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Title: Deuterocanonical Books of the Bible - Apocrypha
Author: Anonymous
Language: English
As this book started as an ASCII text book there are no pictures available.
*** Start of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "Deuterocanonical Books of the Bible - Apocrypha" ***
also known as the Apocrypha, please remember that these are not
not in their final form until the last day of the stated month.
In this particular case, there has been some discussion on this
as we had no titles received with these books: and uncertainty
was also evident about what order to present them in.
Encoded under the direction of Robert Kraft for distribution through
the Center for Computer Analysis of Texts, (CCAT), at the University
of Pennsylvania. Robert Kraft
Bob Kraft, who produced these Etexts has been VERY kind in this
and has allowed us to present them as we choose. However, I am
short of time at the moment, and therefore am leaving them as I
had them, other than placing his suggested titles in each book,
as they appear to be more complete that what I used as I had no
titles to begin with and had to expand from abbreviations. I am
also including two suggested tables of contents, and ask that a
reader feel free to reorder their own copies as desired; please
as we hope to have new editions out of our own. However, it is
out on time in a manner that is 99.9% accurate, which I hope we
will have accomplished by the end of the month.
also known as the Apocrypha [Book titles added as there were none
in the files we received. One typo of Ezra to Esdr was changed as
were some of the marginations. The books were each received as an
Etext file, and have been put here into one single file for utilty
and they are placed in an order suggested by one of our advisors--
we would be happy to post indices of other suggested orderings and
other commentaries.]
***
Here is the suggested table of contents of Bob Kraft:
[I have written out the numerals and the words "Book of" etc., for a
certain amount of internal consistency with our two previous Project
books listed below. The tables of contents I received for this were
inconsistent in this; I am not a Biblical scholar, and am just doing
the best I can; my sincere apologies for any errors, which with your
assistance, will be corrected by month's end. There are also Etexts
to be made of even more Apocryphal materials, if you can help us get
Not meant to be a complete listing of of all the books not included
in various editions of the Bible: with your help, perhaps we can
find more.
The Books Presented Below Use These Titles
The First Book of Esdras
The Second Book of Esdras Esdras [sometimes Fourth Book of Ezra]
The Book of Tobit
The Book of Judith
The Rest of the Chapters of the Book of Esther
The Wisdom of Solomon
The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus
The Book of Baruch
The Epistle of Jeremy [sometimes Chapter Six of Baruch]
The Song of the Three Holy Children
The Prayer of Azariah [missing in one table of contents]
The History of Susanna [in Daniel]
The History of the Destruction of Bel and the Dragon
The Prayer of Manasses King of Judah
The First Book of the Maccabees
The Second Book of the Maccabees
Here is the table of contents in the order presented below:
The First Book of Esdras
The Second Book of Esdras Esdras [sometimes Fourth Book of Ezra]
The Greek Additions to Esther
The First Book of the Maccabees
The Second Book of the Maccabees
The Book of Tobit
The Book of Judith
The Wisdom of Solomon
The Book of Sirach (or Ecclesiasticus)
The Book of Baruch
The Epistle (or letter) of Jeremiah
The Book of Susanna (in Daniel)
The Prayer of Azariah
The Prayer of Manasseh
Bel and the Dragon (in Daniel)
The First Book of Esdras
1 Esdr 1:1
And Josias held the feast of the passover in Jerusalem unto his Lord,
and offered the passover the fourteenth day of the first month;
1 Esdr 1:2
Having set the priests according to their daily courses, being arrayed
in long garments, in the temple of the Lord.
1 Esdr 1:3
And he spake unto the Levites, the holy ministers of Israel, that they
should hallow themselves unto the Lord, to set the holy ark of the
Lord in the house that king Solomon the son of David had built:
1 Esdr 1:4
And said, Ye shall no more bear the ark upon your shoulders: now
therefore serve the Lord your God, and minister unto his people
Israel, and prepare you after your families and kindreds,
1 Esdr 1:5
According as David the king of Israel prescribed, and according to
the magnificence of Solomon his son: and standing in the temple
according to the several dignity of the families of you the Levites,
who minister in the presence of your brethren the children of Israel,
1 Esdr 1:6
Offer the passover in order, and make ready the sacrifices for your
brethren, and keep the passover according to the commandment of the
Lord, which was given unto Moses.
1 Esdr 1:7
And unto the people that was found there Josias gave thirty thousand
lambs and kids, and three thousand calves: these things were given
of the king's allowance, according as he promised, to the people,
to the priests, and to the Levites.
1 Esdr 1:8
And Helkias, Zacharias, and Syelus, the governors of the temple, gave
to the priests for the passover two thousand and six hundred sheep,
and three hundred calves.
1 Esdr 1:9
And Jeconias, and Samaias, and Nathanael his brother, and Assabias,
and Ochiel, and Joram, captains over thousands, gave to the Levites
for the passover five thousand sheep, and seven hundred calves.
1 Esdr 1:10
And when these things were done, the priests and Levites, having the
unleavened bread, stood in very comely order according to the kindreds,
1 Esdr 1:11
And according to the several dignities of the fathers, before the
people, to offer to the Lord, as it is written in the book of Moses:
and thus did they in the morning.
1 Esdr 1:12
And they roasted the passover with fire, as appertaineth: as for the
sacrifices, they sod them in brass pots and pans with a good savour,
1 Esdr 1:13
And set them before all the people: and afterward they prepared for
themselves, and for the priests their brethren, the sons of Aaron.
1 Esdr 1:14
For the priests offered the fat until night: and the Levites prepared
for themselves, and the priests their brethren, the sons of Aaron.
1 Esdr 1:15
The holy singers also, the sons of Asaph, were in their order, according
to the appointment of David, to wit, Asaph, Zacharias, and Jeduthun,
who was of the king's retinue.
1 Esdr 1:16
Moreover the porters were at every gate; it was not lawful for any to
go from his ordinary service: for their brethren the Levites prepared
for them.
1 Esdr 1:17
Thus were the things that belonged to the sacrifices of the Lord
accomplished in that day, that they might hold the passover,
1 Esdr 1:18
And offer sacrifices upon the altar of the Lord, according to the
commandment of king Josias.
1 Esdr 1:19
So the children of Israel which were present held the passover at
that time, and the feast of sweet bread seven days.
1 Esdr 1:20
And such a passover was not kept in Israel since the time of the
prophet Samuel.
1 Esdr 1:21
Yea, 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 found dwelling at Jerusalem.
1 Esdr 1:22
In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josias was this passover kept.
1 Esdr 1:23
And the works or Josias were upright before his Lord with an heart
full of godliness.
1 Esdr 1:24
As for the things that came to pass in his time, they were written
in former times, concerning those that sinned, and did wickedly against
the Lord above all people and kingdoms, and how they grieved him
exceedingly, so that the words of the Lord rose up against Israel.
1 Esdr 1:25
Now after all these acts of Josias it came to pass, that Pharaoh
the king of Egypt came to raise war at Carchamis upon Euphrates:
and Josias went out against him.
1 Esdr 1:26
But the king of Egypt sent to him, saying, What have I to do with
thee, O king of Judea?
1 Esdr 1:27
I am not sent out from the Lord God against thee; for my war is upon
Euphrates: and now the Lord is with me, yea, the Lord is with me
hasting me forward: depart from me, and be not against the Lord.
1 Esdr 1:28
Howbeit Josias did not turn back his chariot from him, but undertook
to fight with him, not regarding the words of the prophet Jeremy
spoken by the mouth of the Lord:
1 Esdr 1:29
But joined battle with him in the plain of Magiddo, and the princes
came against king Josias.
1 Esdr 1:30
Then said the king unto his servants, Carry me away out of the battle;
for I am very weak. And immediately his servants took him away out
of the battle.
1 Esdr 1:31
Then gat he up upon his second chariot; and being brought back to
Jerusalem died, and was buried in his father's sepulchre.
1 Esdr 1:32
And in all Jewry they mourned for Josias, yea, Jeremy the prophet
lamented for Josias, and the chief men with the women made lamentation
for him unto this day: and this was given out for an ordinance
to be done continually in all the nation of Israel.
1 Esdr 1:33
These things are written in the book of the stories of the kings of
Judah, 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 now recited, are reported in
the book of the kings of Israel and Judea.
1 Esdr 1:34
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.
1 Esdr 1:35
And he reigned in Judea and in Jerusalem three months: and then the
king of Egypt deposed him from reigning in Jerusalem.
1 Esdr 1:36
And he set a tax upon the land of an hundred talents of silver and
one talent of gold.
1 Esdr 1:37
The king of Egypt also made king Joacim his brother king of Judea
and Jerusalem.
1 Esdr 1:38
And he bound Joacim and the nobles: but Zaraces his brother he
apprehended, and brought him out of Egypt.
1 Esdr 1:39
Five and twenty years old was Joacim when he was made king in the land
of Judea and Jerusalem; and he did evil before the Lord.
1 Esdr 1:40
Wherefore against him Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon came up,
and bound him with a chain of brass, and carried him into Babylon.
1 Esdr 1:41
Nabuchodonosor also took of the holy vessels of the Lord, and carried
them away, and set them in his own temple at Babylon.
1 Esdr 1:42
But those things that are recorded of him, and of his uncleaness and
impiety, are written in the chronicles of the kings.
1 Esdr 1:43
And Joacim his son reigned in his stead: he was made king being
eighteen years old;
1 Esdr 1:44
And reigned but three months and ten days in Jerusalem; and did
evil before the Lord.
1 Esdr 1:45
So after a year Nabuchodonosor sent and caused him to be brought into
Babylon with the holy vessels of the Lord;
1 Esdr 1:46
And made Zedechias king of Judea and Jerusalem, when he was one and
twenty years old; and he reigned eleven years:
1 Esdr 1:47
And he did evil also in the sight of the Lord, and cared not for the
words that were spoken unto him by the prophet Jeremy from the mouth
of the Lord.
1 Esdr 1:48
And after that king Nabuchodonosor had made him to swear by the name
of the Lord, he forswore himself, and rebelled; and hardening his neck,
his heart, he transgressed the laws of the Lord God of Israel.
1 Esdr 1:49
The governors also of the people and of the priests did many things
against the laws, and passed all the pollutions of all nations,
and defiled the temple of the Lord, which was sanctified in Jerusalem.
1 Esdr 1:50
Nevertheless the God of their fathers sent by his messenger to call
them back, because he spared them and his tabernacle also.
1 Esdr 1:51
But they had his messengers in derision; and, look, when the Lord
spake unto them, they made a sport of his prophets:
1 Esdr 1:52
So far forth, that he, being wroth with his people for their great
ungodliness, commanded the kings of the Chaldees to come up against them;
1 Esdr 1:53
Who slew their young men with the sword, yea, even within the compass
of their holy temple, and spared neither young man nor maid, old man
nor child, among them; for he delivered all into their hands.
1 Esdr 1:54
And they took all the holy vessels of the Lord, both great and small,
with the vessels of the ark of God, and the king's treasures, and
carried them away into Babylon.
1 Esdr 1:55
As for the house of the Lord, they burnt it, and brake down the walls
of Jerusalem, and set fire upon her towers:
1 Esdr 1:56
And as for her glorious things, they never ceased till they had consumed
and brought them all to nought: and the people that were not slain with
the sword he carried unto Babylon:
1 Esdr 1:57
Who became servants to him and his children, till the Persians reigned,
to fulfil the word of the Lord spoken by the mouth of Jeremy:
1 Esdr 1:58
Until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths, the whole time of her
desolation shall she rest, until the full term of seventy years.
1 Esdr 2:1
In the first year of Cyrus king of the Persians, that the word of the
Lord might be accomplished, that he had promised by the mouth of Jeremy;
1 Esdr 2:2
The Lord raised up the spirit of Cyrus the king of the Persians, and
he made proclamation through all his kingdom, and also by writing,
1 Esdr 2:3
Saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of the Persians; The Lord of Israel, the
most high Lord, hath made me king of the whole world,
1 Esdr 2:4
And commanded me to build him an house at Jerusalem in Jewry.
1 Esdr 2:5
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: for he is the Lord
that dwelleth in Jerusalem.
1 Esdr 2:6
Whosoever then dwell in the places about, let them help him, those, I
say, that are his neighbours, with gold, and with silver,
1 Esdr 2:7
With gifts, with horses, and with cattle, and other things, which have
been set forth by vow, for the temple of the Lord at Jerusalem.
1 Esdr 2:8
Then the chief of the families of Judea and of the tribe of Benjamin
stood up; the priests also, and the Levites, and all they whose mind
the Lord had moved to go up, and to build an house for the Lord at
Jerusalem,
1 Esdr 2:9
And they that dwelt round about them, and helped them in all things
with silver and gold, with horses and cattle, and with very many free
gifts of a great number whose minds were stirred up thereto.
1 Esdr 2:10
King Cyrus also brought forth the holy vessels, which Nabuchodonosor
had carried away from Jerusalem, and had set up in his temple of idols.
1 Esdr 2:11
Now when Cyrus king of the Persians had brought them forth, he
delivered them to Mithridates his treasurer:
1 Esdr 2:12
And by him they were delivered to Sanabassar the governor of Judea.
1 Esdr 2:13
And this was the number of them; A thousand golden cups, and a thousand
of silver, censers of silver twenty nine, vials of gold thirty, and of
silver two thousand four hundred and ten, and a thousand other vessels.
1 Esdr 2:14
So all the vessels of gold and of silver, which were carried away,
were five thousand four hundred threescore and nine.
1 Esdr 2:15
These were brought back by Sanabassar, together with them of the
captivity, from Babylon to Jerusalem.
1 Esdr 2:16
But in the time of Artexerxes king of the Persians Belemus, and
Mithridates, and Tabellius, and Rathumus, and Beeltethmus, and
Semellius the secretary, with others that were in commission
with them, dwelling in Samaria and other places, wrote unto him
against them that dwelt in Judea and Jerusalem these letters
following;
1 Esdr 2:17
To king Artexerxes our lord, Thy servants, Rathumus the storywriter,
and Semellius the scribe, and the rest of their council, and the
judges that are in Celosyria and Phenice.
1 Esdr 2:18
Be it now known to the lord king, that the Jews that are up from you
to us, being come into Jerusalem, that rebellious and wicked city,
do build the marketplaces, and repair the walls of it and do lay
the foundation of the temple.
1 Esdr 2:19
Now if this city and the walls thereof be made up again, they will
not only refuse to give tribute, but also rebel against kings.
1 Esdr 2:20
And forasmuch as the things pertaining to the temple are now
in hand, we think it meet not to neglect such a matter,
1 Esdr 2:21
But to speak unto our lord the king, to the intent that, if
it be thy pleasure it may be sought out in the books of thy
fathers:
1 Esdr 2:22
And thou shalt find in the chronicles what is written concerning
these things, and shalt understand that that city was rebellious,
troubling both kings and cities:
1 Esdr 2:23
And that the Jews were rebellious, and raised always wars therein;
for the which cause even this city was made desolate.
1 Esdr 2:24
Wherefore now we do declare unto thee, O lord the king, that
if this city be built again, and the walls thereof set up anew,
thou shalt from henceforth have no passage into Celosyria and
Phenice.
1 Esdr 2:25
Then the king wrote back again to Rathumus the storywriter,
to Beeltethmus, to Semellius the scribe, and to the rest that
were in commission, and dwellers in Samaria and Syria and
Phenice, after this manner;
1 Esdr 2:26
I have read the epistle which ye have sent unto me: therefore
I commanded to make diligent search, and it hath been found that
that city was from the beginning practising against kings;
1 Esdr 2:27
And the men therein were given to rebellion and war: and that
mighty kings and fierce were in Jerusalem, who reigned and exacted
tributes in Celosyria and Phenice.
1 Esdr 2:28
Now therefore I have commanded to hinder those men from building the
city, and heed to be taken that there be no more done in it;
1 Esdr 2:29
And that those wicked workers proceed no further to the annoyance
of kings,
1 Esdr 2:30
Then king Artexerxes his letters being read, Rathumus, and Semellius
the scribe, and the rest that were in commission with them, removing
in haste toward Jerusalem with a troop of 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.
1 Esdr 3:1
Now when Darius reigned, he made a great feast unto all his subjects,
and unto all his household, and unto all the princes of Media and
Persia,
1 Esdr 3:2
And to all the governors and captains and lieutenants that were under
him, from India unto Ethiopia, of an hundred twenty and seven provinces.
1 Esdr 3:3
And when they had eaten and drunken, and being satisfied were gone
home, then Darius the king went into his bedchamber, and slept, and
soon after awaked.
1 Esdr 3:4
Then three young men, that were of the guard that kept the king's
body, spake one to another;
1 Esdr 3:5
Let every one of us speak a sentence: he that shall overcome, and
whose sentence shall seem wiser than the others, unto him shall the
king Darius give great gifts, and great things in token of victory:
1 Esdr 3:6
As, to be clothed in purple, to drink in gold, and to sleep upon
gold, and a chariot with bridles of gold, and an headtire of fine
linen, and a chain about his neck:
1 Esdr 3:7
And he shall sit next to Darius because of his wisdom, and shall be
called Darius his cousin.
1 Esdr 3:8
And then every one wrote his sentence, sealed it, and laid it
under king Darius his pillow;
1 Esdr 3:9
And said that, when the king is risen, some will give him the
writings; 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 was appointed.
1 Esdr 3:10
The first wrote, Wine is the strongest.
1 Esdr 3:11
The second wrote, The king is strongest.
1 Esdr 3:12
The third wrote, Women are strongest: but above all things Truth
beareth away the victory.
1 Esdr 3:13
Now when the king was risen up, they took their writings, and
delivered them unto him, and so he read them:
1 Esdr 3:14
And sending forth he called all the princes of Persia and Media,
and the governors, and the captains, and the lieutenants,
and the chief officers;
1 Esdr 3:15
And sat him down in the royal seat of judgment; and the writings
were read before them.
1 Esdr 3:16
And he said, Call the young men, and they shall declare their
own sentences. So they were called, and came in.
1 Esdr 3:17
And he said unto them, Declare unto us your mind concerning the
writings. Then began the first, who had spoken of the strength of
wine;
1 Esdr 3:18
And he said thus, O ye men, how exceeding strong is wine! it causeth
all men to err that drink it:
1 Esdr 3:19
It maketh 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:
1 Esdr 3:20
It turneth also every thought into jollity and mirth, so that a man
remembereth neither sorrow nor debt:
1 Esdr 3:21
And it maketh every heart rich, so that a man remembereth neither
king nor governor; and it maketh to speak all things by talents:
1 Esdr 3:22
And when they are in their cups, they forget their love both to
friends and brethren, and a little after draw out swords:
1 Esdr 3:23
But when they are from the wine, they remember not what they have done.
1 Esdr 3:24
O ye men, is not wine the strongest, that enforceth to do thus? And
when he had so spoken, he held his peace.
1 Esdr 4:1
Then the second, that had spoken of the strength of the king, began
to say,
1 Esdr 4:2
O ye men, do not men excel in strength that bear rule over sea and
land and all things in them?
1 Esdr 4:3
But yet the king is more mighty: for he is lord of all these things,
and hath dominion over them; and whatsoever he commandeth them they do.
1 Esdr 4:4
If he bid them make war the one against the other, they do it: if he
send them out against the enemies, they go, and break down mountains
walls and towers.
1 Esdr 4:5
They slay and are slain, and transgress not the king's commandment:
if they get the victory, they bring all to the king, as well the spoil,
as all things else.
1 Esdr 4:6
Likewise for those that are no soldiers, and have not to do
with wars, but use husbundry, when they have reaped again that
which they had sown, they bring it to the king, and compel one
another to pay tribute unto the king.
1 Esdr 4:7
And yet he is but one man: if he command to kill, they kill;
if he command to spare, they spare;
1 Esdr 4:8
If he command to smite, they smite; if he command to make desolate,
they make desolate; if he command to build, they build;
1 Esdr 4:9
If he command to cut down, they cut down; if he command to plant,
they plant.
1 Esdr 4:10
So all his people and his armies obey him: furthermore he lieth down,
he eateth and drinketh, and taketh his rest:
1 Esdr 4:11
And these keep watch round about him, neither may any one depart, and
do his own business, neither disobey they him in any thing.
1 Esdr 4:12
O ye men, how should not the king be mightiest, when in such sort
he is obeyed? And he held his tongue.
1 Esdr 4:13
Then the third, who had spoken of women, and of the truth, (this was
Zorobabel) began to speak.
1 Esdr 4:14
O ye men, it is not the great king, nor the multitude of men,
neither is it wine, that excelleth; who is it then that ruleth
them, or hath the lordship over them? are they not women?
1 Esdr 4:15
Women have borne the king and all the people that bear rule by sea
and land.
1 Esdr 4:16
Even of them came they: and they nourished them up that planted the
vineyards, from whence the wine cometh.
1 Esdr 4:17
These also make garments for men; these bring glory unto men;
and without women cannot men be.
1 Esdr 4:18
Yea, and if men have gathered together gold and silver, or any other
goodly thing, do they not love a woman which is comely in favour
and beauty?
1 Esdr 4:19
And letting all those things go, do they not gape, and even
with open mouth fix their eyes fast on her; and have not all men
more desire unto her than unto silver or gold, or any goodly
thing whatsoever?
1 Esdr 4:20
A man leaveth his own father that brought him up, and his own
country, and cleaveth unto his wife.
1 Esdr 4:21
He sticketh not to spend his life with his wife, and remembereth
neither father, nor mother, nor country.
1 Esdr 4:22
By this also ye must know that women have dominion over you:
do ye not labour and toil, and give and bring all to the woman?
1 Esdr 4:23
Yea, a man taketh his sword, and goeth his way to rob and to
steal, to sail upon the sea and upon rivers;
1 Esdr 4:24
And looketh upon a lion, and goeth in the darkness; and when
he hath stolen, spoiled, and robbed, he bringeth it to his love.
1 Esdr 4:25
Wherefore a man loveth his wife better than father or mother.
1 Esdr 4:26
Yea, many there be that have run out of their wits for women,
and become servants for their sakes.
1 Esdr 4:27
Many also have perished, have erred, and sinned, for women.
1 Esdr 4:28
And now do ye not believe me? is not the king great in his power? do
not all regions fear to touch him?
1 Esdr 4:29
Yet did I see him and Apame the king's concubine, the daughter of
the admirable Bartacus, sitting at the right hand of the king,
1 Esdr 4:30
And taking the crown from the king's head, and setting it upon her
own head; she also struck the king with her left hand.
1 Esdr 4:31
And yet for all this 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, the king was fain to flatter, that
she might be reconciled to him again.
1 Esdr 4:32
O ye men, how can it be but women should be strong, seeing they
do thus?
1 Esdr 4:33
Then the king and the princes looked one upon another: so he
began to speak of the truth.
1 Esdr 4:34
O ye men, are not women strong? great is the earth, high is
the heaven, swift is the sun in his course, for he compasseth
the heavens round about, and fetcheth his course again to his
own place in one day.
1 Esdr 4:35
Is he not great that maketh these things? therefore great is
the truth, and stronger than all things.
1 Esdr 4:36
All the earth crieth upon the truth, and the heaven blesseth
it: all works shake and tremble at it, and with it is no
unrighteous thing.
1 Esdr 4:37
Wine is wicked, the king is wicked, women are wicked, all the
children of men are wicked, and such are all their wicked works;
and there is no truth in them; in their unrighteousness also
they shall perish.
1 Esdr 4:38
As for the truth, it endureth, and is always strong; it liveth and
conquereth for evermore.
1 Esdr 4:39
With her there is no accepting of persons or rewards; but she
doeth the things that are just, and refraineth from all unjust
and wicked things; and all men do well like of her works.
1 Esdr 4:40
Neither in her judgment is any unrighteousness; and she is the
strength, kingdom, power, and majesty, of all ages. Blessed
be the God of truth.
1 Esdr 4:41
And with that he held his peace. And all the people then shouted,
and said, Great is Truth, and mighty above all things.
1 Esdr 4:42
Then said the king unto him, Ask what thou wilt more than is appointed
in the writing, and we will give it thee, because thou art found
wisest; and thou shalt sit next me, and shalt be called my cousin.
1 Esdr 4:43
Then said he unto the king, Remember thy vow, which thou hast
vowed to build Jerusalem, in the day when thou camest to thy
kingdom,
1 Esdr 4:44
And to send away all the vessels that were taken away out of Jerusalem,
which Cyrus set apart, when he vowed to destroy Babylon, and to send
them again thither.
1 Esdr 4:45
Thou also hast vowed to build up the temple, which the Edomites
burned when Judea was made desolate by the Chaldees.
1 Esdr 4:46
And now, O lord the king, this is that which I require, and
which I desire of thee, and this is the princely liberality
proceeding from thyself: I desire therefore that thou make good
the vow, the performance whereof with thine own mouth thou hast
vowed to the King of heaven.
1 Esdr 4:47
Then Darius the king stood up, and kissed him, and wrote letters
for him unto all the treasurers and lieutenants and captains and
governors, that they should safely convey on their way both him,
and all those that go up with him to build Jerusalem.
1 Esdr 4:48
He wrote letters also unto the lieutenants that were in Celosyria
and Phenice, and unto them in Libanus, that they should bring cedar
wood from Libanus unto Jerusalem, and that they should build the
city with him.
1 Esdr 4:49
Moreover he wrote for all the Jews that went out of his realm
up into Jewry, concerning their freedom, that no officer, no
ruler, no lieutenant, nor treasurer, should forcibly enter into
their doors;
1 Esdr 4:50
And that all the country which they hold should be free without
tribute; and that the Edomites should give over the villages
of the Jews which then they held:
1 Esdr 4:51
Yea, that there should be yearly given twenty talents to the
building of the temple, until the time that it were built;
1 Esdr 4:52
And other ten talents yearly, to maintain the burnt offerings
upon the altar every day, as they had a commandment to offer
seventeen:
1 Esdr 4:53
And that all they that went from Babylon to build the city should
have free liberty, as well they as their posterity, and all the
priests that went away.
1 Esdr 4:54
He wrote also concerning the charges, and the priests' vestments
wherein they minister;
1 Esdr 4:55
And likewise for the charges of the Levites, to be given them until
the day that the house were finished, and Jerusalem builded up.
1 Esdr 4:56
And he commanded to give to all that kept the city pensions and wages.
1 Esdr 4:57
He sent away also all the vessels from Babylon, that Cyrus had set
apart; and all that Cyrus had given in commandment, the same charged
he also to be done, and sent unto Jerusalem.
1 Esdr 4:58
Now when this young man was gone forth, he lifted up his face
to heaven toward Jerusalem, and praised the King of heaven,
1 Esdr 4:59
And said, From thee cometh victory, from thee cometh wisdom,
and thine is the glory, and I am thy servant.
1 Esdr 4:60
Blessed art thou, who hast given me wisdom: for to thee I give
thanks, O Lord of our fathers.
1 Esdr 4:61
And so he took the letters, and went out, and came unto Babylon, and
told it all his brethren.
1 Esdr 4:62
And they praised the God of their fathers, because he had given
them freedom and liberty
1 Esdr 4:63
To go up, and to build Jerusalem, and the temple which is called
by his name: and they feasted with instruments of musick and
gladness seven days.
1 Esdr 5:1
After this were the principal men of the families chosen according
to their tribes, to go up with their wives and sons and daughters,
with their menservants and maidservants, and their cattle.
1 Esdr 5:2
And Darius sent with them a thousand horsemen, till they had brought
them back to Jerusalem safely, and with musical [instruments] tabrets
and flutes.
1 Esdr 5:3
And all their brethren played, and he made them go up together with them.
1 Esdr 5:4
And these are the names of the men which went up, according
to their families among their tribes, after their several heads.
1 Esdr 5:5
The priests, the sons of Phinees the son of Aaron: Jesus the
son of Josedec, the son of Saraias, and Joacim the son of Zorobabel,
the son of Salathiel, of the house of David, out of the kindred
of Phares, of the tribe of Judah;
1 Esdr 5:6
Who spake wise sentences before Darius the king of Persia in the
second year of his reign, in the month Nisan, which is the
first month.
1 Esdr 5:7
And these are they of Jewry that came up from the captivity, where
they dwelt as strangers, whom Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon
had carried away unto Babylon.
1 Esdr 5:8
And they returned unto Jerusalem, and to the other parts of Jewry,
every man to his own city, who came with Zorobabel, with Jesus,
Nehemias, and Zacharias, and Reesaias, Enenius, Mardocheus, Beelsarus,
Aspharasus, Reelius, Roimus, and Baana, their guides.
1 Esdr 5:9
The number of them of the nation, and their governors, sons
of Phoros, two thousand an hundred seventy and two; the sons of
Saphat, four hundred seventy and two:
1 Esdr 5:10
The sons of Ares, seven hundred fifty and six:
1 Esdr 5:11
The sons of Phaath Moab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve:
1 Esdr 5:12
The sons of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four: the
sons of Zathul, nine hundred forty and five: the sons of Corbe,
seven hundred and five: the sons of Bani, six hundred forty and
eight:
1 Esdr 5:13
The sons of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three: the sons of Sadas,
three thousand two hundred twenty and two:
1 Esdr 5:14
The sons of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and seven: the sons of Bagoi,
two thousand sixty and six: the sons of Adin, four hundred fifty and
four:
1 Esdr 5:15
The sons of Aterezias, ninety and two: the sons of Ceilan and
Azetas threescore and seven: the sons of Azuran, four hundred
thirty and two:
1 Esdr 5:16
The sons of Ananias, an hundred and one: the sons of Arom, thirty
two: and the sons of Bassa, three hundred twenty and three: the
sons of Azephurith, an hundred and two:
1 Esdr 5:17
The sons of Meterus, three thousand and five: the sons of Bethlomon,
an hundred twenty and three:
1 Esdr 5:18
They of Netophah, fifty and five: they of Anathoth, an hundred
fifty and eight: they of Bethsamos, forty and two:
1 Esdr 5:19
They of Kiriathiarius, twenty and five: they of Caphira and Beroth,
seven hundred forty and three: they of Pira, seven hundred:
1 Esdr 5:20
They of Chadias and Ammidoi, four hundred twenty and two: they
of Cirama and Gabdes, six hundred twenty and one:
1 Esdr 5:21
They of Macalon, an hundred twenty and two: they of Betolius,
fifty and two: the sons of Nephis, an hundred fifty and six:
1 Esdr 5:22
The sons of Calamolalus and Onus, seven hundred twenty and five:
the sons of Jerechus, two hundred forty and five:
1 Esdr 5:23
The sons of Annas, three thousand three hundred and thirty.
1 Esdr 5:24
The priests: the sons of Jeddu, the son of Jesus among the sons
of Sanasib, nine hundred seventy and two: the sons of Meruth,
a thousand fifty and two:
1 Esdr 5:25
The sons of Phassaron, a thousand forty and seven: the sons of Carme,
a thousand and seventeen.
1 Esdr 5:26
The Levites: the sons of Jessue, and Cadmiel, and Banuas, and Sudias,
seventy and four.
1 Esdr 5:27
The holy singers: the sons of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.
1 Esdr 5:28
The porters: the sons of Salum, the sons of Jatal, the sons of
Talmon, the sons of Dacobi, the sons of Teta, the sons of Sami,
in all an hundred thirty and nine.
1 Esdr 5:29
The servants of the temple: the sons of Esau, the sons of Asipha,
the sons of Tabaoth, the sons of Ceras, the sons of Sud, the sons
of Phaleas, the sons of Labana, the sons of Graba,
1 Esdr 5:30
The sons of Acua, the sons of Uta, the sons of Cetab, the sons of
Agaba, the sons of Subai, the sons of Anan, the sons of Cathua,
the sons of Geddur,
1 Esdr 5:31
The sons of Airus, the sons of Daisan, the sons of Noeba, the
sons of Chaseba, the sons of Gazera, the sons of Azia, the sons
of Phinees, the sons of Azare, the sons of Bastai, the sons of
Asana, the sons of Meani, the sons of Naphisi, the sons of Acub,
the sons of Acipha, the sons of Assur, the sons of Pharacim, the
sons of Basaloth,
1 Esdr 5:32
The sons of Meeda, the sons of Coutha, the sons of Charea, the sons
of Charcus, the sons of Aserer, the sons of Thomoi, the sons of
Nasith, the sons of Atipha.
1 Esdr 5:33
The sons of the servants of Solomon: the sons of Azaphion, the sons
of Pharira, the sons of Jeeli, the sons of Lozon, the sons of
Israel, the sons of Sapheth,
1 Esdr 5:34
The sons of Hagia, the sons of Pharacareth, the sons of Sabi,
the sons of Sarothie, the sons of Masias, the sons of Gar,
the sons of Addus, the sons of Suba, the sons of Apherra, the
sons of Barodis, the sons of Sabat, the sons of Allom.
1 Esdr 5:35
All the ministers of the temple, and the sons of the servants
of Solomon, were three hundred seventy and two.
1 Esdr 5:36
These came up from Thermeleth and Thelersas, Charaathalar leading
them, and Aalar;
1 Esdr 5:37
Neither could they shew their families, nor their stock, how
they were of Israel: the sons of Ladan, the son of Ban, the sons
of Necodan, six hundred fifty and two.
1 Esdr 5:38
And of the priests that usurped the office of the priesthood,
and were not found: the sons of Obdia, the sons of Accoz, the
sons of Addus, who married Augia one of the daughters of Barzelus,
and was named after his name.
1 Esdr 5:39
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:
1 Esdr 5:40
For unto them said Nehemias and Atharias, that they should not be
partakers of the holy things, till there arose up an high priest
clothed with doctrine and truth.
1 Esdr 5:41
So of Israel, from them of twelve years old and upward, they were
all in number forty thousand, beside menservants and womenservants
two thousand three hundred and sixty.
1 Esdr 5:42
Their menservants and handmaids were seven thousand three hundred
forty and seven: the singing men and singing women, two hundred
forty and five:
1 Esdr 5:43
Four hundred thirty and five camels, seven thousand thirty and
six horses, two hundred forty and five mules, five thousand
five hundred twenty and five beasts used to the yoke.
1 Esdr 5:44
And certain of the chief of their families, when they came to
the temple of God that is in Jerusalem, vowed to set up the
house again in his own place according to their ability,
1 Esdr 5:45
And to give into the holy treasury of the works a thousand pounds
of gold, five thousand of silver, and an hundred priestly vestments.
1 Esdr 5:46
And so dwelt the priests and the Levites and the people in Jerusalem,
and in the country, the singers also and the porters; and all Israel
in their villages.
1 Esdr 5:47
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 open place of the first gate which is
toward the east.
1 Esdr 5:48
Then stood up Jesus the son of Josedec, and his brethren the
priests and Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and his brethren,
and made ready the altar of the God of Israel,
1 Esdr 5:49
To offer burnt sacrifices upon it, according as it is expressly
commanded in the book of Moses the man of God.
1 Esdr 5:50
And there were gathered unto them out of the other nations of
the land, and they erected the altar upon his 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.
1 Esdr 5:51
Also they held the feast of tabernacles, as it is commanded in
the law, and offered sacrifices daily, as was meet:
1 Esdr 5:52
And after that, the continual oblations, and the sacrifice of
the sabbaths, and of the new moons, and of all holy feasts.
1 Esdr 5:53
And all they that had made any vow to God began to offer sacrifices
to God from the first day of the seventh month, although the temple
of the Lord was not yet built.
1 Esdr 5:54
And they gave unto the masons and carpenters money, meat, and drink,
with cheerfulness.
1 Esdr 5:55
Unto them of Zidon also and Tyre they gave carrs, that they should
bring cedar trees from Libanus, which should be brought by floats
to the haven of Joppa, according as it was commanded them by Cyrus
king of the Persians.
1 Esdr 5:56
And in the second year and second month after his coming to the
temple of God at Jerusalem began Zorobabel the son of Salathiel,
and Jesus the son of Josedec, and their brethren, and the priests,
and the Levites, and all they that were come unto Jerusalem out
of the captivity:
1 Esdr 5:57
And they laid the foundation of the house of God in the first
day of the second month, in the second year after they were come
to Jewry and Jerusalem.
1 Esdr 5:58
And they appointed the Levites from twenty years old over the
works of the Lord. Then stood up Jesus, and his sons and brethren,
and Cadmiel his brother, and the sons of Madiabun, with the sons
of Joda the son of Eliadun, with their sons and brethren, all
Levites, with one accord setters forward of the business, labouring
to advance the works in the house of God. So the workmen built
the temple of the Lord.
1 Esdr 5:59
And the priests stood arrayed in their vestments with musical
instruments and trumpets; and the Levites the sons of Asaph had
cymbals,
1 Esdr 5:60
Singing songs of thanksgiving, and praising the Lord, according as
David the king of Israel had ordained.
1 Esdr 5:61
And they sung with loud voices songs to the praise of the Lord,
because his mercy and glory is for ever in all Israel.
1 Esdr 5:62
And all the people sounded trumpets, and shouted with a loud voice,
singing songs of thanksgiving unto the Lord for the rearing up
of the house of the Lord.
1 Esdr 5:63
Also of the priests and Levites, and of the chief of their families,
the ancients who had seen the former house came to the building of
this with weeping and great crying.
1 Esdr 5:64
But many with trumpets and joy shouted with loud voice,
1 Esdr 5:65
Insomuch that the trumpets might not be heard for the weeping
of the people: yet the multitude sounded marvellously, so that
it was heard afar off.
1 Esdr 5:66
Wherefore when the enemies of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin
heard it, they came to know what that noise of trumpets should
mean.
1 Esdr 5:67
And they perceived that they that were of the captivity did
build the temple unto the Lord God of Israel.
1 Esdr 5:68
So they went to Zorobabel and Jesus, and to the chief of the
families, and said unto them, We will build together with you.
1 Esdr 5:69
For we likewise, as ye, do obey your Lord, and do sacrifice
unto him from the days of Azbazareth the king of the Assyrians,
who brought us hither.
1 Esdr 5:70
Then Zorobabel and Jesus and the chief of the families of Israel
said unto them, It is not for us and you to build together an
house unto the Lord our God.
1 Esdr 5:71
We ourselves alone will build unto the Lord of Israel, according
as Cyrus the king of the Persians hath commanded us.
1 Esdr 5:72
But the heathen of the land lying heavy upon the inhabitants
of Judea, and holding them strait, hindered their building;
1 Esdr 5:73
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.
1 Esdr 6:1
Now in the second year of the reign of Darius Aggeus and Zacharias
the son of Addo, the prophets, prophesied unto the Jews in Jewry
and Jerusalem in the name of the Lord God of Israel, which was
upon them.
1 Esdr 6:2
Then stood up Zorobabel the son of Salatiel, and Jesus the son
of Josedec, and began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem,
the prophets of the Lord being with them, and helping them.
1 Esdr 6:3
At the same time came unto them Sisinnes the governor of Syria
and Phenice, with Sathrabuzanes and his companions, and said
unto them,
1 Esdr 6:4
By whose appointment do ye build this house and this roof, and
perform all the other things? and who are the workmen that perform
these things?
1 Esdr 6:5
Nevertheless the elders of the Jews obtained favour, because the
Lord had visited the captivity;
1 Esdr 6:6
And they were not hindered from building, until such time as
signification was given unto Darius concerning them, and an
answer received.
1 Esdr 6:7
The copy of the letters which Sisinnes, governor of Syria and
Phenice, and Sathrabuzanes, with their companions, rulers in
Syria and Phenice, wrote and sent unto Darius; To king Darius,
greeting:
1 Esdr 6:8
Let all things be known unto 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 ancients of the Jews that
were of the captivity
1 Esdr 6:9
Building an house unto the Lord, great and new, of hewn and
costly stones, and the timber already laid upon the walls.
1 Esdr 6:10
And those works are done with great speed, and the work goeth
on prosperously in their hands, and with all glory and diligence
is it made.
1 Esdr 6:11
Then asked we these elders, saying, By whose commandment build
ye this house, and lay the foundations of these works?
1 Esdr 6:12
Therefore to the intent that we might give knowledge unto thee
by writing, we demanded of them who were the chief doers, and
we required of them the names in writing of their principal men.
1 Esdr 6:13
So they gave us this answer, We are the servants of the Lord
which made heaven and earth.
1 Esdr 6:14
And as for this house, it was builded many years ago by a king of
Israel great and strong, and was finished.
1 Esdr 6:15
But when our fathers provoked God unto wrath, and sinned against
the Lord of Israel which is in heaven, he gave them over into
the power of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, of the Chaldees;
1 Esdr 6:16
Who pulled down the house, and burned it, and carried away the
people captives unto Babylon.
1 Esdr 6:17
But in the first year that king Cyrus reigned over the country
of Babylon Cyrus the king wrote to build up this house.
1 Esdr 6:18
And the holy vessels of gold and of silver, that Nabuchodonosor
had carried away out of the house at Jerusalem, and had set them
in his own temple those Cyrus the king brought forth again out
of the temple at Babylon, and they were delivered to Zorobabel
and to Sanabassarus the ruler,
1 Esdr 6:19
With commandment that he should carry away the same vessels,
and put them in the temple at Jerusalem; and that the temple of
the Lord should be built in his place.
1 Esdr 6:20
Then the same Sanabassarus, being come hither, laid the foundations
of the house of the Lord at Jerusalem; and from that time to this
being still a building, it is not yet fully ended.
1 Esdr 6:21
Now therefore, if it seem good unto the king, let search be made
among the records of king Cyrus:
1 Esdr 6:22
And if it be found that the building of the house of the Lord
at Jerusalem hath been done with the consent of king Cyrus, and
if our lord the king be so minded, let him signify unto us thereof.
1 Esdr 6:23
Then commanded king Darius to seek among the records at Babylon:
and so at Ecbatane the palace, which is in the country of Media,
there was found a roll wherein these things were recorded.
1 Esdr 6:24
In the first year of the reign of Cyrus king Cyrus commanded
that the house of the Lord at Jerusalem should be built again,
where they do sacrifice with continual fire:
1 Esdr 6:25
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 expences thereof to be given out of the house
of king Cyrus:
1 Esdr 6:26
And that the holy vessels of the house of the Lord, both of
gold and silver, that Nabuchodonosor took out of the house at
Jerusalem, and brought to Babylon, should be restored to the
house at Jerusalem, and be set in the place where they were
before.
1 Esdr 6:27
And also he commanded that Sisinnes the governor of Syria and
Phenice, and Sathrabuzanes, and their companions, and those
which were appointed rulers in Syria and Phenice, 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 the house of the Lord in that place.
1 Esdr 6:28
I have commanded also to have it built up whole again; and
that they look diligently to help those that be of the captivity
of the Jews, till the house of the Lord be finished:
1 Esdr 6:29
And out of the tribute of Celosyria and Phenice a portion carefully
to be given these men for the sacrifices of the Lord, that is,
to Zorobabel the governor, for bullocks, and rams, and lambs;
1 Esdr 6:30
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:
1 Esdr 6:31
That offerings may be made to the most high God for the king
and for his children, and that they may pray for their lives.
1 Esdr 6:32
And he commanded that whosoever should transgress, yea, or make
light of any thing afore spoken or written, out of his own house
should a tree be taken, and he thereon be hanged, and all his
goods seized for the king.
1 Esdr 6:33
The Lord therefore, whose name is there called upon, utterly
destroy every king and nation, that stretcheth out his hand to
hinder or endamage that house of the Lord in Jerusalem.
1 Esdr 6:34
I Darius the king have ordained that according unto these things
it be done with diligence.
1 Esdr 7:1
Then Sisinnes the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, and Sathrabuzanes,
with their companions following the commandments of king Darius,
1 Esdr 7:2
Did very carefully oversee the holy works, assisting the ancients
of the Jews and governors of the temple.
1 Esdr 7:3
And so the holy works prospered, when Aggeus and Zacharias the
prophets prophesied.
1 Esdr 7:4
And they finished these things by the commandment of the Lord God of
Israel, and with the consent of Cyrus, Darius, and Artexerxes, kings
of Persia.
1 Esdr 7:5
And thus was the holy house finished in the three and twentieth day
of the month Adar, in the sixth year of Darius king of the Persians
1 Esdr 7:6
And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and
others that were of the captivity, that were added unto them,
did according to the things written in the book of Moses.
1 Esdr 7:7
And to the dedication of the temple of the Lord they offered
an hundred bullocks two hundred rams, four hundred lambs;
1 Esdr 7:8
And twelve goats for the sin of all Israel, according to the
number of the chief of the tribes of Israel.
1 Esdr 7:9
The priests also and the Levites stood arrayed in their vestments,
according to their kindreds, in the service of the Lord God of Israel,
according to the book of Moses: and the porters at every gate.
1 Esdr 7:10
And the children of Israel that were of the captivity held the
passover the fourteenth day of the first month, after that the
priests and the Levites were sanctified.
1 Esdr 7:11
They that were of the captivity were not all sanctified together:
but the Levites were all sanctified together.
1 Esdr 7:12
And so they offered the passover for all them of the captivity,
and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.
1 Esdr 7:13
And the children of Israel that came out of the captivity did eat,
even all they that had separated themselves from the abominations
of the people of the land, and sought the Lord.
1 Esdr 7:14
And they kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days, making
merry before the Lord,
1 Esdr 7:15
For that he had turned the counsel of the king of Assyria toward
them, to strengthen their hands in the works of the Lord
God of Israel.
1 Esdr 8:1
And after these things, when Artexerxes the king of the Persians
reigned came Esdras the son of Saraias, the son of Ezerias, the
son of Helchiah, the son of Salum,
1 Esdr 8:2
The son of Sadduc, the son of Achitob, the son of Amarias, the son
of Ezias, the son of Meremoth, the son of Zaraias, the son of
Savias, the son of Boccas, the son of Abisum, the son of Phinees,
the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest.
1 Esdr 8:3
This Esdras went up from Babylon, as a scribe, being very ready
in the law of Moses, that was given by the God of Israel.
1 Esdr 8:4
And the king did him honour: for he found grace in his sight in
all his requests.
1 Esdr 8:5
There went up with him also certain of the children of Israel,
of the priest of the Levites, of the holy singers, porters, and
ministers of the temple, unto Jerusalem,
1 Esdr 8:6
In the seventh year of the reign of Artexerxes, in the fifth month,
this was the king's seventh year; for they went from Babylon in the
first day of the first month, and came to Jerusalem, according to
the prosperous journey which the Lord gave them.
1 Esdr 8:7
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 judgments.
1 Esdr 8:8
Now the copy of the commission, which was written from Artexerxes
the king, and came to Esdras the priest and reader of the law of
the Lord, is this that followeth;
1 Esdr 8:9
King Artexerxes unto Esdras the priest and reader of the law
of the Lord sendeth greeting:
1 Esdr 8:10
Having determined to deal graciously, I have given order, that
such of the nation of the Jews, and of the priests and Levites
being within our realm, as are willing and desirous should go
with thee unto Jerusalem.
1 Esdr 8:11
As many therefore as have a mind thereunto, let them depart with
thee, as it hath seemed good both to me and my seven friends the
counsellors;
1 Esdr 8:12
That they may look unto the affairs of Judea and Jerusalem, agreeably
to that which is in the law of the Lord;
1 Esdr 8:13
And carry the gifts unto the Lord of Israel to Jerusalem, which I
and my friends have vowed, and all the gold and silver that in the
country of Babylon can be found, to the Lord in Jerusalem,
1 Esdr 8:14
With that also which is given of the people for the temple of
the Lord their God at Jerusalem: and that silver and gold may be
collected for bullocks, rams, and lambs, and things thereunto
appertaining;
1 Esdr 8:15
To the end that they may offer sacrifices unto the Lord upon
the altar of the Lord their God, which is in Jerusalem.
1 Esdr 8:16
And whatsoever thou and thy brethren will do with the silver
and gold, that do, according to the will of thy God.
1 Esdr 8:17
And the holy vessels of the Lord, which are given thee for the use
of the temple of thy God, which is in Jerusalem, thou shalt set
before thy God in Jerusalem.
1 Esdr 8:18
And whatsoever thing else thou shalt remember for the use of the
temple of thy God, thou shalt give it out of the king's treasury.
1 Esdr 8:19
And I king Artexerxes have also commanded the keepers of the
treasures in Syria and Phenice, that whatsoever Esdras the priest
and the reader of the law of the most high God shall send for,
they should give it him with speed,
1 Esdr 8:20
To the sum of an hundred talents of silver, likewise also of
wheat even to an hundred cors, and an hundred pieces of wine,
and other things in abundance.
1 Esdr 8:21
Let all things be performed after the law of God diligently unto
the most high God, that wrath come not upon the kingdom of the king
and his sons.
1 Esdr 8:22
I command you also, that ye require no tax, nor any other imposition,
of any of the priests, or Levites, or holy singers, or porters, or
ministers of the temple, or of any that have doings in this temple,
and that no man have authority to impose any thing upon them.
1 Esdr 8:23
And thou, Esdras, according to the wisdom of God ordain judges and
justices, that they may judge in all Syria and Phenice all those
that know the law of thy God; and those that know it not thou shalt
teach.
1 Esdr 8:24
And whosoever shall transgress the law of thy God, and of the king,
shall be punished diligently, whether it be by death, or other
punishment, by penalty of money, or by imprisonment.
1 Esdr 8:25
Then said Esdras the scribe, Blessed be the only Lord God of my
fathers, who hath put these things into the heart of the king,
to glorify his house that is in Jerusalem:
1 Esdr 8:26
And hath honoured me in the sight of the king, and his counsellors,
and all his friends and nobles.
1 Esdr 8:27
Therefore was I encouraged by the help of the Lord my God, and
gathered together men of Israel to go up with me.
1 Esdr 8:28
And these are the chief according to their families and several
dignities, that went up with me from Babylon in the reign of
king Artexerxes:
1 Esdr 8:29
Of the sons of Phinees, Gerson: of the sons of Ithamar, Gamael:
of the sons of David, Lettus the son of Sechenias:
1 Esdr 8:30
Of the sons of Pharez, Zacharias; and with him were counted an
hundred and fifty men:
1 Esdr 8:31
Of the sons of Pahath Moab, Eliaonias, the son of Zaraias, and
with him two hundred men:
1 Esdr 8:32
Of the sons of Zathoe, Sechenias the son of Jezelus, and with
him three hundred men: of the sons of Adin, Obeth the son of
Jonathan, and with him two hundred and fifty men:
1 Esdr 8:33
Of the sons of Elam, Josias son of Gotholias, and with him seventy men:
1 Esdr 8:34
Of the sons of Saphatias, Zaraias son of Michael, and with him
threescore and ten men:
1 Esdr 8:35
Of the sons of Joab, Abadias son of Jezelus, and with him two hundred
and twelve men:
1 Esdr 8:36
Of the sons of Banid, Assalimoth son of Josaphias, and with him an
hundred and threescore men:
1 Esdr 8:37
Of the sons of Babi, Zacharias son of Bebai, and with him twenty and
eight men:
1 Esdr 8:38
Of the sons of Astath, Johannes son of Acatan, and with him an
hundred and ten men:
1 Esdr 8:39
Of the sons of Adonikam the last, and these are the names of
them, Eliphalet, Jewel, and Samaias, and with them seventy men:
1 Esdr 8:40
Of the sons of Bago, Uthi the son of Istalcurus, and with him
seventy men.
1 Esdr 8:41
And these I gathered together to the river called Theras, where
we pitched our tents three days: and then I surveyed them.
1 Esdr 8:42
But when I had found there none of the priests and Levites,
1 Esdr 8:43
Then sent I unto Eleazar, and Iduel, and Masman,
1 Esdr 8:44
And Alnathan, and Mamaias, and Joribas, and Nathan, Eunatan,
Zacharias, and Mosollamon, principal men and learned.
1 Esdr 8:45
And I bade them that they should go unto Saddeus the captain,
who was in the place of the treasury:
1 Esdr 8:46
And commanded them that they should speak unto Daddeus, and
to his brethren, and to the treasurers in that place, to send us
such men as might execute the priests' office in the house of
the Lord.
1 Esdr 8:47
And by the mighty hand of our Lord they brought unto us skilful
men of the sons of Moli the son of Levi, the son of Israel,
Asebebia, and his sons, and his brethren, who were eighteen.
1 Esdr 8:48
And Asebia, and Annus, and Osaias his brother, of the sons of
Channuneus, and their sons, were twenty men.
1 Esdr 8:49
And of the servants of the temple whom David had ordained, and
the principal men for the service of the Levites to wit, the
servants of the temple two hundred and twenty, the catalogue of
whose names were shewed.
1 Esdr 8:50
And there I vowed a fast unto the young men before our Lord,
to desire of him a prosperous journey both for us and them that
were with us, for our children, and for the cattle:
1 Esdr 8:51
For I was ashamed to ask the king footmen, and horsemen, and
conduct for safeguard against our adversaries.
1 Esdr 8:52
For we had said unto the king, that the power of the Lord our
God should be with them that seek him, to support them in all
ways.
1 Esdr 8:53
And again we besought our Lord as touching these things, and
found him favourable unto us.
1 Esdr 8:54
Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Esebrias, and
Assanias, and ten men of their brethren with them:
1 Esdr 8:55
And I weighed them the gold, and the silver, and the holy vessels
of the house of our Lord, which the king, and his council, and the
princes, and all Israel, had given.
1 Esdr 8:56
And when I had weighed it, I delivered unto them six hundred and
fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels of an hundred talents,
and an hundred talents of gold,
1 Esdr 8:57
And twenty golden vessels, and twelve vessels of brass, even
of fine brass, glittering like gold.
1 Esdr 8:58
And I said unto them, Both ye are holy unto the Lord, and the
vessels are holy, and the gold and the silver is a vow unto the
Lord, the Lord of our fathers.
1 Esdr 8:59
Watch ye, and keep them till ye deliver them to the chief of the
priests and Levites, and to the principal men of the families
of Israel, in Jerusalem, into the chambers of the house of our God.
1 Esdr 8:60
So the priests and the Levites, who had received the silver
and the gold and the vessels, brought them unto Jerusalem, into
the temple of the Lord.
1 Esdr 8:61
And from the river Theras we departed the twelfth day of the
first month, and came to Jerusalem by the mighty hand of our
Lord, which was with us: and from the beginning of our journey
the Lord delivered us from every enemy, and so we came to Jerusalem.
1 Esdr 8:62
And when we had been there three days, the gold and silver that
was weighed was delivered in the house of our Lord on the fourth
day unto Marmoth the priest the son of Iri.
1 Esdr 8:63
And with him was Eleazar the son of Phinees, and with them were
Josabad the son of Jesu and Moeth the son of Sabban, Levites:
all was delivered them by number and weight.
1 Esdr 8:64
And all the weight of them was written up the same hour.
1 Esdr 8:65
Moreover they that were come out of the captivity offered sacrifice
unto the Lord God of Israel, even twelve bullocks for all Israel,
fourscore and sixteen rams,
1 Esdr 8:66
Threescore and twelve lambs, goats for a peace offering, twelve;
all of them a sacrifice to the Lord.
1 Esdr 8:67
And they delivered the king's commandments unto the king's stewards'
and to the governors of Celosyria and Phenice; and they honoured
the people and the temple of God.
1 Esdr 8:68
Now when these things were done, the rulers came unto me, and said,
1 Esdr 8:69
The nation of Israel, the princes, the priests and Levites,
have not put away from them the strange people of the land, nor
the pollutions of the Gentiles to wit, of the Canaanites, Hittites,
Pheresites, Jebusites, and the Moabites, Egyptians, and Edomites.
1 Esdr 8:70
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 great
men have been partakers of this iniquity.
1 Esdr 8:71
And as soon as I had heard these things, I rent my clothes,
and the holy garment, and pulled off the hair from off my head
and beard, and sat me down sad and very heavy.
1 Esdr 8:72
So all they that were then moved at the word of the Lord God
of Israel assembled unto me, whilst I mourned for the iniquity:
but I sat still full of heaviness until the evening sacrifice.
1 Esdr 8:73
Then rising up from the fast with my clothes and the holy garment
rent, and bowing my knees, and stretching forth my hands unto
the Lord,
1 Esdr 8:74
I said, O Lord, I am confounded and ashamed before thy face;
1 Esdr 8:75
For our sins are multiplied above our heads, and our ignorances
have reached up unto heaven.
1 Esdr 8:76
For ever since the time of our fathers we have been and are in
great sin, even unto this day.
1 Esdr 8:77
And for our sins and our fathers' we with our brethren and our
kings and our priests were given up unto the kings of the earth,
to the sword, and to captivity, and for a prey with shame, unto
this day.
1 Esdr 8:78
And now in some measure hath mercy been shewed unto us from thee,
O Lord, that there should be left us a root and a name in the place
of thy sanctuary;
1 Esdr 8:79
And to discover unto us a light in the house of the Lord our God,
and to give us food in the time of our servitude.
1 Esdr 8:80
Yea, 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;
1 Esdr 8:81
Yea, and honoured the temple of our Lord, and raised up the
desolate Sion, that they have given us a sure abiding in Jewry
and Jerusalem.
1 Esdr 8:82
And now, O Lord, what shall we say, having these things? for
we have transgressed thy commandments, which thou gavest by the
hand of thy servants the prophets, saying,
1 Esdr 8:83
That the land, which ye enter into to possess as an heritage,
is a land polluted with the pollutions of the strangers of the
land, and they have filled it with their uncleanness.
1 Esdr 8:84
Therefore now shall ye not join your daughters unto their sons,
neither shall ye take their daughters unto your sons.
1 Esdr 8:85
Moreover ye shall never seek to have peace with them, that ye
may be strong, and eat the good things of the land, and that ye
may leave the inheritance of the land unto your children for
evermore.
1 Esdr 8:86
And all that is befallen is done unto us for our wicked works
and great sins; for thou, O Lord, didst make our sins light,
1 Esdr 8:87
And didst give unto us such a root: but we have turned back
again to transgress thy law, and to mingle ourselves with the
uncleanness of the nations of the land.
1 Esdr 8:88
Mightest not thou be angry with us to destroy us, till thou
hadst left us neither root, seed, nor name?
1 Esdr 8:89
O Lord of Israel, thou art true: for we are left a root this day.
1 Esdr 8:90
Behold, now are we before thee in our iniquities, for we cannot
stand any longer by reason of these things before thee.
1 Esdr 8:91
And as Esdras in his prayer made his confession, weeping, and
lying flat upon the ground before the temple, there gathered
unto him from Jerusalem a very great multitude of men and women
and children: for there was great weeping among the multitude.
1 Esdr 8:92
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 nations of the land,
and now is all Israel aloft.
1 Esdr 8:93
Let us make an oath to the Lord, that we will put away all our
wives, which we have taken of the heathen, with their children,
1 Esdr 8:94
Like as thou hast decreed, and as many as do obey the law of the Lord.
1 Esdr 8:95
Arise and put in execution: for to thee doth this matter appertain,
and we will be with thee: do valiantly.
1 Esdr 8:96
So Esdras arose, and took an oath of the chief of the priests
and Levites of all Israel to do after these things; and so they
sware.
1 Esdr 9:1
Then Esdras rising from the court of the temple went to the chamber
of Joanan the son of Eliasib,
1 Esdr 9:2
And remained there, and did eat no meat nor drink water, mourning
for the great iniquities of the multitude.
1 Esdr 9:3
And there was a proclamation in all Jewry and Jerusalem to all them
that were of the captivity, that they should be gathered together
at Jerusalem:
1 Esdr 9:4
And that whosoever 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 them that were
of the captivity.
1 Esdr 9:5
And in three days were all they of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin
gathered together at Jerusalem the twentieth day of the ninth month.
1 Esdr 9:6
And all the multitude sat trembling in the broad court of the
temple because of the present foul weather.
1 Esdr 9:7
So Esdras arose up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed
the law in marrying strange wives, thereby to increase the sins
of Israel.
1 Esdr 9:8
And now by confessing give glory unto the Lord God of our fathers,
1 Esdr 9:9
And do his will, and separate yourselves from the heathen of the
land, and from the strange women.
1 Esdr 9:10
Then cried the whole multitude, and said with a loud voice,
Like as thou hast spoken, so will we do.
1 Esdr 9:11
But forasmuch as the people are many, and it is foul weather,
so that we cannot stand without, and this is not a work of a day
or two, seeing our sin in these things is spread far:
1 Esdr 9:12
Therefore let the rulers of the multitude stay, and let all
them of our habitations that have strange wives come at the time
appointed,
1 Esdr 9:13
And with them the rulers and judges of every place, till we
turn away the wrath of the Lord from us for this matter.
1 Esdr 9:14
Then Jonathan the son of Azael and Ezechias the son of
Theocanus accordingly took this matter upon them: and Mosollam
and Levis and Sabbatheus helped them.
1 Esdr 9:15
And they that were of the captivity did according to all these
things.
1 Esdr 9:16
And Esdras the priest chose unto him the principal men of their
families, all by name: and in the first day of the tenth month
they sat together to examine the matter.
1 Esdr 9:17
So their cause that held strange wives was brought to an end
in the first day of the first month.
1 Esdr 9:18
And of the priests that were come together, and had strange wives,
there were found:
1 Esdr 9:19
Of the sons of Jesus the son of Josedec, and his brethren; Matthelas
and Eleazar, and Joribus and Joadanus.
1 Esdr 9:20
And they gave their hands to put away their wives and to offer
rams to make reconcilement for their errors.
1 Esdr 9:21
And of the sons of Emmer; Ananias, and Zabdeus, and Eanes, and
Sameius, and Hiereel, and Azarias.
1 Esdr 9:22
And of the sons of Phaisur; Elionas, Massias Israel, and Nathanael,
and Ocidelus and Talsas.
1 Esdr 9:23
And of the Levites; Jozabad, and Semis, and Colius, who was called
Calitas, and Patheus, and Judas, and Jonas.
1 Esdr 9:24
Of the holy singers; Eleazurus, Bacchurus.
1 Esdr 9:25
Of the porters; Sallumus, and Tolbanes.
1 Esdr 9:26
Of them of Israel, of the sons of Phoros; Hiermas, and Eddias,
and Melchias, and Maelus, and Eleazar, and Asibias, and Baanias.
1 Esdr 9:27
Of the sons of Ela; Matthanias, Zacharias, and Hierielus, and
Hieremoth, and Aedias.
1 Esdr 9:28
And of the sons of Zamoth; Eliadas, Elisimus, Othonias, Jarimoth,
and Sabatus, and Sardeus.
1 Esdr 9:29
Of the sons of Babai; Johannes, and Ananias and Josabad, and Amatheis.
1 Esdr 9:30
Of the sons of Mani; Olamus, Mamuchus, Jedeus, Jasubus, Jasael,
and Hieremoth.
1 Esdr 9:31
And of the sons of Addi; Naathus, and Moosias, Lacunus, and Naidus,
and Mathanias, and Sesthel, Balnuus, and Manasseas.
1 Esdr 9:32
And of the sons of Annas; Elionas and Aseas, and Melchias, and
Sabbeus, and Simon Chosameus.
1 Esdr 9:33
And of the sons of Asom; Altaneus, and Matthias, and Baanaia,
Eliphalet, and Manasses, and Semei.
1 Esdr 9:34
And of the sons of Maani; Jeremias, Momdis, Omaerus, Juel, Mabdai,
and Pelias, and Anos, Carabasion, and Enasibus, and Mamnitanaimus,
Eliasis, Bannus, Eliali, Samis, Selemias, Nathanias: and of the
sons of Ozora; Sesis, Esril, Azaelus, Samatus, Zambis, Josephus.
1 Esdr 9:35
And of the sons of Ethma; Mazitias, Zabadaias, Edes, Juel, Banaias.
1 Esdr 9:36
All these had taken strange wives, and they put them away with
their children.
1 Esdr 9:37
And the priests and Levites, and they that were of Israel, dwelt
in Jerusalem, and in the country, in the first day of the seventh
month: so the children of Israel were in their habitations.
1 Esdr 9:38
And the whole multitude came together with one accord into the
broad place of the holy porch toward the east:
1 Esdr 9:39
And they spake unto Esdras the priest and reader, that he would
bring the law of Moses, that was given of the Lord God of Israel.
1 Esdr 9:40
So Esdras the chief priest brought the law unto the whole multitude
from man to woman, and to all the priests, to hear law in the
first day of the seventh month.
1 Esdr 9:41
And he read in the broad court before the holy porch from morning
unto midday, before both men and women; and the multitude gave heed
unto the law.
1 Esdr 9:42
And Esdras the priest and reader of the law stood up upon a pulpit
of wood, which was made for that purpose.
1 Esdr 9:43
And there stood up by him Mattathias, Sammus, Ananias, Azarias,
Urias, Ezecias, Balasamus, upon the right hand:
1 Esdr 9:44
And upon his left hand stood Phaldaius, Misael, Melchias, Lothasubus,
and Nabarias.
1 Esdr 9:45
Then took Esdras the book of the law before the multitude: for he
sat honourably in the first place in the sight of them all.
1 Esdr 9:46
And when he opened the law, they stood all straight up. So Esdras
blessed the Lord God most High, the God of hosts, Almighty.
1 Esdr 9:47
And all the people answered, Amen; and lifting up their hands
they fell to the ground, and worshipped the Lord.
1 Esdr 9:48
Also Jesus, Anus, Sarabias, Adinus, Jacubus, Sabateas, Auteas,
Maianeas, and Calitas, Asrias, and Joazabdus, and Ananias, Biatas,
the Levites, taught the law of the Lord, making them withal to
understand it.
1 Esdr 9:49
Then spake Attharates unto Esdras the chief priest and reader,
and to the Levites that taught the multitude, even to all, saying,
1 Esdr 9:50
This day is holy unto the Lord; (for they all wept when they
heard the law:)
1 Esdr 9:51
Go then, and eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send part
to them that have nothing;
1 Esdr 9:52
For this day is holy unto the Lord: and be not sorrowful; for
the Lord will bring you to honour.
1 Esdr 9:53
So the Levites published all things to the people, saying, This
day is holy to the Lord; be not sorrowful.
1 Esdr 9:54
Then went they their way, every one to eat and drink, and make
merry, and to give part to them that had nothing, and to make
great cheer;
1 Esdr 9:55
Because they understood the words wherein they were instructed,
and for the which they had been assembled.
The Second Book of Esdras
2 Esdr 1:1
The second book of the prophet Esdras, the son of Saraias,
the son of Azarias, the son of Helchias, the son of Sadamias,
the sou of Sadoc, the son of Achitob,
2 Esdr 1:2
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 And he spake unto the of Borith, the son of Abisei,
the son of Phinees, the son of Eleazar,
2 Esdr 1:3
The son of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi; which was captive in
the land of the Medes, in the reign of Artexerxes king of the
Persians.
2 Esdr 1:4
And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
2 Esdr 1:5
Go thy way, and shew my people their sinful deeds, and their
children their wickedness which they have done against me; that
they may tell their children's children:
2 Esdr 1:6
Because the sins of their fathers are increased in them: for
they have forgotten me, and have offered unto strange gods.
2 Esdr 1:7
Am not I even he that brought them out of the land of Egypt,
from the house of bondage? but they have provoked me unto wrath,
and despised my counsels.
2 Esdr 1:8
Pull thou off then the hair of thy head, and cast all evil upon them,
for they have not been obedient unto my law, but it is a rebellious people.
2 Esdr 1:9
How long shall I forbear them, into whom I have done so much good?
2 Esdr 1:10
Many kings have I destroyed for their sakes; Pharaoh with his
servants and all his power have I smitten down.
2 Esdr 1:11
All the nations have I destroyed before them, and in the east
I have scattered the people of two provinces, even of Tyrus and
Sidon, and have slain all their enemies.
2 Esdr 1:12
Speak thou therefore unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord,
2 Esdr 1:13
I led you through the sea and in the beginning gave you a large and
safe passage; I gave you Moses for a leader, and Aaron for a priest.
2 Esdr 1:14
I gave you light in a pillar of fire, and great wonders have
I done among you; yet have ye forgotten me, saith the Lord.
2 Esdr 1:15
Thus saith the Almighty Lord, The quails were as a token to you;
I gave you tents for your safeguard: nevertheless ye murmured there,
2 Esdr 1:16
And triumphed not in my name for the destruction of your enemies,
but ever to this day do ye yet murmur.
2 Esdr 1:17
Where are the benefits that I have done for you? when ye were
hungry and thirsty in the wilderness, did ye not cry unto me,
2 Esdr 1:18
Saying, Why hast thou 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.
2 Esdr 1:19
Then had I pity upon your mournings, and gave you manna to eat;
so ye did eat angels' bread.
2 Esdr 1:20
When ye 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.
2 Esdr 1:21
I divided among you a fruitful land, I cast out the Canaanites, the
Pherezites, and the Philistines, before you: what shall I yet do
more for you? saith the Lord.
2 Esdr 1:22
Thus saith the Almighty Lord, When ye were in the wilderness,
in the river of the Amorites, being athirst, and blaspheming my name,
2 Esdr 1:23
I gave you not fire for your blasphemies, but cast a tree in the water,
and made the river sweet.
2 Esdr 1:24
What shall I do unto thee, O Jacob? thou, Juda, wouldest not
obey me: I will turn me to other nations, and unto those will
I give my name, that they may keep my statutes.
2 Esdr 1:25
Seeing ye have forsaken me, I will forsake you also; when ye desire me
to be gracious unto you, I shall have no mercy upon you.
2 Esdr 1:26
Whensoever ye shall call upon me, I will not hear you: for ye have
defiled your hands with blood, and your feet are swift to commit
manslaughter.
2 Esdr 1:27
Ye have not as it were forsaken me, but your own selves, saith the Lord.
2 Esdr 1:28
Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Have I not prayed you as a father his
sons, as a mother her daughters, and a nurse her young babes,
2 Esdr 1:29
That ye would be my people, and I should be your God; that ye
would be my children, and I should be your father?
2 Esdr 1:30
I gathered you together, as a hen gathereth her chickens under
her wings: but now, what shall I do unto you? I will cast you
out from my face.
2 Esdr 1:31
When ye offer unto me, I will turn my face from you: for your
solemn feastdays, your new moons, and your circumcisions, have I
forsaken.
2 Esdr 1:32
I sent unto you my servants the prophets, whom ye have taken
and slain, and torn their bodies in pieces, whose blood I will
require of your hands, saith the Lord.
2 Esdr 1:33
Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Your house is desolate, I will
cast you out as the wind doth stubble.
2 Esdr 1:34
And your children shall not be fruitful; for they have despised
my commandment, and done the thing that is an evil before me.
2 Esdr 1:35
Your houses will I give to a people that shall come; which not
having heard of me yet shall believe me; to whom I have shewed
no signs, yet they shall do that I have commanded them.
2 Esdr 1:36
They have seen no prophets, yet they shall call their sins to
remembrance, and acknowledge them.
2 Esdr 1:37
I take to witness the grace of the people to come, whose little
ones rejoice in gladness: and though they have not seen me with
bodily eyes, yet in spirit they believe the thing that I say.
2 Esdr 1:38
And now, brother, behold what glory; and see the people that
come from the east:
2 Esdr 1:39
Unto whom I will give for leaders, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
Oseas, Amos, and Micheas, Joel, Abdias, and Jonas,
2 Esdr 1:40
Nahum, and Abacuc, Sophonias, Aggeus, Zachary, and Malachy, which
is called also an angel of the Lord.
2 Esdr 2:1
Thus saith the Lord, I brought this people out of bondage, and I
gave them my commandments by menservants the prophets; whom they
would not hear, but despised my counsels.
2 Esdr 2:2
The mother that bare them saith unto them, Go your way, ye children;
for I am a widow and forsaken.
2 Esdr 2:3
I brought you up with gladness; but with sorrow and heaviness
have I lost you: for ye have sinned before the Lord your God,
and done that thing that is evil before him.
2 Esdr 2:4
But what shall I now do unto you? I am a widow and forsaken:
go your way, O my children, and ask mercy of the Lord.
2 Esdr 2:5
As for me, O father, I call upon thee for a witness over the
mother of these children, which would not keep my covenant,
2 Esdr 2:6
That thou bring them to confusion, and their mother to a spoil,
that there may be no offspring of them.
2 Esdr 2:7
Let them be scattered abroad among the heathen, let their names
be put out of the earth: for they have despised my covenant.
2 Esdr 2:8
Woe be unto thee, Assur, thou that hidest the unrighteous in
thee! O thou wicked people, remember what I did unto Sodom and
Gomorrha;
2 Esdr 2:9
Whose land lieth in clods of pitch and heaps of ashes: even
so also will I do unto them that hear me not, saith the Almighty
Lord.
2 Esdr 2:10
Thus saith the Lord unto Esdras, Tell my people that I will
give them the kingdom of Jerusalem, which I would have given
unto Israel.
2 Esdr 2:11
Their glory also will I take unto me, and give these the everlasting
tabernacles, which I had prepared for them.
2 Esdr 2:12
They shall have the tree of life for an ointment of sweet savour;
they shall neither labour, nor be weary.
2 Esdr 2:13
Go, and ye shall receive: pray for few days unto you, that they may
be shortened: the kingdom is already prepared for you: watch.
2 Esdr 2:14
Take heaven and earth to witness; for I have broken the evil
in pieces, and created the good: for I live, saith the Lord.
2 Esdr 2:15
Mother, embrace thy children, and bring them up with gladness,
make their feet as fast as a pillar: for I have chosen thee,
saith the Lord.
2 Esdr 2:16
And those that be dead will I raise up again from their places, and
bring them out of the graves: for I have known my name in Israel.
2 Esdr 2:17
Fear not, thou mother of the children: for I have chosen thee,
saith the Lord.
2 Esdr 2:18
For thy help will I send my servants Esau and Jeremy, after
whose counsel I have sanctified and prepared for thee twelve
trees laden with divers fruits,
2 Esdr 2:19
And as many fountains flowing with milk and honey, and seven
mighty mountains, whereupon there grow roses and lilies, whereby
I will fill thy children with joy.
2 Esdr 2:20
Do right to the widow, judge for the fatherless, give to the
poor, defend the orphan, clothe the naked,
2 Esdr 2:21
Heal the broken and the weak, laugh not a lame man to scorn,
defend the maimed, and let the blind man come into the sight of
my clearness.
2 Esdr 2:22
Keep the old and young within thy walls.
2 Esdr 2:23
Wheresoever thou findest the dead, take them and bury them,
and I will give thee the first place in my resurrection.
2 Esdr 2:24
Abide still, O my people, and take thy rest, for thy quietness
still come.
2 Esdr 2:25
Nourish thy children, O thou good nurse; stablish their feet.
2 Esdr 2:26
As for the servants whom I have given thee, there shall not
one of them perish; for I will require them from among thy
number.
2 Esdr 2:27
Be not weary: for when the day of trouble and heaviness cometh,
others shall weep and be sorrowful, but thou shalt be merry
and have abundance.
2 Esdr 2:28
The heathen shall envy thee, but they shall be able to do nothing
against thee, saith the Lord.
2 Esdr 2:29
My hands shall cover thee, so that thy children shall not see
hell.
2 Esdr 2:30
Be joyful, O thou mother, with thy children; for I will deliver
thee, saith the Lord.
2 Esdr 2:31
Remember thy children that sleep, for I shall bring them out
of the sides of the earth, and shew mercy unto them: for I am
merciful, saith the Lord Almighty.
2 Esdr 2:32
Embrace thy children until I come and shew mercy unto them:
for my wells run over, and my grace shall not fail.
2 Esdr 2:33
I Esdras received a charge of the Lord upon the mount Oreb,
that I should go unto Israel; but when I came unto them, they
set me at nought, and despised the commandment of the Lord.
2 Esdr 2:34
And therefore I say unto you, O ye heathen, that hear and understand,
look for your Shepherd, he shall give you everlasting rest; for he
is nigh at hand, that shall come in the end of the world.
2 Esdr 2:35
Be ready to the reward of the kingdom, for the everlasting light
shall shine upon you for evermore.
2 Esdr 2:36
Flee the shadow of this world, receive the joyfulness of your
glory: I testify my Saviour openly.
2 Esdr 2:37
O receive the gift that is given you, and be glad, giving thanks
unto him that hath led you to the heavenly kingdom.
2 Esdr 2:38
Arise up and stand, behold the number of those that be sealed
in the feast of the Lord;
2 Esdr 2:39
Which are departed from the shadow of the world, and have received
glorious garments of the Lord.
2 Esdr 2:40
Take thy number, O Sion, and shut up those of thine that are
clothed in white, which have fulfilled the law of the Lord.
2 Esdr 2:41
The number of thy children, whom thou longedst for, is fulfilled:
beseech the power of the Lord, that thy people, which have been
called from the beginning, may be hallowed.
2 Esdr 2:42
I Esdras saw upon the mount Sion a great people, whom I could
not number, and they all praised the Lord with songs.
2 Esdr 2:43
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; which I marvelled at greatly.
2 Esdr 2:44
So I asked the angel, and said, Sir, what are these?
2 Esdr 2:45
He answered and said unto me, These be they that 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.
2 Esdr 2:46
Then said I unto the angel, What young person is it that crowneth
them, and giveth them palms in their hands?
2 Esdr 2:47
So he answered and said unto me, It is the Son of God, whom they
have confessed in the world. Then began I greatly to commend them
that stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord.
2 Esdr 2:48
Then the angel said unto me, Go thy way, and tell my people
what manner of things, and how great wonders of the Lord thy
God, thou hast seen.
2 Esdr 3:1
In the thirtieth year after the ruin of the city I was in Babylon, and
lay troubled upon my bed, and my thoughts came up over my heart:
2 Esdr 3:2
For I saw the desolation of Sion, and the wealth of them that
dwelt at Babylon.
2 Esdr 3:3
And my spirit was sore moved, so that I began to speak words
full of fear to the most High, and said,
2 Esdr 3:4
O Lord, who bearest rule, thou spakest at the beginning, when
thou didst plant the earth, and that thyself alone, and
commandedst the people,
2 Esdr 3:5
And gavest a body unto Adam without soul, which was the workmanship
of thine hands, and didst breathe into him the breath of life, and
he was made living before thee.
2 Esdr 3:6
And thou leadest him into paradise, which thy right hand had
planted, before ever the earth came forward.
2 Esdr 3:7
And unto him thou gavest commandment to love thy way: which
he transgressed, and immediately thou appointedst death in him
and in his generations, of whom came nations, tribes, people,
and kindreds, out of number.
2 Esdr 3:8
And every people walked after their own will, and did wonderful
things before thee, and despised thy commandments.
2 Esdr 3:9
And again in process of time thou broughtest the flood upon
those that dwelt in the world, and destroyedst them.
2 Esdr 3:10
And it came to pass in every of them, that as death was to Adam,
so was the flood to these.
2 Esdr 3:11
Nevertheless one of them thou leftest, namely, Noah with his
household, of whom came all righteous men.
2 Esdr 3:12
And it happened, that when they that dwelt upon the earth began
to multiply, and had gotten them many children, and were a great
people, they began again to be more ungodly than the first.
2 Esdr 3:13
Now when they lived so wickedly before thee, thou didst
choose thee a man from among them, whose name was Abraham.
2 Esdr 3:14
Him thou lovedst, and unto him only thou shewedst thy will:
2 Esdr 3:15
And madest an everlasting covenant with him, promising him
that thou wouldest never forsake his seed.
2 Esdr 3:16
And unto him thou gavest Isaac, and unto Isaac also thou
gavest Jacob and Esau. As for Jacob, thou didst choose him to
thee, and put by Esau: and so Jacob became a great multitude.
2 Esdr 3:17
And it came to pass, that when thou leadest his seed out of
Egypt, thou broughtest them up to the mount Sinai.
2 Esdr 3:18
And bowing the heavens, thou didst set fast the earth, movedst
the whole world, and madest the depths to tremble, and troubledst
the men of that age.
2 Esdr 3:19
And thy glory went through four gates, of fire, and of earthquake,
and of wind, and of cold; that thou mightest give the law unto the
seed of Jacob, and diligence unto the generation of Israel.
2 Esdr 3:20
And yet tookest thou not away from them a wicked heart, that
thy law might bring forth fruit in them.
2 Esdr 3:21
For the first Adam bearing a wicked heart transgressed, and
was overcome; and so be all they that are born of him.
2 Esdr 3:22
Thus infirmity was made permanent; and the law (also) in the
heart of the people with the malignity of the root; so that the
good departed away, and the evil abode still.
2 Esdr 3:23
So the times passed away, and the years were brought to an end:
then didst thou raise thee up a servant, called David:
2 Esdr 3:24
Whom thou commandedst to build a city unto thy name, and to
offer incense and oblations unto thee therein.
2 Esdr 3:25
When this was done many years, then they that inhabited the
city forsook thee,
2 Esdr 3:26
And in all things did even as Adam and all his generations
had done: for they also had a wicked heart:
2 Esdr 3:27
And so thou gavest thy city over into the hands of thine enemies.
2 Esdr 3:28
Are their deeds then any better that inhabit Babylon, that they
should therefore have the dominion over Sion?
2 Esdr 3:29
For when I came thither, and had seen impieties without number,
then my soul saw many evildoers in this thirtieth year, so that
my heart failed me.
2 Esdr 3:30
For I have seen how thou sufferest them sinning, and hast spared
wicked doers: and hast destroyed thy people, and hast preserved
thine enemies, and hast not signified it.
2 Esdr 3:31
I do not remember how this way may be left: Are they then of
Babylon better than they of Sion?
2 Esdr 3:32
Or is there any other people that knoweth thee beside Israel?
or what generation hath so believed thy covenants as Jacob?
2 Esdr 3:33
And yet their reward appeareth not, and their labour hath no
fruit: for I have gone here and there through the heathen, and I
see that they flow in wealth, and think not upon thy
commandments.
2 Esdr 3:34
Weigh thou therefore our wickedness now in the balance, and
their's also that dwell the world; and so shall thy name no
where be found but in Israel.
2 Esdr 3:35
Or when was it that they which dwell upon the earth have not
sinned in thy sight? or what people have so kept thy
commandments?
2 Esdr 3:36
Thou shalt find that Israel by name hath kept thy precepts;
but not the heathen.
2 Esdr 4:1
And the angel that was sent unto me, whose name was Uriel, gave
me an answer,
2 Esdr 4:2
And said, Thy heart hath gone to far in this world, and thinkest
thou to comprehend the way of the most High?
2 Esdr 4:3
Then said I, Yea, my lord. And he answered me, and said, I am
sent to shew thee three ways, and to set forth three similitudes
before thee:
2 Esdr 4:4
Whereof if thou canst declare me one, I will shew thee also
the way that thou desirest to see, and I shall shew thee from
whence the wicked heart cometh.
2 Esdr 4:5
And I said, Tell on, my lord. Then said he unto me, Go thy
way, weigh me the weight of the fire, or measure me the blast of
the wind, or call me again the day that is past.
2 Esdr 4:6
Then answered I and said, What man is able to do that, that
thou shouldest ask such things of me?
2 Esdr 4:7
And he said unto me, If I should ask thee how great dwellings
are in the midst of the sea, or how many springs are in the
beginning of the deep, or how many springs are above the
firmament, or which are the outgoings of paradise:
2 Esdr 4:8
Peradventure thou wouldest say unto me, I never went down
into the deep, nor as yet into hell, neither did I ever climb up
into heaven.
2 Esdr 4:9
Nevertheless now have I asked thee but only of the fire and
wind, and of the day wherethrough thou hast passed, and of
things from which thou canst not be separated, and yet canst
thou give me no answer of them.
2 Esdr 4:10
He said moreover unto me, Thine own things, and such as are
grown up with thee, canst thou not know;
2 Esdr 4:11
How should thy vessel then be able to comprehend the way of
the Highest, and, the world being now outwardly corrupted to
understand the corruption that is evident in my sight?
2 Esdr 4:12
Then said I unto him, It were better that we were not at all,
than that we should live still in wickedness, and to suffer, and
not to know wherefore.
2 Esdr 4:13
He answered me, and said, I went into a forest into a plain,
and the trees took counsel,
2 Esdr 4:14
And said, Come, let us go and make war against the sea that
it may depart away before us, and that we may make us more
woods.
2 Esdr 4:15
The floods of the sea also in like manner took counsel, and
said, Come, let us go up and subdue the woods of the plain, that
there also we may make us another country.
2 Esdr 4:16
The thought of the wood was in vain, for the fire came and
consumed it.
2 Esdr 4:17
The thought of the floods of the sea came likewise to nought,
for the sand stood up and stopped them.
2 Esdr 4:18
If thou wert judge now betwixt these two, whom wouldest thou
begin to justify? or whom wouldest thou condemn?
2 Esdr 4:19
I answered and said, Verily it is a foolish thought that they
both have devised, for the ground is given unto the wood, and
the sea also hath his place to bear his floods.
2 Esdr 4:20
Then answered he me, and said, Thou hast given a right judgment,
but why judgest thou not thyself also?
2 Esdr 4:21
For like as the ground is given unto the wood, and the sea to
his floods: even so they that dwell upon the earth may
understand nothing but that which is upon the earth: and he that
dwelleth above the heavens may only understand the things that
are above the height of the heavens.
2 Esdr 4:22
Then answered I and said, I beseech thee, O Lord, let me have
understanding:
2 Esdr 4:23
For it was not my mind to be curious of the high things, but
of such as pass by us daily, namely, wherefore Israel is given
up as a reproach to the heathen, and for what cause the people
whom thou hast loved is given over unto ungodly nations, and why
the law of our forefathers is brought to nought, and the written
covenants come to none effect,
2 Esdr 4:24
And we pass away out of the world as grasshoppers, and our
life is astonishment and fear, and we are not worthy to obtain
mercy.
2 Esdr 4:25
What will he then do unto his name whereby we are called? of
these things have I asked.
2 Esdr 4:26
Then answered he me, and said, The more thou searchest, the
more thou shalt marvel; for the world hasteth fast to pass away,
2 Esdr 4:27
And cannot comprehend the things that are promised to the righteous
in time to come: for this world is full of unrighteousness and
infirmities.
2 Esdr 4:28
But as concerning the things whereof thou askest me, I will
tell thee; for the evil is sown, but the destruction thereof is
not yet come.
2 Esdr 4:29
If therefore that which is sown be not turned upside down,
and if the place where the evil is sown pass not away, then
cannot it come that is sown with good.
2 Esdr 4:30
For the grain of evil seed hath been sown in the heart of
Adam from the beginning, and how much ungodliness hath it
brought up unto this time? and how much shall it yet bring forth
until the time of threshing come?
2 Esdr 4:31
Ponder now by thyself, how great fruit of wickedness the
grain of evil seed hath brought forth.
2 Esdr 4:32
And when the ears shall be cut down, which are without number,
how great a floor shall they fill?
2 Esdr 4:33
Then I answered and said, How, and when shall these things
come to pass? wherefore are our years few and evil?
2 Esdr 4:34
And he answered me, saying, Do not thou hasten above the most
Highest: for thy haste is in vain to be above him, for thou hast
much exceeded.
2 Esdr 4:35
Did not the souls also of the righteous ask question of these
things in their chambers, saying, How long shall I hope on this
fashion? when cometh the fruit of the floor of our reward?
2 Esdr 4:36
And unto these things Uriel the archangel gave them answer,
and said, Even when the number of seeds is filled in you: for he
hath weighed the world in the balance.
2 Esdr 4:37
By measure hath he measured the times; and by number hath he
numbered the times; and he doth not move nor stir them, until
the said measure be fulfilled.
2 Esdr 4:38
Then answered I and said, O Lord that bearest rule, even we
all are full of impiety.
2 Esdr 4:39
And for our sakes peradventure it is that the floors of the
righteous are not filled, because of the sins of them that dwell
upon the earth.
2 Esdr 4:40
So he answered me, and said, Go thy way to a woman with
child, and ask of her when she hath fulfilled her nine months,
if her womb may keep the birth any longer within her.
2 Esdr 4:41
Then said I, No, Lord, that can she not. And he said unto me,
In the grave the chambers of souls are like the womb of a woman:
2 Esdr 4:42
For like as a woman that travaileth maketh haste to escape
the necessity of the travail: even so do these places haste to
deliver those things that are committed unto them.
2 Esdr 4:43
From the beginning, look, what thou desirest to see, it shall
be shewed thee.
2 Esdr 4:44
Then answered I and said, If I have found favour in thy sight,
and if it be possible, and if I be meet therefore,
2 Esdr 4:45
Shew me then whether there be more to come than is past, or
more past than is to come.
2 Esdr 4:46
What is past I know, but what is for to come I know not.
2 Esdr 4:47
And he said unto me, Stand up upon the right side, and I shall
expound the similitude unto thee.
2 Esdr 4:48
So I stood, and saw, and, behold, an 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.
2 Esdr 4:49
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 still.
2 Esdr 4:50
Then said he unto me, Consider with thyself; as the rain is
more than the drops, and as the fire is greater than the smoke;
but the drops and the smoke remain behind: so the quantity which
is past did more exceed.
2 Esdr 4:51
Then I prayed, and said, May I live, thinkest thou, until
that time? or what shall happen in those days?
2 Esdr 4:52
He answered me, and said, As for the tokens whereof thou
askest me, I may tell thee of them in part: but as touching thy
life, I am not sent to shew thee; for I do not know it.
2 Esdr 5:1
Nevertheless as coming the tokens, behold, the days shall
come, that they which dwell upon earth shall be taken in a great
number, and the way of truth shall be hidden, and the land shall
be barren of faith.
2 Esdr 5:2
But iniquity shall be increased above that which now thou
seest, or that thou hast heard long ago.
2 Esdr 5:3
And the land, that thou seest now to have root, shalt thou
see wasted suddenly.
2 Esdr 5:4
But if the most High grant thee to live, thou shalt see after
the third trumpet that the sun shall suddenly shine again in the
night, and the moon thrice in the day:
2 Esdr 5:5
And blood shall drop out of wood, and the stone shall give
his voice, and the people shall be troubled:
2 Esdr 5:6
And even he shall rule, whom they look not for that dwell
upon the earth, and the fowls shall take their flight away
together:
2 Esdr 5:7
And the Sodomitish sea shall cast out fish, and make a noise
in the night, which many have not known: but they shall all hear
the voice thereof.
2 Esdr 5:8
There shall be a confusion also in many places, and the fire
shall be oft sent out again, and the wild beasts shall change
their places, and menstruous women shall bring forth monsters:
2 Esdr 5:9
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 his secret chamber,
2 Esdr 5:10
And shall be sought of many, and yet not be found: then shall
unrighteousness and incontinency be multiplied upon earth.
2 Esdr 5:11
One land also shall ask another, and say, Is righteousness
that maketh a man righteous gone through thee? And it shall say,
No.
2 Esdr 5:12
At the same time shall men hope, but nothing obtain: they
shall labour, but their ways shall not prosper.
2 Esdr 5:13
To shew thee such tokens I have leave; and if thou wilt pray
again, and weep as now, and fast even days, thou shalt hear yet
greater things.
2 Esdr 5:14
Then I awaked, and an extreme fearfulness went through all my
body, and my mind was troubled, so that it fainted.
2 Esdr 5:15
So the angel that was come to talk with me held me, comforted
me, and set me up upon my feet.
2 Esdr 5:16
And in the second night it came to pass, that Salathiel the
captain of the people came unto me, saying, Where hast thou
been? and why is thy countenance so heavy?
2 Esdr 5:17
Knowest thou not that Israel is committed unto thee in the
land of their captivity?
2 Esdr 5:18
Up then, and eat bread, and forsake us not, as the shepherd
that leaveth his flock in the hands of cruel wolves.
2 Esdr 5:19
Then said I unto him, Go thy ways from me, and come not nigh
me. And he heard what I said, and went from me.
2 Esdr 5:20
And so I fasted seven days, mourning and weeping, like as
Uriel the angel commanded me.
2 Esdr 5:21
And after seven days so it was, that the thoughts of my heart
were very grievous unto me again,
2 Esdr 5:22
And my soul recovered the spirit of understanding, and I
began to talk with the most High again,
2 Esdr 5:23
And said, O Lord that bearest rule, of every wood of the
earth, and of all the trees thereof, thou hast chosen thee one
only vine:
2 Esdr 5:24
And of all lands of the whole world thou hast chosen thee one
pit: and of all the flowers thereof one lily:
2 Esdr 5:25
And of all the depths of the sea thou hast filled thee one
river: and of all builded cities thou hast hallowed Sion unto
thyself:
2 Esdr 5:26
And of all the fowls that are created thou hast named thee
one dove: and of all the cattle that are made thou hast provided
thee one sheep:
2 Esdr 5:27
And among all the multitudes of people thou hast gotten thee
one people: and unto this people, whom thou lovedst, thou gavest
a law that is approved of all.
2 Esdr 5:28
And now, O Lord, why hast thou given this one people over
unto many? and upon the one root hast thou prepared others, and
why hast thou scattered thy only one people among many?
2 Esdr 5:29
And they which did gainsay thy promises, and believed not thy
covenants, have trodden them down.
2 Esdr 5:30
If thou didst so much hate thy people, yet shouldest thou
punish them with thine own hands.
2 Esdr 5:31
Now when I had spoken these words, the angel that came to me
the night afore was sent unto me,
2 Esdr 5:32
And said unto me, Hear me, and I will instruct thee; hearken
to the thing that I say, and I shall tell thee more.
2 Esdr 5:33
And I said, Speak on, my Lord. Then said he unto me, Thou art
sore troubled in mind for Israel's sake: lovest thou that people
better than he that made them?
2 Esdr 5:34
And I said, No, Lord: but of very grief have I spoken: for my
reins pain me every hour, while I labour to comprehend the way
of the most High, and to seek out part of his judgment.
2 Esdr 5:35
And he said unto me, Thou canst not. And I said, Wherefore,
Lord? whereunto was I born then? 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?
2 Esdr 5:36
And he said unto me, Number me the things that are not yet
come, gather me together the dross that are scattered abroad,
make me the flowers green again that are withered,
2 Esdr 5:37
Open me the places that are closed, and bring me forth the
winds that in them are shut up, shew me the image of a voice:
and then I will declare to thee the thing that thou labourest to
know.
2 Esdr 5:38
And I said, O Lord that bearest rule, who may know these
things, but he that hath not his dwelling with men?
2 Esdr 5:39
As for me, I am unwise: how may I then speak of these things
whereof thou askest me?
2 Esdr 5:40
Then said he unto me, Like as thou canst do none of these
things that I have spoken of, even so canst thou not find out my
judgment, or in the end the love that I have promised unto my
people.
2 Esdr 5:41
And I said, Behold, O Lord, yet art thou nigh unto them that
be reserved till the end: and what shall they do that have been
before me, or we that be now, or they that shall come after us?
2 Esdr 5:42
And he said unto me, I will liken my judgment unto a ring:
like as there is no slackness of the last, even so there is no
swiftness of the first.
2 Esdr 5:43
So I answered and said, Couldest thou not make those that
have been made, and be now, and that are for to come, at once;
that thou mightest shew thy judgment the sooner?
2 Esdr 5:44
Then answered he me, and said, The creature may not haste
above the maker; neither may the world hold them at once that
shall be created therein.
2 Esdr 5:45
And I said, As thou hast said unto thy servant, that thou,
which givest life to all, hast given life at once to the
creature that thou hast created, and the creature bare it: even
so it might now also bear them that now be present at once.
2 Esdr 5:46
And he said unto me, Ask the womb of a woman, and say unto
her, If thou bringest forth children, why dost thou it not
together, but one after another? pray her therefore to bring
forth ten children at once.
2 Esdr 5:47
And I said, She cannot: but must do it by distance of time.
2 Esdr 5:48
Then said he unto me, Even so have I given the womb of the
earth to those that be sown in it in their times.
2 Esdr 5:49
For like as a young child may not bring forth the things that
belong to the aged, even so have I disposed the world which I
created.
2 Esdr 5:50
And I asked, and said, Seeing thou hast now given me the way,
I will proceed to speak before thee: for our mother, of whom
thou hast told me that she is young, draweth now nigh unto age.
2 Esdr 5:51
He answered me, and said, Ask a woman that beareth children,
and she shall tell thee.
2 Esdr 5:52
Say unto her, Wherefore are unto they whom thou hast now
brought forth like those that were before, but less of stature?
2 Esdr 5:53
And she shall answer thee, They that be born in the the
strength of youth are of one fashion, and they that are born in
the time of age, when the womb faileth, are otherwise.
2 Esdr 5:54
Consider thou therefore also, how that ye are less of stature
than those that were before you.
2 Esdr 5:55
And so are they that come after you less than ye, as the
creatures which now begin to be old, and have passed over the
strength of youth.
2 Esdr 5:56
Then said I, Lord, I beseech thee, if I have found favour in
thy sight, shew thy servant by whom thou visitest thy creature.
2 Esdr 6:1
And he said unto me, In the beginning, when the earth was
made, before the borders of the world stood, or ever the winds
blew,
2 Esdr 6:2
Before it thundered and lightened, or ever the foundations of
paradise were laid,
2 Esdr 6:3
Before the fair flowers were seen, or ever the moveable
powers were established, before the innumerable multitude of
angels were gathered together,
2 Esdr 6:4
Or ever the heights of the air were lifted up, before the
measures of the firmament were named, or ever the chimneys in
Sion were hot,
2 Esdr 6:5
And ere the present years were sought out, and or ever the
inventions of them that now sin were turned, before they were
sealed that have gathered faith for a treasure:
2 Esdr 6:6
Then did I consider these things, and they all were made
through me alone, and through none other: by me also they shall
be ended, and by none other.
2 Esdr 6:7
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 followeth?
2 Esdr 6:8
And he said unto me, From Abraham unto Isaac, when Jacob and
Esau were born of him, Jacob's hand held first the heel of Esau.
2 Esdr 6:9
For Esau is the end of the world, and Jacob is the beginning
of it that followeth.
2 Esdr 6:10
The hand of man is betwixt the heel and the hand: other
question, Esdras, ask thou not.
2 Esdr 6:11
I answered then and said, O Lord that bearest rule, if I have
found favour in thy sight,
2 Esdr 6:12
I beseech thee, shew thy servant the end of thy tokens,
whereof thou shewedst me part the last night.
2 Esdr 6:13
So he answered and said unto me, Stand up upon thy feet, and
hear a mighty sounding voice.
2 Esdr 6:14
And it shall be as it were a great motion; but the place
where thou standest shall not be moved.
2 Esdr 6:15
And therefore when it speaketh be not afraid: for the word is
of the end, and the foundation of the earth is understood.
2 Esdr 6:16
And why? because the speech of these things trembleth and is
moved: for it knoweth that the end of these things must be
changed.
2 Esdr 6:17
And it happened, that when I had heard it I stood up upon my
feet, and hearkened, and, behold, there was a voice that spake,
and the sound of it was like the sound of many waters.
2 Esdr 6:18
And it said, Behold, the days come, that I will begin to draw
nigh, and to visit them that dwell upon the earth,
2 Esdr 6:19
And will begin to make inquisition of them, what they be that
have hurt unjustly with their unrighteousness, and when the
affliction of Sion shall be fulfilled;
2 Esdr 6:20
And when the world, that shall begin to vanish away, shall be
finished, then will I shew these tokens: the books shall be
opened before the firmament, and they shall see all together:
2 Esdr 6:21
And the children of a year old shall speak with their voices,
the women with child shall bring forth untimely children of
three or four months old, and they shall live, and be raised up.
2 Esdr 6:22
And suddenly shall the sown places appear unsown, the full
storehouses shall suddenly be found empty:
2 Esdr 6:23
And tha trumpet shall give a sound, which when every man
heareth, they shall be suddenly afraid.
2 Esdr 6:24
At that time shall friends fight one against another like
enemies, and the earth shall stand in fear with those that dwell
therein, the springs of the fountains shall stand still, and in
three hours they shall not run.
2 Esdr 6:25
Whosoever remaineth from all these that I have told thee
shall escape, and see my salvation, and the end of your world.
2 Esdr 6:26
And the men that are received shall see it, who have not
tasted death from their birth: and the heart of the inhabitants
shall be changed, and turned into another meaning.
2 Esdr 6:27
For evil shall be put out, and deceit shall be quenched.
2 Esdr 6:28
As for faith, it shall flourish, corruption shall be
overcome, and the truth, which hath been so long without fruit,
shall be declared.
2 Esdr 6:29
And when he talked with me, behold, I looked by little and
little upon him before whom I stood.
2 Esdr 6:30
And these words said he unto me; I am come to shew thee the
time of the night to come.
2 Esdr 6:31
If thou wilt pray yet more, and fast seven days again, I
shall tell thee greater things by day than I have heard.
2 Esdr 6:32
For thy voice is heard before the most High: for the Mighty
hath seen thy righteous dealing, he hath seen also thy chastity,
which thou hast had ever since thy youth.
2 Esdr 6:33
And therefore hath he sent me to shew thee all these things,
and to say unto thee, Be of good comfort and fear not
2 Esdr 6:34
And hasten not with the times that are past, to think vain
things, that thou mayest not hasten from the latter times.
2 Esdr 6:35
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.
2 Esdr 6:36
And in the eighth night was my heart vexed within me again,
and I began to speak before the most High.
2 Esdr 6:37
For my spirit was greatly set on fire, and my soul was in
distress.
2 Esdr 6:38
And I said, O Lord, thou spakest from the beginning of the
creation, even the first day, and saidst thus; Let heaven and
earth be made; and thy word was a perfect work.
2 Esdr 6:39
And then was the spirit, and darkness and silence were on
every side; the sound of man's voice was not yet formed.
2 Esdr 6:40
Then commandedst thou a fair light to come forth of thy
treasures, that thy work might appear.
2 Esdr 6:41
Upon the second day thou madest the spirit of the firmament,
and commandedst it to part asunder, and to make a division
betwixt the waters, that the one part might go up, and the other
remain beneath.
2 Esdr 6:42
Upon the third day thou didst command that the waters should
be gathered in the seventh part of the earth: six pats hast thou
dried up, and kept them, to the intent that of these some being
planted of God and tilled might serve thee.
2 Esdr 6:43
For as soon as thy word went forth the work was made.
2 Esdr 6:44
For immediately there was great and innumerable fruit, and
many and divers pleasures for the taste, and flowers of
unchangeable colour, and odours of wonderful smell: and this was
done the third day.
2 Esdr 6:45
Upon the fourth day thou commandedst that the sun should
shine, and the moon give her light, and the stars should be in
order:
2 Esdr 6:46
And gavest them a charge to do service unto man, that was to
be made.
2 Esdr 6:47
Upon the fifth day thou saidst unto the seventh part, where
the waters were gathered that it should bring forth living
creatures, fowls and fishes: and so it came to pass.
2 Esdr 6:48
For the dumb water and without life brought forth living
things at the commandment of God, that all people might praise
thy wondrous works.
2 Esdr 6:49
Then didst thou ordain two living creatures, the one thou
calledst Enoch, and the other Leviathan;
2 Esdr 6:50
And didst separate the one from the other: for the seventh
part, namely, where the water was gathered together, might not
hold them both.
2 Esdr 6:51
Unto Enoch thou gavest one part, which was dried up the third
day, that he should dwell in the same part, wherein are a
thousand hills:
2 Esdr 6:52
But unto Leviathan thou gavest the seventh part, namely, the
moist; and hast kept him to be devoured of whom thou wilt, and
when.
2 Esdr 6:53
Upon the sixth day thou gavest commandment unto the earth,
that before thee it should bring forth beasts, cattle, and
creeping things:
2 Esdr 6:54
And after these, Adam also, whom thou madest lord of all thy
creatures: of him come we all, and the people also whom thou
hast chosen.
2 Esdr 6:55
All this have I spoken before thee, O Lord, because thou
madest the world for our sakes
2 Esdr 6:56
As for the other people, which also come of Adam, thou hast
said that they are nothing, but be like unto spittle: and hast
likened the abundance of them unto a drop that falleth from a
vessel.
2 Esdr 6:57
And now, O Lord, behold, these heathen, which have ever been
reputed as nothing, have begun to be lords over us, and to
devour us.
2 Esdr 6:58
But we thy people, whom thou hast called thy firstborn, thy
only begotten, and thy fervent lover, are given into their
hands.
2 Esdr 6:59
If the world now be made for our sakes, why do we not possess
an inheritance with the world? how long shall this endure?
2 Esdr 7:1
And when I had made an end of speaking these words, there was
sent unto me the angel which had been sent unto me the nights
afore:
2 Esdr 7:2
And he said unto me, Up, Esdras, and hear the words that I am
come to tell thee.
2 Esdr 7:3
And I said, Speak on, my God. Then said he unto me, The sea
is set in a wide place, that it might be deep and great.
2 Esdr 7:4
But put the case the entrance were narrow, and like a river;
2 Esdr 7:5
Who then could go into the sea to look upon it, and to rule
it? if he went not through the narrow, how could he come into
the broad?
2 Esdr 7:6
There is also another thing; A city is builded, and set upon
a broad field, and is full of all good things:
2 Esdr 7:7
The entrance thereof is narrow, and is set in a dangerous
place to fall, like as if there were a fire on the right hand,
and on the left a deep water:
2 Esdr 7:8
And 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.
2 Esdr 7:9
If this city now were given unto a man for an inheritance, if
he never shall pass the danger set before it, how shall he
receive this inheritance?
2 Esdr 7:10
And I said, It is so, Lord. Then said he unto me, Even so
also is Israel's portion.
2 Esdr 7:11
Because for their sakes I made the world: and when Adam
transgressed my statutes, then was decreed that now is done.
2 Esdr 7:12
Then were the entrances of this world made narrow, full of
sorrow and travail: they are but few and evil, full of perils,:
and very painful.
2 Esdr 7:13
For the entrances of the elder world were wide and sure, and
brought immortal fruit.
2 Esdr 7:14
If then they that live labour not to enter these strait and
vain things, they can never receive those that are laid up for
them.
2 Esdr 7:15
Now therefore why disquietest thou thyself, seeing thou art
but a corruptible man? and why art thou moved, whereas thou art
but mortal?
2 Esdr 7:16
Why hast thou not considered in thy mind this thing that is
to come, rather than that which is present?
2 Esdr 7:17
Then answered I and said, O Lord that bearest rule, thou hast
ordained in thy law, that the righteous should inherit these
things, but that the ungodly should perish.
2 Esdr 7:18
Nevertheless the righteous shall suffer strait things, and
hope for wide: for they that have done wickedly have suffered
the strait things, and yet shall not see the wide.
2 Esdr 7:19
And he said unto me. There is no judge above God, and none
that hath understanding above the Highest.
2 Esdr 7:20
For there be many that perish in this life, because they
despise the law of God that is set before them.
2 Esdr 7:21
For God hath given strait commandment to such as came, what
they should do to live, even as they came, and what they should
observe to avoid punishment.
2 Esdr 7:22
Nevertheless they were not obedient unto him; but spake
against him, and imagined vain things;
2 Esdr 7:23
And deceived themselves by their wicked deeds; and said of
the most High, that he is not; and knew not his ways:
2 Esdr 7:24
But his law have they despised, and denied his covenants; in
his statutes have they not been faithful, and have not performed
his works.
2 Esdr 7:25
And therefore, Esdras, for the empty are empty things, and
for the full are the full things.
2 Esdr 7:26
Behold, the time shall come, that these tokens which I have
told thee shall come to pass, and the bride shall appear, and
she coming forth shall be seen, that now is withdrawn from the
earth.
2 Esdr 7:27
And whosoever is delivered from the foresaid evils shall see
my wonders.
2 Esdr 7:28
For my son Jesus shall be revealed with those that be with
him, and they that remain shall rejoice within four hundred
years.
2 Esdr 7:29
After these years shall my son Christ die, and all men that
have life.
2 Esdr 7:30
And the world shall be turned into the old silence seven
days, like as in the former judgments: so that no man shall
remain.
2 Esdr 7:31
And after seven days the world, that yet awaketh not, shall
be raised up, and that shall die that is corrupt
2 Esdr 7:32
And the earth shall restore those that are asleep in her, and
so shall the dust those that dwell in silence, and the secret
places shall deliver those souls that were committed unto them.
2 Esdr 7:33
And the most High shall appear upon the seat of judgment, and
misery shall pass away, and the long suffering shall have an
end:
2 Esdr 7:34
But judgment only shall remain, truth shall stand, and faith
shall wax strong:
2 Esdr 7:35
And the work shall follow, and the reward shall be shewed,
and the good deeds shall be of force, and wicked deeds shall
bear no rule.
2 Esdr 7:36
Then said I, Abraham prayed first for the Sodomites, and
Moses for the fathers that sinned in the wilderness:
2 Esdr 7:37
And Jesus after him for Israel in the time of Achan:
2 Esdr 7:38
And Samuel and David for the destruction: and Solomon for
them that should come to the sanctuary:
2 Esdr 7:39
And Helias for those that received rain; and for the dead,
that he might live:
2 Esdr 7:40
And Ezechias for the people in the time of Sennacherib: and
many for many.
2 Esdr 7:41
Even so now, seeing corruption is grown up, and wickedness
increased, and the righteous have prayed for the ungodly:
wherefore shall it not be so now also?
2 Esdr 7:42
He answered me, and said, This present life is not the end
where much glory doth abide; therefore have they prayed for the
weak.
2 Esdr 7:43
But the day of doom shall be the end of this time, and the
beginning of the immortality for to come, wherein corruption is
past,
2 Esdr 7:44
Intemperance is at an end, infidelity is cut off,
righteousness is grown, and truth is sprung up.
2 Esdr 7:45
Then shall no man be able to save him that is destroyed, nor
to oppress him that hath gotten the victory.
2 Esdr 7:46
I answered then and said, This is my first and last saying,
that it had been better not to have given the earth unto Adam:
or else, when it was given him, to have restrained him from
sinning.
2 Esdr 7:47
For what profit is it for men now in this present time to
live in heaviness, and after death to look for punishment?
2 Esdr 7:48
O thou Adam, what hast thou done? for though it was thou that
sinned, thou art not fallen alone, but we all that come of thee.
2 Esdr 7:49
For what profit is it unto us, if there be promised us an
immortal time, whereas we have done the works that bring death?
2 Esdr 7:50
And that there is promised us an everlasting hope, whereas
ourselves being most wicked are made vain?
2 Esdr 7:51
And that there are laid up for us dwellings of health and
safety, whereas we have lived wickedly?
2 Esdr 7:52
And that the glory of the most High is kept to defend them
which have led a wary life, whereas we have walked in the most
wicked ways of all?
2 Esdr 7:53
And that there should be shewed a paradise, whose fruit
endureth for ever, wherein is security and medicine, since we
shall not enter into it?
2 Esdr 7:54
(For we have walked in unpleasant places.)
2 Esdr 7:55
And that the faces of them which have used abstinence shall
shine above the stars, whereas our faces shall be blacker than
darkness?
2 Esdr 7:56
For while we lived and committed iniquity, we considered not
that we should begin to suffer for it after death.
2 Esdr 7:57
Then answered he me, and said, This is the condition of the
battle, which man that is born upon the earth shall fight;
2 Esdr 7:58
That, if he be overcome, he shall suffer as thou hast said:
but if he get the victory, he shall receive the thing that I
say.
2 Esdr 7:59
For this is the life whereof Moses spake unto the people
while he lived, saying, Choose thee life, that thou mayest live.
2 Esdr 7:60
Nevertheless they believed not him, nor yet the prophets
after him, no nor me which have spoken unto them,
2 Esdr 7:61
That there should not be such heaviness in their destruction,
as shall be joy over them that are persuaded to salvation.
2 Esdr 7:62
I answered then, and said, I know, Lord, that the most High
is called merciful, in that he hath mercy upon them which are
not yet come into the world,
2 Esdr 7:63
And upon those also that turn to his law;
2 Esdr 7:64
And that he is patient, and long suffereth those that have
sinned, as his creatures;
2 Esdr 7:65
And that he is bountiful, for he is ready to give where it
needeth;
2 Esdr 7:66
And that he is of great mercy, for he multiplieth more and
more mercies to them that are present, and that are past, and
also to them which are to come.
2 Esdr 7:67
For if he shall not multiply his mercies, the world would not
continue with them that inherit therein.
2 Esdr 7:68
And he pardoneth; for if he did not so of his goodness, that
they which have committed iniquities might be eased of them, the
ten thousandth part of men should not remain living.
2 Esdr 7:69
And being judge, if he should not forgive them that are cured
with his word, and put out the multitude of contentions,
2 Esdr 7:70
There should be very few left peradventure in an innumerable
multitude.
2 Esdr 8:1
And he answered me, saying, The most High hath made this
world for many, but the world to come for few.
2 Esdr 8:2
I will tell thee a similitude, Esdras; As when thou askest
the earth, it shall say unto thee, that it giveth much mould
whereof earthen vessels are made, but little dust that gold
cometh of: even so is the course of this present world.
2 Esdr 8:3
There be many created, but few shall be saved.
2 Esdr 8:4
So answered I and said, Swallow then down, O my soul,
understanding, and devour wisdom.
2 Esdr 8:5
For thou hast agreed to give ear, and art willing to
prophesy: for thou hast no longer space than only to live.
2 Esdr 8:6
O Lord, if thou suffer not thy servant, that we may pray
before thee, and thou give us seed unto our heart, and culture
to our understanding, that there may come fruit of it; how shall
each man live that is corrupt, who beareth the place of a man?
2 Esdr 8:7
For thou art alone, and we all one workmanship of thine
hands, like as thou hast said.
2 Esdr 8:8
For when the body is fashioned now in the mother's womb, and
thou givest it members, thy creature is preserved in fire and
water, and nine months doth thy workmanship endure thy creature
which is created in her.
2 Esdr 8:9
But that which keepeth and is kept shall both be preserved:
and when the time cometh, the womb preserved delivereth up the
things that grew in it.
2 Esdr 8:10
For thou hast commanded out of the parts of the body, that is
to say, out of the breasts, milk to be given, which is the fruit
of the breasts,
2 Esdr 8:11
That the thing which is fashioned may be nourished for a
time, till thou disposest it to thy mercy.
2 Esdr 8:12
Thou broughtest it up with thy righteousness, and nurturedst
it in thy law, and reformedst it with thy judgment.
2 Esdr 8:13
And thou shalt mortify it as thy creature, and quicken it as
thy work.
2 Esdr 8:14
If therefore thou shalt destroy him which with so great
labour was fashioned, it is an easy thing to be ordained by thy
commandment, that the thing which was made might be preserved.
2 Esdr 8:15
Now therefore, Lord, I will speak; touching man in general,
thou knowest best; but touching thy people, for whose sake I am
sorry;
2 Esdr 8:16
And for thine inheritance, for whose cause I mourn; and for
Israel, for whom I am heavy; and for Jacob, for whose sake I am
troubled;
2 Esdr 8:17
Therefore will I begin to pray before thee for myself and for
them: for I see the falls of us that dwell in the land.
2 Esdr 8:18
But I have heard the swiftness of the judge which is to come.
2 Esdr 8:19
Therefore hear my voice, and understand my words, and I shall
speak before thee. This is the beginning of the words of Esdras,
before he was taken up: and I said,
2 Esdr 8:20
O Lord, thou that dwellest in everlastingness which beholdest
from above things in the heaven and in the air;
2 Esdr 8:21
Whose throne is inestimable; whose glory may not be
comprehended; before whom the hosts of angels stand with
trembling,
2 Esdr 8:22
Whose service is conversant in wind and fire; whose word is
true, and sayings constant; whose commandment is strong, and
ordinance fearful;
2 Esdr 8:23
Whose look drieth up the depths, and indignation maketh the
mountains to melt away; which the truth witnesseth:
2 Esdr 8:24
O hear the prayer of thy servant, and give ear to the
petition of thy creature.
2 Esdr 8:25
For while I live I will speak, and so long as I have
understanding I will answer.
2 Esdr 8:26
O look not upon the sins of thy people; but on them which
serve thee in truth.
2 Esdr 8:27
Regard not the wicked inventions of the heathen, but the
desire of those that keep thy testimonies in afflictions.
2 Esdr 8:28
Think not upon those that have walked feignedly before thee:
but remember them, which according to thy will have known thy
fear.
2 Esdr 8:29
Let it not be thy will to destroy them which have lived like
beasts; but to look upon them that have clearly taught thy law.
2 Esdr 8:30
Take thou no indignation at them which are deemed worse than
beasts; but love them that always put their trust in thy
righteousness and glory.
2 Esdr 8:31
For we and our fathers do languish of such diseases: but
because of us sinners thou shalt be called merciful.
2 Esdr 8:32
For if thou hast a desire to have mercy upon us, thou shalt
be called merciful, to us namely, that have no works of
righteousness.
2 Esdr 8:33
For the just, which have many good works laid up with thee,
shall out of their own deeds receive reward.
2 Esdr 8:34
For what is man, that thou shouldest take displeasure at him?
or what is a corruptible generation, that thou shouldest be so
bitter toward it?
2 Esdr 8:35
For in truth them is no man among them that be born, but he
hath dealt wickedly; and among the faithful there is none which
hath not done amiss.
2 Esdr 8:36
For in this, O Lord, thy righteousness and thy goodness shall
be declared, if thou be merciful unto them which have not the
confidence of good works.
2 Esdr 8:37
Then answered he me, and said, Some things hast thou spoken
aright, and according unto thy words it shall be.
2 Esdr 8:38
For indeed I will not think on the disposition of them which
have sinned before death, before judgment, before destruction:
2 Esdr 8:39
But I will rejoice over the disposition of the righteous, and
I will remember also their pilgrimage, and the salvation, and
the reward, that they shall have.
2 Esdr 8:40
Like as I have spoken now, so shall it come to pass.
2 Esdr 8:41
For as the husbandman soweth much seed upon the ground, and
planteth many trees, and yet the thing that is sown good in his
season cometh not up, neither doth all that is planted take
root: even so is it of them that are sown in the world; they
shall not all be saved.
2 Esdr 8:42
I answered then and said, If I have found grace, let me
speak.
2 Esdr 8:43
Like as the husbandman's seed perisheth, if it come not up,
and receive not thy rain in due season; or if there come too
much rain, and corrupt it:
2 Esdr 8:44
Even so perisheth man also, which is formed with thy hands,
and is called thine own image, because thou art like unto him,
for whose sake thou hast made all things, and likened him unto
the husbandman's seed.
2 Esdr 8:45
Be not wroth with us but spare thy people, and have mercy
upon thine own inheritance: for thou art merciful unto thy
creature.
2 Esdr 8:46
Then answered he me, and said, Things present are for the
present, and things to cometh for such as be to come.
2 Esdr 8:47
For thou comest far short that thou shouldest be able to love
my creature more than I: but I have ofttimes drawn nigh unto
thee, and unto it, but never to the unrighteous.
2 Esdr 8:48
In this also thou art marvellous before the most High:
2 Esdr 8:49
In that thou hast humbled thyself, as it becometh thee, and
hast not judged thyself worthy to be much glorified among the
righteous.
2 Esdr 8:50
For many great miseries shall be done to them that in the
latter time shall dwell in the world, because they have walked
in great pride.
2 Esdr 8:51
But understand thou for thyself, and seek out the glory for
such as be like thee.
2 Esdr 8:52
For unto you is paradise opened, the tree of life is planted,
the time to come is prepared, plenteousness is made ready, a
city is builded, and rest is allowed, yea, perfect goodness and
wisdom.
2 Esdr 8:53
The root of evil is sealed up from you, weakness and the moth
is hid from you, and corruption is fled into hell to be
forgotten:
2 Esdr 8:54
Sorrows are passed, and in the end is shewed the treasure of
immortality.
2 Esdr 8:55
And therefore ask thou no more questions concerning the
multitude of them that perish.
2 Esdr 8:56
For when they had taken liberty, they despised the most High,
thought scorn of his law, and forsook his ways.
2 Esdr 8:57
Moreover they have trodden down his righteous,
2 Esdr 8:58
And said in their heart, that there is no God; yea, and that
knowing they must die.
2 Esdr 8:59
For as the things aforesaid shalt receive you, so thirst and
pain are prepared for them: for it was not his will that men
should come to nought:
2 Esdr 8:60
But they which be created have defiled the name of him that
made them, and were unthankful unto him which prepared life for
them.
2 Esdr 8:61
And therefore is my judgment now at hand.
2 Esdr 8:62
These things have I not shewed unto all men, but unto thee,
and a few like thee. Then answered I and said,
2 Esdr 8:63
Behold, O Lord, now hast thou shewed me the multitude of the
wonders, which thou wilt begin to do in the last times: but at
what time, thou hast not shewed me.
2 Esdr 9:1
He answered me then, and said, Measure thou the time
diligently in itself: and when thou seest part of the signs
past, which I have told thee before,
2 Esdr 9:2
Then shalt thou understand, that it is the very same time,
wherein the Highest will begin to visit the world which he made.
2 Esdr 9:3
Therefore when there shall be seen earthquakes and uproars of
the people in the world:
2 Esdr 9:4
Then shalt thou well understand, that the most High spake of
those things from the days that were before thee, even from the
beginning.
2 Esdr 9:5
For like as all that is made in the world hath a beginning
and an end, and the end is manifest:
2 Esdr 9:6
Even so the times also of the Highest have plain beginnings
in wonder and powerful works, and endings in effects and signs.
2 Esdr 9:7
And every one that shall be saved, and shall be able to
escape by his works, and by faith, whereby ye have believed,
2 Esdr 9:8
Shall be preserved from the said perils, and shall see my
salvation in my land, and within my borders: for I have
sanctified them for me from the beginning.
2 Esdr 9:9
Then shall they be in pitiful case, which now have abused my
ways: and they that have cast them away despitefully shall dwell
in torments.
2 Esdr 9:10
For such as in their life have received benefits, and have
not known me;
2 Esdr 9:11
And they that have loathed my law, while they had yet liberty,
and, when as yet place of repentance was open unto them,
understood not, but despised it;
2 Esdr 9:12
The same must know it after death by pain.
2 Esdr 9:13
And therefore be thou not curious how the ungodly shall be
punished, and when: but enquire how the righteous shall be
saved, whose the world is, and for whom the world is created.
2 Esdr 9:14
Then answered I and said,
2 Esdr 9:15
I have said before, and now do speak, and will speak it also
hereafter, that there be many more of them which perish, than of
them which shall be saved:
2 Esdr 9:16
Like as a wave is greater than a drop.
2 Esdr 9:17
And he answered me, saying, Like as the field is, so is also
the seed; as the flowers be, such are the colours also; such as
the workman is, such also is the work; and as the husbandman is
himself, so is his husbandry also: for it was the time of the
world.
2 Esdr 9:18
And now when I prepared the world, which was not yet made,
even for them to dwell in that now live, no man spake against
me.
2 Esdr 9:19
For then every one obeyed: but now the manners of them which
are created in this world that is made are corrupted by a
perpetual seed, and by a law which is unsearchable rid
themselves.
2 Esdr 9:20
So I considered the world, and, behold, there was peril
because of the devices that were come into it.
2 Esdr 9:21
And I saw, and spared it greatly, and have kept me a grape of
the cluster, and a plant of a great people.
2 Esdr 9:22
Let the multitude perish then, which was born in vain; and
let my grape be kept, and my plant; for with great labour have I
made it perfect.
2 Esdr 9:23
Nevertheless, if thou wilt cease yet seven days more, (but
thou shalt not fast in them,
2 Esdr 9:24
But go into a field of flowers, where no house is builded,
and eat only the flowers of the field; taste no flesh, drink no
wine, but eat flowers only;)
2 Esdr 9:25
And pray unto the Highest continually, then will I come and
talk with thee.
2 Esdr 9:26
So I went my way into the field which is called Ardath, like
as he commanded me; and there I sat among the flowers, and did
eat of the herbs of the field, and the meat of the same
satisfied me.
2 Esdr 9:27
After seven days I sat upon the grass, and my heart was vexed
within me, like as before:
2 Esdr 9:28
And I opened my mouth, and began to talk before the most
High, and said,
2 Esdr 9:29
O Lord, thou that shewest thyself unto us, thou wast shewed
unto our fathers in the wilderness, in a place where no man
treadeth, in a barren place, when they came out of Egypt.
2 Esdr 9:30
And thou spakest saying, Hear me, O Israel; and mark my
words, thou seed of Jacob.
2 Esdr 9:31
For, behold, I sow my law in you, and it shall bring fruit in
you, and ye shall be honoured in it for ever.
2 Esdr 9:32
But our fathers, which received the law, kept it not, and
observed not thy ordinances: and though the fruit of thy law did
not perish, neither could it, for it was thine;
2 Esdr 9:33
Yet they that received it perished, because they kept not the
thing that was sown in them.
2 Esdr 9:34
And, lo, it is a custom, when the ground hath received seed,
or the sea a ship, or any vessel meat or drink, that, that being
perished wherein it was sown or cast into,
2 Esdr 9:35
That thing also which was sown, or cast therein, or received,
doth perish, and remaineth not with us: but with us it hath not
happened so.
2 Esdr 9:36
For we that have received the law perish by sin, and our
heart also which received it
2 Esdr 9:37
Notwithstanding the law perisheth not, but remaineth in his
force.
2 Esdr 9:38
And when I spake these things in my heart, I looked back with
mine 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
heart, and her clothes were rent, and she had ashes upon her
head.
2 Esdr 9:39
Then let I my thoughts go that I was in, and turned me unto
her,
2 Esdr 9:40
And said unto her, Wherefore weepest thou? why art thou so
grieved in thy mind?
2 Esdr 9:41
And she said unto me, Sir, let me alone, that I may bewail
myself, and add unto my sorrow, for I am sore vexed in my mind,
and brought very low.
2 Esdr 9:42
And I said unto her, What aileth thee? tell me.
2 Esdr 9:43
She said unto me, I thy servant have been barren, and had no
child, though I had an husband thirty years,
2 Esdr 9:44
And those thirty years I did nothing else day and night, and
every hour, but make my, prayer to the Highest.
2 Esdr 9:45
After thirty years God heard me thine handmaid, looked upon
my misery, considered my trouble, and gave me a son: and I was
very glad of him, so was my husband also, and all my neighbours:
and we gave great honour unto the Almighty.
2 Esdr 9:46
And I nourished him with great travail.
2 Esdr 9:47
So when he grew up, and came to the time that he should have
a wife, I made a feast.
2 Esdr 10:1
And it so came to pass, that when my son was entered into his
wedding chamber, he fell down, and died.
2 Esdr 10:2
Then we all overthrew the lights, and all my neighbours rose
up to comfort me: so I took my rest unto the second day at
night.
2 Esdr 10:3
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 hither into this field, as thou seest.
2 Esdr 10:4
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.
2 Esdr 10:5
Then left I the meditations wherein I was, and spake to her
in anger, saying,
2 Esdr 10:6
Thou foolish woman above all other, seest thou not our
mourning, and what happeneth unto us?
2 Esdr 10:7
How that Sion our mother is full of all heaviness, and much
humbled, mourning very sore?
2 Esdr 10:8
And now, seeing we all mourn and are sad, for we are all in
heaviness, art thou grieved for one son?
2 Esdr 10:9
For ask the earth, and she shall tell thee, that it is she
which ought to mourn for the fall of so many that grow upon her.
2 Esdr 10:10
For out of her came all at the first, and out of her shall
all others come, and, behold, they walk almost all into
destruction, and a multitude of them is utterly rooted out.
2 Esdr 10:11
Who then should make more mourning than she, that hath lost
so great a multitude; and not thou, which art sorry but for one?
2 Esdr 10:12
But if thou sayest unto me, My lamentation is not like the
earth's, because I have lost the fruit of my womb, which I
brought forth with pains, and bare with sorrows;
2 Esdr 10:13
But the earth not so: for the multitude present in it
according to the course of the earth is gone, as it came:
2 Esdr 10:14
Then say I unto thee, Like as thou hast brought forth with
labour; even so the earth also hath given her fruit, namely,
man, ever since the beginning unto him that made her.
2 Esdr 10:15
Now therefore keep thy sorrow to thyself, and bear with a
good courage that which hath befallen thee.
2 Esdr 10:16
For if thou shalt acknowledge the determination of God to be
just, thou shalt both receive thy son in time, and shalt be
commended among women.
2 Esdr 10:17
Go thy way then into the city to thine husband.
2 Esdr 10:18
And she said unto me, That will I not do: I will not go into
the city, but here will I die.
2 Esdr 10:19
So I proceeded to speak further unto her, and said,
2 Esdr 10:20
Do not so, but be counselled by me: for how many are the
adversities of Sion? be comforted in regard of the sorrow of
Jerusalem.
2 Esdr 10:21
For thou seest that our sanctuary is laid waste, our altar
broken down, our temple destroyed;
2 Esdr 10:22
Our psaltery is laid on the ground, 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 spoiled, our
holy things are defiled, and the name that is called upon us is
almost profaned: our children are put to shame, 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 destroyed, our young men are brought in bondage,
and our strong men are become weak;
2 Esdr 10:23
And, which is the greatest of all, the seal of Sion hath now
lost her honour; for she is delivered into the hands of them
that hate us.
2 Esdr 10:24
And therefore shake off thy great heaviness, and put away the
multitude of sorrows, that the Mighty may be merciful unto thee
again, and the Highest shall give thee rest and ease from thy
labour.
2 Esdr 10:25
And it came to pass while I was talking with her, behold, her
face upon a sudden shined exceedingly, and her countenance
glistered, so that I was afraid of her, and mused what it might
be.
2 Esdr 10:26
And, behold, suddenly she made a great cry very fearful: so
that the earth shook at the noise of the woman.
2 Esdr 10:27
And I looked, and, behold, the woman appeared unto me no
more, but there was a city builded, and a large place shewed
itself from the foundations: then was I afraid, and cried with a
loud voice, and said,
2 Esdr 10:28
Where is Uriel the angel, who came unto me at the first? for
he hath caused me to fall into many trances, and mine end is
turned into corruption, and my prayer to rebuke.
2 Esdr 10:29
And as I was speaking these words behold, he came unto me,
and looked upon me.
2 Esdr 10:30
And, lo, I lay as one that had been dead, and mine
understanding was taken from me: and he took me by the right
hand, and comforted me, and set me upon my feet, and said unto
me,
2 Esdr 10:31
What aileth thee? and why art thou so disquieted? and why is
thine understanding troubled, and the thoughts of thine heart?
2 Esdr 10:32
And I said, Because thou hast forsaken me, and yet I did
according to thy words, and I went into the field, and, lo, I
have seen, and yet see, that I am not able to express.
2 Esdr 10:33
And he said unto me, Stand up manfully, and I will advise
thee.
2 Esdr 10:34
Then said I, Speak on, my lord, in me; only forsake me not,
lest I die frustrate of my hope.
2 Esdr 10:35
For I have seen that I knew not, and hear that I do not know.
2 Esdr 10:36
Or is my sense deceived, or my soul in a dream?
2 Esdr 10:37
Now therefore I beseech thee that thou wilt shew thy servant
of this vision.
2 Esdr 10:38
He answered me then, and said, Hear me, and I shall inform
thee, and tell thee wherefore thou art afraid: for the Highest
will reveal many secret things unto thee.
2 Esdr 10:39
He hath seen that thy way is right: for that thou sorrowest
continually for thy people, and makest great lamentation for
Sion.
2 Esdr 10:40
This therefore is the meaning of the vision which thou lately
sawest:
2 Esdr 10:41
Thou sawest a woman mourning, and thou begannest to comfort
her:
2 Esdr 10:42
But now seest thou the likeness of the woman no more, but
there appeared unto thee a city builded.
2 Esdr 10:43
And whereas she told thee of the death of her son, this is
the solution:
2 Esdr 10:44
This woman, whom thou sawest is Sion: and whereas she said
unto thee, even she whom thou seest as a city builded,
2 Esdr 10:45
Whereas, I say, she said unto thee, that she hath been thirty
years barren: those are the thirty years wherein there was no
offering made in her.
2 Esdr 10:46
But after thirty years Solomon builded the city and offered
offerings: and then bare the barren a son.
2 Esdr 10:47
And whereas she told thee that she nourished him with labour:
that was the dwelling in Jerusalem.
2 Esdr 10:48
But whereas she said unto thee, That my son coming into his
marriage chamber happened to have a fail, and died: this was the
destruction that came to Jerusalem.
2 Esdr 10:49
And, behold, thou sawest her likeness, and because she
mourned for her son, thou begannest to comfort her: and of these
things which have chanced, these are to be opened unto thee.
2 Esdr 10:50
For now the most High seeth that thou art grieved
unfeignedly, and sufferest from thy whole heart for her, so hath
he shewed thee the brightness of her glory, and the comeliness
of her beauty:
2 Esdr 10:51
And therefore I bade thee remain in the field where no house
was builded:
2 Esdr 10:52
For I knew that the Highest would shew this unto thee.
2 Esdr 10:53
Therefore I commanded thee to go into the field, where no
foundation of any building was.
2 Esdr 10:54
For in the place wherein the Highest beginneth to shew his
city, there can no man's building be able to stand.
2 Esdr 10:55
And therefore fear not, let not thine heart be affrighted,
but go thy way in, and see the beauty and greatness of the
building, as much as thine eyes be able to see:
2 Esdr 10:56
And then shalt thou hear as much as thine ears may
comprehend.
2 Esdr 10:57
For thou art blessed above many other, and art called with
the Highest; and so are but few.
2 Esdr 10:58
But to morrow at night thou shalt remain here;
2 Esdr 10:59
And so shall the Highest shew thee visions of the high
things, which the most High will do unto them that dwell upon
the earth in the last days. So I slept that night and another,
like as he commanded me.
2 Esdr 11:1
Then saw I a dream, and, behold, there came up from the sea
an eagle, which had twelve feathered wings, and three heads.
2 Esdr 11:2
And I saw, and, behold, she spread her wings over all the
earth, and all the winds of the air blew on her, and were
gathered together.
2 Esdr 11:3
And I beheld, and out of her feathers there grew other
contrary feathers; and they became little feathers and small.
2 Esdr 11:4
But her heads were at rest: the head in the midst was greater
than the other, yet rested it with the residue.
2 Esdr 11:5
Moreover I beheld, and, lo, the eagle flew with her feathers,
and reigned upon earth, and over them that dwelt therein.
2 Esdr 11:6
And I saw that all things under heaven were subject unto her,
and no man spake against her, no, not one creature upon earth.
2 Esdr 11:7
And I beheld, and, lo, the eagle rose upon her talons, and
spake to her feathers, saying,
2 Esdr 11:8
Watch not all at once: sleep every one in his own place, and
watch by course:
2 Esdr 11:9
But let the heads be preserved for the last.
2 Esdr 11:10
And I beheld, and, lo, the voice went not out of her heads,
but from the midst of her body.
2 Esdr 11:11
And I numbered her contrary feathers, and, behold, there were
eight of them.
2 Esdr 11:12
And I looked, and, behold, on the right side there arose one
feather, and reigned over all the earth;
2 Esdr 11:13
And so it was, that when it reigned, the end of it came, and
the place thereof appeared no more: so the next following stood
up, and reigned, and had a great time;
2 Esdr 11:14
And it happened, that when it reigned, the end of it came
also, like as the first, so that it appeared no more.
2 Esdr 11:15
Then came there a voice unto it, and said,
2 Esdr 11:16
Hear thou that hast borne rule over the earth so long: this I
say unto thee, before thou beginnest to appear no more,
2 Esdr 11:17
There shall none after thee attain unto thy time, neither
unto the half thereof.
2 Esdr 11:18
Then arose the third, and reigned as the other before, and
appeared no more also.
2 Esdr 11:19
So went it with all the residue one after another, as that
every one reigned, and then appeared no more.
2 Esdr 11:20
Then I beheld, and, lo, in process of time the feathers that
followed stood up upon the right side, that they might rule
also; and some of them ruled, but within a while they appeared
no more:
2 Esdr 11:21
For some of them were set up, but ruled not.
2 Esdr 11:22
After this I looked, and, behold, the twelve feathers
appeared no more, nor the two little feathers:
2 Esdr 11:23
And there was no more upon the eagle's body, but three heads
that rested, and six little wings.
2 Esdr 11:24
Then saw I also that two little feathers divided themselves
from the six, and remained under the head that was upon the
right side: for the four continued in their place.
2 Esdr 11:25
And I beheld, and, lo, the feathers that were under the wing
thought to set up themselves and to have the rule.
2 Esdr 11:26
And I beheld, and, lo, there was one set up, but shortly it
appeared no more.
2 Esdr 11:27
And the second was sooner away than the first.
2 Esdr 11:28
And I beheld, and, lo, the two that remained thought also in
themselves to reign:
2 Esdr 11:29
And when 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 two other heads.
2 Esdr 11:30
And then I saw that the two other heads were joined with it.
2 Esdr 11:31
And, behold, the head was turned with them that were with it,
and did eat up the two feathers under the wing that would have
reigned.
2 Esdr 11:32
But this head put the whole earth in fear, and bare rule in
it over all those that dwelt upon the earth with much
oppression; and it had the governance of the world more than all
the wings that had been.
2 Esdr 11:33
And after this I beheld, and, lo, the head that was in the
midst suddenly appeared no more, like as the wings.
2 Esdr 11:34
But there remained the two heads, which also in like sort
ruled upon the earth, and over those that dwelt therein.
2 Esdr 11:35
And I beheld, and, lo, the head upon the right side devoured
it that was upon the left side.
2 Esdr 11:36
Then I head a voice, which said unto me, Look before thee,
and consider the thing that thou seest.
2 Esdr 11:37
And I beheld, and lo, as it were a roaring lion chased out of
the wood: and I saw that he sent out a man's voice unto the
eagle, and said,
2 Esdr 11:38
Hear thou, I will talk with thee, and the Highest shall say
unto thee,
2 Esdr 11:39
Art not thou it that remainest of the four beasts, whom I
made to reign in my world, that the end of their times might
come through them?
2 Esdr 11:40
And the fourth came, and overcame all the beasts that were
past, and had power over the world with great fearfulness, and
over the whole compass of the earth with much wicked oppression;
and so long time dwelt he upon the earth with deceit.
2 Esdr 11:41
For the earth hast thou not judged with truth.
2 Esdr 11:42
For thou hast afflicted the meek, thou hast hurt the
peaceable, thou hast loved liars, and destroyed the dwellings of
them that brought forth fruit, and hast cast down the walls of
such as did thee no harm.
2 Esdr 11:43
Therefore is thy wrongful dealing come up unto the Highest,
and thy pride unto the Mighty.
2 Esdr 11:44
The Highest also hath looked upon the proud times, and,
behold, they are ended, and his abominations are fulfilled.
2 Esdr 11:45
And therefore appear no more, thou eagle, nor thy horrible
wings, nor thy wicked feathers nor thy malicious heads, nor thy
hurtful claws, nor all thy vain body:
2 Esdr 11:46
That all the earth may be refreshed, and may return, being
delivered from thy violence, and that she may hope for the
judgment and mercy of him that made her.
2 Esdr 12:1
And it came to pass, whiles the lion spake these words unto
the eagle, I saw,
2 Esdr 12:2
And, behold, the head that remained and the four wings
appeared no more, and the two went unto it and set themselves up
to reign, and their kingdom was small, and fill of uproar.
2 Esdr 12:3
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 out of the trouble and trance of my mind, and from
great fear, and said unto my spirit,
2 Esdr 12:4
Lo, this hast thou done unto me, in that thou searchest out
the ways of the Highest.
2 Esdr 12:5
Lo, yet am I weary in my mind, and very weak in my spirit;
and little strength is there in me, for the great fear wherewith
I was afflicted this night.
2 Esdr 12:6
Therefore will I now beseech the Highest, that he will
comfort me unto the end.
2 Esdr 12:7
And I said, Lord that bearest rule, if I have found grace
before thy sight, and if I am justified with thee before many
others, and if my prayer indeed be come up before thy face;
2 Esdr 12:8
Comfort me then, and shew me thy servant the interpretation
and plain difference of this fearful vision, that thou mayest
perfectly comfort my soul.
2 Esdr 12:9
For thou hast judged me worthy to shew me the last times.
2 Esdr 12:10
And he said unto me, This is the interpretation of the
vision:
2 Esdr 12:11
The eagle, whom thou sawest come up from the sea, is the
kingdom which was seen in the vision of thy brother Daniel.
2 Esdr 12:12
But it was not expounded unto him, therefore now I declare it
unto thee.
2 Esdr 12:13
Behold, the days will come, that there shall rise up a
kingdom upon earth, and it shall be feared above all the
kingdoms that were before it.
2 Esdr 12:14
In the same shall twelve kings reign, one after another:
2 Esdr 12:15
Whereof the second shall begin to reign, and shall have more
time than any of the twelve.
2 Esdr 12:16
And this do the twelve wings signify, which thou sawest.
2 Esdr 12:17
As for the voice which thou heardest speak, and that thou
sawest not to go out from the heads but from the midst of the
body thereof, this is the interpretation:
2 Esdr 12:18
That after the time of that kingdom there shall arise great
strivings, and it shall stand in peril of failing: nevertheless
it shall not then fall, but shall be restored again to his
beginning.
2 Esdr 12:19
And whereas thou sawest the eight small under feathers
sticking to her wings, this is the interpretation:
2 Esdr 12:20
That in him there shall arise eight kings, whose times shall
be but small, and their years swift.
2 Esdr 12:21
And two of them shall perish, the middle time approaching:
four shall be kept until their end begin to approach: but two
shall be kept unto the end.
2 Esdr 12:22
And whereas thou sawest three heads resting, this is the
interpretation:
2 Esdr 12:23
In his last days shall the most High raise up three kingdoms,
and renew many things therein, and they shall have the dominion
of the earth,
2 Esdr 12:24
And of those that dwell therein, with much oppression, above
all those that were before them: therefore are they called the
heads of the eagle.
2 Esdr 12:25
For these are they that shall accomplish his wickedness, and
that shall finish his last end.
2 Esdr 12:26
And whereas thou sawest that the great head appeared no more,
it signifieth that one of them shall die upon his bed, and yet
with pain.
2 Esdr 12:27
For the two that remain shall be slain with the sword.
2 Esdr 12:28
For the sword of the one shall devour the other: but at the
last shall he fall through the sword himself.
2 Esdr 12:29
And whereas thou sawest two feathers under the wings passing
over the head that is on the right side;
2 Esdr 12:30
It signifieth that these are they, whom the Highest hath kept
unto their end: this is the small kingdom and full of trouble,
as thou sawest.
2 Esdr 12:31
And the lion, whom thou sawest rising up out of the wood, and
roaring, and speaking to the eagle, and rebuking her for her
unrighteousness with all the words which thou hast heard;
2 Esdr 12:32
This is the anointed, which the Highest hath kept for them
and for their wickedness unto the end: he shall reprove them,
and shall upbraid them with their cruelty.
2 Esdr 12:33
For he shall set them before him alive in judgment, and shall
rebuke them, and correct them.
2 Esdr 12:34
For the rest of my people shall he deliver with mercy, those
that have been pressed upon my borders, and he shall make them
joyful until the coming of the day of judgment, whereof I have
spoken unto thee from the the beginning.
2 Esdr 12:35
This is the dream that thou sawest, and these are the
interpretations.
2 Esdr 12:36
Thou only hast been meet to know this secret of the Highest.
2 Esdr 12:37
Therefore write all these things that thou hast seen in a
book, and hide them:
2 Esdr 12:38
And teach them to the wise of the people, whose hearts thou
knowest may comprehend and keep these secrets.
2 Esdr 12:39
But wait thou here thyself yet seven days more, that it may
be shewed thee, whatsoever it pleaseth the Highest to declare
unto thee. And with that he went his way.
2 Esdr 12:40
And it came to pass, when all the people saw that the seven
days were past, and I not come again into the city, they
gathered them all together, from the least unto the greatest,
and came unto me, and said,
2 Esdr 12:41
What have we offended thee? and what evil have we done
against thee, that thou forsakest us, and sittest here in this
place?
2 Esdr 12:42
For of all the prophets thou only art left us, as a cluster
of the vintage, and as a candle in a dark place, and as a haven
or ship preserved from the tempest.
2 Esdr 12:43
Are not the evils which are come to us sufficient?
2 Esdr 12:44
If thou shalt forsake us, how much better had it been for us,
if we also had been burned in the midst of Sion?
2 Esdr 12:45
For we are not better than they that died there. And they
wept with a loud voice. Then answered I them, and said,
2 Esdr 12:46
Be of good comfort, O Israel; and be not heavy, thou house of
Jacob:
2 Esdr 12:47
For the Highest hath you in remembrance, and the Mighty hath
not forgotten you in temptation.
2 Esdr 12:48
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.
2 Esdr 12:49
And now go your way home every man, and after these days will
I come unto you.
2 Esdr 12:50
So the people went their way into the city, like as I
commanded them:
2 Esdr 12:51
But I remained still in the field seven days, as the angel
commanded me; and did eat only in those days of the flowers of
the field, and had my meat of the herbs
2 Esdr 13:1
And it came to pass after seven days, I dreamed a dream by
night:
2 Esdr 13:2
And, lo, there arose a wind from the sea, that it moved all
the waves thereof.
2 Esdr 13:3
And I beheld, and, lo, that man waxed strong with the
thousands of heaven: and when he turned his countenance to look,
all the things trembled that were seen under him.
2 Esdr 13:4
And whensoever the voice went out of his mouth, all they
burned that heard his voice, like as the earth faileth when it
feeleth the fire.
2 Esdr 13:5
And after this I beheld, and, lo, there was gathered together
a multitude of men, out of number, from the four winds of the
heaven, to subdue the man that came out of the sea
2 Esdr 13:6
But I beheld, and, lo, he had graved himself a great
mountain, and flew up upon it.
2 Esdr 13:7
But I would have seen the region or place whereout the hill
was graven, and I could not.
2 Esdr 13:8
And after this I beheld, and, lo, all they which were
gathered together to subdue him were sore afraid, and yet durst
fight.
2 Esdr 13:9
And, lo, as he saw the violence of the multitude that came,
he neither lifted up his hand, nor held sword, nor any
instrument of war:
2 Esdr 13:10
But only I saw that he sent out of his mouth as it had been a
blast of fire, and out of his lips a flaming breath, and out of
his tongue he cast out sparks and tempests.
2 Esdr 13:11
And they were all mixed together; the blast of fire, the
flaming breath, and the great tempest; and fell with violence
upon the multitude which was prepared to fight, and burned them
up every one, so that upon a sudden of an innumerable multitude
nothing was to be perceived, but only dust and smell of smoke:
when I saw this I was afraid.
2 Esdr 13:12
Afterward saw I the same man come down from the mountain, and
call unto him another peaceable Multitude.
2 Esdr 13:13
And there came much people unto him, whereof some were glad,
some were sorry, and some of them were bound, and other some
brought of them that were offered: then was I sick through great
fear, and I awaked, and said,
2 Esdr 13:14
Thou hast shewed thy servant these wonders from the
beginning, and hast counted me worthy that thou shouldest
receive my prayer:
2 Esdr 13:15
Shew me now yet the interpretation of this dream.
2 Esdr 13:16
For as I conceive in mine understanding, woe unto them that
shall be left in those days and much more woe unto them that are
not left behind!
2 Esdr 13:17
For they that were not left were in heaviness.
2 Esdr 13:18
Now understand I the things that are laid up in the latter
days, which shall happen unto them, and to those that are left
behind.
2 Esdr 13:19
Therefore are they come into great perils and many
necessities, like as these dreams declare.
2 Esdr 13:20
Yet is it easier for him that is in danger to come into these
things, than to pass away as a cloud out of the world, and not
to see the things that happen in the last days. And he answered
unto me, and said,
2 Esdr 13:21
The interpretation of the vision shall I shew thee, and I
will open unto thee the thing that thou hast required.
2 Esdr 13:22
Whereas thou hast spoken of them that are left behind, this
is the interpretation:
2 Esdr 13:23
He that shall endure the peril in that time hath kept
himself: they that be fallen into danger are such as have works,
and faith toward the Almighty.
2 Esdr 13:24
Know this therefore, that they which be left behind are more
blessed than they that be dead.
2 Esdr 13:25
This is the meaning of the vision: Whereas thou sawest a man
coming up from the midst of the sea:
2 Esdr 13:26
The same is he whom God the Highest hath kept a great season,
which by his own self shall deliver his creature: and he shall
order them that are left behind.
2 Esdr 13:27
And whereas thou sawest, that out of his mouth there came as
a blast of wind, and fire, and storm;
2 Esdr 13:28
And that he held neither sword, nor any instrument of war,
but that the rushing in of him destroyed the whole multitude
that came to subdue him; this is the interpretation:
2 Esdr 13:29
Behold, the days come, when the most High will begin to
deliver them that are upon the earth.
2 Esdr 13:30
And he shall come to the astonishment of them that dwell on
the earth.
2 Esdr 13:31
And one shall undertake to fight against another, one city
against another, one place against another, one people against
another, and one realm against another.
2 Esdr 13:32
And the time shall be when these things shall come to pass,
and the signs shall happen which I shewed thee before, and then
shall my Son be declared, whom thou sawest as a man ascending.
2 Esdr 13:33
And when all the people hear his voice, every man shall in
their own land leave the battle they have one against another.
2 Esdr 13:34
And an innumerable multitude shall be gathered together, as
thou sawest them, willing to come, and to overcome him by
fighting.
2 Esdr 13:35
But he shall stand upon the top of the mount Sion.
2 Esdr 13:36
And Sion shall come, and shall be shewed to all men, being
prepared and builded, like as thou sawest the hill graven
without hands.
2 Esdr 13:37
And this my Son shall rebuke the wicked inventions of those
nations, which for their wicked life are fallen into the
tempest;
2 Esdr 13:38
And shall lay before them their evil thoughts, and the
torments wherewith they shall begin to be tormented, which are
like unto a flame: and he shall destroy them without labour by
the law which is like unto me.
2 Esdr 13:39
And whereas thou sawest that he gathered another peaceable
multitude unto him;
2 Esdr 13:40
Those are the ten tribes, which were carried away prisoners
out of their own land in the time of Osea the king, whom
Salmanasar the king of Assyria led away captive, and he carried
them over the waters, and so came they into another land.
2 Esdr 13:41
But they took this counsel among themselves, that they would
leave the multitude of the heathen, and go forth into a further
country, where never mankind dwelt,
2 Esdr 13:42
That they might there keep their statutes, which they never
kept in their own land.
2 Esdr 13:43
And they entered into Euphrates by the narrow places of the
river.
2 Esdr 13:44
For the most High then shewed signs for them, and held still
the flood, till they were passed over.
2 Esdr 13:45
For through that country there was a great way to go, namely,
of a year and a half: and the same region is called Arsareth.
2 Esdr 13:46
Then dwelt they there until the latter time; and now when
they shall begin to come,
2 Esdr 13:47
The Highest shall stay the springs of the stream again, that
they may go through: therefore sawest thou the multitude with
peace.
2 Esdr 13:48
But those that be left behind of thy people are they that are
found within my borders.
2 Esdr 13:49
Now when he destroyeth the multitude of the nations that are
gathered together, he shall defend his people that remain.
2 Esdr 13:50
And then shall he shew them great wonders.
2 Esdr 13:51
Then said I, O Lord that bearest rule, shew me this:
Wherefore have I seen the man coming up from the midst of the
sea?
2 Esdr 13:52
And he said unto me, Like as thou canst neither seek out nor
know the things that are 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
day time.
2 Esdr 13:53
This is the interpretation of the dream which thou sawest,
and whereby thou only art here lightened.
2 Esdr 13:54
For thou hast forsaken thine own way, and applied thy
diligence unto my law, and sought it.
2 Esdr 13:55
Thy life hast thou ordered in wisdom, and hast called
understanding thy mother.
2 Esdr 13:56
And therefore have I shewed thee the treasures of the
Highest: after other three days I will speak other things unto
thee, and declare unto thee mighty and wondrous things.
2 Esdr 13:57
Then went I forth into the field, giving praise and thanks
greatly unto the most High because of his wonders which he did
in time;
2 Esdr 13:58
And because he governeth the same, and such things as fall in
their seasons: and there I sat three days.
2 Esdr 14:1
And it came to pass upon the third day, I sat under an oak,
and, behold, there came a voice out of a bush over against me,
and said, Esdras, Esdras.
2 Esdr 14:2
And I said, Here am I, Lord And I stood up upon my feet.
2 Esdr 14:3
Then said he unto me, In the bush I did manifestly reveal
myself unto Moses, and talked with him, when my people served in
Egypt:
2 Esdr 14:4
And I sent him and led my people out of Egypt, and brought
him up to the mount of where I held him by me a long season,
2 Esdr 14:5
And told him many wondrous things, and shewed him the secrets
of the times, and the end; and commanded him, saying,
2 Esdr 14:6
These words shalt thou declare, and these shalt thou hide.
2 Esdr 14:7
And now I say unto thee,
2 Esdr 14:8
That thou lay up in thy heart the signs that I have shewed,
and the dreams that thou hast seen, and the interpretations
which thou hast heard:
2 Esdr 14:9
For thou shalt be taken away from all, and from henceforth
thou shalt remain with my Son, and with such as be like thee,
until the times be ended.
2 Esdr 14:10
For the world hath lost his youth, and the times begin to wax
old.
2 Esdr 14:11
For the world is divided into twelve parts, and the ten parts
of it are gone already, and half of a tenth part:
2 Esdr 14:12
And there remaineth that which is after the half of the tenth
part.
2 Esdr 14:13
Now therefore set thine house in order, and reprove thy
people, comfort such of them as be in trouble, and now renounce
corruption,
2 Esdr 14:14
Let go from thee mortal thoughts, cast away the burdens of
man, put off now the weak nature,
2 Esdr 14:15
And set aside the thoughts that are most heavy unto thee, and
haste thee to flee from these times.
2 Esdr 14:16
For yet greater evils than those which thou hast seen happen
shall be done hereafter.
2 Esdr 14:17
For look how much the world shall be weaker through age, so
much the more shall evils increase upon them that dwell therein.
2 Esdr 14:18
For the time is fled far away, and leasing is hard at hand:
for now hasteth the vision to come, which thou hast seen.
2 Esdr 14:19
Then answered I before thee, and said,
2 Esdr 14:20
Behold, Lord, I will go, as thou hast commanded me, and
reprove the people which are present: but they that shall be
born afterward, who shall admonish them? thus the world is set
in darkness, and they that dwell therein are without light.
2 Esdr 14:21
For thy law is burnt, therefore no man knoweth the things
that are done of thee, or the work that shall begin.
2 Esdr 14:22
But if I have found grace before thee, send the Holy Ghost
into me, and I shall write all that hath been done in the world
since the beginning, which were written in thy law, that men may
find thy path, and that they which will live in the latter days
may live.
2 Esdr 14:23
And he answered me, saying, Go thy way, gather the people
together, and say unto them, that they seek thee not for forty
days.
2 Esdr 14:24
But look thou prepare thee many box trees, and take with thee
Sarea, Dabria, Selemia, Ecanus, and Asiel, these five which are
ready to write swiftly;
2 Esdr 14:25
And come hither, and I shall light a candle of understanding
in thine heart, which shall not be put out, till the things be
performed which thou shalt begin to write.
2 Esdr 14:26
And when thou hast done, some things shalt thou publish, and
some things shalt thou shew secretly to the wise: to morrow this
hour shalt thou begin to write.
2 Esdr 14:27
Then went I forth, as he commanded, and gathered all the
people together, and said,
2 Esdr 14:28
Hear these words, O Israel.
2 Esdr 14:29
Our fathers at the beginning were strangers in Egypt, from
whence they were delivered:
2 Esdr 14:30
And received the law of life, which they kept not, which ye
also have transgressed after them.
2 Esdr 14:31
Then was the land, even the land of Sion, parted among you by
lot: but your fathers, and ye yourselves, have done
unrighteousness, and have not kept the ways which the Highest
commanded you.
2 Esdr 14:32
And forasmuch as he is a righteous judge, he took from you in
time the thing that he had given you.
2 Esdr 14:33
And now are ye here, and your brethren among you.
2 Esdr 14:34
Therefore if so be that ye will subdue your own
understanding, and reform your hearts, ye shall be kept alive
and after death ye shall obtain mercy.
2 Esdr 14:35
For after death shall the judgment 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.
2 Esdr 14:36
Let no man therefore come unto me now, nor seek after me
these forty days.
2 Esdr 14:37
So I took the five men, as he commanded me, and we went into
the field, and remained there.
2 Esdr 14:38
And the next day, behold, a voice called me, saying, Esdras,
open thy mouth, and drink that I give thee to drink.
2 Esdr 14:39
Then opened I my mouth, and, behold, he reached me a full
cup, which was full as it were with water, but the colour of it
was like fire.
2 Esdr 14:40
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 strengthened my memory:
2 Esdr 14:41
And my mouth was opened, and shut no more.
2 Esdr 14:42
The Highest gave understanding unto the five men, and they
wrote the wonderful visions of the night that were told, which
they knew not: and they sat forty days, and they wrote in the
day, and at night they ate bread.
2 Esdr 14:43
As for me. I spake in the day, and I held not my tongue by
night.
2 Esdr 14:44
In forty days they wrote two hundred and four books.
2 Esdr 14:45
And it came to pass, when the forty days were filled, that
the Highest spake, saying, The first that thou hast written
publish openly, that the worthy and unworthy may read it:
2 Esdr 14:46
But keep the seventy last, that thou mayest deliver them only
to such as be wise among the people:
2 Esdr 14:47
For in them is the spring of understanding, the fountain of
wisdom, and the stream of knowledge.
2 Esdr 14:48
And I did so.
2 Esdr 15:1
Behold, speak thou in the ears of my people the words of
prophecy, which I will put in thy mouth, saith the Lord:
2 Esdr 15:2
And cause them to be written in paper: for they are faithful
and true.
2 Esdr 15:3
Fear not the imaginations against thee, let not the
incredulity of them trouble thee, that speak against thee.
2 Esdr 15:4
For all the unfaithful shall die in their unfaithfulness.
2 Esdr 15:5
Behold, saith the Lord, I will bring plagues upon the world;
the sword, famine, death, and destruction.
2 Esdr 15:6
For wickedness hath exceedingly polluted the whole earth, and
their hurtful works are fulfilled.
2 Esdr 15:7
Therefore saith the Lord,
2 Esdr 15:8
I will hold my tongue no more as touching their wickedness,
which they profanely commit, neither will I suffer them in those
things, in which they wickedly exercise themselves: behold, the
innocent and righteous blood crieth unto me, and the souls of
the just complain continually.
2 Esdr 15:9
And therefore, saith the Lord, I will surely avenge them, and
receive unto me all the innocent blood from among them.
2 Esdr 15:10
Behold, my people is led as a flock to the slaughter: I will
not suffer them now to dwell in the land of Egypt:
2 Esdr 15:11
But I will bring them with a mighty hand and a stretched out
arm, and smite Egypt with plagues, as before, and will destroy
all the land thereof.
2 Esdr 15:12
Egypt shall mourn, and the foundation of it shall be smitten
with the plague and punishment that God shall bring upon it.
2 Esdr 15:13
They that till the ground shall mourn: for their seeds shall
fail through the blasting and hail, and with a fearful
constellation.
2 Esdr 15:14
Woe to the world and them that dwell therein!
2 Esdr 15:15
For the sword and their destruction draweth nigh, and one
people shall stand up and fight against another, and swords in
their hands.
2 Esdr 15:16
For there shall be sedition among men, and invading one
another; they shall not regard their kings nor princes, and the
course of their actions shall stand in their power.
2 Esdr 15:17
A man shall desire to go into a city, and shall not be able.
2 Esdr 15:18
For because of their pride the cities shall be troubled, the
houses shall be destroyed, and men shall be afraid.
2 Esdr 15:19
A man shall have no pity upon his neighbour, but shall
destroy their houses with the sword, and spoil their goods,
because of the lack of bread, and for great tribulation.
2 Esdr 15:20
Behold, saith God, I will call together all the kings of the
earth to reverence me, which 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.
2 Esdr 15:21
Like as they do yet this day unto my chosen, so will I do
also, and recompense in their bosom. Thus saith the Lord God;
2 Esdr 15:22
My right hand shall not spare the sinners, and my sword shall
not cease over them that shed innocent blood upon the earth.
2 Esdr 15:23
The fire is gone forth from his wrath, and hath consumed the
foundations of the earth, and the sinners, like the straw that
is kindled.
2 Esdr 15:24
Woe to them that sin, and keep not my commandments! saith
the Lord.
2 Esdr 15:25
I will not spare them: go your way, ye children, from the
power, defile not my sanctuary.
2 Esdr 15:26
For the Lord knoweth all them that sin against him, and
therefore delivereth he them unto death and destruction.
2 Esdr 15:27
For now are the plagues come upon the whole earth and ye
shall remain in them: for God shall not deliver you, because ye
have sinned against him.
2 Esdr 15:28
Behold an horrible vision, and the appearance thereof from
the east:
2 Esdr 15:29
Where the nations of the dragons of Arabia shall come out
with many chariots, and the multitude of them shall be carried
as the wind upon earth, that all they which hear them may fear
and tremble.
2 Esdr 15:30
Also the Carmanians 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.
2 Esdr 15:31
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,
2 Esdr 15:32
Then these shall be troubled bled, and keep silence through
their power, and shall flee.
2 Esdr 15:33
And from the land of the Assyrians shall the enemy besiege
them, and consume some of them, and in their host shall be fear
and dread, and strife among their kings.
2 Esdr 15:34
Behold clouds from the east and from the north unto the
south, and they are very horrible to look upon, full of wrath
and storm.
2 Esdr 15:35
They shall smite one upon another, and they shall smite down
a great multitude of stars upon the earth, even their own star;
and blood shall be from the sword unto the belly,
2 Esdr 15:36
And dung of men unto the camel's hough.
2 Esdr 15:37
And there shall be great fearfulness and trembling upon
earth: and they that see the wrath shall be afraid, and
trembling shall come upon them.
2 Esdr 15:38
And then shall there come great storms from the south, and
from the north, and another part from the west.
2 Esdr 15:39
And strong winds shall arise from the east, and shall open
it; and the cloud which he raised up in wrath, and the star
stirred to cause fear toward the east and west wind, shall be
destroyed.
2 Esdr 15:40
The great and mighty clouds shall be puffed up full of wrath,
and the star, that they may make all the earth afraid, and them
that dwell therein; and they shall pour out over every high and
eminent place an horrible star,
2 Esdr 15:41
Fire, and hail, and flying swords, and many waters, that all
fields may be full, and all rivers, with the abundance of great
waters.
2 Esdr 15:42
And they shall break down the cities and walls, mountains and
hills, trees of the wood, and grass of the meadows, and their
corn.
2 Esdr 15:43
And they shall go stedfastly unto Babylon, and make her
afraid.
2 Esdr 15:44
They shall come to her, and besiege her, the star and all
wrath shall they pour out upon her: then shall the dust and
smoke go up unto the heaven, and all they that be about her
shall bewail her.
2 Esdr 15:45
And they that remain under her shall do service unto them
that have put her in fear.
2 Esdr 15:46
And thou, Asia, that art partaker of the hope of Babylon, and
art the glory of her person:
2 Esdr 15:47
Woe be unto thee, thou wretch, because thou hast made thyself
like unto her; and hast decked thy daughters in whoredom, that
they might please and glory in thy lovers, which have always
desired to commit whoredom with thee.
2 Esdr 15:48
Thou hast followed her that is hated in all her works and
inventions: therefore saith God,
2 Esdr 15:49
I will send plagues upon thee; widowhood, poverty, famine,
sword, and pestilence, to waste thy houses with destruction and
death.
2 Esdr 15:50
And the glory of thy Power shall be dried up as a flower, the
heat shall arise that is sent over thee.
2 Esdr 15:51
Thou shalt be weakened as a poor woman with stripes, and as
one chastised with wounds, so that the mighty and lovers shall
not be able to receive thee.
2 Esdr 15:52
Would I with jealousy have so proceeded against thee, saith
the Lord,
2 Esdr 15:53
If thou hadst not always slain my chosen, exalting the stroke
of thine hands, and saying over their dead, when thou wast
drunken,
2 Esdr 15:54
Set forth the beauty of thy countenance?
2 Esdr 15:55
The reward of thy whoredom shall be in thy bosom, therefore
shalt thou receive recompence.
2 Esdr 15:56
Like as thou hast done unto my chosen, saith the Lord, even
so shall God do unto thee, and shall deliver thee into mischief
2 Esdr 15:57
Thy children shall die of hunger, and thou shalt fall through
the sword: thy cities shall be broken down, and all thine shall
perish with the sword in the field.
2 Esdr 15:58
They that be in the mountains shall die of hunger, and eat
their own flesh, and drink their own blood, for very hunger of
bread, and thirst of water.
2 Esdr 15:59
Thou as unhappy shalt come through the sea, and receive
plagues again.
2 Esdr 15:60
And in the passage they shall rush on the idle city, and
shall destroy some portion of thy land, and consume part of thy
glory, and shall return to Babylon that was destroyed.
2 Esdr 15:61
And thou shalt be cast down by them as stubble, and they
shall be unto thee as fire;
2 Esdr 15:62
And shall consume thee, and thy cities, thy land, and thy
mountains; all thy woods and thy fruitful trees shall they burn
up with fire.
2 Esdr 15:63
Thy children shall they carry away captive, and, look, what
thou hast, they shall spoil it, and mar the beauty of thy face.
2 Esdr 16:1
Woe be unto thee, Babylon, and Asia! woe be unto thee, Egypt
and Syria!
2 Esdr 16:2
Gird up yourselves with cloths of sack and hair, bewail your
children, and be sorry; for your destruction is at hand.
2 Esdr 16:3
A sword is sent upon you, and who may turn it back?
2 Esdr 16:4
A fire is sent among you, and who may quench it?
2 Esdr 16:5
Plagues are sent unto you, and what is he that may drive them
away?
2 Esdr 16:6
May any man drive away an hungry lion in the wood? or may any
one quench the fire in stubble, when it hath begun to burn?
2 Esdr 16:7
May one turn again the arrow that is shot of a strong archer?
2 Esdr 16:8
The mighty Lord sendeth the plagues and who is he that can
drive them away?
2 Esdr 16:9
A fire shall go forth from his wrath, and who is he that may
quench it?
2 Esdr 16:10
He shall cast lightnings, and who shall not fear? he shall
thunder, and who shall not be afraid?
2 Esdr 16:11
The Lord shall threaten, and who shall not be utterly beaten
to powder at his presence?
2 Esdr 16:12
The earth quaketh, and the foundations thereof; the sea
ariseth up with waves from the deep, and the waves of it are
troubled, and the fishes thereof also, before the Lord, and
before the glory of his power:
2 Esdr 16:13
For strong is his right hand that bendeth the bow, his arrows
that he shooteth are sharp, and shall not miss, when they begin
to be shot into the ends of the world.
2 Esdr 16:14
Behold, the plagues are sent, and shall not return again,
until they come upon the earth.
2 Esdr 16:15
The fire is kindled, and shall not be put out, till it
consume the foundation of the earth.
2 Esdr 16:16
Like as an arrow which is shot of a mighty archer returneth
not backward: even so the plagues that shall be sent upon earth
shall not return again.
2 Esdr 16:17
Woe is me! woe is me! who will deliver me in those days?
2 Esdr 16:18
The beginning of sorrows and great mournings; the beginning
of famine and great death; the beginning of wars, and the powers
shall stand in fear; the beginning of evils! what shall I do
when these evils shall come?
2 Esdr 16:19
Behold, famine and plague, tribulation and anguish, are sent
as scourges for amendment.
2 Esdr 16:20
But for all these things they shall not turn from their
wickedness, nor be always mindful of the scourges.
2 Esdr 16:21
Behold, victuals 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.
2 Esdr 16:22
For many of them that dwell upon earth shall perish of
famine; and the other, that escape the hunger, shall the sword
destroy.
2 Esdr 16:23
And the dead shall be cast out as dung, and there shall be no
man to comfort them: for the earth shall be wasted, and the
cities shall be cast down.
2 Esdr 16:24
There shall be no man left to till the earth, and to sow it
2 Esdr 16:25
The trees shall give fruit, and who shall gather them?
2 Esdr 16:26
The grapes shall ripen, and who shall tread them? for all
places shall be desolate of men:
2 Esdr 16:27
So that one man shall desire to see another, and to hear his
voice.
2 Esdr 16:28
For of a city there shall be ten left, and two of the field,
which shall hide themselves in the thick groves, and in the
clefts of the rocks.
2 Esdr 16:29
As in an orchard of Olives upon every tree there are left
three or four olives;
2 Esdr 16:30
Or as when a vineyard is gathered, there are left some
clusters of them that diligently seek through the vineyard:
2 Esdr 16:31
Even so in those days there shall be three or four left by
them that search their houses with the sword.
2 Esdr 16:32
And the earth shall be laid waste, and the fields thereof
shall wax old, and her ways and all her paths shall grow full of
thorns, because no man shall travel therethrough.
2 Esdr 16:33
The virgins shall mourn, having no bridegrooms; the women
shall mourn, having no husbands; their daughters shall mourn,
having no helpers.
2 Esdr 16:34
In the wars shall their bridegrooms be destroyed, and their
husbands shall perish of famine.
2 Esdr 16:35
Hear now these things and understand them, ye servants of the
Lord.
2 Esdr 16:36
Behold, the word of the Lord, receive it: believe not the
gods of whom the Lord spake.
2 Esdr 16:37
Behold, the plagues draw nigh, and are not slack.
2 Esdr 16:38
As when a woman with child in the ninth month bringeth forth
her son, with two or three hours of her birth great pains
compass her womb, which pains, when the child cometh forth, they
slack not a moment:
2 Esdr 16:39
Even so shall not the plagues be slack to come upon the
earth, and the world shall mourn, and sorrows shall come upon it
on every side.
2 Esdr 16:40
O my people, hear my word: make you ready to thy battle, and
in those evils be even as pilgrims upon the earth.
2 Esdr 16:41
He that selleth, let him be as he that fleeth away: and he
that buyeth, as one that will lose:
2 Esdr 16:42
He that occupieth merchandise, as he that hath no profit by
it: and he that buildeth, as he that shall not dwell therein:
2 Esdr 16:43
He that soweth, as if he should not reap: so also he that
planteth the vineyard, as he that shall not gather the grapes:
2 Esdr 16:44
They that marry, as they that shall get no children; and they
that marry not, as the widowers.
2 Esdr 16:45
And therefore they that labour labour in vain:
2 Esdr 16:46
For strangers shall reap their fruits, and spoil their goods,
overthrow their houses, and take their children captives, for in
captivity and famine shall they get children.
2 Esdr 16:47
And they that occupy their merchandise with robbery, the more
they deck their cities, their houses, their possessions, and
their own persons:
2 Esdr 16:48
The more will I be angry with them for their sin, saith the
Lord.
2 Esdr 16:49
Like as a whore envieth a right honest and virtuous woman:
2 Esdr 16:50
So shall righteousness hate iniquity, when she decketh
herself, and shall accuse her to her face, when he cometh that
shall defend him that diligently searcheth out every sin upon
earth.
2 Esdr 16:51
And therefore be ye not like thereunto, nor to the works
thereof.
2 Esdr 16:52
For yet a little, and iniquity shall be taken away out of the
earth, and righteousness shall reign among you.
2 Esdr 16:53
Let not the sinner say that he hath not sinned: for God shall
burn coals of fire upon his head, which saith before the Lord
God and his glory, I have not sinned.
2 Esdr 16:54
Behold, the Lord knoweth all the works of men, their
imaginations, their thoughts, and their hearts:
2 Esdr 16:55
Which spake but the word, Let the earth be made; and it was
made: Let the heaven be made; and it was created.
2 Esdr 16:56
In his word were the stars made, and he knoweth the number of
them.
2 Esdr 16:57
He searcheth the deep, and the treasures thereof; he hath
measured the sea, and what it containeth.
2 Esdr 16:58
He hath shut the sea in the midst of the waters, and with his
word hath he hanged the earth upon the waters.
2 Esdr 16:59
He spreadeth out the heavens like a vault; upon the waters
hath he founded it.
2 Esdr 16:60
In the desert hath he made springs of water, and pools upon
the tops of the mountains, that the floods might pour down from
the high rocks to water the earth.
2 Esdr 16:61
He made man, and put his heart in the midst of the body, and
gave him breath, life, and understanding.
2 Esdr 16:62
Yea and the Spirit of Almighty God, which made all things,
and searcheth out all hidden things in the secrets of the earth,
2 Esdr 16:63
Surely he knoweth your inventions, and what ye think in your
hearts, even them that sin, and would hide their sin.
2 Esdr 16:64
Therefore hath the Lord exactly searched out all your works,
and he will put you all to shame.
2 Esdr 16:65
And when your sins are brought forth, ye shall be ashamed
before men, and your own sins shall be your accusers in that
day.
2 Esdr 16:66
What will ye do? or how will ye hide your sins before God and
his angels?
2 Esdr 16:67
Behold, God himself is the judge, fear him: leave off from
your sins, and forget your iniquities, to meddle no more with
them for ever: so shall God lead you forth, and deliver you from
all trouble.
2 Esdr 16:68
For, behold, the burning wrath of a great multitude is
kindled over you, and they shall take away certain of you, and
feed you, being idle, with things offered unto idols.
2 Esdr 16:69
And they that consent unto them shall be had in derision and
in reproach, and trodden under foot.
2 Esdr 16:70
For there shall be in every place, and in the next cities, a
great insurrection upon those that fear the Lord.
2 Esdr 16:71
They shall be like mad men, sparing none, but still spoiling
and destroying those that fear the Lord.
2 Esdr 16:72
For they shall waste and take away their goods, and cast them
out of their houses.
2 Esdr 16:73
Then shall they be known, who are my chosen; and they shall
be tried as the gold in the fire.
2 Esdr 16:74
Hear, O ye my beloved, saith the Lord: behold, the days of
trouble are at hand, but I will deliver you from the same.
2 Esdr 16:75
Be ye not afraid neither doubt; for God is your guide,
2 Esdr 16:76
And the guide of them who keep my commandments and precepts,
saith the Lord God: let not your sins weigh you down, and let
not your iniquities lift up themselves.
2 Esdr 16:77
Woe be unto them that are bound with their sins, and covered
with their iniquities like as a field is covered over with
bushes, and the path thereof covered with thorns, that no man
may travel through!
2 Esdr 16:78
It is left undressed, and is cast into the fire to be
consumed therewith.
The Greek Additions to Esther
[The Rest of the Chapters of the Book of Esther]
AddEsth 10:4
Then Mardocheus said, God hath done these things.
AddEsth 10:5
For I remember a dream which I saw concerning these matters,
and nothing thereof hath failed.
AddEsth 10:6
A little fountain became a river, and there was light, and the
sun, and much water: this river is Esther, whom the king
married, and made queen:
AddEsth 10:7
And the two dragons are I and Aman.
AddEsth 10:8
And the nations were those that were assembled to destroy the
name of the Jews:
AddEsth 10:9
And my nation is this Israel, which cried to God, and were
saved: for the Lord hath saved his people, and the Lord hath
delivered us from all those evils, and God hath wrought signs
and great wonders, which have not been done among the Gentiles.
AddEsth 10:10
Therefore hath he made two lots, one for the people of God,
and another for all the Gentiles.
AddEsth 10:11
And these two lots came at the hour, and time, and day of
judgment, before God among all nations.
AddEsth 10:12
So God remembered his people, and justified his inheritance.
AddEsth 10:13
Therefore those days shall be unto them in the month Adar,
the fourteenth and fifteenth day of the same month, with an
assembly, and joy, and with gladness before God, according to
the generations for ever among his people.
AddEsth 11:1
In the fourth year of the reign of Ptolemeus and Cleopatra,
Dositheus, who said he was a priest and Levite, and Ptolemeus
his son, brought this epistle of Phurim, which they said was the
same, and that Lysimachus the son of Ptolemeus, that was in
Jerusalem, had interpreted it.
AddEsth 11:2
In the second year of the reign of Artexerxes the great, in
the first day of the month Nisan, Mardocheus the son of Jairus,
the son of Semei, the son of Cisai, of the tribe of Benjamin,
had a dream;
AddEsth 11:3
Who was a Jew, and dwelt in the city of Susa, a great man,
being a servitor in the king's court.
AddEsth 11:4
He was also one of the captives, which Nabuchodonosor the
king of Babylon carried from Jerusalem with Jechonias king of
Judea; and this was his dream:
AddEsth 11:5
Behold a noise of a tumult, with thunder, and earthquakes,
and uproar in the land:
AddEsth 11:6
And, behold, two great dragons came forth ready to fight, and
their cry was great.
AddEsth 11:7
And at their cry all nations were prepared to battle, that
they might fight against the righteous people.
AddEsth 11:8
And lo a day of darkness and obscurity, tribulation and
anguish, affliction and great uproar, upon earth.
AddEsth 11:9
And the whole righteous nation was troubled, fearing their
own evils, and were ready to perish.
AddEsth 11:10
Then they cried unto God, and upon their cry, as it were from
a little fountain, was made a great flood, even much water.
AddEsth 11:11
The light and the sun rose up, and the lowly were exalted,
and devoured the glorious.
AddEsth 11:12
Now when Mardocheus, who had seen this dream, and what God
had determined to do, was awake, he bare this dream in mind, and
until night by all means was desirous to know it.
AddEsth 12:1
And Mardocheus took his rest in the court with Gabatha and
Tharra, the two eunuchs of the king, and keepers of the palace.
AddEsth 12:2
And he heard their devices, and searched out their purposes,
and learned that they were about to lay hands upon Artexerxes
the king; and so he certified the king of them.
AddEsth 12:3
Then the king examined the two eunuchs, and after that they
had confessed it, they were strangled.
AddEsth 12:4
And the king made a record of these things, and Mardocheus
also wrote thereof.
AddEsth 12:5
So the king commanded, Mardocheus to serve in the court, and
for this he rewarded him.
AddEsth 12:6
Howbeit Aman the son of Amadathus the Agagite, who was in
great honour with the king, sought to molest Mardocheus and his
people because of the two eunuchs of the king.
AddEsth 13:1
The copy of the letters was this: The great king Artexerxes
writeth these things to the princes and governours that are under
him from India unto Ethiopia in an hundred and seven and twenty
provinces.
AddEsth 13:2
After that I became lord over many nations and had dominion
over the whole world, not lifted up with presumption of my
authority, but carrying myself always with equity and mildness,
I purposed to settle my subjects continually in a quiet life,
and making my kingdom peaceable, and open for passage to the
utmost coasts, to renew peace, which is desired of all men.
AddEsth 13:3
Now when I asked my counsellors how this might be brought to
pass, Aman, that excelled in wisdom among us, and was approved
for his constant good will and steadfast fidelity, and had the
honour of the second place in the kingdom,
AddEsth 13:4
Declared unto us, that in all nations throughout the world
there was scattered a certain malicious people, that had laws
contrary to ail nations, and continually despised the
commandments of kings, so as the uniting of our kingdoms,
honourably intended by us cannot go forward.
AddEsth 13:5
Seeing then we understand that this people alone is
continually in opposition unto all men, differing in the strange
manner of their laws, and evil affected to our state, working
all the mischief they can that our kingdom may not be firmly
established:
AddEsth 13:6
Therefore have we commanded, that all they that are signified
in writing unto you by Aman, who is ordained over the affairs,
and is next unto us, shall all, with their wives and children,
be utterly destroyed by the sword of their enemies, without all
mercy and pity, the fourteenth day of the twelfth month Adar of
this present year:
AddEsth 13:7
That they, who of old and now also are malicious, may in one
day with violence go into the grave, and so ever hereafter cause
our affairs to be well settled, and without trouble.
AddEsth 13:8
Then Mardocheus thought upon all the works of the Lord, and
made his prayer unto him,
AddEsth 13:9
Saying, O Lord, Lord, the King Almighty: for the whole world
is in thy power, and if thou hast appointed to save Israel,
there is no man that can gainsay thee:
AddEsth 13:10
For thou hast made heaven and earth, and all the wondrous
things under the heaven.
AddEsth 13:11
Thou art Lord of all things, and and there is no man that can
resist thee, which art the Lord.
AddEsth 13:12
Thou knowest all things, and thou knowest, Lord, that it was
neither in contempt nor pride, nor for any desire of glory, that
I did not bow down to proud Aman.
AddEsth 13:13
For I could have been content with good will for the
salvation of Israel to kiss the soles of his feet.
AddEsth 13:14
But I did this, that I might not prefer the glory of man
above the glory of God: neither will I worship any but thee, O
God, neither will I do it in pride.
AddEsth 13:15
And now, O Lord God and King, spare thy people: for their
eyes are upon us to bring us to nought; yea, they desire to
destroy the inheritance, that hath been thine from the
beginning.
AddEsth 13:16
Despise not the portion, which thou hast delivered out of
Egypt for thine own self.
AddEsth 13:17
Hear my prayer, and be merciful unto thine inheritance: turn
our sorrow into joy, that we may live, O Lord, and praise thy
name: and destroy not the mouths of them that praise thee, O
Lord.
AddEsth 13:18
All Israel in like manner cried most earnestly unto the Lord,
because their death was before their eyes.
AddEsth 14:1
Queen Esther also, being in fear of death, resorted unto the
Lord:
AddEsth 14:2
And laid away her glorious apparel, and put on the garments
of anguish and mourning: and instead of precious ointments, she
covered her head with ashes and dung, and she humbled her body
greatly, and all the places of her joy she filled with her torn
hair.
AddEsth 14:3
And she prayed unto the Lord God of Israel, saying, O my
Lord, thou only art our King: help me, desolate woman, which
have no helper but thee:
AddEsth 14:4
For my danger is in mine hand.
AddEsth 14:5
From my youth up I have heard in the tribe of my family that
thou, O Lord, tookest Israel from among all people, and our
fathers from all their predecessors, for a perpetual
inheritance, and thou hast performed whatsoever thou didst
promise them.
AddEsth 14:6
And now we have sinned before thee: therefore hast thou given
us into the hands of our enemies,
AddEsth 14:7
Because we worshipped their gods: O Lord, thou art righteous.
AddEsth 14:8
Nevertheless it satisfieth them not, that we are in bitter
captivity: but they have stricken hands with their idols,
AddEsth 14:9
That they will abolish the thing that thou with thy mouth
hast ordained, and destroy thine inheritance, and stop the mouth
of them that praise thee, and quench the glory of thy house, and
of thine altar,
AddEsth 14:10
And open the mouths of the heathen to set forth the praises
of the idols, and to magnify a fleshly king for ever.
AddEsth 14:11
O Lord, give not thy sceptre unto them that be nothing, and
let them not laugh at our fall; but turn their device upon
themselves, and make him an example, that hath begun this
against us.
AddEsth 14:12
Remember, O Lord, make thyself known in time of our
affliction, and give me boldness, O King of the nations, and
Lord of all power.
AddEsth 14:13
Give me eloquent speech in my mouth before the lion: turn his
heart to hate him that fighteth against us, that there may be an
end of him, and of all that are likeminded to him:
AddEsth 14:14
But deliver us with thine hand, and help me that am desolate,
and which have no other help but thee.
AddEsth 14:15
Thou knowest all things, O Lord; thou knowest that I hate the
glory of the unrighteous, and abhor the bed of the
uncircumcised, and of all the heathen.
AddEsth 14:16
Thou knowest my necessity: for I abhor the sign of my high
estate, which is upon mine head in the days wherein I shew
myself, and that I abhor it as a menstruous rag, and that I wear
it not when I am private by myself.
AddEsth 14:17
And that thine handmaid hath not eaten at Aman's table, and
that I have not greatly esteemed the king's feast, nor drunk the
wine of the drink offerings.
AddEsth 14:18
Neither had thine handmaid any joy since the day that I was
brought hither to this present, but in thee, O Lord God of
Abraham.
AddEsth 14:19
O thou mighty God above all, hear the voice of the forlorn
and deliver us out of the hands of the mischievous, and deliver
me out of my fear.
AddEsth 15:1
And upon the third day, when she had ended her prayers, she
laid away her mourning garments, and put on her glorious
apparel.
AddEsth 15:2
And being gloriously adorned, after she had called upon God,
who is the beholder and saviour of all things, she took two
maids with her:
AddEsth 15:3
And upon the one she leaned, as carrying herself daintily;
AddEsth 15:4
And the other followed, bearing up her train.
AddEsth 15:5
And she was ruddy through the perfection of her beauty, and
her countenance was cheerful and very amiable: but her heart was
in anguish for fear.
AddEsth 15:6
Then having passed through all the doors, she stood before
the king, who sat upon his royal throne, and was clothed with
all his robes of majesty, all glittering with gold and precious
stones; and he was very dreadful.
AddEsth 15:7
Then lifting up his countenance that shone with majesty, he
looked very fiercely upon her: and the queen fell down, and was
pale, and fainted, and bowed herself upon the head of the maid
that went before her.
AddEsth 15:8
Then God changed the spirit of the king into mildness, who in
a fear leaped from his throne, and took her in his arms, till
she came to herself again, and comforted her with loving words
and said unto her,
AddEsth 15:9
Esther, what is the matter? I am thy brother, be of good
cheer:
AddEsth 15:10
Thou shalt not die, though our our commandment be general:
come near.
AddEsth 15:11
And so be held up his golden sceptre, and laid it upon her
neck,
AddEsth 15:12
And embraced her, and said, Speak unto me.
AddEsth 15:13
Then said she unto him, I saw thee, my lord, as an angel of
God, and my heart was troubled for fear of thy majesty.
AddEsth 15:14
For wonderful art thou, lord, and thy countenance is full of
grace.
AddEsth 15:15
And as she was speaking, she fell down for faintness.
AddEsth 15:16
Then the king was troubled, and ail his servants comforted
her.
AddEsth 16:1
The great king Artexerxes unto the princes and governors of
an hundred and seven and twenty provinces from India unto
Ethiopia, and unto all our faithful subjects, greeting.
AddEsth 16:2
Many, the more often they are honoured with the great bounty
of their gracious princes, the more proud they are waxen,
AddEsth 16:3
And endeavour to hurt not our subjects only, but not being
able to bear abundance, do take in hand to practise also against
those that do them good:
AddEsth 16:4
And take not only thankfulness away from among men, but also
lifted up with the glorious words of lewd persons, that were
never good, they think to escape the justice of God, that seeth
all things and hateth evil.
AddEsth 16:5
Oftentimes also fair speech of those, that are put in trust
to manage their friends' affairs, hath caused many that are in
authority to be partakers of innocent blood, and hath enwrapped
them in remediless calamities:
AddEsth 16:6
Beguiling with the falsehood and deceit of their lewd
disposition the innocency and goodness of princes.
AddEsth 16:7
Now ye may see this, as we have declared, not so much by
ancient histories, as ye may, if ye search what hath been
wickedly done of late through the pestilent behaviour of them
that are unworthily placed in authority.
AddEsth 16:8
And we must take care for the time to come, that our kingdom
may be quiet and peaceable for all men,
AddEsth 16:9
Both by changing our purposes, and always judging things that
are evident with more equal proceeding.
AddEsth 16:10
For Aman, a Macedonian, the son of Amadatha, being indeed a
stranger from the Persian blood, and far distant from our
goodness, and as a stranger received of us,
AddEsth 16:11
Had so far forth obtained the favour that we shew toward
every nation, as that he was called our father, and was
continually honoured of all the next person unto the king.
AddEsth 16:12
But he, not bearing his great dignity, went about to deprive
us of our kingdom and life:
AddEsth 16:13
Having by manifold and cunning deceits sought of us the
destruction, as well of Mardocheus, who saved our life, and
continually procured our good, as also of blameless Esther,
partaker of our kingdom, with their whole nation.
AddEsth 16:14
For by these means he thought, finding us destitute of
friends to have translated the kingdom of the Persians to the
Macedonians.
AddEsth 16:15
But we find that the Jews, whom this wicked wretch hath
delivered to utter destruction, are no evildoers, but live by
most just laws:
AddEsth 16:16
And that they be children of the most high and most mighty,
living God, who hath ordered the kingdom both unto us and to our
progenitors in the most excellent manner.
AddEsth 16:17
Wherefore ye shall do well not to put in execution the
letters sent unto you by Aman the son of Amadatha.
AddEsth 16:18
For he that was the worker of these things, is hanged at the
gates of Susa with all his family: God, who ruleth all things,
speedily rendering vengeance to him according to his deserts.
AddEsth 16:19
Therefore ye shall publish the copy of this letter in all
places, that the Jews may freely live after their own laws.
AddEsth 16:20
And ye shall aid them, that even the same day, being the
thirteenth day of the twelfth month Adar, they may be avenged on
them, who in the time of their affliction shall set upon them.
AddEsth 16:21
For Almighty God hath turned to joy unto them the day,
wherein the chosen people should have perished.
AddEsth 16:22
Ye shall therefore among your solemn feasts keep it an high
day with all feasting:
AddEsth 16:23
That both now and hereafter there may be safety to us and the
well affected Persians; but to those which do conspire against
us a memorial of destruction.
AddEsth 16:24
Therefore every city and country whatsoever, which shall not
do according to these things, shall be destroyed without mercy
with fire and sword, and shall be made not only unpassable for
men, but also most hateful to wild beasts and fowls for ever.
The First Book of the Maccabees
1 Mac 1:1
And it happened, after that Alexander son of Philip, the
Macedonian, who came out of the land of Chettim, had smitten
Darius king of the Persians and Medes, that he reigned in his
stead, the first over Greece,
1 Mac 1:2
And made many wars, and won many strong holds, and slew the
kings of the earth,
1 Mac 1:3
And went through to the ends of the earth, and took spoils of
many nations, insomuch that the earth was quiet before him;
whereupon he was exalted and his heart was lifted up.
1 Mac 1:4
And he gathered a mighty strong host and ruled over
countries, and nations, and kings, who became tributaries unto
him.
1 Mac 1:5
And after these things he fell sick, and perceived that he
should die.
1 Mac 1:6
Wherefore he called his servants, such as were honourable,
and had been brought up with him from his youth, and parted his
kingdom among them, while he was yet alive.
1 Mac 1:7
So Alexander reigned twelves years, and then died.
1 Mac 1:8
And his servants bare rule every one in his place.
1 Mac 1:9
And after his death they all put crowns upon themselves; so
did their sons after them many years: and evils were multiplied
in the earth.
1 Mac 1:10
And there came out of them a wicked root Antiochus surnamed
Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king, who had been an hostage at
Rome, and he reigned in the hundred and thirty and seventh year
of the kingdom of the Greeks.
1 Mac 1:11
In those days went there out of Israel wicked men, who
persuaded many, saying, Let us go and make a covenant with the
heathen that are round about us: for since we departed from them
we have had much sorrow.
1 Mac 1:12
So this device pleased them well.
1 Mac 1:13
Then certain of the people were so forward herein, that they
went to the king, who gave them licence to do after the
ordinances of the heathen:
1 Mac 1:14
Whereupon they built a place of exercise at Jerusalem
according to the customs of the heathen:
1 Mac 1:15
And made themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy
covenant, and joined themselves to the heathen, and were sold to
do mischief.
1 Mac 1:16
Now when the kingdom was established before Antiochus, he
thought to reign over Egypt that he might have the dominion of
two realms.
1 Mac 1:17
Wherefore he entered into Egypt with a great multitude, with
chariots, and elephants, and horsemen, and a great navy,
1 Mac 1:18
And made war against Ptolemee king of Egypt: but Ptolemee was
afraid of him, and fled; and many were wounded to death.
1 Mac 1:19
Thus they got the strong cities in the land of Egypt and he
took the spoils thereof.
1 Mac 1:20
And after that Antiochus had smitten Egypt, he returned again
in the hundred forty and third year, and went up against Israel
and Jerusalem with a great multitude,
1 Mac 1:21
And entered proudly into the sanctuary, and took away the
golden altar, and the candlestick of light, and all the vessels
thereof,
1 Mac 1:22
And the table of the shewbread, and the pouring vessels, and
the vials, and the censers of gold, and the veil, and the crown,
and the golden ornaments that were before the temple, all which
he pulled off.
1 Mac 1:23
He took also the silver and the gold, and the precious
vessels: also he took the hidden treasures which he found.
1 Mac 1:24
And when he had taken all away, he went into his own land,
having made a great massacre, and spoken very proudly.
1 Mac 1:25
Therefore there was a great mourning in Israel, in every
place where they were;
1 Mac 1:26
So that the princes and elders mourned, the virgins and young
men were made feeble, and the beauty of women was changed.
1 Mac 1:27
Every bridegroom took up lamentation, and she that sat in the
marriage chamber was in heaviness,
1 Mac 1:28
The land also was moved for the inhabitants thereof, and all
the house of Jacob was covered with confusion.
1 Mac 1:29
And after two years fully expired the king sent his chief
collector of tribute unto the cities of Juda, who came unto
Jerusalem with a great multitude,
1 Mac 1:30
And spake peaceable words unto them, but all was deceit: for
when they had given him credence, he fell suddenly upon the
city, and smote it very sore, and destroyed much people of
Israel.
1 Mac 1:31
And when he had taken the spoils of the city, he set it on
fire, and pulled down the houses and walls thereof on every
side.
1 Mac 1:32
But the women and children took they captive, and possessed
the cattle.
1 Mac 1:33
Then builded they the city of David with a great and strong
wall, and with mighty towers, and made it a strong hold for
them.
1 Mac 1:34
And they put therein a sinful nation, wicked men, and
fortified themselves therein.
1 Mac 1:35
They stored it also with armour and victuals, and when they
had gathered together the spoils of Jerusalem, they laid them up
there, and so they became a sore snare:
1 Mac 1:36
For it was a place to lie in wait against the sanctuary, and
an evil adversary to Israel.
1 Mac 1:37
Thus they shed innocent blood on every side of the sanctuary,
and defiled it:
1 Mac 1:38
Insomuch that the inhabitants of Jerusalem fled because of
them: whereupon the city was made an habitation of strangers,
and became strange to those that were born in her; and her own
children left her.
1 Mac 1:39
Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness, her feasts
were turned into mourning, her sabbaths into reproach her honour
into contempt.
1 Mac 1:40
As had been her glory, so was her dishonour increased, and
her excellency was turned into mourning.
1 Mac 1:41
Moreover king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all
should be one people,
1 Mac 1:42
And every one should leave his laws: so all the heathen
agreed according to the commandment of the king.
1 Mac 1:43
Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion,
and sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the sabbath.
1 Mac 1:44
For the king had sent letters by messengers unto Jerusalem
and the cities of Juda that they should follow the strange laws
of the land,
1 Mac 1:45
And forbid burnt offerings, and sacrifice, and drink
offerings, in the temple; and that they should profane the
sabbaths and festival days:
1 Mac 1:46
And pollute the sanctuary and holy people:
1 Mac 1:47
Set up altars, and groves, and chapels of idols, and
sacrifice swine's flesh, and unclean beasts:
1 Mac 1:48
That they should also leave their children uncircumcised, and
make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and
profanation:
1 Mac 1:49
To the end they might forget the law, and change all the
ordinances.
1 Mac 1:50
And whosoever would not do according to the commandment of
the king, he said, he should die.
1 Mac 1:51
In the selfsame manner wrote he to his whole kingdom, and
appointed overseers over all the people, commanding the cities
of Juda to sacrifice, city by city.
1 Mac 1:52
Then many of the people were gathered unto them, to wit every
one that forsook the law; and so they committed evils in the
land;
1 Mac 1:53
And drove the Israelites into secret places, even wheresoever
they could flee for succour.
1 Mac 1:54
Now the fifteenth day of the month Casleu, in the hundred
forty and fifth year, they set up the abomination of desolation
upon the altar, and builded idol altars throughout the cities of
Juda on every side;
1 Mac 1:55
And burnt incense at the doors of their houses, and in the
streets.
1 Mac 1:56
And when they had rent in pieces the books of the law which
they found, they burnt them with fire.
1 Mac 1:57
And whosoever was found with any the book of the testament,
or if any committed to the law, the king's commandment was, that
they should put him to death.
1 Mac 1:58
Thus did they by their authority unto the Israelites every
month, to as many as were found in the cities.
1 Mac 1:59
Now the five and twentieth day of the month they did
sacrifice upon the idol altar, which was upon the altar of God.
1 Mac 1:60
At which time according to the commandment they put to death
certain women, that had caused their children to be circumcised.
1 Mac 1:61
And they hanged the infants about their necks, and rifled
their houses, and slew them that had circumcised them.
1 Mac 1:62
Howbeit many in Israel were fully resolved and confirmed in
themselves not to eat any unclean thing.
1 Mac 1:63
Wherefore the rather to die, that they might not be defiled
with meats, and that they might not profane the holy covenant:
so then they died.
1 Mac 1:64
And there was very great wrath upon Israel.
1 Mac 2:1
In those days arose Mattathias the son of John, the son of
Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem, and
dwelt in Modin.
1 Mac 2:2
And he had five sons, Joannan, called Caddis:
1 Mac 2:3
Simon; called Thassi:
1 Mac 2:4
Judas, who was called Maccabeus:
1 Mac 2:5
Eleazar, called Avaran: and Jonathan, whose surname was
Apphus.
1 Mac 2:6
And when he saw the blasphemies that were committed in Juda
and Jerusalem,
1 Mac 2:7
He said, Woe is me! wherefore was I born to see this misery
of my people, and of the holy city, and to dwell there, when it
was delivered into the hand of the enemy, and the sanctuary into
the hand of strangers?
1 Mac 2:8
Her temple is become as a man without glory.
1 Mac 2:9
Her glorious vessels are carried away into captivity, her
infants are slain in the streets, her young men with the sword
of the enemy.
1 Mac 2:10
What nation hath not had a part in her kingdom and gotten of
her spoils?
1 Mac 2:11
All her ornaments are taken away; of a free woman she is
become a bondslave.
1 Mac 2:12
And, behold, our sanctuary, even our beauty and our glory, is
laid waste, and the Gentiles have profaned it.
1 Mac 2:13
To what end therefore shall we live any longer?
1 Mac 2:14
Then Mattathias and his sons rent their clothes, and put on
sackcloth, and mourned very sore.
1 Mac 2:15
In the mean while the king's officers, such as compelled the
people to revolt, came into the city Modin, to make them
sacrifice.
1 Mac 2:16
And when many of Israel came unto them, Mattathias also and
his sons came together.
1 Mac 2:17
Then answered the king's officers, and said to Mattathias on
this wise, Thou art a ruler, and an honourable and great man in
this city, and strengthened with sons and brethren:
1 Mac 2:18
Now therefore come thou first, and fulfil the king's
commandment, like as all the heathen have done, yea, and the men
of Juda also, and such as remain at Jerusalem: so shalt thou and
thy house be in the number of the king's friends, and thou and
thy children shall be honoured with silver and gold, and many
rewards.
1 Mac 2:19
Then Mattathias answered and spake with a loud voice, Though
all the nations that are under the king's dominion obey him, and
fall away every one from the religion of their fathers, and give
consent to his commandments:
1 Mac 2:20
Yet will I and my sons and my brethren walk in the covenant
of our fathers.
1 Mac 2:21
God forbid that we should forsake the law and the ordinances.
1 Mac 2:22
We will not hearken to the king's words, to go from our
religion, either on the right hand, or the left.
1 Mac 2:23
Now when he had left speaking these words, there came one of
the Jews in the sight of all to sacrifice on the altar which was
at Modin, according to the king's commandment.
1 Mac 2:24
Which thing when Mattathias saw, he was inflamed with zeal,
and his reins trembled, neither could he forbear to shew his
anger according to judgment: wherefore he ran, and slew him upon
the altar.
1 Mac 2:25
Also the king's commissioner, who compelled men to sacrifice,
he killed at that time, and the altar he pulled down.
1 Mac 2:26
Thus dealt he zealously for the law of God like as Phinees
did unto Zambri the son of Salom.
1 Mac 2:27
And Mattathias cried throughout the city with a loud voice,
saying, Whosoever is zealous of the law, and maintaineth the
covenant, let him follow me.
1 Mac 2:28
So he and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that
ever they had in the city.
1 Mac 2:29
Then many that sought after justice and judgment went down
into the wilderness, to dwell there:
1 Mac 2:30
Both they, and their children, and their wives; and their
cattle; because afflictions increased sore upon them.
1 Mac 2:31
Now when it was told the king's servants, and the host that
was at Jerusalem, in the city of David, that certain men, who
had broken the king's commandment, were gone down into the
secret places in the wilderness,
1 Mac 2:32
They pursued after them a great number, and having overtaken
them, they camped against them, and made war against them on the
sabbath day.
1 Mac 2:33
And they said unto them, Let that which ye have done hitherto
suffice; come forth, and do according to the commandment of the
king, and ye shall live.
1 Mac 2:34
But they said, We will not come forth, neither will we do the
king's commandment, to profane the sabbath day.
1 Mac 2:35
So then they gave them the battle with all speed.
1 Mac 2:36
Howbeit they answered them not, neither cast they a stone at
them, nor stopped the places where they lay hid;
1 Mac 2:37
But said, Let us die all in our innocency: heaven and earth
will testify for us, that ye put us to death wrongfully.
1 Mac 2:38
So they rose up against them in battle on the sabbath, and
they slew them, with their wives and children and their cattle,
to the number of a thousand people.
1 Mac 2:39
Now when Mattathias and his friends understood hereof, they
mourned for them right sore.
1 Mac 2:40
And one of them said to another, If we all do as our brethren
have done, and fight not for our lives and laws against the
heathen, they will now quickly root us out of the earth.
1 Mac 2:41
At that time therefore they decreed, saying, Whosoever shall
come to make battle with us on the sabbath day, we will fight
against him; neither will we die all, as our brethren that were
murdered im the secret places.
1 Mac 2:42
Then came there unto him a company of Assideans who were
mighty men of Israel, even all such as were voluntarily devoted
unto the law.
1 Mac 2:43
Also all they that fled for persecution joined themselves
unto them, and were a stay unto them.
1 Mac 2:44
So they joined their forces, and smote sinful men in their
anger, and wicked men in their wrath: but the rest fled to the
heathen for succour.
1 Mac 2:45
Then Mattathias and his friends went round about, and pulled
down the altars:
1 Mac 2:46
And what children soever they found within the coast of
Israel uncircumcised, those they circumcised valiantly.
1 Mac 2:47
They pursued also after the proud men, and the work prospered
in their hand.
1 Mac 2:48
So they recovered the law out of the hand of the Gentiles,
and out of the hand of kings, neither suffered they the sinner
to triumph.
1 Mac 2:49
Now when the time drew near that Mattathias should die, he
said unto his sons, Now hath pride and rebuke gotten strength,
and the time of destruction, and the wrath of indignation:
1 Mac 2:50
Now therefore, my sons, be ye zealous for the law, and give
your lives for the covenant of your fathers.
1 Mac 2:51
Call to remembrance what acts our fathers did in their time;
so shall ye receive great honour and an everlasting name.
1 Mac 2:52
Was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was
imputed unto him for righteousness?
1 Mac 2:53
Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment and
was made lord of Egypt.
1 Mac 2:54
Phinees our father in being zealous and fervent obtained the
covenant of an everlasting priesthood.
1 Mac 2:55
Jesus for fulfilling the word was made a judge in Israel.
1 Mac 2:56
Caleb for bearing witness before the congregation received
the heritage of the land.
1 Mac 2:57
David for being merciful possessed the throne of an
everlasting kingdom.
1 Mac 2:58
Elias for being zealous and fervent for the law was taken up
into heaven.
1 Mac 2:59
Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, by believing were saved out of
the flame.
1 Mac 2:60
Daniel for his innocency was delivered from the mouth of
lions.
1 Mac 2:61
And thus consider ye throughout all ages, that none that put
their trust in him shall be overcome.
1 Mac 2:62
Fear not then the words of a sinful man: for his glory shall
be dung and worms.
1 Mac 2:63
To day he shall be lifted up and to morrow he shall not be
found, because he is returned into his dust, and his thought is
come to nothing.
1 Mac 2:64
Wherefore, ye my sons, be valiant and shew yourselves men in
the behalf of the law; for by it shall ye obtain glory.
1 Mac 2:65
And behold, I know that your brother Simon is a man of
counsel, give ear unto him alway: he shall be a father unto you.
1 Mac 2:66
As for Judas Maccabeus, he hath been mighty and strong, even
from his youth up: let him be your captain, and fight the battle
of the people.
1 Mac 2:67
Take also unto you all those that observe the law, and avenge
ye the wrong of your people.
1 Mac 2:68
Recompense fully the heathen, and take heed to the
commandments of the law.
1 Mac 2:69
So he blessed them, and was gathered to his fathers.
1 Mac 2:70
And he died in the hundred forty and sixth year, and his sons
buried him in the sepulchres of his fathers at Modin, and all
Israel made great lamentation for him.
1 Mac 3:1
Then his son Judas, called Maccabeus, rose up in his stead.
1 Mac 3:2
And all his brethren helped him, and so did all they that
held with his father, and they fought with cheerfulness the
battle of Israel.
1 Mac 3:3
So he gat his people great honour, and put on a breastplate
as a giant, and girt his warlike harness about him, and he made
battles, protecting the host with his sword.
1 Mac 3:4
In his acts he was like a lion, and like a lion's whelp
roaring for his prey.
1 Mac 3:5
For He pursued the wicked, and sought them out, and burnt up
those that vexed his people.
1 Mac 3:6
Wherefore the wicked shrunk for fear of him, and all the
workers of iniquity were troubled, because salvation prospered
in his hand.
1 Mac 3:7
He grieved also many kings, and made Jacob glad with his
acts, and his memorial is blessed for ever.
1 Mac 3:8
Moreover he went through the cities of Juda, destroying the
ungodly out of them, and turning away wrath from Israel:
1 Mac 3:9
So that he was renowned unto the utmost part of the earth,
and he received unto him such as were ready to perish.
1 Mac 3:10
Then Apollonius gathered the Gentiles together, and a great
host out of Samaria, to fight against Israel.
1 Mac 3:11
Which thing when Judas perceived, he went forth to meet him,
and so he smote him, and slew him: many also fell down slain,
but the rest fled.
1 Mac 3:12
Wherefore Judas took their spoils, and Apollonius' sword
also, and therewith he fought all his life long.
1 Mac 3:13
Now when Seron, a prince of the army of Syria, heard say that
Judas had gathered unto him a multitude and company of the
faithful to go out with him to war;
1 Mac 3:14
He said, I will get me a name and honour in the kingdom; for
I will go fight with Judas and them that are with him, who
despise the king's commandment.
1 Mac 3:15
So he made him ready to go up, and there went with him a
mighty host of the ungodly to help him, and to be avenged of the
children of Israel.
1 Mac 3:16
And when he came near to the going up of Bethhoron, Judas
went forth to meet him with a small company:
1 Mac 3:17
Who, when they saw the host coming to meet them, said unto
Judas, How shall we be able, being so few, to fight against so
great a multitude and so strong, seeing we are ready to faint
with fasting all this day?
1 Mac 3:18
Unto whom Judas answered, It is no hard matter for many to be
shut up in the hands of a few; and with the God of heaven it is
all one, to deliver with a great multitude, or a small company:
1 Mac 3:19
For the victory of battle standeth not in the multitude of an
host; but strength cometh from heaven.
1 Mac 3:20
They come against us in much pride and iniquity to destroy
us, and our wives and children, and to spoil us:
1 Mac 3:21
But we fight for our lives and our laws.
1 Mac 3:22
Wherefore the Lord himself will overthrow them before our
face: and as for you, be ye not afraid of them.
1 Mac 3:23
Now as soon as he had left off speaking, he leapt suddenly
upon them, and so Seron and his host was overthrown before him.
1 Mac 3:24
And they pursued them from the going down of Bethhoron unto
the plain, where were slain about eight hundred men of them; and
the residue fled into the land of the Philistines.
1 Mac 3:25
Then began the fear of Judas and his brethren, and an
exceeding great dread, to fall upon the nations round about
them:
1 Mac 3:26
Insomuch as his fame came unto the king, and all nations
talked of the battles of Judas.
1 Mac 3:27
Now when king Antiochus heard these things, he was full of
indignation: wherefore he sent and gathered together all the
forces of his realm, even a very strong army.
1 Mac 3:28
He opened also his treasure, and gave his soldiers pay for a
year, commanding them to be ready whensoever he should need
them.
1 Mac 3:29
Nevertheless, when he saw that the money of his treasures
failed and that the tributes in the country were small, because
of the dissension and plague, which he had brought upon the land
in taking away the laws which had been of old time;
1 Mac 3:30
He feared that he should not be able to bear the charges any
longer, nor to have such gifts to give so liberally as he did
before: for he had abounded above the kings that were before
him.
1 Mac 3:31
Wherefore, being greatly perplexed in his mind, he determined
to go into Persia, there to take the tributes of the countries,
and to gather much money.
1 Mac 3:32
So he left Lysias, a nobleman, and one of the blood royal, to
oversee the affairs of the king from the river Euphrates unto
the borders of Egypt:
1 Mac 3:33
And to bring up his son Antiochus, until he came again.
1 Mac 3:34
Moreover he delivered unto him the half of his forces, and
the elephants, and gave him charge of all things that he would
have done, as also concerning them that dwelt in Juda and
Jerusalem:
1 Mac 3:35
To wit, that he should send an army against them, to destroy
and root out the strength of Israel, and the remnant of
Jerusalem, and to take away their memorial from that place;
1 Mac 3:36
And that he should place strangers in all their quarters, and
divide their land by lot.
1 Mac 3:37
So the king took the half of the forces that remained, and
departed from Antioch, his royal city, the hundred forty and
seventh year; and having passed the river Euphrates, he went
through the high countries.
1 Mac 3:38
Then Lysias chose Ptolemee the son of Dorymenes, Nicanor, and
Gorgias, mighty men of the king's friends:
1 Mac 3:39
And with them he sent forty thousand footmen, and seven
thousand horsemen, to go into the land of Juda, and to destroy
it, as the king commanded.
1 Mac 3:40
So they went forth with all their power, and came and pitched
by Emmaus in the plain country.
1 Mac 3:41
And the merchants of the country, hearing the fame of them,
took silver and gold very much, with servants, and came into the
camp to buy the children of Israel for slaves: a power also of
Syria and of the land of the Philistines joined themselves unto
them.
1 Mac 3:42
Now when Judas and his brethren saw that miseries were
multiplied, and that the forces did encamp themselves in their
borders: for they knew how the king had given commandment to
destroy the people, and utterly abolish them;
1 Mac 3:43
They said one to another, Let us restore the decayed fortune
of our people, and let us fight for our people and the
sanctuary.
1 Mac 3:44
Then was the congregation gathered together, that they might
be ready for battle, and that they might pray, and ask mercy and
compassion.
1 Mac 3:45
Now Jerusalem lay void as a wilderness, there was none of her
children that went in or out: the sanctuary also was trodden
down, and aliens kept the strong hold; the heathen had their
habitation in that place; and joy was taken from Jacob, and the
pipe with the harp ceased.
1 Mac 3:46
Wherefore the Israelites assembled themselves together, and
came to Maspha, over against Jerusalem; for in Maspha was the
place where they prayed aforetime in Israel.
1 Mac 3:47
Then they fasted that day, and put on sackcloth, and cast
ashes upon their heads, and rent their clothes,
1 Mac 3:48
And laid open the book of the law, wherein the heathen had
sought to paint the likeness of their images.
1 Mac 3:49
They brought also the priests' garments, and the firstfruits,
and the tithes: and the Nazarites they stirred up, who had
accomplished their days.
1 Mac 3:50
Then cried they with a loud voice toward heaven, saying, What
shall we do with these, and whither shall we carry them away?
1 Mac 3:51
For thy sanctuary is trodden down and profaned, and thy
priests are in heaviness, and brought low.
1 Mac 3:52
And lo, the heathen are assembled together against us to
destroy us: what things they imagine against us, thou knowest.
1 Mac 3:53
How shall we be able to stand against them, except thou, O
God, be our help?
1 Mac 3:54
Then sounded they with trumpets, and cried with a loud voice.
1 Mac 3:55
And after this Judas ordained captains over the people, even
captains over thousands, and over hundreds, and over fifties,
and over tens.
1 Mac 3:56
But as for such as were building houses, or had betrothed
wives, or were planting vineyards, or were fearful, those he
commanded that they should return, every man to his own house,
according to the law.
1 Mac 3:57
So the camp removed, and pitched upon the south side of
Emmaus.
1 Mac 3:58
And Judas said, arm yourselves, and be valiant men, and see
that ye be in readiness against the morning, that ye may fight
with these nations, that are assembled together against us to
destroy us and our sanctuary:
1 Mac 3:59
For it is better for us to die in battle, than to behold the
calamities of our people and our sanctuary.
1 Mac 3:60
Nevertheless, as the will of God is in heaven, so let him do.
1 Mac 4:1
Then took Gorgias five thousand footmen, and a thousand of
the best horsemen, and removed out of the camp by night;
1 Mac 4:2
To the end he might rush in upon the camp of the Jews, and
smite them suddenly. And the men of the fortress were his
guides.
1 Mac 4:3
Now when Judas heard thereof he himself removed, and the
valiant men with him, that he might smite the king's army which
was at Emmaus,
1 Mac 4:4
While as yet the forces were dispersed from the camp.
1 Mac 4:5
In the mean season came Gorgias by night into the camp of
Judas: and when he found no man there, he sought them in the
mountains: for said he, These fellows flee from us
1 Mac 4:6
But as soon as it was day, Judas shewed himself in the plain
with three thousand men, who nevertheless had neither armour nor
swords to their minds.
1 Mac 4:7
And they saw the camp of the heathen, that it was strong and
well harnessed, and compassed round about with horsemen; and
these were expert of war.
1 Mac 4:8
Then said Judas to the men that were with him, Fear ye not
their multitude, neither be ye afraid of their assault.
1 Mac 4:9
Remember how our fathers were delivered in the Red sea, when
Pharaoh pursued them with an army.
1 Mac 4:10
Now therefore let us cry unto heaven, if peradventure the
Lord will have mercy upon us, and remember the covenant of our
fathers, and destroy this host before our face this day:
1 Mac 4:11
That so all the heathen may know that there is one who
delivereth and saveth Israel.
1 Mac 4:12
Then the strangers lifted up their eyes, and saw them coming
over against them.
1 Mac 4:13
Wherefore they went out of the camp to battle; but they that
were with Judas sounded their trumpets.
1 Mac 4:14
So they joined battle, and the heathen being discomfited fled
into the plain.
1 Mac 4:15
Howbeit all the hindmost of them were slain with the sword:
for they pursued them unto Gazera, and unto the plains of
Idumea, and Azotus, and Jamnia, so that there were slain of them
upon a three thousand men.
1 Mac 4:16
This done, Judas returned again with his host from pursuing
them,
1 Mac 4:17
And said to the people, Be not greedy of the spoil inasmuch
as there is a battle before us,
1 Mac 4:18
And Gorgias and his host are here by us in the mountain: but
stand ye now against our enemies, and overcome them, and after
this ye may boldly take the spoils.
1 Mac 4:19
As Judas was yet speaking these words, there appeared a part
of them looking out of the mountain:
1 Mac 4:20
Who when they perceived that the Jews had put their host to
flight and were burning the tents; for the smoke that was seen
declared what was done:
1 Mac 4:21
When therefore they perceived these things, they were sore
afraid, and seeing also the host of Judas in the plain ready to
fight,
1 Mac 4:22
They fled every one into the land of strangers.
1 Mac 4:23
Then Judas returned to spoil the tents, where they got much
gold, and silver, and blue silk, and purple of the sea, and
great riches.
1 Mac 4:24
After this they went home, and sung a song of thanksgiving,
and praised the Lord in heaven: because it is good, because his
mercy endureth forever.
1 Mac 4:25
Thus Israel had a great deliverance that day.
1 Mac 4:26
Now all the strangers that had escaped came and told Lysias
what had happened:
1 Mac 4:27
Who, when he heard thereof, was confounded and discouraged,
because neither such things as he would were done unto Israel,
nor such things as the king commanded him were come to pass.
1 Mac 4:28
The next year therefore following Lysias gathered together
threescore thousand choice men of foot, and five thousand
horsemen, that he might subdue them.
1 Mac 4:29
So they came into Idumea, and pitched their tents at
Bethsura, and Judas met them with ten thousand men.
1 Mac 4:30
And when he saw that mighty army, he prayed and said, Blessed
art thou, O Saviour of Israel, who didst quell the violence of
the mighty man by the hand of thy servant David, and gavest the
host of strangers into the hands of Jonathan the son of Saul,
and his armourbearer;
1 Mac 4:31
Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let
them be confounded in their power and horsemen:
1 Mac 4:32
Make them to be of no courage, and cause the boldness of
their strength to fall away, and let them quake at their
destruction:
1 Mac 4:33
Cast them down with the sword of them that love thee, and let
all those that know thy name praise thee with thanksgiving.
1 Mac 4:34
So they joined battle; and there were slain of the host of
Lysias about five thousand men, even before them were they
slain.
1 Mac 4:35
Now when Lysias saw his army put to flight, and the manliness
of Judas' soldiers, and how they were ready either to live or
die valiantly, he went into Antiochia, and gathered together a
company of strangers, and having made his army greater than it
was, he purposed to come again into Judea.
1 Mac 4:36
Then said Judas and his brethren, Behold, our enemies are
discomfited: let us go up to cleanse and dedicate the sanctuary.
1 Mac 4:37
Upon this all the host assembled themselves together, and
went up into mount Sion.
1 Mac 4:38
And when they saw the sanctuary desolate, and the altar
profaned, and the gates burned up, and shrubs growing in the
courts as in a forest, or in one of the mountains, yea, and the
priests' chambers pulled down;
1 Mac 4:39
They rent their clothes, and made great lamentation, and cast
ashes upon their heads,
1 Mac 4:40
And fell down flat to the ground upon their faces, and blew
an alarm with the trumpets, and cried toward heaven.
1 Mac 4:41
Then Judas appointed certain men to fight against those that
were in the fortress, until he had cleansed the sanctuary.
1 Mac 4:42
So he chose priests of blameless conversation, such as had
pleasure in the law:
1 Mac 4:43
Who cleansed the sanctuary, and bare out the defiled stones
into an unclean place.
1 Mac 4:44
And when as they consulted what to do with the altar of burnt
offerings, which was profaned;
1 Mac 4:45
They thought it best to pull it down, lest it should be a
reproach to them, because the heathen had defiled it: wherefore
they pulled it down,
1 Mac 4:46
And laid up the stones in the mountain of the temple in a
convenient place, until there should come a prophet to shew what
should be done with them.
1 Mac 4:47
Then they took whole stones according to the law, and built a
new altar according to the former;
1 Mac 4:48
And made up the sanctuary, and the things that were within
the temple, and hallowed the courts.
1 Mac 4:49
They made also new holy vessels, and into the temple they
brought the candlestick, and the altar of burnt offerings, and
of incense, and the table.
1 Mac 4:50
And upon the altar they burned incense, and the lamps that
were upon the candlestick they lighted, that they might give
light in the temple.
1 Mac 4:51
Furthermore they set the loaves upon the table, and spread
out the veils, and finished all the works which they had begun
to make.
1 Mac 4:52
Now on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month, which
is called the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and eighth
year, they rose up betimes in the morning,
1 Mac 4:53
And offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar
of burnt offerings, which they had made.
1 Mac 4:54
Look, at what time and what day the heathen had profaned it,
even in that was it dedicated with songs, and citherns, and
harps, and cymbals.
1 Mac 4:55
Then all the people fell upon their faces, worshipping and
praising the God of heaven, who had given them good success.
1 Mac 4:56
And so they kept the dedication of the altar eight days and
offered burnt offerings with gladness, and sacrificed the
sacrifice of deliverance and praise.
1 Mac 4:57
They decked also the forefront of the temple with crowns of
gold, and with shields; and the gates and the chambers they
renewed, and hanged doors upon them.
1 Mac 4:58
Thus was there very great gladness among the people, for that
the reproach of the heathen was put away.
1 Mac 4:59
Moreover Judas and his brethren with the whole congregation
of Israel ordained, that the days of the dedication of the altar
should be kept in their season from year to year by the space of
eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu,
with mirth and gladness.
1 Mac 4:60
At that time also they builded up the mount Sion with high
walls and strong towers round about, lest the Gentiles should
come and tread it down as they had done before.
1 Mac 4:61
And they set there a garrison to keep it, and fortified
Bethsura to preserve it; that the people might have a defence
against Idumea.
1 Mac 5:1
Now when the nations round about heard that the altar was
built and the sanctuary renewed as before, it displeased them
very much.
1 Mac 5:2
Wherefore they thought to destroy the generation of Jacob
that was among them, and thereupon they began to slay and
destroy the people.
1 Mac 5:3
Then Judas fought against the children of Esau in Idumea at
Arabattine, because they besieged Gael: and he gave them a great
overthrow, and abated their courage, and took their spoils.
1 Mac 5:4
Also he remembered the injury of the children of Bean, who
had been a snare and an offence unto the people, in that they
lay in wait for them in the ways.
1 Mac 5:5
He shut them up therefore in the towers, and encamped against
them, and destroyed them utterly, and burned the towers of that
place with fire, and all that were therein.
1 Mac 5:6
Afterward he passed over to the children of Ammon, where he
found a mighty power, and much people, with Timotheus their
captain.
1 Mac 5:7
So he fought many battles with them, till at length they were
discomfited before him; and he smote them.
1 Mac 5:8
And when he had taken Jazar, with the towns belonging
thereto, he returned into Judea.
1 Mac 5:9
Then the heathen that were at Galaad assembled themselves
together against the Israelites that were in their quarters, to
destroy them; but they fled to the fortress of Dathema.
1 Mac 5:10
And sent letters unto Judas and his brethren, The heathen
that are round about us are assembled together against us to
destroy us:
1 Mac 5:11
And they are preparing to come and take the fortress
whereunto we are fled, Timotheus being captain of their host.
1 Mac 5:12
Come now therefore, and deliver us from their hands, for many
of us are slain:
1 Mac 5:13
Yea, all our brethren that were in the places of Tobie are
put to death: their wives and their children also they have
carried away captives, and borne away their stuff; and they have
destroyed there about a thousand men.
1 Mac 5:14
While these letters were yet reading, behold, there came
other messengers from Galilee with their clothes rent, who
reported on this wise,
1 Mac 5:15
And said, They of Ptolemais, and of Tyrus, and Sidon, and all
Galilee of the Gentiles, are assembled together against us to
consume us.
1 Mac 5:16
Now when Judas and the people heard these words, there
assembled a great congregation together, to consult what they
should do for their brethren, that were in trouble, and
assaulted of them.
1 Mac 5:17
Then said Judas unto Simon his brother, Choose thee out men,
and go and deliver thy brethren that are in Galilee, for I and
Jonathan my brother will go into the country of Galaad.
1 Mac 5:18
So he left Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, captains
of the people, with the remnant of the host in Judea to keep it.
1 Mac 5:19
Unto whom he gave commandment, saying, Take ye the charge of
this people, and see that ye make not war against the heathen
until the time that we come again.
1 Mac 5:20
Now unto Simon were given three thousand men to go into
Galilee, and unto Judas eight thousand men for the country of
Galaad.
1 Mac 5:21
Then went Simon into Galilee, where he fought many battles
with the heathen, so that the heathen were discomfited by him.
1 Mac 5:22
And he pursued them unto the gate of Ptolemais; and there
were slain of the heathen about three thousand men, whose spoils
he took.
1 Mac 5:23
And those that were in Galilee, and in Arbattis, with their
wives and their children, and all that they had, took he away
with him, and brought them into Judea with great joy.
1 Mac 5:24
Judas Maccabeus also and his brother Jonathan went over
Jordan, and travelled three days' journey in the wilderness,
1 Mac 5:25
Where they met with the Nabathites, who came unto them in a
peaceable manner, and told them every thing that had happened to
their brethren in the land of Galaad:
1 Mac 5:26
And how that many of them were shut up in Bosora, and Bosor,
and Alema, Casphor, Maked, and Carnaim; all these cities are
strong and great:
1 Mac 5:27
And that they were shut up in the rest of the cities of the
country of Galaad, and that against to morrow they had appointed
to bring their host against the forts, and to take them, and to
destroy them all in one day.
1 Mac 5:28
Hereupon Judas and his host turned suddenly by the way of the
wilderness unto Bosora; and when he had won the city, he slew
all the males with the edge of the sword, and took all their
spoils, and burned the city with fire,
1 Mac 5:29
From whence he removed by night, and went till he came to the
fortress.
1 Mac 5:30
And betimes in the morning they looked up, and, behold, there
was an innumerable people bearing ladders and other engines of
war, to take the fortress: for they assaulted them.
1 Mac 5:31
When Judas therefore saw that the battle was begun, and that
the cry of the city went up to heaven, with trumpets, and a
great sound,
1 Mac 5:32
He said unto his host, Fight this day for your brethren.
1 Mac 5:33
So he went forth behind them in three companies, who sounded
their trumpets, and cried with prayer.
1 Mac 5:34
Then the host of Timotheus, knowing that it was Maccabeus,
fled from him: wherefore he smote them with a great slaughter;
so that there were killed of them that day about eight thousand
men.
1 Mac 5:35
This done, Judas turned aside to Maspha; and after he had
assaulted it he took and slew all the males therein, and
received the spoils thereof and and burnt it with fire.
1 Mac 5:36
From thence went he, and took Casphon, Maged, Bosor, and the
other cities of the country of Galaad.
1 Mac 5:37
After these things gathered Timotheus another host and
encamped against Raphon beyond the brook.
1 Mac 5:38
So Judas sent men to espy the host, who brought him word,
saying, All the heathen that be round about us are assembled
unto them, even a very great host.
1 Mac 5:39
He hath also hired the Arabians to help them and they have
pitched their tents beyond the brook, ready to come and fight
against thee. Upon this Judas went to meet them.
1 Mac 5:40
Then Timotheus said unto the captains of his host, When Judas
and his host come near the brook, if he pass over first unto us,
we shall not be able to withstand him; for he will mightily
prevail against us:
1 Mac 5:41
But if he be afraid, and camp beyond the river, we shall go
over unto him, and prevail against him.
1 Mac 5:42
Now when Judas came near the brook, he caused the scribes of
the people to remain by the brook: unto whom he gave
commandment, saying, Suffer no man to remain in the camp, but
let all come to the battle.
1 Mac 5:43
So he went first over unto them, and all the people after
him: then all the heathen, being discomfited before him, cast
away their weapons, and fled unto the temple that was at
Carnaim.
1 Mac 5:44
But they took the city, and burned the temple with all that
were therein. Thus was Carnaim subdued, neither could they stand
any longer before Judas.
1 Mac 5:45
Then Judas gathered together all the Israelites that were in
the country of Galaad, from the least unto the greatest, even
their wives, and their children, and their stuff, a very great
host, to the end they might come into the land of Judea.
1 Mac 5:46
Now when they came unto Ephron, (this was a great city in the
way as they should go, very well fortified) they could not turn
from it, either on the right hand or the left, but must needs
pass through the midst of it.
1 Mac 5:47
Then they of the city shut them out, and stopped up the gates
with stones.
1 Mac 5:48
Whereupon Judas sent unto them in peaceable manner, saying,
Let us pass through your land to go into our own country, and
none shall do you any hurt; we will only pass through on foot:
howbeit they would not open unto him.
1 Mac 5:49
Wherefore Judas commanded a proclamation to be made
throughout the host, that every man should pitch his tent in the
place where he was.
1 Mac 5:50
So the soldiers pitched, and assaulted the city all that day
and all that night, till at the length the city was delivered
into his hands:
1 Mac 5:51
Who then slew all the males with the edge of the sword, and
rased the city, and took the spoils thereof, and passed through
the city over them that were slain.
1 Mac 5:52
After this went they over Jordan into the great plain before
Bethsan.
1 Mac 5:53
And Judas gathered together those that came behind, and
exhorted the people all the way through, till they came into the
land of Judea.
1 Mac 5:54
So they went up to mount Sion with joy and gladness, where
they offered burnt offerings, because not one of them were slain
until they had returned in peace.
1 Mac 5:55
Now what time as Judas and Jonathan were in the land of
Galaad, and Simon his brother in Galilee before Ptolemais,
1 Mac 5:56
Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, captains of the
garrisons, heard of the valiant acts and warlike deeds which
they had done.
1 Mac 5:57
Wherefore they said, Let us also get us a name, and go fight
against the heathen that are round about us.
1 Mac 5:58
So when they had given charge unto the garrison that was with
them, they went toward Jamnia.
1 Mac 5:59
Then came Gorgias and his men out of the city to fight
against them.
1 Mac 5:60
And so it was, that Joseph and Azaras were put to flight, and
pursued unto the borders of Judea: and there were slain that day
of the people of Israel about two thousand men.
1 Mac 5:61
Thus was there a great overthrow among the children of
Israel, because they were not obedient unto Judas and his
brethren, but thought to do some valiant act.
1 Mac 5:62
Moreover these men came not of the seed of those, by whose
hand deliverance was given unto Israel.
1 Mac 5:63
Howbeit the man Judas and his brethren were greatly renowned
in the sight of all Israel, and of all the heathen, wheresoever
their name was heard of;
1 Mac 5:64
Insomuch as the the people assembled unto them with joyful
acclamations.
1 Mac 5:65
Afterward went Judas forth with his brethren, and fought
against the children of Esau in the land toward the south, where
he smote Hebron, and the towns thereof, and pulled down the
fortress of it, and burned the towers thereof round about.
1 Mac 5:66
From thence he removed to go into the land of the
Philistines, and passed through Samaria.
1 Mac 5:67
At that time certain priests, desirous to shew their valour,
were slain in battle, for that they went out to fight
unadvisedly.
1 Mac 5:68
So Judas turned to Azotus in the land of the Philistines, and
when he had pulled down their altars, and burned their carved
images with fire, and spoiled their cities, he returned into the
land of Judea.
1 Mac 6:1
About that time king Antiochus travelling through the high
countries heard say, that Elymais in the country of Persia was a
city greatly renowned for riches, silver, and gold;
1 Mac 6:2
And that there was in it a very rich temple, wherein were
coverings of gold, and breastplates, and shields, which
Alexander, son of Philip, the Macedonian king, who reigned first
among the Grecians, had left there.
1 Mac 6:3
Wherefore he came and sought to take the city, and to spoil
it; but he was not able, because they of the city, having had
warning thereof,
1 Mac 6:4
Rose up against him in battle: so he fled, and departed
thence with great heaviness, and returned to Babylon.
1 Mac 6:5
Moreover there came one who brought him tidings into Persia,
that the armies, which went against the land of Judea, were put
to flight:
1 Mac 6:6
And that Lysias, who went forth first with a great power was
driven away of the Jews; and that they were made strong by the
armour, and power, and store of spoils, which they had gotten of
the armies, whom they had destroyed:
1 Mac 6:7
Also that they had pulled down the abomination, which he had
set up upon the altar in Jerusalem, and that they had compassed
about the sanctuary with high walls, as before, and his city
Bethsura.
1 Mac 6:8
Now when the king heard these words, he was astonished and
sore moved: whereupon he laid him down upon his bed, and fell
sick for grief, because it had not befallen him as he looked
for.
1 Mac 6:9
And there he continued many days: for his grief was ever more
and more, and he made account that he should die.
1 Mac 6:10
Wherefore he called for all his friends, and said unto them,
The sleep is gone from mine eyes, and my heart faileth for very
care.
1 Mac 6:11
And I thought with myself, Into what tribulation am I come,
and how great a flood of misery is it, wherein now I am! for I
was bountiful and beloved in my power.
1 Mac 6:12
But now I remember the evils that I did at Jerusalem, and
that I took all the vessels of gold and silver that were
therein, and sent to destroy the inhabitants of Judea without a
cause.
1 Mac 6:13
I perceive therefore that for this cause these troubles are
come upon me, and, behold, I perish through great grief in a
strange land.
1 Mac 6:14
Then called he for Philip, one of his friends, who he made
ruler over all his realm,
1 Mac 6:15
And gave him the crown, and his robe, and his signet, to the
end he should bring up his son Antiochus, and nourish him up for
the kingdom.
1 Mac 6:16
So king Antiochus died there in the hundred forty and ninth
year.
1 Mac 6:17
Now when Lysias knew that the king was dead, he set up
Antiochus his son, whom he had brought up being young, to reign
in his stead, and his name he called Eupator.
1 Mac 6:18
About this time they that were in the tower shut up the
Israelites round about the sanctuary, and sought always their
hurt, and the strengthening of the heathen.
1 Mac 6:19
Wherefore Judas, purposing to destroy them, called all the
people together to besiege them.
1 Mac 6:20
So they came together, and besieged them in the hundred and
fiftieth year, and he made mounts for shot against them, and
other engines.
1 Mac 6:21
Howbeit certain of them that were besieged got forth, unto
whom some ungodly men of Israel joined themselves:
1 Mac 6:22
And they went unto the king, and said, How long will it be
ere thou execute judgment, and avenge our brethren?
1 Mac 6:23
We have been willing to serve thy father, and to do as he
would have us, and to obey his commandments;
1 Mac 6:24
For which cause they of our nation besiege the tower, and are
alienated from us: moreover as many of us as they could light on
they slew, and spoiled our inheritance.
1 Mac 6:25
Neither have they stretched out their hand against us only,
but also against their borders.
1 Mac 6:26
And, behold, this day are they besieging the tower at
Jerusalem, to take it: the sanctuary also and Bethsura have they
fortified.
1 Mac 6:27
Wherefore if thou dost not prevent them quickly, they will do
the greater things than these, neither shalt thou be able to
rule them.
1 Mac 6:28
Now when the king heard this, he was angry, and gathered
together all his friends, and the captains of his army, and
those that had charge of the horse.
1 Mac 6:29
There came also unto him from other kingdoms, and from isles
of the sea, bands of hired soldiers.
1 Mac 6:30
So that the number of his army was an hundred thousand
footmen, and twenty thousand horsemen, and two and thirty
elephants exercised in battle.
1 Mac 6:31
These went through Idumea, and pitched against Bethsura,
which they assaulted many days, making engines of war; but they
of Bethsura came out, and burned them with fire, and fought
valiantly.
1 Mac 6:32
Upon this Judas removed from the tower, and pitched in
Bathzacharias, over against the king's camp.
1 Mac 6:33
Then the king rising very early marched fiercely with his
host toward Bathzacharias, where his armies made them ready to
battle, and sounded the trumpets.
1 Mac 6:34
And to the end they might provoke the elephants to fight,
they shewed them the blood of grapes and mulberries.
1 Mac 6:35
Moreover they divided the beasts among the armies, and for
every elephant they appointed a thousand men, armed with coats
of mail, and with helmets of brass on their heads; and beside
this, for every beast were ordained five hundred horsemen of the
best.
1 Mac 6:36
These were ready at every occasion: wheresoever the beast
was, and whithersoever the beast went, they went also, neither
departed they from him.
1 Mac 6:37
And upon the beasts were there strong towers of wood, which
covered every one of them, and were girt fast unto them with
devices: there were also upon every one two and thirty strong
men, that fought upon them, beside the Indian that ruled him.
1 Mac 6:38
As for the remnant of the horsemen, they set them on this
side and that side at the two parts of the host giving them
signs what to do, and being harnessed all over amidst the ranks.
1 Mac 6:39
Now when the sun shone upon the shields of gold and brass,
the mountains glistered therewith, and shined like lamps of
fire.
1 Mac 6:40
So part of the king's army being spread upon the high
mountains, and part on the valleys below, they marched on safely
and in order.
1 Mac 6:41
Wherefore all that heard the noise of their multitude, and
the marching of the company, and the rattling of the harness,
were moved: for the army was very great and mighty.
1 Mac 6:42
Then Judas and his host drew near, and entered into battle,
and there were slain of the king's army six hundred men.
1 Mac 6:43
Eleazar also, surnamed Savaran, perceiving that one of the
beasts, armed with royal harness, was higher than all the rest,
and supposing that the king was upon him,
1 Mac 6:44
Put himself in jeopardy, to the end he might deliver his
people, and get him a perpetual name:
1 Mac 6:45
Wherefore he ran upon him courageously through the midst of
the battle, slaying on the right hand and on the left, so that
they were divided from him on both sides.
1 Mac 6:46
Which done, he crept under the elephant, and thrust him
under, and slew him: whereupon the elephant fell down upon him,
and there he died.
1 Mac 6:47
Howbeit the rest of the Jews seeing the strength of the king,
and the violence of his forces, turned away from them.
1 Mac 6:48
Then the king's army went up to Jerusalem to meet them, and
the king pitched his tents against Judea, and against mount
Sion.
1 Mac 6:49
But with them that were in Bethsura he made peace: for they
came out of the city, because they had no victuals there to
endure the siege, it being a year of rest to the land.
1 Mac 6:50
So the king took Bethsura, and set a garrison there to keep
it.
1 Mac 6:51
As for the sanctuary, he besieged it many days: and set there
artillery with engines and instruments to cast fire and stones,
and pieces to cast darts and slings.
1 Mac 6:52
Whereupon they also made engines against their engines, and
held them battle a long season.
1 Mac 6:53
Yet at the last, their vessels being without victuals, (for
that it was the seventh year, and they in Judea that were
delivered from the Gentiles, had eaten up the residue of the
store;)
1 Mac 6:54
There were but a few left in the sanctuary, because the
famine did so prevail against them, that they were fain to
disperse themselves, every man to his own place.
1 Mac 6:55
At that time Lysias heard say, that Philip, whom Antiochus
the king, whiles he lived, had appointed to bring up his son
Antiochus, that he might be king,
1 Mac 6:56
Was returned out of Persia and Media, and the king's host
also that went with him, and that he sought to take unto him the
ruling of the affairs.
1 Mac 6:57
Wherefore he went in all haste, and said to the king and the
captains of the host and the company, We decay daily, and our
victuals are but small, and the place we lay siege unto is
strong, and the affairs of the kingdom lie upon us:
1 Mac 6:58
Now therefore let us be friends with these men, and make
peace with them, and with all their nation;
1 Mac 6:59
And covenant with them, that they shall live after their
laws, as they did before: for they are therefore displeased, and
have done all these things, because we abolished their laws.
1 Mac 6:60
So the king and the princes were content: wherefore he sent
unto them to make peace; and they accepted thereof.
1 Mac 6:61
Also the king and the princes made an oath unto them:
whereupon they went out of the strong hold.
1 Mac 6:62
Then the king entered into mount Sion; but when he saw the
strength of the place, he broke his oath that he had made, and
gave commandment to pull down the wall round about.
1 Mac 6:63
Afterward departed he in all haste, and returned unto
Antiochia, where he found Philip to be master of the city: so he
fought against him, and took the city by force.
1 Mac 7:1
In the hundred and one and fiftieth year Demetrius the son of
Seleucus departed from Rome, and came up with a few men unto a
city of the sea coast, and reigned there.
1 Mac 7:2
And as he entered into the palace of his ancestors, so it
was, that his forces had taken Antiochus and Lysias, to bring
them unto him.
1 Mac 7:3
Wherefore, when he knew it, he said, Let me not see their
faces.
1 Mac 7:4
So his host slew them. Now when Demetrius was set upon the
throne of his kingdom,
1 Mac 7:5
There came unto him all the wicked and ungodly men of Israel,
having Alcimus, who was desirous to be high priest, for their
captain:
1 Mac 7:6
And they accused the people to the king, saying, Judas and
his brethren have slain all thy friends, and driven us out of
our own land.
1 Mac 7:7
Now therefore send some man whom thou trustest, and let him
go and see what havock he hath made among us, and in the king's
land, and let him punish them with all them that aid them.
1 Mac 7:8
Then the king chose Bacchides, a friend of the king, who
ruled beyond the flood, and was a great man in the kingdom, and
faithful to the king,
1 Mac 7:9
And him he sent with that wicked Alcimus, whom he made high
priest, and commanded that he should take vengeance of the
children of Israel.
1 Mac 7:10
So they departed, and came with a great power into the land
of Judea, where they sent messengers to Judas and his brethren
with peaceable words deceitfully.
1 Mac 7:11
But they gave no heed to their words; for they saw that they
were come with a great power.
1 Mac 7:12
Then did there assemble unto Alcimus and Bacchides a company
of scribes, to require justice.
1 Mac 7:13
Now the Assideans were the first among the children of Israel
that sought peace of them:
1 Mac 7:14
For said they, One that is a priest of the seed of Aaron is
come with this army, and he will do us no wrong.
1 Mac 7:15
So he spake unto them, peaceably, and sware unto them,
saying, we will procure the harm neither of you nor your
friends.
1 Mac 7:16
Whereupon they believed him: howbeit he took of them
threescore men, and slew them in one day, according to the words
which he wrote,
1 Mac 7:17
The flesh of thy saints have they cast out, and their blood
have they shed round about Jerusalem, and there was none to bury
them.
1 Mac 7:18
Wherefore the fear and dread of them fell upon all the
people, who said, There is neither truth nor righteousness in
them; for they have broken the covenant and oath that they made.
1 Mac 7:19
After this, removed Bacchides from Jerusalem, and pitched his
tents in Bezeth, where he sent and took many of the men that had
forsaken him, and certain of the people also, and when he had
slain them, he cast them into the great pit.
1 Mac 7:20
Then committed he the country to Alcimus, and left with him a
power to aid him: so Bacchides went to the king.
1 Mac 7:21
But Alcimus contended for the high priesthood.
1 Mac 7:22
And unto him resorted all such as troubled the people, who,
after they had gotten the land of Juda into their power, did
much hurt in Israel.
1 Mac 7:23
Now when Judas saw all the mischief that Alcimus and his
company had done among the Israelites, even above the heathen,
1 Mac 7:24
He went out into all the coasts of Judea round about, and
took vengeance of them that had revolted from him, so that they
durst no more go forth into the country.
1 Mac 7:25
On the other side, when Alcimus saw that Judas and his
company had gotten the upper hand, and knew that he was not able
to abide their force, he went again to the king, and said all
the worst of them that he could.
1 Mac 7:26
Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his honourable princes, a
man that bare deadly hate unto Israel, with commandment to
destroy the people.
1 Mac 7:27
So Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a great force; and sent
unto Judas and his brethren deceitfully with friendly words,
saying,
1 Mac 7:28
Let there be no battle between me and you; I will come with a
few men, that I may see you in peace.
1 Mac 7:29
He came therefore to Judas, and they saluted one another
peaceably. Howbeit the enemies were prepared to take away Judas
by violence.
1 Mac 7:30
Which thing after it was known to Judas, to wit, that he came
unto him with deceit, he was sore afraid of him, and would see
his face no more.
1 Mac 7:31
Nicanor also, when he saw that his counsel was discovered,
went out to fight against Judas beside Capharsalama:
1 Mac 7:32
Where there were slain of Nicanor's side about five thousand
men, and the rest fled into the city of David.
1 Mac 7:33
After this went Nicanor up to mount Sion, and there came out
of the sanctuary certain of the priests and certain of the
elders of the people, to salute him peaceably, and to shew him
the burnt sacrifice that was offered for the king.
1 Mac 7:34
But he mocked them, and laughed at them, and abused them
shamefully, and spake proudly,
1 Mac 7:35
And sware in his wrath, saying, Unless Judas and his host be
now delivered into my hands, if ever I come again in safety, I
will burn up this house: and with that he went out in a great
rage.
1 Mac 7:36
Then the priests entered in, and stood before the altar and
the temple, weeping, and saying,
1 Mac 7:37
Thou, O Lord, didst choose this house to be called by thy
name, and to be a house of prayer and petition for thy people:
1 Mac 7:38
Be avenged of this man and his host, and let them fall by the
sword: remember their blasphemies, and suffer them not to
continue any longer.
1 Mac 7:39
So Nicanor went out of Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in
Bethhoron, where an host out of Syria met him.
1 Mac 7:40
But Judas pitched in Adasa with three thousand men, and there
he prayed, saying,
1 Mac 7:41
O Lord, when they that were sent from the king of the
Assyrians blasphemed, thine angel went out, and smote an hundred
fourscore and five thousand of them.
1 Mac 7:42
Even so destroy thou this host before us this day, that the
rest may know that he hath spoken blasphemously against thy
sanctuary, and judge thou him according to his wickedness.
1 Mac 7:43
So the thirteenth day of the month Adar the hosts joined
battle: but Nicanor's host was discomfited, and he himself was
first slain in the battle.
1 Mac 7:44
Now when Nicanor's host saw that he was slain, they cast away
their weapons, and fled.
1 Mac 7:45
Then they pursued after them a day's journey, from Adasa unto
Gazera, sounding an alarm after them with their trumpets.
1 Mac 7:46
Whereupon they came forth out of all the towns of Judea round
about, and closed them in; so that they, turning back upon them
that pursued them, were all slain with the sword, and not one of
them was left.
1 Mac 7:47
Afterwards they took the spoils, and the prey, and smote off
Nicanors head, and his right hand, which he stretched out so
proudly, and brought them away, and hanged them up toward
Jerusalem.
1 Mac 7:48
For this cause the people rejoiced greatly, and they kept
that day a day of great gladness.
1 Mac 7:49
Moreover they ordained to keep yearly this day, being the
thirteenth of Adar.
1 Mac 7:50
Thus the land of Juda was in rest a little while.
1 Mac 8:1
Now Judas had heard of the the Romans, that they were mighty
and valiant men, and such as would lovingly accept all that
joined themselves unto them, and make a league of amity with all
that came unto them;
1 Mac 8:2
And that they were men of great valour. It was told him also
of their wars and noble acts which they had done among the
Galatians, and how they had conquered them, and brought them
under tribute;
1 Mac 8:3
And what they had done in the country of Spain, for the
winning of the mines of the silver and gold which is there;
1 Mac 8:4
And that by their policy and patience they had conquered all
the place, though it were very far from them; and the kings also
that came against them from the uttermost part of the earth,
till they had discomfited them, and given them a great
overthrow, so that the rest did give them tribute every year:
1 Mac 8:5
Beside this, how they had discomfited in battle Philip, and
Perseus, king of the Citims, with others that lifted up
themselves against them, and had overcome them:
1 Mac 8:6
How also Antiochus the great king of Asia, that came against
them in battle, having an hundred and twenty elephants, with
horsemen, and chariots, and a very great army, was discomfited
by them;
1 Mac 8:7
And how they took him alive, and covenanted that he and such
as reigned after him should pay a great tribute, and give
hostages, and that which was agreed upon,
1 Mac 8:8
And the country of India, and Media and Lydia and of the
goodliest countries, which they took of him, and gave to king
Eumenes:
1 Mac 8:9
Moreover how the Grecians had determined to come and destroy
them;
1 Mac 8:10
And that they, having knowledge thereof sent against them a
certain captain, and fighting with them slew many of them, and
carried away captives their wives and their children, and
spoiled them, and took possession of their lands, and pulled
down their strong holds, and brought them to be their servants
unto this day:
1 Mac 8:11
It was told him besides, how they destroyed and brought under
their dominion all other kingdoms and isles that at any time
resisted them;
1 Mac 8:12
But with their friends and such as relied upon them they kept
amity: and that they had conquered kingdoms both far and nigh,
insomuch as all that heard of their name were afraid of them:
1 Mac 8:13
Also that, whom they would help to a kingdom, those reign;
and whom again they would, they displace: finally, that they
were greatly exalted:
1 Mac 8:14
Yet for all this none of them wore a crown or was clothed in
purple, to be magnified thereby:
1 Mac 8:15
Moreover how they had made for themselves a senate house,
wherein three hundred and twenty men sat in council daily,
consulting alway for the people, to the end they might be well
ordered:
1 Mac 8:16
And that they committed their government to one man every
year, who ruled over all their country, and that all were
obedient to that one, and that there was neither envy nor
emmulation among them.
1 Mac 8:17
In consideration of these things, Judas chose Eupolemus the
son of John, the son of Accos, and Jason the son of Eleazar, and
sent them to Rome, to make a league of amity and confederacy
with them,
1 Mac 8:18
And to intreat them that they would take the yoke from them;
for they saw that the kingdom of the Grecians did oppress Israel
with servitude.
1 Mac 8:19
They went therefore to Rome, which was a very great journey,
and came into the senate, where they spake and said.
1 Mac 8:20
Judas Maccabeus with his brethren, and the people of the
Jews, have sent us unto you, to make a confederacy and peace
with you, and that we might be registered your confederates and
friends.
1 Mac 8:21
So that matter pleased the Romans well.
1 Mac 8:22
And this is the copy of the epistle which the senate wrote
back again in tables of brass, and sent to Jerusalem, that there
they might have by them a memorial of peace and confederacy:
1 Mac 8:23
Good success be to the Romans, and to the people of the Jews,
by sea and by land for ever: the sword also and enemy be far
from them,
1 Mac 8:24
If there come first any war upon the Romans or any of their
confederates throughout all their dominion,
1 Mac 8:25
The people of the Jews shall help them, as the time shall be
appointed, with all their heart:
1 Mac 8:26
Neither shall they give any thing unto them that make war
upon them, or aid them with victuals, weapons, money, or ships,
as it hath seemed good unto the Romans; but they shall keep
their covenants without taking any thing therefore.
1 Mac 8:27
In the same manner also, if war come first upon the nation of
the Jews, the Romans shall help them with all their heart,
according as the time shall be appointed them:
1 Mac 8:28
Neither shall victuals be given to them that take part
against them, or weapons, or money, or ships, as it hath seemed
good to the Romans; but they shall keep their covenants, and
that without deceit.
1 Mac 8:29
According to these articles did the Romans make a covenant
with the people of the Jews.
1 Mac 8:30
Howbeit if hereafter the one party or the other shall think
to meet to add or diminish any thing, they may do it at their
pleasures, and whatsoever they shall add or take away shall be
ratified.
1 Mac 8:31
And as touching the evils that Demetrius doeth to the Jews,
we have written unto him, saying, Wherefore thou made thy yoke
heavy upon our friends and confederates the Jews?
1 Mac 8:32
If therefore they complain any more against thee, we will do
them justice, and fight with thee by sea and by land.
1 Mac 9:1
Furthermore, when Demetrius heard the Nicanor and his host
were slain in battle, he sent Bacchides and Alcimus into the
land of Judea the second time, and with them the chief strength
of his host:
1 Mac 9:2
Who went forth by the way that leadeth to Galgala, and
pitched their tents before Masaloth, which is in Arbela, and
after they had won it, they slew much people.
1 Mac 9:3
Also the first month of the hundred fifty and second year
they encamped before Jerusalem:
1 Mac 9:4
From whence they removed, and went to Berea, with twenty
thousand footmen and two thousand horsemen.
1 Mac 9:5
Now Judas had pitched his tents at Eleasa, and three thousand
chosen men with him:
1 Mac 9:6
Who seeing the multitude of the other army to be so great
were sore afraid; whereupon many conveyed themselves out of the
host, insomuch as abode of them no more but eight hundred men.
1 Mac 9:7
When Judas therefore saw that his host slipt away, and that
the battle pressed upon him, he was sore troubled in mind, and
much distressed, for that he had no time to gather them
together.
1 Mac 9:8
Nevertheless unto them that remained he said, Let us arise
and go up against our enemies, if peradventure we may be able to
fight with them.
1 Mac 9:9
But they dehorted him, saying, We shall never be able: let us
now rather save our lives, and hereafter we will return with our
brethren, and fight against them: for we are but few.
1 Mac 9:10
Then Judas said, God forbid that I should do this thing, and
flee away from them: if our time be come, let us die manfully
for our brethren, and let us not stain our honour.
1 Mac 9:11
With that the host of Bacchides removed out of their tents,
and stood over against them, their horsemen being divided into
two troops, and their slingers and archers going before the host
and they that marched in the foreward were all mighty men.
1 Mac 9:12
As for Bacchides, he was in the right wing: so the host drew
near on the two parts, and sounded their trumpets.
1 Mac 9:13
They also of Judas' side, even they sounded their trumpets
also, so that the earth shook at the noise of the armies, and
the battle continued from morning till night.
1 Mac 9:14
Now when Judas perceived that Bacchides and the strength of
his army were on the right side, he took with him all the hardy
men,
1 Mac 9:15
Who discomfited the right wing, and pursued them unto the
mount Azotus.
1 Mac 9:16
But when they of the left wing saw that they of the right
wing were discomfited, they followed upon Judas and those that
were with him hard at the heels from behind:
1 Mac 9:17
Whereupon there was a sore battle, insomuch as many were
slain on both parts.
1 Mac 9:18
Judas also was killed, and the remnant fled.
1 Mac 9:19
THen Jonathan and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried
him in the sepulchre of his fathers in Modin.
1 Mac 9:20
Moreover they bewailed him, and all Israel made great
lamentation for him, and mourned many days, saying,
1 Mac 9:21
How is the valiant man fallen, that delivered Israel!
1 Mac 9:22
As for the other things concerning Judas and his wars, and
the noble acts which he did, and his greatness, they are not
written: for they were very many.
1 Mac 9:23
Now after the death of Judas the wicked began to put forth
their heads in all the coasts of Israel, and there arose up all
such as wrought iniquity.
1 Mac 9:24
In those days also was there a very great famine, by reason
whereof the country revolted, and went with them.
1 Mac 9:25
Then Bacchides chose the wicked men, and made them lords of
the country.
1 Mac 9:26
And they made enquiry and search for Judas' friends, and
brought them unto Bacchides, who took vengeance of them, and
used them despitefully.
1 Mac 9:27
So was there a great affliction in Israel, the like whereof
was not since the time that a prophet was not seen among them.
1 Mac 9:28
For this cause all Judas' friends came together, and said
unto Jonathan,
1 Mac 9:29
Since thy brother Judas died, we have no man like him to go
forth against our enemies, and Bacchides, and against them of
our nation that are adversaries to us.
1 Mac 9:30
Now therefore we have chosen thee this day to be our prince
and captain in his stead, that thou mayest fight our battles.
1 Mac 9:31
Upon this Jonathan took the governance upon him at that time,
and rose up instead of his brother Judas.
1 Mac 9:32
But when Bacchides gat knowledge thereof, he sought for to
slay him
1 Mac 9:33
Then Jonathan, and Simon his brother, and all that were with
him, perceiving that, fled into the wilderness of Thecoe, and
pitched their tents by the water of the pool Asphar.
1 Mac 9:34
Which when Bacchides understood, he came near to Jordan with
all his host upon the sabbath day.
1 Mac 9:35
Now Jonathan had sent his brother John, a captain of the
people, to pray his friends the Nabathites, that they might
leave with them their carriage, which was much.
1 Mac 9:36
But the children of Jambri came out of Medaba, and took John,
and all that he had, and went their way with it.
1 Mac 9:37
After this came word to Jonathan and Simon his brother, that
the children of Jambri made a great marriage, and were bringing
the bride from Nadabatha with a great train, as being the
daughter of one of the great princes of Chanaan.
1 Mac 9:38
Therefore they remembered John their brother, and went up,
and hid themselves under the covert of the mountain:
1 Mac 9:39
Where they lifted up their eyes, and looked, and, behold,
there was much ado and great carriage: and the bridegroom came
forth, and his friends and brethren, to meet them with drums,
and instruments of musick, and many weapons.
1 Mac 9:40
Then Jonathan and they that were with him rose up against
them from the place where they lay in ambush, and made a
slaughter of them in such sort, as many fell down dead, and the
remnant fled into the mountain, and they took all their spoils.
1 Mac 9:41
Thus was the marriage turned into mourning, and the noise of
their melody into lamentation.
1 Mac 9:42
So when they had avenged fully the blood of their brother,
they turned again to the marsh of Jordan.
1 Mac 9:43
Now when Bacchides heard hereof, he came on the sabbath day
unto the banks of Jordan with a great power.
1 Mac 9:44
Then Jonathan said to his company, Let us go up now and fight
for our lives, for it standeth not with us to day, as in time
past:
1 Mac 9:45
For, behold, the battle is before us and behind us, and the
water of Jordan on this side and that side, the marsh likewise
and wood, neither is there place for us to turn aside.
1 Mac 9:46
Wherefore cry ye now unto heaven, that ye may be delivered
from the hand of your enemies.
1 Mac 9:47
With that they joined battle, and Jonathan stretched forth
his hand to smite Bacchides, but he turned back from him.
1 Mac 9:48
Then Jonathan and they that were with him leapt into Jordan,
and swam over unto the other bank: howbeit the other passed not
over Jordan unto them.
1 Mac 9:49
So there were slain of Bacchides' side that day about a
thousand men.
1 Mac 9:50
Afterward returned Bacchides to Jerusalem and repaired the
strong cites in Judea; the fort in Jericho, and Emmaus, and
Bethhoron, and Bethel, and Thamnatha, Pharathoni, and Taphon,
these did he strengthen with high walls, with gates and with
bars.
1 Mac 9:51
And in them he set a garrison, that they might work malice
upon Israel.
1 Mac 9:52
He fortified also the city Bethsura, and Gazera, and the
tower, and put forces in them, and provision of victuals.
1 Mac 9:53
Besides, he took the chief men's sons in the country for
hostages, and put them into the tower at Jerusalem to be kept.
1 Mac 9:54
Moreover in the hundred fifty and third year, in the second
month, Alcimus commanded that the wall of the inner court of the
sanctuary should be pulled down; he pulled down also the works
of the prophets
1 Mac 9:55
And as he began to pull down, even at that time was Alcimus
plagued, and his enterprizes hindered: for his mouth was
stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, so that he could no more
speak any thing, nor give order concerning his house.
1 Mac 9:56
So Alcimus died at that time with great torment.
1 Mac 9:57
Now when Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead, he returned to
the king: whereupon the land of Judea was in rest two years.
1 Mac 9:58
Then all the ungodly men held a council, saying, Behold,
Jonathan and his company are at ease, and dwell without care:
now therefore we will bring Bacchides hither, who shall take
them all in one night.
1 Mac 9:59
So they went and consulted with him.
1 Mac 9:60
Then removed he, and came with a great host, and sent letters
privily to his adherents in Judea, that they should take
Jonathan and those that were with him: howbeit they could not,
because their counsel was known unto them.
1 Mac 9:61
Wherefore they took of the men of the country, that were
authors of that mischief, about fifty persons, and slew them.
1 Mac 9:62
Afterward Jonathan, and Simon, and they that were with him,
got them away to Bethbasi, which is in the wilderness, and they
repaired the decays thereof, and made it strong.
1 Mac 9:63
Which thing when Bacchides knew, he gathered together all his
host, and sent word to them that were of Judea.
1 Mac 9:64
Then went he and laid siege against Bethbasi; and they fought
against it a long season and made engines of war.
1 Mac 9:65
But Jonathan left his brother Simon in the city, and went
forth himself into the country, and with a certain number went
he forth.
1 Mac 9:66
And he smote Odonarkes and his brethren, and the children of
Phasiron in their tent.
1 Mac 9:67
And when he began to smite them, and came up with his forces,
Simon and his company went out of the city, and burned up the
engines of war,
1 Mac 9:68
And fought against Bacchides, who was discomfited by them,
and they afflicted him sore: for his counsel and travail was in
vain.
1 Mac 9:69
Wherefore he was very wroth at the wicked men that gave him
counsel to come into the country, inasmuch as he slew many of
them, and purposed to return into his own country.
1 Mac 9:70
Whereof when Jonathan had knowledge, he sent ambassadors unto
him, to the end he should make peace with him, and deliver them
the prisoners.
1 Mac 9:71
Which thing he accepted, and did according to his demands,
and sware unto him that he would never do him harm all the days
of his life.
1 Mac 9:72
When therefore he had restored unto him the prisoners that he
had taken aforetime out of the land of Judea, he returned and
went his way into his own land, neither came he any more into
their borders.
1 Mac 9:73
Thus the sword ceased from Israel: but Jonathan dwelt at
Machmas, and began to govern the people; and he destroyed the
ungodly men out of Israel.
1 Mac 10:1
In the hundred and sixtieth year Alexander, the son of
Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, went up and took Ptolemais: for
the people had received him, by means whereof he reigned there,
1 Mac 10:2
Now when king Demetrius heard thereof, he gathered together
an exceeding great host, and went forth against him to fight.
1 Mac 10:3
Moreover Demetrius sent letters unto Jonathan with loving
words, so as he magnified him.
1 Mac 10:4
For said he, Let us first make peace with him, before he join
with Alexander against us:
1 Mac 10:5
Else he will remember all the evils that we have done against
him, and against his brethren and his people.
1 Mac 10:6
Wherefore he gave him authority to gather together an host,
and to provide weapons, that he might aid him in battle: he
commanded also that the hostages that were in the tower should
be delivered him.
1 Mac 10:7
Then came Jonathan to Jerusalem, and read the letters in the
audience of all the people, and of them that were in the tower:
1 Mac 10:8
Who were sore afraid, when they heard that the king had given
him authority to gather together an host.
1 Mac 10:9
Whereupon they of the tower delivered their hostages unto
Jonathan, and he delivered them unto their parents.
1 Mac 10:10
This done, Jonathan settled himself in Jerusalem, and began
to build and repair the city.
1 Mac 10:11
And he commanded the workmen to build the walls and the mount
Sion and about with square stones for fortification; and they
did so.
1 Mac 10:12
Then the strangers, that were in the fortresses which
Bacchides had built, fled away;
1 Mac 10:13
Insomuch as every man left his place, and went into his own
country.
1 Mac 10:14
Only at Bethsura certain of those that had forsaken the law
and the commandments remained still: for it was their place of
refuge.
1 Mac 10:15
Now when king Alexander had heard what promises Demetrius had
sent unto Jonathan: when also it was told him of the battles and
noble acts which he and his brethren had done, and of the pains
that they had endured,
1 Mac 10:16
He said, Shall we find such another man? now therefore we
will make him our friend and confederate.
1 Mac 10:17
Upon this he wrote a letter, and sent it unto him, according
to these words, saying,
1 Mac 10:18
King Alexander to his brother Jonathan sendeth greeting:
1 Mac 10:19
We have heard of thee, that thou art a man of great power,
and meet to be our friend.
1 Mac 10:20
Wherefore now this day we ordain thee to be the high priest
of thy nation, and to be called the king's friend; (and
therewithal he sent him a purple robe and a crown of gold:) and
require thee to take our part, and keep friendship with us.
1 Mac 10:21
So in the seventh month of the hundred and sixtieth year, at
the feast of the tabernacles, Jonathan put on the holy robe, and
gathered together forces, and provided much armour.
1 Mac 10:22
Whereof when Demetrius heard, he was very sorry, and said,
1 Mac 10:23
What have we done, that Alexander hath prevented us in making
amity with the Jews to strengthen himself?
1 Mac 10:24
I also will write unto them words of encouragement, and
promise them dignities and gifts, that I may have their aid.
1 Mac 10:25
He sent unto them therefore to this effect: King Demetrius
unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting:
1 Mac 10:26
Whereas ye have kept covenants with us, and continued in our
friendship, not joining yourselves with our enemies, we have
heard hereof, and are glad.
1 Mac 10:27
Wherefore now continue ye still to be faithful unto us, and
we will well recompense you for the things ye do in our behalf,
1 Mac 10:28
And will grant you many immunities, and give you rewards.
1 Mac 10:29
And now do I free you, and for your sake I release all the
Jews, from tributes, and from the customs of salt, and from
crown taxes,
1 Mac 10:30
And from that which appertaineth unto me to receive for the
third part or the seed, and the half of the fruit of the trees,
I release it from this day forth, so that they shall not be
taken of the land of Judea, nor of the three governments which
are added thereunto out of the country of Samaria and Galilee,
from this day forth for evermore.
1 Mac 10:31
Let Jerusalem also be holy and free, with the borders
thereof, both from tenths and tributes.
1 Mac 10:32
And as for the tower which is at Jerusalem, I yield up
authority over it, and give the high priest, that he may set in
it such men as he shall choose to keep it.
1 Mac 10:33
Moreover I freely set at liberty every one of the Jews, that
were carried captives out of the land of Judea into any part of
my kingdom, and I will that all my officers remit the tributes
even of their cattle.
1 Mac 10:34
Furthermore I will that all the feasts, and sabbaths, and new
moons, and solemn days, and the three days before the feast, and
the three days after the feast shall be all of immunity and
freedom for all the Jews in my realm.
1 Mac 10:35
Also no man shall have authority to meddle with or to molest
any of them in any matter.
1 Mac 10:36
I will further, that there be enrolled among the king's
forces about thirty thousand men of the Jews, unto whom pay
shall be given, as belongeth to all king's forces.
1 Mac 10:37
And of them some shall be placed in the king's strong holds,
of whom also some shall be set over the affairs of the kingdom,
which are of trust: and I will that their overseers and
governors be of themselves, and that they live after their own
laws, even as the king hath commanded in the land of Judea.
1 Mac 10:38
And concerning the three governments that are added to Judea
from the country of Samaria, let them be joined with Judea, that
they may be reckoned to be under one, nor bound to obey other
authority than the high priest's.
1 Mac 10:39
As for Ptolemais, and the land pertaining thereto, I give it
as a free gift to the sanctuary at Jerusalem for the necessary
expences of the sanctuary.
1 Mac 10:40
Moreover I give every year fifteen thousand shekels of silver
out of the king's accounts from the places appertaining.
1 Mac 10:41
And all the overplus, which the officers payed not in as in
former time, from henceforth shall be given toward the works of
the temple.
1 Mac 10:42
And beside this, the five thousand shekels of silver, which
they took from the uses of the temple out of the accounts year
by year, even those things shall be released, because they
appertain to the priests that minister.
1 Mac 10:43
And whosoever they be that flee unto the temple at Jerusalem,
or be within the liberties hereof, being indebted unto the king,
or for any other matter, let them be at liberty, and all that
they have in my realm.
1 Mac 10:44
For the building also and repairing of the works of the
sanctuary expences shall be given of the king's accounts.
1 Mac 10:45
Yea, and for the building of the walls of Jerusalem, and the
fortifying thereof round about, expences shall be given out of
the king's accounts, as also for the building of the walls in
Judea.
1 Mac 10:46
Now when Jonathan and the people heard these words, they gave
no credit unto them, nor received them, because they remembered
the great evil that he had done in Israel; for he had afflicted
them very sore.
1 Mac 10:47
But with Alexander they were well pleased, because he was the
first that entreated of true peace with them, and they were
confederate with him always.
1 Mac 10:48
Then gathered king Alexander great forces, and camped over
against Demetrius.
1 Mac 10:49
And after the two kings had joined battle, Demetrius' host
fled: but Alexander followed after him, and prevailed against
them.
1 Mac 10:50
And he continued the battle very sore until the sun went
down: and that day was Demetrius slain.
1 Mac 10:51
Afterward Alexander sent ambassadors to Ptolemee king of
Egypt with a message to this effect:
1 Mac 10:52
Forasmuch as I am come again to my realm, and am set in the
throne of my progenitors, and have gotten the dominion, and
overthrown Demetrius, and recovered our country;
1 Mac 10:53
For after I had joined battle with him, both he and his host
was discomfited by us, so that we sit in the throne of his
kingdom:
1 Mac 10:54
Now therefore let us make a league of amity together, and
give me now thy daughter to wife: and I will be thy son in law,
and will give both thee and her as according to thy dignity.
1 Mac 10:55
Then Ptolemee the king gave answer, saying, Happy be the day
wherein thou didst return into the land of thy fathers, and
satest in the throne of their kingdom.
1 Mac 10:56
And now will I do to thee, as thou hast written: meet me
therefore at Ptolemais, that we may see one another; for I will
marry my daughter to thee according to thy desire.
1 Mac 10:57
So Ptolemee went out of Egypt with his daughter Cleopatra,
and they came unto Ptolemais in the hundred threescore and
second year:
1 Mac 10:58
Where king Alexander meeting him, he gave unto him his
daughter Cleopatra, and celebrated her marriage at Ptolemais
with great glory, as the manner of kings is.
1 Mac 10:59
Now king Alexander had written unto Jonathan, that he should
come and meet him.
1 Mac 10:60
Who thereupon went honourably to Ptolemais, where he met the
two kings, and gave them and their friends silver and gold, and
many presents, and found favour in their sight.
1 Mac 10:61
At that time certain pestilent fellows of Israel, men of a
wicked life, assembled themselves against him, to accuse him:
but the king would not hear them.
1 Mac 10:62
Yea more than that, the king commanded to take off his
garments, and clothe him in purple: and they did so.
1 Mac 10:63
And he made him sit by himself, and said into his princes, Go
with him into the midst of the city, and make proclamation, that
no man complain against him of any matter, and that no man
trouble him for any manner of cause.
1 Mac 10:64
Now when his accusers saw that he was honored according to
the proclamation, and clothed in purple, they fled all away.
1 Mac 10:65
So the king honoured him, and wrote him among his chief
friends, and made him a duke, and partaker of his dominion.
1 Mac 10:66
Afterward Jonathan returned to Jerusalem with peace and
gladness.
1 Mac 10:67
Furthermore in the hundred threescore and fifth year came
Demetrius son of Demetrius out of Crete into the land of his
fathers:
1 Mac 10:68
Whereof when king Alexander heard tell, he was right sorry,
and returned into Antioch.
1 Mac 10:69
Then Demetrius made Apollonius the governor of Celosyria his
general, who gathered together a great host, and camped in
Jamnia, and sent unto Jonathan the high priest, saying,
1 Mac 10:70
Thou alone liftest up thyself against us, and I am laughed to
scorn for thy sake, and reproached: and why dost thou vaunt thy
power against us in the mountains?
1 Mac 10:71
Now therefore, if thou trustest in thine own strength, come
down to us into the plain field, and there let us try the matter
together: for with me is the power of the cities.
1 Mac 10:72
Ask and learn who I am, and the rest that take our part, and
they shall tell thee that thy foot is not able to to flight in
their own land.
1 Mac 10:73
Wherefore now thou shalt not be able to abide the horsemen
and so great a power in the plain, where is neither stone nor
flint, nor place to flee unto.
1 Mac 10:74
So when Jonathan heard these words of Apollonius, he was
moved in his mind, and choosing ten thousand men he went out of
Jerusalem, where Simon his brother met him for to help him.
1 Mac 10:75
And he pitched his tents against Joppa: but; they of Joppa
shut him out of the city, because Apollonius had a garrison
there.
1 Mac 10:76
Then Jonathan laid siege unto it: whereupon they of the city
let him in for fear: and so Jonathan won Joppa.
1 Mac 10:77
Whereof when Apollonius heard, he took three thousand
horsemen, with a great host of footmen, and went to Azotus as
one that journeyed, and therewithal drew him forth into the
plain, because he had a great number of horsemen, in whom he put
his trust.
1 Mac 10:78
Then Jonathan followed after him to Azotus, where the armies
joined battle.
1 Mac 10:79
Now Apollonius had left a thousand horsemen in ambush.
1 Mac 10:80
And Jonathan knew that there was an ambushment behind him;
for they had compassed in his host, and cast darts at the
people, from morning till evening.
1 Mac 10:81
But the people stood still, as Jonathan had commanded them:
and so the enemies' horses were tired.
1 Mac 10:82
Then brought Simon forth his host, and set them against the
footmen, (for the horsemen were spent) who were discomfited by
him, and fled.
1 Mac 10:83
The horsemen also, being scattered in the field, fled to
Azotus, and went into Bethdagon, their idol's temple, for
safety.
1 Mac 10:84
But Jonathan set fire on Azotus, and the cities round about
it, and took their spoils; and the temple of Dagon, with them
that were fled into it, he burned with fire.
1 Mac 10:85
Thus there were burned and slain with the sword well nigh
eight thousand men.
1 Mac 10:86
And from thence Jonathan removed his host, and camped against
Ascalon, where the men of the city came forth, and met him with
great pomp.
1 Mac 10:87
After this returned Jonathan and his host unto Jerusalem,
having any spoils.
1 Mac 10:88
Now when king ALexander heard these things, he honoured
Jonathan yet more.
1 Mac 10:89
And sent him a buckle of gold, as the use is to be given to
such as are of the king's blood: he gave him also Accaron with
the borders thereof in possession.
1 Mac 11:1
And the king of Egypt gathered together a great host, like
the sand that lieth upon the sea shore, and many ships, and went
about through deceit to get Alexander's kingdom, and join it to
his own.
1 Mac 11:2
Whereupon he took his journey into Spain in peaceable manner,
so as they of the cities opened unto him, and met him: for king
Alexander had commanded them so to do, because he was his
brother in law.
1 Mac 11:3
Now as Ptolemee entered into the cities, he set in every one
of them a garrison of soldiers to keep it.
1 Mac 11:4
And when he came near to Azotus, they shewed him the temple
of Dagon that was burnt, and Azotus and the suburbs thereof that
were destroyed, and the bodies that were cast abroad and them
that he had burnt in the battle; for they had made heaps of them
by the way where he should pass.
1 Mac 11:5
Also they told the king whatsoever Jonathan had done, to the
intent he might blame him: but the king held his peace.
1 Mac 11:6
Then Jonathan met the king with great pomp at Joppa, where
they saluted one another, and lodged.
1 Mac 11:7
Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the king to the
river called Eleutherus, returned again to Jerusalem.
1 Mac 11:8
King Ptolemee therefore, having gotten the dominion of the
cities by the sea unto Seleucia upon the sea coast, imagined
wicked counsels against Alexander.
1 Mac 11:9
Whereupon he sent ambasadors unto king Demetrius, saying,
Come, let us make a league betwixt us, and I will give thee my
daughter whom Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign in thy
father's kingdom:
1 Mac 11:10
For I repent that I gave my daughter unto him, for he sought
to slay me.
1 Mac 11:11
Thus did he slander him, because he was desirous of his
kingdom.
1 Mac 11:12
Wherefore he took his daughter from him, and gave her to
Demetrius, and forsook Alexander, so that their hatred was
openly known.
1 Mac 11:13
Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he set two crowns
upon his head, the crown of Asia, and of Egypt.
1 Mac 11:14
In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, because
those that dwelt in those parts had revolted from him.
1 Mac 11:15
But when Alexander heard of this, he came to war against him:
whereupon king Ptolemee brought forth his host, and met him with
a mighty power, and put him to flight.
1 Mac 11:16
So Alexander fled into Arabia there to be defended; but king
Ptolemee was exalted:
1 Mac 11:17
For Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander's head, and sent
it unto Ptolemee.
1 Mac 11:18
King Ptolemee also died the third day after, and they that
were in the strong holds were slain one of another.
1 Mac 11:19
By this means Demetrius reigned in the hundred threescore and
seventh year.
1 Mac 11:20
At the same time Jonathan gathered together them that were in
Judea to take the tower that was in Jerusalem: and he made many
engines of war against it.
1 Mac 11:21
Then came ungodly persons, who hated their own people, went
unto the king, and told him that Jonathan besieged the tower,
1 Mac 11:22
Whereof when he heard, he was angry, and immediately
removing, he came to Ptolemais, and wrote unto Jonathan, that he
should not lay siege to the tower, but come and speak with him
at Ptolemais in great haste.
1 Mac 11:23
Nevertheless Jonathan, when he heard this, commanded to
besiege it still: and he chose certain of the elders of Israel
and the priests, and put himself in peril;
1 Mac 11:24
And took silver and gold, and raiment, and divers presents
besides, and went to Ptolemais unto the king, where he found
favour in his sight.
1 Mac 11:25
And though certain ungodly men of the people had made
complaints against him,
1 Mac 11:26
Yet the king entreated him as his predecessors had done
before, and promoted him in the sight of all his friends,
1 Mac 11:27
And confirmed him in the high priesthood, and in all the
honours that he had before, and gave him preeminence among his
chief friends.
1 Mac 11:28
Then Jonathan desired the king, that he would make Judea free
from tribute, as also the three governments, with the country of
Samaria; and he promised him three hundred talents.
1 Mac 11:29
So the king consented, and wrote letters unto Jonathan of all
these things after this manner:
1 Mac 11:30
King Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the nation
of the Jews, sendeth greeting:
1 Mac 11:31
We send you here a copy of the letter which we did write unto
our cousin Lasthenes concerning you, that ye might see it.
1 Mac 11:32
King Demetrius unto his father Lasthenes sendeth greeting:
1 Mac 11:33
We are determined to do good to the people of the Jews, who
are our friends, and keep covenants with us, because of their
good will toward us.
1 Mac 11:34
Wherefore we have ratified unto them the borders of Judea,
with the three governments of Apherema and Lydda and Ramathem,
that are added unto Judea from the country of Samaria, and all
things appertaining unto them, for all such as do sacrifice in
Jerusalem, instead of the payments which the king received of
them yearly aforetime out of the fruits of the earth and of
trees.
1 Mac 11:35
And as for other things that belong unto us, of the tithes
and customs pertaining unto us, as also the saltpits, and the
crown taxes, which are due unto us, we discharge them of them
all for their relief.
1 Mac 11:36
And nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth for
ever.
1 Mac 11:37
Now therefore see that thou make a copy of these things, and
let it be delivered unto Jonathan, and set upon the holy mount
in a conspicuous place.
1 Mac 11:38
After this, when king Demetrius saw that the land was quiet
before him, and that no resistance was made against him, he sent
away all his forces, every one to his own place, except certain
bands of strangers, whom he had gathered from the isles of the
heathen: wherefore all the forces of his fathers hated him.
1 Mac 11:39
Moreover there was one Tryphon, that had been of Alexander's
part afore, who, seeing that all the host murmured against
Demetrius, went to Simalcue the Arabian that brought up
Antiochus the young son of Alexander,
1 Mac 11:40
And lay sore upon him to deliver him this young Antiochus,
that he might reign in his father's stead: he told him therefore
all that Demetrius had done, and how his men of war were at
enmity with him, and there he remained a long season.
1 Mac 11:41
In the mean time Jonathan sent unto king Demetrius, that he
would cast those of the tower out of Jerusalem, and those also
in the fortresses: for they fought against Israel.
1 Mac 11:42
So Demetrius sent unto Jonathan, saying, I will not only do
this for thee and thy people, but I will greatly honour thee and
thy nation, if opportunity serve.
1 Mac 11:43
Now therefore thou shalt do well, if thou send me men to help
me; for all my forces are gone from me.
1 Mac 11:44
Upon this Jonathan sent him three thousand strong men unto
Antioch: and when they came to the king, the king was very glad
of their coming.
1 Mac 11:45
Howbeit they that were of the city gathered themselves
together into the midst of the city, to the number of an hundred
and twenty thousand men, and would have slain the king.
1 Mac 11:46
Wherefore the king fled into the court, but they of the city
kept the passages of the city, and began to fight.
1 Mac 11:47
Then the king called to the Jews for help, who came unto him
all at once, and dispersing themselves through the city slew
that day in the city to the number of an hundred thousand.
1 Mac 11:48
Also they set fire on the city, and gat many spoils that day,
and delivered the king.
1 Mac 11:49
So when they of the city saw that the Jews had got the city
as they would, their courage was abated: wherefore they made
supplication to the king, and cried, saying,
1 Mac 11:50
Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from assaulting us and
the city.
1 Mac 11:51
With that they cast away their weapons, and made peace; and
the Jews were honoured in the sight of the king, and in the
sight of all that were in his realm; and they returned to
Jerusalem, having great spoils.
1 Mac 11:52
So king Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the
land was quiet before him.
1 Mac 11:53
Nevertheless he dissembled in all that ever he spake, and
estranged himself from Jonathan, neither rewarded he him
according to the benefits which he had received of him, but
troubled him very sore.
1 Mac 11:54
After this returned Tryphon, and with him the young child
Antiochus, who reigned, and was crowned.
1 Mac 11:55
Then there gathered unto him all the men of war, whom
Demetrius had put away, and they fought against Demetrius, who
turned his back and fled.
1 Mac 11:56
Moreover Tryphon took the elephants, and won Antioch.
1 Mac 11:57
At that time young Antiochus wrote unto Jonathan, saying, I
confirm thee in the high priesthood, and appoint thee ruler over
the four governments, and to be one of the king's friends.
1 Mac 11:58
Upon this he sent him golden vessels to be served in, and
gave him leave to drink in gold, and to be clothed in purple,
and to wear a golden buckle.
1 Mac 11:59
His brother Simon also he made captain from the place called
The ladder of Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt.
1 Mac 11:60
Then Jonathan went forth, and passed through the cities
beyond the water, and all the forces of Syria gathered
themselves unto him for to help him: and when he came to
Ascalon, they of the city met him honourably.
1 Mac 11:61
From whence he went to Gaza, but they of Gaza shut him out;
wherefore he laid siege unto it, and burned the suburbs thereof
with fire, and spoiled them.
1 Mac 11:62
Afterward, when they of Gaza made supplication unto Jonathan,
he made peace with them, and took the sons of their chief men
for hostages, and sent them to Jerusalem, and passed through the
country unto Damascus.
1 Mac 11:63
Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius' princes were come to
Cades, which is in Galilee, with a great power, purposing to
remove him out of the country,
1 Mac 11:64
He went to meet them, and left Simon his brother in the
country.
1 Mac 11:65
Then Simon encamped against Bethsura and fought against it a
long season, and shut it up:
1 Mac 11:66
But they desired to have peace with him, which he granted
them, and then put them out from thence, and took the city, and
set a garrison in it.
1 Mac 11:67
As for Jonathan and his host, they pitched at the water of
Gennesar, from whence betimes in the morning they gat them to
the plain of Nasor.
1 Mac 11:68
And, behold, the host of strangers met them in the plain,
who, having laid men in ambush for him in the mountains, came
themselves over against him.
1 Mac 11:69
So when they that lay in ambush rose out of their places and
joined battle, all that were of Jonathan's side fled;
1 Mac 11:70
Insomuch as there was not one of them left, except Mattathias
the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Calphi, the captains of
the host.
1 Mac 11:71
Then Jonathan rent his clothes, and cast earth upon his head,
and prayed.
1 Mac 11:72
Afterwards turning again to battle, he put them to flight,
and so they ran away.
1 Mac 11:73
Now when his own men that were fled saw this, they turned
again unto him, and with him pursued them to Cades, even unto
their own tents, and there they camped.
1 Mac 11:74
So there were slain of the heathen that day about three
thousand men: but Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.
1 Mac 12:1
Now when Jonathan saw that time served him, he chose certain
men, and sent them to Rome, for to confirm and renew the
friendship that they had with them.
1 Mac 12:2
He sent letters also to the Lacedemonians, and to other
places, for the same purpose.
1 Mac 12:3
So they went unto Rome, and entered into the senate, and
said, Jonathan the high priest, and the people of the Jews, sent
us unto you, to the end ye should renew the friendship, which ye
had with them, and league, as in former time.
1 Mac 12:4
Upon this the Romans gave them letters unto the governors of
every place that they should bring them into the land of Judea
peaceably.
1 Mac 12:5
And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to
the Lacedemonians:
1 Mac 12:6
Jonathan the high priest, and the elders of the nation, and
the priests, and the other of the Jews, unto the Lacedemonians
their brethren send greeting:
1 Mac 12:7
There were letters sent in times past unto Onias the high
priest from Darius, who reigned then among you, to signify that
ye are our brethren, as the copy here underwritten doth specify.
1 Mac 12:8
At which time Onias entreated the ambassador that was sent
honourably, and received the letters, wherein declaration was
made of the league and friendship.
1 Mac 12:9
Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, that
we have the holy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us,
1 Mac 12:10
Have nevertheless attempted to send unto you for the renewing
of brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers
unto you altogether: for there is a long time passed since ye
sent unto us.
1 Mac 12:11
We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our
feasts, and other convenient days, do remember you in the
sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as reason is, and
as it becometh us to think upon our brethren:
1 Mac 12:12
And we are right glad of your honour.
1 Mac 12:13
As for ourselves, we have had great troubles and wars on
every side, forsomuch as the kings that are round about us have
fought against us.
1 Mac 12:14
Howbeit we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others
of our confederates and friends, in these wars:
1 Mac 12:15
For we have help from heaven that succoureth us, so as we are
delivered from our enemies, and our enemies are brought under
foot.
1 Mac 12:16
For this cause we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus, and
Antipater he son of Jason, and sent them unto the Romans, to
renew the amity that we had with them, and the former league.
1 Mac 12:17
We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute and to
deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of our
brotherhood.
1 Mac 12:18
Wherefore now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto.
1 Mac 12:19
And this is the copy of the letters which Oniares sent.
1 Mac 12:20
Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest,
greeting:
1 Mac 12:21
It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are
brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham:
1 Mac 12:22
Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, ye shall
do well to write unto us of your prosperity.
1 Mac 12:23
We do write back again to you, that your cattle and goods are
our's, and our's are your's We do command therefore our
ambassadors to make report unto you on this wise.
1 Mac 12:24
Now when Jonathan heard that Demebius' princes were come to
fight against him with a greater host than afore,
1 Mac 12:25
He removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of
Amathis: for he gave them no respite to enter his country.
1 Mac 12:26
He sent spies also unto their tents, who came again, and told
him that they were appointed to come upon them in the night
season.
1 Mac 12:27
Wherefore so soon as the sun was down, Jonathan commanded his
men to watch, and to be in arms, that all the night long they
might be ready to fight: also he sent forth centinels round
about the host.
1 Mac 12:28
But when the adversaries heard that Jonathan and his men were
ready for battle, they feared, and trembled in their hearts, and
they kindled fires in their camp.
1 Mac 12:29
Howbeit Jonathan and his company knew it not till the
morning: for they saw the lights burning.
1 Mac 12:30
Then Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for
they were gone over the river Eleutherus.
1 Mac 12:31
Wherefore Jonathan turned to the Arabians, who were called
Zabadeans, and smote them, and took their spoils.
1 Mac 12:32
And removing thence, he came to Damascus, and so passed
through all the country,
1 Mac 12:33
Simon also went forth, and passed through the country unto
Ascalon, and the holds there adjoining, from whence he turned
aside to Joppa, and won it.
1 Mac 12:34
For he had heard that they would deliver the hold unto them
that took Demetrius' part; wherefore he set a garrison there to
keep it.
1 Mac 12:35
After this came Jonathan home again, and calling the elders
of the people together, he consulted with them about building
strong holds in Judea,
1 Mac 12:36
And making the walls of Jerusalem higher, and raising a great
mount between the tower and the city, for to separate it from
the city, that so it might be alone, that men might neither sell
nor buy in it.
1 Mac 12:37
Upon this they came together to build up the city, forasmuch
as part of the wall toward the brook on the east side was fallen
down, and they repaired that which was called Caphenatha.
1 Mac 12:38
Simon also set up Adida in Sephela, and made it strong with
gates and bars.
1 Mac 12:39
Now Tryphon went about to get the kingdom of Asia, and to
kill Antiochus the king, that he might set the crown upon his
own head.
1 Mac 12:40
Howbeit he was afraid that Jonathan would not suffer him, and
that he would fight against him; wherefore he sought a way how
to take Jonathan, that he might kill him. So he removed, and
came to Bethsan.
1 Mac 12:41
Then Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men
chosen for the battle, and came to Bethsan.
1 Mac 12:42
Now when Tryphon saw Jonathan came with so great a force, he
durst not stretch his hand against him;
1 Mac 12:43
But received him honourably, and commended him unto all his
friends, and gave him gifts, and commanded his men of war to be
as obedient unto him, as to himself.
1 Mac 12:44
Unto Jonathan also he said, Why hast thou brought all this
people to so great trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us?
1 Mac 12:45
Therefore send them now home again, and choose a few men to
wait on thee, and come thou with me to Ptolemais, for I will
give it thee, and the rest of the strong holds and forces, and
all that have any charge: as for me, I will return and depart:
for this is the cause of my coming.
1 Mac 12:46
So Jonathan believing him did as he bade him, and sent away
his host, who went into the land of Judea.
1 Mac 12:47
And with himself he retained but three thousand men, of whom
he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with
him.
1 Mac 12:48
Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, they of
Ptolemais shut the gates and took him, and all them that came
with him they slew with the sword.
1 Mac 12:49
Then sent Tryphon an host of footmen and horsemen into
Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan's
company.
1 Mac 12:50
But when they knew that Jonathan and they that were with him
were taken and slain, they encouraged one another; and went
close together, prepared to fight.
1 Mac 12:51
They therefore that followed upon them, perceiving that they
were ready to fight for their lives, turned back again.
1 Mac 12:52
Whereupon they all came into the land of Judea peaceably, and
there they bewailed Jonathan, and them that were with him, and
they were sore afraid; wherefore all Israel made great
lamentation.
1 Mac 12:53
Then all the heathen that were round about then sought to
destroy them: for said they, They have no captain, nor any to
help them: now therefore let us make war upon them, and take
away their memorial from among men.
1 Mac 13:1
Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a
great host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it,
1 Mac 13:2
And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he
went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together,
1 Mac 13:3
And gave them exhortation, saying, Ye yourselves know what
great things I, and my brethren, and my father's house, have
done for the laws and the sanctuary, the battles also and
troubles which we have seen.
1 Mac 13:4
By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel's
sake, and I am left alone.
1 Mac 13:5
Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own
life in any time of trouble: for I am no better than my
brethren.
1 Mac 13:6
Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and the sanctuary, and our
wives, and our children: for all the heathen are gathered to
destroy us of very malice.
1 Mac 13:7
Now as soon as the people heard these words, their spirit
revived.
1 Mac 13:8
And they answered with a loud voice, saying, Thou shalt be
our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother.
1 Mac 13:9
Fight thou our battles, and whatsoever, thou commandest us,
that will we do.
1 Mac 13:10
So then he gathered together all the men of war, and made
haste to finish the walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it
round about.
1 Mac 13:11
Also he sent Jonathan the son of Absolom, and with him a
great power, to Joppa: who casting out them that were therein
remained there in it.
1 Mac 13:12
So Tryphon removed from Ptolemaus with a great power to
invade the land of Judea, and Jonathan was with him in ward.
1 Mac 13:13
But Simon pitched his tents at Adida, over against the plain.
1 Mac 13:14
Now when Tryphon knew that Simon was risen up instead of his
brother Jonathan, and meant to join battle with him, he sent
messengers unto him, saying,
1 Mac 13:15
Whereas we have Jonathan thy brother in hold, it is for money
that he is owing unto the king's treasure, concerning the
business that was committed unto him.
1 Mac 13:16
Wherefore now send an hundred talents of silver, and two of
his sons for hostages, that when he is at liberty he may not
revolt from us, and we will let him go.
1 Mac 13:17
Hereupon Simon, albeit he perceived that they spake
deceitfully unto him yet sent he the money and the children,
lest peradventure he should procure to himself great hatred of
the people:
1 Mac 13:18
Who might have said, Because I sent him not the money and the
children, therefore is Jonathan dead.
1 Mac 13:19
So he sent them the children and the hundred talents: howbeit
Tryphon dissembled neither would he let Jonathan go.
1 Mac 13:20
And after this came Tryphon to invade the land, and destroy
it, going round about by the way that leadeth unto Adora: but
Simon and his host marched against him in every place,
wheresoever he went.
1 Mac 13:21
Now they that were in the tower sent messengers unto Tryphon,
to the end that he should hasten his coming unto them by the
wilderness, and send them victuals.
1 Mac 13:22
Wherefore Tryphon made ready all his horsemen to come that
night: but there fell a very great snow, by reason whereof he
came not. So he departed, and came into the country of Galaad.
1 Mac 13:23
And when he came near to Bascama he slew Jonathan, who was
buried there.
1 Mac 13:24
Afterward Tryphon returned and went into his own land.
1 Mac 13:25
Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother,
and buried them in Modin, the city of his fathers.
1 Mac 13:26
And all Israel made great lamentation for him, and bewailed
him many days.
1 Mac 13:27
Simon also built a monument upon the sepulchre of his father
and his brethren, and raised it aloft to the sight, with hewn
stone behind and before.
1 Mac 13:28
Moreover he set up seven pyramids, one against another, for
his father, and his mother, and his four brethren.
1 Mac 13:29
And in these he made cunning devices, about the which he set
great pillars, and upon the pillars he made all their armour for
a perpetual memory, and by the armour ships carved, that they
might be seen of all that sail on the sea.
1 Mac 13:30
This is the sepulchre which he made at Modin, and it standeth
yet unto this day.
1 Mac 13:31
Now Tryphon dealt deceitfully with the young king Antiochus,
and slew him.
1 Mac 13:32
And he reigned in his stead, and crowned himself king of
Asia, and brought a great calamity upon the land.
1 Mac 13:33
Then Simon built up the strong holds in Judea, and fenced
them about with high towers, and great walls, and gates, and
bars, and laid up victuals therein.
1 Mac 13:34
Moreover Simon chose men, and sent to king Demetrius, to the
end he should give the land an immunity, because all that
Tryphon did was to spoil.
1 Mac 13:35
Unto whom king Demetrius answered and wrote after this
manner:
1 Mac 13:36
King Demetrius unto Simon the high priest, and friend of
kings, as also unto the elders and nation of the Jews, sendeth
greeting:
1 Mac 13:37
The golden crown, and the scarlet robe, which ye sent unto
us, we have received: and we are ready to make a stedfast peace
with you, yea, and to write unto our officers, to confirm the
immunities which we have granted.
1 Mac 13:38
And whatsoever covenants we have made with you shall stand;
and the strong holds, which ye have builded, shall be your own.
1 Mac 13:39
As for any oversight or fault committed unto this day, we
forgive it, and the crown tax also, which ye owe us: and if
there were any other tribute paid in Jerusalem, it shall no more
be paid.
1 Mac 13:40
And look who are meet among you to be in our court, let then
be enrolled, and let there be peace betwixt us.
1 Mac 13:41
Thus the yoke of the heathen was taken away from Israel in
the hundred and seventieth year.
1 Mac 13:42
Then the people of Israel began to write in their instruments
and contracts, In the first year of Simon the high priest, the
governor and leader of the Jews.
1 Mac 13:43
In those days Simon camped against Gaza and besieged it round
about; he made also an engine of war, and set it by the city,
and battered a certain tower, and took it.
1 Mac 13:44
And they that were in the engine leaped into the city;
whereupon there was a great uproar in the city:
1 Mac 13:45
Insomuch as the people of the city rent their clothes, and
climbed upon the walls with their wives and children, and cried
with a loud voice, beseeching Simon to grant them peace.
1 Mac 13:46
And they said, Deal not with us according to our wickedness,
but according to thy mercy.
1 Mac 13:47
So Simon was appeased toward them, and fought no more against
them, but put them out of the city, and cleansed the houses
wherein the idols were, and so entered into it with songs and
thanksgiving.
1 Mac 13:48
Yea, he put all uncleanness out of it, and placed such men
there as would keep the law, and made it stronger than it was
before, and built therein a dwellingplace for himself.
1 Mac 13:49
They also of the tower in Jerusalem were kept so strait, that
they could neither come forth, nor go into the country, nor buy,
nor sell: wherefore they were in great distress for want of
victuals, and a great number of them perished through famine.
1 Mac 13:50
Then cried they to Simon, beseeching him to be at one with
them: which thing he granted them; and when he had put them out
from thence, he cleansed the tower from pollutions:
1 Mac 13:51
And entered into it the three and twentieth day of the second
month in the hundred seventy and first year, with thanksgiving,
and branches of palm trees, and with harps, and cymbals, and
with viols, and hymns, and songs: because there was destroyed a
great enemy out of Israel.
1 Mac 13:52
He ordained also that that day should be kept every year with
gladness. Moreover the hill of the temple that was by the tower
he made stronger than it was, and there he dwelt himself with
his company.
1 Mac 13:53
And when Simon saw that John his son was a valiant man, he
made him captain of all the hosts; and he dwelt in Gazera.
1 Mac 14:1
Now in the hundred threescore and twelfth year king Demetrius
gathered his forces together, and went into Media to get him
help to fight against Tryphone.
1 Mac 14:2
But when Arsaces, the king of Persia and Media, heard that
Demetrius was entered within his borders, he sent one of his
princes to take him alive:
1 Mac 14:3
Who went and smote the host of Demetrius, and took him, and
brought him to Arsaces, by whom he was put in ward.
1 Mac 14:4
As for the land of Judea, that was quiet all the days of
Simon; for he sought the good of his nation in such wise, as
that evermore his authority and honour pleased them well.
1 Mac 14:5
And as he was honourable in all his acts, so in this, that he
took Joppa for an haven, and made an entrance to the isles of
the sea,
1 Mac 14:6
And enlarged the bounds of his nation, and recovered the
country,
1 Mac 14:7
And gathered together a great number of captives, and had the
dominion of Gazera, and Bethsura, and the tower, out of the
which he took all uncleaness, neither was there any that
resisted him.
1 Mac 14:8
Then did they till their ground in peace, and the earth gave
her increase, and the trees of the field their fruit.
1 Mac 14:9
The ancient men sat all in the streets, communing together of
good things, and the young men put on glorious and warlike
apparel.
1 Mac 14:10
He provided victuals for the cities, and set in them all
manner of munition, so that his honourable name was renowned
unto the end of the world.
1 Mac 14:11
He made peace in the land, and Israel rejoiced with great
joy:
1 Mac 14:12
For every man sat under his vine and his fig tree, and there
was none to fray them:
1 Mac 14:13
Neither was there any left in the land to fight against them:
yea, the kings themselves were overthrown in those days.
1 Mac 14:14
Moreover he strengthened all those of his people that were
brought low: the law he searched out; and every contemner of the
law and wicked person he took away.
1 Mac 14:15
He beautified the sanctuary, and multiplied vessels of the
temple.
1 Mac 14:16
Now when it was heard at Rome, and as far as Sparta, that
Jonathan was dead, they were very sorry.
1 Mac 14:17
But as soon as they heard that his brother Simon was made
high priest in his stead, and ruled the country, and the cities
therein:
1 Mac 14:18
They wrote unto him in tables of brass, to renew the
friendship and league which they had made with Judas and
Jonathan his brethren:
1 Mac 14:19
Which writings were read before the congregation at
Jerusalem.
1 Mac 14:20
And this is the copy of the letters that the Lacedemonians
sent; The rulers of the Lacedemonians, with the city, unto Simon
the high priest, and the elders, and priests, and residue of the
people of the Jews, our brethren, send greeting:
1 Mac 14:21
The ambassadors that were sent unto our people certified us
of your glory and honour: wherefore we were glad of their
coming,
1 Mac 14:22
And did register the things that they spake in the council of
the people in this manner; Numenius son of Antiochus, and
Antipater son of Jason, the Jews' ambassadors, came unto us to
renew the friendship they had with us.
1 Mac 14:23
And it pleased the people to entertain the men honourably,
and to put the copy of their ambassage in publick records, to
the end the people of the Lacedemonians might have a memorial
thereof: furthermore we have written a copy thereof unto Simon
the high priest.
1 Mac 14:24
After this Simon sent Numenius to Rome with a great shield of
gold of a thousand pound weight to confirm the league with them.
1 Mac 14:25
Whereof when the people heard, they said, What thanks shall
we give to Simon and his sons?
1 Mac 14:26
For he and his brethren and the house of his father have
established Israel, and chased away in fight their enemies from
them, and confirmed their liberty.
1 Mac 14:27
So then they wrote it in tables of brass, which they set upon
pillars in mount Sion: and this is the copy of the writing; The
eighteenth day of the month Elul, in the hundred threescore and
twelfth year, being the third year of Simon the high priest,
1 Mac 14:28
At Saramel in the great congregation of the priests, and
people, and rulers of the nation, and elders of the country,
were these things notified unto us.
1 Mac 14:29
Forasmuch as oftentimes there have been wars in the country,
wherein for the maintenance of their sanctuary, and the law,
Simon the son of Mattathias, of the posterity of Jarib, together
with his brethren, put themselves in jeopardy, and resisting the
enemies of their nation did their nation great honour:
1 Mac 14:30
(For after that Jonathan, having gathered his nation
together, and been their high priest, was added to his people,
1 Mac 14:31
Their enemies prepared to invade their country, that they
might destroy it, and lay hands on the sanctuary:
1 Mac 14:32
At which time Simon rose up, and fought for his nation, and
spent much of his own substance, and armed the valiant men of
his nation and gave them wages,
1 Mac 14:33
And fortified the cities of Judea, together with Bethsura,
that lieth upon the borders of Judea, where the armour of the
enemies had been before; but he set a garrison of Jews there:
1 Mac 14:34
Moreover he fortified Joppa, which lieth upon the sea, and
Gazera, that bordereth upon Azotus, where the enemies had dwelt
before: but he placed Jews there, and furnished them with all
things convenient for the reparation thereof.)
1 Mac 14:35
The people therefore sang the acts of Simon, and unto what
glory he thought to bring his nation, made him their governor
and chief priest, because he had done all these things, and for
the justice and faith which he kept to his nation, and for that
he sought by all means to exalt his people.
1 Mac 14:36
For in his time things prospered in his hands, so that the
heathen were taken out of their country, and they also that were
in the city of David in Jerusalem, who had made themselves a
tower, out of which they issued, and polluted all about the
sanctuary, and did much hurt in the holy place:
1 Mac 14:37
But he placed Jews therein, and fortified it for the safety
of the country and the city, and raised up the walls of
Jerusalem.
1 Mac 14:38
King Demetrius also confirmed him in the high priesthood
according to those things,
1 Mac 14:39
And made him one of his friends, and honoured him with great
honour.
1 Mac 14:40
For he had heard say, that the Romans had called the Jews
their friends and confederates and brethren; and that they had
entertained the ambassadors of Simon honourably;
1 Mac 14:41
Also that the Jews and priests were well pleased that Simon
should be their governor and high priest for ever, until there
should arise a faithful prophet;
1 Mac 14:42
Moreover that he should be their captain, and should take
charge of the sanctuary, to set them over their works, and over
the country, and over the armour, and over the fortresses, that,
I say, he should take charge of the sanctuary;
1 Mac 14:43
Beside this, that he should be obeyed of every man, and that
all the writings in the country should be made in his name, and
that he should be clothed in purple, and wear gold:
1 Mac 14:44
Also that it should be lawful for none of the people or
priests to break any of these things, or to gainsay his words,
or to gather an assembly in the country without him, or to be
clothed in purple, or wear a buckle of gold;
1 Mac 14:45
And whosoever should do otherwise, or break any of these
things, he should be punished.
1 Mac 14:46
Thus it liked all the people to deal with Simon, and to do as
hath been said.
1 Mac 14:47
Then Simon accepted hereof, and was well pleased to be high
priest, and captain and governor of the Jews and priests, and to
defend them all.
1 Mac 14:48
So they commanded that this writing should be put in tables
of brass, and that they should be set up within the compass of
the sanctuary in a conspicuous place;
1 Mac 14:49
Also that the copies thereof should be laid up in the
treasury, to the end that Simon and his sons might have them.
1 Mac 15:1
Moreover Antiochus son of Demetrius the king sent letters
from the isles of the sea unto Simon the priest and prince of
the Jews, and to all the people;
1 Mac 15:2
The contents whereof were these: King Antiochus to Simon the
high priest and prince of his nation, and to the people of the
Jews, greeting:
1 Mac 15:3
Forasmuch as certain pestilent men have usurped the kingdom
of our fathers, and my purpose is to challenge it again, that I
may restore it to the old estate, and to that end have gathered
a multitude of foreign soldiers together, and prepared ships of
war;
1 Mac 15:4
My meaning also being to go through the country, that I may
be avenged of them that have destroyed it, and made many cities
in the kingdom desolate:
1 Mac 15:5
Now therefore I confirm unto thee all the oblations which the
kings before me granted thee, and whatsoever gifts besides they
granted.
1 Mac 15:6
I give thee leave also to coin money for thy country with
thine own stamp.
1 Mac 15:7
And as concerning Jerusalem and the sanctuary, let them be
free; and all the armour that thou hast made, and fortresses
that thou hast built, and keepest in thine hands, let them
remain unto thee.
1 Mac 15:8
And if anything be, or shall be, owing to the king, let it be
forgiven thee from this time forth for evermore.
1 Mac 15:9
Furthermore, when we have obtained our kingdom, we will
honour thee, and thy nation, and thy temple, with great honour,
so that your honour shall be known throughout the world.
1 Mac 15:10
In the hundred threescore and fourteenth year went Antiochus
into the land of his fathers: at which time all the forces came
together unto him, so that few were left with Tryphon.
1 Mac 15:11
Wherefore being pursued by king Antiochus, he fled unto Dora,
which lieth by the sea side:
1 Mac 15:12
For he saw that troubles came upon him all at once, and that
his forces had forsaken him.
1 Mac 15:13
Then camped Antiochus against Dora, having with him an
hundred and twenty thousand men of war, and eight thousand
horsemen.
1 Mac 15:14
And when he had compassed the city round about, and joined
ships close to the town on the sea side, he vexed the city by
land and by sea, neither suffered he any to go out or in.
1 Mac 15:15
In the mean season came Numenius and his company from Rome,
having letters to the kings and countries; wherein were written
these things:
1 Mac 15:16
Lucius, consul of the Romans unto king Ptolemee, greeting:
1 Mac 15:17
The Jews' ambassadors, our friends and confederates, came
unto us to renew the old friendship and league, being sent from
Simon the high priest, and from the people of the Jews:
1 Mac 15:18
And they brought a shield of gold of a thousand pound.
1 Mac 15:19
We thought it good therefore to write unto the kings and
countries, that they should do them no harm, nor fight against
them, their cities, or countries, nor yet aid their enemies
against them.
1 Mac 15:20
It seemed also good to us to receive the shield of them.
1 Mac 15:21
If therefore there be any pestilent fellows, that have fled
from their country unto you, deliver them unto Simon the high
priest, that he may punish them according to their own law.
1 Mac 15:22
The same things wrote he likewise unto Demetrius the king,
and Attalus, to Ariarathes, and Arsaces,
1 Mac 15:23
And to all the countries and to Sampsames, and the
Lacedemonians, and to Delus, and Myndus, and Sicyon, and Caria,
and Samos, and Pamphylia, and Lycia, and Halicarnassus, and
Rhodus, and Aradus, and Cos, and Side, and Aradus, and Gortyna,
and Cnidus, and Cyprus, and Cyrene.
1 Mac 15:24
And the copy hereof they wrote to Simon the high priest.
1 Mac 15:25
So Antiochus the king camped against Dora the second day,
assaulting it continually, and making engines, by which means he
shut up Tryphon, that he could neither go out nor in.
1 Mac 15:26
At that time Simon sent him two thousand chosen men to aid
him; silver also, and gold, and much armour.
1 Mac 15:27
Nevertheless he would not receive them, but brake all the
covenants which he had made with him afore, and became strange
unto him.
1 Mac 15:28
Furthermore he sent unto him Athenobius, one of his friends,
to commune with him, and say, Ye withhold Joppa and Gazera; with
the tower that is in Jerusalem, which are cities of my realm.
1 Mac 15:29
The borders thereof ye have wasted, and done great hurt in
the land, and got the dominion of many places within my kingdom.
1 Mac 15:30
Now therefore deliver the cities which ye have taken, and the
tributes of the places, whereof ye have gotten dominion without
the borders of Judea:
1 Mac 15:31
Or else give me for them five hundred talents of silver; and
for the harm that ye have done, and the tributes of the cities,
other five hundred talents: if not, we will come and fight
against you
1 Mac 15:32
So Athenobius the king's friend came to Jerusalem: and when
he saw the glory of Simon, and the cupboard of gold and silver
plate, and his great attendance, he was astonished, and told him
the king's message.
1 Mac 15:33
Then answered Simon, and said unto him, We have neither taken
other men's land, nor holden that which appertaineth to others,
but the inheritance of our fathers, which our enemies had
wrongfully in possession a certain time.
1 Mac 15:34
Wherefore we, having opportunity, hold the inheritance of our
fathers.
1 Mac 15:35
And whereas thou demandest Joppa and Gazera, albeit they did
great harm unto the people in our country, yet will we give thee
an hundred talents for them. Hereunto Athenobius answered him
not a word;
1 Mac 15:36
But returned in a rage to the king, and made report unto him
of these speeches, and of the glory of Simon, and of all that he
had seen: whereupon the king was exceeding wroth.
1 Mac 15:37
In the mean time fled Tryphon by ship unto Orthosias.
1 Mac 15:38
Then the king made Cendebeus captain of the sea coast, and
gave him an host of footmen and horsemen,
1 Mac 15:39
And commanded him to remove his host toward Judea; also he
commanded him to build up Cedron, and to fortify the gates, and
to war against the people; but as for the king himself, he
pursued Tryphon.
1 Mac 15:40
So Cendebeus came to Jamnia and began to provoke the people
and to invade Judea, and to take the people prisoners, and slay
them.
1 Mac 15:41
And when he had built up Cedrou, he set horsemen there, and
an host of footmen, to the end that issuing out they might make
outroads upon the ways of Judea, as the king had commanded him.
1 Mac 16:1
Then came up John from Gazera, and told Simon his father what
Cendebeus had done.
1 Mac 16:2
Wherefore Simon called his two eldest sons, Judas and John,
and said unto them, I, and my brethren, and my father's house,
have ever from my youth unto this day fought against the enemies
of Israel; and things have prospered so well in our hands, that
we have delivered Israel oftentimes.
1 Mac 16:3
But now I am old, and ye, by God's mercy, are of a sufficient
age: be ye instead of me and my brother, and go and fight for
our nation, and the help from heaven be with you.
1 Mac 16:4
So he chose out of the country twenty thousand men of war
with horsemen, who went out against Cendebeus, and rested that
night at Modin.
1 Mac 16:5
And when as they rose in the morning, and went into the
plain, behold, a mighty great host both of footmen and horsemen
came against them: howbeit there was a water brook betwixt them.
1 Mac 16:6
So he and his people pitched over against them: and when he
saw that the people were afraid to go over the water brook, he
went first over himself, and then the men seeing him passed
through after him.
1 Mac 16:7
That done, he divided his men, and set the horsemen in the
midst of the footmen: for the enemies' horsemen were very many.
1 Mac 16:8
Then sounded they with the holy trumpets: whereupon Cendebeus
and his host were put to flight, so that many of them were
slain, and the remnant gat them to the strong hold.
1 Mac 16:9
At that time was Judas John's brother wounded; but John still
followed after them, until he came to Cedron, which Cendebeus
had built.
1 Mac 16:10
So they fled even unto the towers in the fields of Azotus;
wherefore he burned it with fire: so that there were slain of
them about two thousand men. Afterward he returned into the land
of Judea in peace.
1 Mac 16:11
Moreover in the plain of Jericho was Ptolemeus the son of
Abubus made captain, and he had abundance of silver and gold:
1 Mac 16:12
For he was the high priest's son in law.
1 Mac 16:13
Wherefore his heart being lifted up, he thought to get the
country to himself, and thereupon consulted deceitfully against
Simon and his sons to destroy them.
1 Mac 16:14
Now Simon was visiting the cities that were in the country,
and taking care for the good ordering of them; at which time he
came down himself to Jericho with his sons, Mattathias and
Judas, in the hundred threescore and seventeenth year, in the
eleventh month, called Sabat:
1 Mac 16:15
Where the son of Abubus receiving them deceitfully into a
little hold, called Docus, which he had built, made them a great
banquet: howbeit he had hid men there.
1 Mac 16:16
So when Simon and his sons had drunk largely, Ptolemee and
his men rose up, and took their weapons, and came upon Simon
into the banqueting place, and slew him, and his two sons, and
certain of his servants.
1 Mac 16:17
In which doing he committed a great treachery, and
recompensed evil for good.
1 Mac 16:18
Then Ptolemee wrote these things, and sent to the king, that
he should send him an host to aid him, and he would deliver him
the country and cities.
1 Mac 16:19
He sent others also to Gazera to kill John: and unto the
tribunes he sent letters to come unto him, that he might give
them silver, and gold, and rewards.
1 Mac 16:20
And others he sent to take Jerusalem, and the mountain of the
temple.
1 Mac 16:21
Now one had run afore to Gazera and told John that his father
and brethren were slain, and, quoth he, Ptolemee hath sent to
slay thee also.
1 Mac 16:22
Hereof when he heard, he was sore astonished: so he laid
hands on them that were come to destroy him, and slew them; for
he knew that they sought to make him away.
1 Mac 16:23
As concerning the rest of the acts of John, and his wars, and
worthy deeds which he did, and the building of the walls which
he made, and his doings,
1 Mac 16:24
Behold, these are written in the chronicles of his
priesthood, from the time he was made high priest after his
father.
The Second Book of the Maccabees
2 Mac 1:1
The brethren, the Jews that be at Jerusalem and in the land
of Judea, wish unto the brethren, the Jews that are throughout
Egypt health and peace:
2 Mac 1:2
God be gracious unto you, and remember his covenant that he
made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, his faithful servants;
2 Mac 1:3
And give you all an heart to serve him, and to do his will,
with a good courage and a willing mind;
2 Mac 1:4
And open your hearts in his law and commandments, and send
you peace,
2 Mac 1:5
And hear your prayers, and be at one with you, and never
forsake you in time of trouble.
2 Mac 1:6
And now we be here praying for you.
2 Mac 1:7
What time as Demetrius reigned, in the hundred threescore and
ninth year, we the Jews wrote unto you in the extremity of
trouble that came upon us in those years, from the time that
Jason and his company revolted from the holy land and kingdom,
2 Mac 1:8
And burned the porch, and shed innocent blood: then we prayed
unto the Lord, and were heard; we offered also sacrifices and
fine flour, and lighted the lamps, and set forth the loaves.
2 Mac 1:9
And now see that ye keep the feast of tabernacles in the
month Casleu.
2 Mac 1:10
In the hundred fourscore and eighth year, the people that
were at Jerusalem and in Judea, and the council, and Judas, sent
greeting and health unto Aristobulus, king Ptolemeus' master,
who was of the stock of the anointed priests, and to the Jews
that were in Egypt:
2 Mac 1:11
Insomuch as God hath delivered us from great perils, we thank
him highly, as having been in battle against a king.
2 Mac 1:12
For he cast them out that fought within the holy city.
2 Mac 1:13
For when the leader was come into Persia, and the army with
him that seemed invincible, they were slain in the temple of
Nanea by the deceit of Nanea's priests.
2 Mac 1:14
For Antiochus, as though he would marry her, came into the
place, and his friends that were with him, to receive money in
name of a dowry.
2 Mac 1:15
Which when the priests of Nanea had set forth, and he was
entered with a small company into the compass of the temple,
they shut the temple as soon as Antiochus was come in:
2 Mac 1:16
And opening a privy door of the roof, they threw stones like
thunderbolts, and struck down the captain, hewed them in pieces,
smote off their heads and cast them to those that were without.
2 Mac 1:17
Blessed be our God in all things, who hath delivered up the
ungodly.
2 Mac 1:18
Therefore whereas we are now purposed to keep the
purification of the temple upon the five and twentieth day of
the month Casleu, we thought it necessary to certify you
thereof, that ye also might keep it, as the feast of the
tabernacles, and of the fire, which was given us when Neemias
offered sacrifice, after that he had builded the temple and the
altar.
2 Mac 1:19
For when our fathers were led into Persia, the priests that
were then devout took the fire of the altar privily, and hid it
in an hollow place of a pit without water, where they kept it
sure, so that the place was unknown to all men.
2 Mac 1:20
Now after many years, when it pleased God, Neemias, being
sent from the king of Persia, did send of the posterity of those
priests that had hid it to the fire: but when they told us they
found no fire, but thick water;
2 Mac 1:21
Then commanded he them to draw it up, and to bring it; and
when the sacrifices were laid on, Neemias commanded the priests
to sprinkle the wood and the things laid thereupon with the
water.
2 Mac 1:22
When this was done, and the time came that the sun shone,
which afore was hid in the cloud, there was a great fire
kindled, so that every man marvelled.
2 Mac 1:23
And the priests made a prayer whilst the sacrifice was
consuming, I say, both the priests, and all the rest, Jonathan
beginning, and the rest answering thereunto, as Neemias did.
2 Mac 1:24
And the prayer was after this manner; O Lord, Lord God,
Creator of all things, who art fearful and strong, and
righteous, and merciful, and the only and gracious King,
2 Mac 1:25
The only giver of all things, the only just, almighty, and
everlasting, thou that deliverest Israel from all trouble, and
didst choose the fathers, and sanctify them:
2 Mac 1:26
Receive the sacrifice for thy whole people Israel, and
preserve thine own portion, and sanctify it.
2 Mac 1:27
Gather those together that are scattered from us, deliver
them that serve among the heathen, look upon them that are
despised and abhorred, and let the heathen know that thou art
our God.
2 Mac 1:28
Punish them that oppress us, and with pride do us wrong.
2 Mac 1:29
Plant thy people again in thy holy place, as Moses hath
spoken.
2 Mac 1:30
And the priests sung psalms of thanksgiving.
2 Mac 1:31
Now when the sacrifice was consumed, Neemias commanded the
water that was left to be poured on the great stones.
2 Mac 1:32
When this was done, there was kindled a flame: but it was
consumed by the light that shined from the altar.
2 Mac 1:33
So when this matter was known, it was told the king of
Persia, that in the place, where the priests that were led away
had hid the fire, there appeared water, and that Neemias had
purified the sacrifices therewith.
2 Mac 1:34
Then the king, inclosing the place, made it holy, after he
had tried the matter.
2 Mac 1:35
And the king took many gifts, and bestowed thereof on those
whom he would gratify.
2 Mac 1:36
And Neemias called this thing Naphthar, which is as much as
to say, a cleansing: but many men call it Nephi.
2 Mac 2:1
It is also found in the records, that Jeremy the prophet
commanded them that were carried away to take of the fire, as it
hath been signified:
2 Mac 2:2
And how that the prophet, having given them the law, charged
them not to forget the commandments of the Lord, and that they
should not err in their minds, when they see images of silver
and gold, with their ornaments.
2 Mac 2:3
And with other such speeches exhorted he them, that the law
should not depart from their hearts.
2 Mac 2:4
It was also contained in the same writing, that the prophet,
being warned of God, commanded the tabernacle and the ark to go
with him, as he went forth into the mountain, where Moses
climbed up, and saw the heritage of God.
2 Mac 2:5
And when Jeremy came thither, he found an hollow cave,
wherein he laid the tabernacle, and the ark, and the altar of
incense, and so stopped the door.
2 Mac 2:6
And some of those that followed him came to mark the way, but
they could not find it.
2 Mac 2:7
Which when Jeremy perceived, he blamed them, saying, As for
that place, it shall be unknown until the time that God gather
his people again together, and receive them unto mercy.
2 Mac 2:8
Then shall the Lord shew them these things, and the glory of
the Lord shall appear, and the cloud also, as it was shewed
under Moses, and as when Solomon desired that the place might be
honourably sanctified.
2 Mac 2:9
It was also declared, that he being wise offered the
sacrifice of dedication, and of the finishing of the temple.
2 Mac 2:10
And as when Moses prayed unto the Lord, the fire came down
from heaven, and consumed the sacrifices: even so prayed Solomon
also, and the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt
offerings.
2 Mac 2:11
And Moses said, Because the sin offering was not to be eaten,
it was consumed.
2 Mac 2:12
So Solomon kept those eight days.
2 Mac 2:13
The same things also were reported in the writings and
commentaries of Neemias; and how he founding a library gathered
together the acts of the kings, and the prophets, and of David,
and the epistles of the kings concerning the holy gifts.
2 Mac 2:14
In like manner also Judas gathered together all those things
that were lost by reason of the war we had, and they remain with
us,
2 Mac 2:15
Wherefore if ye have need thereof, send some to fetch them
unto you.
2 Mac 2:16
Whereas we then are about to celebrate the purification, we
have written unto you, and ye shall do well, if ye keep the same
days.
2 Mac 2:17
We hope also, that the God, that delivered all his people,
and gave them all an heritage, and the kingdom, and the
priesthood, and the sanctuary,
2 Mac 2:18
As he promised in the law, will shortly have mercy upon us,
and gather us together out of every land under heaven into the
holy place: for he hath delivered us out of great troubles, and
hath purified the place.
2 Mac 2:19
Now as concerning Judas Maccabeus, and his brethren, and the
purification of the great temple, and the dedication of the
altar,
2 Mac 2:20
And the wars against Antiochus Epiphanes, and Eupator his
son,
2 Mac 2:21
And the manifest signs that came from heaven unto those that
behaved themselves manfully to their honour for Judaism: so
that, being but a few, they overcame the whole country, and
chased barbarous multitudes,
2 Mac 2:22
And recovered again the temple renowned all the world over,
and freed the city, and upheld the laws which were going down,
the Lord being gracious unto them with all favour:
2 Mac 2:23
All these things, I say, being declared by Jason of Cyrene in
five books, we will assay to abridge in one volume.
2 Mac 2:24
For considering the infinite number, and the difficulty which
they find that desire to look into the narrations of the story,
for the variety of the matter,
2 Mac 2:25
We have been careful, that they that will read may have
delight, and that they that are desirous to commit to memory
might have ease, and that all into whose hands it comes might
have profit.
2 Mac 2:26
Therefore to us, that have taken upon us this painful labour
of abridging, it was not easy, but a matter of sweat and
watching;
2 Mac 2:27
Even as it is no ease unto him that prepareth a banquet, and
seeketh the benefit of others: yet for the pleasuring of many we
will undertake gladly this great pains;
2 Mac 2:28
Leaving to the author the exact handling of every particular,
and labouring to follow the rules of an abridgement.
2 Mac 2:29
For as the master builder of a new house must care for the
whole building; but he that undertaketh to set it out, and paint
it, must seek out fit things for the adorning thereof: even so I
think it is with us.
2 Mac 2:30
To stand upon every point, and go over things at large, and
to be curious in particulars, belongeth to the first author of
the story:
2 Mac 2:31
But to use brevity, and avoid much labouring of the work, is
to be granted to him that will make an abridgment.
2 Mac 2:32
Here then will we begin the story: only adding thus much to
that which hath been said, that it is a foolish thing to make a
long prologue, and to be short in the story itself.
2 Mac 3:1
Now 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,
2 Mac 3:2
It came to pass that even the kings themselves did honour the
place, and magnify the temple with their best gifts;
2 Mac 3:3
Insomuch that Seleucus of Asia of his own revenues bare all
the costs belonging to the service of the sacrifices.
2 Mac 3:4
But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, who was made governor
of the temple, fell out with the high priest about disorder in
the city.
2 Mac 3:5
And when he could not overcome Onias, he gat him to
Apollonius the son of Thraseas, who then was governor of
Celosyria and Phenice,
2 Mac 3:6
And told him that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of
infinite sums of money, so that the multitude of their riches,
which did not pertain to the account of the sacrifices, was
innumerable, and that it was possible to bring all into the
king's hand.
2 Mac 3:7
Now when Apollonius came to the king, and had shewed him of
the money whereof he was told, the king chose out Heliodorus his
treasurer, and sent him with a commandment to bring him the
foresaid money.
2 Mac 3:8
So forthwith Heliodorus took his journey; under a colour of
visiting the cities of Celosyria and Phenice, but indeed to
fulfil the king's purpose.
2 Mac 3:9
And when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been courteously
received of the high priest of the city, he told him what
intelligence was given of the money, and declared wherefore he
came, and asked if these things were so indeed.
2 Mac 3:10
Then the high priest told him that there was such money laid
up for the relief of widows and fatherless children:
2 Mac 3:11
And that some of it belonged to Hircanus son of Tobias, a man
of great dignity, and not as that wicked Simon had misinformed:
the sum whereof in all was four hundred talents of silver, and
two hundred of gold:
2 Mac 3:12
And that it was altogether impossible that such wrongs should
be done unto them, that had committed it to the holiness of the
place, and to the majesty and inviolable sanctity of the temple,
honoured over all the world.
2 Mac 3:13
But Heliodorus, because of the king's commandment given him,
said, That in any wise it must be brought into the king's
treasury.
2 Mac 3:14
So at the day which he appointed he entered in to order this
matter: wherefore there was no small agony throughout the whole
city.
2 Mac 3:15
But the priests, prostrating themselves before the altar in
their priests' vestments, called unto heaven upon him that made
a law concerning things given to be kept, that they should
safely be preserved for such as had committed them to be kept.
2 Mac 3:16
Then whoso had looked the high priest in the face, it would
have wounded his heart: for his countenance and the changing of
his colour declared the inward agony of his mind.
2 Mac 3:17
For the man was so compassed with fear and horror of the
body, that it was manifest to them that looked upon him, what
sorrow he had now in his heart.
2 Mac 3:18
Others ran flocking out of their houses to the general
supplication, because the place was like to come into contempt.
2 Mac 3:19
And the women, girt with sackcloth under their breasts,
abounded in the streets, and the virgins that were kept in ran,
some to the gates, and some to the walls, and others looked out
of the windows.
2 Mac 3:20
And all, holding their hands toward heaven, made
supplication.
2 Mac 3:21
Then it would have pitied a man to see the falling down of
the multitude of all sorts, and the fear of the high priest
being in such an agony.
2 Mac 3:22
They then called upon the Almighty Lord to keep the things
committed of trust safe and sure for those that had committed
them.
2 Mac 3:23
Nevertheless Heliodorus executed that which was decreed.
2 Mac 3:24
Now as he was there present himself with his guard about the
treasury, the Lord of spirits, and the Prince of all power,
caused a great apparition, so that all that presumed to come in
with him were astonished at the power of God, and fainted, and
were sore afraid.
2 Mac 3:25
For there appeared unto them an horse with a terrible rider
upon him, and adorned with a very fair covering, and he ran
fiercely, and smote at Heliodorus with his forefeet, and it
seemed that he that sat upon the horse had complete harness of
gold.
2 Mac 3:26
Moreover two other young men appeared before him, notable in
strength, excellent in beauty, and comely in apparel, who stood
by him on either side; and scourged him continually, and gave
him many sore stripes.
2 Mac 3:27
And Heliodorus fell suddenly unto the ground, and was
compassed with great darkness: but they that were with him
took him up, and put him into a litter.
2 Mac 3:28
Thus him, that lately came with a great train and with all
his guard into the said treasury, they carried out, being unable
to help himself with his weapons: and manifestly they
acknowledged the power of God.
2 Mac 3:29
For he by the hand of God was cast down, and lay speechless
without all hope of life.
2 Mac 3:30
But they praised the Lord, that had miraculously honoured his
own place: for the temple; which a little afore was full of fear
and trouble, when the Almighty Lord appeared, was filled with
joy and gladness.
2 Mac 3:31
Then straightways certain of Heliodorus' friends prayed
Onias, that he would call upon the most High to grant him his
life, who lay ready to give up the ghost.
2 Mac 3:32
So the high priest, suspecting lest the king should
misconceive that some treachery had been done to Heliodorus by
the Jews, offered a sacrifice for the health of the man.
2 Mac 3:33
Now as the high priest was making an atonement, the same
young men in the same clothing appeared and stood beside
Heliodorus, saying, Give Onias the high priest great thanks,
insomuch as for his sake the Lord hath granted thee life:
2 Mac 3:34
And seeing that thou hast been scourged from heaven, declare
unto all men the mighty power of God. And when they had spoken
these words, they appeared no more.
2 Mac 3:35
So Heliodorus, after he had offered sacrifice unto the Lord,
and made great vows unto him that had saved his life, and
saluted Onias, returned with his host to the king.
2 Mac 3:36
Then testified he to all men the works of the great God,
which he had seen with his eyes.
2 Mac 3:37
And when the king Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to be
sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he said,
2 Mac 3:38
If thou hast any enemy or traitor, send him thither, and thou
shalt receive him well scourged, if he escape with his life: for
in that place, no doubt; there is an especial power of God.
2 Mac 3:39
For he that dwelleth in heaven hath his eye on that place,
and defendeth it; and he beateth and destroyeth them that come
to hurt it.
2 Mac 3:40
And the things concerning Heliodorus, and the keeping of the
treasury, fell out on this sort.
2 Mac 4:1
This Simon now, of whom we spake afore, having been a
betrayer of the money, and of his country, slandered Onias, as
if he ha terrified Heliodorus, and been the worker of these
evils.
2 Mac 4:2
Thus was he bold to call him a traitor, that had deserved
well of the city, and tendered his own nation, and was so
zealous of the laws.
2 Mac 4:3
But when their hatred went so far, that by one of Simon's
faction murders were committed,
2 Mac 4:4
Onias seeing the danger of this contention, and that
Apollonius, as being the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, did
rage, and increase Simon's malice,
2 Mac 4:5
He went to the king, not to be an accuser of his countrymen,
but seeking the good of all, both publick and private:
2 Mac 4:6
For he saw that it was impossible that the state should
continue quiet, and Simon leave his folly, unless the king did
look thereunto.
2 Mac 4:7
But after the death of Seleucus, when Antiochus, called
Epiphanes, took the kingdom, Jason the brother of Onias laboured
underhand to be high priest,
2 Mac 4:8
Promising unto the king by intercession three hundred and
threescore talents of silver, and of another revenue eighty
talents:
2 Mac 4:9
Beside this, he promised to assign an hundred and fifty more,
if he might have licence to set him up a place for exercise, and
for the training up of youth in the fashions of the heathen, and
to write them of Jerusalem by the name of Antiochians.
2 Mac 4:10
Which when the king had granted, and he had gotten into his
hand the rule he forthwith brought his own nation to Greekish
fashion.
2 Mac 4:11
And the royal privileges granted of special favour to the
Jews by the means of John the father of Eupolemus, who went
ambassador to Rome for amity and aid, he took away; and putting
down the governments which were according to the law, he brought
up new customs against the law:
2 Mac 4:12
For he built gladly a place of exercise under the tower
itself, and brought the chief young men under his subjection,
and made them wear a hat.
2 Mac 4:13
Now such was the height of Greek fashions, and increase of
heathenish manners, through the exceeding profaneness of Jason,
that ungodly wretch, and no high priest;
2 Mac 4:14
That the priests had no courage to serve any more at the
altar, but despising the temple, and neglecting the sacrifices,
hastened to be partakers of the unlawful allowance in the place
of exercise, after the game of Discus called them forth;
2 Mac 4:15
Not setting by the honours of their fathers, but liking the
glory of the Grecians best of all.
2 Mac 4:16
By reason whereof sore calamity came upon them: for they had
them to be their enemies and avengers, whose custom they
followed so earnestly, and unto whom they desired to be like in
all things.
2 Mac 4:17
For it is not a light thing to do wickedly against the laws
of God: but the time following shall declare these things.
2 Mac 4:18
Now when the game that was used every faith year was kept at
Tyrus, the king being present,
2 Mac 4:19
This ungracious Jason sent special messengers from Jerusalem,
who were Antiochians, to carry three hundred drachms of silver
to the sacrifice of Hercules, which even the bearers thereof
thought fit not to bestow upon the sacrifice, because it was not
convenient, but to be reserved for other charges.
2 Mac 4:20
This money then, in regard of the sender, was appointed to
Hercules' sacrifice; but because of the bearers thereof, it was
employed to the making of gallies.
2 Mac 4:21
Now when Apollonius the son of Menestheus was sent into Egypt
for the coronation of king Ptolemeus Philometor, Antiochus,
understanding him not to be well affected to his affairs,
provided for his own safety: whereupon he came to Joppa, and
from thence to Jerusalem:
2 Mac 4:22
Where he was honourably received of Jason, and of the city,
and was brought in with torch alight, and with great shoutings:
and so afterward went with his host unto Phenice.
2 Mac 4:23
Three years afterward Jason sent Menelaus, the aforesaid
Simon's brother, to bear the money unto the king, and to put him
in mind of certain necessary matters.
2 Mac 4:24
But he being brought to the presence of the king, when he had
magnified him for the glorious appearance of his power, got the
priesthood to himself, offering more than Jason by three hundred
talents of silver.
2 Mac 4:25
So he came with the king's mandate, bringing nothing worthy
the high priesthood, but having the fury of a cruel tyrant, and
the rage of a savage beast.
2 Mac 4:26
Then Jason, who had undermined his own brother, being
undermined by another, was compelled to flee into the country of
the Ammonites.
2 Mac 4:27
So Menelaus got the principality: but as for the money that
he had promised unto the king, he took no good order for it,
albeit Sostratis the ruler of the castle required it:
2 Mac 4:28
For unto him appertained the gathering of the customs.
Wherefore they were both called before the king.
2 Mac 4:29
Now Menelaus left his brother Lysimachus in his stead in the
priesthood; and Sostratus left Crates, who was governor of the
Cyprians.
2 Mac 4:30
While those things were in doing, they of Tarsus and Mallos
made insurrection, because they were given to the king's
concubine, called Antiochus.
2 Mac 4:31
Then came the king in all haste to appease matters, leaving
Andronicus, a man in authority, for his deputy.
2 Mac 4:32
Now Menelaus, supposing that he had gotten a convenient time,
stole certain vessels of gold out of the temple, and gave some
of them to Andronicus, and some he sold into Tyrus and the
cities round about.
2 Mac 4:33
Which when Onias knew of a surety, he reproved him, and
withdrew himself into a sanctuary at Daphne, that lieth by
Antiochia.
2 Mac 4:34
Wherefore Menelaus, taking Andronicus apart, prayed, him to
get Onias into his hands; who being persuaded thereunto, and
coming to Onias in deceit, gave him his right hand with oaths;
and though he were suspected by him, yet persuaded he him to
come forth of the sanctuary: whom forthwith he shut up without
regard of justice.
2 Mac 4:35
For the which cause not only the Jews, but many also of other
nations, took great indignation, and were much grieved for the
unjust murder of the man.
2 Mac 4:36
And when the king was come again from the places about
Cilicia, the Jews that were in the city, and certain of the
Greeks that abhorred the fact also, complained because Onias was
slain without cause.
2 Mac 4:37
Therefore Antiochus was heartily sorry, and moved to pity,
and wept, because of the sober and modest behaviour of him that
was dead.
2 Mac 4:38
And being kindled with anger, forthwith he took away
Andronicus his purple, and rent off his clothes, and leading him
through the whole city unto that very place, where he had
committed impiety against Onias, there slew he the cursed
murderer. Thus the Lord rewarded him his punishment, as he had
deserved.
2 Mac 4:39
Now when many sacrileges had been committed in the city by
Lysimachus with the consent of Menelaus, and the fruit thereof
was spread abroad, the multitude gathered themselves together
against Lysimachus, many vessels of gold being already carried
away.
2 Mac 4:40
Whereupon the common people rising, and being filled with
rage, Lysimachus armed about three thousand men, and began first
to offer violence; one Auranus being the leader, a man far gone
in years, and no less in folly.
2 Mac 4:41
They then seeing the attempt of Lysimachus, some of them
caught stones, some clubs, others taking handfuls of dust, that
was next at hand, cast them all together upon Lysimachus, and
those that set upon them.
2 Mac 4:42
Thus many of them they wounded, and some they struck to the
ground, and all of them they forced to flee: but as for the
churchrobber himself, him they killed beside the treasury.
2 Mac 4:43
Of these matters therefore there was an accusation laid
against Menelaus.
2 Mac 4:44
Now when the king came to Tyrus, three men that were sent
from the senate pleaded the cause before him:
2 Mac 4:45
But Menelaus, being now convicted, promised Ptolemee the son
of Dorymenes to give him much money, if he would pacify the king
toward him.
2 Mac 4:46
Whereupon Ptolemee taking the king aside into a certain
gallery, as it were to take the air, brought him to be of
another mind:
2 Mac 4:47
Insomuch that he discharged Menelaus from the accusations,
who notwithstanding was cause of all the mischief: and those
poor men, who, if they had told their cause, yea, before the
Scythians, should have been judged innocent, them he condemned
to death.
2 Mac 4:48
Thus they that followed the matter for the city, and for the
people, and for the holy vessels, did soon suffer unjust
punishment.
2 Mac 4:49
Wherefore even they of Tyrus, moved with hatred of that
wicked deed, caused them to be honourably buried.
2 Mac 4:50
And so through the covetousness of them that were of power
Menelaus remained still in authority, increasing in malice, and
being a great traitor to the citizens.
2 Mac 5:1
About the same time Antiochus prepared his second voyage into
Egypt:
2 Mac 5:2
And then it happened, that through all the city, for the
space almost of forty days, there were seen horsemen running in
the air, in cloth of gold, and armed with lances, like a band of
soldiers,
2 Mac 5:3
And troops of horsemen in array, encountering and running one
against another, with shaking of shields, and multitude of
pikes, and drawing of swords, and casting of darts, and
glittering of golden ornaments, and harness of all sorts.
2 Mac 5:4
Wherefore every man prayed that that apparition might turn to
good.
2 Mac 5:5
Now when there was gone forth a false rumour, as though
Antiochus had been dead, Jason took at the least a thousand men,
and suddenly made an assault upon the city; and they that were
upon the walls being put back, and the city at length taken,
Menelaus fled into the castle:
2 Mac 5:6
But Jason slew his own citizens without mercy, not
considering that to get the day of them of his own nation would
be a most unhappy day for him; but thinking they had been his
enemies, and not his countrymen, whom he conquered.
2 Mac 5:7
Howbeit for all this he obtained not the principality, but at
the last received shame for the reward of his treason, and fled
again into the country of the Ammonites.
2 Mac 5:8
In the end therefore he had an unhappy return, being accused
before Aretas the king of the Arabians, fleeing from city to
city, pursued of all men, hated as a forsaker of the laws, and
being had in abomination as an open enemy of his country and
countrymen, he was cast out into Egypt.
2 Mac 5:9
Thus he that had driven many out of their country perished in
a strange land, retiring to the Lacedemonians, and thinking
there to find succour by reason of his kindred:
2 Mac 5:10
And he that had cast out many unburied had none to mourn for
him, nor any solemn funerals at all, nor sepulchre with his
fathers.
2 Mac 5:11
Now when this that was done came to the king's car, he
thought that Judea had revolted: whereupon removing out of Egypt
in a furious mind, he took the city by force of arms,
2 Mac 5:12
And commanded his men of war not to spare such as they met,
and to slay such as went up upon the houses.
2 Mac 5:13
Thus there was killing of young and old, making away of men,
women, and children, slaying of virgins and infants.
2 Mac 5:14
And there were destroyed within the space of three whole days
fourscore thousand, whereof forty thousand were slain in the
conflict; and no fewer sold than slain.
2 Mac 5:15
Yet was he not content with this, but presumed to go into
the most holy temple of all the world; Menelaus, that traitor to
the laws, and to his own country, being his guide:
2 Mac 5:16
And taking the holy vessels with polluted hands, and with
profane hands pulling down the things that were dedicated by
other kings to the augmentation and glory and honour of the
place, he gave them away.
2 Mac 5:17
And so haughty was Antiochus in mind, that he considered not
that the Lord was angry for a while for the sins of them that
dwelt in the city, and therefore his eye was not upon the place.
2 Mac 5:18
For had they not been formerly wrapped in many sins, this
man, as soon as he had come, had forthwith been scourged, and
put back from his presumption, as Heliodorus was, whom Seleucus
the king sent to view the treasury.
2 Mac 5:19
Nevertheless God did not choose the people for the place's
sake, but the place far the people's sake.
2 Mac 5:20
And therefore the place itself, that was partaker with them
of the adversity that happened to the nation, did afterward
communicate in the benefits sent from the Lord: and as it was
forsaken in the wrath of the Almighty, so again, the great Lord
being reconciled, it was set up with all glory.
2 Mac 5:21
So when Antiochus had carried out of the temple a thousand
and eight hundred talents, he departed in all haste unto
Antiochia, weening in his pride to make the land navigable, and
the sea passable by foot: such was the haughtiness of his mind.
2 Mac 5:22
And he left governors to vex the nation: at Jerusalem,
Philip, for his country a Phrygian, and for manners more
barbarous than he that set him there;
2 Mac 5:23
And at Garizim, Andronicus; and besides, Menelaus, who worse
than all the rest bare an heavy hand over the citizens, having a
malicious mind against his countrymen the Jews.
2 Mac 5:24
He sent also that detestable ringleader Apollonius with an
army of two and twenty thousand, commanding him to slay all
those that were in their best age, and to sell the women and the
younger sort:
2 Mac 5:25
Who coming to Jerusalem, and pretending peace, did forbear
till the holy day of the sabbath, when taking the Jews keeping
holy day, he commanded his men to arm themselves.
2 Mac 5:26
And so he slew all them that were gone to the celebrating of
the sabbath, and running through the city with weapons slew
great multitudes.
2 Mac 5:27
But Judas Maccabeus with nine others, or thereabout, withdrew
himself into the wilderness, and lived in the mountains after
the manner of beasts, with his company, who fed on herbs
continually, lest they should be partakers of the pollution.
2 Mac 6:1
Not long after this the king sent 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:
2 Mac 6:2
And to pollute also the temple in Jerusalem, and to call it
the temple of Jupiter Olympius; and that in Garizim, of Jupiter
the Defender of strangers, as they did desire that dwelt in the
place.
2 Mac 6:3
The coming in of this mischief was sore and grievous to the
people:
2 Mac 6:4
For the temple was filled with riot and revelling by the
Gentiles, who dallied with harlots, and had to do with women
within the circuit of the holy places, and besides that brought
in things that were not lawful.
2 Mac 6:5
The altar also was filled with profane things, which the law
forbiddeth.
2 Mac 6:6
Neither was it lawful for a man to keep sabbath days or
ancient fasts, or to profess himself at all to be a Jew.
2 Mac 6:7
And in the day of the king's birth every month they were
brought by bitter constraint to eat of the sacrifices; and when
the fast of Bacchus was kept, the Jews were compelled to go in
procession to Bacchus, carrying ivy.
2 Mac 6:8
Moreover there went out a decree to the neighbour cities of
the heathen, by the suggestion of Ptolemee, against the Jews,
that they should observe the same fashions, and be partakers of
their sacrifices:
2 Mac 6:9
And whoso would not conform themselves to the manners of the
Gentiles should be put to death. Then might a man have seen the
present misery.
2 Mac 6:10
For there were two women brought, who had circumcised their
children; whom when they had openly led round about the city,
the babes handing at their breasts, they cast them down headlong
from the wall.
2 Mac 6:11
And others, that had run together into caves near by, to keep
the sabbath day secretly, being discovered by Philip, were all
burnt together, because they made a conscience to help
themselves for the honour of the most sacred day.
2 Mac 6:12
Now I beseech those that read this book, that they be not
discouraged for these calamities, but that they judge those
punishments not to be for destruction, but for a chastening of
our nation.
2 Mac 6:13
For it is a token of his great goodness, when wicked doers
are not suffered any long time, but forthwith punished.
2 Mac 6:14
For not as with other nations, whom the Lord patiently
forbeareth to punish, till they be come to the fulness of their
sins, so dealeth he with us,
2 Mac 6:15
Lest that, being come to the height of sin, afterwards he
should take vengeance of us.
2 Mac 6:16
And therefore he never withdraweth his mercy from us: and
though he punish with adversity, yet doth he never forsake his
people.
2 Mac 6:17
But let this that we at spoken be for a warning unto us. And
now will we come to the declaring of the matter in a few words.
2 Mac 6:18
Eleazar, one of the principal scribes, an aged man, and of a
well favoured countenance, was constrained to open his mouth,
and to eat swine's flesh.
2 Mac 6:19
But he, choosing rather to die gloriously, than to live
stained with such an abomination, spit it forth, and came of his
own accord to the torment,
2 Mac 6:20
As it behoved them to come, that are resolute to stand out
against such things, as are not lawful for love of life to be
tasted.
2 Mac 6:21
But they that had the charge of that wicked feast, for the
old acquaintance they had with the man, taking him aside,
besought him to bring flesh of his own provision, such as was
lawful for him to use, and make as if he did eat of the flesh
taken from the sacrifice commanded by the king;
2 Mac 6:22
That in so doing he might be delivered from death, and for
the old friendship with them find favour.
2 Mac 6:23
But he began to consider discreetly, and as became his age,
and the excellency of his ancient years, and the honour of his
gray head, whereon was come, and his most honest education from
a child, or rather the holy law made and given by God: therefore
he answered accordingly, and willed them straightways to send
him to the grave.
2 Mac 6:24
For it becometh not our age, said he, in any wise to
dissemble, whereby many young persons might think that Eleazar,
being fourscore years old and ten, were now gone to a strange
religion;
2 Mac 6:25
And so they through mine hypocrisy, and desire to live a
little time and a moment longer, should be deceived by me, and I
get a stain to mine old age, and make it abominable.
2 Mac 6:26
For though for the present time I should be delivered from
the punishment of men: yet should I not escape the hand of the
Almighty, neither alive, nor dead.
2 Mac 6:27
Wherefore now, manfully changing this life, I will shew
myself such an one as mine age requireth,
2 Mac 6:28
And leave a notable example to such as be young to die
willingly and courageously for the honourable and holy laws. And
when he had said these words, immediately he went to the
torment:
2 Mac 6:29
They that led him changing the good will they bare him a
little before into hatred, because the foresaid speeches
proceeded, as they thought, from a desperate mind.
2 Mac 6:30
But when he was ready to die with stripes, he groaned, and
said, It is manifest unto the Lord, that hath the holy
knowledge, that whereas I might have been delivered from death,
I now endure sore pains in body by being beaten: but in soul am
well content to suffer these things, because I fear him.
2 Mac 6:31
And thus this man died, leaving his death for an example of a
noble courage, and a memorial of virtue, not only unto young
men, but unto all his nation.
2 Mac 7:1
It came to pass also, that seven brethren with their mother
were taken, and compelled by the king against the law to taste
swine's flesh, and were tormented with scourges and whips.
2 Mac 7:2
But one of them that spake first said thus, What wouldest
thou ask or learn of us? we are ready to die, rather than to
transgress the laws of our fathers.
2 Mac 7:3
Then the king, being in a rage, commanded pans and caldrons
to be made hot:
2 Mac 7:4
Which forthwith being heated, he commanded to cut out the
tongue of him that spake first, and to cut off the utmost parts
of his body, the rest of his brethren and his mother looking on.
2 Mac 7:5
Now when he was thus maimed in all his members, he commanded
him being yet alive to be brought to the fire, and to be fried
in the pan: and as the vapour of the pan was for a good space
dispersed, they exhorted one another with the mother to die
manfully, saying thus,
2 Mac 7:6
The Lord God looketh upon us, and in truth hath comfort in
us, as Moses in his song, which witnessed to their faces,
declared, saying, And he shall be comforted in his servants.
2 Mac 7:7
So when the first was dead after this number, they brought
the second to make him a mocking stock: and when they had pulled
off the skin of his head with the hair, they asked him, Wilt
thou eat, before thou be punished throughout every member of thy
body?
2 Mac 7:8
But he answered in his own language, and said, No. Wherefore
he also received the next torment in order, as the former did.
2 Mac 7:9
And when he was at the last gasp, he said, Thou like a fury
takest us out of this present life, but the King of the world
shall raise us up, who have died for his laws, unto everlasting
life.
2 Mac 7:10
After him was the third made a mocking stock: and when he was
required, he put out his tongue, and that right soon, holding
forth his hands manfully.
2 Mac 7:11
And said courageously, These I had from heaven; and for his
laws I despise them; and from him I hope to receive them again.
2 Mac 7:12
Insomuch that the king, and they that were with him,
marvelled at the young man's courage, for that he nothing
regarded the pains.
2 Mac 7:13
Now when this man was dead also, they tormented and mangled
the fourth in like manner.
2 Mac 7:14
So when he was ready to die he said thus, It is good, being
put to death by men, to look for hope from God to be raised up
again by him: as for thee, thou shalt have no resurrection to
life.
2 Mac 7:15
Afterward they brought the fifth also, and mangled him.
2 Mac 7:16
Then looked he unto the king, and said, Thou hast power over
men, thou art corruptible, thou doest what thou wilt; yet think
not that our nation is forsaken of God;
2 Mac 7:17
But abide a while, and behold his great power, how he will
torment thee and thy seed.
2 Mac 7:18
After him also they brought the sixth, who being ready to die
said, Be not deceived without cause: for we suffer these things
for ourselves, having sinned against our God: therefore
marvellous things are done unto us.
2 Mac 7:19
But think not thou, that takest in hand to strive against
God, that thou shalt escape unpunished.
2 Mac 7:20
But the mother was marvellous above all, and worthy of
honourable memory: for when she saw her seven sons slain within
the space of one day, she bare it with a good courage, because
of the hope that she had in the Lord.
2 Mac 7:21
Yea, she exhorted every one of them in her own language,
filled with courageous spirits; and stirring up her womanish
thoughts with a manly stomach, she said unto them,
2 Mac 7:22
I cannot tell how ye came into my womb: for I neither gave
you breath nor life, neither was it I that formed the members of
every one of you;
2 Mac 7:23
But doubtless the Creator of the world, who formed the
generation of man, and found out the beginning of all things,
will also of his own mercy give you breath and life again, as ye
now regard not your own selves for his laws' sake.
2 Mac 7:24
Now Antiochus, thinking himself despised, and suspecting it
to be a reproachful speech, whilst the youngest was yet alive,
did not only exhort him by words, but also assured him with
oaths, that he would make him both a rich and a happy man, if he
would turn from the laws of his fathers; and that also he would
take him for his friend, and trust him with affairs.
2 Mac 7:25
But when the young man would in no case hearken unto him, the
king called his mother, and exhorted her that she would counsel
the young man to save his life.
2 Mac 7:26
And when he had exhorted her with many words, she promised
him that she would counsel her son.
2 Mac 7:27
But she bowing herself toward him, laughing the cruel tyrant
to scorn, spake in her country language on this manner; O my
son, have pity upon me that bare thee nine months in my womb,
and gave thee such three years, and nourished thee, and brought
thee up unto this age, and endured the troubles of education.
2 Mac 7:28
I beseech thee, my son, look upon the heaven and the earth,
and all that is therein, and consider that God made them of
things that were not; and so was mankind made likewise.
2 Mac 7:29
Fear not this tormentor, but, being worthy of thy brethren,
take thy death that I may receive thee again in mercy with thy
brethren.
2 Mac 7:30
Whiles she was yet speaking these words, the young man said,
Whom wait ye for? I will not obey the king's commandment: but I
will obey the commandment of the law that was given unto our
fathers by Moses.
2 Mac 7:31
And thou, that hast been the author of all mischief against
the Hebrews, shalt not escape the hands of God.
2 Mac 7:32
For we suffer because of our sins.
2 Mac 7:33
And though the living Lord be angry with us a little while
for our chastening and correction, yet shall he be at one again
with his servants.
2 Mac 7:34
But thou, O godless man, and of all other most wicked, be not
lifted up without a cause, nor puffed up with uncertain hopes,
lifting up thy hand against the servants of God:
2 Mac 7:35
For thou hast not yet escaped the judgment of Almighty God,
who seeth all things.
2 Mac 7:36
For our brethren, who now have suffered a short pain, are
dead under God's covenant of everlasting life: but thou, through
the judgment of God, shalt receive just punishment for thy
pride.
2 Mac 7:37
But I, as my brethren, offer up my body and life for the laws
of our fathers, beseeching God that he would speedily be
merciful unto our nation; and that thou by torments and plagues
mayest confess, that he alone is God;
2 Mac 7:38
And that in me and my brethren the wrath of the Almighty,
which is justly brought upon our nation, may cease.
2 Mac 7:39
Than the king' being in a rage, handed him worse than all the
rest, and took it grievously that he was mocked.
2 Mac 7:40
So this man died undefiled, and put his whole trust in the
Lord.
2 Mac 7:41
Last of all after the sons the mother died.
2 Mac 7:42
Let this be enough now to have spoken concerning the
idolatrous feasts, and the extreme tortures.
2 Mac 8:1
Then Judas Maccabeus, and they that were with him, went
privily into the towns, and called their kinsfolks together, and
took unto them all such as continued in the Jews' religion, and
assembled about six thousand men.
2 Mac 8:2
And they called upon the Lord, that he would look upon the
people that was trodden down of all; and also pity the temple
profaned of ungodly men;
2 Mac 8:3
And that he would have compassion upon the city, sore
defaced, and ready to be made even with the ground; and hear the
blood that cried unto him,
2 Mac 8:4
And remember the wicked slaughter of harmless infants, and
the blasphemies committed against his name; and that he would
shew his hatred against the wicked.
2 Mac 8:5
Now when Maccabeus had his company about him, he could not be
withstood by the heathen: for the wrath of the Lord was turned
into mercy.
2 Mac 8:6
Therefore he came at unawares, and burnt up towns and cities,
and got into his hands the most commodious places, and overcame
and put to flight no small number of his enemies.
2 Mac 8:7
But specially took he advantage of the night for such privy
attempts, insomuch that the fruit of his holiness was spread
every where.
2 Mac 8:8
So when Philip saw that this man increased by little and
little, and that things prospered with him still more and more,
he wrote unto Ptolemeus, the governor of Celosyria and Phenice,
to yield more aid to the king's affairs.
2 Mac 8:9
Then forthwith choosing Nicanor the son of Patroclus, one of
his special friends, he sent him with no fewer than twenty
thousand of all nations under him, to root out the whole
generation of the Jews; and with him he joined also Gorgias a
captain, who in matters of war had great experience.
2 Mac 8:10
So Nicanor undertook to make so much money of the captive
Jews, as should defray the tribute of two thousand talents,
which the king was to pay to the Romans.
2 Mac 8:11
Wherefore immediately he sent to the cities upon the sea
coast, proclaiming a sale of the captive Jews, and promising
that they should have fourscore and ten bodies for one talent,
not expecting the vengeance that was to follow upon him from the
Almighty God.
2 Mac 8:12
Now when word was brought unto Judas of Nicanor's coming, and
he had imparted unto those that were with him that the army was
at hand,
2 Mac 8:13
They that were fearful, and distrusted the justice of God,
fled, and conveyed themselves away.
2 Mac 8:14
Others sold all that they had left, and withal besought the
Lord to deliver them, sold by the wicked Nicanor before they met
together:
2 Mac 8:15
And if not for their own sakes, yet for the covenants he had
made with their fathers, and for his holy and glorious name's
sake, by which they were called.
2 Mac 8:16
So Maccabeus called his men together unto the number of six
thousand, and exhorted them not to be stricken with terror of
the enemy, nor to fear the great multitude of the heathen, who
came wrongly against them; but to fight manfully,
2 Mac 8:17
And to set before their eyes the injury that they had
unjustly done to the holy place, and the cruel handling of the
city, whereof they made a mockery, and also the taking away of
the government of their forefathers:
2 Mac 8:18
For they, said he, trust in their weapons and boldness; but
our confidence is in the Almighty who at a beck can cast down
both them that come against us, and also all the world.
2 Mac 8:19
Moreover, he recounted unto them what helps their forefathers
had found, and how they were delivered, when under Sennacherib
an hundred fourscore and five thousand perished.
2 Mac 8:20
And he told them of the battle that they had in Babylon with
the Galatians, how they came but eight thousand in all to the
business, with four thousand Macedonians, and that the
Macedonians being perplexed, the eight thousand destroyed an
hundred and twenty thousand because of the help that they had
from heaven, and so received a great booty.
2 Mac 8:21
Thus when he had made them bold with these words, and ready
to die for the law and the country, he divided his army into
four parts;
2 Mac 8:22
And joined with himself his own brethren, leaders of each
band, to wit Simon, and Joseph, and Jonathan, giving each one
fifteen hundred men.
2 Mac 8:23
Also he appointed Eleazar to read the holy book: and when he
had given them this watchword, The help of God; himself leading
the first band,
2 Mac 8:24
And by the help of the Almighty they slew above nine thousand
of their enemies, and wounded and maimed the most part of
Nicanor's host, and so put all to flight;
2 Mac 8:25
And took their money that came to buy them, and pursued them
far: but lacking time they returned:
2 Mac 8:26
For it was the day before the sabbath, and therefore they
would no longer pursue them.
2 Mac 8:27
So when they had gathered their armour together, and spoiled
their enemies, they occupied themselves about the sabbath,
yielding exceeding praise and thanks to the Lord, who had
preserved them unto that day, which was the beginning of mercy
distilling upon them.
2 Mac 8:28
And after the sabbath, when they had given part of the spoils
to the maimed, and the widows, and orphans, the residue they
divided among themselves and their servants.
2 Mac 8:29
When this was done, and they had made a common supplication,
they besought the merciful Lord to be reconciled with his
servants for ever.
2 Mac 8:30
Moreover of those that were with Timotheus and Bacchides, who
fought against them, they slew above twenty thousand, and very
easily got high and strong holds, and divided among themselves
many spoils more, and made the maimed, orphans, widows, yea, and
the aged also, equal in spoils with themselves.
2 Mac 8:31
And when they had gathered their armour together, they laid
them up all carefully in convenient places, and the remnant of
the spoils they brought to Jerusalem.
2 Mac 8:32
They slew also Philarches, that wicked person, who was with
Timotheus, and had annoyed the Jews many ways.
2 Mac 8:33
Furthermore at such time as they kept the feast for the
victory in their country they burnt Callisthenes, that had set
fire upon the holy gates, who had fled into a little house; and
so he received a reward meet for his wickedness.
2 Mac 8:34
As for that most ungracious Nicanor, who had brought a
thousand merchants to buy the Jews,
2 Mac 8:35
He was through the help of the Lord brought down by them, of
whom he made least account; and putting off his glorious
apparel, and discharging his company, he came like a fugitive
servant through the midland unto Antioch having very great
dishonour, for that his host was destroyed.
2 Mac 8:36
Thus he, that took upon him to make good to the Romans their
tribute by means of captives in Jerusalem, told abroad, that the
Jews had God to fight for them, and therefore they could not be
hurt, because they followed the laws that he gave them.
2 Mac 9:1
About that time came Antiochus with dishonour out of the
country of Persia
2 Mac 9:2
For he had entered the city called Persepolis, and went about
to rob the temple, and to hold the city; whereupon the multitude
running to defend themselves with their weapons put them to
flight; and so it happened, that Antiochus being put to flight
of the inhabitants returned with shame.
2 Mac 9:3
Now when he came to Ecbatane, news was brought him what had
happened unto Nicanor and Timotheus.
2 Mac 9:4
Then swelling with anger, he thought to avenge upon the Jews
the disgrace done unto him by those that made him flee.
Therefore commanded he his chariotman to drive without ceasing,
and to dispatch the journey, the judgment of GOd now following
him. For he had spoken proudly in this sort, That he would come
to Jerusalem and make it a common burying place of the Jews.
2 Mac 9:5
But the Lord Almighty, the God of Isreal, smote him with an
incurable and invisible plague: or as soon as he had spoken
these words, a pain of the bowels that was remediless came upon
him, and sore torments of the inner parts;
2 Mac 9:6
And that most justly: for he had tormented other men's bowels
with many and strange torments.
2 Mac 9:7
Howbeit he nothing at all ceased from his bragging, but still
was filled with pride, breathing out fire in his rage against
the Jews, and commanding to haste the journey: but it came to
pass that he fell down from his chariot, carried violently; so
that having a sore fall, all the members of his body were much
pained.
2 Mac 9:8
And thus he that a little afore thought he might command the
waves of the sea, (so proud was he beyond the condition of man)
and weigh the high mountains in a balance, was now cast on the
ground, and carried in an horselitter, shewing forth unto all
the manifest power of God.
2 Mac 9:9
So that the worms rose up out of the body of this wicked man,
and whiles he lived in sorrow and pain, his flesh fell away, and
the filthiness of his smell was noisome to all his army.
2 Mac 9:10
And the man, that thought a little afore he could reach to
the stars of heaven, no man could endure to carry for his
intolerable stink.
2 Mac 9:11
Here therefore, being plagued, he began to leave off his
great pride, and to come to the knowledge of himself by the
scourge of God, his pain increasing every moment.
2 Mac 9:12
And when he himself could not abide his own smell, he said
these words, It is meet to be subject unto God, and that a man
that is mortal should not proudly think of himself if he were
God.
2 Mac 9:13
This wicked person vowed also unto the Lord, who now no more
would have mercy upon him, saying thus,
2 Mac 9:14
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 buryingplace,)
he would set at liberty:
2 Mac 9:15
And as touching the Jews, whom he had judged not worthy so
much as to be buried, but to be cast out with their children to
be devoured of the fowls and wild beasts, he would make them all
equals to the citizens of Athens:
2 Mac 9:16
And the holy temple, which before he had spoiled, he would
garnish with goodly gifts, and restore all the holy vessels with
many more, and out of his own revenue defray the charges
belonging to the sacrifices:
2 Mac 9:17
Yea, and that also he would become a Jew himself, and go
through all the world that was inhabited, and declare the power
of God.
2 Mac 9:18
But for all this his pains would not cease: for the just
judgment of God was come upon him: therefore despairing of his
health, he wrote unto the Jews the letter underwritten,
containing the form of a supplication, after this manner:
2 Mac 9:19
Antiochus, king and governor, to the good Jews his citizens
wisheth much joy, health, and prosperity:
2 Mac 9:20
If ye and your children fare well, and your affairs be to
your contentment, I give very great thanks to God, having my
hope in heaven.
2 Mac 9:21
As for me, I was weak, or else I would have remembered kindly
your honour and good will returning out of Persia, and being
taken with a grievous disease, I thought it necessary to care
for the common safety of all:
2 Mac 9:22
Not distrusting mine health, but having great hope to escape
this sickness.
2 Mac 9:23
But considering that even my father, at what time he led an
army into the high countries, appointed a successor,
2 Mac 9:24
To the end that, if any thing fell out contrary to
expectation, or if any tidings were brought that were grievous,
they of the land, knowing to whom the state was left, might not
be troubled:
2 Mac 9:25
Again, considering how that the princes that are borderers
and neighbours unto my kingdom wait for opportunities, and
expect what shall be the event. I have appointed my son
Antiochus king, whom I often committed and commended unto many
of you, when I went up into the high provinces; to whom I have
written as followeth:
2 Mac 9:26
Therefore I pray and request you to remember the benefits
that I have done unto you generally, and in special, and that
every man will be still faithful to me and my son.
2 Mac 9:27
For I am persuaded that he understanding my mind will
favourably and graciously yield to your desires.
2 Mac 9:28
Thus the murderer and blasphemer having suffered most
grievously, as he entreated other men, so died he a miserable
death in a strange country in the mountains.
2 Mac 9:29
And Philip, that was brought up with him, carried away his
body, who also fearing the son of Antiochus went into Egypt to
Ptolemeus Philometor.
2 Mac 10:1
Now Maccabeus and his company, the Lord guiding them,
recovered the temple and the city:
2 Mac 10:2
But the altars which the heathen had built in the open
street, and also the chapels, they pulled down.
2 Mac 10:3
And having cleansed the temple they made another altar, and
striking stones they took fire out of them, and offered a
sacrifice after two years, and set forth incense, and lights,
and shewbread.
2 Mac 10:4
When that was done, they fell flat down, and besought the
Lord that they might come no more into such troubles; but if
they sinned any more against him, that he himself would chasten
them with mercy, and that they might not be delivered unto the
blasphemous and barbarous nations.
2 Mac 10:5
Now upon the same day that the strangers profaned the temple,
on the very same day it was cleansed again, even the five and
twentieth day of the same month, which is Casleu.
2 Mac 10:6
And they kept the eight days with gladness, as in the feast
of the tabernacles, remembering that not long afore they had
held the feast of the tabernacles, when as they wandered in the
mountains and dens like beasts.
2 Mac 10:7
Therefore they bare branches, and fair boughs, and palms
also, and sang psalms unto him that had given them good success
in cleansing his place.
2 Mac 10:8
They ordained also by a common statute and decree, That every
year those days should be kept of the whole nation of the Jews.
2 Mac 10:9
And this was the end of Antiochus, called Epiphanes.
2 Mac 10:10
Now will we declare the acts of Antiochus Eupator, who was
the son of this wicked man, gathering briefly the calamities of
the wars.
2 Mac 10:11
So when he was come to the crown, he set one Lysias over the
affairs of his realm, and appointed him his chief governor of
Celosyria and Phenice.
2 Mac 10:12
For Ptolemeus, that was called Macron, choosing rather to do
justice unto the Jews for the wrong that had been done unto
them, endeavoured to continue peace with them.
2 Mac 10:13
Whereupon being accused of the king's friends before Eupator,
and called traitor at every word because he had left Cyprus,
that Philometor had committed unto him, and departed to
Antiochus Epiphanes, and seeing that he was in no honourable
place, he was so discouraged, that he poisoned himself and died.
2 Mac 10:14
But when Gorgias was governor of the holds, he hired
soldiers, and nourished war continually with the Jews:
2 Mac 10:15
And therewithall the Idumeans, having gotten into their hands
the most commodious holds, kept the Jews occupied, and receiving
those that were banished from Jerusalem, they went about to
nourish war.
2 Mac 10:16
Then they that were with Maccabeus made supplication, and
besought God that he would be their helper; and so they ran with
violence upon the strong holds of the Idumeans,
2 Mac 10:17
And assaulting them strongly, they won the holds, and kept
off all that fought upon the wall, and slew all that fell into
their hands, and killed no fewer than twenty thousand.
2 Mac 10:18
And because certain, who were no less than nine thousand,
were fled together into two very strong castles, having all
manner of things convenient to sustain the siege,
2 Mac 10:19
Maccabeus left Simon and Joseph, and Zaccheus also, and them
that were with him, who were enough to besiege them, and
departed himself unto those places which more needed his help.
2 Mac 10:20
Now they that were with Simon, being led with covetousness,
were persuaded for money through certain of those that were in
the castle, and took seventy thousand drachms, and let some of
them escape.
2 Mac 10:21
But when it was told Maccabeus what was done, he called the
governors of the people together, and accused those men, that
they had sold their brethren for money, and set their enemies
free to fight against them.
2 Mac 10:22
So he slew those that were found traitors, and immediately
took the two castles.
2 Mac 10:23
And having good success with his weapons in all things he
took in hand, he slew in the two holds more than twenty
thousand.
2 Mac 10:24
Now Timotheus, whom the Jews had overcome before, when he had
gathered a great multitude of foreign forces, and horses out of
Asia not a few, came as though he would take Jewry by force of
arms.
2 Mac 10:25
But when he drew near, they that were with Maccabeus turned
themselves to pray unto God, and sprinkled earth upon their
heads, and girded their loins with sackcloth,
2 Mac 10:26
And fell down at the foot of the altar, and besought him to
be merciful to them, and to be an enemy to their enemies, and an
adversary to their adversaries, as the law declareth.
2 Mac 10:27
So after the prayer they took their weapons, and went on
further from the city: and when they drew near to their enemies,
they kept by themselves.
2 Mac 10:28
Now the sun being newly risen, they joined both together; the
one part having together with their virtue their refuge also
unto the Lord for a pledge of their success and victory: the
other side making their rage leader of their battle
2 Mac 10:29
But when the battle waxed strong, there appeared unto the
enemies from heaven five comely men upon horses, with bridles of
gold, and two of them led the Jews,
2 Mac 10:30
And took Maccabeus betwixt them, and covered him on every
side weapons, and kept him safe, but shot arrows and lightnings
against the enemies: so that being confounded with blindness,
and full of trouble, they were killed.
2 Mac 10:31
And there were slain of footmen twenty thousand and five
hundred, and six hundred horsemen.
2 Mac 10:32
As for Timotheus himself, he fled into a very strong hold,
called Gawra, where Chereas was governor.
2 Mac 10:33
But they that were with Maccabeus laid siege against the
fortress courageously four days.
2 Mac 10:34
And they that were within, trusting to the strength of the
place, blasphemed exceedingly, and uttered wicked words.
2 Mac 10:35
Nevertheless upon the fifth day early twenty young men of
Maccabeus' company, inflamed with anger because of the
blasphemies, assaulted the wall manly, and with a fierce courage
killed all that they met withal.
2 Mac 10:36
Others likewise ascending after them, whiles they were busied
with them that were within, burnt the towers, and kindling fires
burnt the blasphemers alive; and others broke open the gates,
and, having received in the rest of the army, took the city,
2 Mac 10:37
And killed Timotheus, that was hid in a certain pit, and
Chereas his brother, with Apollophanes.
2 Mac 10:38
When this was done, they praised the Lord with psalms and
thanksgiving, who had done so great things for Israel, and given
them the victory.
2 Mac 11:1
Not long after the Lysias the king's protector and cousin,
who also managed the affairs, took sore displeasure for the
things that were done.
2 Mac 11:2
And when he had gathered about fourscore thousand with all
the horsemen, he came against the Jews, thinking to make the
city an habitation of the Gentiles,
2 Mac 11:3
And to make a gain of the temple, as of the other chapels of
the heathen, and to set the high priesthood to sale every year:
2 Mac 11:4
Not at all considering the power of God but puffed up with
his ten thousands of footmen, and his thousands of horsemen, and
his fourscore elephants.
2 Mac 11:5
So he came to Judea, and drew near to Bethsura, which was a
strong town, but distant from Jerusalem about five furlongs, and
he laid sore siege unto it.
2 Mac 11:6
Now when they that were with Maccabeus heard that he besieged
the holds, they and all the people with lamentation and tears
besought the Lord that he would send a good angel to deliver
Israel.
2 Mac 11:7
Then Maccabeus himself first of all took weapons, exhorting
the other that they would jeopard themselves together with him
to help their brethren: so they went forth together with a
willing mind.
2 Mac 11:8
And as they were at Jerusalem, there appeared before them on
horseback one in white clothing, shaking his armour of gold.
2 Mac 11:9
Then they praised the merciful God all together, and took
heart, insomuch that they were ready not only to fight with men,
but with most cruel beasts, and to pierce through walls of iron.
2 Mac 11:10
Thus they marched forward in their armour, having an helper
from heaven: for the Lord was merciful unto them
2 Mac 11:11
And giving a charge upon their enemies like lions, they slew
eleven thousand footmen, and sixteen hundred horsemen, and put
all the other to flight.
2 Mac 11:12
Many of them also being wounded escaped naked; and Lysias
himself fled away shamefully, and so escaped.
2 Mac 11:13
Who, as he was a man of understanding, casting with himself
what loss he had had, and considering that the Hebrews could not
be overcome, because the Almighty God helped them, he sent unto
them,
2 Mac 11:14
And persuaded them to agree to all reasonable conditions, and
promised that he would persuade the king that he must needs be a
friend unto them.
2 Mac 11:15
Then Maccabeus consented to all that Lysias desired, being
careful of the common good; and whatsoever Maccabeus wrote unto
Lysias concerning the Jews, the king granted it.
2 Mac 11:16
For there were letters written unto the Jews from Lysias to
this effect: Lysias unto the people of the Jews sendeth
greeting:
2 Mac 11:17
John and Absolom, who were sent from you, delivered me the
petition subscribed, and made request for the performance of the
contents thereof.
2 Mac 11:18
Therefore what things soever were meet to be reported to the
king, I have declared them, and he hath granted as much as might
be.
2 Mac 11:19
And if then ye will keep yourselves loyal to the state,
hereafter also will I endeavour to be a means of your good.
2 Mac 11:20
But of the particulars I have given order both to these and
the other that came from me, to commune with you.
2 Mac 11:21
Fare ye well. The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the
four and twentieth day of the month Dioscorinthius.
2 Mac 11:22
Now the king's letter contained these words: King Antiochus
unto his brother Lysias sendeth greeting:
2 Mac 11:23
Since our father is translated unto the gods, our will is,
that they that are in our realm live quietly, that every one may
attend upon his own affairs.
2 Mac 11:24
We understand also that the Jews would not consent to our
father, for to be brought unto the custom of the Gentiles, but
had rather keep their own manner of living: for the which cause
they require of us, that we should suffer them to live after
their own laws.
2 Mac 11:25
Wherefore our mind is, that this nation shall be in rest, and
we have determined to restore them their temple, that they may
live according to the customs of their forefathers.
2 Mac 11:26
Thou shalt do well therefore to send unto them, and grant
them peace, that when they are certified of our mind, they may
be of good comfort, and ever go cheerfully about their own
affairs.
2 Mac 11:27
And the letter of the king unto the nation of the Jews was
after this manner: King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto the
council, and the rest of the Jews:
2 Mac 11:28
If ye fare well, we have our desire; we are also in good
health.
2 Mac 11:29
Menelaus declared unto us, that your desire was to return
home, and to follow your own business:
2 Mac 11:30
Wherefore they that will depart shall have safe conduct till
the thirtieth day of Xanthicus with security.
2 Mac 11:31
And the Jews shall use their own kind of meats and laws, as
before; and none of them any manner of ways shall be molested
for things ignorantly done.
2 Mac 11:32
I have sent also Menelaus, that he may comfort you.
2 Mac 11:33
Fare ye well. In the hundred forty and eighth year, and the
fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.
2 Mac 11:34
The Romans also sent unto them a letter containing these
words: Quintus Memmius and Titus Manlius, ambassadors of the
Romans, send greeting unto the people of the Jews.
2 Mac 11:35
Whatsoever Lysias the king's cousin hath granted, therewith
we also are well pleased.
2 Mac 11:36
But touching such things as he judged to be referred to the
king, after ye have advised thereof, send one forthwith, that we
may declare as it is convenient for you: for we are now going to
Antioch.
2 Mac 11:37
Therefore send some with speed, that we may know what is your
mind.
2 Mac 11:38
Farewell. This hundred and eight and fortieth year, the
fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.
2 Mac 12:1
When these covenants were made, Lysias went unto the king,
and the Jews were about their husbandry.
2 Mac 12:2
But of the governours of several places, Timotheus, and
Apollonius the son of Genneus, also Hieronymus, and Demophon,
and beside them Nicanor the governor of Cyprus, would not suffer
them to be quiet and live in peace.
2 Mac 12:3
The men of Joppa also did such an ungodly deed: they prayed
the Jews that dwelt among them to go with their wives and
children into the boats which they had prepared, as though they
had meant them no hurt.
2 Mac 12:4
Who accepted of it according to the common decree of the
city, as being desirous to live in peace, and suspecting
nothing: but when they were gone forth into the deep, they
drowned no less than two hundred of them.
2 Mac 12:5
When Judas heard of this cruelty done unto his countrymen, he
commanded those that were with him to make them ready.
2 Mac 12:6
And calling upon God the righteous Judge, he came against
those murderers of his brethren, and burnt the haven by night,
and set the boats on fire, and those that fled thither he slew.
2 Mac 12:7
And when the town was shut up, he went backward, as if he
would return to root out all them of the city of Joppa.
2 Mac 12:8
But when he heard that the Jamnites were minded to do in like
manner unto the Jews that dwelt among them,
2 Mac 12:9
He came upon the Jamnites also by night, and set fire on the
haven and the navy, so that the light of the fire was seen at
Jerusalem two hundred and forty furlongs off.
2 Mac 12:10
Now when they were gone from thence nine furlongs in their
journey toward Timotheus, no fewer than five thousand men on
foot and five hundred horsemen of the Arabians set upon him.
2 Mac 12:11
Whereupon there was a very sore battle; but Judas' side by
the help of God got the victory; so that the Nomades of Arabia,
being overcome, besought Judas for peace, promising both to give
him cattle, and to pleasure him otherwise.
2 Mac 12:12
Then Judas, thinking indeed that they would be profitable in
many things, granted them peace: whereupon they shook hands, and
so they departed to their tents.
2 Mac 12:13
He went also about to make a bridge to a certain strong city,
which was fenced about with walls, and inhabited by people of
divers countries; and the name of it was Caspis.
2 Mac 12:14
But they that were within it put such trust in the strength
of the walls and provision of victuals, that they behaved
themselves rudely toward them that were with Judas, railing and
blaspheming, and uttering such words as were not to be spoken.
2 Mac 12:15
Wherefore Judas with his company, calling upon the great Lord
of the world, who without rams or engines of war did cast down
Jericho in the time of Joshua, gave a fierce assault against the
walls,
2 Mac 12:16
And took the city by the will of God, and made unspeakable
slaughters, insomuch that a lake two furlongs broad near
adjoining thereunto, being filled full, was seen running with
blood.
2 Mac 12:17
Then departed they from thence seven hundred and fifty
furlongs, and came to Characa unto the Jews that are called
Tubieni.
2 Mac 12:18
But as for Timotheus, they found him not in the places: for
before he had dispatched any thing, he departed from thence,
having left a very strong garrison in a certain hold.
2 Mac 12:19
Howbeit Dositheus and Sosipater, who were of Maccabeus'
captains, went forth, and slew those that Timotheus had left in
the fortress, above ten thousand men.
2 Mac 12:20
And Maccabeus ranged his army by bands, and set them over the
bands, and went against Timotheus, who had about him an hundred
and twenty thousand men of foot, and two thousand and five
hundred horsemen.
2 Mac 12:21
Now when Timotheus had knowledge of Judas' coming, he sent
the women and children and the other baggage unto a fortress
called Carnion: for the town was hard to besiege, and uneasy to
come unto, by reason of the straitness of all the places.
2 Mac 12:22
But when Judas his first band came in sight, the enemies,
being smitten with fear and terror through the appearing of him
who seeth all things, fled amain, one running into this way,
another that way, so as that they were often hurt of their own
men, and wounded with the points of their own swords.
2 Mac 12:23
Judas also was very earnest in pursuing them, killing those
wicked wretches, of whom he slew about thirty thousand men.
2 Mac 12:24
Moreover Timotheus himself fell into the hands of Dositheus
and Sosipater, whom he besought with much craft to let him go
with his life, because he had many of the Jews' parents, and the
brethren of some of them, who, if they put him to death, should
not be regarded.
2 Mac 12:25
So when he had assured them with many words that he would
restore them without hurt, according to the agreement, they let
him go for the saving of their brethren.
2 Mac 12:26
Then Maccabeus marched forth to Carnion, and to the temple of
Atargatis, and there he slew five and twenty thousand persons.
2 Mac 12:27
And after he had put to flight and destroyed them, Judas
removed the host toward Ephron, a strong city, wherein Lysias
abode, and a great multitude of divers nations, and the strong
young men kept the walls, and defended them mightily: wherein
also was great provision of engines and darts.
2 Mac 12:28
But when Judas and his company had called upon Almighty God,
who with his power breaketh the strength of his enemies, they
won the city, and slew twenty and five thousand of them that
were within,
2 Mac 12:29
From thence they departed to Scythopolis, which lieth six
hundred furlongs from Jerusalem,
2 Mac 12:30
But when the Jews that dwelt there had testified that the
Scythopolitans dealt lovingly with them, and entreated them
kindly in the time of their adversity;
2 Mac 12:31
They gave them thanks, desiring them to be friendly still
unto them: and so they came to Jerusalem, the feast of the weeks
approaching.
2 Mac 12:32
And after the feast, called Pentecost, they went forth
against Gorgias the governor of Idumea,
2 Mac 12:33
Who came out with three thousand men of foot and four hundred
horsemen.
2 Mac 12:34
And it happened that in their fighting together a few of the
Jews were slain.
2 Mac 12:35
At which time Dositheus, one of Bacenor's company, who was on
horseback, and a strong man, was still upon Gorgias, and taking
hold of his coat drew him by force; and when he would have taken
that cursed man alive, a horseman of Thracia coming upon him
smote off his shoulder, so that Gorgias fled unto Marisa.
2 Mac 12:36
Now when they that were with Gorgias had fought long, and
were weary, Judas called upon the Lord, that he would shew
himself to be their helper and leader of the battle.
2 Mac 12:37
And with that he began in his own language, and sung psalms
with a loud voice, and rushing unawares upon Gorgias' men, he
put them to flight.
2 Mac 12:38
So Judas gathered his host, and came into the city of
Odollam, And when the seventh day came, they purified
themselves, as the custom was, and kept the sabbath in the same
place.
2 Mac 12:39
And upon the day following, as the use had been, Judas and
his company came to take up the bodies of them that were slain,
and to bury them with their kinsmen in their fathers' graves.
2 Mac 12:40
Now under the coats of every one that was slain they found
things consecrated to the idols of the Jamnites, which is
forbidden the Jews by the law. Then every man saw that this was
the cause wherefore they were slain.
2 Mac 12:41
All men therefore praising the Lord, the righteous Judge, who
had opened the things that were hid,
2 Mac 12:42
Betook themselves unto prayer, and besought him that the sin
committed might wholly be put out of remembrance. Besides, that
noble Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves from sin,
forsomuch as they saw before their eyes the things that came to
pass for the sins of those that were slain.
2 Mac 12:43
And when he had made a gathering throughout the company to
the sum of two thousand drachms of silver, he sent it to
Jerusalem to offer a sin offering, doing therein very well and
honestly, in that he was mindful of the resurrection:
2 Mac 12:44
For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should have
risen again, it had been superfluous and vain to pray for the
dead.
2 Mac 12:45
And also in that he perceived that there was great favour
laid up for those that died godly, it was an holy and good
thought. Whereupon he made a reconciliation for the dead, that
they might be delivered from sin.
2 Mac 13:1
In the hundred forty and ninth year it was told Judas, that
Antiochus Eupator was coming with a great power into Judea,
2 Mac 13:2
And with him Lysias his protector, and ruler of his affairs,
having either of them a Grecian power of footmen, an hundred and
ten thousand, and horsemen five thousand and three hundred, and
elephants two and twenty, and three hundred chariots armed with
hooks.
2 Mac 13:3
Menelaus also joined himself with them, and with great
dissimulation encouraged Antiochus, not for the safeguard of the
country, but because he thought to have been made governor.
2 Mac 13:4
But the King of kings moved Antiochus' mind against this
wicked wretch, and Lysias informed the king that this man was
the cause of all mischief, so that the king commanded to bring
him unto Berea, and to put him to death, as the manner is in
that place.
2 Mac 13:5
Now there was in that place a tower of fifty cubits high,
full of ashes, and it had a round instrument which on every side
hanged down into the ashes.
2 Mac 13:6
And whosoever was condemned of sacrilege, or had committed
any other grievous crime, there did all men thrust him unto
death.
2 Mac 13:7
Such a death it happened that wicked man to die, not having
so much as burial in the earth; and that most justly:
2 Mac 13:8
For inasmuch as he had committed many sins about the altar,
whose fire and ashes were holy, he received his death in ashes.
2 Mac 13:9
Now the king came with a barbarous and haughty mind to do far
worse to the Jews, than had been done in his father's time.
2 Mac 13:10
Which things when Judas perceived, he commanded the multitude
to call upon the Lord night and day, that if ever at any other
time, he would now also help them, being at the point to be put
from their law, from their country, and from the holy temple:
2 Mac 13:11
And that he would not suffer the people, that had even now
been but a little refreshed, to be in subjection to the
blasphemous nations.
2 Mac 13:12
So when they had all done this together, and besought the
merciful Lord with weeping and fasting, and lying flat upon the
ground three days long, Judas, having exhorted them, commanded
they should be in a readiness.
2 Mac 13:13
And Judas, being apart with the elders, determined, before
the king's host should enter into Judea, and get the city, to go
forth and try the matter in fight by the help of the Lord.
2 Mac 13:14
So when he had committed all to the Creator of the world, and
exhorted his soldiers to fight manfully, even unto death, for
the laws, the temple, the city, the country, and the
commonwealth, he camped by Modin:
2 Mac 13:15
And having given the watchword to them that were about him,
Victory is of God; with the most valiant and choice young men he
went in into the king's tent by night, and slew in the camp
about four thousand men, and the chiefest of the elephants, with
all that were upon him.
2 Mac 13:16
And at last they filled the camp with fear and tumult, and
departed with good success.
2 Mac 13:17
This was done in the break of the day, because the protection
of the Lord did help him.
2 Mac 13:18
Now when the king had taken a taste of the manliness of the
Jews, he went about to take the holds by policy,
2 Mac 13:19
And marched toward Bethsura, which was a strong hold of the
Jews: but he was put to flight, failed, and lost of his men:
2 Mac 13:20
For Judas had conveyed unto them that were in it such things
as were necessary.
2 Mac 13:21
But Rhodocus, who was in the Jews' host, disclosed the
secrets to the enemies; therefore he was sought out, and when
they had gotten him, they put him in prison.
2 Mac 13:22
The king treated with them in Bethsum the second time, gave
his hand, took their's, departed, fought with Judas, was
overcome;
2 Mac 13:23
Heard that Philip, who was left over the affairs in Antioch,
was desperately bent, confounded, intreated the Jews, submitted
himself, and sware to all equal conditions, agreed with them,
and offered sacrifice, honoured the temple, and dealt kindly
with the place,
2 Mac 13:24
And accepted well of Maccabeus, made him principal governor
from Ptolemais unto the Gerrhenians;
2 Mac 13:25
Came to Ptolemais: the people there were grieved for the
covenants; for they stormed, because they would make their
covenants void:
2 Mac 13:26
Lysias went up to the judgment seat, said as much as could be
in defence of the cause, persuaded, pacified, made them well
affected, returned to Antioch. Thus it went touching the king's
coming and departing.
2 Mac 14:1
After three years was Judas informed, that Demetrius the son
of Seleucus, having entered by the haven of Tripolis with a
great power and navy,
2 Mac 14:2
Had taken the country, and killed Antiochus, and Lysias his
protector.
2 Mac 14:3
Now one Alcimus, who had been high priest, and had defiled
himself wilfully in the times of their mingling with the
Gentiles, seeing that by no means he could save himself, nor
have any more access to the holy altar,
2 Mac 14:4
Came to king Demetrius in the hundred and one and fiftieth
year, presenting unto him a crown of gold, and a palm, and also
of the boughs which were used solemnly in the temple: and so
that day he held his peace.
2 Mac 14:5
Howbeit having gotten opportunity to further his foolish
enterprize, and being called into counsel by Demetrius, and
asked how the Jews stood affected, and what they intended, he
answered thereunto:
2 Mac 14:6
Those of the Jews that he called Assideans, whose captain is
Judas Maccabeus, nourish war and are seditious, and will not let
the rest be in peace.
2 Mac 14:7
Therefore I, being deprived of mine ancestors' honour, I mean
the high priesthood, am now come hither:
2 Mac 14:8
First, verily for the unfeigned care I have of things
pertaining to the king; and secondly, even for that I intend the
good of mine own countrymen: for all our nation is in no small
misery through the unadvised dealing of them aforersaid.
2 Mac 14:9
Wherefore, O king, seeing knowest all these things, be
careful for the country, and our nation, which is pressed on
every side, according to the clemency that thou readily shewest
unto all.
2 Mac 14:10
For as long as Judas liveth, it is not possible that the
state should be quiet.
2 Mac 14:11
This was no sooner spoken of him, but others of the king's
friends, being maliciously set against Judas, did more incense
Demetrius.
2 Mac 14:12
And forthwith calling Nicanor, who had been master of the
elephants, and making him governor over Judea, he sent him
forth,
2 Mac 14:13
Commanding him to slay Judas, and to scatter them that were
with him, and to make Alcimus high priest of the great temple.
2 Mac 14:14
Then the heathen, that had fled out of Judea from Judas, came
to Nicanor by flocks, thinking the harm and calamities of the
Jews to be their welfare.
2 Mac 14:15
Now when the Jews heard of Nicanor's coming, and that the
heathen were up against them, they cast earth upon their heads,
and made supplication to him that had established his people for
ever, and who always helpeth his portion with manifestation of
his presence.
2 Mac 14:16
So at the commandment of the captain they removed
straightways from thence, and came near unto them at the town of
Dessau.
2 Mac 14:17
Now Simon, Judas' brother, had joined battle with Nicanor,
but was somewhat discomfited through the sudden silence of his
enemies.
2 Mac 14:18
Nevertheless Nicanor, hearing of the manliness of them that
were with Judas, and the courageousness that they had to fight
for their country, durst not try the matter by the sword.
2 Mac 14:19
Wherefore he sent Posidonius, and Theodotus, and Mattathias,
to make peace.
2 Mac 14:20
So when they had taken long advisement thereupon, and the
captain had made the multitude acquainted therewith, and it
appeared that they were all of one mind, they consented to the
covenants,
2 Mac 14:21
And appointed a day to meet in together by themselves: and
when the day came, and stools were set for either of them,
2 Mac 14:22
Ludas placed armed men ready in convenient places, lest some
treachery should be suddenly practised by the enemies: so they
made a peaceable conference.
2 Mac 14:23
Now Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no hurt, but sent
away the people that came flocking unto him.
2 Mac 14:24
And he would not willingly have Judas out of his sight: for
he love the man from his heart
2 Mac 14:25
He prayed him also to take a wife, and to beget children: so
he married, was quiet, and took part of this life.
2 Mac 14:26
But Alcimus, perceiving the love that was betwixt them, and
considering the covenants that were made, came to Demetrius, and
told him that Nicanor was not well affected toward the state;
for that he had ordained Judas, a traitor to his realm, to be
the king's successor.
2 Mac 14:27
Then the king being in a rage, and provoked with the
accusations of the most wicked man, wrote to Nicanor, signifying
that he was much displeased with the covenants, and commanding
him that he should send Maccabeus prisoner in all haste unto
Antioch.
2 Mac 14:28
When this came to Nicanor's hearing, he was much confounded
in himself, and took it grievously that he should make void the
articles which were agreed upon, the man being in no fault.
2 Mac 14:29
But because there was no dealing against the king, he watched
his time to accomplish this thing by policy.
2 Mac 14:30
Notwithstanding, when Maccabeus saw that Nicanor began to be
churlish unto him, and that he entreated him more roughly than
he was wont, perceiving that such sour behaviour came not of
good, he gathered together not a few of his men, and withdrew
himself from Nicanor.
2 Mac 14:31
But the other, knowing that he was notably prevented by
Judas' policy, came into the great and holy temple, and
commanded the priests, that were offering their usual
sacrifices, to deliver him the man.
2 Mac 14:32
And when they sware that they could not tell where the man
was whom he sought,
2 Mac 14:33
He stretched out his right hand toward the temple, and made
an oath in this manner: If ye will not deliver me Judas as a
prisoner, I will lay this temple of God even with the ground,
and I will break down the altar, and erect a notable temple unto
Bacchus.
2 Mac 14:34
After these words he departed. Then the priests lifted up
their hands toward heaven, and besought him that was ever a
defender of their nation, saying in this manner;
2 Mac 14:35
Thou, O Lord of all things, who hast need of nothing, wast
pleased that the temple of thine habitation should be among us:
2 Mac 14:36
Therefore now, O holy Lord of all holiness, keep this house
ever undefiled, which lately was cleansed, and stop every
unrighteous mouth.
2 Mac 14:37
Now was there accused unto Nicanor one Razis, one of the
elders of Jerusalem, a lover of his countrymen, and a man of
very good report, who for his kindness was called a father of
the Jews.
2 Mac 14:38
For in the former times, when they mingled not themselves
with the Gentiles, he had been accused of Judaism, and did
boldly jeopard his body and life with all vehemency for the
religion of the Jews.
2 Mac 14:39
So Nicanor, willing to declare the hate that he bare unto the
Jews, sent above five hundred men of war to take him:
2 Mac 14:40
For he thought by taking him to do the Jews much hurt.
2 Mac 14:41
Now when the multitude would have taken the tower, and
violently broken into the outer door, and bade that fire should
be brought to burn it, he being ready to be taken on every side
fell upon his sword;
2 Mac 14:42
Choosing rather to die manfully, than to come into the hands
of the wicked, to be abused otherwise than beseemed his noble
birth:
2 Mac 14:43
But missing his stroke through haste, the multitude also
rushing within the doors, he ran boldly up to the wall, and cast
himself down manfully among the thickest of them.
2 Mac 14:44
But they quickly giving back, and a space being made, he fell
down into the midst of the void place.
2 Mac 14:45
Nevertheless, while there was yet breath within him, being
inflamed with anger, he rose up; and though his blood gushed out
like spouts of water, and his wounds were grievous, yet he ran
through the midst of the throng; and standing upon a steep rock,
2 Mac 14:46
When as his blood was now quite gone, he plucked out his
bowels, and taking them in both his hands, he cast them upon the
throng, and calling upon the Lord of life and spirit to restore
him those again, he thus died.
2 Mac 15:1
But Nicanor, hearing that Judas and his company were in the
strong places about Samaria, resolved without any danger to set
upon them on the sabbath day.
2 Mac 15:2
Nevertheless the Jews that were compelled to go with him
said, O destroy not so cruelly and barbarously, but give honour
to that day, which he, that seeth all things, hath honoured with
holiness above all other days.
2 Mac 15:3
Then the most ungracious wretch demanded, if there were a
Mighty one in heaven, that had commanded the sabbath day to be
kept.
2 Mac 15:4
And when they said, There is in heaven a living Lord, and
mighty, who commanded the seventh day to be kept:
2 Mac 15:5
Then said the other, And I also am mighty upon earth, and I
command to take arms, and to do the king's business. Yet he
obtained not to have his wicked will done.
2 Mac 15:6
So Nicanor in exceeding pride and haughtiness determined to
set up a publick monument of his victory over Judas and them
that were with him.
2 Mac 15:7
But Maccabeus had ever sure confidence that the Lord would
help him:
2 Mac 15:8
Wherefore he exhorted his people not to fear the coming of
the heathen against them, but to remember the help which in
former times they had received from heaven, and now to expect
the victory and aid, which should come unto them from the
Almighty.
2 Mac 15:9
And so comforting them out of the law and the prophets, and
withal putting them in mind of the battles that they won afore,
he made them more cheerful.
2 Mac 15:10
And when he had stirred up their minds, he gave them their
charge, shewing them therewithall the falsehood of the heathen,
and the breach of oaths.
2 Mac 15:11
Thus he armed every one of them, not so much with defence of
shields and spears, as with comfortable and good words: and
beside that, he told them a dream worthy to be believed, as if
it had been so indeed, which did not a little rejoice them.
2 Mac 15:12
And this was his vision: That Onias, who had been high
priest, a virtuous and a good man, reverend in conversation,
gentle in condition, well spoken also, and exercised from a
child in all points of virtue, holding up his hands prayed for
the whole body of the Jews.
2 Mac 15:13
This done, in like manner there appeared a man with gray
hairs, and exceeding glorious, who was of a wonderful and
excellent majesty.
2 Mac 15:14
Then Onias answered, saying, This is a lover of the brethren,
who prayeth much for the people, and for the holy city, to wit,
Jeremias the prophet of God.
2 Mac 15:15
Whereupon Jeremias holding forth his right hand gave to Judas
a sword of gold, and in giving it spake thus,
2 Mac 15:16
Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with the which thou
shalt wound the adversaries.
2 Mac 15:17
Thus being well comforted by the words of Judas, which were
very good, and able to stir them up to valour, and to encourage
the hearts of the young men, they determined not to pitch camp,
but courageously to set upon them, and manfully to try the
matter by conflict, because the city and the sanctuary and the
temple were in danger.
2 Mac 15:18
For the care that they took for their wives, and their
children, their brethren, and folks, was in least account with
them: but the greatest and principal fear was for the holy
temple.
2 Mac 15:19
Also they that were in the city took not the least care,
being troubled for the conflict abroad.
2 Mac 15:20
And now, when as all looked what should be the trial, and the
enemies were already come near, and the army was set in array,
and the beasts conveniently placed, and the horsemen set in
wings,
2 Mac 15:21
Maccabeus seeing the coming of the multitude, and the divers
preparations of armour, and the fierceness of the beasts,
stretched out his hands toward heaven, and called upon the Lord
that worketh wonders, knowing that victory cometh not by arms,
but even as it seemeth good to him, he giveth it to such as are
worthy:
2 Mac 15:22
Therefore in his prayer he said after this manner; O Lord,
thou didst send thine angel in the time of Ezekias king of
Judea, and didst slay in the host of Sennacherib an hundred
fourscore and five thousand:
2 Mac 15:23
Wherefore now also, O Lord of heaven, send a good angel
before us for a fear and dread unto them;
2 Mac 15:24
And through the might of thine arm let those be stricken with
terror, that come against thy holy people to blaspheme. And he
ended thus.
2 Mac 15:25
Then Nicanor and they that were with him came forward with
trumpets and songs.
2 Mac 15:26
But Judas and his company encountered the enemies with
invocation and prayer.
2 Mac 15:27
So that fighting with their hands, and praying unto God
with their hearts, they slew no less than thirty
and five thousand men: for through the appearance of God they
were greatly cheered.
2 Mac 15:28
Now when the battle was done, returning again with joy, they
knew that Nicanor lay dead in his harness.
2 Mac 15:29
Then they made a great shout and a noise, praising the
Almighty in their own language.
2 Mac 15:30
And Judas, who was ever the chief defender of the citizens
both in body and mind, and who continued his love toward his
countrymen all his life, commanded to strike off Nicanor's head,
and his hand with his shoulder, and bring them to Jerusalem.
2 Mac 15:31
So when he was there, and called them of his nation together,
and set the priests before the altar, he sent for them that were
of the tower,
2 Mac 15:32
And shewed them vile Nicanor's head, and the hand of that
blasphemer, which with proud brags he had stretched out against
the holy temple of the Almighty.
2 Mac 15:33
And when he had cut out the tongue of that ungodly Nicanor,
he commanded that they should give it by pieces unto the fowls,
and hang up the reward of his madness before the temple.
2 Mac 15:34
So every man praised toward the heaven the glorious Lord,
saying, Blessed be he that hath kept his own place undefiled.
2 Mac 15:35
He hanged also Nicanor's head upon the tower, an evident and
manifest sign unto all of the help of the Lord.
2 Mac 15:36
And they ordained all with a common decree in no case to let
that day pass without solemnity, but to celebrate the thirtieth
day of the twelfth month, which in the Syrian tongue is called
Adar, the day before Mardocheus' day.
2 Mac 15:37
Thus went it with Nicanor: and from that time forth the
Hebrews had the city in their power. And here will I make an
end.
2 Mac 15:38
And if I have done well, and as is fitting the story, it is
that which I desired: but if slenderly and meanly, it is that
which I could attain unto.
2 Mac 15:39
For as it is hurtful to drink wine or water alone; and as
wine mingled with water is pleasant, and delighteth the taste:
even so speech finely framed delighteth the ears of them that
read the story. And here shall be an end.
The Book of Tobit
Tob 1:1
The book of the words of Tobit, son of Tobiel, the son of
Ananiel, the son of Aduel, the son of Gabael, of the seed of
Asael, of the tribe of Nephthali;
Tob 1:2
Who in the time of Enemessar king of the Assyrians was led
captive out of Thisbe, which is at the right hand of that city,
which is called properly Nephthali in Galilee above Aser.
Tob 1:3
I Tobit have walked all the days of my life in the ways of
truth and justice, and I did many almsdeeds to my brethren, and
my nation, who came with me to Nineve, into the land of the
Assyrians.
Tob 1:4
And when I was in mine own country, in the land of Israel
being but young, all the tribe of Nephthali my father fell from
the house of Jerusalem, which was chosen out of all the tribes
of Israel, that all the tribes should sacrifice there, where the
temple of the habitation of the most High was consecrated and
built for all ages.
Tob 1:5
Now all the tribes which together revolted, and the house of
my father Nephthali, sacrificed unto the heifer Baal.
Tob 1:6
But I alone went often to Jerusalem at the feasts, as it was
ordained unto all the people of Israel by an everlasting decree,
having the firstfruits and tenths of increase, with that which
was first shorn; and them gave I at the altar to the priests the
children of Aaron.
Tob 1:7
The first tenth part of all increase I gave to the sons of
Aaron, who ministered at Jerusalem: another tenth part I sold
away, and went, and spent it every year at Jerusalem:
Tob 1:8
And the third I gave unto them to whom it was meet, as Debora
my father's mother had commanded me, because I was left an
orphan by my father.
Tob 1:9
Furthermore, when I was come to the age of a man, I married
Anna of mine own kindred, and of her I begat Tobias.
Tob 1:10
And when we were carried away captives to Nineve, all my
brethren and those that were of my kindred did eat of the bread
of the Gentiles.
Tob 1:11
But I kept myself from eating;
Tob 1:12
Because I remembered God with all my heart.
Tob 1:13
And the most High gave me grace and favour before Enemessar,
so that I was his purveyor.
Tob 1:14
And I went into Media, and left in trust with Gabael, the
brother of Gabrias, at Rages a city of Media ten talents of
silver.
Tob 1:15
Now when Enemessar was dead, Sennacherib his son reigned in
his stead; whose estate was troubled, that I could not go into
Media.
Tob 1:16
And in the time of Enemessar I gave many alms to my brethren,
and gave my bread to the hungry,
Tob 1:17
And my clothes to the naked: and if I saw any of my nation
dead, or cast about the walls of Nineve, I buried him.
Tob 1:18
And if the king Sennacherib had slain any, when he was come,
and fled from Judea, I buried them privily; for in his wrath he
killed many; but the bodies were not found, when they were
sought for of the king.
Tob 1:19
And when one of the Ninevites went and complained of me to
the king, that I buried them, and hid myself; understanding that
I was sought for to be put to death, I withdrew myself for fear.
Tob 1:20
Then all my goods were forcibly taken away, neither was there
any thing left me, beside my wife Anna and my son Tobias.
Tob 1:21
And there passed not five and fifty days, before two of his
sons killed him, and they fled into the mountains of Ararath;
and Sarchedonus his son reigned in his stead; who appointed over
his father's accounts, and over all his affairs, Achiacharus my
brother Anael's son.
Tob 1:22
And Achiacharus intreating for me, I returned to Nineve. Now
Achiacharus was cupbearer, and keeper of the signet, and
steward, and overseer of the accounts: and Sarchedonus appointed
him next unto him: and he was my brother's son.
Tob 2:1
Now when I was come home again, and my wife Anna was restored
unto me, with my son Tobias, in the feast of Pentecost, which is
the holy feast of the seven weeks, there was a good dinner
prepared me, in the which I sat down to eat.
Tob 2:2
And when I saw abundance of meat, I said to my son, Go and
bring what poor man soever thou shalt find out of our brethren,
who is mindful of the Lord; and, lo, I tarry for thee.
Tob 2:3
But he came again, and said, Father, one of our nation is
strangled, and is cast out in the marketplace.
Tob 2:4
Then before I had tasted of any meat, I started up, and took
him up into a room until the going down of the sun.
Tob 2:5
Then I returned, and washed myself, and ate my meat in
heaviness,
Tob 2:6
Remembering that prophecy of Amos, as he said, Your feasts
shall be turned into mourning, and all your mirth into
lamentation.
Tob 2:7
Therefore I wept: and after the going down of the sun I went
and made a grave, and buried him.
Tob 2:8
But my neighbours mocked me, and said, This man is not yet
afraid to be put to death for this matter: who fled away; and
yet, lo, he burieth the dead again.
Tob 2:9
The same night also I returned from the burial, and slept by
the wall of my courtyard, being polluted and my face was
uncovered:
Tob 2:10
And I knew not that there were sparrows in the wall, and mine
eyes being open, the sparrows muted warm dung into mine eyes,
and a whiteness came in mine eyes: and I went to the physicians,
but they helped me not: moreover Achiacharus did nourish me,
until I went into Elymais.
Tob 2:11
And my wife Anna did take women's works to do.
Tob 2:12
And when she had sent them home to the owners, they paid her
wages, and gave her also besides a kid.
Tob 2:13
And when it was in my house, and began to cry, I said unto
her, From whence is this kid? is it not stolen? render it to the
owners; for it is not lawful to eat any thing that is stolen.
Tob 2:14
But she replied upon me, It was given for a gift more than
the wages. Howbeit I did not believe her, but bade her render it
to the owners: and I was abashed at her. But she replied upon
me, Where are thine alms and thy righteous deeds? behold, thou
and all thy works are known.
Tob 3:1
Then I being grieved did weep, and in my sorrow prayed,
saying,
Tob 3:2
O Lord, thou art just, and all thy works and all thy ways are
mercy and truth, and thou judgest truly and justly for ever.
Tob 3:3
Remember me, and look on me, punish me not for my sins and
ignorances, and the sins of my fathers, who have sinned before
thee:
Tob 3:4
For they obeyed not thy commandments: wherefore thou hast
delivered us for a spoil, and unto captivity, and unto death,
and for a proverb of reproach to all the nations among whom we
are dispersed.
Tob 3:5
And now thy judgments are many and true: deal with me
according to my sins and my fathers': because we have not kept
thy commandments, neither have walked in truth before thee.
Tob 3:6
Now therefore deal with me as seemeth best unto thee, and
command my spirit to be taken from me, that I may be dissolved,
and become earth: for it is profitable for me to die rather than
to live, because I have heard false reproaches, and have much
sorrow: command therefore that I may now be delivered out of
this distress, and go into the everlasting place: turn not thy
face away from me.
Tob 3:7
It came to pass the same day, that in Ecbatane a city of
Media Sara the daughter of Raguel was also reproached by her
father's maids;
Tob 3:8
Because that she had been married to seven husbands, whom
Asmodeus the evil spirit had killed, before they had lain with
her. Dost thou not know, said they, that thou hast strangled
thine husbands? thou hast had already seven husbands, neither
wast thou named after any of them.
Tob 3:9
Wherefore dost thou beat us for them? if they be dead, go thy
ways after them, let us never see of thee either son or
daughter.
Tob 3:10
Whe she heard these things, she was very sorrowful, so that
she thought to have strangled herself; and she said, I am the
only daughter of my father, and if I do this, it shall be a
reproach unto him, and I shall bring his old age with sorrow
unto the grave.
Tob 3:11
Then she prayed toward the window, and said, Blessed art
thou, O Lord my God, and thine holy and glorious name is blessed
and honourable for ever: let all thy works praise thee for
ever.
Tob 3:12
And now, O Lord, I set I mine eyes and my face toward thee,
Tob 3:13
And say, Take me out of the earth, that I may hear no more
the reproach.
Tob 3:14
Thou knowest, Lord, that I am pure from all sin with man,
Tob 3:15
And that I never polluted my name, nor the name of my father,
in the land of my captivity: I am the only daughter of my
father, neither hath he any child to be his heir, neither any
near kinsman, nor any son of his alive, to whom I may keep
myself for a wife: my seven husbands are already dead; and why
should I live? but if it please not thee that I should die,
command some regard to be had of me, and pity taken of me, that
I hear no more reproach.
Tob 3:16
So the prayers of them both were heard before the majesty of
the great God.
Tob 3:17
And Raphael was sent to heal them both, that is, to scale
away the whiteness of Tobit's eyes, and to give Sara the
daughter of Raguel for a wife to Tobias the son of Tobit; and to
bind Asmodeus the evil spirit; because she belonged to Tobias by
right of inheritance. The selfsame time came Tobit home, and
entered into his house, and Sara the daughter of Raguel came
down from her upper chamber.
Tob 4:1
In that day Tobit remembered the money which he had committed
to Gabael in Rages of Media,
Tob 4:2
And said with himself, I have wished for death; wherefore do
I not call for my son Tobias that I may signify to him of the
money before I die?
Tob 4:3
And when he had called him, he said, My son, when I am dead,
bury me; and despise not thy mother, but honour her all the days
of thy life, and do that which shall please her, and grieve her
not.
Tob 4:4
Remember, my son, that she saw many dangers for thee, when
thou wast in her womb: and when she is dead, bury her by me in
one grave.
Tob 4:5
My son, be mindful of the Lord our God all thy days, and let
not thy will be set to sin, or to transgress his commandments:
do uprightly all thy life long, and follow not the ways of
unrighteousness.
Tob 4:6
For if thou deal truly, thy doings shall prosperously succeed
to thee, and to all them that live justly.
Tob 4:7
Give alms of thy substance; and when thou givest alms, let
not thine eye be envious, neither turn thy face from any poor,
and the face of God shall not be turned away from thee.
Tob 4:8
If thou hast abundance give alms accordingly: if thou have
but a little, be not afraid to give according to that little:
Tob 4:9
For thou layest up a good treasure for thyself against the
day of necessity.
Tob 4:10
Because that alms do deliver from death, and suffereth not to
come into darkness.
Tob 4:11
For alms is a good gift unto all that give it in the sight of
the most High.
Tob 4:12
Beware of all whoredom, my son, and chiefly take a wife of
the seed of thy fathers, and take not a strange woman to wife,
which is not of thy father's tribe: for we are the children of
the prophets, Noe, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: remember, my son,
that our fathers from the beginning, even that they all married
wives of their own kindred, and were blessed in their children,
and their seed shall inherit the land.
Tob 4:13
Now therefore, my son, love thy brethren, and despise not in
thy heart thy brethren, the sons and daughters of thy people, in
not taking a wife of them: for in pride is destruction and much
trouble, and in lewdness is decay and great want: for lewdness
is the mother of famine.
Tob 4:14
Let not the wages of any man, which hath wrought for thee,
tarry with thee, but give him it out of hand: for if thou serve
God, he will also repay thee: be circumspect my son, in all
things thou doest, and be wise in all thy conversation.
Tob 4:15
Do that to no man which thou hatest: drink not wine to make
thee drunken: neither let drunkenness go with thee in thy
journey.
Tob 4:16
Give of thy bread to the hungry, and of thy garments to them
that are naked; and according to thine abundance give alms: and
let not thine eye be envious, when thou givest alms.
Tob 4:17
Pour out thy bread on the burial of the just, but give
nothing to the wicked.
Tob 4:18
Ask counsel of all that are wise, and despise not any counsel
that is profitable.
Tob 4:19
Bless the Lord thy God alway, and desire of him that thy ways
may be directed, and that all thy paths and counsels may
prosper: for every nation hath not counsel; but the Lord himself
giveth all good things, and he humbleth whom he will, as he
will; now therefore, my son, remember my commandments, neither
let them be put out of thy mind.
Tob 4:20
And now I signify this to they that I committed ten talents
to Gabael the son of Gabrias at Rages in Media.
Tob 4:21
And fear not, my son, that we are made poor: for thou hast
much wealth, if thou fear God, and depart from all sin, and do
that which is pleasing in his sight.
Tob 5:1
Tobias then answered and said, Father, I will do all things
which thou hast commanded me:
Tob 5:2
But how can I receive the money, seeing I know him not?
Tob 5:3
Then he gave him the handwriting, and said unto him, Seek
thee a man which may go with thee, whiles I yet live, and I will
give him wages: and go and receive the money.
Tob 5:4
Therefore when he went to seek a man, he found Raphael that
was an angel.
Tob 5:5
But he knew not; and he said unto him, Canst thou go with me
to Rages? and knowest thou those places well?
Tob 5:6
To whom the angel said, I will go with thee, and I know the
way well: for I have lodged with our brother Gabael.
Tob 5:7
Then Tobias said unto him, Tarry for me, till I tell my
father.
Tob 5:8
Then he said unto him, Go and tarry not. So he went in and
said to his father, Behold, I have found one which will go with
me. Then he said, Call him unto me, that I may know of what
tribe he is, and whether he be a trusty man to go with thee.
Tob 5:9
So he called him, and he came in, and they saluted one
another.
Tob 5:10
Then Tobit said unto him, Brother, shew me of what tribe and
family thou art.
Tob 5:11
To whom he said, Dost thou seek for a tribe or family, or an
hired man to go with thy son? Then Tobit said unto him, I would
know, brother, thy kindred and name.
Tob 5:12
Then he said, I am Azarias, the son of Ananias the great, and
of thy brethren.
Tob 5:13
Then Tobit said, Thou art welcome, brother; be not now angry
with me, because I have enquired to know thy tribe and thy
family; for thou art my brother, of an honest and good stock:
for I know Ananias and Jonathas, sons of that great Samaias, as
we went together to Jerusalem to worship, and offered the
firstborn, and the tenths of the fruits; and they were not
seduced with the error of our brethren: my brother, thou art of
a good stock.
Tob 5:14
But tell me, what wages shall I give thee? wilt thou a drachm
a day, and things necessary, as to mine own son?
Tob 5:15
Yea, moreover, if ye return safe, I will add something to thy
wages.
Tob 5:16
So they were well pleased. Then said he to Tobias, Prepare
thyself for the journey, and God send you a good journey. And
when his son had prepared all things far the journey, his father
said, Go thou with this man, and God, which dwelleth in heaven,
prosper your journey, and the angel of God keep you company. So
they went forth both, and the young man's dog with them.
Tob 5:17
But Anna his mother wept, and said to Tobit, Why hast thou
sent away our son? is he not the staff of our hand, in going in
and out before us?
Tob 5:18
Be not greedy to add money to money: but let it be as refuse
in respect of our child.
Tob 5:19
For that which the Lord hath given us to live with doth
suffice us.
Tob 5:20
Then said Tobit to her, Take no care, my sister; he shall
return in safety, and thine eyes shall see him.
Tob 5:21
For the good angel will keep him company, and his journey
shall be prosperous, and he shall return safe.
Tob 5:22
Then she made an end of weeping.
Tob 6:1
And as they went on their journey, they came in the evening
to the river Tigris, and they lodged there.
Tob 6:2
And when the young man went down to wash himself, a fish
leaped out of the river, and would have devoured him.
Tob 6:3
Then the angel said unto him, Take the fish. And the young
man laid hold of the fish, and drew it to land.
Tob 6:4
To whom the angel said, Open the fish, and take the heart and
the liver and the gall, and put them up safely.
Tob 6:5
So the young man did as the angel commanded him; and when
they had roasted the fish, they did eat it: then they both went
on their way, till they drew near to Ecbatane.
Tob 6:6
Then the young man said to the angel, Brother Azarias, to
what use is the heart and the liver and the gal of the fish?
Tob 6:7
And he said unto him, Touching the heart and the liver, if a
devil or an evil spirit trouble any, we must make a smoke
thereof before the man or the woman, and the party shall be no
more vexed.
Tob 6:8
As for the gall, it is good to anoint a man that hath
whiteness in his eyes, and he shall be healed.
Tob 6:9
And when they were come near to Rages,
Tob 6:10
The angel said to the young man, Brother, to day we shall
lodge with Raguel, who is thy cousin; he also hath one only
daughter, named Sara; I will speak for her, that she may be
given thee for a wife.
Tob 6:11
For to thee doth the right of her appertain, seeing thou only
art of her kindred.
Tob 6:12
And the maid is fair and wise: now therefore hear me, and I
will speak to her father; and when we return from Rages we will
celebrate the marriage: for I know that Raguel cannot marry her
to another according to the law of Moses, but he shall be guilty
of death, because the right of inheritance doth rather appertain
to thee than to any other.
Tob 6:13
Then the young man answered the angel, I have heard, brother
Azarias that this maid hath been given to seven men, who all
died in the marriage chamber.
Tob 6:14
And now I am the only son of my father, and I am afraid, lest
if I go in unto her, I die, as the other before: for a wicked
spirit loveth her, which hurteth no body, but those which come
unto her; wherefore I also fear lest I die, and bring my
father's and my mother's life because of me to the grave with
sorrow: for they have no other son to bury them.
Tob 6:15
Then the angel said unto him, Dost thou not remember the
precepts which thy father gave thee, that thou shouldest marry a
wife of thine own kindred? wherefore hear me, O my brother; for
she shall be given thee to wife; and make thou no reckoning of
the evil spirit; for this same night shall she be given thee in
marriage.
Tob 6:16
And when thou shalt come into the marriage chamber, thou
shalt take the ashes of perfume, and shalt lay upon them some of
the heart and liver of the fish, and shalt make a smoke with it:
Tob 6:17
And the devil shall smell it, and flee away, and never come
again any more: but when thou shalt come to her, rise up both of
you, and pray to God which is merciful, who will have pity on
you, and save you: fear not, for she is appointed unto thee from
the beginning; and thou shalt preserve her, and she shall go
with thee. Moreover I suppose that she shall bear thee children.
Now when Tobias had heard these things, he loved her, and his
heart was effectually joined to her.
Tob 7:1
And when they were come to Ecbatane, they came to the house
of Raguel, and Sara met them: and after they had saluted one
another, she brought them into the house.
Tob 7:2
Then said Raguel to Edna his wife, How like is this young man
to Tobit my cousin!
Tob 7:3
And Raguel asked them, From whence are ye, brethren? To whom
they said, We are of the sons of Nephthalim, which are captives
in Nineve.
Tob 7:4
Then he said to them, Do ye know Tobit our kinsman? And they
said, We know him. Then said he, Is he in good health?
Tob 7:5
And they said, He is both alive, and in good health: and
Tobias said, He is my father.
Tob 7:6
Then Raguel leaped up, and kissed him, and wept,
Tob 7:7
And blessed him, and said unto him, Thou art the son of an
honest and good man. But when he had heard that Tobit was blind,
he was sorrowful, and wept.
Tob 7:8
And likewise Edna his wife and Sara his daughter wept.
Moreover they entertained them cheerfully; and after that they
had killed a ram of the flock, they set store of meat on the
table. Then said Tobias to Raphael, Brother Azarias, speak of
those things of which thou didst talk in the way, and let this
business be dispatched.
Tob 7:9
So he communicated the matter with Raguel: and Raguel said to
Tobias, Eat and drink, and make merry:
Tob 7:10
For it is meet that thou shouldest marry my daughter:
nevertheless I will declare unto thee the truth.
Tob 7:11
I have given my daughter in marriage to seven men, who died
that night they came in unto her: nevertheless for the present
be merry. But Tobias said, I will eat nothing here, till we
agree and swear one to another.
Tob 7:12
Raguel said, Then take her from henceforth according to the
manner, for thou art her cousin, and she is thine, and the
merciful God give you good success in all things.
Tob 7:13
Then he called his daughter Sara, and she came to her father,
and he took her by the hand, and gave her to be wife to Tobias,
saying, Behold, take her after the law of Moses, and lead her
away to thy father. And he blessed them;
Tob 7:14
And called Edna his wife, and took paper, and did write an
instrument of covenants, and sealed it.
Tob 7:15
Then they began to eat.
Tob 7:16
After Raguel called his wife Edna, and said unto her, Sister,
prepare another chamber, and bring her in thither.
Tob 7:17
Which when she had done as he had bidden her, she brought her
thither: and she wept, and she received the tears of her
daughter, and said unto her,
Tob 7:18
Be of good comfort, my daughter; the Lord of heaven and earth
give thee joy for this thy sorrow: be of good comfort, my
daughter.
Tob 8:1
And when they had supped, they brought Tobias in unto her.
Tob 8:2
And as he went, he remembered the words of Raphael, and took
the ashes of the perfumes, and put the heart and the liver of
the fish thereupon, and made a smoke therewith.
Tob 8:3
The which smell when the evil spirit had smelled, he fled
into the utmost parts of Egypt, and the angel bound him.
Tob 8:4
And after that they were both shut in together, Tobias rose
out of the bed, and said, Sister, arise, and let us pray that
God would have pity on us.
Tob 8:5
Then began Tobias to say, Blessed art thou, O God of our
fathers, and blessed is thy holy and glorious name for ever; let
the heavens bless thee, and all thy creatures.
Tob 8:6
Thou madest Adam, and gavest him Eve his wife for an helper
and stay: of them came mankind: thou hast said, It is not good
that man should be alone; let us make unto him an aid like unto
himself.
Tob 8:7
And now, O Lord, I take not this my sister for lush but
uprightly: therefore mercifully ordain that we may become aged
together.
Tob 8:8
And she said with him, Amen.
Tob 8:9
So they slept both that night. And Raguel arose, and went and
made a grave,
Tob 8:10
Saying, I fear lest he also be dead.
Tob 8:11
But when Raguel was come into his house,
Tob 8:12
He said unto his wife Edna. Send one of the maids, and let
her see whether he be alive: if he be not, that we may bury him,
and no man know it.
Tob 8:13
So the maid opened the door, and went in, and found them both
asleep,
Tob 8:14
And came forth, and told them that he was alive.
Tob 8:15
Then Raguel praised God, and said, O God, thou art worthy to
be praised with all pure and holy praise; therefore let thy
saints praise thee with all thy creatures; and let all thine
angels and thine elect praise thee for ever.
Tob 8:16
Thou art to be praised, for thou hast made me joyful; and
that is not come to me which I suspected; but thou hast dealt
with us according to thy great mercy.
Tob 8:17
Thou art to be praised because thou hast had mercy of two
that were the only begotten children of their fathers: grant
them mercy, O Lord, and finish their life in health with joy and
mercy.
Tob 8:18
Then Raguel bade his servants to fill the grave.
Tob 8:19
And he kept the wedding feast fourteen days.
Tob 8:20
For before the days of the marriage were finished, Raguel had
said unto him by an oath, that he should not depart till the
fourteen days of the marriage were expired;
Tob 8:21
And then he should take the half of his goods, and go in
safety to his father; and should have the rest when I and my
wife be dead.
Tob 9:1
Then Tobias called Raphael, and said unto him,
Tob 9:2
Brother Azarias, take with thee a servant, and two camels,
and go to Rages of Media to Gabael, and bring me the money, and
bring him to the wedding.
Tob 9:3
For Raguel hath sworn that I shall not depart.
Tob 9:4
But my father counteth the days; and if I tarry long, he will
be very sorry.
Tob 9:5
So Raphael went out, and lodged with Gabael, and gave him the
handwriting: who brought forth bags which were sealed up, and
gave them to him.
Tob 9:6
And early in the morning they went forth both together, and
came to the wedding: and Tobias blessed his wife.
Tob 10:1
Now Tobit his father counted every day: and when the days of
the journey were expired, and they came not,
Tob 10:2
Then Tobit said, Are they detained? or is Gabael dead, and
there is no man to give him the money?
Tob 10:3
Therefore he was very sorry.
Tob 10:4
Then his wife said unto him, My son is dead, seeing he
stayeth long; and she began to wail him, and said,
Tob 10:5
Now I care for nothing, my son, since I have let thee go, the
light of mine eyes.
Tob 10:6
To whom Tobit said, Hold thy peace, take no care, for he is
safe.
Tob 10:7
But she said, Hold thy peace, and deceive me not; my son is
dead. And she went out every day into the way which they went,
and did eat no meat on the daytime, and ceased not whole nights
to bewail her son Tobias, until the fourteen days of the wedding
were expired, which Raguel had sworn that he should spend there.
Then Tobias said to Raguel, Let me go, for my father and my
mother look no more to see me.
Tob 10:8
But his father in law said unto him, Tarry with me, and I
will send to thy father, and they shall declare unto him how
things go with thee.
Tob 10:9
But Tobias said, No; but let me go to my father.
Tob 10:10
Then Raguel arose, and gave him Sara his wife, and half his
goods, servants, and cattle, and money:
Tob 10:11
And he blessed them, and sent them away, saying, The God of
heaven give you a prosperous journey, my children.
Tob 10:12
And he said to his daughter, Honour thy father and thy mother
in law, which are now thy parents, that I may hear good report
of thee. And he kissed her. Edna also said to Tobias, The Lord
of heaven restore thee, my dear brother, and grant that I may
see thy children of my daughter Sara before I die, that I may
rejoice before the Lord: behold, I commit my daughter unto thee
of special trust; where are do not entreat her evil.
Tob 11:1
After these things Tobias went his way, praising God that he
had given him a prosperous journey, and blessed Raguel and Edna
his wife, and went on his way till they drew near unto Nineve.
Tob 11:2
Then Raphael said to Tobias, Thou knowest, brother, how thou
didst leave thy father:
Tob 11:3
Let us haste before thy wife, and prepare the house.
Tob 11:4
And take in thine hand the gall of the fish. So they went
their way, and the dog went after them.
Tob 11:5
Now Anna sat looking about toward the way for her son.
Tob 11:6
And when she espied him coming, she said to his father,
Behold, thy son cometh, and the man that went with him.
Tob 11:7
Then said Raphael, I know, Tobias, that thy father will open
his eyes.
Tob 11:8
Therefore anoint thou his eyes with the gall, and being
pricked therewith, he shall rub, and the whiteness shall fall
away, and he shall see thee.
Tob 11:9
Then Anna ran forth, and fell upon the neck of her son, and
said unto him, Seeing I have seen thee, my son, from henceforth
I am content to die. And they wept both.
Tob 11:10
Tobit also went forth toward the door, and stumbled: but his
son ran unto him,
Tob 11:11
And took hold of his father: and he strake of the gall on his
fathers' eyes, saying, Be of good hope, my father.
Tob 11:12
And when his eyes began to smart, he rubbed them;
Tob 11:13
And the whiteness pilled away from the corners of his eyes:
and when he saw his son, he fell upon his neck.
Tob 11:14
And he wept, and said, Blessed art thou, O God, and blessed
is thy name for ever; and blessed are all thine holy angels:
Tob 11:15
For thou hast scourged, and hast taken pity on me: for,
behold, I see my son Tobias. And his son went in rejoicing, and
told his father the great things that had happened to him in
Media.
Tob 11:16
Then Tobit went out to meet his daughter in law at the gate
of Nineve, rejoicing and praising God: and they which saw him go
marvelled, because he had received his sight.
Tob 11:17
But Tobias gave thanks before them, because God had mercy on
him. And when he came near to Sara his daughter in law, he
blessed her, saying, Thou art welcome, daughter: God be blessed,
which hath brought thee unto us, and blessed be thy father and
thy mother. And there was joy among all his brethren which were
at Nineve.
Tob 11:18
And Achiacharus, and Nasbas his brother's son, came:
Tob 11:19
And Tobias' wedding was kept seven days with great joy.
Tob 12:1
Then Tobit called his son Tobias, and said unto him, My son,
see that the man have his wages, which went with thee, and thou
must give him more.
Tob 12:2
And Tobias said unto him, O father, it is no harm to me to
give him half of those things which I have brought:
Tob 12:3
For he hath brought me again to thee in safety, and made
whole my wife, and brought me the money, and likewise healed
thee.
Tob 12:4
Then the old man said, It is due unto him.
Tob 12:5
So he called the angel, and he said unto him, Take half of
all that ye have brought and go away in safety.
Tob 12:6
Then he took them both apart, and said unto them, Bless God,
praise him, and magnify him, and praise him for the things which
he hath done unto you in the sight of all that live. It is good
to praise God, and exalt his name, and honourably to shew forth
the works of God; therefore be not slack to praise him.
Tob 12:7
It is good to keep close the secret of a king, but it is
honourable to reveal the works of God. Do that which is good,
and no evil shall touch you.
Tob 12:8
Prayer is good with fasting and alms and righteousness. A
little with righteousness is better than much with
unrighteousness. It is better to give alms than to lay up gold:
Tob 12:9
For alms doth deliver from death, and shall purge away all
sin. Those that exercise alms and righteousness shall be filled
with life:
Tob 12:10
But they that sin are enemies to their own life.
Tob 12:11
Surely I will keep close nothing from you. For I said, It was
good to keep close the secret of a king, but that it was
honourable to reveal the works of God.
Tob 12:12
Now therefore, when thou didst pray, and Sara thy daughter in
law, I did bring the remembrance of your prayers before the Holy
One: and when thou didst bury the dead, I was with thee
likewise.
Tob 12:13
And when thou didst not delay to rise up, and leave thy
dinner, to go and cover the dead, thy good deed was not hid from
me: but I was with thee.
Tob 12:14
And now God hath sent me to heal thee and Sara thy daughter
in law.
Tob 12:15
I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels, which present the
prayers of the saints, and which go in and out before the glory
of the Holy One.
Tob 12:16
Then they were both troubled, and fell upon their faces: for
they feared.
Tob 12:17
But he said unto them, Fear not, for it shall go well with
you; praise God therefore.
Tob 12:18
For not of any favour of mine, but by the will of our God I
came; wherefore praise him for ever.
Tob 12:19
All these days I did appear unto you; but I did neither eat
nor drink, but ye did see a vision.
Tob 12:20
Now therefore give God thanks: for I go up to him that sent
me; but write all things which are done in a book.
Tob 12:21
And when they arose, they saw him no more.
Tob 12:22
Then they confessed the great and wonderful works of God, and
how the angel of the Lord had appeared unto them.
Tob 13:1
Then Tobit wrote a prayer of rejoicing, and said, Blessed be
God that liveth for ever, and blessed be his kingdom.
Tob 13:2
For he doth scourge, and hath mercy: he leadeth down to hell,
and bringeth up again: neither is there any that can avoid his
hand.
Tob 13:3
Confess him before the Gentiles, ye children of Israel: for
he hath scattered us among them.
Tob 13:4
There declare his greatness, and extol him before all the
living: for he is our Lord, and he is the God our Father for
ever.
Tob 13:5
And he will scourge us for our iniquities, and will have
mercy again, and will gather us out of all nations, among whom
he hath scattered us.
Tob 13:6
If ye turn to him with your whole heart, and with your whole
mind, and deal uprightly before him, then will he turn unto you,
and will not hide his face from you. Therefore see what he will
do with you, and confess him with your whole mouth, and praise
the Lord of might, and extol the everlasting King. In the land
of my captivity do I praise him, and declare his might and
majesty to a sinful nation. O ye sinners, turn and do justice
before him: who can tell if he will accept you, and have mercy
on you?
Tob 13:7
I will extol my God, and my soul shall praise the King of
heaven, and shall rejoice in his greatness.
Tob 13:8
Let all men speak, and let all praise him for his
righteousness.
Tob 13:9
O Jerusalem, the holy city, he will scourge thee for thy
children's works, and will have mercy again on the sons of the
righteous.
Tob 13:10
Give praise to the Lord, for he is good: and praise the
everlasting King, that his tabernacle may be builded in thee
again with joy, and let him make joyful there in thee those that
are captives, and love in thee for ever those that are
miserable.
Tob 13:11
Many nations shall come from far to the name of the Lord God
with gifts in their hands, even gifts to the King of heaven; all
generations shall praise thee with great joy.
Tob 13:12
Cursed are all they which hate thee, and blessed shall all be
which love thee for ever.
Tob 13:13
Rejoice and be glad for the children of the just: for they
shall be gathered together, and shall bless the Lord of the
just.
Tob 13:14
O blessed are they which love thee, for they shall rejoice in
thy peace: blessed are they which have been sorrowful for all
thy scourges; for they shall rejoice for thee, when they have
seen all thy glory, and shall be glad for ever.
Tob 13:15
Let my soul bless God the great King.
Tob 13:16
For Jerusalem shall be built up with sapphires and emeralds,
and precious stone: thy walls and towers and battlements with
pure gold.
Tob 13:17
And the streets of Jerusalem shall be paved with beryl and
carbuncle and stones of Ophir.
Tob 13:18
And all her streets shall say, Alleluia; and they shall
praise him, saying, Blessed be God, which hath extolled it for
ever.
Tob 14:1
So Tobit made an end of praising God.
Tob 14:2
And he was eight and fifty years old when he lost his sight,
which was restored to him after eight years: and he gave alms,
and he increased in the fear of the Lord God, and praised him.
Tob 14:3
And when he was very aged he called his son, and the sons of
his son, and said to him, My son, take thy children; for,
behold, I am aged, and am ready to depart out of this life.
Tob 14:4
Go into Media my son, for I surely believe those things which
Jonas the prophet spake of Nineve, that it shall be overthrown;
and that for a time peace shall rather be in Media; and that our
brethren shall lie scattered in the earth from that good land:
and Jerusalem shall be desolate, and the house of God in it
shall be burned, and shall be desolate for a time;
Tob 14:5
And that again God will have mercy on them, and bring them
again into the land, where they shall build a temple, but not
like to the first, until the time of that age be fulfilled; and
afterward they shall return from all places of their captivity,
and build up Jerusalem gloriously, and the house of God shall be
built in it for ever with a glorious building, as the prophets
have spoken thereof.
Tob 14:6
And all nations shall turn, and fear the Lord God truly, and
shall bury their idols.
Tob 14:7
So shall all nations praise the Lord, and his people shall
confess God, and the Lord shall exalt his people; and all those
which love the Lord God in truth and justice shall rejoice,
shewing mercy to our brethren.
Tob 14:8
And now, my son, depart out of Nineve, because that those
things which the prophet Jonas spake shall surely come to pass.
Tob 14:9
But keep thou the law and the commandments, and shew thyself
merciful and just, that it may go well with thee.
Tob 14:10
And bury me decently, and thy mother with me; but tarry no
longer at Nineve. Remember, my son, how Aman handled Achiacharus
that brought him up, how out of light he brought him into
darkness, and how he rewarded him again: yet Achiacharus was
saved, but the other had his reward: for he went down into
darkness. Manasses gave alms, and escaped the snares of death
which they had set for him: but Aman fell into the snare, and
perished.
Tob 14:11
Wherefore now, my son, consider what alms doeth, and how
righteousness doth deliver. When he had said these things, he
gave up the ghost in the bed, being an hundred and eight and
fifty years old; and he buried him honourably.
Tob 14:12
And when Anna his mother was dead, he buried her with his
father. But Tobias departed with his wife and children to
Ecbatane to Raguel his father in law,
Tob 14:13
Where he became old with honour, and he buried his father and
mother in law honourably, and he inherited their substance, and
his father Tobit's.
Tob 14:14
And he died at Ecbatane in Media, being an hundred and seven
and twenty years old.
Tob 14:15
But before he died he heard of the destruction of Nineve,
which was taken by Nabuchodonosor and Assuerus: and before his
death he rejoiced over Nineve.
The Book of Judith
Jdt 1:1
In the twelfth year of the reign of Nabuchodonosor, who
reigned in Nineve, the great city; in the days of Arphaxad,
which reigned over the Medes in Ecbatane,
Jdt 1:2
And built in Ecbatane walls round about of stones hewn three
cubits broad and six cubits long, and made the height of the
wall seventy cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits:
Jdt 1:3
And set the towers thereof upon the gates of it an hundred
cubits high, and the breadth thereof in the foundation
threescore cubits:
Jdt 1:4
And he made the gates thereof, even gates that were raised to
the height of seventy cubits, and the breadth of them was forty
cubits, for the going forth of his mighty armies, and for the
setting in array of his footmen:
Jdt 1:5
Even in those days king Nabuchodonosor made war with king
Arphaxad in the great plain, which is the plain in the borders
of Ragau.
Jdt 1:6
And there came unto him all they that dwelt in the hill
country, and all that dwelt by Euphrates, and Tigris and
Hydaspes, and the plain of Arioch the king of the Elymeans, and
very many nations of the sons of Chelod, assembled themselves to
the battle.
Jdt 1:7
Then Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians sent unto all that
dwelt in Persia, and to all that dwelt westward, and to those
that dwelt in Cilicia, and Damascus, and Libanus, and
Antilibanus, and to all that dwelt upon the sea coast,
Jdt 1:8
And to those among the nations that were of Carmel, and
Galaad, and the higher Galilee, and the great plain of Esdrelom,
Jdt 1:9
And to all that were in Samaria and the cities thereof, and
beyond Jordan unto Jerusalem, and Betane, and Chelus, and Kades,
and the river of Egypt, and Taphnes, and Ramesse, and all the
land of Gesem,
Jdt 1:10
Until ye come beyond Tanis and Memphis, and to all the
inhabitants of Egypt, until ye come to the borders of Ethiopia.
Jdt 1:11
But all the inhabitants of the land made light of the
commandment of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians, neither
went they with him to the battle; for they were not afraid of
him: yea, he was before them as one man, and they sent away his
ambassadors from them without effect, and with disgrace.
Jdt 1:12
Therefore Nabuchodonosor was very angry with all this
country, and sware by his throne and kingdom, that he would
surely be avenged upon all those coasts of Cilicia, and
Damascus, and Syria, and that he would slay with the sword all
the inhabitants of the land of Moab, and the children of Ammon,
and all Judea, and all that were in Egypt, till ye come to the
borders of the two seas.
Jdt 1:13
Then he marched in battle array with his power against king
Arphaxad in the seventeenth year, and he prevailed in his
battle: for he overthrew all the power of Arphaxad, and all his
horsemen, and all his chariots,
Jdt 1:14
And became lord of his cities, and came unto Ecbatane, and
took the towers, and spoiled the streets thereof, and turned the
beauty thereof into shame.
Jdt 1:15
He took also Arphaxad in the mountains of Ragau, and smote
him through with his darts, and destroyed him utterly that day.
Jdt 1:16
So he returned afterward to Nineve, both he and all his
company of sundry nations being a very great multitude of men of
war, and there he took his ease, and banqueted, both he and his
army, an hundred and twenty days.
Jdt 2:1
And in the eighteenth year, the two and twentieth day of the
first month, there was talk in the house of Nabuchodonosor king
of the Assyrians that he should, as he said, avenge himself on
all the earth.
Jdt 2:2
So he called unto him all his officers, and all his nobles,
and communicated with them his secret counsel, and concluded the
afflicting of the whole earth out of his own mouth.
Jdt 2:3
Then they decreed to destroy all flesh, that did not obey the
commandment of his mouth.
Jdt 2:4
And when he had ended his counsel, Nabuchodonosor king of the
Assyrians called Holofernes the chief captain of his army, which
was next unto him, and said unto him.
Jdt 2:5
Thus saith the great king, the lord of the whole earth,
Behold, thou shalt go forth from my presence, and take with thee
men that trust in their own strength, of footmen an hundred and
twenty thousand; and the number of horses with their riders
twelve thousand.
Jdt 2:6
And thou shalt go against all the west country, because they
disobeyed my commandment.
Jdt 2:7
And thou shalt declare unto that they prepare for me earth
and water: for I will go forth in my wrath against them and will
cover the whole face of the earth with the feet of mine army,
and I will give them for a spoil unto them:
Jdt 2:8
So that their slain shall fill their valleys and brooks and
the river shall be filled with their dead, till it overflow:
Jdt 2:9
And I will lead them captives to the utmost parts of all the
earth.
Jdt 2:10
Thou therefore shalt go forth, and take beforehand for me all
their coasts: and if they will yield themselves unto thee, thou
shalt reserve them for me till the day of their punishment.
Jdt 2:11
But concerning them that rebel, let not thine eye spare them;
but put them to the slaughter, and spoil them wheresoever thou
goest.
Jdt 2:12
For as I live, and by the power of my kingdom, whatsoever I
have spoken, that will I do by mine hand.
Jdt 2:13
And take thou heed that thou transgress none of the
commandments of thy lord, but accomplish them fully, as I have
commanded thee, and defer not to do them.
Jdt 2:14
Then Holofernes went forth from the presence of his lord, and
called ail the governors and captains, and the officers of the
army of Assur;
Jdt 2:15
And he mustered the chosen men for the battle, as his lord
had commanded him, unto an hundred and twenty thousand, and
twelve thousand archers on horseback;
Jdt 2:16
And he ranged them, as a great army is ordered for the war.
Jdt 2:17
And he took camels and asses for their carriages, a very
great number; and sheep and oxen and goats without number for
their provision:
Jdt 2:18
And plenty of victual for every man of the army, and very
much gold and silver out of the king's house.
Jdt 2:19
Then he went forth and all his power to go before king
Nabuchodonosor in the voyage, and to cover all the face of the
earth westward with their chariots, and horsemen, and their
chosen footmen.
Jdt 2:20
A great number also sundry countries came with them like
locusts, and like the sand of the earth: for the multitude was
without number.
Jdt 2:21
And they went forth of Nineve three days' journey toward the
plain of Bectileth, and pitched from Bectileth near the mountain
which is at the left hand of the upper Cilicia.
Jdt 2:22
Then he took all his army, his footmen, and horsemen and
chariots, and went from thence into the hill country;
Jdt 2:23
And destroyed Phud and Lud, and spoiled all the children of
Rasses, and the children of Israel, which were toward the
wilderness at the south of the land of the Chellians.
Jdt 2:24
Then he went over Euphrates, and went through Mesopotamia,
and destroyed all the high cities that were upon the river
Arbonai, till ye come to the sea.
Jdt 2:25
And he took the borders of Cilicia, and killed all that
resisted him, and came to the borders of Japheth, which were
toward the south, over against Arabia.
Jdt 2:26
He compassed also all the children of Madian, and burned up
their tabernacles, and spoiled their sheepcotes.
Jdt 2:27
Then he went down into the plain of Damascus in the time of
wheat harvest, and burnt up all their fields, and destroyed
their flocks and herds, also he spoiled their cities, and
utterly wasted their countries, and smote all their young men
with the edge of the sword.
Jdt 2:28
Therefore the fear and dread of him fell upon all the
inhabitants of the sea coasts, which were in Sidon and Tyrus,
and them that dwelt in Sur and Ocina, and all that dwelt in
Jemnaan; and they that dwelt in Azotus and Ascalon feared him
greatly.
Jdt 3:1
So they sent ambassadors unto him to treat of peace, saying,
Jdt 3:2
Behold, we the servants of Nabuchodonosor the great king lie
before thee; use us as shall be good in thy sight.
Jdt 3:3
Behold, our houses, and all our places, and all our fields of
wheat, and flocks, and herds, and all the lodges of our tents
lie before thy face; use them as it pleaseth thee.
Jdt 3:4
Behold, even our cities and the inhabitants thereof are thy
servants; come and deal with them as seemeth good unto thee.
Jdt 3:5
So the men came to Holofernes, and declared unto him after
this manner.
Jdt 3:6
Then came he down toward the sea coast, both he and his army,
and set garrisons in the high cities, and took out of them
chosen men for aid.
Jdt 3:7
So they and all the country round about received them with
garlands, with dances, and with timbrels.
Jdt 3:8
Yet he did cast down their frontiers, and cut down their
groves: for he had decreed to destroy all the gods of the land,
that all nations should worship Nabuchodonosor only, and that
all tongues and tribes should call upon him as god.
Jdt 3:9
Also he came over against Esdraelon near unto Judea, over
against the great strait of Judea.
Jdt 3:10
And he pitched between Geba and Scythopolis, and there he
tarried a whole month, that he might gather together all the
carriages of his army.
Jdt 4:1
Now the children of Israel, that dwelt in Judea, heard all
that Holofernes the chief captain of Nabuchodonosor king of the
Assyrians had done to the nations, and after what manner he had
spoiled all their temples, and brought them to nought.
Jdt 4:2
Therefore they were exceedingly afraid of him, and were
troubled for Jerusalem, and for the temple of the Lord their God:
Jdt 4:3
For they were newly returned from the captivity, and all the
people of Judea were lately gathered together: and the vessels,
and the altar, and the house, were sanctified after the
profanation.
Jdt 4:4
Therefore they sent into all the coasts of Samaria, and the
villages and to Bethoron, and Belmen, and Jericho, and to Choba,
and Esora, and to the valley of Salem:
Jdt 4:5
And possessed themselves beforehand of all the tops of the
high mountains, and fortified the villages that were in them,
and laid up victuals for the provision of war: for their fields
were of late reaped.
Jdt 4:6
Also Joacim the high priest, which was in those days in
Jerusalem, wrote to them that dwelt in Bethulia, and
Betomestham, which is over against Esdraelon toward the open
country, near to Dothaim,
Jdt 4:7
Charging them to keep the passages of the hill country: for
by them there was an entrance into Judea, and it was easy to
stop them that would come up, because the passage was straight,
for two men at the most.
Jdt 4:8
And the children of Israel did as Joacim the high priest had
commanded them, with the ancients of all the people of Israel,
which dwelt at Jerusalem.
Jdt 4:9
Then every man of Israel cried to God with great fervency,
and with great vehemency did they humble their souls:
Jdt 4:10
Both they, and their wives and their children, and their
cattle, and every stranger and hireling, and their servants
bought with money, put sackcloth upon their loins.
Jdt 4:11
Thus every man and women, and the little children, and the
inhabitants of Jerusalem, fell before the temple, and cast ashes
upon their heads, and spread out their sackcloth before the face
of the Lord: also they put sackcloth about the altar,
Jdt 4:12
And cried to the God of Israel all with one consent
earnestly, that he would not give their children for a prey, and
their wives for a spoil, and the cities of their inheritance to
destruction, and the sanctuary to profanation and reproach, and
for the nations to rejoice at.
Jdt 4:13
So God heard their prayers, and looked upon their
afflictions: for the people fasted many days in all Judea and
Jerusalem before the sanctuary of the Lord Almighty.
Jdt 4:14
And Joacim the high priest, and all the priests that stood
before the Lord, and they which ministered unto the Lord, had
their loins girt with sackcloth, and offered the daily burnt
offerings, with the vows and free gifts of the people,
Jdt 4:15
And had ashes on their mitres, and cried unto the Lord with
all their power, that he would look upon all the house of Israel
graciously.
Jdt 5:1
Then was it declared to Holofernes, the chief captain of the
army of Assur, that the children of Israel had prepared for war,
and had shut up the passages of the hill country, and had
fortified all the tops of the high hills and had laid
impediments in the champaign countries:
Jdt 5:2
Wherewith he was very angry, and called all the princes of
Moab, and the captains of Ammon, and all the governors of the
sea coast,
Jdt 5:3
And he said unto them, Tell me now, ye sons of Chanaan, who
this people is, that dwelleth in the hill country, and what are
the cities that they inhabit, and what is the multitude of their
army, and wherein is their power and strength, and what king is
set over them, or captain of their army;
Jdt 5:4
And why have they determined not to come and meet me, more
than all the inhabitants of the west.
Jdt 5:5
Then said Achior, the captain of all the sons of Ammon, Let
my lord now hear a word from the mouth of thy servant, and I
will declare unto thee the truth concerning this people, which
dwelleth near thee, and inhabiteth the hill countries: and there
shall no lie come out of the mouth of thy servant.
Jdt 5:6
This people are descended of the Chaldeans:
Jdt 5:7
And they sojourned heretofore in Mesopotamia, because they
would not follow the gods of their fathers, which were in the
land of Chaldea.
Jdt 5:8
For they left the way of their ancestors, and worshipped the
God of heaven, the God whom they knew: so they cast them out
from the face of their gods, and they fled into Mesopotamia, and
sojourned there many days.
Jdt 5:9
Then their God commanded them to depart from the place where
they sojourned, and to go into the land of Chanaan: where they
dwelt, and were increased with gold and silver, and with very
much cattle.
Jdt 5:10
But when a famine covered all the land of Chanaan, they went
down into Egypt, and sojourned there, while they were nourished,
and became there a great multitude, so that one could not number
their nation.
Jdt 5:11
Therefore the king of Egypt rose up against them, and dealt
subtilly with them, and brought them low with labouring in
brick, and made them slaves.
Jdt 5:12
Then they cried unto their God, and he smote all the land of
Egypt with incurable plagues: so the Egyptians cast them out of
their sight.
Jdt 5:13
And God dried the Red sea before them,
Jdt 5:14
And brought them to mount Sina, and Cades-Barne, and cast
forth all that dwelt in the wilderness.
Jdt 5:15
So they dwelt in the land of the Amorites, and they destroyed
by their strength all them of Esebon, and passing over Jordan
they possessed all the hill country.
Jdt 5:16
And they cast forth before them the Chanaanite, the
Pherezite, the Jebusite, and the Sychemite, and all the
Gergesites, and they dwelt in that country many days.
Jdt 5:17
And whilst they sinned not before their God, they prospered,
because the God that hateth iniquity was with them.
Jdt 5:18
But when they departed from the way which he appointed them,
they were destroyed in many battles very sore, and were led
captives into a land that was not their's, and the temple of
their God was cast to the ground, and their cities were taken by
the enemies.
Jdt 5:19
But now are they returned to their God, and are come up from
the places where they were scattered, and have possessed
Jerusalem, where their sanctuary is, and are seated in the hill
country; for it was desolate.
Jdt 5:20
Now therefore, my lord and governor, if there be any error
against this people, and they sin against their God, let us
consider that this shall be their ruin, and let us go up, and we
shall overcome them.
Jdt 5:21
But if there be no iniquity in their nation, let my lord now
pass by, lest their Lord defend them, and their God be for them,
and we become a reproach before all the world.
Jdt 5:22
And when Achior had finished these sayings, all the people
standing round about the tent murmured, and the chief men of
Holofernes, and all that dwelt by the sea side, and in Moab,
spake that he should kill him.
Jdt 5:23
For, say they, we will not be afraid of the face of the
children of Israel: for, lo, it is a people that have no
strength nor power for a strong battle
Jdt 5:24
Now therefore, lord Holofernes, we will go up, and they shall
be a prey to be devoured of all thine army.
Jdt 6:1
And when the tumult of men that were about the council was
ceased, Holofernes the chief captain of the army of Assur said
unto Achior and all the Moabites before all the company of other
nations,
Jdt 6:2
And who art thou, Achior, and the hirelings of Ephraim, that
thou hast prophesied against us as to day, and hast said, that
we should not make war with the people of Israel, because their
God will defend them? and who is God but Nabuchodonosor?
Jdt 6:3
He will send his power, and will destroy them from the face
of the earth, and their God shall not deliver them: but we his
servants will destroy them as one man; for they are not able to
sustain the power of our horses.
Jdt 6:4
For with them we will tread them under foot, and their
mountains shall be drunken with their blood, and their fields
shall be filled with their dead bodies, and their footsteps
shall not be able to stand before us, for they shall utterly
perish, saith king Nabuchodonosor, lord of all the earth: for he
said, None of my words shall be in vain.
Jdt 6:5
And thou, Achior, an hireling of Ammon, which hast spoken
these words in the day of thine iniquity, shalt see my face no
more from this day, until I take vengeance of this nation that
came out of Egypt.
Jdt 6:6
And then shall the sword of mine army, and the multitude of
them that serve me, pass through thy sides, and thou shalt fall
among their slain, when I return.
Jdt 6:7
Now therefore my servants shall bring thee back into the hill
country, and shall set thee in one of the cities of the
passages:
Jdt 6:8
And thou shalt not perish, till thou be destroyed with them.
Jdt 6:9
And if thou persuade thyself in thy mind that they shall be
taken, let not thy countenance fall: I have spoken it, and none
of my words shall be in vain.
Jdt 6:10
Then Holofernes commanded his servants, that waited in his
tent, to take Achior, and bring him to Bethulia, and deliver him
into the hands of the children of Israel.
Jdt 6:11
So his servants took him, and brought him out of the camp
into the plain, and they went from the midst of the plain into
the hill country, and came unto the fountains that were under
Bethulia.
Jdt 6:12
And when the men of the city saw them, they took up their
weapons, and went out of the city to the top of the hill: and
every man that used a sling kept them from coming up by casting
of stones against them.
Jdt 6:13
Nevertheless having gotten privily under the hill, they bound
Achior, and cast him down, and left him at the foot of the hill,
and returned to their lord.
Jdt 6:14
But the Israelites descended from their city, and came unto
him, and loosed him, and brought him to Bethulia, and presented
him to the governors of the city:
Jdt 6:15
Which were in those days Ozias the son of Micha, of the tribe
of Simeon, and Chabris the son of Gothoniel, and Charmis the son
of Melchiel.
Jdt 6:16
And they called together all the ancients of the city, and
all their youth ran together, and their women, to the assembly,
and they set Achior in the midst of all their people. Then Ozias
asked him of that which was done.
Jdt 6:17
And he answered and declared unto them the words of the
council of Holofernes, and all the words that he had spoken in
the midst of the princes of Assur, and whatsoever Holofernes had
spoken proudly against the house of Israel.
Jdt 6:18
Then the people fell down and worshipped God, and cried unto
God, saying,
Jdt 6:19
O Lord God of heaven, behold their pride, and pity the low
estate of our nation, and look upon the face of those that are
sanctified unto thee this day.
Jdt 6:20
Then they comforted Achior, and praised him greatly.
Jdt 6:21
And Ozias took him out of the assembly unto his house, and
made a feast to the elders; and they called on the God of Israel
all that night for help.
Jdt 7:1
The next day Holofernes commanded all his army, and all his
people which were come to take his part, that they should remove
their camp against Bethulia, to take aforehand the ascents of
the hill country, and to make war against the children of
Israel.
Jdt 7:2
Then their strong men removed their camps in that day, and
the army of the men of war was an hundred and seventy thousand
footmen, and twelve thousand horsemen, beside the baggage, and
other men that were afoot among them, a very great multitude.
Jdt 7:3
And they camped in the valley near unto Bethulia, by the
fountain, and they spread themselves in breadth over Dothaim
even to Belmaim, and in length from Bethulia unto Cynamon, which
is over against Esdraelon.
Jdt 7:4
Now the children of Israel, when they saw the multitude of
them, were greatly troubled, and said every one to his
neighbour, Now will these men lick up the face of the earth; for
neither the high mountains, nor the valleys, nor the hills, are
able to bear their weight.
Jdt 7:5
Then every man took up his weapons of war, and when they had
kindled fires upon their towers, they remained and watched all
that night.
Jdt 7:6
But in the second day Holofernes brought forth all his
horsemen in the sight of the children of Israel which were in
Bethulia,
Jdt 7:7
And viewed the passages up to the city, and came to the
fountains of their waters, and took them, and set garrisons of
men of war over them, and he himself removed toward his people.
Jdt 7:8
Then came unto him all the chief of the children of Esau, and
all the governors of the people of Moab, and the captains of the
sea coast, and said,
Jdt 7:9
Let our lord now hear a word, that there be not an overthrow
in thine army.
Jdt 7:10
For this people of the children of Israel do not trust in
their spears, but in the height of the mountains wherein they
dwell, because it is not easy to come up to the tops of their
mountains.
Jdt 7:11
Now therefore, my lord, fight not against them in battle
array, and there shall not so much as one man of thy people
perish.
Jdt 7:12
Remain in thy camp, and keep all the men of thine army, and
let thy servants get into their hands the fountain of water,
which issueth forth of the foot of the mountain:
Jdt 7:13
For all the inhabitants of Bethulia have their water thence;
so shall thirst kill them, and they shall give up their city,
and we and our people shall go up to the tops of the mountains
that are near, and will camp upon them, to watch that none go
out of the city.
Jdt 7:14
So they and their wives and their children shall be consumed
with fire, and before the sword come against them, they shall be
overthrown in the streets where they dwell.
Jdt 7:15
Thus shalt thou render them an evil reward; because they
rebelled, and met not thy person peaceably.
Jdt 7:16
And these words pleased Holofernes and all his servants, and
he appointed to do as they had spoken.
Jdt 7:17
So the camp of the children of Ammon departed, and with them
five thousand of the Assyrians, and they pitched in the valley,
and took the waters, and the fountains of the waters of the
children of Israel.
Jdt 7:18
Then the children of Esau went up with the children of Ammon,
and camped in the hill country over against Dothaim: and they
sent some of them toward the south, and toward the east over
against Ekrebel, which is near unto Chusi, that is upon the
brook Mochmur; and the rest of the army of the Assyrians camped
in the plain, and covered the face of the whole land; and their
tents and carriages were pitched to a very great multitude.
Jdt 7:19
Then the children of Israel cried unto the Lord their God,
because their heart failed, for all their enemies had compassed
them round about, and there was no way to escape out from among
them.
Jdt 7:20
Thus all the company of Assur remained about them, both their
footmen, chariots, and horsemen, four and thirty days, so that
all their vessels of water failed all the inhibitants of
Bethulia.
Jdt 7:21
And the cisterns were emptied, and they had not water to
drink their fill for one day; for they gave them drink by
measure.
Jdt 7:22
Therefore their young children were out of heart, and their
women and young men fainted for thirst, and fell down in the
streets of the city, and by the passages of the gates, and there
was no longer any strength in them.
Jdt 7:23
Then all the people assembled to Ozias, and to the chief of
the city, both young men, and women, and children, and cried
with a loud voice, and said before all the elders,
Jdt 7:24
God be judge between us and you: for ye have done us great
injury, in that ye have not required peace of the children of
Assur.
Jdt 7:25
For now we have no helper: but God hath sold us into their
hands, that we should be thrown down before them with thirst and
great destruction.
Jdt 7:26
Now therefore call them unto you, and deliver the whole city
for a spoil to the people of Holofernes, and to all his army.
Jdt 7:27
For it is better for us to be made a spoil unto them, than to
die for thirst: for we will be his servants, that our souls may
live, and not see the death of our infants before our eyes, nor
our wives nor our children to die.
Jdt 7:28
We take to witness against you the heaven and the earth, and
our God and Lord of our fathers, which punisheth us according to
our sins and the sins of our fathers, that he do not according
as we have said this day.
Jdt 7:29
Then there was great weeping with one consent in the midst of
the assembly; and they cried unto the Lord God with a loud
voice.
Jdt 7:30
Then said Ozias to them, Brethren, be of good courage, let us
yet endure five days, in the which space the Lord our God may
turn his mercy toward us; for he will not forsake us utterly.
Jdt 7:31
And if these days pass, and there come no help unto us, I
will do according to your word.
Jdt 7:32
And he dispersed the people, every one to their own charge;
and they went unto the walls and towers of their city, and sent
the women and children into their houses: and they were very low
brought in the city.
Jdt 8:1
Now at that time Judith heard thereof, which was the daughter
of Merari, the son of Ox, the son of Joseph, the son of Ozel,
the son of Elcia, the son of Ananias, the son of Gedeon, the son
of Raphaim, the son of Acitho, the son of Eliu, the son of
Eliab, the son of Nathanael, the son of Samael, the son of
Salasadal, the son of Israel.
Jdt 8:2
And Manasses was her husband, of her tribe and kindred, who
died in the barley harvest.
Jdt 8:3
For as he stood overseeing them that bound sheaves in the
field, the heat came upon his head, and he fell on his bed, and
died in the city of Bethulia: and they buried him with his
fathers in the field between Dothaim and Balamo.
Jdt 8:4
So Judith was a widow in her house three years and four
months.
Jdt 8:5
And she made her a tent upon the top of her house, and put on
sackcloth upon her loins and ware her widow's apparel.
Jdt 8:6
And she fasted all the days of her widowhood, save the eves
of the sabbaths, and the sabbaths, and the eves of the new
moons, and the new moons and the feasts and solemn days of the
house of Israel.
Jdt 8:7
She was also of a goodly countenance, and very beautiful to
behold: and her husband Manasses had left her gold, and silver,
and menservants and maidservants, and cattle, and lands; and she
remained upon them.
Jdt 8:8
And there was none that gave her an ill word; ar she feared
God greatly.
Jdt 8:9
Now when she heard the evil words of the people against the
governor, that they fainted for lack of water; for Judith had
heard all the words that Ozias had spoken unto them, and that he
had sworn to deliver the city unto the Assyrians after five
days;
Jdt 8:10
Then she sent her waitingwoman, that had the government of
all things that she had, to call Ozias and Chabris and Charmis,
the ancients of the city.
Jdt 8:11
And they came unto her, and she said unto them, Hear me now,
O ye governors of the inhabitants of Bethulia: for your words
that ye have spoken before the people this day are not right,
touching this oath which ye made and pronounced between God and
you, and have promised to deliver the city to our enemies,
unless within these days the Lord turn to help you.
Jdt 8:12
And now who are ye that have tempted God this day, and stand
instead of God among the children of men?
Jdt 8:13
And now try the Lord Almighty, but ye shall never know any
thing.
Jdt 8:14
For ye cannot find the depth of the heart of man, neither can
ye perceive the things that he thinketh: then how can ye search
out God, that hath made all these things, and know his mind, or
comprehend his purpose? Nay, my brethren, provoke not the Lord
our God to anger.
Jdt 8:15
For if he will not help us within these five days, he hath
power to defend us when he will, even every day, or to destroy
us before our enemies.
Jdt 8:16
Do not bind the counsels of the Lord our God: for God is not
as man, that he may be threatened; neither is he as the son of
man, that he should be wavering.
Jdt 8:17
Therefore let us wait for salvation of him, and call upon him
to help us, and he will hear our voice, if it please him.
Jdt 8:18
For there arose none in our age, neither is there any now in
these days neither tribe, nor family, nor people, nor city among
us, which worship gods made with hands, as hath been aforetime.
Jdt 8:19
For the which cause our fathers were given to the sword, and
for a spoil, and had a great fall before our enemies.
Jdt 8:20
But we know none other god, therefore we trust that he will
not dispise us, nor any of our nation.
Jdt 8:21
For if we be taken so, all Judea shall lie waste, and our
sanctuary shall be spoiled; and he will require the profanation
thereof at our mouth.
Jdt 8:22
And the slaughter of our brethren, and the captivity of the
country, and the desolation of our inheritance, will he turn
upon our heads among the Gentiles, wheresoever we shall be in
bondage; and we shall be an offence and a reproach to all them
that possess us.
Jdt 8:23
For our servitude shall not be directed to favour: but the
Lord our God shall turn it to dishonour.
Jdt 8:24
Now therefore, O brethren, let us shew an example to our
brethren, because their hearts depend upon us, and the
sanctuary, and the house, and the altar, rest upon us.
Jdt 8:25
Moreover let us give thanks to the Lord our God, which trieth
us, even as he did our fathers.
Jdt 8:26
Remember what things he did to Abraham, and how he tried
Isaac, and what happened to Jacob in Mesopotamia of Syria, when
he kept the sheep of Laban his mother's brother.
Jdt 8:27
For he hath not tried us in the fire, as he did them, for the
examination of their hearts, neither hath he taken vengeance on
us: but the Lord doth scourge them that come near unto him, to
admonish them.
Jdt 8:28
Then said Ozias to her, All that thou hast spoken hast thou
spoken with a good heart, and there is none that may gainsay thy
words.
Jdt 8:29
For this is not the first day wherein thy wisdom is
manifested; but from the beginning of thy days all the people
have known thy understanding, because the disposition of thine
heart is good.
Jdt 8:30
But the people were very thirsty, and compelled us to do unto
them as we have spoken, and to bring an oath upon ourselves,
which we will not break.
Jdt 8:31
Therefore now pray thou for us, because thou art a godly
woman, and the Lord will send us rain to fill our cisterns, and
we shall faint no more.
Jdt 8:32
Then said Judith unto them, Hear me, and I will do a thing,
which shall go throughout all generations to the children of our
nation.
Jdt 8:33
Ye shall stand this night in the gate, and I will go forth
with my waitingwoman: and within the days that ye have promised
to deliver the city to our enemies the Lord will visit Israel by
mine hand.
Jdt 8:34
But enquire not ye of mine act: for I will not declare it
unto you, till the things be finished that I do.
Jdt 8:35
Then said Ozias and the princes unto her, Go in peace, and
the Lord God be before thee, to take vengeance on our enemies.
Jdt 8:36
So they returned from the tent, and went to their wards.
Jdt 9:1
Judith fell upon her face, and put ashes upon her head, and
uncovered the sackcloth wherewith she was clothed; and about the
time that the incense of that evening was offered in Jerusalem
in the house of the Lord Judith cried with a loud voice, and
said,
Jdt 9:2
O Lord God of my father Simeon, to whom thou gavest a sword
to take vengeance of the strangers, who loosened the girdle of a
maid to defile her, and discovered the thigh to her shame, and
polluted her virginity to her reproach; for thou saidst, It
shall not be so; and yet they did so:
Jdt 9:3
Wherefore thou gavest their rulers to be slain, so that they
dyed their bed in blood, being deceived, and smotest the
servants with their lords, and the lords upon their thrones;
Jdt 9:4
And hast given their wives for a prey, and their daughters to
be captives, and all their spoils to be divided among thy dear
children; which were moved with thy zeal, and abhorred the
pollution of their blood, and called upon thee for aid: O God, O
my God, hear me also a widow.
Jdt 9:5
For thou hast wrought not only those things, but also the
things which fell out before, and which ensued after; thou hast
thought upon the things which are now, and which are to come.
Jdt 9:6
Yea, what things thou didst determine were ready at hand, and
said, Lo, we are here: for all thy ways are prepared, and thy
judgments are in thy foreknowledge.
Jdt 9:7
For, behold, the Assyrians are multiplied in their power;
they are exalted with horse and man; they glory in the strength
of their footmen; they trust in shield, and spear, and bow, and
sling; and know not that thou art the Lord that breakest the
battles: the Lord is thy name.
Jdt 9:8
Throw down their strength in thy power, and bring down their
force in thy wrath: for they have purposed to defile thy
sanctuary, and to pollute the tabernacle where thy glorious name
resteth and to cast down with sword the horn of thy altar.
Jdt 9:9
Behold their pride, and send thy wrath upon their heads: give
into mine hand, which am a widow, the power that I have
conceived.
Jdt 9:10
Smite by the deceit of my lips the servant with the prince,
and the prince with the servant: break down their stateliness by
the hand of a woman.
Jdt 9:11
For thy power standeth not in multitude nor thy might in
strong men: for thou art a God of the afflicted, an helper of
the oppressed, an upholder of the weak, a protector of the
forlorn, a saviour of them that are without hope.
Jdt 9:12
I pray thee, I pray thee, O God of my father, and God of the
inheritance of Israel, Lord of the heavens and earth, Creator of
the waters, king of every creature, hear thou my prayer:
Jdt 9:13
And make my speech and deceit to be their wound and stripe,
who have purposed cruel things against thy covenant, and thy
hallowed house, and against the top of Sion, and against the
house of the possession of thy children.
Jdt 9:14
And make every nation and tribe to acknowledge that thou art
the God of all power and might, and that there is none other
that protecteth the people of Israel but thou.
Jdt 10:1
Now after that she had ceased to cry unto the God of Israel,
and bad made an end of all these words.
Jdt 10:2
She rose where she had fallen down, and called her maid, and
went down into the house in the which she abode in the sabbath
days, and in her feast days,
Jdt 10:3
And pulled off the sackcloth which she had on, and put off
the garments of her widowhood, and washed her body all over with
water, and anointed herself with precious ointment, and braided
the hair of her head, and put on a tire upon it, and put on her
garments of gladness, wherewith she was clad during the life of
Manasses her husband.
Jdt 10:4
And she took sandals upon her feet, and put about her her
bracelets, and her chains, and her rings, and her earrings, and
all her ornaments, and decked herself bravely, to allure the
eyes of all men that should see her.
Jdt 10:5
Then she gave her maid a bottle of wine, and a cruse of oil,
and filled a bag with parched corn, and lumps of figs, and with
fine bread; so she folded all these things together, and laid
them upon her.
Jdt 10:6
Thus they went forth to the gate of the city of Bethulia, and
found standing there Ozias and the ancients of the city, Chabris
and Charmis.
Jdt 10:7
And when they saw her, that her countenance was altered, and
her apparel was changed, they wondered at her beauty very
greatly, and said unto her.
Jdt 10:8
The God, the God of our fathers give thee favour, and
accomplish thine enterprizes to the glory of the children of
Israel, and to the exaltation of Jerusalem. Then they worshipped
God.
Jdt 10:9
And she said unto them, Command the gates of the city to be
opened unto me, that I may go forth to accomplish the things
whereof ye have spoken with me. So they commanded the young men
to open unto her, as she had spoken.
Jdt 10:10
And when they had done so, Judith went out, she, and her maid
with her; and the men of the city looked after her, until she
was gone down the mountain, and till she had passed the valley,
and could see her no more.
Jdt 10:11
Thus they went straight forth in the valley: and the first
watch of the Assyrians met her,
Jdt 10:12
And took her, and asked her, Of what people art thou? and
whence comest thou? and whither goest thou? And she said, I am a
woman of the Hebrews, and am fled from them: for they shall be
given you to be consumed:
Jdt 10:13
And I am coming before Holofernes the chief captain of your
army, to declare words of truth; and I will shew him a way,
whereby he shall go, and win all the hill country, without
losing the body or life of any one of his men.
Jdt 10:14
Now when the men heard her words, and beheld her countenance,
they wondered greatly at her beauty, and said unto her,
Jdt 10:15
Thou hast saved thy life, in that thou hast hasted to come
down to the presence of our lord: now therefore come to his
tent, and some of us shall conduct thee, until they have
delivered thee to his hands.
Jdt 10:16
And when thou standest before him, be not afraid in thine
heart, but shew unto him according to thy word; and he will
entreat thee well.
Jdt 10:17
Then they chose out of them an hundred men to accompany her
and her maid; and they brought her to the tent of Holofernes.
Jdt 10:18
Then was there a concourse throughout all the camp: for her
coming was noised among the tents, and they came about her, as
she stood without the tent of Holofernes, till they told him of
her.
Jdt 10:19
And they wondered at her beauty, and admired the children of
Israel because of her, and every one said to his neighbour, Who
would despise this people, that have among them such women?
surely it is not good that one man of them be left who being let
go might deceive the whole earth.
Jdt 10:20
And they that lay near Holofernes went out, and all his
servants and they brought her into the tent.
Jdt 10:21
Now Holofernes rested upon his bed under a canopy, which was
woven with purple, and gold, and emeralds, and precious stones.
Jdt 10:22
So they shewed him of her; and he came out before his tent
with silver lamps going before him.
Jdt 10:23
And when Judith was come before him and his servants they all
marvelled at the beauty of her countenance; and she fell down
upon her face, and did reverence unto him: and his servants took
her up.
Jdt 11:1
Then said Holofernes unto her, Woman, be of good comfort,
fear not in thine heart: for I never hurt any that was willing
to serve Nabuchodonosor, the king of all the earth.
Jdt 11:2
Now therefore, if thy people that dwelleth in the mountains
had not set light by me, I would not have lifted up my spear
against them: but they have done these things to themselves.
Jdt 11:3
But now tell me wherefore thou art fled from them, and art
come unto us: for thou art come for safeguard; be of good
comfort, thou shalt live this night, and hereafter:
Jdt 11:4
For none shall hurt thee, but entreat thee well, as they do
the servants of king Nabuchodonosor my lord.
Jdt 11:5
Then Judith said unto him, Receive the words of thy servant,
and suffer thine handmaid to speak in thy presence, and I will
declare no lie to my lord this night.
Jdt 11:6
And if thou wilt follow the words of thine handmaid, God will
bring the thing perfectly to pass by thee; and my lord shall not
fail of his purposes.
Jdt 11:7
As Nabuchodonosor king of all the earth liveth, and as his
power liveth, who hath sent thee for the upholding of every
living thing: for not only men shall serve him by thee, but also
the beasts of the field, and the cattle, and the fowls of the
air, shall live by thy power under Nabuchodonosor and all his
house.
Jdt 11:8
For we have heard of thy wisdom and thy policies, and it is
reported in all the earth, that thou only art excellent in all
the kingdom, and mighty in knowledge, and wonderful in feats of
war.
Jdt 11:9
Now as concerning the matter, which Achior did speak in thy
council, we have heard his words; for the men of Bethulia saved
him, and he declared unto them all that he had spoken unto thee.
Jdt 11:10
Therefore, O lord and governor, respect not his word; but lay
it up in thine heart, for it is true: for our nation shall not
be punished, neither can sword prevail against them, except they
sin against their God.
Jdt 11:11
And now, that my lord be not defeated and frustrate of his
purpose, even death is now fallen upon them, and their sin hath
overtaken them, wherewith they will provoke their God to anger
whensoever they shall do that which is not fit to be done:
Jdt 11:12
For their victuals fail them, and all their water is scant,
and they have determined to lay hands upon their cattle, and
purposed to consume all those things, that God hath forbidden
them to eat by his laws:
Jdt 11:13
And are resolved to spend the firstfruits of the the tenths
of wine and oil, which they had sanctified, and reserved for the
priests that serve in Jerusalem before the face of our God; the
which things it is not lawful for any of the people so much as
to touch with their hands.
Jdt 11:14
For they have sent some to Jerusalem, because they also that
dwell there have done the like, to bring them a licence from the
senate.
Jdt 11:15
Now when they shall bring them word, they will forthwith do
it, and they shall be given to thee to be destroyed the same
day.
Jdt 11:16
Wherefore I thine handmaid, knowing all this, am fled from
their presence; and God hath sent me to work things with thee,
whereat all the earth shall be astonished, and whosoever shall
hear it.
Jdt 11:17
For thy servant is religious, and serveth the God of heaven
day and night: now therefore, my lord, I will remain with thee,
and thy servant will go out by night into the valley, and I will
pray unto God, and he will tell me when they have committed
their sins:
Jdt 11:18
And I will come and shew it unto thee: then thou shalt go
forth with all thine army, and there shall be none of them that
shall resist thee.
Jdt 11:19
And I will lead thee through the midst of Judea, until thou
come before Jerusalem; and I will set thy throne in the midst
thereof; and thou shalt drive them as sheep that have no
shepherd, and a dog shall not so much as open his mouth at thee:
for these things were told me according to my foreknowledge, and
they were declared unto me, and I am sent to tell thee.
Jdt 11:20
Then her words pleased Holofernes and all his servants; and
they marvelled at her wisdom, and said,
Jdt 11:21
There is not such a woman from one end of the earth to the
other, both for beauty of face, and wisdom of words.
Jdt 11:22
Likewise Holofernes said unto her. God hath done well to send
thee before the people, that strength might be in our hands and
destruction upon them that lightly regard my lord.
Jdt 11:23
And now thou art both beautiful in thy countenance, and witty
in thy words: surely if thou do as thou hast spoken thy God
shall be my God, and thou shalt dwell in the house of king
Nabuchodonosor, and shalt be renowned through the whole earth.
Jdt 12:1
Then he commanded to bring her in where his plate was set;
and bade that they should prepare for her of his own meats, and
that she should drink of his own wine.
Jdt 12:2
And Judith said, I will not eat thereof, lest there be an
offence: but provision shall be made for me of the things that I
have brought.
Jdt 12:3
Then Holofernes said unto her, If thy provision should fail,
how should we give thee the like? for there be none with us of
thy nation.
Jdt 12:4
Then said Judith unto him As thy soul liveth, my lord, thine
handmaid shall not spend those things that I have, before the
Lord work by mine hand the things that he hath determined.
Jdt 12:5
Then the servants of Holofernes brought her into the tent,
and she slept till midnight, and she arose when it was toward
the morning watch,
Jdt 12:6
And sent to Holofernes, saving, Let my lord now command that
thine handmaid may go forth unto prayer.
Jdt 12:7
Then Holofernes commanded his guard that they should not stay
her: thus she abode in the camp three days, and went out in the
night into the valley of Bethulia, and washed herself in a
fountain of water by the camp.
Jdt 12:8
And when she came out, she besought the Lord God of Israel to
direct her way to the raising up of the children of her people.
Jdt 12:9
So she came in clean, and remained in the tent, until she did
eat her meat at evening.
Jdt 12:10
And in the fourth day Holofernes made a feast to his own
servants only, and called none of the officers to the banquet.
Jdt 12:11
Then said he to Bagoas the eunuch, who had charge over all
that he had, Go now, and persuade this Hebrew woman which is
with thee, that she come unto us, and eat and drink with us.
Jdt 12:12
For, lo, it will be a shame for our person, if we shall let
such a woman go, not having had her company; for if we draw her
not unto us, she will laugh us to scorn.
Jdt 12:13
Then went Bagoas from the presence of Holofernes, and came to
her, and he said, Let not this fair damsel fear to come to my
lord, and to be honoured in his presence, and drink wine, and be
merry with us and be made this day as one of the daughters of
the Assyrians, which serve in the house of Nabuchodonosor.
Jdt 12:14
Then said Judith unto him, Who am I now, that I should
gainsay my lord? surely whatsoever pleaseth him I will do
speedily, and it shall be my joy unto the day of my death.
Jdt 12:15
So she arose, and decked herself with her apparel and all her
woman's attire, and her maid went and laid soft skins on the
ground for her over against Holofernes, which she had received
of Bagoas far her daily use, that she might sit and eat upon
them.
Jdt 12:16
Now when Judith came in and sat down, Holofernes his heart
was ravished with her, and his mind was moved, and he desired
greatly her company; for he waited a time to deceive her, from
the day that he had seen her.
Jdt 12:17
Then said Holofernes unto her, Drink now, and be merry with
us.
Jdt 12:18
So Judith said, I will drink now, my lord, because my life is
magnified in me this day more than all the days since I was
born.
Jdt 12:19
Then she took and ate and drank before him what her maid had
prepared.
Jdt 12:20
And Holofernes took great delight in her, and drank more wine
than he had drunk at any time in one day since he was born.
Jdt 13:1
Now when the evening was come, his servants made haste to
depart, and Bagoas shut his tent without, and dismissed the
waiters from the presence of his lord; and they went to their
beds: for they were all weary, because the feast had been long.
Jdt 13:2
And Judith was left along in the tent, and Holofernes lying
along upon his bed: for he was filled with wine.
Jdt 13:3
Now Judith had commanded her maid to stand without her
bedchamber, and to wait for her coming forth, as she did daily:
for she said she would go forth to her prayers, and she spake to
Bagoas according to the same purpose.
Jdt 13:4
So all went forth and none was left in the bedchamber,
neither little nor great. Then Judith, standing by his bed, said
in her heart, O Lord God of all power, look at this present upon
the works of mine hands for the exaltation of Jerusalem.
Jdt 13:5
For now is the time to help thine inheritance, and to execute
thine enterprizes to the destruction of the enemies which are
risen against us.
Jdt 13:6
Then she came to the pillar of the bed, which was at
Holofernes' head, and took down his fauchion from thence,
Jdt 13:7
And approached to his bed, and took hold of the hair of his
head, and said, Strengthen me, O Lord God of Israel, this day.
Jdt 13:8
And she smote twice upon his neck with all her might, and she
took away his head from him.
Jdt 13:9
And tumbled his body down from the bed, and pulled down the
canopy from the pillars; and anon after she went forth, and gave
Holofernes his head to her maid;
Jdt 13:10
And she put it in her bag of meat: so they twain went
together according to their custom unto prayer: and when they
passed the camp, they compassed the valley, and went up the
mountain of Bethulia, and came to the gates thereof.
Jdt 13:11
Then said Judith afar off, to the watchmen at the gate, Open,
open now the gate: God, even our God, is with us, to shew his
power yet in Jerusalem, and his forces against the enemy, as he
hath even done this day.
Jdt 13:12
Now when the men of her city heard her voice, they made haste
to go down to the gate of their city, and they called the elders
of the city.
Jdt 13:13
And then they ran all together, both small and great, for it
was strange unto them that she was come: so they opened the
gate, and received them, and made a fire for a light, and stood
round about them.
Jdt 13:14
Then she said to them with a loud voice, Praise, praise God,
praise God, I say, for he hath not taken away his mercy from the
house of Israel, but hath destroyed our enemies by mine hands
this night.
Jdt 13:15
So she took the head out of the bag, and shewed it, and said
unto them, behold the head of Holofernes, the chief captain of
the army of Assur, and behold the canopy, wherein he did lie in
his drunkenness; and the Lord hath smitten him by the hand of a
woman.
Jdt 13:16
As the Lord liveth, who hath kept me in my way that I went,
my countenance hath deceived him to his destruction, and yet
hath he not committed sin with me, to defile and shame me.
Jdt 13:17
Then all the people were wonderfully astonished, and bowed
themselves and worshipped God, and said with one accord, Blessed
be thou, O our God, which hast this day brought to nought the
enemies of thy people.
Jdt 13:18
Then said Ozias unto her, O daughter, blessed art thou of the
most high God above all the women upon the earth; and blessed be
the Lord God, which hath created the heavens and the earth,
which hath directed thee to the cutting off of the head of the
chief of our enemies.
Jdt 13:19
For this thy confidence shall not depart from the heart of
men, which remember the power of God for ever.
Jdt 13:20
And God turn these things to thee for a perpetual praise, to
visit thee in good things because thou hast not spared thy life
for the affliction of our nation, but hast revenged our ruin,
walking a straight way before our God. And all the people said;
So be it, so be it.
Jdt 14:1
Then said Judith unto them, Hear me now, my brethren, and
take this head, and hang it upon the highest place of your
walls.
Jdt 14:2
And so soon as the morning shall appear, and the sun shall
come forth upon the earth, take ye every one his weapons, and go
forth every valiant man out of the city, and set ye a captain
over them, as though ye would go down into the field toward the
watch of the Assyrians; but go not down.
Jdt 14:3
Then they shall take their armour, and shall go into their
camp, and raise up the captains of the army of Assur, and shall
run to the tent of Holofernes, but shall not find him: then fear
shall fall upon them, and they shall flee before your face.
Jdt 14:4
So ye, and all that inhabit the coast of Israel, shall pursue
them, and overthrow them as they go.
Jdt 14:5
But before ye do these things, call me Achior the Ammonite,
that he may see and know him that despised the house of Israel,
and that sent him to us as it were to his death.
Jdt 14:6
Then they called Achior out of the house of Ozias; and when
he was come, and saw the head of Holofernes in a man's hand in
the assembly of the people, he fell down on his face, and his
spirit failed.
Jdt 14:7
But when they had recovered him, he fell at Judith's feet,
and reverenced her, and said, Blessed art thou in all the
tabernacles of Juda, and in all nations, which hearing thy name
shall be astonished.
Jdt 14:8
Now therefore tell me all the things that thou hast done in
these days. Then Judith declared unto him in the midst of the
people all that she had done, from the day that she went forth
until that hour she spake unto them.
Jdt 14:9
And when she had left off speaking, the people shouted with a
loud voice, and made a joyful noise in their city.
Jdt 14:10
And when Achior had seen all that the God of Israel had done,
he believed in God greatly, and circumcised the flesh of his
foreskin, and was joined unto the house of Israel unto this day.
Jdt 14:11
And as soon as the morning arose, they hanged the head of
Holofernes upon the wall, and every man took his weapons, and
they went forth by bands unto the straits of the mountain.
Jdt 14:12
But when the Assyrians saw them, they sent to their leaders,
which came to their captains and tribunes, and to every one of
their rulers.
Jdt 14:13
So they came to Holofernes' tent, and said to him that had
the charge of all his things, Waken now our lord: for the slaves
have been bold to come down against us to battle, that they may
be utterly destroyed.
Jdt 14:14
Then went in Bagoas, and knocked at the door of the tent; for
he thought that he had slept with Judith.
Jdt 14:15
But because none answered, he opened it, and went into the
bedchamber, and found him cast upon the floor dead, and his head
was taken from him.
Jdt 14:16
Therefore he cried with a loud voice, with weeping, and
sighing, and a mighty cry, and rent his garments.
Jdt 14:17
After he went into the tent where Judith lodged: and when he
found her not, he leaped out to the people, and cried,
Jdt 14:18
These slaves have dealt treacherously; one woman of the
Hebrews hath brought shame upon the house of king
Nabuchodonosor: for, behold, Holofernes lieth upon the ground
without a head.
Jdt 14:19
When the captains of the Assyrians' army heard these words,
they rent their coats and their minds were wonderfully troubled,
and there was a cry and a very great noise throughout the camp.
Jdt 15:1
And when they that were in the tents heard, they were
astonished at the thing that was done.
Jdt 15:2
And fear and trembling fell upon them, so that there was no
man that durst abide in the sight of his neighbour, but rushing
out all together, they fled into every way of the plain, and of
the hill country.
Jdt 15:3
They also that had camped in the mountains round about
Bethulia fled away. Then the children of Israel, every one that
was a warrior among them, rushed out upon them.
Jdt 15:4
Then sent Ozias to Betomasthem, and to Bebai, and Chobai, and
Cola and to all the coasts of Israel, such as should tell the
things that were done, and that all should rush forth upon their
enemies to destroy them.
Jdt 15:5
Now when the children of Israel heard it, they all fell upon
them with one consent, and slew them unto Chobai: likewise also
they that came from Jerusalem, and from all the hill country,
(for men had told them what things were done in the camp of
their enemies) and they that were in Galaad, and in Galilee,
chased them with a great slaughter, until they were past
Damascus and the borders thereof.
Jdt 15:6
And the residue that dwelt at Bethulia, fell upon the camp of
Assur, and spoiled them, and were greatly enriched.
Jdt 15:7
And the children of Israel that returned from the slaughter
had that which remained; and the villages and the cities, that
were in the mountains and in the plain, gat many spoils: for the
multitude was very great.
Jdt 15:8
Then Joacim the high priest, and the ancients of the children
of Israel that dwelt in Jerusalem, came to behold the good
things that God had shewed to Israel, and to see Judith, and to
salute her.
Jdt 15:9
And when they came unto her, they blessed her with one
accord, and said unto her, Thou art the exaltation of Jerusalem,
thou art the great glory of Israel, thou art the great rejoicing
of our nation:
Jdt 15:10
Thou hast done all these things by thine hand: thou hast done
much good to Israel, and God is pleased therewith: blessed be
thou of the Almighty Lord for evermore. And all the people said,
So be it.
Jdt 15:11
And the people spoiled the camp the space of thirty days: and
they gave unto Judith Holofernes his tent, and all his plate,
and beds, and vessels, and all his stuff: and she took it and
laid it on her mule; and made ready her carts, and laid them
thereon.
Jdt 15:12
Then all the women of Israel ran together to see her, and
blessed her, and made a dance among them for her: and she took
branches in her hand, and gave also to the women that were with
her.
Jdt 15:13
And they put a garland of olive upon her and her maid that
was with her, and she went before all the people in the dance,
leading all the women: and all the men of Israel followed in
their armour with garlands, and with songs in their mouths.
Jdt 16:1
Then Judith began to sing this thanksgiving in all Israel,
and all the people sang after her this song of praise.
Jdt 16:2
And Judith said, Begin unto my God with timbrels, sing unto
my Lord with cymbals: tune unto him a new psalm: exalt him, and
call upon his name.
Jdt 16:3
For God breaketh the battles: for among the camps in the
midst of the people he hath delivered me out of the hands of
them that persecuted me.
Jdt 16:4
Assur came out of the mountains from the north, he came with
ten thousands of his army, the multitude whereof stopped the
torrents, and their horsemen have covered the hills.
Jdt 16:5
He bragged that he would burn up my borders, and kill my
young men with the sword, and dash the sucking children against
the ground, and make mine infants as a prey, and my virgins as a
spoil.
Jdt 16:6
But the Almighty Lord hath disappointed them by the hand of a
woman.
Jdt 16:7
For the mighty one did not fall by the young men, neither did
the sons of the Titans smite him, nor high giants set upon him:
but Judith the daughter of Merari weakened him with the beauty
of her countenance.
Jdt 16:8
For she put off the garment of her widowhood for the
exaltation of those that were oppressed in Israel, and anointed
her face with ointment, and bound her hair in a tire, and took a
linen garment to deceive him.
Jdt 16:9
Her sandals ravished his eyes, her beauty took his mind
prisoner, and the fauchion passed through his neck.
Jdt 16:10
The Persians quaked at her boldness, and the Medes were
daunted at her hardiness.
Jdt 16:11
Then my afflicted shouted for joy, and my weak ones cried
aloud; but they were astonished: these lifted up their voices,
but they were overthrown.
Jdt 16:12
The sons of the damsels have pierced them through, and
wounded them as fugatives' children: they perished by the battle
of the Lord.
Jdt 16:13
I will sing unto the Lord a new song: O Lord, thou art great
and glorious, wonderful in strength, and invincible.
Jdt 16:14
Let all creatures serve thee: for thou spakest, and they were
made, thou didst send forth thy spirit, and it created them, and
there is none that can resist thy voice.
Jdt 16:15
For the mountains shall be moved from their foundations with
the waters, the rocks shall melt as wax at thy presence: yet
thou art merciful to them that fear thee.
Jdt 16:16
For all sacrifice is too little for a sweet savour unto thee,
and all the fat is not sufficient for thy burnt offering: but he
that feareth the Lord is great at all times.
Jdt 16:17
Woe to the nations that rise up against my kindred! the Lord
Almighty will take vengeance of them in the day of judgment, in
putting fire and worms in their flesh; and they shall feel them,
and weep for ever.
Jdt 16:18
Now as soon as they entered into Jerusalem, they worshipped
the Lord; and as soon as the people were purified, they offered
their burnt offerings, and their free offerings, and their
gifts.
Jdt 16:19
Judith also dedicated all the stuff of Holofernes, which the
people had given her, and gave the canopy, which she had taken
out of his bedchamber, for a gift unto the Lord.
Jdt 16:20
So the people continued feasting in Jerusalem before the
sanctuary for the space of three months and Judith remained with
them.
Jdt 16:21
After this time every one returned to his own inheritance,
and Judith went to Bethulia, and remained in her own possession,
and was in her time honourable in all the country.
Jdt 16:22
And many desired her, but none knew her all the days of her
life, after that Manasses her husband was dead, and was gathered
to his people.
Jdt 16:23
But she increased more and more in honour, and waxed old in
her husband's house, being an hundred and five years old, and
made her maid free; so she died in Bethulia: and they buried her
in the cave of her husband Manasses.
Jdt 16:24
And the house of Israel lamented her seven days: and before
she died, she did distribute her goods to all them that were
nearest of kindred to Manasses her husband, and to them that
were the nearest of her kindred.
Jdt 16:25
And there was none that made the children of Israel any more
afraid in the days of Judith, nor a long time after her death.
The Book of Wisdom
[The Wisdom of Solomon]
Wis 1:1
Love righteousness, ye that be judges of the earth: think of
the Lord with a good (heart,) and in simplicity of heart seek
him.
Wis 1:2
For he will be found of them that tempt him not; and sheweth
himself unto such as do not distrust him.
Wis 1:3
For froward thoughts separate from God: and his power, when
it is tried, reproveth the unwise.
Wis 1:4
For into a malicious soul wisdom shall not enter; nor dwell
in the body that is subject unto sin.
Wis 1:5
For the holy spirit of discipline will flee deceit, and
remove from thoughts that are without understanding, and will
not abide when unrighteousness cometh in.
Wis 1:6
For wisdom is a loving spirit; and will not acquit a
blasphemer of his words: for God is witness of his reins, and a
true beholder of his heart, and a hearer of his tongue.
Wis 1:7
For the Spirit of the Lord filleth the world: and that which
containeth all things hath knowledge of the voice.
Wis 1:8
Therefore he that speaketh unrighteous things cannot be hid:
neither shall vengeance, when it punisheth, pass by him.
Wis 1:9
For inquisition shall be made into the counsels of the
ungodly: and the sound of his words shall come unto the Lord for
the manifestation of his wicked deeds.
Wis 1:10
For the ear of jealousy heareth all things: and the noise of
murmurings is not hid.
Wis 1:11
Therefore beware of murmuring, which is unprofitable; and
refrain your tongue from backbiting: for there is no word so
secret, that shall go for nought: and the mouth that belieth
slayeth the soul.
Wis 1:12
Seek not death in the error of your life: and pull not upon
yourselves destruction with the works of your hands.
Wis 1:13
For God made not death: neither hath he pleasure in the
destruction of the living.
Wis 1:14
For he created all things, that they might have their being:
and the generations of the world were healthful; and there is no
poison of destruction in them, nor the kingdom of death upon the
earth:
Wis 1:15
(For righteousness is immortal:)
Wis 1:16
But ungodly men with their works and words called it to them:
for when they thought to have it their friend, they consumed to
nought, and made a covenant with it, because they are worthy to
take part with it.
Wis 2:1
For the ungodly said, reasoning with themselves, but not
aright, Our life is short and tedious, and in the death of a man
there is no remedy: neither was there any man known to have
returned from the grave.
Wis 2:2
For we are born at all adventure: and we shall be hereafter
as though we had never been: for the breath in our nostrils is
as smoke, and a little spark in the moving of our heart:
Wis 2:3
Which being extinguished, our body shall be turned into
ashes, and our spirit shall vanish as the soft air,
Wis 2:4
And our name shall be forgotten in time, and no man shall
have our works in remembrance, and our life shall pass away as
the trace of a cloud, and shall be dispersed as a mist, that is
driven away with the beams of the sun, and overcome with the
heat thereof.
Wis 2:5
For our time is a very shadow that passeth away; and after
our end there is no returning: for it is fast sealed, so that no
man cometh again.
Wis 2:6
Come on therefore, let us enjoy the good things that are
present: and let us speedily use the creatures like as in youth.
Wis 2:7
Let us fill ourselves with costly wine and ointments: and let
no flower of the spring pass by us:
Wis 2:8
Let us crown ourselves with rosebuds, before they be
withered:
Wis 2:9
Let none of us go without his part of our voluptuousness: let
us leave tokens of our joyfulness in every place: for this is
our portion, and our lot is this.
Wis 2:10
Let us oppress the poor righteous man, let us not spare the
widow, nor reverence the ancient gray hairs of the aged.
Wis 2:11
Let our strength be the law of justice: for that which is
feeble is found to be nothing worth.
Wis 2:12
Therefore let us lie in wait for the righteous; because he is
not for our turn, and he is clean contrary to our doings: he
upbraideth us with our offending the law, and objecteth to our
infamy the transgressings of our education.
Wis 2:13
He professeth to have the knowledge of God: and he calleth
himself the child of the Lord.
Wis 2:14
He was made to reprove our thoughts.
Wis 2:15
He is grievous unto us even to behold: for his life is not
like other men's, his ways are of another fashion.
Wis 2:16
We are esteemed of him as counterfeits: he abstaineth from
our ways as from filthiness: he pronounceth the end of the just
to be blessed, and maketh his boast that God is his father.
Wis 2:17
Let us see if his words be true: and let us prove what shall
happen in the end of him.
Wis 2:18
For if the just man be the son of God, he will help him, and
deliver him from the hand of his enemies.
Wis 2:19
Let us examine him with despitefulness and torture, that we
may know his meekness, and prove his patience.
Wis 2:20
Let us condemn him with a shameful death: for by his own
saying he shall be respected.
Wis 2:21
Such things they did imagine, and were deceived: for their
own wickedness hath blinded them.
Wis 2:22
As for the mysteries of God, they knew them not: neither
hoped they for the wages of righteousness, nor discerned a
reward for blameless souls.
Wis 2:23
For God created man to be immortal, and made him to be an
image of his own eternity.
Wis 2:24
Nevertheless through envy of the devil came death into the
world: and they that do hold of his side do find it.
Wis 3:1
But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and
there shall no torment touch them.
Wis 3:2
In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their
departure is taken for misery,
Wis 3:3
And their going from us to be utter destruction: but they are
in peace.
Wis 3:4
For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is their
hope full of immortality.
Wis 3:5
And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly
rewarded: for God proved them, and found them worthy for
himself.
Wis 3:6
As gold in the furnace hath he tried them, and received them
as a burnt offering.
Wis 3:7
And in the time of their visitation they shall shine, and run
to and fro like sparks among the stubble.
Wis 3:8
They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the
people, and their Lord shall reign for ever.
Wis 3:9
They that put their trust in him shall understand the truth:
and such as be faithful in love shall abide with him: for grace
and mercy is to his saints, and he hath care for his elect.
Wis 3:10
But the ungodly shall be punished according to their own
imaginations, which have neglected the righteous, and forsaken
the Lord.
Wis 3:11
For whoso despiseth wisdom and nurture, he is miserable, and
their hope is vain, their labours unfruitful, and their works
unprofitable:
Wis 3:12
Their wives are foolish, and their children wicked:
Wis 3:13
Their offspring is cursed. Wherefore blessed is the barren
that is undefiled, which hath not known the sinful bed: she
shall have fruit in the visitation of souls.
Wis 3:14
And blessed is the eunuch, which with his hands hath wrought
no iniquity, nor imagined wicked things against God: for unto
him shall be given the special gift of faith, and an inheritance
in the temple of the Lord more acceptable to his mind.
Wis 3:15
For glorious is the fruit of good labours: and the root of
wisdom shall never fall away.
Wis 3:16
As for the children of adulterers, they shall not come to
their perfection, and the seed of an unrighteous bed shall be
rooted out.
Wis 3:17
For though they live long, yet shall they be nothing
regarded: and their last age shall be without honour.
Wis 3:18
Or, if they die quickly, they have no hope, neither comfort
in the day of trial.
Wis 3:19
For horrible is the end of the unrighteous generation.
Wis 4:1
Better it is to have no children, and to have virtue: for the
memorial thereof is immortal: because it is known with God, and
with men.
Wis 4:2
When it is present, men take example at it; and when it is
gone, they desire it: it weareth a crown, and triumpheth for
ever, having gotten the victory, striving for undefiled rewards.
Wis 4:3
But the multiplying brood of the ungodly shall not thrive,
nor take deep rooting from bastard slips, nor lay any fast
foundation.
Wis 4:4
For though they flourish in branches for a time; yet standing
not last, they shall be shaken with the wind, and through the
force of winds they shall be rooted out.
Wis 4:5
The imperfect branches shall be broken off, their fruit
unprofitable, not ripe to eat, yea, meet for nothing.
Wis 4:6
For children begotten of unlawful beds are witnesses of
wickedness against their parents in their trial.
Wis 4:7
But though the righteous be prevented with death, yet shall
he be in rest.
Wis 4:8
For honourable age is not that which standeth in length of
time, nor that is measured by number of years.
Wis 4:9
But wisdom is the gray hair unto men, and an unspotted life
is old age.
Wis 4:10
He pleased God, and was beloved of him: so that living among
sinners he was translated.
Wis 4:11
Yea speedily was he taken away, lest that wickedness should
alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul.
Wis 4:12
For the bewitching of naughtiness doth obscure things that
are honest; and the wandering of concupiscence doth undermine
the simple mind.
Wis 4:13
He, being made perfect in a short time, fulfilled a long
time:
Wis 4:14
For his soul pleased the Lord: therefore hasted he to take
him away from among the wicked.
Wis 4:15
This the people saw, and understood it not, neither laid they
up this in their minds, That his grace and mercy is with his
saints, and that he hath respect unto his chosen.
Wis 4:16
Thus the righteous that is dead shall condemn the ungodly
which are living; and youth that is soon perfected the many
years and old age of the unrighteous.
Wis 4:17
For they shall see the end of the wise, and shall not
understand what God in his counsel hath decreed of him, and to
what end the Lord hath set him in safety.
Wis 4:18
They shall see him, and despise him; but God shall laugh them
to scorn: and they shall hereafter be a vile carcase, and a
reproach among the dead for evermore.
Wis 4:19
For he shall rend them, and cast them down headlong, that
they shall be speechless; and he shall shake them from the
foundation; and they shall be utterly laid waste, and be in
sorrow; and their memorial shall perish.
Wis 4:20
And when they cast up the accounts of their sins, they shall
come with fear: and their own iniquities shall convince them to
their face.
Wis 5:1
Then shall the righteous man stand in great boldness before
the face of such as have afflicted him, and made no account of
his labours.
Wis 5:2
When they see it, they shall be troubled with terrible fear,
and shall be amazed at the strangeness of his salvation, so far
beyond all that they looked for.
Wis 5:3
And they repenting and groaning for anguish of spirit shall
say within themselves, This was he, whom we had sometimes in
derision, and a proverb of reproach:
Wis 5:4
We fools accounted his life madness, and his end to be
without honour:
Wis 5:5
How is he numbered among the children of God, and his lot is
among the saints!
Wis 5:6
Therefore have we erred from the way of truth, and the light
of righteousness hath not shined unto us, and the sun of
righteousness rose not upon us.
Wis 5:7
We wearied ourselves in the way of wickedness and
destruction: yea, we have gone through deserts, where there lay
no way: but as for the way of the Lord, we have not known it.
Wis 5:8
What hath pride profited us? or what good hath riches with
our vaunting brought us?
Wis 5:9
All those things are passed away like a shadow, and as a post
that hasted by;
Wis 5:10
And as a ship that passeth over the waves of the water, which
when it is gone by, the trace thereof cannot be found, neither
the pathway of the keel in the waves;
Wis 5:11
Or as when a bird hath flown through the air, there is no
token of her way to be found, but the light air being beaten
with the stroke of her wings and parted with the violent noise
and motion of them, is passed through, and therein afterwards no
sign where she went is to be found;
Wis 5:12
Or like as when an arrow is shot at a mark, it parteth the
air, which immediately cometh together again, so that a man
cannot know where it went through:
Wis 5:13
Even so we in like manner, as soon as we were born, began to
draw to our end, and had no sign of virtue to shew; but were
consumed in our own wickedness.
Wis 5:14
For the hope of the Godly is like dust that is blown away
with the wind; like a thin froth that is driven away with the
storm; like as the smoke which is dispersed here and there with
a tempest, and passeth away as the remembrance of a guest that
tarrieth but a day.
Wis 5:15
But the righteous live for evermore; their reward also is
with the Lord, and the care of them is with the most High.
Wis 5:16
Therefore shall they receive a glorious kingdom, and a
beautiful crown from the Lord's hand: for with his right hand
shall he cover them, and with his arm shall he protect them.
Wis 5:17
He shall take to him his jealousy for complete armour, and
make the creature his weapon for the revenge of his enemies.
Wis 5:18
He shall put on righteousness as a breastplate, and true
judgment instead of an helmet.
Wis 5:19
He shall take holiness for an invincible shield.
Wis 5:20
His severe wrath shall he sharpen for a sword, and the world
shall fight with him against the unwise.
Wis 5:21
Then shall the right aiming thunderbolts go abroad; and from
the clouds, as from a well drawn bow, shall they fly to the
mark.
Wis 5:22
And hailstones full of wrath shall be cast as out of a stone
bow, and the water of the sea shall rage against them, and the
floods shall cruelly drown them.
Wis 5:23
Yea, a mighty wind shall stand up against them, and like a
storm shall blow them away: thus iniquity shall lay waste the
whole earth, and ill dealing shall overthrow the thrones of the
mighty.
Wis 6:1
Hear therefore, O ye kings, and understand; learn, ye that be
judges of the ends of the earth.
Wis 6:2
Give ear, ye that rule the people, and glory in the multitude
of nations.
Wis 6:3
For power is given you of the Lord, and sovereignty from the
Highest, who shall try your works, and search out your counsels.
Wis 6:4
Because, being ministers of his kingdom, ye have not judged
aright, nor kept the law, nor walked after the counsel of God;
Wis 6:5
Horribly and speedily shall he come upon you: for a sharp
judgment shall be to them that be in high places.
Wis 6:6
For mercy will soon pardon the meanest: but mighty men shall
be mightily tormented.
Wis 6:7
For he which is Lord over all shall fear no man's person,
neither shall he stand in awe of any man's greatness: for he
hath made the small and great, and careth for all alike.
Wis 6:8
But a sore trial shall come upon the mighty.
Wis 6:9
Unto you therefore, O kings, do I speak, that ye may learn
wisdom, and not fall away.
Wis 6:10
For they that keep holiness holily shall be judged holy: and
they that have learned such things shall find what to answer.
Wis 6:11
Wherefore set your affection upon my words; desire them, and
ye shall be instructed.
Wis 6:12
Wisdom is glorious, and never fadeth away: yea, she is easily
seen of them that love her, and found of such as seek her.
Wis 6:13
She preventeth them that desire her, in making herself first
known unto them.
Wis 6:14
Whoso seeketh her early shall have no great travail: for he
shall find her sitting at his doors.
Wis 6:15
To think therefore upon her is perfection of wisdom: and
whoso watcheth for her shall quickly be without care.
Wis 6:16
For she goeth about seeking such as are worthy of her,
sheweth herself favourably unto them in the ways, and meeteth
them in every thought.
Wis 6:17
For the very true beginning of her is the desire of
discipline; and the care of discipline is love;
Wis 6:18
And love is the keeping of her laws; and the giving heed unto
her laws is the assurance of incorruption;
Wis 6:19
And incorruption maketh us near unto God:
Wis 6:20
Therefore the desire of wisdom bringeth to a kingdom.
Wis 6:21
If your delight be then in thrones and sceptres, O ye kings
of the people, honour wisdom, that ye may reign for evermore.
Wis 6:22
As for wisdom, what she is, and how she came up, I will tell
you, and will not hide mysteries from you: but will seek her out
from the beginning of her nativity, and bring the knowledge of
her into light, and will not pass over the truth.
Wis 6:23
Neither will I go with consuming envy; for such a man shall
have no fellowship with wisdom.
Wis 6:24
But the multitude of the wise is the welfare of the world:
and a wise king is the upholding of the people.
Wis 6:25
Receive therefore instruction through my words, and it shall
do you good.
Wis 7:1
I myself also am a mortal man, like to all, and the offspring
of him that was first made of the earth,
Wis 7:2
And in my mother's womb was fashioned to be flesh in the time
of ten months, being compacted in blood, of the seed of man, and
the pleasure that came with sleep.
Wis 7:3
And when I was born, I drew in the common air, and fell upon
the earth, which is of like nature, and the first voice which I
uttered was crying, as all others do.
Wis 7:4
I was nursed in swaddling clothes, and that with cares.
Wis 7:5
For there is no king that had any other beginning of birth.
Wis 7:6
For all men have one entrance into life, and the like going
out.
Wis 7:7
Wherefore I prayed, and understanding was given me: I called
upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.
Wis 7:8
I preferred her before sceptres and thrones, and esteemed
riches nothing in comparison of her.
Wis 7:9
Neither compared I unto her any precious stone, because all
gold in respect of her is as a little sand, and silver shall be
counted as clay before her.
Wis 7:10
I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her
instead of light: for the light that cometh from her never goeth
out.
Wis 7:11
All good things together came to me with her, and innumerable
riches in her hands.
Wis 7:12
And I rejoiced in them all, because wisdom goeth before them:
and I knew not that she was the mother of them.
Wis 7:13
I learned diligently, and do communicate her liberally: I do
not hide her riches.
Wis 7:14
For she is a treasure unto men that never faileth: which they
that use become the friends of God, being commended for the
gifts that come from learning.
Wis 7:15
God hath granted me to speak as I would, and to conceive as
is meet for the things that are given me: because it is he that
leadeth unto wisdom, and directeth the wise.
Wis 7:16
For in his hand are both we and our words; all wisdom also,
and knowledge of workmanship.
Wis 7:17
For he hath given me certain knowledge of the things that
are, namely, to know how the world was made, and the operation
of the elements:
Wis 7:18
The beginning, ending, and midst of the times: the
alterations of the turning of the sun, and the change of
seasons:
Wis 7:19
The circuits of years, and the positions of stars:
Wis 7:20
The natures of living creatures, and the furies of wild
beasts: the violence of winds, and the reasonings of men: the
diversities of plants and the virtues of roots:
Wis 7:21
And all such things as are either secret or manifest, them I
know.
Wis 7:22
For wisdom, which is the worker of all things, taught me: for
in her is an understanding spirit holy, one only, manifold,
subtil, lively, clear, undefiled, plain, not subject to hurt,
loving the thing that is good quick, which cannot be letted,
ready to do good,
Wis 7:23
Kind to man, steadfast, sure, free from care, having all
power, overseeing all things, and going through all
understanding, pure, and most subtil, spirits.
Wis 7:24
For wisdom is more moving than any motion: she passeth and
goeth through all things by reason of her pureness.
Wis 7:25
For she is the breath of the power of God, and a pure
influence flowing from the glory of the Almighty: therefore can
no defiled thing fall into her.
Wis 7:26
For she is the brightness of the everlasting light, the
unspotted mirror of the power of God, and the image of his
goodness.
Wis 7:27
And being but one, she can do all things: and remaining in
herself, she maketh all things new: and in all ages entering
into holy souls, she maketh them friends of God, and prophets.
Wis 7:28
For God loveth none but him that dwelleth with wisdom.
Wis 7:29
For she is more beautiful than the sun, and above all the
order of stars: being compared with the light, she is found
before it.
Wis 7:30
For after this cometh night: but vice shall not prevail
against wisdom.
Wis 8:1
Wisdom reacheth from one end to another mightily: and sweetly
doth she order all things.
Wis 8:2
I loved her, and sought her out from my youth, I desired to
make her my spouse, and I was a lover of her beauty.
Wis 8:3
In that she is conversant with God, she magnifieth her
nobility: yea, the Lord of all things himself loved her.
Wis 8:4
For she is privy to the mysteries of the knowledge of God,
and a lover of his works.
Wis 8:5
If riches be a possession to be desired in this life; what is
richer than wisdom, that worketh all things?
Wis 8:6
And if prudence work; who of all that are is a more cunning
workman than she?
Wis 8:7
And if a man love righteousness her labours are virtues: for
she teacheth temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude:
which are such things, as en can have nothing more profitable in
their life.
Wis 8:8
If a man desire much experience, she knoweth things of old,
and conjectureth aright what is to come: she knoweth the
subtilties of speeches, and can expound dark sentences: she
foreseeth signs and wonders, and the events of seasons and
times.
Wis 8:9
Therefore I purposed to take her to me to live with me,
knowing that she would be a counsellor of good things, and a
comfort in cares and grief.
Wis 8:10
For her sake I shall have estimation among the multitude, and
honour with the elders, though I be young.
Wis 8:11
I shall be found of a quick conceit in judgment, and shall be
admired in the sight of great men.
Wis 8:12
When I hold my tongue, they shall bide my leisure, and when I
speak, they shall give good ear unto me: if I talk much, they
shall lay their hands upon their mouth.
Wis 8:13
Moreover by the means of her I shall obtain immortality, and
leave behind me an everlasting memorial to them that come after
me.
Wis 8:14
I shall set the people in order, and the nations shall be
subject unto me.
Wis 8:15
Horrible tyrants shall be afraid, when they do but hear of
me; I shall be found good among the multitude, and valiant in
war.
Wis 8:16
After I am come into mine house, I will repose myself with
her: for her conversation hath no bitterness; and to live with
her hath no sorrow, but mirth and joy.
Wis 8:17
Now when I considered these things in myself, and pondered
them in my heart, how that to be allied unto wisdom is
immortality;
Wis 8:18
And great pleasure it is to have her friendship; and in the
works of her hands are infinite riches; and in the exercise of
conference with her, prudence; and in talking with her, a good
report; I went about seeking how to take her to me.
Wis 8:19
For I was a witty child, and had a good spirit.
Wis 8:20
Yea rather, being good, I came into a body undefiled.
Wis 8:21
Nevertheless, when I perceived that I could not otherwise
obtain her, except God gave her me; and that was a point of
wisdom also to know whose gift she was; I prayed unto the Lord,
and besought him, and with my whole heart I said,
Wis 9:1
O God of my fathers, and Lord of mercy, who hast made all
things with thy word,
Wis 9:2
And ordained man through thy wisdom, that he should have
dominion over the creatures which thou hast made,
Wis 9:3
And order the world according to equity and righteousness,
and execute judgment with an upright heart:
Wis 9:4
Give me wisdom, that sitteth by thy throne; and reject me not
from among thy children:
Wis 9:5
For I thy servant and son of thine handmaid am a feeble
person, and of a short time, and too young for the understanding
of judgment and laws.
Wis 9:6
For though a man be never so perfect among the children of
men, yet if thy wisdom be not with him, he shall be nothing
regarded.
Wis 9:7
Thou hast chosen me to be a king of thy people, and a judge
of thy sons and daughters:
Wis 9:8
Thou hast commanded me to build a temple upon thy holy mount,
and an altar in the city wherein thou dwellest, a resemblance of
the holy tabernacle, which thou hast prepared from the
beginning.
Wis 9:9
And wisdom was with thee: which knoweth thy works, and was
present when thou madest the world, and knew what was acceptable
in thy sight, and right in thy commandments.
Wis 9:10
O send her out of thy holy heavens, and from the throne of
thy glory, that being present she may labour with me, that I may
know what is pleasing unto thee.
Wis 9:11
For she knoweth and understandeth all things, and she shall
lead me soberly in my doings, and preserve me in her power.
Wis 9:12
So shall my works be acceptable, and then shall I judge thy
people righteously, and be worthy to sit in my father's seat.
Wis 9:13
For what man is he that can know the counsel of God? or who
can think what the will of the Lord is?
Wis 9:14
For the thoughts of mortal men are miserable, and our devices
are but uncertain.
Wis 9:15
For the corruptible body presseth down the soul, and the
earthy tabernacle weigheth down the mind that museth upon many
things.
Wis 9:16
And hardly do we guess aright at things that are upon earth,
and with labour do we find the things that are before us: but
the things that are in heaven who hath searched out?
Wis 9:17
And thy counsel who hath known, except thou give wisdom, and
send thy Holy Spirit from above?
Wis 9:18
For so the ways of them which lived on the earth were
reformed, and men were taught the things that are pleasing unto
thee, and were saved through wisdom.
Wis 10:1
She preserved the first formed father of the world, that was
created alone, and brought him out of his fall,
Wis 10:2
And gave him power to rule all things.
Wis 10:3
But when the unrighteous went away from her in his anger, he
perished also in the fury wherewith he murdered his brother.
Wis 10:4
For whose cause the earth being drowned with the flood,
wisdom again preserved it, and directed the course of the
righteous in a piece of wood of small value.
Wis 10:5
Moreover, the nations in their wicked conspiracy being
confounded, she found out the righteous, and preserved him
blameless unto God, and kept him strong against his tender
compassion toward his son.
Wis 10:6
When the ungodly perished, she delivered the righteous man,
who fled from the fire which fell down upon the five cities.
Wis 10:7
Of whose wickedness even to this day the waste land that
smoketh is a testimony, and plants bearing fruit that never come
to ripeness: and a standing pillar of salt is a monument of an
unbelieving soul.
Wis 10:8
For regarding not wisdom, they gat not only this hurt, that
they knew not the things which were good; but also left behind
them to the world a memorial of their foolishness: so that in
the things wherein they offended they could not so much as be
hid.
Wis 10:9
Rut wisdom delivered from pain those that attended upon her.
Wis 10:10
When the righteous fled from his brother's wrath she guided
him in right paths, shewed him the kingdom of God, and gave him
knowledge of holy things, made him rich in his travels, and
multiplied the fruit of his labours.
Wis 10:11
In the covetousness of such as oppressed him she stood by
him, and made him rich.
Wis 10:12
She defended him from his enemies, and kept him safe from
those that lay in wait, and in a sore conflict she gave him the
victory; that he might know that goodness is stronger than all.
Wis 10:13
When the righteous was sold, she forsook him not, but
delivered him from sin: she went down with him into the pit,
Wis 10:14
And left him not in bonds, till she brought him the sceptre
of the kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: as
for them that had accused him, she shewed them to be liars, and
gave him perpetual glory.
Wis 10:15
She delivered the righteous people and blameless seed from
the nation that oppressed them.
Wis 10:16
She entered into the soul of the servant of the Lord, and
withstood dreadful kings in wonders and signs;
Wis 10:17
Rendered to the righteous a reward of their labours, guided
them in a marvellous way, and was unto them for a cover by day,
and a light of stars in the night season;
Wis 10:18
Brought them through the Red sea, and led them through much
water:
Wis 10:19
But she drowned their enemies, and cast them up out of the
bottom of the deep.
Wis 10:20
Therefore the righteous spoiled the ungodly, and praised thy
holy name, O Lord, and magnified with one accord thine hand,
that fought for them.
Wis 10:21
For wisdom opened the mouth of the dumb, and made the tongues
of them that cannot speak eloquent.
Wis 11:1
She prospered their works in the hand of the holy prophet.
Wis 11:2
They went through the wilderness that was not inhabited, and
pitched tents in places where there lay no way.
Wis 11:3
They stood against their enemies, and were avenged of their
adversaries.
Wis 11:4
When they were thirsty, they called upon thee, and water was
given them out of the flinty rock, and their thirst was quenched
out of the hard stone.
Wis 11:5
For by what things their enemies were punished, by the same
they in their need were benefited.
Wis 11:6
For instead of of a perpetual running river troubled with
foul blood,
Wis 11:7
For a manifest reproof of that commandment, whereby the
infants were slain, thou gavest unto them abundance of water by
a means which they hoped not for:
Wis 11:8
Declaring by that thirst then how thou hadst punished their
adversaries.
Wis 11:9
For when they were tried albeit but in mercy chastised, they
knew how the ungodly were judged in wrath and tormented,
thirsting in another manner than the just.
Wis 11:10
For these thou didst admonish and try, as a father: but the
other, as a severe king, thou didst condemn and punish.
Wis 11:11
Whether they were absent or present, they were vexed alike.
Wis 11:12
For a double grief came upon them, and a groaning for the
remembrance of things past.
Wis 11:13
For when they heard by their own punishments the other to be
benefited, they had some feeling of the Lord.
Wis 11:14
For whom they respected with scorn, when he was long before
thrown out at the casting forth of the infants, him in the end,
when they saw what came to pass, they admired.
Wis 11:15
But for the foolish devices of their wickedness, wherewith
being deceived they worshipped serpents void of reason, and vile
beasts, thou didst send a multitude of unreasonable beasts upon
them for vengeance;
Wis 11:16
That they might know, that wherewithal a man sinneth, by the
same also shall he be punished.
Wis 11:17
For thy Almighty hand, that made the world of matter without
form, wanted not means to send among them a multitude of bears
or fierce lions,
Wis 11:18
Or unknown wild beasts, full of rage, newly created,
breathing out either a fiery vapour, or filthy scents of
scattered smoke, or shooting horrible sparkles out of their
eyes:
Wis 11:19
Whereof not only the harm might dispatch them at once, but
also the terrible sight utterly destroy them.
Wis 11:20
Yea, and without these might they have fallen down with one
blast, being persecuted of vengeance, and scattered abroad
through the breath of thy power: but thou hast ordered all
things in measure and number and weight.
Wis 11:21
For thou canst shew thy great strength at all times when thou
wilt; and who may withstand the power of thine arm?
Wis 11:22
For the whole world before thee is as a little grain of the
balance, yea, as a drop of the morning dew that falleth down
upon the earth.
Wis 11:23
But thou hast mercy upon all; for thou canst do all things,
and winkest at the sins of men, because they should amend.
Wis 11:24
For thou lovest all the things that are, and abhorrest
nothing which thou hast made: for never wouldest thou have made
any thing, if thou hadst hated it.
Wis 11:25
And how could any thing have endured, if it had not been thy
will? or been preserved, if not called by thee?
Wis 11:26
But thou sparest all: for they are thine, O Lord, thou lover
of souls.
Wis 12:1
For thine incorruptible Spirit is in all things.
Wis 12:2
Therefore chastenest thou them by little and little that
offend, and warnest them by putting them in remembrance wherein
they have offended, that leaving their wickedness they may
believe on thee, O Lord.
Wis 12:3
For it was thy will to destroy by the hands of our fathers
both those old inhabitants of thy holy land,
Wis 12:4
Whom thou hatedst for doing most odious works of witchcrafts,
and wicked sacrifices;
Wis 12:5
And also those merciless murderers of children, and devourers
of man's flesh, and the feasts of blood,
Wis 12:6
With their priests out of the midst of their idolatrous crew,
and the parents, that killed with their own hands souls
destitute of help:
Wis 12:7
That the land, which thou esteemedst above all other, might
receive a worthy colony of God's children.
Wis 12:8
Nevertheless even those thou sparedst as men, and didst send
wasps, forerunners of thine host, to destroy them by little and
little.
Wis 12:9
Not that thou wast unable to bring the ungodly under the hand
of the righteous in battle, or to destroy them at once with
cruel beasts, or with one rough word:
Wis 12:10
But executing thy judgments upon them by little and little,
thou gavest them place of repentance, not being ignorant that
they were a naughty generation, and that their malice was bred
in them, and that their cogitation would never be changed.
Wis 12:11
For it was a cursed seed from the beginning; neither didst
thou for fear of any man give them pardon for those things
wherein they sinned.
Wis 12:12
For who shall say, What hast thou done? or who shall
withstand thy judgment? or who shall accuse thee for the nations
that perish, whom thou made? or who shall come to stand against
thee, to be revenged for the unrighteous men?
Wis 12:13
For neither is there any God but thou that careth for all, to
whom thou mightest shew that thy judgment is not unright.
Wis 12:14
Neither shall king or tyrant be able to set his face against
thee for any whom thou hast punished.
Wis 12:15
Forsomuch then as thou art righteous thyself, thou orderest
all things righteously: thinking it not agreeable with thy power
to condemn him that hath not deserved to be punished.
Wis 12:16
For thy power is the beginning of righteousness, and because
thou art the Lord of all, it maketh thee to be gracious unto
all.
Wis 12:17
For when men will not believe that thou art of a full power,
thou shewest thy strength, and among them that know it thou
makest their boldness manifest.
Wis 12:18
But thou, mastering thy power, judgest with equity, and
orderest us with great favour: for thou mayest use power when
thou wilt.
Wis 12:19
But by such works hast thou taught thy people that the just
man should be merciful, and hast made thy children to be of a
good hope that thou givest repentance for sins.
Wis 12:20
For if thou didst punish the enemies of thy children, and the
condemned to death, with such deliberation, giving them time and
place, whereby they might be delivered from their malice:
Wis 12:21
With how great circumspection didst thou judge thine own
sons, unto whose fathers thou hast sworn, and made covenants of
good promises?
Wis 12:22
Therefore, whereas thou dost chasten us, thou scourgest our
enemies a thousand times more, to the intent that, when we
judge, we should carefully think of thy goodness, and when we
ourselves are judged, we should look for mercy.
Wis 12:23
Wherefore, whereas men have lived dissolutely and
unrighteously, thou hast tormented them with their own
abominations.
Wis 12:24
For they went astray very far in the ways of error, and held
them for gods, which even among the beasts of their enemies were
despised, being deceived, as children of no understanding.
Wis 12:25
Therefore unto them, as to children without the use of
reason, thou didst send a judgment to mock them.
Wis 12:26
But they that would not be reformed by that correction,
wherein he dallied with them, shall feel a judgment worthy of
God.
Wis 12:27
For, look, for what things they grudged, when they were
punished, that is, for them whom they thought to be gods; [now]
being punished in them, when they saw it, they acknowledged him
to be the true God, whom before they denied to know: and
therefore came extreme damnation upon them.
Wis 13:1
Surely vain are all men by nature, who are ignorant of God,
and could not out of the good things that are seen know him that
is: neither by considering the works did they acknowledge the
workmaster;
Wis 13:2
But deemed either fire, or wind, or the swift air, or the
circle of the stars, or the violent water, or the lights of
heaven, to be the gods which govern the world.
Wis 13:3
With whose beauty if they being delighted took them to be
gods; let them know how much better the Lord of them is: for the
first author of beauty hath created them.
Wis 13:4
But if they were astonished at their power and virtue, let
them understand by them, how much mightier he is that made them.
Wis 13:5
For by the greatness and beauty of the creatures
proportionably the maker of them is seen.
Wis 13:6
But yet for this they are the less to be blamed: for they
peradventure err, seeking God, and desirous to find him.
Wis 13:7
For being conversant in his works they search him diligently,
and believe their sight: because the things are beautiful that
are seen.
Wis 13:8
Howbeit neither are they to be pardoned.
Wis 13:9
For if they were able to know so much, that they could aim at
the world; how did they not sooner find out the Lord thereof?
Wis 13:10
But miserable are they, and in dead things is their hope, who
call them gods, which are the works of men's hands, gold and
silver, to shew art in, and resemblances of beasts, or a stone
good for nothing, the work of an ancient hand.
Wis 13:11
Now a carpenter that felleth timber, after he hath sawn down
a tree meet for the purpose, and taken off all the bark
skilfully round about, and hath wrought it handsomely, and made
a vessel thereof fit for the service of man's life;
Wis 13:12
And after spending the refuse of his work to dress his meat,
hath filled himself;
Wis 13:13
And taking the very refuse among those which served to no
use, being a crooked piece of wood, and full of knots, hath
carved it diligently, when he had nothing else to do, and formed
it by the skill of his understanding, and fashioned it to the
image of a man;
Wis 13:14
Or made it like some vile beast, laying it over with
vermilion, and with paint colouring it red, and covering every
spot therein;
Wis 13:15
And when he had made a convenient room for it, set it in a
wall, and made it fast with iron:
Wis 13:16
For he provided for it that it might not fall, knowing that
it was unable to help itself; for it is an image, and hath need
of help:
Wis 13:17
Then maketh he prayer for his goods, for his wife and
children, and is not ashamed to speak to that which hath no
life.
Wis 13:18
For health he calleth upon that which is weak: for life
prayeth to that which is dead; for aid humbly beseecheth that
which hath least means to help: and for a good journey he asketh
of that which cannot set a foot forward:
Wis 13:19
And for gaining and getting, and for good success of his
hands, asketh ability to do of him, that is most unable to do
any thing.
Wis 14:1
Again, one preparing himself to sail, and about to pass
through the raging waves, calleth upon a piece of wood more
rotten than the vessel that carrieth him.
Wis 14:2
For verily desire of gain devised that, and the workman built
it by his skill.
Wis 14:3
But thy providence, O Father, governeth it: for thou hast
made a way in the sea, and a safe path in the waves;
Wis 14:4
Shewing that thou canst save from all danger: yea, though a
man went to sea without art.
Wis 14:5
Nevertheless thou wouldest not that the works of thy wisdom
should be idle, and therefore do men commit their lives to a
small piece of wood, and passing the rough sea in a weak vessel
are saved.
Wis 14:6
For in the old time also, when the proud giants perished, the
hope of the world governed by thy hand escaped in a weak vessel,
and left to all ages a seed of generation.
Wis 14:7
For blessed is the wood whereby righteousness cometh.
Wis 14:8
But that which is made with hands is cursed, as well it, as
he that made it: he, because he made it; and it, because, being
corruptible, it was called god.
Wis 14:9
For the ungodly and his ungodliness are both alike hateful
unto God.
Wis 14:10
For that which is made shall be punished together with him
that made it.
Wis 14:11
Therefore even upon the idols of the Gentiles shall there be
a visitation: because in the creature of God they are become an
abomination, and stumblingblocks to the souls of men, and a
snare to the feet of the unwise.
Wis 14:12
For the devising of idols was the beginning of spiritual
fornication, and the invention of them the corruption of life.
Wis 14:13
For neither were they from the beginning, neither shall they
be for ever.
Wis 14:14
For by the vain glory of men they entered into the world, and
therefore shall they come shortly to an end.
Wis 14:15
For a father afflicted with untimely mourning, when he hath
made an image of his child soon taken away, now honoured him as
a god, which was then a dead man, and delivered to those that
were under him ceremonies and sacrifices.
Wis 14:16
Thus in process of time an ungodly custom grown strong was
kept as a law, and graven images were worshipped by the
commandments of kings.
Wis 14:17
Whom men could not honour in presence, because they dwelt far
off, they took the counterfeit of his visage from far, and made
an express image of a king whom they honoured, to the end that
by this their forwardness they might flatter him that was
absent, as if he were present.
Wis 14:18
Also the singular diligence of the artificer did help to set
forward the ignorant to more superstition.
Wis 14:19
For he, peradventure willing to please one in authority,
forced all his skill to make the resemblance of the best
fashion.
Wis 14:20
And so the multitude, allured by the grace of the work, took
him now for a god, which a little before was but honoured.
Wis 14:21
And this was an occasion to deceive the world: for men,
serving either calamity or tyranny, did ascribe unto stones and
stocks the incommunicable name.
Wis 14:22
Moreover this was not enough for them, that they erred in the
knowledge of God; but whereas they lived in the great war of
ignorance, those so great plagues called they peace.
Wis 14:23
For whilst they slew their children in sacrifices, or used
secret ceremonies, or made revellings of strange rites;
Wis 14:24
They kept neither lives nor marriages any longer undefiled:
but either one slew another traiterously, or grieved him by
adultery.
Wis 14:25
So that there reigned in all men without exception blood,
manslaughter, theft, and dissimulation, corruption,
unfaithfulness, tumults, perjury,
Wis 14:26
Disquieting of good men, forgetfulness of good turns,
defiling of souls, changing of kind, disorder in marriages,
adultery, and shameless uncleanness.
Wis 14:27
For the worshipping of idols not to be named is the
beginning, the cause, and the end, of all evil.
Wis 14:28
For either they are mad when they be merry, or prophesy lies,
or live unjustly, or else lightly forswear themselves.
Wis 14:29
For insomuch as their trust is in idols, which have no life;
though they swear falsely, yet they look not to be hurt.
Wis 14:30
Howbeit for both causes shall they be justly punished: both
because they thought not well of God, giving heed unto idols,
and also unjustly swore in deceit, despising holiness.
Wis 14:31
For it is not the power of them by whom they swear: but it is
the just vengeance of sinners, that punisheth always the offence
of the ungodly.
Wis 15:1
But thou, O God, art gracious and true, longsuffering, and in
mercy ordering all things,
Wis 15:2
For if we sin, we are thine, knowing thy power: but we will
not sin, knowing that we are counted thine.
Wis 15:3
For to know thee is perfect righteousness: yea, to know thy
power is the root of immortality.
Wis 15:4
For neither did the mischievous invention of men deceive us,
nor an image spotted with divers colours, the painter's
fruitless labour;
Wis 15:5
The sight whereof enticeth fools to lust after it, and so
they desire the form of a dead image, that hath no breath.
Wis 15:6
Both they that make them, they that desire them, and they
that worship them, are lovers of evil things, and are worthy to
have such things to trust upon.
Wis 15:7
For the potter, tempering soft earth, fashioneth every vessel
with much labour for our service: yea, of the same clay he
maketh both the vessels that serve for clean uses, and likewise
also all such as serve to the contrary: but what is the use of
either sort, the potter himself is the judge.
Wis 15:8
And employing his labours lewdly, he maketh a vain god of the
same clay, even he which a little before was made of earth
himself, and within a little while after returneth to the same,
out when his life which was lent him shall be demanded.
Wis 15:9
Notwithstanding his care is, not that he shall have much
labour, nor that his life is short: but striveth to excel
goldsmiths and silversmiths, and endeavoureth to do like the
workers in brass, and counteth it his glory to make counterfeit
things.
Wis 15:10
His heart is ashes, his hope is more vile than earth, and his
life of less value than clay:
Wis 15:11
Forasmuch as he knew not his Maker, and him that inspired
into him an active soul, and breathed in a living spirit.
Wis 15:12
But they counted our life a pastime, and our time here a
market for gain: for, say they, we must be getting every way,
though it be by evil means.
Wis 15:13
For this man, that of earthly matter maketh brittle vessels
and graven images, knoweth himself to offend above all others.
Wis 15:14
And all the enemies of thy people, that hold them in
subjection, are most foolish, and are more miserable than very
babes.
Wis 15:15
For they counted all the idols of the heathen to be gods:
which neither have the use of eyes to see, nor noses to draw
breath, nor ears to hear, nor fingers of hands to handle; and as
for their feet, they are slow to go.
Wis 15:16
For man made them, and he that borrowed his own spirit
fashioned them: but no man can make a god like unto himself.
Wis 15:17
For being mortal, he worketh a dead thing with wicked hands:
for he himself is better than the things which he worshippeth:
whereas he lived once, but they never.
Wis 15:18
Yea, they worshipped those beasts also that are most hateful:
for being compared together, some are worse than others.
Wis 15:19
Neither are they beautiful, so much as to be desired in
respect of beasts: but they went without the praise of God and
his blessing.
Wis 16:1
Therefore by the like were they punished worthily, and by the
multitude of beasts tormented.
Wis 16:2
Instead of which punishment, dealing graciously with thine
own people, thou preparedst for them meat of a strange taste,
even quails to stir up their appetite:
Wis 16:3
To the end that they, desiring food, might for the ugly sight
of the beasts sent among them lothe even that, which they must
needs desire; but these, suffering penury for a short space,
might be made partakers of a strange taste.
Wis 16:4
For it was requisite, that upon them exercising tyranny
should come penury, which they could not avoid: but to these it
should only be shewed how their enemies were tormented.
Wis 16:5
For when the horrible fierceness of beasts came upon these,
and they perished with the stings of crooked serpents, thy wrath
endured not for ever:
Wis 16:6
But they were troubled for a small season, that they might be
admonished, having a sign of salvation, to put them in
remembrance of the commandment of thy law.
Wis 16:7
For he that turned himself toward it was not saved by the
thing that he saw, but by thee, that art the Saviour of all.
Wis 16:8
And in this thou madest thine enemies confess, that it is
thou who deliverest from all evil:
Wis 16:9
For them the bitings of grasshoppers and flies killed,
neither was there found any remedy for their life: for they were
worthy to be punished by such.
Wis 16:10
But thy sons not the very teeth of venomous dragons overcame:
for thy mercy was ever by them, and healed them.
Wis 16:11
For they were pricked, that they should remember thy words;
and were quickly saved, that not falling into deep
forgetfulness, they might be continually mindful of thy
goodness.
Wis 16:12
For it was neither herb, nor mollifying plaister, that
restored them to health: but thy word, O Lord, which healeth all
things.
Wis 16:13
For thou hast power of life and death: thou leadest to the
gates of hell, and bringest up again.
Wis 16:14
A man indeed killeth through his malice: and the spirit, when
it is gone forth, returneth not; neither the soul received up
cometh again.
Wis 16:15
But it is not possible to escape thine hand.
Wis 16:16
For the ungodly, that denied to know thee, were scourged by
the strength of thine arm: with strange rains, hails, and
showers, were they persecuted, that they could not avoid, and
through fire were they consumed.
Wis 16:17
For, which is most to be wondered at, the fire had more force
in the water, that quencheth all things: for the world fighteth
for the righteous.
Wis 16:18
For sometime the flame was mitigated, that it might not burn
up the beasts that were sent against the ungodly; but themselves
might see and perceive that they were persecuted with the
judgment of God.
Wis 16:19
And at another time it burneth even in the midst of water
above the power of fire, that it might destroy the fruits of an
unjust land.
Wis 16:20
Instead whereof thou feddest thine own people with angels'
food, and didst send them from heaven bread prepared without
their labour, able to content every man's delight, and agreeing
to every taste.
Wis 16:21
For thy sustenance declared thy sweetness unto thy children,
and serving to the appetite of the eater, tempered itself to
every man's liking.
Wis 16:22
But snow and ice endured the fire, and melted not, that they
might know that fire burning in the hail, and sparkling in the
rain, did destroy the fruits of the enemies.
Wis 16:23
But this again did even forget his own strength, that the
righteous might be nourished.
Wis 16:24
For the creature that serveth thee, who art the Maker
increaseth his strength against the unrighteous for their
punishment, and abateth his strength for the benefit of such as
put their trust in thee.
Wis 16:25
Therefore even then was it altered into all fashions, and was
obedient to thy grace, that nourisheth all things, according to
the desire of them that had need:
Wis 16:26
That thy children, O Lord, whom thou lovest, might know, that
it is not the growing of fruits that nourisheth man: but that it
is thy word, which preserveth them that put their trust in thee.
Wis 16:27
For that which was not destroyed of the fire, being warmed
with a little sunbeam, soon melted away:
Wis 16:28
That it might be known, that we must prevent the sun to give
thee thanks, and at the dayspring pray unto thee.
Wis 16:29
For the hope of the unthankful shall melt away as the
winter's hoar frost, and shall run away as unprofitable water.
Wis 17:1
For great are thy judgments, and cannot be expressed:
therefore unnurtured souls have erred.
Wis 17:2
For when unrighteous men thought to oppress the holy nation;
they being shut up in their houses, the prisoners of darkness,
and fettered with the bonds of a long night, lay [there] exiled
from the eternal providence.
Wis 17:3
For while they supposed to lie hid in their secret sins, they
were scattered under a dark veil of forgetfulness, being
horribly astonished, and troubled with [strange] apparitions.
Wis 17:4
For neither might the corner that held them keep them from
fear: but noises [as of waters] falling down sounded about them,
and sad visions appeared unto them with heavy countenances.
Wis 17:5
No power of the fire might give them light: neither could the
bright flames of the stars endure to lighten that horrible
night.
Wis 17:6
Only there appeared unto them a fire kindled of itself, very
dreadful: for being much terrified, they thought the things
which they saw to be worse than the sight they saw not.
Wis 17:7
As for the illusions of art magick, they were put down, and
their vaunting in wisdom was reproved with disgrace.
Wis 17:8
For they, that promised to drive away terrors and troubles
from a sick soul, were sick themselves of fear, worthy to be
laughed at.
Wis 17:9
For though no terrible thing did fear them; yet being scared
with beasts that passed by, and hissing of serpents,
Wis 17:10
They died for fear, denying that they saw the air, which
could of no side be avoided.
Wis 17:11
For wickedness, condemned by her own witness, is very
timorous, and being pressed with conscience, always forecasteth
grievous things.
Wis 17:12
For fear is nothing else but a betraying of the succours
which reason offereth.
Wis 17:13
And the expectation from within, being less, counteth the
ignorance more than the cause which bringeth the torment.
Wis 17:14
But they sleeping the same sleep that night, which was indeed
intolerable, and which came upon them out of the bottoms of
inevitable hell,
Wis 17:15
Were partly vexed with monstrous apparitions, and partly
fainted, their heart failing them: for a sudden fear, and not
looked for, came upon them.
Wis 17:16
So then whosoever there fell down was straitly kept, shut up
in a prison without iron bars,
Wis 17:17
For whether he were husbandman, or shepherd, or a labourer in
the field, he was overtaken, and endured that necessity, which
could not be avoided: for they were all bound with one chain of
darkness.
Wis 17:18
Whether it were a whistling wind, or a melodious noise of
birds among the spreading branches, or a pleasing fall of water
running violently,
Wis 17:19
Or a terrible sound of stones cast down, or a running that
could not be seen of skipping beasts, or a roaring voice of most
savage wild beasts, or a rebounding echo from the hollow
mountains; these things made them to swoon for fear.
Wis 17:20
For the whole world shined with clear light, and none were
hindered in their labour:
Wis 17:21
Over them only was spread an heavy night, an image of that
darkness which should afterward receive them: but yet were they
unto themselves more grievous than the darkness.
Wis 18:1
Nevertheless thy saints had a very great light, whose voice
they hearing, and not seeing their shape, because they also had
not suffered the same things, they counted them happy.
Wis 18:2
But for that they did not hurt them now, of whom they had
been wronged before, they thanked them, and besought them pardon
for that they had been enemies.
Wis 18:3
Instead whereof thou gavest them a burning pillar of fire,
both to be a guide of the unknown journey, and an harmless sun
to entertain them honourably.
Wis 18:4
For they were worthy to be deprived of light and imprisoned
in darkness, who had kept thy sons shut up, by whom the
uncorrupt light of the law was to be given unto the world.
Wis 18:5
And when they had determined to slay the babes of the saints,
one child being cast forth, and saved, to reprove them, thou
tookest away the multitude of their children, and destroyedst
them altogether in a mighty water.
Wis 18:6
Of that night were our fathers certified afore, that
assuredly knowing unto what oaths they had given credence, they
might afterwards be of good cheer.
Wis 18:7
So of thy people was accepted both the salvation of the
righteous, and destruction of the enemies.
Wis 18:8
For wherewith thou didst punish our adversaries, by the same
thou didst glorify us, whom thou hadst called.
Wis 18:9
For the righteous children of good men did sacrifice
secretly, and with one consent made a holy law, that the saints
should be like partakers of the same good and evil, the fathers
now singing out the songs of praise.
Wis 18:10
But on the other side there sounded an ill according cry of
the enemies, and a lamentable noise was carried abroad for
children that were bewailed.
Wis 18:11
The master and the servant were punished after one manner;
and like as the king, so suffered the common person.
Wis 18:12
So they all together had innumerable dead with one kind of
death; neither were the living sufficient to bury them: for in
one moment the noblest offspring of them was destroyed.
Wis 18:13
For whereas they would not believe any thing by reason of the
enchantments; upon the destruction of the firstborn, they
acknowledged this people to be the sons of God.
Wis 18:14
For while all things were in quiet silence, and that night
was in the midst of her swift course,
Wis 18:15
Thine Almighty word leaped down from heaven out of thy royal
throne, as a fierce man of war into the midst of a land of
destruction,
Wis 18:16
And brought thine unfeigned commandment as a sharp sword, and
standing up filled all things with death; and it touched the
heaven, but it stood upon the earth.
Wis 18:17
Then suddenly visions of horrible dreams troubled them sore,
and terrors came upon them unlooked for.
Wis 18:18
And one thrown here, and another there, half dead, shewed the
cause of his death.
Wis 18:19
For the dreams that troubled them did foreshew this, lest
they should perish, and not know why they were afflicted.
Wis 18:20
Yea, the tasting of death touched the righteous also, and
there was a destruction of the multitude in the wilderness: but
the wrath endured not long.
Wis 18:21
For then the blameless man made haste, and stood forth to
defend them; and bringing the shield of his proper ministry,
even prayer, and the propitiation of incense, set himself
against the wrath, and so brought the calamity to an end,
declaring that he was thy servant.
Wis 18:22
So he overcame the destroyer, not with strength of body, nor
force of arms, but with a word subdued him that punished,
alleging the oaths and covenants made with the fathers.
Wis 18:23
For when the dead were now fallen down by heaps one upon
another, standing between, he stayed the wrath, and parted the
way to the living.
Wis 18:24
For in the long garment was the whole world, and in the four
rows of the stones was the glory of the fathers graven, and thy
Majesty upon the daidem of his head.
Wis 18:25
Unto these the destroyer gave place, and was afraid of them:
for it was enough that they only tasted of the wrath.
Wis 19:1
As for the ungodly, wrath came upon them without mercy unto
the end: for he knew before what they would do;
Wis 19:2
How that having given them leave to depart, and sent them
hastily away, they would repent and pursue them.
Wis 19:3
For whilst they were yet mourning and making lamentation at
the graves of the dead, they added another foolish device, and
pursued them as fugitives, whom they had intreated to be gone.
Wis 19:4
For the destiny, whereof they were worthy, drew them unto
this end, and made them forget the things that had already
happened, that they might fulfil the punishment which was
wanting to their torments:
Wis 19:5
And that thy people might pass a wonderful way: but they
might find a strange death.
Wis 19:6
For the whole creature in his proper kind was fashioned again
anew, serving the peculiar commandments that were given unto
them, that thy children might be kept without hurt:
Wis 19:7
As namely, a cloud shadowing the camp; and where water stood
before, dry land appeared; and out of the Red sea a way without
impediment; and out of the violent stream a green field:
Wis 19:8
Wherethrough all the people went that were defended with thy
hand, seeing thy marvellous strange wonders.
Wis 19:9
For they went at large like horses, and leaped like lambs,
praising thee, O Lord, who hadst delivered them.
Wis 19:10
For they were yet mindful of the things that were done while
they sojourned in the strange land, how the ground brought forth
flies instead of cattle, and how the river cast up a multitude
of frogs instead of fishes.
Wis 19:11
But afterwards they saw a new generation of fowls, when,
being led with their appetite, they asked delicate meats.
Wis 19:12
For quails came up unto them from the sea for their
contentment.
Wis 19:13
And punishments came upon the sinners not without former
signs by the force of thunders: for they suffered justly
according to their own wickedness, insomuch as they used a more
hard and hateful behaviour toward strangers.
Wis 19:14
For the Sodomites did not receive those, whom they knew not
when they came: but these brought friends into bondage, that had
well deserved of them.
Wis 19:15
And not only so, but peradventure some respect shall be had
of those, because they used strangers not friendly:
Wis 19:16
But these very grievously afflicted them, whom they had
received with feastings, and were already made partakers of the
same laws with them.
Wis 19:17
Therefore even with blindness were these stricken, as those
were at the doors of the righteous man: when, being compassed
about with horrible great darkness, every one sought the passage
of his own doors.
Wis 19:18
For the elements were changed in themselves by a kind of
harmony, like as in a psaltery notes change the name of the
tune, and yet are always sounds; which may well be perceived by
the sight of the things that have been done.
Wis 19:19
For earthly things were turned into watery, and the things,
that before swam in the water, now went upon the ground.
Wis 19:20
The fire had power in the water, forgetting his own virtue:
and the water forgat his own quenching nature.
Wis 19:21
On the other side, the flames wasted not the flesh of the
corruptible living things, though they walked therein; neither
melted they the icy kind of heavenly meat that was of nature apt
to melt.
Wis 19:22
For in all things, O Lord, thou didst magnify thy people, and
glorify them, neither didst thou lightly regard them: but didst
assist them in every time and place.
The Book of Sirach (or Ecclesiasticus)
[The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus]
Sir 1
[A Prologue made by an uncertain Author]
This Jesus was the son of Sirach, and grandchild to
Jesus of the same name with him: this man therefore lived in the
latter times, after the people had been led away captive, and
called home a again, and almost after all the prophets. Now his
grandfather Jesus, as he himself witnesseth, was a man of great
diligence and wisdom among the Hebrews, who did not only gather
the grave and short sentences of wise men, that had been before
him, but himself also uttered some of his own, full of much
understanding and wisdom. When as therefore the first Jesus
died, leaving this book almost perfected, Sirach his son
receiving it after him left it to his own son Jesus, who, having
gotten it into his hands, compiled it all orderly into one
volume, and called it Wisdom, intituling it both by his own
name, his father's name, and his grandfather's; alluring the
hearer by the very name of Wisdom to have a greater love to the
study of this book. It containeth therefore wise sayings, dark
sentences, and parables, and certain particular ancient godly
stories of men that pleased God; also his prayer and song;
moreover, what benefits God had vouchsafed his people, and what
plagues he had heaped upon their enemies. This Jesus did imitate
Solomon, and was no less famous for wisdom and learning, both
being indeed a man of great learning, and so reputed also.
[The Prologue of the Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach.]
Whereas many and great things have been delivered unto us by the law
and the prophets, and by others that have followed their steps,
for the which things Israel ought to be commended for learning
and wisdom; and whereof not only the readers must needs become
skilful themselves, but also they that desire to learn be able
to profit them which are without, both by speaking and writing:
my grandfather Jesus, when he had much given himself to the
reading of the law, and the prophets, and other books of our
fathers, and had gotten therein good judgment, was drawn on also
himself to write something pertaining to learning and wisdom; to
the intent that those which are desirous to learn, and are
addicted to these things, might profit much more in living
according to the law. Wherefore let me intreat you to read it
with favour and attention, and to pardon us, wherein we may seem
to come short of some words, which we have laboured to
interpret. For the same things uttered in Hebrew, and translated
into another tongue, have not the same force in them: and not
only these things, but the law itself, and the prophets, and the
rest of the books, have no small difference, when they are
spoken in their own language. For in the eight and thirtieth
year coming into Egypt, when Euergetes was king, and continuing
there some time, I found a book of no small learning: therefore
I thought it most necessary for me to bestow some diligence and
travail to interpret it; using great watchfulness and skill in
that space to bring the book to an end, and set it forth for
them also, which in a strange country are willing to learn,
being prepared before in manners to live after the law.
Sir 1:1
All wisdom cometh from the Lord, and is with him for ever.
Sir 1:2
Who can number the sand of the sea, and the drops of rain,
and the days of eternity?
Sir 1:3
Who can find out the height of heaven, and the breadth of the
earth, and the deep, and wisdom?
Sir 1:4
Wisdom hath been created before all things, and the
understanding of prudence from everlasting.
Sir 1:5
The word of God most high is the fountain of wisdom; and her
ways are everlasting commandments.
Sir 1:6
To whom hath the root of wisdom been revealed? or who hath
known her wise counsels?
Sir 1:7
[Unto whom hath the knowledge of wisdom been made manifest?
and who hath understood her great experience?]
Sir 1:8
There is one wise and greatly to be feared, the Lord sitting
upon his throne.
Sir 1:9
He created her, and saw her, and numbered her, and poured her
out upon all his works.
Sir 1:10
She is with all flesh according to his gift, and he hath
given her to them that love him.
Sir 1:11
The fear of the Lord is honour, and glory, and gladness, and
a crown of rejoicing.
Sir 1:12
The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy,
and gladness, and a long life.
Sir 1:13
Whoso feareth the Lord, it shall go well with him at the
last, and he shall find favour in the day of his death.
Sir 1:14
To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and it was
created with the faithful in the womb.
Sir 1:15
She hath built an everlasting foundation with men, and she
shall continue with their seed.
Sir 1:16
To fear the Lord is fulness of wisdom, and filleth men with
her fruits.
Sir 1:17
She filleth all their house with things desirable, and the
garners with her increase.
Sir 1:18
The fear of the Lord is a crown of wisdom, making peace and
perfect health to flourish; both which are the gifts of God: and
it enlargeth their rejoicing that love him.
Sir 1:19
Wisdom raineth down skill and knowledge of understanding
standing, and exalteth them to honour that hold her fast.
Sir 1:20
The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and the branches
thereof are long life.
Sir 1:21
The fear of the Lord driveth away sins: and where it is
present, it turneth away wrath.
Sir 1:22
A furious man cannot be justified; for the sway of his fury
shall be his destruction.
Sir 1:23
A patient man will tear for a time, and afterward joy shall
spring up unto him.
Sir 1:24
He will hide his words for a time, and the lips of many shall
declare his wisdom.
Sir 1:25
The parables of knowledge are in the treasures of wisdom: but
godliness is an abomination to a sinner.
Sir 1:26
If thou desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord
shall give her unto thee.
Sir 1:27
For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction: and faith
and meekness are his delight.
Sir 1:28
Distrust not the fear of the Lord when thou art poor: and
come not unto him with a double heart.
Sir 1:29
Be not an hypocrite in the sight of men, and take good heed
what thou speakest.
Sir 1:30
Exalt not thyself, lest thou fall, and bring dishonour upon
thy soul, and so God discover thy secrets, and cast thee down in
the midst of the congregation, because thou camest not in truth
to the fear of the Lord, but thy heart is full of deceit.
Sir 2:1
My son, if thou come to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for
temptation.
Sir 2:2
Set thy heart aright, and constantly endure, and make not
haste in time of trouble.
Sir 2:3
Cleave unto him, and depart not away, that thou mayest be
increased at thy last end.
Sir 2:4
Whatsoever is brought upon thee take cheerfully, and be
patient when thou art changed to a low estate.
Sir 2:5
For gold is tried in the fire, and acceptable men in the
furnace of adversity.
Sir 2:6
Believe in him, and he will help thee; order thy way aright,
and trust in him.
Sir 2:7
Ye that fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and go not aside,
lest ye fall.
Sir 2:8
Ye that fear the Lord, believe him; and your reward shall not
fail.
Sir 2:9
Ye that fear the Lord, hope for good, and for everlasting joy
and mercy.
Sir 2:10
Look at the generations of old, and see; did ever any trust
in the Lord, and was confounded? or did any abide in his fear,
and was forsaken? or whom did he ever despise, that called upon
him?
Sir 2:11
For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, longsuffering,
and very pitiful, and forgiveth sins, and saveth in time of
affliction.
Sir 2:12
Woe be to fearful hearts, and faint hands, and the sinner
that goeth two ways!
Sir 2:13
Woe unto him that is fainthearted! for he believeth not;
therefore shall he not be defended.
Sir 2:14
Woe unto you that have lost patience! and what will ye do
when the Lord shall visit you?
Sir 2:15
They that fear the Lord will not disobey his Word; and they
that love him will keep his ways.
Sir 2:16
They that fear the Lord will seek that which is well,
pleasing unto him; and they that love him shall be filled with
the law.
Sir 2:17
They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and humble
their souls in his sight,
Sir 2:18
Saying, We will fall into the hands of the Lord, and not into
the hands of men: for as his majesty is, so is his mercy.
Sir 3:1
Hear me your father, O children, and do thereafter, that ye
may be safe.
Sir 3:2
For the Lord hath given the father honour over the children,
and hath confirmed the authority of the mother over the sons.
Sir 3:3
Whoso honoureth his father maketh an atonement for his sins:
Sir 3:4
And he that honoureth his mother is as one that layeth up
treasure.
Sir 3:5
Whoso honoureth his father shall have joy of his own
children; and when he maketh his prayer, he shall be heard.
Sir 3:6
He that honoureth his father shall have a long life; and he
that is obedient unto the Lord shall be a comfort to his mother.
Sir 3:7
He that feareth the Lord will honour his father, and will do
service unto his parents, as to his masters.
Sir 3:8
Honour thy father and mother both in word and deed, that a
blessing may come upon thee from them.
Sir 3:9
For the blessing of the father establisheth the houses of
children; but the curse of the mother rooteth out foundations.
Sir 3:10
Glory not in the dishonour of thy father; for thy father's
dishonour is no glory unto thee.
Sir 3:11
For the glory of a man is from the honour of his father; and
a mother in dishonour is a reproach to the children.
Sir 3:12
My son, help thy father in his age, and grieve him not as
long as he liveth.
Sir 3:13
And if his understanding fail, have patience with him; and
despise him not when thou art in thy full strength.
Sir 3:14
For the relieving of thy father shall not be forgotten: and
instead of sins it shall be added to build thee up.
Sir 3:15
In the day of thine affliction it shall be remembered; thy
sins also shall melt away, as the ice in the fair warm weather.
Sir 3:16
He that forsaketh his father is as a blasphemer; and he that
angereth his mother is cursed: of God.
Sir 3:17
My son, go on with thy business in meekness; so shalt thou be
beloved of him that is approved.
Sir 3:18
The greater thou art, the more humble thyself, and thou shalt
find favour before the Lord.
Sir 3:19
Many are in high place, and of renown: but mysteries are
revealed unto the meek.
Sir 3:20
For the power of the Lord is great, and he is honoured of the
lowly.
Sir 3:21
Seek not out things that are too hard for thee, neither
search the things that are above thy strength.
Sir 3:22
But what is commanded thee, think thereupon with reverence,
for it is not needful for thee to see with thine eyes the things
that are in secret.
Sir 3:23
Be not curious in unnecessary matters: for more things are
shewed unto thee than men understand.
Sir 3:24
For many are deceived by their own vain opinion; and an evil
suspicion hath overthrown their judgment.
Sir 3:25
Without eyes thou shalt want light: profess not the knowledge
therefore that thou hast not.
Sir 3:26
A stubborn heart shall fare evil at the last; and he that
loveth danger shall perish therein.
Sir 3:27
An obstinate heart shall be laden with sorrows; and the
wicked man shall heap sin upon sin.
Sir 3:28
In the punishment of the proud there is no remedy; for the
plant of wickedness hath taken root in him.
Sir 3:29
The heart of the prudent will understand a parable; and an
attentive ear is the desire of a wise man.
Sir 3:30
Water will quench a flaming fire; and alms maketh an
atonement for sins.
Sir 3:31
And he that requiteth good turns is mindful of that which may
come hereafter; and when he falleth, he shall find a stay.
Sir 4:1
My son, defraud not the poor of his living, and make not the
needy eyes to wait long.
Sir 4:2
Make not an hungry soul sorrowful; neither provoke a man in
his distress.
Sir 4:3
Add not more trouble to an heart that is vexed; and defer not
to give to him that is in need.
Sir 4:4
Reject not the supplication of the afflicted; neither turn
away thy face from a poor man.
Sir 4:5
Turn not away thine eye from the needy, and give him none
occasion to curse thee:
Sir 4:6
For if he curse thee in the bitterness of his soul, his
prayer shall be heard of him that made him.
Sir 4:7
Get thyself the love of the congregation, and bow thy head to
a great man.
Sir 4:8
Let it not grieve thee to bow down thine ear to the poor, and
give him a friendly answer with meekness.
Sir 4:9
Deliver him that suffereth wrong from the hand of the
oppressor; and be not fainthearted when thou sittest in
judgment.
Sir 4:10
Be as a father unto the fatherless, and instead of an husband
unto their mother: so shalt thou be as the son of the most High,
and he shall love thee more than thy mother doth.
Sir 4:11
Wisdom exalteth her children, and layeth hold of them that
seek her.
Sir 4:12
He that loveth her loveth life; and they that seek to her
early shall be filled with joy.
Sir 4:13
He that holdeth her fast shall inherit glory; and wheresoever
she entereth, the Lord will bless.
Sir 4:14
They that serve her shall minister to the Holy One: and them
that love her the Lord doth love.
Sir 4:15
Whoso giveth ear unto her shall judge the nations: and he
that attendeth unto her shall dwell securely.
Sir 4:16
If a man commit himself unto her, he shall inherit her; and
his generation shall hold her in possession.
Sir 4:17
For at the first she will walk with him by crooked ways, and
bring fear and dread upon him, and torment him with her
discipline, until she may trust his soul, and try him by her
laws.
Sir 4:18
Then will she return the straight way unto him, and comfort
him, and shew him her secrets.
Sir 4:19
But if he go wrong, she will forsake him, and give him over
to his own ruin.
Sir 4:20
Observe the opportunity, and beware of evil; and be not
ashamed when it concerneth thy soul.
Sir 4:21
For there is a shame that bringeth sin; and there is a shame
which is glory and grace.
Sir 4:22
Accept no person against thy soul, and let not the reverence
of any man cause thee to fall.
Sir 4:23
And refrain not to speak, when there is occasion to do good,
and hide not thy wisdom in her beauty.
Sir 4:24
For by speech wisdom shall be known: and learning by the word
of the tongue.
Sir 4:25
In no wise speak against the truth; but be abashed of the
error of thine ignorance.
Sir 4:26
Be not ashamed to confess thy sins; and force not the course
of the river.
Sir 4:27
Make not thyself an underling to a foolish man; neither
accept the person of the mighty.
Sir 4:28
Strive for the truth unto death, and the Lord shall fight for
thee.
Sir 4:29
Be not hasty in thy tongue, and in thy deeds slack and
remiss.
Sir 4:30
Be not as a lion in thy house, nor frantick among thy
servants.
Sir 4:31
Let not thine hand be stretched out to receive, and shut when
thou shouldest repay.
Sir 5:1
Set thy heart upon thy goods; and say not, I have enough for
my life.
Sir 5:2
Follow not thine own mind and thy strength, to walk in the
ways of thy heart:
Sir 5:3
And say not, Who shall controul me for my works? for the Lord
will surely revenge thy pride.
Sir 5:4
Say not, I have sinned, and what harm hath happened unto me?
for the Lord is longsuffering, he will in no wise let thee go.
Sir 5:5
Concerning propitiation, be not without fear to add sin unto
sin:
Sir 5:6
And say not His mercy is great; he will be pacified for the
multitude of my sins: for mercy and wrath come from him, and his
indignation resteth upon sinners.
Sir 5:7
Make no tarrying to turn to the Lord, and put not off from
day to day: for suddenly shall the wrath of the Lord come forth,
and in thy security thou shalt be destroyed, and perish in the
day of vengeance.
Sir 5:8
Set not thine heart upon goods unjustly gotten, for they
shall not profit thee in the day of calamity.
Sir 5:9
Winnow not with every wind, and go not into every way: for so
doth the sinner that hath a double tongue.
Sir 5:10
Be stedfast in thy understanding; and let thy word be the
same.
Sir 5:11
Be swift to hear; and let thy life be sincere; and with
patience give answer.
Sir 5:12
If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbour; if not, lay
thy hand upon thy mouth.
Sir 5:13
Honour and shame is in talk: and the tongue of man is his
fall.
Sir 5:14
Be not called a whisperer, and lie not in wait with thy
tongue: for a foul shame is upon the thief, and an evil
condemnation upon the double tongue.
Sir 5:15
Be not ignorant of any thing in a great matter or a small.
Sir 6:1
Instead of a friend become not an enemy; for [thereby] thou
shalt inherit an ill name, shame, and reproach: even so shall a
sinner that hath a double tongue.
Sir 6:2
Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart; that thy
soul be not torn in pieces as a bull [straying alone.]
Sir 6:3
Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave
thyself as a dry tree.
Sir 6:4
A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make
him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.
Sir 6:5
Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking
tongue will increase kind greetings.
Sir 6:6
Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor
of a thousand.
Sir 6:7
If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not
hasty to credit him.
Sir 6:8
For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not
abide in the day of thy trouble.
Sir 6:9
And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife
will discover thy reproach.
Sir 6:10
Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not
continue in the day of thy affliction.
Sir 6:11
But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself, and will be bold
over thy servants.
Sir 6:12
If thou be brought low, he will be against thee, and will
hide himself from thy face.
Sir 6:13
Separate thyself from thine enemies, and take heed of thy
friends.
Sir 6:14
A faithfull friend is a strong defence: and he that hath
found such an one hath found a treasure.
Sir 6:15
Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend, and his
excellency is invaluable.
Sir 6:16
A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear
the Lord shall find him.
Sir 6:17
Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright:
for as he is, so shall his neighbour be also.
Sir 6:18
My son, gather instruction from thy youth up: so shalt thou
find wisdom till thine old age.
Sir 6:19
Come unto her as one that ploweth and soweth, and wait for
her good fruits: for thou shalt not toil much in labouring about
her, but thou shalt eat of her fruits right soon.
Sir 6:20
She is very unpleasant to the unlearned: he that is without
understanding will not remain with her.
Sir 6:21
She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial; and he will
cast her from him ere it be long.
Sir 6:22
For wisdom is according to her name, and she is not manifest
unto many.
Sir 6:23
Give ear, my son, receive my advice, and refuse not my
counsel,
Sir 6:24
And put thy feet into her fetters, and thy neck into her
chain.
Sir 6:25
Bow down thy shoulder, and bear her, and be not grieved with
her bonds.
Sir 6:26
Come unto her with thy whole heart, and keep her ways with
all thy power.
Sir 6:27
Search, and seek, and she shall be made known unto thee: and
when thou hast got hold of her, let her not go.
Sir 6:28
For at the last thou shalt find her rest, and that shall be
turned to thy joy.
Sir 6:29
Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee, and her
chains a robe of glory.
Sir 6:30
For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are
purple lace.
Sir 6:31
Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour, and shalt put her
about thee as a crown of joy.
Sir 6:32
My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be taught: and if thou wilt
apply thy mind, thou shalt be prudent.
Sir 6:33
If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and
if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise,
Sir 6:34
Stand in the multitude of the elders; and cleave unto him
that is wise.
Sir 6:35
Be willing to hear every godly discourse; and let not the
parables of understanding escape thee.
Sir 6:36
And if thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes
unto him, and let thy foot wear the steps of his door.
Sir 6:37
Let thy mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord and meditate
continually in his commandments: he shall establish thine heart,
and give thee wisdom at thine owns desire.
Sir 7:1
Do no evil, so shall no harm come unto thee.
Sir 7:2
Depart from the unjust, and iniquity shall turn away from
thee.
Sir 7:3
My son, sow not upon the furrows of unrighteousness, and thou
shalt not reap them sevenfold.
Sir 7:4
Seek not of the Lord preeminence, neither of the king the
seat of honour.
Sir 7:5
justify not thyself before the Lord; and boast not of thy
wisdom before the king.
Sir 7:6
Seek not to be judge, being not able to take away iniquity;
lest at any time thou fear the person of the mighty, an
stumblingblock in the way of thy uprightness.
Sir 7:7
Offend not against the multitude of a city, and then thou
shalt not cast thyself down among the people.
Sir 7:8
Bind not one sin upon another; for in one thou shalt not be
unpunished.
Sir 7:9
Say not, God will look upon the multitude of my oblations,
and when I offer to the most high God, he will accept it.
Sir 7:10
Be not fainthearted when thou makest thy prayer, and neglect
not to give alms.
Sir 7:11
Laugh no man to scorn in the bitterness of his soul: for
there is one which humbleth and exalteth.
Sir 7:12
Devise not a lie against thy brother; neither do the like to
thy friend.
Sir 7:13
Use not to make any manner of lie: for the custom thereof is
not good.
Sir 7:14
Use not many words in a multitude of elders, and make not
much babbling when thou prayest.
Sir 7:15
Hate not laborious work, neither husbandry, which the most
High hath ordained.
Sir 7:16
Number not thyself among the multitude of sinners, but
remember that wrath will not tarry long.
Sir 7:17
Humble thyself greatly: for the vengeance of the ungodly is
fire and worms.
Sir 7:18
Change not a friend for any good by no means; neither a
faithful brother for the gold of Ophir.
Sir 7:19
Forego not a wise and good woman: for her grace is above
gold.
Sir 7:20
Whereas thy servant worketh truly, entreat him not evil, nor
the hireling that bestoweth himself wholly for thee.
Sir 7:21
Let thy soul love a good servant, and defraud him not of
liberty.
Sir 7:22
Hast thou cattle? have an eye to them: and if they be for thy
profit, keep them with thee.
Sir 7:23
Hast thou children? instruct them, and bow down their neck
from their youth.
Sir 7:24
Hast thou daughters? have a care of their body, and shew not
thyself cheerful toward them.
Sir 7:25
Marry thy daughter, and so shalt thou have performed a
weighty matter: but give her to a man of understanding.
Sir 7:26
Hast thou a wife after thy mind? forsake her not: but give
not thyself over to a light woman.
Sir 7:27
Honour thy father with thy whole heart, and forget not the
sorrows of thy mother.
Sir 7:28
Remember that thou wast begotten of them; and how canst thou
recompense them the things that they have done for thee?
Sir 7:29
Fear the Lord with all thy soul, and reverence his priests.
Sir 7:30
Love him that made thee with all thy strength, and forsake
not his ministers.
Sir 7:31
Fear the Lord, and honor the priest; and give him his
portion, as it is commanded thee; the firstfruits, and the
trespass offering, and the gift of the shoulders, and the
sacrifice of sanctification, and the firstfruits of the holy
things.
Sir 7:32
And stretch thine hand unto the poor, that thy blessing may
be perfected.
Sir 7:33
A gift hath grace in the sight of every man living; and for
the dead detain it not.
Sir 7:34
Fail not to be with them that weep, and mourn with them that
mourn.
Sir 7:35
Be not slow to visit the sick: for that shall make thee to be
beloved.
Sir 7:36
Whatsoever thou takest in hand, remember the end, and thou
shalt never do amiss.
Sir 8:1
Strive not with a mighty man' lest thou fall into his hands.
Sir 8:2
Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh thee:
for gold hath destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings.
Sir 8:3
Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not
wood upon his fire.
Sir 8:4
Jest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced.
Sir 8:5
Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that
we are all worthy of punishment.
Sir 8:6
Dishonour not a man in his old age: for even some of us wax
old.
Sir 8:7
Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead, but remember
that we die all.
Sir 8:8
Despise not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint thyself
with their proverbs: for of them thou shalt learn instruction,
and how to serve great men with ease.
Sir 8:9
Miss not the discourse of the elders: for they also learned
of their fathers, and of them thou shalt learn understanding,
and to give answer as need requireth.
Sir 8:10
Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the
flame of his fire.
Sir 8:11
Rise not up [in anger] at the presence of an injurious
person, lest he lie in wait to entrap thee in thy words
Sir 8:12
Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself; for if thou
lendest him, count it but lost.
Sir 8:13
Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take
care to pay it.
Sir 8:14
Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him
according to his honour.
Sir 8:15
Travel not by the way with a bold fellow, lest he become
grievous unto thee: for he will do according to his own will,
and thou shalt perish with him through his folly.
Sir 8:16
Strive not with an angry man, and go not with him into a
solitary place: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where
there is no help, he will overthrow thee.
Sir 8:17
Consult not with a fool; for he cannot keep counsel.
Sir 8:18
Do no secret thing before a stranger; for thou knowest not
what he will bring forth.
Sir 8:19
Open not thine heart to every man, lest he requite thee with
a shrewd turn.
Sir 9:1
Be not jealous over the wife of thy bosom, and teach her not
an evil lesson against thyself.
Sir 9:2
Give not thy soul unto a woman to set her foot upon thy
substance.
Sir 9:3
Meet not with an harlot, lest thou fall into her snares.
Sir 9:4
Use not much the company of a woman that is a singer, lest
thou be taken with her attempts.
Sir 9:5
Gaze not on a maid, that thou fall not by those things that
are precious in her.
Sir 9:6
Give not thy soul unto harlots, that thou lose not thine
inheritance.
Sir 9:7
Look not round about thee in the streets of the city, neither
wander thou in the solitary place thereof.
Sir 9:8
Turn away thine eye from a beautiful woman, and look not upon
another's beauty; for many have been deceived by the beauty of a
woman; for herewith love is kindled as a fire.
Sir 9:9
Sit not at all with another man's wife, nor sit down with her
in thine arms, and spend not thy money with her at the wine;
lest thine heart incline unto her, and so through thy desire
thou fall into destruction.
Sir 9:10
Forsake not an old friend; for the new is not comparable to
him: a new friend is as new wine; when it is old, thou shalt
drink it with pleasure.
Sir 9:11
Envy not the glory of a sinner: for thou knowest not what
shall be his end.
Sir 9:12
Delight not in the thing that the ungodly have pleasure in;
but remember they shall not go unpunished unto their grave.
Sir 9:13
Keep thee far from the man that hath power to kill; so shalt
thou not doubt the fear of death: and if thou come unto him,
make no fault, lest he take away thy life presently: remember
that thou goest in the midst of snares, and that thou walkest
upon the battlements of the city.
Sir 9:14
As near as thou canst, guess at thy neighbour, and consult
with the wise.
Sir 9:15
Let thy talk be with the wise, and all thy communication in
the law of the most High.
Sir 9:16
And let just men eat and drink with thee; and let thy
glorying be in the fear of the Lord.
Sir 9:17
For the hand of the artificer the work shall be commended:
and the wise ruler of the people for his speech.
Sir 9:18
A man of an ill tongue is dangerous in his city; and he that
is rash in his talk shall be hated.
Sir 10:1
A wise judge will instruct his people; and the government of
a prudent man is well ordered.
Sir 10:2
As the judge of the people is himself, so are his officers;
and what manner of man the ruler of the city is, such are all
they that dwell therein.
Sir 10:3
An unwise king destroyeth his people; but through the
prudence of them which are in authority the city shall be
inhabited.
Sir 10:4
The power of the earth is in the hand of the Lord, and in due
time he will set over it one that is profitable.
Sir 10:5
In the hand of God is the prosperity of man: and upon the
person of the scribe shall he lay his honour.
Sir 10:6
Bear not hatred to thy neighbour for every wrong; and do
nothing at all by injurious practices.
Sir 10:7
Pride is hateful before God and man: and by both doth one
commit iniquity.
Sir 10:8
Because of unrighteous dealings, injuries, and riches got by
deceit, the kingdom is translated from one people to another.
Sir 10:9
Why is earth and ashes proud? There is not a more wicked
thing than a covetous man: for such an one setteth his own soul
to sale; because while he liveth he casteth away his bowels.
Sir 10:10
The physician cutteth off a long disease; and he that is to
day a king to morrow shall die.
Sir 10:11
For when a man is dead, he shall inherit creeping things,
beasts, and worms.
Sir 10:12
The beginning of pride is when one departeth from God, and
his heart is turned away from his Maker.
Sir 10:13
For pride is the beginning of sin, and he that hath it shall
pour out abomination: and therefore the Lord brought upon them
strange calamities, and overthrew them utterly.
Sir 10:14
The Lord hath cast down the thrones of proud princes, and set
up the meek in their stead.
Sir 10:15
The Lord hath plucked up the roots of the proud nations, and
planted the lowly in their place.
Sir 10:16
The Lord overthrew countries of the heathen, and destroyed
them to the foundations of the earth.
Sir 10:17
He took some of them away, and destroyed them, and hath made
their memorial to cease from the earth.
Sir 10:18
Pride was not made for men, nor furious anger for them that
are born of a woman.
Sir 10:19
They that fear the Lord are a sure seed, and they that love
him an honourable plant: they that regard not the law are a
dishonourable seed; they that transgress the commandments are a
deceivable seed.
Sir 10:20
Among brethren he that is chief is honorable; so are they
that fear the Lord in his eyes.
Sir 10:21
The fear of the Lord goeth before the obtaining of authority:
but roughness and pride is the losing thereof.
Sir 10:22
Whether he be rich, noble, or poor, their glory is the fear
of the Lord.
Sir 10:23
It is not meet to despise the poor man that hath
understanding; neither is it convenient to magnify a sinful
man.
Sir 10:24
Great men, and judges, and potentates, shall be honoured; yet
is there none of them greater than he that feareth the Lord.
Sir 10:25
Unto the servant that is wise shall they that are free do
service: and he that hath knowledge will not grudge when he is
reformed.
Sir 10:26
Be not overwise in doing thy business; and boast not thyself
in the time of thy distress.
Sir 10:27
Better is he that laboureth, and aboundeth in all things,
than he that boasteth himself, and wanteth bread.
Sir 10:28
My son, glorify thy soul in meekness, and give it honour
according to the dignity thereof.
Sir 10:29
Who will justify him that sinneth against his own soul? and
who will honour him that dishonoureth his own life?
Sir 10:30
The poor man is honoured for his skill, and the rich man is
honoured for his riches.
Sir 10:31
He that is honoured in poverty, how much more in riches? and
he that is dishonourable in riches, how much more in poverty?
Sir 11:1
Wisdom lifteth up the head of him that is of low degree, and
maketh him to sit among great men.
Sir 11:2
Commend not a man for his beauty; neither abhor a man for his
outward appearance.
Sir 11:3
The bee is little among such as fly; but her fruit is the
chief of sweet things.
Sir 11:4
Boast not of thy clothing and raiment, and exalt not thyself
in the day of honour: for the works of the Lord are wonderful,
and his works among men are hidden.
Sir 11:5
Many kings have sat down upon the ground; and one that was
never thought of hath worn the crown.
Sir 11:6
Many mighty men have been greatly disgraced; and the
honourable delivered into other men's hands.
Sir 11:7
Blame not before thou hast examined the truth: understand
first, and then rebuke.
Sir 11:8
Answer not before thou hast heard the cause: neither
interrupt men in the midst of their talk.
Sir 11:9
Strive not in a matter that concerneth thee not; and sit not
in judgment with sinners.
Sir 11:10
My son, meddle not with many matters: for if thou meddle
much, thou shalt not be innocent; and if thou follow after, thou
shalt not obtain, neither shalt thou escape by fleeing.
Sir 11:11
There is one that laboureth, and taketh pains, and maketh
haste, and is so much the more behind.
Sir 11:12
Again, there is another that is slow, and hath need of help,
wanting ability, and full of poverty; yet the eye of the Lord
looked upon him for good, and set him up from his low estate,
Sir 11:13
And lifted up his head from misery; so that many that saw
from him is peace over all the
Sir 11:14
Prosperity and adversity, life and death, poverty and riches,
come of the Lord.
Sir 11:15
Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the law, are of the
Lord: love, and the way of good works, are from him.
Sir 11:16
Error and darkness had their beginning together with sinners:
and evil shall wax old with them that glory therein.
Sir 11:17
The gift of the Lord remaineth with the ungodly, and his
favour bringeth prosperity for ever.
Sir 11:18
There is that waxeth rich by his wariness and pinching, and
this his the portion of his reward:
Sir 11:19
Whereas he saith, I have found rest, and now will eat
continually of my goods; and yet he knoweth not what time shall
come upon him, and that he must leave those things to others,
and die.
Sir 11:20
Be stedfast in thy covenant, and be conversant therein, and
wax old in thy work.
Sir 11:21
Marvel not at the works of sinners; but trust in the Lord,
and abide in thy labour: for it is an easy thing in the sight of
the Lord on the sudden to make a poor man rich.
Sir 11:22
The blessing of the Lord is in the reward of the godly, and
suddenly he maketh his blessing flourish.
Sir 11:23
Say not, What profit is there of my service? and what good
things shall I have hereafter?
Sir 11:24
Again, say not, I have enough, and possess many things, and
what evil shall I have hereafter?
Sir 11:25
In the day of prosperity there is a forgetfulness of
affliction: and in the day of affliction there is no more
remembrance of prosperity.
Sir 11:26
For it is an easy thing unto the Lord in the day of death to
reward a man according to his ways.
Sir 11:27
The affliction of an hour maketh a man forget pleasure: and
in his end his deeds shall be discovered.
Sir 11:28
Judge none blessed before his death: for a man shall be known
in his children.
Sir 11:29
Bring not every man into thine house: for the deceitful man
hath many trains.
Sir 11:30
Like as a partridge taken [and kept] in a cage, so is the
heart of the proud; and like as a spy, watcheth he for thy fall:
Sir 11:31
For he lieth in wait, and turneth good into evil, and in
things worthy praise will lay blame upon thee.
Sir 11:32
Of a spark of fire a heap of coals is kindled: and a sinful
man layeth wait for blood.
Sir 11:33
Take heed of a mischievous man, for he worketh wickedness;
lest he bring upon thee a perpetual blot.
Sir 11:34
Receive a stranger into thine house, and he will disturb
thee, and turn thee out of thine own.
Sir 12:1
When thou wilt do good know to whom thou doest it; so shalt
thou be thanked for thy benefits.
Sir 12:2
Do good to the godly man, and thou shalt find a recompence;
and if not from him, yet from the most High.
Sir 12:3
There can no good come to him that is always occupied in
evil, nor to him that giveth no alms.
Sir 12:4
Give to the godly man, and help not a sinner.
Sir 12:5
Do well unto him that is lowly, but give not to the ungodly:
hold back thy bread, and give it not unto him, lest he
overmaster thee thereby: for [else] thou shalt receive twice as
much evil for all the good thou shalt have done unto him.
Sir 12:6
For the most High hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance
unto the ungodly, and keepeth them against the mighty day of
their punishment.
Sir 12:7
Give unto the good, and help not the sinner.
Sir 12:8
A friend cannot be known in prosperity: and an enemy cannot
be hidden in adversity.
Sir 12:9
In the prosperity of a man enemies will be grieved: but in
his adversity even a friend will depart.
Sir 12:10
Never trust thine enemy: for like as iron rusteth, so is his
wickedness.
Sir 12:11
Though he humble himself, and go crouching, yet take good
heed and beware of him, and thou shalt be unto him as if thou
hadst wiped a lookingglass, and thou shalt know that his rust
hath not been altogether wiped away.
Sir 12:12
Set him not by thee, lest, when he hath overthrown thee, he
stand up in thy place; neither let him sit at thy right hand,
lest he seek to take thy seat, and thou at the last remember my
words, and be pricked therewith.
Sir 12:13
Who will pity a charmer that is bitten with a serpent, or any
such as come nigh wild beasts?
Sir 12:14
So one that goeth to a sinner, and is defiled with him in his
sins, who will pity?
Sir 12:15
For a while he will abide with thee, but if thou begin to
fall, he will not tarry.
Sir 12:16
An enemy speaketh sweetly with his lips, but in his heart he
imagineth how to throw thee into a pit: he will weep with his
eyes, but if he find opportunity, he will not be satisfied with
blood.
Sir 12:17
If adversity come upon thee, thou shalt find him there first;
and though he pretend to help thee, yet shall he undermine thee.
Sir 12:18
He will shake his head, and clap his hands, and whisper much,
and change his countenance.
Sir 13:1
He that toucheth pitch shall be defiled therewith; and he
that hath fellowship with a proud man shall be like unto him.
Sir 13:2
Burden not thyself above thy power while thou livest; and
have no fellowship with one that is mightier and richer than
thyself: for how agree the kettle and the earthen pot together?
for if the one be smitten against the other, it shall be broken.
Sir 13:3
The rich man hath done wrong, and yet he threateneth withal:
the poor is wronged, and he must intreat also.
Sir 13:4
If thou be for his profit, he will use thee: but if thou have
nothing, he will forsake thee.
Sir 13:5
If thou have any thing, he will live with thee: yea, he will
make thee bare, and will not be sorry for it.
Sir 13:6
If he have need of thee, he will deceive thee, and smile upon
thee, and put thee in hope; he will speak thee fair, and say,
What wantest thou?
Sir 13:7
And he will shame thee by his meats, until he have drawn thee
dry twice or thrice, and at the last he will laugh thee to scorn
afterward, when he seeth thee, he will forsake thee, and shake
his head at thee.
Sir 13:8
Beware that thou be not deceived and brought down in thy
jollity.
Sir 13:9
If thou be invited of a mighty man, withdraw thyself, and so
much the more will he invite thee.
Sir 13:10
Press thou not upon him, lest thou be put back; stand not far
off, lest thou be forgotten.
Sir 13:11
Affect not to be made equal unto him in talk, and believe not
his many words: for with much communication will he tempt thee,
and smiling upon thee will get out thy secrets:
Sir 13:12
But cruelly he will lay up thy words, and will not spare to
do thee hurt, and to put thee in prison.
Sir 13:13
Observe, and take good heed, for thou walkest in peril of thy
overthrowing: when thou hearest these things, awake in thy
sleep.
Sir 13:14
Love the Lord all thy life, and call upon him for thy
salvation.
Sir 13:15
Every beast loveth his like, and every man loveth his
neighbor.
Sir 13:16
All flesh consorteth according to kind, and a man will cleave
to his like.
Sir 13:17
What fellowship hath the wolf with the lamb? so the sinner
with the godly.
Sir 13:18
What agreement is there between the hyena and a dog? and what
peace between the rich and the poor?
Sir 13:19
As the wild ass is the lion's prey in the wilderness: so the
rich eat up the poor.
Sir 13:20
As the proud hate humility: so doth the rich abhor the poor.
Sir 13:21
A rich man beginning to fall is held up of his friends: but a
poor man being down is thrust away by his friends.
Sir 13:22
When a rich man is fallen, he hath many helpers: he speaketh
things not to be spoken, and yet men justify him: the poor man
slipped, and yet they rebuked him too; he spake wisely, and
could have no place.
Sir 13:23
When a rich man speaketh, every man holdeth his tongue, and,
look, what he saith, they extol it to the clouds: but if the
poor man speak, they say, What fellow is this? and if he
stumble, they will help to overthrow him.
Sir 13:24
Riches are good unto him that hath no sin, and poverty is
evil in the mouth of the ungodly.
Sir 13:25
The heart of a man changeth his countenance, whether it be
for good or evil: and a merry heart maketh a cheerful
countenance.
Sir 13:26
A cheerful countenance is a token of a heart that is in
prosperity; and the finding out of parables is a wearisome
labour of the mind.
Sir 14:1
Blessed is the man that hath not slipped with his mouth, and
is not pricked with the multitude of sins.
Sir 14:2
Blessed is he whose conscience hath not condemned him, and
who is not fallen from his hope in the Lord.
Sir 14:3
Riches are not comely for a niggard: and what should an
envious man do with money?
Sir 14:4
He that gathereth by defrauding his own soul gathereth for
others, that shall spend his goods riotously.
Sir 14:5
He that is evil to himself, to whom will he be good? he shall
not take pleasure in his goods.
Sir 14:6
There is none worse than he that envieth himself; and this is
a recompence of his wickedness.
Sir 14:7
And if he doeth good, he doeth it unwillingly; and at the
last he will declare his wickedness.
Sir 14:8
The envious man hath a wicked eye; he turneth away his face,
and despiseth men.
Sir 14:9
A covetous man's eye is not satisfied with his portion; and
the iniquity of the wicked drieth up his soul.
Sir 14:10
A wicked eye envieth [his] bread, and he is a niggard at his
table.
Sir 14:11
My son, according to thy ability do good to thyself, and give
the Lord his due offering.
Sir 14:12
Remember that death will not be long in coming, and that the
covenant of the grave is not shewed unto thee.
Sir 14:13
Do good unto thy friend before thou die, and according to thy
ability stretch out thy hand and give to him.
Sir 14:14
Defraud not thyself of the good day, and let not the part of
a good desire overpass thee.
Sir 14:15
Shalt thou not leave thy travails unto another? and thy
labours to be divided by lot?
Sir 14:16
Give, and take, and sanctify thy soul; for there is no
seeking of dainties in the grave.
Sir 14:17
All flesh waxeth old as a garment: for the covenant from the
beginning is, Thou shalt die the death.
Sir 14:18
As of the green leaves on a thick tree, some fall, and some
grow; so is the generation of flesh and blood, one cometh to an
end, and another is born.
Sir 14:19
Every work rotteth and consumeth away, and the worker thereof
shall go withal.
Sir 14:20
Blessed is the man that doth meditate good things in wisdom,
and that reasoneth of holy things by his understanding.
Sir 14:21
He that considereth her ways in his heart shall also have
understanding in her secrets.
Sir 14:22
Go after her as one that traceth, and lie in wait in her
ways.
Sir 14:23
He that prieth in at her windows shall also hearken at her
doors.
Sir 14:24
He that doth lodge near her house shall also fasten a pin in
her walls.
Sir 14:25
He shall pitch his tent nigh unto her, and shall lodge in a
lodging where good things are.
Sir 14:26
He shall set his children under her shelter, and shall lodge
under her branches.
Sir 14:27
By her he shall be covered from heat, and in her glory shall
he dwell.
Sir 15:1
He that feareth the Lord will do good, and he that hath the
knowledge of the law shall obtain her.
Sir 15:2
And as a mother shall she meet him, and receive him as a wife
married of a virgin.
Sir 15:3
With the bread of understanding shall she feed him, and give
him the water of wisdom to drink.
Sir 15:4
He shall be stayed upon her, and shall not be moved; and
shall rely upon her, and shall not be confounded.
Sir 15:5
She shall exalt him above his neighbours, and in the midst of
the congregation shall she open his mouth.
Sir 15:6
He shall find joy and a crown of gladness, and she shall
cause him to inherit an everlasting name.
Sir 15:7
But foolish men shall not attain unto her, and sinners shall
not see her.
Sir 15:8
For she is far from pride, and men that are liars cannot
remember her.
Sir 15:9
Praise is not seemly in the mouth of a sinner, for it was not
sent him of the Lord.
Sir 15:10
For praise shall be uttered in wisdom, and the Lord will
prosper it.
Sir 15:11
Say not thou, It is through the Lord that I fell away: for
thou oughtest not to do the things that he hateth.
Sir 15:12
Say not thou, He hath caused me to err: for he hath no need
of the sinful man.
Sir 15:13
The Lord hateth all abomination; and they that fear God love
it not.
Sir 15:14
He himself made man from the beginning, and left him in the
hand of his counsel;
Sir 15:15
If thou wilt, to keep the commandments, and to perform
acceptable faithfulness.
Sir 15:16
He hath set fire and water before thee: stretch forth thy
hand unto whether thou wilt.
Sir 15:17
Before man is life and death; and whether him liketh shall be
given him.
Sir 15:18
For the wisdom of the Lord is great, and he is mighty in
power, and beholdeth all things:
Sir 15:19
And his eyes are upon them that fear him, and he knoweth
every work of man.
Sir 15:20
He hath commanded no man to do wickedly, neither hath he
given any man licence to sin.
Sir 16:1
Desire not a multitude of unprofitable children, neither
delight in ungodly sons.
Sir 16:2
Though they multiply, rejoice not in them, except the fear of
the Lord be with them.
Sir 16:3
Trust not thou in their life, neither respect their
multitude: for one that is just is better than a thousand; and
better it is to die without children, than to have them that are
ungodly.
Sir 16:4
For by one that hath understanding shall the city be
replenished: but the kindred of the wicked shall speedily become
desolate.
Sir 16:5
Many such things have I seen with mine eyes, and mine ear
hath heard greater things than these.
Sir 16:6
In the congregation of the ungodly shall a fire be kindled;
and in a rebellious nation wrath is set on fire.
Sir 16:7
He was not pacified toward the old giants, who fell away in
the strength of their foolishness.
Sir 16:8
Neither spared he the place where Lot sojourned, but abhorred
them for their pride.
Sir 16:9
He pitied not the people of perdition, who were taken away in
their sins:
Sir 16:10
Nor the six hundred thousand footmen, who were gathered
together in the hardness of their hearts.
Sir 16:11
And if there be one stiffnecked among the people, it is
marvel if he escape unpunished: for mercy and wrath are with
him; he is mighty to forgive, and to pour out displeasure.
Sir 16:12
As his mercy is great, so is his correction also: he judgeth
a man according to his works
Sir 16:13
The sinner shall not escape with his spoils: and the patience
of the godly shall not be frustrate.
Sir 16:14
Make way for every work of mercy: for every man shall find
according to his works.
Sir 16:15
The Lord hardened Pharaoh, that he should not know him, that
his powerful works might be known to the world.
Sir 16:16
His mercy is manifest to every creature; and he hath
separated his light from the darkness with an adamant.
Sir 16:17
Say not thou, I will hide myself from the Lord: shall any
remember me from above? I shall not be remembered among so many
people: for what is my soul among such an infinite number of
creatures?
Sir 16:18
Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, the deep, and
the earth, and all that therein is, shall be moved when he shall
visit.
Sir 16:19
The mountains also and foundations of the earth be shaken
with trembling, when the Lord looketh upon them.
Sir 16:20
No heart can think upon these things worthily: and who is
able to conceive his ways?
Sir 16:21
It is a tempest which no man can see: for the most part of
his works are hid.
Sir 16:22
Who can declare the works of his justice? or who can endure
them? for his covenant is afar off, and the trial of all things
is in the end.
Sir 16:23
He that wanteth understanding will think upon vain things:
and a foolish man erring imagineth follies.
Sir 16:24
by son, hearken unto me, and learn knowledge, and mark my
words with thy heart.
Sir 16:25
I will shew forth doctrine in weight, and declare his
knowledge exactly.
Sir 16:26
The works of the Lord are done in judgment from the
beginning: and from the time he made them he disposed the parts
thereof.
Sir 16:27
He garnished his works for ever, and in his hand are the
chief of them unto all generations: they neither labour, nor are
weary, nor cease from their works.
Sir 16:28
None of them hindereth another, and they shall never disobey
his word.
Sir 16:29
After this the Lord looked upon the earth, and filled it with
his blessings.
Sir 16:30
With all manner of living things hath he covered the face
thereof; and they shall return into it again.
Sir 17:1
The Lord created man of the earth, and turned him into it
again.
Sir 17:2
He gave them few days, and a short time, and power also over
the things therein.
Sir 17:3
He endued them with strength by themselves, and made them
according to his image,
Sir 17:4
And put the fear of man upon all flesh, and gave him dominion
over beasts and fowls.
Sir 17:5
They received the use of the five operations of the Lord, and
in the sixth place he imparted them understanding, and in the
seventh speech, an interpreter of the cogitations thereof.]
Sir 17:6
Counsel, and a tongue, and eyes, ears, and a heart, gave he
them to understand.
Sir 17:7
Withal he filled them with the knowledge of understanding,
and shewed them good and evil.
Sir 17:8
He set his eye upon their hearts, that he might shew them the
greatness of his works.
Sir 17:9
He gave them to glory in his marvellous acts for ever, that
they might declare his works with understanding.
Sir 17:10
And the elect shall praise his holy name.
Sir 17:11
Beside this he gave them knowledge, and the law of life for
an heritage.
Sir 17:12
He made an everlasting covenant with them, and shewed them
his judgments.
Sir 17:13
Their eyes saw the majesty of his glory, and their ears heard
his glorious voice.
Sir 17:14
And he said unto them, Beware of all unrighteousness; and he
gave every man commandment concerning his neighbour.
Sir 17:15
Their ways are ever before him, and shall not be hid from his
eyes.
Sir 17:16
Every man from his youth is given to evil; neither could they
make to themselves fleshy hearts for stony.
Sir 17:17
For in the division of the nations of the whole earth he set
a ruler over every people; but Israel is the Lord's portion:
Sir 17:18
Whom, being his firstborn, he nourisheth with discipline, and
giving him the light of his love doth not forsake him.
Sir 17:19
Therefore all their works are as the sun before him, and his
eyes are continually upon their ways.
Sir 17:20
None of their unrighteous deeds are hid from him, but all
their sins are before the Lord
Sir 17:21
But the Lord being gracious and knowing his workmanship,
neither left nor forsook them, but spared them.
Sir 17:22
The alms of a man is as a signet with him, and he will keep
the good deeds of man as the apple of the eye, and give
repentance to his sons and daughters.
Sir 17:23
Afterwards he will rise up and reward them, and render their
recompence upon their heads.
Sir 17:24
But unto them that repent, he granted them return, and
comforted those that failed in patience.
Sir 17:25
Return unto the Lord, and forsake thy sins, make thy prayer
before his face, and offend less.
Sir 17:26
Turn again to the most High, and turn away from iniquity: for
he will lead thee out of darkness into the light of health, and
hate thou abomination vehemently.
Sir 17:27
Who shall praise the most High in the grave, instead of them
which live and give thanks?
Sir 17:28
Thanksgiving perisheth from the dead, as from one that is
not: the living and sound in heart shall praise the Lord.
Sir 17:29
How great is the lovingkindness of the Lord our God, and his
compassion unto such as turn unto him in holiness!
Sir 17:30
For all things cannot be in men, because the son of man is
not immortal.
Sir 17:31
What is brighter than the sun? yet the light thereof faileth;
and flesh and blood will imagine evil.
Sir 17:32
He vieweth the power of the height of heaven; and all men are
but earth and ashes.
Sir 18:1
He that liveth for ever Hath created all things in general.
Sir 18:2
The Lord only is righteous, and there is none other but he,
Sir 18:3
Who governeth the world with the palm of his hand, and all
things obey his will: for he is the King of all, by his power
dividing holy things among them from profane.
Sir 18:4
To whom hath he given power to declare his works? and who
shall find out his noble acts?
Sir 18:5
Who shall number the strength of his majesty? and who shall
also tell out his mercies?
Sir 18:6
As for the wondrous works of the Lord, there may nothing be
taken from them, neither may any thing be put unto them, neither
can the ground of them be found out.
Sir 18:7
When a man hath done, then he beginneth; and when he leaveth
off, then he shall be doubtful.
Sir 18:8
What is man, and whereto serveth he? what is his good, and
what is his evil?
Sir 18:9
The number of a man's days at the most are an hundred years.
Sir 18:10
As a drop of water unto the sea, and a gravelstone in
comparison of the sand; so are a thousand years to the days of
eternity.
Sir 18:11
Therefore is God patient with them, and poureth forth his
mercy upon them.
Sir 18:12
He saw and perceived their end to be evil; therefore he
multiplied his compassion.
Sir 18:13
The mercy of man is toward his neighbour; but the mercy of
the Lord is upon all flesh: he reproveth, and nurtureth, and
teacheth and bringeth again, as a shepherd his flock.
Sir 18:14
He hath mercy on them that receive discipline, and that
diligently seek after his judgments.
Sir 18:15
My son, blemish not thy good deeds, neither use uncomfortable
words when thou givest any thing.
Sir 18:16
Shall not the dew asswage the heat? so is a word better than
a gift.
Sir 18:17
Lo, is not a word better than a gift? but both are with a
gracious man.
Sir 18:18
A fool will upbraid churlishly, and a gift of the envious
consumeth the eyes.
Sir 18:19
Learn before thou speak, and use physick or ever thou be
sick.
Sir 18:20
Before judgment examine thyself, and in the day of visitation
thou shalt find mercy.
Sir 18:21
Humble thyself before thou be sick, and in the time of sins
shew repentance.
Sir 18:22
Let nothing hinder thee to pay thy vow in due time, and defer
not until death to be justified.
Sir 18:23
Before thou prayest, prepare thyself; and be not as one that
tempteth the Lord.
Sir 18:24
Think upon the wrath that shall be at the end, and the time
of vengeance, when he shall turn away his face.
Sir 18:25
When thou hast enough, remember the time of hunger: and when
thou art rich, think upon poverty and need.
Sir 18:26
From the morning until the evening the time is changed, and
all things are soon done before the Lord.
Sir 18:27
A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the day of
sinning he will beware of offence: but a fool will not observe
time.
Sir 18:28
Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give
praise unto him that found her.
Sir 18:29
They that were of understanding in sayings became also wise
themselves, and poured forth exquisite parables.
Sir 18:30
Go not after thy lusts, but refrain thyself from thine
appetites.
Sir 18:31
If thou givest thy soul the desires that please her, she will
make thee a laughingstock to thine enemies that malign thee.
Sir 18:32
Take not pleasure in much good cheer, neither be tied to the
expence thereof.
Sir 18:33
Be not made a beggar by banqueting upon borrowing, when thou
hast nothing in thy purse: for thou shalt lie in wait for thine
own life, and be talked on.
Sir 19:1
A labouring man that A is given to drunkenness shall not be
rich: and he that contemneth small things shall fall by little
and little.
Sir 19:2
Wine and women will make men of understanding to fall away:
and he that cleaveth to harlots will become impudent.
Sir 19:3
Moths and worms shall have him to heritage, and a bold man
shall be taken away.
Sir 19:4
He that is hasty to give credit is lightminded; and he that
sinneth shall offend against his own soul.
Sir 19:5
Whoso taketh pleasure in wickedness shall be condemned: but
he that resisteth pleasures crowneth his life.
Sir 19:6
He that can rule his tongue shall live without strife; and he
that hateth babbling shall have less evil.
Sir 19:7
Rehearse not unto another that which is told unto thee, and
thou shalt fare never the worse.
Sir 19:8
Whether it be to friend or foe, talk not of other men's
lives; and if thou canst without offence, reveal them not.
Sir 19:9
For he heard and observed thee, and when time cometh he will
hate thee.
Sir 19:10
If thou hast heard a word, let it die with thee; and be bold,
it will not burst thee.
Sir 19:11
A fool travaileth with a word, as a woman in labour of a
child.
Sir 19:12
As an arrow that sticketh in a man's thigh, so is a word
within a fool's belly.
Sir 19:13
Admonish a friend, it may be he hath not done it: and if he
have done it, that he do it no more.
Sir 19:14
Admonish thy friend, it may be he hath not said it: and if he
have, that he speak it not again.
Sir 19:15
Admonish a friend: for many times it is a slander, and
believe not every tale.
Sir 19:16
There is one that slippeth in his speech, but not from his
heart; and who is he that hath not offended with his tongue?
Sir 19:17
Admonish thy neighbour before thou threaten him; and not
being angry, give place to the law of the most High.
Sir 19:18
The fear of the Lord is the first step to be accepted [of
him,] and wisdom obtaineth his love.
Sir 19:19
The knowledge of the commandments of the Lord is the doctrine
of life: and they that do things that please him shall receive
the fruit of the tree of immortality.
Sir 19:20
The fear of the Lord is all wisdom; and in all wisdom is the
performance of the law, and the knowledge of his omnipotency.
Sir 19:21
If a servant say to his master, I will not do as it pleaseth
thee; though afterward he do it, he angereth him that nourisheth
him.
Sir 19:22
The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom, neither at any
time the counsel of sinners prudence.
Sir 19:23
There is a wickedness, and the same an abomination; and there
is a fool wanting in wisdom.
Sir 19:24
He that hath small understanding, and feareth God, is better
than one that hath much wisdom, and transgresseth the law of the
most High.
Sir 19:25
There is an exquisite subtilty, and the same is unjust; and
there is one that turneth aside to make judgment appear; and
there is a wise man that justifieth in judgment.
Sir 19:26
There is a wicked man that hangeth down his head sadly; but
inwardly he is full of deceit,
Sir 19:27
Casting down his countenance, and making as if he heard not:
where he is not known, he will do thee a mischief before thou be
aware.
Sir 19:28
And if for want of power he be hindered from sinning, yet
when he findeth opportunity he will do evil.
Sir 19:29
A man may be known by his look, and one that hath
understanding by his countenance, when thou meetest him.
Sir 19:30
A man's attire, and excessive laughter, and gait, shew what
he is.
Sir 20:1
There is a reproof that is not comely: again, some man
holdeth his tongue, and he is wise.
Sir 20:2
It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and
he that confesseth his fault shall be preserved from hurt.
Sir 20:3
How good is it, when thou art reproved, to shew repentance!
for so shalt thou escape wilful sin.
Sir 20:4
As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; so is he
that executeth judgment with violence.
Sir 20:5
There is one that keepeth silence, and is found wise: and
another by much babbling becometh hateful.
Sir 20:6
Some man holdeth his tongue, because he hath not to answer:
and some keepeth silence, knowing his time.
Sir 20:7
A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but
a babbler and a fool will regard no time.
Sir 20:8
He that useth many words shall be abhorred; and he that
taketh to himself authority therein shall be hated.
Sir 20:9
There is a sinner that hath good success in evil things; and
there is a gain that turneth to loss.
Sir 20:10
There is a gift that shall not profit thee; and there is a
gift whose recompence is double.
Sir 20:11
There is an abasement because of glory; and there is that
lifteth up his head from a low estate.
Sir 20:12
There is that buyeth much for a little, and repayeth it
sevenfold.
Sir 20:13
A wise man by his words maketh him beloved: but the graces of
fools shall be poured out.
Sir 20:14
The gift of a fool shall do thee no good when thou hast it;
neither yet of the envious for his necessity: for he looketh to
receive many things for one.
Sir 20:15
He giveth little, and upbraideth much; he openeth his mouth
like a crier; to day he lendeth, and to morrow will he ask it
again: such an one is to be hated of God and man.
Sir 20:16
The fool saith, I have no friends, I have no thank for all my
good deeds, and they that eat my bread speak evil of me.
Sir 20:17
How oft, and of how many shall he be laughed to scorn! for he
knoweth not aright what it is to have; and it is all one unto
him as if he had it not.
Sir 20:18
To slip upon a pavement is better than to slip with the
tongue: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.
Sir 20:19
An unseasonable tale will always be in the mouth of the
unwise.
Sir 20:20
A wise sentence shall be rejected when it cometh out of a
fool's mouth; for he will not speak it in due season.
Sir 20:21
There is that is hindered from sinning through want: and when
he taketh rest, he shall not be troubled.
Sir 20:22
There is that destroyeth his own soul through bashfulness,
and by accepting of persons overthroweth himself.
Sir 20:23
There is that for bashfulness promiseth to his friend, and
maketh him his enemy for nothing.
Sir 20:24
A lie is a foul blot in a man, yet it is continually in the
mouth of the untaught.
Sir 20:25
A thief is better than a man that is accustomed to lie: but
they both shall have destruction to heritage.
Sir 20:26
The disposition of a liar is dishonourable, and his shame is
ever with him.
Sir 20:27
A wise man shall promote himself to honour with his words:
and he that hath understanding will please great men.
Sir 20:28
He that tilleth his land shall increase his heap: and he that
pleaseth great men shall get pardon for iniquity.
Sir 20:29
Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and stop up
his mouth that he cannot reprove.
Sir 20:30
Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is hoarded up, what
profit is in them both?
Sir 20:31
Better is he that hideth his folly than a man that hideth his
wisdom.
Sir 20:32
Necessary patience in seeking ing the Lord is better than he
that leadeth his life without a guide.
Sir 21:1
My son, hast thou sinned? do so no more, but ask pardon for
thy former sins.
Sir 21:2
Flee from sin as from the face of a serpent: for if thou
comest too near it, it will bite thee: the teeth thereof are as
the teeth of a lion, slaying the souls of men.
Sir 21:3
All iniquity is as a two edged sword, the wounds whereof
cannot be healed.
Sir 21:4
To terrify and do wrong will waste riches: thus the house of
proud men shall be made desolate.
Sir 21:5
A prayer out of a poor man's mouth reacheth to the ears of
God, and his judgment cometh speedily.
Sir 21:6
He that hateth to be reproved is in the way of sinners: but
he that feareth the Lord will repent from his heart.
Sir 21:7
An eloquent man is known far and near; but a man of
understanding knoweth when he slippeth.
Sir 21:8
He that buildeth his house with other men's money is like one
that gathereth himself stones for the tomb of his burial.
Sir 21:9
The congregation of the wicked is like tow wrapped together:
and the end of them is a flame of fire to destroy them.
Sir 21:10
The way of sinners is made plain with stones, but at the end
thereof is the pit of hell.
Sir 21:11
He that keepeth the law of the Lord getteth the understanding
thereof: and the perfection of the fear of the Lord is wisdom.
Sir 21:12
He that is not wise will not be taught: but there is a wisdom
which multiplieth bitterness.
Sir 21:13
The knowledge of a wise man shall abound like a flood: and
his counsel is like a pure fountain of life.
Sir 21:14
The inner parts of a fool are like a broken vessel, and he
will hold no knowledge as long as he liveth.
Sir 21:15
If a skilful man hear a wise word, he will commend it, and
add unto it: but as soon as one of no understanding heareth it,
it displeaseth him, and he casteth it behind his back.
Sir 21:16
The talking of a fool is like a burden in the way: but grace
shall be found in the lips of the wise.
Sir 21:17
They enquire at the mouth of the wise man in the
congregation, and they shall ponder his words in their heart.
Sir 21:18
As is a house that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool: and
the knowledge of the unwise is as talk without sense.
Sir 21:19
Doctrine unto fools is as fetters on the feet, and like
manacles on the right hand.
Sir 21:20
A fool lifteth up his voice with laughter; but a wise man
doth scarce smile a little.
Sir 21:21
Learning is unto a wise man as an ornament of gold, and like
a bracelet upon his right arm.
Sir 21:22
A foolish man's foot is soon in his [neighbour's] house: but
a man of experience is ashamed of him.
Sir 21:23
A fool will peep in at the door into the house: but he that
is well nurtured will stand without.
Sir 21:24
It is the rudeness of a man to hearken at the door: but a
wise man will be grieved with the disgrace.
Sir 21:25
The lips of talkers will be telling such things as pertain
not unto them: but the words of such as have understanding are
weighed in the balance.
Sir 21:26
The heart of fools is in their mouth: but the mouth of the
wise is in their heart.
Sir 21:27
When the ungodly curseth Satan, he curseth his own soul.
Sir 21:28
A whisperer defileth his own soul, and is hated wheresoever
he dwelleth.
Sir 22:1
A slothful man is compared to a filthy stone, and every one
will hiss him out to his disgrace.
Sir 22:2
A slothful man is compared to the filth of a dunghill: every
man that takes it up will shake his hand.
Sir 22:3
An evilnurtured man is the dishonour of his father that begat
him: and a [foolish] daughter is born to his loss.
Sir 22:4
A wise daughter shall bring an inheritance to her husband:
but she that liveth dishonestly is her father's heaviness.
Sir 22:5
She that is bold dishonoureth both her father and her
husband, but they both shall despise her.
Sir 22:6
A tale out of season [is as] musick in mourning: but stripes
and correction of wisdom are never out of time.
Sir 22:7
Whoso teacheth a fool is as one that glueth a potsherd
together, and as he that waketh one from a sound sleep.
Sir 22:8
He that telleth a tale to a fool speaketh to one in a
slumber: when he hath told his tale, he will say, What is the
matter?
Sir 22:9
If children live honestly, and have wherewithal, they shall
cover the baseness of their parents.
Sir 22:10
But children, being haughty, through disdain and want of
nurture do stain the nobility of their kindred.
Sir 22:11
Weep for the dead, for he hath lost the light: and weep for
the fool, for he wanteth understanding: make little weeping for
the dead, for he is at rest: but the life of the fool is worse
than death.
Sir 22:12
Seven days do men mourn for him that is dead; but for a fool
and an ungodly man all the days of his life.
Sir 22:13
Talk not much with a fool, and go not to him that hath no
understanding: beware of him, lest thou have trouble, and thou
shalt never be defiled with his fooleries: depart from him, and
thou shalt find rest, and never be disquieted with madness.
Sir 22:14
What is heavier than lead? and what is the name thereof, but
a fool?
Sir 22:15
Sand, and salt, and a mass of iron, is easier to bear, than a
man without understanding.
Sir 22:16
As timber girt and bound together in a building cannot be
loosed with shaking: so the heart that is stablished by advised
counsel shall fear at no time.
Sir 22:17
A heart settled upon a thought of understanding is as a fair
plaistering on the wall of a gallery.
Sir 22:18
Pales set on an high place will never stand against the wind:
so a fearful heart in the imagination of a fool cannot stand
against any fear.
Sir 22:19
He that pricketh the eye will make tears to fall: and he that
pricketh the heart maketh it to shew her knowledge.
Sir 22:20
Whoso casteth a stone at the birds frayeth them away: and he
that upbraideth his friend breaketh friendship.
Sir 22:21
Though thou drewest a sword at thy friend, yet despair not:
for there may be a returning [to favour.]
Sir 22:22
If thou hast opened thy mouth against thy friend, fear not;
for there may be a reconciliation: except for upbraiding, or
pride, or disclosing of secrets, or a treacherous wound: for for
these things every friend will depart.
Sir 22:23
Be faithful to thy neighbour in his poverty, that thou mayest
rejoice in his prosperity: abide stedfast unto him in the time
of his trouble, that thou mayest be heir with him in his
heritage: for a mean estate is not always to be contemned: nor
the rich that is foolish to be had in admiration.
Sir 22:24
As the vapour and smoke of a furnace goeth before the fire;
so reviling before blood.
Sir 22:25
I will not be ashamed to defend a friend; neither will I hide
myself from him.
Sir 22:26
And if any evil happen unto me by him, every one that heareth
it will beware of him.
Sir 22:27
Who shall set a watch before my mouth, and a seal of wisdom
upon my lips, that I fall not suddenly by them, and that my
tongue destroy me not?
Sir 23:1
O Lord, Father and Governor of all my whole life, leave me
not to their counsels, and let me not fall by them.
Sir 23:2
Who will set scourges over my thoughts, and the discipline of
wisdom over mine heart? that they spare me not for mine
ignorances, and it pass not by my sins:
Sir 23:3
Lest mine ignorances increase, and my sins abound to my
destruction, and I fall before mine adversaries, and mine enemy
rejoice over me, whose hope is far from thy mercy.
Sir 23:4
O Lord, Father and God of my life, give me not a proud look,
but turn away from thy servants always a haughty mind.
Sir 23:5
Turn away from me vain hopes and concupiscence, and thou
shalt hold him up that is desirous always to serve thee.
Sir 23:6
Let not the greediness of the belly nor lust of the flesh
take hold of me; and give not over me thy servant into an
impudent mind.
Sir 23:7
Hear, O ye children, the discipline of the mouth: he that
keepeth it shall never be taken in his lips.
Sir 23:8
The sinner shall be left in his foolishness: both the evil
speaker and the proud shall fall thereby.
Sir 23:9
Accustom not thy mouth to swearing; neither use thyself to
the naming of the Holy One.
Sir 23:10
For as a servant that is continually beaten shall not be
without a blue mark: so he that sweareth and nameth God
continually shall not be faultless.
Sir 23:11
A man that useth much swearing shall be filled with iniquity,
and the plague shall never depart from his house: if he shall
offend, his sin shall be upon him: and if he acknowledge not his
sin, he maketh a double offence: and if he swear in vain, he
shall not be innocent, but his house shall be full of
calamities.
Sir 23:12
There is a word that is clothed about with death: God grant
that it be not found in the heritage of Jacob; for all such
things shall be far from the godly, and they shall not wallow in
their sins.
Sir 23:13
Use not thy mouth to intemperate swearing, for therein is the
word of sin.
Sir 23:14
Remember thy father and thy mother, when thou sittest among
great men. Be not forgetful before them, and so thou by thy
custom become a fool, and wish that thou hadst not been born,
and curse they day of thy nativity.
Sir 23:15
The man that is accustomed to opprobrious words will never be
reformed all the days of his life.
Sir 23:16
Two sorts of men multiply sin, and the third will bring
wrath: a hot mind is as a burning fire, it will never be
quenched till it be consumed: a fornicator in the body of his
flesh will never cease till he hath kindled a fire.
Sir 23:17
All bread is sweet to a whoremonger, he will not leave off
till he die.
Sir 23:18
A man that breaketh wedlock, saying thus in his heart, Who
seeth me? I am compassed about with darkness, the walls cover
me, and no body seeth me; what need I to fear? the most High
will not remember my sins:
Sir 23:19
Such a man only feareth the eyes of men, and knoweth not that
the eyes of the Lord are ten thousand times brighter than the
sun, beholding all the ways of men, and considering the most
secret parts.
Sir 23:20
He knew all things ere ever they were created; so also after
they were perfected he looked upon them all.
Sir 23:21
This man shall be punished in the streets of the city, and
where he suspecteth not he shall be taken.
Sir 23:22
Thus shall it go also with the wife that leaveth her husband,
and bringeth in an heir by another.
Sir 23:23
For first, she hath disobeyed the law of the most High; and
secondly, she hath trespassed against her own husband; and
thirdly, she hath played the whore in adultery, and brought
children by another man.
Sir 23:24
She shall be brought out into the congregation, and
inquisition shall be made of her children.
Sir 23:25
Her children shall not take root, and her branches shall
bring forth no fruit.
Sir 23:26
She shall leave her memory to be cursed, and her reproach
shall not be blotted out.
Sir 23:27
And they that remain shall know that there is nothing better
than the fear of the Lord, and that there is nothing sweeter
than to take heed unto the commandments of the Lord.
Sir 23:28
It is great glory to follow the Lord, and to be received of
him is long life.
Sir 24:1
Wisdom shall praise herself, and shall glory in the midst of
her people.
Sir 24:2
In the congregation of the most High shall she open her
mouth, and triumph before his power.
Sir 24:3
I came out of the mouth of the most High, and covered the
earth as a cloud.
Sir 24:4
I dwelt in high places, and my throne is in a cloudy pillar.
Sir 24:5
I alone compassed the circuit of heaven, and walked in the
bottom of the deep.
Sir 24:6
In the waves of the sea and in all the earth, and in every
people and nation, I got a possession.
Sir 24:7
With all these I sought rest: and in whose inheritance shall
I abide?
Sir 24:8
So the Creator of all things gave me a commandment, and he
that made me caused my tabernacle to rest, and said, Let thy
dwelling be in Jacob, and thine inheritance in Israel.
Sir 24:9
He created me from the beginning before the world, and I
shall never fail.
Sir 24:10
In the holy tabernacle I served before him; and so was I
established in Sion.
Sir 24:11
Likewise in the beloved city he gave me rest, and in
Jerusalem was my power.
Sir 24:12
And I took root in an honourable people, even in the portion
of the Lord's inheritance.
Sir 24:13
I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress tree
upon the mountains of Hermon.
Sir 24:14
I was exalted like a palm tree in En-gaddi, and as a rose
plant in Jericho, as a fair olive tree in a pleasant field, and
grew up as a plane tree by the water.
Sir 24:15
I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon and aspalathus, and I
yielded a pleasant odour like the best myrrh, as galbanum, and
onyx, and sweet storax, and as the fume of frankincense in the
tabernacle.
Sir 24:16
As the turpentine tree I stretched out my branches, and my
branches are the branches of honour and grace.
Sir 24:17
As the vine brought I forth pleasant savour, and my flowers
are the fruit of honour and riches.
Sir 24:18
I am the mother of fair love, and fear, and knowledge, and
holy hope: I therefore, being eternal, am given to all my
children which are named of him.
Sir 24:19
Come unto me, all ye that be desirous of me, and fill
yourselves with my fruits.
Sir 24:20
For my memorial is sweeter than honey, and mine inheritance
than the honeycomb.
Sir 24:21
They that eat me shall yet be hungry, and they that drink me
shall yet be thirsty.
Sir 24:22
He that obeyeth me shall never be confounded, and they that
work by me shall not do amiss.
Sir 24:23
All these things are the book of the covenant of the most
high God, even the law which Moses commanded for an heritage
unto the congregations of Jacob.
Sir 24:24
Faint not to be strong in the Lord; that he may confirm you,
cleave unto him: for the Lord Almighty is God alone, and beside
him there is no other Saviour.
Sir 24:25
He filleth all things with his wisdom, as Phison and as
Tigris in the time of the new fruits.
Sir 24:26
He maketh the understanding to abound like Euphrates, and as
Jordan in the time of the harvest.
Sir 24:27
He maketh the doctrine of knowledge appear as the light, and
as Geon in the time of vintage.
Sir 24:28
The first man knew her not perfectly: no more shall the last
find her out.
Sir 24:29
For her thoughts are more than the sea, and her counsels
profounder than the great deep.
Sir 24:30
I also came out as a brook from a river, and as a conduit
into a garden.
Sir 24:31
I said, I will water my best garden, and will water
abundantly my garden bed: and, lo, my brook became a river, and
my river became a sea.
Sir 24:32
I will yet make doctrine to shine as the morning, and will
send forth her light afar off.
Sir 24:33
I will yet pour out doctrine as prophecy, and leave it to all
ages for ever.
Sir 24:34
Behold that I have not laboured for myself only, but for all
them that seek wisdom.
Sir 25:1
In three things I was beautified, and stood up beautiful both
before God and men: the unity of brethren, the love of
neighbours, a man and a wife that agree together.
Sir 25:2
Three sorts of men my soul hateth, and I am greatly offended
at their life: a poor man that is proud, a rich man that is a
liar, and an old adulterer that doateth.
Sir 25:3
If thou hast gathered nothing in thy youth, how canst thou
find any thing in thine age?
Sir 25:4
O how comely a thing is judgment for gray hairs, and for
ancient men to know counsel!
Sir 25:5
O how comely is the wisdom of old men, and understanding and
counsel to men of honour.
Sir 25:6
Much experience is the crown of old men, and the fear of God
is their glory.
Sir 25:7
There be nine things which I have judged in mine heart to be
happy, and the tenth I will utter with my tongue: A man that
hath joy of his children; and he that liveth to see the fall of
his enemy:
Sir 25:8
Well is him that dwelleth with a wife of understanding, and
that hath not slipped with his tongue, and that hath not served
a man more unworthy than himself:
Sir 25:9
Well is him that hath found prudence, and he that speaketh in
the ears of them that will hear:
Sir 25:10
O how great is he that findeth wisdom! yet is there none
above him that feareth the Lord.
Sir 25:11
But the love of the Lord passeth all things for illumination:
he that holdeth it, whereto shall he be likened?
Sir 25:12
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of his love: and faith
is the beginning of cleaving unto him.
Sir 25:13
[Give me] any plague, but the plague of the heart: and any
wickedness, but the wickedness of a woman:
Sir 25:14
And any affliction, but the affliction from them that hate
me: and any revenge, but the revenge of enemies.
Sir 25:15
There is no head above the head of a serpent; and there is no
wrath above the wrath of an enemy.
Sir 25:16
I had rather dwell with a lion and a dragon, than to keep
house with a wicked woman.
Sir 25:17
The wickedness of a woman changeth her face, and darkeneth
her countenance like sackcloth.
Sir 25:18
Her husband shall sit among his neighbours; and when he
heareth it shall sigh bitterly.
Sir 25:19
All wickedness is but little to the wickedness of a woman:
let the portion of a sinner fall upon her.
Sir 25:20
As the climbing up a sandy way is to the feet of the aged, so
is a wife full of words to a quiet man.
Sir 25:21
Stumble not at the beauty of a woman, and desire her not for
pleasure.
Sir 25:22
A woman, if she maintain her husband, is full of anger,
impudence, and much reproach.
Sir 25:23
A wicked woman abateth the courage, maketh an heavy
countenance and a wounded heart: a woman that will not comfort
her husband in distress maketh weak hands and feeble knees.
Sir 25:24
Of the woman came the beginning of sin, and through her we
all die.
Sir 25:25
Give the water no passage; neither a wicked woman liberty to
gad abroad.
Sir 25:26
If she go not as thou wouldest have her, cut her off from thy
flesh, and give her a bill of divorce, and let her go.
Sir 26:1
Blessed is the man that hath a virtuous wife, for the number
of his days shall be double.
Sir 26:2
A virtuous woman rejoiceth her husband, and he shall fulfil
the years of his life in peace.
Sir 26:3
A good wife is a good portion, which shall be given in the
portion of them that fear the Lord.
Sir 26:4
Whether a man be rich or poor, if he have a good heart toward
the Lord, he shall at all times rejoice with a cheerful
countenance.
Sir 26:5
There be three things that mine heart feareth; and for the
fourth I was sore afraid: the slander of a city, the gathering
together of an unruly multitude, and a false accusation: all
these are worse than death.
Sir 26:6
But a grief of heart and sorrow is a woman that is jealous
over another woman, and a scourge of the tongue which
communicateth with all.
Sir 26:7
An evil wife is a yoke shaken to and fro: he that hath hold
of her is as though he held a scorpion.
Sir 26:8
A drunken woman and a gadder abroad causeth great anger, and
she will not cover her own shame.
Sir 26:9
The whoredom of a woman may be known in her haughty looks and
eyelids.
Sir 26:10
If thy daughter be shameless, keep her in straitly, lest she
abuse herself through overmuch liberty.
Sir 26:11
Watch over an impudent eye: and marvel not if she trespass
against thee.
Sir 26:12
She will open her mouth, as a thirsty traveller when he hath
found a fountain, and drink of every water near her: by every
hedge will she sit down, and open her quiver against every
arrow.
Sir 26:13
The grace of a wife delighteth her husband, and her
discretion will fatten his bones.
Sir 26:14
A silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord; and there is
nothing so much worth as a mind well instructed.
Sir 26:15
A shamefaced and faithful woman is a double grace, and her
continent mind cannot be valued.
Sir 26:16
As the sun when it ariseth in the high heaven; so is the
beauty of a good wife in the ordering of her house.
Sir 26:17
As the clear light is upon the holy candlestick; so is the
beauty of the face in ripe age.
Sir 26:18
As the golden pillars are upon the sockets of silver; so are
the fair feet with a constant heart.
Sir 26:19
My son, keep the flower of thine age sound; and give not thy
strength to strangers.
Sir 26:20
When thou hast gotten a fruitful possession through all the
field, sow it with thine own seed, trusting in the goodness of
thy stock.
Sir 26:21
So thy race which thou leavest shall be magnified, having the
confidence of their good descent.
Sir 26:22
An harlot shall be accounted as spittle; but a married woman
is a tower against death to her husband.
Sir 26:23
A wicked woman is given as a portion to a wicked man: but a
godly woman is given to him that feareth the Lord.
Sir 26:24
A dishonest woman contemneth shame: but an honest woman will
reverence her husband.
Sir 26:25
A shameless woman shall be counted as a dog; but she that is
shamefaced will fear the Lord.
Sir 26:26
A woman that honoureth her husband shall be judged wise of
all; but she that dishonoureth him in her pride shall be counted
ungodly of all.
Sir 26:27
A loud crying woman and a scold shall be sought out to drive
away the enemies.
Sir 26:28
There be two things that grieve my heart; and the third
maketh me angry: a man of war that suffereth poverty; and men of
understanding that are not set by; and one that returneth from
righteousness to sin; the Lord prepareth such an one for the
sword.
Sir 26:29
A merchant shall hardly keep himself from doing wrong; and an
huckster shall not be freed from sin.
Sir 27:1
Many have sinned for a small matter; and he that seeketh for
abundance will turn his eyes away.
Sir 27:2
As a nail sticketh fast between the joinings of the stones;
so doth sin stick close between buying and selling.
Sir 27:3
Unless a man hold himself diligently in the fear of the Lord,
his house shall soon be overthrown.
Sir 27:4
As when one sifteth with a sieve, the refuse remaineth; so
the filth of man in his talk.
Sir 27:5
The furnace proveth the potter's vessels; so the trial of man
is in his reasoning.
Sir 27:6
The fruit declareth if the tree have been dressed; so is the
utterance of a conceit in the heart of man.
Sir 27:7
Praise no man before thou hearest him speak; for this is the
trial of men.
Sir 27:8
If thou followest righteousness, thou shalt obtain her, and
put her on, as a glorious long robe.
Sir 27:9
The birds will resort unto their like; so will truth return
unto them that practise in her.
Sir 27:10
As the lion lieth in wait for the prey; so sin for them that
work iniquity.
Sir 27:11
The discourse of a godly man is always with wisdom; but a
fool changeth as the moon.
Sir 27:12
If thou be among the indiscreet, observe the time; but be
continually among men of understanding.
Sir 27:13
The discourse of fools is irksome, and their sport is the
wantonness of sin.
Sir 27:14
The talk of him that sweareth much maketh the hair stand
upright; and their brawls make one stop his ears.
Sir 27:15
The strife of the proud is bloodshedding, and their revilings
are grievous to the ear.
Sir 27:16
Whoso discovereth secrets loseth his credit; and shall never
find friend to his mind.
Sir 27:17
Love thy friend, and be faithful unto him: but if thou
betrayest his secrets, follow no more after him.
Sir 27:18
For as a man hath destroyed his enemy; so hast thou lost the
love of thy neighbor.
Sir 27:19
As one that letteth a bird go out of his hand, so hast thou
let thy neighbour go, and shalt not get him again
Sir 27:20
Follow after him no more, for he is too far off; he is as a
roe escaped out of the snare.
Sir 27:21
As for a wound, it may be bound up; and after reviling there
may be reconcilement: but he that betrayeth secrets is without
hope.
Sir 27:22
He that winketh with the eyes worketh evil: and he that
knoweth him will depart from him.
Sir 27:23
When thou art present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire
thy words: but at the last he will writhe his mouth, and slander
thy sayings.
Sir 27:24
I have hated many things, but nothing like him; for the Lord
will hate him.
Sir 27:25
Whoso casteth a stone on high casteth it on his own head; and
a deceitful stroke shall make wounds.
Sir 27:26
Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that setteth a
trap shall be taken therein.
Sir 27:27
He that worketh mischief, it shall fall upon him, and he
shall not know whence it cometh.
Sir 27:28
Mockery and reproach are from the proud; but vengeance, as a
lion, shall lie in wait for them.
Sir 27:29
They that rejoice at the fall of the righteous shall be taken
in the snare; and anguish shall consume them before they die.
Sir 27:30
Malice and wrath, even these are abominations; and the sinful
man shall have them both.
Sir 28:1
He that revengeth shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he
will surely keep his sins [in remembrance.]
Sir 28:2
Forgive thy neighbour the hurt that he hath done unto thee,
so shall thy sins also be forgiven when thou prayest.
Sir 28:3
One man beareth hatred against another, and doth he seek
pardon from the Lord?
Sir 28:4
He sheweth no mercy to a man, which is like himself: and doth
he ask forgiveness of his own sins?
Sir 28:5
If he that is but flesh nourish hatred, who will intreat for
pardon of his sins?
Sir 28:6
Remember thy end, and let enmity cease; [remember] corruption
and death, and abide in the commandments.
Sir 28:7
Remember the commandments, and bear no malice to thy
neighbour: [remember] the covenant of the Highest, and wink at
ignorance.
Sir 28:8
Abstain from strife, and thou shalt diminish thy sins: for a
furious man will kindle strife,
Sir 28:9
A sinful man disquieteth friends, and maketh debate among
them that be at peace.
Sir 28:10
As the matter of the fire is, so it burneth: and as a man's
strength is, so is his wrath; and according to his riches his
anger riseth; and the stronger they are which contend, the more
they will be inflamed.
Sir 28:11
An hasty contention kindleth a fire: and an hasty fighting
sheddeth blood.
Sir 28:12
If thou blow the spark, it shall burn: if thou spit upon it,
it shall be quenched: and both these come out of thy mouth.
Sir 28:13
Curse the whisperer and doubletongued: for such have
destroyed many that were at peace.
Sir 28:14
A backbiting tongue hath disquieted many, and driven them
from nation to nation: strong cities hath it pulled down, and
overthrown the houses of great men.
Sir 28:15
A backbiting tongue hath cast out virtuous women, and
deprived them of their labours.
Sir 28:16
Whoso hearkeneth unto it shall never find rest, and never
dwell quietly.
Sir 28:17
The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the
stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones.
Sir 28:18
Many have fallen by the edge of the sword: but not so many as
have fallen by the tongue.
Sir 28:19
Well is he that is defended through the venom thereof; who
hath not drawn the yoke thereof, nor hath been bound in her
bands.
Sir 28:20
For the yoke thereof is a yoke of iron, and the bands thereof
are bands of brass.
Sir 28:21
The death thereof is an evil death, the grave were better
than it.
Sir 28:22
It shall not have rule over them that fear God, neither shall
they be burned with the flame thereof.
Sir 28:23
Such as forsake the Lord shall fall into it; and it shall
burn in them, and not be quenched; it shall be sent upon them as
a lion, and devour them as a leopard.
Sir 28:24
Look that thou hedge thy possession about with thorns, and
bind up thy silver and gold,
Sir 28:25
And weigh thy words in a balance, and make a door and bar for
thy mouth.
Sir 28:26
Beware thou slide not by it, lest thou fall before him that
lieth in wait.
Sir 29:1
He that is merciful will lend unto his neighbour; and he that
strengtheneth his hand keepeth the commandments.
Sir 29:2
Lend to thy neighbour in time of his need, and pay thou thy
neighbour again in due season.
Sir 29:3
Keep thy word, and deal faithfully with him, and thou shalt
always find the thing that is necessary for thee.
Sir 29:4
Many, when a thing was lent them, reckoned it to be found,
and put them to trouble that helped them.
Sir 29:5
Till he hath received, he will kiss a man's hand; and for his
neighbour's money he will speak submissly: but when he should
repay, he will prolong the time, and return words of grief, and
complain of the time.
Sir 29:6
If he prevail, he shall hardly receive the half, and he will
count as if he had found it: if not, he hath deprived him of his
money, and he hath gotten him an enemy without cause: he payeth
him with cursings and railings; and for honour he will pay him
disgrace.
Sir 29:7
Many therefore have refused to lend for other men's ill
dealing, fearing to be defrauded.
Sir 29:8
Yet have thou patience with a man in poor estate, and delay
not to shew him mercy.
Sir 29:9
Help the poor for the commandment's sake, and turn him not
away because of his poverty.
Sir 29:10
Lose thy money for thy brother and thy friend, and let it not
rust under a stone to be lost.
Sir 29:11
Lay up thy treasure according to the commandments of the most
High, and it shall bring thee more profit than gold.
Sir 29:12
Shut up alms in thy storehouses: and it shall deliver thee
from all affliction.
Sir 29:13
It shall fight for thee against thine enemies better than a
mighty shield and strong spear.
Sir 29:14
An honest man is surety for his neighbour: but he that is
impudent will forsake him.
Sir 29:15
Forget not the friendship of thy surety, for he hath given
his life for thee.
Sir 29:16
A sinner will overthrow the good estate of his surety:
Sir 29:17
And he that is of an unthankful mind will leave him [in
danger] that delivered him.
Sir 29:18
Suretiship hath undone many of good estate, and shaken them
as a wave of the sea: mighty men hath it driven from their
houses, so that they wandered among strange nations.
Sir 29:19
A wicked man transgressing the commandments of the Lord shall
fall into suretiship: and he that undertaketh and followeth
other men's business for gain shall fall into suits.
Sir 29:20
Help thy neighbour according to thy power, and beware that
thou thyself fall not into the same.
Sir 29:21
The chief thing for life is water, and bread, and clothing,
and an house to cover shame.
Sir 29:22
Better is the life of a poor man in a mean cottage, than
delicate fare in another man's house.
Sir 29:23
Be it little or much, hold thee contented, that thou hear not
the reproach of thy house.
Sir 29:24
For it is a miserable life to go from house to house: for
where thou art a stranger, thou darest not open thy mouth.
Sir 29:25
Thou shalt entertain, and feast, and have no thanks: moreover
thou shalt hear bitter words:
Sir 29:26
Come, thou stranger, and furnish a table, and feed me of that
thou hast ready.
Sir 29:27
Give place, thou stranger, to an honourable man; my brother
cometh to be lodged, and I have need of mine house.
Sir 29:28
These things are grievous to a man of understanding; the
upbraiding of houseroom, and reproaching of the lender.
Sir 30:1
He that loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the rod, that
he may have joy of him in the end.
Sir 30:2
He that chastiseth his son shall have joy in him, and shall
rejoice of him among his acquaintance.
Sir 30:3
He that teacheth his son grieveth the enemy: and before his
friends he shall rejoice of him.
Sir 30:4
Though his father die, yet he is as though he were not dead:
for he hath left one behind him that is like himself.
Sir 30:5
While he lived, he saw and rejoiced in him: and when he died,
he was not sorrowful.
Sir 30:6
He left behind him an avenger against his enemies, and one
that shall requite kindness to his friends.
Sir 30:7
He that maketh too much of his son shall bind up his wounds;
and his bowels will be troubled at every cry.
Sir 30:8
An horse not broken becometh headstrong: and a child left to
himself will be wilful.
Sir 30:9
Cocker thy child, and he shall make thee afraid: play with
him, and he will bring thee to heaviness.
Sir 30:10
Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow with him, and lest
thou gnash thy teeth in the end.
Sir 30:11
Give him no liberty in his youth, and wink not at his
follies.
Sir 30:12
Bow down his neck while he is young, and beat him on the
sides while he is a child, lest he wax stubborn, and be
disobedient unto thee, and so bring sorrow to thine heart.
Sir 30:13
Chastise thy son, and hold him to labour, lest his lewd
behaviour be an offence unto thee.
Sir 30:14
Better is the poor, being sound and strong of constitution,
than a rich man that is afflicted in his body.
Sir 30:15
Health and good estate of body are above all gold, and a
strong body above infinite wealth.
Sir 30:16
There is no riches above a sound body, and no joy above the
joy of the heart.
Sir 30:17
Death is better than a bitter life or continual sickness.
Sir 30:18
Delicates poured upon a mouth shut up are as messes of meat
set upon a grave.
Sir 30:19
What good doeth the offering unto an idol? for neither can it
eat nor smell: so is he that is persecuted of the Lord.
Sir 30:20
He seeth with his eyes and groaneth, as an eunuch that
embraceth a virgin and sigheth.
Sir 30:21
Give not over thy mind to heaviness, and afflict not thyself
in thine own counsel.
Sir 30:22
The gladness of the heart is the life of man, and the
joyfulness of a man prolongeth his days.
Sir 30:23
Love thine own soul, and comfort thy heart, remove sorrow far
from thee: for sorrow hath killed many, and there is no profit
therein.
Sir 30:24
Envy and wrath shorten the life, and carefulness bringeth age
before the time.
Sir 30:25
A cheerful and good heart will have a care of his meat and
diet.
Sir 31:1
Watching for riches consumeth the flesh, and the care thereof
driveth away sleep.
Sir 31:2
Watching care will not let a man slumber, as a sore disease
breaketh sleep,
Sir 31:3
The rich hath great labour in gathering riches together; and
when he resteth, he is filled with his delicates.
Sir 31:4
The poor laboureth in his poor estate; and when he leaveth
off, he is still needy.
Sir 31:5
He that loveth gold shall not be justified, and he that
followeth corruption shall have enough thereof.
Sir 31:6
Gold hath been the ruin of many, and their destruction was
present.
Sir 31:7
It is a stumblingblock unto them that sacrifice unto it, and
every fool shall be taken therewith.
Sir 31:8
Blessed is the rich that is found without blemish, and hath
not gone after gold.
Sir 31:9
Who is he? and we will call him blessed: for wonderful things
hath he done among his people.
Sir 31:10
Who hath been tried thereby, and found perfect? then let him
glory. Who might offend, and hath not offended? or done evil,
and hath not done it?
Sir 31:11
His goods shall be established, and the congregation shall
declare his alms.
Sir 31:12
If thou sit at a bountiful table, be not greedy upon it, and
say not, There is much meat on it.
Sir 31:13
Remember that a wicked eye is an evil thing: and what is
created more wicked than an eye? therefore it weepeth upon every
occasion.
Sir 31:14
Stretch not thine hand whithersoever it looketh, and thrust
it not with him into the dish.
Sir 31:15
Judge not thy neighbour by thyself: and be discreet in every
point.
Sir 31:16
Eat as it becometh a man, those things which are set before
thee; and devour note, lest thou be hated.
Sir 31:17
Leave off first for manners' sake; and be not unsatiable,
lest thou offend.
Sir 31:18
When thou sittest among many, reach not thine hand out first
of all.
Sir 31:19
A very little is sufficient for a man well nurtured, and he
fetcheth not his wind short upon his bed.
Sir 31:20
Sound sleep cometh of moderate eating: he riseth early, and
his wits are with him: but the pain of watching, and choler, and
pangs of the belly, are with an unsatiable man.
Sir 31:21
And if thou hast been forced to eat, arise, go forth, vomit,
and thou shalt have rest.
Sir 31:22
My son, hear me, and despise me not, and at the last thou
shalt find as I told thee: in all thy works be quick, so shall
there no sickness come unto thee.
Sir 31:23
Whoso is liberal of his meat, men shall speak well of him;
and the report of his good housekeeping will be believed.
Sir 31:24
But against him that is a niggard of his meat the whole city
shall murmur; and the testimonies of his niggardness shall not
be doubted of.
Sir 31:25
Shew not thy valiantness in wine; for wine hath destroyed
many.
Sir 31:26
The furnace proveth the edge by dipping: so doth wine the
hearts of the proud by drunkeness.
Sir 31:27
Wine is as good as life to a man, if it be drunk moderately:
what life is then to a man that is without wine? for it was made
to make men glad.
Sir 31:28
Wine measurably drunk and in season bringeth gladness of the
heart, and cheerfulness of the mind:
Sir 31:29
But wine drunken with excess maketh bitterness of the mind,
with brawling and quarrelling.
Sir 31:30
Drunkenness increaseth the rage of a fool till he offend: it
diminisheth strength, and maketh wounds.
Sir 31:31
Rebuke not thy neighbour at the wine, and despise him not in
his mirth: give him no despiteful words, and press not upon him
with urging him [to drink.]
Sir 32:1
If thou be made the master [of a feast,] lift not thyself up,
but be among them as one of the rest; take diligent care for
them, and so sit down.
Sir 32:2
And when thou hast done all thy office, take thy place, that
thou mayest be merry with them, and receive a crown for thy well
ordering of the feast.
Sir 32:3
Speak, thou that art the elder, for it becometh thee, but
with sound judgment; and hinder not musick.
Sir 32:4
Pour not out words where there is a musician, and shew not
forth wisdom out of time.
Sir 32:5
A concert of musick in a banquet of wine is as a signet of
carbuncle set in gold.
Sir 32:6
As a signet of an emerald set in a work of gold, so is the
melody of musick with pleasant wine.
Sir 32:7
Speak, young man, if there be need of thee: and yet scarcely
when thou art twice asked.
Sir 32:8
Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in few words; be
as one that knoweth and yet holdeth his tongue.
Sir 32:9
If thou be among great men, make not thyself equal with them;
and when ancient men are in place, use not many words.
Sir 32:10
Before the thunder goeth lightning; and before a shamefaced
man shall go favour.
Sir 32:11
Rise up betimes, and be not the last; but get thee home
without delay.
Sir 32:12
There take thy pastime, and do what thou wilt: but sin not by
proud speech.
Sir 32:13
And for these things bless him that made thee, and hath
replenished thee with his good things.
Sir 32:14
Whoso feareth the Lord will receive his discipline; and they
that seek him early shall find favour.
Sir 32:15
He that seeketh the law shall be filled therewith: but the
hypocrite will be offended thereat.
Sir 32:16
They that fear the Lord shall find judgment, and shall kindle
justice as a light.
Sir 32:17
A sinful man will not be reproved, but findeth an excuse
according to his will.
Sir 32:18
A man of counsel will be considerate; but a strange and proud
man is not daunted with fear, even when of himself he hath done
without counsel.
Sir 32:19
Do nothing without advice; and when thou hast once done,
repent not.
Sir 32:20
Go not in a way wherein thou mayest fall, and stumble not
among the stones.
Sir 32:21
Be not confident in a plain way.
Sir 32:22
And beware of thine own children.
Sir 32:23
In every good work trust thy own soul; for this is the
keeping of the commandments.
Sir 32:24
He that believeth in the Lord taketh heed to the commandment;
and he that trusteth in him shall fare never the worse.
Sir 33:1
There shall no evil happen unto him that feareth the Lord;
but in temptation even again he will deliver him.
Sir 33:2
A wise man hateth not the law; but he that is an hypocrite
therein is as a ship in a storm.
Sir 33:3
A man of understanding trusteth in the law; and the law is
faithful unto him, as an oracle.
Sir 33:4
Prepare what to say, and so thou shalt be heard: and bind up
instruction, and then make answer.
Sir 33:5
The heart of the foolish is like a cartwheel; and his
thoughts are like a rolling axletree.
Sir 33:6
A stallion horse is as a mocking friend, he neigheth under
every one that sitteth upon him.
Sir 33:7
Why doth one day excel another, when as all the light of
every day in the year is of the sun?
Sir 33:8
By the knowledge of the Lord they were distinguished: and he
altered seasons and feasts.
Sir 33:9
Some of them hath he made high days, and hallowed them, and
some of them hath he made ordinary days.
Sir 33:10
And all men are from the ground, and Adam was created of
earth:
Sir 33:11
In much knowledge the Lord hath divided them, and made their
ways diverse.
Sir 33:12
Some of them hath he blessed and exalted and some of them he
sanctified, and set near himself: but some of them hath he
cursed and brought low, and turned out of their places.
Sir 33:13
As the clay is in the potter's hand, to fashion it at his
pleasure: so man is in the hand of him that made him, to render
to them as liketh him best.
Sir 33:14
Good is set against evil, and life against death: so is the
godly against the sinner, and the sinner against the godly.
Sir 33:15
So look upon all the works of the most High; and there are
two and two, one against another.
Sir 33:16
I awaked up last of all, as one that gathereth after the
grapegatherers: by the blessing of the Lord I profited, and tred
my winepress like a gatherer of grapes.
Sir 33:17
Consider that I laboured not for myself only, but for all
them that seek learning.
Sir 33:18
Hear me, O ye great men of the people, and hearken with your
ears, ye rulers of the congregation.
Sir 33:19
Give not thy son and wife, thy brother and friend, power over
thee while thou livest, and give not thy goods to another: lest
it repent thee, and thou intreat for the same again.
Sir 33:20
As long as thou livest and hast breath in thee, give not
thyself over to any.
Sir 33:21
For better it is that thy children should seek to thee, than
that thou shouldest stand to their courtesy.
Sir 33:22
In all thy works keep to thyself the preeminence; leave not a
stain in thine honour.
Sir 33:23
At the time when thou shalt end thy days, and finish thy
life, distribute thine inheritance.
Sir 33:24
Fodder, a wand, and burdens, are for the ass; and bread,
correction, and work, for a servant. .
Sir 33:25
If thou set thy servant to labour, thou shalt find rest: but
if thou let him go idle, he shall seek liberty.
Sir 33:26
A yoke and a collar do bow the neck: so are tortures and
torments for an evil servant.
Sir 33:27
Send him to labour, that he be not idle; for idleness
teacheth much evil.
Sir 33:28
Set him to work, as is fit for him: if he be not obedient,
put on more heavy fetters.
Sir 33:29
But be not excessive toward any; and without discretion do
nothing.
Sir 33:30
If thou have a servant, let him be unto thee as thyself,
because thou hast bought him with a price.
Sir 33:31
If thou have a servant, entreat him as a brother: for thou
hast need of him, as of thine own soul: if thou entreat him
evil, and he run from thee, which way wilt thou go to seek him?
Sir 34:1
The hopes of a man void of understanding are vain and false:
and dreams lift up fools.
Sir 34:2
Whoso regardeth dreams is like him that catcheth at a shadow,
and followeth after the wind.
Sir 34:3
The vision of dreams is the resemblance of one thing to
another, even as the likeness of a face to a face.
Sir 34:4
Of an unclean thing what can be cleansed? and from that thing
which is false what truth can come?
Sir 34:5
Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams, are vain: and the
heart fancieth, as a woman's heart in travail.
Sir 34:6
If they be not sent from the most High in thy visitation, set
not thy heart upon them.
Sir 34:7
For dreams have deceived many, and they have failed that put
their trust in them.
Sir 34:8
The law shall be found perfect without lies: and wisdom is
perfection to a faithful mouth.
Sir 34:9
A man that hath travelled knoweth many things; and he that
hath much experience will declare wisdom.
Sir 34:10
He that hath no experience knoweth little: but he that hath
travelled is full of prudence.
Sir 34:11
When I travelled, I saw many things; and I understand more
than I can express.
Sir 34:12
I was ofttimes in danger of death: yet I was delivered
because of these things.
Sir 34:13
The spirit of those that fear the Lord shall live; for their
hope is in him that saveth them.
Sir 34:14
Whoso feareth the Lord shall not fear nor be afraid; for he
is his hope.
Sir 34:15
Blessed is the soul of him that feareth the Lord: to whom
doth he look? and who is his strength?
Sir 34:16
For the eyes of the Lord are upon them that love him, he is
their mighty protection and strong stay, a defence from heat,
and a cover from the sun at noon, a preservation from stumbling,
and an help from falling.
Sir 34:17
He raiseth up the soul, and lighteneth the eyes: he giveth
health, life, and blessing.
Sir 34:18
He that sacrificeth of a thing wrongfully gotten, his
offering is ridiculous; and the gifts of unjust men are not
accepted.
Sir 34:19
The most High is not pleased with the offerings of the
wicked; neither is he pacified for sin by the multitude of
sacrifices.
Sir 34:20
Whoso bringeth an offering of the goods of the poor doeth as
one that killeth the son before his father's eyes.
Sir 34:21
The bread of the needy is their life: he that defraudeth him
thereof is a man of blood.
Sir 34:22
He that taketh away his neighbour's living slayeth him; and
he that defraudeth the labourer of his hire is a bloodshedder.
Sir 34:23
When one buildeth, and another pulleth down, what profit have
they then but labour?
Sir 34:24
When one prayeth, and another curseth, whose voice will the
Lord hear?
Sir 34:25
He that washeth himself after the touching of a dead body, if
he touch it again, what availeth his washing?
Sir 34:26
So is it with a man that fasteth for his sins, and goeth
again, and doeth the same: who will hear his prayer? or what
doth his humbling profit him?
Sir 35:1
He that keepeth the law bringeth offerings enough: he that
taketh heed to the commandment offereth a peace offering.
Sir 35:2
He that requiteth a goodturn offereth fine flour; and he that
giveth alms sacrificeth praise.
Sir 35:3
To depart from wickedness is a thing pleasing to the Lord;
and to forsake unrighteousness is a propitiation.
Sir 35:4
Thou shalt not appear empty before the Lord.
Sir 35:5
For all these things [are to be done] because of the
commandment.
Sir 35:6
The offering of the righteous maketh the altar fat, and the
sweet savour thereof is before the most High.
Sir 35:7
The sacrifice of a just man is acceptable, and the memorial
thereof shall never be forgotten.
Sir 35:8
Give the Lord his honour with a good eye, and diminish not
the firstfruits of thine hands.
Sir 35:9
In all thy gifts shew a cheerful countenance, and dedicate
thy tithes with gladness.
Sir 35:10
Give unto the most High according as he hath enriched thee;
and as thou hast gotten, give with a cheerful eye.
Sir 35:11
For the Lord recompenseth, and will give thee seven times as
much.
Sir 35:12
Do not think to corrupt with gifts; for such he will not
receive: and trust not to unrighteous sacrifices; for the Lord
is judge, and with him is no respect of persons.
Sir 35:13
He will not accept any person against a poor man, but will
hear the prayer of the oppressed.
Sir 35:14
He will not despise the supplication of the fatherless; nor
the widow, when she poureth out her complaint.
Sir 35:15
Do not the tears run down the widow's cheeks? and is not her
cry against him that causeth them to fall?
Sir 35:16
He that serveth the Lord shall be accepted with favour, and
his prayer shall reach unto the clouds.
Sir 35:17
The prayer of the humble pierceth the clouds: and till it
come nigh, he will not be comforted; and will not depart, till
the most High shall behold to judge righteously, and execute
judgment.
Sir 35:18
For the Lord will not be slack, neither will the Mighty be
patient toward them, till he have smitten in sunder the loins of
the unmerciful, and repayed vengeance to the heathen; till he
have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the
sceptre of the unrighteous;
Sir 35:19
Till he have rendered to every man according to his deeds,
and to the works of men according to their devices; till he have
judged the cause of his people, and made them to rejoice in his
mercy.
Sir 35:20
Mercy is seasonable in the time of affliction, as clouds of
rain in the time of drought.
Sir 36:1
Have mercy upon us, O Lord God of all, and behold us:
Sir 36:2
And send thy fear upon all the nations that seek not after
thee.
Sir 36:3
Lift up thy hand against the strange nations, and let them
see thy power.
Sir 36:4
As thou wast sanctified in us before them: so be thou
magnified among them before us.
Sir 36:5
And let them know thee, as we have known thee, that there is
no God but only thou, O God.
Sir 36:6
Shew new signs, and make other strange wonders: glorify thy
hand and thy right arm, that they may set forth thy wondrous
works.
Sir 36:7
Raise up indignation, and pour out wrath: take away the
adversary, and destroy the enemy.
Sir 36:8
Sake the time short, remember the covenant, and let them
declare thy wonderful works.
Sir 36:9
Let him that escapeth be consumed by the rage of the fire;
and let them perish that oppress the people.
Sir 36:10
Smite in sunder the heads of the rulers of the heathen, that
say, There is none other but we.
Sir 36:11
Gather all the tribes of Jacob together, and inherit thou
them, as from the beginning.
Sir 36:12
O Lord, have mercy upon the people that is called by thy
name, and upon Israel, whom thou hast named thy firstborn.
Sir 36:13
O be merciful unto Jerusalem, thy holy city, the place of thy
rest.
Sir 36:14
Fill Sion with thine unspeakable oracles, and thy people with
thy glory:
Sir 36:15
Give testimony unto those that thou hast possessed from the
beginning, and raise up prophets that have been in thy name.
Sir 36:16
Reward them that wait for thee, and let thy prophets be found
faithful.
Sir 36:17
O Lord, hear the prayer of thy servants, according to the
blessing of Aaron over thy people, that all they which dwell
upon the earth may know that thou art the Lord, the eternal God.
Sir 36:18
The belly devoureth all meats, yet is one meat better than
another.
Sir 36:19
As the palate tasteth divers kinds of venison: so doth an
heart of understanding false speeches.
Sir 36:20
A froward heart causeth heaviness: but a man of experience
will recompense him.
Sir 36:21
A woman will receive every man, yet is one daughter better
than another.
Sir 36:22
The beauty of a woman cheereth the countenance, and a man
loveth nothing better.
Sir 36:23
If there be kindness, meekness, and comfort, in her tongue,
then is not her husband like other men.
Sir 36:24
He that getteth a wife beginneth a possession, a help like
unto himself, and a pillar of rest.
Sir 36:25
Where no hedge is, there the possession is spoiled: and he
that hath no wife will wander up and down mourning.
Sir 36:26
Who will trust a thief well appointed, that skippeth from
city to city? so [who will believe] a man that hath no house,
and lodgeth wheresoever the night taketh him?
Sir 37:1
Every friend saith, I am his friend also: but there is a
friend, which is only a friend in name.
Sir 37:2
Is it not a grief unto death, when a companion and friend is
turned to an enemy?
Sir 37:3
O wicked imagination, whence camest thou in to cover the
earth with deceit?
Sir 37:4
There is a companion, which rejoiceth in the prosperity of a
friend, but in the time of trouble will be against him.
Sir 37:5
There is a companion, which helpeth his friend for the belly,
and taketh up the buckler against the enemy.
Sir 37:6
Forget not thy friend in thy mind, and be not unmindful of
him in thy riches.
Sir 37:7
Every counsellor extolleth counsel; but there is some that
counselleth for himself.
Sir 37:8
Beware of a counsellor, and know before what need he hath;
for he will counsel for himself; lest he cast the lot upon thee,
Sir 37:9
And say unto thee, Thy way is good: and afterward he stand on
the other side, to see what shall befall thee.
Sir 37:10
Consult not with one that suspecteth thee: and hide thy
counsel from such as envy thee.
Sir 37:11
Neither consult with a woman touching her of whom she is
jealous; neither with a coward in matters of war; nor with a
merchant concerning exchange; nor with a buyer of selling; nor
with an envious man of thankfulness; nor with an unmerciful man
touching kindness; nor with the slothful for any work; nor with
an hireling for a year of finishing work; nor with an idle
servant of much business: hearken not unto these in any matter
of counsel.
Sir 37:12
But be continually with a godly man, whom thou knowest to keep
the commandments of the Lord, whose mind is according to thy
mind, and will sorrow with thee, if thou shalt miscarry.
Sir 37:13
And let the counsel of thine own heart stand: for there is no
man more faithful unto thee than it.
Sir 37:14
For a man's mind is sometime wont to tell him more than seven
watchmen, that sit above in an high tower.
Sir 37:15
And above all this pray to the most High, that he will direct
thy way in truth.
Sir 37:16
Let reason go before every enterprize, and counsel before
every action.
Sir 37:17
The countenance is a sign of changing of the heart.
Sir 37:18
Four manner of things appear: good and evil, life and death:
but the tongue ruleth over them continually.
Sir 37:19
There is one that is wise and teacheth many, and yet is
unprofitable to himself.
Sir 37:20
There is one that sheweth wisdom in words, and is hated: he
shall be destitute of all food.
Sir 37:21
For grace is not given, him from the Lord, because he is
deprived of all wisdom.
Sir 37:22
Another is wise to himself; and the fruits of understanding
are commendable in his mouth.
Sir 37:23
A wise man instructeth his people; and the fruits of his
understanding fail not.
Sir 37:24
A wise man shall be filled with blessing; and all they that
see him shall count him happy.
Sir 37:25
The days of the life of man may be numbered: but the days of
Israel are innumerable.
Sir 37:26
A wise man shall inherit glory among his people, and his name
shall be perpetual.
Sir 37:27
My son, prove thy soul in thy life, and see what is evil for
it, and give not that unto it.
Sir 37:28
For all things are not profitable for all men, neither hath
every soul pleasure in every thing.
Sir 37:29
Be not unsatiable in any dainty thing, nor too greedy upon
meats:
Sir 37:30
For excess of meats bringeth sickness, and surfeiting will
turn into choler.
Sir 37:31
By surfeiting have many perished; but he that taketh heed
prolongeth his life.
Sir 38:1
Honour a physician with the honour due unto him for the uses
which ye may have of him: for the Lord hath created him.
Sir 38:2
For of the most High cometh healing, and he shall receive
honour of the king.
Sir 38:3
The skill of the physician shall lift up his head: and in the
sight of great men he shall be in admiration.
Sir 38:4
The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth; and he that
is wise will not abhor them.
Sir 38:5
Was not the water made sweet with wood, that the virtue
thereof might be known?
Sir 38:6
And he hath given men skill, that he might be honoured in his
marvellous works.
Sir 38:7
With such doth he heal [men,] and taketh away their pains.
Sir 38:8
Of such doth the apothecary make a confection; and of his
works there is no end; and from him is peace over all the earth,
Sir 38:9
My son, in thy sickness be not negligent: but pray unto the
Lord, and he will make thee whole.
Sir 38:10
Leave off from sin, and order thine hands aright, and cleanse
thy heart from all wickedness.
Sir 38:11
Give a sweet savour, and a memorial of fine flour; and make a
fat offering, as not being.
Sir 38:12
Then give place to the physician, for the Lord hath created
him: let him not go from thee, for thou hast need of him.
Sir 38:13
There is a time when in their hands there is good success.
Sir 38:14
For they shall also pray unto the Lord, that he would prosper
that, which they give for ease and remedy to prolong life.
Sir 38:15
He that sinneth before his Maker, let him fall into the hand
of the physician.
Sir 38:16
My son, let tears fall down over the dead, and begin to
lament, as if thou hadst suffered great harm thyself; and then
cover his body according to the custom, and neglect not his
burial.
Sir 38:17
Weep bitterly, and make great moan, and use lamentation, as
he is worthy, and that a day or two, lest thou be evil spoken
of: and then comfort thyself for thy heaviness.
Sir 38:18
For of heaviness cometh death, and the heaviness of the heart
breaketh strength.
Sir 38:19
In affliction also sorrow remaineth: and the life of the poor
is the curse of the heart.
Sir 38:20
Take no heaviness to heart: drive it away, and member the
last end.
Sir 38:21
Forget it not, for there is no turning again: thou shalt not
do him good, but hurt thyself.
Sir 38:22
Remember my judgment: for thine also shall be so; yesterday
for me, and to day for thee.
Sir 38:23
When the dead is at rest, let his remembrance rest; and be
comforted for him, when his Spirit is departed from him.
Sir 38:24
The wisdom of a learned man cometh by opportunity of leisure:
and he that hath little business shall become wise.
Sir 38:25
How can he get wisdom that holdeth the plough, and that
glorieth in the goad, that driveth oxen, and is occupied in
their labours, and whose talk is of bullocks?
Sir 38:26
He giveth his mind to make furrows; and is diligent to give
the kine fodder.
Sir 38:27
So every carpenter and workmaster, that laboureth night and
day: and they that cut and grave seals, and are diligent to make
great variety, and give themselves to counterfeit imagery, and
watch to finish a work:
Sir 38:28
The smith also sitting by the anvil, and considering the iron
work, the vapour of the fire wasteth his flesh, and he fighteth
with the heat of the furnace: the noise of the hammer and the
anvil is ever in his ears, and his eyes look still upon the
pattern of the thing that he maketh; he setteth his mind to
finish his work, and watcheth to polish it perfectly:
Sir 38:29
So doth the potter sitting at his work, and turning the wheel
about with his feet, who is alway carefully set at his work, and
maketh all his work by number;
Sir 38:30
He fashioneth the clay with his arm, and boweth down his
strength before his feet; he applieth himself to lead it over;
and he is diligent to make clean the furnace:
Sir 38:31
All these trust to their hands: and every one is wise in his
work.
Sir 38:32
Without these cannot a city be inhabited: and they shall not
dwell where they will, nor go up and down:
Sir 38:33
They shall not be sought for in publick counsel, nor sit high
in the congregation: they shall not sit on the judges' seat, nor
understand the sentence of judgment: they cannot declare justice
and judgment; and they shall not be found where parables are
spoken.
Sir 38:34
But they will maintain the state of the world, and [all]
their desire is in the work of their craft.
Sir 39:1
But he that giveth his mind to the law of the most High, and
is occupied in the meditation thereof, will seek out the wisdom
of all the ancient, and be occupied in prophecies.
Sir 39:2
He will keep the sayings of the renowned men: and where
subtil parables are, he will be there also.
Sir 39:3
He will seek out the secrets of grave sentences, and be
conversant in dark parables.
Sir 39:4
He shall serve among great men, and appear before princes: he
will travel through strange countries; for he hath tried the
good and the evil among men.
Sir 39:5
He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made
him, and will pray before the most High, and will open his mouth
in prayer, and make supplication for his sins.
Sir 39:6
When the great Lord will, he shall be filled with the spirit
of understanding: he shall pour out wise sentences, and give
thanks unto the Lord in his prayer.
Sir 39:7
He shall direct his counsel and knowledge, and in his secrets
shall he meditate.
Sir 39:8
He shall shew forth that which he hath learned, and shall
glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord.
Sir 39:9
Many shall commend his understanding; and so long as the
world endureth, it shall not be blotted out; his memorial shall
not depart away, and his name shall live from generation to
generation.
Sir 39:10
Nations shall shew forth his wisdom, and the congregation
shall declare his praise.
Sir 39:11
If he die, he shall leave a greater name than a thousand: and
if he live, he shall increase it.
Sir 39:12
Yet have I more to say, which I have thought upon; for I am
filled as the moon at the full.
Sir 39:13
Hearken unto me, ye holy children, and bud forth as a rose
growing by the brook of the field:
Sir 39:14
And give ye a sweet savour as frankincense, and flourish as a
lily, send forth a smell, and sing a song of praise, bless the
Lord in all his works.
Sir 39:15
Magnify his name, and shew forth his praise with the songs of
your lips, and with harps, and in praising him ye shall say
after this manner:
Sir 39:16
All the works of the Lord are exceeding good, and whatsoever
he commandeth shall be accomplished in due season.
Sir 39:17
And none may say, What is this? wherefore is that? for at
time convenient they shall all be sought out: at his commandment
the waters stood as an heap, and at the words of his mouth the
receptacles of waters.
Sir 39:18
At his commandment is done whatsoever pleaseth him; and none
can hinder, when he will save.
Sir 39:19
The works of all flesh are before him, and nothing can be hid
from his eyes.
Sir 39:20
He seeth from everlasting to everlasting; and there is
nothing wonderful before him.
Sir 39:21
A man need not to say, What is this? wherefore is that? for
he hath made all things for their uses.
Sir 39:22
His blessing covered the dry land as a river, and watered it
as a flood.
Sir 39:23
As he hath turned the waters into saltness: so shall the
heathen inherit his wrath.
Sir 39:24
As his ways are plain unto the holy; so are they
stumblingblocks unto the wicked.
Sir 39:25
For the good are good things created from the beginning: so
evil things for sinners.
Sir 39:26
The principal things for the whole use of man's life are
water, fire, iron, and salt, flour of wheat, honey, milk, and
the blood of the grape, and oil, and clothing.
Sir 39:27
All these things are for good to the godly: so to the sinners
they are turned into evil.
Sir 39:28
There be spirits that are created for vengeance, which in
their fury lay on sore strokes; in the time of destruction they
pour out their force, and appease the wrath of him that made
them.
Sir 39:29
Fire, and hail, and famine, and death, all these were created
for vengeance;
Sir 39:30
Teeth of wild beasts, and scorpions, serpents, and the sword
punishing the wicked to destruction.
Sir 39:31
They shall rejoice in his commandment, and they shall be
ready upon earth, when need is; and when their time is come,
they shall not transgress his word.
Sir 39:32
Therefore from the beginning I was resolved, and thought upon
these things, and have left them in writing.
Sir 39:33
All the works of the Lord are good: and he will give every
needful thing in due season.
Sir 39:34
So that a man cannot say, This is worse than that: for in
time they shall all be well approved.
Sir 39:35
And therefore praise ye the Lord with the whole heart and
mouth, and bless the name of the Lord.
Sir 40:1
Great travail is created for every man, and an heavy yoke is
upon the sons of Adam, from the day that they go out of their
mother's womb, till the day that they return to the mother of
all things.
Sir 40:2
Their imagination of things to come, and the day of death,
[trouble] their thoughts, and [cause] fear of heart;
Sir 40:3
From him that sitteth on a throne of glory, unto him that is
humbled in earth and ashes;
Sir 40:4
From him that weareth purple and a crown, unto him that is
clothed with a linen frock.
Sir 40:5
Wrath, and envy, trouble, and unquietness, fear of death, and
anger, and strife, and in the time of rest upon his bed his
night sleep, do change his knowledge.
Sir 40:6
A little or nothing is his rest, and afterward he is in his
sleep, as in a day of keeping watch, troubled in the vision of
his heart, as if he were escaped out of a battle.
Sir 40:7
When all is safe, he awaketh, and marvelleth that the fear
was nothing.
Sir 40:8
[Such things happen] unto all flesh, both man and beast, and
that is sevenfold more upon sinners.
Sir 40:9
Death, and bloodshed, strife, and sword, calamities, famine,
tribulation, and the scourge;
Sir 40:10
These things are created for the wicked, and for their sakes
came the flood.
Sir 40:11
All things that are of the earth shall turn to the earth
again: and that which is of the waters doth return into the sea.
Sir 40:12
All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out: but true
dealing shall endure for ever.
Sir 40:13
The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river, and
shall vanish with noise, like a great thunder in rain.
Sir 40:14
While he openeth his hand he shall rejoice: so shall
transgressors come to nought.
Sir 40:15
The children of the ungodly shall not bring forth many
branches: but are as unclean roots upon a hard rock.
Sir 40:16
The weed growing upon every water and bank of a river shall
be pulled up before all grass.
Sir 40:17
Bountifulness is as a most fruitful garden, and mercifulness
endureth for ever.
Sir 40:18
To labour, and to be content with that a man hath, is a sweet
life: but he that findeth a treasure is above them both.
Sir 40:19
Children and the building of a city continue a man's name:
but a blameless wife is counted above them both.
Sir 40:20
Wine and musick rejoice the heart: but the love of wisdom is
above them both.
Sir 40:21
The pipe and the psaltery make sweet melody: but a pleasant
tongue is above them both.
Sir 40:22
Thine eye desireth favour and beauty: but more than both corn
while it is green.
Sir 40:23
A friend and companion never meet amiss: but above both is a
wife with her husband.
Sir 40:24
Brethren and help are against time of trouble: but alms shall
deliver more than them both.
Sir 40:25
Gold and silver make the foot stand sure: but counsel is
esteemed above them both.
Sir 40:26
Riches and strength lift up the heart: but the fear of the
Lord is above them both: there is no want in the fear of the
Lord, and it needeth not to seek help.
Sir 40:27
The fear of the Lord is a fruitful garden, and covereth him
above all glory.
Sir 40:28
My son, lead not a beggar's life; for better it is to die
than to beg.
Sir 40:29
The life of him that dependeth on another man's table is not
to be counted for a life; for he polluteth himself with other
men's meat: but a wise man well nurtured will beware thereof.
Sir 40:30
Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless: but in his
belly there shall burn a fire.
Sir 41:1
O death, how bitter is the remembrance of thee to a man that
liveth at rest in his possessions, unto the man that hath
nothing to vex him, and that hath prosperity in all things: yea,
unto him that is yet able to receive meat!
Sir 41:2
O death, acceptable is thy sentence unto the needy, and unto
him whose strength faileth, that is now in the last age, and is
vexed with all things, and to him that despaireth, and hath lost
patience!
Sir 41:3
Fear not the sentence of death, remember them that have been
before thee, and that come after; for this is the sentence of
the Lord over all flesh.
Sir 41:4
And why art thou against the pleasure of the most High? there
is no inquisition in the grave, whether thou have lived ten, or
an hundred, or a thousand years.
Sir 41:5
The children of sinners are abominable children, and they
that are conversant in the dwelling of the ungodly.
Sir 41:6
The inheritance of sinners' children shall perish, and their
posterity shall have a perpetual reproach.
Sir 41:7
The children will complain of an ungodly father, because they
shall be reproached for his sake.
Sir 41:8
Woe be unto you, ungodly men, which have forsaken the law of
the most high God! for if ye increase, it shall be to your
destruction:
Sir 41:9
And if ye be born, ye shall be born to a curse: and if ye
die, a curse shall be your portion.
Sir 41:10
All that are of the earth shall turn to earth again: so the
ungodly shall go from a curse to destruction.
Sir 41:11
The mourning of men is about their bodies: but an ill name of
sinners shall be blotted out.
Sir 41:12
Have regard to thy name; for that shall continue with thee
above a thousand great treasures of gold.
Sir 41:13
A good life hath but few days: but a good name endureth for
ever.
Sir 41:14
My children, keep discipline in peace: for wisdom that is
hid, and a treasure that is not seen, what profit is in them
both?
Sir 41:15
A man that hideth his foolishness is better than a man that
hideth his wisdom.
Sir 41:16
Therefore be shamefaced according to my word: for it is not
good to retain all shamefacedness; neither is it altogether
approved in every thing.
Sir 41:17
Be ashamed of whoredom before father and mother: and of a lie
before a prince and a mighty man;
Sir 41:18
Of an offence before a judge and ruler; of iniquity before a
congregation and people; of unjust dealing before thy partner
and friend;
Sir 41:19
And of theft in regard of the place where thou sojournest,
and in regard of the truth of God and his covenant; and to lean
with thine elbow upon the meat; and of scorning to give and
take;
Sir 41:20
And of silence before them that salute thee; and to look upon
an harlot;
Sir 41:21
And to turn away thy face from thy kinsman; or to take away a
portion or a gift; or to gaze upon another man's wife.
Sir 41:22
Or to be overbusy with his maid, and come not near her bed;
or of upbraiding speeches before friends; and after thou hast
given, upbraid not;
Sir 41:23
Or of iterating and speaking again that which thou hast
heard; and of revealing of secrets.
Sir 41:24
So shalt thou be truly shamefaced and find favour before all
men.
Sir 42:1
Of these things be not thou ashamed, and accept no person to
sin thereby:
Sir 42:2
Of the law of the most High, and his covenant; and of
judgment to justify the ungodly;
Sir 42:3
Of reckoning with thy partners and travellers; or of the gift
of the heritage of friends;
Sir 42:4
Of exactness of balance and weights; or of getting much or
little;
Sir 42:5
And of merchants' indifferent selling; of much correction of
children; and to make the side of an evil servant to bleed.
Sir 42:6
Sure keeping is good, where an evil wife is; and shut up,
where many hands are.
Sir 42:7
Deliver all things in number and weight; and put all in
writing that thou givest out, or receivest in.
Sir 42:8
Be not ashamed to inform the unwise and foolish, and the
extreme aged that contendeth with those that are young: thus
shalt thou be truly learned, and approved of all men living.
Sir 42:9
The father waketh for the daughter, when no man knoweth; and
the care for her taketh away sleep: when she is young, lest she
pass away the flower of her age; and being married, lest she
should be hated:
Sir 42:10
In her virginity, lest she should be defiled and gotten with
child in her father's house; and having an husband, lest she
should misbehave herself; and when she is married, lest she
should be barren.
Sir 42:11
Keep a sure watch over a shameless daughter, lest she make
thee a laughingstock to thine enemies, and a byword in the city,
and a reproach among the people, and make thee ashamed before
the multitude.
Sir 42:12
Behold not every body's beauty, and sit not in the midst of
women.
Sir 42:13
For from garments cometh a moth, and from women wickedness.
Sir 42:14
Better is the churlishness of a man than a courteous woman, a
woman, I say, which bringeth shame and reproach.
Sir 42:15
I will now remember the works of the Lord, and declare the
things that I have seen: In the words of the Lord are his works.
Sir 42:16
The sun that giveth light looketh upon all things, and the
work thereof is full of the glory of the Lord.
Sir 42:17
The Lord hath not given power to the saints to declare all
his marvellous works, which the Almighty Lord firmly settled,
that whatsoever is might be established for his glory.
Sir 42:18
He seeketh out the deep, and the heart, and considereth their
crafty devices: for the Lord knoweth all that may be known, and
he beholdeth the signs of the world.
Sir 42:19
He declareth the things that are past, and for to come, and
revealeth the steps of hidden things.
Sir 42:20
No thought escapeth him, neither any word is hidden from him.
Sir 42:21
He hath garnished the excellent works of his wisdom, and he
is from everlasting to everlasting: unto him may nothing be
added, neither can he be diminished, and he hath no need of any
counsellor.
Sir 42:22
Oh how desirable are all his works! and that a man may see
even to a spark.
Sir 42:23
All these things live and remain for ever for all uses, and
they are all obedient.
Sir 42:24
All things are double one against another: and he hath made
nothing imperfect.
Sir 42:25
One thing establisheth the good or another: and who shall be
filled with beholding his glory?
Sir 43:1
The pride of the height, the clear firmament, the beauty of
heaven, with his glorious shew;
Sir 43:2
The sun when it appeareth, declaring at his rising a
marvellous instrument, the work of the most High:
Sir 43:3
At noon it parcheth the country, and who can abide the
burning heat thereof?
Sir 43:4
A man blowing a furnace is in works of heat, but the sun
burneth the mountains three times more; breathing out fiery
vapours, and sending forth bright beams, it dimmeth the eyes.
Sir 43:5
Great is the Lord that made it; and at his commandment
runneth hastily.
Sir 43:6
He made the moon also to serve in her season for a
declaration of times, and a sign of the world.
Sir 43:7
From the moon is the sign of feasts, a light that decreaseth
in her perfection.
Sir 43:8
The month is called after her name, increasing wonderfully in
her changing, being an instrument of the armies above, shining
in the firmament of heaven;
Sir 43:9
The beauty of heaven, the glory of the stars, an ornament
giving light in the highest places of the Lord.
Sir 43:10
At the commandment of the Holy One they will stand in their
order, and never faint in their watches.
Sir 43:11
Look upon the rainbow, and praise him that made it; very
beautiful it is in the brightness thereof.
Sir 43:12
It compasseth the heaven about with a glorious circle, and
the hands of the most High have bended it.
Sir 43:13
By his commandment he maketh the snow to fall aplace, and
sendeth swiftly the lightnings of his judgment.
Sir 43:14
Through this the treasures are opened: and clouds fly forth
as fowls.
Sir 43:15
By his great power he maketh the clouds firm, and the
hailstones are broken small.
Sir 43:16
At his sight the mountains are shaken, and at his will the
south wind bloweth.
Sir 43:17
The noise of the thunder maketh the earth to tremble: so doth
the northern storm and the whirlwind: as birds flying he
scattereth the snow, and the falling down thereof is as the
lighting of grasshoppers:
Sir 43:18
The eye marvelleth at the beauty of the whiteness thereof,
and the heart is astonished at the raining of it.
Sir 43:19
The hoarfrost also as salt he poureth on the earth, and being
congealed, it lieth on the top of sharp stakes.
Sir 43:20
When the cold north wind bloweth, and the water is congealed
into ice, it abideth upon every gathering together of water, and
clotheth the water as with a breastplate.
Sir 43:21
It devoureth the mountains, and burneth the wilderness, and
consumeth the grass as fire.
Sir 43:22
A present remedy of all is a mist coming speedily, a dew
coming after heat refresheth.
Sir 43:23
By his counsel he appeaseth the deep, and planteth islands
therein.
Sir 43:24
They that sail on the sea tell of the danger thereof; and
when we hear it with our ears, we marvel thereat.
Sir 43:25
For therein be strange and wondrous works, variety of all
kinds of beasts and whales created.
Sir 43:26
By him the end of them hath prosperous success, and by his
word all things consist.
Sir 43:27
We may speak much, and yet come short: wherefore in sum, he
is all.
Sir 43:28
How shall we be able to magnify him? for he is great above
all his works.
Sir 43:29
The Lord is terrible and very great, and marvellous is his
power.
Sir 43:30
When ye glorify the Lord, exalt him as much as ye can; for
even yet will he far exceed: and when ye exalt him, put forth
all your strength, and be not weary; for ye can never go far
enough.
Sir 43:31
Who hath seen him, that he might tell us? and who can magnify
him as he is?
Sir 43:32
There are yet hid greater things than these be, for we have
seen but a few of his works.
Sir 43:33
For the Lord hath made all things; and to the godly hath he
given wisdom.
Sir 44:1
Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers that begat us.
Sir 44:2
The Lord hath wrought great glory by them through his great
power from the beginning.
Sir 44:3
Such as did bear rule in their kingdoms, men renowned for
their power, giving counsel by their understanding, and
declaring prophecies:
Sir 44:4
Leaders of the people by their counsels, and by their
knowledge of learning meet for the people, wise and eloquent are
their instructions:
Sir 44:5
Such as found out musical tunes, and recited verses in
writing:
Sir 44:6
Rich men furnished with ability, living peaceably in their
habitations:
Sir 44:7
All these were honoured in their generations, and were the
glory of their times.
Sir 44:8
There be of them, that have left a name behind them, that
their praises might be reported.
Sir 44:9
And some there be, which have no memorial; who are perished,
as though they had never been; and are become as though they had
never been born; and their children after them.
Sir 44:10
But these were merciful men, whose righteousness hath not
been forgotten.
Sir 44:11
With their seed shall continually remain a good inheritance,
and their children are within the covenant.
Sir 44:12
Their seed standeth fast, and their children for their sakes.
Sir 44:13
Their seed shall remain for ever, and their glory shall not
be blotted out.
Sir 44:14
Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name liveth for
evermore.
Sir 44:15
The people will tell of their wisdom, and the congregation
will shew forth their praise.
Sir 44:16
Enoch pleased the Lord, and was translated, being an example
of repentance to all generations.
Sir 44:17
Noah was found perfect and righteous; in the time of wrath he
was taken in exchange [for the world;] therefore was he left as
a remnant unto the earth, when the flood came.
Sir 44:18
An everlasting covenant was made with him, that all flesh
should perish no more by the flood.
Sir 44:19
Abraham was a great father of many people: in glory was there
none like unto him;
Sir 44:20
Who kept the law of the most High, and was in covenant with
him: he established the covenant in his flesh; and when he was
proved, he was found faithful.
Sir 44:21
Therefore he assured him by an oath, that he would bless the
nations in his seed, and that he would multiply him as the dust
of the earth, and exalt his seed as the stars, and cause them to
inherit from sea to sea, and from the river unto the utmost part
of the land.
Sir 44:22
With Isaac did he establish likewise [for Abraham his
father's sake] the blessing of all men, and the covenant, And
made it rest upon the head of Jacob. He acknowledged him in his
blessing, and gave him an heritage, and divided his portions;
among the twelve tribes did he part them.
Sir 45:1
And he brought out of him a merciful man, which found favour
in the sight of all flesh, even Moses, beloved of God and men,
whose memorial is blessed.
Sir 45:2
He made him like to the glorious saints, and magnified him,
so that his enemies stood in fear of him.
Sir 45:3
By his words he caused the wonders to cease, and he made him
glorious in the sight of kings, and gave him a commandment for
his people, and shewed him part of his glory.
Sir 45:4
He sanctified him in his faithfuless and meekness, and chose
him out of all men.
Sir 45:5
He made him to hear his voice, and brought him into the dark
cloud, and gave him commandments before his face, even the law
of life and knowledge, that he might teach Jacob his covenants,
and Israel his judgments.
Sir 45:6
He exalted Aaron, an holy man like unto him, even his
brother, of the tribe of Levi.
Sir 45:7
An everlasting covenant he made with him and gave him the
priesthood among the people; he beautified him with comely
ornaments, and clothed him with a robe of glory.
Sir 45:8
He put upon him perfect glory; and strengthened him with rich
garments, with breeches, with a long robe, and the ephod.
Sir 45:9
And he compassed him with pomegranates, and with many golden
bells round about, that as he went there might be a sound, and a
noise made that might be heard in the temple, for a memorial to
the children of his people;
Sir 45:10
With an holy garment, with gold, and blue silk, and purple,
the work of the embroidere, with a breastplate of judgment, and
with Urim and Thummim;
Sir 45:11
With twisted scarlet, the work of the cunning workman, with
precious stones graven like seals, and set in gold, the work of
the jeweller, with a writing engraved for a memorial, after the
number of the tribes of Israel.
Sir 45:12
He set a crown of gold upon the mitre, wherein was engraved
Holiness, an ornament of honour, a costly work, the desires of
the eyes, goodly and beautiful.
Sir 45:13
Before him there were none such, neither did ever any
stranger put them on, but only his children and his children's
children perpetually.
Sir 45:14
Their sacrifices shall be wholly consumed every day twice
continually.
Sir 45:15
Moses consecrated him, and anointed him with holy oil: this
was appointed unto him by an everlasting covenant, and to his
seed, so long as the heavens should remain, that they should
minister unto him, and execute the office of the priesthood, and
bless the people in his name.
Sir 45:16
He chose him out of all men living to offer sacrifices to the
Lord, incense, and a sweet savour, for a memorial, to make
reconciliation for his people.
Sir 45:17
He gave unto him his commandments, and authority in the
statutes of judgments, that he should teach Jacob the
testimonies, and inform Israel in his laws.
Sir 45:18
Strangers conspired together against him, and maligned him in
the wilderness, even the men that were of Dathan's and Abiron's
side, and the congregation of Core, with fury and wrath.
Sir 45:19
This the Lord saw, and it displeased him, and in his wrathful
indignation were they consumed: he did wonders upon them, to
consume them with the fiery flame.
Sir 45:20
But he made Aaron more honourable, and gave him an heritage,
and divided unto him the firstfruits of the increase; especially
he prepared bread in abundance:
Sir 45:21
For they eat of the sacrifices of the Lord, which he gave
unto him and his seed.
Sir 45:22
Howbeit in the land of the people he had no inheritance,
neither had he any portion among the people: for the Lord
himself is his portion and inheritance.
Sir 45:23
The third in glory is Phinees the son of Eleazar, because he
had zeal in the fear of the Lord, and stood up with good courage
of heart: when the people were turned back, and made
reconciliation for Israel.
Sir 45:24
Therefore was there a covenant of peace made with him, that
he should be the chief of the sanctuary and of his people, and
that he and his posterity should have the dignity of the
priesthood for ever:
Sir 45:25
According to the covenant made with David son of Jesse, of
the tribe of Juda, that the inheritance of the king should be to
his posterity alone: so the inheritance of Aaron should also be
unto his seed.
Sir 45:26
God give you wisdom in your heart to judge his people in
righteousness, that their good things be not abolished, and that
their glory may endure for ever.
Sir 46:1
Jesus the son a Nave was valiant in the wars, and was the
successor of Moses in prophecies, who according to his name was
made great for the saving of the elect of God, and taking
vengeance of the enemies that rose up against them, that he
might set Israel in their inheritance.
Sir 46:2
How great glory gat he, when he did lift up his hands, and
stretched out his sword against the cities!
Sir 46:3
Who before him so stood to it? for the Lord himself brought
his enemies unto him.
Sir 46:4
Did not the sun go back by his means? and was not one day as
long as two?
Sir 46:5
He called upon the most high Lord, when the enemies pressed
upon him on every side; and the great Lord heard him.
Sir 46:6
And with hailstones of mighty power he made the battle to
fall violently upon the nations, and in the descent [of
Beth-horon] he destroyed them that resisted, that the nations
might know all their strength, because he fought in the sight of
the Lord, and he followed the Mighty One.
Sir 46:7
In the time of Moses also he did a work of mercy, he and
Caleb the son of Jephunne, in that they withstood the
congregation, and withheld the people from sin, and appeased the
wicked murmuring.
Sir 46:8
And of six hundred thousand people on foot, they two were
preserved to bring them in to the heritage, even unto the land
that floweth with milk and honey.
Sir 46:9
The Lord gave strength also unto Caleb, which remained with
him unto his old age: so that he entered upon the high places of
the land, and his seed obtained it for an heritage:
Sir 46:10
That all the children of Israel might see that it is good to
follow the Lord.
Sir 46:11
And concerning the judges, every one by name, whose heart
went not a whoring, nor departed from the Lord, let their memory
be blessed.
Sir 46:12
Let their bones flourish out of their place, and let the name
of them that were honoured be continued upon their children.
Sir 46:13
Samuel, the prophet of the Lord, beloved of his Lord,
established a kingdom, and anointed princes over his people.
Sir 46:14
By the law of the Lord he judged the congregation, and the
Lord had respect unto Jacob.
Sir 46:15
By his faithfulness he was found a true prophet, and by his
word he was known to be faithful in vision.
Sir 46:16
He called upon the mighty Lord, when his enemies pressed upon
him on every side, when he offered the sucking lamb.
Sir 46:17
And the Lord thundered from heaven, and with a great noise
made his voice to be heard.
Sir 46:18
And he destroyed the rulers of the Tyrians, and all the
princes cf the Philistines.
Sir 46:19
And before his long sleep he made protestations in the sight
of the Lord and his anointed, I have not taken any man's goods,
so much as a shoe: and no man did accuse him.
Sir 46:20
And after his death he prophesied, and shewed the king his
end, and lifted up his voice from the earth in prophecy, to blot
out the wickedness of the people.
Sir 47:1
And after him rose up Nathan to prophesy in the time of
David.
Sir 47:2
As is the fat taken away from the peace offering, so was
David chosen out of the children of Israel.
Sir 47:3
He played with lions as with kids, and with bears as with
lambs.
Sir 47:4
Slew he not a giant, when he was yet but young? and did he
not take away reproach from the people, when he lifted up his
hand with the stone in the sling, and beat down the boasting of
Goliath?
Sir 47:5
For he called upon the most high Lord; and he gave him
strength in his right hand to slay that mighty warrior, and set
up the horn of his people.
Sir 47:6
So the people honoured him with ten thousands, and praised
him in the blessings of the Lord, in that he gave him a crown of
glory.
Sir 47:7
For he destroyed the enemies on every side, and brought to
nought the Philistines his adversaries, and brake their horn in
sunder unto this day.
Sir 47:8
In all his works he praised the Holy One most high with words
of glory; with his whole heart he sung songs, and loved him that
made him.
Sir 47:9
He set singers also before the altar, that by their voices
they might make sweet melody, and daily sing praises in their
songs.
Sir 47:10
He beautified their feasts, and set in order the solemn times
until the end, that they might praise his holy name, and that
the temple might sound from morning.
Sir 47:11
The Lord took away his sins, and exalted his horn for ever:
he gave him a covenant of kings, and a throne of glory in
Israel.
Sir 47:12
After him rose up a wise son, and for his sake he dwelt at
large.
Sir 47:13
Solomon reigned in a peaceable time, and was honoured; for
God made all quiet round about him, that he might build an house
in his name, and prepare his sanctuary for ever.
Sir 47:14
How wise wast thou in thy youth and, as a flood, filled with
understanding!
Sir 47:15
Thy soul covered the whole earth, and thou filledst it with
dark parables.
Sir 47:16
Thy name went far unto the islands; and for thy peace thou
wast beloved.
Sir 47:17
The countries marvelled at thee for thy songs, and proverbs,
and parables, and interpretations.
Sir 47:18
By the name of the Lord God, which is called the Lord God of
Israel, thou didst gather gold as tin and didst multiply silver
as lead.
Sir 47:19
Thou didst bow thy loins unto women, and by thy body thou
wast brought into subjection.
Sir 47:20
Thou didst stain thy honour, and pollute thy seed: so that
thou broughtest wrath upon thy children, and wast grieved for
thy folly.
Sir 47:21
So the kingdom was divided, and out of Ephraim ruled a rebellious
kingdom.
Sir 47:22
But the Lord will never leave off his mercy, neither shall
any of his works perish, neither will he abolish the posterity
of his elect, and the seed of him that loveth him he will not
take away: wherefore he gave a remnant unto Jacob, and out of
him a root unto David.
Sir 47:23
Thus rested Solomon with his fathers, and of his seed he left
behind him Roboam, even the foolishness of the people, and one
that had no understanding, who turned away the people through
his counsel. There was also Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who
caused Israel to sin, and shewed Ephraim the way of sin:
Sir 47:24
And their sins were multiplied exceedingly, that they were
driven out of the land.
Sir 47:25
For they sought out all wickedness, till the vengeance came
upon them.
Sir 48:1
Then stood up Elias the prophet as fire, and his word burned
like a lamp.
Sir 48:2
He brought a sore famine upon them, and by his zeal he diminished
their number.
Sir 48:3
By the word of the Lord he shut up the heaven, and also three
times brought down fire.
Sir 48:4
O Elias, how wast thou honoured in thy wondrous deeds! and
who may glory like unto thee!
Sir 48:5
Who didst raise up a dead man from death, and his soul from
the place of the dead, by the word of the most High:
Sir 48:6
Who broughtest kings to destruction, and honorable men from
their bed:
Sir 48:7
Who heardest the rebuke of the Lord in Sinai, and in Horeb the
judgment of vengeance:
Sir 48:8
Who annointedst kings to take revenge, and prophets to succeed
after him:
Sir 48:9
Who was taken up in a whirlwind of fire, and in a chariot of
fiery horses:
Sir 48:10
Who wast ordained for reproofs in their times, to pacify the
wrath of the Lord's judgment, before it brake forth into fury,
and to turn the heart of the father unto the son, and to restore
the tribes of Jacob.
Sir 48:11
Blessed are they that saw thee, and slept in love; for we
shall surely live.
Sir 48:12
Elias it was, who was covered with a whirlwind: and Eliseus
was filled with his spirit: whilst he lived, he was not moved
with the presence of any prince, neither could any bring him
into subjection.
Sir 48:13
No word could overcome him; and after his death his body prophesied.
Sir 48:14
He did wonders in his life, and at his death were his works marvellous.
Sir 48:15
For all this the people repented not, neither departed they
from their sins, till they were spoiled and carried out of their
land, and were scattered through all the earth: yet there
remained a small people, and a ruler in the house of David:
Sir 48:16
Of whom some did that which was pleasing to God, and some multiplied
sins.
Sir 48:17
Ezekias fortified his city, and brought in water into the
midst thereof: he digged the hard rock with iron, and made wells
for waters.
Sir 48:18
In his time Sennacherib came up, and sent Rabsaces, and lifted up
his hand against Sion, and boasted proudly.
Sir 48:19
Then trembled their hearts and hands, and they were in pain,
as women in travail.
Sir 48:20
But they called upon the Lord which is merciful, and
stretched out their hands toward him: and immediately the Holy
One heard them out of heaven, and delivered them by the ministry
of Esay.
Sir 48:21
He smote the host of the Assyrians, and his angel destroyed
them.
Sir 48:22
For Ezekias had done the thing that pleased the Lord, and was
strong in the ways of David his father, as Esay the prophet, who
was great and faithful in his vision, had commanded him.
Sir 48:23
In his time the sun went backward, and he lengthened the
king's life.
Sir 48:24
He saw by an excellent spirit what should come to pass at the
last, and he comforted them that mourned in Sion.
Sir 48:25
He shewed what should come to pass for ever, and secret things
or ever they came.
Sir 49:1
The remembrance of Josias is like the composition of the perfume
that is made by the art of the apothecary: it is sweet as honey
in all mouths, and as musick at a banquet of wine.
Sir 49:2
He behaved himself uprightly in the conversion of the people,
and took away the abominations of iniquity.
Sir 49:3
He directed his heart unto the Lord, and in the time of the
ungodly he established the worship of God.
Sir 49:4
All, except David and Ezekias and Josias, were defective: for
they forsook the law of the most High, even the kings of Juda
failed.
Sir 49:5
Therefore he gave their power unto others, and their glory to
a strange nation.
Sir 49:6
They burnt the chosen city of the sanctuary, and made the streets
desolate, according to the prophecy of Jeremias.
Sir 49:7
For they entreated him evil, who nevertheless was a prophet,
sanctified in his mother's womb, that he might root out, and
afflict, and destroy; and that he might build up also, and
plant.
Sir 49:8
It was Ezekiel who saw the glorious vision, which was shewed
him upon the chariot of the cherubims.
Sir 49:9
For he made mention of the enemies under the figure of the
rain, and directed them that went right.
Sir 49:10
And of the twelve prophets let the memorial be blessed, and
let their bones flourish again out of their place: for they
comforted Jacob, and delivered them by assured hope.
Sir 49:11
How shall we magnify Zorobabel? even he was as a signet on
the right hand:
Sir 49:12
So was Jesus the son of Josedec: who in their time builded the
house, and set up an holy temple to the Lord, which was prepared
for everlasting glory.
Sir 49:13
And among the elect was Neemias, whose renown is great, who
raised up for us the walls that were fallen, and set up the
gates and the bars, and raised up our ruins again.
Sir 49:14
But upon the earth was no man created like Enoch; for he was
taken from the earth.
Sir 49:15
Neither was there a young man born like Joseph, a governor of
his brethren, a stay of the people, whose bones were regarded of
the Lord.
Sir 49:16
Sem and Seth were in great honour among men, and so was Adam
above every living thing in creation.
Sir 50:1
Simon the high priest, the son of Onias, who in his life repaired
the house again, and in his days fortified the temple:
Sir 50:2
And by him was built from the foundation the double height,
the high fortress of the wall about the temple:
Sir 50:3
In his days the cistern to receive water, being in compass as
the sea, was covered with plates of brass:
Sir 50:4
He took care of the temple that it should not fall, and fortified
the city against besieging:
Sir 50:5
How was he honoured in the midst of the people in his coming
out of the sanctuary!
Sir 50:6
He was as the morning star in the midst of a cloud, and as the moon
at the full:
Sir 50:7
As the sun shining upon the temple of the most High, and as
the rainbow giving light in the bright clouds:
Sir 50:8
And as the flower of roses in the spring of the year, as lilies
by the rivers of waters, and as the branches of the frankincense
tree in the time of summer:
Sir 50:9
As fire and incense in the censer, and as a vessel of beaten
gold set with all manner of precious stones:
Sir 50:10
And as a fair olive tree budding forth fruit, and as a cypress tree
which groweth up to the clouds.
Sir 50:11
When he put on the robe of honour, and was clothed with the
perfection of glory, when he went up to the holy altar, he made
the garment of holiness honourable.
Sir 50:12
When he took the portions out of the priests' hands, he himself stood
by the hearth of the altar, compassed about, as a young cedar in
Libanus; and as palm trees compassed they him round about.
Sir 50:13
So were all the sons of Aaron in their glory, and the oblations
of the Lord in their hands, before all the congregation of Israel.
Sir 50:14
And finishing the service at the altar, that he might adorn
the offering of the most high Almighty,
Sir 50:15
He stretched out his hand to the cup, and poured of the blood
of the grape, he poured out at the foot of the altar a
sweetsmelling savour unto the most high King of all.
Sir 50:16
Then shouted the sons of Aaron, and sounded the silver trumpets,
and made a great noise to be heard, for a remembrance before the
most High.
Sir 50:17
Then all the people together hasted, and fell down to the
earth upon their faces to worship their Lord God Almighty, the
most High.
Sir 50:18
The singers also sang praises with their voices, with great
variety of sounds was there made sweet melody.
Sir 50:19
And the people besought the Lord, the most High, by prayer
before him that is merciful, till the solemnity of the Lord was
ended, and they had finished his service.
Sir 50:20
Then he went down, and lifted up his hands over the whole
congregation of the children of Israel, to give the blessing of
the Lord with his lips, and to rejoice in his name.
Sir 50:21
And they bowed themselves down to worship the second time, that
they might receive a blessing from the most High.
Sir 50:22
Now therefore bless ye the God of all, which only doeth wondrous
things every where, which exalteth our days from the womb, and
dealeth with us according to his mercy.
Sir 50:23
He grant us joyfulness of heart, and that peace may be in our
days in Israel for ever:
Sir 50:24
That he would confirm his mercy with us, and deliver us at his time!
Sir 50:25
There be two manner of nations which my heart abhorreth, and
the third is no nation:
Sir 50:26
They that sit upon the mountain of Samaria, and they that dwell among
the Philistines, and that foolish people that dwell in Sichem.
Sir 50:27
Jesus the son of Sirach of Jerusalem hath written in this book the
instruction of understanding and knowledge, who out of his heart
poured forth wisdom.
Sir 50:28
Blessed is he that shall be exercised in these things; and he
that layeth them up in his heart shall become wise.
Sir 50:29
For if he do them, he shall be strong to all things: for the
light of the Lord leadeth him, who giveth wisdom to the godly.
Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. Amen, Amen.
[A Prayer of Jesus the son of Sirach.]
Sir 51:1
I will thank thee, O Lord and King, and praise thee, O God my
Saviour: I do give praise unto thy name:
Sir 51:2
For thou art my defender and helper, and has preserved my
body from destruction, and from the snare of the slanderous
tongue, and from the lips that forge lies, and has been mine
helper against mine adversaries:
Sir 51:3
And hast delivered me, according to the multitude of they
mercies and greatness of thy name, from the teeth of them that
were ready to devour me, and out of the hands of such as sought
after my life, and from the manifold afflictions which I had;
Sir 51:4
From the choking of fire on every side, and from the midst of
the fire which I kindled not;
Sir 51:5
From the depth of the belly of hell, from an unclean tongue,
and from lying words.
Sir 51:6
By an accusation to the king from an unrighteous tongue my soul
drew near even unto death, my life was near to the hell beneath.
Sir 51:7
They compassed me on every side, and there was no man to help
me: I looked for the succour of men, but there was none.
Sir 51:8
Then thought I upon thy mercy, O Lord, and upon thy acts of
old, how thou deliverest such as wait for thee, and savest them
out of the hands of the enemies.
Sir 51:9
Then lifted I up my supplications from the earth, and prayed
for deliverance from death.
Sir 51:10
I called upon the Lord, the Father of my Lord, that he would
not leave me in the days of my trouble, and in the time of the
proud, when there was no help.
Sir 51:11
I will praise thy name continually, and will sing praises with
thanksgiving; and so my prayer was heard:
Sir 51:12
For thou savedst me from destruction, and deliveredst me from
the evil time: therefore will I give thanks, and praise thee,
and bless they name, O Lord.
Sir 51:13
When I was yet young, or ever I went abroad, I desired wisdom
openly in my prayer.
Sir 51:14
I prayed for her before the temple, and will seek her out even
to the end.
Sir 51:15
Even from the flower till the grape was ripe hath my heart
delighted in her: my foot went the right way, from my youth up
sought I after her.
Sir 51:16
I bowed down mine ear a little, and received her, and gat much learning.
Sir 51:17
I profited therein, therefore will I ascribe glory unto him that
giveth me wisdom.
Sir 51:18
For I purposed to do after her, and earnestly I followed that
which is good; so shall I not be confounded.
Sir 51:19
My soul hath wrestled with her, and in my doings I was exact:
I stretched forth my hands to the heaven above,
and bewailed my ignorances of her.
Sir 51:20
I directed my soul unto her, and I found her in pureness: I have had
my heart joined with her from the beginning, therefore shall I not
be foresaken.
Sir 51:21
My heart was troubled in seeking her: therefore have I gotten
a good possession.
Sir 51:22
The Lord hath given me a tongue for my reward, and I will praise him
therewith.
Sir 51:23
Draw near unto me, ye unlearned, and dwell in the house of learning.
Sir 51:24
Wherefore are ye slow, and what say ye to these things,
seeing your souls are very thirsty?
Sir 51:25
I opened my mouth, and said, Buy her for yourselves without money.
Sir 51:26
Put your neck under the yoke, and let your soul receive
instruction: she is hard at hand to find.
Sir 51:27
Behold with your eyes, how that I have but little labour, and
have gotten unto me much rest.
Sir 51:28
Get learning with a great sum of money, and get much gold by her.
Sir 51:29
Let your soul rejoice in his mercy, and be not ashamed of his praise.
Sir 51:30
Work your work betimes, and in his time he will give you your reward.
The Book of Baruch
Bar 1:1
And these are the words of the book, which Baruch the son of
Nerias, the son of Maasias, the son of Sedecias, the son of
Asadias, the son of Chelcias, wrote in Babylon,
Bar 1:2
In the fifth year, and in the seventh day of the month, what
time as the Chaldeans took Jerusalem, and burnt it with fire.
Bar 1:3
And Baruch did read the words of this book in the hearing of
Jechonias the son of Joachim king of Juda, and in the ears of
all the people that came to hear the book,
Bar 1:4
And in the hearing of the nobles, and of the king's sons, and
in the hearing of the elders, and of all the people, from the
lowest unto the highest, even of all them that dwelt at Babylon
by the river Sud.
Bar 1:5
Whereupon they wept, fasted, and prayed before the Lord.
Bar 1:6
They made also a collection of money according to every man's
power:
Bar 1:7
And they sent it to Jerusalem unto Joachim the high priest,
the son of Chelcias, son of Salom, and to the priests, and to
all the people which were found with him at Jerusalem,
Bar 1:8
At the same time when he received the vessels of the house of
the Lord, that were carried out of the temple, to return them
into the land of Juda, the tenth day of the month Sivan, namely,
silver vessels, which Sedecias the son of Josias king of Jada
had made,
Bar 1:9
After that Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon had carried away
Jechonias, and the princes, and the captives, and the mighty
men, and the people of the land, from Jerusalem, and brought
them unto Babylon.
Bar 1:10
And they said, Behold, we have sent you money to buy you
burnt offerings, and sin offerings, and incense, and prepare ye
manna, and offer upon the altar of the Lord our God;
Bar 1:11
And pray for the life of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, and
for the life of Balthasar his son, that their days may be upon
earth as the days of heaven:
Bar 1:12
And the Lord will give us strength, and lighten our eyes, and
we shall live under the shadow of Nabuchodonosor king of
Babylon, and under the shadow of Balthasar his son, and we shall
serve them many days, and find favour in their sight.
Bar 1:13
Pray for us also unto the Lord our God, for we have sinned
against the Lord our God; and unto this day the fury of the Lord
and his wrath is not turned from us.
Bar 1:14
And ye shall read this book which we have sent unto you, to
make confession in the house of the Lord, upon the feasts and
solemn days.
Bar 1:15
And ye shall say, To the Lord our God belongeth
righteousness, but unto us the confusion of faces, as it is come
to pass this day, unto them of Juda, and to the inhabitants of
Jerusalem,
Bar 1:16
And to our kings, and to our princes, and to our priests, and
to our prophets, and to our fathers:
Bar 1:17
For we have sinned before the Lord,
Bar 1:18
And disobeyed him, and have not hearkened unto the voice of
the Lord our God, to walk in the commandments that he gave us
openly:
Bar 1:19
Since the day that the Lord brought our forefathers out of
the land of Egypt, unto this present day, we have been
disobedient unto the Lord our God, and we have been negligent in
not hearing his voice.
Bar 1:20
Wherefore the evils cleaved unto us, and the curse, which the
Lord appointed by Moses his servant at the time that he brought
our fathers out of the land of Egypt, to give us a land that
floweth with milk and honey, like as it is to see this day.
Bar 1:21
Nevertheless we have not hearkened unto the voice of the Lord
our God, according unto all the words of the prophets, whom he
sent unto us:
Bar 1:22
But every man followed the imagination of his own wicked
heart, to serve strange gods, and to do evil in the sight of the
Lord our God.
Bar 2:1
Therefore the Lord hath made good his word, which he
pronounced against us, and against our judges that judged
Israel, and against our kings, and against our princes, and
against the men of Israel and Juda,
Bar 2:2
To bring upon us great plagues, such as never happened under
the whole heaven, as it came to pass in Jerusalem, according to
the things that were written in the law of Moses;
Bar 2:3
That a man should eat the flesh of his own son, and the flesh
of his own daughter.
Bar 2:4
Moreover he hath delivered them to be in subjection to all
the kingdoms that are round about us, to be as a reproach and
desolation among all the people round about, where the Lord hath
scattered them.
Bar 2:5
Thus we were cast down, and not exalted, because we have
sinned against the Lord our God, and have not been obedient unto
his voice.
Bar 2:6
To the Lord our God appertaineth righteousness: but unto us
and to our fathers open shame, as appeareth this day.
Bar 2:7
For all these plagues are come upon us, which the Lord hath
pronounced against us
Bar 2:8
Yet have we not prayed before the Lord, that we might turn
every one from the imaginations of his wicked heart.
Bar 2:9
Wherefore the Lord watched over us for evil, and the Lord
hath brought it upon us: for the Lord is righteous in all his
works which he hath commanded us.
Bar 2:10
Yet we have not hearkened unto his voice, to walk in the
commandments of the Lord, that he hath set before us.
Bar 2:11
And now, O Lord God of Israel, that hast brought thy people
out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and high arm, and
with signs, and with wonders, and with great power, and hast
gotten thyself a name, as appeareth this day:
Bar 2:12
O Lord our God, we have sinned, we have done ungodly, we have
dealt unrighteously in all thine ordinances.
Bar 2:13
Let thy wrath turn from us: for we are but a few left among
the heathen, where thou hast scattered us.
Bar 2:14
Hear our prayers, O Lord, and our petitions, and deliver us
for thine own sake, and give us favour in the sight of them
which have led us away:
Bar 2:15
That all the earth may know that thou art the Lord our God,
because Israel and his posterity is called by thy name.
Bar 2:16
O Lord, look down from thine holy house, and consider us: bow
down thine ear, O Lord, to hear us.
Bar 2:17
Open thine eyes, and behold; for the dead that are in the
graves, whose souls are taken from their bodies, will give unto
the Lord neither praise nor righteousness:
Bar 2:18
But the soul that is greatly vexed, which goeth stooping and
feeble, and the eyes that fail, and the hungry soul, will give
thee praise and righteousness, O Lord.
Bar 2:19
Therefore we do not make our humble supplication before thee,
O Lord our God, for the righteousness of our fathers, and of our
kings.
Bar 2:20
For thou hast sent out thy wrath and indignation upon us, as
thou hast spoken by thy servants the prophets, saying,
Bar 2:21
Thus saith the Lord, Bow down your shoulders to serve the
king of Babylon: so shall ye remain in the land that I gave unto
your fathers.
Bar 2:22
But if ye will not hear the voice of the Lord, to serve the
king of Babylon,
Bar 2:23
I will cause to cease out of the cites of Judah, and from
without Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of joy, the
voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: and the
whole land shall be desolate of inhabitants.
Bar 2:24
But we would not hearken unto thy voice, to serve the king of
Babylon: therefore hast thou made good the words that thou
spakest by thy servants the prophets, namely, that the bones of
our kings, and the bones of our fathers, should be taken out of
their place.
Bar 2:25
And, lo, they are cast out to the heat of the day, and to the
frost of the night, and they died in great miseries by famine,
by sword, and by pestilence.
Bar 2:26
And the house which is called by thy name hast thou laid
waste, as it is to be seen this day, for the wickedness of the
house of Israel and the house of Juda.
Bar 2:27
O Lord our God, thou hast dealt with us after all thy
goodness, and according to all that great mercy of thine,
Bar 2:28
As thou spakest by thy servant Moses in the day when thou
didst command him to write the law before the children of
Israel, saying,
Bar 2:29
If ye will not hear my voice, surely this very great
multitude shall be turned into a small number among the nations,
where I will scatter them.
Bar 2:30
For I knew that they would not hear me, because it is a
stiffnecked people: but in the land of their captivities they
shall remember themselves.
Bar 2:31
And shall know that I am the Lord their God: for I will give
them an heart, and ears to hear:
Bar 2:32
And they shall praise me in the land of their captivity, and
think upon my name,
Bar 2:33
And return from their stiff neck, and from their wicked
deeds: for they shall remember the way of their fathers, which
sinned before the Lord.
Bar 2:34
And I will bring them again into the land which I promised
with an oath unto their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and
they shall be lords of it: and I will increase them, and they
shall not be diminished.
Bar 2:35
And I will make an everlasting covenant with them to be their
God, and they shall be my people: and I will no more drive my
people of Israel out of the land that I have given them.
Bar 3:1
O Lord Almighty, God of Israel, the soul in anguish the
troubled spirit, crieth unto thee.
Bar 3:2
Hear, O Lord, and have mercy; ar thou art merciful: and have
pity upon us, because we have sinned before thee.
Bar 3:3
For thou endurest for ever, and we perish utterly.
Bar 3:4
O Lord Almighty, thou God of Israel, hear now the prayers of
the dead Israelites, and of their children, which have sinned
before thee, and not hearkened unto the voice of thee their God:
for the which cause these plagues cleave unto us.
Bar 3:5
Remember not the iniquities of our forefathers: but think
upon thy power and thy name now at this time.
Bar 3:6
For thou art the Lord our God, and thee, O Lord, will we
praise.
Bar 3:7
And for this cause thou hast put thy fear in our hearts, to
the intent that we should call upon thy name, and praise thee in
our captivity: for we have called to mind all the iniquity of
our forefathers, that sinned before thee.
Bar 3:8
Behold, we are yet this day in our captivity, where thou hast
scattered us, for a reproach and a curse, and to be subject to
payments, according to all the iniquities of our fathers, which
departed from the Lord our God.
Bar 3:9
Hear, Israel, the commandments of life: give ear to
understand wisdom.
Bar 3:10
How happeneth it Israel, that thou art in thine enemies'
land, that thou art waxen old in a strange country, that thou
art defiled with the dead,
Bar 3:11
That thou art counted with them that go down into the grave?
Bar 3:12
Thou hast forsaken the fountain of wisdom.
Bar 3:13
For if thou hadst walked in the way of God, thou shouldest
have dwelled in peace for ever.
Bar 3:14
Learn where is wisdom, where is strength, where is
understanding; that thou mayest know also where is length of
days, and life, where is the light of the eyes, and peace.
Bar 3:15
Who hath found out her place? or who hath come into her
treasures?
Bar 3:16
Where are the princes of the heathen become, and such as
ruled the beasts upon the earth;
Bar 3:17
They that had their pastime with the fowls of the air, and
they that hoarded up silver and gold, wherein men trust, and
made no end of their getting?
Bar 3:18
For they that wrought in silver, and were so careful, and
whose works are unsearchable,
Bar 3:19
They are vanished and gone down to the grave, and others are
come up in their steads.
Bar 3:20
Young men have seen light, and dwelt upon the earth: but the
way of knowledge have they not known,
Bar 3:21
Nor understood the paths thereof, nor laid hold of it: their
children were far off from that way.
Bar 3:22
It hath not been heard of in Chanaan, neither hath it been
seen in Theman.
Bar 3:23
The Agarenes that seek wisdom upon earth, the merchants of
Meran and of Theman, the authors of fables, and searchers out of
understanding; none of these have known the way of wisdom, or
remember her paths.
Bar 3:24
O Israel, how great is the house of God! and how large is the
place of his possession!
Bar 3:25
Great, and hath none end; high, and unmeasurable.
Bar 3:26
There were the giants famous from the beginning, that were of
so great stature, and so expert in war.
Bar 3:27
Those did not the Lord choose, neither gave he the way of
knowledge unto them:
Bar 3:28
But they were destroyed, because they had no wisdom, and
perished through their own foolishness.
Bar 3:29
Who hath gone up into heaven, and taken her, and brought her
down from the clouds?
Bar 3:30
Who hath gone over the sea, and found her, and will bring her
for pure gold?
Bar 3:31
No man knoweth her way, nor thinketh of her path.
Bar 3:32
But he that knoweth all things knoweth her, and hath found
her out with his understanding: he that prepared the earth for
evermore hath filled it with fourfooted beasts:
Bar 3:33
He that sendeth forth light, and it goeth, calleth it again,
and it obeyeth him with fear.
Bar 3:34
The stars shined in their watches, and rejoiced: when he
calleth them, they say, Here we be; and so with cheerfulness
they shewed light unto him that made them.
Bar 3:35
This is our God, and there shall none other be accounted of
in comparison of him
Bar 3:36
He hath found out all the way of knowledge, and hath given it
unto Jacob his servant, and to Israel his beloved.
Bar 3:37
Afterward did he shew himself upon earth, and conversed with
men.
Bar 4:1
This is the book of the commandments of God, and the law that
endureth for ever: all they that keep it shall come to life; but
such as leave it shall die.
Bar 4:2
Turn thee, O Jacob, and take hold of it: walk in the presence
of the light thereof, that thou mayest be illuminated.
Bar 4:3
Give not thine honour to another, nor the things that are
profitable unto thee to a strange nation.
Bar 4:4
O Israel, happy are we: for things that are pleasing to God
are made known unto us.
Bar 4:5
Be of good cheer, my people, the memorial of Israel.
Bar 4:6
Ye were sold to the nations, not for [your] destruction: but
because ye moved God to wrath, ye were delivered unto the
enemies.
Bar 4:7
For ye provoked him that made you by sacrificing unto devils,
and not to God.
Bar 4:8
Ye have forgotten the everlasting God, that brought you up;
and ye have grieved Jerusalem, that nursed you.
Bar 4:9
For when she saw the wrath of God coming upon you, she said,
Hearken, O ye that dwell about Sion: God hath brought upon me
great mourning;
Bar 4:10
For I saw the captivity of my sons and daughters, which the
Everlasting brought upon them.
Bar 4:11
With joy did I nourish them; but sent them away with weeping
and mourning.
Bar 4:12
Let no man rejoice over me, a widow, and forsaken of many,
who for the sins of my children am left desolate; because they
departed from the law of God.
Bar 4:13
They knew not his statutes, nor walked in the ways of his
commandments, nor trod in the paths of discipline in his
righteousness.
Bar 4:14
Let them that dwell about Sion come, and remember ye the
captivity of my sons and daughters, which the Everlasting hath
brought upon them.
Bar 4:15
For he hath brought a nation upon them from far, a shameless
nation, and of a strange language, who neither reverenced old
man, nor pitied child.
Bar 4:16
These have carried away the dear beloved children of the
widow, and left her that was alone desolate without daughters.
Bar 4:17
But what can I help you?
Bar 4:18
For he that brought these plagues upon you will deliver you
from the hands of your enemies.
Bar 4:19
Go your way, O my children, go your way: for I am left
desolate.
Bar 4:20
I have put off the clothing of peace, and put upon me the
sackcloth of my prayer: I will cry unto the Everlasting in my
days.
Bar 4:21
Be of good cheer, O my children, cry unto the Lord, and he
will deliver you from the power and hand of the enemies.
Bar 4:22
For my hope is in the Everlasting, that he will save you; and
joy is come unto me from the Holy One, because of the mercy
which shall soon come unto you from the Everlasting our Saviour.
Bar 4:23
For I sent you out with mourning and weeping: but God will
give you to me again with joy and gladness for ever.
Bar 4:24
Like as now the neighbours of Sion have seen your captivity:
so shall they see shortly your salvation from our God which
shall come upon you with great glory, and brightness of the
Everlasting.
Bar 4:25
My children, suffer patiently the wrath that is come upon you
from God: for thine enemy hath persecuted thee; but shortly thou
shalt see his destruction, and shalt tread upon his neck.
Bar 4:26
My delicate ones have gone rough ways, and were taken away as
a flock caught of the enemies.
Bar 4:27
Be of good comfort, O my children, and cry unto God: for ye
shall be remembered of him that brought these things upon you.
Bar 4:28
For as it was your mind to go astray from God: so, being
returned, seek him ten times more.
Bar 4:29
For he that hath brought these plagues upon you shall bring
you everlasting joy with your salvation.
Bar 4:30
Take a good heart, O Jerusalem: for he that gave thee that
name will comfort thee.
Bar 4:31
Miserable are they that afflicted thee, and rejoiced at thy
fall.
Bar 4:32
Miserable are the cities which thy children served: miserable
is she that received thy sons.
Bar 4:33
For as she rejoiced at thy ruin, and was glad of thy fall: so
shall she be grieved for her own desolation.
Bar 4:34
For I will take away the rejoicing of her great multitude,
and her pride shall be turned into mourning.
Bar 4:35
For fire shall come upon her from the Everlasting, long to
endure; and she shall be inhabited of devils for a great time.
Bar 4:36
O Jerusalem, look about thee toward the east, and behold the
joy that cometh unto thee from God.
Bar 4:37
Lo, thy sons come, whom thou sentest away, they come gathered
together from the east to the west by the word of the Holy One,
rejoicing in the glory of God.
Bar 5:1
Put off, O Jerusalem, the garment of mourning and
affliction, and put on the comeliness of the glory that cometh
from God for ever.
Bar 5:2
Cast about thee a double garment of the righteousness which
cometh from God; and set a diadem on thine head of the glory of
the Everlasting.
Bar 5:3
For God will shew thy brightness unto every country under
heaven.
Bar 5:4
For thy name shall be called of God for ever The peace of
righteousness, and The glory of God's worship.
Bar 5:5
Arise, O Jerusalem, and stand on high, and look about toward
the east, and behold thy children gathered from the west unto
the east by the word of the Holy One, rejoicing in the
remembrance of God.
Bar 5:6
For they departed from thee on foot, and were led away of
their enemies: but God bringeth them unto thee exalted with
glory, as children of the kingdom.
Bar 5:7
For God hath appointed that every high hill, and banks of
long continuance, should be cast down, and valleys filled up, to
make even the ground, that Israel may go safely in the glory of
God,
Bar 5:8
Moreover even the woods and every sweetsmelling tree shall
overshadow Israel by the commandment of God.
Bar 5:9
For God shall lead Israel with joy in the light of his glory
with the mercy and righteousness that cometh from him.
The Epistle [or Letter] of Jeremiah [Jeremy]
[The Epistle of Jeremy [sometimes Chapter Six of Baruch]]
EpJer 6:1
A copy of an epistle, which Jeremy sent unto them which were
to be led captives into Babylon by the king of the Babylonians,
to certify them, as it was commanded him of God.
EpJer 6:2
Because of the sins which ye have committed before God, ye
shall be led away captives into Babylon by Nabuchodonosor king
of the Babylonians.
EpJer 6:3
So when ye be come unto Babylon, ye shall remain there many
years, and for a long season, namely, seven generations: and
after that I will bring you away peaceably from thence.
EpJer 6:4
Now shall ye see in Babylon gods of silver, and of gold, and
of wood, borne upon shoulders, which cause the nations to fear.
EpJer 6:5
Beware therefore that ye in no wise be like to strangers,
neither be ye and of them, when ye see the multitude before them
and behind them, worshipping them.
EpJer 6:6
But say ye in your hearts, O Lord, we must worship thee.
EpJer 6:7
For mine angel is with you, and I myself caring for your
souls.
EpJer 6:8
As for their tongue, it is polished by the workman, and they
themselves are gilded and laid over with silver; yet are they
but false, and cannot speak.
EpJer 6:9
And taking gold, as it were for a virgin that loveth to go
gay, they make crowns for the heads of their gods.
EpJer 6:10
Sometimes also the priests convey from their gods gold and
silver, and bestow it upon themselves.
EpJer 6:11
Yea, they will give thereof to the common harlots, and deck
them as men with garments, [being] gods of silver, and gods of
gold, and wood.
EpJer 6:12
Yet cannot these gods save themselves from rust and moth,
though they be covered with purple raiment.
EpJer 6:13
They wipe their faces because of the dust of the temple, when
there is much upon them.
EpJer 6:14
And he that cannot put to death one that offendeth him
holdeth a sceptre, as though he were a judge of the country.
EpJer 6:15
He hath also in his right hand a dagger and an ax: but cannot
deliver himself from war and thieves.
EpJer 6:16
Whereby they are known not to be gods: therefore fear them
not.
EpJer 6:17
For like as a vessel that a man useth is nothing worth when
it is broken; even so it is with their gods: when they be set up
in the temple, their eyes be full of dust through the feet of
them that come in.
EpJer 6:18
And as the doors are made sure on every side upon him that
offendeth the king, as being committed to suffer death: even so
the priests make fast their temples with doors, with locks, and
bars, lest their gods be spoiled with robbers.
EpJer 6:19
They light them candles, yea, more than for themselves,
whereof they cannot see one.
EpJer 6:20
They are as one of the beams of the temple, yet they say
their hearts are gnawed upon by things creeping out of the
earth; and when they eat them and their clothes, they feel it
not.
EpJer 6:21
Their faces are blacked through the smoke that cometh out of
the temple.
EpJer 6:22
Upon their bodies and heads sit bats, swallows, and birds,
and the cats also.
EpJer 6:23
By this ye may know that they are no gods: therefore fear
them not.
EpJer 6:24
Notwithstanding the gold that is about them to make them
beautiful, except they wipe off the rust, they will not shine:
for neither when they were molten did they feel it.
EpJer 6:25
The things wherein there is no breath are bought for a most
high price.
EpJer 6:26
They are borne upon shoulders, having no feet whereby they
declare unto men that they be nothing worth.
EpJer 6:27
They also that serve them are ashamed: for if they fall to
the ground at any time, they cannot rise up again of themselves:
neither, if one set them upright, can they move of themselves:
neither, if they be bowed down, can they make themselves
straight: but they set gifts before them as unto dead men.
EpJer 6:28
As for the things that are sacrificed unto them, their
priests sell and abuse; in like manner their wives lay up part
thereof in salt; but unto the poor and impotent they give
nothing of it.
EpJer 6:29
Menstruous women and women in childbed eat their sacrifices:
by these things ye may know that they are no gods: fear them
not.
EpJer 6:30
For how can they be called gods? because women set meat
before the gods of silver, gold, and wood.
EpJer 6:31
And the priests sit in their temples, having their clothes
rent, and their heads and beards shaven, and nothing upon their
heads.
EpJer 6:32
They roar and cry before their gods, as men do at the feast
when one is dead.
EpJer 6:33
The priests also take off their garments, and clothe their
wives and children.
EpJer 6:34
Whether it be evil that one doeth unto them, or good, they
are not able to recompense it: they can neither set up a king,
nor put him down.
EpJer 6:35
In like manner, they can neither give riches nor money:
though a man make a vow unto them, and keep it not, they will
not require it.
EpJer 6:36
They can save no man from death, neither deliver the weak
from the mighty.
EpJer 6:37
They cannot restore a blind man to his sight, nor help any
man in his distress.
EpJer 6:38
They can shew no mercy to the widow, nor do good to the
fatherless.
EpJer 6:39
Their gods of wood, and which are overlaid with gold and
silver, are like the stones that be hewn out of the mountain:
they that worship them shall be confounded.
EpJer 6:40
How should a man then think and say that they are gods, when
even the Chaldeans themselves dishonour them?
EpJer 6:41
Who if they shall see one dumb that cannot speak, they bring
him, and intreat Bel that he may speak, as though he were able
to understand.
EpJer 6:42
Yet they cannot understand this themselves, and leave them:
for they have no knowledge.
EpJer 6:43
The women also with cords about them, sitting in the ways,
burn bran for perfume: but if any of them, drawn by some that
passeth by, lie with him, she reproacheth her fellow, that she
was not thought as worthy as herself, nor her cord broken.
EpJer 6:44
Whatsoever is done among them is false: how may it then be
thought or said that they are gods?
EpJer 6:45
They are made of carpenters and goldsmiths: they can be
nothing else than the workmen will have them to be.
EpJer 6:46
And they themselves that made them can never continue long;
how should then the things that are made of them be gods?
EpJer 6:47
For they left lies and reproaches to them that come after.
EpJer 6:48
For when there cometh any war or plague upon them, the
priests consult with themselves, where they may be hidden with
them.
EpJer 6:49
How then cannot men perceive that they be no gods, which can
neither save themselves from war, nor from plague?
EpJer 6:50
For seeing they be but of wood, and overlaid with silver and
gold, it shall be known hereafter that they are false:
EpJer 6:51
And it shall manifestly appear to all nations and kings that
they are no gods, but the works of men's hands, and that there
is no work of God in them.
EpJer 6:52
Who then may not know that they are no gods?
EpJer 6:53
For neither can they set up a king in the land, nor give rain
unto men.
EpJer 6:54
Neither can they judge their own cause, nor redress a wrong,
being unable: for they are as crows between heaven and earth.
EpJer 6:55
Whereupon when fire falleth upon the house of gods of wood,
or laid over with gold or silver, their priests will flee away,
and escape; but they themselves shall be burned asunder like
beams.
EpJer 6:56
Moreover they cannot withstand any king or enemies: how can
it then be thought or said that they be gods?
EpJer 6:57
Neither are those gods of wood, and laid over with silver or
gold, able to escape either from thieves or robbers.
EpJer 6:58
Whose gold, and silver, and garments wherewith they are
clothed, they that are strong take, and go away withal: neither
are they able to help themselves.
EpJer 6:59
Therefore it is better to be a king that sheweth his power,
or else a profitable vessel in an house, which the owner shall
have use of, than such false gods; or to be a door in an house,
to keep such things therein, than such false gods, or a pillar
of wood in a a palace, than such false gods.
EpJer 6:60
For sun, moon, and stars, being bright and sent to do their
offices, are obedient.
EpJer 6:61
In like manner the lightning when it breaketh forth is easy
to be seen; and after the same manner the wind bloweth in every
country.
EpJer 6:62
And when God commandeth the clouds to go over the whole
world, they do as they are bidden.
EpJer 6:63
And the fire sent from above to consume hills and woods doeth
as it is commanded: but these are like unto them neither in shew
nor power.
EpJer 6:64
Wherefore it is neither to be supposed nor said that they are
gods, seeing, they are able neither to judge causes, nor to do
good unto men.
EpJer 6:65
Knowing therefore that they are no gods, fear them not,
EpJer 6:66
For they can neither curse nor bless kings:
EpJer 6:67
Neither can they shew signs in the heavens among the heathen,
nor shine as the sun, nor give light as the moon.
EpJer 6:68
The beasts are better than they: for they can get under a
cover and help themselves.
EpJer 6:69
It is then by no means manifest unto us that they are gods:
therefore fear them not.
EpJer 6:70
For as a scarecrow in a garden of cucumbers keepeth nothing:
so are their gods of wood, and laid over with silver and gold.
EpJer 6:71
And likewise their gods of wood, and laid over with silver
and gold, are like to a white thorn in an orchard, that every
bird sitteth upon; as also to a dead body, that is east into the
dark.
EpJer 6:72
And ye shall know them to be no gods by the bright purple
that rotteth upon them: and they themselves afterward shall be
eaten, and shall be a reproach in the country.
EpJer 6:73
Better therefore is the just man that hath none idols: for he
shall be far from reproach.
The Book of Susanna [in Daniel]
[The History of Susanna [in Daniel]]
Set apart from the beginning of Daniel, because it is not in
the Hebrew, as neither the Narration of Bel and the Dragon.
Sus 1:1
There dwelt a man in Babylon, called Joacim:
Sus 1:2
And he took a wife, whose name was Susanna, the daughter of
Chelcias, a very fair woman, and one that feared the Lord.
Sus 1:3
Her parents also were righteous, and taught their daughter
according to the law of Moses.
Sus 1:4
Now Joacim was a great rich man, and had a fair garden
joining unto his house: and to him resorted the Jews; because he
was more honourable than all others.
Sus 1:5
The same year were appointed two of the ancients of the
people to be judges, such as the Lord spake of, that wickedness
came from Babylon from ancient judges, who seemed to govern the
people.
Sus 1:6
These kept much at Joacim's house: and all that had any suits
in law came unto them.
Sus 1:7
Now when the people departed away at noon, Susanna went into
her husband's garden to walk.
Sus 1:8
And the two elders saw her going in every day, and walking;
so that their lust was inflamed toward her.
Sus 1:9
And they perverted their own mind, and turned away their
eyes, that they might not look unto heaven, nor remember just
judgments.
Sus 1:10
And albeit they both were wounded with her love, yet durst
not one shew another his grief.
Sus 1:11
For they were ashamed to declare their lust, that they
desired to have to do with her.
Sus 1:12
Yet they watched diligently from day to day to see her.
Sus 1:13
And the one said to the other, Let us now go home: for it is
dinner time.
Sus 1:14
So when they were gone out, they parted the one from the
other, and turning back again they came to the same place; and
after that they had asked one another the cause, they
acknowledged their lust: then appointed they a time both
together, when they might find her alone.
Sus 1:15
And it fell out, as they watched a fit time, she went in as
before with two maids only, and she was desirous to wash herself
in the garden: for it was hot.
Sus 1:16
And there was no body there save the two elders, that had hid
themselves, and watched her.
Sus 1:17
Then she said to her maids, Bring me oil and washing balls,
and shut the garden doors, that I may wash me.
Sus 1:18
And they did as she bade them, and shut the garden doors, and
went out themselves at privy doors to fetch the things that she
had commanded them: but they saw not the elders, because they
were hid.
Sus 1:19
Now when the maids were gone forth, the two elders rose up,
and ran unto her, saying,
Sus 1:20
Behold, the garden doors are shut, that no man can see us,
and we are in love with thee; therefore consent unto us, and lie
with us.
Sus 1:21
If thou wilt not, we will bear witness against thee, that a
young man was with thee: and therefore thou didst send away thy
maids from thee.
Sus 1:22
Then Susanna sighed, and said, I am straitened on every side:
for if I do this thing, it is death unto me: and if I do it not
I cannot escape your hands.
Sus 1:23
It is better for me to fall into your hands, and not do it,
than to sin in the sight of the Lord.
Sus 1:24
With that Susanna cried with a loud voice: and the two elders
cried out against her.
Sus 1:25
Then ran the one, and opened the garden door.
Sus 1:26
So when the servants of the house heard the cry in the
garden, they rushed in at the privy door, to see what was done
unto her.
Sus 1:27
But when the elders had declared their matter, the servants
were greatly ashamed: for there was never such a report made of
Susanna.
Sus 1:28
And it came to pass the next day, when the people were
assembled to her husband Joacim, the two elders came also full
of mischievous imagination against Susanna to put her to death;
Sus 1:29
And said before the people, Send for Susanna, the daughter of
Chelcias, Joacim's wife. And so they sent.
Sus 1:30
So she came with her father and mother, her children, and all
her kindred.
Sus 1:31
Now Susanna was a very delicate woman, and beauteous to
behold.
Sus 1:32
And these wicked men commanded to uncover her face, (for she
was covered) that they might be filled with her beauty.
Sus 1:33
Therefore her friends and all that saw her wept.
Sus 1:34
Then the two elders stood up in the midst of the people, and
laid their hands upon her head.
Sus 1:35
And she weeping looked up toward heaven: for her heart
trusted in the Lord.
Sus 1:36
And the elders said, As we walked in the garden alone, this
woman came in with two maids, and shut the garden doors, and
sent the maids away.
Sus 1:37
Then a young man, who there was hid, came unto her, and lay
with her.
Sus 1:38
Then we that stood in a corner of the garden, seeing this
wickedness, ran unto them.
Sus 1:39
And when we saw them together, the man we could not hold: for
he was stronger than we, and opened the door, and leaped out.
Sus 1:40
But having taken this woman, we asked who the young man was,
but she would not tell us: these things do we testify.
Sus 1:41
Then the assembly believed them as those that were the elders
and judges of the people: so they condemned her to death.
Sus 1:42
Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and said, O
everlasting God, that knowest the secrets, and knowest all
things before they be:
Sus 1:43
Thou knowest that they have borne false witness against me,
and, behold, I must die; whereas I never did such things as
these men have maliciously invented against me.
Sus 1:44
And the Lord heard her voice.
Sus 1:45
Therefore when she was led to be put to death, the Lord
raised up the holy spirit of a young youth whose name was
Daniel:
Sus 1:46
Who cried with a loud voice, I am clear from the blood of
this woman.
Sus 1:47
Then all the people turned them toward him, and said, What
mean these words that thou hast spoken?
Sus 1:48
So he standing in the midst of them said, Are ye such fools,
ye sons of Israel, that without examination or knowledge of the
truth ye have condemned a daughter of Israel?
Sus 1:49
Return again to the place of judgment: for they have borne
false witness against her.
Sus 1:50
Wherefore all the people turned again in haste, and the
elders said unto him, Come, sit down among us, and shew it us,
seeing God hath given thee the honour of an elder.
Sus 1:51
Then said Daniel unto them, Put these two aside one far from
another, and I will examine them.
Sus 1:52
So when they were put asunder one from another, he called one
of them, and said unto him, O thou that art waxen old in
wickedness, now thy sins which thou hast committed aforetime are
come to light.
Sus 1:53
For thou hast pronounced false judgment and hast condemned
the innocent and hast let the guilty go free; albeit the Lord
saith, The innocent and righteous shalt thou not slay.
Sus 1:54
Now then, if thou hast seen her, tell me, Under what tree
sawest thou them companying together? Who answered, Under a
mastick tree.
Sus 1:55
And Daniel said, Very well; thou hast lied against thine own
head; for even now the angel of God hath received the sentence
of God to cut thee in two.
Sus 1:56
So he put him aside, and commanded to bring the other, and
said unto him, O thou seed of Chanaan, and not of Juda, beauty
hath deceived thee, and lust hath perverted thine heart.
Sus 1:57
Thus have ye dealt with the daughters of Israel, and they for
fear companied with you: but the daughter of Juda would not
abide your wickedness.
Sus 1:58
Now therefore tell me, Under what tree didst thou take them
companying together? Who answered, Under an holm tree.
Sus 1:59
Then said Daniel unto him, Well; thou hast also lied against
thine own head: for the angel of God waiteth with the sword to
cut thee in two, that he may destroy you.
Sus 1:60
With that all the assembly cried out with a loud voice, and
praised God, who saveth them that trust in him.
Sus 1:61
And they arose against the two elders, for Daniel had
convicted them of false witness by their own mouth:
Sus 1:62
And according to the law of Moses they did unto them in such
sort as they maliciously intended to do to their neighbour: and
they put them to death. Thus the innocent blood was saved the
same day.
Sus 1:63
Therefore Chelcias and his wife praised God for their
daughter Susanna, with Joacim her husband, and all the kindred,
because there was no dishonesty found in her.
Sus 1:64
From that day forth was Daniel had in great reputation in the
sight of the people.
The Prayer of Azariah
PrAzar 1
And they walked in the midst of the fire, praising God, and
blessing the Lord.
PrAzar 2
Then Azarias stood up, and prayed on this manner; and opening
his mouth in the midst of the fire said,
PrAzar 3
Blessed art thou, O Lord God of our fathers: thy name is
worthy to be praised and glorified for evermore:
PrAzar 4
For thou art righteous in all the things that thou hast done
to us: yea, true are all thy works, thy ways are right, and all
thy judgments truth.
PrAzar 5
In all the things that thou hast brought upon us, and upon
the holy city of our fathers, even Jerusalem, thou hast executed
true judgment: for according to truth and judgment didst thou
bring all these things upon us because of our sins.
PrAzar 6
For we have sinned and committed iniquity, departing from
thee.
PrAzar 7
In all things have we trespassed, and not obeyed thy
commandments, nor kept them, neither done as thou hast commanded
us, that it might go well with us.
PrAzar 8
Wherefore all that thou hast brought upon us, and every thing
that thou hast done to us, thou hast done in true judgment.
PrAzar 9
And thou didst deliver us into the hands of lawless enemies,
most hateful forsakers of God, and to an unjust king, and the
most wicked in all the world.
PrAzar 10
And now we cannot open our mouths, we are become a shame and
reproach to thy servants; and to them that worship thee.
PrAzar 11
Yet deliver us not up wholly, for thy name's sake, neither
disannul thou thy covenant:
PrAzar 12
And cause not thy mercy to depart from us, for thy beloved
Abraham's sake, for thy servant Issac's sake, and for thy holy
Israel's sake;
PrAzar 13
To whom thou hast spoken and promised, that thou wouldest
multiply their seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand that
lieth upon the seashore.
PrAzar 14
For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and be kept
under this day in all the world because of our sins.
PrAzar 15
Neither is there at this time prince, or prophet, or leader,
or burnt offering, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense, or
place to sacrifice before thee, and to find mercy.
PrAzar 16
Nevertheless in a contrite heart and an humble spirit let us
be accepted.
PrAzar 17
Like as in the burnt offerings of rams and bullocks, and like
as in ten thousands of fat lambs: so let our sacrifice be in thy
sight this day, and grant that we may wholly go after thee: for
they shall not be confounded that put their trust in thee.
PrAzar 18
And now we follow thee with all our heart, we fear thee, and
seek thy face.
PrAzar 19
Put us not to shame: but deal with us after thy
lovingkindness, and according to the multitude of thy mercies.
PrAzar 20
Deliver us also according to thy marvellous works, and give
glory to thy name, O Lord: and let all them that do thy servants
hurt be ashamed;
PrAzar 21
And let them be confounded in all their power and might, and
let their strength be broken;
PrAzar 22
And let them know that thou art God, the only God, and
glorious over the whole world.
PrAzar 23
And the king's servants, that put them in, ceased not to make
the oven hot with rosin, pitch, tow, and small wood;
PrAzar 24
So that the flame streamed forth above the furnace forty and
nine cubits.
PrAzar 25
And it passed through, and burned those Chaldeans it found
about the furnace.
PrAzar 26
But the angel of the Lord came down into the oven together
with Azarias and his fellows, and smote the flame of the fire
out of the oven;
PrAzar 27
And made the midst of the furnace as it had been a moist
whistling wind, so that the fire touched them not at all,
neither hurt nor troubled them.
PrAzar 28
Then the three, as out of one mouth, praised, glorified, and
blessed, God in the furnace, saying,
PrAzar 29
Blessed art thou, O Lord God of our fathers: and to be
praised and exalted above all for ever.
PrAzar 30
And blessed is thy glorious and holy name: and to be praised
and exalted above all for ever.
PrAzar 31
Blessed art thou in the temple of thine holy glory: and to be
praised and glorified above all for ever.
PrAzar 32
Blessed art thou that beholdest the depths, and sittest upon
the cherubims: and to be praised and exalted above all for ever.
PrAzar 33
Blessed art thou on the glorious throne of thy kingdom: and
to be praised and glorified above all for ever.
PrAzar 34
Blessed art thou in the firmament of heaven: and above ail to
be praised and glorified for ever.
PrAzar 35
O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and
exalt him above all for ever,
PrAzar 36
O ye heavens, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above
all for ever.
PrAzar 37
O ye angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt
him above all for ever.
PrAzar 38
O all ye waters that be above the heaven, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
PrAzar 39
O all ye powers of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and
exalt him above all for ever.
PrAzar 40
O ye sun and moon, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him
above all for ever.
PrAzar 41
O ye stars of heaven, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him
above all for ever.
PrAzar 42
O every shower and dew, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt
him above all for ever.
PrAzar 43
O all ye winds, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above
all for ever,
PrAzar 44
O ye fire and heat, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him
above all for ever.
PrAzar 45
O ye winter and summer, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt
him above all for ever.
PrAzar 46
0 ye dews and storms of snow, bless ye the Lord: praise and
exalt him above all for ever.
PrAzar 47
O ye nights and days, bless ye the Lord: bless and exalt him
above all for ever.
PrAzar 48
O ye light and darkness, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt
him above all for ever.
PrAzar 49
O ye ice and cold, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him
above all for ever.
PrAzar 50
O ye frost and snow, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him
above all for ever.
PrAzar 51
O ye lightnings and clouds, bless ye the Lord: praise and
exalt him above all for ever.
PrAzar 52
O let the earth bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above
all for ever.
PrAzar 53
O ye mountains and little hills, bless ye the Lord: praise
and exalt him above all for ever.
PrAzar 54
O all ye things that grow in the earth, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
PrAzar 55
O ye mountains, bless ye the Lord: Praise and exalt him above
all for ever.
PrAzar 56
O ye seas and rivers, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him
above all for ever.
PrAzar 57
O ye whales, and all that move in the waters, bless ye the
Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
PrAzar 58
O all ye fowls of the air, bless ye the Lord: praise and
exalt him above all for ever.
PrAzar 59
O all ye beasts and cattle, bless ye the Lord: praise and
exalt him above all for ever.
PrAzar 60
O ye children of men, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him
above all for ever.
PrAzar 61
O Israel, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all
for ever.
PrAzar 62
O ye priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt
him above all for ever.
PrAzar 63
O ye servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and
exalt him above all for ever.
PrAzar 64
O ye spirits and souls of the righteous, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
PrAzar 65
O ye holy and humble men of heart, bless ye the Lord: praise
and exalt him above all for ever.
PrAzar 66
O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the Lord: praise and
exalt him above all for ever: far he hath delivered us from
hell, and saved us from the hand of death, and delivered us out
of the midst of the furnace and burning flame: even out of the
midst of the fire hath he delivered us.
PrAzar 67
O give thanks unto the Lord, because he is gracious: for his
mercy endureth for ever.
PrAzar 68
O all ye that worship the Lord, bless the God of gods, praise
him, and give him thanks: for his mercy endureth for ever.
The Prayer of Manasseh
[The Prayer of Manasses King of Judah]
PrMan 1
O Lord, Almighty God of our fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob, and of their righteous seed; who hast made heaven and
earth, with all the ornament thereof; who hast bound the sea by
the word of thy commandment; who hast shut up the deep, and
sealed it by thy terrible and glorious name; whom all men fear,
and tremble before thy power; for the majesty of thy glory
cannot be borne, and thine angry threatening toward sinners is
importable: but thy merciful promise is unmeasurable and
unsearchable; for thou art the most high Lord, of great
compassion, longsuffering, very merciful, and repentest of the
evils of men. Thou, O Lord, according to thy great goodness hast
promised repentance and forgiveness to them that have sinned
against thee: and of thine infinite mercies hast appointed
repentance unto sinners, that they may be saved. Thou therefore,
O Lord, that art the God of the just, hast not appointed
repentance to the just, as to Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob,
which have not sinned against thee; but thou hast appointed
repentance unto me that am a sinner: for I have sinned above the
number of the sands of the sea. My transgressions, O Lord, are
multiplied: my transgressions are multiplied, and I am not
worthy to behold and see the height of heaven for the multitude
of mine iniquities. I am bowed down with many iron bands, that I
cannot life up mine head, neither have any release: for I have
provoked thy wrath, and done evil before thee: I did not thy
will, neither kept I thy commandments: I have set up
abominations, and have multiplied offences. Now therefore I bow
the knee of mine heart, beseeching thee of grace. I have sinned,
O Lord, I have sinned, and I acknowledge mine iniquities:
wherefore, I humbly beseech thee, forgive me, O Lord, forgive
me, and destroy me not with mine iniquites. Be not angry with me
for ever, by reserving evil for me; neither condemn me to the
lower parts of the earth. For thou art the God, even the God of
them that repent; and in me thou wilt shew all thy goodness: for
thou wilt save me, that am unworthy, according to thy great
mercy. Therefore I will praise thee for ever all the days of my
life: for all the powers of the heavens do praise thee, and
thine is the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
The Book of Bel and the Dragon [in Daniel]
[The History of the Destruction of Bel and the Dragon]
The History of the Destruction of Bel and the Dragon,
Cut off from the end of Daniel.
Bel 1:1
And king Astyages was gathered to his fathers, and Cyrus of
Persia received his kingdom.
Bel 1:2
And Daniel conversed with the king, and was honoured above
all his friends.
Bel 1:3
Now the Babylons had an idol, called Bel, and there were
spent upon him every day twelve great measures of fine flour,
and forty sheep, and six vessels of wine.
Bel 1:4
And the king worshipped it and went daily to adore it: but
Daniel worshipped his own God. And the king said unto him, Why
dost not thou worship Bel?
Bel 1:5
Who answered and said, Because I may not worship idols made
with hands, but the living God, who hath created the heaven and
the earth, and hath sovereignty over all flesh.
Bel 1:6
Then said the king unto him, Thinkest thou not that Bel is a
living God? seest thou not how much he eateth and drinketh every
day?
Bel 1:7
Then Daniel smiled, and said, O king, be not deceived: for
this is but clay within, and brass without, and did never eat or
drink any thing.
Bel 1:8
So the king was wroth, and called for his priests, and said
unto them, If ye tell me not who this is that devoureth these
expences, ye shall die.
Bel 1:9
But if ye can certify me that Bel devoureth them, then
Daniel shall die: for he hath spoken blasphemy against Bel. And
Daniel said unto the king, Let it be according to thy word.
Bel 1:10
Now the priests of Bel were threescore and ten, beside
their wives and children. And the king went with Daniel into the
temple of Bel.
Bel 1:11
So Bel's priests said, Lo, we go out: but thou, O king, set
on the meat, and make ready the wine, and shut the door fast and
seal it with thine own signet;
Bel 1:12
And to morrow when thou comest in, if thou findest not that
Bel hath eaten up all, we will suffer death: or else Daniel,
that speaketh falsely against us.
Bel 1:13
And they little regarded it: for under the table they had
made a privy entrance, whereby they entered in continually, and
consumed those things.
Bel 1:14
So when they were gone forth, the king set meats before
Bel. Now Daniel had commanded his servants to bring ashes, and
those they strewed throughout all the temple in the presence of
the king alone: then went they out, and shut the door, and
sealed it with the king's signet, and so departed.
Bel 1:15
Now in the night came the priests with their wives and
children, as they were wont to do, and did eat and drinck up
all.
Bel 1:16
In the morning betime the king arose, and Daniel with him.
Bel 1:17
And the king said, Daniel, are the seals whole? And he
said, Yea, O king, they be whole.
Bel 1:18
And as soon as he had opened the dour, the king looked upon
the table, and cried with a loud voice, Great art thou, O Bel,
and with thee is no deceit at all.
Bel 1:19
Then laughed Daniel, and held the king that he should not
go in, and said, Behold now the pavement, and mark well whose
footsteps are these.
Bel 1:20
And the king said, I see the footsteps of men, women, and
children. And then the king was angry,
Bel 1:21
And took the priests with their wives and children, who
shewed him the privy doors, where they came in, and consumed
such things as were upon the table.
Bel 1:22
Therefore the king slew them, and delivered Bel into
Daniel's power, who destroyed him and his temple.
Bel 1:23
And in that same place there was a great dragon, which they
of Babylon worshipped.
Bel 1:24
And the king said unto Daniel, Wilt thou also say that this
is of brass? lo, he liveth, he eateth and drinketh; thou canst
not say that he is no living god: therefore worship him.
Bel 1:25
Then said Daniel unto the king, I will worship the Lord my
God: for he is the living God.
Bel 1:26
But give me leave, O king, and I shall slay this dragon
without sword or staff. The king said, I give thee leave.
Bel 1:27
Then Daniel took pitch, and fat, and hair, and did seethe
them together, and made lumps thereof: this he put in the
dragon's mouth, and so the dragon burst in sunder: and Daniel
said, Lo, these are the gods ye worship.
Bel 1:28
When they of Babylon heard that, they took great
indignation, and conspired against the king, saying, The king is
become a Jew, and he hath destroyed Bel, he hath slain the
dragon, and put the priests to death.
Bel 1:29
So they came to the king, and said, Deliver us Daniel, or
else we will destroy thee and thine house.
Bel 1:30
Now when the king saw that they pressed him sore, being
constrained, he delivered Daniel unto them:
Bel 1:31
Who cast him into the lions' den: where he was six days.
Bel 1:32
And in the den there were seven lions, and they had given
them every day two carcases, and two sheep: which then were not
given to them, to the intent they might devour Daniel.
Bel 1:33
Now there was in Jewry a prophet, called Habbacuc, who had
made pottage, and had broken bread in a bowl, and was going into
the field, for to bring it to the reapers.
Bel 1:34
But the angel of the Lord said unto Habbacuc, Go, carry the
dinner that thou hast into Babylon unto Daniel, who is in the
lions' den.
Bel 1:35
And Habbacuc said, Lord, I never saw Babylon; neither do I
know where the den is.
Bel 1:36
Then the angel of the Lord took him by the crown, and bare
him by the hair of his head, and through the vehemency of his
spirit set him in Babylon over the den.
Bel 1:37
And Habbacuc cried, saying, O Daniel, Daniel, take the
dinner which God hath sent thee.
Bel 1:38
And Daniel said, Thou hast remembered me, O God: neither
hast thou forsaken them that seek thee and love thee.
Bel 1:39
So Daniel arose, and did eat: and the angel of the Lord set
Habbacuc in his own place again immediately.
Bel 1:40
Upon the seventh day the king went to bewail Daniel:
and when he came to the den, he looked in, and behold,
Daniel was sitting.
Bel 1:41
Then cried the king with a loud voice, saying, Great art
Lord God of Daniel, and there is none other beside thee.
Bel 1:42
And 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.
*** End of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "Deuterocanonical Books of the Bible - Apocrypha" ***
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