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***

The Project Gutenberg Etext of Deuterocanonical Books of the Bible

***

The Project Gutenberg Etext of Deuterocanonical Books of the Bible

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.]

***

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 <[email protected]>

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

Gutenberg releases of the King James Bible which did not include the

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

them into our Electronic Public Library.�� Thanks,� Michael S. Hart]

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

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 1:2

Having set the priests according to their daily courses,

being arrayed in long garments, in the temple of the Lord.

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 1:17

Thus were the things that belonged to the sacrifices

of the Lord accomplished in that day, that they might

hold� the passover,

1Esdr 1:18

And offer sacrifices upon the altar of the Lord,

according to the commandment of king Josias.

1Esdr 1:19

So the children of Israel which were present held the

passover at that time, and the feast of sweet bread seven days.

1Esdr 1:20

And such a passover was not kept in Israel since

the time of the prophet Samuel.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 1:22

In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josias was this passover kept.

1Esdr 1:23

And the works or Josias were upright before his Lord

with an heart full of godliness.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 1:26

But the king of Egypt sent to him, saying,

What have I to do with thee, O king of Judea?

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 1:29

But joined battle with him in the plain of Magiddo,

and the princes came against king Josias.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 1:35

And he reigned in Judea and in Jerusalem three months: and

then the king of Egypt deposed him from reigning in Jerusalem.

1Esdr 1:36

And he set a tax upon the land of an hundred talents

of silver and one talent of gold.

1Esdr 1:37

The king of Egypt also made king Joacim his brother king

of Judea and Jerusalem.

1Esdr 1:38

And he bound Joacim and the nobles: but Zaraces his brother

he apprehended, and brought him out of Egypt.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 1:42

But those things that are recorded of him, and of his uncleaness and impiety,

are written in the chronicles of the kings.

1Esdr 1:43

And Joacim his son reigned in his stead:

he was made king being eighteen years old;

1Esdr 1:44

And reigned but three months and ten days in Jerusalem;

and did evil before the Lord.

1Esdr 1:45

So after a year Nabuchodonosor sent and caused him to be

brought into Babylon with the holy vessels of the Lord;

1Esdr 1:46

And made Zedechias king of Judea and Jerusalem, when he was

one and twenty years old; and he reigned eleven years:

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 1:50

Nevertheless the God of their fathers sent by his messenger

to call them back, because he spared them and his tabernacle also.

1Esdr 1:51

But they had his messengers in derision; and, look, when the

Lord spake unto them, they made a sport of his prophets:

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 2:4

And commanded me to build him an house at Jerusalem in Jewry.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 2:11

Now when Cyrus king of the Persians had brought them forth,

he delivered them to Mithridates his treasurer:

1Esdr 2:12

And by him they were delivered to Sanabassar the governor of

Judea.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 2:14

So all the vessels of gold and of silver, which were carried

away, were five thousand four hundred threescore and nine.

1Esdr 2:15

These were brought back by Sanabassar, together with them of

the captivity, from Babylon to Jerusalem.

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 2:23

And that the Jews were rebellious, and raised always wars

therein; for the which cause even this city was made desolate.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 2:29

And that those wicked workers proceed no further to the

annoyance of kings,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 3:4

Then three young men, that were of the guard that kept the

king's body, spake one to another;

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 3:7

And he shall sit next to Darius because of his wisdom, and

shall be called Darius his cousin.

1Esdr 3:8

And then every one wrote his sentence, sealed it, and laid it

under king Darius his pillow;

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 3:10

The first wrote, Wine is the strongest.

1Esdr 3:11

The second wrote, The king is strongest.

1Esdr 3:12

The third wrote, Women are strongest: but above all things

Truth beareth away the victory.

1Esdr 3:13

Now when the king was risen up, they took their writings, and

delivered them unto him, and so he read them:

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 3:15

And sat him down in the royal seat of judgment; and the

writings were read before them.

1Esdr 3:16

And he said, Call the young men, and they shall declare their

own sentences. So they were called, and came in.

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 3:18

And he said thus, O ye men, how exceeding strong is wine! it

causeth all men to err that drink it:

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 3:20

It turneth also every thought into jollity and mirth, so that

a man remembereth neither sorrow nor debt:

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 3:23

But when they are from the wine, they remember not what they

have done.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 4:1

Then the second, that had spoken of the strength of the king,

began to say,

1Esdr 4:2

O ye men, do not men excel in strength that bear rule over

sea and land and all things in them?

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 4:7

And yet he is but one man: if he command to kill, they kill;

if he command to spare, they spare;

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 4:9

If he command to cut down, they cut down; if he command to

plant, they plant.

1Esdr 4:10

So all his people and his armies obey him: furthermore he

lieth down, he eateth and drinketh, and taketh his rest:

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 4:12

O ye men, how should not the king be mightiest, when in such

sort he is obeyed? And he held his tongue.

1Esdr 4:13

Then the third, who had spoken of women, and of the truth,

(this was Zorobabel) began to speak.

1Esdr 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?

1Esdr 4:15

Women have borne the king and all the people that bear rule

by sea and land.

1Esdr 4:16

Even of them came they: and they nourished them up that

planted the vineyards, from whence the wine cometh.

1Esdr 4:17

These also make garments for men; these bring glory unto men;

and without women cannot men be.

1Esdr 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?

1Esdr 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?

1Esdr 4:20

A man leaveth his own father that brought him up, and his own

country, and cleaveth unto his wife.

1Esdr 4:21

He sticketh not to spend his life with his wife. and

remembereth neither father, nor mother, nor country.

1Esdr 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?

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 4:25

Wherefore a man loveth his wife better than father or mother.

1Esdr 4:26

Yea, many there be that have run out of their wits for women,

and become servants for their sakes.

1Esdr 4:27

Many also have perished, have erred, and sinned, for women.

1Esdr 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?

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 4:32

O ye men, how can it be but women should be strong, seeing

they do thus?

1Esdr 4:33

Then the king and the princes looked one upon another: so he

began to speak of the truth.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 4:35

Is he not great that maketh these things? therefore great is

the truth, and stronger than all things.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 4:38

As for the truth, it endureth, and is alwaYs strong; it

liveth and conquereth for evermore.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 4:45

Thou also hast vowed to build up the temple, which the

Edomites burned when Judea was made desolate by the Chaldees.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 4:51

Yea, that there should be yearly given twenty talents to the

building of the temple, until the time that it were built;

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 4:54

He wrote also concerning. the charges, and the priests'

vestments wherein they minister;

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 4:56

And he commanded to give to all that kept the city pensions

and wages.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 4:59

And said, From thee cometh victory, from thee cometh wisdom,

and thine is the glory, and I am thy servant.

1Esdr 4:60

Blessed art thou, who hast given me wisdom: for to thee I

give thanks, O Lord of our fathers.

1Esdr 4:61

And so he took the letters, and went out, and came unto

Babylon, and told it all his brethren.

1Esdr 4:62

And they praised the God of their fathers, because he had

given them freedom and liberty

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 5:3

And all their brethren played, and he made them go up

together with them.

1Esdr 5:4

And these are the names of the men which went up, according

to their families among their tribes, after their several heads.

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 5:10

The sons of Ares, seven hundred fifty and six:

1Esdr 5:11

The sons of Phaath Moab, two thousand eight hundred and

twelve:

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 5:13

The sons of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three: the sons of

Sadas, three thousand two hundred twenty and two:

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 5:17

The sons of Meterus, three thousand and five: the sons of

Bethlomon, an hundred twenty and three:

1Esdr 5:18

They of Netophah, fifty and five: they of Anathoth, an

hundred fifty and eight: they of Bethsamos, forty and two:

1Esdr 5:19

They of Kiriathiarius, twenty and five: they of Caphira and

Beroth, seven hundred forty and three: they of Pira, seven

hundred:

1Esdr 5:20

They of Chadias and Ammidoi, four hundred twenty and two:

they of Cirama and Gabdes, six hundred twenty and one:

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 5:22

The sons of Calamolalus and Onus, seven hundred twenty and

five: the sons of Jerechus, two hundred forty and five:

1Esdr 5:23

The sons of Annas, three thousand three hundred and thirty.

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 5:25

The sons of Phassaron, a thousand forty and seven: the sons

of Carme, a thousand and seventeen.

1Esdr 5:26

The Levites: the sons of Jessue, and Cadmiel, and Banuas, and

Sudias, seventy and four.

1Esdr 5:27

The holy singers: the sons of Asaph, an hundred twenty and

eight.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 5:35

All the ministers of the temple, and the sons of the servants

of Solomon, were three hundred seventy and two.

1Esdr 5:36

These came up from Thermeleth and Thelersas, Charaathalar

leading them, and Aalar;

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 5:49

To offer burnt sacrifices upon it, according as it is

expressly commanded in the book of Moses the man of God.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 5:51

Also they held the feast of tabernacles, as it is commanded

in the law, and offered sacrifices daily, as was meet:

1Esdr 5:52

And after that, the continual oblations, and the sacrifice of

the sabbaths, and of the new moons, and of all holy feasts.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 5:54

And they gave unto the masons and carpenters money, meat, and

drink, with cheerfulness.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 5:59

And the priests stood arrayed in their vestments with musical

instruments and trumpets; and the Levites the sons of Asaph had

cymbals,

1Esdr 5:60

Singing songs of thanksgiving, and praising the Lord,

according as David the king of Israel had ordained.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 5:64

But many with trumpets and joy shouted with loud voice,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 5:67

And they perceived that they that were of the captivity did

build the temple unto the Lord God of Israel.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 5:71

We ourselves alone will build unto the Lord of Israel,

according as Cyrus the king of the Persians hath commanded us.

1Esdr 5:72

But the heathen of the land lying heavy upon the inhabitants

of Judea, and holding them strait, hindered their building;

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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?

1Esdr 6:5

Nevertheless the elders of the Jews obtained favour, because

the Lord had visited the captivity;

1Esdr 6:6

And they were not hindered from building, until such time as

signification was given unto Darius concerning them, and an

answer received.

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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

1Esdr 6:9

Building an house unto the Lord, great and new, of hewn and

costly stones, and the timber already laid upon the walls.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 6:11

Then asked we these elders, saying, By whose commandment

build ye this house, and lay the foundations of these works?

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 6:13

So they gave us this answer, We are the servants of the Lord

which made heaven and earth.

1Esdr 6:14

And as for this house, it was builded many years ago by a

king of Israel great and strong, and was finished.

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 6:16

Who pulled down the house, and burned it, and carried away

the people captives unto Babylon.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 6:21

Now therefore, if it seem good unto the king, let search be

made among the records of king Cyrus:

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 6:34

I Darius the king have ordained that according unto these

things it be done with diligence.

1Esdr 7:1

Then Sisinnes the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, and

Sathrabuzanes, with their companions following the commandments

of king Darius,

1Esdr 7:2

Did very carefully oversee the holy works, assisting the

ancients of the Jews and governors of the temple.

1Esdr 7:3

And so the holy works prospered, when Aggeus and Zacharias

the prophets prophesied.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 7:7

And to the dedication of the temple of the Lord they offered

an hundred bullocks two hundred rams, four hundred lambs;

1Esdr 7:8

And twelve goats for the sin of all Israel, according to the

number of the chief of the tribes of Israel.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 7:11

They that were of the captivity were not all sanctified

together: but the Levites were all sanctified together.

1Esdr 7:12

And so they offered the passover for all them of the

captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for

themselves.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 7:14

And they kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days,

making merry before the Lord,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 8:4

And the king did him honour: for he found grace in his sight

in all his requests.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 8:9

King Artexerxes unto Esdras the priest and reader of the law

of the Lord sendeth greeting:

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 8:12

That they may look unto the affairs of Judea and Jerusalem,

agreeably to that which is in the law of the Lord;

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 8:16

And whatsoever thou and thy brethren will do with the silver

and gold, that do, according to the will of thy God.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 8:26

And hath honoured me in the sight of the king, and his

counsellors, and all his friends and nobles.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 8:29

Of the sons of Phinees, Gerson: of the sons of Ithamar,

Gamael: of the sons of David, Lettus the son of Sechenias:

1Esdr 8:30

Of the sons of Pharez, Zacharias; and with him were counted

an hundred and fifty men:

1Esdr 8:31

Of the sons of Pahath Moab, Eliaonias, the son of Zaraias,

and with him two hundred men:

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 8:33

Of the sons of Elam, Josias son of Gotholias, and with him

seventy men:

1Esdr 8:34

Of the sons of Saphatias, Zaraias son of Michael, and with

him threescore and ten men:

1Esdr 8:35

Of the sons of Joab, Abadias son of Jezelus, and with him two

hundred and twelve men:

1Esdr 8:36

Of the sons of Banid, Assalimoth son of Josaphias, and with

him an hundred and threescore men:

1Esdr 8:37

Of the sons of Babi, Zacharias son of Bebai, and with him

twenty and eight men:

1Esdr 8:38

Of the sons of Astath, Johannes son of Acatan, and with him

an hundred and ten men:

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 8:40

Of the sons of Bago, Uthi the son of Istalcurus, and with him

seventy men.

1Esdr 8:41

And these I gathered together to the river called Theras,

where we pitched our tents three days: and then I surveyed them.

1Esdr 8:42

But when I had found there none of the priests and Levites,

1Esdr 8:43

Then sent I unto Eleazar, and Iduel, and Masman,

1Esdr 8:44

And Alnathan, and Mamaias, and Joribas, and Nathan, Eunatan,

Zacharias, and Mosollamon, principal men and learned.

1Esdr 8:45

And I bade them that they should go unto Saddeus the captain,

who was in the place of the treasury:

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 8:48

And Asebia, and Annus, and Osaias his brother, of the sons

of Channuneus, and their sons, were twenty men.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 8:51

For I was ashamed to ask the king footmen, and horsemen, and

conduct for safeguard against our adversaries.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 8:53

And again we besought our Lord as touching these things, and

found him favourable unto us.

1Esdr 8:54

Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests,

Esebrias, and Assanias, and ten men of their brethren with them:

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 8:57

And twenty golden vessels, and twelve vessels of brass, even

of fine brass, glittering like gold.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 8:64

And all the weight of them was written up the same hour.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 8:66

Threescore and twelve lambs, goats for a peace offering,

twelve; all of them a sacrifice to the Lord.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 8:68

Now when these things were done, the rulers came unto me, and

said,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 8:74

I said, O Lord, I am confounded and ashamed before thy face;

1Esdr 8:75

For our sins are multiplied above our heads, and our

ignorances have reached up unto heaven.

1Esdr 8:76

For ever since the time of our fathers we have been and are

in great sin, even unto this day.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 8:84

Therefore now shall ye not join your daughters unto their

sons, neither shall ye take their daughters unto your sons.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 8:88

Mightest not thou be angry with us to destroy us, till thou

hadst left us neither root, seed, nor name?

1Esdr 8:89

O Lord of Israel, thou art true: for we are left a root this

day.

1Esdr 8:90

Behold, now are we before thee in our iniquities, for we

cannot stand any longer by reason of these things before thee.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 8:94

Like as thou hast decreed, and as many as do obey the law of

the Lord.

1Esdr 8:95

Arise and put in execution: for to thee doth this matter

appertain, and we will be with thee: do valiantly.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 9:1

Then Esdras rising from the court of the temple went to the

chamber of Joanan the son of Eliasib,

1Esdr 9:2

And remained there, and did eat no meat nor drink water,

mourning for the great iniquities of the multitude.

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 9:6

And all the multitude sat trembling in the broad court of the

temple because of the present foul weather.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 9:8

And now by confessing give glory unto the Lord God of our

fathers,

1Esdr 9:9

And do his will, and separate yourselves from the heathen of

the land, and from the strange women.

1Esdr 9:10

Then cried the whole multitude, and said with a loud voice,

Like as thou hast spoken, so will we do.

1Esdr 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:

1Esdr 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,

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 9:15

And they that were of the captivity did according to all

these things.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 9:17

So their cause that held strange wives was brought to an end

in the first day of the first month.

1Esdr 9:18

And of the priests that were come together, and had strange

wives, there were found:

1Esdr 9:19

Of the sons of Jesus the son of Josedec, and his brethren;

Matthelas and Eleazar, and Joribus and Joadanus.

1Esdr 9:20

And they gave their hands to put away their wives and to

offer rams to make reconcilement for their errors.

1Esdr 9:21

And of the sons of Emmer; Ananias, and Zabdeus, and Eanes,

and Sameius, and Hiereel, and Azarias.

1Esdr 9:22

And of the sons of Phaisur; Elionas, Massias Israel, and

Nathanael, and Ocidelus and Talsas.

1Esdr 9:23

And of the Levites; Jozabad, and Semis, and Colius, who was

called Calitas, and Patheus, and Judas, and Jonas.

1Esdr 9:24

Of the holy singers; Eleazurus, Bacchurus.

1Esdr 9:25

Of the porters; Sallumus, and Tolbanes.

1Esdr 9:26

Of them of Israel, of the sons of Phoros; Hiermas, and

Eddias, and Melchias, and Maelus, and Eleazar, and Asibias, and

Baanias.

1Esdr 9:27

Of the sons of Ela; Matthanias, Zacharias, and Hierielus, and

Hieremoth, and Aedias.

1Esdr 9:28

And of the sons of Zamoth; Eliadas, Elisimus, Othonias,

Jarimoth, and Sabatus, and Sardeus.

1Esdr 9:29

Of the sons of Babai; Johannes, and Ananias and Josabad, and

Amatheis.

1Esdr 9:30

Of the sons of Mani; Olamus, Mamuchus, Jedeus, Jasubus,

Jasael, and Hieremoth.

1Esdr 9:31

And of the sons of Addi; Naathus, and Moosias, Lacunus, and

Naidus, and Mathanias, and Sesthel, Balnuus, and Manasseas.

1Esdr 9:32

And of the sons of Annas; Elionas and Aseas, and Melchias,

and Sabbeus, and Simon Chosameus.

1Esdr 9:33

And of the sons of Asom; Altaneus, and Matthias, and Baanaia,

Eliphalet, and Manasses, and Semei.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 9:35

And of the sons of Ethma; Mazitias, Zabadaias, Edes, Juel,

Banaias.

1Esdr 9:36

All these had taken strange wives, and they put them away

with their children.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 9:38

And the whole multitude came together with one accord into

the broad place of the holy porch toward the east:

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 9:42

And Esdras the priest and reader of the law stood up upon a

pulpit of wood, which was made for that purpose.

1Esdr 9:43

And there stood up by him Mattathias, Sammus, Ananias,

Azarias, Urias, Ezecias, Balasamus, upon the right hand:

1Esdr 9:44

And upon his left hand stood Phaldaius, Misael, Melchias,

Lothasubus, and Nabarias.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 9:47

And all the people answered, Amen; and lifting up their hands

they fell to the ground, and worshipped the Lord.

1Esdr 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.

1Esdr 9:49

Then spake Attharates unto Esdras the chief priest. and

reader, and to the Levites that taught the multitude, even to

all, saying,

1Esdr 9:50

This day is holy unto the Lord; (for they all wept when they

heard the law:)

1Esdr 9:51

Go then, and eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send part

to them that have nothing;

1Esdr 9:52

For this day is holy unto the Lord: and be not sorrowful; for

the Lord will bring you to honour.

1Esdr 9:53

So the Levites published all things to the people, saying,

This day is holy to the Lord; be not sorrowful.

1Esdr 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;

1Esdr 9:55

Because they understood the words wherein they were

instructed, and for the which they had been assembled.

The Second Book of Esdras

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 1:4

And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 1:6

Because the sins of their fathers are increased in them: for

they have forgotten me, and have offered unto strange gods.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 1:9

How long shall I forbear them, into whom I have done so much good?

2Esdr 1:10

Many kings have I destroyed for their sakes; Pharaoh with his

servants and all his power have I smitten down.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 1:12

Speak thou therefore unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 1:16

And triumphed not in my name for the destruction of your enemies,

but ever to this day do ye yet murmur.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 1:19

Then had I pity upon your mournings, and gave you manna to eat;

so ye did eat angels' bread.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 1:23

I gave you not fire for your blasphemies, but cast a tree in the water,

and made the river sweet.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 1:27

Ye have not as it were forsaken me, but your own selves,

saith the Lord.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 1:33

Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Your house is desolate, I will

cast you out as the wind doth stubble.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 1:36

They have seen no prophets, yet they shall call their sins to

remembrance, and acknowledge them.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 1:38

And now, brother, behold what glory; and see the people that

come from the east:

2Esdr 1:39

Unto whom I will give for leaders, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,

Oseas, Amos, and Micheas, Joel, Abdias, and Jonas,

2Esdr 1:40

Nahum, and Abacuc, Sophonias, Aggeus, Zachary, and Malachy,

which is called also an angel of the Lord.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 2:2

The mother that bare them saith unto them, Go your way, ye

children; for I am a widow and forsaken.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 2:6

That thou bring them to confusion, and their mother to a

spoil, that there may be no offspring of them.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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;

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 2:11

Their glory also will I take unto me, and give these the

everlasting tabernacles, which I had prepared for them.

2Esdr 2:12

They shall have the tree of life for an ointment of sweet

savour; they shall neither labour, nor be weary.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 2:17

Fear not, thou mother of the children: for I have chosen

thee, saith the Lord.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 2:20

Do right to the widow, judge for the fatherless, give to the

poor, defend the orphan, clothe the naked,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 2:22

Keep the old and young within thy walls.

2Esdr 2:23

Wheresoever thou findest the dead, take them and bury them,

and I will give thee the first place in my resurrection.

2Esdr 2:24

Abide still, O my people, and take thy rest, for thy

quietness still come.

2Esdr 2:25

Nourish thy children, O thou good nurse; stablish their feet.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 2:28

The heathen shall envy thee, but they shall be able to do

nothing against thee, saith the Lord.

2Esdr 2:29

My hands shall cover thee, so that thy children shall not see

hell.

2Esdr 2:30

Be joyful, O thou mother, with thy children; for I will

deliver thee, saith the Lord.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 2:32

Embrace thy children until I come and shew mercy unto them:

for my wells run over, and my grace shall not fail.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 2:35

Be ready to the reward of the kingdom, for the everlasting

light shall shine upon you for evermore.

2Esdr 2:36

Flee the shadow of this world, receive the joyfulness of your

glory: I testify my Saviour openly.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 2:38

Arise up and stand, behold the number of those that be sealed

in the feast of the Lord;

2Esdr 2:39

Which are departed from the shadow of the world, and have

received glorious garments of the Lord.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 2:44

So I asked the angel, and said, Sir, what are these?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 2:46

Then said I unto the angel, What young person is it that

crowneth them, and giveth them palms in their hands?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 3:2

For I saw the desolation of Sion, and the wealth of them that

dwelt at Babylon.

2Esdr 3:3

And my spirit was sore moved, so that I began to speak words

full of fear to the most High, and said,

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 3:6

And thou leadest him into paradise, which thy right hand had

planted, before ever the earth came forward.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 3:8

And every people walked after their own will, and did

wonderful things before thee, and despised thy commandments.

2Esdr 3:9

And again in process of time thou broughtest the flood upon

those that dwelt in the world, and destroyedst them.

2Esdr 3:10

And it came to pass in every of them, that as death was to

Adam, so was the flood to these.

2Esdr 3:11

Nevertheless one of them thou leftest, namely, Noah with his

household, of whom came all righteous men.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 3:13

Now when they lived so wickedly before thee, thou didst

choose thee a man from among them, whose name was Abraham.

2Esdr 3:14

Him thou lovedst, and unto him only thou shewedst thy will:

2Esdr 3:15

And madest an everlasting covenant with him, promising him

that thou wouldest never forsake his seed.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 3:17

And it came to pass, that when thou leadest his seed out of

Egypt, thou broughtest them up to the mount Sinai.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 3:20

And yet tookest thou not away from them a wicked heart, that

thy law might bring forth fruit in them.

2Esdr 3:21

For the first Adam bearing a wicked heart transgressed, and

was overcome; and so be all they that are born of him.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 3:24

Whom thou commandedst to build a city unto thy name, and to

offer incense and oblations unto thee therein.

2Esdr 3:25

When this was done many years, then they that inhabited the

city forsook thee,

2Esdr 3:26

And in all things did even as Adam and all his generations

had done: for they also had a wicked heart:

2Esdr 3:27

And so thou gavest thy city over into the hands of thine

enemies.

2Esdr 3:28

Are their deeds then any better that inhabit Babylon, that

they should therefore have the dominion over Sion?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 3:31

I do not remember how this way may be left: Are they then of

Babylon better than they of Sion?

2Esdr 3:32

Or is there any other people that knoweth thee beside Israel?

or what generation hath so believed thy covenants as Jacob?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 3:36

Thou shalt find that Israel by name hath kept thy precepts;

but not the heathen.

2Esdr 4:1

And the angel that was sent unto me, whose name was Uriel,

gave me an answer,

2Esdr 4:2

And said, Thy heart hath gone to far in this world, and

thinkest thou to comprehend the way of the most High?

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 4:6

Then answered I and said, What man is able to do that, that

thou shouldest ask such things of me?

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 4:10

He said moreover unto me, Thine own things, and such as are

grown up with thee, canst thou not know;

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 4:13

He answered me, and said, I went into a forest into a plain,

and the trees took counsel,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 4:16

The thought of the wood was in vain, for the fire came and

consumed it.

2Esdr 4:17

The thought of the floods of the sea came likewise to nought,

for the sand stood up and stopped them.

2Esdr 4:18

If thou wert judge now betwixt these two, whom wouldest thou

begin to justify? or whom wouldest thou condemn?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 4:20

Then answered he me, and said, Thou hast given a right

judgment, but why judgest thou not thyself also?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 4:22

Then answered I and said, I beseech thee, O Lord, let me have

understanding:

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 4:25

What will he then do unto his name whereby we are called? of

these things have I asked.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 4:31

Ponder now by thyself, how great fruit of wickedness the

grain of evil seed hath brought forth.

2Esdr 4:32

And when the ears shall be cut down, which are without

number, how great a floor shall they fill?

2Esdr 4:33

Then I answered and said, How, and when shall these things

come to pass? wherefore are our years few and evil?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 4:38

Then answered I and said, O Lord that bearest rule, even we

all are full of impiety.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 4:43

From the beginning, look, what thou desirest to see, it shall

be shewed thee.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 4:45

Shew me then whether there be more to come than is past, or

more past than is to come.

2Esdr 4:46

What is past I know, but what is for to come I know not.

2Esdr 4:47

And he said unto me, Stand up upon the right side, and I

shall expound the similitude unto thee.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 4:51

Then I prayed, and said, May I live, thinkest thou, until

that time? or what shall happen in those days?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 5:2

But iniquity shall be increased above that which now thou

seest, or that thou hast heard long ago.

2Esdr 5:3

And the land, that thou seest now to have root, shalt thou

see wasted suddenly.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 5:5

And blood shall drop out of wood, and the stone shall give

his voice, and the people shall be troubled:

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 5:10

And shall be sought of many, and yet not be found: then shall

unrighteousness and incontinency be multiplied upon earth.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 5:12

At the same time shall men hope, but nothing obtain: they

shall labour, but their ways shall not prosper.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 5:14

Then I awaked, and an extreme fearfulness went through all my

body, and my mind was troubled, so that it fainted.

2Esdr 5:15

So the angel that was come to talk with me held me, comforted

me, and set me up upon my feet.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 5:17

Knowest thou not that Israel is committed unto thee in the

land of their captivity?

2Esdr 5:18

Up then, and eat bread, and forsake us not, as the shepherd

that leaveth his flock in the hands of cruel wolves.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 5:20

And so I fasted seven days, mourning and weeping, like as

Uriel the angel commanded me.

2Esdr 5:21

And after seven days so it was, that the thoughts of my heart

were very grievous unto me again,

2Esdr 5:22

And my soul recovered the spirit of understanding, and I

began to talk with the most High again,

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 5:24

And of all lands of the whole world thou hast chosen thee one

pit: and of all the flowers thereof one lily:

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 5:29

And they which did gainsay thy promises, and believed not thy

covenants, have trodden them down.

2Esdr 5:30

If thou didst so much hate thy people, yet shouldest thou

punish them with thine own hands.

2Esdr 5:31

Now when I had spoken these words, the angel that came to me

the night afore was sent unto me,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 5:38

And I said, O Lord that bearest rule, who may know these

things, but he that hath not his dwelling with men?

2Esdr 5:39

As for me, I am unwise: how may I then speak of these things

whereof thou askest me?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 5:47

And I said, She cannot: but must do it by distance of time.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 5:51

He answered me, and said, Ask a woman that beareth children,

and she shall tell thee.

2Esdr 5:52

Say unto her, Wherefore are unto they whom thou hast now

brought forth like those that were before, but less of stature?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 5:54

Consider thou therefore also, how that ye are less of stature

than those that were before you.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 6:2

Before it thundered and lightened, or ever the foundations of

paradise were laid,

2Esdr 6:3

Before the fair flowers were seen, or ever the moveable

powers were established, before the innumerable multitude of

angels were gathered together,

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 6:9

For Esau is the end of the world, and Jacob is the beginning

of it that followeth.

2Esdr 6:10

The hand of man is betwixt the heel and the hand: other

question, Esdras, ask thou not.

2Esdr 6:11

I answered then and said, O Lord that bearest rule, if I have

found favour in thy sight,

2Esdr 6:12

I beseech thee, shew thy servant the end of thy tokens,

whereof thou shewedst me part the last night.

2Esdr 6:13

So he answered and said unto me, Stand up upon thy feet, and

hear a mighty sounding voice.

2Esdr 6:14

And it shall be as it were a great motion; but the place

where thou standest shall not be moved.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 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;

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 6:22

And suddenly shall the sown places appear unsown, the full

storehouses shall suddenly be found empty:

2Esdr 6:23

And tha trumpet shall give a sound, which when every man

heareth, they shall be suddenly afraid.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 6:25

Whosoever remaineth from all these that I have told thee

shall escape, and see my salvation, and the end of your world.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 6:27

For evil shall be put out, and deceit shall be quenched.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 6:29

And when he talked with me, behold, I looked by little and

little upon him before whom I stood.

2Esdr 6:30

And these words said he unto me; I am come to shew thee the

time of the night to come.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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

2Esdr 6:34

And hasten not with the times that are past, to think vain

things, that thou mayest not hasten from the latter times.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 6:36

And in the eighth night was my heart vexed within me again,

and I began to speak before the most High.

2Esdr 6:37

For my spirit was greatly set on fire, and my soul was in

distress.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 6:40

Then commandedst thou a fair light to come forth of thy

treasures, that thy work might appear.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 6:43

For as soon as thy word went forth the work was made.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 6:46

And gavest them a charge to do service unto man, that was to

be made.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 6:49

Then didst thou ordain two living creatures, the one thou

calledst Enoch, and the other Leviathan;

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 6:53

Upon the sixth day thou gavest commandment unto the earth,

that before thee it should bring forth beasts, cattle, and

creeping things:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 6:55

All this have I spoken before thee, O Lord, because thou

madest the world for our sakes

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 6:58

But we thy people, whom thou hast called thy firstborn, thy

only begotten, and thy fervent lover, are given into their

hands.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 7:2

And he said unto me, Up, Esdras, and hear the words that I am

come to tell thee.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 7:4

But put the case the entrance were narrow, and like a river;

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 7:6

There is also another thing; A city is builded, and set upon

a broad field, and is full of all good things:

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 7:10

And I said, It is so, Lord. Then said he unto me, Even so

also is Israel's portion.

2Esdr 7:11

Because for their sakes I made the world: and when Adam

transgressed my statutes, then was decreed that now is done.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 7:13

For the entrances of the elder world were wide and sure, and

brought immortal fruit.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 7:16

Why hast thou not considered in thy mind this thing that is

to come, rather than that which is present?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 7:19

And he said unto me. There is no judge above God, and none

that hath understanding above the Highest.

2Esdr 7:20

For there be many that perish in this life, because they

despise the law of God that is set before them.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 7:22

Nevertheless they were not obedient unto him; but spake

against him, and imagined vain things;

2Esdr 7:23

And deceived themselves by their wicked deeds; and said of

the most High, that he is not; and knew not his ways:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 7:25

And therefore, Esdras, for the empty are empty things, and

for the full are the full things.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 7:27

And whosoever is delivered from the foresaid evils shall see

my wonders.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 7:29

After these years shall my son Christ die, and all men that

have life.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 7:31

And after seven days the world, that yet awaketh not, shall

be raised up, and that shall die that is corrupt

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 7:34

But judgment only shall remain, truth shall stand, and faith

shall wax strong:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 7:36

Then said I, Abraham prayed first for the Sodomites, and

Moses for the fathers that sinned in the wilderness:

2Esdr 7:37

And Jesus after him for Israel in the time of Achan:

2Esdr 7:38

And Samuel and David for the destruction: and Solomon for

them that should come to the sanctuary:

2Esdr 7:39

And Helias for those that received rain; and for the dead,

that he might live:

2Esdr 7:40

And Ezechias for the people in the time of Sennacherib: and

many for many.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 7:44

Intemperance is at an end, infidelity is cut off,

righteousness is grown, and truth is sprung up.

2Esdr 7:45

Then shall no man be able to save him that is destroyed, nor

to oppress him that hath gotten the victory.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 7:50

And that there is promised us an everlasting hope, whereas

ourselves being most wicked are made vain?

2Esdr 7:51

And that there are laid up for us dwellings of health and

safety, whereas we have lived wickedly?

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 7:54

(For we have walked in unpleasant places.)

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 7:56

For while we lived and committed iniquity, we considered not

that we should begin to suffer for it after death.

2Esdr 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;

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 7:59

For this is the life whereof Moses spake unto the people

while he lived, saying, Choose thee life, that thou mayest live.

2Esdr 7:60

Nevertheless they believed not him, nor yet the prophets

after him, no nor me which have spoken unto them,

2Esdr 7:61

That there should not be such heaviness in their destruction,

as shall be joy over them that are persuaded to salvation.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 7:63

And upon those also that turn to his law;

2Esdr 7:64

And that he is patient, and long suffereth those that have

sinned, as his creatures;

2Esdr 7:65

And that he is bountiful, for he is ready to give where it

needeth;

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 7:67

For if he shall not multiply his mercies, the world would not

continue with them that inherit therein.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 7:69

And being judge, if he should not forgive them that are cured

with his word, and put out the multitude of contentions,

2Esdr 7:70

There should be very few left peradventure in an innumerable

multitude.

2Esdr 8:1

And he answered me, saying, The most High hath made this

world for many, but the world to come for few.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 8:3

There be many created, but few shall be saved.

2Esdr 8:4

So answered I and said, Swallow then down, O my soul,

understanding, and devour wisdom.

2Esdr 8:5

For thou hast agreed to give ear, and art willing to

prophesy: for thou hast no longer space than only to live.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 8:7

For thou art alone, and we all one workmanship of thine

hands, like as thou hast said.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 8:11

That the thing which is fashioned may be nourished for a

time, till thou disposest it to thy mercy.

2Esdr 8:12

Thou broughtest it up with thy righteousness, and nurturedst

it in thy law, and reformedst it with thy judgment.

2Esdr 8:13

And thou shalt mortify it as thy creature, and quicken it as

thy work.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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;

2Esdr 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;

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 8:18

But I have heard the swiftness of the judge which is to come.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 8:20

O Lord, thou that dwellest in everlastingness which beholdest

from above things in the heaven and in the air;

2Esdr 8:21

Whose throne is inestimable; whose glory may not be

comprehended; before whom the hosts of angels stand with

trembling,

2Esdr 8:22

Whose service is conversant in wind and fire; whose word is

true, and sayings constant; whose commandment is strong, and

ordinance fearful;

2Esdr 8:23

Whose look drieth up the depths, and indignation maketh the

mountains to melt away; which the truth witnesseth:

2Esdr 8:24

O hear the prayer of thy servant, and give ear to the

petition of thy creature.

2Esdr 8:25

For while I live I will speak, and so long as I have

understanding I will answer.

2Esdr 8:26

O look not upon the sins of thy people; but on them which

serve thee in truth.

2Esdr 8:27

Regard not the wicked inventions of the heathen, but the

desire of those that keep thy testimonies in afflictions.

2Esdr 8:28

Think not upon those that have walked feignedly before thee:

but remember them, which according to thy will have known thy

fear.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 8:31

For we and our fathers do languish of such diseases: but

because of us sinners thou shalt be called merciful.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 8:33

For the just, which have many good works laid up with thee,

shall out of their own deeds receive reward.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 8:37

Then answered he me, and said, Some things hast thou spoken

aright, and according unto thy words it shall be.

2Esdr 8:38

For indeed I will not think on the disposition of them which

have sinned before death, before judgment, before destruction:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 8:40

Like as I have spoken now, so shall it come to pass.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 8:42

I answered then and said, If I have found grace, let me

speak.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 8:46

Then answered he me, and said, Things present are for the

present, and things to cometh for such as be to come.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 8:48

In this also thou art marvellous before the most High:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 8:51

But understand thou for thyself, and seek out the glory for

such as be like thee.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 8:54

Sorrows are passed, and in the end is shewed the treasure of

immortality.

2Esdr 8:55

And therefore ask thou no more questions concerning the

multitude of them that perish.

2Esdr 8:56

For when they had taken liberty, they despised the most High,

thought scorn of his law, and forsook his ways.

2Esdr 8:57

Moreover they have trodden down his righteous,

2Esdr 8:58

And said in their heart, that there is no God; yea, and that

knowing they must die.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 8:61

And therefore is my judgment now at hand.

2Esdr 8:62

These things have I not shewed unto all men, but unto thee,

and a few like thee. Then answered I and said,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 9:3

Therefore when there shall be seen earthquakes and uproars of

the people in the world:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 9:5

For like as all that is made in the world hath a beginning

and an end, and the end is manifest:

2Esdr 9:6

Even so the times also of the Highest have plain beginnings

in wonder and powerful works, and endings in effects and signs.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 9:10

For such as in their life have received benefits, and have

not known me;

2Esdr 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;

2Esdr 9:12

The same must know it after death by pain.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 9:14

Then answered I and said,

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 9:16

Like as a wave is greater than a drop.

2Esdr 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 ls

himself, so is his husbandry also: for it was the time of the

world.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 9:20

So I considered the world, and, behold, there was peril

because of the devices that were come into it.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 9:23

Nevertheless, if thou wilt cease yet seven days more, (but

thou shalt not fast in them,

2Esdr 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;)

2Esdr 9:25

And pray unto the Highest continually, then will I come and

talk with thee.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 9:27

After seven days I sat upon the grass, and my heart was vexed

within me, like as before:

2Esdr 9:28

And I opened my mouth, and began to talk before the most

High, and said,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 9:30

And thou spakest saying, Hear me, O Israel; and mark my

words, thou seed of Jacob.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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;

2Esdr 9:33

Yet they that received it perished, because they kept not the

thing that was sown in them.

2Esdr 9:34

And, lo, it ls 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,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 9:36

For we that have received the law perish by sin, and our

heart also which received it

2Esdr 9:37

Notwithstanding the law perisheth not, but remaineth in his

force.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 9:39

Then let I my thoughts go that I was in, and turned me unto

her,

2Esdr 9:40

And said unto her, Wherefore weepest thou? why art thou so

grieved in thy mind?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 9:42

And I said unto her, What aileth thee? tell me.

2Esdr 9:43

She said unto me, I thy servant have been barren, and had no

child, though I had an husband thirty years,

2Esdr 9:44

And those thirty years I did nothing else day and night, and

every hour, but make my, prayer to the Highest.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 9:46

And I nourished him with great travail.

2Esdr 9:47

So when he grew up, and came to the time that he should have

a wife, I made a feast.

2Esdr 10:1

And it so came to pass, that when my son was entered into his

wedding chamber, he fell down, and died.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 10:5

Then left I the meditations wherein I was, and spake to her

in anger, saying,

2Esdr 10:6

Thou foolish woman above all other, seest thou not our

mourning, and what happeneth unto us?

2Esdr 10:7

How that Sion our mother is full of all heaviness, and much

humbled, mourning very sore?

2Esdr 10:8

And now, seeing we all mourn and are sad, for we are all in

heaviness, art thou grieved for one son?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 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;

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 10:15

Now therefore keep thy sorrow to thyself, and bear with a

good courage that which hath befallen thee.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 10:17

Go thy way then into the city to thine husband.

2Esdr 10:18

And she said unto me, That will I not do: I will not go into

the city, but here will I die.

2Esdr 10:19

So I proceeded to speak further unto her, and said,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 10:21

For thou seest that our sanctuary is laid waste, our altar

broken down, our temple destroyed;

2Esdr 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;

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 10:26

And, behold, suddenly she made a great cry very fearful: so

that the earth shook at the noise of the woman.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 10:29

And as I was speaking these words behold, he came unto me,

and looked upon me.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 10:31

What aileth thee? and why art thou so disquieted? and why is

thine understanding troubled, and the thoughts of thine heart?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 10:33

And he said unto me, Stand up manfully, and I will advise

thee.

2Esdr 10:34

Then said I, Speak on, my lord, in me; only forsake me not,

lest I die frustrate of my hope.

2Esdr 10:35

For I have seen that I knew not, and hear that I do not know.

2Esdr 10:36

Or is my sense deceived, or my soul in a dream?

2Esdr 10:37

Now therefore I beseech thee that thou wilt shew thy servant

of this vision.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 10:39

He hath seen that thy way is right: for that thou sorrowest

continually for thy people, and makest great lamentation for

Sion.

2Esdr 10:40

This therefore is the meaning of the vision which thou lately

sawest:

2Esdr 10:41

Thou sawest a woman mourning, and thou begannest to comfort

her:

2Esdr 10:42

But now seest thou the likeness of the woman no more, but

there appeared unto thee a city builded.

2Esdr 10:43

And whereas she told thee of the death of her son, this is

the solution:

2Esdr 10:44

This woman, whom thou sawest is Sion: and whereas she said

unto thee, even she whom thou seest as a city builded,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 10:46

But after thirty years Solomon builded the city and offered

offerings: and then bare the barren a son.

2Esdr 10:47

And whereas she told thee that she nourished him with labour:

that was the dwelling in Jerusalem.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 10:51

And therefore I bade thee remain in the field where no house

was builded:

2Esdr 10:52

For I knew that the Highest would shew this unto thee.

2Esdr 10:53

Therefore I commanded thee to go into the field, where no

foundation of any building was.

2Esdr 10:54

For in the place wherein the Highest beginneth to shew his

city, there can no man's building be able to stand.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 10:56

And then shalt thou hear as much as thine ears may

comprehend.

2Esdr 10:57

For thou art blessed above many other, and art called with

the Highest; and so are but few.

2Esdr 10:58

But to morrow at night thou shalt remain here;

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 11:3

And I beheld, and out of her feathers there grew other

contrary feathers; and they became little feathers and small.

2Esdr 11:4

But her heads were at rest: the head in the midst was greater

than the other, yet rested it with the residue.

2Esdr 11:5

Moreover I beheld, and, lo, the eagle flew with her feathers,

and reigned upon earth, and over them that dwelt therein.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 11:7

And I beheld, and, lo, the eagle rose upon her talons, and

spake to her feathers, saying,

2Esdr 11:8

Watch not all at once: sleep every one in his own place, and

watch by course:

2Esdr 11:9

But let the heads be preserved for the last.

2Esdr 11:10

And I beheld, and, lo, the voice went not out of her heads,

but from the midst of her body.

2Esdr 11:11

And I numbered her contrary feathers, and, behold, there were

eight of them.

2Esdr 11:12

And I looked, and, behold, on the right side there arose one

feather, and reigned over all the earth;

2Esdr 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;

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 11:15

Then came there a voice unto it, and said,

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 11:17

There shall none after thee attain unto thy time, neither

unto the half thereof.

2Esdr 11:18

Then arose the third, and reigned as the other before, and

appeared no more also.

2Esdr 11:19

So went it with all the residue one after another, as that

every one reigned, and then appeared no more.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 11:21

For some of them were set up, but ruled not.

2Esdr 11:22

After this I looked, and, behold, the twelve feathers

appeared no more, nor the two little feathers:

2Esdr 11:23

And there was no more upon the eagle's body, but three heads

that rested, and six little wings.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 11:25

And I beheld, and, lo, the feathers that were under the wing

thought to set up themselves and to have the rule.

2Esdr 11:26

And I beheld, and, lo, there was one set up, but shortly it

appeared no more.

2Esdr 11:27

And the second was sooner away than the first.

2Esdr 11:28

And I beheld, and, lo, the two that remained thought also in

themselves to reign:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 11:30

And then I saw that the two other heads were joined with it.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 11:33

And after this I beheld, and, lo, the head that was in the

midst suddenly appeared no more, like as the wings.

2Esdr 11:34

But there remained the two heads, which also in like sort

ruled upon the earth, and over those that dwelt therein.

2Esdr 11:35

And I beheld, and, lo, the head upon the right side devoured

it that was upon the left side.

2Esdr 11:36

Then I head a voice, which said unto me, Look before thee,

and consider the thing that thou seest.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 11:38

Hear thou, I will talk with thee, and the Highest shall say

unto thee,

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 11:41

For the earth hast thou not judged with truth.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 11:43

Therefore is thy wrongful dealing come up unto the Highest,

and thy pride unto the Mighty.

2Esdr 11:44

The Highest also hath looked upon the proud times, and,

behold, they are ended, and his abominations are fulfilled.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 12:1

And it came to pass, whiles the lion spake these words unto

the eagle, I saw,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 12:4

Lo, this hast thou done unto me, in that thou searchest out

the ways of the Highest.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 12:6

Therefore will I now beseech the Highest, that he will

comfort me unto the end.

2Esdr 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;

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 12:9

For thou hast judged me worthy to shew me the last times.

2Esdr 12:10

And he said unto me, This is the interpretation of the

vision:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 12:12

But it was not expounded unto him, therefore now I declare it

unto thee.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 12:14

In the same shall twelve kings reign, one after another:

2Esdr 12:15

Whereof the second shall begin to reign, and shall have more

time than any of the twelve.

2Esdr 12:16

And this do the twelve wings signify, which thou sawest.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 12:19

And whereas thou sawest the eight small under feathers

sticking to her wings, this is the interpretation:

2Esdr 12:20

That in him there shall arise eight kings, whose times shall

be but small, and their years swift.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 12:22

And whereas thou sawest three heads resting, this is the

interpretation:

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 12:25

For these are they that shall accomplish his wickedness, and

that shall finish his last end.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 12:27

For the two that remain shall be slain with the sword.

2Esdr 12:28

For the sword of the one shall devour the other: but at the

last shall he fall through the sword himself.

2Esdr 12:29

And whereas thou sawest two feathers under the wings passing

over the head that is on the right side;

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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;

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 12:33

For he shall set them before him alive in judgment, and shall

rebuke them, and correct them.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 12:35

This is the dream that thou sawest, and these are the

interpretations.

2Esdr 12:36

Thou only hast been meet to know this secret of the Highest.

2Esdr 12:37

Therefore write all these things that thou hast seen in a

book, and hide them:

2Esdr 12:38

And teach them to the wise of the people, whose hearts thou

knowest may comprehend and keep these secrets.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 12:43

Are not the evils which are come to us sufficient?

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 12:46

Be of good comfort, O Israel; and be not heavy, thou house of

Jacob:

2Esdr 12:47

For the Highest hath you in remembrance, and the Mighty hath

not forgotten you in temptation.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 12:49

And now go your way home every man, and after these days will

I come unto you.

2Esdr 12:50

So the people went their way into the city, like as I

commanded them:

2Esdr 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

2Esdr 13:1

And it came to pass after seven days, I dreamed a dream by

night:

2Esdr 13:2

And, lo, there arose a wind from the sea, that it moved all

the waves thereof.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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

2Esdr 13:6

But I beheld, and, lo, he had graved himself a great

mountain, and flew up upon it.

2Esdr 13:7

But I would have seen the region or place whereout the hill

was graven, and I could not.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 13:12

Afterward saw I the same man come down from the mountain, and

call unto him another peaceable Multitude.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 13:14

Thou hast shewed thy servant these wonders from the

beginning, and hast counted me worthy that thou shouldest

receive my prayer:

2Esdr 13:15

Shew me now yet the interpretation of this dream.

2Esdr 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!

2Esdr 13:17

For they that were not left were in heaviness.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 13:19

Therefore are they come into great perils and many

necessities, like as these dreams declare.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 13:21

The interpretation of the vision shall I shew thee, and I

will open unto thee the thing that thou hast required.

2Esdr 13:22

Whereas thou hast spoken of them that are left behind, this

is the interpretation:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 13:24

Know this therefore, that they which be left behind are more

blessed than they that be dead.

2Esdr 13:25

This is the meaning of the vision: Whereas thou sawest a man

coming up from the midst of the sea:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 13:27

And whereas thou sawest, that out of his mouth there came as

a blast of wind, and fire, and storm;

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 13:29

Behold, the days come, when the most High will begin to

deliver them that are upon the earth.

2Esdr 13:30

And he shall come to the astonishment of them that dwell on

the earth.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 13:34

And an innumerable multitude shall be gathered together, as

thou sawest them, willing to come, and to overcome him by

fighting.

2Esdr 13:35

But he shall stand upon the top of the mount Sion.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 13:37

And this my Son shall rebuke the wicked inventions of those

nations, which for their wicked life are fallen into the

tempest;

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 13:39

And whereas thou sawest that he gathered another peaceable

multitude unto him;

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 13:42

That they might there keep their statutes, which they never

kept in their own land.

2Esdr 13:43

And they entered into Euphrates by the narrow places of the

river.

2Esdr 13:44

For the most High then shewed signs for them, and held still

the flood, till they were passed over.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 13:46

Then dwelt they there until the latter time; and now when

they shall begin to come,

2Esdr 13:47

The Highest shall stay the springs of the stream again, that

they may go through: therefore sawest thou the multitude with

peace.

2Esdr 13:48

But those that be left behind of thy people are they that are

found within my borders.

2Esdr 13:49

Now when he destroyeth the multitude of the nations that are

gathered together, he shall defend his people that remain.

2Esdr 13:50

And then shall he shew them great wonders.

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 13:53

This is the interpretation of the dream which thou sawest,

and whereby thou only art here lightened.

2Esdr 13:54

For thou hast forsaken thine own way, and applied thy

diligence unto my law, and sought it.

2Esdr 13:55

Thy life hast thou ordered in wisdom, and hast called

understanding thy mother.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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;

2Esdr 13:58

And because he governeth the same, and such things as fall in

their seasons: and there I sat three days.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 14:2

And I said, Here am I, Lord And I stood up upon my feet.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 14:5

And told him many wondrous things, and shewed him the secrets

of the times, and the end; and commanded him, saying,

2Esdr 14:6

These words shalt thou declare, and these shalt thou hide.

2Esdr 14:7

And now I say unto thee,

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 14:10

For the world hath lost his youth, and the times begin to wax

old.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 14:12

And there remaineth that which is after the half of the tenth

part.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 14:14

Let go from thee mortal thoughts, cast away the burdens of

man, put off now the weak nature,

2Esdr 14:15

And set aside the thoughts that are most heavy unto thee, and

haste thee to flee from these times.

2Esdr 14:16

For yet greater evils than those which thou hast seen happen

shall be done hereafter.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 14:19

Then answered I before thee, and said,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 14:21

For thy law is burnt, therefore no man knoweth the things

that are done of thee, or the work that shall begin.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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;

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 14:27

Then went I forth, as he commanded, and gathered all the

people together, and said,

2Esdr 14:28

Hear these words, O Israel.

2Esdr 14:29

Our fathers at the beginning were strangers in Egypt, from

whence they were delivered:

2Esdr 14:30

And received the law of life, which they kept not, which ye

also have transgressed after them.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 14:32

And forasmuch as he is a righteous judge, he took from you in

time the thing that he had given you.

2Esdr 14:33

And now are ye here, and your brethren among you.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 14:36

Let no man therefore come unto me now, nor seek after me

these forty days.

2Esdr 14:37

So I took the five men, as he commanded me, and we went into

the field, and remained there.

2Esdr 14:38

And the next day, behold, a voice called me, saying, Esdras,

open thy mouth, and drink that I give thee to drink.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 14:41

And my mouth was opened, and shut no more.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 14:43

As for me. I spake in the day, and I held not my tongue by

night.

2Esdr 14:44

In forty days they wrote two hundred and four books.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 14:46

But keep the seventy last, that thou mayest deliver them only

to such as be wise among the people:

2Esdr 14:47

For in them is the spring of understanding, the fountain of

wisdom, and the stream of knowledge.

2Esdr 14:48

And I did so.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 15:2

And cause them to be written in paper: for they are faithful

and true.

2Esdr 15:3

Fear not the imaginations against thee, let not the

incredulity of them trouble thee, that speak against thee.

2Esdr 15:4

For all the unfaithful shall die in their unfaithfulness.

2Esdr 15:5

Behold, saith the Lord, I will bring plagues upon the world;

the sword, famine, death, and destruction.

2Esdr 15:6

For wickedness hath exceedingly polluted the whole earth, and

their hurtful works are fulfilled.

2Esdr 15:7

Therefore saith the Lord,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 15:9

And therefore, saith the Lord, I will surely avenge them, and

receive unto me all the innocent blood from among them.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 15:12

Egypt shall mourn, and the foundation of it shall be smitten

with the plague and punishment that God shall bring upon it.

2Esdr 15:13

They that till the ground shall mourn: for their seeds shall

fail through the blasting and hail, and with a fearful

constellation.

2Esdr 15:14

Woe to the world and them that dwell therein!

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 15:17

A man shall desire to go into a city, and shall not be able.

2Esdr 15:18

For because of their pride the cities shall be troubled, the

houses shall be destroyed, and men shall be afraid.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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;

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 15:24

Woe to them that sin, and keep not my commandments! saith

the Lord.

2Esdr 15:25

I will not spare them: go your way, ye children, from the

power, defile not my sanctuary.

2Esdr 15:26

For the Lord knoweth all them that sin against him, and

therefore delivereth he them unto death and destruction.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 15:28

Behold an horrible vision, and the appearance thereof from

the east:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 15:32

Then these shall be troubled bled, and keep silence through

their power, and shall flee.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 15:36

And dung of men unto the camel's hough.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 15:38

And then shall there come great storms from the south, and

from the north, and another part from the west.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 15:43

And they shall go stedfastly unto Babylon, and make her

afraid.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 15:45

And they that remain under her shall do service unto them

that have put her in fear.

2Esdr 15:46

And thou, Asia, that art partaker of the hope of Babylon, and

art the glory of her person:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 15:48

Thou hast followed her that is hated in all her works and

inventions: therefore saith God,

2Esdr 15:49

I will send plagues upon thee; widowhood, poverty, famine,

sword, and pestilence, to waste thy houses with destruction and

death.

2Esdr 15:50

And the glory of thy Power shall be dried up as a flower, the

heat shall arise that is sent over thee.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 15:52

Would I with jealousy have so proceeded against thee, saith

the Lord,

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 15:54

Set forth the beauty of thy countenance?

2Esdr 15:55

The reward of thy whoredom shall be in thy bosom, therefore

shalt thou receive recompence.

2Esdr 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

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 15:59

Thou as unhappy shalt come through the sea, and receive

plagues again.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 15:61

And thou shalt be cast down by them as stubble, and they

shall be unto thee as fire;

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 16:1

Woe be unto thee, Babylon, and Asia! woe be unto thee, Egypt

and Syria!

2Esdr 16:2

Gird up yourselves with cloths of sack and hair, bewail your

children, and be sorry; for your destruction is at hand.

2Esdr 16:3

A sword is sent upon you, and who may turn it back?

2Esdr 16:4

A fire is sent among you, and who may quench it?

2Esdr 16:5

Plagues are sent unto you, and what is he that may drive them

away?

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 16:7

May one turn again the arrow that is shot of a strong archer?

2Esdr 16:8

The mighty Lord sendeth the plagues and who is he that can

drive them away?

2Esdr 16:9

A fire shall go forth from his wrath, and who is he that may

quench it?

2Esdr 16:10

He shall cast lightnings, and who shall not fear? he shall

thunder, and who shall not be afraid?

2Esdr 16:11

The Lord shall threaten, and who shall not be utterly beaten

to powder at his presence?

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 16:14

Behold, the plagues are sent, and shall not return again,

until they come upon the earth.

2Esdr 16:15

The fire is kindled, and shall not be put out, till it

consume the foundation of the earth.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 16:17

Woe is me! woe is me! who will deliver me in those days?

2Esdr 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?

2Esdr 16:19

Behold, famine and plague, tribulation and anguish, are sent

as scourges for amendment.

2Esdr 16:20

But for all these things they shall not turn from their

wickedness, nor be always mindful of the scourges.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 16:24

There shall be no man left to till the earth, and to sow it

2Esdr 16:25

The trees shall give fruit, and who shall gather them?

2Esdr 16:26

The grapes shall ripen, and who shall tread them? for all

places shall be desolate of men:

2Esdr 16:27

So that one man shall desire to see another, and to hear his

voice.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 16:29

As in an orchard of Olives upon every tree there are left

three or four olives;

2Esdr 16:30

Or as when a vineyard is gathered, there are left some

clusters of them that diligently seek through the vineyard:

2Esdr 16:31

Even so in those days there shall be three or four left by

them that search their houses with the sword.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 16:33

The virgins shall mourn, having no bridegrooms; the women

shall mourn, having no husbands; their daughters shall mourn,

having no helpers.

2Esdr 16:34

In the wars shall their bridegrooms be destroyed, and their

husbands shall perish of famine.

2Esdr 16:35

Hear now these things and understand them, ye servants of the

Lord.

2Esdr 16:36

Behold, the word of the Lord, receive it: believe not the

gods of whom the Lord spake.

2Esdr 16:37

Behold, the plagues draw nigh, and are not slack.

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 16:41

He that selleth, let him be as he that fleeth away: and he

that buyeth, as one that will lose:

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 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:

2Esdr 16:44

They that marry, as they that shall get no children; and they

that marry not, as the widowers.

2Esdr 16:45

And therefore they that labour labour in vain:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 16:47

And they that occupy their merchandise with robbery, the more

they deck their cities, their houses, their possessions, and

their own persons:

2Esdr 16:48

The more will I be angry with them for their sin, saith the

Lord.

2Esdr 16:49

Like as a whore envieth a right honest and virtuous woman:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 16:51

And therefore be ye not like thereunto, nor to the works

thereof.

2Esdr 16:52

For yet a little, and iniquity shall be taken away out of the

earth, and righteousness shall reign among you.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 16:54

Behold, the Lord knoweth all the works of men, their

imaginations, their thoughts, and their hearts:

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 16:56

In his word were the stars made, and he knoweth the number of

them.

2Esdr 16:57

He searcheth the deep, and the treasures thereof; he hath

measured the sea, and what it containeth.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 16:59

He spreadeth out the heavens like a vault; upon the waters

hath he founded it.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 16:61

He made man, and put his heart in the midst of the body, and

gave him breath, life, and understanding.

2Esdr 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,

2Esdr 16:63

Surely he knoweth your inventions, and what ye think in your

hearts, even them that sin, and would hide their sin.

2Esdr 16:64

Therefore hath the Lord exactly searched out all your works,

and he will put you all to shame.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 16:66

What will ye do? or how will ye hide your sins before God and

his angels?

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 16:69

And they that consent unto them shall be had in derision and

in reproach, and trodden under foot.

2Esdr 16:70

For there shall be in every place, and in the next cities, a

great insurrection upon those that fear the Lord.

2Esdr 16:71

They shall be like mad men, sparing none, but still spoiling

and destroying those that fear the Lord.

2Esdr 16:72

For they shall waste and take away their goods, and cast them

out of their houses.

2Esdr 16:73

Then shall they be known, who are my chosen; and they shall

be tried as the gold in the fire.

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 16:75

Be ye not afraid neither doubt; for God is your guide,

2Esdr 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.

2Esdr 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!

2Esdr 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

1Mac 1:1

And it happened, after that Alexander son of Philip, the

Macedonian, who came out of the land of Chettiim, had smitten

Darius king of the Persians and Medes, that he reigned in his

stead, the first over Greece,

1Mac 1:2

And made many wars, and won many strong holds, and slew the

kings of the earth,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 1:4

And he gathered a mighty strong host and ruled over

countries, and nations, and kings, who became tributaries unto

him.

1Mac 1:5

And after these things he fell sick, and perceived that he

should die.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 1:7

So Alexander reigned twelves years, and then died.

1Mac 1:8

And his servants bare rule every one in his place.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 1:12

So this device pleased them well.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 1:14

Whereupon they built a place of exercise at Jerusalem

according to the customs of the heathen:

1Mac 1:15

And made themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy

covenant, and joined themselves to the heathen, and were sold to

do mischief.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 1:17

Wherefore he entered into Egypt with a great multitude, with

chariots, and elephants, and horsemen, and a great navy,

1Mac 1:18

And made war against Ptolemee king of Egypt: but Ptolemee was

afraid of him, and fled; and many were wounded to death.

1Mac 1:19

Thus they got the strong cities in the land of Egypt and he

took the spoils thereof.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 1:21

And entered proudly into the sanctuary, and took away the

golden altar, and the candlestick of light, and all the vessels

thereof,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 1:23

He took also the silver and the gold, and the precious

vessels: also he took the hidden treasures which he found.

1Mac 1:24

And when he had taken all away, he went into his own land,

having made a great massacre, and spoken very proudly.

1Mac 1:25

Therefore there was a great mourning in Israel, in every

place where they were;

1Mac 1:26

So that the princes and elders mourned, the virgins and young

men were made feeble, and the beauty of women was changed.

1Mac 1:27

Every bridegroom took up lamentation, and she that sat in the

marriage chamber was in heaviness,

1Mac 1:28

The land also was moved for the inhabitants thereof, and all

the house of Jacob was covered with confusion.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 1:32

But the women and children took they captive, and possessed

the cattle.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 1:34

And they put therein a sinful nation, wicked men, and

fortified themselves therein.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 1:36

For it was a place to lie in wait against the sanctuary, and

an evil adversary to Israel.

1Mac 1:37

Thus they shed innocent blood on every side of the sanctuary,

and defiled it:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 1:39

Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness, her feasts

were turned into mourning, her sabbaths into reproach her honour

into contempt.

1Mac 1:40

As had been her glory, so was her dishonour increased, and

her excellency was turned into mourning.

1Mac 1:41

Moreover king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all

should be one people,

1Mac 1:42

And every one should leave his laws: so all the heathen

agreed according to the commandment of the king.

1Mac 1:43

Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion,

and sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the sabbath.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 1:45

And forbid burnt offerings, and sacrifice, and drink

offerings, in the temple; and that they should profane the

sabbaths and festival days:

1Mac 1:46

And pollute the sanctuary and holy people:

1Mac 1:47

Set up altars, and groves, and chapels of idols, and

sacrifice swine's flesh, and unclean beasts:

1Mac 1:48

That they should also leave their children uncircumcised, and

make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and

profanation:

1Mac 1:49

To the end they might forget the law, and change all the

ordinances.

1Mac 1:50

And whosoever would not do according to the commandment of

the king, he said, he should die.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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;

1Mac 1:53

And drove the Israelites into secret places, even wheresoever

they could flee for succour.

1Mac 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;

1Mac 1:55

And burnt incense at the doors of their houses, and in the

streets.

1Mac 1:56

And when they had rent in pieces the books of the law which

they found, they burnt them with fire.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 1:58

Thus did they by their authority unto the Israelites every

month, to as many as were found in the cities.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 1:60

At which time according to the commandment they put to death

certain women, that had caused their children to be circumcised.

1Mac 1:61

And they hanged the infants about their necks, and rifled

their houses, and slew them that had circumcised them.

1Mac 1:62

Howbeit many in Israel were fully resolved and confirmed in

themselves not to eat any unclean thing.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 1:64

And there was very great wrath upon Israel.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 2:2

And he had five sons, Joannan, called Caddis:

1Mac 2:3

Simon; called Thassi:

1Mac 2:4

Judas, who was called Maccabeus:

1Mac 2:5

Eleazar, called Avaran: and Jonathan, whose surname was

Apphus.

1Mac 2:6

And when he saw the blasphemies that were committed in Juda

and Jerusalem,

1Mac 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?

1Mac 2:8

Her temple is become as a man without glory.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 2:10

What nation hath not had a part in her kingdom and gotten of

her spoils?

1Mac 2:11

All her ornaments are taken away; of a free woman she is

become a bondslave.

1Mac 2:12

And, behold, our sanctuary, even our beauty and our glory, is

laid waste, and the Gentiles have profaned it.

1Mac 2:13

To what end therefore shall we live any longer?

1Mac 2:14

Then Mattathias and his sons rent their clothes, and put on

sackcloth, and mourned very sore.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 2:16

And when many of Israel came unto them, Mattathias also and

his sons came together.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 2:20

Yet will I and my sons and my brethren walk in the covenant

of our fathers.

1Mac 2:21

God forbid that we should forsake the law and the ordinances.

1Mac 2:22

We will not hearken to the king's words, to go from our

religion, either on the right hand, or the left.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 2:25

Also the king's commissioner, who compelled men to sacrifice,

he killed at that time, and the altar he pulled down.

1Mac 2:26

Thus dealt he zealously for the law of God like as Phinees

did unto Zambri the son of Salom.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 2:28

So he and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that

ever they had in the city.

1Mac 2:29

Then many that sought after justice and judgment went down

into the wilderness, to dwell there:

1Mac 2:30

Both they, and their children, and their wives; and their

cattle; because afflictions increased sore upon them.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 2:34

But they said, We will not come forth, neither will we do the

king's commandment, to profane the sabbath day.

1Mac 2:35

So then they gave them the battle with all speed.

1Mac 2:36

Howbeit they answered them not, neither cast they a stone at

them, nor stopped the places where they lay hid;

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 2:39

Now when Mattathias and his friends understood hereof, they

mourned for them right sore.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 2:43

Also all they that fled for persecution joined themselves

unto them, and were a stay unto them.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 2:45

Then Mattathias and his friends went round about, and pulled

down the altars:

1Mac 2:46

And what children soever they found within the coast of

Israel uncircumcised, those they circumcised valiantly.

1Mac 2:47

They pursued also after the proud men, and the work prospered

in their hand.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 2:50

Now therefore, my sons, be ye zealous for the law, and give

your lives for the covenant of your fathers.

1Mac 2:51

Call to remembrance what acts our fathers did in their time;

so shall ye receive great honour and an everlasting name.

1Mac 2:52

Was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was

imputed unto him for righteousness?

1Mac 2:53

Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment and

was made lord of Egypt.

1Mac 2:54

Phinees our father in being zealous and fervent obtained the

covenant of an everlasting priesthood.

1Mac 2:55

Jesus for fulfilling the word was made a judge in Israel.

1Mac 2:56

Caleb for bearing witness before the congregation received

the heritage of the land.

1Mac 2:57

David for being merciful possessed the throne of an

everlasting kingdom.

1Mac 2:58

Elias for being zealous and fervent for the law was taken up

into heaven.

1Mac 2:59

Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, by believing were saved out of

the flame.

1Mac 2:60

Daniel for his innocency was delivered from the mouth of

lions.

1Mac 2:61

And thus consider ye throughout all ages, that none that put

their trust in him shall be overcome.

1Mac 2:62

Fear not then the words of a sinful man: for his glory shall

be dung and worms.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 2:67

Take also unto you all those that observe the law, and avenge

ye the wrong of your people.

1Mac 2:68

Recompense fully the heathen, and take heed to the

commandments of the law.

1Mac 2:69

So he blessed them, and was gathered to his fathers.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 3:1

Then his son Judas, called Maccabeus, rose up in his stead.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 3:4

In his acts he was like a lion, and like a lion's whelp

roaring for his prey.

1Mac 3:5

For He pursued the wicked, and sought them out, and burnt up

those that vexed his people.

1Mac 3:6

Wherefore the wicked shrunk for fear of him, and all the

workers of iniquity were troubled, because salvation prospered

in his hand.

1Mac 3:7

He grieved also many kings, and made Jacob glad with his

acts, and his memorial is blessed for ever.

1Mac 3:8

Moreover he went through the cities of Juda, destroying the

ungodly out of them, and turning away wrath from Israel:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 3:10

Then Apollonius gathered the Gentiles together, and a great

host out of Samaria, to fight against Israel.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 3:12

Wherefore Judas took their spoils, and Apollonius' sword

also, and therewith he fought all his life long.

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 3:16

And when he came near to the going up of Bethhoron, Judas

went forth to meet him with a small company:

1Mac 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?

1Mac 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:

1Mac 3:19

For the victory of battle standeth not in the multitude of an

host; but strength cometh from heaven.

1Mac 3:20

They come against us in much pride and iniquity to destroy

us, and our wives and children, and to spoil us:

1Mac 3:21

But we fight for our lives and our laws.

1Mac 3:22

Wherefore the Lord himself will overthrow them before our

face: and as for you, be ye not afraid of them.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 3:25

Then began the fear of Judas and his brethren, and an

exceeding great dread, to fall upon the nations round about

them:

1Mac 3:26

Insomuch as his fame came unto the king, and all nations

talked of the battles of Judas.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 3:33

And to bring up his son Antiochus, until he came again.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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;

1Mac 3:36

And that he should place strangers in all their quarters, and

divide their land by lot.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 3:38

Then Lysias chose Ptolemee the son of Dorymenes, Nicanor, and

Gorgias, mighty men of the king's friends:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 3:40

So they went forth with all their power, and came and pitched

by Emmaus in the plain country.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 3:47

Then they fasted that day, and put on sackcloth, and cast

ashes upon their heads, and rent their clothes,

1Mac 3:48

And laid open the book of the law, wherein the heathen had

sought to paint the likeness of their images.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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?

1Mac 3:51

For thy sanctuary is trodden down and profaned, and thy

priests are in heaviness, and brought low.

1Mac 3:52

And lo, the heathen are assembled together against us to

destroy us: what things they imagine against us, thou knowest.

1Mac 3:53

How shall we be able to stand against them, except thou, O

God, be our help?

1Mac 3:54

Then sounded they with trumpets, and cried with a loud voice.

1Mac 3:55

And after this Judas ordained captains over the people, even

captains over thousands, and over hundreds, and over fifties,

and over tens.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 3:57

So the camp removed, and pitched upon the south side of

Emmaus.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 3:59

For it is better for us to die in battle, than to behold the

calamities of our people and our sanctuary.

1Mac 3:60

Nevertheless, as the will of God is in heaven, so let him do.

1Mac 4:1

Then took Gorgias five thousand footmen, and a thousand of

the best horsemen, and removed out of the camp by night;

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 4:4

While as yet the forces were dispersed from the camp.

1Mac 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

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 4:8

Then said Judas to the men that were with him, Fear ye not

their multitude, neither be ye afraid of their assault.

1Mac 4:9

Remember how our fathers were delivered in the Red sea, when

Pharaoh pursued them with an army.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 4:11

That so all the heathen may know that there is one who

delivereth and saveth Israel.

1Mac 4:12

Then the strangers lifted up their eyes, and saw them coming

over against them.

1Mac 4:13

Wherefore they went out of the camp to battle; but they that

were with Judas sounded their trumpets.

1Mac 4:14

So they joined battle, and the heathen being discomfited fled

into the plain.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 4:16

This done, Judas returned again with his host from pursuing

them,

1Mac 4:17

And said to the people, Be not greedy of the spoil inasmuch

as there is a battle before us,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 4:19

As Judas was yet speaking these words, there appeared a part

of them looking out of the mountain:

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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,

1Mac 4:22

They fled every one into the land of strangers.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 4:25

Thus Israel had a great deliverance that day.

1Mac 4:26

Now all the strangers that had escaped came and told Lysias

what had happened:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 4:29

So they came into Idumea, and pitched their tents at

Bethsura, and Judas met them with ten thousand men.

1Mac 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;

1Mac 4:31

Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let

them be confounded in their power and horsemen:

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 4:36

Then said Judas and his brethren, Behold, our enemies are

discomfited: let us go up to cleanse and dedicate the sanctuary.

1Mac 4:37

Upon this all the host assembled themselves together, and

went up into mount Sion.

1Mac 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;

1Mac 4:39

They rent their clothes, and made great lamentation, and cast

ashes upon their heads,

1Mac 4:40

And fell down flat to the ground upon their faces, and blew

an alarm with the trumpets, and cried toward heaven.

1Mac 4:41

Then Judas appointed certain men to fight against those that

were in the fortress, until he had cleansed the sanctuary.

1Mac 4:42

So he chose priests of blameless conversation, such as had

pleasure in the law:

1Mac 4:43

Who cleansed the sanctuary, and bare out the defiled stones

into an unclean place.

1Mac 4:44

And when as they consulted what to do with the altar of burnt

offerings, which was profaned;

1Mac 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,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 4:47

Then they took whole stones according to the law, and built a

new altar according to the former;

1Mac 4:48

And made up the sanctuary, and the things that were within

the temple, and hallowed the courts.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 4:53

And offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar

of burnt offerings, which they had made.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 4:55

Then all the people fell upon their faces, worshipping and

praising the God of heaven, who had given them good success.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 4:58

Thus was there very great gladness among the people, for that

the reproach of the heathen was put away.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 5:6

Afterward he passed over to the children of Ammon, where he

found a mighty power, and much people, with Timotheus their

captain.

1Mac 5:7

So he fought many battles with them, till at length they were

discomfited before him; and he smote them.

1Mac 5:8

And when he had taken Jazar, with the towns belonging

thereto, he returned into Judea.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 5:11

And they are preparing to come and take the fortress

whereunto we are fled, Timotheus being captain of their host.

1Mac 5:12

Come now therefore, and deliver us from their hands, for many

of us are slain:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 5:14

While these letters were yet reading, behold, there came

other messengers from Galilee with their clothes rent, who

reported on this wise,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 5:21

Then went Simon into Galilee, where he fought many battles

with the heathen, so that the heathen were discomfited by him.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 5:24

Judas Maccabeus also and his brother Jonathan went over

Jordan, and travelled three days' journey in the wilderness,

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 5:29

From whence he removed by night, and went till he came to the

fortress.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 5:32

He said unto his host, Fight this day for your brethren.

1Mac 5:33

So he went forth behind them in three companies, who sounded

their trumpets, and cried with prayer.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 5:36

From thence went he, and took Casphon, Maged, Bosor, and the

other cities of the country of Galaad.

1Mac 5:37

After these things gathered Timotheus another host and

encamped against Raphon beyond the brook.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 5:41

But if he be afraid, and camp beyond the river, we shall go

over unto him, and prevail against him.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 5:47

Then they of the city shut them out, and stopped up the gates

with stones.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 5:52

After this went they over Jordan into the great plain before

Bethsan.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 5:55

Now what time as Judas and Jonathan were in the land of

Galaad, and Simon his brother in Galilee before Ptolemais,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 5:57

Wherefore they said, Let us also get us a name, and go fight

against the heathen that are round about us.

1Mac 5:58

So when they had given charge unto the garrison that was with

them, they went toward Jamnia.

1Mac 5:59

Then came Gorgias and his men out of the city to fight

against them.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 5:62

Moreover these men came not of the seed of those, by whose

hand deliverance was given unto Israel.

1Mac 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;

1Mac 5:64

Insomuch as the the people assembled unto them with joyful

acclamations.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 5:66

From thence he removed to go into the land of the

Philistines, and passed through Samaria.

1Mac 5:67

At that time certain priests, desirous to shew their valour,

were slain in battle, for that they went out to fight

unadvisedly.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 6:4

Rose up against him in battle: so he fled, and departed

thence with great heaviness, and returned to Babylon.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 6:9

And there he continued many days: for his grief was ever more

and more, and he made account that he should die.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 6:14

Then called he for Philip, one of his friends, who he made

ruler over all his realm,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 6:16

So king Antiochus died there in the hundred forty and ninth

year.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 6:19

Wherefore Judas, purposing to destroy them, called all the

people together to besiege them.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 6:21

Howbeit certain of them that were besieged got forth, unto

whom some ungodly men of Israel joined themselves:

1Mac 6:22

And they went unto the king, and said, How long will it be

ere thou execute judgment, and avenge our brethren?

1Mac 6:23

We have been willing to serve thy father, and to do as he

would have us, and to obey his commandments;

1Mac 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.

1Mac 6:25

Neither have they stretched out their hand against us only,

but also against their borders.

1Mac 6:26

And, behold, this day are they besieging the tower at

Jerusalem, to take it: the sanctuary also and Bethsura have they

fortified.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 6:29

There came also unto him from other kingdoms, and from isles

of the sea, bands of hired soldiers.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 6:32

Upon this Judas removed from the tower, and pitched in

Bathzacharias, over against the king's camp.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 6:34

And to the end they might provoke the elephants to fight,

they shewed them the blood of grapes and mulberries.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 6:39

Now when the sun shone upon the shields of gold and brass,

the mountains glistered therewith, and shined like lamps of

fire.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 6:44

Put himself in jeopardy, to the end he might deliver his

people, and get him a perpetual name:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 6:47

Howbeit the rest of the Jews seeing the strength of the king,

and the violence of his forces, turned away from them.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 6:50

So the king took Bethsura, and set a garrison there to keep

it.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 6:52

Whereupon they also made engines against their engines, and

held them battle a long season.

1Mac 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;)

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 6:58

Now therefore let us be friends with these men, and make

peace with them, and with all their nation;

1Mac 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.

1Mac 6:60

So the king and the princes were content: wherefore he sent

unto them to make peace; and they accepted thereof.

1Mac 6:61

Also the king and the princes made an oath unto them:

whereupon they went out of the strong hold.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 7:3

Wherefore, when he knew it, he said, Let me not see their

faces.

1Mac 7:4

So his host slew them. Now when Demetrius was set upon the

throne of his kingdom,

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 7:11

But they gave no heed to their words; for they saw that they

were come with a great power.

1Mac 7:12

Then did there assemble unto Alcimus and Bacchides a company

of scribes, to require justice.

1Mac 7:13

Now the Assideans were the first among the children of Israel

that sought peace of them:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 7:15

So he spake unto them, peaceably, and sware unto them,

saying, we will procure the harm neither of you nor your

friends.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 7:20

Then committed he the country to Alcimus, and left with him a

power to aid him: so Bacchides went to the king.

1Mac 7:21

But Alcimus contended for the high priesthood.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 7:23

Now when Judas saw all the mischief that Alcimus and his

company had done among the Israelites, even above the heathen,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 7:27

So Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a great force; and sent

unto Judas and his brethren deceitfully with friendly words,

saying,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 7:29

He came therefore to Judas, and they saluted one another

peaceably. Howbeit the enemies were prepared to take away Judas

by violence.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 7:31

Nicanor also, when he saw that his counsel was discovered,

went out to fight against Judas beside Capharsalama:

1Mac 7:32

Where there were slain of Nicanor's side about five thousand

men, and the rest fled into the city of David.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 7:34

But he mocked them, and laughed at them, and abused them

shamefully, and spake proudly,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 7:36

Then the priests entered in, and stood before the altar and

the temple, weeping, and saying,

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 7:39

So Nicanor went out of Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in

Bethhoron, where an host out of Syria met him.

1Mac 7:40

But Judas pitched in Adasa with three thousand men, and there

he prayed, saying,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 7:44

Now when Nicanor's host saw that he was slain, they cast away

their weapons, and fled.

1Mac 7:45

Then they pursued after them a day's journey, from Adasa unto

Gazera, sounding an alarm after them with their trumpets.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 7:48

For this cause the people rejoiced greatly, and they kept

that day a day of great gladness.

1Mac 7:49

Moreover they ordained to keep yearly this day, being the

thirteenth of Adar.

1Mac 7:50

Thus the land of Juda was in rest a little while.

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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,

1Mac 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:

1Mac 8:9

Moreover how the Grecians had determined to come and destroy

them;

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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:

1Mac 8:14

Yet for all this none of them wore a crown or was clothed in

purple, to be magnified thereby:

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 8:19

They went therefore to Rome, which was a very great journey,

and came into the senate, where they spake and said.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 8:21

So that matter pleased the Romans well.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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,

1Mac 8:24

If there come first any war upon the Romans or any of their

confederates throughout all their dominion,

1Mac 8:25

The people of the Jews shall help them, as the time shall be

appointed, with all their heart:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 8:29

According to these articles did the Romans make a covenant

with the people of the Jews.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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?

1Mac 8:32

If therefore they complain any more against thee, we will do

them justice, and fight with thee by sea and by land.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 9:3

Also the first month of the hundred fifty and second year

they encamped before Jerusalem:

1Mac 9:4

From whence they removed, and went to Berea, with twenty

thousand footmen and two thousand horsemen.

1Mac 9:5

Now Judas had pitched his tents at Eleasa, and three thousand

chosen men with him:

1Mac 9:6

Who seeing the multitude of the other army to he so great

were sore afraid; whereupon many conveyed themselves out of the

host, insomuch as abode of them no more but eight hundred men.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 9:12

As for Bacchides, he was in the right wing: so the host drew

near on the two parts, and sounded their trumpets.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 9:15

Who discomfited the right wing, and pursued them unto the

mount Azotus.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 9:17

Whereupon there was a sore battle, insomuch as many were

slain on both parts.

1Mac 9:18

Judas also was killed, and the remnant fled.

1Mac 9:19

THen Jonathan and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried

him in the sepulchre of his fathers in Modin.

1Mac 9:20

Moreover they bewailed him, and all Israel made great

lamentation for him, and mourned many days, saying,

1Mac 9:21

How is the valiant man fallen, that delivered Israel!

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 9:24

In those days also was there a very great famine, by reason

whereof the country revolted, and went with them.

1Mac 9:25

Then Bacchides chose the wicked men, and made them lords of

the country.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 9:28

For this cause all Judas' friends came together, and said

unto Jonathan,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 9:31

Upon this Jonathan took the governance upon him at that time,

and rose up instead of his brother Judas.

1Mac 9:32

But when Bacchides gat knowledge thereof, he sought for to

slay him

1Mac 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.

1Mac 9:34

Which when Bacchides understood, he came near to Jordan with

all his host upon the sabbath day.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 9:38

Therefore they remembered John their brother, and went up,

and hid themselves under the covert of the mountain:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 9:41

Thus was the marriage turned into mourning, and the noise of

their melody into lamentation.

1Mac 9:42

So when they had avenged fully the blood of their brother,

they turned again to the marsh of Jordan.

1Mac 9:43

Now when Bacchides heard hereof, he came on the sabbath day

unto the banks of Jordan with a great power.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 9:46

Wherefore cry ye now unto heaven, that ye may be delivered

from the hand of your enemies.

1Mac 9:47

With that they joined battle, and Jonathan stretched forth

his hand to smite Bacchides, but he turned back from him.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 9:49

So there were slain of Bacchides' side that day about a

thousand men.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 9:51

And in them he set a garrison, that they might work malice

upon Israel.

1Mac 9:52

He fortified also the city Bethsura, and Gazera, and the

tower, and put forces in them, and provision of victuals.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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

1Mac 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.

1Mac 9:56

So Alcimus died at that time with great torment.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 9:59

So they went and consulted with him.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 9:61

Wherefore they took of the men of the country, that were

authors of that mischief, about fifty persons, and slew them.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 9:63

Which thing when Bacchides knew, he gathered together all his

host, and sent word to them that were of Judea.

1Mac 9:64

Then went he and laid siege against Bethbasi; and they fought

against it a long season and made engines of war.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 9:66

And he smote Odonarkes and his brethren, and the children of

Phasiron in their tent.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 9:68

And fought against Bacchides, who was discomfited by them,

and they afflicted him sore: for his counsel and travail was in

vain.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 10:2

Now when king Demetrius heard thereof, he gathered together

an exceeding great host, and went forth against him to fight.

1Mac 10:3

Moreover Demetrius sent letters unto Jonathan with loving

words, so as he magnified him.

1Mac 10:4

For said he, Let us first make peace with him, before he join

with Alexander against us:

1Mac 10:5

Else he will remember all the evils that we have done against

him, and against his brethren and his people.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 10:8

Who were sore afraid, when they heard that the king had given

him authority to gather together an host.

1Mac 10:9

Whereupon they of the tower delivered their hostages unto

Jonathan, and he delivered them unto their parents.

1Mac 10:10

This done, Jonathan settled himself in Jerusalem, and began

to build and repair the city.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 10:12

Then the strangers, that were in the fortresses which

Bacchides had built, fled away;

1Mac 10:13

Insomuch as every man left his place, and went into his own

country.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 10:16

He said, Shall we find such another man? now therefore we

will make him our friend and confederate.

1Mac 10:17

Upon this he wrote a letter, and sent it unto him, according

to these words, saying,

1Mac 10:18

King Alexander to his brother Jonathan sendeth greeting:

1Mac 10:19

We have heard of thee, that thou art a man of great power,

and meet to be our friend.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 10:22

Whereof when Demetrius heard, he was very sorry, and said,

1Mac 10:23

What have we done, that Alexander hath prevented us in making

amity with the Jews to strengthen himself?

1Mac 10:24

I also will write unto them words of encouragement, and

promise them dignities and gifts, that I may have their aid.

1Mac 10:25

He sent unto them therefore to this effect: King Demetrius

unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 10:28

And will grant you many immunities, and give you rewards.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 10:31

Let Jerusalem also be holy and free, with the borders

thereof, both from tenths and tributes.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 10:35

Also no man shall have authority to meddle with or to molest

any of them in any matter.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 10:40

Moreover I give every year fifteen thousand shekels of silver

out of the king's accounts from the places appertaining.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 10:44

For the building also and repairing of the works of the

sanctuary expences shall be given of the king's accounts.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 10:48

Then gathered king Alexander great forces, and camped over

against Demetrius.

1Mac 10:49

And after the two kings had joined battle, Demetrius' host

fled: but Alexander followed after him, and prevailed against

them.

1Mac 10:50

And he continued the battle very sore until the sun went

down: and that day was Demetrius slain.

1Mac 10:51

Afterward Alexander sent ambassadors to Ptolemee king of

Egypt with a message to this effect:

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 10:57

So Ptolemee went out of Egypt with his daughter Cleopatra,

and they came unto Ptolemais in the hundred threescore and

second year:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 10:59

Now king Alexander had written unto Jonathan, that he should

come and meet him.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 10:62

Yea more than that, the king commanded to take off his

garments, and clothe him in purple: and they did so.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 10:64

Now when his accusers saw that he was honored according to

the proclamation, and clothed in purple, they fled all away.

1Mac 10:65

So the king honoured him, and wrote him among his chief

friends, and made him a duke, and partaker of his dominion.

1Mac 10:66

Afterward Jonathan returned to Jerusalem with peace and

gladness.

1Mac 10:67

Furthermore in the; hundred threescore and fifth year came

Demetrius son of Demetrius out of Crete into the land of his

fathers:

1Mac 10:68

Whereof when king Alexander heard tell, he was right sorry,

and returned into Antioch.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 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?

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 10:76

Then Jonathan laid siege unto it: whereupon they of the city

let him in for fear: and so Jonathan won Joppa.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 10:78

Then Jonathan followed after him to Azotus, where the armies

joined battle.

1Mac 10:79

Now Apollonius had left a thousand horsemen in ambush.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 10:81

But the people stood still, as Jonathan had commanded them:

and so the enemies' horses were tired.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 10:83

The horsemen also, being scattered in the field, fled to

Azotus, and went into Bethdagon, their idol's temple, for

safety.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 10:85

Thus there were burned and slain with the sword well nigh

eight thousand men.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 10:87

After this returned Jonathan and his host unto Jerusalem,

having any spoils.

1Mac 10:88

Now when king ALexander heard these things, he honoured

Jonathan yet more.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 11:3

Now as Ptolemee entered into the cities, he set in every one

of them a garrison of soldiers to keep it.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 11:5

Also they told the king whatsoever Jonathan had done, to the

intent he might blame him: but the king held his peace.

1Mac 11:6

Then Jonathan met the king with great pomp at Joppa, where

they saluted one another, and lodged.

1Mac 11:7

Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the king to the

river called Eleutherus, returned again to Jerusalem.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 11:10

For I repent that I gave my daughter unto him, for he sought

to slay me.

1Mac 11:11

Thus did he slander him, because he was desirous of his

kingdom.

1Mac 11:12

Wherefore he took his daughter from him, and gave her to

Demetrius, and forsook Alexander, so that their hatred was

openly known.

1Mac 11:13

Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he set two crowns

upon his head, the crown of Asia, and of Egypt.

1Mac 11:14

In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, because

those that dwelt in those parts had revolted from him.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 11:16

So Alexander fled into Arabia there to be defended; but king

Ptolemee was exalted:

1Mac 11:17

For Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander's head, and sent

it unto Ptolemee.

1Mac 11:18

King Ptolemee also died the third day after, and they that

were in the strong holds were slain one of another.

1Mac 11:19

By this means Demetrius reigned in the hundred threescore and

seventh year.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 11:21

Then came ungodly persons, who hated their own people, went

unto the king, and told him that Jonathan besieged the tower,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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.

1Mac 11:25

And though certain ungodly men of the people had made

complaints against him,

1Mac 11:26

Yet the king entreated him as his predecessors had done

before, and promoted him in the sight of all his friends,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 11:29

So the king consented, and wrote letters unto Jonathan of all

these things after this manner:

1Mac 11:30

King Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the nation

of the Jews, sendeth greeting:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 11:32

King Demetrius unto his father Lasthenes sendeth greeting:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 11:36

And nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth for

ever.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 11:43

Now therefore thou shalt do well, if thou send me men to help

me; for all my forces are gone from me.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 11:46

Wherefore the king fled into the court, but they of the city

kept the passages of the city, and began to fight.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 11:48

Also they set fire on the city, and gat many spoils that day,

and delivered the king.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 11:50

Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from assaulting us and

the city.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 11:52

So king Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the

land was quiet before him.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 11:54

After this returned Tryphon, and with him the young child

Antiochus, who reigned, and was crowned.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 11:56

Moreover Tryphon took the elephants, and won Antioch.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 11:59

His brother Simon also he made captain from the place called

The ladder of Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 11:64

He went to meet them, and left Simon his brother in the

country.

1Mac 11:65

Then Simon encamped against Bethsura and fought against it a

long season, and shut it up:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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.

1Mac 11:71

Then Jonathan rent his clothes, and cast earth upon his head,

and prayed.

1Mac 11:72

Afterwards turning again to battle, he put them to flight,

and so they ran away.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 11:74

So there were slain of the heathen that day about three

thousand men: but Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 12:2

He sent letters also to the Lacedemonians, and to other

places, for the same purpose.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 12:5

And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to

the Lacedemonians:

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 12:12

And we are right glad of your honour.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 12:14

Howbeit we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others

of our confederates and friends, in these wars:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 12:18

Wherefore now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto.

1Mac 12:19

And this is the copy of the letters which Oniares sent.

1Mac 12:20

Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest,

greeting:

1Mac 12:21

It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are

brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham:

1Mac 12:22

Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, ye shall

do well to write unto us of your prosperity.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 12:24

Now when Jonathan heard that Demebius' princes were come to

fight against him with a greater host than afore,

1Mac 12:25

He removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of

Amathis: for he gave them no respite to enter his country.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 12:29

Howbeit Jonathan and his company knew it not till the

morning: for they saw the lights burning.

1Mac 12:30

Then Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for

they were gone over the river Eleutherus.

1Mac 12:31

Wherefore Jonathan turned to the Arabians, who were called

Zabadeans, and smote them, and took their spoils.

1Mac 12:32

And removing thence, he came to Damascus, and so passed

through all the country,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 12:38

Simon also set up Adida in Sephela, and made it strong with

gates and bars.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 12:41

Then Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men

chosen for the battle, and came to Bethsan.

1Mac 12:42

Now when Tryphon saw Jonathan came with so great a force, he

durst not stretch his hand against him;

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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?

1Mac 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.

1Mac 12:46

So Jonathan believing him did as he bade him, and sent away

his host, who went into the land of Judea.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 12:49

Then sent Tryphon an host of footmen and horsemen into

Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan's

company.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 12:51

They therefore that followed upon them, perceiving that they

were ready to fight for their lives, turned back again.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 13:1

Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a

great host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it,

1Mac 13:2

And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he

went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 13:4

By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel's

sake, and I am left alone.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 13:7

Now as soon as the people heard these words, their spirit

revived.

1Mac 13:8

And they answered with a loud voice, saying, Thou shalt be

our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother.

1Mac 13:9

Fight thou our battles, and whatsoever, thou commandest us,

that will we do.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 13:12

So Tryphon removed from Ptolemaus with a great power to

invade the land of Judea, and Jonathan was with him in ward.

1Mac 13:13

But Simon pitched his tents at Adida, over against the plain.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 13:18

Who might have said, Because I sent him not the money and the

children, therefore is Jonathan dead.

1Mac 13:19

So he sent them the children and the hundred talents: howbeit

Tryphon dissembled neither would he let Jonathan go.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 13:23

And when he came near to Bascama he slew Jonathan, who was

buried there.

1Mac 13:24

Afterward Tryphon returned and went into his own land.

1Mac 13:25

Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother,

and buried them in Modin, the city of his fathers.

1Mac 13:26

And all Israel made great lamentation for him, and bewailed

him many days.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 13:28

Moreover he set up seven pyramids, one against another, for

his father, and his mother, and his four brethren.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 13:30

This is the sepulchre which he made at Modin, and it standeth

yet unto this day.

1Mac 13:31

Now Tryphon dealt deceitfully with the young king Antiochus,

and slew him.

1Mac 13:32

And he reigned in his stead, and crowned himself king of

Asia, and brought a great calamity upon the land.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 13:35

Unto whom king Demetrius answered and wrote after this

manner:

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 13:38

And whatsoever covenants we have made with you shall stand;

and the strong holds, which ye have builded, shall be your own.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 13:41

Thus the yoke of the heathen was taken away from Israel in

the hundred and seventieth year.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 13:44

And they that were in the engine leaped into the city;

whereupon there was a great uproar in the city:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 13:46

And they said, Deal not with us according to our wickedness,

but according to thy mercy.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 14:6

And enlarged the bounds of his nation, and recovered the

country,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 14:8

Then did they till their ground in peace, and the earth gave

her increase, and the trees of the field their fruit.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 14:11

He made peace in the land, and Israel rejoiced with great

joy:

1Mac 14:12

For every man sat under his vine and his fig tree, and there

was none to fray them:

1Mac 14:13

Neither was there any left in the land to fight against them:

yea, the kings themselves were overthrown in those days.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 14:15

He beautified the sanctuary, and multiplied vessels of the

temple.

1Mac 14:16

Now when it was heard at Rome, and as far as Sparta, that

Jonathan was dead, they were very sorry.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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:

1Mac 14:19

Which writings were read before the congregation at

Jerusalem.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 14:21

The ambassadors that were sent unto our people certified us

of your glory and honour: wherefore we were glad of their

coming,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 14:25

Whereof when the people heard, they said, What thanks shall

we give to Simon and his sons?

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 14:30

(For after that Jonathan, having gathered his nation

together, and been their high priest, was added to his people,

1Mac 14:31

Their enemies prepared to invade their country, that they

might destroy it, and lay hands on the sanctuary:

1Mac 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,

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.)

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 14:38

King Demetrius also confirmed him in the high priesthood

according to those things,

1Mac 14:39

And made him one of his friends, and honoured him with great

honour.

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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;

1Mac 14:45

And whosoever should do otherwise, or break any of these

things, he should be punished.

1Mac 14:46

Thus it liked all the people to deal with Simon, and to do as

hath been said.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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:

1Mac 15:5

Now therefore I confirm unto thee all the oblations which the

kings before me granted thee, and whatsoever gifts besides they

granted.

1Mac 15:6

I give thee leave also to coin money for thy country with

thine own stamp.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 15:8

And if anything be, or shall be, owing to the king, let it be

forgiven thee from this time forth for evermore.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 15:11

Wherefore being pursued by king Antiochus, he fled unto Dora,

which lieth by the sea side:

1Mac 15:12

For he saw that troubles came upon him all at once, and that

his forces had forsaken him.

1Mac 15:13

Then camped Antiochus against Dora, having with him an

hundred and twenty thousand men of war, and eight thousand

horsemen.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 15:16

Lucius, consul of the Romans unto king Ptolemee, greeting:

1Mac 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:

1Mac 15:18

And they brought a shield of gold of a thousand pound.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 15:20

It seemed also good to us to receive the shield of them.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 15:22

The same things wrote he likewise unto Demetrius the king,

and Attalus, to Ariarathes, and Arsaces,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 15:24

And the copy hereof they wrote to Simon the high priest.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 15:26

At that time Simon sent him two thousand chosen men to aid

him; silver also, and gold, and much armour.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 15:34

Wherefore we, having opportunity, hold the inheritance of our

fathers.

1Mac 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;

1Mac 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.

1Mac 15:37

In the mean time fled Tryphon by ship unto Orthosias.

1Mac 15:38

Then the king made Cendebeus captain of the sea coast, and

gave him an host of footmen and horsemen,

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 16:1

Then came up John from Gazera, and told Simon his father what

Cendebeus had done.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 16:11

Moreover in the plain of Jericho was Ptolemeus the son of

Abubus made captain, and he had abundance of silver and gold:

1Mac 16:12

For he was the high priest's son in law.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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:

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 16:17

In which doing he committed a great treachery, and

recompensed evil for good.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 16:20

And others he sent to take Jerusalem, and the mountain of the

temple.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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.

1Mac 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,

1Mac 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

2Mac 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:

2Mac 1:2

God be gracious unto you, and remember his covenant that he

made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, his faithful servants;

2Mac 1:3

And give you all an heart to serve him, and to do his will,

with a good courage and a willing mind;

2Mac 1:4

And open your hearts in his law and commandments, and send

you peace,

2Mac 1:5

And hear your prayers, and be at one with you, and never

forsake you in time of trouble.

2Mac 1:6

And now we be here praying for you.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 1:9

And now see that ye keep the feast of tabernacles in the

month Casleu.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 1:11

Insomuch as God hath delivered us from great perils, we thank

him highly, as having been in battle against a king.

2Mac 1:12

For he cast them out that fought within the holy city.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 1:17

Blessed be our God in all things, who hath delivered up the

ungodly.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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;

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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:

2Mac 1:26

Receive the sacrifice for thy whole people Israel, and

preserve thine own portion, and sanctify it.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 1:28

Punish them that oppress us, and with pride do us wrong.

2Mac 1:29

Plant thy people again in thy holy place, as Moses hath

spoken.

2Mac 1:30

And the priests sung psalms of thanksgiving.

2Mac 1:31

Now when the sacrifice was consumed, Neemias commanded the

water that was left to be poured on the great stones.

2Mac 1:32

When this was done, there was kindled a flame: but it was

consumed by the light that shined from the altar.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 1:34

Then the king, inclosing the place, made it holy, after he

had tried the matter.

2Mac 1:35

And the king took many gifts, and bestowed thereof on those

whom he would gratify.

2Mac 1:36

And Neemias called this thing Naphthar, which is as much as

to say, a cleansing: but many men call it Nephi.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 2:3

And with other such speeches exhorted he them, that the law

should not depart from their hearts.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 2:6

And some of those that followed him came to mark the way, but

they could not find it.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 2:9

It was also declared, that he being wise offered the

sacrifice of dedication, and of the finishing of the temple.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 2:11

And Moses said, Because the sin offering was not to be eaten,

it was consumed.

2Mac 2:12

So Solomon kept those eight days.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 2:15

Wherefore if ye have need thereof, send some to fetch them

unto you.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 2:19

Now as concerning Judas Maccabeus, and his brethren, and the

purification of the great temple, and the dedication of the

altar,

2Mac 2:20

And the wars against Antiochus Epiphanes, and Eupator his

son,

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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:

2Mac 2:23

All these things, I say, being declared by Jason of Cyrene in

five books, we will assay to abridge in one volume.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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;

2Mac 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;

2Mac 2:28

Leaving to the author the exact handling of every particular,

and labouring to follow the rules of an abridgement.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 2:31

But to use brevity, and avoid much labouring of the work, is

to be granted to him that will make an abridgment.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 3:2

It came to pass that even the kings themselves did honour the

place, and magnify the temple with their best gifts;

2Mac 3:3

Insomuch that Seleucus of Asia of his own revenues bare all

the costs belonging to the service of the sacrifices.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 3:10

Then the high priest told him that there was such money laid

up for the relief of widows and fatherless children:

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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 he kept, that they should

safely be preserved for such as had committed them to be kept.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 3:18

Others ran flocking out of their houses to the general

supplication, because the place was like to come into contempt.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 3:20

And all, holding their hands toward heaven, made

supplication.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 3:23

Nevertheless Heliodorus executed that which was decreed.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 3:29

For he by the hand of God was cast down, and lay speechless

without all hope of life.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 3:36

Then testified he to all men the works of the great God,

which he had seen with his eyes.

2Mac 3:37

And when the king Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to be

sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he said,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 3:40

And the things concerning Heliodorus, and the keeping of the

treasury, fell out on this sort.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 4:3

But when their hatred went so far, that by one of Simon's

faction murders were committed,

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 4:8

Promising unto the king by intercession three hundred and

threescore talents of silver, and of another revenue eighty

talents:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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;

2Mac 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;

2Mac 4:15

Not setting by the honours of their fathers, but liking the

glory of the Grecians best of all.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 4:18

Now when the game that was used every faith year was kept at

Tyrus, the king being present,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 4:26

Then Jason, who had undermined his own brother, being

undermined by another, was compelled to flee into the country of

the Ammonites.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 4:28

For unto him appertained the gathering of the customs.

Wherefore they were both called before the king.

2Mac 4:29

Now Menelaus left his brother Lysimachus in his stead in the

priesthood; and Sostratus left Crates, who was governor of the

Cyprians.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 4:31

Then came the king in all haste to appease matters, leaving

Andronicus, a man in authority, for his deputy.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 4:33

Which when Onias knew of a surety, he reproved him, and

withdrew himself into a sanctuary at Daphne, that lieth by

Antiochia.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 4:43

Of these matters therefore there was an accusation laid

against Menelaus.

2Mac 4:44

Now when the king came to Tyrus, three men that were sent

from the senate pleaded the cause before him:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 4:49

Wherefore even they of Tyrus, moved with hatred of that

wicked deed, caused them to be honourably buried.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 5:1

About the same time Antiochus prepared his second voyage into

Egypt:

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 5:4

Wherefore every man prayed that that apparition might turn to

good.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 5:13

Thus there was killing of young and old, making away of men,

women, and children, slaying of virgins and infants.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 5:19

Nevertheless God did not choose the people for the place's

sake, but the place far the people's sake.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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;

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 6:3

The coming in of this mischief was sore and grievous to the

people:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 6:5

The altar also was filled with profane things, which the law

forbiddeth.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 6:13

For it is a token of his great goodness, when wicked doers

are not suffered any long time, but forthwith punished.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 6:15

Lest that, being come to the height of sin, afterwards he

should take vengeance of us.

2Mac 6:16

And therefore he never withdraweth his mercy from us: and

though he punish with adversity, yet doth he never forsake his

people.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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;

2Mac 6:22

That in so doing he might be delivered from death, and for

the old friendship with them find favour.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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;

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 6:27

Wherefore now, manfully changing this life, I will shew

myself such an one as mine age requireth,

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 7:3

Then the king, being in a rage, commanded pans and caldrons

to be made hot:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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?

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 7:13

Now when this man was dead also, they tormented and mangled

the fourth in like manner.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 7:15

Afterward they brought the fifth also, and mangled him.

2Mac 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;

2Mac 7:17

But abide a while, and behold his great power, how he will

torment thee and thy seed.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 7:19

But think not thou, that takest in hand to strive against

God, that thou shalt escape unpunished.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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;

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 7:26

And when he had exhorted her with many words, she promised

him that she would counsel her son.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 7:31

And thou, that hast been the author of all mischief against

the Hebrews, shalt not escape the hands of God.

2Mac 7:32

For we suffer because of our sins.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 7:35

For thou hast not yet escaped the judgment of Almighty God,

who seeth all things.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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;

2Mac 7:38

And that in me and my brethren the wrath of the Almighty,

which is justly brought upon our nation, may cease.

2Mac 7:39

Than the king' being in a rage, handed him worse than all the

rest, and took it grievously that he was mocked.

2Mac 7:40

So this man died undefiled, and put his whole trust in the

Lord.

2Mac 7:41

Last of all after the sons the mother died.

2Mac 7:42

Let this be enough now to have spoken concerning the

idolatrous feasts, and the extreme tortures.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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;

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 8:13

They that were fearful, and distrusted the justice of God,

fled, and conveyed themselves away.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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;

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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;

2Mac 8:25

And took their money that came to buy them, and pursued them

far: but lacking time they returned:

2Mac 8:26

For it was the day before the sabbath, and therefore they

would no longer pursue them.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 8:32

They slew also Philarches, that wicked person, who was with

Timotheus, and had annoyed the Jews many ways.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 8:34

As for that most ungracious Nicanor, who had brought a

thousand merchants to buy the Jews,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 9:1

About that time came Antiochus with dishonour out of the

country of Persia

2Mac 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.

2Mac 9:3

Now when he came to Ecbatane, news was brought him what had

happened unto Nicanor and Timotheus.

2Mac 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 Jew

2Mac 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;

2Mac 9:6

And that most justly: for he had tormented other men's bowels

with many and strange torments.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 9:13

This wicked person vowed also unto the Lord, who now no more

would have mercy upon him, saying thus,

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 9:19

Antiochus, king and governor, to the good Jews his citizens

wisheth much joy, health, and prosperity:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 9:22

Not distrusting mine health, but having great hope to escape

this sickness.

2Mac 9:23

But considering that even my father, at what time he led an

army into the high countries. appointed a successor,

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 9:27

For I am persuaded that he understanding my mind will

favourably and graciously yield to your desires.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 10:1

Now Maccabeus and his company, the Lord guiding them,

recovered the temple and the city:

2Mac 10:2

But the altars which the heathen had built in the open

street, and also the chapels, they pulled down.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 10:9

And this was the end of Antiochus, called Epiphanes.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 10:14

But when Gorgias was governor of the holds, he hired

soldiers, and nourished war continually with the Jews:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 10:22

So he slew those that were found traitors, and immediately

took the two castles.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 10:31

And there were slain of footmen twenty thousand and five

hundred, and six hundred horsemen.

2Mac 10:32

As for Timotheus himself, he fled into a very strong hold,

called Gawra, where Chereas was governor.

2Mac 10:33

But they that were with Maccabeus laid siege against the

fortress courageously four days.

2Mac 10:34

And they that were within, trusting to the strength of the

place, blasphemed exceedingly, and uttered wicked words.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 10:37

And killed Timotheus, that was hid in a certain pit, and

Chereas his brother, with Apollophanes.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 11:8

And as they were at Jerusalem, there appeared before them on

horseback one in white clothing, shaking his armour of gold.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 11:10

Thus they marched forward in their armour, having an helper

from heaven: for the Lord was merciful unto them

2Mac 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.

2Mac 11:12

Many of them also being wounded escaped naked; and Lysias

himself fled away shamefully, and so escaped.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 11:16

For there were letters written unto the Jews from Lysias to

this effect: Lysias unto the people of the Jews sendeth

greeting:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 11:20

But of the particulars I have given order both to these and

the other that came from me, to commune with you.

2Mac 11:21

Fare ye well. The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the

four and twentieth day of the month Dioscorinthius.

2Mac 11:22

Now the king's letter contained these words: King Antiochus

unto his brother Lysias sendeth greeting:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 11:28

If ye fare well, we have our desire; we are also in good

health.

2Mac 11:29

Menelaus declared unto us, that your desire was to return

home, and to follow your own business:

2Mac 11:30

Wherefore they that will depart shall have safe conduct till

the thirtieth day of Xanthicus with security.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 11:32

I have sent also Menelaus, that he may comfort you.

2Mac 11:33

Fare ye well. In the hundred forty and eighth year, and the

fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 11:35

Whatsoever Lysias the king's cousin hath granted, therewith

we also are well pleased.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 11:37

Therefore send some with speed, that we may know what is your

mind.

2Mac 11:38

Farewell. This hundred and eight and fortieth year, the

fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.

2Mac 12:1

When these covenants were made, Lysias went unto the king,

and the Jews were about their husbandry.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 12:5

When Judas heard of this cruelty done unto his countrymen, he

commanded those that were with him to make them ready.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 12:8

But when he heard that the Jamnites were minded to do in like

manner unto the Jews that dwelt among them,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 12:17

Then departed they from thence seven hundred and fifty

furlongs, and came to Characa unto the Jews that are called

Tubieni.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 12:23

Judas also was very earnest in pursuing them, killing those

wicked wretches, of whom he slew about thirty thousand men.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 12:26

Then Maccabeus marched forth to Carnion, and to the temple of

Atargatis, and there he slew five and twenty thousand persons.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 12:29

From thence they departed to Scythopolis, which lieth six

hundred furlongs from Jerusalem,

2Mac 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;

2Mac 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.

2Mac 12:32

And after the feast, called Pentecost, they went forth

against Gorgias the governor of Idumea,

2Mac 12:33

Who came out with three thousand men of foot and four hundred

horsemen.

2Mac 12:34

And it happened that in their fighting together a few of the

Jews were slain.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 12:41

All men therefore praising the Lord, the righteous Judge, who

had opened the things that were hid,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 13:1

In the hundred forty and ninth year it was told Judas, that

Antiochus Eupator was coming with a great power into Judea,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 13:6

And whosoever was condemned of sacrilege, or had committed

any other grievous crime, there did all men thrust him unto

death.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 13:16

And at last they filled the camp with fear and tumult, and

departed with good success.

2Mac 13:17

This was done in the break of the day, because the protection

of the Lord did help him.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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:

2Mac 13:20

For Judas had conveyed unto them that were in it such things

as were necessary.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 13:22

The king treated with them in Bethsum the second time, gave

his hand, took their's, departed, fought with Judas, was

overcome;

2Mac 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,

2Mac 13:24

And accepted well of Maccabeus, made him principal governor

from Ptolemais unto the Gerrhenians;

2Mac 13:25

Came to Ptolemais: the people there were grieved for the

covenants; for they stormed, because they would make their

covenants void:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 14:2

Had taken the country, and killed Antiochus, and Lysias his

protector.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 14:7

Therefore I, being deprived of mine ancestors' honour, I mean

the high priesthood, am now come hither:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 14:10

For as long as Judas liveth, it is not possible that the

state should be quiet.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 14:12

And forthwith calling Nicanor, who had been master of the

elephants, and making him governor over Judea, he sent him

forth,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 14:14

Then the heathen, that had fled out of Judea from Judas, came

to Nicanor by flocks, thinking the harm and calamities ot the

Jews to be their welfare.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 14:16

So at the commandment of the captain they removed

straightways from thence, and came near unto them at the town of

Dessau.

2Mac 14:17

Now Simon, Judas' brother, had joined battle with Nicanor,

but was somewhat discomfited through the sudden silence of his

enemies.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 14:19

Wherefore he sent Posidonius, and Theodotus, and Mattathias,

to make peace.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 14:23

Now Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no hurt, but sent

away the people that came flocking unto him.

2Mac 14:24

And he would not willingly have Judas out of his sight: for

he love the man from his heart

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 14:29

But because there was no dealing against the king, he watched

his time to accomplish this thing by policy.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 14:32

And when they sware that they could not tell where the man

was whom he sought,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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;

2Mac 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:

2Mac 14:36

Therefore now, O holy Lord of all holiness, keep this house

ever undefiled, which lately was cleansed, and stop every

unrighteous mouth.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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:

2Mac 14:40

For he thought by taking him to do the Jews much hurt.

2Mac 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;

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 14:44

But they quickly giving back, and a space being made, he fell

down into the midst of the void place.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 15:4

And when they said, There is in heaven a living Lord, and

mighty, who commanded the seventh day to be kept:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 15:7

But Maccabeus had ever sure confidence that the Lord would

help him:

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 15:15

Whereupon Jeremias holding forth his right hand gave to Judas

a sword of gold, and in giving it spake thus,

2Mac 15:16

Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with the which thou

shalt wound the adversaries.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 15:19

Also they that were in the city took not the least care,

being troubled for the conflict abroad.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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:

2Mac 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:

2Mac 15:23

Wherefore now also, O Lord of heaven, send a good angel

before us for a fear and dread unto them;

2Mac 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.

2Mac 15:25

Then Nicanor and they that were with him came forward with

trumpets and songs.

2Mac 15:26

But Judas and his company encountered the enemies with

invocation and prayer.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 15:28

Now when the battle was done, returning again with joy, they

knew that Nicanor lay dead in his harness.

2Mac 15:29

Then they made a great shout and a noise, praising the

Almighty in their own language.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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,

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 15:34

So every man praised toward the heaven the glorious Lord,

saying, Blessed be he that hath kept his own place undefiled.

2Mac 15:35

He hanged also Nicanor's head upon the tower, an evident and

manifest sign unto all of the help of the Lord.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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.

2Mac 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 mg 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 te 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 kn ew 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 faithfu1l 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: fir 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. ing.

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 then1: 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 the Project Gutenberg Etext of Deuterocanonical Books of the Bible

also known as the Apocrypha [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.]