Third Book of Esdras
"help" From the Hebrew
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Chapter 1
And Josias held the feast of
Easter in Jerusalem unto the Lord, and slew the Passover the
fourteenth day of the first month. He set the Priests also in order
( according to their daily courses ) being arrayed in long garments
in the temple of the Lord. 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 builded, and said: Ye shall no more
bear the ark upon your shoulders. Now serve your Lord, and take the
charge of his people of Israel, after your villages and tribes:
according as King David the King of Israel hath ordained, and
according as Solomon his son hath honorably prepared: yee look that
ye all do service in the temple, according to the ordering and
distribution of the principal men which are appointed out of the
tribes, to do service for the children of Israel. Kill the Passover,
and prepare offerings for your brethren, and do according to the
commandment of the Lord, which he gave unto Moses. And unto the
people that was found Josias gave thirty thousand of sheep, lambs,
kids, and goats, and three thousand oxen. These the King ( of his
kingly liberality ) gave unto the people, according as he had
promised: and to the Priests for the Passover, he gave two thousand
sheep, and a hundred oxen. Moreover, Jechonias and Semeias, and
Nathanael brethren, and Hasabias, Jehiel, and Josabad gave them to
the Passover, five thousand sheep and five hundred bullocks.
And when these things were brought to pass, the Priests and
the Levites stood goodly in their order, and had the unleavened
bread throughout the tribes. And after the ordering of the principal
men in the tribes, they offered unto the Lord in the sight of the
people, according as it is written in the book of Moses, and so they
roasted the Easter lamb as according was. As for the thankofferings
and the other, they *dight them in kettles and pots, and set them
before the people with good will, and afterward before themselves,
and the Priests. For the Priests offered the fat, until the time was
expired, but the Levites prepared for themselves and for their
brethren the children of Aaron. The singers also the children of
Asaph stood in their order, according as David had devised. So did
Asaph, Zachary and Jduthun, which were appointed by the king.
Moreover the porters and door keepers stood by the doors and
diligently, so that none went out of his standing and service: for
their brethren ( the Levites ) prepared for them. Thus were all
things performed, that belonged to the offering of the Lord. In that
day they held the Passover, and offered thanksgivings beside the
sacrifice of the Lord, according to the commandment of king Josias.
So the children of Israel which were then present held an
honorable Passover, and the feast of sweet bread seven days long.
Yee such a Passover was not kept in Israel from the time of the
Prophet Samuel. And all the kings of Israel held not such an Easter,
as this which king Josias held, and the priests and the Levites, the
Jews and all Israel, of aliens that were at Jerusalem. And in the
eighteenth year of the reign of Josias was this passover kept. And
with a perfect heart did king Josias order all his works, before the
Lord, and the things that were written of him in times past,
concerning those that sinned and were ungodly against the Lord
before all people, and that sought not the word of the Lord upon
Israel. After all these acts of king Josias, Pharao the king of
Egypt went up and came toward Carcamis by Euphrates, and Josias went
to meet him. Then sent the king of Egypt unto Josias saying: What
have I to do with thee, O king of Juda? I am not sent of the Lord to
fight against thee, for my war is upon Euphrates, go thou thy way
home again in all hast. And Josias would not turn again upon his
chariot, but undertook to fight against him, and hearkened not unto
the word of the prophet, which he told him out of the mouth of God,
But pitched a battle against him in the field of Mageddo. And the
princes pressed to king Josias. Then said the king unto his
servants: Carry me away out of the battle, for I am sore wounded.
And immediately his servants took him away out of the front of the
battle. Then sat he up upon the second chariot, came to Jerusalem,
died, and was buried in his fathers sepulchre. And in all Jewry they
mourned for Josias, yea the rulers also with their wives made
lamentation for him unto this day: And this was done ever still in
Israel.
These things are written in the book of the stories of the
kings of Judah, namely, all the acts and works of king Josias, his
kingly power and majesty, his understanding in the law of God, and
what he did, yee things which are not written in the book of the
kings of Israel and Juda. And the people took Jechonias the son of
Josias and made him King instead of Josias his father, when he was
thirty three years old. And he reigned over Israel three months. And
the king of Egypt put him down, that he should not reign in
Jerusalem, and raised up a tax of the people: namely, an hundred
talents of silver and one talent of gold. The king of Egypt also
made Joachim his brother king of Juda and Jerusalem. As for them of
the kings counsel with the king himself and Zaraceles his brother,
he took them, and carried them away prisoners into Egypt. Five and
twenty years old was Joachim, when he was made king in the land of
Juda and Jerusalem, and he did evil before the Lord. After this,
Nabuchodonosor the King of Babylon came up, bound him with bands of
iron, and carried him unto Babylon. Nabuchodonosor also took all the
vessels that were hallowed in the temple of the Lord, and all the
jewels, and carried them unto Babylon. Of his uncleanness and
ungodliness, it is written in the book of the acts of the kings. And
Joachim his son reigned in his stead: He was made king being
eighteen years old, and reigned but three months and ten days in
Jerusalem, and did evil before the Lord. So after a year
Nabuchodonosor sent and caused him to be brought unto Babylon with
the holy vessels of the Lord, and made Sedechias his brother king of
Juda and Jerusalem, when he was twenty one years old: and he reigned
eleven years.
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 at the
mouth of the Lord. And where as he made an oath unto king
Nabuchodonosor, he manswore himself, and fell from him having a
stiff neck and a heart, and transgressed all the statutes and
ordinances of the Lord God of Israel. The rulers also and heads of
the people of the Lord did much evil, and became ungodly more than
the Heathen, being defiled in all manner of abominations: Yee and
defiled the holy temple of the Lord at Jerusalem. And the God of
their fathers sent his messengers unto them, to turn them back and
call then again from their sins: for he would faine (obligated /
willing, happily) spared them for his holy tabernacles sake
Nevertheless, they had his messengers in derision (contempt): and
look what God spake unto them by his prophets, they made but sport
of it. This drew on so long till the lord was wroth with his people
for their ungodliness, and till he caused the kings of the Caldees
to come up, which slew their young men with the sword, yee even in
the compass of their holy temple, and spared nobody, neither young
ner old, neither maiden ner young man: but they were all deliver
into the power of the kings of the Caldees, and all the holy vessels
of the Lord and the kings treasures took they, and carried them away
unto Babylon. As for the house of the Lord, they burnt it, and brake
down the walls of Jerusalem, set fire upon her towers, destroyed all
her noble buildings and brought them to nought, and the people that
were not slain with the sword, they carried unto Babylon.
Thus became they prisoners and bondmen of the king of Babylon,
till they were delivered and reigned for themselves, when the words
of the Lord were fulfilled, which he promised them by the mouth of
the prophet Jeremy, and till the land had her rest: namely, all the
time that it lay waste: had it rest and quietness seventy seven
years.
*dight (boiled)
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Chapter 2
Now when king
Cyrus king reigned over the Persians, and when the Lord would
perform the word that he had promised by the mouth of the prophet
Jeremy: the Lord raised up the spirit of Cyrus, the king of the
Persians, so that he caused this writing to be proclamation
throughout his whole realm, saying: Thus saith the king of Persians:
The Lord of Israel, that high Lord, hath made me king of the land,
and commanded me to build him an house at Jerusalem in Jewry. If
there be any now of your people, the Lord be with him, and go up
with him to Jerusalem. And all they that dwell round about the
place, shall help them, whether it be with gold, with silver, with
gifts, with horses and necessary cattle, and all other things that
are brought with a free will to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem.
Then the principal men out of the tribes and villages Juda and
Ben Jamin stood up: so did the priests also and the Levites ( whom
the Lord had moved ) to go up, and to build the house of the Lord at
Jerusalem. And they that were about them, and helped them with all
manner of gold, and silver, and cattle also and with many liberal
gifts, and this did many one, whose mind was stirred up thereto.
King Cyrus also brought forth the vessels and ornaments, that were
hallowed unto the Lord ( which Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon
had carried away from Jerusalem, and consecrated them to his Idol
and image ) and delivered them to Mithridatus his treasurer, and by
him they were delivered to Salmanasar the deputy in Jewry. And this
was the number of them: Two thousand and four hundred silver bowls.
thirty silver basins. thirty basins of gold. two thousand and four
hundred vessels of silver, and a thousand beside. All the vessels of
gold and silver were five thousand eight hundred and sixty. These
were numbered unto Salmanasar, and them that were come again with
him to Jerusalem out of the captivity of Babylon. Now in the time of
King Artaxerses the king of Persia, these men: Belemus, and
Mithridatus, Sabellius, Rathim, Balthemus, Semelius the Scribe, and
other that dwelt in Samaria and in other places under the dominion
thereof, wrote a letter unto King Artaxerses, wherein they
complained unto the King of them in Jewry and Jerusalem. The letter
was after this manner:
Sir, thy servants, Rathimus the story writer, Sabellius the
Scribe, and other judges of the court in Celosyria and Phenices. Be
it known and manifest to our Lord the king, that the Jews which are
come up from you unto us into the rebellious and wicked city, begin
to build it again, and the walls about it, and to set up the temple
of the new. Now if this city and the walls thereof be set up again,
they shall not only refuse to give tributes and taxes, but also
rebel utterly against the King. And forasmuch as they take this in
hand now about the temple, we thought it reason, to think no scorn
of it, but to show it unto our Lord the King, and to certify him
thereof: to the intent that if it please the King, he may cause it
to be sought in the books of old: and thou shalt find such warning
written, and shall understand, that this city hath all ways been
rebellious and disobedient, that it hath subdued Kings and cities,
and that the Jews that dwell therein, have ever been a rebellious,
obstinate, unfaithful, and fighting people, for the which cause this
city is wasted. Wherefore now we certify our Lord the King, that if
this city be builded and occupied again, and the walls thereof set
up anew, thou canst have no passage into Celosyria and Phenices.
Then wrote the king to Rathimus the story writer, to
Beelthenius, to Sabellius the Scribe, and to the other officers and
dwellers in Syria and Phenices, after this manner: I have read the
epistle which thou have sent unto me, and have commanded to make
diligent search, and have found, that the city hath ever resisted
Kings, that the same people are disobedient, and have caused much
war, and that mighty kings reigned in Jerusalem, which also have
raised up taxes of Syria and Phenices. Wherefore I have commanded
those people, that they shall not build the city, that they make no
more in it, and that they proceed no further with the building: for
so much as it might be the cause of war, and displeasure unto Kings.
Now when Rathimus and Sabellius the Scribe, and the rulers in
the land had read the writing of King Artarerses, they get them
together, and came in all hast to Jerusalem with an host of
horsemen, and with much people of foot, and forbade them to build.
And so they left from the building of the temple, unto the second
year of King Darius.
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Chapter 3
King Darius made a great feast
unto his servants, unto all his court, and to all the officers of
Medea and Persia, yee to all the deputies and rulers that were under
him, from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty seven countries. So
when they had eaten and drunken being satisfied, and were gone home
again. Darius the King went into his chamber, layed him down to
sleep, and so awaked.
Then three young men, that kept the Kings person, and watched
his body communed among themselves, and spake one to another: Let
every one of us say something, and look whos sentence is wiser and
more excellent then the other unto him shall King Darius give great
gifts, and cloth him in purple. He shall give him vessels of gold to
drink in, clothes of gold and coverings: he shall make him a costly
chariot and a bridle of gold, he shall give him a bonnet of white
silk, and a chain of gold about his neck: yee he shall be the second
and principal next unto King Darius and that because of his wisdom,
and shall be called the Kings kinsman.
So every one wrote his meaning sealed it, and laid it under
the Kings pillow, and said: when the king ariseth, we will give him
our writings: and look whose word the King and his chief Lords judge
to be the most wisely spoken, the same shall the victory. One wrote:
Wine is a strong thing. The second wrote: The king is stronger. The
third wrote: Women have yet more strength, but above all things the
truth beareth away the victory. Now when the king was risen up, they
took their writings and delivered them unto him, and so he read
them. Then sent he forth and called all his chief lords, all the
deputies and rulers of the countries of Medea and Persia. And when
they were set down in the counsel, the writings were read before
them. And he commanded to call for the young men that they might
declare their meanings themselves by mouth. So when they were sent
for, and came in, the King said unto them: show us and make us to
understand, what the things are that ye have written.
Then began the first, ( which had spoken of the strength of
wine ) and said: O ye men, wine is marvelous strong, and over cometh
them that drink it: it decieveth the mind, and bringeth both the
poor man and the King to *dotage and vanity. Thus doth it also the
bondman and with the free, with the poor and rich: it taketh away
then understanding, and make them careless and merry, so that none
of them remembereth any heaviness, debt or duty: It causeth a man to
think also that the thing which he doeth, is honest and good: and
remembereth not that he is a King, nor that he is in authority, and
that he ought not to do such things. Moreover, when men are
drinking, they forget all friendship, all brotherly faithfulness and
love: but as soon as they are drunken, they draw out the sword and
will fight: and when they are layed down from the wine, and so risen
up again, they can not tell what they did: judge ye now, is not wine
the wine the strongest? For who would else take in hand to do such
things? And when he had spoken this he held his tongue.
*dotage (unfamiliar affection)
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Chapter 4
Then the second which had said,
that the king was stronger, began to speak, saying: O ye men, are
not they the strongest and most excellent, that conquer the land and
the sea, and all that is in the sea and in the earth? Now is the
King lord of all these things, and hath dominion of them all: and
look what he commandeth is done. If he send his men forth a warfare,
they go, and break down hills, walls and towns. They are slain, and
slay ( other men ) themselves, and overpass not the Kings word. If
they get the victory they bring the King all the spoil. Like wise
the other that meddle not with wars and fighting, but till the
ground: when they reap, they bring tribute unto the King. And if the
King alone do but command to kill, they kill: if he command to
forgive, they forgive: If he command to smite, they smite: if he
command to drive away, they drive away: if he command to build, they
build: If he command to break down, they break down: if he command
to plant, they plant. The common people and the rulers are obedient
unto him. And the King in the mean season sitteth him down, eateth,
and drinketh, and taketh his rest: Then keep they watch round about
the King, and not one of them dare get him out of the way, to do his
own business, but must be obedient unto the King at a word. Judge ye
now, O ye men, how should not he go far above, unto whom men are
this obedient? And when he had spoken this, he held his tongue. The
third whose name was Zorobabel, which had spoken of women and of
truth, began to say after this manner: O ye men, it is not the great
king, it is not the multitude of men, neither is it wine that
excelleth: Who is it then that hath the lordship over them? Have not
women borne the king, and all the people that rule those things?
Have not women born them, and brought them up, that plant the vines,
where out the wine cometh? They make the garments for all men, they
give honor unto all men, and without women can not men live. If they
gather gold and silver and all precious things, and see a fair well
favored woman, they leave all together, and turn their eyes only
unto the woman, and gape upon her, and have more desire unto her,
then unto the silver and gold, or any manner of precious thing. A
man leaveth his father that brought him up, he leaveth his own
natural country, and cleaveth unto the woman: yee he jeopardizeth
his life with the woman, and remembereth neither father, ner mother,
ner country. By this then yee must needs know, that women have the
dominion over you. Doth it grieve you? A man taketh his sword, and
goeth his way to steal, to kill, to murder to sail upon the sea, and
seeth a lion, and goeth in the darkness: and when he hath stolen,
deceived and robbed, he bringeth it unto his love. Again, a man
loveth his wife better then father and mother: yee many one there
be, that run out of their wits, and become bondmen for their wives
sakes: many one also have perished, and have been slain, and have
sinned because of women.
And now believe me, I know a King which is great in his power,
and all lands stand in awe of him, and no man dare lay hand upon
him: yet did I see, that Apame (the daughter of the great King
Bartacus ) the Kings concubine, sat beside the King upon the right
hand, and took off his crown from his head, and set it upon her own
head, and smote the King with her left hand. Moreover, the King
looked upon her with open mouth: if she laughed upon him, he laughed
also: but if she took any displeasure with him, the King was *faine
to flatter her, and to give her good words, till he had gotten her
favor again.
O ye men, are not women then stronger? Great is the earth, and
high is the heaven that do these things. Then the King and the
Princes looked one upon another. So he began to speak of the truth:
O ye men, are not women stronger? Great is the earth, high is the
heaven, swift is the course of the sun, he compasses the heaven
round about, and fetcheth his course again to his own place in one
day. Is he not excellent that doeth this? Yee great is the truth,
and stronger than all things. All the earth calleth upon the truth,
the heaven praiseth it, all works shake and tremble at it, and with
it is no unrighteous thing. Wine is unrighteous: the King is
unrighteous: women are unrighteous: all the children of men are
unrighteous, yee all their works are unrighteous, and there is no
truth in them, in their unrighteousness also shall they be destroyed
and perish. As for the truth, it endureth, and is all way strong: it
liveth and conquereth for evermore world with out end.
The truth accepteth no persons, it putteth no difference
between rich or poor, between the mighty or simple, but doeth right
unto every man, whether they be evil or good, and all men are
lovingly dealt with all in the works of it. In the judgement of it
there is no unrighteous thing, but strength, Kingdom and power and
majesty for evermore. Blessed be the God of truth.
And with that he held his tongue, and all the people cried and
said: Great is truth, and above all. Then said the king unto him:
Ask what thou wilt, more than is appointed in the writing, and I
shall give it thee, for thou art found wiser than thy companions:
thou shalt sit next me, and be my kinsman. Then said he unto the
king: Remember thy promise and vow, which thou hast vowed and
promised ( in the day when thou camest to the Kingdom ) to build up
Jerusalem, and to send again all the vessels and Jewels, that were
taken away out of Jerusalem: which Cyrus separated, when he offered
in Babylon, and would send them again. And thy mind was to build up
the temple, which the Edomites burnt, when Jerusalem was destroyed
by the Caldees. This only ( O King ) is the thing that I require,
this is the majesty, which I desire and ask of thee: that thou
perform the vow, which thou with thine own mouth hast made unto the
King of heaven.
Then Darius the King stood up, and kissed him, and wrote a
letter unto all the deputies and *Shreves, to all the Lords and
nobles, that they should convey him forth, and all them that would
go up with him. He wrote a letter also unto the Shreves that were in
Celosyria and Phenices, and unto Libanus, that they should draw
cedar trees from Libanus unto Jerusalem, to build the city with all.
Moreover he wrote unto all the Jews that were gone out of his realm
into Jewry, because of the freedom, that no officer, no ruler, nor
Shreve, **should come to their doors: and that all their land which
they had conquered, should be free and not tributary: And that the
Edomites should give over the cities and villages of the Jews, which
they had taken in: yee and that they should yearly give twenty
talents to the building of the temple, until the time that it were
finished: and to the daily hallowing of the burntofferings, as it is
commanded, ten talents yearly also: And that all they which come
from Babylon to build the city, should have free liberty, they and
their children, and all the Priests.
He wrote the greatness also, and commanded that the holy
garment should be given them, wherein they ministered: and wrote
that commandments should be given to the Levites, until the day,
that the house were finished and Jerusalem builded up: and commanded
that all they that watched the city, should have their portions and
wages.
He gave over also all the vessels that Cyrus had separated
from Babylon: and all that Cyrus had given in commandment, the same
charged he also, that it should be done, and sent unto Jerusalem.
Now when this young man was gone forth, he turned his face toward
Jerusalem, and praised the King of heaven, and said: Of thee cometh
the victory, of thee cometh wisdom and clearness, and I am thy
servant. Blessed art thou, which hast given me wisdom: thee will I
praise, O' Lord, thou God of our fathers.
And so he took the letters, and went unto Babylon: And when he
came there, he told this to all his brethren that were at Babylon,
and they praised the God of their fathers, that he had given them
refreshing and liberty to go up, and to build Jerusalem and the
temple ( which is called after the name of the Lord ) and they
rejoiced with instruments and gladness seven days long.
*faine (obliged / willing happy)
**should come to their doors: (kjv and other bibles of men =forcibly
enter)
*Shreve; governmental authority to forgive civil offenses, like unto
a governor.
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Chapter 5
After this were the principal
men of all the villages chosen in the tribes and kindreds, that they
should go up with their wives and children, with their servants and
maidens, with all their cattle and substance. And Darius the king
sent with them a thousand horsemen, to convey them safely unto
Jerusalem: and their brethren were glad, playing upon instruments,
and singing. And these are the names of the men, which went up out
of the villages, according to the tribes. Of the Priests, the son of
Phinches, the son of Aaron: Jesus the son of Josedec, Joachim the
son of Zorobabel, the son of Salathiel, ( of the kindred of David,
out of the kindred of Phares, of the tribe of Judah ) Which spake
wonderful things under Darius the King of Persia, in the second year
of his reign, in the first month of Nisan.
These also are they of Jewry, which came up, and turned again
unto Jerusalem, out of the captivity that Nabuchodonosor the King of
Babylon had brought unto Babylon. And every man sought his portion
again in Jewry, his city, they that came with Zorobabel, and with
Jesus, Nehemias, Saraias, Raelaias, Elimeus, Emmanius, Mardocheus,
Beelserus, Mechpsa, Rochor, Olior, Emonias, one of their princes.
And the number of them according to their kindreds and rulers
were.
The children of Phares, two thousand, an hundred and seventy two.
The children of Ares, three thousand an hundred and fifty seven.
The children of Feno, an hundred and forty two.
In the sons of Jesus and Joabes, an thousand three hundred and two.
The sons of Beniu, two thousand four hundred and seventy.
The sons of Choroba two hundred and five.
The sons of Banica, an hundred and sixty eight.
The sons of Rebech, four hundred and three.
The sons of Archad, four hundred and twenty seven.
The sons of Cham thirty seven
The sons of Zoroar two thousand and sixty seven
The sons of Adinu four thousand and sixty one
The sons of Adarectis an hundred and eight
The sons of Ciaso and Zelas an hundred and seven
The sons of Azorec four hundred and thirty nine
The sons of Jedarbone an hundred and thirty two
The sons of Hananias an hundred and thirty
The sons of Asoni ninety
The sons of Marsar four hundred and twenty two
The sons of Zabar ninety five
The sons of Sepholemon one hundred and twenty three
The sons of Nepopas fifty five
The sons of Nechanatus one hundred and fifty three
The sons of Zebethanus an hundred and thirty two
The sons of Crearpatros which is also called Enohadies and Modias
four hundred and twenty three
Of them of Gramos and Gabea one hundred and twenty one
Of them of Besselon and Ceagge sixty five
Of them of Bastarus an hundred and twenty two
Of them of Bechenobes fifty five
Of the sons of Liptis, there were one hundred and fifty five
Of the sons of Labonnus three hundred and fifty seven
Of the sons of Sichem three hundred and seventy
Of the sons of Suadon and Elimon three hundred and seventy eight
Of the sons of Ericus two thousand an hundred and fourty five
The sons of Anaas three hundred and seventy.
The Priests:
The sons of Jeddus: The sons of Euther: the sons of ElJasib three
hundred and seventy two.
The sons of Emerus two hundred and fifty two
The sons of Fasurius three hundred and fifty seven
The sons of Carea two hundred and twenty seven
The Levites:
The sons of Jesus in Caduhel and Banus, and Serebias, and Edeas,
seventy and four
The whole number of these from twelve years was three thousand
four hundred and sixty two. Of the sons, daughters and wives, the
whole sum was one thousand six hundred and forty two. The sons of
the Priests that praised God in the temple: The sons of Asaph, of
whom there were an hundred and twenty eight. But the door keepers
were: The children of Elmenus: the children of Aser: the children of
Amon: the children of Acub, Topa: the children of Tobi: and hundred
and thirty nine in all.
The Priests that served in the temple:
The sons of Sel,
the sons of Gaspha,
the sons of Tobioch
the sons of Caria
the sons of Sub
the sons of Heliu
the sons of Labana
the sons of Armacha
the sons of Acub
the sons of Utha
the sons of Cetha
the sons of Aggab
the sons of Obay
the sons of Anani
the sons of Canna
the sons of Geddu
the sons of An
the sons of Radin
the sons of Desanon
the sons of Nechoba
the sons of Caseba
the sons of Goza
the sons of Ozul
the sons of Sinona
the sons of Atra
the sons of Hastem
the sons of Asiana
the sons of Manei
the sons of Nasisin
the sons of Accufa
the sons of Agista
the sons of Azui
the sons of Favon
the sons of Phasalon
the sons of Meeda
the sons of Susa
the sons of Cared
the sons of Barcus
the sons of Sarea
the sons of Coesi
the sons of Nasit
the sons of Agista
the sons of Pedon
Salomon his sons:
the sons of Asophot
the sons of Phazida
the sons of Celi
the sons of Dedon
the sons of Gaddahel
the sons of Zapheus
the sons of Aggia
the sons of Sacharet
the sons of Sabathem
the sons of Saroneth
the sons of Malsit
the sons of Ania
the sons of Sasus
the sons of Addus
the sons of Suba
the sons of Enra
the sons of Rabotis
the sons of Phasphat
the sons of Malmon
All these ministered in the Sanctuary, and were servants of
Salomon: even four hundred and eighty two.
These following are they, that went up from Chelmellat
Thelarsa ( whose Princes were Carmelam and Careth ) and might not
show forth their cities and kindreds, how they were of Israel:
The sons of Dalarus
the sons of Tuben
the sons of Nechodaicus.
Of the Priests that executeth the office of the Priesthood, and were
not found:
The sons of Obia
the sons of Achises
the sons of Addin
which married one of the daughters of Phargelen, and were named
after him. The writing of the same kindred was sought in the
register of their generation, but was not found: And therefore were
they forbidden to execute the office of the Priesthood. Unto the
said Nehemias and Astharas, that they should have no portion in the
Sanctuary, till there rose up an high Priest, that were well
instructed in the plain clearness of the truth. Of all Israel (
beside servants and maidens ) there were forty two thousand three
hundred and forty. Now were there of servants and maidens seven
thousand three hundred and thirty six. Of singing men and singing
women there were two hundred and fifty four. Four hundred and thirty
five Camels. Seven thousand, and thirty six horses. Two hundred
thousand and forty five Mules. Five thousand and thirty five asses.
Their heads also and rulers in the tribes, when they came to
Jerusalem, and would build and set up the temple of God again in his
place, they gave ( after their ability ), unto the temple, to the
treasure and to the service of the Sanctuary twelve thousand pounds
of Gold, five thousand of silver, and an hundred Priests garments.
And so dwelt the Priests and the Levites, and the people that went
out to Jerusalem, and in the country there about, the singers also
and the porters, every one of Israel in his own land.
So when the seventh month came and when the children of Israel
were every man at his business, they came all with one consent into
the court, which was before the East door. And there stood Jesua the
son of Josedec and his brethren the Priests, one Zorobabel the son
of Salathiel and his brethren, setting up an alter, to offer burnt
sacrifices upon it, as it is written in the Law of Moses.
There came people also of other countries, and the Heathen out
of all the lands to set up the alter in his place, and offered
sacrifices and burnt offerings unto the Lord in the morning. And so
they held the feast of tabernacles, as it is commanded in the law.
And daily offered they as according was, and made the sacrifices
appointed, the offerings also of the Sabbaths and of the new Moons,
and of all holy feasts. And all they that vowed offerings unto the
Lord, began at the new Moon of the seventh month to offer unto God,
for the temple of the Lord was not yet builded. And they gave unto
the Masons and Carpenters money, meat, and drink, with cheerfulness.
Unto them of Sidon also and Tyre they gave carres, that they should
carry Cedar trees from Libanus to *beiastes and beams, and that they
should make ships in the haven of Joppa, according as it was
appointed by Cyrus King of the persians.
And in the second year they came into the temple of God at
Jerusalem. In the second month began Zorobabel the son of Salathiel,
and Jesua the son of Josedec, and their brethren the Priests and
Levites and all they that were come unto Jerusalem out of the
captivity of Babylon, and laid the foundation of the temple in the
new Moon of the second month in the second year that they were come
into Jewry and Jerusalem. And they appointed the Levites that were
above twenty years old, unto the service of the Lord. So Jesua, and
his sons and his brethren all the Levites stood together, and
performed the law and ordinance in the house of the Lord.
And the priests stood, and had their garments and trumpets,
and the Levites, the sons of Asaph had Cymbals, giving thanks and
praises unto the Lord, and ordaining as David the King of Israel had
ordained. And the song that they did sing unto the Lord, was after
this manner: O' sing unto the Lord, for he is gracious, and his
goodness upon Israel endureth for ever. And all the people blew out
with trumpets, and song with loud voice, praising the Lord together
in the rearing up of the house of the Lord. There also came from
among the Priests and Levites the rulers and elders, according to
the tribes and kindreds, ( such as had seen the house afore ) to the
building of this temple with great cry and great mourning, many also
with trumpets and great joy: Insomuch that the trumpets might not
well be heard for the weeping and mourning. For the common people
blew goodly upon the trumpets.
Then came the enemies of the tribes of Judah and BenJamin, to
know what that trumpeting and noise of the *shawmes might be. And
they perceived that it was they which were of the captivity, and
would build the temple up anew unto the Lord God of Israel. So they
went to Zorobabel and Jesua, and to the rulers of the villages, and
said unto them: Shall we will build with you also? For we likewise
have heard your Lord, and we walk after the same manner, from the
days of Asbazareth the King of Assyria, which brought us hither.
Then Zorobabel and Jesua and the Rulers of the villages of Israel
said unto them: It is not *mete that you should build the temple of
our God with us: We ourselves alone will build unto the Lord, like
as Cyrus the King of the Persians hath commanded us.
But the Heathen in the land laid themselves against those that
were in Jewry, held up the building from them, laid wait upon them
privately, stopped such as brought any thing to them, forbade them
to build, and hindered those that made them passage, that the
building should not be finished: and this continued so long as King
Cyrus lived: and so they put off the building for the space of two
years, until the reign of King Darius.
*beiastes (supports, posts?) *shawmes (reed instrument maybe: oboe
like)
*mete (worthy)
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Chapter 6
Not withstanding in the second
year of the reign of Darius, Aggeus and Zachary the son of Addo
prophesied upon them in Jewry and Jerusalem, in the name of the God
of Israel. Then Zorobabel the son of Salathiel and Jesua the son of
Josedec stood up, and began to build the house of the Lord at
Jerusalem, when the Prophets of the Lord helped them. At the same
time came Sysennes the under Shreve in Syria and Phenices, with the
landLords and his companions, and said unto them: Who hath bidden
and commanded you to build the house, to make the roof and all the
other things again? And who are these workmen, that build them?
Nevertheless the elders of the Jews had such grace of the Lord, that
they would not be let ( though they were provoked thereto ) but
builded on still, until the time that King were certified thereof,
and an answer received from him received. The letter that these men
sent unto King Darius, was after this manner.
Sisennes the under Shreve, in Syria and Phenices, and the
landlords with their companions, which are headrulers in Syria and
Phenices, send their salutation unto Darius the King. We certify our
Lord the King, that we came into the land of Jewry, and went into
Jerusalem: were we found them building the great house of God and
the temple, with great costly stone and goodly timber for the walls:
yee they make great hast with the work, and help one another, and it
goeth forth prosperously in their hands, and with great diligence
and worship is it made. Then asked we the elders, who had commanded
them to make up the house and the building, and this we did to the
intent that we might certify thee perfectly, and write unto the, the
names of those that were the rulers of the work. So they gave us
this answer: We are the servants of the Lord, which made heaven and
earth: and as for this house, it hath been builded and set up afore
time by the great and mighty King of Israel. But when our fathers
provoked God unto wrath, and sinned against the God of Israel, he
gave them over into the power of Nabuchodonosor King of Babylon the
King of the Caldees, which break down the house, and burnt it, and
carried away the people prisoners unto Babylon. Nevertheless, in the
first year that King Cyrus reigned at Babylon, Cyrus the King wrote
and commanded to build up this house again: and all the ornaments
that Nabuchodonosor carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon, and
appropriated unto his own temple: these brought Cyrus forth again,
and delivered them to Zorobabel and to Salmanasar the under Shreve,
commanding them that they should bring those same ornaments again to
Jerusalem into the temple, and to begin from the time forth, to
build the temple again in his own place. Then Salmanasar laid the
foundation of the Lords house at Jerusalem, and ever since have they
builded, and yet it is not ended. And therefore, O King, if thou
thinkest it good, let it be sought in the Libraries and rolls of
King Cyrus: if it be found then, that it is done with the counsel
and consent of king Cyrus, and if our lord the King be so minded,
let him write unto us thereof.
Then commanded king Darius, to seek in the Libraries: and so
at Egbathanus in a little city in Medea there was found such a
writing: In the first year of the reign of Cyrus, the same King
Cyrus commanded that the house of the Lord at Jerusalem should be
builded again ( and *odors ) to be made there continually unto the
Lord ) whose height shall be ten cubits, and the breadth forty
cubits, and four square with three hewn stones, with a loft of
timber of the same country, yee with a new loft, and the expenses
thereof to be given of the house of King Cyrus. And ornaments of
gold and silver, that Nabuchodonosor took out of the house at
Jerusalem, shall be set again in the temple at Jerusalem, where they
were afore. Sisennes also the under Shreve in Syria and Phenices,
the Princes and their companions, and the others that be head rulers
in Syria and Phenices, shall not meddle nor have anything to do with
that place.
I Cyrus have commanded also, that they shall build the house
of the Lord whole up, and have ordained them, to help those that be
come out of captivity: till the house of the Lord be finished: and
out of the tribute and taxing that is yearly raised up in Syria and
Phenices, diligently to give them a certain sum to the offering of
the Lord: and the same to be delivered unto Zorobabel the officer:
that he therewithal may ordain oxen, rams, lambs, and corn, salt,
wine and oil, and that continually every year: after the expenses
which the Priests that be at Jerusalem, show to be made daily: this
shall be given unto them without delay that they may offer
sacrifices daily to the highest God, for the king and for his
servants, and to pray for their lives. Let it be proclaimed also on
every side, that whosoever breaketh or despiseth this commandment of
the King, shall be hanged upon a gallow ( made of his own good ) and
all his goods shall be seasoned unto the King. The Lord therefore (
whose name is there called upon ) root out and destroy all the Kings
and people, that undertake by violence to hinder the same, or to
deal uncourteously with the house of the Lord at Jerusalem. I Darius
the king have ordained, that these things shall be done with all
diligence.
*odors (honor)
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Chapter 7
Then Sisennes
the undershreve in Celosyria, and Phenices, and the other Landlords
with their companions, obeyed the things that King Darius had
ordened, were diligent in the holy works, and were fellow helpers
with the old rulers of the Jews. And so the work of the Sanctuary
went forth and prospered, when Aggeus and Zachary prophesied. And
they performed all things through the commandment of the Lord God of
Israel, and after the devise of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerses, kings
of Persia.
And thus was our house finished unto the twenty third day of
the month Adder in the sixth year of King Darius. And the children
of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and other that were come
out of captivity, and such as were joined unto them, did according
as it is written in the book of Moses. And in the dedication of the
temple they offered an hundred oxen, an hundred rams, four hundred
lambs, and twelve goats for the sins of all the people of Israel,
after the number of the tribes of Israel. The priests also and the
Levites stood arrayed in the priestly garments, after the tribes,
over all the works of the Lord God of Israel according to the book
of Moses, and the porters by all the doors.
And the children of Israel ( with those that were come out of
captivity ) held the passover the fourteenth day of the first month,
when the priests and the Levites were sanctified. They that came out
of captivity, were not all sanctified together: but the Levites were
all sanctified together. And so all they that came out of captivity,
killed the Easter lamb, for their brethren, for the priests and for
themselves. And the children of Israel that came out of captivity,
and escaped from all the abominations of the Heathen, sought the
Lord, and kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days long, eating
and drinking and were merry before the Lord: that the lord had
turned the devise of the king of Assyria, and comforted their hands
to the works of the Lord God of Israel.
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Chapter 8
And after him, when Artaxerses
the king of the Persians reigned, there went unto him Esdras the son
of Saraias, the son of Azarias, the son of Helchiah, the son of
Sallum, the son of Sadoc, the son of Achitob, the son of Amarias,
the son of Azarias, the son of Boccus, the son of Abisu, the son of
Phineas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the first priest. This
Esdras went up from Babylon, for he had good understanding in the
law of Moses, that was given of the Lord God of Israel, to be taught
and done and deed. And the king favored him, and did him great
worship and honour, after all his devises. There went up with him
also certain of the children of
Israel, of the priests, of the Levites, of the singers, porters and
ministers of the temple at Jerusalem.
In the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerses, in the fifth
month, this is in the seventh year of the reign, they went from
Babylon in the new moon of the fifth month, and came the high way to
Jerusalem after his commandment, like as the Lord had prospered
their journey. For in these Esdras got instruction that he should
leave none of the things behind, which are in the law and
commandments of God. And he taught whole Israel all righteousness
and judgment.
Then came the Secretaries of king Artaxerses, and deliver the
writings that were come from Artaxerses the king, to Esdras the
priest and reader of the law of the Lord: And this is the copy of
the letter. King Artaxerses sendeth his greeting unto Esdras the
priest and reader of the law of the Lord: Of friendship and good
will I have ordained and charged, if there be any of the Jews, of
the priests and Levites in my realm, which desireth and is content
to go with thee unto Jerusalem, that he may do it. Therefore if any
be minded to bear the company, let them come together, and go with
thee ( like as I am content and my seven friends my counselors: ) to
see what they do in Jerusalem and in Jewry, and keep the things
according as thou hast in the law of the Lord and to bring the gifts
unto God the Lord of Israel, that I and my friends have promised to
Jerusalem, and all the gold and silver that in the country of
Babylon, unto the Lord to Jerusalem, with the thing that is given
for the people in the Lords temple at Jerusalem: Yee that the same
silver and gold may be gathered, and oxen, rams, sheep and goats and
other that belong to these things: and that they may offer
sacrifices unto the Lord, upon the altar of their Lord, which is at
Jerusalem.
And whatsoever thou and thy brethren will do with the silver
and gold, that do, after thy mind, and after the commandment of the
Lord thy God: and like wise with all the holy vessels, that are
given thee for the service of the house of the Lord thy God: and
other things whatsoever is necessary for thee to do the work of the
temple, that shall be given thee of the kings treasure: and look
what thou with thy brethren wilt do with the gold and silver, that
do after the will of the Lord. And I king Artaxerses have commanded
the keepers of the treasures in Syria and Phenices, that whatsoever
Esdras the priest and the reader of the law of the Lord doth write,
it shall be given him: till an hundred talents of silver, and of
gold in like manner: Of corn also an hundred measures, and till an
hundred vessels of wine, and other plenteous things without number.
Let all things be done after the law of the highest God, that the
wrath of God arise not in the realm of the king and of his sons. I
command you also, that ye require no tax, ner tribute of the
priests, Levites, singers, and ministers of the temple, ner of the
writers: and that no man have authority to meddle anything against
them. As for thee ( O' Esdras ) set thou judges and arbitrators in
the whole land of Syria and Phenices, after the wisdom of God: and
learn all such as are ignorant in the Law of God thy Lord, and let
all them that offend against the law, be punished: whether it be
with death, with pain, to be condemned in money, or to be banished.
Then said Esdras the writer. Blessed be the God of our
fathers, that hath given so good a mind and will in to the heart of
the king, to magnify his house that is at Jerusalem, and hath made
me to be accepted in the sight of the king, of his counsel, of his
friends and of his nobles. And so I was steadfast in my mind,
according as the Lord my God helped me, and I choose out men of
Israel to go up with me. And these are the heads ( after their
kindreds and houses of their fathers ) that went up with me from
Babylon, out of the kingdom of Artaxerses:
Of the sons of Phares, Gersonius.
Of the sons of Siemarith, Amenus.
Of the sons of David, Accus, the son of Cecilia.
Of the sons of Phares, Zachary:
and with him there turned again an hundred and fifty men.
Of the sons of the captain of Moabilon, Zaraei,
and with him two hundred men and fifty men.
Of the sons of Zachnes, Jechonias Zecholy,
and with him two hundred and fifty men.
Of the sons of Salamaasias, Gotholie,
and seventy with him.
Of the sons of Zaphacia. Zarias Miheli,
and with him eighty.
Of the sons of Job, Abdias Jeheli,
and with him two hundred and twelve men
Of the sons of Bania, Salimoth the son of Josaphia,
and with him an hundred and sixty men.
Of the sons of Beer, Zachari Bebei,
and with him two hundred and eight men.
Of the sons of Esead, Johannes Ezechan, and with him one hundred and
ten men.
Of the sons of Adonicam those that were the last, and these are
their names: Eliphalam the son of Gebel and Semeias, and with him
seventy men, all these I called together by the water of Thia, where
we pitched our tents three days, and there I mustered them.
As for the sons of the priests and Levites, I found none
there. Then sent I unto Eleazar, and Eccelom, and Masman, and
Malobam, and Enaathan, and Samea, and Joribimathan, Eunagan,
Zachary, Mosollamun, ( these were the leaders and men of experience
) and I sent them word, that they should come unto Loddeus, which
was by the place of the treasury, and commanded them that they
should speak unto Loddeus, and to his brethren and to those that
were in the treasury, to send us such men, as might execute the
priests office in the house of the Lord our God. And with the mighty
hand of our Lord God, they brought unto us men of good experience,
from among the sons of Molius, the son of Levi, the son of Israel,
Sebebeiam and the sons and his brethren Asbin and Anin, of whom
there were eighteen. From among the children and sons of Cananeus,
and their sons were twenty men. And of them that served in the
temple, whom David had ordained, and the principal men that
ministered for the work unto the Levites in the temple, two hundred
and twenty men, whose names are all tokened up in writing.
Then commanded I a fasting unto the young men before our Lord,
that i might desire of him a prosperous journey and a good way for
us, yee for us, for our children and for the cattle, because of the
layings in wait, and I durst not require of the king men of horse
and foot, to convey us safely against our enemies, for we had said
unto the king, that the power of the lord our God should be with
them, that seek him with their whole heart. And therefore we
besought God our Lord earnestly because of these things, and he was
merciful unto us, and heard our prayer. And I separated from among
the rulers of the people, and from the Priests of the temple, twelve
men, and Sebeia and Asania, and ten men of their brethren with them.
And I weighed them the gold and the silver and all the Priestly
ornaments of the house of our God, which the king, and his council,
and his Princes, and whole Israel had given. And when I had weighed
it, I gave them an hundred and fifty talents in silver, an hundred
talents of silver vessel, an hundred talents of gold, and of golden
vessel seven times twenty, and vessels of other metal ( yee of good
metal ) twelve *glistering as the gold, and I said unto them: ye
also are holy unto the Lord, and the vessels are holy, and the gold
and the silver is promised unto the Lord God of our fathers. Be
diligent now and keep it, until the time that ye deliver it to the
rulers of the people, to the Priests, to the Levites, and to the
principal men of the cities of Israel in Jerusalem, and in the
chamber of the house of our God.
So the Priests and the Levites which received of me the gold,
the silver and the vessel, brought it to Jerusalem into the temple
of the Lord. And from Thia we break up the twelfth day of the first
month, till we came to Jerusalem. And when the third day was past,
the weighed gold and silver was delivered in the house of the Lord
the fourth day unto Marimoth the son of Jor the Priest, and with him
was Eleazar the son of Phineas, and with them were Josabdus the son
of Jesnet, Medias and the son of Banus, and certain of the Levites
to the number and to the weight: and the weight of them was written
up the same time. As for those that were come out of the captivity,
they offered sacrifice unto the Lord the God of Israel: even twelve
oxen for all Israel eighty six rams, seventy two sheep, twelve
goats, for sin. Twelve *kine for a thanksoffering, all to the
sacrifice of the Lord. And the Kings commission delivered they unto
the stewards and *deites of the King, and to the undershreves in
Celosyria and Phenices.
Now when these things were done, the rulers came unto me, and
said: The generation of Israel, the Princes, the Priests and
Levites, the strange people and indwellers of the land, have not put
away their uncleanness, from the Canaanites, Hethites, Pheresites,
from the Moabites, Egyptians, and Edomites. For both they and their
sons have mingled themselves with the daughters of them, and the
holy seed is mixed with the outlandish Heathen, and since the
beginning of their reign have the rulers and heads been partakers of
their wickedness,
And as soon as I had heard these things, immediately I rent my
holy garments, and pulled out the hair of my head and beard, and sat
me down sorrowful and heavy. So all they that were moved through the
word of the God of Israel, came unto me: and I sat still full of
heaviness until the evening sacrifice. Then stood I up from fasting,
having rent clothes and the holy garment, kneeled down upon my
knees, held out my hands unto the Lord, and said: O' Lord, I am
confounded and ashamed before thy face, for our sins are become many
upon our heads, and our wickednesses are exalted unto heaven: For
since the time of our fathers, we with our brethren and with our
Priests have been delivered unto the Kings of the earth, in to the
sword, and into captivity, and become a spoil with confusion and
shame unto this day. And now O' Lord God how great is the mercy that
we have gotten of thee in that thou hast left us a root and name in
the place of thy Sanctuary, to discover our light in the house of
the Lord our God, and given us meat at all times of our
ministration. And when we were in captivity , we were not forsaken
of the Lord our God: but he made the kings of Persia gracious and
favorable unto us, so that they gave us vitals and meat, yee and
leave to build up the temple of our Lord God again, to repair the
wasted places of Sion, and to dwell in Jewry and Jerusalem. And now
O' Lord what shall we say having all these things in possession? For
we have broken thy commandments which thou gavest unto us by the
hands of thy servants the prophets, saying: The land that ye go to
unto, and that is given you for an heritage to have in possession,
is defiled with the uncleanness and filthiness of Heathen, and with
their abominations have they polluted it all together. Therefore
shall ye not join your daughters unto their sons, ner marry your
sons unto their daughters: Moreover, ye shall never seek to make
peace with them that ye may increase and eat the best in the land,
and that ye may divide the inheritance of the land unto your
children for evermore. As for the thing that now happeneth unto us,
it cometh all for our wicked works, and great sins, yet hast thou
given us such a root, that we are come again into our own land: and
we are so wicked that we have broken thy statutes and commandments
again, and mingled our selves with the uncleanness of the outlandish
Heathen. O' Lord art thou angry with us? wilt thou root us clean out
that our root and name remain no more? O' Lord God of Israel thou
art true, for our root endureth yet unto this present day, And
behold, now are we before thee in our sins, now can we not stand
before thee in them.
And when Esdras with this prayer had knowledged the sin,
weeping, and laying flat upon the ground before the temple, there
gathered unto him from Jerusalem a great multitude of men and women,
of young men and maidens, for there was a very great weeping and
mourning in the congregation. So when Jechonias the son of Jehelt
one of the children of Israel cried, he said unto Esdras: we have
sinned against the Lord, because we have married outlandish women of
the Heathen. Now art thou over all Israel. We will swear an oath
therefore unto the Lord, that we shall put away all our wives, which
we have taken of the Heathen, with their children: like as it is
appointed thee by our fore elders. Stand up then, open thou it, and
declare it plainly unto us, according to the law of the Lord: for
the matter belongeth unto thee, and we will help thee, quiet thyself
manly. So Esdras arose, and took an oath of the rulers, of the
Priests, and of the Levites, and of Israel, to do after these
things: and they sware.
*glistering (glittering) *kine (cow or deer) *deites (deities or
deputies)
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Chapter 9
Then Esdras
stood up from the court of the temple without, and went in to the
chamber of Jonathas the son of Nasabus, and remained there, and ate
no meat, nor dronk drink, for the multitude of the wickedness of the
people. And there was a proclamation in all Jewry and at Jerusalem,
for all such as were gathered at Jerusalem out of the captivity,
that whosoever came not to Jerusalem within two or three days (a
according to the judgement of the old lords of counsel ) his goods
should be taken from him, and be excluded from the congregation of
the captivity. 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. And the whole multitude sat trembling in the court
of the temple, for it was winter. So Esdras arose up, and said unto
them: Ye have done unrighteously, in that ye have taken outlandish
wives to marriage, and so to increase the sins of Israel. And know
knowledge the same, and give praise unto the Lord God of our
fathers, and perform his will, departing from the Heathen of the
land, and from the outlandish wives. Then cried the whole multitude
with a loud voice, and said: Like as thou hast spoken, so will we
do: But forasmuch as the people are many, and the winter here, we
may not stand without the house: again, this work is not a thing,
that can be finished in a day or two, for we be many that have
sinned in these things: Ordain therefore, the rulers of the
multitude and all that dwell with us, and as many as have outlandish
wives, the Priests also and judges of every place may stand in the
time appointed, till they loose up the wrath of the Lord in his
business.
Then Jonathas the son of Ezeli, and Ozias and Thecam received
charge of this matter, and Bozoramus, and Leivs, and Sabbatheus
helped them thereto. After this, all they stood up that were come
out of captivity. And Esdras the Priest chose unto him the principal
men from among the fathers according to their names, and in the new
moon of the tenth month they sat together, to examine this matter.
And so the matter was a determining ( concerning the men that had
outlandish wives ) until the new moon of the first month. And of the
Priests that mixte themselves with outlandish wives, there were
found: Of the sons of Jesu the son of Josedec and his brethren,
Mazeas, Eleazar, Joribus and Joadeus, which offered themselves to
put away their wives, and to offer a ram for their ignorance. And of
the sons of Semmeri, Masseas, and Esses, and Jeelech Azarias. Of the
sons of Fosera, Limosias, Hismaen, Nathanea, Jussio, Jeddus, and
Talsas. And of the Levites Josabdus, Semeis, and Colnis, Caletas,
Facteas, Colnas, and Elionas. Of the singers of the Sanctuary,
Eliarib, Zackarus. Of the porters, Sallumus and Tolbanes. And of
Israel, of the children of Foro, Osi, and Remias, and Geddias, and
Melchias, Michelus, Eleazarus, Jemmebias, and Bannas. And of the
children of Jolaman, Chanias, Zachari, Jeizrelus, Joddius, Erimoth
and Elias. And the sons of Jathoim, Eliadas, Liasamus, and Zochias,
Larimoth, Sabdis and Tebedias. And of the sons of Zebes, Johannes,
Amanias, Zabdias, and Emmeus. And of the sons of Bannus, Olammus,
Maluchus, Jeddus, Jasub, Asabus and Jerimoth. And of the sons Adin,
Naatus, and Moosias, and Caleus, and Rannas, Maasuas, Mathathias,
Besel, Bannus and Manasses.
And of the sons of Nave, Nones, Afeas, Melchias, Sameas,
Simon, BenJamin, Malthus and Marras. And of the sons of Asom,
Carianeus, Mathathias, Bannus, Eliphalach, Manasses, Semei. Of the
sons of Bannus, Jeremy, Moodias, Abramas, Johel, Baneas, Peliaas,
Jona, Marimoth, Eliasib, Mathaneus, Eliasis, Ozias Dielus, Semedius,
Zambris and Joseph. Of the sons of Nobeus, Jdelus, Mathathias
Sabadus, Zecheda, Sedmi, Jesseus, and Baneas. All these had taken
outlandish women to marriage, and they put them away with their
children. The Priests and Levites, and all they that were of Israel,
dwelt at Jerusalem and throughout all the land, in the new moon of
the seventh month, and the children of Israel were in their
dwellings. And the whole multitude came together upon the floor at
the East side of the holy port of the temple. And they spake unto
Esdras the high Priest and reader, that he would bring the law of
Moses, which was given of the Lord God of Israel. So Esdras the high
Priest brought the law unto the whole multitude, to man and woman,
and to all Priests, that they might hear the law, in the new moon of
the seventh month. And he read in the floor that is before the holy
port of the temple, from the morning early unto the evening, before
men and women. And they applied their mind all to the law.
And Esdras the Priest and reader of the law stood up upon a
scaffold of wood, which was made therefore: and upon his right hand
there stood by him Mathathias, Samus, Ananias, Azarias, Urias,
Ozechias, and Balsam: Upon his left hand stood Faldeus, Misael,
Malachias, Abuschas, Sabus, Nabadias and Zachary. Then took Esdras
the book before the whole multitude, for he was the principal, and
had most honor of them all. And when he had read out the law, they
all stood straight upon their feet, So Esdras praised the Lord the
most high God, the Almighty God of Hosts. And all the people
answered: Amen: and held up their hands, fell down flat upon the
earth, and praised the Lord. And Jesus, Beneas, Sarebias, Jaddimus,
Accubus, Sabbatheus, Calithes, Azarias, Joradus, Ananias, and
Philias the Levites lift their hands upward, and bowed their faces
to the ground, and praised the Lord: Those were they which taught
the law of the Lord, and read the law of the Lord in the
congregation: and every man set those before that understood the
law. Then spake Atharates unto Esdras the high Priest and reader,
and to the Levites that taught the multitude, saying: This day is
holy unto the Lord: and all they that had heard the law, wept. So
Esdras said: Depart your way then, and eat the best, and drink the
sweetest, and send gifts unto them that have nothing: for this day
is holy unto the Lord, and be not sorry. Then went they their way
every each one, ate and dronke, and were merry, and sent rewards
unto them that had nothing, that they also might eat with gladness:
for they were exceedingly rejoiced, through the words that were read
unto them in the law: And so they were gathered together at
Jerusalem to hold the feast, according to the covenant of the Lord
God of Israel. |
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