sacred vessels many times multiplied, and out of his own revenues would defray the charges that were required for the sacrifices;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and, beside all this, that he would become a Jew, and would visit every inhabited place, publishing abroad the might of God.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when his sufferings did in no wise cease, for the judgement of God had come upon him in righteousness, having given up all hope of himself, he wrote to the Jews the letter written below, having the nature of a supplication, to this effect:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
To the worthy Jews, his fellow-citizens, Antiochus, king and general, wishes much joy and health and prosperity.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
May you° and your children fare well; and your affairs shall be to your mind. Having my hope in heaven,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
I remembered with affection your honour and good willtowards me. Returning out of the region of Persia, and being taken with a noisome sickness, I deemed it necessary to take thought for the common safety of all,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But considering that my father also, at what time he led an army into the upper country, appointed his successor,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
to the end that, if anything fell out contrary to expectation, or if any unwelcome tidings were brought, theythat remained in the country, knowing to whom the state had been left, might not be troubled;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and, beside all this, observing how that the princes that are borderers and neighbours to my kingdom watch opportunities, and look for the future event, I have appointed my son Antiochusto be king, whom I often committed and commended to most of you, when I was hastening to the upper provinces; and I have written to him what is written below.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
I exhort you therefore and beseech you, having in your remembrance the benefits done to you in common and severally, to preserve each of you your present good will towards me and my son.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For I am persuaded that he in gentleness and kindness will follow my purpose and treat you with indulgence.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
So the murderer and blasphemer, having endured the most intense sufferings, even as he had dealt with other men, ended his life amongst the mountains by a most piteous fate in a strange land.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And Philip his foster brother conveyed the bodyhome; and then, fearing the son of Antiochus, he betook himself to Ptolemy Philometor in Egypt.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And Maccabaeus and those who were with him, the Lord leading them on, recovered the temple and the city;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and they pulled down the altars that had been built in the marketplace by the aliens, and alsothe walls of sacred inclosures.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And having cleansed the sanctuary they made another altar of sacrifice; and  striking stones and taking fire out of them, they offered sacrifices, afterthey had ceased for two years, andburnt incense, andlighted lamps, and set forth the show bread.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when they had done these things, they fell prostrate and implored the Lord that they might fall no more into such evils; but that, if ever they should sin, they might be chastened by him with forbearance, and not be delivered to blaspheming and barbarous heathen.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Now on the same day that the sanctuary was profaned by aliens, upon that very day did it come to pass that the cleansing of the sanctuary was made, even on the five and twentieth day of the same month, which is Chislev.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And they kept eight days with gladness in the mannerof the feast of tabernacles, remembering how that  not long before, during the feast of tabernacles, they were wandering in the mountains and in the caves after the manner of wild beasts.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Wherefore bearing wands wreathed with leaves, and fair boughs, and palms also, they offered up hymns of thanksgiving to him that had prosperously brought to pass the cleansing of his own place.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
They ordained also with a common statute and decree, for all the nation of the Jews, that they should keep these days every year.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But now will we declare what came to pass under Antiochusnamed  Eupator, who proved himself atrue son of that ungodly man, and will gather up briefly the  successive evils of the wars.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For this man, when he succeeded to the kingdom, appointed one Lysiasto be chancellor, and supreme governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For Ptolemy that was called Macron, setting an example of observing justice towards the Jews because of the wrong that had been done to them, endeavored to  conduct his dealings with them on peaceful terms.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Whereupon being accused by theking’s  Friends before Eupator, and hearing himself called traitor at every turn, because he had abandoned Cyprus which Philometor had entrusted to him, and had withdrawn himself to Antiochuscalled Epiphanes, and  failing to uphold the honour of his office, he took poison and made away with himself.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But Gorgias, when he was made governor of the district, maintained a force of mercenaries, and at every turn kept up war with the Jews.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And together with him the Idumaeans also, being masters of important strongholds, harassed the Jews; and receiving to them those that had taken refugethere from Jerusalem, they assayed to keep up war.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But Maccabaeus and his men, having made solemn supplication and implored God to fight on their side, rushed upon the strongholds of the Idumaeans;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and assaulting them vigorously they made themselves masters of the positions, and kept off all that fought upon the wall, and killed those that fell in their way, and killed no fewer than twenty thousand.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And because no less than nine thousand were fled into two towers exceedingly strong and having all thingsneeded for a seige,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Maccabaeus, having left Simon and Joseph, and Zacchaeus besides and those who were with him, a force sufficient to besiege them, departed himself to places where he was most needed.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But Simon and those who were with him, yielding to covetousness, were bribed by certain of those that were in the towers, and receiving seventy thousand drachmas let some of them slip away.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when word was brought to Maccabaeus of what was done, he gathered the leaders of the people together, and accusedthose men of having sold their kindred for money, by setting their enemies freeto fight against them.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And prospering with his arms in all things he took in hand, he destroyed in the two strongholds more than twenty thousand.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Now Timotheus, who had been before defeated by the Jews, having gathered together foreign forces in great multitudes, and having collected the  horsemen which belonged to Asia, not a few, came as though he would take Judea by force of arms.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But as he drew near, Maccabaeus and his men sprinkled earth upon their heads and girded their loins with sackcloth, in supplication to God,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and falling down upon the step in front of the altar, implored him to become  gracious to them, and  be an enemy to their enemies and an adversary to their adversaries, as the law declares.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And rising from their prayer they took up their arms, and advanced some distance from the city; and when they had come near to their enemies they  halted.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when the dawn was now spreading, the twoarmies joined battle; the one part having this, besidetheir virtue, for a pledge of success and victory, that they had fled to the Lord for refuge, the others making their passion their leader in the strife.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when the battle waxed strong, there appeared out of heaven to their adversaries five men on horses with bridles of gold,in splendidarray;  and two of them, leading on the Jews,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and taking Maccabaeus in the midst of them, and covering him with their own armour, guarded him from wounds, while on the adversaries they shot forth arrows and thunderbolts; by reason whereof they were blinded and thrown into confusion, and were cut to pieces, filled with bewilderment.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But Timotheus himself fled into a stronghold called Gazara, a fortress of exceedingly strength,  Chaereas being in command there.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And those who were within, trusting to the strength of the place, blasphemed exceedingly, and hurled forth impious words.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But at dawn of the five and twentieth day certain young men of the company of Maccabaeus, inflamed with passion because of the blasphemies, assaulted the wall with masculine force and with  furious passion, and cut down whoever came in their way.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And others climbing up in like manner, whilethe besieged were distracted with themthat had made their way within, set fire to the towers, and kindling fires burnt the blasphemers alive; while others broke open the gates, and, having given entrance to the rest of the band, occupied the city.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when they had accomplished these things, they blessed the Lord with hymns and thanksgiving, him who does great benefits to Israel, and gives them the victory.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Now after a very little time Lysias, the king’s guardian and kinsman and chancellor, being sore displeased for the things that had come to pass,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
collected about fourscore thousandfootmen and all his horsemen and came against the Jews, thinking to make the city a place for Greeks to dwell in,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and to levy tribute on the temple, as  on the other sacred places of the nations, and to put up the high priesthood to sale every year;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
holding in no account the might of God, but puffed up with his ten thousands of footmen, and his thousands of horsemen, and his fourscore elephants.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And coming into Judea and drawing near to Bethsuron, which was a strong place and distant from Jerusalem about  five leagues, he pressed it hard.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when Maccabaeus and his men learnt that he was besieging the strongholds, they and all the people with lamentations and tears made supplication to the Lord to send a good angel to save Israel.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And Maccabaeus himself took up arms first, and exhorted the others to put themselves in jeopardy together with him and help their kindred; and they went out with him very willingly.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And as they were there, close to Jerusalem, there appeared at their head one on horseback in white apparel, brandishing  weapons of gold.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And they all together praised the merciful God, and were yet more strengthened in heart: being ready to  assail not men only but the wildest beasts, and walls of iron,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
they advanced in array, having him that is in heaven to fight on their side, for the Lord had mercy on them.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And hurlingthemselves like lions upon the enemy, they killed of them eleven thousandfootmen and sixteen hundred horsemen, and forced allthe rest to flee.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But the more part of them escaped woundedand naked; and Lysias also himself escaped by shameful flight.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But as he was a man not void of understanding, weighing with himself the defeat which had befallen him, and considering that the Hebrews could not be overcome, because the Almighty God fought on their side, he sent againto them,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and persuaded them to come to terms on condition that all their rights were acknowledged, andpromised that he would also persuade the king to become their friend.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And Maccabaeus gave consent upon all the conditions which Lysias proposed to him, being careful of thecommon good; for whateverrequests Maccabaeus delivered in writing to Lysias concerning the Jews the king allowed.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For the letters written to the Jews from Lysias were to this effect:
Lysias to the  people of the Jews, greeting.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
John and Absalom, who were sent from you, having delivered the  petition written below, made request concerning the things signified therein.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Whatever things therefore had need to be brought before the king I declaredto him, and what things were possible he allowed.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
If then you° will preserve your good will towards the state, henceforward I will also endeavour to contribute toyour good.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And on this behalf I have given order in detail, both to these men and to thosethat are sent from me, to confer with you.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Fare you° well.Written in the hundred and forty and eighth year, on the four and twentieth day ofthe month  Dioscorinthius.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Seeing that our father passed to the gods having the wish that the subjects of his kingdom  should be undisturbed and give themselves to the care of their own affairs,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
we, having heard that the Jews do not consent to our father’s purpose to turn them to thecustoms of the Greeks, but choose rather their own manner of living, and make request that thecustoms of their law be allowed to them,—


book: 2Macc
contenido:
choosing therefore that this nation also should be free from  disturbance, we determine that their temple be restored to them, and that they live according to the customs that were in the days of their ancestors.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
You will therefore do well to sendmessengers to them and give them the right handof friendship, that they, knowing our mind, may be of good heart, and gladly occupy themselves with the conduct of their own affairs.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And to the nation the king’s letter was after this manner:
King Antiochus to the senate of the Jews and to the other Jews, greeting.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
They therefore that depart home up to the thirties day of Xanthicus shall haveour  friendship, with full permission


book: 2Macc
contenido:
that the Jews use their ownproper meats andobserve their own laws, even as formerly; and none of them shall be in any way molested for the things that have been ignorantly done.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And the Romans also sent to them a letter in these words:
Quintus Memmiusand Titus Manius, ambassadors of the Romans, to the people of the Jews, greeting.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But as for the things which he judged should be referred to the king, send one forthwith, after you° have advised thereof, that we may publish suchdecrees as befit your case; for we are on our way to Antioch.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
So when these covenants had been made, Lysias departed to the king, and the Jews went about their husbandry.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Butcertain of the governors of districts, Timotheus and Apollonius theson of Gennaeus, and Hieronymus also and Demophon, and beside them Nicanor the governor of Cyprus, would not suffer them to enjoy tranquillity and live in peace.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And men of Joppa perpetrated this great impiety: they invited the Jews that lived amongst them to go with their wives and children into the boats which they had provided, as though they had no ill will towards them;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and when  the Jews,  relying on the common decree of the city, acceptedthe invitation, as men desiring to live in peace and suspecting nothing, they took them out to sea and drowned them,in number not less than two hundred.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when Judas heard of the cruelty done to his fellow-countrymen, giving command to the men that were with him


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and calling upon God the righteous Judge, he came against the murderers of his kindred, and set the haven on fire by night, and burnt the boats, and put to the sword those that had fled there.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when the town was closedagainst him, he withdrew, intending to come again to root out the whole community of the men of Joppa.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But learning that the men of Jamnia were minded to do in like manner to the Jews that sojourned amongst them,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
he fell upon the Jamnites also by night, and set fire to the haven together with the fleet, so that the glare of the light was seen at Jerusalem, two hundred and forty furlongs distant.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Now when they had drawn off nine furlongs from thence, as they marched against Timotheus,an army of Arabians attacked him, no fewer than five thousandfootmen and five hundred horsemen.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when a sore battle had been fought, and Judas and his company by the help of God had good success, the nomads being overcome implored Judas to grant them friendship, promising to givehim cattle, and to help  his people in all other ways.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
So Judas, thinking that they would indeed be profitable in many things, agreed to live in peace with them; and receiving pledges of friendship they departed to their tents.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And he also fell upon a certain city  Gephyrun, strong and fenced about with walls, and inhabited by a mixed multitude of various nations; and it was named Caspin.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But those who were within, trusting to the strength of the walls and to their store of provisions, behaved themselves rudely towards Judas and those who were with him, railing, and furthermore blaspheming and speaking impious words.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But Judas and his company, calling upon the great sovereign of the world, who without rams and cunning engines of war hurled down Jericho in the times of Joshua, rushed wildly against the wall;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and having taken the city by the will of God, they made unspeakable slaughter, insomuch that the adjoining lake, which was two furlongs broad, appeared to be filled with the deluge of blood.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when they had drawn off seven hundred and fifty furlongs from thence, they made their way to Charax, to the Jews that are called  Tubieni.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And Timotheus they found not in occupation of that district, for he had then departed from the district without accomplishing anything, but had left behind a garrison, and that a very strong one, in a certain post.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But Dositheus and Sosipater, who were of Maccabaeus’s captains, went out and destroyed those that had been left by Timotheus in the stronghold, above ten thousand men.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And Maccabaeus, ranging his own army by bands, set  these two over the bands, and marched in haste against Timotheus, who had with him a hundred and twenty thousand footmen and two thousand and five hundred horsemen.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when Timotheus heard of the inroad of Judas, he at once sent away the women and the children and also the baggage into thefortress called  Carnion; for the place was hard to besiege and difficult of access by reason of the narrowness of the approaches on all sides.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when the band of Judas, who led the van, appeared in sight, and when terror came upon the enemy and fear, because the manifestation of him who sees all things came upon them, they fled amain, carried this way and that, so that they were often hurt of their own men, and pierced with the points of their swords.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And Judas continued the pursuit the more hotly, putting the wicked wretches to the sword, and he destroyed as many as thirty thousand men.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But Timotheus himself, falling in with the company of Dositheus and Sosipater, implored them with much crafty guile to let him go with his life, because he hadin his power the parents of manyof them and the kindred of some:  otherwise,said he, little regard will  be shown to these.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
So when he had with many words confirmed the agreement to restore them without hurt, they let him go that they might save their kindred.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
AndJudas, marching against  Carnion and the temple of Atergatis, killed five and twenty thousand persons.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And after he had put these to flight and destroyed them, he marched against Ephron also, a strong city,  wherein were multitudes of people of all nations; and stalwart young men placed  on the walls made a vigourous defence; and there were great stores of engines and darts there.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But calling upon the Sovereign who with might breaks in pieces the  strength of  the enemy, they got the city into their hands, and killed as many as twenty and five thousand of those who were within.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And setting out from thence they marched in haste against Scythopolis, which is distant from Jerusalem six hundred furlongs.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when the Jews that were settled there testified of the good will that the Scythopolitans had shown towards them, and of their kindly bearingtowards them in the times of their misfortune,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
they gave thanks, and further exhorted them to remain well affected towards the race for the future; and they went up to Jerusalem, the feast of weeks being close to hand.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And a certain Dositheus, one  of Bacenor’s company, who was on horseback and a strong man, pressed hard on Gorgias, and taking hold of his cloke drew him along by main force; and while he was minded to take the accursed man alive, one of the Thracian horsemen bore down upon him and disabled his shoulder, and so Gorgias escaped to  Marisa.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when those who were with Esdris had been fighting long and were wearied out, Judas called upon the Lord to show himself, fighting on their side and leading the van of the battle;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
andthen in the language of his fathers he raised the battle-cry joined with hymns, and rushing unawares upon the troops of Gorgias put them to flight.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And Judas gathering his army came to the city of  Adullam; and as the seventh day was coming on, they purified themselves according to the custom, and kept the Sabbath there.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And on the day following,  at which time it had become necessary, Judas and his company came to take up the bodies of those who had fallen,  and in company with their kinsmen to bring them back to the sepulchres of their fathers.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But under the garments of each one of the dead they found  consecrated tokens of the idols of Jamnia, which the law forbids the Jews to have anything to do with; and it became clear to all that it was for this cause that they had fallen.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
All therefore, blessing theworks of the Lord, the righteous Judge, who makes manifest the things that are hid,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
betook themselves to supplication, beseeching that the sin committed might be wholly blotted out. And the noble Judas exhorted the multitude to keep themselves from sin, forsomuch as they had seen before their eyes what things had come to pass because of the sin of those who had fallen.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when he had made a collection man by man to the sum of two thousand drachmas of silver, he sent to Jerusalem to offer a sacrifice for sin, doing therein right well and honourably, in that he took thought for a resurrection.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For if he were not expecting that those who had fallen would rise again, it were superfluous and idle to pray for the dead.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
(And ifhe did it looking to an honourable memorial of gratitude laid up for those who  die  in godliness, holy and godly was the thought.) Wherefore he made the atoning sacrifice for those who had died, that they might be released from their sin.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
In the hundred and forty and ninth year tidings were brought to Judas and his company that Antiochus Eupator was coming withgreat multitudes against Judea,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and with him Lysias his guardian and chancellor,  each having a Greek force, a hundred and ten thousand footmen, and five thousand and three hundred horsemen, and two and twenty elephants, and three hundred chariots armed with scythes.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And Menelaus also joined himself with them, and with great dissimulation encouraged Antiochus, not for the saving of his country, but because he thought that he would be set over the government.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But the King of kings stirred up the  passion of Antiochus against the wicked wretch; and when Lysias informed him that this man was the cause of all the evils,the king commanded to bring him to Beroea, and  to put him to death after the manner of that place.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Now there is in that place a tower of fifty cubits high, full of ashes, and it had all round it a  gallery  descending sheer on every side into the ashes.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Here him that is guilty of sacrilege, or has attained a preeminence in any other evil deeds, they  all push forward into destruction.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
By such a fate it befell the breaker of the law, Menelaus, to die, without obtaining so much asa grave in the earth, and that right justly;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
for inasmuch as he had perpetrated many sins  against the altar, whose fire and whose ashes were holy, in ashes did he receive his death.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Now the king,  infuriated in spirit, was coming with intent to inflict on the Jews the very worst of the sufferings that had befallenthem in his father’s time.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when Judas heard of these things, he gave charge to the multitude to call upon the Lord day and night,beseeching him, if ever at any other time, so now to help those who were at the point to be deprived of the law and their country and the holy temple,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and not to suffer the people that had been but now a little while revived to fall into the hands of those profane heathen.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
So when they had all done the same thing together,  beseeching the merciful Lord with weeping and fastings and prostration for three days without ceasing, Judas exhorted them and commanded they should join himfor service.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And having gone apart with the elders he resolved that, before the king’s army should enter into Judea and make themselves masters of the city, they should go forth and try the matterin fight by the help of  God.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And committing the decision to the  Lord of the world, and exhorting those who were with him to contend nobly even to death for laws, temple, city, country,  commonwealth, he pitched his camp by Modin.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And given out to his men the watchword, VICTORY IS GOD’S, with a chosen body of the bravest young men he fell uponthe camp by nightand penetrated to the king’s  tent, and killedof the  army as many as two thousand men, and  brought down the chiefest elephant with him that was in the  tower upon him.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And this had been accomplished when the day was but now dawning, because of the Lord’s protection that gave  Judas help.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But the king, having had a taste of the exceeding boldness of the Jews, made attempts by stratagem upon their positions,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
andupon a strong fortress of the Jews at Bethsura; he advanced, was turned back, failed, was defeated,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But Rhodocus, from the Jewish ranks, made known to the enemy the secretsof his countrymen. He was sought out, and taken, and shut up in prison.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
The king treated with them in Bethsura the second time, gave his hand, took theirs, departed, attacked the forces of Judas, was put to the worse,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
heard that Philip who had been left as chancellor in Antioch had become reckless, was confounded, made to the Jews an overtureof peace, submitted himself and sware to acknowledge all their rights, came to terms with them and offered sacrifice, honoured the sanctuary and the place,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
showed kindness and graciously received Maccabaeus, left Hegemonides governor from Ptolemais even to the  Gerrenians,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
came to Ptolemais. The men of Ptolemais were displeased at the treaty, for they had exceedingly great indignationagainst the Jews: they desired to annul the articles of the agreement.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Lysias  came forward to speak, made the best defence that was possible, persuaded, pacified, made them well affected, departed to Antioch. This was the issue of the inroad and departure of the king.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Now after a space of three years tidings were brought to Judas and his company that Demetrius theson of Seleucus, having sailed into the haven of Tripolis with a mighty army and a fleet,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But one Alcimus, who had formerly been high priest, and had wilfully polluted himself in the times when there was no minglingwith the Gentiles, considering that there was no deliverance for him in any way, nor any more access to the holy altar,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
came to king Demetrius in about the hundred and one and fifties year, presenting to him a chaplet of gold and a palm, and beside thesesome of the festal olive boughs of the temple. And for that day he held his peace;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
but having gotten opportunity to further his own madness, being called by Demetrius into a meeting of his council, and asked how the Jews stood affected and what they purposed, he answered thereto.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Those of the Jews that he called  Hasidaeans, whose leader is Judas Maccabaeus, keep up war, and are seditious, not suffering the kingdom to find tranquillity.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
first for the unfeigned care I have for the things that concern the king, and secondly because I have regard also to my own fellow-citizens: for, through the unadvised dealing of those of whom I spoke before, our whole race is in no small misfortune.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But do you, O king, having informed yourself of these things severally, take thought both for our country and for our race, which  is surroundedby foes, according to the gracious kindness with which you receive all.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when he had spoken such words as these, at once  the rest of theking’s  Friends, having ill will against Judas, inflamed Demetrius yet more.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And forthwith appointing Nicanor, who had been master of the elephants, and making him governor of Judea, he sent him forth,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
giving him written instructions to make away with Judas himself and to scatter those who were with him, and to set up Alcimus as high priest of the  great temple.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And  those in Judea that  hadbefore driven Judas into exile thronged to Nicanor in flocks, supposing that the misfortunes and calamities of the Jews would be successes to themselves.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But whenthe Jews heard of Nicanor’s inroad and the assault of the heathen, they sprinkled earthupon their heads and made solemn supplication to him who had established his own people for evermore, and who always, making manifest his presence, upholdsthose who are his own portion.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when the leader had givenhis commands, he immediately sets out from thence, and joins battle with them at a villagecalled Lessau.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But Simon, the brother of Judas, had encountered Nicanor,  yet not till late, having received a check by reason of the sudden consternation caused by his adversaries.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Nevertheless Nicanor, hearing of the manliness of those who were with Judas, and their courage in fighting for their country, shrank from bringing the matter to the decision of the sword.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Wherefore he sent Posidonius and Theodotus and Mattathias to give and receive pledges of friendship.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
So when these proposals had been long considered, and the leader had made the  troops acquainted therewith, and it appeared that they were all of like mind, they consented to the covenants.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And they appointed a day on which to meet together by themselves. And a litter was borne forward from eacharmy; they set chairs of state;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Judas stationed armed men ready in convenient places, lest perhaps there should suddenly be treachery on the part of the enemy; they held such conference as was meet.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Nicanor waited in Jerusalem, and did nothing to cause disturbance, but dismissed the flocks of people that had gathered together.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But Alcimus, perceiving the good will that was between them,  and having got possession of the covenants that had been made, came to Demetrius and told him that Nicanor was ill affected towards the state, for he had appointed that conspirator against his kingdom, Judas, to be his successor.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And the king, falling into a rage, and being exasperated by the false accusations of that most wicked man, wrote to Nicanor, signifying that he was displeased at the covenants, and commanding him to send Maccabaeus prisoner to Antioch in all haste.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when this message came to Nicanor, he was confounded, and was sore troubled at the thought of annulling the articles that had been agreed upon, the man having done no wrong;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
but because there was no dealing against the king, he watched his time to execute this purpose by stratagem.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But Maccabaeus, when he perceived that Nicanor was behaving more harshly in his dealings with him, and that he had become ruler in his customary bearing, understanding that this harshness came not of good, gathered together not a few of his men, and concealed himself from Nicanor.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But the other,  when he became aware that he had been bravely defeated by the stratagem of  Judas, came to the  great and holy temple, while the priests were offering the usual sacrifices, and commanded them to deliver up the man.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
he stretched forth his right hand towards the sanctuary, and sware this oath: If you° will not deliver up to me Judas as a prisoner, I will lay this  temple of God even with the ground, and will break down the altar, and I will erect here a temple to  Bacchus for all to see.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And having said this, he departed. But the priests, stretching forth their hands towards heaven, called upon him that ever fights for our nation, in these words:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
You,  O Lord of the universe, who in yourself have need of nothing, was well pleased that a sanctuary of your  habitation should be set amongst us;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
so now, O holy Lord of all hallowing, keep undefiled forever this house that has been lately cleansed.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Now information was given to Nicanor against one Razis, an elder of Jerusalem,  as being a lover of his countrymen and a man of very good report, and one called Father of the Jews for his good willtowards them.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For in the former times when there was no minglingwith the Gentiles he had been accused ofcleaving to the Jews’ religion, and had jeoparded body and life with all earnestness for the religion of the Jews.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And Nicanor, wishing to make evident the ill will that he bare to the Jews, sent above five hundred soldiers to take him;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But when the  troops were on the point of taking the tower, and were forcing the door of the court, and bade bring fire and burn the doors, he being surrounded on every side fell upon his sword,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
choosing rather to die nobly than to fall into the hands of the wicked wretches, and suffer outrage unworthy of his own nobleness:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
but since he missed his stroke through the excitement of the struggle, and the crowds were now rushing within the door, he ran bravely up to the wall and cast himself down manfully amongst the crowds.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And having yet breath within him, and being inflamed with passion, he rose up, and though his blood gushed out in streams and his wounds were grievous, he ran through the crowds, and standing upon a steep rock,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
when as his blood was now well near spent, he drew forth his bowelsthrough the wound, and taking them in both his hands he shook them at the crowds; and calling upon him who is Lord of  the life and the  spirit to restore him  these again, he thus died.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
But Nicanor, hearing that Judas and his company were in the region of Samaria, resolved to set upon them with all security on the day of rest.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when the Jews that were compelled to follow him said, O destroy not so savagely and barbarously, but give due glory to the day which he that sees all things has  honoured and hallowed aboveother days;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
then the thrice-accursed wretch asked if there were a Sovereign in heaven that had commanded to keep the Sabbath day.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when they declared, There is the Lord, living himself a Sovereign in heaven, who badeus observe the seventh day;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
then says the other, I also am a sovereign upon the earth,  whonow command to take up arms and execute the king’s business. Nevertheless he prevailed not to execute his  cruel purpose.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And Nicanor,  bearing himself haughtily in all vaingloriousness, had determined to set up a monument of complete victory over Judas and all those who were with him:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And he exhorted his company not to be fearful at the  inroad of the heathen, but, keeping in mind the help which of old they had oftentimes received from heaven, so now also to look for the victory which would come to them from the Almighty;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and comforting them out of the law and the prophets, and withal putting them in mind of the conflicts that they had maintained, he made them more eagerfor the battle.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when he had roused their  spirit, he gave themhis commands, at the same time pointing out the perfidiousness of the heathen and their breach of their oaths.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And arming each one of them, not so much with the sure defence of shields and spears as with the encouragementthat lies in good words, and moreover relating to them a dream  worthy to be believed, he made them all exceedingly glad.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And the vision of thatdream was this:He saw Onias, him that was high priest, a noble and good man, reverend in bearing, yet gentle in manner and well-spoken, and exercised from a child in all points of virtue, with outstretched hands invokingblessings on the whole body of the Jews:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
thereuponhe saw a man appear, of venerable age and exceedingly glory, and wonderful and most majestic was the dignity around him:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and Onias answered and said, This is the lover of the kindred, he who prays much for the people and the holy city, Jeremiah the prophet of God:


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and Jeremiah stretching forth his right hand delivered to Judas a sword of gold, and in giving it addressedhim thus,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And being encouraged by the words of Judas, which were of a lofty strain, and able to incite to virtue and to stir the souls of the young to manly courage, they determined  not to carry on a campaign, but nobly to bear down uponthe enemy, and fighting hand to hand with all courage bring the matter to an issue, because the city and the sanctuary and the temple were in danger.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For their fear for wives and children, and furthermore for kindred and kinsfolk, was in less account with them; but greatest and first was their fear for the consecrated sanctuary.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And they also that were shut up in the city were in no light distress, being troubled because of the encounter in the open ground.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when all were now waiting for the decision of the issue, and the enemy had already joined battle, and the army had been set in array, and the  elephants  brought back to a convenient post, and the horsemen drawn up  on the flank,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
Maccabaeus, perceiving the presence of the  troops, and the various arms with which they were equipped, and the savageness of the  elephants, holding up his hands to heaven called upon the Lord that works wonders, recognising thatsuccess comes not by arms, but that, according asthe Lord shall judge, he gains the victory for those who are worthy.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And calling uponGod he said after this manner: You, O Sovereign Lord, did send your angel in the time of Hezekiah king of Judea, and he killed of the  army of Sennacherib as many as a hundred fourscore and five thousand;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
through the greatness of your arm let them be stricken with dismay that with blasphemy are come here against your holy people. And as he ended with these words,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And contending with their hands, and praying to God with their hearts, they killed no less than thirty five thousand men, being made exceedingly glad by the manifestation of God.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when the engagement was over, and they were returning again with joy, they recognised Nicanor lying dead in full armour;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and there arose a shout and  tumult, andthen they blessed the SovereignLord in the language of their fathers.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And he that in all things was in body and soul the foremost champion of his fellow-citizens, he that kept through life the good will of his youth towards his countrymen, commanded to cut off Nicanor’s head, and his hand with the shoulder, and bring them to Jerusalem.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And when he had arrived there, and had called his countrymen together and set the priests before the altar, he sent for those who were in the citadel;


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and showing the head of the vile Nicanor, and the hand of that profane man, which with proud brags he had stretched out against the holy house of the Almighty,


book: 2Macc
contenido:
and cutting out the tongue of the impious Nicanor, he said that he would give  it by pieces to the birds, and hang up the  rewards of his madness near the sanctuary.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And they alllooking up to heaven blessed  the Lord who had manifested himself, saying, Blessed be he that has preserved his own place undefiled.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And he hanged Nicanor’s head and shoulder from the citadel, a sign, evident to all and manifest, of the help of the Lord.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And they all ordained with a common decree in no wise to let this day pass undistinguished, but to mark with honour the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (it is called Adar in the Syrian tongue), the day before the day of Mordecai.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
THIS then having been the issue of the attempt of Nicanor, and the city having from those times been held by the Hebrews, I also will here make an end of my book.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
And ifI have written well and to the point in my story, this is what I myself desired; but if meanly and indifferently, this is all I could attain to.


book: 2Macc
contenido:
For as it is  distasteful to drink wine alone and in like manner againto drink wateralone,  while the mingling of wine with water at once  gives full pleasantness to the flavour; so also the fashioning of the language delights the ears of those who read the story.
And here shall be the end.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Josias held the Passover in Jerusalem to his Lord, and offered the Passover the fourteenth day of the first month;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
having set the priests according to their daily courses, being arrayed in their vestments, in the temple of the Lord.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And he spoke to the Levites,  the temple-servants of Israel, that they should make themselves holy to the Lord, to set the holy ark of the Lord in the house that King Solomon the son of David had built:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and said, You° shall no more have need to bear it upon your shoulders: now therefore serve the Lord your God, and minister to his people Israel, and prepare you after your fathers’ houses and kindred,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
according to the writing of David king of Israel, and according to the magnificence of Solomon his son: and standing in the holy place according to the several divisions of the families of you the Levites, whominister in the presence of your kindred the children of Israel,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
offer the Passover in order, and make ready the sacrifices for your kindred, and keep the Passover according to the commandment of the Lord, which was given to Moses.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And to the people which were present Josias gave thirty thousand lambs and kids,and three thousand calves: these things were given of the king’s substance, according as he promised, to the people, and to the priests and Levites.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And Helkias, and Zacharias, and  Esyelus, the rulers of the temple, gave to the priests for the Passover two thousandand six hundred sheep,and three hundred calves.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And Jeconias, and Samaias and Nathanael his brother, and Sabias, and Ochielus, and Joram, captains over thousands, gave to the Levites for the Passover five thousand sheep,and seven hundred calves.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And when these things were done, the priests and Levites, having the unleavened bread, stood in comely order according to the kindred,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and according to the several divisions by fathers’ houses, before the people, to offer to the Lord, as it is written in the book of Moses: and thusdid they in the morning.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And they roasted the Passover with fire, as appertains: and the sacrifices they sod in the brazen vessels and cauldrons with a good savour,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and set them before all the people: and afterward they prepared for themselves, and for the priests their kindred, the sons of Aaron.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
For the priests offered the fat until night: and the Levites prepared for themselves, and for the priests their kindred, the sons of Aaron.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
The holy singers also, the sons of Asaph, were in their order, according to the appointment of David,to wit, Asaph, Zacharias, and Eddinus, who  was of the king’s retinue.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Moreover the gatekeepers were at every gate; none had need to depart from his daily course: for their kindred the Levites prepared for them.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Thus were the things that belonged to the sacrifices of the Lord accomplished in that day, in holding the Passover,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
So the children of Israel which were present at that time held the Passover, and the feast of unleavened bread seven days.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Yes, all the kings of Israel held not such a Passover as Josias, and the priests, and the Levites, and the Jews, held with all Israel that were present in their dwelling place at Jerusalem.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Moreover the things that came to pass in his days have been written in times past, concerning those that sinned, and did wickedly against the Lord above every people and kingdom, and how they grieved him  exceedingly, so that the words of the Lord were confirmed against Israel.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Now after all these acts of Josias it came to pass, that Pharaoh the king of Egypt came to raise war at Carchemish upon Euphrates: and Josias went out against him.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
I am not sent out from the Lord God against you; for my war is upon Euphrates: and now the Lord is with me, yes, the Lord is with me hastening me forward: depart from me, and be not against the Lord.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
However Josias didn’t turn back  to his chariot, but undertook to fight with him, not regarding the words of the prophet Jeremyspoken by the mouth of the Lord:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then said the king to his servants, Carry me away out of the battle; for I am very weak. And immediately his servants carried him away out of the army.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then got he up upon his second chariot; and being brought back to Jerusalem he died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his fathers.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And in all Jewry they mourned for Josias; and Jeremy the prophet lamented for Josias, and the chief men with the women made lamentation for him, to this day: and this was given out for an ordinance to be done continually in all the nation of Israel.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
These things are written in the book of the histories of the kings of Judea, and every one of the acts that Josias did, and his glory, and his understanding in the law of the Lord, and the things that he had done before, and the things nowrecited, are reported in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And the people took  Joachaz the son of Josias, and made him king instead of Josias his father, when he was twenty and three years old.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And he reigned in  Judah and in Jerusalem three months: and then the king of Egypt deposed him from reigning in Jerusalem.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And Joakim bound the nobles: but Zarakes his brother he apprehended, and brought him up out of Egypt.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Five and twenty years old was  Joakim when he began to reign in Judea and Jerusalem; and he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And against him Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon came up, and bound him with a chain of brass, and carried him to Babylon.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Nabuchodonosor also took of the holy vessels of the Lord, and carried them away, and set them up in his own temple at Babylon.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
But those things that are reported of him, and of his uncleanness and impiety, are written in the chronicles of the kings.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
So after a year Nabuchodonosor sent and caused him to be brought to Babylon with the holy vessels of the Lord;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and made Sedekias king of Judea and Jerusalem, when he was one and twenty years old; and he reigned eleven years:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and he also did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, and cared not for the words that were spoken by Jeremy the prophet from the mouth of the Lord.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And after king Nabuchodonosor had made him to swear by the name of the Lord, he forswore himself, and rebelled; and hardening his neck, and his heart, he transgressed the laws of the Lord, the God of Israel.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Moreover the governors of the people and of the priests did many things wickedly,  and passed all the pollutions of all nations, and defiled the temple of the Lord, which was sanctified in Jerusalem.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And the God of their fathers sent by his messenger to call them back, because he had compassion on them and on his dwelling place.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
But they mocked his messengers; and in the day when the Lord spoketo them, they scoffed at his prophets:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
so far forth, that he, being angry with his people for their great ungodliness, commanded to bring up the kings of the Chaldeans against them;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
who killed their young men with the sword, round about their holy temple, and spared neither young man nor maid, old man nor child; but he delivered all into their hands.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And they took all the holy vessels of the Lord, both great and small, with  the vessels of the ark of the Lord, and the king’s treasures, and carried them away to Babylon.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And they burnt the house of the Lord, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem, and burnt the towers thereof with fire:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and as for her glorious things, they never ceased till they had brought them all to nothing: and the people that were not slain with the sword he carried to Babylon:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and they were servants to him and to his children, till the Persians reigned, to fulfil the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremy:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Until the land has enjoyed her Sabbaths, the whole time of her desolation shall she keep Sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
In the  first year of Cyrus king of the Persians, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremy might be accomplished,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of the Persians, and he made proclamation through all his kingdom, and also by writing,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
saying, Cyrus king of the Persians says: The Lord of Israel, the Most High Lord, has made me king of the whole world,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
If therefore there be any of you that are of his people,  let the Lord, even his Lord, be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem that is in Judea, and build the house of the Lord of Israel: he is the Lord that dwells in Jerusalem.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Of such therefore as dwell in various places, let those who are in his own place help each one with gold, and with silver,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
with gifts, with horses also and cattle, beside the other things which have been added by vow for the temple of the Lord which is in Jerusalem.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then the chief of the families of Judah and of the tribe of Benjamin stood up; the priests also, and the Levites, and all they whose spirit the Lord had stirred to go up, to build the house for the Lord which is in Jerusalem.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And those who lived round about them helped them in all things with silver and gold, with horses and cattle, and with very many gifts that were vowed of a great number whose minds were stirred upthereto.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
King Cyrus also brought forth the holy vessels of the Lord, which Nabuchodonosor had carried away from Jerusalem, and had set up in his temple of idols.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Now when Cyrus king of the Persians had brought them forth, he delivered them to Mithradates his treasurer,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And this was the number of them: A thousand golden cups, a thousand cups of silver, censers of silver twenty nine, vials of gold thirty, and of silver two thousand and four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
So all the vessels of gold and of silver were brought up, even five thousand and four hundred threescore and nine,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and were carried back by Sanabassar, together with them of the captivity, from Babylon to Jerusalem.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
But in the time of Artaxerxes king of the Persians Belemus, and Mithradates, and Tabellius, and  Rathumus, and Beeltethmus, and  Samellius the scribe, with the others that were in commission with them, dwelling in Samaria and other places, wrote to him against those who lived in Judea and Jerusalem the letter following:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
To king Artaxerxes our Lord, Your servants, Rathumus the recorder, and Samellius the scribe, and the rest of their council, and the judges that are in Coelesyria and Phoenicia.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Be it now known to our lord the king, that the Jews that have come up from you to us, having come to Jerusalem, are building that rebellious and wicked city, and and repair its marketplaces and walls, and laying the foundation of a temple.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Now if this city is built and the wallsthereof are finished, they will not only refuse to give tribute, but will even stand up against kings.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And forasmuch as the things pertaining to the temple are now in hand, we think it meet not to neglect such a matter,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
but to speak to our lord the king, to the intent that, if it be your pleasure, search may be made in the books of your fathers:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and you shall find in the chronicles what is written concerning these things, and shall understand that that city was rebellious, troubling both kings and cities:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and that the Jews were rebellious, and raised always wars therein of old time; for the which cause even this city was laid waste.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Wherefore now we do declare to you, O lord the king, that if this city be built again, and the walls thereof set up anew, you shall from henceforth have no passage into Coelesyria and Phoenicia.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then the king wrote back again to Rathumus the recorder, and Beeltethmus, and Samellius the scribe, and to the rest that were in commission, and lived in Samaria and Syria and Phoenicia, after this manner:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
I have read the letter which you° have sent to me: therefore I commanded to make search, and it has been found that that city of old time has made insurrection against kings;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and the men were given to rebellion and war therein: and that mighty kings and fierce were in Jerusalem, who reigned and exacted tribute in Coelesyria and Phoenicia.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Now therefore I have commanded to hinder those men from building the city, and heed to be taken that there be nothing done contrary to thisorder;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then king Artaxerxes his letters being read, Rathumus, and Samellius the scribe, and the rest that were in commission with them, removing in haste to Jerusalem with horsemen and a multitude of people in battle array, began to hinder the builders; and the building of the temple in Jerusalem ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of the Persians.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Now king Darius made a great feast to all his subjects, and to all that were born in his house, and to all the princes of Media and of Persia,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and to all the local governors and captains and governors that were under him, from India to Ethiopia, in the hundred and twenty and seven provinces.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And when they had eaten and drunken, and being satisfied were gone home, then Darius the king went into his bedchamber, and slept, and awaked out of his sleep.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Let every one of us say one thing which shall be strongest: and he whose sentence shall seem wiser than the others, to him shall Darius the king give great gifts, and great honours in token of victory:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
as, to be clothed in purple, to drink in gold, and to sleep upon gold, and a chariot with bridles of gold, and a turban of fine linen, and a chain about his neck:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And then they wrote every one his sentence, and set to their seals, and laidthe writing under king Darius his pillow,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and said, When the king is risen, some shall give him the writing; and of whose side the king and the three princes of Persia shall judge that his sentence is the wisest, to him shall the victory be given, as it is written.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and sending forth he called all the princes of Persia and of Media, and the local governors, and the captains, and the governors, and the chief officers;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And he said, Call the young men, and they shall explain their own sentences. So they were called, and came in.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And they said to them, Declare to us your mind concerning the things you° have written.
Then began the first, who had spoken of the strength of wine,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
it makes the mind of the king and of the fatherless child to be all one; of the bondman and of the freeman, of the poor man and of the rich:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and it makes every heart rich, so that a man remembers neither king nor local governor; and it makes to speak all things by talents:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and when they are in their cups, they forget their love both to friends and kindred, and a little after draw their swords:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
O sirs, is not wine the strongest, seeing that it enforces to do thus? And when he had so spoken, he held his peace.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
But yet is the king stronger: and he is their lord, and has dominion over them; and in whatever he commands them they obey him.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
If he bid them make war the one against the other, they do it: and if he send them out against the enemies, they go, and overcome mountains, walls, and towers.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
They kill and are slain, and transgress not the king’s commandment: if they get the victory, they bring all to the king, as well the plunder, as all things else.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Likewise for those that are no soldiers, and have not to do with wars, but use husbandry, when they have reaped again that which they had sown, they bring it to the king, and compel one another to pay tribute to the king.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
if he command to strike, they strike; if he command to make desolate, they make desolate; if he command to build, they build;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
So all his people and his armies obey him: furthermore he lies down, he eats and drinks, and takes his rest:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and these keep watch round about him, neither may any one depart, and do his own business, neither disobey they himin anything.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
O sirs, how should not the king be strongest, seeing that in such sort he is obeyed? And he held his peace.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
O sirs, is not the king great, and men are many, and wine is strong? who is it then that rules them, or has the lordship over them? are they not women?


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Even of them came they: and they nourished them up that planted the vineyards, from whence the wine comes.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Yes, and if men have gathered together gold and silver and any other goodly thing,  and see a woman which is comely in favour and beauty,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
they let all those things go, and gape after her, and even with open mouth fix their eyes fast on her; and have all more desire to her than to gold or silver, or any goodly thing whatever.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
By this also you° must know that women have dominion over you: do you° not labour and toil, and give and bring all to women?


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Yes, a man takes his sword, and goes forth to make outroads, and to rob and to steal, and to sail upon the sea and upon rivers;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and looks upon a lion, and walks in the darkness; and when he has stolen, plundered, and robbed, he brings it to his love.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And now do you° not believe me? is not the king great in his power? do not all regions fear to touch him?


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Yet did I see him and Apame the king’s concubine, the daughter of the illustrious Barticus, sitting at the right hand of the king,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and taking the crown from the king’s head, and setting it upon her own head; yes, she struck the king with her left hand:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and therewithal the king gaped and gazed upon her with open mouth: if she laughed upon him, he laughed also: but if she took any displeasure at him, he was fain to flatter, that she might be reconciled to him again.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
O sirs, are not women strong? great is the earth, high is the heaven, swift is the sun in his course, for he encircles the heavens round about, and fetches his course again to his own place in one day.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
All the earth calls upon truth, and the heaven blesses her: all works shake and tremble, but with  her is no unrighteous thing.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Wine is unrighteous, the king is unrighteous, women are unrighteous, all the children of men are unrighteous, and unrighteous are all such their works; and there is no truth in them; in their unrighteousness also they shall perish.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
With her there is no accepting of persons or rewards; but she does the things that are just,and refrains from all unrighteous and wicked things; and all men do well like of her works.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Neither in her judgement is any unrighteousness; and she is the strength, and the kingdom, and the power, and the majesty, of all ages. Blessed be the God of truth.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And with that he held his tongue. And all the people then shouted, and said, Great is truth, and strong above all things.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then said the king to him, Ask what you will more than is appointed in writing, and we will give it you, inasmuch as you are found wisest; and you shall sit next me, and shall be called my cousin.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then said he to the king, Remember your vow, which you did vow to build Jerusalem, in the day when you came to your kingdom,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and to send away all the vessels that were taken out of Jerusalem, which Cyrus set apart, when he vowed to destroy Babylon, and vowed to send them again there.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
You did also vow to build up the temple, which the Edomites burnt when Judea was made desolate by the Chaldeans.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And now, O lord the king, this is that which I require, and which I desire of you, and this is the princely generosity that shall proceed from you: I pray therefore that you make good the vow, the performance whereof you have vowed to the King of heaven with your own mouth.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then Darius the king stood up, and kissed him, and wrote letters for him to all the treasurers and governors and captains and local governors, that they should safely bring on their way both him, and all those that should go up with him to build Jerusalem.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
He wrote letters also to all the governors that were in Coelesyria and Phoenicia, and to them in Libanus, that they should bring cedar wood from Libanus to Jerusalem, and that they should build the city with him.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Moreover he wrote for all the Jews that should go out of his realm up into Jewry, concerning their freedom, that no officer, no governor, no local governor, nor treasurer, should forcibly enter into their doors;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and that all the country which they occupied should be free to them without tribute; and that the Edomites should give over the villages of the Jews which then they held:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and that there should be yearly given twenty talents to the building of the temple, until the time that it were built;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and other ten talents yearly, for burnt offerings to be presented upon the altar every day, as they had a commandment to offer seventeen:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and that all those who should come from Babylonia to build the city should have their freedom, as well they as their posterity, and all the priests that came.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and for the Levites he wrote that their charges should be given them until the day that the house were finished, and Jerusalem built up.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
He sent away also all the vessels from Babylon, that Cyrus had set apart; and all that Cyrus had given in commandment, he charged also to be done, and sent to Jerusalem.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Now when this young man was gone forth, he lifted up his face to heaven towards Jerusalem, and praised the King of heaven,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and said, From you comes victory, from you comes wisdom, and your is the glory, and I am your servant.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
to go up, and to build Jerusalem, and the temple which is called by his name: and they feasted with instruments of music and gladness seven days.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
After this were the chiefs of fathers’ houses chosen to go up according to their tribes, with their wives and sons and daughters, with their menservants and maidservants, and their cattle.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And Darius sent with them a thousand horsemen, till they had brought them back to Jerusalem  safely, and with musical instruments, tabrets and flutes.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And these are the names of the men which went up, according to their families amongst their tribes, after their several divisions.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
The priests, the sons of Phinees, the sons of Aaron: Jesus the son of Josedek, the son of Saraias, and Joakim the son of Zorobabel, the son of Salathiel, of the house of David, of the lineage of Phares, of the tribe of Judah;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
who spoke wise sentences before Darius the king of Persia in the second year of his reign, in the month Nisan, which is the first month.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And these are they of Jewry that came up from the captivity, where they lived as strangers, whom Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon had carried away to Babylon.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And they returned to Jerusalem, and to the other parts of Jewry, every man to his own city, who came with Zorobabel, with Jesus, Nehemias,and  Zaraias, Resaias,  Eneneus, Mardocheus, Beelsarus,  Aspharsus,  Reelias, Roimus,and Baana, their leaders.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
The number of them of the nation, and their leaders: the sons of  Phoros, two thousand a hundred and seventy and two: the sons of  Saphat, four hundred and seventy and two:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
the sons of Elam, a thousand and two hundred and fifty and four: the sons of  Zathui, nine hundred and forty and five: the sons of  Chorbe, seven hundred and five: the sons of Bani, six hundred and forty and eight:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
the sons of Bebai, six hundred and twenty and three: the sons of  Astad,  a thousand and three hundred and twenty and two:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
the sons of Adonikam, six hundred and sixty and seven: the sons of  Bagoi, two thousand and sixty and six: the sons of  Adinu, four hundred and fifty and four:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
the sons of  Ater, of Ezekias, ninety and two: the sons of Kilan and Azetas, three score and seven: the sons of  Azaru, four hundred and thirty and two:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
the sons of  Annis, a hundred and one: the sons of Arom: the sons of  Bassai, three hundred and twenty and three: the sons of Arsiphurith, a hundred and twelve:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
the sons of Baiterus, three thousand and five: the sons of  Bethlomon, a hundred and twenty and three:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
they of Netophas, fifty and five: they of Anathoth, a hundred and fifty and eight: they of  Bethasmoth, forty and two:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
they of  or  Kariathiarius, twenty and five: they of Caphira and Beroth, seven hundred and forty and three:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
the Chadiasai and Ammidioi, four hundred and twenty and two: they of  Kirama and  Gabbe, six hundred and twenty and one:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
they of  Macalon, a hundred and twenty and two: they of  Betolion, fifty and two: the sons of  Niphis, a hundred and fifty and six:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
the sons of  Calamolalus and  Onus, seven hundred and twenty and five: the sons of  Jerechu,  three hundred and forty and five:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
The priests: the sons of  Jeddu, the son of Jesus, amongst the sons of Sanasib,  nine hundred and seventy and two: the sons of  Emmeruth,  a thousand and fifty and two:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
the sons of  Phassurus, a thousand and two hundred and forty and seven: the sons of  Charme,  a thousand and seventeen.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
The gatekeepers: the sons of  Salum, the sons of  Atar, the sons of Tolman, the sons of  Dacubi, the sons of  Ateta, the sons of  Sabi, in all a hundred and thirty and nine.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
The temple servants: the sons of  Esau, the sons of  Asipha, the sons of Tabaoth, the sons of  Keras, the sons of  Sua, the sons of  Phaleas, the sons of Labana, the sons of  Aggaba.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
the sons of  Acud, the sons of Uta, the sons of Ketab, the sons of  Accaba, the sons of  Subai, the sons of  Anan, the sons of  Cathua, the sons of  Geddur,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
the sons of  Jairus, the sons of  Daisan, the sons of  Noeba, the sons of Chaseba, the sons of  Gazera, the sons of  Ozias, the sons of  Phinoe, the sons of Asara, the sons of  Basthai, the sons of  Asana, the sons of  Maani, the sons of  Naphisi, the sons of  Acub, the sons of  Achipha, the sons of  Asur, the sons of Pharakim, the sons of  Basaloth,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
the sons of  Meedda, the sons of Cutha, the sons of  Charea, the sons of  Barchus, the sons of  Serar, the sons of  Thomei, the sons of  Nasi, the sons of Atipha.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
The sons of the servants of Solomon: the sons of  Assaphioth, the sons of  Pharida, the sons of  Jeeli, the sons of  Lozon, the sons of  Isdael, the sons of  Saphuthi,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
the sons of  Agia, the sons of  Phacareth, the sons of Sabie, the sons of Sarothie, the sons of  Masias, the sons of Gas, the sons of Addus, the sons of Subas, the sons of Apherra, the sons of Barodis, the sons of Saphat, the sons of Allon.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
All the temple-servants, and the sons of the servants of Solomon, were three hundred and seventy and two.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and they could not show their families, nor their stock, how they were of Israel: the sons of  Dalan the son of  Ban, the sons of  Nekodan, six hundred and fifty and two.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And of the priests, those who usurped the office of the priesthood and were not found: the sons of  Obdia, the sons of  Akkos, the sons of Jaddus, who married Augia one of the daughters of  Zorzelleus, and was called after his name.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And when the description of the kindred of these men was sought in the register, and was not found, they were removed from executing the office of the priesthood:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
for to them said Nehemias and Attharias, that they should not be partakers of the holy things, till there arose up a high priest wearing  Urim and Thummim.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
So all they of Israel, from twelve years oldand upward, beside menservants and women servants, werein number forty and two thousand and three hundred and sixty.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Their menservants and handmaids were seven thousand and three hundred and thirty and seven: the minstrels and singers, two hundred and forty and five:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
four hundred and thirty and five camels, seven  thousand and thirty and six horses, two hundred and forty and five mules, five thousand and five hundred and twenty and five beasts of burden.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And certain of the chief men of their families, when they came to the temple of God that is in Jerusalem, vowed to set up the house again in its own place according to their ability,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and to give into the holy treasury of the works a thousand pounds of gold, five thousand of silver, and a hundred priestly vestments.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And the priests and the Levites and those who were of the people lived in Jerusalem and the country; the holy singers also and the gatekeepers and all Israel in their villages.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
But when the seventh month was at hand, and when the children of Israel were every man in his own place, they came all together with one consent into the broad place before the first porch which is towards the east.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then stood up Jesus the son of Josedek, and his kindred the priests, and Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and his kindred, and made ready the altar of the God of Israel,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
to offer burnt sacrifices upon it, according as it is expressly commanded in the book of Moses the man of God.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And certain were gathered to them out of the other nations of the land, and they erected the altar upon its own place, because all the nations of the land were at enmity with them, and oppressed them; and they offered sacrifices according to the time, and burnt offerings to the Lord both morning and evening.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Also they held the feast of tabernacles, as it is commanded in the law, andoffered sacrifices daily, as was meet:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and after that, the continual oblations, and the sacrifices of the Sabbaths, and of the new moons, and of all the consecrated feasts.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And all those who had made any vow to God began to offer sacrifices to God from the new moon of the  seventh month, although the temple of God was not yet built.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and cars to them of Sidon and Tyre, that they should bring cedar trees from Libanus,and convey them in floats to the haven of Joppa, according to the commandment which was written for them by Cyrus king of the Persians.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And in the second year after his coming to the temple of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and Jesus the son of Josedek, and their kindred, and the Levitical priests, and all those who were come to Jerusalem out of the captivity:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and they laid the foundation of the temple of God on the new moon of the second month, in the second year after they were come to Jewry and Jerusalem.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And they appointed the Levites from twenty years old over the works of the Lord. Then stood up Jesus, and his sons and kindred, and Kadmiel his brother, and the sons of Jesus, Emadabun, and the sons of Joda the son of Iliadun, and their sons and kindred, all the Levites, with one accord started the business, labouring to advance the works in the house of God. So the builders built the temple of the Lord.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And the priests stood arrayed in their vestments with musical instruments and trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with their cymbals,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And they sang aloud, praising the Lord in songs of thanksgiving, because his goodness and his glory are forever in all Israel.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And all the people sounded trumpets, and shouted with a loud voice, singing songs of thanksgiving to the Lord for the rearing up of the house of the Lord.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Also of the Levitical priests, and of the heads of their families, the ancients who had seen the former house came to the building of this with lamentation and great weeping.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
insomuch that the people heard not the trumpets for the weeping of the people: for the multitude sounded marvellously, so that it was heard afar off.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Wherefore when the enemies of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin heard it, they came to know what that noise of trumpets should mean.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And they perceived that those who were of the captivity did build the temple to the Lord, the God of Israel.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
So they went to zorobabel and Jesus, and to the chief men of the families, and said to them, we will build together with you.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
For we likewise, as you°, do obey your Lord, and do sacrifice to him from the days of  Asbasareth the king of the Assyrians, who brought us here.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then Zorobabel and Jesus and the chief men of the families of Israel said to them, It is not  for you to build the house to the Lord our God.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
We ourselves alone will build to the Lord of Israel, according as Cyrus the king of the Persians has commanded us.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
But the heathen of the land lying heavy upon the inhabitants of Judea, and  holding them strait, hindered their building;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and  by their secret plots, and popular persuasions and commotions, they hindered the finishing of the building all the time that King Cyrus lived: so they were hindered from building for the space of two years, until the reign of Darius.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Now  in the second year of the reign of Darius, Aggaeus and Zacharius the son of  Addo, the prophets, prophesied to the Jews in Jewry and Jerusalem; in the name of the Lord, the God of Israel,prophesied they to them.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then stood up Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and Jesus the son of Josedek, and began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, the prophets of the Lord being with them,and helping them.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
At the same time came to them  Sisinnes the governor of Syria and Phoenicia, with  Sathrabuzanes and his companions, and said to them,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
By whose appointment do you° build this house and this roof, and perform all the other things? and who are the builders that perform these things?


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and they were not hindered from building, until such time as communication was made to Darius concerning them, and his answer signified.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
The copy of the letter which Sisinnes, governor of Syria and Phoenicia, and Sathrabuzanes, with their companions, the rulers in Syria and Phoenicia, wrote and sent to Darius;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
To king Darius, greeting: Let all things be known to our lord the king, that being come into the country of Judea, and entered into the city of Jerusalem, we found in the city of Jerusalem the elders of the Jews that were of the captivity


book: 1Esd
contenido:
building a house to the Lord, greatand new, of hewn and costly stones, with timber laid in the walls.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And those works are done with great speed, and the work goes on prosperously in their hands, and with all glory and diligence it is accomplished.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then asked we these elders, saying, By whose commandment build you° this house, and lay the foundations of these works?


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Therefore, to the intent that we might give knowledge to you by writing who were the chief doers, we questioned them, and we required of them the names in writing of their principal men.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And as for this house, it was built many years ago by a king of Israel great and strong, and was finished.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
But when our fathers sinned against the Lord of Israel which is in heaven, and provoked him to wrath, he gave them over into the hands of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, king of the Chaldeans;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
But in the first year that Cyrus reigned over the country of Babylon, king Cyrus wrote to build up this house.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And the holy vessels of gold and of silver, that Nabuchodonosor had carried away out of the house at Jerusalem, and had set up in his own temple, those Cyrus the king brought forth again out of the temple in Babylonia, and they were delivered to Zorobabel and to  Sanabassarus the governor,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
with commandment that he should carry away  all these vessels, and put them in the temple at Jerusalem; and that the temple of the Lord should be built in its place.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then Sanabassarus, being come here, laid the foundations of the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem; and from that time to this being still a building, it is not yet fully ended.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Now therefore, if it seem good, O king, let search be made amongst the royal archives of our lord the king that are in Babylon:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and if it be found that the building of the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem has been done with the consent of king Cyrus, and it seem good to our lord the king, let him signify to us thereof.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then commanded King Darius to seek amongst the archives that were laid up at Babylon: and so at Ekbatana the palace, which is in the country of Media, there was found a  scroll where these things were recorded.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
In the first year of the reign of Cyrus king Cyrus commanded to build up the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem, where they do sacrifice with continual fire:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
whose height shall be sixty cubits, and the breadth sixty cubits, with three rows of hewn stones, and one row of new wood of that country; and the expenses thereof to be given out of the house of king Cyrus:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and that the holy vessels of the house of the Lord, both gold and silver, that Nabuchodonosor took out of the house at Jerusalem, and carried away to Babylon, should be restored to the house at Jerusalem, and be set in the place where they were before.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And also he commanded that Sisinnes the governor of Syria and Phoenicia, and Sathrabuzanes, and their companions, and those which were appointed rulers in Syria and Phoenicia, should be careful not to meddle with the place, but suffer Zorobabel, the servant of the Lord, and governor of Judea, and the elders of the Jews, to build that house of the Lord in its place.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And I also do command to have it built up whole again; and that they look diligently to help those that be of the captivity of Judea, till the house of the Lord be finished:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and that out of the tribute of Coelesyria and Phoenicia a portion be carefully given these men for the sacrifices of the Lord,that is, to Zorobabel the governor, for bullocks, and rams, and lambs;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and also corn, salt, wine and oil, and that continually every year without further question, according as the priests that be in Jerusalem shall signify to be daily spent:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
that drink offerings may be made to the Most High God for the king and for his children, and that they may pray for their lives.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And that commandment be given that whoever shall transgress, yes, or neglect anything  written here, out of his ownhouse shall a tree be taken, and he be hanged on it, and all his goods seized for the king.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
The Lord therefore, whose name is there called upon, utterly destroy every king and nation, that shall stretch out his hand to hinder or endamage that house of the Lord in Jerusalem.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then  Sisinnes the governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia, and Sathrabuzanes, with their companions, following the commandments of king Darius,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
did very carefully oversee the holy works, assisting the elders of the Jews and rulers of the temple.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And they finished these things by the commandment of the Lord, the God of Israel, and with the consent of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of the Persians.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And thus was  the house finished by the three and twentieth day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of king Darius.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the other that were of the captivity, that were addedto them, did according to the thingswritten in the book of Moses.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And to the dedication of the temple of the Lord they offered a hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and twelve he-goats for the sin of all Israel, according to the number of the twelve  princes of the tribes of Israel.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
The priests also and the Levites stood arrayed in their vestments, according to their kindred, for the services of the Lord, the God of Israel, according to the book of Moses: and the gatekeepers at every gate.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And the children of Israel that came out of the captivity held the Passover the fourteenth day of the first month, when the priests and the Levites were sanctified together,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and all those who were of the captivity; for they were sanctified. For the Levites were all sanctified together,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and they offered the Passover for all them of the captivity, and for their kindred the priests, and for themselves.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And the children of Israel that came out of the captivity did eat, even all those who had separated themselves from the abominations of the heathen of the land, and sought the Lord.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
for that he had turned the counsel of the king of Assyria towards them, to strengthen their hands in the works of the Lord, the God of Israel.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And after these things, when Artaxerxes the king of the Persians reigned, came Ezdras the son of Azaraias, the son of Zechrias, the son of Helkias, the son of Salem,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
the son of Sadduk, the son of Ahitob, the son of Amarias, the son of Ozias,  the son of Memeroth, the son of Zaraias, the son of Savias, the son of Boccas, the son of Abisne, the son of Phinees, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the chief priest.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
This Esdras went up from Babylon, as being a ready scribe in the law of Moses, that was given by the God of Israel.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
There went up with him also certain of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and Levites, and holy singers, and gatekeepers, and  temple servants, to Jerusalem,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
in the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerxes, in the fifth month, this was the king’s seventh year; for they went from Babylon on the new moon of the first month, and came to Jerusalem, according to the prosperous journey which the Lord gave them  for his sake.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
For Esdras had very great skill, so that he omitted nothing of the law and commandments of the Lord,but taught all Israel the ordinances and judgements.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Now the commission, which was written from Artaxerxes the king, came to Esdras the priest and reader of the law of the Lord, whereof this that follows is a copy;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Having determined to deal graciously, I have given order, that such of the nation of the Jews, and of the priests and Levites,  and of those within our realm, as are willing and desirous, should go with you to Jerusalem.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
As many therefore as have a mindthereto, let them depart with you, as it has seemed good both to me and my seven friends the counsellors;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
that they may look to the affairs of Judea and Jerusalem, agreeably to that which is in the law of the Lord,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and carry the gifts to the Lord of Israel to Jerusalem, which I and my friends have vowed; and that all the gold and silver that can be found in the country of Babylonia for the Lord in Jerusalem,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
with that also which is given of the people for the temple of the Lord their God that is at Jerusalem, be collected: even the gold and silver for bullocks, rams, and lambs, and things thereto appertaining;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
to the end that they may offer sacrifices to the Lord upon the altar of the Lord their God, which is in Jerusalem.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And whatever you and your kindred are minded to do with gold and silver, that perform, according to the will of your God.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And the holy vessels of the Lord, which are given you for the use of the temple of your God, which is in Jerusalem:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and whatever thing else you shall remember for the use of the temple of your God, you shall give it out of the king’s treasury.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And I king Artaxerxes have also commanded the keepers of the treasures in Syria and Phoenicia, that whatever Esdras the priest and reader of the law of the Most High God shall send for, they should give it him with all diligence,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
to the sum of a hundred talents of silver, likewise also of wheat even to a hundred  measures, and a hundred firkins  of wine, and  salt in abundance.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Let all things be performed after the law of God diligently to the most high God, that wrath come not upon the kingdom of the king and his sons.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
I command you also, that no tax, nor any other imposition, be laid upon any of the priests, or Levites, or holy singers, or gatekeepers, or temple servants, or any that have employment in this temple, and that no man have authority to impose anything upon them.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And you, Esdras, according to the wisdom of God ordain judges and justices, that they may judge in all Syria and Phoenicia all those that know the law of your God; and those that know it not you shall teach.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And whoever shall transgress the law of your God, and of the king, shall be punished diligently, whether it be by death, or other punishment, by penalty of money, or by  imprisonment.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then said Esdras the scribe, Blessed be the only Lord, the God of my fathers, who has put these things into the heart of the king, to glorify his house that is in Jerusalem:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Therefore was I encouraged by the help of the Lord my God, and gathered together out of Israel men to go up with me.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And these are the chief according to their families and the several divisions thereof, that went up with me from Babylon in the reign of king Artaxerxes:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
of the sons of Phinees, Gerson: of the sons of Ithamar, Gamael: of the sons of David,  Attus  the son of Sechenias:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
of the sons of Zathoes, Sechenias the son of Jezelus, and with him  three hundred men: of the sons ofAdin, Obeth the son of Jonathan, and with him two hundred and fifty men:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
of the sons of Joab,Obadiah. Abadias son ofJehiel. Jezelus, and with him two hundred and twelve men:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
of the sons of Adonikam, the last, and these are the names of them, Eliphalat, Jeuel, andShemaiah. Samaias, and with them seventy men:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And I gathered them together to the river called Theras; and there we pitched our tents three days, and I surveyed them.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and Elnathan, and Samaias, andJarib Joribus, Nathan, Ennatan, Zacharias, and Mosollamus, principal men and men of understanding.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And I bade those who they should go toIddo Loddeus the captain, who was in the place ofCasiphia, the treasury:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and commanded them that they should speak to Loddeus, and to his kindred, and to the treasurers in that place, to send us such men as might execute the priests’ office in the house of our Lord.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And by the mighty hand of our Lord they brought to us  men of understanding of the sons of  Mooli the son of Levi, the son of Israel,  Asebebias, and his sons, and his kindred, who were eighteen,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and  Asebias, and Annuus, and Osaias his brother, of the sons of Chanuneus, and their sons were twenty men;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and of the temple-servants whom David and the principal men had appointed for the servants of the Levites, two hundred and twenty temple-servants, the catalogue of all their names was showed.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And there I vowed a fast for the young men before our Lord, to desire of him a prosperous journey both for us and for our children and cattle that were with us:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
for I was ashamed to ask of the king footmen, and horsemen, and conduct for protection against our adversaries.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
For we had said to the king, that the power of our Lord would be with those who seek him, to support them in all ways.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then I separated twelve men of the chiefs of the priests,  Eserebias, and Assamias, and ten men of their kindred with them:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and I weighed them the silver, and the gold, and the holy vessels of the house of our Lord, which the king, and his counsellors, and the nobles, and all Israel, had given.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And when I had weighed it, I delivered to them six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels of a hundred talents, and a hundred talents of gold,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And I said to them, Both you° are holy to the Lord,  and the vessels are holy, and the gold and the silver are a vow to the Lord, the Lord of our fathers.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Watch you°, and keep them till you° deliver them to the chiefs of the priests and Levites, and to the principal men of the families of Israel, in Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of our Lord.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
So the priests and the Levites, who received the silver and the gold and the vessels which were in Jerusalem, brought them into the temple of the Lord.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And from the river Theras we departed the twelfth day of the first month, until we came to Jerusalem, by the mighty hand of our Lord which was upon us: and the Lord delivered us fromassault by the way, from every enemy, and so we came to Jerusalem.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And when we had been there three days, the silver and gold was weighed and delivered in the house of our Lord on the fourth day to  Marmoth the priest the son of  Urias.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And with him was Eleazar the son of Phinees, and with them were Josabdus the son of Jesus and  Moeth the son of Sabannus, the Levites: allwas delivered them by number and weight.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Moreover those who were come out of the captivity offered sacrifices to the Lord, the God of Israel, even twelve bullocks for all Israel, fourscore and sixteen rams,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
threescore and twelve lambs, goats for a peace offering, twelve; all of them a sacrifice to the Lord.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And they delivered the king’s commandments to the king’s stewards, and to the governors of Coelesyria and Phoenicia; and they honoured the people and the temple of the Lord.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
The nation of Israel, and the princes, and the priests and the Levites, have not put awayfrom them the strange people of the land,  nor the uncleannesses of the Gentiles,to wit, of the Canaanites, Hittites, Pherezites, Jebusites, and the Moabites, Egyptians, and Edomites.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
For both they and their sons have married with their daughters, and the holy seed is mixed with the strange people of the land; and from the beginning of this matter the rulers and the nobles have been partakers of this iniquity.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And as soon as I had heard these things, I tore my clothes, and my holy garment, and plucked the hair from off my head and beard, and sat me down sad and full of heaviness.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
So all those who were moved at the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, assembled to me, while I mourned for the iniquity: but I sat still full of heaviness until the evening sacrifice.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then rising up from the fast with my clothes and my holy garment tore, and bowing my knees, and stretching forth my hands to the Lord,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And for our sins and our fathers’ we with our kindred and our kings and our priests were given up to the kings of the earth, to the sword, and to captivity, and for a prey with shame, to this day.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And now in some measure has mercy been showed to us from you, O Lord, that there should be left us a root and a name in the place of your sanctuary;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and to discover to us a light in the house of the Lord our God,and to give us food in the time of our servitude.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Yes, when we were in bondage, we were not forsaken of our Lord; but he made us gracious before the kings of Persia, so that they gave us food,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and glorified the temple of our Lord, and raised up the desolate Sion, to give us a sure dwelling in Jewry and Jerusalem.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And now, O Lord, what shall we say, having these things? For we have transgressed your commandments, which you gave by the hand of your servants the prophets, saying,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
That the land, which you° enter into to possess as a heritage, is a land polluted with the pollutions of the strangers of the land, and they have filled it with their uncleanness.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Therefore now shall you° not join your daughters to their sons, neither shall you° take their daughters to your sons.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Neither shall you° seek to have peace with them forever, that you° may be strong, and eat the good things of the land, and that you° may leave it for an inheritance to your children for evermore.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And all that is befallen is done to us for our wicked works and great sins: for you, O Lord, did make our sins light,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and did give to us such a root:but we have turned back again to transgress your law, in mingling ourselves with the uncleanness of the heathen of the land.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Behold, now are we before you in our iniquities, for we can’t stand any longer before you by reason of these things.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And as Esdras in his prayer made his confession, weeping, and lying flat upon the ground before the temple, there gathered to him from Jerusalem a very great throng of men and women and children: for there was great weeping amongst the multitude.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then Jechonias the son of Jeelus, one of the sons of Israel, called out, and said, O Esdras, we have sinned against the Lord God, we have married strange women of the heathen of the land, and now is all Israel  aloft.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Let’s make an oath to the Lord herein, that we will put away all our wives, whichwe have taken of the strangers, with their children,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Arise, and put in execution: for to you does this matter appertain, and we will be with you to do valiantly.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
So Esdras arose, and took an oath of the chief of the priests and Levites of all Israel to do after these things; andso they sware.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and lodged there, and did eat no bread nor drink water, mourning for the great iniquities of the multitude.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And there was made proclamation in all Jewry and Jerusalem to all those who were of the captivity, that they should be gathered together at Jerusalem:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and that whoever met not there within two or three days, according as the elders that bare rule appointed, their cattle should be seized to the use of the temple, and himself cast out from the multitude of those who were of the captivity.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And in three days were all they of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin gathered together at Jerusalem: this was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And all the multitude sat together trembling in the broad place before the temple because of the present foul weather.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
So Esdras arose up and said to them, you° have transgressed the law and married strange wives to increase the sins of Israel.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
But forasmuch as the multitude is great, and it is foul weather, so that we can’t stand without, and this is not a work of one day or two, seeing our sin in these things is spread far:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
therefore let the rulers of the multitude stay, and let all them of our habitations that have strange wives come at the time appointed,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and with them the rulers and judges of every place, till we turn away the wrath of the Lord from us for this matter.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then Jonathan the son of Azael and  Ezekias the son of Thocanus accordingly took the matter upon them: and Mosollamus and Levis and Sabbateus were assessors to them.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And Esdras the priest chose to him principal men of their families, all by name: and on the new moon of the tenth month they were shut in together to examine the matter.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
of the sons of Jesus the son of Josedek, and his kindred;  Mathelas, and Eleazar, and  Joribus, and  Joadanus.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And they gave their hands to put away their wives, andto offer rams to make reconciliation for their error.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And of the sons of Emmer; Ananias, and Zabdeus, and  Manes, and  Sameus, and  Hiereel, and  Azarias.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And of the Levites; Jozabdus, and Semeis, and  Colius, who was called  Calitas, and  Patheus, and Judas, and Jonas.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Of Israel, of the sons of  Phoros;  Hiermas, and  Ieddias, and Melchias, and  Maelus, and Eleazar, and  Asibas, and Banneas.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And of the sons of Addi; Naathus, and Moossias, Laccunus, and Naidus, and Matthanias, and Sesthel, Balnuus, and Manasseas.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And of the sons of Asom;  Maltanneus, and  Mattathias, and  Sabanneus, Eliphalat, and Manasses, and Semei.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And of the sons of Baani; Jeremias, Momdis, Ismaerus, Juel, Mamdai, and Pedias, and Anos, Carabasion, and Enasibus, and Mamnitamenus, Eliasis, Bannus, Eliali, Someis, Selemias, Nathanias: and of the sons of Ezora; Sesis, Ezril, Azaelus, Samatus, Zambri, Josephus.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And the priests and Levites, and those who were of Israel, lived in Jerusalem, and in the country, on the new moon of the seventh month, and the children of Israel in their habitations.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And the whole multitude were gathered together with one accord into the broad place before the porch of the temple towards the east:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
and they said to Esdras the priest and reader, Bring the law of Moses, that was given of the Lord, the God of Israel.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
So Esdras the chief priest brought the law to the whole multitude both of men and women, and to all the priests, to hear the law on the new moon of the seventh month.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And he read in the broad place before the porch of the temple from morning to mid-day, before both men and women; and  all the multitude gave heed to the law.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And Esdras the priest and reader of the law stood up upon the pulpit of wood, which was madefor that purpose.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And there stood up by him Mattathias, Sammus, Ananias, Azarias, Urias,  Ezekias, Baalsamus, upon the right hand:


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then took Esdras the book of the law before the multitude, and sat honourably in the first place before all.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And when he opened the law, they stood all straight up. So Esdras blessed the Lord God Most High, the God of armies, Almighty.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
And all the people answered, Amen; and lifting up their hands they fell to the ground, and worshipped the Lord.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Also Jesus, Annus, Sarabias, Iadinus, Jacubus, Sabateus,  Auteas, Maiannas, and Calitas, Azarias, and Jozabdus, and Ananias, Phalias, the Levites, taught the law of the Lord,  and read to the multitude the law of the Lord, making them withal to understand it.


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then said Attharates to Esdras the chief priest and reader, and to the Levites that taught the multitude, even to all,


book: 1Esd
contenido:
Then they went their way, every one to eat and drink, and make merry, and to give portions to those who had nothing, and to make great cheer;


book: 1Esd
contenido:
because they  understood the words wherein they were instructed, and for the which they had been assembled.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The second book of the prophet Esdras, the son of Saraias, the son of Azaraias, the son of Helkias, the son of Salemas, the son of Sadoc, the son of Ahitob,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
the son of Achias, the son of Phinees, the son of Heli, the son of Amarias, the son of Aziei, the son of Marimoth, the son of Arna, the son of Ozias, the son of Borith, the son of Abissei, the son of Phinees, the son of Eleazar,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
the son of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi; which was captive in the land of the Medes, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of the Persians.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Go your way, and show my people their sinful deeds, and their children their wickedness which they have done against me; that they may tell their children’s children:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
because the sins of their fathers are increased in them: for they have forgotten me, and have done sacrifice to strange gods.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Did I not bring them out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage? but they have provoked me to wrath, and have despised my counsels.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Shake you then the hair of your head, and cast all evils upon them, for they have not been obedient to my law, but it is a rebellious people.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I have overthrown many kings for their sakes; I have struck down Pharoah with his servants and all his army.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I have destroyed all the nations before them, and in the east I have scattered the people of two provinces, even of Tyre and Sidon, and have slain all their adversaries.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The Lord says, of a truth I brought you through the sea, and where there was no path I made for you highways; I gave you Moses for a leader, and Aaron for a priest.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I gave you light in a pillar of fire, and great wonders have I done amongst you; yet have you° forgotten me, says the Lord.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The Lord Almighty says, The quails were for a token to you; I gave you a camp for your protection, nevertheless you° murmured there:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and you° triumphed not in my name for the destruction of your enemies, but ever to this day do you° yet murmur.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Where are the benefits that I have done for you? when you° were hungry and thirsty in the wilderness, did you° not cry to me,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
saying, Why have you brought us into this wilderness to kill us? it had been better for us to have served the Egyptians, than to die in this wilderness.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
When you° were thirsty, did I not cleave the rock, and waters flowed out to your fill? for the heat I covered you with the leaves of the trees.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I divided amongst you fruitful lands; I cast out the Canaanites, the Pherezites, and the Philistines, before you: what shall I yet do more for you? says the Lord.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The Lord Almighty says, When you° were in the wilderness, at the bitter river, being thirsty, and blaspheming my name,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
What shall I do to you, O Jacob? you, Judah, would not obey me: I will turn me to other nations, and I will give my name to them, that they may keep my statutes.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Seeing you° have forsaken me, I also will forsake you; when you° ask me to be merciful to you, I will have no mercy upon you.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Whenever you° shall call upon me, I will not hear you: for you° have defiled your hands with blood, and your feet are swift to commit manslaughter.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The Lord Almighty says, Have I not prayed you as a father his sons, as a mother her daughters, and a nurse her young babes,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
that you° would be my people, and I should be your God; that you° would be my children, and I should be your father?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I gathered you together, as a hengathers her chickens under her wings: but now, what shall I do to you? I will cast you out from my presence.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
When you° offer oblations to me, I will turn my face from you: for your solemn feast days, your new moons, and your circumcisions of the flesh, have I rejected.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I sent to you my servants the prophets, whom you° have taken and slain, and torn their bodies in pieces, whose blood I will requireof your hands, says the Lord.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And your children shall not be fruitful; for they have neglected my commandment  to you, and done that which is evil before me.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I will give your houses to a people that will come; which not having heard of me yet believe me; they to whom I have showed no signs shall do that which I have commanded.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I take to witness the grace of the people that shall come, whose little ones rejoice with gladness: and though they see me not with bodily eyes, yet in spirit they shall believe the thing that I say.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
to whom I will give for leaders, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Oseas, Amos, and Micheas, Joel, Abdias, and Jonas,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Nahum, and Abacuc, Sophonias, Aggaeus, Zachary, and Malachy, which is called also the angel of the Lord.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The Lord says, I brought this people out of bondage, and I gave them my commandments by my servants the prophets; whom they would not hear, but set my counsels at nothing.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I brought you up with gladness, and with sorrow and heaviness have I lost you: for you° have sinned before the Lord God, and done that which is evil before me.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
But what shall I now do to you? for I am a widow and forsaken: go your way, O my children, and ask mercy of the Lord.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
As for me, O father, I call upon you for a witness over the mother ofthese children, because they would not keep my covenant,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
that you bring them to confusion, and their mother to a plunder, that there may be no offspring of them.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Let them be scattered abroad amongst the heathen, let their names be blotted out of the earth: for they have despised my  covenant.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Woe to you, Assur, you that hide the unrighteous with you! O you wicked nation, remember what I did to Sodom and Gomorrah;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
whose land lies in clods of pitch and heaps of ashes: even so I will also do to those who have not listened to me, says the Lord Almighty.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The Lord says to Esdras, Tell my people that I will give them the kingdom of Jerusalem, which I would have given to Israel.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I will also take their glory me, and give these the everlasting tabernacles, which I had prepared for them.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
They shall have the tree of life for an ointment of sweet savour; they shall neither labour, nor be weary.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Ask, and you° shall receive: pray for few days to you, that they may be shortened: the kingdom is already prepared for you: watch.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Take heaven and earth to witness, take them to witness; for I have given up the evil, and created the good: for I live, says the Lord.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Mother, embrace your children; I will bring them out with gladness like a dove; establish their feet; for I have chosen you, says the Lord.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I will raise those who are dead up again from their places, and bring them out from their tombs: for I  have known my name in them.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For your help I will send my servants Esaias and Jeremy, after whose counsel I have sanctified and prepared for you twelve trees laden with various fruits,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and as many springs flowing with milk and honey, and seven mighty mountains, whereupon there grow roses and lilies, whereby I will fill your children with joy.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
heal the broken and the weak, laugh not a lame man to scorn, defend the maimed, and let the blind man come to the sight of my glory.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Wherever you find the dead, set a sign upon them and commit them to the grave, and I will give you the first place in my resurrection.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
As for the servants whom I have given you, there shall not one of them perish; for I will require them from amongst your number.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Be not careful overmuch: for when the day of suffering and anguish comes, others shall weep and be sorrowful, but you shall be merry and have abundance.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Remember your children that sleep, for I shall bring them out of the secret places of the earth, and show mercy to them: for I am merciful, says the Lord Almighty.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Embrace your children until I come, and proclaim mercy to them: for my wells run over, and my grace shall not fail.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I Esdras received a charge from the Lord upon the mount Horeb, that I should go to Israel; but when I came to them, they would none of me, and rejected the commandment of the Lord.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And therefore I say to you, O you° nations, that hear and understand, look for your shepherd, he shall give you everlasting rest; for he is near at hand, that shall come in the end of the world.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Be ready to the rewards of the kingdom, for the everlasting light shall shine upon you for evermore.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Flee the shadow of this world, receive the joyfulness of your glory: I call to witness my saviour openly.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
O receive that which is given you of the Lord, and be joyful, giving thanks to him that has called you to heavenly kingdoms.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Look upon your number, O Sion, and make up the reckoning of those of your that are clothed in white, which have fulfilled the law of the Lord.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The number of your children, whom you long for, is fulfilled: beseech the power of the Lord, that your people, which have been called from the beginning, may be hallowed.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I Esdras saw upon the mount Sion a great multitude, whom I could not number, and they all praised the Lord with songs.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And in the midst of them there was a young man of a high stature, taller than all the rest, and upon every one of their heads he set crowns, and was more exalted. I marvelled greatly at this.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
He answered and said to me, These be those who have put off the mortal clothing, and put on the immortal, and have confessed the name of God: now are they crowned, and receive palms.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then said I to the angel, What young man is he that sets crowns upon them, and gives them palms in their hands?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
So he answered and said to me, It is the Son of God, whom they have confessed in the world. Then began I greatly to commend those who stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then the angel said to me, Go your way, and tell my people what manner of things, and how great wonders of the Lord God you have seen.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
In the thirties year after the ruin of the city, I Salathiel (also called Esdras) was in Babylon, and lay troubled upon my bed, and my thoughts came up over my heart:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And my spirit was sore moved, so that I began to speak words full of fear to the Most High, and said,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
O Lord that bear rule, did you not not speak at the beginning, when you did fashion the earth, and that yourself alone, and command the  dust.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and it  gave you Adam, a body without a soul? yet it was the workmanship of your hands, and you did breathe into him the breath of life, and he was made living before you.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And to him you gave your one commandment: which he transgressed, and immediately you appointed death for him and in his generations; and there were born of him nations and tribes, peoples and kindred, out of number.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And every nation walked after their own will, and did ungodly things before you, and despisedyour commandments, and you didn’t forbid them.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Nevertheless again in process of time you brought the flood upon those that lived in the world, and destroyed them.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it came to pass that the same hap befell them; like as death was to Adam, so was the flood to these.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Nevertheless one of them you left, Noah with his household,even all the righteous menthat came of him.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it came to pass, that when those who lived upon the earth began to multiply, they multiplied also children, and peoples, and many nations, and began again to be more ungodly than the first.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it came to pass, when they did wickedly before you, you did choose you one from amongst them, whose name was Abraham;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And to him you gave Isaac, and to Isaac you gave Jacob and Esau. And you did set apart Jacob for yourself, but did put by Esau: and Jacob became a great multitude.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it came to pass, that when you led his seed out of Egypt, you brought them up to the mount Sinai.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
You bowed the heavens also, and did  shake the earth, and movedst the whole world, and made the depths to tremble, and troubled thecourse of that age.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And your glory went through four gates, of fire, and of earthquake, and of wind, and of cold; that you might give the law to the seed of Jacob, and the commandment to the generation of Israel.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And yet took you not away from themtheir  wicked heart, that your law might bring forth fruit in them.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For the first Adam bearing a  wicked heart transgressed, and was overcome;and not he only, but all they also that are born of him.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Thus disease was made permanent; and the law was in the heart of the people along with the  wickedness of the root; so the good departed away, and that which was  wicked abode still.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
So the times passed away, and the years were brought to an end: then did you raise you up a servant, called David,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
in all things doing even as Adam and all his generations had done: for they also bare a  wicked heart:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I said then in my heart, are their deeds any better that inhabit Babylon? and has she therefore dominion over Sion?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For it came to pass when I came here, that I saw also impieties without number, and my soul saw many evil-doers in this thirties year, so that my heart failed me.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For I have seen how you suffer them sinning, and have spared the ungodly doers, and have destroyed your people, and have preserved your enemies; and you have not signified


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Or is there any other nation that knows you beside Israel? or what tribes have so believed your covenants as thesetribes of Jacob?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And yet their reward appears not, and their labour has no fruit: for I have gone here and there through the nations, and I see that they aboundin wealth, and think not upon your commandments.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Weigh you therefore our iniquities now in the balance, and theirs also that dwell in the world; and so shall it be found which way the scale inclines.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Or when was it that they which dwell upon the earth have not sinned in your sight? or what nation has so kept your commandments?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
You shall find that menwho may be reckoned by name have kept your precepts; but nations you shall not find.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and said to me, your heart has utterly failed you inregarding this world, and think you to comprehend the way of the Most High?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then said I, Yes my Lord.
And he answered me, and said, I am sent to show you three ways, and to set forth three similitudes before you:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
whereof if you can declare me one, I also will show you the way that you desire to see, and I will teach you wherefore the heart is  wicked.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I said, say on, my Lord.
Then said he to me, Go to, weigh me a weight of fire, or measure me a  measure of wind, or call me again the day that is past.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then answered I and said, who of the sonsof men is able to do this, that you should ask me of such things?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he said to me, If I had asked you, saying, How many dwellings are there in the heart of the sea? or how many springs are there at the fountain head of the deep? or how many  ways are above the firmament? or which are the exits  of hell? or which are the paths of paradise?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
perhaps you would say to me, I never went down into the deep, nor as yet into hell, neither did I ever climb up into heaven.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Nevertheless now have I asked you but only of the fire and wind, and of the day, things wherethrough you have passed, and  without which you can not be, and yet have you given me no answer of them.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
how then can your vessel comprehend the way of the Most High? and how can he that is already worn out with the corrupted world understand  incorruption?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And when I heard these things I fell upon my face, and said to him, It were better that we were not here at all, than that we should come here and live in the midst of ungodliness, and suffer, and not know wherefore.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
He answered me, and said,  The woods of the trees of the field went forth, and took counsel together,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and said, Come! Let’s go and make war against the sea, that it may depart away before us, and that we may make us more woods.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The waves of the sea also in like manner took counsel together, and said, Come! Let’s go up and subdue the wood of the plain, that there also we may make us another country.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I answered and said, it is a foolish counsel that they both have taken, for the ground is given to the wood, and the place of the seais given to bear his waves.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then answered he me, and said, You have given a right judgement, and why judge you not in your own case?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For like as the ground is given to the wood, and the sea to his waves, even so those who dwell upon the earth may understand nothing but that which is upon the earth: and heonly that dwells above the heavensmay understand the things that are above the height of the heavens.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then answered I and said, I beseech you, O Lord,  wherefore is the power of understanding given to me?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For it was not in my mind to be curious of the ways above, but of such things as pass by us daily; because Israel is given up as a reproach to the heathen,and the people whom you have loved is given over to ungodly nations, and the law of our forefathers is made of none effect, and the written covenants are nowhereregarded,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and we pass away out of the world as grasshoppers, and our life is as a  vapour, neither are we worthy to obtain mercy.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then he answered me, and said, if you bealive you shall see, and if you live  long, you shall marvel; for the world hastens fast to pass away.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For it is not able to bear the things that are promised to the righteous in the timesto come: for this world is full of sadness and infirmities.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
If therefore that which is sown be not reaped, and if the place where the evil is sown pass not away, there can’t come the field where the good is sown.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For a grain of evil seed was sown in the heart of Adam from the beginning, and how much wickedness has it brought forth to this time! and how much shall it yet bring forth until the  time of threshing come!


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then I answered and said,  How long? and when shall these things come to pass? wherefore are our years few and evil?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he answered me, and said, You do not hasten more than the Most High: for your haste is  for your own self, but he that is abovehastens on behalf of many.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Did not the souls of the righteous ask question of these things in their chambers, saying, How long  are we here? when comes the fruit of the  threshing time of our reward?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And to them Jeremiel the archangel gave answer, and said, Even when the number is fulfilled of those who are like to you. For he has weighed the world in the balance;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and by measure has he measured the times, and by number has he counted the seasons; and he shall not  move nor stir them, until the said measure be fulfilled.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and for our sakes perhaps it is that the  threshing time of the righteous is kept back, because of the sins of those who dwell upon the earth.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
So he answered me, and said, Go your way to a woman with child, and ask of her when she has fulfilled her nine months, if her womb may keep the birth any longer within her.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then said I, no, Lord, that can it not.
And he said to me, in the grave the chambers of souls are like the womb:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
for like as a woman that travails makes haste to escape the anguish of the travail: even so do these places haste to deliver those things that are committed to them from the beginning.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then answered I and said, if I have found favour in your sight, and if it be possible, and if I be meet therefore,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
show me this also, whether there be more to come than is past, or whether the more part is gone over us.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
so I stood, and saw, and, behold, a hot burning oven passed by before me: and it happened, that when the flame was gone by I looked, and, behold, the smoke remained still.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
After this there passed by before me a watery cloud, and sent down much rain with a storm; and when the stormy rain was past, the drops remained therein still.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then said he to me, Consider with yourself; as the rain is more than the drops, and the fire is greater than the smoke, so the quantity which is past did more exceed; but the drops and the smoke remained still.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
He answered me, and said, As for the tokens whereof you asked me, I may tell you of them in part: but as touching your life, I am not sent to show you; for I do not know it.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Nevertheless as concerning the tokens, behold, the days shall come, that they which dwell upon earth shall be taken  with great amazement, and the way of truth shall be hidden, and the land shall be barren of faith.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And the land, that you see now to have rule, shall be waste and  untrodden, and men shall see it desolate.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
But if the Most High grant you to live, you shall see that which is after the thirdkingdom to be troubled; and the sun shall suddenly shine forth in the night, and the moon in the day:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and blood shall drop out of wood, and the stone shall give his voice, and the peoples shall be troubled; andtheir goings shall be changed:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and he shall rule, whom those who dwell upon the earth look not for, and the fowls shall take their flight away together:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and the Sodomite sea shall cast out fish, and make a noise in the night, which many have not known: but all shall hear the voice thereof.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
There shall be chaos also in many places, and the fire shall be often sent out, and the wild beasts shall change their places, and women shall bring forth monsters:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and salt waters shall be found in the sweet, and all friends shall destroy one another; then shall wit hide itself, and understanding withdraw itself into its chamber;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and it shall be sought of many, and shall not be found: and unrighteousness and incontinency shall be multiplied upon earth.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
One land also shall ask another, and say, Is righteousness, is a man that does righteousness, gone through you? And it shall say, No.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it shall come to pass at that time that men shall hope, but shall not obtain: they shall labour, but their ways shall not prosper.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
To show you such tokens I have leave; and if you will pray again, and weep as now, and fast seven days, you shall hear yet greater things than these.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then I awaked, and an extreme trembling went through my body, and my mind was troubled, so that it fainted.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And in the second night it came to pass, that  Phaltiel the captain of the people came to me, saying, Where have you been? and why is your countenance sad?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Up then, and eat some bread, and forsake us not, as the shepherdthat leaves in the hands of cruel wolves.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then said I to him, Go your ways from me, and come not near me for seven days, and then shall you come to me. And he heard what I said, and went from me.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and my soul recovered the spirit of understanding, and I began to speak words before the Most High again,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and said, O Lord that bear rule, of all the woods of the earth, and of all the trees thereof, you have chosen you one vine:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and of all the lands of the world you have chosen you one  country: and of all the flowers of the world you have chosen you one lily:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and of all the depths of the sea you have filled you one river: and of all built cities you have hallowed Sion to yourself:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and of all the fowls that are created you have named you one dove: and of all the cattle that are made you have provided you one sheep:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and amongst all the multitudes of peoples you have gotten you one people: and to this people, whom you loved, you gave a law that is approved of all.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And now, O Lord, why have you given this one people over to many, and  have dishonoured the one root above others, and have scattered your only one amongst many?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I said, Speak on, my Lord. Then said he to me, You are sore troubled in mind for Israel’s sake: love you that people better than he that made them?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I said, No, Lord: but of very grief have I spoken: for my reins torment me every hour, while I labour to comprehend the way of the Most High, and to seek out part of his judgement.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he said to me, You can not. And I said, Wherefore, Lord, or whereunto was I born? or why was not my mother’s womb then my grave, that I might not have seen the travail of Jacob, and the wearisome toil of the stock of Israel?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he said to me, Number me those who are not yet come, gather me together the drops that are scattered abroad, make me the flowers green again that are withered,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
open me the chambers that are closed, and bring me forth the winds that in them are shut up, or show me the image of a voice: and then I will declare to you the travail that you asked to see.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I said, O Lord that bear rule, who may know these things, but he that has not his dwelling with men?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then said he to me, Just as you can do none of these things that I have spoken of, even so can you not find out my judgement, or the end of the love that I have promised to my people.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I said, But, behold, O Lord, you have made the promise to those who be in the end: and what shall they do that have been before us, or wethat be now, or those who shall come after us?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he said to me, I will liken my judgement to a ring: like as there is no slackness of those who are last, even so there is no swiftness of those who be first.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
So I answered and said, Couldest you not make themto be at once that have been made, and that be now, and that are for to come; that you might show your judgement the sooner?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then answered he me, and said, The creature may not haste above the creator; neither may the world hold them at once that shall be created therein.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I said, How have you said to your servant, that  you will surely make alive at once the creature that you have created?  If therefore they shall be alive at once, and the creature shall sustain them: even so it might now also support them to be present at once.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he said to me, Ask the womb of a woman, and say to her, If you bring forth ten children, whydo you it at several times? pray her therefore to bring forth ten children at once.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then said he to me, Even so have I given the womb of the earth to those that be sown therein in their several times.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For like as a young child may not bring forth, neither she that is grown oldbring forth any more, even so have I disposed the world which I created.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I asked, and said, Seeing you have now showed me the way, I will speak before you: Is our mother, of whom you have told me, still young? or does she now draw near to age?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Say to her, wherefore are not they whom you have now brought forth like those that were before, but less of stature?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And she also shall answer you, They that be born in the strength of youth are of one fashion, and those who are born in the time of age, when the womb fails, are otherwise.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And so are those who come after you less than you°, asborn of the creature which now begins to be old, and is past the strength of youth.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then said I, Lord, I beseech you, if I have found favour in your sight, show your servant by whom you visit your creature.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he said to me, In the beginning, when the earth was made, before the portals of the world were fixed, or ever the gatherings of the winds blew,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
before the voices of the thunder sounded and before the flashes of the lightning shone, or ever the foundations of paradise were laid,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
before the fair flowers were seen, or ever the powers of the earthquake were established, before the innumerable army of angels were gathered together,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
or ever the heights of the air were lifted up, before the measures of the firmament were named, or ever the footstool of Sion  was established,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and before the present years were sought out, and or ever the imaginations of those who now sin were estranged, before they were sealed that have gathered faith for a treasure:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
then did I consider these things, and they all were made through me alone, and through none other: as by me also they shall be ended, and by none other.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then answered I and said, what shall be the parting asunder of the times? or when shall be the end of the first, and the beginning of it that follows?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he said to me, From  Abraham to  Abraham, inasmuch as Jacob and Esau were born of him, for Jacob’s hand held the heel of Esau from the beginning.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The beginning of a man is his hand, and the end of a man is his heel; between the heel and the hand seek you nothing else, Esdras.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
when it speaks be you not afraid: for the word is of the end, and the foundations of the earth shall understand,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
that the speech is of them: they shall tremble and be moved: for they know that their end must be changed.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it happened, that when I had heard it I stood up upon my feet, and listened, and, behold, there was a voice that spoke, and the sound of it was like the sound of many waters.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it said, Behold, the days come, and it shall be that when I draw near to visit those who dwell upon the earth,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and when I shall make inquisition of those who have done hurt unjustly with their unrighteousness, and when the affliction of Sion shall be fulfilled,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and when the seal shall be set upon the world that is to pass away, then I will show these tokens: the books shall be opened before the firmament, and all shall see together:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and the children of a year old shall speak with their voices, the women with child shall bring forth untimely children at three or four months, and they shall live, and dance.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And suddenly shall the sown places appear unsown, the full storehouses shall suddenly be found empty:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
At that time shall friends make war one against another like enemies, and the earth shall stand in fear with those that dwell therein, the springs of the springs shall stand still, so that for three hours they shall not run.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it shall be that whoever remains after all these things that I have told you of, he shall be saved, and shall see my salvation, and the end of my world.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And they shall see the men that have been taken up, who have not tasted death from their birth: and the heart of the inhabitants shall be changed, and turned into another meaning.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and faith shall flourish, and corruption shall be overcome, and the truth, which has been so long without fruit, shall be declared.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
If therefore you will pray yet again, and fast seven days more, I shall yet  tell you greater things than these.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For your voice has surely been heard before the Most High: for the Mighty has seen your righteous dealing, he has seen aforetime also your chastity, which you have had ever since your youth.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And therefore has he sent me to show you all these things, and to say to you, Be of good comfort, and fear not.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And be not hasty inregard of the former times, to think vain things, that you may not hasten in the latter times.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it came to pass after this, that I wept again, and fasted seven days in like manner, that I might fulfil the three weeks which he told me.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And in the eighth night was my heart vexed within me again, and I began to speak before the Most High.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I said, O Lord, of a truth you spoke at the beginning of the creation, upon the first day, and said thus; Let heaven and earth be made; and your word perfected the work.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And then was the spirit hovering, and darkness and silence were on every side; the sound of man’s voice was not yet.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then command you a ray of light to be brought forth of your treasures, that then your works might appear.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Upon the second day again you made the spirit of the firmament and commanded it to part asunder, and to make a division between the waters, that the one part might go up, and the other remain beneath.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Upon the third day you did command that the waters should be gathered together in the seventh part of the earth: six parts did you dry up, and keep them, to the intent that of these some being both planted and tilled might serve before you.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For immediately there came forth great and innumerable fruit, and manifold pleasures for the taste, and flowers of inimitable colour, and odours of most exquisite smell: and this was done the third day.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Upon the fourth day you commanded that the sun should shine, and the moon give her light, and the stars should be in their order:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Upon the fifth day you said to the seventh part, where the water was gathered together, that it should bring forth living creatures, fowls and fishes: and so it came to pass,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
that the mute water and without life brought forth living things as it was told, that the peoples might therefore praise your wondrous works.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then did you preserve two living creatures, the one you calledst Behemoth, and the other you calledst Leviathan:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and you did separate the one from the other: for the seventh part, namely, where the water was gathered together, might not hold them both.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
To Behemoth you gave one part, which was dried up on the third day, that he should dwell in it, wherein are a thousand hills:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
but to Leviathan you gave the seventh part, namely, the moist; and you have kept them to be devoured of whom you will, and when.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
But upon the sixth day you gave commandment to the earth, that it should bring forth before you cattle, beasts, and creeping things:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and over these Adam, whom you ordain lord over all the works that you have made: of him come we all, the people whom you have chosen.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
All this have I spoken before you, O Lord, because you have said that for our sakes you made  this world.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
As for the other nations, which also come of Adam, you have said that they are nothing, and are like to spittle: and you have likened the abundance of them to a drop that falls from a vessel.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And now, O Lord, behold these nations, which are reputed as nothing, be lords over us, and devour us.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
But we your people, whom you have called your firstborn, your only begotten, and your fervent lover, are given into their hands.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
If the world now be made for our sakes, why do we not possess for an inheritance our world? How long shall this endure?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And when I had made an end of speaking these words, there was sent to me the angel which had been sent to me the nights before:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I said, Speak on, my Lord. Then he said to me, There is a sea set in a wide place, that it might be  broad and vast.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
whoso then should desire to go into the sea to look upon it, or to rule it, if he went not through the narrow, how could he come into the broad?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
but the entrance thereof is narrow, and is set in a dangerous place to fall, having a fire on the right hand, and on the left a deep water:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and there is one only path between them both, even between the fire and the water,so small that there could but one man go there at once.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
If this city now be given to a man for an inheritance, if the heir pass not the danger before him, how shall he receive his inheritance?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Because for their sakes I made the world: and when Adam transgressed my statutes, then was decreed that now is done.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then were the entrances of this world made narrow, and sorrowful and toilsome: they are but few and evil, full of perils, and charged with great toils.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
If then those who live enter not these strait and vain things, they can never receive those that are laid up for them.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Now therefore why you disquiet yourself, seeing you are but a corruptible man? and why are you moved, whereas you are but mortal?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and why have you not considered in your mind that which is to come, rather than that which is present?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then answered I and said, O Lord that bear rule, behold, you have ordained in your law, that the righteous should inherit these things, but that the ungodly should perish.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The righteous therefore shall suffer strait things, and hope for wide: but those who have done wickedly  have suffered the strait things, and yet shall not see the wide.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he said to me,  You are not a judge above God, neither have you understanding above the Most High.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Yes, rather let many that now be perish, than that the law of God which is set before them be despised.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For God straitly commanded such as came, even as they came, what they should do to live, and what they should observe to avoid punishment.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Nevertheless they were not obedient to him; but spoke against him, and imagined for themselves vain things;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and framed cunning plans of wickedness; and said moreover of the Most High, that he is not; and knew not his ways:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
but they despised his law, and denied his covenants; they have not been faithful to his statutes, and have not performed his works.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For behold, the time shall come, and it shall be, when these tokens, of which I told you before, shall come to pass, that the bride shall appear, even the city coming forth, and she shall be seen, that now is withdrawn from the earth.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For my son Jesus shall be revealed with those that be with him, and shall rejoice those who remain four hundred years.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And the world shall be turned into the old silence seven days, like as in the first beginning: so that no man shall remain.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And after seven days the world, that yet awakens not, shall be raised up, and that shall die that is corruptible.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And the earth shall restore those that are asleep in her, and so shall the dust those that dwell therein in silence, and the  secret places shall deliver those souls that were committed to them.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And the Most High shall be revealed upon the seat of judgement,  and compassion shall pass away, and patience shall be withdrawn:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and the work shall follow, and the reward shall be showed, and good deeds shall awake, and wicked deeds shall not sleep.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And the  pit of torment shall appear, and near it shall be the place of rest: and the furnace of  shall be showed, and near it the paradise of delight.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And then shall the Most High say to the nations that are raised from the dead, See you° and understand whom you° have denied, or whom you° have not served, or whose commandments you° have despised.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Look on this side and on that: here is delight and rest, and there fire and torments. Thus  shall he speak to them in the day of judgement:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
neither cloud, nor thunder, nor lightning, neither wind, nor water, nor air, neither darkness, nor evening, nor morning,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
neither summer, nor spring, nor heat, nor  winter, neither frost, nor cold, nor hail, nor rain, nor dew,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
neither noon, nor night, nor dawn, neither shining, nor brightness, nor light, save only the splendour of the glory of the Most High, whereby all shall see the things that are set before them:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I answered, I said even then, O Lord, and I say now: blessed are those who are now alive and keep thestatutes ordained of you.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
But as touching them for whom my prayer was made,what shall I say? for who is there of those who are alive that has not sinned, and who of the sonsof men that has not transgressed your covenant?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For an evil heart has grown up in us, which has led us astray from thesestatutes, and has brought us into corruption and into the ways of death, has showed us the paths of perdition and removed us far from life; and that, not a few only, but well near all that have been created.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he answered me, and said, Listen to me, and I will instruct you; and I will admonish you yet again:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For whereas you have said that the just are not many, but few, and the ungodly abound, hearthe answer thereto.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
If you have exceedingly few choice stones,  will you set for you near them according to their numberthings of lead and clay?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he said to me, Not only this, but ask the earth, and she shall tell you; entreat her, and she shall declare to you.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For you shall say to her, You bring forth gold and silver and brass, and iron also and lead and clay:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
but silver is more abundant than gold, and brass than silver, and iron than brass, lead than iron, and clay than lead.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I said, O Lord that bear rule, that which is plentiful is of less worth, for that which is more rare is more precious.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he answered me, and said,  Weigh within yourself the things that you have thought, for he that has what is hard to get rejoices over him that has what is plentiful.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
So also is the  judgement which I have promised: for I will rejoice over the few that shall be saved, inasmuch as these are those who have made my glory now to prevail, and of whom my name is now named.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I will not grieve over the multitude of those who perish; for these are those who are now like to vapour, and are become as flame and smoke; they are set on fire and burn hotly, and are quenched.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I answered and said, O you earth, wherefore have you brought forth, if the mind is made out of dust, like as all other created things?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For it were better that the dust itself had been unborn, so that the mind might not have been made therefrom.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
But now the mind grows with us, and by reason of this we are tormented, because we perish and know it.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Let the race of men lament and the beasts of the field be glad; let all that are born lament, but let the four-footed beasts and the cattle rejoice.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For it is far better with them than with us; for they look not for judgement, neither do they know of torments or of salvation promised to them after death.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he answered me, and said, When the Most High made the world, and Adam and all those who came of him, he first prepared the Judgement and the things that pertain to the judgement.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
They therefore that dwell upon the earth shall be tormented for this reason, that having understanding they have done iniquity, and receiving commandments have not kept them, and having obtained a law they dealt unfaithfully with that which they received.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For how great a time has the Most High been patient with those who inhabit the world, and not for their sakes, but because of the times which he has foreordained!


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I answered and said, if I have found grace in your sight, O Lord, show this also to your servant, whether after death, even now when every one of us gives up his soul, we shall be kept in rest until those times come, in which you shall renew the creation, or whether we shall be tormented forthwith.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he answered me, and said, I will show you this also; but join not yourself with those who are scorners, nor count yourself with those who are tormented.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For you have a treasure ofgood works laid up with the Most High, but it shall not be showed you until the last times.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For concerning death the teaching is: When the determinate sentence has gone forth from the Most High that a man should die, as the spirit leaves the body to return again to him who gave it, it adores the glory of the Most High first of all.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And if it be one of those that have been scorners and have not kept the way of the Most High, and that have despised his law, and that hate those who fear  God,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
these spirits shall not enter into habitations, but shall wander and be in torments forthwith, ever grieving and sad, in seven ways.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The third way, they shall see the reward laid up for those who have believed the covenants of the Most High.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The fifth way, they shall see the dwelling places of the others guarded by angels, with great quietness.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The seventh way, which is  more grievous than all the aforesaid ways, because they shall pine away in confusion and be consumed with  shame, and shall be withered up by fears, seeing the glory of the Most High before whom they have sinned while living, and before whom they shall be judged in the last times.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Now this is the order of those who have kept the ways of the Most High, when they shall be separated from the corruptible vessel.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
In the time  that they lived therein they painfully served the Most High, and were in jeopardy every hour, that they might keep the law of the lawgiver perfectly.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
First of all they shall see with great joy the glory of him who takes them up, for they shall have rest in seven orders.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The first order, because they have laboured with great effort to overcome the evil thought which was fashioned together with them, that it might not lead them astray from life into death.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The second order, because they see the perplexity in which the souls of the ungodly wander, and the punishment that awaits them.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The third order, they see the witness which he that fashioned them bears concerning them, that while they lived they kept the law which was given them in trust.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The fourth order, they understand the rest which, being gathered in their chambers, they now enjoy with great quietness, guarded by angels, and the glory that awaits them in the last days.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The fifth order, they rejoice,seeing how they have now escaped from that which is corruptible, and how they shall inherit that which is to come, while they see moreover the straitness and the  painfulness from which they have been delivered, and the large room which they shall receive with joy and immortality.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The sixth order, when it is showed to them how their face shall shine as the sun, and how they shall be made like to the light of the stars, being henceforth incorruptible.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The seventh order, which is greater than all the aforesaid orders, because they shall rejoice with confidence, and because they shall be bold without confusion, and shall be glad without fear, for they hasten to behold the face of him whom in their lifetime they served, and from whom they shall receivetheir reward in glory.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
This is the order of the souls of the just, as from henceforth  is announcer to them,and aforesaid are the ways of torture which those who would not give heed shall suffer from henceforth.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I answered and said, shall time therefore be given to the souls after they are separated from the bodies, that they may see that whereof you have spoken to me?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he said, Their freedom shall be for seven days, that for seven days they may see the things whereof you have been told, and afterwards they shall be gathered together in their habitations.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I answered and said, if I have found favour in your sight, show further to me your servant whether in the day of judgement the just will be able to intercede for the ungodly or to entreat the Most High for them,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
whether fathers for children, or children for parents, or kindred for kindred, or kinsfolk for their next of kin, or  friends for those who are most dear.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he answered me, and said, Since you have found favour in my sight, I will show you this also: The day of judgement is  a day of decision, and displays to all the seal of truth; even as now a father sends not his son, or a son his father, or a master his slave, or a  friend him that is most dear, that in his stead he may  be sick, or sleep, or eat, or be healed:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
so never shall anyone pray for another  in that day, neither shall one lay a burden on another, for then shall everyone will each bear his own righteousness or unrighteousness.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I answered and said, How do we now find that first Abraham prayed for the people of Sodom, and Moses for the fathers that sinned in the wilderness:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and Samuel  in the days of Saul; and David for the plague: and Solomon for those whoshould worship in the sanctuary:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
If therefore now, when corruption is grown up, and unrighteousness increased, the righteous have prayed for the ungodly, wherefore shall it not be so then also?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
He answered me, and said, This present world is not the end; the full glory remains  not therein: therefore have they who were able prayed for the weak.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
But the day of judgement shall be the end of this time,  and the beginning of the immortality for to come, wherein corruption is passed away,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
intemperance is at an end, infidelity is cut off, but righteousness is grown, and truth is sprung up.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then shall no man be able to have mercy on him that is cast in judgement, nor to thrust down him that has gotten the victory.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I answered then and said, this is my first and last saying, that it had been better that the earth had not givenyou Adam: or else, when it had givenhim, to have restrained him from sinning.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For what profit is it for all that are in this present time to live in heaviness, and after death to look for punishment?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
O you Adam, what have you done? For though it was you that sinned, the evil is not fallen on you alone, but upon all of us that come of you.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For what profit is it to us, if there be promised us an immortal time, whereas we have done the works that bring death?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And that there is promised us an everlasting hope, whereas ourselves most miserably are become vain?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And that the glory of the Most High shall defend them which have led a pure life, whereas we have walked in the most wicked ways of all?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And that there shall be showed a paradise, whose fruit endures without decay, wherein is abundance and healing, but we shall not enter into it,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And that the faces of them which have used abstinence shall shine above the stars, whereas our faces shall be blacker than darkness?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For while we lived and committed iniquity, we considered not what we should have to suffer after death.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then he answered and said, This is the  condition of the battle, which man that is born upon the earth shall fight;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
that, if he be overcome, he shall suffer as you have said: but if he get the victory, he shall receive the thing that I say.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For this is the way whereof Moses spoke to the people while he lived, saying, Choose you life, that you may live.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Nevertheless they believed not him, nor yet the prophets after him, no, nor me which have spoken to them;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
so that there shall not be such heaviness in their destruction, as there shall be joy over those who are persuaded to salvation.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I answered then and said, I know, Lord, that the Most High is now called merciful, in that he has mercy upon them which are not yet come into the world;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and of great mercy, for that he multiplies more and more mercies to those who are present, and that are past, and also to them which are to come;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and one that forgives, for if he didn’t forgive of his goodness, that they which have committed iniquities might be eased of them, the ten thousandth part of men would not remain living;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and a judge,for if he didn’t pardon those who were created by his word, and blot out the multitude of  offences,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he answered me, and said, The Most High has made this world for many, but the world to come for few.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I will tell you now a similitude, Esdras; As when you asks the earth, it shall say to you, that it gives very much mould whereof earthen vessels are made, and little dust that gold comes of: even so is the course of the present world.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For you  are come here without your will, and depart when you would not: for there is given you no longer space than only to live a short time.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
O Lord, that are over us, suffer your servant, that we may pray before you, and give us seed to our heart, and culture to our understanding, that there may come fruit of it, whereby every one shall live that is corrupt, who bears the  likeness of a man.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Forasmuch as you quicken the body that is fashioned now in the womb, and give it members, your creature is preserved in fire and water, and nine months does your workmanship endure your creature which is created in her.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
But that which keeps and that which is kept shall both be kept  by your keeping: and when the womb gives up again that which has grown in it,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
you have commanded that out of the parts of the body, that is to say, out of the breasts, be given milk, which is the fruit of the breasts,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
that the thing which is fashioned may be nourished for a time, and afterwards you shall order it in your mercy.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Yes, you have brought it up in your righteousness, and nurtured it in your law, and corrected it with your judgement.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
If therefore you shall  lightly and suddenly destroy him which with so great labour was fashioned by your commandment, to what purpose was he made?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Now therefore I will speak; touching man in general, you know best; but touching your peopleI will speak, for whose sake I am sorry;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and for your inheritance, for whose cause I mourn; and for Israel, for whom I am heavy; and for the seed of Jacob, for whose sake I am troubled;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
therefore I will begin to pray before you for myself and for them: for I see the falls of us that dwell in the land;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Therefore hear my voice, and understand my saying, and I will speak before you.
The beginning of the words of Esdras, before he was taken up. And he said,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
whose throne is inestimable; whose glory may not be comprehended; before whom the army of angels stand with trembling,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
at whose bidding they are changed to wind and fire; whose word is sure, and sayings constant; whose ordinance is strong, and commandment fearful;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
whose look dries up the depths, and whose indignation makes the mountains to melt away, and whose truth bears witness:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
attend to my words, for so long as I live I will speak, and so long as I have understanding I will answer.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Regard not the doings of those who deal wickedly, but of those who have kept your covenants in affliction.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Think not upon those that have walked feignedly before you; but remember them which have willingly known your fear.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Let it not be your will to destroy them which have lived like cattle; but look upon those who have  clearly taught your law.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Take you no indignation at them which are deemed worse than beasts; but love those who have always put their trust in your glory.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For we and our fathers have  passed our lives in  ways that bring death: but you because of us sinners  are called merciful.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For if you have a desire to have mercy upon us, then shall you be called merciful, to us, namely, that have no works of righteousness.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For what is man, that you should take displeasure at him? or what is a corruptible race, that you should be so bitter towards it?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For in truth there is no man amongst those who are born, but he has dealt wickedly; and amongst them  that have lived there is none which have not done amiss.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For in this, O Lord, your righteousness and your goodness shall be declared, if you be merciful to them which have no store of good works.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then answered he me, and said, Some things have you spoken aright, and according to your words so shall it come to pass.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For indeed I will not think on the fashioning of them which have sinned, or their death, their judgement, or their destruction;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
but I will rejoice over the framing of the righteous, their pilgrimage also, and the salvation, and the reward, that they shall have.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For as the husbandman sows much seed upon the ground, and plants many trees, and yet not all that is sown shall  come up in due season, neither shall all that is planted take root: even so those who are sown in the world shall not all be saved.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Forasmuch as the husbandman’s seed, if it come not up, seeing that it has not received your rain in due season, or if it be corrupted through too much rain,  so perishes;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
likewise man, which is formed with your hands, and is called your own image, because he is made liketo you, for whose sake you have formed all things, even him have you made like to the husbandman’s seed.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Be not angry with us, but spare your people, and have mercy upon your inheritance; for you have mercy upon your own creation.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then answered he me, and said, Things present are for those who now be, and things to come for such as shall be hereafter.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For you come far short that you should be able to love my creature more than I. But you have brought yourself full near to the unrighteous.Let this neverbe.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
in that you have humbled yourself, as it becomes you, and have not judged yourselfworthy to be amongst the righteous, so as to be much glorified.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For many grievous miseries shall fall on those who in the last times dwell in the world, because they have walked in great pride.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For to you is paradise opened, the tree of life planted, the time to come is prepared, plenteousness is made ready, a city is built, and rest is  allowed, goodness is perfected, wisdom being perfect beforehand.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The rootof evil is sealed up from you, weakness is done away from you, and  [death] is hidden; hell and corruption are fled into forgetfulness:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For when they had received liberty, they despised the Most High, thought scorn of his law, and forsook his ways.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For as the things aforesaid shall receive you, so thirst and pain which are preparedshall receive them: for the Most High willed not that men should come to nothing:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
but they which be created have themselves defiled the name of him that made them, and were unthankful to him which prepared life for them.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Behold, O Lord, now have you showed me the multitude of the wonders, which you will do in the last times: but at what time, you have not showed me.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he answered me, and said, Measure you diligently within yourself: and when you see that a certain part of the signs are past, which have been told you beforehand,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
then shall you understand, that it is the very time, wherein the Most High will visit the world which was made by him.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And when there shall be seen in the world earthquakes, disquietude of peoples, plans of nations, wavering of leaders, disquietude of princes,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
then shall you understand, that the Most High spoke of these things from the days that were aforetime from the beginning.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
so also are the times of the Most High: the beginnings are manifest in wonders and mighty works, and the end in effects and signs.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And everyone that shall be saved, and shall be able to escape by his works, or by faith, whereby he has believed,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
shall be preserved from the said perils, and shall see my salvation in my land, and within my borders, which I have sanctified for me from the beginning.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then shall they be amazed, which now have abused my ways: and those who have cast them away despitefully shall dwell in torments.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and as many as have scorned my law, while they had yet liberty, and, when as yet place of repentance was open to them, understood not, but despisedit,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And therefore be you no longer curious how the ungodly shall be punished; but enquire how the righteous shall be saved,  they whose the worldis, and for whom the worldwas created.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I have said before, and now do speak, and will speak it also hereafter, that there be more of them which perish, than of the which will be saved:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he answered me, saying, Just as the field is, so also the seed; and as the flowers be, such are the colours also; and such as the work is, such also is the  judgementon it; and as is the husbandman, so is his threshing floor also. For there was a time in the world,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
even then when I was preparing for those who now live, before the world was made for them to dwell in; and then no man spoke against me,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
for  there was not any: but now they which are created in this world that is prepared, both  with a table that fails not, and a law which is unsearchable, are corrupted in their manners.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
So I considered my world, and, behold, it was destroyed, and my earth, and, behold, it was in peril, because of the plans that had come into it.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I saw, and spared them, but not greatly, and saved me a grape out of a cluster, and a plant out of  a great forest.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Let the multitude perish then, which was born in vain; and let my grape be saved, and my plant; for with great labour have I made them perfect.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
but shall go into a field of flowers, where no house is built, and eat only of the flowers of the field; and you shall taste no flesh, and shall drink no wine, butshall eat flowers only;)


book: 2Esd
contenido:
So I went my way, like as he commanded me, into the field which is called  Ardat; and there I sat amongst the flowers, and did eat of the herbs of the field, and its meat satisfied me.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it came to pass after seven days that I lay upon the grass, and my heart was vexed again, like as before:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
O Lord, you did show yourself amongst us, to our fathers in the wilderness, when they went forth out of Egypt, and when they came into the wilderness, where no man treads and that bears no fruit;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For, behold, I sow my law in you, and it shall bring forth fruit in you, and you° shall be glorified in it forever.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
But our fathers, which received the law, kept it not, and observed not the statutes: and the fruit of the law didn’t perish, neither could it, for it was your;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And, behold, it is a custom, that when the ground has received seed, or the sea a ship, or any vessel meat or drink, and when it comes to pass that that which is sown, or that which is launched,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
or the things which have been received, should come to an end, these come to an end, but the receptacles remain: yet with us it has not happened so.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And when I spoke these things in my heart, I looked about me with my eyes, and upon the right side I saw a woman, and, behold, she mourned and wept with a loud voice, and was much grieved in mind, and her clothes were tore, and she had ashes upon her head.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And she said to me, Let me alone, my Lord, that I may bewail myself, and add to my sorrow, for I am sore vexed in my mind, and brought very low.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And every hour and every day these thirty years did I make my prayer to the Most High day and night.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it came to pass after thirty years that God heard me your handmaid, and looked upon my low estate, and considered my trouble, and gave me a son: and I rejoiced in him greatly, I and my husband, and all my  neighbours: and we gave great honour to the Mighty.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it so came to pass, that when my son was entered into his wedding chamber, he fell down, and died.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then we all overthrew the lights, and all my  neighbours rose up to comfort me: and I remained quiet to the second day at night.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it came to pass, when they had all left off to comfort me, to the end I might be quiet, then rose I up by night, and fled, and came here into this field, as you see.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I do now purpose not to return into the city, but here to stay, and neither to eat nor drink, but continually to mourn and to fast until I die.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
It is right now to mourn very sore, seeing we all mourn, and to be sorrowful, seeing we are all in sorrow, but you sorrowest for one son.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For ask the earth, and she shall tell you, that it is she which ought to mourn for so many that grow upon her.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For out of her all had their beginnings, and others shall come; and, behold, they walk almost all into destruction, and the multitude of them is utterly rooted out.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Who then should make more mourning,  she, that has lost so great a multitude, or you, which are grieved but for one?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
but if you say to me, My lamentation is not like the earth’s, for I have lost the fruit of my womb, which I brought forth with pains, and bare with sorrows:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
butit is with the earth after the manner of the earth; the multitude present in it is gone, as it came:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
then say I to you, Just as you have brought forth with sorrow; even so the earth also has given her fruit, namely, man, ever since the beginning to him that made her.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Now therefore keep your sorrow to yourself, and bear with a good courage the adversities which have befallen you.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For if you shall acknowledge the decree of God to be just, you shall both receive your son in time, and shall be praised amongst women.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Do not so, but suffer yourself to be prevailed on by reason of the adversities of Sion; and be comforted by reason of the sorrow of Jerusalem.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
our lute is brought low, our song is put to silence, our rejoicing is at an end; the light of our candlestick is put out, the ark of our covenant is plundered, our holy things are defiled, and the name that is called upon us is profaned; our freemen are despitefully treated, our priests are burnt, our Levites are gone into captivity, our virgins are defiled, and our wives ravished; our righteous men carried away, our little ones betrayed, our young men are brought into bondage, and our strong men are become weak;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and, what is more than all, the seal of Sion—for she has now lost the seal of her honour, and is delivered into the hands of those who hate us.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
You therefore shake off your great heaviness, and put away from you the multitude of sorrows, that the Mighty may be merciful to you again, and the Most High may give you rest, even ease from your travails.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it came to pass, while I was talking with her, behold, her face upon a sudden shined exceedingly, and her countenance glistered like lightning, so that I was sore afraid  of her, and mused what this might be;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I looked, and, behold, the woman appeared to me no more, but there was a city built, and a place showed itself from large foundations: then was I afraid, and cried with a loud voice, and said,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Where is Uriel the angel, who came to me at the first? for he has caused me to fall into this great trance, and my end is turned into corruption, and my prayer to rebuke.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And as I was speaking these words, behold, the angel who had come to me at the first came to me, and he looked upon me:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and, behold, I lay as one that had been dead, and my understanding was taken from me; and he took me by the right hand, and comforted me, and set me upon my feet, and said to me,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
What ails you? and why are you so disquieted? and why is your understanding troubled, and the thoughts of your heart?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I said, Because you have forsaken me: yet I did according to your words, and went into the field, and, behold, I have seen, and yet see, that which I am not able to express.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he answered me, and said, Hear me, and I shall inform you, and tell you concerning the things whereof you are afraid: For the Most High has revealed many secret things to you.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
He has seen that your way is right: for that you sorrowest continually for your people, and make great lamentation for Sion.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The woman which appeared to you a little while ago, whom you saw mourning, and began to comfort her:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and whereas she said to you, that she has been thirty years barren,it is, because there were three  thousand years in the world wherein there was no offering as yet offered in her.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it came to pass after three  thousand years that Solomon built the city, and offered offerings: then it was that the barren bare a son.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And whereas she said to you, My son coming into his marriage chamber died, and that misfortune befell her: this was the destruction that came to Jerusalem.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And, behold, you saw her likeness, how she mourned for her son, and you began to comfort her for what has befallen her;  these were the things to be opened to you.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For now the Most High, seeing that you are grieved unfeignedly, and suffer from your whole heart for her, has showed you the brightness of her glory, and the attractiveness of her beauty:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For in the place wherein the city of the Most High was to be showed, the work of no man’s building could stand.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Therefore fear you not, nor let your heart be affrighted, but go your way in, and see the beauty and greatness of the building, as much as your eyes be able to see:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and so shall the Most High show you those visions in dreams, of what the Most High will do to those who dwell upon earth in the last days. So I slept that night and another, like as he commanded me.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it came to pass the second night that I saw a dream, and, behold, there came up from the sea an eagle, which had twelve feathered wings, and three heads.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I saw, and, behold, she spread her wings over all the earth, and all the winds of heaven blew on her,  and the clouds were gathered together against her.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I saw, and out of her wings there grewother wings near them; and they became little wings and small.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
But her heads were at rest: the head in the midst was greater than the other heads, yet rested it with them.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Moreover I saw, and, behold, the eagle flew with her wings, to reign over the earth, and over those who dwell therein.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I saw how all things under heaven were subject to her, and no man spoke against her, no, not one creature upon earth.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and so it was, that when it reigned, the end of it came, and it appeared not, so that the place thereof appeared no more: and the next following rose up, and reigned, and it ruled a great time;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and it happened, that when it reigned, the end of it came also, so that it appeared no more, like as the first.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Hear you that have borne rule over the earth all this time: this I proclaim to you, before you shall appear no more,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
So went it with all the wings one after another, as that every one bare rule, and then appeared no more.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I saw, and, behold, in process of time the  wings that followed were set up upon the  right side, that they might rule also; and some of them ruled, but within a while they appeared no more:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and there was no more left upon the eagle’s body, but the three heads that rested, and six little wings.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I saw, and, behold, two little wings divided themselves from the six, and remained under the head that was upon the right side: but four remained in their place.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and while they so thought, behold, there awaked one of the heads that were at rest,namely, it that was in the midst; for that was greater than the twoother heads.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And, behold, the head was turned with those who were with it, and did eat up the two  under wings that thought to have reigned.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
But this head held the whole earth in possession, and bare rule over those that dwell therein with much oppression; and it had the governance of the world more than all the wings that had been.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And after this I saw, and, behold, the head also that was in the midst suddenly appeared no more, like as the wings.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
But there remained the two heads, which also in like sort reigned over the earth, and over those that dwell therein.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I saw, and, behold, as it were a lion roused out of the wood roaring: and I heard how that he sent out a man’s voice to the eagle, and spoke, saying,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Are not you it that remain of the four beasts, whom I made to reign in my world, that the end of my times might come through them?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And the fourth came, and overcame all the beasts that were past, and held the world in governance with great trembling, and the whole compass of the earth with grievous oppression; and so long time lived he upon the earth with deceit.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For you have afflicted the meek, you have hurt the peaceful, you have hated those who speak truth, you have loved liars, and destroyed the dwellings of those who brought forth fruit, and cast down the walls of such as did you no harm.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The Most High also has looked upon his times, and, behold, they are ended, and his ages are fulfilled.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And therefore appear no more, you eagle, nor your horrible wings, nor your evil little wings, nor your cruel heads, nor your hurtful talons, nor all your vain body:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
that all the earth may be refreshed, and be eased, being delivered from your violence, and that she may hope for the judgement and mercy of him that made her.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and, behold, the head that remained appeared no more, and  the two wings which went over to it arose and set themselves up to reign, and their kingdom was small, and full of uproar.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I saw, and, behold, they appeared no more, and the whole body of the eagle was burnt, so that the earth was in great fear: then awaked I by reason of great ecstasy of mind, and from great fear, and said to my spirit,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Behold, I am yet weary in my mind, and very weak in my spirit; nor is there the least strength in me, for the great fear wherewith I was affrighted this night.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I said, O Lord that bear rule, if I have found favour in your sight, and if I am justified with you above many others, and if my prayer indeed be come up before your face;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
strengthen me then, and show me your servant the interpretation and plain meaning of this fearful vision, that you may perfectly comfort my soul.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The eagle, whom you saw come up from the sea, is the fourth kingdom which appeared in vision to your brother Daniel.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Behold, the days come, that there shall rise up a kingdom upon earth, and it shall be feared above all the kingdoms that were before it.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And whereas you heard a voice which spoke, not going out from the heads, but from the midst of the body thereof, this is the interpretation:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
That  after the time of that kingdom there shall arise no small contentions, and it shall stand in peril of falling: nevertheless it shall not then fall, but shall be restored again to its first estate.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And two of them shall perish, when the middle time approaches: four shall be kept for a while until the time of the ending thereof shall approach: but two shall be kept to the end.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
In the last days thereof shall the Most High raise up three  kingdoms, and renew many things therein, and they shall bear rule over the earth,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and over those that dwell therein, with much oppression, above all those that were before them: therefore are they called the heads of the eagle.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And whereas you saw that the great head appeared no more,it signifies that one of them shall die upon his bed, and yet with pain.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For the sword of the one shall devour him that was with him: but he also shall fall by the sword in the last days.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
this is the interpretation: These are they, whom the Most High has kept to his end: this is the small kingdom and full of trouble, as you saw.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And the lion, whom you saw rising up out of the wood, and roaring, and speaking to the eagle, and rebuking her for her unrighteousness, and all her words which you have heard;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
this is the anointed one, whom the Most High has kept to the end  [of days, who shall spring up out of the seed of David, and he shall come and speak] to them and reprove them for their wickedness and unrighteousness, and shall  heap up before them their contemptuous dealings.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For at the first he shall set them alive in his judgement, and when he has reproved them, he shall destroy them.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For the rest of my people shall he deliver with mercy, those that have been preserved throughout my borders, and he shall make them joyful until the coming of the end, even the day of judgement, whereof I have spoken to you from the beginning.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and you shall teach them to the wise of your people, whose hearts you know are able to comprehend and keep these secrets.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
But wait you here yourself yet seven days more, that there may be showed to you whatever it pleases the Most High to show you. And he departed from me.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it came to pass, when all the people  saw that the seven days were past, and I had not come again into the city, they gathered them all together, from the least to the greatest, and came to me, and spoke to me, saying,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
What have we offended you? and what evil have we done against you, that you have utterly forsaken us, and sit in this place?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For of all the prophets you only are left us, as a cluster of the vintage, and as a lamp in a dark place, and as a haven for a ship saved from the tempest.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
If you shall forsake us, how much better had it been for us, if we also had been consumed in the burning of Sion!


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For we are not better than those who died there. And they wept with a loud voice. And I answered them, and said,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
As for me, I have not forsaken you, neither am I departed from you: but am come into this place, to pray for the desolation of Sion, and that I might seek mercy for the low estate of your sanctuary.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
but I sat in the field seven days, asthe angel commanded me; and in those days I did eat only of the flowers of the field, and had my meat of the herbs.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I saw, and, behold,  [this wind caused to come up from the midst of the sea as it were the likeness of a man, and I saw, and, behold,] that man  flew with the clouds of heaven: and when he turned his countenance to look, all things trembled that were seen under him.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And whenever the voice went out of his mouth, all they burnt that heard his voice, like as the  wax melts when it feels the fire.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And after this I saw, and, behold, there was gathered together a multitude of men, out of number, from the four winds of heaven, to make war against the man that came out of the sea.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And after this I saw, and, behold, all they which were gathered together to fight against him were sore afraid, and yet dared fight.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And, behold, as he saw the assault of the multitude that came, he neither lifted up his hand, nor held spear, nor any instrument of war:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
but only I saw how that he sent out of his mouth as it had been a flood of fire, and out of his lips a flaming breath, and out of his tongue he cast forth sparks  of the storm.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And these were all mixed together; the flood of fire, the flaming breath, and the great storm; and fell upon the assault of the multitude which was prepared to fight, and burnt them up every one, so that upon a sudden of an innumerable multitude nothing was to be perceived, but only dust of ashes and smell of smoke: when I saw this I was amazed.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Afterward I saw the same man come down from the mountain, and call to him another multitude which was peaceful.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And there came  much people to him, whereof some were glad, some were sorry, some of them were bound, and other some brought of those who were offered: then through great fear I awaked, and prayed to the Most High, and said,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
You have showed your servant these wonders from the beginning, and have counted me worthy that you should receive my prayer:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For as I conceive in my understanding, woe to those who shall be left in those days! and much more woe to those who are not left!


book: 2Esd
contenido:
But woe to them also that are left, for this cause; for they shall see great perils and many necessities, like as these dreams declare.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Yet is it  better for one to be in peril and to come into  these things, than to pass away as a cloud out of the world, and not to see the things that  shall happen in the last days.
And he answered to me, and said,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The interpretation of the vision shall I tell you, and I will also open to you the things whereof you have made mention.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
He that shall  endure the peril in that time shall keep those who are fallen into danger, even such as have works, and faith towards the Almighty.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
These are the interpretations of the vision: Whereas you saw a man coming up from the midst of the sea,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
this is he whom the Most High has kept a great season, which by his own self shall deliver his creature: and he shall order those who are left behind.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and whereas he held neither spear, nor any instrument of war, but destroyed the assault of that multitude which came to fight against him; this is the interpretation:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And one shall think to war against another, city against city, place against place, people against people, and kingdom against kingdom.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it shall be, when these things shall come to pass, and the signs shall happen which I showed you before, then shall my Son be revealed, whom you sawas a man ascending.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it shall be, when all the nations hear his voice, every man shall leave his own land and the battle they have one against another.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And an innumerable multitude shall be gathered together, as you saw, desiring to come, and to fight against him.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And Sion shall come, and shall be showed to all men, being prepared and built, like as you saw the mountain graven without hands.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And this my Son shall rebuke the nations which are come for their wickedness,with plagues that are like to a tempest;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and shall taunt them to their face with their evil thoughts, and the torments wherewith they shall be tormented, which are likened to a flame: and he shall destroy them without labour by the law, which is likened to fire.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
these are the ten tribes, which were led away out of their own land in the time of Osea the king, whom Salmananser the king of the Assyrians led away captive, and he carried them beyond the River, and they were carried into another land.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
But they took this counsel amongst themselves, that they would leave the multitude of the heathen, and go forth into a further country, where never mankind lived,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For the Most High then did signs for them, and stayed the springs of the River, till they were passed over.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For through that country there was a great way to go, namely, of a year and a half: and the same region is called  Arzareth.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
the Most High stays the springs of the River again, that they may go through: therefore saw you the multitude gathered together with peace.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
It shall be therefore when he shall destroy the multitude of the nations that are gathered together, he shall defend the people that remain.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then said I, O Lord that bear rule, show me this: wherefore I have seen the man coming up from the midst of the sea.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he said to me, like as one can neither seek out nor know what is in the deep of the sea, even so can no man upon earth see my Son, or those that be with him, but in the time of  his day.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
This is the interpretation of the dream which you saw, and for this you only are enlightened herein.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And therefore have I showed you this; for there is a reward laid up with the Most High: and it shall be, after other three days I will speak other things to you, and declare to you mighty and wondrous things.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then went I forth and passed into the field, giving praise and thanks greatly to the Most High because of his wonders, which he did from time to time;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and because he governs the time, and such things as fall in their seasons. And there I sat three days.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it came to pass upon the third day, I sat under an oak, and, behold, there came a voice out of a bush near me, and said, Esdras, Esdras.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then said he to me, In the bush I did manifestly reveal myself, and talked with Moses, when my people were in bondage in Egypt:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and I sent him, and  he led my people out of Egypt; and I brought him up to the mount of Sinai, where I held him by me for many days;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and told him many wondrous things, and showed him the secrets of the times, and the end of the seasons; and commanded him, saying,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Lay up in your heart the signs that I have showed, and the dreams that you have seen, and the interpretations which you have heard:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
for you shall be taken away from men, and from henceforth you shall remain with my Son, and with such as be like you, until the times be ended.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For the world is divided into twelve parts, and ten parts of it are gone already,  even the half of the tenth part:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Now therefore set your house in order, and reprove your people, comfort the lowly amongst them,  and instruct such of them as be wise, and now renounce the life that is corruptible,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and let go from the mortal thoughts, cast away from you the burdens of man, put off now your weak nature,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For look, how much the world shall be weaker through age, so much the more shall evils increase upon those who dwell therein.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For the truth will withdraw itself further off, and falsehood will be hard at hand: for now hastens  the eagle to come, which you saw in vision.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Behold, I will go, as you have commanded me, and reprove the people that now be: but those who shall be born afterward, who shall admonish them? for the world is set in darkness, and those who dwell therein are without light.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For your law is burnt, therefore no man knows the things that are done of you, or the works that shall be done.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
But if I have found favour before you, send the Holy Spirit to me, and I shall write all that has been done in the world since the beginning, even the things that were written in your law, that men may be able to find the path, and that they which would live in the latter days may live.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And he answered me and said, Go your way, gather the people together, and say to them, that they seek you not for forty days.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
But look you prepare you many tablets, and take with you Sarea, Dabria, Selemia, Ethanus, and Asiel, these five, which are ready to write swiftly;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and come here, and I shall light a lamp of understanding in your heart, which shall not be put out, till the things be ended which you shall write.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And when you have done, some things shall you publish openly, and some things shall you deliver in secret to the wise: tomorrow this hour shall you begin to write.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then was  the land, even the land of Sion, given you for a possession: but you° yourselves, and your fathers, have done unrighteousness, and have not kept the ways which the Most High commanded you.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And forasmuch as he is a righteous judge, he took from you for a while the thing that he had given you.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Therefore if so be that you° will rule over your own understanding, and instruct your hearts, you° shall be kept alive, and after death you° shall obtain mercy.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For after death shall the judgement come, when we shall live again: and then shall the names of the righteous be manifest, and the works of the ungodly shall be declared.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it came to pass on the next day that, behold, a voice called me, saying, Esdras, open your mouth, and drink what I give you to drink.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Then opened I my mouth, and, behold, there was reached to me a full cup, which was full as it were with water, but the colour of it was like fire.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And I took it, and drank: and when I had drunk of it, my heart uttered understanding, and wisdom grew in my breast, for my spirit retained its memory:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The Most High gave understanding to the five men, and they wrote by course the things that were told them, in  characters which they knew not, and they sat forty days: now they wrote in the day-time, and at night they ate bread.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And it came to pass, when the forty days were fulfilled, that the Most High spoke to me, saying, The first that you have written publish openly, and let the worthy and unworthy read it:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Behold, speak you in the ears of my people the words of prophecy, which I will put in your mouth, says the Lord:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Don’t be afraid of their imaginations against you, don’t let the unbelief of them that speak against you trouble you.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Behold, says the Lord, I bring evils upon the whole earth; sword and famine, and death and destruction.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I will hold my peace no more as touching their wickedness, which they profanely commit, neither will I suffer them in these things, which they wickedly practise: behold, the innocent and righteous blood cries to me, and the souls of the righteous cry out continually.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I will surely avenge them, says the Lord, and will receive to me all the innocent blood from amongst them.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Behold, my people is led as a flock to the slaughter: I will not suffer them now to dwell in the land of Egypt:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
but I will bring them out with a mighty hand and with a high arm, and will strike Egypt with plagues, as aforetime, and will destroy all the land thereof.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Let Egypt mourn, and the foundations thereof, for the plague of the chastisement and the punishment that God shall bring upon it.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Let the farmers that till the ground mourn: for their seeds shall fail and their trees shall be laid waste through the blasting and hail, and a terrible star.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
for the sword and their destruction draws near, and nation shall rise up against nation to battle with weapons in their hands.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For there shall be sedition amongst men; and waxing strong one against another, they shall not regard their king nor the chief of their great ones, in their might.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For because of their pride the cities shall be troubled, the houses shall be destroyed,and men shall be afraid.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
A man shall have no pity upon his neighbour, but shall make an assault on their houses with the sword, and plunder their goods, because of the lack of bread, and for great suffering.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Behold, says God, I call together all the kings of the earth, to stir up those who are from the rising of the sun, from the south, from the east, and Libanus; to turn themselves one against another, and repay the things that they have done to them.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Just as they do yet this day to my chosen, so I will do also, and recompense in their bosom. The Lord God says:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
My right hand shall not spare the sinners, and my sword shall not cease over those who shed innocent blood upon the earth.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And a fire is gone forth from his wrath, and has consumed the foundations of the earth, and the sinners, like the straw that is kindled.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For the Lord knows all those who trespass against him, therefore has he delivered them to death and destruction.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For now are the evils come upon the whole earth, and you° shall remain in them: for God shall not deliver you, because you° have sinned against him.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And the nations of the dragons of Arabia shall come out with many chariots, and from the day that they set forth the hissing of them is carried over the earth, so that all they which shall hear them may fear also and tremble.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Also the Carmonians raging in wrath shall go forth as the wild boars of the wood, and with great power shall they come, and join battle with them, and shall waste a portion of the land of the Assyrians with their teeth.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And then shall the dragons have the upper hand, remembering their  nature; and if they shall turn themselves, conspiring together in great power to persecute them,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And from the land of the Assyrians shall the lier in wait besiege them, and consume one of them, and upon their army shall be fear and trembling, and sedition against their kings.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Behold, clouds from the east and from the north to the south, and they are very horrible to look upon, full of wrath and storm.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
They shall dash one against another, and they shall pour out a plentiful  storm upon the earth, even their own star; and there shall be blood from the sword to the horse’s belly,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And there shall be fearfulness and great trembling upon earth: and they that see that wrath shall be afraid, and trembling shall take hold upon them.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And after this shall there be stirred up great storms from the south, and from the north, and another part from the west.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And strong winds shall arise from the east, and shall shut it up, even the cloud which he raised up in wrath; and the star that was to cause destruction by the east wind shall be violently driven towards the south and west.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And great clouds and mighty and full of wrath shall be lifted up, and the star, that they may destroy all the earth, and those who dwell therein; and they shall pour out over every high and eminent one a terrible star,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
fire, and hail, and flying swords, and many waters, that all plains may be full, and all rivers, with the abundance of those waters.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And they shall break down the cities and walls, mountains and hills, trees of the wood, and grass of the meadows, and their corn.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
They shall come to her, and compass her about; the star and all wrath shall they pour out upon her: then shall the dust and smoke go up to the heaven, and all those who are about her shall bewail her.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
woe to you, you wretch, because you have made yourself like to her; you have decked your daughters in whoredom, that they might please and glory in your lovers, which have always desired you to commit whoredom withal!


book: 2Esd
contenido:
I will send evils upon you; widowhood, poverty, famine, sword, and pestilence, to waste your houses to destruction and death.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And the glory of your power shall be dried up as a flower, when the heat shall arise that is sent over you.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
You shall be weakened as a poor woman with stripes, and as one chastened with wounds, so that your mighty ones andyour lovers you shall not be able to receive.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
if you had not always slain my chosen, exalting the stroke of your hands, and saying over their  dead, when you were drunken,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Just as you shall do to my chosen, says the Lord, even so shall God do to you, and shall deliver you into mischief.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And your children shall die of hunger, and you shall fall by the sword: and your cities shall be broken down, and all your shall perish by the sword in the field.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And those who are in the mountains shall die of hunger, and eat their own flesh, and drinktheir own blood, for very hunger of bread, and thirst of water.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And in the passage they shall rush on the  idle city, and shall destroy some portion of your land, and mar part of your glory, and shall return again to Babylon that was destroyed.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and shall devour you, and your cities, your land, and your mountains; all your woods and your fruitful trees shall they burn up with fire.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
They shall carry your children away captive, and shall plunder your wealth, and mar the glory of your face.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Gird up yourselves with sackcloth and garments of hair, and bewail your children, and lament; for your destruction is at hand.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
May one drive away a hungry lion in the wood? or may one quench the fire in stubble, when it has once begun to burn?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The earth quakes, and the foundations thereof; the sea arises up with waves from the deep, and the waves of it shall be troubled, and the fishes thereof also, at the presence of the Lord, and before the glory of his power:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
for strong is his right hand that bends the bow, his arrows that he shoots are sharp, and shall not miss, when they begin to be shot into the ends of the world.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Just as an arrow which is shot of a mighty archer returns not backward, even so the evils that are sent forth upon earth shall not return again.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The beginning of sorrows, andthere shall be great mourning; the beginning of famine, and many shall perish; the beginning of wars, and the powers shall stand in fear; the beginning of evils, and all shall tremble! what shall they do inall this when the evils shall come?


book: 2Esd
contenido:
But for all these things they shall not turn them from their wickedness, nor be always mindful of the scourges.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Behold, food shall be so good cheap upon earth, that they shall think themselves to be in good case, and even then shall evils grow upon earth, sword, famine, and great confusion.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For many of those who dwell upon earth shall perish of famine; and the other, that escape the famine, shall the sword destroy.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And the dead shall be cast out as dung, and there shall be no man to comfort them: for the earth shall be left desolate, and the cities thereof shall be cast down.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The grapes shall ripen, and who shall tread them? for inall places there shall be a great forsaking:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For of a city there shall be ten left, and two of the field, which have hidden themselves in the thick groves, and in the clefts of the rocks.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
or as when a vineyard is gathered there be some clusters left by those who diligently seek through the vineyard;


book: 2Esd
contenido:
even so in those days there shall be three or four left by those who search their houses with the sword.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And the earth shall be left desolate, and the fields thereof shall be for briers, and her ways and all her paths shall bring forth thorns, because no sheep shall pass therethrough.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
The virgins shall mourn, having no bridegrooms; the women shall mourn, having no husbands; their daughters shall mourn, having no helpers.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Just as a woman with child in the ninth month, when the hour of her delivery draws near, within two or three hours doleful pains surround her womb, and when the child comes forth from the womb, there shall be no waiting for a moment:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
even so shall not the evils be slack to come upon the earth, and the world shall groan, and sorrows shall take hold of it on every side.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
O my people, hear my word: make you ready to the battle, and in those evils be even as pilgrims upon the earth.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
he that occupies merchandise, as he that has no profit by it: and he that builds, as he that shall not dwell therein:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
he that sows, as if he should not reap: so also he that prunesthe vines, as he that shall not gather the grapes:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
for strangers shall reap their fruits, and plunder their goods, overthrow their houses, and take their children captive, for in captivity and famine shall they beget their children:


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and those who traffick traffick to become a plunder: the more they deck their cities, their houses, their possessions, and their own persons,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
so shall righteousness hate iniquity, when she decks herself, and shall accuse her to her face, when he comes that shall defend him that diligently searches out every sin upon earth.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For yet a little while, and iniquity shall be taken away out of the earth, and righteousness shall reign over us.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Let not the sinner say that he has not sinned: for he shall burn coals of fire upon his head, which says, I have not sinned before God and his glory.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Who has shut the sea in the midst of the waters, and with his word has he hanged the earth upon the waters.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Who has made in the desert springs of water, and pools upon the tops of the mountains, to send forth rivers from the height to water the earth.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Who framed man, and put a heart in the midst of the body, and gave him breath, life, and understanding,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
yes, the spirit of God Almighty. He who made all things, and searches out hidden things in hidden places,


book: 2Esd
contenido:
surely he knows your imagination, and what you° think in your hearts. Woe to those who sin, and would fain hide their sin!


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And when your sins are brought forth before men, you° shall be ashamed, and your own iniquities shall stand as your accusers in that day.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Behold, God is the judge, fear him: leave off from your sins, and forget your iniquities, to meddle no more with them forever: so shall God lead you forth, and deliver you from all suffering.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For, behold, the burning wrath of a great multitude is kindled over you, and they shall take away certain of you, and feed you with that which is slain to idols.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
And those who consent to them shall be had in derision and in reproach, and be trodden under foot of them.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
For there shall be  in various places, and in the next cities, a great insurrection upon those that fear the Lord.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
They shall be like mad men, sparing none, but spoiling and destroying those who still fear the Lord.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Hear, O you° my elect, says the Lord: behold, the days of suffering are at hand, and I will deliver you from them.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
and you° who keep my commandments and precepts, says the Lord God, don’t let your sins weigh you down, and don’t let your iniquities lift up themselves.


book: 2Esd
contenido:
Woe to those who are fast bound with their sins, and covered with their iniquities, like as a field is fast bound with bushes, and the path thereof covered with thorns, that no man may travel through!


book: PrMan
contenido:
O LORD Almighty, that are in heaven, you God of our fathers, of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and of their righteous seed;


book: PrMan
contenido:
who have bound the sea by the word of your commandment; who have shut up the deep, and sealed it by your terrible and glorious name;


book: PrMan
contenido:
for the majesty of your glory can’t be borne, and the anger of your threatening towards sinners is importable:


book: PrMan
contenido:
for you are the Lord Most High, of great compassion, patient and abundant in mercy, and repent  of bringing evils upon men.


book: PrMan
contenido:
You, O Lord, according to your great goodness have promised repentance and forgiveness to those who have sinned against you: and of your infinite mercies have appointed repentance to sinners, that they may be saved. You therefore, O Lord, that are the God of the just, have not appointed repentance to the just, to Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, which have not sinned against you; but you have appointed repentance to me that am a sinner:


book: PrMan
contenido:
for I have sinned above the number of the sands of the sea. My transgressions are multiplied,  O Lord: my transgressions are multiplied, and I am not worthy to behold and see the height of heaven for the multitude of my iniquities.


book: PrMan
contenido:
I am bowed down with many iron bands, that I can’t lift up my head by reason of my sins, neither have I any respite: for I have provoked your wrath, and done that which is evil before you: I didn’t do your will, neither did I keep your commandments: I have set up abominations, and have multiplied detestable things.


book: PrMan
contenido:
but, I humbly beseech you, forgive me, O Lord, forgive me, and destroy me not with my iniquities. Be not angry with me forever, by reserving evil for me; neither condemn me into the lower parts of the earth. For you,  O Lord, are the God of those who repent;


book: PrMan
contenido:
and in me you will show all your goodness: for you will save me, that am unworthy, according to your great mercy.


book: PrMan
contenido:
And I will praise you forever all the days of my life: for all the army of heaven sings your praise, and yours is the glory forever and ever. Amen.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Now Philopater, on learning from those who came back that Antiochus had made himself master of the places which belonged to himself, sent orders to all his footmen and horsemen, took with him his sister Arsinoe, and marched out as far as the parts of Raphia, where Antiochus and his forces encamped.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
And one Theodotus, intending to carry out his design, took with him the bravest of the armed men who had been before committed to his trust by Ptolemy, and got through at night to the tent of Ptolemy, to kill him on his own responsibility, and so to end the war.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
But Dositheus, called the son of Drimulus, by birth a Jew, afterward a renegade from the laws and observances of his country, conveyed Ptolemy away, and made an obscure person lie down in his stead in the tent. It befell this man to receive the fate which was meant for the other.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
A fierce battle then took place; and the men of Antiochus prevailing, Arsinoe continually went up and down the ranks, and with dishevelled hair, with tears and entreaties, begged the soldiers to fight manfully for themselves, their children, and wives; and promised that if they proved conquerors, she would give them each two minas of gold.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
It thus fell out that their enemies were defeated in hand-to-hand encounter, and that many of them were taken prisoners.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Having vanquished this attempt, the king then decided to proceed to the neighbouring cities, and encourage them.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The Jews sent some of their council and of their elders to him. The greetings, guest-gifts, and congratulations of the past, bestowed by them, filled him with the greater eagerness to visit their city.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Having arrived at Jerusalem, sacrificed, and offered thank-offerings to the Greatest God, and done whatever else was suitable to the sanctity of the place, and entered the inner court,


book: 3Macc
contenido:
he was so struck with the magnificence of the place, and so wondered at the orderly arrangements of the temple, that he considered entering the sanctuary itself.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
And when they told him that this was not permissible, none of the nation, no, nor even the priests in general, but only the supreme high priest of all, and he only once in a year, being allowed to go in, he would by no means give way.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Then they read the law to him; but he persisted in obtruding himself, exclaiming, that he ought to be allowed: and saying Be it that they were deprived of this honour, I ought not to be.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
And he put the question, Why, when he entered all the temples, none of the priests who were present forbade him?


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Well; since I have done this, said he, be the cause what it may, shall I not enter with or without your consent?


book: 3Macc
contenido:
And when the priests fell down in their sacred vestments imploring the Greatest God to come and help in time of need, and to avert the violence of the fierce aggressor, and when they filled the temple with lamentations and tears,


book: 3Macc
contenido:
then those who had been left behind in the city were scared, and rushed forth, uncertain of the event.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Virgins, who had been shut up within their chambers, came out with their mothers, scattering dust and ashes on their heads, and filling the streets with outcries.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Women, but recently separated off, left their bridal chambers, left the reserve that befitted them, and ran about the city in a disorderly manner.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
New-born babes were deserted by the mothers or nurses who waited upon them; some here, some there, in houses, or in fields; these now, with an ardour which could not be checked, swarmed into the Most High temple.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Various were the prayers offered up by those who assembled in this place, on account of the unholy attempt of the king.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Along with these there were some of the citizens who took courage, and would not submit to his obstinacy, and his intention of carrying out his purpose.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Calling out to arms, and to die bravely in defence of the law of their fathers, they created a great uproar in the place, and were with difficulty brought back by the aged and the elders to the station of prayer which they had occupied before.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The elders who surrounded the king tried in many ways to divert his arrogant mind from the design which he had formed.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
He, in his hardened mood, insensible to all persuasion, was going onward with the view of carrying out this design.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Yet even his own officers, when they saw this, joined the Jews in an appeal to Him who has all power, to aid in the present crisis, and not wink at such overweening lawlessness.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Such was the frequency and the vehemence of the cry of the assembled crowd, that an indescribable noise ensued.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Not the men only, but the very walls and floor seemed to sound forth; all things preferring dissolution rather than to see the place defiled.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Now was it that the high priest Simon bowed his knees near the holy place, and spread out his hands in reverent form, and uttered the following supplication:


book: 3Macc
contenido:
O Lord, Lord, King of the heavens, and Ruler of the whole creation, Holy amongst the holy, sole Governor, Almighty, give ear to us who are oppressed by a wicked and profane one, who celebrates in his confidence and strength.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
It is you, the Creator of all, the Lord of the universe, who are a righteous Governor, and judge all who act with pride and insolence.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
It was you who did destroy the former workers of unrighteousness, amongst whom were the giants, who trusted in their strength and daring, by covering them with a measureless flood.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
It was you who did make the Sodomites, those workers of exceedingly iniquity, men notorious for their vices, an example to after generations, when you did cover them with fire and brimstone.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
You did make known your power when you caused the bold Pharaoh, the enslaver of your people, to pass through the ordeal of many and diverse inflictions.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
And you rolled the depths of the sea over him, when he made pursuit with chariots, and with a multitude of followers, and gave a safe passage to those who put their trust in you, the Lord of the whole creation.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
You, O King, when you created the illimitable and measureless earth, did choose out this city: you did make this place sacred to your name, albeit you need nothing: you did glorify it with your illustrious presence, after constructing it to the glory of your great and honourable name.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
And you did promise, out of love to the people of Israel, that should we fall away from you, and become afflicted, and then come to this house and pray, you would hear our prayer.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
And when you did often aid our fathers when hard pressed, and in low estate, and delivered them out of gret dangers,


book: 3Macc
contenido:
see now, holy King, how through our many and great sins we are borne down, and made subject to our enemies, and are become weak and powerless.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
We being in this low condition, this bold and profane man seeks to dishonour this your holy place, consecrated out of the earth to the name of your Majesty.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
But since it seemed good to you to exhibit your glory amongst your people Israel, you did sanctify this place.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Punish us not by means of the uncleanness of their men, nor chastise us by means of their profanity; lest the lawless ones should boast in their rage, and exult in exuberant pride of speech, and say,


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Let your mercies quickly go before us. Grant us peace, that the cast down and broken hearted may praise you with their mouth.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
At that time God, who sees all things, who is beyond all Holy amongst the holy, heard that prayer, so suitable; and scourged the man greatly uplifted with scorn and insolence.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Shaking him to and fro as a reed is shaken with the wind, he cast him upon the pavement, powerless, with limbs paralysed; by a righteous judgement deprived of the faculty of speech.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
His friends and bodyguards, beholding the swift recompense which had suddenly overtaken him, struck with exceeding terror, and fearing that he would die, speedily removed him.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
When in course of time he had come to himself, this severe check caused no repentance within him, but he departed with bitter threatenings.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
He proceeded to Egypt, grew worse in wickedness through his before mentioned companions in wine, who were lost to all goodness;


book: 3Macc
contenido:
and not satisfied with countless acts of impiety, his audacity so increased that he raised evil reports there, and many of his friends, watching his purpose attentively, joined in furthering his will.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
His purpose was to indict a public stigma upon our race; wherefore he erected a pillar at the tower-porch, and caused the following inscription to be engraved upon it:


book: 3Macc
contenido:
That entrance to their own temple was to be refused to all those who would not sacrifice; that all the Jews were to be registered amongst the common people; that those who resisted were to be forcibly seized and put to death;


book: 3Macc
contenido:
that those who were thus registered, were to be marked on their persons by the ivy-leaf symbol of Dionysus, and to be set apart with these limited rights.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
To do away with the appearance of hating them all, he had it written underneath, that if any of them should elect to enter the community of those initiated in the rites, these should have equal rights with the Alexandrians.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Some of those who were over the city, therefore, abhorring any approach to the city of piety, unhesitatingly gave in to the king, and expected to derive some great honour from a future connection with him.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
A nobler spirit, however, prompted the majority to cling to their religious observances, and by paying money that they might live unmolested, these sought to escape the registration:


book: 3Macc
contenido:
cheerfully looking forward to future aid, they abhorred their own apostates, considering them to be national foes, and debarring them from the common usages of social intercourse.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
On discovering this, so incensed was the wicked king, that he no longer confined his rage to the Jews in Alexandria. Laying his hand more heavily upon those who lived in the country, he gave orders that they should be quickly collected into one place, and most cruelly deprived of their lives.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
While this was going on, an invidious rumour was uttered abroad by men who had banded together to injure the Jewish race. The purport of their charge was, that the Jews kept them away from the ordinances of the law.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
yet, as they worshipped God, and observed his law, they made certain distinctions, and avoided certain things. Hence some persons held them in odium;


book: 3Macc
contenido:
although, as they adorned their conversation with works of righteousness, they had established themselves in the good opinion of the world.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
who said much of the exclusiveness of the Jews with regard to their worship and meats; they alleged that they were men unsociable, hostile to the king’s interests, refusing to associate with him or his troops. By this way of speaking, they brought much odium upon them.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Nor was this unexpected uproar and sudden conflux of people unobserved by the Greeks who lived in the city, concerning men who had never harmed them: yet to aid them was not in their power, since all was oppression around; but they encouraged them in their troubles, and expected a favourable turn of affairs:


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Some of the neighbours, friends, and fellow dealers of the Jews, even called them secretly to an interview, pledged them their assistance, and promised to do their very utmost for them.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Now the king, elated with his prosperous fortune, and not regarding the superior power of God, but thinking to persevere in his present purpose, wrote the following letter to the prejudice of the Jews.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
King Ptolemy Philopater, to the commanders and soldiers in Egypt, and in all places, health and happiness!


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Since our Asiatic campaign, the particulars of which you° know, and which by the aid of the gods, not lightly given, and by our own vigour, has been brought to a successful issue according to our expectation,


book: 3Macc
contenido:
we resolved, not with strength of spear, but with gentleness and much humanity, as it were to nurse the inhabitants of Coele-Syria and Phoenicia, and to be their willing benefactors.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
So, having bestowed considerable sums of money upon the temples of the several cities, we proceeded even as far as Jerusalem; and went up to honour the temple of these wretched beings who never cease from their folly.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
To outward appearance they received us willingly; but belied that appearance by their deeds. When we were eager to enter their temple, and to honour it with the most beautiful and exquisite gifts,


book: 3Macc
contenido:
they were so carried away by their old arrogance, as to forbid us the entrance; while we, out of our forbearance towards all men, refrained from exercising our power upon them.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
And thus, exhibiting their enmity against us, they alone amongst the nations lift up their heads against kings and benefactors, as men unwilling to submit to any thing reasonable.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
We then, having endeavored to make allowance for the madness of these persons, and on our victorious return treating all people in Egypt courteously, acted in a manner which was befitting.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Accordingly, bearing no ill-will against their kinsmenat Jerusalem, but rather remembering our connection with them, and the numerous matters with sincere heart from a remote period entrusted to them, we wished to venture a total alteration of their state, by giving them the rights of citizens of Alexandria, and to admit them to the everlasting rites of our solemnities.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
All this, however, they have taken in a very different spirit. With their innate malignity, they have spurned the fair offer; and constantly inclining to evil,


book: 3Macc
contenido:
have rejected the inestimable rights. Not only so, but by using speech, and by refraining from speech, they abhor the few amongst them who are heartily disposed towards us; ever deeming that their ignoble course of procedure will force us to do away with our reform.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Having then, received certain proofs that theseJews bear us every sort of ill-will, we must look forward to the possibility of some sudden tumult amongst ourselves, when these impious men may turn traitors and barbarous enemies.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
As soon, therefore, as the contents of this letter become known to you, in that same hour we order thoseJews who dwell amongst you, with wives and children, to be sent to us, vilified and abused, in chains of iron, to undergo a death, cruel and ignominious, suitable to men disaffected.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
For by the punishment of them in one body we perceive that we have found the only means of establishing our affairs for the future on a firm and satisfactory basis.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Whosoever shall shield a Jew, whether it be old man, child, or nursing baby, shall with his whole house be tortured to death.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Whoever shall inform against theJews, besides receiving the property of the person charged, shall be presented with two thousand drachmas from the royal treasury, shall be made free, and shall be crowned.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Whatever place shall shelter a Jew, shall, when he is hunted forth, be put under the ban of fire, and be forever rendered useless to every living being for all time to come.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Wherever this decree was received, the people kept up a revelry of joy and shouting; as if their long-pent-up, hardened hatred, were now to show itself openly.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The Jews suffered great throes of sorrow, and wept much; while their hearts, all things around being lamentable, were set on fire as they bewailed the sudden destruction which was decreed against them.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
What home, or city, or place at all inhabited, or what streets were there, which their condition didn’t fill with wailing and lamentation?


book: 3Macc
contenido:
They were sent out unanimously by the generals in the several cities, with such stern and pitiless feeling, that the exceptional nature of the infliction moved even some of their enemies. These, influenced by sentiments of common humanity, and reflecting upon the uncertain issue of life, shed tears at this their miserable expulsion.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
A multitude of aged hoary-haired old men, were driven along with halting bending feet, urged onward by the impulse of a violent, shameless force to quick speed.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Girls who had entered the bridal chamber quite lately, to enjoy the partnership of marriage, exchanged pleasure for misery; and with dust scattered upon their myrrh-anointed heads, were hurried along unveiled; and, in the midst of outlandish insults, set up with one accord a lamentable cry instead of the marriage hymn.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The husbands of these, in the prime of their youthful vigour, instead of crowns wore halters round their necks; instead of feasting and youthful celebration, spent the rest of their nuptial days in wailing, and saw only the grave at hand.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
They were dragged along by unyielding chains, like wild beasts: of these, some had their necks thrust into the benches of the rowers; while the feet of others were enclosed in hard fetters.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The planks of the deck above them blocked out the light, and shut out the day on every side, so that they might be treated like traitors during the whole voyage.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
They were conveyed accordingly in this vessel, and at the end of it arrived at Schedia. The king had ordered them to be cast into the vast hippodrome, which was built in front of the city. This place was well adapted by its situation to expose them to the gaze of all comers into the city, and of those who went from the city into the country. Thus they could hold no communication with his forces; no, were deemed unworthy of any civilized accommodation.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
When this was done, the king, hearing that their kindred in the city often went out and lamented the melancholy distress of these victims,


book: 3Macc
contenido:
was full of rage, and commanded that they should be carefully subjected to the same (and not one bit milder) treatment.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The whole nation was now to be registered. Every individual was to be specified by name; not for that hard servitude of labour which we have a little before mentioned, but that he might expose them to the before-mentioned tortures; and finally, in the short space of a day, might extirpate them by his cruelties.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The registering of these men was carried on cruelly, zealously, assiduously, from the rising of the sun to its going down, and was not brought to an end in forty days.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The king was filled with great and constant joy, and celebrated banquets before the temple idols. His erring heart, far from the truth, and his profane mouth, gave glory to idols, deaf and incapable of speaking or aiding, and uttered unworthy speech against the Greatest God.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
At the end of the above-mentioned interval of time, the registrars brought word to the king that the multitude of the Jews was too great for registration,


book: 3Macc
contenido:
inasmuch as there were many still left in the land, of whom some were in inhabited houses, and others were scattered about in various places; so that all the commanders in Egypt were insufficient for the work.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The king threatened them, and charged them with taking bribes, in order to contrive the escape of the Jews: but was clearly convinced of the truth of what had been said.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Now this was an active interference of the unconquerable Providence which assisted the Jews from heaven.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Then he called Hermon, who had charge of the elephants. Full of rage, altogether fixed in his furious design,


book: 3Macc
contenido:
he commanded him, with a quantity of unmixed wine and handfuls of incenseinfused to drug the elephants early on the following day. These five hundred elephants were, when infuriated by the copious draughts of frankincense, to be led up to the execution of death upon the Jews.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The king, after issuing these orders, went to his feasting, and gathered together all those of his friends and of the army who hated the Jews the most.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The underlings appointed for the purpose went out about evening and bound the hands of the miserable victims, and took other precautions for their security at night, thinking that the whole race would perish together.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
they invoked the Almighty Lord, and ceaselessly implored with tears their merciful God and Father, Ruler of all, Lord of every power,


book: 3Macc
contenido:
to overthrow the evil purpose which was gone out against them, and to deliver them by extraordinary manifestation from that death which was in store for them.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Then Hermon, who had filled his merciless elephants with copious draughts of mixed wine and frankincense, came early to the palace to certify the kind thereof.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
He, however, who has sent his good creature sleep from all time by night or by day thus gratifying whom he wills, diffused a portion thereof now upon the king.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
By this sweet and profound influence of the Lord he was held fast, and thus his unjust purpose was quite frustrated, and his unflinching resolve greatly falsified.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
But the Jews, having escaped the hour which had been fixed, praised their holy God, and again prayed him who is easily reconciled to display the power of his powerful hand to the overweening Gentiles.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The middle of the tenth hour had well near arrived, when the person who sent invitations, seeing the guests who were invited present, came and shook the king.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
He gained his attention with difficulty, and hinting that the mealtime was getting past, talked the matter over with him.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The king listened to this, and then turning aside to his potations, commanded the guests to sit down before him.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
This done, he asked them to enjoy themselves, and to indulge in mirth at this somewhat late hour of the banquet.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Conversation grew on, and the king sent for Hermon, and enquired of him, with fierce denunciations, why the Jews had been allowed to outlive that day.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Hermon explained that he had done his bidding over night; and in this he was confirmed by his friends.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The king, then, with a barbarity exceeding that of Phalaris, said, That they might thank his sleep of that day. Lose no time, and get ready the elephants against tomorrow, as you did before, for the destruction of these accursed Jews.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
When the king said this, the company present were glad, and approved; and then each man went to his own home.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Nor did they employ the night in sleep, so much as in contriving cruel mockeries for those deemed miserable.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The morning cock had just crowed, and Hermon, having harnessed the brutes, was stimulating them in the great colonnade.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The city crowds were collected together to see the hideous spectacle, and waited impatiently for the dawn.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The Jews, breathless with momentary suspense, stretched forth their hands, and prayed the Greatest God, in mournful strains, again to help them speedily.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The sun’s rays were not yet shed abroad, and the king was waiting for his friends, when Hermon came to him, calling him out, and saying, That his desires could now be realised.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The king, receiving him, was astonished at his unwonted exit; and, overwhelmed with a spirit of oblivion about everything, enquired the object of this earnest preparation.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Hermon, and all his friends, pointed out the preparation of the animals. They are ready, O king, according to your own strict injunction.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The king was filled with fierce anger at these words; for, by the Providence of God regarding these things, his mind had become entirely confused. He looked hard at Hermon, and threatened him as follows:


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Your parents, or your children, were they here, to these wild beasts a large repast they should have furnished; not these innocent Jews, who me and my forefathers loyally have served.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Had it not been for familiar friendship, and the claims of your office, your life should have gone for theirs.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Hermon, being threatened in this unexpected and alarming manner, was troubled in visage, and depressed in countenance.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The friends, too, stole out one by one, and dismissed the assembled multitudes to their respective occupations.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The Jews, having heard of these events, praised the glorious God and King of kings, because they had obtained this help, too, from him.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
And he summoned Hermon to his presence, and said, with threats, How often, O wretch, must I repeat my orders to you about these same persons?


book: 3Macc
contenido:
His kinsmen, who were reclining with him, wondered at his instability, and thus expressed themselves:


book: 3Macc
contenido:
O king, how long do you make trial of us, as of men bereft of reason? This is the third time that you have ordered their destruction. When the thing is to be done, you change your mind, and recall your instructions.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
For this cause the feeling of expectation causes tumult in the city: it swarms with factions; and is continually on the point of being plundered.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The king, just like another Phalaris, a prey to thoughtlessness, made no account of the changes which his own mind had undergone, issuing in the deliverance of the Jews. He swore a fruitless oath, and determined forthwith to send them to hades, crushed by the knees and feet of the elephants.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
He would also invade Judea, and level its towns with fire and the sword; and destroy that temple which the heathen might not enter, and prevent sacrifices ever after being offered up there.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Joyfully his friends broke up, together with his kinsmen; and, trusting in his determination, arranged their forces in guard at the most convenient places of the city.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
And the master of the elephants urged the beasts into an almost maniacal state, drenched them with incense and wine, and decked them with frightful instruments.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
About early morning, when the city was now filled with an immense number of people at the hippodrome, he entered the palace, and called the king to the business in hand.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The king’s heart teemed with impious rage; and he rushed forth with the mass, along with the elephants. With feelings unsoftened, and eyes pitiless, he longed to gaze at the hard and wretched doom of the above-mentionedJews.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
But theJews, when the elephants went out at the gate, followed by the armed force; and when they saw the dust raised by the throng, and heard the loud cries of the crowd,


book: 3Macc
contenido:
thought that they had come to the last moment of their lives, to the end of what they had tremblingly expected. They gave way, therefore, to lamentations and moans: they kissed each other: those nearest of kin to each other hung about one another’s necks: fathers about their sons, mother their daughters: other women held their infants to their breasts, which drew what seemed their last milk.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Nevertheless, when they reflected upon the help previously granted them from heaven, they prostrated themselves with one accord; removed even the sucking children from the breasts, and


book: 3Macc
contenido:
sent up an exceedingly great cry asking the Lord of all power to reveal himself, and have mercy upon those who now lay at the gates of hades.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
And Eleazar, an illustrious priest of the country, who had attained to length of days, and whose life had been adorned with virtue, caused the elders who were around him to cease to cry out to the holy God, and prayed thus:


book: 3Macc
contenido:
O king, mighty in power, most high, Almighty God, who regulates the whole creation with your tender mercy,


book: 3Macc
contenido:
look upon the seed of Abraham, upon the children of the sanctified Jacob, your sanctified inheritance, O Father, now being wrongfully destroyed as strangers in a strange land.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
You destroyed Pharaoh, with his army of chariots, when that lord of this same Egypt was uplifted with lawless daring and loud-sounding tongue. Shedding the beams of your mercy upon the race of Israel, you did overwhelm him with his proud army.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
When Sennacherim, the grievous king of the Assyrians, exulting in his countless army, had subdued the whole land with his spear, and was lifting himself against your holy city, with boastings grievous to be endured, you, O Lord, did demolish him and did show forth your might to many nations.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
When the three friends in the land of Babylon of their own will exposed their lives to the fire rather than serve vain things, you did send a moist coolness through the fiery furnace, and bring the fire upon all their adversaries.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
It was you who, when Daniel was hurled, through slander and envy, as a prey to lions down below, did bring him back against unhurt to light.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
When Jonah was pining away in the belly of the sea-bred monster, you did look upon him, O Father, and recover him to the sight of his own.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
And now, you who hate insolence; you who do abound in mercy; you who are the protector of all things; appear quickly to those of the race of Israel, who are insulted by abhorred, lawless gentiles.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
If our life has during our exile been stained with iniquity, deliver us from the hand of the enemy, and destroy us, O Lord, by the death which you prefer.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Let not the vain-minded congratulate vain idols at the destruction of your beloved, saying, Neither did their god deliver them.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
You, who are All-powerful and Almighty, O Eternal One, behold! have mercy upon us who are being withdrawn from life, like traitors, by the unreasoning insolence of lawless men.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Let the heathen cower before your invincible might today, O glorious One, who have all power to save the race of Jacob.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Let it be shown to all the nations that you are with us, O Lord, and have not turned your face away from us; but as you said that you would not forget them even in the land of their enemies, so do you fulfil this saying, O Lord.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Now, at the time that Eleazar had ended his prayer, the king came along to the hippodrome, with the wild beasts, and with his tumultuous power.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
When the Jews saw this, they uttered a loud cry to heaven, so that the adjacent valleys resounded, and caused an irrepressible lamentation throughout the army.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Then the all-glorious, all-powerful, and true God, displayed his holy countenance, and opened the gates of heaven, from which two angels, dreadful of form, came down and were visible to all but the Jews.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
And they stood opposite, and filled the enemies’ army with confusion and cowardice; and bound them with immoveable fetters.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
And a cold shudder came over the person of the king, and oblivion paralysed the vehemence of his spirit.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
They turned back the animals upon the armed forces which followed them; and the animals trod them down, and destroyed them.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
For when he heard the cry, and saw them all on the verge of destruction, with tears he angrily threatened his friends, saying,


book: 3Macc
contenido:
You° have governed badly; and have exceeded tyrants in cruelty; and me your benefactor you° have laboured to deprive at once of my dominion and my life, by secretly devising measures injurious to the kingdom.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Who has gathered here, unreasonably removing each from his home, those who, in fidelity to us, had held the fortresses of the country?


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Who has thus consigned to unmerited punishments those who in good will towards us from the beginning have in all things surpassed all nations, and who often have engaged in the most dangerous undertakings?


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Release the sons of the almighty living God of heaven, who from our ancestors’ times until now has granted a glorious and uninterrupted prosperity to our affairs.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
These things he said; and they, released the same moment, having now escaped death, praised God their holy Saviour.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The king then departed to the city, and called his financier to him, and asked him provide a seven days’ quantity of wine and other materials for feasting for the Jews. He decided that they should keep a gladsome festival of deliverance in the very place in which they expected to meet with their destruction.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Then they who were before despised and near to hades, yes, rather advanced into it, partook of the cup of salvation, instead of a grievous and lamentable death. Full of exultation, they parted out the place intended for their fall and burial into banqueting booths.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Ceasing their miserable strain of woe, they took up the subject of their fatherland, hymning in praise God their wonder-working Saviour. All groans, all wailing, were laid aside: they formed dances in token of serene joy.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
So, also, the king collected a number of guests for the occasion, and returned unceasing thanks with much magnificence for the unexpected deliverance afforded him.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Those who had marked them out as for death and for carrion, and had registered them with joy, howled aloud, and were clothed with shame, and had the fire of their rage ingloriously put out.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
But the Jews, as we just said, instituted a dance, and then gave themselves up to feasting, glad thanksgiving, and psalms.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
They made a public ordinance to commemorate these things for generations to come, as long as they should be sojourners. They thus established these days as days of mirth, not for the purpose of drinking or luxury, but because God had saved them.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
They were being enrolled from the twenty-fifth of Pachon to the fourth of Epiphi, a period of forty days: the measures taken for their destruction lasted from the fifth of Epiphi till the seventh, that is, three days.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The Ruler over all did during this time manifest forth his mercy gloriously, and did deliver them all together unharmed.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The king commended them, and wrote the following letter, of magnanimous import for them, to the commanders of every city.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
King Ptolemy Philopator to the commanders throughout Egypt, and to all who are set over affairs, joy and strength.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Certain of our friends did of malice vehemently urge us to punish the Jews of our realm in a body, with the infliction of a monstrous punishment.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
They pretended that our affairs would never be in a good state till this took place. Such, they said, was the hatred borne by the Jews to all other people.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
They brought them fettered in grievous chains as slaves, no, as traitors. Without enquiry or examination they endeavored to annihilate them. They buckled themselves with a savage cruelty, worse than Scythian custom.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
For this cause we severely threatened them; yet, with the clemency which we are wont to extend to all men, we at length permitted them to live. Finding that the God of heaven cast a shield of protection over the Jews so as to preserve them, and that he fought for them as a father always fights for his sons;


book: 3Macc
contenido:
and taking into consideration their constancy and fidelity towards us and towards our ancestors, we have, as we ought, acquitted them of every sort of charge.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
And we have dismissed them to their several homes; bidding all men everywhere to do them no wrong, or unrighteously revile them about the past.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
For know you°, that should we conceive any evil design, or in any way aggrieve them, we shall ever have as our opposite, not man, but the highest God, the ruler of all might. From Him there will be no escape, as the avenger of such deeds. Fare you° well.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
When they had received this letter, they were not forward to depart immediately. They petitioned the king to be allowed to inflict fitting punishment upon those of their race who had willingly transgressed the holy god, and the law of God.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
They alleged that men who had for their bellies’ sake transgressed the ordinances of God, would never be faithful to the interests of the king.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
The king admitted the truth of this reasoning, and commended them. Full power was given them, without warrant or special commission, to destroy those who had transgressed the law of God boldly in every part of the king’s dominions.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Their priests, then, as it was meet, saluted him with good wishes, and all the people echoed with the Hallelujah. They then joyfully departed.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
slaying thus, in that day, above three hundred men, and esteeming this destruction of the wicked a season of joy.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
They themselves having held fast their God to death, and having enjoyed a full deliverance, departed from the city garlanded with sweet-flowered wreaths of every kind. Uttering exclamations of joy, with songs of praise, and melodious hymns they thanked the God of their fathers, the eternal Saviour of Israel.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Having arrived at Ptolemais, called from the specialty of that district Rose-bearing, where the fleet, in accordance with the general wish, waited for them seven days,


book: 3Macc
contenido:
they partook of a banquet of deliverance, for the king generously granted them severally the means of securing a return home.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
They were accordingly brought back in peace, while they gave utterance to becoming thanks; and they determined to keep these days during their sojourn as days of joyfulness.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
These they registered as sacred upon a pillar, when they had dedicated the place of their festivity to be one of prayer. They departed unharmed, free, abundant in joy, preserved by the king’s command, by land, by sea, and by river, each to his own home.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
They had more weight than before amongst their enemies; and were honoured and feared, and no one in any way robbed them of their goods.


book: 3Macc
contenido:
Every man received back his own, according to inventory; those who had obtained their goods, giving them up with the greatest terror. For the greatest God made perfect wonders for their salvation.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
As I am going to demonstrate a most philosophical proposition, namely, that religious reasoning is absolute master of the passions, I would willingly advise you to give the utmost heed to philosophy.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For reason is necessary to every one as a step to science: and more especially does it embrace the praise of prudence, the highest virtue.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
If, then, reasoning appears to hold the mastery over the passions which stand in the way of temperance, such as gluttony and lust,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
it surely also and manifestly has the rule over the affections which are contrary to justice, such as malice; and of those which are hindrances to manliness, as wrath, and pain, and fear.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
How, then, is it, perhaps some may say, that reasoning, if it rule the affections, is not also master of forgetfulness and ignorance? They attempt a ridiculous argument.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For reasoning does not rule over its own affections, but over such as are contrary to justice, and manliness and temperance, and prudence; and yet over these, so as to withstand, without destroying them.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
I might prove to you, from many other considerations, that religious reasoning is sole master of the passions;


book: 4Macc
contenido:
but I shall prove it with the greatest force from the fortitude of Eleazar, and seven kindred, and their mother, who suffered death in defence of virtue.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For all these, treating pains with contempt even to death, by this contempt, demonstrated that reasoning has command over the passions.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For their virtues, then, it is right that I should commend those men who died with their mother at this time in behalf of rectitude; and for their honours, I may count them happy.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For they, winning admiration not only from men in general, but even from the persecutors, for their manliness and endurance, became the means of the destruction of the tyranny against their nation, having conquered the tyrant by their endurance, so that by them their country was purified.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But we may now at once enter upon the question, having commenced, as is our wont, with laying down the doctrine, and so proceed to the account of these persons, giving glory to the all wise God.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Let’s determine, then, What is reasoning? and what passion? and how many forms of the passions? and whether reasoning bears sway over all of these?


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Reasoning is, then, intellect accompanied by a life of rectitude, putting foremost the consideration of wisdom.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And this is contained in the education of the law; by means of which we learn divine things reverently, and human things profitably.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
The leading one of these is prudence; by whose means, indeed, it is that reasoning bears rule over the passions.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Of the passions, pleasure and pain are the two most comprehensive; and they also by nature refer to the soul.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Wrath is an affection, common to pleasure and to pain, if any one will pay attention when it comes upon him.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And there exists in pleasure a malicious disposition, which is the most multiform of all the affections.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
In the soul it is arrogance, and love of money, and vaingloriousness, and contention, and faithlessness, and the evil eye.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
As pleasure and pain are, therefore, two growth of the body and the soul, so there are many offshoots of these passions.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And reasoning, the universal husbandman, purging, and pruning these severally, and binding round, and watering, and transplanting, in every way improves the materials of the morals and affections.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For reasoning is the leader of the virtues, but it is the sole ruler of the passions. Observe then first, through the very things which stand in the way of temperance, that reasoning is absolute ruler of the passions.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But of the lusts, some belong to the soul, others to the body: and over each of these classes the reasoning appears to bear sway.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For whence is it, otherwise, that when urged on to forbidden meats, we reject the gratification which would ensue from them? Is it not because reasoning is able to command the appetites? I believe so.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Hence it is, then, that when lusting after water-animals and birds, and four-footed beasts, and all kinds of food which are forbidden us by the law, we withhold ourselves through the mastery of reasoning.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For the affections of our appetites are resisted by the temperate understanding, and bent back again, and all the impulses of the body are reined in by reasoning.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And what wonder? if the lusts of the soul, after participation with what is beautiful, are frustrated,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
on this ground, therefore, the temperate Joseph is praised in that by reasoning, he subdued, on reflection, the indulgence of sense.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For, although young, and ripe for sexual intercourse, he abrogated by reasoning the stimulus of his passions.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And it is not merely the stimulus of sensual indulgence, but that of every desire, that reasoning is able to master.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For instance, the law says, You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, nor anything that belongs to your neighbour.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Now, then, since it is the law which has forbidden us to desire, I shall much the more easily persuade you, that reasoning is able to govern our lusts, just as it does the affections which are impediments to justice.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Since in what way is a solitary eater, and a glutton, and a drunkard reclaimed, unless it be clear that reasoning is lord of the passions?


book: 4Macc
contenido:
A man, therefore, who regulates his course by the law, even if he be a lover of money, immediately puts force upon his own disposition; lending to the needy without interest, and cancelling the debt of the incoming Sabbath.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And should a man be parsimonious, he is ruled by the law acting through reasoning; so that he does not glean his harvest crops, nor vintage: and in reference to other points we may perceive that it is reasoning that conquers his passions.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And it lords it over the love of parents towards their children, for they punish them for vice; and it domineers over the intimacy of friends, reproving them when wicked.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
It allows not to cut down the cultivated herbage of an enemy, but preserves it from the destroyers, and collects their fallen ruins.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And reason appears to be master of the more violent passions, as love of empire and empty boasting, and slander.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For the temperate understanding repels all these malignant passions, as it does wrath: for it masters even this.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Thus Moses, when angered against Dathan and Abiram, did nothing to them in wrath, but regulated his anger by reasoning.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For the temperate mind is able, as I said, to be superior to the passions, and to transfer some, and destroy others.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For why, else, does our most wise father Jacob blame Simeon and Levi for having irrationally slain the whole race of the Shechemites, saying, Cursed be their anger.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For if reasoning didn’t possess the power of subduing angry affections, he would not have spoken thus.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And He gave a law to this mind, by living according to which it will maintain a temperate, and just, and good, and manly reign.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
How, then, a man may say, if reasoning be master of the passions, has it no control over forgetfulness and ignorance?


book: 4Macc
contenido:
The argument is exceedingly ridiculous: for reasoning does not appear to bear sway over its own affections, but over those of the body,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
in such a way as that any one of you may not be able to root out desire, but reasoning will enable you to avoid being enslaved to it.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Any one of you may not be able to eradicate malice, but reasoning has force to work with you to prevent you yielding to malice.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For after David had been attacking the Philistines the whole day, he with the soldiers of his nation killed many of them;


book: 4Macc
contenido:
then when evening came, sweating and very weary, he came to the royal tent, about which the entire army of our ancestors was encamped.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
but the king, being very much thirsty, although he had numerous springs, could not by their means quench his thirst;


book: 4Macc
contenido:
but a certain irrational longing for the water in the enemy’s camp grew stronger and fiercer upon him, and consumed him with languish.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Wherefore his bodyguards being troubled at this longing of the king, two valiant young soldiers, reverencing the desire of the king, put on their panoplies, and taking a pitcher, got over the ramparts of the enemies:


book: 4Macc
contenido:
and unperceived by the guardians of the gate, they went throughout the whole camp of the enemy in quest.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But he, though parched with thirst, reasoned that a draught reputed of equal value to blood, would be terribly dangerous to his soul.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For the temperate mind has power to conquer the pressure of the passions, and to quench the fires of excitement,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
and to wrestle down the pains of the body, however excessive; and, through the excellency of reasoning, to abominate all the assaults of the passions.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For at a time when our fathers were in possession of undisturbed peace through obedience to the law, and were prosperous, so that Seleucus Nicanor, the king of Asia, both assigned them money for divine service, and accepted their form of government,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
then certain persons, bringing in new things contrary to the general unanimity, in various ways fell into calamities.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For a certain man named Simon, who was in opposition to Onias, who once held the high priesthood for life, and was an honourable and good man, after slandering him in every way, he could not injure him with the people, went away as an exile, with the intention of betraying his country.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Having good will to the king’s affairs, I am come to inform you that infinite private wealth is laid up in the treasuries of Jerusalem which do not belong to the temple, but pertain to king Seleucus.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Apollonius, acquainting himself with the particulars of this, praised Simon for his care of the king’s interests, and going up to Seleucus informed him of the treasure;


book: 4Macc
contenido:
and getting authority about it, and quickly advancing into our country with the accursed Simon and a very heavy force,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
he said that he came with the commands of the king that he should take the private money of the treasure.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And the nation, indignant at this proclamation, and replying to the effect that it was extremely unfair that those who had committed deposits to the sacred treasury should be deprived of them, resisted as well as they could.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And the priests, with the women and children, having supplicated God to throw his shield over the holy, despised place,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
and Appolonius going up with his armed force to the seizure of the treasure, —there appeared from heaven angels riding on horseback, all radiant in armour, filling them with much fear and trembling.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And Apollonius fell half dead upon the court which is open to all nations, and extended his hands to heaven, and implored the Hebrews, with tears, to pray for him, and propitiate the heavenly army.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For he said that he had sinned, so as to be consequently worthy of death; and that if he were saved, he would celebrate to all men the blessedness of the holy place.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Onias the high priest, induced by these words, although for other reasons anxious that king Seleucus should not suppose that Apollonius was slain by human device and not by Divine punishment, prayed for him;


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But on the death of Seleucus the king, his son Antiochus Epiphanes succeeds to the kingdom: a man of arrogant pride and terrible.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
who had made a covenant, if he would give him this authority, to pay yearly three thousand and six hundred and sixty talents.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And he both changed the manner of living of the people, and perverted their civil customs into all lawlessness.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
So that he not only erected a gymnasium on the very citadel of our country,but neglected the guardianship of the temple.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For being at war with Ptolemy in Egypt, he heard that on a report of his death being spread abroad, the inhabitants of Jerusalem had exceedingly rejoiced, and he quickly marched against them.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And having subdued them, he established a decree that if any of them lived according to the laws of his country he should die.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And when he could by no means destroy by his decrees the obedience to the law of the nation, but saw all his threats and punishments without effect,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
for even women, because they continued to circumcise their children, were flung down a precipice along with them, knowing beforehand of the punishment.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
When, therefore, his decrees were disregarded by the people, he himself compelled by means of tortures every one of this race, by tasting forbidden meats, to renounce the Jewish religion.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
The tyrant Antiochus, therefore, sitting in public state with his assessors upon a certain lofty place, with his armed troops standing in a circle around him,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
commanded his spearbearers to seize every one of the Hebrews, and to compel them to taste swine’s flesh, and things offered to idols.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And should any of them be unwilling to eat the accursed food, they were to be tortured on the wheel, and so killed.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And when many had been seized, a foremost man of the assembly, a Hebrew, by name Eleazar, a priest by family, by profession a lawyer, and advanced in years, and for this reason known to many of the king’s followers, was brought near to him.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
I would counsel you, old man, before your tortures begin, to taste the swine’s flesh, and save your life; for I feel respect for your age and hoary head, which since you have had so long, you appear to me to be no philosopher in retaining the superstition of the Jews.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For wherefore, since nature has conferred upon you the most excellent flesh of this animal, do you loathe it?


book: 4Macc
contenido:
It seems senseless not to enjoy what is pleasant, yet not disgraceful; and from notions of sinfulness, to reject the boons of nature.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And you will be acting, I think, still more senselessly, if you follow vain conceits about the truth.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Will you not awake from your trifling philosophy? and give up the folly of your notions; and, regaining understanding worthy of your age, search into the truth of an expedient course?


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For, bear in mind, that if there be any power which watches over this religion of yours, it will pardon you for all transgressions of the law which you commit through compulsion.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
While the tyrant incited him in this manner to the unlawful eating of flesh, Eleazar begged permission to speak.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
We, O Antiochus, who are persuaded that we live under a divine law, consider no compulsion to be so forcible as obedience to that law;


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And indeed, were our law (as you suppose) not truly divine, and if we wrongly think it divine, we should have no right even in that case to destroy our sense of religion.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Yet it instructs us in temperance, so that we are superior to all pleasures and lusts; and it exercises us in manliness, so that we cheerfully undergo every grievance.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And it instructs us in justice, so that in all our dealings we render what is due; and it teaches us piety, so that we worship the one only God becomingly.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Wherefore it is that we eat not the unclean; for believing that the law was established by God, we are convinced that the Creator of the world, in giving his laws, sympathises with our nature.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Those things which are convenient to our souls, he has directed us to eat; but those which are repugnant to them, he has interdicted.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But, tyrant-like, you not only force us to break the law, but also to eat, that you may ridicule us as we thus profanely eat:


book: 4Macc
contenido:
I am not so old, and void of manliness, but that my rational powers are youthful in defence of my religion.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
I will not put you to shame, O philosopher Reason; or deny you, O honoured priesthood, and science of the law.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For over the ungodly you shall tyrannize; but you shall not lord it over my thoughts about religion, either by your arguments, or through deeds.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
When Eleazar had in this manner answered the exhortations of the tyrant, the spearbearers came up, and rudely haled Eleazar to the instruments of torture.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But raising his eyes on high to heaven, the old man’s flesh was stripped off by the scourges, and his blood streamed down, and his sides were pierced through.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And falling upon the ground, from his body having no power to support the pains, he yet kept his reasoning upright and unbending.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
His countenance sweating, and he panting for breath, he was admired by the very torturers for his courage.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
partly from the sympathy of acquaintance, and partly in admiration of his endurance, some of the attendants of the king said,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
We will bring you some meat cooked by yourself, and do you save yourself by pretending that you have eaten swine’s flesh.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Let not us who are children of Abraham be so evil advised as by giving way to make use of an unbecoming pretence;


book: 4Macc
contenido:
for it were irrational, if having lived up to old age in all truth, and having scrupulously guarded our character for it, we should now turn back,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
and ourselves should become a pattern of impiety to the young, as being an example of pollution eating.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
It would be disgraceful if we should live on some short time, and that scorned by all men for cowardice,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Beholding him so high-minded against misery, and not changing at their pity, they led him to the fire:


book: 4Macc
contenido:
then with their wickedly contrived instruments they burnt him on the fire, and poured stinking fluids down into his nostrils.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And he being at length burnt down to the bones, and about to expire, raised his eyes Godward, and said,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
You know, O God, that when I might have been saved, I am slain for the sake of the law by tortures of fire.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Thus speaking, the holy man departed, noble in his torments, and even to the agonies of death resisted in his reasoning for the sake of the law.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For had the passions been superior to reasoning, I would have given them the witness of this mastery.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But now, since reasoning conquered the passions, we befittingly awared it the authority of first place.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And it is but fair that we should allow, that the power belongs to reasoning, since it masters external miseries.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Ridiculous would it be were it not so; and I prove that reasoning has not only mastered pains, but that it is also superior to the pleasures, and withstands them.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
The reasoning of our father Eleazar, like a first-rate pilot, steering the vessel of piety in the sea of passions,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Not so has ever a city, when besieged, held out against many and various machines, as did that holy man, when his pious soul was tried with the fiery trial of tortures and rackings, move his besiegers through the religious reasoning that shielded him.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For father Eleazar, projecting his disposition, broke the raging waves of the passions as with a jutting promontory.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
O priest worthy of the priesthood! you didn’t pollute your sacred teeth; nor make your appetite, which had always embraced the clean and lawful, a partaker of profanity.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Of such a character ought those to be who perform the duties of the law at the risk of their own blood, and defend it with generous sweat by sufferings even to death.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
You, father, have gloriously established our right government by your endurance; and making of much account our service past, prevented its destruction, and, by your deeds, have made credible the words of philosophy.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
O aged man of more power than tortures, elder more vigourous than fire, greatest king over the passions, Eleazar!


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For as father Aaron, armed with a censer, hastening through the consuming fire, vanquished the flame-bearing angel,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And, what is most wonderful, though an old man, though the labours of his body were now spent, and his muscles were relaxed, and his sinews worn out, he recovered youth.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
By the spirit of reasoning, and the reasoning of Isaac, he rendered powerless the many-headed instrument.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
O blessed old age, and reverend hoar head, and life obedient to the law, which the faithful seal of death perfected.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
If, then, an old man, through religion, despised tortures even to death, confessedly religious reasoning is ruler of the passions.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But perhaps some might say, It is not all who conquer passions, as all do not possess wise reasoning.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But they who have meditated upon religion with their whole heart, these alone can master the passions of the flesh;


book: 4Macc
contenido:
they who believe that to God they die not; for, as our forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, they live to God.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
This circumstance, then, is by no means an objection, that some who have weak reasoning, are governed by their passions:


book: 4Macc
contenido:
and knowing that it is a blessed thing to endure all kinds of hardships for virtue, would not, for the sake of religion, master his passion?


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Whence it is, that even boys, trained with the philosophy of religious reasoning, have conquered still more bitter tortures:


book: 4Macc
contenido:
for when the tyrant was manifestly vanquished in his first attempt, in being unable to force the old man to eat the unclean thing,—


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Then, indeed, vehemently swayed with passion, he commanded to bring others of the adult Hebrews, and if they would eat of the unclean thing, to let them go when they had eaten; but if they objected, to torment them more grievously.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
The tyrant having given this charge, seven kindred were brought into his presence, along with their aged mother, handsome, and modest, and well-born, and altogether comely.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
When the tyrant saw them encircling their mother as in a dance, he was pleased at them; and being struck with their becoming and innocent manner, smiled upon them, and calling them near, said:


book: 4Macc
contenido:
O youths, with favourable feelings, I admire the beauty of each of you; and greatly honouring so numerous a band of kindred, I not only counsel you not to share the madness of the old man who has been tortured before,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
but I do beg you to yield, and to enjoy my friendship; for I possess the power, not only of punishing those who disobey my commands, but of doing good to those who obey them.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Put confidence in me, then, and you shall receive places of authority in my government, if you forsake your national ordinance,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For if you provoke me by your disobedience, you will compel me to destroy you, every one, with terrible punishments by tortures.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Have mercy, then, upon your own selves, whom I, although an enemy, compassionate for your age and attractive appearance.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Will you not reason upon this—that if you disobey, there will be nothing left for you but to die in tortures?


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Thus speaking, he ordered the instruments of torture to be brought forward, that very fear might prevail upon them to eat unclean meat.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And when the spearman brought forward the wheels, and the racks, and the hooks, and catapults, and cauldrons, pans, and finger-racks, and iron hands and wedges, and bellows, the tyrant continue:


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Fear, young men, and the righteousness which you° worship will be merciful to you if you err from compulsion.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Now they having listened to these words of persuasion, and seeing the fearful instruments, not only were not afraid, but even answered the arguments of the tyrant, and through their good reasoning destroyed his power.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Now let’s consider the matter: had any of them been weak-spirited and cowardly amongst them, what reasoning would they have employed but these?


book: 4Macc
contenido:
O wretched that we are, and exceedingly senseless! when the king exhorts us, and calls us to his bounty, should we not obey him?


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Shall we not fear, O kindred, the instruments of torture and weigh the threatenings of torment and shun this vain-glory and destructive pride?


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Whence has such angry zeal taken root in us, and such fatal obstinacy approved itself to us, when we might live unmolested by the king?


book: 4Macc
contenido:
So that as soon as the tyrant had ceased counselling them to eat the unclean, they altogether with one voice, as from the same heart said:


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Why delay you, O tyrant? for we are more ready to die than to transgress the injunctions of our fathers.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And we should be disgracing our fathers if we didn’t obey the law, and take knowledge for our guide.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
O tyrant, counsellor of law-breaking, do not, hating us as you do, pity us more than we pity ourselves.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And you think to scare us, by threatening us with death by tortures, as though you had learnt nothing by the death of Eleazar.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But if aged men of the Hebrews have died in the cause of religion after enduring torture, more rightly should we younger men die, scorning your cruel tortures, which our aged instructor overcame.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Make the attempt, then, O tyrant; and if you put us to death for our religion, think not that you harm us by torturing us.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But you, for the wicked and despotic slaughter of us, shall, from the Divine vengeance, endure eternal torture by fire.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
When they had thus spoken, the tyrant was not only exasperated against them as being refractory, but enraged with them as being ungrateful.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
So that, at his bidding, the torturers brought forth the oldest of them, and tearing through his tunic, bound his hands and arms on each side with thongs.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
O most accursed tyrant, and enemy of heavenly justice, and cruel-hearted, I am no murderer, nor sacrilegious man, whom you thus ill-usest; but a defender of the Divine law.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
he answered, Not so powerful, O accursed ministers, is your wheel, as to stifle my reasoning; cut my limbs, and burn my flesh, and twist my joints.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For through all my torments I will convince you that the children of the Hebrews are alone unconquered in behalf of virtue.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
While he was saying this, they heaped up fuel, and setting fire to it, strained him upon the wheel still more.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And the wheel was defiled all over with blood, and the hot ashes were quenched by the droppings of gore, and pieces of flesh were scattered about the axles of the machine.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And although the framework of his bones was now destroyed the high-minded and Abrahamic youth didn’t groan.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Imitate me, O kindred, nor ever desert your station, nor renounce my brotherhood in courage: fight the holy and honourable fight of religion;


book: 4Macc
contenido:
by which means our just and paternal Providence, becoming merciful to the nation, will punish the pestilent tyrant.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And when all admired his courageous soul, the spearmen brought forward him who was second in point of age, and having put on iron hands, bound him with pointed hooks to the catapelt.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
after they with the iron hands had violently dragged all the flesh from the neck to the chin, the panther-like beasts tore off the very skin of his head: but he, bearing with firmness this misery, said,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Thinkest you not, most cruel of all tyrants, that you are now tortured more than I, finding your overweening conception of tyranny conquered by our perseverance in behalf of our religion?


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But you are tortured with threatenings for impiety; and you shall not escape, most corrupt tyrant, the vengeance of Divine wrath.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Now this one, having endured this praiseworthy death, the third was brought along, and exhorted by many to taste and save his life.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But he cried out and said, Know you° not, that the father of those who are dead, became the father of me also; and that the same mother bare me; and that I was brought up in the same tenets?


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Now then, whatever instrument of vengeance you° have, apply it to my body, for you° are not able to touch, even if you° wish it, my soul.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But they, highly incensed at his boldness of speech, dislocated his hands and feet with racking engines, and wrenching them from their sockets, dismembered him.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And not being able by any means to strangle him, they tore off his skin, together with the extreme tips of his fingers and then dragged him to the wheel;


book: 4Macc
contenido:
around which his vertebral joints were loosened, and he saw his own flesh torn to shreds, and streams of blood flowing from his entrails.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
By the blessed death of my kindred, and the eternal punishment of the tyrant, and the glorious life of the pious, I will not repudiate the noble brotherhood.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Invent, O tyrant, tortures; that you may learn, even through them, that I am the brother of those tormented before.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
When he had said this, the blood-thirsty, and murderous, and unhallowed Antiochus ordered his tongue to be cut out.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But I have come of my own accord, that by the death of me, you may owe heavenly vengeance a punishment for more crimes.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Does it seem evil to you that we worship the Founder of all things, and live according to his surpassing law?


book: 4Macc
contenido:
to which binding him at his knees, and fastening them with iron fetters, they bent down his loins upon the wedge of the wheel; and his body was then dismembered, scorpion-fashion.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
A great favour you bestow upon us, O tyrant, by enabling us to manifest our adherence to the law by means of nobler sufferings.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
He also being dead, the sixth, quite a youth, was brought out; and on the tyrant asking him whether he would eat and be delivered, he said,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
for having been born and reared to the same end, we are bound to die also in behalf of the same cause.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And having heated sharp spits, they approached them to his back; and having transfixed his sides, they burnt away his entrails.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And he, while tormented, said, O period good and holy, in which, for the sake of religion, we kindred have been called to the contest of pain, and have not been conquered.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For is not your inability to overrule our reasoning, and to compel us to eat the unclean, your destruction?


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For the guards not of a tyrant but of a divine law are our defenders: through this we keep our reasoning unconquered.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
When he, too, had undergone blessed martyrdom, and died in the cauldron into which he had been thrown, the seventh, the youngest of all, came forward:


book: 4Macc
contenido:
seeing him already encompassed with chains, had him brought nearer, and endeavored to counsel him, saying,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
You see the end of the madness of your kindred: for they have died in torture through disobedience; and you, if disobedient, having been miserably tormented, will yourself perish prematurely.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And having thus exhorted him, he sent for the mother of the boy; that, by condoling with her for the loss of so many sons, he might incline her, through the hope of safety, to render the survivor obedient.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Impious tyrant, and most blasphemous man, were you not ashamed, having received prosperity and a kingdom from God, to kill His servants, and to rack the doers of godliness?


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Wherefore the divine vengeance is reserving you for eternal fire and torments, which shall cling to you for all time.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Were you not ashamed, man as you are, yet most savage, to cut out the tongues of men of like feeling and origin, and having thus abused to torture them?


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But you shall groan according to your deserts for having slain without cause the champions of virtue.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
If then, the seven kindred despised troubles even to death, it is confessed on all sides that righteous reasoning is absolute master over the passions.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For just as if, had they as slaves to the passions, eaten of the unholy, we should have said that they had been conquered by the;


book: 4Macc
contenido:
now it is not so: but by means of the reasoning which is praised by God, they mastered their passions.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And it is impossible to overlook the leadership of reflection: for it gained the victory over both passions and troubles.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
How, then, can we avoid according to these men mastery of passion through right reasoning, since they drew not back from the pains of fire?


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For just as by means of towers projecting in front of harbours men break the threatening waves, and thus assure a still course to vessels entering port,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
so that seven-towered right-reasoning of the young men, securing the harbour of religion, conquered the intermperance of passions.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Brothers, may we die brotherly for the law. Let us imitate the three young men in Assyria who despised the equally afflicting furnace.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And another, Remember of what stock you° are; and by the hand of our father Isaac endured to be slain for the sake of piety.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And one and all, looking on each other serene and confident, said, Let us sacrifice with all our heart our souls to God who gave them, and employ our bodies for the keeping of the law.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
for great is the trial of soul and danger of eternal torment laid up for those who transgress the commandment of God.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
If we suffer thus, Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob will receive us, and all the fathers will commend us.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And as each one of the kindred was haled away, the rest exclaimed, Disgrace us not, O brother, nor falsify those who died before you.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Now you are not ignorant of the charm of brotherhood, which the Divine and all wise Providence has imparted through fathers to children, and has engendered through the mother’s womb.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
In which these brothers having remained an equal time, and having been formed for the same period, and been increased by the same blood, and having been perfected through the same principle of life,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
and having been brought forth at equal intervals, and having sucked milk from the same springs, hence their brotherly souls are reared up lovingly together;


book: 4Macc
contenido:
and increase the more powerfully by reason of this simultaneous rearing, and by daily intercourse, and by other education, and exercise in the law of God.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Brotherly love being thus sympathetically constituted, the seven kindred had a more sympathetic mutual harmony.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For being educated in the same law, and practising the same virtues, and reared up in a just course of life, they increased this harmony with each other.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For a like ardour for what is right and honourable increased their fellow-feeling towards each other.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And yet, although nature and intercourse and virtuous morals increased their brotherly love those who were left endured to behold their kindred, who were ill-used for their religion, tortured even to death.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And more that this, they even urged them on to this ill-treatment; so that they not only despised pains themselves, but they even got the better of their affections of brotherly love.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For just as hands and feet are moved sympathetically with the directions of the soul, so those holy youths agreed to death for religion’s sake, as through the immortal soul of religion.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
We now shudder at the recital of the affliction of those young men; but they not only saw, and not only heard the immediate execution of the threat, but undergoing it, persevered; and that through the pains of fire.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And what could be more painful? for the power of fire, being sharp and quick, speedily dissolved their bodies.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And think it not wonderful that reasoning bore rule over those men in their torments, when even a woman’s mind despised more manifold pains.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And consider how comprehensive is the love of offspring, which draws every one to sympathy of affection,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Others build their nests, and hatch their young, in the tops of mountains and in the precipices of valleys, and the holes and tops of trees, and keep off the intruder.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And if not able to do this, they fly circling round them in agony of affection, calling out in their own note, and save their offspring in whatever manner they are able.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
The very bees, at the season of honey-making, attack all who approach; and pierce with their sting, as with a sword, those who draw near their hive, and repel them even to death.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But sympathy with her children didn’t turn away the mother of the young men, who had a spirit kindred with that of Abraham.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
O reasoning of the sons, lord over the passions, and religion more desirable to a mother than progeny!


book: 4Macc
contenido:
The mother, when two things were set before here, religion and the safety of her seven sons for a time, on the conditional promise of a tyrant,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
O in what way can I describe ethically the affections of parents towards their children, the resemblance of soul and of form engrafted into the small type of a child in a wonderful manner, especially through the greater sympathy of mothers with the feelings of those born of them!


book: 4Macc
contenido:
for by how much mothers are by nature weak in disposition and prolific in offspring, by so much the fonder they are of children.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And of all mothers the mother of the seven was the fondest of children, who in seven childbirths had deeply engendered love towards them;


book: 4Macc
contenido:
and through her many pains undergone in connection with each one, was compelled to feel sympathy with them;


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Not but that, on account of the excellent disposition to the law, her maternal affection towards them was increased.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For they were both just and temperate, and manly, and high-minded, and fond of their kindred, and so fond of their mother that even to death they obeyed her by observing the law.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And yet, though there were so many circumstances connected with love of children to draw on a mother to sympathy, in the case of none of them were the various tortures able to pervert her principle.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
O holy nature and parental feeling, and reward of bringing up children, and unconquerable maternal affection!


book: 4Macc
contenido:
At the racking and roasting of each one of them, the observant mother was prevented by religion from changing.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
She saw her children’s flesh dissolving around the fire; and their extremities quivering on the ground, and the flesh of their heads dropped forward down to their beards, like masks.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Your firstborn, expiring, turned you not; nor the second, looking miserable in his torments; nor the third, breathing out his soul.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Nor when you did behold the eyes of each of them looking sternly upon their tortures, and their nostrils foreboding death, did you weep!


book: 4Macc
contenido:
When you did see children’s flesh heaped upon children’s flesh that had been torn off, heads decapitated upon heads, dead falling upon the dead, and a choir of children turned through torture into a burying ground, you lamented not.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Not so do siren melodies, or songs of swans, attract the hearers to listening, O voices of children calling upon your mother in the midst of torments!


book: 4Macc
contenido:
With what and what manner of torments was the mother herself tortured, as her sons were undergoing the wheel and the fires!


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But religious reasoning, having strengthened her courage in the midst of sufferings, enabled her to forego, for the time, parental love.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Although beholding the destruction of seven children, the noble mother, after one embrace, stripped offher feelings through faith in God.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For just as in a council-room, beholding in her own soul vehement counsellors, nature and parentage and love of her children, and the racking of her children,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
O holy mother of a nation avenger of the law, and defender of religion, and prime bearer in the battle of the affections!


book: 4Macc
contenido:
so you, the guardian of the law, when surrounded on every side by the flood of passions, and straitened by violent storms which were the torments of they children, did bear up nobly against the storms against religion.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
If, then, even a woman, and that an aged one, and the mother of seven children, endured to see her children’s torments even to death, confessedly religious reasoning is master even of the passions.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
I have proved, then, that not only men have obtained the mastery of their passions, but also that a woman despised the greatest torments.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And not so fierce were the lions round Daniel, nor the furnace of Misael burning with most vehement fires as that natural love of children burnt within her, when she saw her seven sons tortured.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For we must consider also this: that, had the woman been faint hearted, as being their other, she would have lamented over them; and perhaps might have spoken thus:


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Ah! wretched I, and many times miserable; who having born seven sons, have become the mother of none.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
O seven useless childbirths, and seven profitless periods of labour, and fruitless givings of suck, and miserable nursings at the breast.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Vainly, for your sakes, O sons, have I endured many pangs, and the more difficult anxieties of rearing.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Alas, of my children, some of you unmarried, and some who have married to no profit, I shall not see your children, nor be felicitated as a grandmother.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Nor, should I die, shall I have a son to bury me. But with such a lament as this the holy and God-fearing mother bewailed none of them.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But as one possessed with an adamantine mind, and as one bringing forth again her full number of sons to immortality, she rather with supplication exhorted them to death in behalf of religion.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
O woman, soldier of God for religion, you, aged and a female, have conquered through endurance even a tyrant; and though but weak, have been found more powerful in deeds and words.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For when you were seized along with your children, you stood looking upon Eleazar in torments, and said to your sons in the Hebrew tongue,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
O sons, noble is the contest; to which you being called as a witness for the nation, strive zealously for the laws of your country.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For it were disgraceful that this old man should endure pains for the sake of righteousness, and that you who are younger should be afraid of the tortures.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For whom also our father Abraham was forward to sacrifice Isaac our progenitor, and shuddered not at the sight of his own paternal hand descending down with the sword upon him.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And the righteous Daniel was cast to the lions; and Ananias, and Azarias, and Misael, were slung out into a furnace of fire; yet they endured through God.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
With these arguments, the mother of seven, exhorting each of her sons, over-persuaded them from transgressing the commandment of God.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And they saw this, too, that they who die for God, live to God; as Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the patriarchs.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And some of the spearbearers said, that when she herself was about to be seized for the purpose of being put to death, she threw herself upon the pile, rather than they should touch her person.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
O you mother, who together with seven children did destroy the violence of the tyrant, and render void his wicked intentions, and exhibit the nobleness of faith!


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For you, as a house bravely built upon the pillar of your children, did bear without swaying, the shock of tortures.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Be of good cheer, therefore, O holy-minded mother! holding the firmsubstance of the hope of your steadfastness with God.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Not so gracious does the moon appear with the stars in heaven, as you are established honourable before God, and fixed in the firmament with your sons who you did illuminate with religion to the stars.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And, were it lawful for us to paint as on a tablet the religion of your story, the spectators would not shudder at beholding the mother of seven children enduring for the sake of religion various tortures even to death.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And it had been a worth thing to have inscribed upon the tomb itself these words as a memorial to those of the nation,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Here an aged priest, and an aged woman, and seven sons, are buried through the violence of a tyrant, who wished to destroy the society of the Hebrews.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For at that time virtue presided over the contest, approving the victory through endurance, namely, immortality, eternal life.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
Eleazar was the first to contend: and the mother of the seven children entered the contest; and the kindred contended.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
These, therefore, having been sanctified through God, have been honoured not only with this honour, but that also by their means the enemy didn’t overcome our nation;


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For they became the ransom to the sin of the nation; and the Divine Providence saved Israel, aforetime afflicted, by the blood of those pious ones, and the propitiatory death.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For the tyrant Antiochus, looking to their manly virtue, and to their endurance in torture, proclaimed that endurance as an example to his soldiers.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And they proved to be to him noble and brave for land battles and for sieges; and he conquered and stormed the towns of all his enemies.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
O Israelitish children, descendants of the seed of Abraham, obey this law, and in every way be religious.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
When those persons giving up their bodies to pains for the sake of religion, were not only admired by men, but were deemed worthy of a divine portion.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And the nation through them obtained peace, and having renewed the observance of the law in their country, drove the enemy out of the land.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And the tyrant Antiochus was both punished upon earth, and is punished now he is dead; for when he was quite unable to compel the Israelites to adopt foreign customs, and to desert the manner of life of their fathers,


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And the righteous mother of the seven children spoke also as follows to her offspring: I was a pure virgin, and went not beyond my father’s house; but I took care of the built-up rib.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
No destroyer of the desert,or ravisher of the plain, injured me; nor did the destructive, deceitful snake, make plunder of my chaste virginity; and I remained with my husband during the period of my prime.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And these my children, having arrived at maturity, their father died: blessed was he! for having sought out a life of fertility in children, he was not grieved with a period of loss of children.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
He used to read to you the slaying of Abel by Cain, and the offering up of Isaac, and the imprisonment of Joseph.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And he used to tell you of the zealous Phinehas; and informed you of Ananias and Azarias, and Misael in the fire.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
And he used to put you in mind of the scripture of Esaias, which says, Even if you pass through the fire, it shall not burn you.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
For he didn’t forget the song which Moses taught, proclaiming, I will kill, and I will make to live.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
O that bitter, and yet not bitter, day when the bitter tyrant of the Greeks, quenching fire with fire in his cruel cauldrons, brought with boiling rage the seven sons of the daughter of Abraham to the catapelt, and to all his torments!


book: 4Macc
contenido:
He pierced the balls of their eyes, and cut out their tongues, and put them to death with varied tortures.


book: 4Macc
contenido:
But the children of Abraham, with their victorious mother, are assembled together to the choir of their father; having received pure and immortal souls from God.


book: AddDan
contenido:
I thank you, and praise you,
you God of my fathers,
who have given me wisdom and might,
and have now made known to me what we desired of you;
for you have made known to us the king’s matter.” Therefore Daniel went in to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He went and said this to him: “Don’t destroy the wise men of Babylon. Bring me in before the king, and I will show to the king the interpretation.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
“Blessed are you, O Lord, you God of our fathers! Your name is worthy to be praised and glorified for evermore;


book: AddDan
contenido:
for you are righteous in all the things that you have done. Yes, all your works are true. Your ways are right, and all your judgements are truth.


book: AddDan
contenido:
In all the things that you have brought upon us, and upon the holy city of our fathers, Jerusalem, you have executed true judgements. For according to truth and justice you have brought all these things upon us because of our sins.


book: AddDan
contenido:
In all things we have trespassed, and not obeyed your commandments, or kept them. We haven’t done as you have commanded us, that it might go well with us.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Therefore all that you have brought upon us, and everything that you have done to us, you have done in true judgement.


book: AddDan
contenido:
You delivered us into the hands of lawless enemies, most hateful rebels, and to an unjust king who is the most wicked in all the world.


book: AddDan
contenido:
And now we can’t open our mouth. Shame and reproach have come on your servants and those who worship you.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Don’t cause not your mercy to depart from us, for the sake of Abraham who is loved by you, and for the sake of Isaac your servant, and Israel your holy one,


book: AddDan
contenido:
to whom you promised that you would multiply their offspring as the stars of the sky, and as the sand that is on the sea shore.


book: AddDan
contenido:
For we, O Lord, have become less than any nation, and are kept under this day in all the world because of our sins.


book: AddDan
contenido:
There isn’t at this time prince, or prophet, or leader, or burnt offering, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense, or place to offer before you, and to find mercy.


book: AddDan
contenido:
like the burnt offerings of rams and bullocks, and like ten thousands of fat lambs. So let our sacrifice be in your sight this day, that we may wholly go after you, for they shall not be ashamed who put their trust in you.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Put us not to shame; but deal with us after your kindness, and according to the multitude of your mercy.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Deliver us also according to your marvellous works, and give glory to your name, O Lord. Let all those who harm your servants be confounded.


book: AddDan
contenido:
The king’s servants who put them in didn’t stop making the furnace hot with naphtha, pitch, tinder, and small wood,


book: AddDan
contenido:
But the angel of the Lord came down into the furnace together with Azarias and his fellows, and he struck the flame of the fire out of the furnace,


book: AddDan
contenido:
and made the midst of the furnace as it had been a moist whistling wind, so that the fire didn’t touch them at all. It neither hurt nor troubled them.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Then the three, as out of one mouth, praised, and glorified, and blessed God in the furnace, saying,


book: AddDan
contenido:
Blessed are you that behold the depths, and sit upon the cherubim, to be praised and exalted above all forever.


book: AddDan
contenido:
O you whales and all that move in the waters, bless the Lord! Praise and exalt him above all forever!


book: AddDan
contenido:
O Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, bless the Lord! Praise and exalt him above all forever; for he has rescued us from Hades, and saved us from the hand of death! He has delivered us out of the midst of the furnace and burning flame. He has delivered us out of the midst of the fire.


book: AddDan
contenido:
O all you who worship the Lord, bless the God of gods, praise him, and give him thanks; for his mercy is forever!”


book: AddDan
contenido:
in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years about which Yahweh’s word  came to Jeremiah the prophet, for the accomplishing of the desolations of Jerusalem, even seventy years.


book: AddDan
contenido:
I prayed to Yahweh my God, and made confession, and said,
“Oh, Lord, the great and dreadful God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with those who love him and keep his commandments,


book: AddDan
contenido:
We haven’t obeyed Yahweh our God’s voice, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.


book: AddDan
contenido:
As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil has come on us. Yet we have not entreated the favour of Yahweh our God, that we should turn from our iniquities and have discernment in your truth.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Therefore Yahweh has watched over the evil, and brought it on us; for Yahweh our God is righteous in all his works which he does, and we have not obeyed his voice.


book: AddDan
contenido:
While I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before Yahweh my God for the holy mountain of my God;


book: AddDan
contenido:
He took a wife, whose name was Susanna, the daughter of Helkias, a very fair woman, and one who feared the Lord.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Now Joakim was a great rich man, and had a fair garden joining to his house. The Jews uset to come to him, because he was more honourable than all others.


book: AddDan
contenido:
The same year two of the elders of the people were appointed to be judges, such as the Lord spoke of, that wickedness came from Babylon from elders who were judges, who were supposed to govern the people.


book: AddDan
contenido:
They perverted their own mind and turned away their eyes, that they might not look to heaven, nor remember just judgements.


book: AddDan
contenido:
So when they had gone out, they parted company, and turning back again, they came to the same place. After they had asked one another the cause, they acknowledged their lust. Then they appointed a time both together, when they might find her alone.


book: AddDan
contenido:
It happend, as they watched on an opportune day, she went in as before with only two maids, and she desired to wash herself in the garden; for it was hot.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Then she said to her maids, “Bring me oil and washing balls, and shut the garden doors, that I may wash myself.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
They did as she asked them, and shut the garden doors, and went out themselves at the side doors to fetch the things that she had commanded them. They didn’t see the elders, because they were hidden.


book: AddDan
contenido:
“Behold, the garden doors are shut, that no man can see us, and we are in love with you. Therefore consent to us, and lie with us.


book: AddDan
contenido:
If you will not, we will testify against you, that a young man was with you; therefore you sent your maids away from you.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
Then Susanna sighed, and said, “I am trapped; for if I do this thing, it is death to me. If I don’t do it, I can’t escape your hands.


book: AddDan
contenido:
So when the servants of the house heard the cry in the garden, they rushed in at the side door, to see what had happened to her.


book: AddDan
contenido:
But when the elders had told their tale, the servants were greatly ashamed; for there was never such a report made of Susanna.


book: AddDan
contenido:
It came to pass on the next day, when the people assembled to her husband Joakim, the two elders came full of their wicked intent against Susanna to put her to death,


book: AddDan
contenido:
and said before the people, “Send for Susanna, the daughter of Helkias, Joakim’s wife.” So they sent;


book: AddDan
contenido:
These wicked men commanded her to be unveiled, for she was veiled, that they might be filled with her beauty.


book: AddDan
contenido:
The elders said, “As we walked in the garden alone, this woman came in with two maids, shut the garden doors, and sent the maids away.


book: AddDan
contenido:
And when we saw them together, we couldn’t hold the man; for he was stronger than we, and opened the doors, and leapt out.


book: AddDan
contenido:
But having taken this woman, we asked who the young man was, but she would not tell us. We testify these things.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Then the assembly believed them, as those whe were elders of the people and judges; so they condemned her to death.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and said, “O everlasting God, you know the secrets, and know all things before they happen,


book: AddDan
contenido:
you know that they have testified falsly against me. Behold, I must die, even though I never did such things as these men have maliciously invented against me.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
Therefore when she was led away to be put to death, God raised up the holy spirit of a young youth, whose name was Daniel.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Then all the people turned them towards him, and said, “What do these words that you have spoken mean?”


book: AddDan
contenido:
So he, standing in the midst of them, said, “Are you all such fools, you sons of Israel, that without examination or knowledge of the truth you have condemned a daughter of Israel?


book: AddDan
contenido:
Therefore all the people turned again in haste, and the elders said to him, “Come, sit down amongst us, and show it to us, seeing God has given you the honour of an elder.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
So when they were put apart one from another, he called one of them, and said to him, “O you who have become old in wickedness, now your sins have returned which you have committed before,


book: AddDan
contenido:
in pronouncing unjust judgement, condemning the innocent, and letting the guilty go free; although the Lord says, ‘You shall not kill the innocent and righteous.’


book: AddDan
contenido:
Now then, if you saw her, tell me, under which tree did you see them companying together?”
He answered, “Under a mastick tree.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
And Daniel said, “You have certainly lied against your own head; for even now the angel of God has received the sentence of God and will cut you in two.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
So he put him aside, and commanded to bring the other, and said to him, “O you seed of Canaan, and not of Judah, beauty has deceived you, and lust has perverted your heart.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Thus you have dealt with the daughters of Israel, and they for fear were intimate with you; but the daughter of Judah would not tolerate your wickedness.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Now therefore tell me, under which tree did you take them being intimate together?”
Heanswered, “Under an evergreen oak tree.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
Then Daniel said to him, You have also certainly lied against your own head; for the angel of God waits with the sword to cut you in two, that he may destroy you.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
With that all the assembly cried out with a loud voice, and blessed God, who saves those who hope in him.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Then they arose against the two elders, for Daniel had convicted them of false testimony out of their own mouth.


book: AddDan
contenido:
According to the law of Moses they did to them in such sort as they maliciously intended to do to their neighbour. They put them to death, and the innocent blood was saved the same day.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Therefore Helkias and his wife praised God for their daughter Susanna, with Joakim her husband, and all the kindred, because there was no dishonesty found in her.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Now the Babylonians had an idol, called Bel, and there were spent upon him every day twelve great measures of fine flour, and forty sheep, and six firkins  of wine.


book: AddDan
contenido:
And the king honoured it, and went daily to worship it; but Daniel worshipped his own God. The king said to him, “Why don’t you worship Bel?”


book: AddDan
contenido:
He said, “Because I may not honour idols made with hands, but only the living God, who has created the sky and the earth, and has sovereignty over all flesh.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
Then the king said to him, “Don’t you that Bel is a living god? Don’t you see how much he eats and drinks every day?”


book: AddDan
contenido:
Then Daniel laughed, and said, “O king, don’t be deceived; for this is just clay inside, and brass outside, and never ate or drank anything.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
So the king was angry, and called for his priests, and said to them, “If you don’t tell me who this is who devours these expenses, you shall die.


book: AddDan
contenido:
But if you can show me that Bel devours them, then Daniel shall die; for he has spoken blasphemy against Bel.”
Daniel said to the king, “Let it be according to your word.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
Now there were seventy priests of Bel, besides their wives and children. The king went with Daniel into Bel’s temple.


book: AddDan
contenido:
So Bel’s priests said, “Behold, we will leave; but you, O king, set out the meat, and mix the wine and set it out, shut the door securely, and seal it with your own signet.


book: AddDan
contenido:
When you come in the morning, if you find not that Bel has eaten up everything, we will suffer death, or else Daniel, who speaks falsely against us.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
They weren’t concerned, for under the table they had made a secret entrance, whereby they entered in continually, and consumed those things.


book: AddDan
contenido:
It happened, when they had gone out, the king set the meat before Bel. Now Daniel had commanded his servants to bring ashes, and they scattered them all over the temple in the presence of the king alone. Then they went out, shut the door, sealed it with the king’s signet, and so departed.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Now in the night, the priests came with their wives and children, as they usually did, and ate and drank it all.


book: AddDan
contenido:
And as soon as he had opened the door, the king looked at the table, and cried with a loud voice, “You are great, O Bel, and with you is no deceit at all!”


book: AddDan
contenido:
Then Daniel laughed, and held the king that he should not go in, and said, “Behold now the pavement, and mark well whose footsteps these are.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
and took the priests with their wives and children, who showed him the secret doors, where they came in, and consumed the things that were on the table.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Therefore the king killed them, and delivered Bel into Daniel’s power, who overthrew him and his temple.


book: AddDan
contenido:
The king said to Daniel, “Will you also say that this is of brass? Behold, he lives, and eats and drinks. You can’t say that he is no living god. Therefore worship him.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
But allow me, O king, and I will kill this dragon without sword or staff.”
The king said, “I allow you.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
Then Daniel took pitch, fat, and hair, and melted them together, and made lumps of them. He put these in the dragon’s mouth, so the dragon ate and burst apart. Daniel said, “Behold, these are the gods you all worship.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
When the people of Babylon heard that, they took great indignation, and conspired against the king, saying, “The king has become a Jew. He has pulled down Bel, slain the dragon, and put the priests to the sword.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
So they came to the king, and said, “Deliver Daniel to us, or else we will destroy you and your house.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
There were seven lions in the den, and they had been gining them two carcasses and two sheep every day, which then were not given to them, intending that they would devour Daniel.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Now there was in Jewry the prophet Habakkuk, who had made stew, and had broken bread into a bowl. He was going into the field to bring it to the reapers.


book: AddDan
contenido:
But the angel of the Lord said to Habakkuk, “Go carry the dinner that you have into Babylon to Daniel, in the lions’ den.”


book: AddDan
contenido:
Then the angel of the Lord took him by the crown, and lifted him up by the hair of his head, and with the blast of his breath set him in Babylon over the den.


book: AddDan
contenido:
On the seventh day, the king came to mourn for Daniel. When he came to the den, he looked in, and, behold, Daniel was sitting.


book: AddDan
contenido:
Then the king cried with a loud voice, saying, “Great are you, O Lord, you God of Daniel, and there is none other beside you!”


book: AddDan
contenido:
So he drew him out, and cast those that were the cause of his destruction into the den; and they were devoured in a moment before his face.


book: Matt
contenido:
Abraham became the father of Isaac. Isaac became the father of Jacob. Jacob became the father of Judah and his brothers.


book: Matt
contenido:
Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron. Hezron became the father of Ram.


book: Matt
contenido:
Ram became the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon. Nahshon became the father of Salmon.


book: Matt
contenido:
Salmon became the father of Boaz by Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed by Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse.


book: Matt
contenido:
Jesse became the father of King David. David became the father of Solomon by her who had been Uriah’s wife.


book: Matt
contenido:
Solomon became the father of Rehoboam. Rehoboam became the father of Abijah. Abijah became the father of Asa.


book: Matt
contenido:
Asa became the father of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat became the father of Joram. Joram became the father of Uzziah.


book: Matt
contenido:
Uzziah became the father of Jotham. Jotham became the father of Ahaz. Ahaz became the father of Hezekiah.


book: Matt
contenido:
Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh. Manasseh became the father of Amon. Amon became the father of Josiah.


book: Matt
contenido:
After the exile to Babylon, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel. Shealtiel became the father of Zerubbabel.


book: Matt
contenido:
Zerubbabel became the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim. Eliakim became the father of Azor.


book: Matt
contenido:
Azor became the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim. Achim became the father of Eliud.


book: Matt
contenido:
Eliud became the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan. Matthan became the father of Jacob.


book: Matt
contenido:
Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus,  who is called Christ.


book: Matt
contenido:
So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the exile to Babylon fourteen generations; and from the carrying away to Babylon to the Christ, fourteen generations.


book: Matt
contenido:
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit.


book: Matt
contenido:
Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secretly.


book: Matt
contenido:
But when he thought about these things, behold,  an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take to yourself Mary, your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.


book: Matt
contenido:
She shall give birth to a son. You shall call his name Jesus,  for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”


book: Matt
contenido:
Now all this has happened that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,


book: Matt
contenido:
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child,
and shall give birth to a son.
They shall call his name Immanuel;”
which is, being interpreted, “God with us.”


book: Matt
contenido:
Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took his wife to himself;


book: Matt
contenido:
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men  from the east came to Jerusalem, saying,


book: Matt
contenido:
“Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him.”


book: Matt
contenido:
Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ would be born.


book: Matt
contenido:
‘You Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are in no way least amongst the princes of Judah:
for out of you shall come a governor,
who shall shepherd my people, Israel.’”


book: Matt
contenido:
He sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child. When you have found him, bring me word, so that I also may come and worship him.”


book: Matt
contenido:
They, having heard the king, went their way; and behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the young child was.


book: Matt
contenido:
They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.


book: Matt
contenido:
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.”


book: Matt
contenido:
and was there until the death of Herod; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”


book: Matt
contenido:
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding countryside, from two years old and under, according to the exact time which he had learnt from the wise men.


book: Matt
contenido:
“A voice was heard in Ramah,
lamentation, weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she wouldn’t be comforted,
because they are no more.”


book: Matt
contenido:
But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,


book: Matt
contenido:
“Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child’s life are dead.”


book: Matt
contenido:
But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in the place of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there. Being warned in a dream, he withdrew into the region of Galilee,


book: Matt
contenido:
and came and lived in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets that he will be called a Nazarene.


book: Matt
contenido:
For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying,
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness,
make the way of the Lord ready!
Make his paths straight!”


book: Matt
contenido:
Now John himself wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.


book: Matt
contenido:
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?


book: Matt
contenido:
Don’t think to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.


book: Matt
contenido:
“Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.


