THE TWENTY-FOUR BOOKS OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES CAREFULLY TRANSLATED ACCORDING TO THE MASSORETIC TEXT, ON THE BASIS OF THE ENGLISH VERSION. AND sri'I'MEI) WITH SHORT EXPLANATORY NOTES. BY ISAAC LEESER. 'For it shall not be forgotten out of the mouth of his seed."— Deut. xxxi. 21. M EDIIION 1891. FROM THE AMERICAN HEBREW I'flil.ISHINC IIOf.SK. THE BLOCH PUBLISHING ANH PRINTIX*; COMPANY. CiNriNNATI. C'lIIf Aliu. L-i PREFACE. L\ presenting this work to the public, the transhitor wouW merely remark, that it is not a new notion by which he was seized of late years which impelled him to the task, but a desire entertained for more than a quarter of a century, since the day he ([uitted school in his native land to come to this country, to present to his fellow-Israelites an English version, made by one of themselves, of the Holy Word of God. Fi-om early infancy he was made conscious how much persons differing from us in religious ideas make use of Scripture to assail Israel's hope and faith, by what he deems, in accordance with the well-settled opinions of sound critics, both Israelites and others, a perverted and hence erroneous rendering of the words of the original Bible. Therefore he always entertained the hope to be one day permitted to do for his fellow Hebrews who use the English as their vernacular, what liad been done for the Germans by some of the most eminent minds whom the Almighty has endowed with the power of reanimating in us the al- most expiring desire for critical inquiry into the sacred te.xt. So much had been done by these, that the translator's labours were rendered comparatively easy ; since he had before him the best results of the studies of modern German Israelites, carried on for the space of eighty years, commencing with Moses Mendelssohn, Herz Wesel, or, as he was called, Ilartog Wesscly, and Solomon of Dulmo, down to Dr. L. Zunz,* of Berlin, whose work appeared in 183i>, Dr. Solomon Herxheinier, Rabbi of Aidialt-Bernburg, whose woi'k was completed five years ago, and of Dr. Lewis Philippson,t Rabbi of Magdeburg in Prussian Saxony, whose work is not yet quite conipletedj while writing this. In addition to these entire Bible trans- lations, the translator has had access to partial versions of separate books, by Ottensosser, Heinemann, Obernik, Ilochstiitter, Wolfson, Lciwenthal, and some anonymous writers, referred to occasionally in the notes appended to this work ; besides which he has had the advantage of the copious notes of Dr. Philijipson's and Dr. Herxheimer's Bibles, in which these learned men have collected the views of the investigators, both Israelites and others, in the path of biblical criticism. The ancient versions, als( , of Onkclos, Jona- than, and the Jerusalem Targumist have been carefully consulted ; and, wherever accessible, the comments of the great expounders Rashi, (Rabbi Shelemoh Yizchaki,) Redak, (Rabbi David Kimchi.) Aben Ezra, (Rabbi Abraham ben Mei'r ben Ezra,) Rashbam, (Rabbi Shelemoh ben Me'ir, the grandson of Rashi,) Ralbag, (Rabbi Levi ben Gershom,) and Rabbenu Sa'adyah (Saadias) Gaori, as also the Michlol Yo]ihi, and the modern Biurim, have been sedulously compared, so as to insure the utmost accuracy of which the translator is capable. His library is not vci-y extensive; but he trusts that the foregoing catalogue of auxiliary works will prove that he has had at hand as good materials as can be obtained anywhere to do justice to his undertaking. It must be left to those acquainted with the subject, to decide whether he has taken due advantage of the materials in his hand : but he trusts that the judgment will be in his favour, at least so far, that he has been honest and faithful. The translator is an Israelite in faith, in the full sense of the word : he believes in the Scriptiu'cs as they have been handed down to us ; in the truth and authenticity of prophecies and their ultimate literal fulfilment. He has always studied the Scriptures to find a confirmation for his faith and hope ; neverthe- less, he asserts fearlessly, that in his going through this work, he has thrown aside all bias, discarded every preconceived opinion, and translated the text before him without regard to the result thence arising for his creed. But no perversion or forced rendering of any text was needed to bear out liis opinions or those of Israelites in general ; and he for one would place but little confidence in them, if he were com- pelled to change the evident meaning of the Bible to find a support for them. He trusts, therefore, that to those who agree with him in their religious persuasion, he has rendered an acceptable service; as they will now have an opportunity to study a version of the Bible which has not been made by the authority * Dr. Zunz, whose work is often quoted in the notes, only translated the two books of Chronicles; but ho was aided by Rabbi Chayim Arnbeim, of Glogau, with Genesis, Exodu«, Leviticus, Numbers, the Hooks of Kings, Ezekiel. Ilosoa, Obadiah, Jonah, Miclin, Nalium, Zechariah, Proverbs, .Job, Ruth, Ecclesinstes, Esther, and Neheuiiah ; by Dr. Michael Sachs, then of Prague, but now of Berlin, with Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, the Books of Samuel, Isaiah, Joel, Amos, H.abakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Malachi. Psalms, the Song of Solomon, and Lamentations, (Jeremiah was translated by both conjointly:) and by Dr. Julius Fiirst, of Leipzig, with Daniel and Ezra. Occasionally in the notes, "Zunz" is named; at other tim^, the special translators. f The merit of the later translators consists tlierein that tliey liave adhered to the letter of the text, and not rendered it freely, to avoid difficulties and to improve the style, as was done by Mendelssohn apd bis immediate follo-jvefg, ^ close, literal rendering will be found to characterize this version also. J Only t9 1 Chronicles vi, 16, iii 0505 IV PREFACE. of churches in which they can have no confidence ; and that to those also who arc of a different persua- sion, his hibours will not be unacceptable, as exhibiting, so far as he could do it, the progress of biblical criticism among ancient and modern Israelites — a task utterly beyond the power of any but a Jew by birth and conviction. As regards the style, it has been endeavoured to adhere closely to that of the ordinary English version, which for simplicity cannot be surpassed ; though, upon a critical examination, it will readily be perceived that the various translators differed materially in their method, and frequently rendered the same word in different ways. In the present version, great care has been taken to avoid this fault ; but the translator does not mean to assert that he has succeeded to as great an extent as he could have desired. He will not enumerate what he has done ; but let any one who is desirous to investigate this point compare the two translations, and he will readily convince himself that this may be called a new version, especially of the Prophets, Psalms, and Job ; and he confidently hopes that the meaning has been rendered more clear by the version itself, and, where this was not altogether practicable, by the notes appended at the foot of the He found great difficulty about coming to a satisfactory resolution with regard to tlie spelling of the proper nouns. Any one the least acquainted with the manner they are presented in the common versions and the languages of Western Europe, must know that they are very much corrupted ; but tliey have in this shape become so much interwoven with the language of history and of daily conversation, that it would have produced endless confusion to spell them after the original manner. Hence the ordinary method had to be retained for words in constant use ; but where this was not the case, a spelling more in ac- cordance with the original has been resorted to. The j should always be pronounced as y, to accord with the Hebrew ; and ia as ya. A sliould be sounded as long ah ; c as long a ; i as long ec ; and u as oo. Cli stands for the Hebrew H j where J7 occurs in the Hebrew, an apostrophe ' has been used for the most part ; but there are no English letters to represent these sounds exactly. For instance, " Zecha- riah," pronounce Zecharyah ; "Jehu," as Yay-lwo, &c. The translator will not ask that his errors and misconceptions shall be excused ; but he trusts that any fault which may be discovered will be kindly pointed out to him, so that he may be able to make use of all such remarks to correct his work in a future edition ; and he for his own part will not be satisfied with what he has done, but endeavour to improve hy future experience. Whenever words have been supplied which are not in the text, but requisite to make the sense clear, they have been placed in parentheses; for instance, 1 Chron. iii. 9, "(These were) all the sons of David," where there is no equivalent in Hebrew for "these were," though no sense could be made of the phrase without supplying these two words. The parenthesis is also used occasionally, but very seldom, to denote a construction, where an actual parenthesis of a whole sentence, or of one or more verses, occurs. The whole work has been undertaken at the sole responsibility, both mercantile and literary, of the translator. No individual has been questioned respecting the meaning of a single sentence ; and not an English book has been considted, except Bagster's Bible, a few notes of which have been incorporated with this. The peculiarity of the style will readily indicate them. The author's name would have been appended, had it been known to the translator. Althougli about the sixth part of the contents of this volume are notes, still he did not mean to write a commentary on the Bible, nor must the notes 1)0 regarded as any thing else tlian a mere slight aid for the explanation of grammatical and other difficulties. For this they are ]irobably ample enough ; otherwise they must appear very defective in quantity and manner. With these few remarks the translatoi' surrenders a labour in which ho has been engaged, occasionally, for more than fifteen years, to the kindness of the public, trusting that, by the blessing of the Father of all, it may be made instrumental in diffusing a taste for Scripture reading among the community of Is- raelites, and be the means of a better appreciation of the great treasures of revelation to many who never have had the ojiportunity of knowing what the Hebrews have done for niankin<l, not alone in preserving the sacred books, but by labouring to make them intelligible to the world at large. „ ( Klnl ]7lh, .WIS. I'lnr.AIlEI.l'lllA, ■ „ , or.,; IQT') ' (^ iiejit. ZUth, 1853. V. GENERAL REMARKS. According to Dr. Zunz, the creation of tlie world dates 3988 before the eoiumoii era. The flood in 1656 after the creation. Abram born at Ur, 1948. Jacob goes to Egypt, 2238. Moses born, 2413. Exodus, and giving of the Decalogue, 2493. Entrance into Palestine, 2533. Deborah and Barak's victory, 2653. Death of 'Eli, 2877. Saul made king, 2900. His death, 2930. David acknowledged king by all Israel, 2937. Temple commenced, 2973, in the year 480 after the Exodus. Division of the kingdom between Rehobo'am and Jerobo'am, 3010. Elijah, about 30(58, when Achab became king. Elisha' becomes Elijah's successor, 3090. Hoshea', the last king of Israel, 3259-3268, when Shalmenesser conquers Samaria, and carries the people into exile, while the kingdom of Judah yet continues under Hozekiah (3262) to Zedekiah (3402) in which year Nebuchadnezzar conquers Jerusalem, and carries the people mostly to Babylon, while a few fly to I^gypt, taking Jeremiah with them. Babylon conquered, 3450, and two years later Cyrus permits the Jews to return to Palestine under Zerubbabel and Jeshua'. The new temple is completed, 3472, that is, 516 before the common era. History of Ilanian, 3514. 'Ezra comes to Palestine, 8530, and Neheraiah, 3544 ; returns t« Persia, 3556, and arrives again in Palestine, 3564. Jaddua' high-priest, 3656, and under him, two years later, Palestine is conquered by Alexander of Macedon. These few dates, it is hoped, will cluciilute, with the ]?ible text, the history of the Scriptures. The various ^ marks used in this work indicate the ^lassoretic sections, the only ones in use in the Hebrew MSS. without points, where neither chapter nor verse divisions are otherwise marked oft', except that between one verso and the other there is a little more space than between two ordinary words. The books of the Holy Scriptures are divided into the following classes : the Law, Pentateuch or Torah, Xebiim Kishonim, the Earlier Prophets, Nebiim Aeharonim, the Later Prophets, and Kefubim, Ilagiographa, or Holy Writings. The order of the books of the Holy Scriptures according to the usual Hebrew text is. Genesis, J^xodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, comprising the Pentateuch. — Joshua, Judges, the First Book of Samuel, the Second Book of Samuel, the First Book i^f the Kings, and the Second Book of the Kings, comprising the Earlier I'ropiiets. — Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezokiel, and the twelve minor prophets, (to wit, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, 31icliah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi,) comprising the Later Prophets. — Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the five rolls, (to wit, the Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther,) Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, the First and Second Books of Chronicles, comprising the Hagiographa, or Holy Writings. The Jews also divide the Law in fifty-four sections, which are called after the first distiiictivi^ word in each section. For instance : the first of these sections is called Bere.shitii, from the first word of the Bible, signifying " in the beginning." The name of the first section in each book of the Pentateuch is also applied to that book ; thus. Genesis is called Bocsliitli ; Exodus, S/icriwt/i ; Leviticus, Yai/ikra ; }\ umhcrs, Brm id bar ; and ]1cuteronomy, DcJxirim. Ijcviticus is also called Tora/h Cohcniim, and Deuteronomy, MUltnrh Torah. The whole law is read once every year in the Synagogue and families, together with a corresponding section (HAPnTiiRAll) of the prophetic books — that is, excluding the Hagiographa, the third division of this work. Occasionally two weekly sections are read together, when mostly the Haphtorah of the second to the exclusion of the first is recited. So also arc the especial Haphtoroth for Sabbath New-Moon, or when new moon is on the first day of the week, first and second Sabliath Chanuckah, Parshath Shekalim, Zachor, Parah, and Hachodesh, as also Shim'u for Mattoth, likewise 'Aniyah So'arah for Keay, and Soss Assiss for Nizabim and Vayelcch, read instead of the usual ones indicated for the respective occasions. The name of each weekly section is placed at its commencement, as also at the head of the pages embracing the same, and the Haphtorah is indicated at the end of each. The weekly sections ai'C divided oiF in seven subdivisions called Parashiyoth, or Parassahs, whieli are marked off' in this work with a *; so also the few verses read for the M(ipliteri\ or the one who reads the Haphtorah, as will apjicar from inspection. In addition to the above, the first division of nest week's section is read every Sabbath afternoon and iMonday and Thursday morning, unless on these days some other portion should be read, because of there being a fast, ot half or entire holiday. VI GENERAL REMARKS. The subjoined is a table of tlic Law scetions and Haphtorotli for the various occasions : Parasuau. Haphtorah. 1st day of New Year Genesis xxi. 1-34. 1 Sam. i.-ii. 10. 2d " " " " xxii. 1-2-1. Jeremiah xxxi. 2-20. On both days also Numb. xxix. 1-6. Sabbath Teshubah The weekly section. As given after Vayelech. T^ „ . . , f Leviticus xvi. 1-.34. ) ^ .,,...,.,..., , Day 01 Atonement, morninu » .j , . „ ,, y Isaiah Ivii. 14-lviii. 14. •' ' ^ ( JNumb. XXIX. 7-11. J f Book of Jonah. " " afternoon... Leviticus xviii. l-.'50. -' Portuguese add three last verses ( of aiieah. T , , !• m 1 1 ( Leviticus xxii. 26-xxiii. 44. ] r/ i • i • 1st day of labernacles < -.j , . ,,, ,^ ]■ /jecliiinali xiv. •' ( Numb. XXIX. 12-1/. ) 2d " " the same as first day. 1 Kings viii. 2-21. ■.,. 1 11 J f. J f from Numb. xxix. 17-34, Middle days of do J. ., ' •' [ the proper verses. i Exod. xxxiii. 12— xxxiv. 20. "| Sabbath of do - from Numb. xxix. 17-34, [- Ezckicl xxxviii. 18-xxxix. 16. ( the proper verses. ) Tj,. , ,, J ( Deut.* xiv. 22-xvi. 17. 1 Kings viii. 54-60. Jliighth day -^ at u • oc -i '^ •' (Numb. xxix. 35-xxx. 1. (^ Deut. xxxiii. 1-xxxiv. 12. Joshua i. 1-18. Rejoicing of the Law < Gen. i. 1-ii. 3. Portuguese only 1-0. ( Numb. xxix. 35-xxx. 1. nx \ 1 i Numi). vii.t each day, Chanuckah < ^, ' •" ( the proper verses. On Sth day end with viii. 1^. f Usual weekly section, and the ") Sabbaths of do -' proper passages from'Nun.b. [- See end of Genesis. ( vi. vii. and viii. ) Shekalim See end of Exodus. " Exodus. Zaclior Purim Exodus xvii. 8-15. " " Parah See end of Exodus. " " Ilaehodesh " " " Haggadole Weekly section. " Leviticus. 1st day of Passover Exod. xii.J 21-50. Joshua v. 2-vi. 1. 2d " " Levit. xxii. 20-xxsiii. 44. 2 Kings§ xxiii. 1-25. On both days also Numb, xxviii. 10-25. 1 Middle days of Exod. xiii. 1-16. 2 " " " xxii. 24-xxiii. 19. 8 " " " xxxiv. 1-26.11 4 " " Numb. ix. 1-14. Sabbath of M. I), of Passover... Exod. xxxiii. 12-xxxiv. 26. EzekielT[ xxxvii. 1-14. 7th Day of Passover Exod. xiii. 17-xv. 26. 2 Samuel xxii. 1-51. Sth " " " Deut.** xiv. 22-xvi. 17. Isaiah x. 32-xii. 6. On all six days read also Numb, xxviii. 19-25. 1 of Pentecost Exod. xix. 1-xx. 23. Ezckiel i. entire, iii. 12. 2" " Deut.ft xiv. 22-xvi. 17. Hab. ii. 20-iii. 19. On both days also Numb, xxi.x. 26-31. New-moon days " xxviii. 1-15. Sabbath of do See end of Genesis. i''ast days Exod. xxxii. 11-14, In the afternoon. xxxiv. 1-10. Isaiah Iv. 6-lvi. 8.|:|: Fast of Ab, morning ) Pent. iv. 25—40. Jeremiah viii. 13-ix. 23. " " .'inernoon ( .\s on other fasts. As on other fasts. * This is if on Sabbath, otherwise xv. 19-xvi. 17. ■f Tho Poringnei^e n(M on tlic first day vi. 22-27. t ICon Sabl>.atti. Vortu^iicso oouunenco veree 14. a Portuguese leave out It lo 20. I Jf Sabbiith be on tiie third day. the order is changed, f Others commence x.\vi. 37. "' On wecli days. xv. lil-xvi. 17. ft On week day?, xv. 19-x\'i. 17. jj Povtufrueso "say no llaiititor.ib on Fast days' aflcrnoon. cxicpt on itth of Ah, wlicn'they say JJoseft^iy. 2-10, and Mi<'hali vii. 18-20, r- C (J N T E N T S. PAGE I'AHT I— TlIK I'KXTATI'irCII 1 Genesis o p]xci(liis (i(i Leviticu.s IIS Numbers If)!) Iti'Utcrnrioiiiy 21(1 PART IT— THE PROPHETS: Division I. — Tjie Earlif.r Prophets ... 255 Joshua 257 Judges 286 1 Samuel 315 2 Samuel 353 1 Kincs 385 2 Kings 423 Division II. — The Latkr Prophets 459 Isaiah 461 Jeremiah 522 Ezekiel .590 The Twelve iAIinor Prophets : Hosea 654 Joel 664 Amos 668 PAOH The Twelve Minor Phciphet.s — contimied. Oliiidiah 675 Jonah 677 Micah (■)79 Nalniui 685 llal^kkiik 687 Zephaniah 690 Haggai 694 Zechariah 696 Malachi 707 PART III.— THE IIAGIOGRAPHA 711 The Psalms 713 The Proverbs 794 Job 824 The Song of Solomon 860 Ruth 864 Lamentations 868 Eccle.siastes 874 Esther 884 Daniel 893 Ezra 912 Neheuiiah 924 IClironieies 941 2 Chronicles 973 D^mnm D^N^nj mm THE HOLY SCRIPTURES PART FIRST, CONTAINING THE PENTATEUCH; OR, THE FIVE BOOKS OF MOSES. nvT2 ^)'^^^) GENESIS, n'^'Nnn exodus, mjDtr LEVITICUS, Nipn NUMBERS, -\21D2 DEUTERONOMY, OnDI- THE r,OOK OF GENESIS, BERESlilTH,' n'u'NID, CONTAINING THE HISTORY OF THE CREATION AND PATRIARCHS. SECTION I. BERESHITH, n^:;*NnD. CHAPTER I. 1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the eai'th was withont form and void, and darknes.'^ was upon the face of the deep ; and the spirit of God was waving over tlie face of the waters. 8 And God said, Let there be light ; and there was hght. 4 And God saw the Hght that it was good; and God divided between the light and the darkness. 5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And it was even- ing and it was morning, the first day. G iy And God said. Let there be an expan- sion'' in the midst of the waters, and let it divide between waters and waters. 7 And God made the expan.sion, and di- vided between the waters which were under the expansion and the waters which were above the expansion : and it was so. 8 And God called the expansion Heaven. And it was evening and it was morning, the'^ second day. 9 T[ And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one |)lace, and let the dry land be visible : and it was so. 10 And (iod called the dry land Earth ; and the gathering together of the waters he called Seas: and God saw that it was "ood. " This word is the D;nue of the Jirsl weekly section, also ! of the first book of Moses, from the first word thereof, which is Berishith, i. e. " In the beginning.'" — It must be understood that the whole law is divided into fift3'- foiir sections, appointed to be read during the course of the year, so that each Sabbath one or two conjointly are read. Each of these sections bears a natno derived fnirn the A'/'s/ distinctive word thereof, and this will bet found indicated throughout the Pentateuch of this edition. ' I have preferred this term to (he usual translations, 11 And (Jod said, Let the earth bring forth grass, herbs yielding seed, fruit-trees yielding fruit after their* kind, in which its seed is upon the earth : and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees yield- ing fruit, in which its seed is after their kind : and God saw that it was good. 13 And it was evening ;ind it was morn- ing, the third day.'^" 14 ][ And God said, Let there be lights in the expansion of the heaven to divide be- tween the day and the night ; and let them be lor signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years ; 15 And let them be for lights in the ex- jjansion of the heaven, to give light upon the earth : and it was so. IG And God made the two great lights ; the greater light to*^ rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night; and the stars. 17 And God set them in the expansion of the heaven to give light upon the earth, 18 And to rule by day and by night, and ! to divide between the liglit and the darkness : and God saw that it was good. 19 And it was evening and it was morn- ing, the tburth day. 20 ^ Antl God said, Let the waters bring i forth abundantly moving creatures that have || life, and fowl that may fiy above the earth in the open expansion of the heaven. ■ 21 And God created the great sea-mon- because it expresses more correctly the idea of the Hebrew word, from |'p"i to crptuid ; therefore, the expansion of the atmosphere, not the fixed vault of the skies. " Properly, "a second day," the definite article being wanting; and so with all the otiiers, up to the fifth day. ''Properly, "it.s kind," referring to y_j' true, collec- tive singular, rendered here with the plural trees. ' The stars are used to denote the verses where the por- tions of the various sections end. ' Hob. " fnr llie rule of." GENESIS I. II. BERESHITH. sters," and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly after their kind, and every winged Ibwl after it,s kind : and God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruit- ful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let the fowl multiply on the earth. 23 And it was evening and it was morn- ing, the fifth day.* 24 ^ And God said, Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind, cattle, and creeping things, and beasts of the earth after their kind : and it was so. 25 And God made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after its kind : and God saw that it was good. 26 And God said, Let us'' make man in our image, after our likeness ; and they shall have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the heaven, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth . 27 And God created man in his image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the heaven, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. 29 And God said. Behold I have given unto you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree on which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed ; to you it shall be for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the heaven, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, (I have given) every green herb lor food : and it was so. .SI And God saw" every thing that he * Meaning, all the greater animals that inhabit the seas, in contradistinction to the smaller creatures afterwards described. '' This phrase is employed here, as in other places, to express the purpose of the Deity to eflcct his will. This construction is called " the plural of majesty." ° " Looked over;" meaning, that when all had been completed, the Creator, so to s:iy, cast his view over all, and then saw that there was nothing defective in the whole 4 had made, and behold, it was very good. And it was evening and it was morning, the sixth day. CHAPTER n. 1 ^ Thus were finished the heavens and the earth, and all their host. 2 And God had finished on the seventh day his work which he had made, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it ; because thereon he had rested from all his work which God had created in making it.*" 4 ]y These are the generations" of the hea- vens and of the earth when they were created, on the day that the Lord' God made earth and heaven. 5 And every plant of the field was not yet on the earth, and every herb of the field had not yet grown ; for the Lord God had not caused it to I'ain upon the earth, and man was not yet there to till the ground. G But there went up a mist froui the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. 7 And the Lukd God formed the man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life ; and the man be- came a living being. 8 And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden to the eastward, and he put there the man whom he had formed. 9 And the Lord God caused to grow out of the ground every tree that is i)leasant to the sight and good for food; and the tree of life in the midst of the gai'den, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it was })arted, and became four principal streams. 11 The name of the first is Pishon, the same which compasseth the wliole land of Havilah, where there is gold. system of outward nature, produced by his creative power " After PiULiPl'soN. ' " The history of the creation." — iMemjELSsohn. ' The proper signification of this word is the Eternal, which term will be used when absolutely required, but generally the usual word will be employed; but its proper sense will be indicated, as is customary in all the English Bibles, by printing it in what is technically called small OAl'ITALS. GENESIS II. III. BERESHITH. 12 And the gold of that land is good ; there IS the bdellium and the onyx stone. 13 And the name of the second r'ner is Gihon, the same which compa.sseth the whole land of Cush. 14 And the name of tlie third river is Hid- dekel, the same which tloweth towards the east of Assyria; and the fourth river is the Euphrates. 15 And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden, to till it, and to keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it ; for on the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. 18 And the Lord God said. It is not good that the man should Ijc alone; I will make him a help suitable for him.* 19 And the Lord God had formed out of the ground eve r}' beast of the field, and every fowl of the heaven, and he brought them unto the man to see what he would call them ; and whatsoever the man would call every living creature, that should be its name. 20 And the man gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the heaven, and to every beast of the field ; but for man there was not found a help suitable for him. *21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept ; and he took one of his ribs, and clo.sed up the fiesh instead thereof 22 And the Lord God formed'' the rib which he had taken from the man into a wo- man, and brought her unto the man. 2o And the man said. This time'' it is bone of my bones, and flesh of my tlesh ; this shall be called Wouum, [Isliah.] because out of Man [Ish] was this one taken. 24 Therefore doth" a man leave his father and his mother, and cleave unto his wife, and thev become one flesh. 'After the Hebrew, "built." ■* In opposition to the otber animals named before, they being unlike man, consequently not like the woman, bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh. — 1'iiilippson gives it : " This one, at this time, is," &c. ' The Hebrew future employed in the text represents not a command, but the habit; and, in this manner, the future tense is frctjuently used, where a constant prnetiee or habit is alluded to 25 And they were Ijotli naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. CHAPTER III. 1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made ; and he said luito the wonum, Ilath God indeed said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden ? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden ; 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch'' it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said luito the woman. Ye will surd}' not die ; 5 For God doth know, that, on the day ye eat thereof, your eyes will be opened, and ye will be as God, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, tnid that it was pleasant to the eyes, and the tree was desirable to make one wise," she took of its frint, and did eat, and gave also unto her liusliand with her, and he did eat. 7 And the eyes of both of them were opened, and they felt that they were naked ; and they sewed fig-leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day; and the man and his wife hid themselves' from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the Lord God called unto the man, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, Th\- voice I heard in the garden ; and I was afraid, because I am naked; and I hid my.self. 11 And he said, Who told thee that thou art naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree,whereoI I couimanded tliee that thou shoiddest not eat? 12 And the man said. The woman whom •^ Here is shown the danger <if adding to the command- ment; God had not ordained them not to touch the tree, only not to cat of the fruit; hence she was less able to withstand the cunning of the serpent. '■ "To contemplate." — Mkndelssohn. ' In the text the verb is used in the singular, and ought therefore to be properly given, "and the man hid iiimself with his wife." This constrnefioii is very fr''(|uent in Hebrew. GENESIS III. IV. BERESHITH. thou gavest to be Avith me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 1." And the IiORD God said unto the woman. What is this that thou hast done ? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled !ne, and I did eat. 14 And the Lord God said unto the ser- pent, Because thou hast done this, be thou cursed above all the cattle, and above every beast of the field ; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her .seed ; he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt wound his heel. 16 ^1 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy pain and (the suffering of) thy conception ; in pain shalt thou bring forth children ; and for thy huslmnd shall be thy desire, but he shall rule over thee. 17 ^ And unto Adam" he said. Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree of which I connnanded thee, saying. Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed be the ground for thy sake; in pain shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life. 18 And thorns and thistles shall it bring forth to thee ; and thou shalt eat the herbs of the field." 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground, for out of it wast thou taken ; tor dust thou art, and unto dust shalt tliou return. 2U And the man called his wife's name Eve" [Chavvah] ; because she Avas the mother of all living [Chay]. '11 And the Lord God made unto Adam and to his wife coats of skins, and clothed them.* 22 Tf And the Lord God said. Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil ; and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever'' — 23 Therefore the Lord God scut him forth " Adam signifies " man," as one taken from the ground ; Adam, man, being derived from A(/iiin<i/i, ground. '' The curKe was direeted to A<lain, that he shoidd be (•()tn|K-lled to obtain his food by eon.stant toil, whereas be- fore sinning, only slight exertions were riM|uired to gather what gn^w spiintaneously from the ground. " Signifying " living." '' Evidently an elliptieal .sentenee ; meaning, that since man njighl [iiirtake of the fruit of the tree of life should from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he was taken. 24 So he drove out the man ; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden the Cheru- bim, and the flaming'' sword which revolveth, to guard the way to the tree of life. CHAPTER IV. 1 ^ And the mati knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bore Cain, and said, I have gotten*^ a man from the Lord. 2 And she bore again, his brother, Abel f and Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And it came to pass in process of time, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. 4 And Abel — he also brought of the first- lings of his flock, and of the fattest'' thereof; and the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering; 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect ; and it was very displeasing to Cain, and his countenance fell. 6 And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth ? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be ac- cepted ? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door; and unto thee is its desire, but thou canst rule over it. 8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass when they were in tlie field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. 9 And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother ? And he said, I know not ; am I my brother's keeper ? 10 And he said, What hast thou done ? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. 11 And now be thou cursed from' tiie I ground, which hath o})ened its mouth to receive thy l)rotlier's blood from thy hand: 12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall he remain in Eden, it was the intention of the Deity to banish him, wliieh banishment is then recorded in the ne.\t verses. ° Literally, " the flame of the sword," A:c. ' I'p Kill/ill, from njp Kditiih. I'hii.U'Pso.n, after ll.V- sHl, renders riN by " with," /'. r. " the aid of" « Correctly, " Habel." ' Eng. ver. and others, "the fat," &c. ' " More than (he ground." — Salomon. GENESIS IV. V. BERESHITH. not henceforth jield its strength unto thee ; fugitive and vagabond shalt thou be on the earth. ] 13 And Cain said unto the Lord, My punislnnent is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the ground ; and from ^ thy face" shall I be hid ; and if I shall be a fugiti\e and vagabond on the earth, it will come to pass, that every one that findeth me will slay me. | 15 And the Lord said unto him, Therefore whosoex'er slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be tiiken on him seven-fold. And the Lord set a sign unto Cain, that any one finding him should not kill him. 10 And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. 17 And Cain knew his wife, and she con- ceived, and bore Enoch ;'' and he built a city, and called the name of the city after the name of his son Enoch. 18 And unto Enoch was born Irad; and Irad begat Mechujael ; and Mechijael begat Methushael ; and Methushael begat Lemech.* 19 And Lemech took unto himself two wives, the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. 20 And Adah bore Jabal ; he was the fother of such as dwell in tents, and have cattle. 21 And his brother's name was Jubal ; he was the father of all such as play on the harp and guitar." 22 And Zillah, she also bore Tubal-cain, an artificer in every article of copper and iron ; and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah. 23 And Lemech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, hear my voice ; ye wives of Le- mech, hearken unto my speech ; for I have slain a man to my own wounding, and a young man to my hurt. 24 If Cain shall be avenged seven-fold, truly Lemech seventy and seven-fold. * ('. e. Thy protection will be withdrawn. " Correctly, " Chanoch." ° Others render this with " pipe," making Jubal the the inventor of stringed and wind instruments in their simplest forms. '' From Shath, " he bestowed." ' Rasiii renders " by," and explains, " to call men and idols by the name of God, to convert them into deities for worship ;" and he would thus place the commencement of idolatrous worship as early as the tiuie of the grandson of 25 And Adam knew his wife again. ;ind she bore a son, and called his name Sluth' [Seth] ; for God (said she) hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. 26 And to Shetli, to him also there was born a son ; and he called his name Enosh : tlien began men to call upon'' the name oi' the Lord.* CFIAPTER V. 1 ^ This is the book of the generations of Adam. On the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him : 2 Male and female created' he them ;' and blessed them, and called their name Adam, on the day when they were created. 3 And Adam lived a hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his likeness, after his image ; and called his name Sheth. 4 And the days of Adam after he had be- gotten Sheth were eight hundred years; and he begat sons and daughters. 5 And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty jears; arid he died. 6 ^ And Sheth lived a hundred and five years, and begat Enosh. 7 And Sheth lived after he had begotten Enosh eight hundred and seven years; and he begat sons and daughters. 8 And all the days of Sheth were nine hundred and twelve years ; and he died. 9 ^ And Enosh lived ninety years, and begat Kenan. 10 And Enosh lived after he had begotten Kenan eight hundred and fifteen years ; and he begat sons and daughters. 11 And all the days of Enosh were nine hundred and five years ; and he died. 12 ^ And Kenan lived seventy years, and begat Mahalalel. 13 And Kenan lived after he had begotten Mahalalel eight hundred and forty years; and he begat sons and daughters. Adam : others explain simply, " then men began to pray to God;" others again, " to teach in the name of God;" whilst others would understand that the name of God was used in denominating perstms — perhaps, by attaching the syllable il (God) to names. ' In the sacred writing, the change of persons from second to third, and from singular to plural, and vice versa, is by no means a rare construction ; but as there is always some reason easily apparent for this change, it will be pre- served for ihe must part in this version. 7 GENESIS V. VI. BERESIIITH. 14 And all the days of Kenan were nine liiiiidred and ten years; and he died. 15 ^f And Mahalalel lived .sixty and five years, and begat Jared. 16 And Mahalalel lived after he had be- gotten .Tared eight hundred and tliirty year.s; and he begat sons and daughters. 17 And all the day.s of Mahalalel were eight hundred ninety and five years ; and he died. 18 Tl And Jared lived a hundred sixty and two years, and begat Enoch.'' 19 And Jared lived after he had begotten Enoch eight hundred years ; and he begat sons and daughters. 20 And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years ; and he died. 21 ^[ And Enoch lived sixt}- and five years, and begat Methushelah. 22 And Enoch walked" with God after he had begotten Methushelah three hundred years ; and begat sons and daughtei's. 23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years. 24 Ajid Enoch walked with God, and he was no more ; for God had taken" him.* 25 ^ And Methushelah lived a hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lemecli. 26 And Methushelah lived after he had be- gotten Lemech .seven hundred eighty and two years; and he begat sons and daughters. 27 And all the days of Methushelah were nine hundred sixty iind nine years; and he died. 28 ^ And Lemech lived a hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son. 29 And he called his name Noach, [Noah,] * Correctly, "Chanoch." '' The term " walking with God" is employed to ex- press a righteous course of life, as though the man of whom it is said, walked with and was accompanied by the presence of his Maker. So is it said of Noah, " Noah walked with God." In other places it is called walking in the presence of God, as we read in the history of Abra- ham: " Walk before me and be perfect." So, on the other hand, to act wickedly is termed " throwing God behind one's back." All these, and many others, are figurative phrases used by the Hebrews to give a lively idea of what simple words fail to express as strongly and beauti- fuUy.^ . ° Kvident reference to a life iifter death: the decease of the righteous is thus termed against i/icif used elsewhere, probably to indicate that tiiey are to dwell with their God whom they have worshipped. (Compare with P.salm xlix. 1(1.) * Rashi render!^, "shall give us rest," nj, from nr. A'- B saying. This one shall comforf us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord hath cursed.' 30 And Lemech lived after he had begotten Noah five hundred ninety and five years ; and begat sons and daughters. 31 And all the days of Lemech were seven hundred seventy and seven years; and he died. 32 ^ And Noah was five hundred years old, and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth. CHAPTER VI. 1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, 2 That the sons of God* saw the daughters of men, that they were fair; and they took themselves wives of all whom they chose. 3 And the Lord said, My Spirit*^ shall not always strive for the sake of man, for that he is but flesh; yet his days (of grace) shall be a hundred and twenty years. 4 The giants were on the earth in tho.se days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bore children to them ; these became the mighty men, who were of old the men of renown.* 5 ^ And God saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented^ the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the Lord said, I will destroy the sJudl give rest, from the root nij — referring to the invention of the plough, which is assigned to Noah, by which human labour was much abridged. " " Sons of the chiefs." — Onkelos. Daughters of men, those of the common people. '" My Spirit cannot always rule in man, — in the sti-ife of his passions he remains flesh, — and therefore shall his days be," &c. This is the new and bold version of Arn- heim. llashi, Aben Ezra, Onkelos, and Mendelssohn give " his days" the addition "of grace," meaning tiie punish- ment of the intended flood should be delayed one hun- dred and twenty years, in hopes of man's repentance. I'hilippson renders, " My Spirit siiall not for ever succumb in man, since he is but flesh." " This expression, otherwise not applicable to the Deity, who is no man that he He siiould repent, is employed merely to convey to u.s, in human language, the action of God ; for it is man's custom to repent of what he has made wlicn he finds himself compolled to destroy it. Tilli UliLUOK. GENESIS VI. VII. NOACH. man wlidiii I have created from tlie face of tiie eaitli; hoth man and beast, and the creep- in<r things and the fowls of the heaven ; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 8 But Noah fonnd grace in the eyes of the Lord. Ilaplilunih in Isaiali xlii. 5-21 : tlieGermans read to xliii. 11. SECTION II. NOACH, m. 9 Tl These are the generations o^ Noah: Noah was a just, perfect man in his genera- tions; Noah walked with God. 10 And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Jaiiheth. 11 And the earth was corrupt before God ; and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God looked upon the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had cor- rupted his way" upon the earth. 13 ^ And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me ; for the earth is fllled with violence through them, and I will destroy them with*" the earth. 14 Make thee an ark of gopher-wood, rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and slialt pitch it within and without with pitch. 1-5 And this is the manner in wliich thou shalt make it : The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. 16 A window'' shalt tliou make to the ark, and thou shalt finish it above, to be one cubit broad, and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it. 17 And as regards myself, behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to de- stroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under the heavens ; every thing that is on the earth' shall perish. 18 But I will establish my covenant with thee ; and tliou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee. 19 And of every living thing, of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee : male and female shall they be. 'Since to please God is called "walking" with him, a corruption of morals is properly termed " corrupting one's way." '' Philippson, 'from." ' Idem, " openings for light." ' "On the earth," — this would except the animals in- 20 Of the fowls after their kind, and of the cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive. 21 And thou, for thy part, take unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee ; and it shall be unto thee, and unto them for food. 22 Thus did Noah; according to ail that God had commanded him, so he did.* CHAPTER VII. 1 And the Lord said nnto Noah, Come thou and all thy household into the ark ; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. 2 Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee seven pair of each, the male and his fe- male ; and of beasts that are not clean two, the male and his female. 3 Also of the fowls of the heaven, seven pair of each, the male and the female ; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth. 4 For after only seven dajs more, I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights : and I will blot out every living substance that I have made from off the face of the earth. 5 And Notih did all just as the Lord had commanded him. 6 And Noah was six hundred yeivrs old when the flood of waters was upon the earth. 7 And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood. 8 Of the clean beasts, and of the beasts that are not clean, and of the fowls, and of every thing that creepeth^^g^on the earth, 9 One pair of each went in unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah. 10 And it came to pass, after the seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth. 11 In the six hundreth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on this same day, were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows*^ of heaven were opened. habiting the waters, and they would thus seem not to have been destroyed by the flood. ' Philippson renders here and elsewhere, " which moveth :" the same version is also used here, ver. 21. ' Figurative expression to denote the immense mass of 9 GENESIS VII. VIII. NOACtt. 12 And the rain fell upon the earth forty days and forty nights. 13 On that self-same day entered Noah, and Shem, and Hani, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, tvnd the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark; 14 They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepetli upon the earth after its kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird, every thing that hath wings. 15 And they went in unto Noah into the ark, one" pair of each, of all Hesh, wherein is the breath of life. 16 And they that went in, went in male and female of all Hesh, as God had com- manded him : and then the Lord shut him in.* 17 And the flood was forty days upon the earth ; and the waters increased, and bore up the ark, and it was lifted up above the earth. 18 And the waters prevailed,'' and in- creased greatly upon the earth : and the ark floated along upon the face of the waters. 19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth ; and all the high mountains that are under the whole heavens were covered. 20 Fifteen cubits above them did the waters prevail ; and the mountains were (thus) covered. 21 And all flesh perished that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing tliat creep- eth upon the earth, and every man. 22 All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that were on the dry land, died. 23 And it" swept off' every living substance which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and creeping things, and fow'ls of the heaven; and they were swept from the earth ; and Noah only was left, together with those that were with him in the ark. 24 And the waters prevailed upon the earth one hundred and fifty days. water which poured down upoa the earth, which appeared as tiiougli windows had heen opened in the body of tlie atmosphere, from wliidi the flood issued forth constantly in resistless strenfrth. ' " Meaning "at /rasl two," not excluding the remainder of the seven ordered of certain kinds. '' That i.s, " they increased in mass, covering the earth." ' The flood, referring thus to the nominative mentioned in verse 17. 10 CHAPTER VIII. 1 And God remembered Noah, and every living thing,'' and all the cattle that were with him in the ark : and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters were assuaged; 2 The fountains also of the deep, and the windows of heaven were stopped; and the rain from heaven was restrained. 3 And the waters returned from oft' the earth, gradually returning ; and the waters were abated after the end of the hundred and fifty days. 4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat. 5 And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month ; in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen ; 6 And it came to pass at the end of forty dtiys, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made; 7 And he sent forth" a*^ raven which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off" the earth. 8 He then sent forth a'' dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground. 9 But the dove found no resting-place for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him unto the aik ; for there was water on the face of the whole earth; then he put forth his hand, and took her, and brought her in unto him into the ark. 10 And he stayed yet other seven days, and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark. 11 And the dove came in to him at the time of the evening ; and, lo, an olive-leaf plucked oft" was in her mouth ; so Noah knew that the waters were abated from oft' the earth. 12 And he stayed yet other seven days, '' After Aben Ezra, who includes under the term rrn the birds and creeping things likewise. ° The non-return of the birds was to be a sure sign of their finding the earth again fit for their habitation. ' Heb. " The," meaning the birds known as raven and dove : the definite article is often so used in Scripture, to denote an unknown individual of a known species. GENESIS VIII. IX. NOACH. and sent forth the dove; but she returned not again unto him any more. 1?) And it came to pass in the six liun- dredth and first year, in the first montli, on the first day of the month, that the waters were dried up from off the earth ; .and Noah re- moved the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the fiice of the ground was dry. 14 And in the second month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, was the earth perfectly dried up.'-' 15 ][ And God spoke unto Noah, saying, 16 Go forth from the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee. 17 Every living thing that is with thee, of all fiesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, bring forth with thee; that they may breed abundantly on the earth, and be fruit- ful, and multiply upon the earth. 18 And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him. 19 Every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, whatsoever creepeth upon the earth, after their families, went forth out of the ark. 20 And Noah built an altar unto the Lord, and he took of every clean cattle, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt-oflferings on the altar. 21 And the Lord smelled the sweet savour ; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for the sake of man; although'' the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth : neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. 22 All the while the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night, shall not cease. CHAPTER IX. 1 And God blessed Noah and his sons, and ° This is Arnhetm's version : others have it " because," which then conveys the idea that since man is so consti- tuted, it would be unjust to punish all, as had been done. '' That is, "your power," or "your disposal." " Our tradition says, that this prohibits the eating of any part of a living animal, "nn ]0 "(^N : this barbarous custom is not yet extinct in some parts of the East. ■■The Noachitic commandments are, according to the Talmud: 1. The exercise of justice ; 2. The worship of God, or the prohibition of blasphemy; 3. The prohibition said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. 2 And the fear of you, and the dread of you, shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the heaven ; whatever is that moveth upon the earth, and all the fishes of the sea, are delivered into your hand.'' 3 Every moving thing that liveth shall be yours for food ; even as tlie green herbs have I given you all tilings. 4 But tlesh in which its life i.s," which is its blood, shall ye not eat. 5 Your blood, however, on wliich your lives depend, will I require : at the hand of every beast will I require it; and at the hand of man, at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man. 6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed;'' for in the image of God made he man. 7 And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth al)inidantly on the earth, and multiply thereon.* 8 ^ And Go^l spoke unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying, 9 And I, beliold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you ; 10 And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you, from all those that go out of the ark, for every beast of the earth. 11 And 1 will establish my covenant with you; and all flesh shall not be cut off any more by the waters of a" flood ; neither shall there be any more a flood to destroy the earth. 12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make^ between me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations. 13 My bow I do^ set in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of the covenant between me and the earth. I t of idolatry; 4. The prohibition of incest ; 5. The prohibi- tion of murder; 6. The prohibition of theft; 7. The pro- hibition of eating the flesh of a live animal. ° Properly, " the flood," meaning that well-known quantity of water which constitutes a flood. See above, note to viii. 7. ' Heb. "place," or "set." ' Heb. " I have set," indicating that the rainbow previously existing was appointed the sign of the ne'» covenant. n GENESIS IX. X. NOACH. I t 14 And it shall come to pass, that, when I bring a cloud over the earth, and the bow shall be seen in the cloud, 15 I will remember my covenant, W'hich is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh ; and tlie waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 And the bow shall be in the cloud ; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature, of all flesh, that is upon the earth. 17 And God sai.. unto Noah. This is the token of the covenant which I have esta- blished between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.* 18 T[ And the sons of Noah that went forth from the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth ; and Ham was the father of Canaan. 19 These three were the sons of Noah, and of them was the whole earth overspread. 20 And Noah, who was a husbandman, began his work, and he planted a vineyard. 21 And he drank of the wine, and became drunken ; and he uncovered- himself within his tent. 22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told it his two brothers without. 23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and hiid it upon the shoulders of both" of them, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were turned backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness. 24 And Noah awoke from his wine, and discovered what his younger son had done unto him. 25 And he said, Cursed be Canaan ; a ser- vant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. 2G And he said, Blessed be the Lord, the God of Shem; and Canaan shall be a servant unto them. 27 May God enlarge the boundaries of Ja[)heth, and may he dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be a servant unto them. " " And tliey both placdl it on tlicii- .sliimlJer." — AnEN KZRA. ^ I'liilippson and others rentier tbis "country," or a dis- trict with defined limits, as the island is defined by the sea. ° Philippson, "ruler," and supposes him to have been tlic first king. 12 28 And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years. 29 And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years ; and he died. CHAPTER X. 1 ]| Now tliese are the generations of the sons of Noah : Shem, Ham, and Japheth ; and unto them were sons born after the flood. 2 The sons of Ja|)heth : Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Mesliech, and Tirass. 3 And the sons of Gomer : Ashkenaz, and Eiphath, and Togarmah. 4 And the sons of Javan : Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. 5 From tliese were separated the isles'' of the nations in their land-s, ever}- one al'ter his tongue : after their families, in their na- tions. 6 And the sons of Ham: Cush, and Miz- rayim, and Put, and Canaan. 7 And the sons of Cush : Seba, and Hnvi- lah, and Sabtah, and Raaniah, and Sabteclia; and the sons of Raamah : Sheba, and Dedan. 8 And Cush begat Nimrod ; he began to be a mighty" man on the earth. 9 He was a mighty hunter before the Lokd ; wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the Lord. 10 And the beginning'' of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. 11 Out of that land went forth A.sshur," and built Nineveh, and the city Rechohoth. and Calach, 12 And Ressen between Nineveh and Ca- lach ; the same is the great cit}'. 13 And Mizrayim begat the Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtncliim. 14 And the Pathrussim, and Casluchim, (out of whom came the Pelishtim.) and the Caphtorim. 15 And Canaan begat Sidon his first-born, and Heth, 16 And the Jebusite, and the Emorite, and the Girgashite, ^ " The chief town." — OnKELOS. • Jlendelssohn and others, " He (Nimrod) went forth to Asshur ;" but the version in the text is according to the ancients, namely, that Asshur cniif:rat( d from l{:ilicl, &c., and built Nineveh, &c. GENESIS X. XI. NOACH. 17 And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Siiiite. 18 And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hainathite; and afterward were the laniilies of the Canaanites spread abroad. 19 And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou coniest to Gerar, unto Gaz- zah; as thou goest unto Sodom and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zebo\im. even unto' Lesha. 20 These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, in their nations. 21 ^j But unto Shera also, the fatlier of all the children of Eber," the brother of Japheth the elder, were children born. 22 Tlie sons of Shem : Elam, and Asshur, and Arpachshad, and Lud, and Aram. 23 And the children of Aram : Uz, and Hul, and G ether, and Mash. 24 And Arpachshad begat Shelach; and Shelach begat Ebei'. 25 And unto Eber were born two sons; the nauie of one was Peleg, for in his days was the earth divided; and his brotlier's name was Joktan. 26 And Joktan begat Almodad, and She- leph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerach, 27 And Hadoram. and Uzal, and Diklah, 28 And Obal, and Abimael, and Sheba, 29 And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab; all these were the sons of Joktan. 30 And their dwelling was from Mesha, as thou goest unto Sephar, the mount of the east. 31 These are the sons of Shem, atler their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations. 32 These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in tlieir nations; aud from these were the nations separated on the earth after tlie dood.'^' CHAPTER XI. 1 Tl And the whole eai'tli was of one lan- guage, and of one kind of words. ' No doubt derived from the root i^j; 'Ab<tr, " to pass over," whence D'13;' ' Ibrii/im, Ibrews, or those who came from over Euphrates to euter Palestine; and heuce Abraham the I/chrrir, who was so called because he came from Mosop(]tamia, or perhaps, because of his descent from 'Eber. Tiie // is not in the original, which is only 'Ibri, and would retjuire it to be written Ebnir. The term, however, in its primitive meaning, was applied to the sons of Joktan, besides the Israelites, who have been thus de- noted exclusively ever since the time of Moses. '' After Arnheim, who takes DlpD as simply denoting 2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed toward'' the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there. 3 And they said one to another. Go to. let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughh'. And thus the brick served them lur stone, and slime" served them for mortar. 4 And the\- said. Go to, let us biiibl oui selves a cit^-, and a tower, the top of mIucIi may reach unto heaven ; and let us make I ourselves a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. 5 And the Lokd came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man were building. 6 And the Lokd said. Behold, it is one people, and they have all one language, and this is the first thing they undertake to do; and now shall they not be restrained in all which they have imagined to do? 7 Go to, let us go down, and cont()und there their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. 8 So the LoKD scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth ; and they left oft' to build the city. 9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel.'' because the Loku did there confound the lan- guage of all the earth ; and from there did the Lord scatter them abroad over the face of all the earth. 10 *>\ These are the generations of Shem: I Shem. wlieii a himdred years old, begat Arpachshad, two years after the ftood. 11 And Shem lived after he had begotten Arpachshad five hundred years; and begat sons and daughters. 12 ]f And Arpachshad lived five and thirty years, and begat Shelach. 13 And Arpach.shad lived after he had be- gotten Shelach four hundred and three" years; and beo;at sons and dauuhters. 14 ^j And Shelach lived thirty years, and begat Eber. "from Ararat," which, though properly to the north-west of Shinar, yet was to the east of Palestine and Egypt, where the Israelites, and consecjuently Moses the writer of the books of the law, lived. Others again imagine that an emigration to the east proper may have taken place before, and they were then journeying back to Shinar. " A peculiar earthy adhesive substance of that country. ^ From Bahlal SS^ " to mingle." " Eemarkable decrease of the length of human life. When before the flood the age of man reached to near a thousand years, as was the case also with Noah : Shem 18 GENESIS XI. XII. LECH LECHA. 1 5 And Shelach lived after he had begotten Eber four hundred and three years; and begat sons and daughters. 16 ^ And Eber lived four and thirty years, and begat Peleg. 17 And Eber lived after he had begotten Peleg four hundred and thirty years ; and begat sons and daughters. 18 ^ And Peleg lived thirty years, and begat Eeii. 19 And Peleg lived after he had begotten Eeii two hundred and nine years ; and begat sons and daughters. 20 ^ And Reii lived two and thirty years, and begat Serug. 21 And Reii lived after he had begotten Serug two hundred and seven 3ears; and be- gat sons and daughters. 22 ^ And Serug lived thirty years, and begat Nachor. 23 And Serug lived after he had begotten Nachor two hundred years; and begat sons and daughters. 24 ^ And Nachor lived nine and twenty years, and begat Terach. 25 And Nachor lived after he had begotten Terach a hundred and nineteen years ; and begat sons and daughters. 26 ^ And Terach lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nachor, and Haran. 27 Now these are the generations of Te- rach : Terach begat Abram, Nachor, and Haran ; and Haran begat Lot. 28 And Haran died before his father Te- rach in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees.* 29 And Abram and Nachor took themselves wives; the name of Abram's wife was Sarai; and the name of Nachor's wife was Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Yiscah. 30 But Sarai was barren ; she had no child. 31 And Terach took Abram his son, and lived only six huudred yeans, and his son four Luudred und thirty-eiglit, till Abraham reached but one hundred and seventy-live years, and in Moses's time the years of man were reduced to mere " threescore and ten." May we not discover in this circumstance a wise Providence ? If the people before the flood, trusting in their long stay on earth, forgot their Maker, the speedy accounta- bility in those of later times was well calculated to make I hem reflect on their conduct. Besides this, the decrease of human life was gradual, which would seem to be owing to the necessity of leaving, in the first ages, life sufficiently long to enable iiuinkiud to people the earth by degrees. 14 Lot, the son of Haran, his son's son, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, the wife of his son Abram ; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan ; and they came unto Charan, and dwelt there. 32 And the days of Terach were two hun- dred and five years; and Terach died in Charan. ' Haphtorah in Isaiah liv. 1-10 ; the Germans read to Iv. 5. SECTION III. LECH LECHA, -[S ^S. CHAPTER XII. 1 ][ Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and out thy birthplace, and from thy father's house, unto the laud that I will show thee. 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great ; and thou shalt be a blessing :" 3 And I will bless those that bless thee, and him'' that curseth thee, will I curse; and in thee" shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4 So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him, and Lot went with him ; and Abram was seventy and five years old at his departure out of Charan. 5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance tliat they had acquired, and the persons'^ that they had obhiined in Charan ; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan ; and they came into the land of Canaan. 6 And Abram passed through the land unto the place'' of Shechem, unto the plain of Moreh; and the Canaanite was then in the land. 7 And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said. Unto thy seed will I give this land. And he built there an altar unto the Lord, who had appeared unto him. ' "So great shall.be thy blessing and prosperity, that thou shalt become a blessing to others ; for when a man shall bless his .son, he will say to him, May the Lord bless thee with Abraham's blessing." — Dubno. '' " In the singular ; for few would curse Abraham, whilst many would bless him." — Idem. " "Through thee, for thy sake and thy merit." — Idem. ''English version, "souls." "And the souls whom they had subjected to the Law."^ — Onkelos. But the simple and evident meaning is, " the servants and follow- ers whom they have obtained control of" " Tluit is, " where Shechem was afterward built." GENESIS XII. XIII. LECH LECHA. 8 And he removed from there unto the mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, liaving Beth-el on the west, and 'Ai on the east; and he built there an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name" of the Lord. 9 And Abram journeyed farther, still go- ing on toward the south. 10 1[ And there arose a famine in the land : and Aljram went down into Egypt'' to sojourn there; for the ianiine was grievous in the land. 11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife. Behold now, I know that thou art a woman of handsome appearance : 12 And it may come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they will say, This is his wife; and they may kill me, but thee they will save alive. 13 Say then, I pray thee, thou art my sister, that it may go well with me for thy sake, and my soul live because of thee.''' 14 And it came to pass, when Abram was come into Egypt, that the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair. 15 The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house. 16 And he did well to Abram for her sake; and he received sheep, and oxen, and he-asses, and men-servants, and maid-servants, and slie-asses, and camels. 17 But the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife. 18 And Pharaoh called' Abram, and said, What is this that thou hast done unto me? Why didst thou not tell me that she is thy wife ? 19 Why saidst thou. She is my sister? and so 1 took her to me for a wife ; now there- fore, behold, here is thy wife, take her, and go thy way. 20 And Pharaoh commanded some men " Aben Ezra, "or, called the people together to .serve the Lord." '' Because Egypt was better cultivated than Canaan, which was generally inhabited by the nomadic tribes in till' days of the patriarchs. " That is, "had him called." '' The south of Palestine ; for, correctly speaking, Abra- ham travelled northward from Egypt, but still the first part of Palestine he reached on his return was "the south" thereof, i im, who accompanied his wife, and all that he had. inn and CHAPTER XIII. 1 And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him. into the south.'* 2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. 3 And he went on his journeys front the south even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and 'Ai ; 4 Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first ; and Abram called there on the name of the Lord.* 5 And Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. 6 And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together; for their sulj- stance was great, so that they could not dwell together. 7 And there arose a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle, and the herdmen of Lot's cattle : and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land. 8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen ; for we are near relatives. 9 Is not the whole land before thee ? Sepa- rate thyself, I pray thee, from me : if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to tlie right; or if thou depart to the right, then I will go to the left. 10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere; before' the Lord destroyed So- dom and Gomorrah, (it was) like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, till thou comest unto Zoiir. 11 Then Lot chose himself all the plain of Jordan ; and Lot journeyed east / and they separated themselves the one from the other. " This version, somewhat differing from the English Bible, is according to Rashi and others, and removes the obscurity which otherwise exists. The second part of this verse must thus be regarded as a parathesis explaining the character of the plain of the Jordan, which Lot chose for his habitation. ' The same construction again as above, xi. 2, Dlpo, " to the east," instead of "from." 16 GENESIS Xlil. XIV. LECH LECHA. 1:^ Abrain dwelt in the land of Canaan; and Lot dwelt in tlie cities of the plain, and pitched his tents, till close to Sodom. LS But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly. 14 And the Lord said nnto Abram, after Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thy eyes, and look from the place where thou art, northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward ; 15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. 16 And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth; so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. 17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it ; for unto thee will I give it. 18 Then Abram pitched his tent, and came and dwelt in the grove" of Manire, which is in Hebron; and he built there an altar unto the Lord.* CHAPTER XIV. 1 ^ And it came to pass, in the days of Am- raphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Kedorlaomer king of Ehim, and Tidal king of Goyim ; 2 That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboyim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar. (J All these joined together in tlie vale of Siddim, which is now the salt sea. 4 Twelve years had they served Kedor- laomer, l)ut in the thirteenth year they re- belled. 5 And in the fourteenth year came Kedor- laomer, and the kings that were with him. and they smote the Repha'im in Ashteroth- karnayim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathayim, G And the Horites in their mountain * Mcndt'I.ssnlin, after Abt^u Ezra, translates the word ]\ht< in this inauuer, siucc it is used to express "tree" in many places. Onkelos, however, calls it "plain." '' The pits. Compare with Exod. xxi. 33, where noB', like here, refers to the pit into which the animal falls; not "there," as in the English version. ° Brother, in Hebrew, denotes frecjiuntly a near rela- 16 Se'ir, unto El-paran, which is by the wilder- ness. 7 And they returned, and came to En- mishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Emor- ites, that dwelt in Ilazezon-tamar. 8 And then went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Adnudi, and the king of Zeboyim, and the king of Bela, (the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim; 9 With Kedorlaomer king of Elam, and with Tidnl king of Goyim, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings with five. 10 And the vale of Siddim was full of slime-pits; and the kings of Sodom and Go- morrah fled, and fell therein ;^' and they that remained fled to the mountain. 11 And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way. 12 And they took Lot, Abrani's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. 13 And there came one that had escaped, and told it to Abram the Hebrew; but he dwelt in the grove of Mamre the Emorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner, and these were confederates of Abram. 14 And when Abram heard that his brother" was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three luuidred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan." 15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. IG And he brought back all the goods; and he also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and also the women, and the people. 17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him (after his return from smiting Ke- dorlaomer, and the kings that were with him) tive, for above he is called, as he was, Abram's brother's son. '' Perhaps another city than the ancient Laish, though evidently in the same neighbourhood. If a conjecture may be hazarded, it may have been a place of resort for judgment, from tn doi), in the north, as 'En-mishpat, /. c. "the spring of judgment," was at the south of Palestine GENESIS XIY. XY. LECH LECHA. at the valley of Shaveh, which i.s the kings' (Jale. 18 And Malkizedek king of Salem brought I'orth brea<l and wine ; and he was a priest of the most high God. 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth. 20 And blessed be the most high God, who hath delivered thy enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.* 21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and the goods take to thyself. 22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up my hand unto tlie Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, "23 That I will not" take from a thread even to a shoe-latchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine; lest thou shouldst say, I have made Abram rich : 24 Save only that which the }'oung men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me, Aner, Eshcol. and Mamre — these nuiy take their portion. CHAPTER XV. 1 ][ After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram; I am thy shield, thy reward shall be exceedingly great. 2 And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is Eliezer of Damascus ? o And Abram said. Behold to me thou hast given no seed ; and lo, one born in my house will be ni}' heir. 4 And behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying. This one shall not be thy heir ; but he that shall come forth out of thy own bowels shall be thy heir. 5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward the heaven, and count the stars, if thou be able to count them ; and he said unto him. So shall thy seed be. ' Abraham's disinterestedness and U'ue faith. God had promised to malie him great ; and hence, though he had expended time and treasure, and exposed his life iu the assault he made upon the conquerors of many natious, he refused to be benefited through the munificent offer of the king of Sodom. '' Onkelos and Kashi render, " three heifers," &c. ° The inhabitants of the land wherein the seed of Abra- ham was to dwell : see next verse. C 6 And he believed in the Lord; tind he accounted it to him for righteousness.* 7 And he said unto him, I am the Lord that brought thee out of Ur of the Clialdees, to give unto thee this land, to inherit it. 8 And he said. Lord God, whereby shall I know that I shall iidierit it ? 9 And he said unto him, Take me a heifer of three'' years old, and a she-goat of three ^ears old, and a ram of three years old, and ;i turtle-dove, and a young pigeon. 10 And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one opposite the other; but the birds he did not divide. 11 And the birds of prey came down upon tlie carcas.ses; but Abram drove them tiwtiy. 12 And when the sun was about going down, a deep sleej) fell upon Abram ; and lo, a horror, dark and great, fell upon him. 13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land which is not theirs, and they" will make them serve, and they will afflict them ibui hundred years. 14 And also that nation whom they shtdl serve, will I judge; and afterward shall they go out with great substance. 15 But thou shalt come to thy fathers in peace ; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. 16 Yet the fourth'' generation shall come hither tigain ; for the iniquity of the Emorites will not be full until then. 17 And it came to pass, when the sun had gone down, and it was dark, that behold a smoking furnace, and a burning Hame," which passed between those pieces. 18 On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying. Unto thy seed have I given this land, from tlie river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates; 19 The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, 20 And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaim, '' The fmirth generation of those who go down to tltai laud, which was Egypt. — Rashi. ■ ° It was customary in olden times, for contracting par- tics to cut up animals and pass alternately through the pieces, (Jer. xxxiv. 18 ;) therefore was the fire seen passing through the members of the animals which Abra- ham had placed, as the evident representative of the Lord who that day made " the cnvonant between the pieces" with the patriarch. 17 GENESIS XVI. XVII. LECH LECHA. 21 And the Emorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites. CHAPTER XVI. 1 ^ Now Sarai, Abram's wife, bore him no children; and she had an Egyptian handmaid, whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bear- ing : go in, I pray thee, unto my maid ; it may be that I may obtain" ehildren by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. 3 And Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar, the Egyptian, her maid, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land'' of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife. 4 And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived; and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress became of little esteem in her eyes. 5 And Sarai said unto Abram, I sufler" wrong through thee; I have placed my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I became of little esteem in her eyes: may the Lord judge between me and thee. 6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face. 7 And an angel of the Lord found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain on the way to Shur. 8 And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said. From the face of my mistress Sarai I am fieeing. 9 And the angel of the Lord said unto her. Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself ander her hands. 10 And the angel of the Lord said unto ■■ Heb. "Be built up from her." '' Literally, "at the end of ten years of Abram's resi- (leiiee in," &c. '- Others render, " My wrong be upon thee." '' YislimaiKj-d, " God will hear." ' This version is according to Onkelos. Mendelssohn's version is: "Thou art a visible God ; for she said, Have I then seen any thing after ho that saw me had departed ?" Arnlieim again is very bidd : "Thou art the God of the appearance (nf prdphccy); for siie said, Do I now see here the least, after I have seen (clearly)?" A. distin- guishes b(^tween Roi or Mitrnh, 'N"\ or nsiO, "appearance, indistinct visiiin," and U'nli iw Manli, nxi, HvSio, "dis- 18 her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multi- tude. 11 And the angel of the Lord said unto her. Behold, thou art with child, and wilt bear a son, and thou shalt call his name Ishmael f because the Lord hath heard thy affliction. 12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him ; and in the presence of all his brethren shall he dwell. 13 And she called the name of the Lord that sjjoke unto her. Thou art an all-seeing God ; for she said, Have I not also seen here a vision after he appeared to me T 14 Wherefore the well was called Beer- lachai-roi:'^ behold, it is between Kadesh and Be red. 15 And Hagar bore Abram a son ; and Abram called the name of his son, whom Ha- gar bore, Ishmael. 16 And Abram was eighty and six years old, when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram. CHAPTER XVII. 1 And when Abram was ninety and nine yeiirs old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty^ God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. 2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and I will multiply thee exceed- ingly. 3 And Abram fell on liis face, and God spoke with him, saying, 4 As for me, behold my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt become the father of a multitude of nations. 5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abra- ham; for the,father of a multitude of nations have I made thee. 6 And I will make thee exceedingly fruit- tinct seeing and clear vision." (See also Numb, xii, 6, 8.) Hagar then meant that God was merely such a one as ap- pears to man in an indistinct, shadowy vision or image, not a substantial bodily being; since she sawnotliiug any more after she had had the object speaking before her. — It is a difficult verse, and Onkelos seems to me to be nearer the truth than the later authorities. ' " The well where the angel of the Living One was made manifest." — Onkklos. "= This, K[,-Sii.\iin.M, K the first appellation which we find God to have assumed: the other terms were merely applied to him by mankind. The second revelation of jjis name is in Exodus vi. '1, 3. GENESIS XVII. XVIII. VAYERA. fill, and I will cause thee to become nations; and kings shall come out of thee.* 7 And I M'ill establish my covenant be- tween me and thee and between thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant : to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. 8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou so- journest, all the land of Canaan, for an ever- lasting possession ; and I will be their God. 9 And God said unto Abraham, But thou, for thy part, slialt keep my covenant, thou, and thy seed after thee, in their generations. 10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and between you, and be- tween thy seed after thee : Every man-child among you shall be circumcised. 11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin ; and this shall serve as the token of the covenant between me and 3'ou. 12 And at eight da3's old shall every man- child in your generations be circumcised among 3'OU, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, who is not of thy seed. 13 He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised; and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. 14 And any uncircumcised male,* who cir- cumciseth not the flesh of his foreskin, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant. 15 *[] And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah*" shall her name be. 16 And I will bless her, and give thee also a son of her; yea 1 will bless her, and she shall become a mother of nations; kings of people shall spring from her. 17 Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed ; and he said in his heart. Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? and shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear ? 18 And Abraham said unto God, that Ishmael might live before thee!" 19 And God said. Truly, Sarah thy wife ' " When a person Las reached the age of thirteen." — Kashi. '"Princess." So Abraham signifies Ahir-hamorip, a chief of a multitude; or, Ai-lannone, the father of a multi- shall bear thee a son; and thou shalt call his name Isaac;'' and I will establish my cove- nant with him for an everlasting covenant, for his seed after him. 20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee : behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceed- ingly; twelve princes .shall he beget, and I will make of him a great nation. 21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year. 22 And when he had left ofl' talking with him, God went up from Abraham. 23 And Abraham now took Ishmael \nn son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house ; and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskin on the self-same day, as God had spoken unto him.'^' 24 And Abraham was ninety and nine years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 26 On the self-same da)- was Abraham cir- cumcised, with Ishmael his son. 27 And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him. Haphtorah in Isaiah, xl. 27 to xli. 10. SECTION IV. VAYERA, Nin. CHAPTER XVIII. 1 And the Lord appeared unto him in the grove of Mamre ; while he was sitting at the door of the tent in the heat of the day. 2 And he lifted up his eyes and looked, and lo, three men stood near him ; and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the door of the tent, and bowed himself to the ground ; 3 And he said. My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy eyes, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant. 4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched. tnde : the first is from Dubuo's Commentary, the second from Rashi. ' That is, " to please thee." '' Yil^cliak, from pni" tunlio/.; "to liiiigli." J9 GENESIS XVIII. VAYERA. and wash jour feet, and rest yonrselves under the tree. 5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your heart, after that ye may pass on ; since ^e have once passed by your servant. And they said. So do, as thou hast spoken. 6 And Abraliam hastened into tlie tent inito Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes. 7 And Abriiliam ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a jonng man, and he hastened to dress it. 8 And he took cream and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat. 9 And they said unto him. Wliere is Sarah thy wife ? And he said, Behold, in the tent. 10 And he said, I will certainly return unto thee at this time next ^ear;" and lo, Sarah thy wile shall have a son. And Sarah heard it at the door of the tent, which was l)ehind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in years ; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. 12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, ray lord also being old? lo And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, since I am old? 14 Is any thing too hard lor the Lord ? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, at this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.* 15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid; but he said, Nay; indeed thou didst laugh. IG And the men rose up from there and ' Rashi. Aruheim vory ingeniously renders it, " at the time of the recovery," /. r. of Sarah, after the birth of the promi.seJ ehihl, taking rrn for recovery. '' "Love liini, beeau.se he," i*te. — Kasiii. " It is revealed before lue that." — Onkpilds. " "I will spare them." — AliKV l'//l!.v and .Mk.ndels.soUN. Onkelos agrees with this, but adds, " if they repent," against the previous eoni[)lete destruction " if they do not repent." llaslii c.icplains, " I will visit them with suffer- ings, but not make an end of them." '' Others render, " I'ai-dou the place." 20 looked toward Sodom ; and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. 17 And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about doing ? 18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely be- come a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I know'' him, that he will command his children and his household after him, that they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice ; in order that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken concerning him. 20 And the Lord said. Because the cry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and beciiuse their sin is very grievous : 21 I will go down now, and see, if they have done according to the ci-y against them, which is come unto me, destruction (shall come upon them) ; and if not, I will know' it. 22 And the men turned their faces from there, and went toward Sodom ; but Abraham stood yet before the Lord. 23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou then desti'oy the righteous also with the wicked ? 2-4 Peradventure there tire fifty righteous within the city; wilt thou then also destroy and not spare'' the place for the sake of the fifty righteous that are therein ? 25 Far be it from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked, and that the righteous should be as the wicked;" far be this from thee; shall the Judge of all the earth not exercise justice ? 26 And the Lord said, If I lind in Sudom fifty lighteous within the city, then will I sptire all the place for their sake. 27 And Abraham answered and said. Be- hold now, I have taken upon me to speak inito the Lord, although I am but dust and ashes: 28 Peradventure there will lack five of the fifty righteous; wilt thou then destro}' all the " For in case an indiscriminate destruction of the cities shnuld take place, all the inhabitants, whether good or wicked, would necessarily have to share the same fate ; Abraham thercf ire asked that the mercy wdiieh tiie right- eous deserved, niight, in order to save them, staj' the doom which was impending over the cities in W'hieh they dwelt ; and being at once a,ssured that divine justice would dis- erimiuate, he grew bolder in hispra3'er, till at length he was certified that even ten should cause the suspension of the punishment. I OENESrS XVIII. XIX. V.\YEUA. city fi)r the (lack of) the^Q five ? And lie said, ' I will not destroy, if I find there forty and five. 29 And he spoke yet again unto him, and said, Perad\entnre there will be found there forty. And he said, I will not do it for the sake of the forty. 30 And he "said. Oh, let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak : Peradventure there will be found there thirty. And he said, I will not do it, if I find there thirty. 31 And he said. Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord : Peradven- ture there will be found there twenty. And he said. I \\ ill not destroy, for the sake of the twentw 32 "And he said. Oh, let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once : Peradventure there will be found there ten. And he said, I will not destroy, for the sake of the ten. 33 And the Lord went away, when he had finished speaking with Abraham ; and Abra- ham returned unto his place.* CHAPTER XIX. 1 And the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom ; and when Lot saw them he rose up to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face to the ground. 2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn ill, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye can rise up early, and go on your way. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night. 3 And he pressed upon them greatly, and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house ; and he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they did eat. 4 But before they had lain down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the hou.se round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter : 5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him. Where are the men who came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. ' " Cry" means that tlie greatness of the sin has be- come so apparent as to demand, " cry out for," vengeance against the transgressors. See above, iv. 10; xviii. , 20,21. "■ Mendelssohn, who iinderstands the participle in the (3 And Lot went out unto them, at the entrance (of the house), and shut the door after him, 7 And he said, I pray you, my brethren, do not act wickedly. 8 Behold now, I have two daughters who have not known man ; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes; only unto these men do nothing, since they have once come under the shadow of my roof. 9 And they said, Stand back. And they said. This one man came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge ; now will we deal worse with thee than with them. And they pressed sorely upon the man Lot, and they came near to break the door. 10 But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot to them into the house, and the door they locked. 11 And the men that were at the entrance of the house they smote with blindness, both small and, great, so that they wearied them- selves to find the entrance. ■ 12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides ? a son-in-law, and thy sons, and tliy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring out of this place. 13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry" against them is waxed great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it. 14 And Lot went out and spoke unto his sons-in-law, who were to marry'' his daughters, and said, Arise, get yourselves out of this place, for the Lord will destroy this city; but he seemed as one that jestetli in the eyes of his sons-in-law. 15 And as the morning dawn arose, the angels urged Lot, saying. Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters that are here, lest thou be consumed for the iniquity of the city. 16 And while he yet lingered, the men laid hold of his hand, and of the hand of his witi?, and of the hand of his two daughters, becaii.se the Lord desired to spare him ; and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. 17 And it came to pass, when they had text as "about to take ;" but Rashi divides the words so, " His sons-in law, — he had two daughters married in the city; the takers of his daughters, — those to whom those at home were betrothed." Aben Ezra also coincides with this. 21 GENESIS XIX. XX. VAYERA. brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy Hfe, look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain ; escape to the niountain, lest thou be consumed. 18 And Lot said unto them. Oh, not so, my lord ! 19 Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy eyes, and thou hast magnified thy kindness, which thou hast showed unto me in saving my life ; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest the evil overtake me, and I die. 20 Behold now, this city is near to flee thereunto, and it is little ; oh, let me, I pray thee, escape thither, (as it is but little,) that my life may be saved.* 21 And he said unto him, See, I have favoured thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, of which thou hast spoken. 22 Haste thee, escape thither ; for I cannot do any thing till thou hast come thither. Therefore was the name of the .city called Zoiir.^ 23 The sun rose over the earth, when Lot entered into Zoiir. 24 And the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire, from the Lord, out of lieaven ; 25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that wliicli grew upon the ground. 2G But his wife looked back f^om behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. 27 And Abraham got up early in the morning to the place where he had stood be- fore the Lord : 28 And he looked toward Sodom and Go- morrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and lo, smoke went up from the earth as the smoke of a furnace.'' 29 And it came to pass, when God de- stroyed the cities of the plain, that God re- membered Abraham," and sent Lot away out (>f the midst of the overthrow, when he over- threw the cities in the which Lot had dwelt. 30 And Lot went up out of Zoar, and ' "Little," from milr.di-, ^ Eng. vor. " the siuokc! nf the country wont up," &c. ° Not for any particular merit in Lot, although ho was not so corrupt as the other men in Sodom ; but because lie was a kinsman of Abraham; for the sake of Abraham's virtue was Lot spared. (See Gen. xxvi. .5; PLxod. xx. 6.) 22 dwelt in the mountain, and his two daugh- ters with him, for he feared to dwell in Zoiir; and he dwelt in a cave, he, and his two daughters. 31 And the first-born said unto the young- er. Our father is old, and there is not a man in the country to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth : 32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our firther. ' 33 And they made their fother drink wine that night; and the first-born went in, and lay with her father, and he perceived not when she la}' down, nor when she arose. 34 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the first-born said unto the younger, Be- I hold, I lay yesternight with my lather; let us make him drink wine this night also, and go thou in, and lie with liim, that we may pre- serve seed of our father. 35 And they made their father drink wine that night also ; and the younger arose, and lay with him, and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. 30 And both the daughters of Lot became with child by their father. 37 And the first-born bore a son, and called his name MoJib;'' the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day. 38 And the younger, she also bore a son, and called his name Ben-ammi:'' the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day. CHAPTER XX. 1 \ And Abrahaui journeyed from there toward the south country, and dwelt between Kadesh and Sliur, and sojourned in Gerar. 2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister; and Abimelech the king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. 3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night,*^ and saiil to him. Behold, thou shalt die for the sake of the woman whom thou hast taken ; for she is a man's wife. 4 But Abimelech had not come near to ^ " From my father," jVaiilj JNTO, from Al> 3N'. " " The son of my poople," Ammon poy, from Ben- ammi 'n>' p. ' Literally, "in a dream of the night," a species of pro- phecy specially referred to in Numb. xii. 6; also Gen xxxi. 11, 24, &c. CxENEStS XX. XXI. \^AYERA. her; and he said, Lord, wilt thou then sLay also a righteous nation ?" 5 Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself, said. He is my brother ; in the integrity of my heart and the innocency of my hands have I done this. 6 And God said unto him in the dream. Yea, I also well know that thou hast done this in the integrity of thy heart; therefore did I also withhold thee from sinning against me ; for this cau.se I suffered thee not to touch her. 7 And now restore the man's wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for thee, that thou mayest live ; and if thou restore her not, know thou, that thou shalt surely die, thou and all that are thine. 8 And Abimelech rose early in the morn- ing, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their hearing; and the men were greatly afraid. 9 Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him. What hast thou done unto us? and in what have I oflended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin ? deeds that ought not to be done thou hast done unto me. 10 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou didst this thing? 11 And Abraham said, Because I thought. Surely there is no fear of God in this place,'' and they will sLay me for the sake of my wife. 12 And yet indeed she is my sister, the daugliter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother ; and she became my wife. 13 And it came to pass, when God° caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt show unto me ; at every place whither we shall come, say of me. He is my brother. 14 And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and men-servants, and women-servants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored to him Sarah his wife. ' This speech of Abimelech proves that the nations of Palestine were acquainted with the moral laws : hence their tra'isgressions were sinful. '' The beauty, therefore, of his wife would expose him to the violence of those who might desire to possess them- selves ol her agaiust his will. ' Heb. D"nSx 'nx i;?nn "the Gods caused me to wan- der," the plural of majesty. Compare above, i. 26. I'j And Al)inH'lccli said. Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it is pleasing in thy eyes. 16 And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver : behold, this is to thee a covering of the eyes'' unto all that are with thee; and with all others thou canst thus justify thyselt^' 17 And Abraham prayed unto God ; and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maid-servant.s, so that they could bear chil- dren. 18 For the Lord had fast closed up every womb of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham's wife. CHAPTER XXL 1 ^f And the Loud visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken . 2 And Sarah conceived, and bore unto Abi'aham a son in his old age, at the ap- pointed time of which God had spoken to him. 3 And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac. 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac, at eight days old, as God had commanded him.''' 5 And Abraham was a hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born imto him. 6 And Sarah said, God hath made me joy,' whoever heareth it will laugh concerning me. 7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarai should have given children suck ? yet I have born a son in his old age. 8 And the child grew, and was weaned; and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. 9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had born unto Abra- ham, mocking. 10 Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bond-woman and her son ; for the son ■^ That is, "avail," figurative for "justification." ' Rashi, who makes nriDJI the second person past tense of the Niphal conjugation, which gives the best explana- tion of this passage. Arnheim makes the word a partici- ple, and renders the passage, " for all and each who contend with thee." ' Onkelos. Others render the word " laughing," thus " Grod hath m.ado me eau.se for laughing." 23 GENESIS XXI. XXTI. VAYERA. of this bond-woinan shall not be lieir with my .son, with Isaac. 11 And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's eyes, because of his son. 12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy eyes because of the lad, and because of thy bond-woman ; in all that Sarah may say unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac" sliall thy seed be called. 13 And also of the son of the bond-woman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed. 14 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle'' of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away; and she departed, and wandered astray in the wilderness of Beer-sheba. 15 And the water was spent from the bot- tle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs. 16 And she went, and seated herself down at some distance, a good way off, about a bojv- shot; for she said, I cannot look on when the child dieih; so she sat at a distance, and lifted up her voice, and wept. 17 And God heard the voice of the lad; and an angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, Wliat aileth thee, Hagar? Pear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad, there where he is. 18 Arise, lift up the lad, and lay hold on him with thy hand; for I will make of him a great nation. 19 And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water: and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink. 2U And God was with the lad ; and he grew up, and dwelt in the wilderness, and be- came an arclier. 21 And he dwelt in the wilderness of Pa- ran; and his mother took hhn a wife out of the land of Egypt.* 22 *^\ And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech, and Phichol the chief captain of ° The blessing made on a previous occasion, that all na- tions .sliould be bless(!(l tiivoiijrh the seed of Abraham, was to be aecouiplislied through Isaac and his descendants, to the exclusion of Ishniael and the other children that Abraham might have. ^ The water-skin in which travellers carry the neces- sary supply on their journey through the wilderness. " "Well of the oath." " Rashi, after the Talmud. • The word '' tempt" liere must be taken in the sense 24 his host, spoke unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest: 23 Now tlierefore swear unto me here by God, that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son; (but) according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, shalt thou do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned. 24 And Abraham said, I will swear. 25 And Abraham reproved Abimelech be- cause of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away. 26 And Abimelech said, I know not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me; nor have I heard of it except this da}'. 27 And- Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech ; and both of them made a covenant. 28 And Abraham set seven ewe-lambs of the tlock, by themselves. 29 And Abimelech said unto Abraham ; What mean these seven ewe-lambs which thou hast set by themselves ? 30 And he said, Por these seven ewe-lambs shalt thou take from my hand, that they may be a witness unto me that I have dug this well. 31 Wherefore he called that place Beer- sheba ;" because there they swore, both of them. 32 Thus they made a covenant at Beer- sheba; then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines. 33 And Abraham planted an orchard"" in Beer-sheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the God of everlasting. 34 And Abraham sojourned in the land of the Philistines many daj's.* CHAPTER XXIL 1 Tl And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt" Abraham, and he said unto him, Abraham, and he said, Behold, here am I. ot proving, L e. God proved Abraham's constancy by the command to sacrifice Isaac. All the other proofs of faith hitherto demanded of him were to be crowned by the wil- lingness to sacrifice up to the will of God his dearest hope, the child in whom all the blessings promised him sin mid be accomplished : still he obeyed, and did not complain of the apparent inconsistency of the divine promise with the present injunction of destroying the very child through whom this blessing could alone be fulfilled. GENESIS XXII. VAYERA. 2 And he said, Take now thy son, thy only one, whom thou lovest, even Isaac, and get thee into the Land of Moriah ; and offer him there for a burnt^oflering upon one of tiie mountains which I will tell thee of 3 And Aljraham rose up early in the morn- ing, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him. and Isaac his son; and he clave the wood ft)r the burnt-offering, and arose,'' and went unto tiie place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar oflf. 5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide 3-e here with the ass, and I and the lad will go yonder, and we will worship,'' and then come again to you. 6 And Abraham took the wood for the burnt-oftering, and laid it upon Isaac his son ; and he took in his hand the fire and the knife ; and they went both of them to- gether. 7 And Isaac spoke unto Abraham his father, and said. My fether; and he said. Here am I, my son. And he said. Behold, here is tlie fire and the wood ; but where is the lamb for a burnt-offering? 8 And Abraham said, God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt-offering, my son ;° so they went both of them together. 9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built there an altar, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar above the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the ivnife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abra- ham ; and he said, Here am I. 12 And he said. Lay not thy hand upon the lad, neither do thou the least unto him; for now I know that tliou fearest God, seeing that thou hast not withheld thy son, thy only one, from me. " This term, from the Hebrew DID " to arise," is mostly employed when some exertion or activity is required to do the act subsequently mentioned. '' Properly, "we will prostrate ourselves." ° " Will look out and choose for himself the lamb; and if there be no lamb, then my son, for the burnt^offering." • — Rashi. ^ " The Lord shall provide," from the words of Abra- 13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, there was a ram that was afterward caught in a thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt-offering in the stead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of that place, Adonai-yireh ■.'^ as it is said to this day," On the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.*^ 15 And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham the second time out of heaven, 16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, since, because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thy only one : 17 That I will greatly bless thee, and I will exceedingly multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea-shore ; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies ; 18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed ; because that thou hast obeyed my voice. 19 And Abraham returned unto his young men ; and they rose up, and went together to Beer-sheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beer- sheba.* 20 T[ And it came to pass after these things, that it was told to Abraham, saying. Behold, Milcah, she also, hath born children unto Nachor thy brother; 21 'Uz his first born, and Buz his brother, and Kemuel the father of Aram, 22 And Kesed, and Chazo, and Pildash, and Yidlaph, and Bethuel. 23 And Bethuel begat Rebekah ; these eight did Milcah bear to Nachor, Abraham's brother. 24 And his concubine, whose name was Reiimah, she also bore Tebach, and Gacham, and Thachash, and Maachah. Haphtorah, in 2d Kings iv. 1 to 37 ; but the Portuguese end with V. 23. ham to Isaac, Eloliim yireh lo liassay, " God will provide himself the lamb." • " In future days, as all ' unto this day' in Scripture must be understood ; for all coming generations, who read this verse, will say ' unto this day' of the day in which they are." — Rashi. ' " Will the Lord appear" to his people. — Idem. 26 GENESIS XXIII. XXIV. CHAYE SARAH. SECTION V. CHAYE SARAH, mt:' ''H. CHAPTER XXIII. 1 Tl And the lifetime of Sarah was a hundred and twenty-seven years; (these) were the years of the life of Sarah. 2 And Sarah died" in Kiryath-arba, the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan : and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her. 3 And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spoke unto the sons of Heth, saying, 4 A stranger and a sojourner I am with you ; give me a possession for a burying-place with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight. 5 And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him : 6 Hear us, my lord ; a prince of God thou art among us ; in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead ; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, so that thou mayest bury thy dead. 7 And Abraham stood up and bowed him- self to the people of the land, to the children of Heth. 8 And he spoke with them, saying. If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and intercede for me with Ephron the son of Zochar, 9 That he may give me the cave of Mach- pelah, which is his, which is at the end of his field ; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me, for a possession as a burying- place amongst you. 10 And Eplinm dwelt among the children oflletli; and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the children of Heth, of all tho.se that went in at the gate of his city, saying, 11 Nay, my lord, hear me: the field I give to thee, and the cave that is therein, I give it to thee; in the presence of the sons of my peo|)le do I give it thee; bury thy dead. 12 And Abraham bowed himself down be- fore the people of the land. 13 And he spoke unto Ephron in the hear- * It is the opinion of commentators that Sarah died in tonsoquence of the grief she experienced when hearing that Abraluim liad gone to sacrifice Isaac. '' Kpliron had protended great an.xiety to give the land to Abraham ; but when he mentioned the value, Abra- 2(1 ing of the people of the land, saying. But if thou wouldst only hear me ; I will give the money for the field, take it of me, and I will bury my dead there. 14 And Ephron answered Abraham, saying unto him, 15 My lord, hearken unto me : a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is tliat between me and thee ? only bury thy dead. 16 And Abraham understood'' the meaning of Ephron; and Aljraham weiglied out to Ephron the silver which he had named in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current with the merchant.* 17 And the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that wei-e in the field, that were in all its borders round about, were made sure 18 Unto Abraham for a bought possession in the pre.'^ence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city. 19 And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre, which is Hebron, in the land of Canaan. 20 And the field, with the cave that is therein, was made sure unto Abraham for a possession as a burying-j^lace by the sons of Heth. CHAPTER XXIV. 1 ^ And Abraham was old, well stricken in years ; and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. 2 And Abraham said unto his servant, the eldest of his house, Avho ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh : 3 And I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son from the daughters of the Canaanites,'" among whom I dwell. 4 But unto my country, and to my birth- place shalt thou go, and take a wife unto my son, unto Isaac. ham at once understood his price, and weighed out the amount which Ephron required. ° That the descendants of those cursed by the father of the new generation of man, should not mingle with those blessed. (Gen. ix. 29.) — Dubno. GENESIS XXIV. CHAYE SARAH. 5 And the servant said unto hini, Perad- venture the woman will not be willing to fol- low me unto this land : must I then bring thy son again unto the land from which thou earnest? G And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou, that thou bring not my sou thither again. 7 The Lord, the God of heaven, who took me from my fathers house, and from the land of my birth, and who sjioke unto me, and who swore unto me, saying. Unto thy seed will I give this land : he will send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from there. 8 But if the woman should not be willing to follow thee, then shalt thou be clear from this my oath : only my son thou shalt not bring thither again. 9 And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and swore to him conceruiuo' this matter.* 10 And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed, with all kinds of precious things" of his master in his hand ; and he arose, and went to Mesopota- mia,'' unto the city of Nachor. 11 And he made the camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, at the time that the women go" out to draw water. 12 And he said, Lord, the God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and deal kindly with my master Abraham. 13 Behold, I stand'' by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water : 14 And let it come to pass, that the maiden to whom I shall say. Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink ; and she shall say. Drink, and to thy camels also will I give drink, be the one thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac ; and thereby shall I know that ' thou hast shown kindness unto my master. 15 And it came to pass, before he had * Eng. ver. " for all the goods of his master were in his hand." Rashi explains that he took with him a deed of gift of all Abraham's wealth unto Isaac. Others refer it to the presents mentioned afterward : this opinion has been adopted in this version. " " Aram-Naharayim," Syria of the two rivers, the Eu- phrates and Tigris. ° This custom still prevails. yet finished speaking, that, heboid, Rebekah' came out, who was born to Bethuel, the son of Milcah, the wife of Nachor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder, 16 And the maiden was of a very^-jnd- some appearance, a virgin, neither hai any man known her; and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up. 17 And the servant ran to meet her, and said. Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water out of thy pitcher. 18 And she said, Drink, my lord : and .she hastened, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him to drink. 19 And when she had finished giving him drink, she said. Also for thy camels will I draw water, until they have finished drinking. 20 And she hastened, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels. 21 And the man was wondering at her;' remaining silent, to discover whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not. 22 And it came to pass, as the camels had finished drinking, that the man took a golden ear-ring, half a shekel in weight, and two brace- lets for her hands, ten gold shekels in weight ; 23 And he said, Whose daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee ; is there room in thy father's house for us to stay this night in ? 24 And she said unto him, I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, whom she bore unto Nachor. 25 She said moreover unto him. We have both straw and provender in plenty, as also room to lodge in. 26 And the man bowed down his head, and prostrated himself before the Lord.* 27 And he said, Blessed be the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who hath not withdrawn his mercy and his truth from my master ; I being on the way, which the Lord hath led me, to the house of the brethren of my master. * "I will place myself" — Arnheim and others. ' Properly, Rihkah. ' Meaning, he felt astonished at the remarkable verifi- cation of the test he had proposed, and therefore remained silent for some time, to endeavour first to find out by the sequel whether indeed the maiden before him might truly be the one of the family of Abraham, whom he was to take as a wife for Isaac. 27 GENESIS XXIV. CHAYE SARAH. 28 And the maiden ran, and told at her mother's house these things. 29 And Rebelvah had a brother, and his name was Laban ; and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the welL 30 And this came to pass, when he saw the ear-ring and the bracelets upon his sister's hands, and when he heard the words of Re- bekah his sister, saying. Thus spoke the man unto me ; and he came unto the man ; and, be- hold, he was standing by the camels at the well. 31 And he said. Come in, thou blessed of the Lord; wherefore standest thou without? while I have prepared"' the house and room for the camels. 32 And the man came into the house, and he ungirded the camels; and he gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the feet of the men that were with him. 33 And there was set food before him to eat ; but he said, I will not eat, until I have spoken my w6rds. And he said. Speak on. 34 And he said, I am Abraham's servant. 35 And the Lord hath blessed my master greatly ; and he is become great : and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and men-servants, and maid-servants, and camels, and asses. 36 And Sarah my master's Avife bore a son to my master after she was become old: and he hath given unto him all that he hath. 37 And my master made me swear, sa^'- ing. Thou shalt not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Caniianites, in who.se land I dwell : 38 But thou'' shalt go unto my father's house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son. 39 And I said unto my master, Peradven- ture the woman will not follow me. 40 And he said unto me. The Lord, before whom I have walked, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; that thou mayest take a wife ibr my son from my kindred, and Irom my father's house. "Properly, "cleared out" the obstructions from the house which might prevent the reception of guests. '' Some, among these Rashi, explain tliis vcr.se as a condition, nS DX " if not," meaning that 'he should first endeavour to obtain a wife from Abraham's family; but " if not," then by inference to be permitted to choose one elsewhere. ° In the narrative, the word mi>J ndarah is found, 28 41 Then shalt thou be clear from my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they do not give thee one, (then) .shalt thou be clear from my oath. 42 And I came this day unto the well, and said, Lord, the God of my master Abraham, if thou wouldst but prosper my way on which I am going. 43 Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall be the young woman'' who cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her. Give me, I pray thee, a little water out of thy pitcher to drink; 44 And she say to me. Both drink thou, and also for thy camels will I draw : this shall be the wife whom the Lord hath destined for my master's son. 45 And before I hadyetfinished speaking to my own heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the well, and drew water; and I said unto her. Let me drink, I pray thee. 46 And she made baste, and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, Drink, and also to thy camels I will give drink ; and I drank, and she made the camels drink also. 47 And I asked her, and said, Who.se daughter art thou? And she said. The daughter of Bethuel, Nachor's son, whom Milcah bore unto him : and I put the ear- ring upon her face,*" and the bracelets upon her hands. 48 And I bowed down my head, and pros- trated myself before the Lt)RD; and I blessed the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me in the right way to take the daughter of my master's brother for his son. 49 And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me : and if not, tell me, that I may turn to the right, or to the left. 50 Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said. The thing hath proceeded from the whereas Elcazer employs the term noS;' ' Almah, perhaps then used to express a person of quality, equal to the modern phrase, "young lady." The change of the terms is readily accounted for by the occurrence itself. ■^ "The nose-ring on her nose." — Mendelssohn, who translates Dt: with "nose-ring." This is undoubtedly cor- rect here, though in other passages it stands for ear-ring; for instance, Exod. xxxii. 2. GENESIS XXIV. XXV. CHAYE SARAH. Lord; we cannot speak* unto thee bad or good. 51 Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be the wife of thy master's son, as the Lord hath spoken. 52 And it fame to pass, when Abraham's servant lieai'd their words, that he prostrated ; himself to the earth nnto the Lord.* 53 And the servant brought forth vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and gave them to Rebekah; and precious things he gave to her brother and to her mother. 54 And they did eat and drink, he and the men that were with him, and tarried the night; and they rose up in the morning, and he said, Send me away unto my master. 55 And her brother and her mother said. Let the maiden abide with us, a year or ten I months; after that she shall go. 56 And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the Lord hath prospered my way ; send me away that I may go to my master. 57 And they said. We will call the maiden, and inquire her own decision.'' 58 And they called Rebekah, and said unto her. Wilt tliou go with this man ? And she said, I will go. 59 And thereupon they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men. 60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her. Our sister, be thou" the mother of thousands of myriads, and let thy seed pos- sess the gate of those who hate them. 61 And Rebekah arose with her maidens, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man ; and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way. 62 And Isaac came from a walk to the well Lachai-ro'i ; for he dwelt in the south counti'v; 6o And Isaac was gone out to meditate in the field toward evening; and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, camels were coming. 64 And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and she saw Isaac ; and she alighted off the camel. 65 And she said unto the servant. Who is ' That is, "dissuade thee by good or bad words." ' Literally, "her mouth," figurative for what is spoken. ' b TT7} the eonstruction here employed always denotes a trausitiou or change, almost synonymous with the Eng- yonder man that walketh in the field toward us? And the servant said. This is my mas- ter; therefore she took a vail, and covered herself. 66 And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. 67 And Isaac brought her into the tent of Sarah his mother, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.* CHAPTER XXV. 1 Then Abraham took again a wife, and her name was Keturah. 2 And she bore him Zimran, and Yokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Yishbak, and Shuach. 3 And Yokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leiimmim. 4 And the sons of Midian : Ephah, and Epher, and Chanoch, and Abida', and El- daah. All these were the children of Ke- turah. 5 And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac. 6 But unto the sons of the concubines that Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts; and he sent them away from Isaac his son, while he was yet living, eastward, unto the east country. 7 And these are the days of the j'ears of Abraham's life which he lived, one hundred seventy and five years. 8 Then Abraham departed this life, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years, and was gathered to his people. 9 And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zochar the Hittite, which is before Mamre; 10 The field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth : there was Abraham buried, with Sarah his wife. 11 And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed Isaac his son; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lachai-ro'i.* 12 T[ Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the lish "to become;" thus then, "become thou thousands of myriads," the words "mother of" being understood and added to supply the hiatus in the sentence. 2a GENESIS XXV. TOLEDOTH. Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, bore unto Abra- ham. 13 And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations : the first-born of Ishmael, Ne- bayoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mib- sam, 14 And Mishma, and Damah, and Massa, 15 Cliadad, and Tenia, Yetur, Naphish, and Kedemah.* 16 These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelves princes according to their nations. 17 And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, one hundred and thirty and seven years : and he departed this life and died ; and was gathered unto his people. 18 And they dwelt from Chavilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest to- ward Assyria :" he dwelt in the presence of all his brethren. Haphtorah in 1 Kings i. 1 to 31. SECTION VI. TOLEDOTH, mSin. 19 ][ And these are the generations of Isaac, the son of Abraham : Abraham begat Isaac. 20 And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian, of Padan-aram, the sister to Laban the Syrian, to himself as wife. 21 And Isaac entreated the Lord in behalf of his wife, because she was barren : and the Lord was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 And the children struggled together within her ; and she said, If it be so, why did I desire this ?*" And she went to inquire of the Lord. * Meaning, that Ishmael in his descendants settled him- self along the whole extent of country occupied by all his other brethren descended from Abraham. (See above, ch. xvi. 12.) Arnheim gives, "he settled eastward of all his brothers," which idea, however, is combatted as in- correct by others, because Ishmaol's descendants lived not eastward of all other sons of Abraham. ^ Raslii, "Why did I desire and pray for conception?" Abcn Ezra, "Why am I different from others?" Others again explain it as an ellipsis: "If I suffer so, why am I thus (in the world) ?" meaning that death would be pre- ferable. ° Philippson and Arnheim render DN^ with " tribe," 80 23 And the Lord said unto her. Two na- tions are in thy womb, and two manner of people" shall be separated from thy bowels; and one people shall be stronger than the other people ; and the elder shall serve the younger 24 And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25 And the first came out red, all over like a hairy garment ; and they called his name Esau." 26 And after that came his brother out, his hand holding on to Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob :" and Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them. 27 And the boys grew up : and Esau was an expert huntei", a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.^ 28 And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison ; but Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 And Jacob at one time boiled pottage, and Esau came from the field, and he was faint. 30 And Esau said to Jacob, Let me swal- low down, I pray thee, some of that yonder red pottage, for I am faint; therefore was his name called Edom.^ 31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy right of first-born. 32 And Esau said. Behold, I am going to die ;'' and what profit then can the right of first born be to me ? 33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he swore unto him : and he sold his right of first-born unto Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pot- tage of lentiles, and he did eat and drink, and he rose up, and went his way; thus Esau de- spised the birthright. or "branch of a nation:" the same version is given by them in other passages. ^ Properly, ' Emhv ; probably from nty;', participle 'IB';' 'aJixiij/, "ready," "made." Philippson derives it from an Arabic word, .signifying "hairy." " Properly, "Ya'arob, from 'Akeb, 3p;?, "the heel." ' That is, "loving home." s From Adorn, "red." '■ Probably meaning, that his life as hunter exposed him daily to such dangers that he was almost sure to die before his father, wherefore the birthright as the eldest of the family would in all probability be of no use to him ; wherefore he parted with it so lightly. GENESIS XXVI. TOLEDOTH. CHAPTER XXVI. 1 ^[ And there was a famine in the land, be- .■;ide the iirst famine that was in the days of Abraham ; and Isaac went unto Abimelech, the king of the PhiHstines, unto Gerar. 2 And the Lord appeared unto hitn, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of 3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, will I give all the.se countries, and I will perform the oath which I swore unto Abraham thy fether; 4 And I will cause thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and I Avill give unto thy seed all these countries ; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth bless themselves ; 5 Becau.se that Abraham obe3'ed my voice, and kept my charge,'' my commandments, my statutes, and my laAvs.* 6 And Isaac dwelt in Gerar. 7 And the men of the place asked (him) concerning his wife ; and he said, She is my sister ; for he feared to say. She is my wife ; lest, (said he,) the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah, because she is of a hand- some appearance. 8 And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech, the king of the Philistines, looked out at a window, and saw, and behold, Isaac was sjwrting with Rebekah his wife. 9 And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, Behold, of a surety she is thy wife : and how saidst thou, She is my sister? And Isaac said unto him. Because I thought,'' Perhaps I may die for her. 10 And Abimelech said. What is this thou hast done unto us ? How easily might one of the people have lain with thy wife, and thou wouldst have brought guiltiness upon us. 11 And Abimelech cliarged all his people, saying. He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death. 12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and re- * " My chatye, the belief in God, for he believed in the Unity, and kept this faith in his heart, contending with idolaters, and publicly proclaiming the truth, to bring many to God's service; my curamanihnciits, in whatever he was ordered, as to go out from his land, &c. ; my sta- tutes, to walk in the way of the Lord in the exercise of mercy; and laws, such as circumcision and the Noachitic irecepts." — After Ramban. ceived in the same year a hundred-fold :'" so the Lord blessed him.* 13 And the man became great, and went forward and grew, until he became very great ; 14 And he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of ser- vants; and the Philistines envied him. 15 And all the wells which his father's servants had dug in the da3's of Abraham his father, these the Philistines stopped, and filled them with earth. 16 And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go away from us ; for thou hast become much mightier than we. 17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there. 18 And Isaac dug again the wells of water, which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father, and wliich the Philistines had stopped after the death of Abraham ; and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them. 19 And the servants of Isaac dug in the valley, and found there a well of springing water. 20 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying. The water is ours : and he called the name of the well Essek; because they strove** with him. 21 And they dug another well, and they strove for that also : and he called the name of it Sitnah." 22 And he removed from there, and dug another well ; and for that they strove not : and he called the name of it Rechoboth, and he said. For now the Lord hath made^ room for us, and we shall increase in the land.* 23 And he went up from there to Beer- sheba. 24 And the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abra- ham thy father ; fear not, for I am with thee, and I will bless thee, and multiply' thy seed for the sake of Abraham my servant. " inx " to say," in Hebrew, very often refers to thought, or speaking to oneself; so here, " I said to myself, ' or " thought." " " The estimated increase a hundred-fold." — Kasiu. * From ptyi'nn hith 'assck, " to contend." ' From ]a^ salonr, "to hinder." ' Hirchih, " he hath made room." 31 GENESIS XXVI. XXVII. TOLEDOTH. 25 And he built there an altar, and called upon the name of the Lord, and pitched there his tent : and the servants of Isaac dug there a well. 26 Then Abimelech went to him from Ge- rar, and Achuzzath his friend, and Phichol the chief captain of liis army. 27 And Isaac said unto them. Wherefore come ye to me, seeing that ye do hate me, and have sent me away from you? 28 And they said, We saw clearly that the Lord was with thee; and we said, Let there be now an oath between us, between us and thee ; and we will make a covenant witli thee ; 29 That thou shalt do us no hurt, as we have not touched thee, and as we have done unto thee nothing but good, and have sent thee away in pe;ice : thou art now one blessed of the Lord.* 30 And he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. 31 And they rose up betimes in the morn- ing, and they swore one to the other; and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace. 32 And it came to pass the same day, that Isaac's servants came, and told him concern- ing the well" which they had dug, and they said unto him, We have found water. 33 And he called it Shibah : therefore is the name of the city Beer-sheba unto this day. 34 ][ And when Esau was forty years old he. took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri, the Hittite, and Bahsemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite. 35 And they were a giief of mind unto Isaac and to Eebekah. CHAPTER XXVII. 1 ^ And it came to i)ass, wdien Isaac was old, and his eyes were too dim to see, that he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him. My son : and he said unto him, Behold, here am I. 2 And he said. Behold now, T am grown old, I know not the day of my death : * Perhaps the same well originally dug by Abraham's, and which having been lest sight of, and filled up, was now reopened by Isaac's servants. ^ Onkelds and llaslii render this ySn with " sword," that " wiiieh hangs by the side." " "Tt was liis desin? to ble.ss him, that he might obtain the blessing of Abraham, to inherit the land, and to be 32 3 Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver'' and thy bow, and go out to the field, and hunt for me some venison ; 4 And make me savoury food, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat ; that my soul may bless thee before I die." 5 And Eebekah heard as Isaac was speak- ing to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it. 6 And Eebekah spoke unto Jacob her son, sajdng. Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying, 7 Bring me venison, and make me savoury food, that I may eat, and bless thee befoi'e the Lord before my death. 8 And now, my son, obey my voice in that which I command thee. 9 Go, I pray thee, to the flock, and fetch me from there two good kids; and I will make them savoury food for thy father, such as he loveth : 10 And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat; for the sake that he may bless thee before his death. 11 And Jacob said to Eebekah his mother. Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man : 12 Peradventure my father will feel me, and I shall then seem to him as a deceiver ; and I would bring upon me a curse, and not a blessing. 13 And his mother said unto him. Upon me be thy curse, my son; only obey my voice, and go fetch them to me. 14 And he w'ent, and fetched, and brought them to his mother ; and his mother made savoury food, such as his father loved. 15 And Eebekah took the goodl}^ garments of her eldest son Esau, which w^ere with her in the house, and clothed therewith Jacob her younger son ; 16 And the skins of the kids she put upon his hands, and upon the smooth j^art of his neck ; 17 And she gave the savoury food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of Jacob her son. the one in covenant with God, because he was the first- born ; and it is probable that Rebekah had never revealed to him the prophecy given to her before the birth of the children, or else Isaac would certainly not have wished to give a blessing against the will of God, whieh could thus be of no avail. We must, however, look upon the whole as providential." — Ka.mb.vn. THii low liK OK H^UE:U A?<D THIi COX Ko I : X LH X ( ; OK LA.MOUA.GE. I V. GENESIS XXVTI. TOLEDOTH. 18 And he came unto his father, and i^aid. My father : and he said, Here am I ; who art thou, my son? 19 And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy first-born ; I have done as thou didst speak to me : arise, I pray thee, sit here and eat of my venison, that tiiy soul may bless me. 20 And Isaac said unto his son. How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son ? And he said. Because the Lord thy God brought it before me. 21 And Isaac said unto Jacob, Come near, I pray thee, that I may feel thee, my son, whether thou be truly my son Esau or not. 22 And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father, and he felt him ; and he said. The voice is the voice" of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau. 23 And he recognised hiui not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's haads : so he blessed him. 24 And he said, Art thou indeed my son Esau ? and he said, I am. 25 And he said. Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son's venison, that my soul may bless thee. And he brought it near to him, and he did eat, and he brought him wine, and he drank. 26 And Isaac his father said unto him. Come near, I pray thee, and kiss me, my son. 27 And he came near, and kissed him : and he snielled the smell of his garments and blessed him, and said,'' See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath 1 blessed. '^' 28 And may God give thee of the dcAV of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine ; 29 Nations shall serve thee, and people bow down to thee ; be lord over thy brethren, and thy mother's sons shall boAv down to thee; cursed" be they that curse thee, and blessed be they that bless thee. 30 And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac " There was pi'obably a similarity in their voices, and Isaac faik'd, therefore, to recognise Jacob fully, because his hands were then hairy. '' According to Arnheim, the blessing commences at this word; compare with Ilosea xiv. 7, where, among'the promises of a blissful future, the personificatiou of happi- ness is represented under the words, " And his smell shall be like that of Lebanon." The words which follow were prompted here by the excitement of the sense of smelling, had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarcel^y gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. 31 And he also made savoury ibod, and brought it unto his father, and said unto his father. Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison, in order that thy soul may bless me. 32 And Isaac his liither said unto him. Who art thou ? And he said, I am thy son, thy first-born, Esau. 33 And Isaac treml)led greatly, exceed- ingly, and said. Who was it ? where is he that had hunted venison, and brought it me, and I ate of all before thou earnest, and blessed him ? yea, he shall also remain blessed. 34 When Esau heard the words of his fother, he uttered a great and exceedingly bitter cry, and said unto his father. Bless me, also me, my father. 35 And he said. Thy brother ctime with subtilty, and took away thy blessing. 36 And he said. Hath he been therefore named Jacob, because'' he hath supplanted me these two times? my right of first-bom he took away ; and, behold, now he hath taken away ni}' blessing : and he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me ? 37 And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for ser- vants; and with corn and wine have I eu- do^\ed him : and what can I do now for thee, my son ? 38 And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou then but one blessing, my father? bless me, also me, my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept. 39 And Isaac his father answered and said unto him. Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and (blessed) by the dew of heaven from alcove ; 40 And by thy sword shalt thou live, and thy brother shalt thou serve; and it shall as Jacob's garments gave forth the odour imbibed from field and forest flowers. "Properly, "cursed be every one of those," &c., " blessed be every one of those," &c. •^ Others render, " Is it because he hath been named Jacob, that he hath," Sec. — •jnpi-l vin/anfilrhani, "he hath deceived me," is derived from the same root as the name, (see above, xxv. 26,) hence it might be rendered " trodden me under foot." 33 GENESIS XXVII. XXVIII. VAYETZAY. come to pass, that when thou shalt have the dominion," thou canst break his yoke from off thy neck. 41 And Esau liated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father luxd blessed him ; and Esau said in his heart. The days of mourning for my fatlier will he at hand ; then will I slay my brother Jacob. 42 And Rebekah was informed of the words of Esau her elder son: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau doth com- fort himself, with regard to thee, purjjosing to kill thee. 43 Now therefoi'e, my son, obey my voice; and arise, flee thou to Laban my brother, to Chai'an ; 44 And tarry with him a short time, until thy brother's fury turn away ; • 45 Until thy Ijrother's anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him : then will I send, and fetch thee from tliei-e; why should I be deprived of both of you at once in one day ? 46 And Rebekah said to Isaac, I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth ; if Jacob take a wife from the dauiihters of Heth, such as these, from the daughters of the land, what good will life do me ? CHAPTER XXVIII. 1 And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him,"" and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife from the daugh- ters of Canaan. 2 Arise, go to Padan-aram, to the house of Betliuel thy mother's father; and take thy- self from there a wife of the daughters of La^ ban thy mother's brother. 3 And God, the Almighty, ]jless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest jjecome a multitude of people ; 4 And may he give thee the blessing of Abraliam, to thee, and to thy seed with thee ; that thou mayest inherit the land of thy so- journ, which (iod gave unto Al)raham.* •") And Isaac sent away Jacolj, and he went to Padan-aram, unto Laban, the son of Bethuel " This translation, given in the common English version, is according to Saadiaii and Kedak, as quoted by Phi- lippson. Kashi, after Onkolos, renders, "when thou hast cause to complain (in case the Israelites sin) for the blessings taken from thee, that," &e. Gesenius and Arn- 34 the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, the mother of Jacob and Esau. 6 And when Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padan- aram, to take himself from there a wife; and in blessing him had given him a charge, say- ing. Thou shalt not take a wife of the daugh- ters of Canaan ;* 7 And that Jacob had obej-ed his iiither and his mother, and was gone to Padan-aram : 8 Then saw Esau that the daughters of Canaan were evil in the eyes of Isaac his father ; 9 And Esau went unto Ishmael, and took Machalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abrar ham's son, the sister of Neba^'^oth in addition to his wives, to himself as wife. Haphtorah in Malachi i. 1 to ii. 7. SECTION VII. VAYETZAY, XVn. 10 And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Cliaran. 11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sim was set ; and he took one of the stones of the place, and put it for his pillow, and laid him- self down in that place. 12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder was set up on the earth, and the to]) of it reached to heaven ; and behold, angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13 And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord, the God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac : the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; 14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north and to the south ; and in thee and thy seed shall all the ftiinilies of the earth be blessed. 15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee whithersoever thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land ; for I will not leave thee, until I have done what I have spoken to thee of 16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and heim, " when thou becomcst spread abroad." Philippson, "when thou rebcllest that thou mayest break," kc. ^ Confirmation of the blessing previously obtained : this proves that however much Isaac loved Esau, he was not unconscious of the great merits and piety of his younger son. GENESIS XXVIII. XXIX. VAYETZAY. he said, Surely the Lord is present in this place ; and I knew it not.* 17 And he was afraid, and said. How fear- ful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.'' 18 And Jacolj rose up early in the morn- ing, and took the stone that he had put for his pillow, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. 19 And he called the name of that place Beth-el;'' but Luz was the name of that city in former times. 20 And Jacob made a vow, sayuig. If God will be with me, and will keep me on this way which I am going, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, 21 And I come again in peace to my father's house: then shall the Lord be m}' God;" 22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house ;° and of all that thou wilt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.* CHAPTER XXIX. 1 Then Jacob lifted up his feet*^ and went unto the land of the children of the east. 2 And he looked, and behold there was a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep^ lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks : and the stone upon the mouth of the well was great. 3 And there all the flocks were wont to as- semble; and they rolled then the stone from the mouth of the well, and watered the sheep ; and they put the stone again upon the mouth of the well in its place. 4 And Jacob said unto them. My brethren, whence are ye? And they said. Of Charan are we. 5 And he said unto them. Know yo Laban the son of Nachor ? And they said. We know him. 6 And he said unto them, Is he well?*" * "If I had known it, I would not have slept in a place as holy as this." — Ra^;hi. '■ "The place whence prayers ascend to heaven. "= — Idem. ' "The house of God." ^ This does not express a doubt or condition concerning Jacob's willingness to serve God, but means to convey that he would, in the event of his safe return, feel as- sured that he was an accepted servant of the Lord who had just appeared to him. And they said. He is well; and, behold, Ra^ chel his daughter cometh with the sheep. 7 And he said, Lo, the day is _yet long, it is not time that' the cattle should be driven home ; water ye the sheep, and go and feed them. 8 And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, then do they roll the stone from the mouth of the well; and we water the sheep. 9 And while he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came Avith her father's sheep; for she was a shepherdess. 10 And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the dtiughter of Laljan his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the mouth of the well, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother. 11 And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept. 12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother,' and that he was Rebekah's son : and she ran and told her father. 13 And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidmgs of Jacob his sister's sou, that he ran to meet him, and emljraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things. 14 And Laljan said to him. Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month. 15 And Lallan then said unto Jacob, Be- cause thou art nij' brother, shouldst thou therefore serve me for naught? tell me, what shall thy wages be? 16 And Laban had two daughters; the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 1 7 And the eyes of Leah were tender ; but Rachel was of handsome form and handsome appearance.''' 18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and he said, ° "Shall be the place where I will worship before the Lord." — Onkelos. ' i. e. Pursued his journey. « The word |Ni' lr.o»p, rendered here "sheep," properly includes both sheep and goats. '' Literally, '-Hath he peace?" a figurative phrase for well-being or prosperity ; perhaps, derived from the fre- quent hostilities of nomadic tribes. ' See above, xiii. 8; it stands here for "near relative." 35 GENESIS XXIX. XXX. VAYETZAY I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. 19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man : abide with me. 20 And Jacob served for Rachel seven years; and they seemed" unto him but a few days, through the love he had to her. 21 And Jacob said unto Laljan, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her. 22 And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast. 23 And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her. 24 And Laban gave unto his daughter, Leah, Zilpah his maid for a handmaid. 25 And it came to jjass, that in the morn- ing, behold, it was Leah : and he said to La^ ban. What is this thou hast done unto me? did I not serve with thee for Rachel? where- fore then hast thou deceived me ? 26 And Laban said, It is not done so in our place, to give in marriage the younger be- fore the tirst-born. 27 Fulfil the week'' of this, and we will give thee this one also, for the ser^'ice which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years. 28 And Jacob did so, and fulfilled the week of the first; and he gave him Rachel his daughter for a wife. 29 And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his liandmaid to be her maid. o(J And lie went in also unto Rachel, and hfi loved also Rachel more than Leah; and he served with him j'et seven other years. 31 And when the Lord saw that Leah was hated," lie opened her womb ; but Rachel was barren. 32 And Leiih conceived, and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben ;'' for she said, Surely, the Lord hath looked upon my ' Ilcb. " Were in liis eyes a.s." '' The seven days of festivity, wliicli appear to have been customarily observed at that time, as afterwards, in later periods, at the occurrcnee of a marriage. " This means, not absolutely liateil, but neglected, less loved than the other. '' From raoh, " to sec," and ben, " a son." ° S/iim'oti, from ^'OtV s/unnanf/, "he has heard, an, "affliction." ' From ni'? lavah, " he united," " he adhered." 26 nd ;x affliction, because now my husband will love me. 33 And she conceived again and bore a son; and she said, Because the Lord heard that I was hated, he hath given me this one also ; and she called his name Simeon." 34 And she conceived again, and bore a son; and she said. Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons; therefore was his name called Levi.*^ 35 And she conceived again, and bore a son ; and she said, This time will I praise the Lord; therefore she called his name Judah:^ and she left oft" bearing. CHAPTER XXX. 1 And when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and she said unto Jacob, Give me children, and if not, I die. 2 And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said. Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb ? 3 And she said, Behold, (here is) my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon'' my knees, that I may also have' chil- dren by her. 4 And she gave him Bilhah her handmaid for wife, and Jacob went in unto her. 5 And Bilhah conceived, and bore Jacob a son. 6 And Rachel said, God hath judged me, and liath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan." 7 And Bilhah, Rachel's maid, conceived again, and bore Jacob a second son. 8 And Rachel said. Contests of God' have I contended with my sister, I have also pre- vailed : and she called his name Naphtali."' 9 When Leah now saw that she had left off bearing, she took Zilpah her maid, and gave her to Jacob for wife. ^ Yi'ltudah, from miN (Jihli, " I will thank," and TV IWt, "the Lord." '' "Those which I shall rear." — Onkelos. '' "Be built up through her."— Heb. ' From don, " to judge." ' It is very customary in Hebrew constructions to add the word God in the genitive, to the idea expressed, to denote its greatness. Thus, " mountains of God."— Ps. xxxvi. 7, &c. "From ptithnl. " to wrestle," "to twist;" found only in the passive aud reflexive forms. GENESIS XXX. VAYETZAY. 10 And Zilpah Leah's maid hove Jacob a son. 11 And Leiih said, Good luck hath come : and she called his name Gad." 12 And Zilpah Leah's maid bore a second son unto Jacob. 13 And Leali said, To my happiness; for the daughters will call me blessed : and she called his name Asher.'"^' 14 And Reuben went in the days of the wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and he bi'ought them unto Leiih his mother; then Rachel said to Leah, Give me, 1 pray thee, (some) of thy son's man- drakes. 15 And she said unto her, Is it not enough that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldst thou also take away my son's man- drakes? And Rachel said. Therefore shall he lie with thee to-night for thy son's man- drakes. 16 And Jacob came out of the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said. Unto me thou must come in ; for sui'ely I have obtained thee as a reward" with my son's mandrakes. And he lay with her that night. 17 And God hearkened unto Leah, and she conceived, and bore Jacob a fifth son. 18 And Leah said, God hath given me my reward, because I have given my maid to my husband : and she called his name Issachar.'' 19 And Leah conceived again, and bore a sixth son unto Jacob. 20 And Leiih said, God hath endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons; and she called his name Zebulun." 21 And afterward she bore a daughter, and she called her name Dinah. 22 And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. 23 And she conceived, and bore a son; and she said, God hath taken away my re- proach. • " Luck." '"Happy." ° This elegant turn is according to Aruheim's version. '' Yissachar, from sachar, "reward." ' From zebul, a "dwelling." ' Yosseph, i. e. "he will add." * Onkelos; as much as, "excuse me, for saying;" the word "tarry," added in the English version, has no war- 24 And she called his name Josoph,*^ sav- ing, The Lord shall add to me another son. 25 And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto my own place, and to my country. 26 Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go; for thou knowest my service with which I have served thee. 27 And Laban said unto him. If I could but find favour in thy eyes f I have learned by experience that the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake.* 28 And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give them. 29 And he said unto him. Thou knowest how I have served thee, and what thy cattle hath become with me. 30 For it was a. little which thou hadst be- fore I came, and it is now increased imto a multitude; and the Lord hath blessed thee since my coming; and now when shall I pro- vide also for my own house ? 31 And he said, What shall I give thee? And Jacob said, Thou shalt not give me the least; if thou wilt do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep thy flock : 32 I will pass through all thy flock to-day, removing from there every speckled and spot- ted lamb, and every brown lamb among the sheep, and whatever is spotted and speckled among the goats ; and such shall be after this my reward. 33 And my righteousness'' shall testify for me m time to come, when it' shall come with my reward before thy face : every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and Ijrown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me. 34 And Laban said, Well, let it be accord- ing to thy word. 35 And he removed on that day the he- goats that were ring-streaked and spotted, and all the she-goats that were speckled and spot^- rant for it in the Hebrew, though Dubno deduces it as a consequence from the antecedent, considering the verse as elliptical. ^ " Honesty" — Mendelssohn — in which sense this word should be taken when applied to dealings with man. ' After Rashi and Arnheim ; others render xnn " when thou (Laban) comest (to look) over my reward (the property acquired) before thee." GENESIS XXX. XXXI. VAYETZAY. ted, every one that had some white on it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons. 36 And he put a space of three days' jom- ney between himself and Jacob; and Jacob fed the flocks of Laban that were left. 37 And Jacob took himself rods of green poplar, and of the hazel" and chestnut tree; and peeled thereon white streaks, laying bare the white which was on the rods. 38 And he set the rods which he had peeled in the gutters in the watering troughs, where the flocks'' came to drink, just before the flocks, and ^vhere they conceived, when they came to drink. 39 And the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought fortli ring-streaked, speckled, and spotted. 40 And these lambs did Jacob separate, and set the faces" of the flocks toward the ring-streaked, and whatever was brown in the flock of Laban ; and he put his o^vn flocks by themselves, and put them not with Laban's cattle. 41 And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods. 42 But when the cattle were feeble, he put them not in ; so the feebler belonged to Laban, and the stronger to Jacob. 43 And the man increased'' exceedingly, and he had many flocks, and maid-servants, and men-servants, and camels, and asses. CHAPTER XXXI. 1 And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's, and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this wealth." 2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. "^ ' Others, "Almond and plane tree." '' Laban no doubt sought to give Jacob the least possi- ble wages, expecting, however, that he would employ some device to obtain all he could in accordance with their bargain; hence he was evidently not offended at it. ° " He made advance-droves out of whatever was speckled and brown in Laban's flocks," Arnheim, tak- ing ]Nvn 'JD as the name of the flocks which went before the other ; but the sense is at Last the same as that given in the text, since there the plainly coloured arc represented as following those having the marks agi-eed upon 38' 3 And the Lord said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy birth- place; and I will be with thee. 4 And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock. 5 And he said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before ; but the God of my father hath Ijeen with me. 6 And ye know well that with all my power I have served your father. 7 And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suf- fered him not to do me evil. 8 If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages ; then bore all the flocks speckled : and if he said thus. The ring-streaked shall be my reward; then bore all the flocks ring- streaked. 9 Thus God took away the cattle of your father, and gave them to me. 10 And it came to pass at the time that the flocks conceived, that I lifted up my eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped ujDon the flocks were ring- streaked, speckled, and grizzled. 11 And an angel of God spoke imto me in the dream, Jacob : and I said. Here am I. 12 And he said. Lift up now thy eyes and see, all the rams which leap upon the flocks are ring-streaked, speckled, and grizzled ; for I have seen all that Laban doth unto thee. 13 I am the God of Beth-el, where thou anointedst a jDillar, where thou madest unto me a vow : now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy birth. 14 And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or in- heritance for us in our father's house ? 15 Were we not counted of him as stran- gers ? for he hath sold us ; and he hath quite consumed also our money.** 16 For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our chil- -" Literally, " spread out," i. e. his flocks were extended over a large pasture-ground. ' Literally, "glory," or "honour." ' Heb. " Yesterday and day before yesterday." s Through the frauds practised upon Jacob. Rachel and Lcilh express in this verse their just indignation against the cruelty of their father in having sold them, as though they were servants, to their husband, much as they loved him ; and now they had additional cause fcu' complaint in his eflforts to give their husband as small wages as possible. CxENESIS XXXI. VAYETZAY. drens ; uow then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.* 17 Then Jacob ro.se up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels ; 18 And he led away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his acquiring, which he had gotten in Padan- aram, to go to Isaac his fiither into the land of Canaan. 19 And Laban was gone to shear his sheeji; and Rachel stole the images that were her father's. 20 And Jacob stole" away unawares to La- ban the Syrian, by not letting him know that he was going to flee. 21 And he fled with all that he had ; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gileiid. 22 And it was told to Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled. 23 And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him a seven days' journey; and he overtook him at the mount of Gileiid. 24 And God came to Laban, the Syrian, in a dream of the night, and said unto him. Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.'' 25 Then Laban overtook Jacob; now Jacob had pitched his tent on the mount, and Laban with his bi'ethreu pitched on the mount of Gileiid. 26 And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unar wares to me, and led away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword ? 27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me ; and why didst thou not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp? 28 And (why) hast thou not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? now thou hast acted foolishly in so doing. 29 It is in the power of my liand to do you hurt; but the God of your father spoke unto me yesternight, saying. Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. 30 And now, thou wouldst needs be gone, because thou greatly longedst after thy father's ' Heb. " Stole the heart of Laban." ^ i. e. Use no threats or persuasion to induce him to return to Syria. ' Lit. "Felt over." house ; (yet) wherefore hast thou stolen my gods ? 31 And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid, for I said, Peradventure thou wouldst take by force thy daughters from me. 32 With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live ; before our brethren seek out thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee ; but Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them. 33 And Laban went into the tent of Jacob, and into the tent of Leah, and into the tent of the two maid-servants ; but he found no- thing ; he then went out of the tent of Leiih, and entered into Rachel's tent. 34 Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the saddle-cushion of the camel, and sat upon them ; and Laban searched' all the tent, and found nothing. 35 And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee ; for the custom of women is upon me ; and thus he searched, but found not the images. 36 Now Jacob became wroth, and quar- relled with Laban ; and Jacob answered'' and said to Laban, What is my trespass ? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me? 37 Although thou hast searched all my goods, what hast thou found of all the articles of thy household ? set it here before my bre- thren and thy brethren, that they may judge between us both. 38 These twenty years have I been with thee : thy ewes and thy she-goats have not cast their young f and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten. 39 That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee ; I had to bear the loss of it, of my hand didst thou require it, whatever was stolen by day, or stolen ])y night. 40 (Where) I was in the day the heat con- sumed me, and the frost by night ; and my sleep departed from my eyes. 41 The.se twenty years have I been in thy house ; I have served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six j'ears for thy flocks : and thou hast changed my wages ten times. '' Aruheim renders " commenced," in which .sense the verb r\iy is found at times. (See Deut. xxvii. 14.) ' i. e. Carelessness in not attending properly to the flock could never be charged to me. 39 GENESIS XXXI. XXXII. VAYISHLACH. 42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst now sent me away empty ; my affliction and the labour of my hands God hath seen, and decided" yester- night.^" 43 And Laban answered and said unto Jacob, The daughters are my daughters, and the children are my children, and the flocks are my flocks, and all that thou seest is mine ; but as to my daughters, what can I do unto them this day, or unto their children whom they have born ? 44 And now, come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou ; and let it be for a wit^ ness between me and thee. 45 And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar. 46 And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones ; and they took stones, and made a heap : and they ate there upon the heap. 47 And Laban called it Yegar-sahadutha;' but Jacob called it Galed.*" 48 And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day ; therefore called he its name Galed ; 49 And Mitzpah ;" for he said, The Lord shall watch between me and thee, when we are absent one fi'om the other ; 50 If thou shouldst afflict my daughters, or if thou shouldst take other wives besides my (laughters, when there is no man with us : see, God is witness between me and thee. 51 And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast up between me and thee ; 52 Witness be this heap and witness be this pillar, that I will not pass by this heap, and that thou shalt not pass unto me by this heap and this pillar, for evil. 53 The God of Abraham and the God of Nachor shall judge between us, the God of their father ; but Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. 54 Then Jacob slew some cattle'" upon the * Meaning, that by the. direction given to Laban not to urge Jacob's return, Crod had decided that Jacob had acted rightly, and that Laban had been the wrong-doer. '' This, the Aramaic name, is identical with the He- brew appellation of Jacob, meaning the " heap of testi- mony." ° From nay Izaphoh, " to see, to watch." '' After iiashi, who does not agree with the English 40 mount, and called his brethren to eat bread ; and they did eat bread, and tarried all night on the mount.* CHAPTER XXXII." 1 And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters and blessed them ; and Laban departed, and re- turned unto his own place. 2 And Jacob went on his way, and there met him angels of God. 3 And when Jacob saw them, he said. This is a host of God ; and he called the name of that place Machanayim.*^ Ha'phtorah in Hoshea xi. 7 to xii. 12. Some read from xii. 13, to xiv. 10. SECTION VIII. VAYISHLACH, nSsT'l. 4 T[ And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Se'ir, the country^ of Edom. 5 And he commanded them, saying. Thus shall ye speak unto my lord, to Esau, Thus hath said thy servant Jacob, With Laban have I sojourned, and stayed until now. 6 And I have acquired oxen, and asses, flocks, and men-servants, and women-ser- vants ; and I send now to tell my lord, to find grace in thy eyes. 7 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying. We came to thy brother, to Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hun- dred men with him. 8 Then Jacob was greatly afraid, and he felt distressed ; and he divided the people that were with him, and tlie flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two bands. 9 And he said. If Esau should come to the one band and smite it, then the other band which is left may escape. 10 And Jacob said, God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord who saidst unto me. Return unto thy country, and to thy birthplace, and I will deal well with thee : version in making it a sacrifice. — ur\h " bread," as here given, means a "prepared meal," or "dinner." " In the English version, chap, xxxii. commences with V. 2. ' " Two camps," or " hosts." »_Heb. "Fields." Dubno explains, "to the laud o) Seir, (hat part where Edom (Esau) dwelt." GENESIS XXXII. XXXIII. VAYISHLACH. 11 I am not worthy" oi' all the kindness, and of all the truth, which tliou hast shown unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan ; and now I am become two bands. 12 Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, the mother with the children. 13 And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multi- tude. '•■ 14 And he lodged there that same night ; and he took of that which he carried with him'' a present for Esau his brother : 15 Two hundred she-goats, and twenty he- goats, two hundred ewes, and twenty rams, IG Thirty milch camels with theu' colts, forty cows, and ten bulls, twenty she-asses, and ten foals. 17 And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by itself; and he said unto his servants, Pass on before me, and put a space between drove and drove. 18 And he commanded the foremost, say- ing, When Esau my brother should meet thee, and ask thee, saying, Whose art thou? and whither art thou going? and for whom are these before thee ? 19 Then shalt thou say. They belong to thy servant, to Jacob ; it is a present sent mi to my lord, to Esau ; and, behold, also, he is him- self behind us. 20 And so he commanded also the second, also the third, as also all that followed the droves, saying. After this manner shall ye speak unto Esau, when ye find hini. 21 And say ye moreover. Behold, also thy servant Jacola is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I mil see his face ; perad venture he will receive" me kindly. * " My merits have been diminished through all," &c. — O.N'KELOS and Rashi. There is no warrant to render it, with the English version, " I am not worthy of the ka.it of," &c., there being no word in the text to correspond with the addition. "■ Heb. "Which had come to his hand," meaning " the cattle in which his wealth consisted, and from these he sent; for he was on the way, and had no opportunity to send silver and gold and precious things." — Ramban. ° Lit. " he will bear my face," since one is not able to look with composure in the face of the person who has not obtained his forgiveness. 22 The present went thus on before him ; and he lodged himself that night in the camp 23 And he rose up that night, and he took his two wives, and his two women-servants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford of the Yabbok. 24 And he took them, and sent them over the stream, and sent over what he had. 25 And Jacob was left alone ; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.** 26 And when he saw that he could not pre- vail against him, he struck agamst" the hol- low of his thigh ; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was put out of joint, as he was wrestling with him. 27 And he said, Let me go, for the day hath da^vned. And he said, I will not let thee go until thou hast blessed me. 28 And he said unto him, What is thy name ? and he said, Jacob. 29 And he said. Not Jacob shall any more be called thy name, but Israel f for as a prince* hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. 30 And Jacob asked him, and said. Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherelbre is it that thou dost ask after my name ? And he blessed him there.* 31 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel ■} for I have seen an angel of God' face to face, and my life hath been jireserved. 32 And the sun rose imto him as he passed by Penuel, and he halted upon his thigh. 33 Therefore do the children of Israel not eat the sinew which'^ shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day ; because he struck against the hollow of Jacob's thigh on the sinew that shrank. CHAPTER XXXIII. 1 And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, Esau came, and with him four "^ More correctly, " the rise of the morning dawn." ° Lit. " He touched on the pan of," &c. ' " Prince of God," Sxiiy' Yisrael, ity sar, " prince," andSxi:/, "God." * The moderns render, " for thou hast striven for the mastery with divine beings (angels) and with men, and hast conquered." " ¥mmpanim, "face," and El, " God." ' After Onkelos. ' Philippson and others, "tendon" and explain with tendo Achillis. 41 GENESIS XXXIII. XXXIV. VAYISHLACH. himdred men. And he divided the children unto LeJih, and unto Eachel, and unto the two handmaids. 2 And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost. 3 And he himself passed on before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. 4 And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him; and they wept. 5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children ; and said. Who are these with thee ? And he said. The children whom God hath graciously given thy servant.'-' 6 Then came the liandmaids near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves. 7 And Leah also with her children came near, and they bowed themselves ; and after that came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves. 8 And he said. What meanest thou by all this drove which I have met? And he said, To find grace in the eyes of my lord. 9 And Esau said, I have enough, my bro- ther, keep unto thyself what thou hast. 10 And Jacob said. This must not be, I pray thee ; if I have but found grace in thy eyes, then do thou receive my present at m^^ hand; since I have seen thy face, it is as though I had seen the face of an angel, and because thou hast received me kindly." 11 Take, I pray thee, my present'' that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have a plenty of all. And he urged him, and he took it. 12 And he said, Let us depart, and move farther, and I will travel near thee. 13 • And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are a charge on me :' ond if they should overdrive them one day, all the flock would die. 14 Let my lord, I pray thee, pass on before his servant: and I will lead on slowly, accord- ing as the cattle that goeth before me and • After Rashi. " Hcb. "blessing." ° Arnheim and Pliilippson regard ''7^' as a Syriac plural from the singular '-))} " the young," and render, "and llie flocks and the herds suckle the young." '' From surrrih, "a booth." 42 the children may be able to travel, until 1 come unto my lord unto Se'ir. 15 And Esau said. Let me, I pray thee, leave with thee some of the people that are with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me onl}' find grace in the eyes of my lord. 16 So Esau returned that day on his way unto Seir. 17 And Jacob journeyed to Succoth and built himself a house, and for his cattle he made booths; therefore he called the name of the place Succoth.'' 1 8 Tl And Jacob came m good health to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Ca- naan, when he came from Padan-aram; and he encamped before the city. 19 And he bought the parcel of the field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Chamor, the father of Shechem, for a hundred kessitah." 20 And he erected there an altar, and called it, El-Eloh^-Yisrael.*' CHAPTER XXXIV. 1 ][ And Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had born unto Jacob, went out to look about among the daughters of the land. 2 And Shechem the son of Chamor the Hivite, the piince of the country, saw her; and he took her, and lay with her, and did her violence. 3 And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the maiden, and spoke kindly unto the maiden. 4 And Shechem spoke unto Chamor his father, saying, Get me this girl for wife. 5 And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter; but his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace° until they were come. 6 And Chamor the father of Shechem went out unto Jacob to speak with him. 7 And the sons of Jacob came from the field when they heard it, and the men were grieved, and it excited their anger greatly ; because he had wrought a disgraceful thing in Israel to lie with the daughter of Jacob, and this ought not to be done. " A particular coin, of unknown value. The notion of Geseuius that each was worth four shekels is mere con- jecture. ' " Rod, the God of Israel." ' i. c. Kept silent. GENESIS XXXIV. XXXV. VAYISHLACH. 8 And Cliainor spuku with them, sajing, The soul of Sheehem my son longeth for ^^oui" daughter; give her, I pray you, unto him for wife. 9 And intermarry with us; your daughters ye shall give unto us, and our daughters ye may take unto yourselves. 10 And with us shall ye dwell; and the land shall be open before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and acquire possessions therein. 11 And Sheehem said unto her father and unto her brother, Let me but find grace in your eyes, and whatever ye may say unto me, I will give. 12 Ask of me ever so much dowry and gift, and I will give, just as ye may say unto me; but give me the maiden for wife. 13 And the sons of Jacob answered She- ehem and Chamor his father with cunning, and spoke; because he had defiled Dinah their sister. 14 And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uucircumcised ; for that would be a reproach unto us. 15 But on this condition will we consent unto you; if ye will become as we are, that every male of you be circumcised : 16 Then will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters unto us; and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. 17 But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised, then will we take our daugh- ter, and go our way. 18 And their words were pleasing in the eyes of Chamor, and in the eyes of Sheehem, the son of Cliamor. 19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter; and he was the most honoured of all the house of his father. 20 And Chamor and Sheehem his son came unto the gate of their city, and spoke with the men of their city, saying, 21 These men are peaceably inclined with us ; therefore let them dwell in the land, and * Mendelssohn renders, " And they wish to dwell in the land and travel about therein." ' Eashi; but Onkelos refers nQ3 "secure," to the in- habitants of the city, as if it said, " expecting no dan- ger." trade therein ;" and the land, behold, it is large enough on all sides before them ; their daugh- ters we will take unto us for wives, and our daughters we will give unto them. 22 Only with this condition will the men consent unto us to dwell with us, to become one people, if every male among us be circum- cised, as they are circumcised. 23 Their cattle and tlieir substance and every beast of theirs — will they not be ours? only let us consent unto them, that they may dwell with us. 24 And unto Chamor and unto Sheehem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and all the males were cir- cumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city. 25 And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sous of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's Ijrothers, took each his sword, and came upon the city unresisted^ and slew all the males. 26 And they slew Chamor and Sheehem his son with the edge of the sword ; and they took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out. 27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister. 28 They took their sheep, and their oxen, and their asses, and that which was in the city, and that which was in the field, 29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their w'ives they took captive, and spoiled; and all that was in the house. 30 And Jacolj said unto Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me, to cause me to be hated" among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites : and as I am but few in niunber, they may gather them- selves together against me, and slay me ; and I would be destroyed, I and my house. 31 And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with a harlot? CHAPTER XXXV. 1 Tl And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Beth-el, and dwell there; and make ° 'JK^'N^nS means literally " to cause me to be in bad odour," from tyXD "to stink," which term is (hen figura- tively applied to a tainted reputation, wliich produces hate in others. Hence the translation in the text. 43 GENESIS XXXV. VAYISHLACH. there an altar unto tlie God that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. 2 Then said Jacob unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods'' that are among you, and cleanse yourselves, and change your garments. 3 And let us arise, and go up to Beth-el; and I wll make there an altar unto the God who answered me on the day of my distress, and was vnth me on the way which I went. 4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and the ear- rings which were in their ears ; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was near Shechem. 5 And they journeyed; and the terror of God Avas upon the cities that were* round al)out them, and they did not pursue after the sous of Jacob. 6 So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the laud of Canaan, that is, Beth-el, he and all the people that were with him. 7 And he built there an altar, and called the place El-beth-el :^ because there God" ap- peared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother. 8 And Deborah Rebekah's nui-se died, and she was buried beneath*^ Beth-el under an oak: and he called its name AUon-bachuth.'^ 9 ^ And God aj^peared unto Jacob again, when he came from Padan-aram, and blessed him. 10 And God said unto him. Thy name is Jacob; thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name : and he called his name Israel. 11 And God said unto him, I am God the Almighty; be fruitful and multiply; a nation and an assemblage of nations^ shall spruig from thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins.* 12 And the land which I gave to Abraham and to Isaac, to thee will I give it; and to thy seed after thee will I give the land. 13 And God went up from him on the place where he had spoken with him.* 14 And Jacob set up a pUlar at the place " llcfcrring probably to images tliey had found among thfi spoil of till! city of Sljechem. " " God of Bethel." " According to llashi and the Massorah ; but On- kelos renders, "for there appeared to him the angels of the LoiiD " '' Ou the declivity leading to it. 44 where he had spoken with him, a pillar of stone; and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon. 15 And Jacob called the name of the place where God had spoken with him, Beth-el. 16 And they journej'ed from Beth-el ; and there was yet some distance to come to Ephrath, when Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour. 17 And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; for this child also is a son for thee.« 18 And it came to pass, as her soul was departing, (for she died,) that she called his name Ben-oni •} but his father called him Ben- jamin.' 19 And so Rachel died, and was buried on the way to Ephrath, whicli is Beth-lechem. 20 And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave ; this is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto his day. 21 And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of flocks (Eder) . 22 And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben Avent and lay with Bilhah his father's concubme; and Israel heard it. ][ Now the sons of Jacob were twelve. 23 The sons of Leah, Jacob's first-born, Reii- ben, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun. 24 The sons of Rachel, Joseph, and Ben- jamin. 25 And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel's hand- maid, Dan, and Naphtali. 26 And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's hand- maid, Gad, and Asher: these are the sons of Jacob, that were born to him in Padan-aram. 27 And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, the city of Arha", which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac had so- journed. 28 And the days of Isaac were one hun- dred and eighty years. 29 And Isaac departed this life, and died, and was gathered unto his people, old and ' " Oak of weeping." ' " Tribes."— Onkelos. ' No doubt referring to Rachel's vvi.sh at the birth of Joseph. (Gen. xxx. 24.) ' " Son of my pain." ' " Soil of my old age." GENESIS XXXVI. VAYISnLA(!H. full of days; aud Esau and Jacob his sons buried him. CHAPTER XXXVI. 1 T[ Now these are the generations of Esau, who is Edom. 2 Esau took his wives ol' the daughters of Cauaan ; Adah* the daughter of Elon the Hit^ tite, aud Aholibamah tlie daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite ; 3 And Bahseniath Ishniael's daughter, the sister of Nebayoth. 4 And Adah bore to Esau Eliphaz; and Bahsemath bore lleiiel; 5 Aud Aholibamah bore Yeiish, and Ya'lam, aud Korach : these are the sous of Esau, that were born unto him in the land Canaan. 6 And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, aud all the persons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, aud all his substance, which he had gotten in the land of Canaan; and went into another country from the face of his brother Jacob. 7 For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land of their sojourning could not bear them, because of their cattle. 8 Thus dwelt Esau in mount Se'ir: Esau is Edom. 9 And these are the generations of Esau the father of the Edom in mount Seir. 10 These are the names of Esau's sons: EUphaz the son of Adah the wife of Esau, Eeiiel the son of Bahsemath the wife of Esau. 11 And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Ga'tam, and Kenaz. 12 And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son : and she bore to Eliphaz Amalek ; these were the sons of Adah, Esau's wife. 1 3 And these are the sons of Eeiiel : Na^ chath, and Zerach, Shammah, and Mizzah; these were the sons of Bahsemath, Esau's wife. 14 And these were the sons of Aholibamah, the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon, " In Genesis xxvi. 34, the wives of Esau are called Judith, daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bahsemath, daughter of Elon ; we may therefore assume that the daughter of Beeri died childless, when Esau took Aholi- bamah; and regarding the names of Adah, in the case of the daughter of Elon, and of Bahsemath, the daughter of Ishmael, we can suppose that they may have beeu terms of endearment applied to thoni. For instance, mi" 'Aifidi, from "\y 'Adi, "ornament," noiyj Bahsemath, from ow2 Esau's wife : aud she bore to Esau Yeiisli, and Ya'lam, and Korach. 15 These are the dukes'* of the sons ol" Esau; the sons of Eliphaz the first-born of Esau : duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz, 16 Duke Korach, duke Ga'tam, duke Auui- lek; these are the dukes of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these are the sons of Adah. 17 And these are the sons of Reiiel Esau's son : duke Nachath, duke Zerach, duke Sham- mah, duke jNliz/.ah ; these are the dukes of Reiiel in the land of Edom; these are tlie sons of Bahsemath, Esau's wife. 18 And these are the sons of Aholibamah, Esau's wife : duke Y^eiish, duke Y'a'lam, duke Korach ; these are the dukes of Aholibamah the daughter of Anah, Esau's wife. 19 These are the sons of Esau, and these are their dukes; this is Edom."^' 20 ][ These are the sons of Se'ir the Chorite, who inhabited the land : Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, aud Anah, 21 And Dishon, and Etzer, and Dish an; these are the dukes of the Chorites, the chil- dren of Se'ir in the land of Edom. 22 And the children of Lotan were Chori and Hemau; and Lotan's sister was Tiunia. 23 And these were the childi-en of Shobal : Alvan, and Manachath, and Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. 24 And these are the children of Zibeon : both Ajah, and Anah; this was that Anah that found the mules" in the wilderness, as he fed the asses of ZiJjeon his father. 25 And these are the children of Anah : Dishon, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah. 26 And these are the children of Dishan i"* Chemdan, and Eshban, aud Yithran, and Cheran. 27 These are the children of Etzer : Bilhan, and Zalivan, and Akan. 28 These are the children of Dishan : Uz, and Aran. hossem, "spice." Such names are not uncommon in the East. •■ Others, "princes of tribes." "The word wy ycmhn, here rendered "mules," has been variously interpreted, as it is but once met with ; the first with nudes; secondly, with "giants," same as eniini, and again "warm springs." The version here is according to Talmud. " Eng. ver. "Dishon." GENESIS XXXVI. XXXVII. VAYESHEB. 29 These are the dukes of the Chorites: iuke Lotan, duke Shobal, duke Zibeon, duke Anah ; 30 Duke Dishon, duke Etzer, duke Dishan ; these are the dukes of the Chorites, after their dukes in the hind of Se'ir. 31 ][ And these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel." 32 And there reigned in Edom Bela the son of Beor: and the name of his city was Dinhabah. 33 And Bela died, and there reigned in his stead Yobab the son of Zerach of Bozrah. 34 And Yobab died, and there reigiaed in his stead Chusham of the land of Teman. 35 And Chusham died, and there reigned in his stead Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab; and the name of his city was Avith. 36 And Hadad died, and there reigned in his stead Sam I ah of Masrekah. 37 And Samlah died, and there reigned in his stead Shaiil of Rechoboth by the river. 38 And Shaiil died, and there reigned in his stead Baiil-chanan the son of Achbor. 39 And Baal-chanan the son of Achbor died, and there reigned in his stead Hadar, and the name of his city was Pati ; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Hatred, the daughter (jf Me-zahab,--- 40 And these are the names of the dukes of Esau, according to their families, after their ])laces, by their names : duke Timna, duke Alvah, duke Yetheth, 41 Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon, 42 Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mib- zar, 43 Duke Magdiel, duke Iram ; these are the dukes of Edom, according to their habita^ tions in the land of their possession ; this is Esau the father of the Edom. Ilaphtorah in Hosea xii. 13, to xiv. 10. Others read fromxi. 7 to xii. 12. The Portuguese read Obadiah i. 1-21. " It is highly probable that the last of the eight kings incntioucd here, was the king of Edom in the days of .Moses, (Numb. xx. 14,) and this verse then only ex- presses that pjdom had a consolidated government, while Israel was enslaved. ■" /. c. He kept more with them than the others who ivere the sons of Lciih. ° This refers to his brothers mentioned at first. 4G SECTION IX. VAYESHEB, 20. CHAPTER XXXVII. 1 ^ And Jacob dwelt in the land of his father's sojourning, in the land of Canaan. 2 These are the generations of Jacob. Jo- seph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers ; and he was as a lad*" with the sons of Bilhali, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives ; and Joseph brought evil reports of them'' unto his father. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age ; and he made him a coat of many colours.'' 4 And when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peace- ably unto him. 5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers: and they hated him yet the more. 6 And he said unto them. Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed. 7 And, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also re- mained standing upright ; and, behold, your sheaves placed themselves round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf 8 And his brothers said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us ? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us ? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. 9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brothers; and he said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars made obeisance to me. 10 And he told it to his father, and to his brothers ; and his fother rebuked him. and said unto him. What is this dream that thou hast dreamed ? Shall we indeed come, I and thy mother, and thy brothers, to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth ? 11 And his brothers envied him ; but his father noted" the matter (in his mind).* ^ Here is shown the danger of preferring one child be- fore the others, although he may deserve it; the preference shown by Jacob was as much cause for the hatred toward Joseph as his own fault of talebearing. ° Aben Ezra. Rashi comments, " He waited and watched to see when it would come to pass." Onkelos renders imn with "the word." GENESIS XXXVII. XXXVIII. VAYESIIEB. 12 And his brothers went to feed their father's flocks in Shechem. 13 And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brothers feed (the flocks) in Shechem ? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I.° 14 And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brothers, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him from the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. 15 And a certain man tbund liim, and, be- hold, he was wandering astray in the field ; and the man asked him, saying. What seekest thou? 16 And he said, I seek my brothers; tell me, I pray thee, where they are feeding their flocks ? 17 And the man said, They are departed hence ; for I heard them say. Let us go to Dotlian. And Joseph went after his brothers, and found them in Dothau. 18 And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they con- spired against him to slay him. 19 And they said one to another. Behold, here cometh this man of dreams. 20 And now, come and let us slay him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say. Some evil beast hath devoured him ; and we shall see what will become of his dreams. 21 And when Reuben heard it, he de- livered him out of their hand ; and he said. Let us not put him to death. 22 And Reiiben said unto them, Do not shed Ijlood ; but cast him into this pit that is in tlie wilderness, but do not lay hand upon liim ; — in order that he might deliver him out of their hand, to bring him back again to his father.* 23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brothers, that they stript Jo- seph of his coat, the coat of many colours that was on him ; 24 And they took him, and cast him into the pit; and the pit was empty; there was no water in it. ' This phrase, frequently used in Scripture, expresses the readiness to do what is bidden. ^ "The term Ishmaelites, in this and verse 25, appears to have been the collective names of all the Din 'J3 'the eastern nationsj' as the Turks now call all Europeans, 25 And they sat do^vn to eat bread : and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, be- hold, a company of Ishmaelites was coming from Gileiid ; and their camels were bearing spicery, and balm, and lotus, going to carrj' it down to Egypt. 26 And Judah said unto his brothers. What profit will it be if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood ? 27 Come, and let us sell him to the Ish- maelites, but let our hand not be upon him ; for he is our brother, our flesh. And his l)ro- thers hearkened to him. 28 And when the Midianitish'' men, mer- chants, passed by, they drew and lilted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of siher : and they brouglit Joseph into Egypt. 29 And when Reuben returned unto the pit, and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit, he rent his clothes. 30 And he returned unto his brothers, and said. The child is not there ; and I, whither shall I go ? 31 And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a he-goat," and dipped the coat in the blood ; 32 And they sent the coat of many coloiu's, and they brought it to their father, and said, This have we found : acknowledge, we pray thee, whether it be th}^ son's coat or not. 33 And he recognised it, and said. It is my son's coat ; an evil beast hath devoured him ; Joseph is surely torn in pieces. 34 And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. 35 And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said. For I must go down unto my son, mourning, into the grave; thus his father wept for him. 36 And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, the captain of the guards.''' CHAPTER XXXVIII. 1 ^ And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went do^^^l from his brothers, and he ' Franks.' " — Arnheim. The Midianitish merchants are accordingly the same Ishmaelites spoken of at first ; and this, which is also after Rashbam, is evidently the correct construction. Heb. " buck of the goats." 47 GENESIS XXXVIII. VAYESHEB. pitched" his teut with a certain Adullamite whose name was Chirah. 2 And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite,'' Avhose name was Shua ; and lie took her, and went ui unto her. 3 And she conceived, and bore a son ; and he called his name 'Er. 4 And she conceived again, and bore a son ; and she called his name Onan. 5 And she again bore another son; and she called his name Shelali : and he was at Chezib, when she bore him. 6 And Judah took a wife for 'Er his first- born, whose name was Tamar. 7 And 'Er, Judah's first-born, was displeas- ing in the eyes of the Lord ; and the Lord slew him. 8 And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and take her, as her brother-in-law," and raise up seed to thy brother. 9 Onan thus knew that the seed should not be his ; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, so as not to give seed unto his brother. 10 And the thing which he did was dis- pleasing in the eyes of the Lord ; wherefore Qe slew him also. 11 Then said Judah to Tamar his daugh ter- m-law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown ; for he thought, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brothers have done. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house. 12 And many days had elapsed when the daughter of Shua, Judah's wife, died; and after Judah was comforted, he went up unto his sheep-shearers, he and his friend Chirah the Adullamite, to Timnah. 13 And it was told unto Tamar, saying. Behold thy father-in-law goeth up to Timnah to shear his sheep. 14 And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered herself with a vail, and concealed her face, and seated herself at the cross-road,'' which is by tlie way to Timnah ; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him for wife. • McndGlssolin ; Kashi and others ronJt-r t3'1 " and re- moving took up Ilia residence with," &c. ' " Merchant." — Onkelos. ' See r>eut. xxv. .'i, (i. '' Rashi ; "at tlie entrance to tlie double-spring," Aben 48 15 And Judah saw her, and thought her to be a harlot; because she had covered her face. 16 And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee ; (for he knew not that she was his daughter-in-law.) And she said. What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in untti me? 17 And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock. And she said, If thou wilt give me a pledge, till thou send it. 18 And he said. What is the pledge which I shall give thee ? And she said, Thy signet, and thy scarf,*" and thy staff that is in thy hand. And he gave them to her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him. 19 And she arose, and went away, and laid by her vail from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood. 20 And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to take the pledge out of the woman's hand ; but he found her not. 21 Then he asked the men of her place, saying, Where is the harlot, that was at the cross-road on the highway ? And they said, There hath been no harlot in this neighbour- hood. 22 And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place have said. There hath been no harlot in this place. 23 And Judah said. Let her keep it, lest we be put to shame ; behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her. 24 And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told to Judah, saying, Ta- mar thy daughter-in-law hath played the har- lot; and also, behold, she is with child by prostitution. And Judah said. Lead her forth, and let her be burnt. 25 When she was led forth, she sent to her father-in-hiAV, saying. By the man, whose these are, am I with child : and she said. Ac- knowledge, I pray thee, to whom belong these, the signet, the scarf, and stafi". 26 And Judah acknowledged them, and said. She hath been more righteous than I ; Ezra; "at the gate of 'Enayim," according to others, thinking it identical with the 'Enaui of Joshua sv. 34; others again, "in the open place" or "open road." ' Kashi and Onkelos; others, simply " thy string," t". e. )iy which the seal was hung round the neck. GENESIS XXXVIII. XXXIX. VAYESIIEB. because that I gave her not to Shelali m}- sou. And he knew her not again any more. 27 And it came to pass at the time of her travail, that, belaold, twins were in her womb. 28 And it came to pass, when she tra- vailed, that the one put out his hand : and the midwife took and Ijound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first. 29 And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold his brother came out; and she said. How hast thou broken forth? this breach is upon thee : therefore his name was called Perez." 30 And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand : and his name was called Zerach.'* CHAPTER XXXIX. 1 ][ And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guards, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmaelites, who had brought him down thither. 2 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was thus m the house of his master the Egyptian. 3 And when his master saw that the Lord was ^vith him, and that the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hand : 4 Joseph found grace in his eyes, and he served him; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. 5 And it came to pass from the time he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for the sake of Joseph; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had, in the house and in the field. 6 And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he troubled himself not" about aught he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was handsome in form and handsome in appearance.* 7 And it came to pass after these things, 'From -pi) parotz, "to break forth," "to make a break." '' From rriT zaroach " to shine," applied to the sub, " to rise." ' Heb. " Knew not." '' This assertion of Joseph clearly proves with Scriptui-c evidence, that the sons of Noah were prohibited the com- mission of incest. When therefore the Canaanites became Q that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. 8 But he refused, and said unto his mas- ter's Avife, Behold, my master troubleth him- self not about what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath into my hand; 9 There is none greater in this house than I ; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife : how then can I do this great evil, and sin against God?" 10 And it came to pass, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, and he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her; 11 That it came to pass one particular day, that he went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. 12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me; and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and ran out into the street. 13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth, 11 That she called unto the men of her house, and spoke unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in unto us a Hebrew man to have his sporfwith us ; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice : 15 And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted uj) my voice and cried, that he loft his garment with me, and fled, and ran out into the street. 16 And she laid up his garment by her until his lord came home. 17 And she spoke unto him according to these words, saying. The HebreA\' servant whom thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to have his sport with me. 18 And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his. garment with me, and fled forth. 19 And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke unto him, saying. After this manner hath corrupt, and lived in a manner so contrary to the laws of the Bible in this respect, they wore justly doomed to ex- pulsion froi;i the land which they had defiled. This view of the subject will also explain the passage in Leviticus six. 27, 28, ' pns "to laugh," then "to mock," and finally "to do acts of mischief and wantonness." i'J GENESIS XXXIX. XL. VAYESIIEB. thy servant done to mej that his wrath was kindled. 20 And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison," tlie place where the king's prisoners were imprisoned : and he was there in the pi'ison. 21 But the Lord was with Joseph, and caused him to find kindness, and gave him favour in the eyes of the superintendent of the prison. 22 And the superintendent of the prison committed into Joseph's hand all tlie prisoners that were in the prison ; and whatsoever they did there, was done through him.'' 23 The superintendent of the prison looked not after the least that was under his hand, because the Lord Avas with him; and that which he did, the Lord made to prosper.'^' CHAPTER XL. 1 ]] And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and the baker committed an ofience, against their lord the king of Egypt. 2 And Pharaoh was wroth against his two officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers. -3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guards, into the prison, the place whei'e Joseph was confined." 4 And the captain of the guards charged Joseph with them, and he served them; and they continued a season'' in ward. 5 And they dreamed a dream,both of them, each his dream in one night, each in accord- ance with the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison. 6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked at them, and, behold, they were sad. 7 And he asked the officers of Pharaoh that were with him in ward in his lord's house, saying. Wherefore look ye so sadly to-day? 8 And they said unto him, We have dream- ed a dream, and there is none to interpret it. ' Lit. "prison-house." *• Hnb. "lie was the doer thereof." 'From 1DN, "to bind, to imprison," not ncccss<arily therefore "bound," as in the English version. '' Rashi and Mendelssohn, "and they were a whole year," &e. • nn is perhaps an alibrcviatiou for D'ln, "uobh's, 50 And Josejjh said unto them, Dc not interpre- tations belong to God? tell it to me, I pray you. 9 The chief of tlie butlers then told his dream to Joseph, and said to him. In my dream, behold, a vine was before me; 10 And on the vme were three branches; and it was as though it budded, shot forth its blossoms, and on its clusters the grapes be- came ripe: 11 And Pharaoh's cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes, and pressed them out into Pharaoh's cup, and I jjlaced the cup into Pharaoh's hand. 12 And Jo.seph said unto him, This is its interpretation : The three branches are three days ; 13 Within yet three days will Pharaoh lift up thy head, and restore thee unto thy office; and thou shalt place Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler. 14 Therefore if thou thinkest on me when it shall be well with thee, then sho^v kind- ness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and brmg me out of this house ; 15 For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews; and here also have I not done the least that they should })ut me into the dungeon. 16 And when the chief of the Ijakers saw that he had well interpreted, he said unto Jo- seph, I also (saw) in my dream, and, behold, I had three baskets "WTth fine Ijread on my head :" 17 And in the uppermost Ijasket there was of all numuer of bakemeats, used as food for Pharaoh ; and the birds did eat them out of the basket from my head. 18 And Joseph answered and said. This is its interpretation : The thi'ee ba.skets are three days; 19 Within yet three days will I'liaraoh lift up thy head from off thee, and will hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy Hesh from off thee.'-' 20 And it came to pass on the third day, lords," and it is then an ellipsis for D'ln DnS, "bread for the lords." Aridieim and Kashi and others derive nn from ^ln "bole," thus, "baskets full of holes." Saailiah takes it as .synonymous with ^r^ the Aramaic for " white," thus, "baskets with white or fine bread," as rendered in our text. I'bilippson renders " baskets for fine bread," /. I', .sueli as are used to put fuie bread in. GENESia XL. XLl. MICKETZ. wliich was Plianioli's birthday, that he made a least unto all his servants : and he lifted up the head of the chief of the butlers and the head of the chief of the bakers among his ser\'ants. 21 And he restored the chief of the butlers unto his butlershijj; and he placed the cup into Pharaoh's hand; 2"J But the chief of the bakers he hanged, as Joseph had interpreted to them. 23 Yet the chief of the butlers did not re- member Joseph, and forgot him. Haphtorah iu Amos li. to iii. 8. SECTION X. MICKETZ, fpo. CHAPTER XLI. 1 ^\ And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed ; and behold he stood by the river. 2 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven cows, of good appearance and fat in flesh; and they fed in the meadow." o And, behold, seven other cows came up after them out of the river, ill-favoured and lean in flesh; and they stood Ijy the other cows upon the brink of the river. 4 And the ill-favoured and lean-fleshed cows did eat up the seven well-favoured and fat co\vs. And Pharaoh awoke. And he slept and dreamed a second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up on one stalk, rank and good. G And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted'' with the east wind sprung up after them. 7 And the seven thin ears swallowed up the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream." 8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled ; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream ; but there was none that could inter- pret the same unto Pharaoh. 9 Then spoke the chief of the butlers unto Pharaoh, saying. My foults I must call to re- membrance this day: 'among the reeds," Arniieim. take r|-ity as equal to .-|piy, "to " "Swamp," Rashi; ^ Raslii and Oukelos thrash out, to beat frequently;" Ai'uheim, however, ex- plains it as equal to njK? " tn burn," (Song of Sol. i. 6;) which would properly give the version "blasted." 10 Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and 25ut me in ward in the house of the cap- tain of the guards, me and the chief of the bakers; 11 And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each in accordance with the interpretation of his dream. 12 And there was with us a Hebrew lad, a servant to the captain of the guards; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams ; to each according to his dream did he inter- pret. 13 And it came to pass, just as he had in- terj)reted to us, so it was ; nie he restored mito my office, and him he hanged. 14 Then Pharaoh sent and had Joseph called, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his garments, and came in unto Pha- raoh.* 15 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is noue that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to inter- pret it. 16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me; God will give an answer for the peace of Pharaoh. '•'"' 17 And Pharaoh said unto Josejih, In my dream, behold, I stood u])on the l>rink (if tlie river ; 18 And, behold, there came up out of the river seven cows, fat in flesh and good in shape; and they fed in the meadow; 19 And, behold, seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ill-shaped and lean in flesh ; I never saw any like these in all the land of Egypt for ugliness ; 20 And the lean and the ill-favoured cows did eat up the first se\en fat cows ; 21 And when they had eaten them u]),'' it could not be known that they had eaten them; but their appearance was still as bad as at the beginning. And I awoke. 22 And I saw in my dream, and, l)ehold, seven ears came good; up on one stalk, full and 23 And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, ° " Only on awaking he recognised that he had dreamed, so like reality was his dream." — Arnheim. ^ " The wisdom is not mine, but God will put an an- swer in my mouth for the welfiire of Pharaoh." — R-\sHI. ° Heb. "Came into their inward part." GENESIS XLI. MICKETZ. blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them ; 24 And the thin ears devoured tlie seven good ears: and I told this unto the magi- cians; but there was none that could tell it to me. 25 And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one, that which God is about to do, lie hath told to Pharaoh. 26 The seven good cows arc seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years; the dream is one. 27 And the seven thin and ill-favoured cows that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears, blasted with the east wind, shall he seven years of famine. 28 This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh : What God is about to do he hath sho^vu mi to Pliaraoh. 29 Behold, there are coming seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt : 30 And there shall arise seven years of famine after them, when all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Eg}pt; and the famine shall consunie the land; 31 And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following it; for it shall be very grievous. 32 And as it respecteth that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice, it is because the thing is firmly resolved on by God, and God hasteneth to bring it to pass. 33 Now therefore let Pharaoh* look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him ap- point officers over the land, and take up the fifth part (of the produce) of the land of Egypt in the seven years of plenty. 35 And let them gather u\) all the food of those good years that are coming, and lay u]) ""This is not an advice; for who authorized him to act as couns(dlor to the king? but it behmgs likewise to the interpretation; therefore had God at that time also shown him the seven years of famine, which would not happen till after the expiration of the seven years of plenty, in order to induce Pharaoh to look out an intelli- gent man to heap up corn for the suppoit of the people; ifbr if God iiad not now made him acquainted with the famine, he would not have been induced to heap up corn, and all would then have died in the fami)ic." — DuBNO. " Arnhcim leaves the Hebrew l^^x untranslated ; Ou- kelos renders it, "This is the fatiier of the king;" but corn under the hand of Pharaoh, as food in the cities, and keep the same. 36 And that food shall be for a store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land be not cut ofi' through the ihmine. 37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants. 38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom the spirit of God is ?'^' 39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Inas- much as God hath caused thee to know all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou : 40 Thou shalt be over my house, and ac- cording to thy word shall all my people be ruled; oidy in regard to the throne will 1 l)e greater than thou. 41 And Pharaoh said inito Joseph, See, 1 have set thee over all the land of Egypt. 42 And Pharaoh took ofl" his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a golden chain about his neck ; 43 And he caused him to ride in the second chariot which he had ; and they cried Ijefore him. Bend the knee:'' and he placed him (thus) over all the land of Egypt. 44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I ;im Pharaoh; but without thee shall no man lilt up his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt. 45 And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphenath-pa'neiich ;" and he gave him Asse- nath the daughter of Poti-phera', the priest' of On, lor wife. And Joseph went out OAcr all the land of Egypt. 46 And Josejiii was tliirty years old when he stood before Pliaraoh the king of Egypt; and Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. Mendelssohn, after other commentators, derives the word from nij "the knee," and assumes it to be in the impe- rative of the Iliphil, with the n instead of n, which would give us the words "bend the knee." " "Revealer of secret things," Ramb.an : according to others, however, the words are pure Egyptian, and mean "Saviour of the world," or "of the century." ■* "Lord of On," Onkelos. This place was afterwards called by the Greeks " IleJiopolis," the "city of the sun;" by the llebrew.s, " Belli Siicmesh, " the house eif the sun." Oil is said to bo an I'lgyptian word, signifying "light," i; or ''sun." GENESIS XLI. XLII. MICKETZ. 47 And the earth brought forth iii the seven years of plenty Ijy handfuls."' 48 And he gatliered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities : the food of the field of the city, whicli was round about it, laid he up in the same. 49 i\jid Joseph heaped up corn as the sand of the sea, very much ; until he left off num- Ijering, for it was witliout number. 50 And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, whom Asse- nath the daughter of Poti-phera' the priest of On, bore unto him. 51 And Joseph called the name of the first>born Meuasseh :'' For God (said he) hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house. 52 And the name of the second he called Ephraim;" For God (said he) hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.'" 53 And the seven years of plenty, that was in the land of Egy[5t, were ended. 54 x\nd the seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said; and there was famine in all the countries, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 55 And when all the land of Egypt also felt hunger, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread : and Pharaoh vsaid unto all the Egy-ptians, Go unto Joseph ; what he saith to you. do. 56 And the famine was over all the face of tlie earth : and Joseph opened all the store- houses,'' whei'ein corn was, and sold unto the Egyptians ; for the famine grew strong in the land of Egypt. 57 And all the countries^ came into Egypt to buy corn of Joseph; because the famine was sore in all the countries. CHAPTER XLII. 1 And when Jacoli saw that there was corn in Egy|)t, Jacob said unto his sons. Why do ye look at one another ? " That is, each grain of corn produced a handful of its kind. ' MfiiaaJieJt, from nashoh, "to forgot." ° Ephrai/im, horn paroh, "to be fruitful." ■* Hcb. "All in which was;" the ellipses are supplied, according to Onkelos, first with "storehouses," and secondly, with "corn." ' This term, which is also used in the preceding verse, and there rendered "all the earth," evidently is an hyper- bolical expression, and alludes to the parts of the earth 2 And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egy|)t; get you down thither, and buy lor us provision from there, that we may live, and not die. '6 And ten Ijrothers of Joseph went down to )juy corn in Eg^'pt. 4 But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brothers ; for he said. Lest mischief befall him. 5 And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came; for the famine was in the land of Canaan. G And Joseph — he was the governor over the land, it was he that sold corn to all the people of the land ; and Joseph's brothers came, and bowed themselves down before him with the face to the earth. 7 And Joseph saw his brothers, and he re- cognised them ; but made himself strange unto them, and spoke roughly unto them; and he said unto them. Whence come ye? And they said. From the land of Canaan to buy food. 8 And Joseph recognised his brothers, but they recognised not him. 9 And Joseph remembered the dreams which he had dreamed concerning them, and he said unto them. Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land are ye come. 10 And they said unto him. No, my lord, thy servants are only come to l)uy food. 11 We all are sons of one man; we are true men ; thy servants have never been spies. 12 And he said unto them, No! but to see the nakedness of tlie land are ye come. 13 And they said. We, thy servants, are twelve brothers, sons of one man in the land of Canaan ; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is no more. 14 And Joseph said unto them, It is' as I have spoken unto you, sa^-iug, Ye are spies ; 15 Hereby shall ye he proved : By the life of Pharaoh, ye shall not go forth hence, except vour voungest brother come hither. contiguous to and having commercial intercourse with Egypt, such as Phcenicia, Palestine, and Arabia. Men- delssohn renders "all the people from the country around;" but Onkelos translates here ]nsn Sdi with n^'IN "T'T Sjl " all inhabitants of the earth :" still the sense is the same. ' Joseph meant that the contradiction of which tliey were guilty, ]>roved the truth of his suspicion. First they were ten brothers, and immediately afterward twelve, and thus he pretended that he could place no confidence in their assertions. 68 GENESIS XLIi. MICKETZ. 16 Send oue of jou, and let him letch jour brother, and ye shall be kept in jirison, that your words may be proved, whether the truth be with you; and if not, by the life of Pha^ raoh, ye are surely spies. 17 And he put them together into ward three days. 18 And Joseph said unto them on the third day, This do, and live; I fear God.* 19 If ye be true men, let one of your bro- thers remain imprisoned in the house of your confinement; but ye, go, carry home what you have bought for the want of your house- hold. 20 But your youngest brother bring unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so. 21 And they said one to another. Truly we are guilty" concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he be- sought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us. 22 And Reiibeu answered them, saying, Did I not say unto you, thus, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? and behold, his blood also is now required. 23 And they knew not that Joseph under- stood them; for he spoke unto them by an interpreter. 24 And he turned himself away from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and spoke with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes. 25 And Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man's money into his sack, and to give them pro- vision for the way; and he'' did unto them thus. 26 And they loaded their asses with their corn, and departed thence. 27 And one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the inn : when he espied his money, for, behold, it was in the mouth of his sack. 28 And he said unto his brothers, My " " Truly we suffer punishment for nur brother's sake, whose anguish nf soul we saw," &c. — Arniieim. '' Probably alluding to the superintendent who is men- tioned hereaft(ir. ° They no doubt suspected that the restoration of the money was not accidental ; hence they thought that it was a new infliction of punishment for their sins. ^ Lit. " Over me have all these events been ;" meaning, I 54 money hath been restored ; and, lo, it is even in my sack : and their heart failed them, and they Avei'e afraid," saying one to another, What is this that God hath done unto us ? 29 And they came unto Jacob their father unto the land of Canaan, and they told him all that had befallen them ; saying, 30 The man, the lord of the land, spoke roughly to us, and took us as though we were espying the country. 31 And we said unto him, We are true men ; we have never been spies : 32 We are twelve brothers, sons of our father; the one is no more, and the youngest is this day with our father in the land of Canaan. 33 And the man, the lord of the country, said unto us. Hereby shall I know that ye are true men : leave one of your brothers here with me, and (the food for) the want of your households take ye and be gone; 34 And bring your youngest brother unto me; then shall I know that ye are no spies, but that ye are true men ; your brother I will give up to you, and in the land ye shall be allowed to traffic. 35 And it came to pass as they were emptying their sacks, that, behold, every man's bundle of money was in his sack : and when they saw the bundles of their money, they and their father, they were afraid. 36 And Jacob their father said unto them. Me ye have bereaved of my children : Joseph is gone, and Simeon is gone, and Benjamin ye will take away; all these things are against me.'' 37 And Reuben said unto his father, thus, Two of my sons shalt thou slay, if I Jjring him not to thee; deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him back to thee. 38 And he said, My son shall not go down with you ; for his brother is dead, and he alone is left: and if mischief befall him by the way in which ye go, then will ye bi'ing down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. alone have to suffer from all these events. Jacob perhaps suspected that his other sons, out of some wicked feeling, had left Joseph and Simeon to perish, and he thus up- braids them with their indifference to his sorrows. T/i<i/ might regard little the perilling of the life of two brothers, and endangering that of another ; but he could not be cal- lous to the fate of those so dear to him. ^ GENESIS XLIII. MICKETZ. CHAPTER XLIII. 1 And the fomine was sore in the land. 2 And it came to pass, when they had completely eaten up the provisions" which they had brought out of Egypt, that their father said unto them. Go again, buy us a little food. 3 And Judah said unto him, thus, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my fice, except your brother be with yon. 4 If thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go down and buy thee food; 5 But if thou sendest liini not, we will not go down ; for the man said unto us. Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you. 6 And Israel said, Wherefore have ye dealt so ill with me, as to tell the man that ye have yet another brother? 7 And they said. The man inquired par- ticularly concerning us, and our kindred, saj^- ing, Is your father yet alive ? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the | tenor of these words : could we possibly know | that he would say, Bring down your l^rother ? 8 And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go ; that we may live, and not die, l)oth we, and thou, as also our little ones. j 9 I ^vill be surety for him ; from my hand shalt thou require him : if I bring him not ' unto thee, and set him before thee, then shall j I have sinned against thee all the days. 10 For, if we had not lingered, svirely we had now returned the second time. 11 And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this : take of the best'' products of the laud in j^our vessels, and carry down to the man a present, a little balm, and a little hone)-, spices, and lotus, pista^ chio-nuts and almonds ; 12 And twofold money take in your hand; and the money that was put back in the " 131? sheler has been rendereJ varyingly in the text, "corn," "provision," and "what hath been bought," as all signifying the same. ' Heb. mot from ^0i " to sing," or " praise," meaning those things for which the laud is praised abroad. Phi- lippson remarks that the smallness of the present showed the simplicity of Jacob's notions of the ruler of Egypt, as he wished to propitiate him with a gift suitable perhaps to the petty chiefs of Palestine. So also with regard to mouth of 30U1* sacks, you must carry back in your hand; jseradventure it was an oversight; 13 Also your brother take along, and arise, go again unto the man. 14 And may God the Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away to you 3-our other brother, and Ben- jamin. And I, if I am to be bereaved, let me be bereaved." 15 And the men took that present; and twofold money they took in their hand, as also Benjamin; and they rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.'^' 16 And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the superintendent of his house. Bring these men into the house, and slay, and make ready ; for with me shall these men dine at noon. 1 7 And the man did as Joseph had said ; and the man brought tlie men into Joseph's house. 18 And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house : and they said. Because of the money that came back in our sacks at the first time are we brought in ; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, to- gether with our asses. 19 And they came near to the mau who was appointed over Joseph's house, and they spoke with him at the door of the house, 20 And they said, Pardon, my lord, we came down at the first time to buy food : 21 And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, be- hold, every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in its full weight ; and we have brought it back in our hand. 22 And other money have we brought down in our hand to buy food; we know not who hath put our mone}^ in our sacks. 23 And he said. Peace be to you, fear not; your God, and the God of Aour father, hath given you a treasure in j-our sacks ; your money hath come to me. And he brought Simeon out unto them. the fear expressed by the brothers in v. 18, that their beasts might be seized. ' This version is according to iMendelssohn. Onkelos renders the Hebrew words merely by synonymies. Arn- heira, however, adds the words in and nn>' and says, "I, however, am either way bereaved of my children." Be this as it may, it is an expression of resignation. (Compare with Esther iv. IG.) 66 GENESIS XLTII. XLIV. MICKETZ. 24 And tlie man bi'ought the men into Jo- seph's house; and he gave them water, and they washed their feet, and he gave proven- der to their asses. 25 And they made ready the present be- fore Joseph came home at noon ; for they had heard that they should eat bread there. 26 And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present wliich was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves to him to the earth. 27 And he asked them after their welfare, and said, Is you old father well, of whom ye spoke ? is he yet alive ? 28 And they answered, Thy servant, our father, is in good health, he is yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and i^ro- strated themselves. 29 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, Is this your youngest brother, of wliom ye spoke unto me? And he said, God be gra^ cious unto thee, my son.''" 30 And Joseph hastened away, for his af- fection toward his brother became enkindled, and he sought to weep ; and he entered into his chamber, and wejDt there. 31 And he washed his face, and came out, and refrained himself, and said. Set on the bread." 32 And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves; and for the Egyptians, who did eat with him, by them- selves; because the Egyptians may not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomi- nation unto the Egyptians. 33 And they sat before him, the first-l)orn according to his prior birth, and the youngest according to his youth;'' and the men mar- velled one at the otlier. 34 And he sent portions' unto them from before him; but Benjamin's portion exceeded the portions of all of them fivefold. And they drank, and were merry with him. ' Tn inndcrn plirase, "Put thn dinner nu tbe table." '■ Tliore can be no doubt df the correctness of the tradi- tion that Joseph ordered tlieni to sit down according to their age. Hence their astonishment. Perhaps, too, he may have pretended to divine with his silver cup, out of which he afterward drank. " This custom is explained by that yet prevailing in Persia, where the various things to be eaten are brought in on a large dish at once, and one dish is placed before two or three guests. Before a guest of high rank, or one 5(; CHAPTER XLIV. 1 And he commanded the supermtendent of his house, saying. Fill the sacks of these men with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in the mouth of his sack. 2 And my cup, the silver cup, thou shalt put in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, and the money for his corn. And he did ac- cording to the word of Joseph which he had spoken. 3 As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their asses. 4 They were gone out of the city, not yet far ofl', when Joseph said unto the superin- tendent of his house. Up, follow after the men; and when thou hast overtaken them, say unto them. Wherefore have ye returned evil for good ? 5 Is not this out of which my lord drink- eth, and whereby indeed he divineth ? ye have done evil in so doing. 6 And he overtook them, and he spoke unto them these same words. 7 And they said unto him, Wherefore will my lord speak such words as these ? God forbid that thy servants should do any thing like this. 8 Behold the money, which we found in the mouth of our sacks, we brought back unto thee out of the land of Canaan : how then should we steal out of thy lord's house silver or gold? 9 With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, let him die; and we also will be bond- men unto my lord. 10 And he said. Now also let it be accord- ing to your words :* he with whom it is found shall Ije my servant; but ye shall be blame- less. 11 And they made haste, and every one of them took down his sack to the ground, and every one opened his sack. whom the entertainer desires to distinguish, a particular dish is put, upon which one after the other, up to fifteen, different kinds of food are placed. — Philippson. ^ " It is my wish that you prove yourselves as honest now as on the former occasion," is the explanation of Arn- heim, after Ab.\rbenel; but Rashi explains, "You are right, so is the law ; you are all guilty; if a thief is found with one of ten, they are all culpable ; but I will not act with you in strict justice, but only make the thief my bondman." GENESIS XLIV. XLV. VAYIGGASH. 12 And he searclicd, at the eldest he be- gan, and at the youngest he left ofi'; and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack. 13 Then they i*ent their clothes, and every one loaded his ass, and they returned to the city.='= 14 And Judah and his brothers came into Joseph's house, and he was yet there; and they foil do-s^ai before him on the ground. 15 And Joseph said unto them. What deed is this that ye have done ? knew ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine ? IG And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we justify ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants : behold we are servants unto my lord, both Ave, as also he in whose hand tlie cup was found. 17 And he said, God forbid that I should do this : the man in whose hand the cup was found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, go you up in peace unto your lather. Haphtorah in 1 Kings iii. 15 to iv. 1. SECTION XI. VAYIGGASH, CTI. 18 ^ Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Pardon, my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord's ears, and let not thy anger bum against thy ser- vant; for thou art even as Pharaoh. 19 My lord asked his servants, saying, Have ye a father, or a brother? 20 And we said unto my lord. We have an old father, and a little" child born in his old age ; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him. 21 And thou saidst unto thy servants. Bring him down unto me, that I may set my eye upon him. 22 And we said unto my lord, The lad cannot leave his father; for if he should leave his father, he would die. 23 And thou saidst unto thy servants. Ex- cept your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall not see my face any more. 24 And it came to pass, when we came up unto thy servant my father, that we told him the words of my lord. ' "Little," or "young," in comparison with his other brothers, all older than he. ^ " His soul is bound to his soul." — Arnheim. " His <joul is as dear to him as his own soul." — Onkelos. 25 And our father said, Go back, and buy us a little food. 26 And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down ; for we cannot see the man's face, except our youngest bi'other be with us. 27 And thy servant my father said unto us, Ye know that my wife bore me two sons; 28 And the one went out from me, and I said. Surely he hath been torn in pieces; and I have not Seen him up to this time. 29 And if ye take this one also from me, and mischief befall him, ye will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. 30 And now, when I come to thy servant my father, and the lad be not with us ; seeing that his life'' is bound up in the lad's life ;* 31 It will come to pass, that when he seeth that the lad is not with us, he will die : and thy servants would thus bring doAvn the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave. 32 For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father, saying. If I bring him not unto thee, then shall I have sinned jigainst my father all the days. 33 Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant aljide instead of the lad as bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brothers. 34 For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? I should" per- haps be compelled to witness the evil which would come on my father. CHAPTER XLV. 1 Then could Joseph not refrain himself before all those that stood by him ; and he cried. Cause every man to go out from me. And there remained no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his bro- thers. 2 And he raised his voice in weeping ; and the Egyptians heai'd it, and the house of Pha- raoh heard it. 3 And Joseph said unto his brothers, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brothers could not answer him ; for they were terrified at his presence. ° Mendelssohn renders t-j as a negative : " I would not be able to look on the distress which would overt;ike my father." I have translated according to Onkelos. 57 GENESIS XLV. VAYIGGASH. 4 And Joseph said unto his brothers, Come near to me, I pray you ; and they came near ; and he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sokl into Egyj^t. 5 But now be not grieved, nor be angry" with yourselves, that ye sold me hither; for in order to preserve life did God send me be- fore you. 6 For these two years hath the famine been already in the land; and there are yet five years, in which there will be neither ploughing nor harvesting. 7 And God hath thus sent me before you to prepare for you a permanence on the earth, and to save your lives by a great dehver- ance.* 8 So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God; and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh,.and a lord for all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. 9 Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus hath said thy son Jo- seph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt; come down unto me, tarry not. 10 And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that is thine. 11 And I will maintain thee there; for there are yet five years of famine ; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty. 12 And, behold, your own eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth'' that speaketh unto you. 13 And ye shall tell my fixther of all my honour in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen ; and ye shall hasten and bring down my father hither. 14 And he fell upon his brother Benja- min's neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck. 15 And he kissed all his brothers, and wept ujjon them ; and after that his brothers spoke with him. * Lit. " Let it not be grievous in your eyes." '' Before he spoke to tliom througli an interpreter ; but now he addressed them himself in their own Hebrew ; and this he justly thought must impress them with the con- viction that it was none but Joseph who spoke, and tbat there was no further deception pra(;tised on them by the capricious ruler of Egypt, as he had shown himself hith.'vto. 53 16 And the report thereof was heard m Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brothers are come ; and it was pleasing in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants. 17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brothers. This do ye; load your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Ca- naan ; 18 And take your father and your house- holds, and come unto me; and I vnW give yoQ the best' of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the ftit of the land.* 19 And thou art commanded,* This do ye, take unto yourselves out of the land of Egypt wagons for your little ones, and for your wives, and take up your father, and come. 20 And do ye feel no concern" on account of your household goods ; for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours. 21 And the children of Israel did so ; and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the command of Pharaoh ; and he gave them pro- vision for the way. 22 To all of them he gave to each changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment. 23 And to his father he sent after this manner: ten asses laden with the best things of Egypt, and ten she-asses laden with corn and bread and other food for his father, for the journey. 24 x\nd he accompanied' his brothers on tlie way, and they depai'ted : and he said unto them. Do not fall out by the way. 25 And they went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan, unto Jacob their father. 26 And they told him, sajing, Joseph is yet alive; and that he is governor over all the land of Egypt. But his heart remained cold, for he beheved them not. 27 But when they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto tliem; and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him : the spirit of Jacob their father revived.* ° 310 " that which is pre-eminently good," i. r. the best. ^ Arnheim thinks we ought to supply " to tell them." " Lit. " Let your eye have no pity on your vessels." ' nh'ty in Piel, is generally rendered to dismiss, or to accompany one a part of the journey. The latter meaning is here the more correct, siuce no doubt Joseph showed them the rights of hospitality, which among the Hebrews require the host to go part of the way with his guests. GENESIS XLV. XLVI. VAYIGGASH. 28 And Israel said, Enough; Joseph my sou is yet alive : I will go and see him before Idle. CHAPTER XLVI. 1 And Israel commenced his journey with all that he had, and came to Beer-sheba, and oflered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac. 2 And God spoke unto Israel in the visions"' of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said. Here am I. 3 And he said, I am God, the God of thy father; fear not to go down into Egypt; for a o;reat nation Avill I make of thee there : 4 I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again ; and Joseph shall, put his hand upon thy eyes. 5 And Jacob rose up from Beer-sheba : and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. 6 And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egj^at; Jacob, and all his seed with him : 7 His sons, and his sons' sons with him, his daughters,'' and his sons' daughters, and all his seed he brought with him into Egypt. 8 ][ And these are the names of the chil- dren of Israel, that came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons : the tirst-born of Jacob, Reuben. 9 And the sons of Reiiben : Chanoch, and Pallu, and Chezron, and Carmi. 10 And the sons of Simeon : Yemuel, and Yamin, and Ohad, and Yachin, and Zochar, and Sliaiil the son of the Cauaanitish woman. 11 And the sons of Levi: Gershon, Ke- hath, and Merari. 12 And the sons of Judah : 'Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Perez, and Zerach ; but 'Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan, and the sons of Perez were Chezron and Chamul. 13 And the sons of Issachar: Tola, and Puvah, and Yob, and Shimron. ' Onkelos and others, "vision." '' " His daughters" can refer only to Dinah, for he had no other daughter : the plural is used, as in the case of " the sons of Dan, Chushim," (v. 23,) to express the idea that, where others have several daughters or sons, Jacob had of the first one at least bearing the designation of a female child, as with Dan reference is had to the 14 And the sons of Zebulun: Sered and Elon, and Yachleel. 15 These are the sons of Leah, whom she bore unto Jacob m Padan-aram, with Dinah his daughter : all the souls of his sons and his daughters were thirty and three. 16 And the sons of Gad: Ziphyon, and Chaggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, 'Eri, and Arodi, and Areli. 17 And the sons of Asher: Yimnah, and Yishvah, and Yislivi, and Beriah, and Serach their sister ; and the sons of Beriah : Cheber, and Malkiel. 18 These are the sons of Zilpah, whom La- ban gave to Leah his daughter, and she bore these unto Jacob, sixteen souls. 19 The sons of Rachel, Jacob's wife: Jo- seph, and Benjamin. 20 And there were born unto Joseph in the land of Egypt jNIenasseh and Ephraim, whom Assenath the daughter of Poti phera', the priest of On, bore unto him. 21 And the sons of Benjamin: Bela, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Echi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Chuppim, and Ard. 22 These are the sons of Rachel, that were born to Jacob: in all fourteen souls. 23 And the sons of Dan : Chushim. 24 And the sons of Naphtali: Yachzeel, and Guni, and Yezer, and Shillem. 25 These are the sons of Bilhah, whom Laban gave unto Rachel his daughter, and she bore these unto Jacolj, in all seven souls. 26 All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt, that came out of his loins, besides the wives of Jacob's sons, were in all sixty and six souls. 27 And the sons of Joseph, who Avere born him in Egypt, were two souls; all the souls of the house of Jacob, that came into Egypt, were seventy.* 28 ][ And Judah he sent before him unto Joseph, to direct him" beforehand unto Go- shen ; and they came into the land of Goshen. 29 And Joseph made ready* hi» chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Go- similar circumstance of his being the father of at least one male offspring ; perhaps the term also includes his sons' wives. ° " To prepare a place for him and to find out where he could settle." — Kasui after Onkelos. " Lit. " harnessed." 69 GENESIS XL VI. XLVII. VAYIGGASH. shell ; and when he obtained sight of him, he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. 30 And Israel said unto Joseph, Let me die now, since I have seen thy face, that thou art yet alive. 31 And Joseph said unto his brothers, and unto his father's house, I will go up, and tell Pharaoh, and say unto him. My brothers and my fixther's house, who were in the laud of Canaan, are come unto me; 32 And the men are shepherds, for they have been o^vners of cattle;" and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, they have Ijrought along. 33 And it shall come to pass, if Pharaoh should have you called, and say. What is your occupation ? 34 That ye shall say, Owners of cattle have thy servants been from our youth even until now, both we, as also our fathers; in order that ye may dwell in the land of Go- shen; lor every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians. CHAPTER XLVII. 1 Then came Joseph and told Pharaoh, and said. My father and my brothers, and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, are come out of the land of Ca- naan; and, behold, they are in the land of Goshen. 2 And he took some'' of his brothers, five men, and presented them before Pharaoh. 3 And Pharaoh said unto his brothers, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, as also our fathers. 4 They said moreover unto Pharaoh, To sojourn in the land are we come; because there is no pasture for the flocks of thy ser- vants, for the famine is sore in the land of Canaan; and now let thy servants dwell, we pray thee, in the land of Goshen. 5 And Pliaraoh said unto Joseph, thus, Thy father and thy brothers are come unto thee : 6 The land of Egypt is before thee; in the ■ Eng. vcr. "Their trade hath been to feed cattle." '' Moiidclssdlin rrndors nvpO " of the youngest," and according to tlic Talmud tlu^y were Zebulun, Dan, Napb- tali. Gad, and Ashcr; while the Midrash names Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, and Benjamin. " Ileb. "Ilowmany arc the days of the years uf thy lifer"' best of the laud let thy father and brothers dwell; let them dwell m the laud of Goshen; and if thou knowest that there are among them men of activity, then appoint them rulers over my cattle. 7 And Joseph brought in Jacob his fiither, and placed him before Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pliaraoh. 8 And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou?" 9 And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hun- dred and thirty years : few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage. 10 And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.'-' 11 And Joseph assigned 2)laces of residence for his father and his brothers, and gave them a possession* in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Ra'meses, as Pha- raoh had commanded. 12 And Joseph supplied his father, and his brothers, and all his father's household, with bread, in 23i"oportion to their families. 13 And there was no bread in all the land ; for the famine was very sore; and the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine. 14 And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought; and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house. 15 And when the money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said. Give us bread; for why should we die in thy pre- sence, since the money is all gone ? 16 And Joseph said, Give up your cattle; and I Avill give you for your cattle, if the money be all gone. 17 And they brought their cattle unto Jo- seph; and Joseph gave them bread in ex- change for horses, and for the flocks of sheep, and for the herds of cattle, and for the asses ; ' They had merely asked permission to remain in Egypt during the fami but Pharaoh authorized their settling in Egypt, Joseph purchased them estates, that they might not he as strangers in the land." — After Ramba.n. GENESIS XLVir. XL VI II. YAYECHEE. and he supplied them with bread fur all their cattle fur that year. 18 And when that year was ended, they came unto him in the second year, and said unto him. We will not hide it from my lord. how that our money with our herds of cattle hath entirely passed into the possession of my lord; there is naught left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our land. 19 Wherefore shall we die before- thy eyes, both we and our laud? buy us and our laud for bread; and we and our land will be ser- vants unto Pharaoh; and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, and that the laud be not i-endered desolate. 20 And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine pre- vailed over them: so the land become Pha- raoh's. 21 And as for the people, he removed them to the cities," from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end thereof. 22 Only the laud of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them by Pharaoh, aud they ate their portion \vhich Pharaoh gave them: therefore they did not sell their laud. 23 Then said Joseph unto the people. Be- hold, I have bought you this day and your laud for Pharaoh : lo, here is seed for you, aud sow ye the laud. 24 And it shall come to pass in the har- vest times, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh; and four parts shall l^e your own, for the seed of the field, aud for your fuud, aud for those belonging to your house- holds, aud for food for your little ones.''' 25 And they said. Thou hast saved ovu* lives : let us but find grace in the eyes of mi- lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants. 26 And Joseph made it a stiitute unto this day over the land of Egypt, that Pharaoh should have the fifth part; except the land of the priests alone became not Pharaoh's. 27 And Israel dwelt in the laud of Egypt, " " Because they had uo more property iu the land, he removed them to the towns," Arniiei.m after Abarba- NEL; and adds: "Von Bohlen exphiins hence the great number of towns, of wliich there were, according to Hero- dotus, twenty thousand in the Delta of the Nile." ' "In order to swear that thou wilt deal," &c. — Arn- HEl.M. " This expression means merely the act of dying, thus, in the country of Goshen; and they had pos- sessions therein, and were fruitful, and mul- tiplied exceedingly. Ilapbtorah in Ezckicl xxxvii. 15 to 28. SECTION XII. VAYECIIEE, 'HO. 28 And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years : aud the days of Jacob, the years of his life, wei'e one hundred forty and seven years. 29 And when the time of Israel dre\\' near that he was to die, he sent to call his sou Joseph, and said unto him. If uow I have found grace in thy eyes, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh ;*" aud deal with me iu kindness aud truth; bury me not, I pray thee, iu Egypt. 30 But when I shall lie" with my fathers, thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me iu theii' buryiug-place. And he said, I will do as thou hast said. 31 And he said. Swear unto me; aud he swore unto him ; and Israel bowed'' himself upon the head of the bed. CHAPTER XLVIII. 1 And it came to pass after these things, that some one said to Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick ; aud he took his two sons with him, Menasseh and Ephraim. 2 Aud some one told Jaculj, and said. Be- hold, thy son Joseph is coming unto thee; aud Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed. 3 And Jacob said unto Joseph, God, the Almighty, appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me, 4 Aud he said unto me. Behold, I will make thee fruitful, aud multiply thee, ajid I will niake of thee a multitude of people; aud I will give this land to thy seed after thee for on everlasting possession. ■J And now thy two sons, who were born unto thee in the land of Egypt, before I came unto thee into Egypt, shall be mine ; Ephraim "When I at length shall die;" wherefore Philippson's rendering, " That I way lie with my fathers, carry me," &c., is not necessary; since it;3N □>' in ^DBfl simply con- veys " that David fell asleep, in death, as his fathers had done;" for he was not buried at Beth-lcchem, their native place, but at Jerusalem. "^ i. c. "Iu gratitude to God." 61 GENESIS XLVIII. XLIX. VAYECHEE. and Menasseh shall be unto me as Reiiben and Simeon. 6 And thy issue, which thou begettest after them, shall be thine, after the name of their brothers shall they be called in their in- heritance. 7 And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan on the way, when yet there was some distance to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there on the way of Ej)hrath, the same is Beth-lechem. 8 And Israel perceived the sons of Joseph, and said, Who are these? 9 And Joseph said unto his father. They are my sons, whom God hath given me in this place. And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them.* 10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim through age, he could not see;" and he brought them near unto him, and he kissed them, and embraced them. 11 And Israel said unto Joseph, To see thy face I had not hoped; and, lo, God hath shown me also thy seed. 12 And Joseph brought them out from be- tween his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. 13 And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left, and Me- nasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right, and brought them near unto him. 14 And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ejjhraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Menas- seh's head; he laid his hands wittingly; al- though Menasseh was the first-born. 15 And he blessed Joseph, and said. The God, before whom my fathei's Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God Avho fed'' me from my first being unto this day, IG The angel" who redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be called on them, and the name of my fathers ' This is to say, Israel could perceive dimly the pre- sence of persons, without being able to sec distinctly. '' n;;in, literally, "Who fed me upon pastures," taking this word from his own pastoral life. ° Dubno and Sfirno think that the words "may he send" should be supplied before "the angel;" meaning, "May God, who hath always protected me, send his mes- senger to bless the lads." ^ Lit. "A fulness (if the nations," which may mean, "whose fame shall lill the books of nations;" so Itashi; Onkelos, "rulers of nations." C2 Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.* 17 And when Joseph saw that his father would la}' his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him : and he took hold of his father's hand, to remove it from the head of Ephraim unto the head of Menasseh. 18 And Joseph said unto his father. Not so, my father; for this is the first-born, put thy right hand upon his head. 19 And his father refused, and said, 1 know, my son, I know, he also shall become a j^eople, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude'' of nations. 20 And he blessed them that day, saying, With thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and Menasseh : and so he set Ephraim before Menasseh. 21 And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die ; but God will be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers. 22 Moreover I have given unto thee one portion above thy brothers, which I took° out of the hand of the Emorite with my sword and with my bow.''' CHAPTER XLIX. 1 ][ And Jacob called unto his sons, and said. Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days. 2 Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your lather. 3 Reuben, thou art my first-born, my might, and the Ijeginning of my strength ; the excel- lency of dignity, and the excellency of power (should be thine). 4 Unstable as water, thou shalt not have the excellence; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou the one who ascended' my couch. " Philippsou renders, "Which I shall have taken," re- ferring to the future conrjuest of I'alestine, since prophecy looks upon future events as already past. ' Kamban and Arnhcini arc of opinion that the third person nSi' in the Hebrew text, refers to the speaker, viz. Jacob. Philippson renders, "then didst thou commit a viiiliitiou," and agrees with the English version, that vhy yfli^ is a sort of interjection, detining the cau.se of his displeasure, "he ascended ray couch;" but the opinion (if iianiLiaii appears more correct. GENESIS XLIX. VAYECHEE. 5 ]f Simeon and Levi are brethren; wea- pons of violence are their swords.* 6 Into their secret shall my soul not come ; unto their assembly my spirit shall not be united; for in their anger they slew the man, and in their self-will they lamed the ox. 7 Cursed be their anger, for it is tierce; and their Avrath, for it is cruel : I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel. 8 ^ Judah, thou art the one thy brothers shall praise, thy hand shall be on the neck of thy enemies; thy father's children shall bow tlown unto thee. 9 Lilce a lion's whelp, Judah, from the prey, my son, thou risest: he stoopeth down, he croucheth as a lion, and as a lioness, who shall rouse him up? 10 Tlie sceptre^ shall not depart from Ju- dah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet; until Shiloh come, and uuto him shall the gathering of the people he. 11 He bindeth unto the vine his foal, and " After Kashi. " I have left this verse as it is in the Euglish version, inasmuch as it is according to Onkolos and Rashi, the firmer of whom renders nob}! "ij; 'niJ3 'JDO NliJDl, "and the scribe from his sons' sons for ever, until," &c. But Arnheim gives, "Till he of Shiloh cometh, and the obedience of the tribes be turned to him," and refers "he of Shiloh" to Achiyah, the prophet of Shiloh, who fore- told to Jeroboam that a part of the kingdom should be taken from Solomon and transferred to him, (1 Kings xi. 31,) which prediction afterward came to pass, when Rechoboam refused to redress the grievances of the people ; and "to him," then alludes to Jeroboam, to whom the tribes of Israel, here called D'0>',(see Gen. xlviii. •l,)were to turn from the house of David. Mendelssohn, in giving a simiewhat different version, refers to the same event. Others, again, give: "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor the lawgiver from bis descendants for ever; because Shiloh shall come, and to him shall be the gather- ing of the nations." This version is predicated upon the words o Hi' being separated by a disjunctive accent, and thus stand for "for ever" and "because;" since the Yetib is a greater disjunctive than the Pesseek in 2 Sam. xxiii. 10. Philippson, the latest of our translators, renders : "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, the ruler's staff from between his feet, even then when he Cometh to Shiloh, and his shall be the obedience of the nations." In his comment he says, in substance, that to Judah is promised the rule and prominence in Israel, which was not to depart even when Joshua, the Ephraimite, should set up the tabernacle at Shiloh after the conquest of Palestine; so that 'd i;' does not signify alone "until," but includes the time beyond the period stated, "even then when." — It is impossible in this work to go into various versions and opinions hazarded by commentators; but this much is certain, that Onkelos, the best translator the Pentateuch had for a long while, and who is not yet ex- celled, would not have added no'?;' ly if be had thought to the vine-branch his ass's colt; he washeth his garments in wine, and in the blood of grajses his clothes; 12 His eyes shall be red from wine, and his teeth wliite from milk. 13 ^ Zebulun shall dwell at the margin of the seas; and he shall be at the haven of ships; and his border shall be near to Zidon. 14 ^ Issachar is a strong-boned ass, couch- ing down between the stables. 15 And when he saw the resting-place that it was good, and the land that it was pleasant, he bent his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute. ° 16 ^ Dan shall judge"^ his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. 17 Dan shall be a serpent by tlie way, an adder on the path, that biteth the horse in the heels, so that his rider falleth backward. 18 For thy salvation, I ho^je, Lord.* 19 ^ Gad, troops will baud against him ; but he shall wound their heel." that it militated against the Jewish ftiith. The assump- tion that the sceptre was taken at a particular period, wherefore Shi/oh must have come then, is futile; since Judah had no rule during the .second temple, and with the blinding of Zedekiah, in the year of the world 3402, prior to the common era .^SG years, the kingdom or .sceptre of David became extinct; wherefore the alleged fulfilment came five hundred and eighty-six years too late. But believing Israelites, who confide in prophecy, do not think the sceptre totally departed from Judah; especially are the scribes, or those learned in the law, not lost from the as yet latest descendants of Israel. The sceptre will return when the Shiloh, the King Messiah, shall come, and to him shall be both the obedience and assemblage rif peojjle or nations, as D'0>' T\T\r>' is variously rendered. The plan of this work prohibits us from enlarging; but the pious and intelligent reader will have enough to satisfy all doubts. ' Doubtlessly Jacob here contrasts Issachar with Zebu- lun : the latter was to be a merchant tribe, seeking for gain upon the ocean, going in quest of wealth; the former, on the contrary, laborious and patient, like the animal to which he is compared, who lies down at night near the stables when his work is done, was to prefer his beautiful land, full of all that can make agriculture profitable. Arnheim therefore renders the last word.s, "and yieldeth himself to the service of the labourer." ■^ Arnheim renders J'T with " avenge." "Arnheim; making lU' "shall cut," or "wound," ( Dcut. xiv. - ; ) the verse refers then to the many wars which the border-tribe of Gad should have to wage successfully against their faithless heathen neighbours. Onkelos would require this version: "Those of the house of Gad shall pass in bands in advance of their brothers (over (ho Jordan) to the war, and with many goods shall they re- turn to their land." Jerusalem Targum : "and return in peace to their dwellings." GENESIS XLIX. L. VAYECHEE. 20 Tf Out of Asher cometh fat bread, and he shall yield royal dainties. 21 ^ Naphtali is (like) a fleet hind; he bringeth pleasant words.* 22 ][ Joseph is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough lay a spring ; the branches of which run over the wall. 23 And they embittered his life, and they shot at him, and they hated lum, the men of the arrows. 24 But his bow abode in strength, and his arms and his hands remained firm ; from^ the hands of the mighty God of Jacob, from there thou becamest the shepherd, the stone of Israel. 25 From the God of thy father, who will help thee ; and from the Almighty, who will bless thee, with blessings of heaven above, with blessings of the deep that coucheth beneath, with blessings of the breasts, and of the womb; 26 With the blessings of thy father that have excelled the lalessiugs of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills : these shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was se^jarated" from his brothers.'^ 27 Benjamin shall be as a wolf that rendeth:' in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at evening he shall divide the spoil. 28 All these are the tribes of Israel, twelve in number; and this is what their father spoke unto them, and wherewith he blessed them; every one according to his proper blessing blessed he them. 29 And he charged them and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people ; bury me near my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 Li the cave that is in the field of Mach- pelah, which is before Mamr4, in the land of Canaan, which field Abraham bought of Ephron the Ilittite, for a possession as a bury- ing-place, 31 (There they buried Abraham and Sarah " " He bringeth pleasant messages." — Philippson. '' Mendelssohn understands here, " this came to thee from I lie liunils," &c. Arnhciin takes pN as synonymous with "MX "rock," or " protector;" and it then means that, through the help of Jacob's mighty God, Jose])!! became the guar- dian and protector of Israel. I'hilippsim refers both terms to God, and translates, "from the iiaiids of the mighty God of Jacob, from the Sheidicrd, the Rock of Israel." 64 his wife; there they buried Isaac and Eebe- kah his wife; and there I buried Leah,) 32 Purchasing the field and the cave that is therein from the children of Heth. 33 And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed; and he departed this life, and was gathered unto his peeple. CHAPTER L. 1 And Joseph fell upon his father's face, and wept upon him, and kissed him. 2 And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father: and the physicians embalmed Israel. 3 And they fulfilled for him forty days;" for so they fulfil the days of those that are embalmed; and the Egyptians wept for him seventy days. 4 And when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph sjaoke unto the house of Pharaoh, saying, K now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, 5 My father made me swear, saying, Lo, I die; in my grave, which I have dug''^ for me in the laud of Canaan, there shalt thou bury me : now therefore let me go up, I pray thee, and I will bury my fixther, and return agahi. G And Pharaoh said. Go up, and bury thy father, as he hath made thee swear. 7 And Joseph went up to bury his father, and there went up with him all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egyi^t, 8 And all the house of Joseph, and his brothers, and his fiither's house ; only their little ones, and their flocks, and their herds, they left behind in the land of Goshen. 9 And there went up Avith him both cha- riots and horsemen ; and the encampment was very great. 10 And they came to the thrashing-floor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and the}- held there a great and very sore lamentation ; and he made for his father a mourning of seven days. ° Mendelssohn gives this with "crowned from among," &c. i. e. His prey. * Meaning, the jirocoss of embalming occupied forty days; "and they fulfilled" then is, that the cmbalmers were for this period engaged in their labour. ' "1 have acquired," according to some. GENESIS L. VAYECHEE. according 11 And when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning at the thrashing-floor of Atad, they said, This is a grievous mourning to the Egyptians ; where- fore the name of it was called Abel-mizrayim," which is beyond the Jordan.'' 12 And his sons did unto him as he had commanded them ; 13 And his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which fiek? Abraham bought for a possession, as a burying-place, of Epliron the Hittite, before Mamre. 14 And Joseph returned unto Egypt, he, and his brothers, and all that were gone up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father. 15 And when Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, Peradven- ture Joseph may now hate us ; and then he would certainly requite us all the evil which we have done unto him. IG And they sent word imto Joseph, say- ing, Thy father did command before his death, saying, 17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, forgive, I pray thee, the trespass of thy brothers, and their sin ; for evil have they done unto thee : and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father ; and Joseph wept when they spoke unto him. 18 And his brothers also went and fell down before him ; and they said. Behold, we will be thy servants. 19 And Joseph said unto them. Fear not ; for am I in the place of God ? 20 But as for you, though ye thought evil against me, God meant it unto good; in order '' " Mourning of Egypt." '' According to R. Joseph Schwartz this means the ancient hed of the river to the south of the Dead Sea, as Joseph did not cross the present Jordan to the north of that lake. to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save alive a numerous people.* 21 Now therefore fear ye not, I will suj> port you, and your little ones ; and he com- forted them, and spoke kindly unto them. 22 And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father's house ; and Joseph lived one hun- dred and ten years.'-' 23 And Joseph saw of Ephraim children of the third generation ; the children also of Machir the son of Menasseh were brought u^) upon Joseph's knees. 21 And Joseph said unto his brothers, J shall die; but God will surely visit you, and lu'ing you up out of this land unto the land which he hath sworn to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. 25 And Joseph caused the children of Israel to swear, saying, God will surely visit you, and then shall ye cany up my bones from here. 26 So Joseph died, being one hundred and ten years old ; and they embalmed him, and he was pirt in a coffin in Egypt. Haphtorah in 1 Kings ii. 1 to 12. Note. — Haphtorah for the Sabliatli, if on the day before New Moon, is in 1 Samuel xx. 18 to 42. Reading for Maplitere for Sabbath and New Jloon, Numbers xsviii. 9 to 1.5. Haphtorah for Sabbath and New Moon in Isaiah Ivi. 1 to 24. Haphtorah for Sabbath Chanukkah in Zechariah ii. 14 to iv. 7. Haptorah for the second Sabbath Chanukkah in 1 Kings vii. 40 to 50. When cither of the above is read on any Sabbath, the usual weekly Haphtorah is omitted. The same is the case with all other occasional Haphtorotli, which usually take the place of the regular ones. ° This construction is according to Arnheim, rendering ityx and mBTi simply with "which field." He also ren- ders N13:2 'J3 S;' with "east of Mamrt'." «6 THE BOOK OF EXODUS, SHEMOTH, mar, CONTAINING THE HISTORY OF THE ISRAELITES IN EGYPT, AND THEIR REDEMPTION, TO THE BUILDING OF THE TABERNACLE. SECTION XIII. SHEMOTH, mOC'. CHAPTER I. 1 ^ Now these are the names of the children of Israel, that came into Egypt ; with Jacob were they come, every man and his household. 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3 Issachar, Zel^ulun, and Benjamin, 4 Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. 5 And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls; together with Joseph who was already in Egypt. 6 And Joseph died, with all his brothers, aiid all that generation. 7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased aljundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceedingly mighty ; and the land was filled with them. 8 ][ Now there rose up a new king over Egypt, who knew not Joseph. 9 And he said unto his people. Behold, the people of the children of Israel is more nume- rous and mightier than we : 10 Come on, let us deal wisely with it; lest it multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there happen to be a war, it join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and de])art out of the land. 11 And they thereupon did set over it taskmasters, to afflict it with their ))ni-den- some labours ; and it built treasure cities, for Pharaoh, Pitliom and Raamses. 12 But in the measure that they afflicted the same, so it m\iltiplied and so it spread it- self out ; and they felt abhorrence because of the children of Israel. 13 And the Egyptians compelled the chil- dren of Israel to labour with rigour : ' D'J3X " the chair upon which women sit during child- birth" is used for the child itself that is born. '' ('. r. Vigorous; whercfdrc they re(mirc not the same care as the more feeble Egyptians ; iu consequence of 14 And they made their lives bitter with hard labour, in mortar, and in bricks, and in all manner of labour in the field; besides all i their other service, wherein they made them labour with rigour. 15 And the king of Egypt said to the He- brew midwives, of Avhom the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah ; 16 And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, ye shall have due regard ujjon the birth :" if it be a son, then shall ye kill him ; but if it be a daughter, then may she live. 17 But the midwives feared God, and they did not as the king of Eg_)i)t had connnanded them, but saved the men-children alive.^'' 18 And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and he said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men- children alive ? 19 And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women ; for they are lively ;'' ere the midwife cometh in unto them they are deli- vered. 20 And God dealt well with the midwives ; and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty. 21 And it came to pass, because the mid- wives feared God, that he made them houses." 22 And Pharaoh charged all his jieople, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive. CHAPTER II. 1 And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took a daughter of Levi. which it would be impossible to slay the child unperceivcd by the mother. ° i. e. He made them important, and founders of houses of renown iu Israel. EXODUS II. SHEMOTII. 2 And the woman conceived, and bore a son; and when she saw him that he was a goodly* child, she hid him three months. 3 And when she could no longer hide him, she took for him a box of bulrushes,'' and daubed it with slime and with pitch ; and she put the child therein, and laid it amidst the Hags by the brink of the river. 4 And his sister placed herself afor off, to ascertain what would be done to him. 5 And the daughter of Pharaoh" came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the side of the river; and when she saw the box among the flags, she sent her maid and fetched it. 6 And she opened it, and saw the child, and, behold, it was a weeping boy; and she had compassicyi on him, and said. This is one of the Hebrews' children. 7 Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daugh- ter, Shall I go and call thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse for thee the child? 8 And Pharaoh's daughter said to lier. Go; and the maiden went and called the mother of the child. 9 And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her,- Take away this child, and nurse him for me, and I will give thee thy wages; and the woman took the child, and nursed him. 10 And the child grew up, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he be- came to her as a son ; and she called his name Moses f and she said. Because out of the water have I drawn him.* 11 And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown up, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdensome labours ; and he saw an Egyptian man smiting a Hebrew man, one of his brethren. 12 And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no one by, he smote^ the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. 13 And when he went out the second day, ' That is, handsome and well formed ; the word 3lD is often used in this sense. " Philippson renders, "papyrus rush," out of the stems of which boats are constructed, which attain at times im- mense speed in their propulsinn. They were called by Pliny papt/rarese 7iaves. See also NOJ ^'ij " vessels of bulrushes," Eng. ver., in Isaiah xviii. 2. ° Wonderful providence ! that the daughter of the op- pressor should be made the instrument, through the very behold, two Hebrew men were striving to- gether; and he said unto him that was in the wrong. Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? 14 And he said. Who made thee a chief and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou hast killed the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said. Surely the thing is become known. 15 And Pharaoh heard this thing, and he sought to slay Moses; but Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and tarried in the land of Midiau, and he sat down by a Avell. 16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters; and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. 1 7 And the shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses arose and helped them, and watered their flock. 18 And when they came to Eeiiel their fatlier, he said. Wherefore are ye come home so soon to-day? 19 And they said. An Egyptian man de- livered us out of the hand of the shepherds ; and he also drew water for us, and watered the flock. 20 And he said unto his daughters. And where is he ? wherefore have ye left the man ? call him, that he may eat ])read. 21 And Moses was content to dwell with the man; and he gave Zipporah his daughter to Moses. 22 And she bore a son, and he called his name Gershom f for he said, I ha\'e been a stranger in a foreign land. 23 ^ And it came to pass in this long time, that the king of Egypt died; and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried ; and their complaint came up unto God by reason of the bondage. 24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant v/ith Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God took cognizance of them.*''' decree of exterminating the male Israelites, to educate the future deliverer of his people. '' " Mosheh," fnuu nty^ nuishcJi, '• to draw forth." " Lit. " he smote," not " he slew." ' Gfr, a " stranger ;" and sJiahm, " there." ^ " He turned his attention to them and did not nvi^rt his eyes," Rashi ; that is, he noted their sorrows and re- solved to redeem them. 67 EXODUS III. SHEMOTH. CHAPTER Hi. 1 ^ And Moses was keeping the flock of Jittiro his father-in-hiw, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock far away into the desert, and came to the mountain of God, to Choreb. 2 And an angel" of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a thorn-bush; and he looked, and, behold, the thorn-bush was burning with fire, ]:)ut the thorn-bush was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, I must turn aside, and see this great sight, why the tliorn-luish is not bunit. 4 And when tlie Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the thorn-bush, and said, Moses, Moses; and he said, Here am I. 5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither ; put oif thy shoes from off thy feet; for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. 6 And he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob ; and Moses hid his face ; for he was afraid to look up to God. 7 And the Lord said, I have truly seen the alHiction of my people that is in Egypt, and have heard its cry by reason of its task- masters; yea, I know its sorrows; 8 And I am come down to deliver it out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring it up out of that land unto a land, good and large, unto a land flowing with milk and ho- ney; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Ilittites, and the Emorites, and the Periz- zites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. 10 And now then go, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, and thou slialt bring Ibrth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. * The angel who appeared to Moses does not address liiiii: the bodily appearance of the peculiar conflagration, was to arrest his attention ; but immediately after, when Moses attempted to inspect it more closely, he is arrested by the Divine word, proceeding without a mediator, and \h'. is thus called to commence his great mission by the Supreme himself. '' Arnhcim translates this passage, "I will be that I am." It is very simple in its construction: still it is exceed- ingly difficult to cdiivey (lie wliole force of the idea by any words in a translation. Tlie Ijord announces iiiniself as 68 11 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? 12 And he said. Because I will be with thee; and this shall be unto thee the token, that I have sent thee : when thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. 13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, if I come unto the children of Israel, and say unto them. The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you ; and they then say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them ? 14 And God said unto Moses, I will be THAT I WILL BE:'' and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I will BE hath sent me unto you. 15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The Everlasting One, the God of 3^our fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you : this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial" unto all generations.* • 16 Go, and assemble the elders of Israel, and say unto them, The Everlasting One, the God of 3'our fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, hath appear,ed unto me, saying, I have surely taken cognizance of you and of that which is done to you in Egypt: 17 And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egyjit, unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Emorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey. 18 And they will hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The Everlasting One, the God of the Hebrews hath met with us ; and now the Being who will ever be, as he was and as he is. In truth, the word is nothing but the future tense first person singular of the verb rrri "to be." In the second part of the verse, tliereforc, Arnheim gives it simply as the name of God, without translating it: "Ehyeh hath sent me to you." In this new name, which God assumes to denote his eternity, we have the second revelation of his being and quality. (See above, Gen. xvii. 1.) ° This means, say the commentators, that God taught IMoses how to pronounce the nam^ of four letters, which is read Adonay, and not as it is written. i EXODUS III. TV. SHEMOTH. let us go, we beseech thee, a three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lokd our God. 19 But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, unless it happen through a mighty hand." 20 And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I ,vill do in the midst thereof; and after that he will let you go. 21 And I will give this people favour in the eyes of the Egyptians; and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty : 22 But every woman .shall ask of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, vessels of silver', and vessels of gold, and garments; and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall empty out Egypt. CHAPTER IV. 1 And Moses answered and said, But, be- hold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice; for they will say. The Lord hath not appeared unto thee. 2 And the Lord said unto him. What is that in thy hand? and he said, A staff. 3 And he said, Cast it on the ground; and he cast it on the ground, and it became a ser- pent; and Moses tied from before it. 4 And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thy hand, and grasp it by the tail; and he put forth his hand, and laid hold of it, and it became a stafi' in his hand. 5 In order that they may believe that there hath appeared unto thee the Everlast- ing One, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 6 And the Lord said farthermore unto him. Do put thy hand into thy bosom: and he put his hand into his bosom; and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, white'' as snow. 7 And he said. Put thy hand again into ' Kasbi; others, after the literal text, "and not even through a mighty hand." ' Heb. "Leprous like snow." ° Sips probably means "the report," to wit, which Moses would bring of the wonders which he had seen; hence it says properly, if tvords should not convince them, he should show them something before their eyes. — Arn- HEIM after Rashi. thy bosom: and he put his hand again into his bosom ; and when he pulled it out of his bosom, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh. 8 And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice" of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign. 9 And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, and will not hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou shalt take out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land. 10 And Moses said unto the Lord, Pardon, Lord, I am not a man of words, neither yesterday, nor the day before, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant; for I am heavy of speech, and heavy of tongue. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Who hath given a mouth to man? or who maketh him dumb, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? is it not I the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I ^\•ill be -with thy mouth, and I will teach thee what thou shalt speak. 1-3 And he said, Pardon, Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him ^vhom thou wouldst' send. 14 And the auger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said. Is there not Aaron, thy brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well; and also, Ixdiold, he cometh forth to meet thee; and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. 15 And thou shalt speak unto him, and put the words in his mouth : and I will l)e with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and I will teach you what ye shall do. 16 And he shall speak for thee unto the peojDle; and he shall be, yea he shall be to thee as a mouth, and thou shalt be to him as a god." 17 And this staft' shalt thou take in thy hand, wherewith thou shalt do the signs.'-' '' Onkelos renders, "who is worthy of being sent." ° Moses should give to Aaron instruction how to speak, consequently he would be to him what God was to Moses, instructor; and again, Aaron was to be the mouth of Moses, by telling the people what had been intrusted to him, and which he himself could not tell on account cf his difficulty of speech. 69 EXODUS IV. V. SHEMOTH. 18 "H And Moses went and returned to Jether Ids father-in-law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my bi'ethren that are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive ; and Jithro said to Moses, Go in peace. 19 And the Lord said unto Moses in Mi- dian. Go, return into Egypt; for all the men are dead who sought thy life. 20 And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt; and Moses took the staff of God in his hand. 21 And the Lord said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, regard well all the wonders which I have put in thy hand, and do them before Pharaoh ; but I will hai'den his heart, and he will not let the people go. 22 And thou shalt say unto Pharoah, Thus hath said the Lord, My son, my first-born, is Israel. 23 And I said unto thee. Let my son go, that he may serve me; and thou refusest to let him go; so, behold, I will slay thy son, thy first-born. 24 And as he was on the journey in the inn, the Lord met him, and sought to kill him. 25 Then took Zipporah a sharp instru- ment,^ and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said. Surely a bloody relative*" art thou to me. 20 And then he withdi'ew from him; when she said, A bloody relative, but only in re- sjiect of the circumcision. 27 ^ And the Lord said to Aaron, Go to meet Moses, into the wilderness; and he went and met him by the mount of God, and kissed him. 28 And Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord wherewith he had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him. 29 And Moses and Aaron went and assem- bled all the elders of the children ol" Israel : 30 And Aaron spoke all the words which * Aben Ezra and Kashbam ; others render, " a sharp Btone." '' This was said to the child, as endangering the life of Moses; but the blood was at length only that of circum- cision. ° "Prostrated themselves;" but as this was the method 70 the Lord had sjjoken unto Moses; and he did the signs before the eyes of the peojile. 31 And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the chil- dren of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped."* CHAPTER V. 1 And after that Moses and Aaron went in, and said unto Pharaoh, Thus hath said the Everlasting One, the God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. 2 And Pharaoh said, Wlio is the Everlast- ing, whose voice I am to obey, to let Israel go? I know not the Everlasting, nor will I let Israel go. 3 And they said. The God of the Hebrews hath met with us : let us go, we pray thee, a three daj^s' journey into the desert, and sacri- fice unto the Lord our God ; lest he fall upon us with the pestilence, or with the sword. 4 And the king of Egypt said unto them. Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, hinder the people from their works? get you unto your own affairs.'' 5 And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye disturb" them in the pursuit of their labours. 6 And Pharaoh commanded on the same day the taskmasters of the people, and its of- ficers, saying, 7 Ye shall no more give the people straw to make the bricks, as yesterday and the day before ; they themselves shall go and gather themselves straw. 8 And the number of the bricks, which they did make heretofore,*^ ye shall impose upon them, ye shall not diminish aught thereof; for they are idle ; therefore they cry, saying. Let us go and sacrifice to our God. 9 Let the work be made to lie heavily upon the men, that they may have enough to do therein; and that they may not pay attention to false words. 10 And the taskmasters of the people and of worship, the word "worshipped" has been retained, as in the common version. " Rasiii. " Lit. "Cause them to rest from their burdens." ' Heb. "Yesterday and the day before yesterday." EXODUS V. VI. VAAYRAH. its officers went out, and they said to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoli, I will not give j-ou any straw. 11 Go ye, get jourselves straw from wher- ever ye can find it ; yet not the least shall be taken off from your work. 12 And the j^eople scattered themselves abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. 13 And the taskmasters were urgent, say- ing, Fulfil 3'our works, every day its due por- tion, just as when there was straw. 14 And the officex's of the children of Israel, whom the taskmasters of Pharaoh had set over them, were beaten, as these said, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick as heretofore, both yesterday and to-day? 15 And the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy ser- vants ? 16 Straw is not given unto thy servants, and. Make bricks, say they to us: and, be- hold, thy servants are beat«n, and thy people are treated as sinners. 17 But he said. Idle are ye, idle; therefore say ye. Let us go and sacrifice to the Lord. 18 And now go, work, and straw shall not be given you; yet the required number of bricks shall ye deliver. 19 And the officers of the children of Israel saw themselves in the evil necessity to say. Ye shall not diminish aught from 3'our bricks, every day of its task. 20 And they met Moses and Aaron, stand- ing in their way, as they came forth from Pharaoh. 21 And they said unto them. May the Lord look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us.* 22 And Moses returned unto the Lord, and ° Aben Ezra supplies here, "aloue," meaniug, sometimes it was as the Almighty, while at others as the Eternal, that God spoke to the patriarchs. Jonathan says, "And by my name, the Lord, through the evident appearance of my glory, (see Numb. sii. 6,) I became not known to them." Perhaps it may mean, however, that God made himself known to the patriarchs as the Ruler of all things, but not as the Merciful and sure Rewarder of all deeds: they might have recognised Him so from his bounties; but now said, Lord, wherefore hast thou let so much evil come upon this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? 23 For, since I came unto Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done more evil to this people; but thou hast in nowise de- livered thy people. CHAPTER VI. 1 Then said the Lord unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh ; for with a strong hand shall he send them aA\'ay, and Avith a strong liand shall he drive them out of his land. Haphtorah in Isaiah xxvii. 6 to xxviii. 13, and v. 22 and 23 of xxix. The Portuguese read Jeremiah i. 1 to ii. 3. SECTION XIV. VAAYEAH, N1N1. 2 Tl And God spoke unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the Lord : 3 And I appeared unto Aljraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God, the Almighty, but by my name The Eter- nal" was I not made kno-wm to them. 4 And as I did also establish my covenant with them, to give unto them the land of Canaan, tlie land of their pilgrimage, wherein they sojourned: 5 So have I also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians com- pel to labour; and I have remembei'ed my covenant. 6 Therefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the Eternal, and I will bring you out from under the burdens* of the Egyptians, and I will release you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched ann, and with great judgments : 7 And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you for a God; and ye slinll know that I am the Lord" your God, who bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 And I will bring you in unto the land. this knowledge was bcstoired on mankind as a new source of hope and confidence. " The same word has been rendered above with "bur- densome labour," in which sense it must be understood throughout. ° The reader will please to recollect what is stated in a note to Genesis ii. 4, that the word Lord (so printed ) is used in this version as equivalent to Eternal, to prevmt the frequent repetition of the last term. EXODUS VI. VII. VAAYRAH. concerning which I did lift up my hand" to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I Avill give it you for an heritage : I am the Lord. 9 And Moses sjioke thus unto the children of Israel ; but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage. 10 "f[ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 11 Go in, speak unto Pharaoh the king of Egypt, that he sliall let the children of Israel go out of his land. 12 And Moses spoke before the Lord, say- ing, Behold, the childi'en of Israel have not hearkened unto me : how then shall Phai'aoh hear me, whereas I am of uncircumcised^ lips? 13 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh, the king of Egy|]t, to bring forth the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.* 14 Tf These are the heads of their family divisions : The sons of Reiiben the firs1>born of Israel: Chanoch, and Pallu, Chezron, and Carmi; these are the families of Reuben. 15 And the sons of Simeon : Yemuel, and Yamin, and Ohad, and Yachin, and Zochar, and Shaiil the son of the Canaanitish woman ; these are the families of Simeon. 16 And these are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations : Gershon, and Kehath, and Merari; and the years of the life of Levi were one hundred and thirty and seven years. 17 The sons of Gershon : Libni, and Shimi, according to their families. 18 And the sons of Kehath: Amram, and Yizhar, and Chebron, and 'Uzziel; and the years of the life of Kehath Avere one hundred and thirty and three years. 19 And the sons of Merari: Machli and Mushi; these are the families of Levi accord- ing to their generations. 20 And Amram took himself Yochebed his aunt for wife ; and she bore unto him Aaron" * That is, "I did swear," as an oath is taken by the lifting up of the hand. "" The word " uncircumcised," among Israelites, denotes always an imperfection; so "uncircumcised of lips" means a difficulty in speaking, "uncircumcised of heart," an im- purity of thought and a state of disobedience. Whereas "circumcised" denotes the opposite state of pcrfectness or purity. 72 and Moses; and the years of the life of Am- ram were one hundred and thirty and seven years. 21 And the sons of Yizhar: Korach, and Nepheg, and Zichri."* 22 And the sons of 'Uzziel : Mishael, and Elzajihan, and Sithri. 23 And Aaron took himself Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Nachshon, for wife; and she bore unto him Nadab, and Abihu, Elazar, and Ithamar. 24 And the sons of Korach: Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiassaph; these are the fami- lies of the Korchites. 25 And Elazar the son of Aaron took him- self one of the daughters of Putiel for wife; and she bore unto him Phinehas:'' these are the heads of the divisions of the Levites ac- cording to their families. 26 These are Aaron and Moses/ to whom the Lord said. Bring forth the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt according to their armies. 27 These are they that spoke to Pharaoh the king of Egypt, to bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt : these are Moses and Aaron. 28 And it came to jDass on the day when the Lord sjioke unto Moses m the land of Egypt.* 29 ^ Then spoke the Lord unto Moses, say- ing, I am the Lord ; speak thou unto Pharaoh the king of Egypt all that I speak unto thee. 30 And Moses said before the Lord, Be- hold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me? CHAPTER VII. 1 ][ And the Lord said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh; and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. 2 Thou shalt speak all that I shall com- mand thee; and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send away the children of Israel out of his land. 3 And I will harden the heart of Pharaoh, ° Properly, "Aharon." ^ Eng. ver. " Zithri," which is incorrect. ' Properly, " Pincchas." ' This genealogy is here given merely to show the de- scent of Moses and Aaron, as they were made the special instruments of Israel's redemption, or to exhibit, that anion;: all cnumoratcd Moses was the most deservina to fulfil this mission. i REUEKA^H AT THE WELL. EXODUS VII. VAAYRAH. and I will multipl}- iiiy .signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. 4 And Pharaoh will not liearken nnto yon, and I will lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth my armies, my people, the chil- dren of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by means of great judgments. 5 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LoKD. when I stretch forth my hand over Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel fi-om the midst of them. G And Moses and Aaron did so; as the Lord connnanded them, so did the}-. 7 And Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron eighty and three years old, when they spoke unto Pharaoh.'-' 8 *I| And the Lord said unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, '.) If Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Show a miracle for yourselves rHhen shalt thou say unto Aaron. Take thy staff' and cast it down before Pharaoh; it shall become a serpent. 10 And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they tlid so, as the Lohd had commanded ; and Aaron cast down his stall' beibre Pharaoh, and before his servants, asd it became a serpent. 11 Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers; and they also, the magicians of Egypt, did with their secret arts in like manner. 12 And they cast down every man his staff, and they became serpents; but Aaron's staff swallowed up their staves. 13 But the heart of Pharaoh was hard, and he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had spoken. 14 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, The heart of Pharaoh is oljdurate, he refuseth to let the people go. 15 Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt place thyself opposite to him by the Ijrink of the river; and the staff which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thy hand. IC And thou shalt say unto him. The Eter- " It must be understood that Pharaoh had refused to listen to the demand of Moses uuder the plea that he knew not who was the "Eternal God" in whose name the prophet spoke. When, therefore, Moses and his brother were sent again, it was to be expected that the king would require some extraordinary attestation, as proof that they who spoke thus had a power to enforce their mission, K nal, the God of the Hebrews, hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness : and, be- hold, thou wouldst not hear, up to this time. 17 Thus hath said the Lord, By this thou shalt know that I am the Lord : behold, I will smite with the stall' that is in my hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. 18 And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egy2> tians shall loath to drink water from the river. 19 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy staff, and stretch out thy hand over tlie waters of Egypt, over their streams, over their rivers, and over their ponds, and over all their pools of water, that they become blood; and there shall be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, also in ves- sels of wood, and in vessels of stone. 20 And M(jses and Aaron did so, as the Lord had commanded; and he lifted up (his hand) with the staff", and smote the waters thtit were in the river, before the eyes of Pha- raoh, and before the eyes of his servants ; and all the waters that were in the river were turnetl to blood. 21 And the fish that was in the river died ; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink water from the river ; and the blood was throughout all the land of Egjqot. 22 And the magicians of Egypt did so'' with their secret arts: and the heart of Phar raoh remained hai'dened, and he did not hearken unto them; as the Lord had spoken. 23 And Pharaoh turned avfiiy and went into his house, and he did not set his heart to this thing also. 24 And all the Egyptians dug in the neigh- bourhood of the river for water to drink ; for they could not drink of the water of the river. 25 And full seven days elapsed, after that the Lord had smitten the river." 26 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and say unto him. Thus if it were in reality the word and will of an unheard-of Deity, of superior power to the gods of Egypt. '' "With the water, namely, which came from the newly dug wells;" see v. 24. — Arnheim. " The English version ends here the seventh chapter, but the Jlassoretio text commences chap. viii. only with the fifth verse of the common version. 73 EXODUS VII. VIII. VAAYRAH. hath said the Lord, Let my people go, that they may serve me. 27 And if thou refuse to let them go, be- hold, I will smite all thy liorders" with frogs : 28 And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, and they shall go up and come into thy house, and into thy sleeping-cham- ber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and among thy people, and into thy ovens, and into thj' kneachng-troughs; 29 And upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon all thy servants, shall the frogs come up. CHAPTER VIIL 1 And the Lord said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thy hand with thy staft' over the streams, over tlie rivers, and over the ponds, and cause the frogs to come up over the land of Egypt. 2 And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt ; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt. 3 And the mairicians did so Avith their secret arts, and brought up tlie frogs over the land of Egypt. 4 Then did Pharaoh call for Moses and Aaron, and said. Entreat the Lord, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people ; and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice unto the Lord. 5 And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Arrogate thyself' glory over me : for what time shall I entreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and from thy houses, that tliey may remain in the river only ? 6 And he said, For to-morrow; and he said, Be it according to thy word; in order tliat thou inayest know that there is none like unto the Lord our God.* 7 And the frogs shall depart from thee, " i. <:, the wliole country, or that part which is enclosed by the boundaries. '' iSDnn the hllhpiiel from 1X3 " to gh)rify," hence " to assume a ghiry for oneself." IMoses meant to convey to Pharaoh, as a proof of his divinely delegated power, that even tlie fi.xing of a period to the plague, whether long or short, would surely bo complied with. Hence follows the conclusion referring to tiic greatness of the Lord. ° As the word d:2 is only found here and in I'.salm cv. 8], its true cluiracter is not easily defined. I'liilippson renders it with "ants," perhaps {\iq funnix nlijra. Others make it to mean "mosquito," the culex rcplniis. T5oth these insects are exceedingly troublesome in Kgypt. and fi'om thy houses, and from thy serA'ants- and from thy people; only in the river shall they remain. 8 And Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh ; and Moses cried unto the Lord on account of the frogs which he hatl inflicted on Pharaoh. 9 And the Lord did according to the word of Moses ; and the frogs died out of the houses, out of the courts, and out of the fields. 10 And tliey gathered them together in many heaps; and the land stank. 11 But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart, and heark- ened not unto them; as the Lord had spoken. 12 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy stafl'. and smite the dust of the earth, and it shall become lice" throughout all the land of Egypt. 13 And they did so; and Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff, and smote the dust of the earth, and the lice were thus on man, and on beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all tlie land of Egypt. 14 And the magicians did so with their secret arts to bring forth the lice, but they could not; so were the lice upon man and upon beast. 15 Then said the magicians unto Pharaoh, This is a finger of God; but Pliaraoh's heart remained hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had spoken. 16 ][ And the Lord said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and place thyself before Pharaoh; lo, he goeth forth to the water; and say unto him, Thus hath said the Lord, Let my people go, that they may serve me. 17 For if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send against thee, and against thy servants, and against thy people, and in- to thy houses various'" wild beasts: and the '' The ancient Jewish commentators render 31ii' ' Arohr, only found here and in Psalms, as derived from the verb signifying "to mingle," &c., a mixture of ravenous beasts, serpents, and scorpions. Kashbam makes it derived from mi' ' Areh "evening," hence "the night-wolf," jackall. — Philippsou i-enders it with " beetle," referring to the hlattii jEiji/ptiaca, which is at times dangerous to human life. (He quotes " De Katte's Journey to Abyssiania," p. IIH.) The English version "swarms of flics" needs no refutation, as the whole context shows it to be incorrect. See especially fardicv down, verse 20. EXODUS VIIT. IX. VAAYRAII. houses of tlie Egyptians shall l)e full of the wild beasts, and also the ground whereon they dweli. IS And I will distinguish on that day the land of Goshen, in which my people abideth, so that no wild beasts shall be there; to the end thou niayest know that I am the Lord in the midst of the earth."* 19 And I will put a distinction between my people and thy people; to-morrow shall this sign be. 20 And the Lord did so; and there came a grievous multitude of beasts into the house of Pharaoh, and into the house of his servants ; and in all the land of Egypt, the land was laid waste by reason of the wild beasts. 21 And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said. Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land. 22 And Moses said. It is not proper to do so; for the abomination of the Egyptians must we sacrifice to the Eternal our God : lo, if we should sacrifice the aljomination of the Egyp- tians Ijefore their eyes, would they not stone us? 23 A three days' journey will we go into the wilderness, and sacrifice to the Lord our God, just as he may say unto us. 24 And Pharaoh said, I will surely let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the Eternal your God in the wilderness; only do not go very far away : entreat for me. 2-5 And Moses said, Behold, I am going out from thee, and I w'ill entreat the Lord, and the wild beasts shall depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from liis people, to- morrow ; oidy let not Pharaoli deal deceitfully any more, so as not to let the people go to sacrifice to the Lord. 20 And Moses went out from Pharaoh, and entreated the Lord. 27 And the Lord did according to the word of Moses; and he removed the wild beasts from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from hi-s people ; there remained not one. 28 But Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, and he did not let the people go. CHAPTER IX. 1 ^ x\nd the Lord said unto Moses, Go in ' "Land." — Arnheim. ^ After Rashi, wlio renders [tik; with nn'-^n "lieat;" unto Pharaoh, and speak to him, Thus hath said the Eternal, the God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. 2 For if thou refuscst to let them go, and still boldest on to them, "~ 3 Behold, the hand of the Lord will be sent against thy cattle which is in the field, against the horses, against the asses, against the camels, against the oxen, and against the sheep ; — a very grievous j^estilence. 4 And the Lord will distinguish between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt ; and not one head shall die of all that belong- eth to the children of Israel. 5 And the Lord appointed a set time, say- ing. To-morrow will the Lord do this thing in the land. 6 And the Lord did this thing on the morrow^, and all the cattle of Egypt died ; but of the cattle of the children of Israel there died not one. 7 And Pliartioh sent, and, behold, there had not died of the cattle of the Israelites even one ; but the heart of Pliaraoh remained hardened, and he did not let the people go. 8 T[ And the Lord said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take unto yourselves your hands full of soot of the furnace, and let Moses throw it heavenward before tlie ej^es of Pharaoh. 9 And it shall become small dust over all the land of Egypt, and shall become upon man and beast an inflammation,'' producing toils, throughout all the land of Egypt. 10 And they toolv the soot of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh ; and Moses threw it up heavenward ; and it jjecame an infiam- mation, producing boils, upon man, and upon beast. 11 And the magicians could not stand be- fore Moses because of the inflammation ; for the inflammation was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians. 12 And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had spoken unto Moses. 13 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and place thyself before Pharaoh, and say unto him. Thus hath said the Eternal, the God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. " a red swelling in the skin,' boils. which speedily prnducod 75 EXODUS IX. X. BO. 14 For at this time I send all" my plagues against thy heart, and against thy servants, and against thy people; in order that thou mayest know that there is none like me on all the earth. 15 For even now I might have stretched out my hand, and I might have smitten thee and thy people with the pestilence; and thou wouldst have been cut off from the earth ; 16 But for this cause have I allowed thee to remain, in order to show thee my power; and in order that they may proclaim my name throughout all the earth. '=^ ,17 If thou dost yet wantonly oppress my people, so as not to let them go : 18 Behold, then will I let rain, about this time to-niuri-ow. a very grievous hail, the like of whicli h.'itli not been in Egypt since the day of its iuundatiun even until ncnv. 19 And now send, and bring under shelter thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field ; (for) every man and beast that shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought mto the house, upon them shall the hail come dowij, and they shall die. 20 He that feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses : 21 And he that regarded not the word of the Lord left his servants and his cattle in the field. 22 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch forth thy hand toward heaven, and there shall be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon man, and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, in the land of Egypt. 23 And Moses stretched forth his staff to- ward heaven ; and the Lord sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran down to tlie ground; and the Lord rained hail upon the land of Egypt. 21 And there was hail, and fire was flam- ing up amidst the hail, very grievous, the like of which had not laeen in all the land of Egypt, since it had become a nation. 25 And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both • "All my roiiiaiiiiiig plagues," Anilieira, wlio refers to a similar construction in Exodus x.xix. 12, where mn Sj "all the blood" relates to that which was left after the sprinkling spoken of in the beginning of the verse. "" At first when Moses .spoke in the name of the new Deity, " The Eternal, the God of the Hebrews," Pharaoh did not recognise Him; but now under the weight of man and beast; and every herb of the field did the hail smite, and every tree of the field did it break. 26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, there was no hail. 27 And Pliaraoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and he said unto them, I have sinned this time ; the Eternal is the righte- eous,'' and I and my people are the wicked. 28 Entreat the Lord that there may be no more of the thunders of God, and hail ; and I will let you go, and ye shall no longer stay here. 29 And Moses said unto him. As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands unto the Lord: the thunders shall cease, and the hail shall not l^e any more ; in order that thou mayest know liow that to the Lord belongeth the earth. 30 But as for thee and thy servants, I know tliat ye are not yet afraid before the Lord God. 31 And the flax and the barley were smit- ten ; for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was boiled. 32 But the wheat and the millet were not smitten ; for they are late-ripening.''' 33 And Moses went away from Pharaoh out of the city, and spread out his hands inito the Lord: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured out upon the earth. '' 34 And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders had ceased, he sinned yet farther, and hardened his heart, he and his servants. 35 And the heart of Pharaoh remained hardened, and he did not let the children of Israel go; as the Lord had spoken by the hand of Moses. Ilaphturah in Ezckiel xxviii. 25 to xxi.x. 21. SECTION XV. BO, N3. CHAPTER X. 1 *(\ And the Lord said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh ; for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, in order that I affliction, he acknowledged Him, his justice, and his own wickedness and the sins of the Egyptians ; hence also, not p'lX "righteous," but the emphatic pnvn "the right- eous," r. e., in the contest then going on, God was the party who had justice on his side, whilst Pharaoh and his people were those in the wrong. For the meaning of the word ),'W\ in this sense, see above, ii. 13. EXODUS X. BO. might display these my signs in the midst ol' tht'iii :'■ 2 And in order that thon mayest tell in the cars of thy son, and of thy son's son, the wonders which I have wrouglit^' in Egypt, and my signs -which I have shown among tliem; and ye shall know how that I am the Lord. 3 And Moses and Aaron came in nnto Pharaoh, and said unto him. Thus saith the Eternal, the God of the Hebrews, H(jw long yet wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me ? let my people go, that they may serve me. 4 For, if thou refusest to let my people go, behold, 1 will l)ring to-morrow locusts into thy boundary. 5 And the}' shall cover the face" of the earth, so that one shall not be able to" see the earth ; and they shall eat the residue of that which escaped, which hath been left unto you from the hail, and they shall eat oft' every tree which groweth for you out of the field: 6 And thy houses, and the houses of all thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyp- tians shall be full of them; such as neither thy fathers, nor thy fathers' fathers have seen, since the day of their being upon the earth, until this day ; and he turned himself, and went out from Pharaoh. 7 And the servants of Pharaoh said unto him. How long shall this :uau be unto us for a snare ? let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God: kuowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed ? 8 And Moses was brought back with Aaron unto Pharai^li ; and he said unto them. Go ye, serve the Lord }our God ; who all are they that shall go? 9 And Moses said. With our young and with our old will we go; with our sons and with our daughters, with our Hocks and with our herds will we go; for we are to h(.ild a feast unto the Lord. 10 And he said unto them. So Ije the Lord with you, as I will let you go, together w4th ' Hob. "Of hiin," I'liaranli the king standiug for the whole people. '' After Onkelos. Arnheim renders, " how I have proved myself working miracles." ° "i' (eye) here remU-red "face"' should be given with "the view," or "colour;" but the sense is after all the same. '' " Look, for the wrong yuu purpose to do is before your little ones: look, surely your intentions are evil.'' 11 Not so; go uow ye men," and serve the Lord, for this you desire: and tlie^- werv; driven out from Pharaoh's presence.''' 12 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thy liand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, and they shall come up over the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the earth, ;\\\ that'the hail hath left. 13 And Moses stretched ibrth his stall over the land of Egypt, and the Lord urged an east wind over the laud all that day, and all the night; when it was morning, the east wind bore along the locusts. 14 And the locusts went uj) over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the bounda- ries of Egypt; in very large masses; before them there were no such locusts as they, and after them there will not be any such. 15 And they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the earth was darkened; and they ate every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left : ;uid thei'e was not left any green thing on the trees, or on the herbs of the field, throughout allth.o land of Egypt. 10 Then made Pharaoh haste to ctdl for Moses and Aaron ; and he said, I have s-inned against the Lord your God, and against you. 17 And now forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and entreat the Lord your God, that lie may take away from me or.ly this death. 18 And he went out from Pharaoh, and entreated the Lord. 11) And the Lord turned a very strong west wind, whicli bore away the locusts, and cast them into the Eed Sea; there was not left one locust in all the boundar}- of Egypt. 20 But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he did not let the children of Isrtiel go. 21 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thy hand toward heaven, and there shall your face to testify against you." — Okkelos. Literally it is thus : " See, for evil is before your face." " It is evident that Pharaoh in temporizing with Mo.ses about the dismis.^al of the Israelites, had all along the idea of letting them go but a short distance, after which they should return ; hence he averred that the children were of no use for such an expedition, and be therefore desired to retain them, as ho.stages for the return of the fathers. 77 EXODUS X. XL XII. 130. be darkness over the land of Egypt, and it shall be a darkness of the night." 22 And Moses stretched forth his hand to- ward heaven ; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days : 23 They saw not one another, neither did they rise, any one from his place, for three days; but for all the children of Israel there was light in their dwellings.* 2-4 And Pharaoh called for Moses, and said. Go ye, serve the Lord ; only your flocks and your herds shall remain behind: also your little ones may go with you. 25 And Moses said, Ev^en thou also must give into our hand sacrifices and burnt^oifer- ings, that we may sacrifice (them) unto the Eternal, our God. 26 And also our cattle must go with us, there shall not be left behind a single hoof, for thereof must we take to serve the Lord our God; and we cannot know with what we must serve the Lord, until we come thither. 27 But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go. 28 And Pharaoh said unto him. Get thee away from me; take heed to thyself, see my face no more ; for on the day thou seest my face thou shalt die. 29 And Moses said, Tliou hast spoken well, I will not see thy face again any more. CHAPTER XI. 1 *[[ And the Lord said unto Moses, Yet one plague more will I bring upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; after that he will let you go hence: when he doth let you go, he shall surely thrust you out altogether from here. 2 Speak now in tlie ears of the people, and let them ask every man of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold. 3 And the Lord gave the [)eople favour in the eyes of the Egyptians; also the man Moses'' was very great in the land of Egypt, " Accordiug to Raslii, who renders tyo'l ;is k^dn'T and explains " tlicrc shall (^omc over tlicni a darkness thicker than that of the night, and the darkness of the night shall continue into the Inllowing days." From cmedi, "yesterday;" henee td remain over from the yesterday. '' Although above, eliap. x. 7, the servants of Pharaoh sailed Moses "the snare" of Egypt, they eould not avoid honouring the man who was so signally favoured by the God of Israel, wliose jxiwcr (licy had felt. 78 in the eyes of Pharaoh's servants, and in the eyes of the people.* 4 Tl And Moses said, Thus hath said the Lord, About midnight will I go out in the midst of Egypt: 5 And there shall die every first-born in the land of Egypt, from tlie first-born of Plui- raoh that is° to sit upon his throne, even unto the first-born of the maid-servant that is be- hind the mill ; and every first-born of cattle. G And there shall be a great cry through- out all the land of Egypt, the like of which hath never been, and the like of which will not be any more. 7 But against any of the children of Israel not a dog shall move'' his tongue, neither against man nor beast; in order that ye may know how that the Lord doth distinguish be- tween the Egyptians and Israel. 8 And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow themselves down unto me, saying. Get thee out, and all the people that followeth thee;'' and after that I will go out: and he went out from Pharaoh in a burning auger. 9 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, Pha- raoh will not hearken unto you; in order that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt. 10 And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh; and the Lord har- dened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not let the children of Israel go out of his land. CHAPTER XII. 1 T[ And the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2 This month shall be unto you the chief of months : the first shall it be unto 30U of the months of the year. 3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, On the tenth day of this month they shall take to themselves every man a lamb for every family,^ a lamb for every house : ' "Who in future is to sit upon the throne of his king- dom." — Onkklos. '' Heb. "sharpen," "point," indicative of the motion and appearance of the dog's tongue in barking. ° llob. "That is at thy feet," meaning, that follows where the prophet leads. ' ('. c. A family divided in several households. Hebrew, "house of fatlier," or those springing frcun one an- cestor; :iN n'3 is a subdivision of nniity:3, "main family." EXODUS XII. BO. 4 And if the household be too ymall for a lamb, then shall he take it with his iieigh- boiu- who is next unto his house, according to the number of the souls; every man accord- ing to wliat he eateth shall ac make a count for the lamb. 5 A lamb without blemish, a male of the first year shall ye have; from the sheep, or from the goats may ye take it. 6 And ye shall have it in keeping until the fourteenth day of tlie same month; and then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it toward evening." 7 And they shall take of the blood, and put it on the two side-posts and on the upper- door-post, in the houses, wherein thej^ shall eat it. 8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roasted by the fire, witli unleavened bread; together with bitter herljs shall the}- eat it. 9 You shall not eat of it raw, nor in any- wise sodden with watei'; but roasted by the fire; its head with its legs, and with its en- trails.'' 10 And ye shall not let any thing of it re- main imtil morning; and that which remain- eth of it until morning ye shall burn -with fire. 11 And thus shall 3'e eat it. With your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand ; and ^'e shall eat it in haste, it is passover unto the Lord. 12 And I will pass through the land of Egj-pt in this night, and I will smite every first-)x)rn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt will I execute judgments : I am the Lord.'' 13 And the blood shall lie to you for a token upon the houses where ye are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you; in the s.ame manner as this is in ivgard to la^B', "tribo." n'3, "the household," or family in the narrow sense it often has in P]nglish, is the smallest division. Several households could thus unite to celebrate the Passover in one domicile. This note must suffice to explain any vari- ation in the version of the same words in the original text, should any such occur hereafter. ' Heb. "Between the two evenings," /. e. between the time the sun begins to decline till sunset, or " the after- noon," from the third hour, or the ninth after the Jewish mode of computing time. This was the practice in the Temple. '' After being washed as usual with sacrifices. (See tixod. xxix. 17.) and there shall be no plague against you to destroy, when I smite (others) in the land of Egypt. 14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; tind ye shall celebrate it as a feast unto the Lord; throughout your generations, as an ordinance for ever shall ye celebrate it. 15 Seven days shall ye eat unlea\ened bread ; but on the first day ye shall ha\-e put away leaven out of your houses; for whoso- ever eateth leavened bread, that soul shall be cut oft' from Israel, from the first day until the seventh day. 16 And on the first day there shall be a holy convocation, and on the seventh day- there shall be a holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done on them, save what is eaten b}- every man, that only may be prepared by yon. 17 And ye shall observe the unleavened bread; for on this selfsame day have I brought forth your armies out of the land of Egypt ; therefore shall ye observe this dny in your generations as an ordinance for ever. 18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, at evening, shall ye eat im- leavened bread, until the one and "twentieth day of the month at evening. 19 Seven days no leaven shall be found in your houses; for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall ))e cut oft" from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or one born in the land. 20 Nothing that is leavened shtiU ye eat; in all your halntations shall ye eat unleavened bread.* 21 ]| And Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them. Draw out and take for yourselves lambs according to y^)ur families, and kill the ^^assover sacrifice. 22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, " This vor.se is well explained thus, "I am the Lord," I myself will do this, and not through a messenger. It must not be lost sight of that the punishment of the Egyptians and the redemption of the Israelites were to be as lessons, to both the parties affected thereby, of the greatness and irresistible power of the Lord ; hence the slaying of the first-born was effected without the media- torial agency of Moses even as in the other plagues; and as Pharaoh and his wise men relied ujion the power of their idols, these too were overthrown in the night of the deliverance of Israel, by Israel's God. "Judgment" stands for "judicial decrees," or punishment. 79 EXODUS XII. BO. and dijD in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two side-posts with the blood that is in the basin; and none of vou shall go out from the door of his house until the morning. 23 And the Lord will pass through to smite* the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side- posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not sutler the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite. 24 And ye shall observe this thing, as an ordinance for thee and for thy sons for ever. 25 And it shall come to pass, when ye be come iiito the land which the Lord will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service. 26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 27 That ye shall say. It is the sacrifice of the passover unto the Lord, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and our houses he spared; and the people bent the head and bowed themselves. 28 And the children of Israel went away, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.* 29 T[ And it came to pass at midnight, that the Lord smote every first-born in the land of Egypt, from the first-born of Pharaoh that was to sit on his throne unto the first- born of the captive that was in the dungeon ; and all the first-ljorn of cattle. 30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt ; for there was not a house where there was not some one dead. 31 And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, get you forth from among ray people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the Eternal, as ye have spoken.'' 32 Also your flocks and your herds take, as ye have spoken, and be gone; and bless me also. 33 And the Egyptians were urgent upon " njjS literally "to plague." ' "Let all be as ye have spoken, even the cattle ye asked of mo for sacrilices take, and only pray for me, for I too am iirst-born." — Kaswi. 80 the people, to make haste to send them away out of the land; for they said. We are all dying. 34 And the people took up their dough before it was yet leavened, their kneading- troughs beiug bound up in their clothes upon their sliouklers. 35 And the children of Israel had done ac- cording to the word of Moses ; and they had asked of the Egyptians vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments. 36 And the Lord had given the people favour in the eyes of the Egyptians, so tlaat they gave unto them what they required; and they emptied out Egypt. 37' ^f And the children of Israel journeyed from Ra'meses to Succoth, about six hundred th(,)usand men on foot, beside children. 38 And a mixed multitude also went up with them; and flocks, and herds, a very large amount of cattle. 31) And they baked of the dough, which they had l>rought forth out of Egypt, un- leavened cakes, for it was not leavened; be- cause they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared any provisions for themselves. 40 Now the time of the residence of the children of Israel. Avhich they dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. 41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, and it happened even on the selfsame day, that all the armies of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt. 42 A night to be observed" was this unto the Lord to luring them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night holy to the Lord, to be observed Ijy all the children of Israel in their generations. 43 *i] And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover : No stranger shall eat thei'eof. 44 But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof. 45 A resident foreigner and a hired ser- vant shall not eat thereof. 46 In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth aught of the flesh abroad " " Whiob the Lord watched and looked for to fulfil his promise to bring them out of the land of Egypt," Eashi; otber.s explain, "Tnwbifb be watched over the Israelites to preserve them safe amidst the plague." EXODUS XII. Xin. BESHALLACH. 3ut of the house ; and no Ijoue shall ye break [ in it. 47 All the congregation of Israel shall pre- ! pare it. 48 And when a stranger sojourneth with thee, and will prepare the passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and prepare it, and he shall be as one that is born in the laud; but no uncircumcised person" shall eat thereof. 49 One law shall be to him that is home- born, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. 50 And all the children of Israel did so; as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they. 51 Tf And it came to pass on the selfsame day, that the Lord did bring fortli the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.* CHAPTER XIII. 1 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 2 Sanctify unto me all the first-born, what^ soever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine. 3 And Moses said unto the people. Re- member this day, on which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery ; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from here: and no leavened bread shall be eaten. 4 This day go ye out, in the month of Abib.^ 5 And it shall be, when the Lord doth brill"- thee into the land of tlie Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Emorites, and the llivites, and the Jebusites, which he hath sworn unto thy fathers to give unto thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that tliou shalt perforin this service in this month. G Seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day shall be a feast to the Lord. 7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten these seven days; and there shall not be seen ^vith thee any leavened bread, neither shall there be seen with thee any leaven in all thy boun- daries. 8 And thou shalt tell thy son on that day, * This includes even an uncircumcised Israelite. saying. This is done for the sake of that which the Lord did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt. 9 And it shall be unto thee for a sign upon thy hand, and for a memorial between thy eyes, in order that the law of the Lord may be in thy mouth; for with a strong hand hath the Lord brought thee forth out of Egypt. lU And thou shalt keep this ordinance in its season, from year to year. 11 Tl And it shall be, when the Lord doth bring thee into the land of tlie Canaanites, as he hath sworn unto thee and to thy fathers, and giveth it to thee, 12 That thou shalt set apart all that open- eth the womb unto the Lord; and every first- ling that cometli of a beast which thou shalt have, the males, shall Ijelong to tlie Lord. Id And every firstling of an ass shalt thou I'edeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not re- deem it, then shalt thou break its neck : and all the first'born of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.* 14 And it shall be, when thy son asketli thee in time to come, saying. What is this? that thou shalt say unto him. By strength of hand the Lord brought us forth out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery ; 15 And it came to i)ass, when Pharaoh obstinately refused to let us go, that the Lord slew all the first-born in the land (jf Egypt, both the first>born of man, and the first-born of beast; therefore do I sacrifice to the Lord all that openeth the womb, being males; Init all the first-born of my children must I re- deem. 16 And it shall be for a sign upon thy hand, and for frontlets between thy eyes; that Ijy strength of hand the Lord brought us forth out of Egypt. Ilaphtorah in .Jeremiah xlvi. \?> to 27 SECTION XVI. BESHALLACH, nSu'3. 17 ^ And it came to pass, when Pharaoh let the people go, that God did not lead them the way through the land of the Philistines, lie- cause it was near; lor God said. Lest perad- venture the people repent when they see war, and return to Egypt. 18 But God led the people about, l)y the *■ The month in which the grain ripens iu Kirvpt. si' EXODUS XIII. XIV. BESHALLACH. way of the mlderness to the Red sea: aud the children of Israel went up armed out of the land of Egypt. 19 And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him; for he had caused the children of Israel to swear, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall then carry up my bones away hence with you. 20 And they took their journey from Suc- coth, and encamped in Etham, at the edge of the wilderness. 21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give light to them; that they might go by day and by night : 22 He took not away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people. CHAPTER XIV 1 Tf And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ing, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pi-hachi- roth, between Migdol and the sea; in front of Baal-zephon ; opposite to this shall ye en- camp hy the sea. 3 And Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut" them in. 4 And I will harden the heart of Pharaoh, that he shall follow after them; and I will get myself honour on Pharaoh, and on all his host ; and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord; and they did so. 5 And it was told to the king of Egypt that the people had Hed;*" and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was changed" with respect to the people, and they said. What is this which we have done, tliat we have let Israel go from serving us? 6 And he made i-eady his cliariot, and took his people with him. ' Philippson traimlates, " The wilderne.ss is closed against tlioiii," nn-aiiiiig, tliat they had not entered the pro- ]ier distriet to effect ihm escape, but were roaming about at random without plan or concert I'hilippson contends that his version is correct, because they liad n<3t yet entered the wilderness. The word "entangled" used here must be taken in the sense of " they had lost their way," near I lie sea-shore, without the possibility of an egress, '■ "Was riiaming abnut." — I'mi-II'l'SdN. "■ "Turned against." — English version. Hi 7 And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains'^ over every one of them. 8 And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel ; and the children of Israel went out with a high hand.''' 9 And the Egyptians pursued after them, and they overtook them encamping by the sea, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, beside Pi- hachiroth, before Baill-zephon. 10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the chil- dren of Israel lifted up their eyes, and be- hold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they were greatly afraid; and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord. 11 And they said unto Moses, Is it because there were no graves in Egypt, that thou hast taken us away to die in the Avildemess? what is this which tliou hast done to us, to bring us forth out of Egypt ? 12 Is not this the word that we spoke unto thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? for it is better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness. 13 And Moses said unto the people. Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation'" of the Lord, which he will do for you to-day; for as ye' have seen the Egyptians to-day, ye shall not see them again any more for ever. 14 The Lord will fight for jou, and ye shall hold your peace.* 15 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherelbre criest thou unto me? speak luito the children of Israel, that they go forward ; IG But do thou lift up thy staft", and stretch out thy hand over the sea, and divide it; and the children of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry ground. 17 And I, behold, I will harden the heart of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them : and I will get myself honour on Pharaoh, ^ "Those that fought in chariots upon all," Arnheim; who translates ty'^tS', Shahlish, always in the same man- ner. " " Deliverance," Onkelos. "Assistance," Mendels- sohn, and others. ' The word ityx has been rendered, after Onkelos, as though it were ttyxD, "in the manner that;" in this seuse the prophecy has been literally fulfilled, which wouli' not be, if we render it, "the Egyptians whom ye see;" thnugb Arnheim aud others translate in tlie last manner. EXODUS XIV. XV. BESHALLACH. and on all his host, on his chariots, and on his horsemen. 18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LoKU, when I have got ni^yself honour on Pharaoh, on his chariots, and on his horse- men. 19 And the angel of God, that went liefore the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them ; and the pillar of cloud removed from before them, and stood behind them ; 20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel ; and it was a cloud and darkness (to the first), but it gave light by night (to these) : and the one came not near unto the other all the night. 21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord drove back the sea with a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground : and the waters were a wall unto them, on their right hand, and on their left. 23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them, all Pharaoh's horses, his chari- ots, and his horsemen, to the midst of the sea. 24 And it came to pass in the morning watch, that the Lord looked unto the camp of the Egyptians with the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and brought into confusion the camp of the Egyptians ; 25 And he took off the wheels of their chariots, and caused tliem to move onward with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel ; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians. "'■ 26 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thy hand over the sea,, and the waters shall return over the Egyptians, over their chariots, and over their horsemen. 27 And Moses sti'etched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned, when the morning appeared, to its strength; while the Egyptians were fleeing against it; and the Lord o\'erthrew the Eg^'ptians in the midst of the sea. 28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen with all the host of Pharaoh that came after them into the sea : there remained of them not even one. 20 But the children of Israel walked upon dry ground in the midst of the sea; and the waters were vnito them a Avail on their right' hand, and on their left. 30 Thus the Lord saved Israel on that day out of the hand of the Egyptians ; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the shore of the sea. 31 And Israel saw that great jwwer whicli the Lord had shown on the Egyptians : and the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord, and in Moses his servant. CHAPTER XV. 1 Tl Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and thus did they say, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously : the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. 2 My strength and song is the Lord, and lie is become my salvation : he is my God, and I will declare his praise," the God of my father, and I will exalt him. 3 The Eternal is the lord of war ; the Eternal is his name. 4 The chariots of Pharaoh and his host hath he hurled into the sea; and the chosen of his captains are sunk in the Red Sea. 5 The depths have covered them; they went down to the bottom as a stone. G Thy right hand, Lord, is Ijccome glori- ous in power; tliy right hand, IjORD, hath dashed in pieces the enenu'. 7 And in the greatness of thy I'xcellency hast thou overthrown those that rose up against thee; thou didst send forth thy wrath, it consumed them as stuliljle. 8 And with the breatli of thy nostrils the waters were heaped up together, the floods stood upright as a Mall ; congealed were the depths in the heart of the sea. 9 The enemy said, I will piu'sue. I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; wry desire shall be satisfied upon them ; I will draw my sword, my hand sliall destroy them. 10 Thou didst Ijlow with thy wind, the sea covered them : they sunk as lead in mighty waters. 11 Who is like unto thee, Lord, among the mighty? who is like unto thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doins wonders? 12 Thou didst stretch out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. 13 Thou leadest forth in thv kindness the ''Others trau.slatc, "I will builJ liim a liiiMtaliini." EXODUS XV. XVI. BESHALLACH. "people thou hast redeemed; thou guidest it in tliy strength unto the habitation of tliy lioliness. 14 Nations hear it and tremble: sorrow seizetli the inhabitants of Palestine. 15 Then were troubled the dukes of Edom; the mighty men of Moab, trembling seizetli them ; faint-hearted'' become all the inhabit' ants of Canaan. IG Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thy arm they shall be still as a stone : till thy people jJ^iss over, Lord, till this jjeople pass over, which thou hast jjurchased. 17 Thou wilt bring them, and plant them on the mountain of thy inheritance, the place, Lord, which thou hast wrought for thy resi- dence, the sanctuary, Lord, which thy hands have established. 18 Tlie Lord will reign for ever and ever. 19 For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the Lord brought again upon them the waters of the sea; but the children of Israel went on dry ground through the midst of the sea. 20 ^ Then took Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. 21 And Miriam began her song to them, Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. 22 ^ And Moses caused Israel to depart from the Eed Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur ; and they went three days in the Avilderness, and found no water. 23 And they came to Marah; but they could n(jt drink the waters of Marali, for they were bitter; therefore they called its name Marah.^ 24 And the people nun-mured against Moses, saying. What shall we drink ? 25 And he cried unto the Lord; and the Lord showed him a tree, which he cast into the waters, and the waters were made sweet : there he made lor them a statute and an ordi- nance, and there lie jiroved tln'iii. 2G And he said, If thou wilt diligently " Jjit. " Tliey are lueltcd," i. e. from fear. '' Miirnh signitic-i " liit.tor." The thvdwing in of a tree in tliu wak'r, to cure it, was another cvideiioc of the power hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God. and wilt do that which is right in his eyes, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and wilt keep all his statutes : I will put none of those diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians; for I the Lord am thy jihysician.* 27^ And they came to Elim, and there were twelve wells of Avater, and seventy palm-trees : and they encamped there by the water. CHAPTER XVI. 1 And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt. 2 And the whole congregation of the chil- dren of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness : 3 And the children of Israel said unto them, AVould to Gt)d that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the tiesh-pot, when we ate bread to the full ; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. 4 ^ Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will let rain for you bread from heaven ; and the people shall go out and gather a cer- tain pcn-tion every day, in order that I may prove it, ^vhether it will walk in my law, or not. 5 And it shall come to pass, on the' sixth da}', when they prepare what they shall lui\e brought in, that it shall be twice as much as they shall gather daily. 6 And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At evening, then shall ye know that it is the Lord who hath brought •you out from the land of Egy})t : 7 And in the morning, then shall ^e see the glory of the Lord; since he heareth your nuirnnn-ings against the Lord; and what are we, that ye should murmur against us? 8 And Moses said, When the Lord giveth you in the evening flesh to eat, and bread in the morning to the full; since the Lord hear- eth your murmurings ■which ye murnuir of God to jiroducc an effect with means by no means ade- quate ; nut that tliere wa.s any special power iu the wood itself. EXODUS XVI. BESIIALLACH. against liiiii : — what are Ave then? not against us are your murmurings, but against the Lord. 9 And Moses said unto Aaron, Say vmto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the Lord; for he hath heard your murmurings. 10 And it came to pass, as Aaron was speaking unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they turned round to- ward the wilderness, and, behold, the glorj- of the Lord appeared in the cloud.''' 11 1[ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 12 1 have heard the murmurings of the childi'en of Israel: speak imto them, saying. Toward evening ye shall eat llesli, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the Eternal your God. 13 And it came to pass, that at evening the quails came up, and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew round aljout the camp. 14 And when the layer of dew was gone up, behold, there Avas upon the face of the wilderness something fine in grains, small as the hoar-frost, on the ground. 15 And Avhen the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another. It is manna, for they knew not Avhat it was ; and Moses said unto them, This is the bread Avhich the Lord hath given j^ou to eat." 16 This is the thing which the L(«d hath commanded, Gather of it eA'ery man according to his eating; an omer for CAcry head, accord- ing to the numljer of your persons that every may hath in his tent, shall ye take. 17 And the children of Israel did so; and they gathered, some much, some little. 18 And Avhen they measured it Avith an omer, he that had gathered much had nothing over, and he that had gathered little had no lack : every man according to his eating, had they gathered. 19 And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning. ' Mendelssohn, after some authorities, renders xin p like ,sin no with " What is this ;" to -which Moses natu- rally replies, " This is the bread," &c. But as we have no warrant to substitute p for nn, the word has been left as it appears at first view, "It is manna," which Arnheim thus explains: The Israelites were acquainted with the Arabic manna, and called this new product therefore, from its similarity, by the same term ; either because the}' know no better name, or because they thought it identical. 20 But they hearkened not unto Moses; but some men left of it until morninoi:, and it l)red Avorms, and stank; and Moses Avas Avroth Avith them. 21 And so they gathered it e\-er\' morning, every man according to his eating; and Avhen the sun Avaxed hot, it melted. 22 And it came to pass on the sixth day, that they gathered tA\'of(>ld bread, tA\'o omers lor every one; and all the rulers of the con- gregation came and told it to Moses. 23 And he said unto them, This is Avhat the Lc»rd hath spoken, A rest, a holy rest is unto the Lord to-morroAA- : that Avliich ye Avill Ijake bake to-day,'' and Avhat ac Avill seethe seethe to-day; and all the remainder lay up for you to be kept until the morning. 24 And they laid it uji till the morning, as Moses had bidden; and it did not stink, nor Avas there any worm therein. 25 And Moses said. Eat it to-da^-; for a sabbath" is this day unto the Lord : to-daA' ye Avill not find it in the field. 26 Six days shall a'c gather it; but on the seventh day, the sabbath, on it there shall be none. 27 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that there Avent out some of the people to gather ; but they found nothing. 28 T[ And the Lord said unto Moses, IIoav long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws ? 29 See, that the Lord hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day bread for tAvo days; remain ye, every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seA'enth day. 30 So the people rested on the seventh day. 31 And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna, [Man] ; and it Avas like cori- ander-seed, Avhite, and its taste Avas like Avafers made AA'ith lioney. 32 And Moses saitl, This is the thing Avhicli the Lord hath commanded. One omer- full of it is to be kept for your generations ; in Moses, however, corrected their opinion, by saying that it was a miraculous gift of God. Kashi gives it, " This is a preparation of food." '' The word " to-day" is not in the Hebrew, but it is implied in the impcratu-e 13N &c., which form always refers to the action which is to be performed at once. Tlie present version is after Onkelos and Rashi. " Properly, shaUiath, "a rest," from roiy, aliahotli, "to cease;" hence "to refrain from labour," "to rest." 85 EXODUS XVI. XVII. XVIII. YITHRO. order that they may sec the bread which I gave you to eat in the wilderness, when I brought you forth out of the land of Egypt. 33 And Moses said unto Aaron, take a flask, and put therein an omer-full of manna, and lay it up before the Lord, to be kept for your generations. 34 As the Lord had eommanded Moses, so did Aaron lay it uj) before the Testimony, to be kept. 35 And the children of Israel ate the manna forty years, until they came to an in- habited land ; the manna they did eat, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan. 36 But the omer" is a tenth part of an epliah.* CHAPTER XVII. 1 ^ And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeyings, by the order of the Lord; and they encamped in Rephidim, and there was no water for the people to drink. 2 And the people quarrelled with Moses, and said. Give us water that we may drink; and Moses said unto them, Why will ye quarrel with me? why will ye tem2:)t the Lord ? 3 And tlie people thirsted there for water ; and the people murmui'ed against Moses, and i said, For what purpose is it that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill me'' and my cliildren and my cattle with thirst? 4 And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, What shall I do unto this people ? but little is wanting and they will stone me. 5 And the Lord said unto Moses, Pass on before the people, and take with thee some of the eldei's of Israel ; and thy staff', wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thy hand, and 6 Behold, I will be standing before thee there upon the rock at Horeb ; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come out from it water, and the people shall drink; and ' The contents of an cphah is said by rabbinical autlio- rity to bo i-Vl ogg.s; consequently an omeris43J (fowl's) >-'gg«- '' Tlic lingular is iisrd here, as in otlier ]>hices, to denote probably tliat one spoke for the conununity. So also in tJenosia xxiii. G, " Hear us, my lord." 86 Moses did so before the eyes of the elders of Israel. 7 And he called the name of the place Massali" and Meribah ; because of the quarrel- ling of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying. Is then the Lord among us, or not ? 8 ^ Then came Amalek, and fought Avith Israel in Rephidim. 9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose for us men, and go out, fight Avith Amalek ; to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staffs of God in my hand. 10 And Joshua did as Moses had said to him, to fight Avith Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Chur Avent up to the top of the hill. 11 And it came to pass, Avhen Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed : and when he let doAvn his hand, that Amalek pre\'ailed. 12 But Avhen the hands of Moses became heavy, they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Chur suj> ported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going doA\'n of the sun. 13 And Joshua discomfited Anmlek and his people Avith the edge of the sAvord.* 14 ^\ And the Lord said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in the Ijook,'' and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua; for I Avill utterly );)lot out the remembrance of Amalek from under the heavens. 15 And Moses built an altar, and called its name Adonaij Nisi-y [The Lord is my Banner]. 16 And he said. Because'' the Lord hath sworn on his throne, that the Lord will have Avar Avith Amalek from generation to geftera- tion. Ilaphtorah in -Judges iv. 4 to v. 31. The Portuguese com- mence at V. 1. SECTION XVIL YITHRO, Tin'. CHAPTER XVin. 1 ]| And J ithro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-laAv, heard all that God had done ° " Tempting and quarrel," from noj " to prove, to tempt," and 311 "to contend, to quarrel." ■^ The book of the Records of Israel, wherein doubt- lessly all the occurrences of the nation bad been preserved. ' Arnheim, after Ralbag, (quoted in the name of his father,) renders, "Yea the hand on the throne of Yuh (is stretched out) for a war with Amalek," &c. EXODUS XVITI. YITIIRO. for Moses, and for Israel his people, that the Lord had brought forth Israel out of Egypt. 2 Then took Jithro, the fiither-in-law of Moses, Zipporah, the wife of Moses, after he had sent her back, 3 And her two sons ; of whom the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been a stranger in a foreign land : 4 And the name of the other was Eliezer;-'' for the God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh. 5 And Jithro, the father-in-law of Moses, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses, unto the wilderness, where he was encamped at the mount of God. 6 And he sent word unto Moses, I thy father-in-law Jithro am coming imto thee, with thy wife, and her two sons with her. 7 And Moses went out to meet his father- in-law, and bowed hims'elf, and kissed him; and they asked each other after their welfare ; and they went into the tent. 8 And Moses told his fathei'-in-law all which the Lord had done unto Pharaoh and to tlie Egyptians on account of Israel ; all the hardship which had come upon them by the way, and how the Lord had delivered them. 9 And Jithi'o rejoiced over all the goodness which the Lord had done to Israel, that** he had delivered it out of the hand" of the Egyptians. 10 And Jithro said. Blessed be the Lord, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pha- raoh, w'ho hath delivered the people from un- der the ha«d of the Egyptians. 11 Now I know that the Eternal is great above all gods ; for b}' the very thing wherein they sinned presumptuously 'was punishment brought upon them.'' 12 And Jithro, the father-in-law of Moses, ' From El, " God," and rr.er, " help." ^ Onkelos renders '\tsv. with "who had," &c., referring to the antecedent " Lord." " T " Hand," has several significations iu Hebrew : first, the hand itself; then, "power," as in this instance; or "means," (as in Esodus ix. 35,) "As the Lord had spoken through the hand of Moses ;" " a fixed place, the margin of a river," (Exodus ii. 5,) and " portion," "share," "claim," (2 Samuel xix. 44,) &e. '' After Onkelos. Rashi adds, " They endeavoured to destroy the Israelites by water, and they were lost iu water." Philippson renders, " namely therein whereby ihey had sinned against them," meaning that God's su- ofiered a burnt-oifering and sacritices unto God; and Aaron came, with all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with the fother-in-law of Moses, before God.* 13 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people; and the people stood around Moses from the morning unto the evening. 14 And the father-in-law of Moses saw all that he did to the people; and he said, Wliat is this thing that thou doest to the people ? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people standeth around thee from morning until evening? 15 And Moses said unto his lather-in-law. Because the people cometh unto me to inquire of God. 16 When they have a matter of dispute, they come unto me; and I judge between one and the other, and I make them know the statutes of God, and his laws. 17 And the father-in-law of Moses said unto him. The thing that thou doest is not good. 18 Thou wilt surely wear away, Ijoth thou, and this people that is with thee; for the thing is too heavy for thee; thou wilt not be able to perform it by thj-self alone. 19 Now hearken unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and ma}- God be with thee, Be thou for the people a mediator" with God, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God. 20 And thou shalt explain to them the statutes and the laws; and tliou shalt make them know the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. 21 Moreover, thou shalt select out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating (their own) gain ;^ and place these over them, as rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. periority was displayed, since the Egyptians and their gods prevailed not in the very acts of their presumptimi agaiust Israel. The English version seems to have adopt- ed in some degree the same view. Arnheim, after Aben Ezra, renders "For he punished them because they had acted wickedl}' toward them." " Meaning, that 3Ioses should represent the people with God, hear what he teaches, and then instruct those who had sent him. ' This means, disintere.sted men, who in hearing causes brought before them will decide without reference whe- ther their own advantage be secured by their judgment or not. 87 // EXODUS XVIII. XIX. YITHRO. 22 And let them judge the people at all times; and it shall be, that every great mat- ter they shall Ijring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge themselves: so shall it be easier for thee, when they shall bear with thee. 23 If thou wilt do this thing, and God commandeth it thee, then wilt thou be able to endure; and also the whole of this people will come to its place in peace.* 24 And Moses hearkened to the voice of his father-in-law, and did all that he had said. 25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and placed them as heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hun- dreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 26 And they judged the people at all times ; any difficult cause they brought unto Moses, but every small cause they judged themselves. 27 And Moses dismissed his fiither-in-law ; and he went his way unto his own land.* CHAPTER XIX. 1 ^[ In the third month, after the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 For they had departed from Rephidim, and they came to the desert of Sinai, and en- camped in the wilderness; and Israel en- camped there opposite the mount. 3 And Moses went np unto God, and the Lord called unto him from the mount, saying. Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel : 4 Ye" have yourselves seen wliat I have done unto the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings,*" and brought you unto myself 5 Now therefore, if you will truly obey ray voice, and keep my covenant, then sliall ye be unto me a peculiar treasure abo\'e all na- tions; for all the earth is mine: 6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation ; these are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. " The things which I have done to Egypt are not a tradition among you or brought to your notice by messen- ger or witness ; through many sins had they been guilty before they injured you; but I did not punish them ex- cept for your sake. — Rasiii. '' " As the eagle Ijears aloft his viiiiii;, over every obsta- 7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid Itefore them all these words which the Lord had commanded him. 8 And all the people answered unani- mously, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken will we do; and Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord. 9 And the Lord said unto Moses, Behold, I will come unto thee in a thick cloud, for the sake that the people raaj hear when I speak with thee, and that also in thee they shall believe" for ever: and Moses told the words of the people unto the Lord. 10 And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to-day and to- morrow, and let them wash their clothes. 11 And they shall be ready against the third day; for on the third day will the Lord come down, before the eyes of all the people, upon mount Sinai. * 12 And thou shalt set bounds unto the people, round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that yc go not up into the mount, nor touch the border of it; whosoever touch- eth the mount shall surely be put to death. 13 Yet not a hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through ; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live; when the trumpet soundeth long, they'^ may come up to the mount. 14 And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people: and they washed their clothes. 15 And he said unto the people. Be ready against the third day; approach not unto a woman. 16 And it came to j^ass on the third day when it was morning, that there were thun- ders and lightnings, and a heavy cloud was upon the mount, and the voice of the cornet was exceedingh' loud; so that all the people that were in the camp tremljled. 17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God ; and they placed themselves at the foot of the mount. 18 And mount Sinai smoked in every part, because the Lord had descended upon it in fire; and the smoke thereof ascended as the cle, and carries them even across the sea, so have I brought you safely through the sea, and you were not injured." — DUBNO. ° ■/. f. Have trust or confidence in the truth of his mission. " Abci i-efers tins to Aaron, his sons and the elders EXODUS XIX. XX. YITHEO. smoke of a furnace, ard the whole mount quaked greatly. 19 And the voice of the cornet A\ent on, and waxed louder and louder; Moses spoke, and God answered him with a loud voice.* 20 And the Lord came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount; and the Lord called Moses up to the top of the mount, and Moses went up. 21 And the Lord said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the Lord to gaze, and many of them might perish. 22 And the priests also, who come near to the Lord, shall sanctify themselves; lest the Lord break forth among them. 23 And Moses said unto the Lord, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai; for thou hast charged us, saying. Set bounds about the mount and sanctify it. 24 And the Lord said unto him. Go, get thee down, and then shalt thou come up, thou, and Aaron with thee; but the priests and the people shall not break through to come up unto the Lord, lest he Ijreak forth among them. 25 So Moses went down unto the people, and spoke unto them. CHAPTER XX. 1 ][ And God spoke all these words, say- ing, 2^1 am the Lord thy God, who have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.'' 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thyself any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 Thou shalt not bow thyself down to ' Heb. "House of servants" or "slaves," and means simply the state of bondage or slavery. According to Jewish opinions, "I am the Lord thy God" is the Jirst conuuandment, and enjoins on us to believe in the Eter- nal alone, as God and Creator, who manifested himself to us when we were bondmen in Egypt, whence he redeemed us through the great deeds he wrought in our behalf. " Thou shalt have," &c. commences the second command- ment. '' This means, "watchful of his glory, and unwilling to 1 anion idolatry." • "If the children hate me." — Rashbam. Onkelos M them, nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous*" God, visiting the iniquity of the fiithers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate" me; 6 And showing mercy unto the thousandth generation of them that love me, and keep my commandments. 7 T[ Thou shalt not take'' the name of tlio Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. 8 ^ Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy.^ 9 Six days shalt" thou labour, and do all thy work. 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath in honour of the Lord thy God ; on it thou shalt not do any woi'k, neither thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter*, thy man-seivant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and liallowed it. 12 ^ Honour thy father and thy mother; in order that tliy days may be prolonged upon the land which the Lord thy God giv- eth thee. 13 Tf Thou shalt not kill. ][ Thou shalt not commit adultery. il Thou shalt not steal. ][ Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. 14 ^ Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house. Tl Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.* 15 T[ And all the people perceived*^ the paraphrases, "if the children persevere to sin after their fathers." ^ This means, that we shall not utter, "bear on our lips," the blessed Name. — "Vain" includes hoth false /j/ and itscUsslff. ° Others render, "mayest," or "canst:" still the sense is the same; meaning, that whatever labour is performed must be done in the six week-days, to the exclusion of the sabbath. ' The Hebrew word D'NT from riNI " to see," is evi- dently used here in the general sense, "to perceive," "tc become aware of." 80 EXODUS XX. XXI. MISIIPAHTIM. thunders, and the lightnings, and the sound of the cornet, and the mountain smoking ; and when the people saw it, they removed trembling, and stood afar off. 16 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou j with us, and we will hear;" but let not God speak with us, lest we die. 17 And Moses said unto the people. Fear not; for in order to prove you, did God come, and in order that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. 18 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.* 19 ][ And the Lord said unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that from heaven I have spoken with you. 20 Ye shall not make any thing with me; gods of silver, and gods of gold ye shall not make unto yourselves. 21 An altar of earth shalt thou make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt^ offerings, and thy peace-offerings, thy sheep,^ and thy oxen ; in every place where I shall permit my name to be mentioned, I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. 22 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone; for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it. 23 Neither shalt thou go up by steps upon my altar, that thy nakedness be not laid open thereon. Haphtorah in Isaiah vi. 1 to 13. The Germans read to vii. 6, and add ix. 5 and 6. SECT. XVIII. MISHPAHTIM, D'LDGtTO. CHAPTER XXI. 1 ^ And these are the laws of justice which thou shalt set before them. 2 If thou buy a Hebrew servant, six years ' Onkelos gives, " We will accept," thus signifying their willingness to follow what might be taught them in the name of God, whose presence they feared henceforth to cncounlcr. 15ut Moses, in accepting this trust, assured them that the Lord's object in showing his glory, was merely that they might always remember this scene and Bin not. '' llashi regards " thy sheep and thy oxen" as an ex- planation of the preceding words ; thus, " thy peace-offer- ings of thy sheep and of thy oxen." 90 "shall he serve; and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing. 3 If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself; if he was the husband of a woman, then shall his wife go out with him. 4 If his master should give him a wife, and she bear him sons or daughters: the wife and her children shall belong to her master, and he shall go out by himself 5 And if the servant should plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children ; I will not go out free : 6 Then shall his master bring him unto the judges, and he shall bring him to the door, or unto the door-post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl; and he shall serve him till the jubilee." 7 ]| And if a man sell his daughter for a maid-servant, she shall not go out as the men- servants go out. 8 If she please not her master, to whom he* hath assig-ned her, then shall he aid her to be redeemed; unto a strange nation he shall have no power to sell her, seeing he hath dealt faithlessly with her. 9 And if he should assign her unto his son, then shall he do unto her after the right of the daughters. 10 If he take himself another wife, her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish. 11 And if he do not these three things unto her, then shall she go out free, without money. 12 ][ He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall surely be put to death. 13 And if he did not lie in wait, but God let it come into his hand, then will I appoint thee a place whither he shall flee. 14 ^f But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile, from my altar shalt thou take him, that he may die. "Lit. "for ever;" but servitude is hereafter (Levit. XXV. 10) limited to the Juhike, which is accordingly the eternity of bondage, beyond wliieh it could not exist. '' Arnheim makes the word "man" of verse 7, the nominative of all the verbs in verse 8, and renders the last, "since he acteth faithlessly by her;" meaning, in case he sell her to a foreigner who cannot marry her, by which she becomes a bondwoman, which the children of Israel should never be. Tiiis is a strong proof of the high esteem females enjoyed among the early Israelites. KETURN OK MOSliS KROM IVlOUNX SIKAI. EXODUS XXI. XXII. MISHPAHTIM. 15 Tl And he that smitotli his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death. 16 ^[ And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, and he be found" in his hand, shall surely be put to death. 17 ^[ And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death. 18 ][ And if men strive together, and one smite the other with a stone, or with the fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed : 19 If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his crutch, then shall he that smote him be quit; only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.''' 20 ][ And if a man smite his servant or his maid, Avith a rod, and he die under his hand, it shall be surely avenged. 21 Nevertheless, if he continue alive a day or two, it shall not be avenged; for he is his money. 22 ][ If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her children depart from her, and vet no farther mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, (with a fine,) accord- ing as the husband of the woman will lay upon him; and he shall pay this by the decision of the judges. 23 And if any mischief follow, then shalt thou give life for life, 24 Eye for eye,'' tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 Burning for burning, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. 26 ^ And if a man smite the eye of his sei'- vant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish, he shall let him go free for the sake of his eye. 27 And if he strike out his man-servant's tooth, or his maid-servant's tooth, he shall let him go free for the sake of his tooth. 28 \ If an ox gore a man or a woman, that he die: then shall the ox be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall l^e quit. 29 But if the ox ^vere wont to gore in time past, and warning have been given to his • If witnesses have seen that he has stolen and sold him, and he was found before the sale. — Rashi, after Sanhedrin, 85. *■ According to the laws as executed in Israel, (see Baha Kama, viii. § 1,) this injunction was understood as applying merely to make restitution in money for the in- jury inflicted. That this exposition is strictly conform- owner, and he hath not kept him in, and he killeth a man or a woman: the o.x shall be stoned, twid his owner also should of right be put to death ; 30 But there shall be laid on him a sum of money in atonement, and he shall give the ransom of his life whatsoever may be laid upon him. 31 If he gore a son, or gore a daughter, ac- cording to this judgment shall be done unto him. 32 If the ox gore a man-servant or a maid- servant, thirty shekels of silver shall he" give to his master, and the ox shall be stoned. 33 ^ And if a man open a pit, or if a man dig a pit, and do not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein: 34 The owner of the pit shall make it good, he shall make restitution in money unto the owner thereof; and the de.ad beast shall be his. 35 \ And if one man's ox hurt the ox of another, that he die : then shall they sell the live ox, and divide his money; and the dead ox also they shall divide. 36 But if it be known that tne ox was wont to gore in time past, and his o^vner hath not kept him in : he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall belong to him.'' 37 \ If a man steal an ox or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it: five oxen shall he restore for one ox, and four sheep for one sheep. CHAPTER XXII. 1 If a thief be found while breaking in, and be smitten so that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. 2 If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; he shall make full restitution ; if he have nothing, then shall he be sold for his theft. 3 If the thing stolen be actually found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep, he shall restore double.* 4 ^ If a man cause a field or vineyard to be eaten ofi', and he let his beasts enter, and they feed in another man's field: with the able to the sacred test, can be proved from the passage, Numbers xxxv. 31, "And ye shall not take a ransom for the life of a miu'dcrer who is guilty of death," which clearly means "from a murderer ye shall take no ransom, but ye may do it from one who inflicts a wound only." " The owner of the ox. ^ The English version ends hero chap. xxi. 91 EXODUS XXII. MISHPAHTIM. Ijest of his own field, and with best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution. 5 ^ If a fire break out, and meet wdth thorns, so that stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed thereby, he that kindled the fire shall surely make resti- tution. 6 ^ If a man do deliver unto his neigh- bour money or vessels to keep, and it be stolen out of the man's house : if the thief be found, he shall pay double. 7 If the thief l^e not found, then shall the master of the house be brought unto the judges, (to swear) that he have not stretched out his hand against his neighboui''s goods. 8 For all manner of trespass, for ox, for ass, for lamb, for raiment, or for any manner of lost tiling, of which he" can say, This is it, before the judges shall come the cause of both parties, and he, whom the judges may condemn, shall pay double unto his neigh- bour. 9 ^ If a mau deliver unto his neighbour an ass, or an ox, or a lamb, or any beast, to keep; and it die, or be hurt, or driven away, no man seeing it : 10 Then shall an oath of the Lord be lie- tween them both, that he have not stretched out his hand against his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept this, and he shall not make it good. 11 But if it be stolen from him, he shall make restitution unto the owner thereof. 12 K it be torn in pieces, then let him bring it as evidence ;'' that which was torn he shall not make good. 13 ][ And if a man borrow aught of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof not being with it, he shall surely make it good. 14 But if the owner thereof be with it, he shall not make it good ; if it be a hired thing, the loss is included in its hire." 15 ^ And if a man seduce a virgin that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife. * " The witness," »'. e. which he can identify. — Aben Ezra. — From 6 to 8 is considered as rehiting to a case where the goods arc left without cliarge for keeping; but from 9 to 12 where hire is paid for the care required. ''Compare with Amos iii. 12. Rashi and Onkelos: " He shall bring witnesses." " Meaning, tiie owner can only claim the money agreed upon for the hire, but no farther restitution. This ver- 92 16 If her father refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins. 17 1[ Thou shaft not suffer a witch to live. 18 Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death. 19 ^ lie that sacrificeth unto any god, save imto the Lord only, shall be utterly de- stroyed. 20 And a stranger thou shalt not vex, and shalt not oppress him ; for strangers ye were in the land of Egypt. 21 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or father- less child. 22 If thou afflict him in anj' wise;"^ (for if he cry at all unto me, I will surely hear his cry:) 23 My wrath shall wax hot, and I will slay you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless. 24 ^ If thou lend money to my people, to the poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as a lender of money ; thou slialt not lay upon him usury. 25 If thou take at all thy neighbour's raiment in pledge, thou shalt restore it unto him by the time the sun goeth do'wn ; 26 For it is his only covei'ing, it is his raiment for his skin; wherein shall he sleej)? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious.* 27 ^ The judges thou shalt not revile;" and a ruler among thy people thou shalt not curse. 28 The first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors, shalt thou not delay to offer; the first-born of thy sons shalt thou give unto me. 29 In like manner shalt thou do with thy ox, Avith thy sheep; seven days it shall be with its dam; on the eighth day thou shalt give it me. 30 And holy men shall ye be unto me: and fiesh that is torn of beasts in the field, shall ye not eat; to the dogs shall ye cast it. sion is according to Ben 'Uzziel and Mendelssohn; literally, "it comes (in) with its hire." * Kashi regards this as an elliptical verse, thus : "If thou afflict him, thou shalt surely be punished, because, should he cry unto me, I will hear his cry." ' " This is a prohibition both against blasphemy, and cursing tin- judges who sit in the place of God to do justice." — Hasiii, after Saiihedrin, 67. EXODUS XXIII. xMISHPAHTlM. CHAPTER XXIII. 1 ^ Thou shalt not receive a false report : put not thy hand with tlae wicked to be an unrighteous witness. 2 ][ Thou slialt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause, to incline after many, to wrest judgment. o Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause. 4 ]y If thou meet thy enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. 5 T[ If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest for- bear to unload him, (thou must not do so, but) thou shalt surely unload with him.* G ][ Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause. 7 Kepp thyself far from a false speech ; and him who hath been declared innocent and rigliteous thou shalt not slay ; for I will not justify the wicked. 8 And thou shalt take no bribe ; for the bribe blindeth the clear-sighted, and per- verteth the words of the righteous. 9 And a stranger slialt thou not oppress ; for ye know well the spirit of the stranger, seeing ye yourselves were strangers in the laud of Egypt. 10 And six years shalt thou sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof; 11 But the seventh year shalt thou let it rest and lie still ; that the needy of thy people may eat (of it) ; and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat: in like manner shalt thou deal with thy vineyard, and with thy olive tree. 12 Six days shalt thou do thy work, and on the seventh day shalt thou rest ; that thy ox and thy ass may repose, and the son of thy hand-maid, and tlie stranger, may be refreshed. 13 And in all things that I have said unto you be on your guard; and of tlie name of other gods ye shall make no mention, it shall not be heard out of thy mouth. 14 Three times shalt thou keep a feast unto me in the year. 15 The feast of unleavened bread shalt thou keep; seven days shalt thou eat unlea- vened bread, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month of Abib ; for in it thou earnest out from Egypt: and none shall ap- pear betore me empty. 16 And the feast of harvest, of the first- fruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in thy field : and the feast of ingathering, at the conclusion of the year, when thou gatherest in thy labours out of the field. 17 Three times in the year shall all thy males appear before the Lord, the Eternal. 18 Thou shalt not ofler the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread;" neither shall the fat of my festive sacrifice remain until morning. 19 The first of the first^ruits of thy land shalt thou bring unto the house of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in its mother's milk.'-' 20 ^ Behold, I send an angel before thee, to keep thee on the way, and to bring thee unto the place which I have jjrepared. 21 Beware of him, and obey his voice, disobey him not ; for he will not pardon your transgression, because my name is in him. 22 But if thou wilt carefully hearken to his voice, and do all that I shall speak : then will I be an enemy unto thy enemies, and af- flict those that afflict thee. 23 For my angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Emorites, and the Hit^ tites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites ; and I will cut them off. 24 Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their deeds ; but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and com- pletely break down their statuary images. 25 And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he will bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will remove sickness from the midst of thee.* 26 ^ There shall be no one casting her children, nor a barren woman, in thy land: the number of thy days I will make full. 27 My terror will I send Ijefore thee, and will l)ring in confusion all the people to which thou shalt come ; and I will make all thy ene- mies turn their back unto thee. 28 And I will send hornets before thee, and they shall drive out the Hivite, the Ca- naanite, and the Hittite, from before thee. 29 I will not drive them out from Ijeforc thee in one year ; lest the land become deso- " This moans that the passover-lamh shall not he slain on the fourteenth of the first mouth, till all the kaveu has heen previously removed. EXODUS XXIV. MISHPAIITIM. late, and the beast of the field multiply against thee. 30 Little by little will I drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased and canst possess the land. 31 And T will set thy bounds from the Red Sea unto the sea of tlie Philistines, and from the desert unto the river; for I will deliver into your hand the inhabitants of the land, and thou shalt drive them out before thee. 32 Thou shalt not make a covenant with them, nor with their gods. 33 They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they cause thee to sin against me ; for thou mightest (be led* to) serve their gods, and this would surely be a snare unto thee. CHAPTER XXIV. 1 ][ And unto Moses he said. Come up un- to the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the eldei's of Israel; and ye shall bow yourselves down afar off. 2 And Moses alone shall come near unto the Lord, but they shall not come nigh; and the people shall not go up with him. 3 And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the laws of justice ;'' and all the people answered with one voice, and said. All the words which the Lord hath spoken will we do. 4 And Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord, and he rose up early in the morn- ing, and built an altar at the foot of the mount, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 And he then sent the young men" of the children of Israel, and they oifered burnt- offerings, and sacrified peace-ofierings unto the Lord, of oxen. 6 And Moses took the half of the blood, and put it in basins; and the (other) half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 7 And he took the book of the covenant, ■Mendelssohn; Rashi, however, renders, "that thou mightest serve their gods, which," &c. '' Those laws according to which judgment is to be pronounced by the judges. The word D'OStyo in this sense, is rendered in the English version "judgments," which is the same used for □•□■Jiy, properly "judicial pu- nishments." ' "The first-born." — Onkelos and Eashi. '' "In the vision of prophecy." (See Isaiah vi. 1.) — Abf.n Ezra. '' v'7jT nnni is correctly given by Arnlu'iui, " that under his feet," i. c. the footstool, or, there where his 04 and read in the hearing of the people ; and they said. All that the Lord hath spoken will we do and obey. 8 And Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these wox'ds. 9 Then went up Moses, with Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel. 10 And they saw* the God of Israel ; and the place" imder his feet was like a paved work of brilliant sapphire, and like the colour of heaven in clearness. 11 And against the nobles of the children of Israel he stretched not forth his hand ; and they saw (the glory of) God, and did eat and drink.*^ 12 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, come up to me to the mount, and remain there: and I will give thee the tables of stone, with the law, and the commandment which I have written, to teach them. 13 And Moses rose up, and his servant Jo- shua ; and Moses went up to the mount of God. 14 .And unto the elders he said, Tarry ye for us here, until the time we come again un- to you; and, behold, Aaron and Chur are with you, whoever may have an}^ cause to be decided, let him come unto them. 15 And Moses went up to the mount, and the cloud covered the mount.''' 16 And the glory of the Lord abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days; and he called unto Moses on the seventh day out of the midst of the cloud. 17 And the aj^pea ranee of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the toji of the mount, before the eyes of the children of Israel. 18 And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and ascended the mount; and Moses was on the mount forty days and forty nights. Haphtorah in Jeremiah xxxiv. 8-22 and xxxiii. 25, 20. feet rested. So also the Septuagint, jtoi ra vnii roi-s Ttoia; avtov ' Onkelos paraphrases this verse : " And unto the chiefs of the children of Israel there happened no injury, and they beheld the glory of God, and they rejoiced in the favourable reception of their sacrifices, as though they ate and drank," Dulmo, after Ramban : " They ate the peace- ofi'erings before tiie altar, at the foot of the mount, and they drank, making the occasion one of joy, and a holi- day ; for it is a duty to rejoice at the reception of the law; see also Deuteroiiuniy xxvii. 7, ' And thou shalt slay peace-offerings, and eat lliem there.'" EXODUS XXV. TERUMAH. SECTION XIX. TERUMAH, HOnn. CHAPTER XXV. 1 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they may bring me an oflering;" from every man whose heart prompteth him thereto shall ye take my ofteriug. 3 And this is the offering which ye shall take from them : gold, and silver, and co^^per, 4 And blue, and j^urple, and scarlet yarn, and linen thread, and goats' hair, 5 And rams' skins died red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,"" 6 Oil for lighting, spices for the anointing oil, and for the incense of spices, 7 Onyx stones, and stones for setting, for the ephod, and for the breastplate. 8 And the3' shall make me a sanctuary; and I will dwell in the midst of them. 9 In accordance with all that I show thee, the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it. 10 ][ And they shall make an ark of shittim wood; two culjits and a half shall be its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubJ-t and a half its height. 11 And thou shaft overlay it ^vith pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it; and thou slialt make upon it a crown of gold round about. 12 And thou shalt cast for it four rings of gold, and put them on the four corners thereof; namely, two rings shall be on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it. 13 And thou slialt make staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold. 14 And thou shalt place tlie staves into the rings, upon the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them. " nann, elsewhere given with " heave-offering," is ex- plained bj' Rashi to mean " something separated from a mass," and it saj's here, " they shall set aside for me from their money a free-will offering." " Some render this word with "acacia wood," viz. that of the Acacia arahica, which is said to be very durable, light, but growing dark with age. The word is of Egyp- tian origin. — After PlllLlprsoN. ■^ The English version, after the Vulgate and Luther, readers mgj with "mercy-seat," no doubt deriving the 15 In the rings of the ark shall the staves remain ; they shall not be removed therefrom. 16 And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I will give unto thee.* 17 And thou shalt make a cover'' of pure gold ; two cubits and a half shall be its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth. 18 And thou shalt make two cherubim of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, on the two ends of the cover. 19 And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end; from the cover itself shall ye make the cherubim on the two ends thereof 20 And the cherubim shall be spreading forth their wings on iiigh, overshadowing the cover with their wings, with their faces turned one to the other; toward the cover shall the faces of the cherubim be directed. 21 And thou shalt put the cover aljove upon the ark; aud in the ark shalt thou put the testimony which I will give unto thee. 22 And I will meet with tliee there, and I will speak with thee from above the cover, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, all that which I will command thee unto the children of Israel. 23 ^ Thou shalt also make a table of shittim wood ; two cubits shall be its length, and a cubit its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height. 24 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, and make thereto a crown of gold round about. 25 And thou shalt make unto it a rim of a hand's breadth round about ; and thou shalt make a golden crown on its rim round about. 26 And thou shalt make for it four rings of gold, and thou shalt put the rings on the four corners that are on its four feet. 27 Close under the rim shall the rings be; as receptacles for the staves, to bear the table. 28 And thou shalt make the staves of shit- tim wood, and overlay them with gold; and the table shall be borne with them. word from 1-33 "to pardon," thus: "The place whence pardon is obtained." The Midrash Tancliuraa agrees with this, saying, "Why was it called msD? because it atoned for the sins niSDO of Israel." The Septuaginf and Japheth (the last cjuoted by Aben Ezra) combine both ideas, "the cover of atonement." Philippson translate.^ accordingly with " SuhnpJaltc" Rashi, however, gives it simply 'loj "cover." In the course of this work it is probable that " mercy-seat" may be used — as a para- phrase, however, not as a literal version of the word. Bo EXODUS XXV. XXVI. TERUMAII. 29 Aud thou shalt make its dishes, and its spoons, and its supporters," and its purifying tubes, wherewith (the bread) is to be covered : of pure gold shalt thou make them. 00 And thou shalt set upon the table show- bread Ijefore me always.* 31 ][ Aud thou shalt make a candlestick'' of pure gold : of beaten work shall the candle- stick be made; its shaft, and its branches, its bowls, its knobs, and its flowers, shall be out of one piece with it. 32 And six branches shall come out of its sides; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side. 33 Three bowls, almond-shaped, shall be on one branch, with a knob and a flower; and three bowls almond-shaped on the other branch, with a knob and a flower: so on the six branches that come out of the candlestick. 34 And on the candlestick itself shall be four bowls, almond-shaped, (with) its knobs and its flowers. 35 And there shall be a knob under the two branches that come out of the same, and a knob under the two branches that come out of the same, and a knob under the two branches that come out of the same; for the six brandies that proceed out of the candlestick. 36 Their knobs aud their branches shall be out of one piece with it ; all of it shall be one piece of beaten work of pure gold. 37 And thou shalt make its seven lamps; and when they light its lamps, it shall give light toward the body of it. 38 And its tongs, and its snufl-dishes shall be of pure gold. 39 Out of a talent of pure gold shall he" make it, with all these vessels. 40 And look that thou make them after their pattern, which thou wast shown on the mount.* CHAPTER XXVI. 1 ][ The tabernacle also shalt thou make of ten curtains, of twisted linen thread, aud ° " The supporters" ai-e said to have been four stakes of gohl standing upun the floor, two on each side of the table; they were groiived so as to receive tlic "purifying tubes," whicli wen; placed between one loaf of the show- bread and the other, so as to admit of a fresh ])assage of air between them ; others reverse the onhM-, and render, "its tubes and its supporters." '' More correctly, "chandelier." 96 blue, and purple, aud scarlet yum, \\ith che- rubim, of weaver's'' work shalt thou make them. 2 The length of each curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits: there sliall be one mea- sure for all the curtains. 3 Five of the curtains shall be coupled together, one to another; and the other five curtains shall be coupled, one to an- other. 4 And thou shalt make loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain which is on the out- side in the (one) coupling; and the like shalt thou make on the edge of the curtain which is the outmost iu the second coupling. 5 Fifty loops shalt thou make on the one curtain, and fifty loojjs shalt thou make on the edge of the curtain that is in the second coupling; the loops shall be fixed opposite each'other. 6 And thou shalt make fifty hooks of gold; and thou shalt couple the curtains together one unto the other with the hooks, and the tabernacle shall thus be one piece. 7 And thou shalt make curtains of goats' hair for a tent over the tabernacle; eleven curtains shalt thou make the same. 8 The length of each curtain shall be tliirty cubits, and the Ijreadth of each curtain four cubits: there shall be one measure for the eleven curtains. 9 And thou shalt couple five of the cur- tains by themselves, and six of the curtains l^y themselves; aud thou shalt doul^le the sixth curtain towiird the front side of the tabernacle. 10 And thou shalt make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is the outmost in the (one) coupling, and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain of the second coupling. 11 And thou shalt make fifty hooks of cop- per; and thou shalt put the hooks into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one piece. 12 And the part hanging over in the excess ° i. e. The unknown maker, whoever he may be. This construction is very common in Hebrew. '' 3tyn "weaver," is here used in contradistinction to □pi "the embroiderer." The figures in this instance were to be woven in, while in the other they were to be wrought with a needle, as the "embroiderer" does. The weaver is called 3tyn from the fact that "thought" or "art" is re- quired ta produce the figures in the loom ; therefore, per- EXODUS XXVI. TERUMAH. of the curtains of the tent," the half curtain which is over, shall hang down over the back part of the tabernacle. 13 And the cubit on the one side, and the cubit on the other side in the excess in the length of the curtains of the tent, shall be luiniiint!; down over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it. 14 And thou shalt make a cover for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a cover of badgers' skins above.'-' 15 T[ And thou shalt make the boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up. 16 Ten cubits shall be the length of each board, and a cubit and a half shall be the breadth of each one board. 17 There shall be two tenons for every board, fitted in, one against the other: the like shalt thou make for all the boards of the tabernacle. 18 And thou shalt make the boards for the tabernacle: twenty boards for the south side, on the right. 19 And forty sockets of silver shalt thou make" under the twenty boards ; two sockets under the one board lor its two tenons, and two sockets under the other board for its two tenons. 20 And for the other side of the tabernacle, for the north side, there shall be twent}^ boards ; 21 And their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under the one board, and two sockets under the other board. 22 And for the back wall of the tabernar cle, westward, thou shalt make six boards. 23 And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the back wall. 24 And they shall be closely fitting to- gether beneath, and they shall be closely baps, "artificial weaver;" German, " Kunstweber;" tbe simple artisan is called jix. ' Tbat is : wbat exceeds tbe lengtb of tbe former or tabernacle curtains, they being but ten, wbilo tbe tent curtains were eleven, or forty cubits against forty-four, shall hang trailing down at the back of the tabernacle, while the other half, or two cubits in breadth, was to . be doubled over and hung down in the front, over the en- trance curtain of the sacred structure, as a species of festoon. ^ Meaning: the boards were wrought so as to fit quite smoothly, one to the other; and the upper end was cut in about an inch from each border, through which a ring, or clamp, was inserted to hold each two together. While N joined together on the top by means of one ring:'' thus shall it be for both of them; for the two corners shall they be. 25 And so they shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets: two sockets under the one board, and two sockets under the other board. 20 And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood: five, for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle; 27 And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the Ijoards of the side of the tabernacle, for the back wall, westward ; 28 And the middle bar in the midst of the boards, passing from the one end to the other end. 29 And the boards thou shalt overlay with gold, and their rings thou shalt make of gold, as receptacles for the bars; and tliou shalt overlay the bars with gold. 30 And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle, according to the fashion thereof, which thou hast been shown on the mount.* 31 ^ And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet yarn, and twisted linen, of weavers' work shall it be made, with cherubim. 32 And thou shalt hang'' it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid Avith gold; their hooks also shall be of gold; upon four sockets of silver. 33 And thou shalt hang up the vail under the hooks;' and thou shalt bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony; and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the holy of holies. 34 And thou shalt put the cover upon the ark of the testimony in the holy of holies. 35 And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the thus tbe tops of the boards were firmly joined, the bars next described were either inserted in the rings, on the outside of the boards, or through their centre, tlius ren- dering the temporary structure one of great firmness. ■= Lit. "Thou shalt place." The same is also in v. 3.3. '' Above we are told that the curtains, forming what i.s called the "tabernacle," should be coupled by means of golden hooks. This work was thrown over the boards after they were set up ; and as it rested over the front of the sanctuary, the books of course were at tbe end of the twentieth cubit thereof; consequently they divided the tabernacle proper into two unequal parts : the one of twenty cubits was tbe holy place; the other i if ten cubits, beyond the vail, the holy of holies. EXODUS XXVI. XXVII. XXVIll. TETZAVVEH. talile on the side of the tabernacle, toward the south; and the table thou shalt put on the north side. 36 And thou shalt make a hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet .yarn, and twisted linen ; the work of the embroiderer. 37 And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars of shittim wood, and overlap- them with gold, their hooks also shall be of gold; and thou shalt cast for them five sockets of copper.* CHAPTER XXVII. 1 ^ And thou shalt make the altar of shittim wood : five cubits long, and five cubits broad, a foursquare shall the altar be, and three cubits shall be its height. 2 And thou shalt make its horns on its four corners, from itself shall its boms be; and thou shalt overlay it with copper. 3 And thou shalt make its pots to receive its ashes, and its shovels, and its basins, and its forks, and its fire-pans ; all its vessels thou shalt make of copper. 4 And thou shalt make for it a grating, of a network of copper; and thou shalt make upon the net four rings of copper, on its four corners. 5 And thou shalt put it under the compass* of the altar beneath, and the net shall reach even to the half of the altar. 6 And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with copper. 7 And the staves shall be put into the riugs, and the staves shall be upon the two sides of the altar, when they bear it.'' 8 Hollow, of boards, shalt thou make it; a.s it was shown to thee on the mount, so shall they make it.* 9 ^ And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side, on the right, the hangings for the court, of twisted linen, shall be a hundred cubits in length, for the one side. 10 And its pillars shall be twenty, with their twenty sockets of copper; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall ho of silver. 11 Aud likewise for the north side in the length there shall be hangings one hundred • I. e. A sort of gallerj' running round the altar, on which the priests stood iu ofiering. 98 cubits in length, and its pillars twenty with theii' twenty sockets of copper; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver. 12 And (for) the breadth of the court on the west side shall be fifty cubits of hangings ; their pillars shall be ten, and their sockets ten. 13 And the breadth of the court on the ' front side, eastward, shall be fifty cubits. ! 14 And fifteen cubits of hangings shall be on the one wing; their pillars shall be three and their sockets three. 15 And on the other wing shall be fifteen cubits of hangings ; their j^iHars shall be three, and their sockets three. 16 And for the gate of the court shall be a hanging of twenty cubits, of blue, and pur- ple, and scarlet yarn, and twisted linen, the work of the embroiderer; with four pillars for the same, and their four sockets.'^' 17 All the pillars round about the court shall be filleted with silver; their hooks shall be of silver, and their sockets of copper. 18 The length of the court shall be one hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty b_y fifty, and the height five cubits, of twisted linen, and the sockets for the same of copper. 19 All the vessels of the tabernacle iu all the service thereof, aud all its pins, and all the pins of the court, shall be of copper. Haphtorah in 1 Kings v. 26 to vi. 13. SECTION XX. TETZAVVEH, mvn. 20 *(\ And tliou shalt command the chil- dren of Israel, that they bring thee pure olive oil, beaten out, for the lighting, to cause a light to burn always. 21 In the tabernacle of the congregation, without the vail, which is before the testi- mony, shall Aaron with his sous arrange it (for) from the evening to the morning, be- fore the Lord; as a statute for ever unto their generations, on behalf of the children of Israel. CHAPTER XXVIII. 1 ^ And thou shalt let come near unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may be a priest unto me; Aaron, Nadab '' This implies, that at other times they shall be taken out, but from the ark they were never to be iiio\ed. EXODUS XXVIII. TETZAVVJ]H. and Abihu, Elazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aai'on. 2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, for glory and for orna- ment. 3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are ■wiseheartcd, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make gar- ments for Aaron, to sanctify him, that lie may be a priest unto me. 4 And these are the garments which they shall make : a breastplate, and an ephod, and a, robe, and a checkered coat, a mitre, and a girdle; and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and for his sons, to Ije a i^riest unto me. 6 And they shall take the gold, and the blue, and purple, and scarlet yarn, and the linen. 6 ^ And they shall make the ephod, of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet yarn," and twisted linen, of weaver's work. 7 Two shoulder-pieces shall it have joined at the two edges thereof; by which it shall be joined together.'' 8 And the belt for girding, which is upon it, shall he of the same make, out of the same piece with itself; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet yarn, and twisted hnen. 9 And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the chil- dren of Israel : 10 Six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the remaining six on the other stone, according to the order of their birth. 11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engraving of a signet, shalt thou en- grave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel; fitted in settings of gold shalt thou make them. 12 And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulder-pieces of the epliod as stones of memorial unto the children of Israel; and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders for a memorial.* ° Where this word is used in the present version, it means "woollen" yarn; the term is not employed how- ever in the Hebrew, which merely has always "blue, pur- ple, and scarlet." *" Arnheim thinks that this means "to the breastplate," which was, as afterward directed, joined to the ephod; but Rashi understands it to convey that the shoulder- pieces should be sewed on the ephod, not woven with it iu one piece. 13 •[[ And thou shalt make casings of gold ; 14 And two chains of pure gold, with knots at the ends, of wreathed work shalt thou make them, and thou shalt fasten the wreathed chains to the casings. 15 ^f And thou shalt make the breastjjlate of judgment, of weaver's work; after tlie work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet yarn, and of twisted linen, shalt thou make it. 16 Four-square shall it be, double; a span in length, and a span in breadth. 17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones : the first row, a sardius,'' a topaz, and an emerald ; this shall be the first row. 18 And the second row, a carbuncle, a sapphire, and a diamond. 19 And the third row, an opal, a turquoise, and an amethyst. 20 And the fourth row, a chrysolite, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be litlcd in golden casings when they are set in. 21 And the stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names ; (engraved) with the engraving of a signet, every one according to his name, shall they be for the. twelve tribes. 22 And thou shalt make on the breastplate chains with knots at the ends, of wreathed work, of pure gold. 23 And thou shalt make ou the breast- plate two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. 24 And thou shalt put the tAvo wreathed chains of gold in the two rings, on the ends of the breastplate. 25 And the (other) two ends of the two wreathed chains thou shalt fasten on the two casings, and put them ou the shoulder-pieces of the ephod on the outside thereof. 26 And thou shalt make two rings of gold, ;md thou shalt put them on the two ends of the breastplate on its border, which is on the opposite side of the ephod, in\\'ard. ' "Or ruby." The correct meaning of the names of the jewels in the breastplate is so uncertain that both Mendelssohn and Arnheim have left them untranslated. They are supported in this omission by the great diversity of opinion prevailing among commentators. The version given in the present text must therefore be looked upon as an approximation, developed in a note to Arnheim's version. 99 EXODUS XXVIII. XXIX. TETZAVVEH. 27 And thou shalt make two more rings of gold, and shalt put them on the two shoulder-iaieces of the epliod underneath, to- ward its front part, close by its seam, above the gii'dle of the ephod, 28 And they shall fasten the breastplate by its rings unto the rings of the e2)hod with a lace of blue, that it may remain on the girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod. 29 And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judg- ment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy jalace, for a memorial before the Lord continually. 30 And thou shalt put into the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be ujjon Aaron's heart, when he goetli in before the Lord ; and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the Lord continually.'^' 31 ^ And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod altogether of blue woollen yarn. 32 And there shall be an opening in the top of it, in the midst thereof; it shall have a binding of woven work, round about its opening, as it is on the opening of an haber- geon, so shall it be thereon, that it be not rent. 33 And thou shalt make on its lower hem pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet yarn, round about its lower hem; and bells of gold between them round about: 34 A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, on the lower hem of the robe round about. 35 And it shall be upon Aaron when he ministereth; and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the Lord, and when he cometh out, that he die not. 3G T[ And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engraving of a signet, Holy unto the Lord. 37 And thou shalt fasten it on a lace of blue, and it .^^liall be upon the mitre; upon the front of the mitre shall it be. 38 And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead; and Aaron shall atone for the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be upon his forelipad always, that they may be received in iavour befcjre the Lord. 39 And tliou .shalt make the coat of linen 100 checkered, and thou shalt make a mitre of linen, and a girdle shalt thou make of em- broiderer's work. 40 And for Aaron's sons shalt thou make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles ; and bonnets thou shalt make for them, for glory and for ornament. 41 And thou shalt clothe therewith Aaron thy brother, and his sous with him ; and thou shalt anoint them, and consecrate" them, and sanctify them, that they may be priests unto me. 42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness ; from the loins even unto the thighs shall they reach. 43 And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place ; that they bear not iniquit}-, and die ; a statute for ever shall it be for him and for his seed after him.* CHAPTER XXIX. 1 ][ And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to become priests unto me: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish, 2 And unleavened bread, and unleavened cakes, mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers, anointed with oil; of fine wheaten flour shalt thou make them. 3 And thou shalt put them into one basket, and Ijring them near*" in the basket, with the bullock and the two rams. 4 And Aaron and his sons shalt thou bring near unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water. 5 And thou shalt take the garments, and clothe Aaron with the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breasts plate, and gird him with the girdle of the ejjhod : C And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and thou shalt fasten the holy crown upon the mitre. 7 Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and poiu' it upon his head, and anoint him. * Heb. " Fill their hand ;" the consecration is to say a gift, placed in the Land of a man, thu.s filling it with the same. EXODUS XXIX. TETZAVVEH. 8 And his sons shalt thou bring near, and clothe them with coats. 9 And thou shalt gird them with the gir- dles, Aaron and his sons, and bind the bonnets on them; and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute : and thus shalt thou consecrate Aaron and his sons. 10 And thou shalt cause the bullock to be brought before the tabernacle of the congre- gation : and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands upon the head of the bullock. 11 And thou shalt kill the bullock before the Lord, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 12 And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and all the remaining" blood shalt thou pour out beside the bottom of the altar. 13 And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the midriff alcove the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and Ijurn them upon the altar. 14 But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire, without the camp : it is a sin-oflering. 15 And the one ram shalt thou take; and Aaron and his sons shall la}- their hands upon the head of the ram. 16 And thou shalt slay the ram, and thou shalt take his blood, and sprinkle it upon the altar round about. 17 And the ram shalt thou cut in jjieces, and wash his inwards, and his legs, and put them with his pieces, and with his head. 18 And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar, it is a burnt-ofltering unto the Lord; it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the Lord.'^ 19 And thou shalt take the other ram ; and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands upon the head of the ram. 20 Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of his blood, and put it upon the tip^ of Aaron's right ear, and upon the tip of the right ear of his sons, and upon the thumb of their right hand, and upon the great toe of * The literal rendering would be " all the blood," the word " remaining" is supplied by Kashi, and is required by the context, as likewise in other parallel passages. '' More correctly, the central prominent portion of the ear, the anti-helix. their right foot, and sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about. 21 And thou shalt take of the Ijlood that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle them upon Aaron, and upon liis garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him : and he shall be hallowed, together with his garments, and his sons, and the garments of his sons with him. 22 And thou shalt take from the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the midriff above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is uptm them, and the right shoulder; for it is a ram of consecration ; 23 And one loaf of bread, and one cake of the oiled bread, and one wafer, out of the basket of the unleavened bread that is before the Lord. 24 And thou shalt put all this upon the hands of Aaron, and upon the hands of his sons; and thou shalt make with them a waving before the Lord. 25 And thou shalt then take them from their hands, and burn them upon the altar upon the burnt>offering ; for a sweet savour before the Lord, it is an offering made by fire unto the Lord. 26 And thou shalt take the breast of the ram of the consecration that belongeth to Aaron, and make therewith a waving" before the Lord; and it shall belong to thee as thy portion. 27 And thou shalt sanctify the breast which hath been waved, and the shoulder Avhich hath been lifted up, which was waved, and which was heaved up, of the ram of the co i- secration, of tliat which belongeth to Aaron, and of that which belongeth to his sons : 28 That they shall belong to Aaron and to his sons, as a statute forever, from the chil- dren of Israel ; for it is a heave-offering ; and a heave-offering it shall remain from the chil- dren of Israel, from the sacrifices of their peace- offerings, as their heave-offering unto the Lord. 29 And the holy garments belonging to Aaron shall be for his sons after him, to ° The owner of the sacrifice placed the pieces on his hands, and the priest put his under the other's, and they together waved the sacrifice to the four corners of heaven, lifted and lowered it; this is the " waving and lifting up'' spoken of iu the text. 101 EXODUS XXIX. XXX. TETZAVVEH. anoint them therein, and to consecrate them therein. 30 Seven days shall that one of his sons put them on who is to be priest in his place, who is to go into the tabernacle of the con- gregation to minister in the sanctuary. 31 And the ram of the consecration shalt thou take, and seethe liis flcsli in a holy place. 32 And Aaron with his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 33 And they shall eat those things where- with the atonement was made, to consecrate them and to sanctify them; but a stranger shall not eat thereof, because they are holy. 34 And if aught of the flesh of the conse- cration sacrifice, or of the bread, remain unto the morning, then shalt thou burn the re- mainder with fire ; it shall not be eaten, be- cause it is holy. 35 And thou shalt do unto Aaron, and to his sons thus, all as I have commanded thee; seven days shalt thou consecrate them. 36 And a bullock shalt thou ofier every day for a sin-offering as an atonement :" and thou shalt cleanse the altar, in as much as thou makest an atonement upon it ; and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it. 37 Seven days shalt thou make an atone- ment ujjon the altar and sanctify it ; and the altar shall be most holy; whatsoever'' toucheth the altar shall be holy.* 38 ^f And this is what thou shalt offer upon the altar : Two sheep of the first year for eveiy day, continually. 39 The one sheep shalt thou offer in the morning ; and the other sheep shalt thou offer toward evening. 40 And a tenth part of fine flour mingled with the fourth part of a hin of beaten oil, and the fourth part of a hin of wine for a drink-offering, shall be for the one sheep. 41 And the other sheep shalt thou offer to- ward evening; according to the meat-offering . of the morning, aud according to its drink- olli'ring shalt thou do unto it, for a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the Lord. " After llaslii. But Aben Ezra renders, " in addition to the atonement," referring to the two rams mentioned above. ^ Aben Ezra quotes an opinion, which is partly that of Onkelos, that this should be rendered, " whoever toucheth 102 42 A cofitinual burnf^offering throughout your generations (shall this be) at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord; where I will meet with you, to speak unto thee there. 43 And I will meet there with the children of Israel, and it shall be sanctified by my glory. 44 And I will sanctify the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar: and both Aaron and his sons will I sanctify, that they may be priests unto me. 45 And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and I will be to them for a God. 46 And they shall know that I am the Eternal, their God, who brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I might dwell among them : I am the Lord their God. CHAPTER XXX. 1 *i\ And thou shalt make an altar to burn in- cense upon, of shittim wood shalt thou make it. 2 A cubit shall be its length, and a cubit its Ijreadth. foursquare shall it be; and two cu]:)its shall Ije its height ; from itself shall its horns be. 3 And thou shalt overlay it with piu'e gold, its top, and its sides round about, and its horns; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of- gold round about. 4 And two rings of gold shalt thou make for it beneath its crown, on its two corners shalt thou make them, ujDon both its sides; and the_y shall be as receptacles for the staves to bear it by means of them. 5 Aud thou shalt make the staves of shit- tim wood, and overlay them with gold. 6 And thou shalt put it before the vail that is before the ark of the testimony, before the mercy-seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee. 7 And Aaron sluiU burn thereon incense of spices; every morning when he dresseth the lamps, shall he burn it.'-' 8 And when Aaron lighteth the lamps to ward evening, shall he burn it; a per2)etual incense before the Lord, throughout 3'our generations. 9 Ye shall not offer thereon any strange" the altar must be holy," excluding those who are unclean from touching thereon. Arnheim translates in the same manner. ° i. r. Any after, v. 34. iithor incense than that commanded liere- (8ec also Levit. x. 1.) EXODUS XXX. KI TISSAH. Incense, or burnt-sacrifice, or meat-ofiering; and a drink-ofl'ering shall yc not pour thereon. 10 And Aaron shall make au atonement upon its horns once in a year; with the blood of the sin-oflering of the day of atonement,' once in the year, shall he make atonement upon it, throughout your generations; it is most holy unto the Lokd. Haphtorah in Ezokiel xliii. 10 to 27. SECTION XXI. KI TISSAH, Uti'n O. 11 ][ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 12 When thou takest the sum of the chil- dren of Israel of those who are to be num- bered of them, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the Lord, when they number them; that there be no plague among them, when they number them. 13 This shall they give, every one that passeth among those that are numbered, Half a shekel after the shekel oi the sanctuary; twenty gerahs to the shekel; the half of the shekel shall be the tribute to the Lord. 14 Every one that passeth among those that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give the tribute unto the Lord. 15 The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than the half of a shekel, as a tribute unto the Lord, to make an atonement for your souls. 16 And thou shalt take the money of the atonement from the children of Israel, and shalt employ it for the service of the taber- nacle of the congregation; and it shall be unto the children of Israel as a memorial be- fore the Lord, to make an atonement for your souls. 17 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 18 Thou shalt also make a laver of copper, with its foot of copper, to wash withal : and thou shalt set it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put therein water. 19 And Aaron and his sons shall wash out of it their hands and their feet. ' See Leviticus xvi. 18, where it is ordained that on the Day of Atonement the Wood of a steer and a goat should be sprinkled on this altar; at other times nothing but in- cen.se was burnt on it. 20 When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, shall tliey wash themselves with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to laiu-n an offering made by fire unto the Lord. 21 And they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not; and it shall be to them a statute for evei", even to him and to his seed throughout their generations. 22 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 23 And thou, take unto thj'self princi})al spices: of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon, its half' shall be two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet cahv mus two hundred and fifty shekels, 24 And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of olive- oil one hin. 25 And thou shalt make of it an (jil of holy anointing, a mixture, compounded after the art of the apothecary: an oil of holy anointing shall it be. 26 And thou shalt anoint therewith the tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, 27 And tlie table and all its vessels, and the candlestick and its vessels, and the altar of incense, 28 And the altar of burnt-oflering with all its vessels, and the laver and its foot. 29 And thou shalt sanctify them, and they shall be most holy ; whatsoever toucheth them shall be holy. 30 And Aaron and his sons shalt thou anoint, and consecrate them to be priests unto me. 31 And unto the children of Israel shalt thou speak, sajing. An oil of holy anointing shall this be unto me throughout your gene- rations. 32 Upon the flesh of man shall it not be poured, and after its proportion shall ye not make any thing like it; it is holy, and holy shall it be unto you. 33 Whosoever compouudeth the like of it, or whosoever putteth any of it upon a stran- ger, shall be cut ofi' from his people. 34 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, Take *■ "The half of what is brought of it shall be two hun- dred shekels, which gives the weight of the whole e()ual to that of the myrrh." — Talmod Keritotii. 103 EXODUS XXX. XXXI. KI TISSAH. unto thee spices, balm, and 0113 eha, and gal- banum, spices, with pure frankincense : of each shall there be an equal" weight. 35 And thou shalt make it an incense, a mixture after the art of the apothecary, well mingled'' together, pure and holy. 36 And thou shalt pound some of it fine, and ofier of it before the testimony in the taljer- nacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee ; most holy shall it be unto you. 37 And as for the incense which thou shalt make, according to its proportion, shall ye not make any unto yourselves : holy shall it 'be unto thee for the Lord. 38 Whosoever shall make the like of it, to smell thereon, shall be cut off from his people. CHAPTER XXXI. 1 ][ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- 2 See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Chur, of the tribe of Judah : 3 And I have filled him with the sjairit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workman- ship, 4 To devise works of art, to work in gold, and in silver, and in copj^er, 5 And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in the carving of wood, to work in all manner of workmanship. 6 And behold, I have also given with him Aholialj, the son of Achissamach, of the tribe of Dan, and in the heart of all that are wise- hearted have I put wisdom ; and they shall make all that I have commanded thee; 7 The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ai'k of the testimony, and the cover that is thereupon, and all the vessels of the taber- nacle; " After Onkelos aud Talmud ; but Aben Ezra translates, " I'jach shall be prepared separately." ' Abon Ezra considered nSoD as derived from nSo "salt," thus, "salted," that is, "bestrewed with salt of Sodnm, or nitre." Rosenmiiller, as quoted by Arnheim, considers this kind of salt referred to under the words "pure, holy," in contradistinction to common salt. The use of salt of Sodom with the incense is traditional. ° "Although I have ordered thee to charge them con- cerning the building of the tabernacle, the Sabbath must not be undervalued in thy eyes; for though you are busily engaged in the labour of building, the Sabbath must on no account be violated to do the least of this work." — • Hash I. 104 • 8 And the table and its vessels, and the pure candlestick with all its vessels, and the altar of incense ; 9 And the altar of burnt-ofiering with all its vessels, and the laver and its foot; 10 And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the gar- ments of his sons, to minister therein ; 11 And the anointing oil, and the incense of spices for the holy place: all as I have commanded thee shall they do. 12 ][ And the Lord said unto Moses as foUoweth, 13 And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying. Above all," my sabbaths shall ye keep; for a sign it is between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord who doth sanctity you. 14 And ye shall keep the sabbath, for it is holy unto you; every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death; for whosoever doeth any work thereon, that soul shall be cut ofl' from among his jDeople. 15 Six days may work be done; but on the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord : whosoever doeth any work on the sab- bath-day, shall surely be put to death. 16 And the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath through- out their generations, for a perpetual cove- nant. 17 Between me and the children of Israel it shall be a sign for ever; for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was re- freshed.'^ * 18 ^ And he gave unto Moses, when he had finished speaking with him upon mount Sinai, the two tables of the testimony, tables of stone, inscribed with the finger of God. ^ This, like many other expressions in Scripture, must be taken merely as expressing divine acts by human words. Mendelssohn renders freely "and attained his aim," but this is scarcely the sense of the word ty-jyi. Philippson renders curiously, "and was by himself," i. c. "happy in his own contemplation," rendering the word literally as derived from n/phesh, "soul." Perhaps Men- delssohn translated it freely as he did from the same view of the subject. But even the word "rested" is as little applicable as "refreshed," since the Creator has neither labour nor fatigue; but it is all figurative. Arnheim gives '3 in this verse with "that," and not "for," mean- ing that the Sabbath is the token that we believe that God created all in specific time. i;X()I)US XXXII. KI TI8SAII. CiiAPTElJ XXXll. 1 And wliL'ii tlie people saw that Moses dela3'ed to come down from the mount, the people assembled themselves together around Aaron, and tliey said unto him, Up, make us gods, that shall go before us; for of this man Moses, who hath In-ought us up out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him. 2 And Aaron said unto them. Take out the golden ear-rings, which are in the ears of ' your wives, of your sons, and of your daugh- ters, and bring them unto me. '3 And all the people took out the golden ear-rings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. 4 And he took them from their hand, and fashioned it in a mould, and he made of it a molten calf; and they said, These are thy gods, Israel, that have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 5 And when Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron called out, and said, A feast unto the Lord is to-morrow. 6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and oftered liurnt-ofterings, and brought near i peace-offerings f and the people sat down to [ eat and to drink, and rose up to play. 7 T[ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou hast brought up out of the land of Egypt, hath become corrupt: 8 They have turned aside quickly from the way which I have commanded them; they have made themselves a molten calf; and they have bowed themselves to it, and have sacrificed unto it, and have said. These are thy gods, Israel, that have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 9 And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stift- necked people. 10 And now let me alone, and my wrath shall wax hot against them, and I will make ' In the preceding verso, Aaron is represented as telling the people that on the morrow there should be a festival unto the Lord, no doubt expecting the return of Moses, which would occasion a renewed fidelity to their great Deliverer. But early the next morning, the frantic people assembled round the statue of their idol, j-hout- ed, sacrificed, played, rioted, sang, in the manner of the heathen, forgetful of the events which their own eyes had seen. Aaron, however, must not be supposed an end of them; and I will make of thee a great nation. 11 Thereupon Moses besought the Lord his God, and said, Why, Lord, shall thy wrath wax hot against thy people, that thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt, with great power and with a* mighty haud";' 12 Wherefore should the Egyptitms say thus, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to destroy them from the face of the earth ? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent thee of the evil decreed against thy people. 13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, th}' servants, to whom thou didst swear by thy own self, and speak unto them, I will multijjly your seed as the stars of heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever. 14 And the Lord bethought himself of the evil which he had spoken to do unto his people. 16 ^ And Moses turned about, and went down from the moimt with the two tables of the testimony in his hand: tables inscribed on both their sides; on the one side and on the other wei'e they inscribed. 16 And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, en- graved upon the tables. 17 And Joshua heard the noise of the peo- ple in its shouting, and he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp. 18 And he said. It is not the voice of a shout for mastery, neither is it the Aoice of a cry for deteat; the noise of singing do I hear. 19 And it came to pass, when he came nigh unto the camp, and he saw the calf, and the dancing : that the anger of Moses waxed hot, and he cast from his hands the tables, and broke them at the foot of the mount. 20 And he took the calf which the}' had made, and burnt'' it in fire, and ground it to a powder, and he strewed it upon the as having farther participated in the sin than making the calf " Arnheim adds ''partly," and supposes that the body of the calf was a frame-work of wood, and the gold merely a covering for it. Philippson, however, after Michlol YoPHi, thinks that Moses melted the calf first, then re- duced it by beating and rolling to plates of the utmost possible thinness, which he then mixed with water, as described in the test. 105 EXODUS XXXIT. XXXIII. KI TISSAH. water, and made tlie children of Israel drink of it. 21 A id Moses said unto Aaron, What hath this people done unto thee, that thou hast brought upon it so great a sin ? 22 And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot : thou knowest the people, that it is bent on mischief 23 And they said unto me, Make us gods that shall go before us ; for of this man Moses, who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we know not what hath become of him. 24 And I said unto them, Who hath any gold ? They took it off themselves and gave it to me, and I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf 25 And Moses saw the people that it had become unruly ; for Aaron had made it unruly for a disgrace among their opponents. 26 Moses then placed himself in the gate of the camp, and said. Whoever is on the Lord's side, let him come unto me ! and there assembled themselves unto him all" the sons of Levi. 27 And he said unto tliem, Thus hath said the Eternal, the God of Israel, Put ye every man his sword by bis side, and go ye hither and tliitlier, from uate to oate in the camp, and slay ye every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his relative. 28 And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people on that day about three thousand men. 29 And Moses said. Consecrate yourselves to-day to the Lord, yea even every man on his son, and on his brother; and to bestow upon you this day a blessing. oO And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the jjeople. Ye have sin- ned a great sin : and now I will go up unto the Lord; peradventure I may obtain an atonement for your sin. 31 And Moses returned unto the Lord, " Arnhc'im wishes to understand under "all" not the whole, but the far greater majority, so as to reconcile it with verse '2!t, which Raslii expounds as referring to step- brothers and sons, belonging to other tribes. '' Klliptieal; meaning, "If thou furgivcst, it is well; but if not," &c. This passage proves tluit no one cau be permitted to assume the guilt of another. ° This verse, e(|nally with the passage commencing with verse 12, is exceedingly difficult of interpretation ; it is therefore intended to give merely au idea of the mcan- 106 and said, (_)h, this people hath sinned a great sin, and they have made themselves gods of gold. 32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin — ;* but if not, blot me out, I pray thee, from thy book which thou hast written. 33 And the Lord said unto Moses, Whoso- ever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out from my book. 34 And now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee ; be- hold, my angel shall go before tliee; but on the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them. 35 And the Lord sent a plague among the people, because that they had made the calf which Aaron made. CHAPTER XXXIII. 1 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, Depart, go up from here, thou and the people that thou hast In'ought up out of the land of Egypt, unto the land Avhich I swore unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying. Unto thy seed will I give it; — 2 And I will send before thee an angel; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Emor- ite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; — 3 Unto a land flowing with milk and ho- ney ; for I will not go up in the midst of thee, because thou art a stifFnecked people; lest I consume thee on the way. 4 And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned; and no man did put his ornaments on him. 5 For the Lord had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiff- necked people ; should I go" up one moment, in the midst of thee, I would consume thee ; now therefore jnit off thy ornaments from thee, iiiul I shall know what I will do unto thee. 6 The children of Israel then stripped ing in this note. God had said that his own visible glory should not go with the people on their journey, an angel, a messenger, was all they could expect; as his own pre- sence would consume them, should they sin again, they being stiffnccked, or disobedient. Their ornaments should bo laid aside as an evidence that they were under the dis- pleasure of Heaven ; this humiliation, however, should not save them from farther punishment; for God would know how to make them feel in future the weight of their sin. (See above, xxxii. ;J4.) EXODUS XXXIII. XXXIV. KI TISSAH. themselves of their ornaments (they wore) from (the time they were at) Mount Horeb. 7 And Moses took the tent, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it, Tabernacle of the congregation ; and it came to pass, that every one who sought (instruction of) the Lord went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp. 8 And it came to pass, that when Moses went out unto the tent, all the people would rise up, and stand every man at the door of his tent, and look after Moses, until he was gone into the tent. 9 And it came to pass, that as Moses entered into the tent, the pillar of cloud de- scended, and stood at the door of the tent, and spoke with Moses. 10 And when all the people saw the pillar of cloud stand at the door of the tent: then all the people rose up and prostrated them- selves, every man at the door of his tent. 11 And the Lord spoke unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend ; and then he returned into the camp; but his ser- vant, Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tent. 12 *[\ And Moses said unto the Lord, See, thou sayest unto me. Bring up this people ; but thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me : and yet thou hast said, I have chosen thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my eyes. 13 Now, therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy eyes, do make me know thy way, that I may know thee, in order that I may find grace in thy eyes ; and consider that this nation is thy people. 14 And he said, My presence shall go in advance, and I will give thee rest. 15 And he said unto him. If thy presence go not (with us,) carry us not up from here. 16 For wherein shall it be known in any wise that I have found grace in thy eyes, I with thy people ? is it not in that thou goest with us ? so shall we be distinguished, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.='' 17 Tf And the Lord said unto Moses, Also this thhig that thou hast spoken will 1 do ; ' Ainheim renders : " And I will proclaim before thee the name, Eternal, and how I am gracious to whom I am gracious, and how I have mercy on him to whom I show for thou hast found grace in my eyes, and I have chosen thee Ijy name. 18 And he said. Let me see, I beseech thee, thy glory. 19 And he said, I will cause all my good- ness to pass before thy face, and I will pro- claim," by name, the Lord before thee ; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy. 20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face ; for no man can see me, and live. 21 And the Lord said. Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon the rock : 22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory paeseth by, that I will put thee in the cleft of the rock, and I will cover thee with my hand, until I have passed by. 23 And then I will take away my hand, and thou shalt see my back parts; but my face shall not be seen.* CHAPTER XXXIV. 1 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, Hew thyself two tables of stone like unto the first; and I A\ill write upon these tallies the words which were on the first tables, which thou didst break. 2 And be ready by the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present thjself there to me on the top of the mount. 3 And no man shall come up with thee, neither let any man be seen throughout all the mount ; neither let the flocks or herds feed near this mount. 4 And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him ; and he took in his hand the two tables of stone. 5 And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood Avith him thei'e, and proclaimed, by name, the Lord. 6 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed. The Lord is the immutal^le, eter- nal Being, the omnipotent God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in benefi- cence and truth; mercy;" and he explains the verse: "This is the nature of this Divine Name, and this is also mi/ way, for the know- ledge of which thou hast prayed." 107 EXODUS XXXIV. KI TTSSAH. 7 Kef'piug mercy unto the tliousandtli (ge- neration ) forgiving iniquit}' and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. 8 And Moses made haste, and liowed his head toward the earth, and prostrated himself. 9 And he said, If now I liave found grace in thy eyes, Lord, let the Lord, I i)ray thee, go among us ; even because" it is a stiflhecked people ; and pardon thou our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thy heritage.''' 10 And he said, Behold, I make a cove- nant: before all thy people will I perform wonders, such as have not been done on all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the peo- ple amongst whom thou art shall see the work of the Lord; for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee. 11 Observe thou that which I command thee this day ; behold, I will drive out before thee the Emorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite. 12 Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land against which thou goest up, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee ; 13 But their altars shall ye destroy, and their statues shall ye break, and their groves shall ye cut down. 14 For thou shalt worship no other god; for the Lord whose name is Watchful, is a watchful God. 15 Make thou then no covenant with the inhabitants of the land ; lest that, if they go astray after their gods, and sacrifice unto their gods, any one call thee, and thou eat of liis sacrifice ; 16 And lest thou take of his daughters unto thy sons ; and when his daughters go astray after their gods, they make tliy sons also go astray after their gods. 17 Thou shalt not make unto thyself any molten gotls. 18 The feast of unleavened bi'ead shalt thou * After Arnheiin, who comments: Moses prayed tliat God liimself should go before them, not .send au angel, who would inexorably punish, (.\.xiii. 21,) for he had no power to pardon But the glory of God guiding them, they would bo under his immediate providence, and he, loa keep ; seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread, as I have commanded thee, in the time of the month of Abib ; for in the month of Abib thou wentest forth out of Egyjjt. 19 All that openeth the womb is mine; and every firstling that is a male among thy cattle, whether ox or lamb. 20 But the firstling of an ass shalt thou re- deem with a lamb; and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck ; all the first-born of thy sons shalt thou redeem ; and none shall appear before me empty. 21 Six days thou mayest Avork, but on the seventh day shalt thou rest : even in plough- ing time and in harvest shalt thou rest. 22 And the feast of weeks shalt thou ob- serve, with the first-fruits of the wheat har- vest ; and the feast of ingathering at the clos- ing of the jear. 2.3 Thrice in the yeav shall all thy males appear before the Lord, the Eternal, the God of Israel. 24 For I will cast out nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders ; yet shall no man desire thy land, when thou goest up to appear in the presence of the Lord thy God thrice in the year. 25 Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leaven; neither shall be left unto the morning the sacrifice of the feast of the passover. 26 The first of the first-fruits of thy land shalt thou bring unto the house of the Lord thy God: thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.* 27 ][ And the Lord said unto Moses, Write thee down- these words; for after the tenor of these words liave I made with thee a covenant and with Israel. 28 And he remained there with the Lord forty days and forty nights ; bread he did not eat, and water he did not drink ; and he wrote upon the tables the words of the cove- nant, the ten commandments. 29 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai, with the two tables of the testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses knew the Merciful, would thus forgive, according to his good- ness and loving grace toward sinners. Rashi, however, renders o like dn thus : " If it be a stifFuecked people, do thou pardon." The sense in either case is still the same. EXODUS XXXIV. XXXV. VAYAKIIEL. not that the skin of his lace shone," because he had spoken with him. 30 And Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, and, behold, the skin of his face shone : and they were afraid'' to come | nigh unto him. 31 But Moses called unto them, and then returned unto him Aaron and all the princes of the congregation: and Moses spoke to them. 32 And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh : and he commanded them all that which the Lord had spoken with him on mount Sinai.* 33 And when Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail over his face. 34 But when Moses went in before the LoKD to speak with him, he took the vail off, until he came out; and then he came out, and spoke unto the children of Israel that which he had been commanded. 35 And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone : and Moses put the vail again over his face, until he went in to speak with him. Haohtorah i. Kings xviii. 1-39 : some commence at verse 20. SECTION XXII. VAYAKHEL, hnp'). CHAPTER XXXV. 1 ^ And Moses gathered together all the conoreoation of the children of Israel, and said unto them. These are the things which the Lord hath commanded, that ye should do them. 2 Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you a holy day, a sabjjath of rest to the Lord: whosoever doth work thereon shall be put to death. 3 Ye shall not kindle any fire throughout your habitations upon the sal)l:)ath day. 4 ]| And Moses said unto all the congreg;v tion of the children of Israel, as followeth. This is tlie tiling which the Lord hath com- manded, saying, 5 Take ye from among you an offering ° Properly, " sent forth rays;" the skin being luminous, and beaming. " '' Come and sec how groat is the power of sin. Before they had stretched forth their hand to sin, what does the Bible say ? ' And the glory of the Lord was like a de- vouring fire on the top of the mount, before the eyes of , the Israelites were on their journey, as is commanded in the children of Israel;' and they neither feared nor trem- ' the fourth chapter of Numbers. (See Kashi.) unto the Lord ; whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord : Gold, and silver, and copper, G And blue, and purjde, and scarlet yarn, and linen thread, and goats' hair, 7 And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood, 8 And oil for the lighting, and spices, for the anointing oil, and for the incense of spices, 9 And onyx stones, and stones for setting, for the ephod, and for the breastplate. 10 And all the wise-hearted among j'ou shall come, and make all that which the Lord hath commanded : 11 The tabernacle, its tent, and its cover- ing, its hooks, and its boards, its bars, its pil- lars, and its sockets; 12 The ark, and its staves, (with) the mercy- seat, and the vail of the separation : 13 The table, and its staves, and all its vessels, and the show-bread ; 14 And the candlestick for the lighting, and its vessel, and its lamps, with the oil for the lighting; 1 5 And the altar of incense, and its staves, and the anointing oil, and the incense of spices, and- the hanging for the door at the entrance of the tabernacle ; 16 The altar of burnt^offeriug, with its grating of copper, its staves, and all its vessels, the laver and its foot; 17 The hangings of the court, its pillars, and its sockets, and the hanging for the door of the court ; 18 The pins of the tabei'nacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords; 19 The cloths" of service, to do service therewith in the holy place, the holy gar- ments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in as priests. 20 And all the congregation of the cliil- dren of Israel deisarted from the presence of Moses.* 21 And they came, every man whos6 heart stirred him up ; and e\'ery one whom his spirit made willing, brought the Lord's offering for the work of the taliernacle of the bled ; but now, since they had made the calf, ;ven before the rays of glory of Moses they feared and tr 'mbled." — Rashi. ° The cloths of service were not the priestly garments, but those used for the covering of the sacred vessels when EXODUS XXXV. XXXVI. VAYAKHEL. congregation, and for all its service, and for the holy garments. 22 And they came, the men with the wo- men; whoever was willing-hearted, hrought bracelets," and ear-rings, and finger-rings, and tablets, all kinds of ornaments of gold, and every man that offered an oflering of gold unto the Lord. 23 And every man, with whom was found blue, and jjurple, and scarlet yarn, and linen thread, and goats' hair, and rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, brought them. 24 Every one that did offer an offering of silver and copper brought it as the Lord's offering ; and every one with whom was found shittim wood for any work of the service, brought it. 25 And all the women that wei'e wise- hearted spun with their hands, and they brought that which they had spun, of the blue, and of the purple, and of the scarlet yarn, and of the linen thread. 26 And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun the goats' hair. 27 And the princes brought the onyx stones, and the stones for setting, for the ephod, and for the breastplate ; • 28 And the spice and the oil, for lighting, . and for the anointing oil, and for the incense of spices. 29 Every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the Lord had commanded to he made, by the hand of Moses, even that brought the children of Israel as a free-will offering unto the Lord.* 30 ][ And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the Lord hath called hy name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Chur, of the tribe of Judah ; 31 And he liath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workman- sliip ; 32 And to devise'' works of art, to work in gold, and in silver, and in copper, ° Mendelssohn renders, "Ear-rings, and nose-rings, and finger-rings, and bracelets." These words, however, arc of somewhat doubtful signification, like many other technical terms of but rare occurrence in Scripture. '' " To devise in his heart works of art, the like of which had never been .seen; and as there are artificers in gold who cannot work in silver, and workers in stone who can- not work in wood, it is said of Bczalol that he was perfect 110 33 And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in the carving of wood, to make any manner of work of art. 34 And to teach hath he jjut in his heart, both to him, and to Aholiab, the son of Achis- samach, of tlie tribe of Dan. 35 lie hath filled them with wisdom of heart, to execute all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the designing weaver, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in j^urple, in scarlet yarn, and in linen thread, and of the weaver, of those that do every species of work, and of those that devise works of art. CHAPTER XXXVI. 1 And Bezalel and Aholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whom the Lord hath put wisdom and understanding to know how to do every manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, shall make all, just as the Lord hath commanded. 2 And Moses called for Bezalel and Aho- liab, and every wise-hearted man in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, every one whose heart stirred him up to come near unto the work to do it: 3 And they received from Moses the whole of the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it; and these brought unto him yet more free-will offerings morning after morning. 4 And then came all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, every man from his own work which they were doing. 5 And they said unto Moses, thus. The people bring more" than is required for the service of the work, which the Lord hath commanded to make. 6 And Moses gave the command, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman do any more work for the offering of the sanc- tuary: so the people were restrained from bringing (more). in all; and moreover he could teach; although there arc many wise men who have a difficulty in instructing others." — Aben Ezr.v. ° A singular, though nowise uneomraon, state of the public mind ! At first instructed by the Lord, they rebel and worship an idol; then again convinced of the truth ■of God, they testify their renewed adherence by the dis- play of a liberality which needed restraining for its excess EXODUS XXXVI. VAYAKHEL. 7 And the stuff in-epared" was sufficient for all the work to nudie it, and there was some over.'-' 8 T[ And all the wise-liearted men, among those who wrought the work, made the taber- nacle of ten curtains ; of twisted linen tlu'ead, and blue, and purple, and scarlet yarn; with cherubim, of weavers work, made he them. 9 The length of each curtain was tweuty- eiii'ht cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits: there was one measure for all the curtains. 10 And he coupled together five of the curtains one to another: and the other five curtains he coupled one to another. 11 And he made loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain, which Avas the outside in the coupling : the like he made on the border of the curtain, which was the outmost on the second coupling. 12 Fifty loops made he on the one curtain, and fifty loops made he on the edge of the curtain which was in the second coupling: the loops were fixed opposite to each other. 13 And he made fifty hooks of gold; and he coupled the curtains together one unto the other with the hooks, and the tabernacle'' be- came thus one piece. , 14 Tl And he made curtains of goats' hair for a tent over the tabernacle ; eleven curtaius made he the same. 15 The length of each curtain was thirty cubits, and four cubits was the breadth of each curtain : there was one measure for the eleven curtains. 16 And he coupled five of the curtains by themselves, and six of the curtains by them- selves. 17 And he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that was the outmost in the coup- ling, and fifty loops made he on the edge of the curtain of the second coupling. 18 xind he made iifty hooks of copper, to ' It must not be forgotten that the things brought for the use of the workmen were at first prepared and worked up to the proper shape in the tents of the donors. Moses, therefore, properlj- prochiinied that the people should pre- pare no more, and consequently should bring no more than was already in the hands of the receivers. Otherwise nDN'7'D might mean "property," as it is used in that j seuse in Genesis sxxiii. 14; Exodus xxii. 10; 1 Samuel I XV. 9. I '' The inner curtains, which formed the roof of the tabcruade proper, were called technically " the taberua- couple the tent together that it might be one piece. 19 And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of bad- gers' skins above.'-' 20 ^ And he made the boards for the tabernacle, of shittim wood, standing up. 21 Ten cubits was the length of each board, and one cubit and a half was the breadth of each one board. 22 There were two tenons for every board, fitted in, one against the other: the like made he for all the boards of the tabernacle. 23 And he made the boards for the taber- nacle: twenty Vjoards for the south side, on the right. 24 And forty sockets of silver made he under the twenty boards; two sockets under the one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under the other board for its two tenons." 25 And for the other side of the taber- nacle, for the north side, he made twenty- boards : 26 And their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under the one board, and two sockets under the other board. 27 And for the back wall of the taber- nacle, westward, he made six boards. 28 And two boards made he for the corners of the tabernacle in the back wall. 29 And they were closely fitting beneath, and they were closely joined together on the top, by means of one ring; thus he did to both of them, for both the corners. 30 And so there were eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets, two sockets under every board. 31 And he made bars of shittim wood; five, for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle; 32 And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for cle," as they formed an essential and visible portion of the sacred structure; but the curtains of goats' hair were called '-the tent," as they served merely to -irotect the more perishable ones which they covered. " The boards were provided with two tenons a part of the thickness of the boards being cut away, so that when they were inserted in the sockets calculated to receive them, they covered exactly the surface; the boards were thus fixed in their sockets, which formed a continuous row, in the same manner as the steps of a ladder arc in the side-pieces. Ill EXODUS XXXVI. XXXVII. VAYAKHEL. the boards of the tabernacle for the back wall, westward. 33 And he made the middle bar to pass through the midst of the boards from the one end to tlie other end. 34 And the boards he overlaid with gold, and their rings he made of gold, as receptar cles for the bars, and he overlaid the bars with gold. 35 And he made the vail of blue, and pur- ple, and scarlet yarn, and twisted linen; of weaver's work made he it, with cherubim. . 36 And he made thereunto four j^iHai's of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold, their hooks also were of gold; and he cast for them four sockets of silver. 37 And he made a hanging for the door of the tabernacle, of blue, and purple, and scaiiet yarn, and twisted linen ; the work of the embroiderer; 38 And its five pillars with their hooks: and he overlaid their tops and made their fillets with gold; and their five sockets were of copper. CHAPTER XXXVII. 1 Tl And Bezalel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was its length, and a culait and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height. 2 And he overlaid it with pure gold within and without, and made for it a crown of gold round about. 3 And he cast for it four rings of gold, for the four corners thereof; even two rings on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it. 4 And he made staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold. 5 And he put the staves into the rings upon the sides <jf the ark, to bear the ark. G And he made a cover of pure gold : two cubits and a half was its length, and one cubit and a half its breadth. 7 And he made two cherubim of gold, of ' Tlic chcrnliini were made out (if one piceo with the cover, hut not wrought separately, aud afterward soklered on. 'J'hey wore standing on eitlier end, their faces being turned toward each other, yet so tiiat they looked down- ward upon the ark. It is said that the height of the wings of the cherubim from the cover was ten hands' briMdili. " The crown spoken of in the preceding verse was fixed on the rim mentioned here. It is doubtful whether 112 beaten work made he them, on the two ends of the cover; 8 One cherub was on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end; out of the cover itself made he the cherubim on the two ends thereof" 9 And the cherubim were spreading forth their wings on high, overshadowing with their wings the cover, with their faces one to the other; toward tlie cover were the faces of the cherubim directed. 10 ^ And he made the tahle of shittim wood : two cubits was its length, and a cubit its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height; 11 And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made thereto a crown of gold round aljout. 12 And he made unto it a rim of a hand's breadth round al^out, and made a golden crown on its rim'' round about. 13 And he cast for it four rings of gold, and he put the rings on the four corners, that were on the four feet thereof 14 Close under the rim were the rings, as receptacles for the staves to bear the table. 15 And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold, to bear the table. 16 And he made the vessels which were upon the table, its dishes, and its spoons, -and its purifying tubes, and the supporters wherewitli (the bread) was covered, of pure gold.* 17 ][ And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work" made he the candle- stick, its shaft, itnd its branches, its bowls, its knobs, and its tlowers, were out of one piece with it. 18 And six branches were coming out of its sides; three branches of the candlestick out of its one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof 19 Three bowls, iilmoiid-shaped, were on one branch, with a knob and a llower; and three bowls, almond-shaped, were on the other branch, with a knob and a llower; so the rim reached above the table or was placed beneath the top; but the probabilities arc in favour of its having been placed above. ' Like the cover of the ark, so was the candlestick, or more properly "the ciumdelier," made out of a solid piece of gold; that is to say, the parts were not made separately and afterward soldered tiigether, but it was beaten out, and the branches oniamcutcd and cut into shape by means of instruments. IHtC HWAVKK <JK JA.COt5. EXODUS XXXVII. XXXVIII. VAYAKHEL. on the six branches that were coming out of the candlesticls;. 20 And on the candlestick itself were four lx»wls almond-shaped, with its knobs, and its flowers : 21 And a knob was under two branches that came out of the same, and a knob under two branches that came out of the same, and a knob under two branches that came out of the same," for the six branches that proceeded out of it. 22 Their knobs and their branches were out of one piece with it; all of it was one piece of beaten work, of pure gold. 23 And he made its seven lamps, and its snuffers, and its snuff-dishes, of pure gold. 24 Of a talent of pure gold made he it, and all its vessels. 25 ^ And he made the altar of incense of shittim wood : its length was a cubit, and its breadth a cubit; it was foursquare, and two cubits was its height; from itself were its horns.'' 26 And he overlaid it with pure gold, its top, and its sides round about, and its horns : and he made unto it a crown of gold round about. 27 And two rings of gold he made for it beneath its crown, on its two corners, upon both its sides, as receptacles for the staves to bear it by means of them. 28 And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold. 29 And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of spices, according to the work of the apothecary.* CHAPTER XXXVIII. 1 ^ And he made the altar of burnt-offer- ing of shittim wood: five cubits was its length, and five cubits its breadth; it was foursquare, and three cubits was its height. 2 And he made its horns on its four corners, from itself were its horns; and he overlaid it with copper. ' The knobs were on the centre shaft of the caudle- stick, and from each of them sprung two branches, one on each side, so that each knob supported one pair. '' The horns, or prominent points coming out of the corners of the altar of incense, as well as that of burnt- offering, were carved out of the body of the wood, but not made separately and afterwards joined on. " Mirrors of highly polished cojiper were employed be- fore the introduction of looking-glasses; and it is recorded And he made all the vessels of the altar, the jDOts, and the shovels, and the basins, and the forks, and the fire-pans : all its vessels made he of copper. 4 And he made for the altar a grating, a network of co2D23er, under its compass beneath, even unto the half of it. 5 And he cast four rings on the four corners of the grating of coppei", as rece^^tacles for the staves. 6 And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with copper. 7 And lie put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it by means of them ; hollow, of boards, made he it. 8 ^ And he nuide the laver of copper, and its foot of cop^x^r, of the mirrors" of the assem- bled women, who had assembled in troops at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 9 ^ And he made the court: on the south side, on the right, the hangings of the court were of twisted linen, of one hundred cul)its; 10 Their pillars were twenty, with their twenty sockets of copper; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. 11 And for the north side one hundred cubits; their pillars were twenty, with their twenty sockets of copper; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. 12 And for the west side were hangings of fifty cubits; their pillars were ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. 13 And for tlie front side, eastward, fifty cubits. 14 Hangings, of fifteen cubits, were on the one wing; their pillars were three, and their sockets three. 15 And for the other wing, on both sides of the oate of the court, were haui^imis of 111- teen cubits; their ^jillars were three, and their sockets three. 16 All the hangings of the court round about were of twisted linen. 17 And the sockets for the pillars were of that even these necessary articles for the arranging of the female attire were cheerfully given by the women, who came in troops to offer this contribution to the residence of their God. From the phraseology employed it would appear that the copper thus obtained is not included in the gross weight recorded chap sxxviii. 2[l; since, among the articles made thereof, the laver aud its foot are not mentioned. 113 EXODUS XXXVIII. XXXIX. PEKUDAY. copper; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets, of silver; aud the overlaying of their tops was of silver ; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver.* 18 And the hanging for the gate of the court was the work of the embroiderer, of blue, and purple, and scarlet yarn, and twisted linen : and twenty cubits was the length, and the height, in the breadth, was five cubits, answering to the hangings of the court. 19 And the pillars for the same were four, with their four sockets of copper ; their hooks were of silver, and the overlaying of their tops and their fillets, of silver. 20 And all the pins of the tabernacle, and of the court round about were of copper. Haphtorah in 1 Kings vii. 13 to 26. Tlie Germans read from vii. 40 to 50. SECTION XXIII. PEKUDAY, mp3. 21 ^ These are the accounts (of the arti- cles furnished) for the tabernacle, even of the tabernacle of the testimony, which were counted, according to the order of Moses, the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, the son of Aaron, the priest. 22 And Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Chur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the Lord had commanded Moses. 23 And with him was Aholiab the son of Achissamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a skilful weaver, and an embroiderer in blue, aud in purple, and in scarlet yarn, and in linen thread. 24 *i\ All the gold that was applied to the work in all the work of the sanctuary, to wit, the gold of the oftering," was twenty and nine talents, aud seven hundred and thirty shekels, after tlie shekel of the sanctuary. 25 And the silver of those that were num- bered of the congregation was one hundred talents, and a thousand seven hundred and ' Tlie word used hero, in v. 29, and in xxxv. 22, is niJUn: whereas in the ])reeeding passages nonr\ is used. The Hebrew is peculiarly rich in the terms necessary to express the ideas cnnneeted witii the worship of the sanctuary, so as to distinguish every shade of meaning; hut in English it is next to impossible to convey these peculiarities by single words. Arnheim, however, renders the latter word "tribute," us has been done at times in this version, and the former, the one employed in this 114 seventy and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary : 26 A bekah for every head, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hun- dred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty. 27 And the hundred talents of silver served to cast the sockets of the sanctuary, and the sockets of the vail; one hundred sockets to the hundred talents, a talent for every socket. 28 And of the thousand seven hundred seventy and five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, and overlaid their tops and filleted them. 29 And the copper of the offering was seventy taleuts, and two thousand and four hundred shekels. 30 And he made therewith the sockets of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar of copper, and the grating of copper for it, and all the vessels of the altar; 31 Aud the sockets of the court round about, and the sockets of the court gate, and all the pins of the talternacle, and all the pins of the court round aljout. CHAPTER XXXIX. 1 And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet yarn, they made the cloths of service, to do the service in the holy place ; and they made the holy garments which were for Aaron, as the Lord had commanded Moses.* 2 ][ And he made the ephod, of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet yarn, and twisted linen ; 3 And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple,' and in the scarlet yarn, iind in the linen, with weaver's work. 4 They made shoulder-pieces for it, joined on ; on both its edges was it thus joined'' to- gether. passage, "sacred gifts;" but the latter term is arbi- trary. '' The shoulder-pieces of the ephod were made sepa- rately aud sewed on afterward. The ephod itself appears to have been a species of cloak which reached to the heels, but required the support of the shoulder-pieces, through which it was joined by means of the chains aud rings to the breastplate, and the belt which fastened it round the body of the wearer. EXODUS XXXIX. PEKUDAY. 5 And the belt for girding it on, that was upon it, was of the same piece with itself, of the same make : of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet yarn, and twisted linen ; as the Lord had commanded Moses. G 11 And they wrought the onyx stones en- closed in casings of gold, engraved with the engra\ang of a signet, after the names of the children of Israel. 7 And he put them on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, as stones of memorial to the children of Israel ; as the Lord had command- ed Moses. 8 ^ And he made the breastplate with wea- ver's work, like the work of the ephod : of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet yarn, and twisted linen. 9 It was foursquare, double did they make the breastplate : it was a span in length, and a span in breadth, double. 10 And they set in it four rows of stones : the first row, a sardius, a topaz, and an eme- rald ; this was the first row. 1 1 And the second row, a carbuncle, a sap- phire, and a diamond. 12 And the third row, an opal, a turquoise, and an amethyst. 13 And the fourth row, a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper : they were fitted in golden casings wlien they were set in. 14 And the stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, ac- cording to their names, (engraved) with tlie engraving of a signet, every one according to his name, for the tM-elve tribes. 15 And they made upon the breastplate chains with knots* at tlie ends, of wreathed work, of pure gold. 16 And they made two casings of gold, and two golden rings; and they put the two rings on the two ends of the breastphite. 17 And they put the two wreathed chains of gold in the two rings on the ends of the breastplate. 18 And the two ends of the two wreathed chains they fastened on the two casings, and they put them on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, on the outside thereof. " These wreathed chains had a knot at the end, ?o that they did not slip through the rings of the breastplate and ephod. "^ The rings on the girdle of the ephod were so placed as to be opposite those on the lower seam of the breastplate, 19 And they made two golden rings, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its border, which was on the opposite side of the ephod, inward. 20 And they made two more golden rings, and put them on the two shoulder-pieces of the ephod underneath, toward its front part, close by its seam, above the girdle of the ephod. 21 And they fastened the breastplate by its rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might remain on the girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod;'' as the Lord had commanded Moses.''' 22 ^ And he made the robe of the cphf)d of woven work, altogether of blue woollen yarn. 23 And there was an opening in the midst of the robe, as the opening of an habergeon, with a binding round about the opening, that it should not be rent. 24 And they made upon the lower hem of the robe pomegranates of blue, and pur])le, and scarlet j^arn, twisted. 25 And they made bells of pure gold ; and they put the bells between the pomegranates upon the lower hem of the robe, round aljout, between tlie pomegranates; 26 A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the lower hem of the ro)je,to minister therein; as the Lord had commanded Moses. 27 ][ And they made the coats of linen, of woven work, for Aaron and for his sons. 28 And the mitre of linen, and the goodly bonnets of linen, and linen breeches of twisted linen thread. 29 And the girdle of twisted linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet jarn, the work of the embroiderer; as the Lord had conimaiHled Moses. 30 1\ And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote u])on it a writ^ ing, like the engraving of a signet, Holy to THE Lord. 31 And they put on it a lace of blue, to place it upon the mitre above f as the Lord had commanded Moses. and when the blue lace was passed through them, the two garments became united together. ° The plate was tied on both ends and at (lie ccnln' l.i laces of blue woollen yarn, and hung (m the tup ni' iIil- mitre, so that it rested on the forehead of the wearer. EXODUS XXXIX. XL. PEKUDAY. 32 ]| Thus was finished all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the conoresation ; and the children of Israel had made it in accordance with all that the Lord had com- manded Moses, so had they made it.* o3 ^ And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the tent, and all its vessels, its hooks, its boai'ds, its bars, and its pillars, and its sockets, 34 And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the sejmration ; 35 The ark of the testimony, and its staves, and the mercy-seat ; 36 The table, and all its vessels, and the showbread ; 37 The pure candlestick," with its lamps, the hTmps to be set in order thereupon, and all its vessels, and the oil for the lighting, 38 And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the incense of spices, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle; 39 The copper altar, and the grating of copper which belonged to it, its staves, and all its vessels, the laver and its foot; 40 The hangings of the court, its pillars and its sockets, and the hanging for the court- gate, its cords, and its pins, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation ; 41 The cloths of service to do the service in the holy place, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister therein. 42 All, just as the Lord had commanded Moses, so had the children of Israel done all the work. 43 And Moses did look over all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the Lord had commanded, even so had they done it : and Moses blessed them.* CHAPTER XL. 1 ][ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 2 On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. ' Others render, " The camllcstiek of ]iure f^cilJ." But as the f'euiiuiue ninan ilnes not agree witli the maseuline 27[', it must refer to the wnnl mj*:, jjerhajis from its bring made of pure gold. *■ " Thi^i means, a prutcetion, fur it was a separatiou." — IIU 3 And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and separate'' the ark with the vail. 4 And thou shalt bring in the table, and arrange the order of the sliowbread upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. 5 And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony; and thou shalt put up the hanging at the door to the tabernacle. G And thou shalt set the altar of burntr ofiering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 7 And thou shalt set the laver between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein. 8 And thou shalt set up the court round about, and put up the hanging at the gate of the court. 9 And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein; and thou shalt hallow it, with all its vessels, and it shall be holy. 10 And thou shalt anoint the altar of burnt-oflering, and all its vessels; and thou shalt sanctify the altar, and the altar shall be most holy. 11 And thou shalt anomt the laver with its foot, and sanctify it. 12 And thou shalt bring near Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water. 13 And thou shalt clothe Aaron with the holy garments; and thou shalt anoint him, and sanctify him, that he may be a priest unto me. 14 And his sons shalt thou bring near, and clothe them with coats : 15 And thou shalt anoint them, as thou hast anointed their father, that they may be priests unto me; and this shall be, that their anointing shall be unto them for an everlasting priesthood throughout their gene- rations. 16 And Moses did so; all, just as the Lord had connaanded him, so did he.''' R.Asiir. Tliat is to say, by hanging up the vail, by means of which the piu'tion for the ark was separated h"m the remainder of the sanctuary, it was protected fnnii the ap- proach of those who came into the holy place. EXODUS XL. PEKUDAY. 17 •[ And it came to pass in the first inontli in the second year, on tlie first of the luontli, that the tahernacle was reared up. 18 And Moses reared up the tai^ernacle, and placed its soclvets, and set up its boards, and put in its bars, and reared up its pilhirs. 19 And he spread the tent* over the tabex'- nacle, and put the covering of the tent'' over it above; as tlie Lord had commanded Moses. 20 ^ And he took" and put tlie testimony into tiie ark, and placed the staves on the ark; and he put the mercy-seat upon the ark aljove. 21 And he brought tlie ark into the taber- nacle, and set up the vail of tlie separation, and made therewith a separation for the ark of the testimony; as the Lord had commanded Moses. 22 ][ And he put the table in the taber- nacle of the congregation, upon the side of the tabernacle, northward, without the vail. 23 And he arranged upon it the order of bread' before the Lord; as the Lord had com- manded Moses. 24 T[ And he placed the candlestick in the tabernacle of the congregation, opposite the table, on the side of the tabernacle, south- ward. 25 And he lighted the lamps before the Lord; as the Lord had commanded Moses. 26 ][ And he placed the golden altar in the tabernacle of the coniiiregation before the vail. 27 And he burnt thereon the incense of spices; as the Lord had commanded Moses.'-' 28 ][ And he put up the hanging at the door to the tabernacle. 29 And the altar of burnt-offering he placed by the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation ; and he offered upon it the burnt-offering and the meat-offering; as the Lord had commanded Moses. 30 ^ And he set the laver lietween the * This means the curtains of goats' hair over the fine ones, called the "tabernacle." — ll.\SHl. '' The skins of animals which served as a covering. ° He took the tables of the Testimony from the wooden ark, which was in the tent of Moses, and brought them into the tabernacle. — Ramban. (See Exodus xxxiii. 7, and Deuteronomy x. 1-3.) tabernacle of the consreoation and the altar, and put water there, lor washing. 31 And Moses" and Aaron and his sons washed therefrom their hands and their feet. 32 When the}- went in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed themselves; as the Lord had commanded Moses. 33 ^ And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and put up the hanging of the gate of the court; and so did Moses finish the Avork.''' 34 ^ And the cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was nof able to enter into the tent of the congregation; because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 3G And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel were wont to go onward in all their journey- ings. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, and a fire was by night on it, before the eyes of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeyings. Haplitorah, according to the Germans, in 1 Kings vii. 51 to viii. 21. The Portuguese read from vii. 40 to 50. Maphtere for Shekalim in Exodus sxx. 11 to 10. Haphtorah for Shekalim in 2 Kings xii. 1 to 17. The Portu- guese commence at xi. 17. Maphtere for Zachor in Deuteronomy xxv. IT to 19. Haphtorah for Zachor in 1 Samuel xv. 2 to 34. The Portu- guese commence v. 1. Maphtere for Parah in Numbers xis. 1 to 22. Haphtorah for Parah in Ezokiel xxxvi. 10 to 38. Tlie Por- tuguese end at v. 30. Maphtere for Hachodesh in Exodus xii. 1 to 20. Haphtorah for Hachodesh in Ezekiel xlv. 10 to xlvi. 18. The Portuguese read from xlv. 18 to xlvi. 15. ^ The on'? 11.J7 "the order of bread," hero employed, explains what is given above merely as I3l>' "its order;" for which reason it is rendered above, verse 4, " the order of showbread." • During the week of consecration, and then only, Moses officiated as priest, for which reason he was for the time also bound to wash hands and feet at the laver. 117 THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS, VAYIKRA, Nlpn. CONTAINING THE ORDINANCES FOR THE SACRIFICES, SANCTUARY, PURIFICATIONS, FESTIVALS, &c. SECTION XXIV. VAYIKRA, Klpn. CHAPTER L 1 *\\ And the Lord called unto Moses, and spoke unto liim out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any one of you wish to bring an offering unto the Lord : of the cattle, either of the herds, or of the flocks, shall ye bring your offering. 3 If his offering be a burut^sacrifice of the herds, then shall he offer a male without ble- mish : unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation shall he bring it, that it may be favourably received for him before the Lord. 4 And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the burnt^offering ; and it shall be accepted for hiin to make atonement for him. 5 And he shall kill the young steer before the Lord: and the sons of Aaron the priests shall bring near the lilood, and they shall sprinkle the lilood round about upon the altar that is by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. . G And he shall flay the burnt-offering, and cut it into its pieces. 7 And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire upon the altar, and lay the wood in order upon the fii'e; 8 And the sons of Aaron the priests shall lay in order the ])arts, the head, and the fat,"* upon the wood that is on the fire which is u2)on the altar; 9 But its inwards and its legs shall he wash in water; and the jn-iest shall burn the ' Some translate mu with "midriff:" tlir word itself is of rare occurrence, hence not of a ileeided signification; but it is translated here according to I he old authorities. " AH the sacrifices called "most holy," re([uired to be slain on the north side of the altar of burnt-sacrifices; these are the burnt, sin, trespass, and national peace-oflFerings. 118 whole on the altar, as a burnt-sacrifice, an ofiering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord. 10 ^ And if his offering be of the flocks^ of the sheep, or of the goats, tor a Ijurnt-sacri- fice: then shall he offer a male without ble- mish as the same. 11 And he shall kill it on the side of the altar, northward,'' before the Lord; and the sous of Aaron the priests shall sprinkle its blood upon the altar round about. 12 And he shall cut it into its pieces, with its head and its fat; and the priest shall lay them in order on the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar; 13 But the inwards and the legs shall he wash with water; and the priest shall bring near the whole, and burn it upon the altar; it is a burnt-sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord.* 14 T[ And if of fowls be the burnt-sacrifice for his oftering to the Lord : then shall he bring his offering of turtle-doves, or of young pigeons. 15 And the priest shall bring it near" unto the altar, and pinch oft' its head, and burn it on the altar; and the blood thereof shall be wrung out on the wall of the altar. IG And he shall remove its crop with its feathers, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, at the place of the ashes. 1 7 And he shall cleave it by its wings, but shall not divide it asunder; and the jiriest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood that is on the fire : it is a burutr-sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord. " The term 3ipn has been for the most part rendered in this version with "to bring near," that is, to the altar where all sacrificial rites were performed; and when simply rendered with "bring," it has the same sense. Otherwise the term "offer" has also been used, as it is the root of the word pip "offering." LEVITICUS II. III. VAYIKRA. CHAPTER II. 1 ^ And when any person wish to offer a meat-offering unto the Lord: then shall his offering be of fine flour; and he shall pour upon it oil, and put thereon frankincense ; 2 And he shall bring it to one of the sons of Aaron the priest ; and he shall take there- from his handful of its flour, and of its oil, with all its frankincense; and the priest shall burn tiie memorial of it upon the altar, as an offering made by fii'e, of a sweet savour unto the Lord. 3 And what is left of the meat-offering shall belong to Aaron and to his sons : it is a most holy thing, from the fire-offerings of the Lord. 4 ^ And if thou bring an oblation of a mcat>offering baked in the oven, it shall be of fine flour, unleavened cakes mingled with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil. 5 ^ And if thy oblation be a meat^oflering baked in a pan, it shall be made of fine flour miugled with oil, unleavened. G Thou shalt break it in pieces, and pour thereon oil: it is a meat-offering.* 7 ^ And if thy oblation be a meat-offering baked in the deep pan, it shall be made of fine flour with oil. 8 And thou shalt bring the meat-offering, which shall be made of these thmgs, unto the Lord; and the offerer shall present it unto the priest, who shall bring it near unto the altar. 9 And the priest shall take up from the meat-offering its memorial, and shall burn it upon the altar: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord. 10 And that which is left of the meat- offering shall belong to Aaron and his sons : it is a most holy thing, from the fire-ofterings of the Lord. 11 No mea1>oflering, which ye shall bring unto the Lord, shall be prej^ared leavened; fur of whatever is leaven, or of any honey, ye shall not sacrifice an offering made by tire unto the Lord. 12 As an oblation of the firs1>fi"uits shall ' Arnheim renders here and elsewhere, "And that on the," &c. " Others, "caul." ° The first sacrifice ofiered daily upon the altar, was the daily burnt-ofli'cring ; and before it had been placed ou the ye ofier them unto the Lcird; but on the altar shall they not come for a sweet savour. 13 And every oblation of thy meat-oftering shalt thou season with salt; and thou shalt not sufler the salt of the covenant of th}- God to be lacking from thy meat-offering: with all thy offerings shalt thou ofter salt. 14 ^ And if thou ofier a meat-offering of the first-fruits unto the Lord : of ripe ears of corn dried by the fire, of pounded corn out of full ears, shalt thou ofier the meat-offering of thy first-fruits. 15 And thou shalt put upon it oil, and lay thereon frankincense : it is a meat-offering. 16 And the priest shall burn its memorial, from its pounded corn, and from its oil, with all its frankincense : it is an oft'ering made by fire unto the Lord.* CHAPTER III. 1 ][ And if his olilation Ijo a sacrifice of peace-offering, if he ofier it of the herds, whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the Lord. 2 And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation : and the sons of Aaron the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about. 3 And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace-offering, as a fire-oflering unto the Lord, the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards, 4 And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is on the flanks," and the midriff'' above the liver, with the kidneys, shall he remove it. 5 And Aaron's sons shall Ijurn it on the altar, upon the burnt-oftering," which is upon the wood that is on the fire : it is an ofiering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord. 6 ][ And if of the flocks be his ofiering for a sacrifice of peace-oftering unto the Lord, male or female, without blemish, shall he ofl'er it. 7 If he offer a sheep for his offering, then shall he bring it near before the Lord. fire, no other sacrifice could be burnt there; hence the phrase "upon the burnt-ofiering which is upon the wood." Rashi, however, renders h}! like '\2hr2 "besides;" still the sense is the same in both cases. 119 LEVITICUS III. IV. VAYIKRA. 8 And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it before the taber- nacle of the congregation : and the sons of Aaron sliall sprinlvle its blood npon the altar round aljout. 9 And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace-offering, as a fire-ofiering unto the Lord, the best part"" thereof, the whole rump, hard by the backbone shall he take it off; and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards; 10 And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is on tlie flanks, and the midriff' above the liver, with the kidneys, shall he remove it. 11 And the priest shall burn it upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire unto the Lord. 12 ][ And if a goat be his offering, then sliall lie In'ing it near before the Lord. 13 And he shall lay his hand upon its head, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle its blood upon the altar round about. 14 And he shall offer thereof his offering, as a fire-oflering unto the Lord, the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards, 15 And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is on the flanks, and the midriff above the liver, with the kidneys shall he remove it. 16 And the priest shall burn them upon the altar; as the food of the ofiering made by fire for a sweet savour, is all the fat unto the Lord. 17 A perpetual statute shall it be for your generations throughout all your dwellings: no fat nor blood shall ye eat.* CHAPTER IV. 1 *i\ And the Lord spolve unto Moses, say- ing, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying. If any person do sin througli ignorance against any of the prohibitions'" of the Lord which ought not to be done, and do any of them ; ' This is explained by the uext word.s, "the best part, tbat is the whole rump;" or as the. moderus have it, "the whole fat tail," referring to the Syrian sheep, the tail of wliich is broad and fat. '' IJotli the negative and positive precepts are command- ments; wherefore the first may also bo properly called nii'D "precepts." " This ia explained, that the high-priest's siu must be 120 ') If the anointed priest do sin to bring guiltiness" on the people: then shall he bring near for his sin, which he hath committed, a young bullock without blemish, unto the Lord, for a sin-ofitbring. 4 And he shall bring the bullock unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord; and he shall lay his hand upon the head of the bullock, and kill'' the bullock before the Lord. 5 And the anointed priest shall take some of the bullock's blood, and binng it into the ttxbernacle of the congregation : 6 And the pi'iest shall dip his finger in the blood; and he shall sprinkle of the Ijlood seven times before the Lord, before the vail of the sanctuary. 7 And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of the in- cense of spices before the Lord, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and all the (remaining) blood of the bullock shall he pour out at the bottom of the altar of burnt-offer- ing, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 8 And all the fat of the Indlock of the sin- offering shall he take off from the s;\me : the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards, 9 And the two kidnej's, and the flxt that is upon them, which is on the flanks, and the midriff above the liver, with the kidney's, shall he remove it; 10 As it is taken off from the bullock of the sacrifice of peace-offering; and the priest shall Iniru tlie same upon the altar of burnt- offering;. 11 And the skin of the bullock, and all his flesh, with his head, and with his legs, and his inwards, and his dung, 12 Even the whole bullock, shall he carry forth without the camp, unto a clean place, to Avhere the ashes are poured out, and burn him on the w^ood with fire ; upon where the ashes are poured out shall he be burnt. 13 ^ And if the whole congregation of like the sin of the elders spoken of in the next seotiou; /. c, that he give a wrong decision, which the people fol- low, by which they incur guilt. * The word anty means not merely to kill, but to pro- duce death by cutting the throat, as practised in Israel. This explanations holds good wherever the word "kill" occurs when speaking of sacrifices, or of animals slain lor the ordinary use of the people. LEVITICUS IV. VAYIKRA. Israel sin tlirough ignorance, and a thing be hidden from the eyes of the assembly," and tliey do any one of all the prohibitions of the Lord which ought not to be done, and they become guilty ; 14 When now the sin becometh known, tlirough which they have siimed : then shall the congregation ofler a young bullock for a sin-oftering, and shall bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation. 15 And the elders of the congregation shall lay their hands upon the head of the bullock betbre the Lord; and they shall kill the bul- lock before the Lord. 16 And the anointed priest shall luring some of the bullock's blood into the tabenia- cle of the congregation : 17 And the priest shall dip his fuiger in some of the blood, and sprinkle it seven times before the Lord, before the vail. 18 And some of the blood shall he put upon the horns of the altar which is before the Lord, that is in the tabernacle of the con- gregation; and all the (remaining) blood shall he pour out at the bottom of the altar of burnt-oflering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 19 And all his fat shall he take from him, and burn it upon the altar. 20 And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock of the sin-oflering; so shall he do with this: and the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven unto them. 21 And he shall carry forth the bullock to without the camp, and burn him as he bunit the first bullock ; it is a sm-oflering of the congregation. 22 *i\ If a ruler should sin, and do any one of the prohibitions of the Lord his God which ought not to be done, through ignorance, aud become guilty ;'' 23 If now his sin, wherein he hath sinned, come to his knowledge : he shall bring as his oftering, a goat, a male, without blemish ; 24 And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the goat, and kill it on the place ' This is explaiued, that the assembled judges decide err.meously concerning any one of the acts for which excision (ni^) is denounced, that it is permitted, aud the people do according to this erroneous decision, thus sin- where they kill the burnt-offering before the Lord ; it is a sin-offering. 25 And the priest shall take some of the blood of the siu-ofiering with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the altar of burnt- offering; and (the remainder of) its blood shall he pour out at the bottom of the altar of burnt-offering. 2C And all its fat shall he burn upon the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace-offer- ing; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning lais sin, and it shall be forgiven unto him.''' 27 T[ And if any person of the common people should sin through ignorance, by his doing any one of the prohibitions of the Lord, which ought not to be done, and become guilty; 28 K now his sin, which he hath committed, come to his knowledge : then shall he bring as his offering, a goat, a female, without blemish, for his sin which he hath committed; 29 And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin-offering, and slay the sin-offei- iug on the place of the burnt-offering. 30 And the priest shall take some of the blood thereof with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the alt;ir of burnt-offering; and all the (remaining) blood thereof shall he pour out at the bottom of the altar. 31 And all the fat thereof shall he remove, as the fat is removed from off the sacrifice of peace-offering; and the priest shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour unto the Lord ; and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it sliall be forgiven unto him. 32 ^ And if he bring a sheep for a sin- offering, a female without blemish shall he bring it. 33 And he shall lay liis hand upon the head of the sin-offering, and slay it for a sin- offering on the place where they kill the burnt- offering. 34 And the priest shall take some of the blood of the sin-offering with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the altar of bui-nt-offer- ing; and all the (remaining) blood thereof shall he pour out at the bottom of the altar : ning against a vital principle through ignorance, upon the instruction of their highest religious authority. '' Mendelssohn translates this expression, wherever it oc- curs, " And he becomes aware of his guilt," or as above, "they become aware of their guilt." 121 LEVITICUS IV. V. VAYIKRA. 35 And all the fat thereof shall he remove, as the fat of the sheep is removed from the sacrifice of the peace-offering ; and the priest shall bum the same upon the altar, upon the offerings made by fire unto the Lord; and the priest shall make an atonement for him for his sin that he hath committed, and it shall be forgiven unto him. CHAPTER V. 1 *[[ And if any person sin, because he heareth the voice of adjuration, and he is a witness, since he liath either seen or knoweth something ; if he do not tell it, and thus bear his iniquity ; 2 Or if there be a person who toucheth any unclean thing, whether it be the carcass of an unclean beast, or the carcass of unclean cattle, or the carcass of an unclean creeping thing, and it escape his recollection ; but (he becom- eth aware that) he is unclean, and hath (thus) incurred guilt; 3 Or if he touch the uncleanness of man, whatsoever unclean ness of the kind it be b}' which he can be defiled, and it escape his re- collection ; but he becometh aware of it, and (that) he hath (thus) incurred guilt ; 4 Or if any p'jrson swear, by pronouncing with his lips" to i lo evil, or to do good (to him- self), in whatsoever it be that a man pro- nounceth with an oath, and it escape his recollection ; but he becometh aware of it that he hath incurred guilt by any one of these : 5 And it shall be, if he have incurred guilt by any one of these (things,) that he shall con- fess that concerning which he hath sinned; G And he shall bring his trespass-offering unto the Lord for his sin which he hath com- mitted, a female from the flocks, a sheep or a goat, for a sin-offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin. 7 And if his means be not sufficient for a sheep, then shall he biing as his offering (for the trespass) which he hath committed, two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, unto the Lord ; one for a sin-oftering, and the other for a burnt-offering. 8 And he shall bring them unto the priest, and he shall offer tliat which is for the sin- " Philippson renders, " Or if a person swear thought- lessly to do," &c. llashi .seems to assent to this construc- (iou by commenting, "witli the lips, but not the heart." 122 offering first, and pinch off its head by the back of its neck, but shall not divide it asunder : 9 And he shall sprinkle some of the blood of the sin-offering upon the wall of the altar ; and the rest of the blood shall be wrimg out at the bottom of the altar; it is a sin- offering. 10 And the second shall he prepare as a burnt-offering, according to the prescribed order; and the priest shall make an atone- ment for him for his sin which he hath com- mitted, and it shall be forgiven unto him.''' 1 1 T[ But if his means be not sufficient for two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, then shall he bring as his offering for that wliich he hath sinned, the tenth part of ;vn ephah of fine flour for a sin-offering; he shall not put upon it any oil, nor shall he put thereupon any frankincense ; for it is a sin-offering. 12 And he shall bring it to the priest; and the priest shall take from it his handful, as its memoriiil, and burn it on the altar, upon the fire-offerings of the Lord: it is a sin- offering. 13 And the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin that he hath com- mitted in one of these, and it shall be for- given unto him ; and it shall belong to the priest, as the meat-offering. 14 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 15 If any person commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, against the holy things of the Lord: then shall he bring as his tres- pass-offering unto the Lord a ram without blemish out of the flocks, in value of two shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanc- tuary, for a trespass-offering. 16 And that, in which he hath sinned against the holy thing, shall he pay, and shall add its fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest; and the priest shall make an atone- ment for him with the ram of the trespass- offering, and it shall be forgiven unto him. n % And if any person sin, and commit any one of the prohibitions of the Lord which ought not to be done; and he knoAv'' not whether he have incurred guilt, and so bear his iniquity : ^ i. e. It is probable that he has unawares committed a capital sin, without being certain whether it be so : /. e. that both lawful and prohibited food had been before him. LEVITICUS V. VI. TZAV. 18 Then shall he bring a ram without blemish out of the flocks, of the usual value, for a trespass-oftering, unto the priest; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin of ignorance, wherein he hath erred and knoweth it not, and it shall be forgiven unto him; 19 It is a trespass-oflering : he hath in tres- passing trespassed against the Lord." 20 *! And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 21 If any person sin, and commit a tres- pass against the Lord ; if he, namely, lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered to him to keep, or in a loan, or in a thing- taken away by violence, or if he have with- held the wages of his neighbour ; 22 Or if he have found something which was lost, and lie concerning it, and swear ialsely ; in any one of all these which a man can do, to sin thereby : _ 23 Then shall it be, when he hath sinned, and is conscious of his guilt, that he shall re- store what he hath taken violently away, or the wages which he hath withheld, or that which was delivered to him to keep, or the lost thing which he hath found,* 24 Or any one thing about which he may have sworn falsely; and he shall restoi'e it in its principal, and the fifth part thereof shall he add thereto; unto him to whom it apper- taineth shall he give it, on the day when he confesseth his trespass. 25 And his trespass-oflering shall he bring unto the Lord, a ram without blemish out of the flocks, of the usual value, for a trespass- offering, unto the priest: 26 And the priest shall make an atone- ment for him before the Lord, and it shall be forgiven unto him, for any one thing of all that he may have done to trespass thereby. Ilaphtorah in Isai.ah xliii. 21 to xliv. 23. SECTION XXV. TZAV, IV. CHAPTER VI. 1 ][ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, " In the Eug. ver. the fifth chapter ends here. ^ Lit. " Upon the place of burning." " t. e. The altar. * This word must be so understood : the meat-offering is brought to the altar; the greater part is given to the 2 Command Aaron and his sons, saj'ing, This is the law of the burnt-oflering : It is the burnt-ofiering, which shall be burning'' upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning on it.° 3 And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and he shall lift up the ashes which the fire hath made by consuming the burnt- ofiering on the altar, and he shall place them beside the altar. 4 And he shall take off his garments, and put on other garments, and carry forth tlie ashes to without the camp, unto a clean place. 5 And the fire upon the altar shall be burning on it, it shall not be put out, and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning; and he shall lay in order upon it the burnt- offering, and he sliall burn thereon the fat of the peace-ofierings. 6 A perpetual fire shall be burning upon the altar; it shall not go out. 7 ][ And this is the law of the meat-offering : (one of) the sons of Aaron shall bring it near before the Lord, in front of the altar. 8 And he shall lift up from it his handful, of the flour of the meat-offering, and of its oil, and all the frankincense which is upon the meat-oftering, and he shall burn it upon the altar, for a sweet savour,' as its memorial,'* unto the Lord. 9 And what is left thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat : unleavened shall it be eaten in a holy place; in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation shall they eat it. 10 It shall not be baked leaven; as their portion have I given it from my offerings made by fire; it is most holy, as is the sin- offering, and as is the trespass-offering. 11 All the males among the children of Aaron shall eat of it, as a fixed portion for ever in your generations from the fire-offer- ings of the Lord: every one that toucheth the same shall be holy.* 12 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 13 This is the offering of Aaron and of his sons, which they shall offer imto the Lord on the day when he is anointed : the tenth part priest ; but the portion offered on the altar is, as it were, that which causeth the offerer to be remembered on high. Philippson translates the word as " the part to praise therewith." 123 LEVITICUS VI. VII. TZAV. of an ephah of fine flour for a meat-offering perpetually; half of it in the morning, and the other half of it in the evening. 14 In a pan, with oil, shall it be made, well sodden" shalt thou bring it; twice baked, a meat-offering of broken pieces, shalt thou offer it for a sweet savour unto the Lord. 15 And the priest that shall be anointed in his stead among his sons shall offer it: it is a statute for ever, unto the Lord; it shall be wholly burnt. 16 And every meat-offering of a priest shall be wholly burnt, it shall not be eaten. 17 ][ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 18 Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, say- ing, This is the law of the sin-offering : On the place where the burnt-ofiering is killed shall the sin-offering be killed before the Lord; it is most holy. 19 The priest who maketh atonement with its blood shall eat it : in a holy place shall it be eaten, in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation. 20 Whatsoever may touch the flesh there- of shall be holy: and if there should be sprinkled any of its blood upon a garment, whatever it hath been sprinkled on shalt thou wash out in a holy place. 21 And any earthen vessel wherein it may have been boiled shall be broken : and if it have been boiled in a copper vessel, it shall be both scoured and rinsed with water. 22 Every male among the priests may eat thereof: it is most holy. 23 And every sin-ofiering whereof any of the blood is brought into the tabernacle of the congregation to make atonement therewith in the holy place, shall not be eaten; it shall be burnt in fire. CHAPTER VII. 1 ^ And this is the law of the trespass- offering: It is most holy. 2 On the place where they kill the burnt- offering shall they kill the trespass-offering; " So Rashi explains the word n^D^D "sodden sufficient in hot water ;" after which it was baked in an oven, broken in pieces, and baked again in the pan. Others explain tiiis term with " softened with oil." Hut tiiis being one of the words wliich occur in but one passage, it is difficult to state it« precise signification. '' This is variously explalMcd, so as to agree with the 121 and the blood thereof shall be sprinkled upon the altar round about. 3 And all its ftit shall be offered up from it; the rump, and the fit that covereth the inwards, 4 And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is on the flanks, and the mid- riff above the liver, with the kidneys shall he remove the same : 5 And the priest shall burn them upon the altar for an ofiering made l)y fire unto the Lord; it is a trespass-oftering. G Ever}' male among the priests may eat thereof; in a holy place shall it be eaten : it is most holy. 7 As the sin-ofiering is, so is the trespass- offering; there is one law for them: the priest that maketh atonement therewith, his shall it be. 8 And the priest that offeretli any man's burnt-ofiering, — the skin of the burnt-offering which he hath ofiered shall belong to this priest alone. 9 And every meat-offering that is baked in the oven, and all that is dressed in the deep pan, and in the flat 2">an, shall belong to the priest that ofl'ereth it alone.*" 10 And every meat-offering which is min- gled with oil, or dry, shall Ijelong to all the sons of Aaron, to one as much as the other.'" 11 T[ And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace-offering, which one may happen to ofler unto the Lord. 12 If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then shall he offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiv- ing unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and un- leavened wafers anointed withoil, and fine flour, well sodden, made into cakes mingled with oil. 13 Together with cakes of leavened bread shall he bring his offering, with the sacrifice of his thanksgiving peace-offering. 14 And he shall offer tliereol' one out of every oblation for a heave-offering unto the Lord; to the priest that sprinkleth the blood of the i)eace-offering — to him sludl it lielong. 15 And the flesh of the sacrifice of his next verse. First, that it is the absolute property of the officiating priest, to distribute it at his option among his fellows; secondly, that it belongs to the family division of the sacrificer who may have the duties to perform on the day of the sacrifice. Arnhcim and others render verse 10, "]5ut," &c., thus making a distinction between the various kinds of sacrifices. LEVITICUS VII. TZAV. tlianksghing-peace-oifering shall be eaten the same day that it is ofiered; he shall not leave any of it until the morning. 16 But if the sacrifice of his offering be a vow, or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offereth his sacrifice: and on the morrow also shall what is left thereof be eaten. 17 But what is left of the flesh of the sacri- fice, on the third day shall it be burnt with fire. 18 And if the intention" was to eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace-offering on the thii'd day, it shall not be favourably re- ceived ; to him who oflereth it shall it not be ac- counted; it shall be an abomination, and the person that eateth of it shall bear liis iniquity. 19 And the flesh, that toucheth an}- unclean thing, shall not be eaten, with fire shall it be burnt: and as for the flesh, every one tluvt is clean may eat thereof 20 But the person that eateth the flesh of the sacrifice of peace-offering, that pertaineth unto the Lord, having his uncleanness upon him, even that person shall be cut ofi" from his people. 21 And any pensoii that toucheth any un- clean thing, as the uncleanness of man, or any unclean beast, or any abominable unclean thing, and eateth of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace-offering, which pertaineth unto the Lord, even that person sliall be cut off from his people. 22 And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- 23 Speak unto the children of Israel, say- ing, Every manner of fat, of ox,'' or of sheep, or of goat shall ye not eat. 24 And the tat of a beast that dieth of itself, and the tat of that which is torn by- beasts, may be used for any manner of work, but ye shall in no wise eat of it. 25 For whosoever eateth the fat of tlie cattle, of which one can offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord, cacu the person that eateth it shall be cut off from his people. 26 Moreover ye shall eat no manner of ' After Rashi, in accordance with Zebachim, folio 28 a. See also Wesscli's note to this verse, where he proves that it would be incorrect to render "if any of the flesh, &c. be eaten." '' These are thb species of which a sacrifice can be brought: consequently, the fat of the deer-kind is per- mitted. blood, in any of your dwellmgs, whether it l)e of fowl or of cattle.' 27 Whatsoever person it be that eateth any manner of blood, even that person shall be cut ofl" from his people. 28 ][ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying,^ 29 Speak unto the children of Israel, say- ing, He that offereth the sacrifice of his peace- offering unto the Lord shall bring his oblation unto the Lord from the sacrifice of his peace- oftering. 30 His own hands shall bring it, as the fire-oflerings of the Lord: the fat with the breast shall he bring, the breast that it may be waved for a wave-offering before the Lord. 31 And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar; but the breast shall belong to Aaron and to his sons. 32 And the right shoulder shall ye give unto the priest for a heave-offering, of the sacrifices of your peace-offerings. 33 The one that offereth the blood of the peace-offerings and the fat, among the sons of Aaron, shall have the right shoulder for his part. 34 For the breast which hath been waved and the shoulder which hath been lifted up have I taken from the children of Israel from the sacrifices of their peace-offerings; and I have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons as a fixed portion* for ever from the children of Israel. 35 This is the portion of the anointing" of Aaron, and of the anointing of his sons, from the fire-ofterings of the Lord, on the day when he brought them near to become priests unto the Lord; 36 AVhich the Lord commanded to give unto them, on the day that he anointed them, from the children of Israel, as a fixed portion for ever throughout their generations. 37 This is the law of the burnt-offering, of the mea<>offering, and of the sin-offering, and of the trespass-offering, and of the consecra- tion-offering, and of the sacrifice of the peace- offering ; ° The blood, however, of all four-footed animals, as well as of birds, is interdicted, without distinction, whether the individual be fit for sacrifice or not. ^ The word pn, otherwise rendered "statute," is here given, after Mendelssohn, with "fixed portion." (See Genesis xlvii. 22.) ' i. e. His, in consequence uf his being anointed. -•j LEVITICUS VII. VIII. TZAV. 38 Which the Lord commanded Moses on mount Sinai, on the day that he commanded the children of Israel to offer their oblations unto the Lord, in the wilderness of Sinai.* CHAPTER VIII. 1 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ing, 2 Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and the bullock for the sin-offering, and the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread ; 3 And all the congregation shalt thou as- semble together unto the door of the taber- nacle of the congregation. 4 And Moses did as the Lord had com- manded him ; and the assembly came together unto the door of the tabernacle of the con- gregation. 5 And Moses said unto the congregation. This is the thing which the Lord hath com- manded to do. 6 And Moses brought near Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water. 7 And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put upon him the ephod, and he girded him with the Ijelt of the ej)hod, and bound it unto him therewith. 8 And he put on him the breastplate ; and he put in the breastj)late the Urim and the Thummim. 9 And he put the mitre upon his head; and he placed upon the mitre, toward the front thereof, the golden plate, the holy crown; as the Lord had commanded Moses. 10 And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein, and sanctified them. 11 And he sprinkled thereof upon the altar seven times; and he anointed the altar and all its vessels, also the laver and its foot, to sanctify them. 12 And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and he anointed him, to sanc- tify him. ' This is the manner in which Arnheim and Wesseli explain ontyi used here and in verses 19 and 23, it hav- ing in all these instances a disjunctive accent. Mcndels- siilin, however, after Torath Kohanim, both transl.ates "and Moses slew and took the blood," and comments that prcibalily during the week of consecration the killing of the sacrifices was recjuired to be done by Moses, periiaps to show the people the manner of kiUinj^ the same, as 120 13 And Moses brought near the sons of Aaron, and clothed them with coats, and girded them with girdles, and bound the bon- nets on them; as the Lord had commanded Moses.* 14 And he brought near the bullock of the sin-offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the bullock of the sin-offering. 15 And some one° slew him; and Moses took the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and the (remaining) blood he poured out at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make henceforth atonement upon it. 16 And he took all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the midrifi' of the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and Moses burnt them upon the altar. 17 But the bullock, and his hide, and his flesh, and his dung, he burnt with fire with- out the camp; as the Lord had commanded Moses. 18 And he brought near the ram of the burnf>of}ering ; and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram. 19 And some one killed him; and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about. 20 And the ram he'' cut into the proper pieces; and Moses burnt the head, and the pieces, and the fat. 21 And he washed the inwards and the legs in water; and Moses burnt the whole ram upon the altar : it was a burntr-saorifice for a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the Lord; as the Lord had commanded Moses.* 22 And he brought near the other ram, the ram of consecration; and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram. 23 And some one slew him; and Moses took some of his blood, and put it upon the tip of Aaron's right ear, and upon the thumb he performed all the other duties of the service to show them all the laws thereof. '' M^^sseli and Arnheim remark that the cutting up and the washing of the sacrifice were probably performed by another person, as above, verse 15; as they do not properly belong to the net of sacrificing, and could there- fore be done liy a person not connected with the priest- hood. LEVITICUS VIII. IX. SHEMINEE. of bis right hand, and upon tiio great toe of his right foot. 24 And he brought near Aaron's sons, and Moses put some of the blood upon the tip of their right ear, and upon the tliunib of their right hand, and upon the great toe of their right toot; and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about. 25 And he took the fat, and the rump, and all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the midriff of the liver, and the two kid- neys, and their fat, and the right shoulder ; 26 And out of the basket of unleavened bread, that was before the Lord," he took one unleavened cake, and one cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, and he put them on the fat, and upon the right shoulder : 27 And he placed the whole upon the hands of Aaron, and upon the hands of his sons, and made with them a waving before the Lord. 28 And Moses then took these things from ofl' their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt-ofFeriug ^ they were a conse- cration-offering for a sweet savour, a fire-offer- ing were they unto the Lord. 29 And Moses took the breast, and made therewith a waving before the Lord; from the ram of consecration was it given to Moses as his portion; as the Lord had commanded Moses.* 30 And Moses took some of the anointing oil, and of the blood which Avas ujjon the altar, and sprinkled the same upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him ; and he sanctified Aaron, his garments, and his sons, and the garments of his sons with him. 31 And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, Boil ye the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation; and there shall ye eat it with the bread that is in the basket- of the consecration; as I have com- manded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it. 32 And that which is left of the flesh and of the bread shall ye burn with fire.* 33 And from the door of the tabernacle of " Meaning, the basket which had been placed near the altar, as by this means it was more in the presence of God than in any other place. ' Lit. "Shall he (the consecrator) fill your hand." the congregation shall ye not go forth seven days, until the days of your consecration be at an end; for seven days shall your conse- cration last.'' 34 As they have done this day, so haih the Lord commanded to do farther, to make an atonement for 3'ou. 35 And at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation shall ye abide day and night seven days, and keep the charge of the Lord, that ye die not; for so have I been com- manded. 36 And Aaron aitd his sons did all the things which the Lord had commanded jjy the hand of Moses. Haphtorah in Jeremiah vii. 21 to viii. 3 and is. 22, 23. SECTION XXVL SHEMINEE, 'yDC CHAPTER IX. 1 Tl And it came to pass < n the eighth day that Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel ; 2 And he said unto Aaron, Take unto thy- self a young calf" for a sin-offering, and a ram for a burnt-offering, without blemish, and bring them near before the Lord. 3 And unto the children of Israel shalt thou speak, sajdng, Take ye a he-goat for a sin-offering; and a calf and a sheep, both of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt- offering ; 4 Also a bullock and a ram for peace-offer- ings, to sacrifice before the Lord, and a meat- offering mingled with oil; for this day the Lord will appear unto you. 5 And they brought that which Moses had commanded before the tabernacle of the con- gregation : and all the congregation drew near and stood before the Lord. 6 And Moses said. This thing which the Lord. hath commanded shall ye do: and then will tlie glory of the Lord appear ur to you. 7 And Moses said unto Aaron, Draw near unto the altar, and prepare thy sin-oflering. and thy burnt-ofiering, and make an atone- ment for thj'self, and lor the people ; and pre- pare the offering of the people, and make an ° This phrase ip3 p Sj;? is said to mean a steer of two years, so likewise "ram" signifies one two years old; but when the words Sji' and n/ij "calf" and "sheep" are used, they mean animals one year old. 127 LEVITICUS IX. X. SHEMINEE. atonement for them; as the Lord hath com- mauded. * 8 And Aaron drew near nnto the altar; and he slew the calf of the sin-ofiering, which Avas for himself. 9 And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him; and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put it upon the honis of the altar; and the (remaining) blood he poured out at the bottom of the altar 10 And the fat, and the kidneys, and the midriflf from the liver of the sin-offering, he burnt upon the altar; tis the Lord had com- manded Moses. 11 And the flesh and the hide he burnt with fire without the camp. 12 And he slew the burnt-offering; and the sons of Aaron presented unto him the blood, and he sprinkled it upon the altar round about. 13 And the burnt-offering they presented unto him, in its proper pieces, together with the head: and he burnt them upon the altar. 14 And he washed the inwards and the legs; and he burnt them uj^on the burnt- offering on the altar. 15 And he brought near the people's offer- ing ; and he took the goat of the sin-offering which belonged to the people, and slew it, and made atonement" with its blood, as the first. 16 And he brought near the burnt-offering, and offered it according to the prescribed manner.* 17 And he brought near the meat-offering, and he filled his hand thereof, and burnt it upon the altar, beside the burnt-sacrifice of the morning. 18 He slew also the bullock and the ram, the sacrifice of peace-offering which belonged to the people: and the sous of Aaron pre- sented unto him the blood, and he sprinkled it upon the altar round about, 19 Also the fat of the bullock, and of the ram, the rumj), and that which covereth the ' Onkelos thus renders iDNBrri, aud views it as express- ing that the priest made of it a siu-ofForing by sprin- kling the blood: the word UowJ, however, is not in the text, and is merely understood. So also above, vi. 19, and elsewhere. " The guilt of the sons of Aaron (more correctly Aha- ron) evidently consisted in their bringing incense upon a censa' which had not been commanded, as it was merely 128 inwards, and the kidneys, and the midriff of the liver; 20 And they put these jiieces of fot upon the breasts, and he burnt the lat upon the altar; 21 And with the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron made a waving before the Lord; as Moses had commanded. 22 And Aaron lifted \i\) his hands toward the people, and blessed them ; and came down after he had offered the sin-offering, and the burnt-offering, and peace-offerings. 23 And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came then out, and blessed the people : and the glory of the Lord appeared unto all the people.* 24 And there came forth a fire from before the Lord, and consumed upon the altar the burnt^offering and the fat; and when all the people saw this, they shouted, and lell on their faces. CHAPTER X. 1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took each his censer, and they put therein fire, and put thereon incense: and they brought near before the Lord a strange fire,* which he had not commanded them. 2 Anc\ there went out a fire from Ijefore the Lord, and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. 3 Then said Moses unto Aaron. This is what the Lord hath sjwken, saying, On those who are near unto me will I be sanctified, and before all the people will I be glorified: and Aaron held his peace. 4 And Moses called unto Mishael and El- zaphan, the sons of 'Uzziel, the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary to without the camp. 5 And they came near, and carried them in their coats to without the camp ; as Moses had spoken. 6 And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Elazar and unto Ithamar, his sons. The hair to be sacrificed on the altar which was within the sanc- tuary, and then but twice every d.-iy. .^nd wliilo they were engaged in this unacceptable ministry, they were slain in the tabernach^ by the mysterious fire. The words "consumed thciu" must, however, be understood, not as a perfect burning, but as merely em iigh to cause death, or else they could not have been carried forth to be buried iu their garments. LEVITICUS X. XL SHEMINEE. of your head you. shall not let grow long, and your garments you shall not rend, that ye die not, and that he be not Avroth upon the Avhole congregation; but your Ijrethren, the whole house of Israel, nuxy bewail the burn- ing which the Lord hath kindled. 7 And from the door of the taljernacle of the congregation shall ye not go out, lest ye die; for the anointing oil of the Lord is upon you ; and they did according to the word of Moses. 8 T[ And the Lord spoke unto Aaron, saying, 9 Wine or strong drink" shalt thou not drink, neither thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go in unto the tabernacle of the con- gregation, lest 3'e die : it shall Ije a statute for ever throughout your generations. 10 So that ye may be able to distinguish between Ihe lioly and the unholy, and be- tween the unclean and the clean ; 11 And that ye may he able to teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the Lord hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.* 12 ][ And Moses spoke unto Aaron, and unto Elazar and unto Ithamar his sons, that were left, Take ye the meat-offering that is left of the fire-offerings of the Lord, and eat it unleavened beside the altar ; for it is most holy. 13 And ye shall eat it in a holy place, be- cause it is thy fixed portion, and the fixed portion of thy sons, from the fire-ofierings of the Lord; for so have I been commanded. 14 And the breast which hath been waved and the shoulder which hath been lifted up, shall ye eat in a clean place, thou, and thy sons, and thy daughtei's with thee ; for as thy fixed portion, and the fixed portion of thy sous, have they been given from the sacrifices of peace-offerings of the children of Israel. 15 The shoulder which is waved and the ' From the fact that this section follows immediately the one containing the death of Aaron's sons, it was the opinion of Rabbi Ishmael, that they had entered the sanc- tuary in a state of drunkenness; be this as it may, it is an energetic prohibition against the use of any intoxicating drink, by priests or judges, before they engage in their solemn duties. '' Aaron uo doubt meant to exhibit to Moses, that as he had not enumerated the sin-offering among the things to be eaten, (verse 12,) it would have been wrong for him to eat thereof, while his sons were yet unburied ; and he there- fore had it burnt, as it could not lawfully be kept till the R breast which is lifted up, shall they bring with the fat of the fire-offering, to make thei-ewith a waving before the Lord; and then shall it be thine, and thy sons with thee, as a fixed portion tor ever; as the Lord hath com- manded.* IG And the goat of the sin-offering Moses sought diligently, and behold, it was burnt : and he was angry with Elazar and Ithamar, the sous of Aaron who had been left, and said, 17 Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin- offering in the holy place, seeing that it is most hoi}', and that he hath given it to you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the Lord ? 18 Behold, its blood was not brought with- in the holy place : ye should then have eaten it in the holy place, as I commanded. 19 And Aaron spoke unto Moses, Behold, this day have they offered their sin-offering, and their burnt-oflcring before the Lord ; and things as these have befallen me : and if I had eaten the sin-ofiering to-da}',^ would it have been pleasing in the eyes of the Lord ? 20 And when Moses heard this, it was pleasing in his eyes.* CHAPTER XI. 1 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye may eat among all the laeasts'' that are on the earth. 3 Whatsoever divideth the hoof, and is cloven-footed, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that may ye eat. 4 But these shall ye not eat, of those that chew the cud, or of those that divide the hoof: the camel ; because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. 5 And the conv; because he cheweth the next day. And though he had concluded wrongly, still Moses was satisfied; as he had acted from pure intentions. — After Wesseli. " nrDHD in this and subsequent verses is rendered by Arnheim " fourfonted," i. eranimals. Usually it is given with " cattle," that is, the domestic ones, in opposition to rrn "the beast" which roams wild. But as "beast" in English includes both the wild and domestic animal, the word has been used to express both rrn and n-ina, fnim the difficulty of translating them always with the proper synonyme. LEVITICUS XL SIIEMINEE. cud, but dividetli not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. 6 And the hare; because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. 7 And the swine; because he divideth the hoof, and is cloven-footed, but he cheweth not the cud ; he is unclean unto you. 8 Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcass shall ye not touch; they ai-e unclean unto you. 9 These may ye eat, of all that are in the waters: All that have fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them may ye eat. 10 But all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of whatever moy- eth in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, shall be an abomina- tion unto you : 11 And an aliominatiou shall they remain unto you ; of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcasses ye shall liave in abomina^ tion. 12 Whatsoever hath not fins and scales in the waters, shall be an abomination unto you. 13 And these shall ye have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination : The eagle," and the ossifrage, and the osprey, 14 And the vulture, and the kite after his kind ; 1 5 Every raven after his kind ; 16 And the ostrich, and the night-hawk, and the cuckoo, and the hawk after his kind ; 17 And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl, 18 And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier-eagle, 19 And the stork, tlie heron after his kind, and the lapwing, and the bat. 20 All flying insects that walk upon four feet, shall be an ahomination unto you. 21 Yet these may ye eat, among all the ' The meaning of some of the birds' names, like that of the stones in the breastplate, are of very uncertain signi- fication. (See also Dent. xiv. 12-18.) ■■ All these are species of the locust — the particular kinds are not known ; hence they are left untranslated, as has been done by Mendelssohn and Aruheim. The same uncertainty prevails concerning the animals nieutioncd in Verse.-i iiU and o 1, 130 flying insecis that walk on four feet, which have spring-legs above their feet, to leap therewith upon the earth. 22 These of them may ^-e eat : The locust after its kind, and the sol'am'' after its kind, and the chargol after its kind, and the chagab after its kind. 23 But all flying insects, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you; 24 And through these shall ye be rendered unclean: whosoever toucheth tlie carcass of them shall be unclean until the evening; 25 And who.soever beareth aught of their carcass shall wash his clothes, and be unclean imtil the evening. 26 Every species of beast,'' which divideth the hoof and is not cloven-footed nor cheweth the cud, is unclean unto 30U : every one that toucheth the same shall be unclean. 27 And all that walk upon their paws, among all manner of beasts that walk on four feet, are unclean unto you ; whosoever touch- eth their carcass shall be unclean until the evening. 28 And he that beareth their carcass shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the evening: unclean shall they be unto 30U. 29 ^[ And these shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth : The weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after its kind, 30 And the hedgehog, and the chame- leon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole. 31 These shall be unclean to you among all that creep: whosoever doth touch them, when they are dead, shall be unclean until the evening. 32 And every thing upon which any ])art of them, when they are dead, doth lull, shall be unclean ; whether it be any ^'essel of Mood, or raiment, or skin, or sack, ever^- ^■essel wherewith any work can be done, must be put into water, and it shall be unclean until the evening, Avlien it shall be clean.''' 33 And every earthen vessel whereinto " In this the prohibition is rendered general, that any animal which has a hoof that is not divided tiiruugh, though it be partially split, shall be unclean. The touch- ing to render man unclean, refers to the carcass, not the living animal, as appears from the wdiole tenor of the pre- cept given here with regard to uncleanuess arising from touching unclean animals. Verse 27 interdicts all animals that iiayc neither niark of cleanness bci'ore given, LEVITICUS XI. XII. TAZREEANG. any part of them falletli, whatsoever is in it shall be unclean; and itself shall ye break. 34 All kinds of food which may be eaten," on which water cometh, shall be unclean : and all drink that may be drunk, shall be render- ed unclean in every vessel. 35 And every thing whereupon any part of their carcass falleth, shall be unclean; an oven,^ or ranges for pots, shall be broken down, they are unclean; and unclean shall they be unto j^ou. 36 Nevertheless, a fountain, or pit, recepta- cles for water, shall be clean;' but lie"* that toucheth their carcass shall be unclean. 37 And if any part of their carcass fall upon any sowing-seed which hath been* sown, it shall be clean. 38 But if any water be ^nit upon the seed, and any part of their carcass tall thereon, it shall be unclean unto you. 39 ][ And if any cattle die, which is allow- ed to you as food : he that toucheth its car- cass shall be unclean until the evening. 40 And he that eateth of its carcass shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the evening ; he also that beareth its carcass shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the evening. 41 And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth is an abomination, it shall not be eaten. 42 Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon four feet, down to whatsoever hath many feet among all creep- ing things that creep upon the earth, shall ye not eat; for they are an abomination. 43 Ye shall not make yourselves abomina- ble with any creeping thing that creepeth; and ye shall not make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby. 44 For I am the Lord 30ur God ; ye shall therefore sanctifj' yourselves, and ye shall be holy ; for I am holy : neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with any manner of creep- ing thing that creepeth upon the earth.* 45 For I am the Lord that have Ijrought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be }'our '"This refers to the preceding verse; whatever food on wliich water has been put, as also all manner of drink which shall happen to be in the unclean vessel, shall be rendered unclean." — Rashi. ' Tradition defines these to mean movable earthen ovens and ranu-es. God ; }'e shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. 46 This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth : 47 To distinguish between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten. Haphtorah in 2 Samuel vi. 1 to 19. The Germans read to vii. 3, and the Italians to verso 17. SECTION XXVII. TAZREEANG, >'nrn CHAPTER XII. 1 *(\ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a male child: then shall she be unclean seven days, even as in the dajs of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. 3 And on the eighth day shall the flesh of his foreskin be circumcised. 4 And thirty and three days shall she then continue in the blood of her pui-ification ; any thing hallowed shall she not touch, and into the sanctuary shall she not come, initil the days of her puinfication be at an end. 5 But if she bear a female child, then shall she be unclean two Aveeks, as in her separa- tion; and sixty and six days shall she con- tinue in the blood of the purification. 6 And at the completion of the days of her purification, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a sheep of the first jear lor a burnt-oflering, and a joung pigeon, or a turtle-dove, for a sin-ofl'ering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest. 7 And he shall bring it near before the Lord, and make an atonement for her, and she shall be cleansed irom the issue of her blood; this is the law for her tliat hath given birth to a male or to a female. 8 And if her mealis will not suffice for a ° " Even should a ■i " Though he be water." — Kasui. ' " In a way that Jonathan. carcass lie therein." — Arniieim. at the time in a fountain or pit of il call be sown in a dry state." — J31 LEVITICUS XII. XIII. TAZREEANG. lauib, then shall she take two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, the one for a burnt^ offering, and the other for a sin-oftering; and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean. CHAPTER XIII. 1 ][ And the Lord spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 2 If a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a swelling,"' a rising, or a bright spot, and it might become* in the skin of his flesh the plague of leprosy : then shall he be brought unto Aaron the priest, or unto one of his sons the priests. 3 And if the priest shall see the plague in the skin of the flesh, and the hair in the plague be turned white, and the appearance of the plague be deeper than the skin of his flesh : it is a plague of leprosy ; and (so soon as) the priest shall see him, he shall pro- nounce him unclean. 4 But if it be a white bright spot in the skin of his flesh, and its appearance be not deeper than the skin, and the hair be not turned white : then shall the priest shut up the plague seven days. 5 And the priest shall see him on the seventh day; and, behold, if the plague have remained unchanged in its appearance, the l^lague have not spread in the skin : then shall the priest shut him up seven days more.* 6 And the priest shall see him again on the seventh day; and, behold, if the plague be somewhat pale, and the plague have not spread in the skin : then shall the priest pro- nounce him clean; it is a rising, and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean. 7 But if the rising should spread abroad in the skin, after he hath been seen by the priest for his cleansing, he shall be seen again by the priest. ° This is according to the version of Mendelssohn. Arnhcim renders nn3D " tetter," or a tetter-like affection. Jonatlian gives it with 'aiSp "peeling," "scale," or ".scab." I'hilippson translates nxw simply with "spot," and com- ments that this is the first symptom of leprosy : this view explains quite naturally the " depression" spoken of iu tli(! next verse. '' Both Jlendelssohn and Arnheim translate rrm as here given : it means then, that so soon as there is an ap- pearance which might terminate iu leprosy, the patient shall be brought to the priest fur inspection. ° Tradition requires us to render "or," as Mendelssohn dues. Arnheim and others give it with --and." 132 8 And if the priest see that, behold, the rising have spread abroad in the skin, then shall the priest pronounce him unclean : it is leprosy. 9 ][ If the plague of leprosy happen to be on a man, then shall he be brought unto the priest ; 10 And the priest shall see, and, behold, if there be a white swelling in tlie skin, and the hair in it have turned white, or" there be a trace of healthy'' flesh in the swelling : 11 It is an inveterate leprosy in the skin of his flesh, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean ; he shall not shut him up, for he is unclean. 1 2 And if the leprosy break out abroad in the skin, and the leprosy cover all the skin of (him that hath) the plague from his head even to the feet, so far as the eyes of the priest can see : 13 If now the priest should see, that, be- hold, the leprosy nave covered all his flesh, he shall pronounce the plague clean ; it is all turned white, he is clean. 14 But on the day that healthy flesh ap- peareth therein, he shall be unclean. 15 And the priest shall see the healthy flesh, and pronounce him to be unclean ; the healthy flesh is unclean, it is the lepros}'. 16 Or if the healthy flesh turn again, and be changed unto white, he shall come unto the priest ; 17 And if the priest see him, and, behold, the plague be turned into white : then shall the priest pronounce the j^lague'' clean, he is clean.'-" 18 ^ And if there be a jjerson who hath had in his skin an inflammation, and hath been healed, 19 And if there be on the place of the in- flammation a white swelling, or a white and dark red*^ bright spot, he shall be shown to the priest ; '' Others translate this with "raw flesh." ' "Plague" stands for "him who hath the plague." ' This version of " dark red" is after Mendelssohn, who views after the Rabbins, dtdin" and Pipi' as the inten- sives of mx and pT, therefore "dark red, dark green." The verse should then be explained, that there be upon the place where a wound or a sore has been in the skin a swelling or spot not decidedly white, but intermingled with dark red streaks, which peculiar appearance is a dis- tinctive mark of leprosy, not of a scar of the wound, if the other signs, the depression of the skin and the white hair, should be present. The same ii! the case with the next section. LEVITICUS XIIT. TAZREEANG. 20 And if the priest see, and, behold, its appearance be lower than the skin, and the hair thereof have been turned white : then shall the priest pronounce him unclean, it is the plague of leprosy broken out in the in- Uararaation. 21 But if the' priest see it, and, behold, there be no white hair therein, and if it be not lower than the skin, and it be pale: then shall the priest shut him up seven daj's. 22 And if it now spread abroad in the skin, then shall the priest pronounce him un- clean : it is the plague (of lej^rosj) . 23 But if the bright spot remain in its place, and spread not, it is a scar of the in- tlammation; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.* 24 ][ Or if there be a person in whose skin there is a p.lace burnt by tire, and the mark of the burning become a bright spot, white and dark I'ed, or white ; 25 And if the priest see it, and, behold, the hair in the bright spot have been turned white, and its appearance be deeper than the skin : it is leprosy, broken out in the fire- wound; and the priest shall pronounce him unclean, it is the plague of leprosy. 26 But if the priest see it, and, behold, there be in the bright spot no white hair, and it be not lower than the skin, and it be pale : then shall the priest shut him up seven days. 27 And the priest shall see him on the seventh day ; if now it have spread al^road in the skin, then shall the priest pronounce him unclean : it is the plague of leprosy. 28 And if the bright spot remain in its place, (and) it have not spread abroad in the skin, and it be pale: it is a swelling of the fire-wound; and the priest shall pronounce him clean ; for it is a scar of the fire-wound.* 29 ^ And if there be a man or woman on whom there arise a plague, on the head or on the beard; 30 Then shall the priest see the plague; and, behold, if its appearance Ije deeper than the skin, and there be in it a yellow thin hair: then shall the priest pronounce him unclean, it is a dry scall, it is the leprosy of the head or of the beard. 31 And if the priest see the plague of the ' The spreading of the disorder being a sign of unelean- ness, it is equally so whethor it happen during tlie time scall, and, behold, its appearance be not deeper than the skin, and there be no black hair in it: then shall the priest shut up the plague of the scall seven daj's. 32 And the priest shall see the plague on the seventh day; and, behold, if the scall ha^•e not spread, and there be in it no yellow hair, and the appearance of the scall be not deeper than the skin : 33 Then shall he be shaved, but the scall he shall not shave; and the priest shall shut up the scall seven days moi"e. 34 And the priest shall see the scall on the seventh day; and, behold, if the scall hiwa not spread in the skin, and its appearance l)e not deeper than the skin: then shall the priest pronounce him clean, and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean. 35 But if the scall should spread'^ aljroad in the skin after his being pronounced clean : 36 Then shall the priest see him; and, be- hold, if the scall have spread in the skin, the priest shall not seek for the yellow hair; he is unclean. 37 But if the scall have remained sta- tionary in its colour, and black hair have grown up therein : the scall is then healed, he is clean ; and the priest shall pronounce him clean. 38 ^ And if there ha a man or a woman having in the skin of their flesh bright spots, white bright spots; 39 And if the priest do see, and, behold. there are in the skin of their flesh bright spots, pale and white : it is a freckl}' eruption grown in the skin; he is clean.* 40 ]| And if there be a man whose hair of the head fall off, he is a bald head; he is clean. 41 And if from the side of his fiice his hair fall off, he is forehead-bald ; he is clean. 42 But if there be on the liald head, or the bald forehead, an eruption, white and dark red: it is the leprosy sprung up on his bald head, or his bald forehead. 43 And the priest shall see him; and, be- hold, if the swelling of the eruption be white and dark red on his bald head, or on his bald forehead, like the appearance of the leprosy on the (other parts of the) skin of the flesh : 44 He is a leprous man, he is unclean; that the leper is shut up, and before the decision of the priest, or after he has pronounced him clean. l:J3 LEVITICU8 XIII. XIV. xMETZORANG. the priest shall pronounce him unclean; his plague is on his head. 45 And the lejier on whom the plague is, his clothes shall be rent, and his head shall be bare," and he shall cover himself up to his upper lip, and, Unclean, unclean, shall he call out. 46 All the days whereon the plague which rendereth unclean is on him, he shall be un- clean; alone shall he dwell; without the camp shall his habitation be. 47 Tj And if there be a garment on which there arise a plague of leprosy, whether it be on a woollen garment, or on a linen gar- ment; 48 Whether it be on the warp,'' or on the woof; of linen, or of woollen; whether on a skin, or on any tiling made of skin ; 49 And the plague be dark green or dark red, on the garment, or on the skin, or on the warp, or on the woof, or on any article made of skin : it is the plague of leprosy ; and it shall be shown unto the priest. 50 And the priest shall see the plague, and shut up the plague seven days. 51 And if he see the plague on the seventh day, that the plague have spread in the gar- ment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in the skin, or in any article that is made of skin: the plague is a corroding" leprosy; it is unclean. 52 And he shall then burn that garment, whether warp or woof, in woollen or in linen, or any article of skin, whereon the plague is; for it is a corroding leprosy, in fire shall it be burnt. 53 And if the priest shall see, and, behold, the plague have not spread on the garment, either on the warp, or on the woof, or on any article of skin : 54 Then shall the priest command that they wash the thing whereon the plague is, and lie shall shut it up seven days niore.^-' 55 And if the priest see, after the plague ' " He shall let his hair grow long." — Kashi. And after this manner y\2 has been rendered above, x. 6; perhaps this word includes both ideas. '' Philippson renders "plain woven or twilled stuif of linen or wool." ° In verse 49 the words "it is the plague of leprosy" are used, without its being thereby decided whether the garment, kc, be unclean or not, which is not the case with human beings who are unclean, when the leprosy is evident. Garments, however, need to be affected with a leprosy niXOO or nnna "currosiou" or hath been washed, and, behold, the plague have not changed its colour, and the plague have not spread: it is unclean, in fire shalt thou burn it; it is a decay on its inside or on its outside. 56 And if the priest see, and, behold, the plague have become pale after its having been washed : then shall he tear it out from the garment, or from the skin, or from the warp, or from the woof."' 57 And if it appear again on the garment, either on the warp, or on the w^oof, or on any instrument of skin: it is a growing plague; with fire shalt thou burn that whereon the plague is. 58 And the garment, either the warp or the woof, or every instrument of skin, which thou shaLt wash, and the plague depart there- from, shall be washed the second time, when it shall be clean. 59 This is the law of the plague of leprosy on a garment of woollen or of linen, either in the warp, or the woof, or any article of skin, to pronounce it clean, or unclean. Haphtorah in 2 Kings iv. 42 to v. 19. SECTION XXVIII. METZORANG,ni'0. CHAPTER XIV. 1 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- 111 O" 2 This shall be the law of the leper on the day of his being cleansed : He shall be brought unto the priest. 3 And the priest shall go forth'' to with- out the camp; and if the priest see, and, be- hold, the plague of leprosy be healed on the lejier : 4 Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two healthy, clean birds," and cedar wood, and a string of scarlet yarn, and hyssop. 5 And the j^riest shall command that one decay," before they can be pronounced unclean. — After Arniikim. ^ 'J'hc bringing before the priest, in the preceding verse, is explained in this, that he is to go out of the camp to tlie dwelling of the leper, to satisfy himself whether or not the leper can return unto the camp after the next pre- scribcil ccri'inonics have been performed. " Glean birds, means those which are permitted to be eaten, consequently none of the prohibited kinds could be taken, nvn is rendered here, " healthy," but not "living," ill :iecordance with traditiuii. (^See also Exodus i. 19.) LEVITICltS XIV. METZOEANG. of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water. G As for the living l)ird. he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the string of scarlet yarn, and the hyssop, and he shall dip these and the living bird into the blood of the bird that was killed over the rinming water: 7 And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the lepro.^^ seven times; and when he hath cleansed him, he shall let the living bird tly forth into the open field. 8 And he that is to l)e cleanse<l shall wash his clothes, and shave oft" all his hair, and wash himself in water, and he shall be clean, and after that he may come into the camp; but he shall tarry outside of his tent seven days. 9 And it shall be on the seventh day, that he shall shave oft" all his hair, his head, and his beard, and his eyebrows, even all his hair shall he shave oft': and he shall wash his clothes, he shall also wash his flesh" in watex', when he shall be clean. 10 And on the eighth da}* he shall take two sheep without blemish, and one ewe of the first jear without blemish, and three- tenth parts of fine flour for a meat-oftering, mins'led with oil, and one loo; of oil. 11 And the priest who cleanseth shall cause the man that is to be made clean, and these things, to stand before the Lord, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation : 12 And the priest shall take the one sheep, and offer the same for a trespass-oft'ering, with tile log of oil ; and he shall make with them a waving before the Lord.'-' 13 And he shall slay the sheep on the place where the sin-oftering and the burnt^ offering are killed, in the holy place; for as the sin-offering'' so doth the trespass-offering belong to the priest : it is most holy. 14 And the priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass-offering; and the priest shall put it upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and updn the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot. 15 And the priest shall take some of the log of oil, and pour it into the palm of his omi left hand. * This phrase, used here and elsewhere, means simply " to bathe the whole body at once." " This is explained thus : As the blood of the sin-offer- ing must be sprinkled, and the fat thereof be burnt upon 16 And the priest shall dip his finger of the right hand in the oil that is in his left hand, and he shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the Lokd. 17 And of the rest of the oil that is in his hand shall the priest put upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot,. upon the blood of the trespass-oft'ering. 18 And what is left of the oil that is in the priest's hand, he shall put upon the head of him that is to be cleansed: and the priest shall (thus) make an atonement for him be- fore the Lord. 19 And the jiriest shall prepare the sin- offering, and make an atonement for him that is to lie cleansed from his uncleanness; and afterward shall he kill the burnt-olTering: 20 And the priest shall oft'er the burnt- oft'ering and the meat-offering upon the altai-; and the priest shall (thus) make an atonement for him, and he shall be clean.* 21 ^ But if he be poor, and his means do not suffice, then shall he take one sheep for a trespass-oflfering to be waved, to make an atonement for him ; and one-tenth part of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat-offering, and a log of oil ; 22 And two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, for which his means suffice; and one shall be a sin-off'ering, and the other a burnt- offering. 23 And he shall bring them on the eighth day of his being cleansed unto the priest, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, before the Lord. 24 And the priest shall take the sheep of the trespass-off'ering, and the log of oil; and the priest shall make with them a waving be- fore the Lord. 25 And he shall kill the sheep of the tres- pass-offering; and the priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass-off'ering, and put it upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot. 26 And some of the oil shall the priest pour into the palm of his own left hand : the altar, before the priest can eat of it, so is it with the present trespass-offering ; although in this place it is merely ordered that the blood be put upon the man that is to be cleansed. 136 LEVITICUS XIV. METZOIIANG. 27 And the priest shall sprinkle with his finger of the right hand some of the oil that is in his left hand, seven times before the Lord ; 28 And the priest shall put of the oil that is in his hand upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and ujion the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot; upon the place" of the blood of the trespass-offering ; 29 And what is left of the oil that is in the priest's hand he shall put upon the head of him that is to be cleansed, to make an atone- ment for him before the Lord. 30 And he shall offer the one of the turtle- doves, or of the young pigeons, from what his means enable him (to bring) ; 31 Even what his means enable him, the one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering, with the meat-offering:'' and the priest shall (thus) make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed, before the Lord. 32 This is the law of him on whom is the plague of leprosy, whose means are not suffi- cient when he is cleansed.* 33 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 34 When ye come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy on a house of the land of your possession : 35 Then shall he that owneth the house come and tell the priest, saying. Something'' like a leprosy hath shown itself to me in the house. 36 And the priest shall command that they clear out the house, before the priest go into it to see the plague, that all be not made vmclean that is in the house : and after this shall the priest go in to see the house. 37 And he shall view the plague, and, behold, if the plague be in the walls of the house, in depressions, dark green or dark red, and their appearance be deeper than the wall : " That is, upon the spot where the blood of the sacrifice nas been put, there shall the oil also be applied, though in the nuMii time the blood may have been removed therefrom. '' The offering (jf flour which accompanied the trespass- sacrifice, but not a special gift; this meat-offering \yas not eaten, and but burnt on the altar. ° " Even if he be a man learned in the law, and knows it to be leprosy, he is not to pronounce absolutely ' A plague has shown itself/ but 'something like a plague ' " — Kasiu. 136 38 Then shall the priest go out of tne house to the door of the house, and lock up the house seven days. 39 And the priest shall come again on the seventh day ; and if he see, that, behold, the plague have spread in the walls of the house : 40 Then shall the priest command thai they break out the stones on which the plague is; and they shall cast them forth without the city on an unclean place. 41 And the house he shall cause to Ijc scraped within round about; and they shall pour out the rubbish* that they have scraped off without the city on an unclean place; 42 And they shall take other stones, and put them into the place of these stones; and other mortar shall he take, and shall plaster the house. 43 And if the plague come again, and break out in the house, after he hath taken away the stones, and after the house hath been scraped, and after it hath been plastered : 44 Then shall the priest come; and if he see that, behold, the plague have spread in the house, it is a corrosive leprosy in the house; it is unclean. 45 And he shall break down the house, its stones, and the timbers thereof, and all the mortar of the house; and he shall carry them forth to Avithout the city, unto an unclean place. 46 And he that goeth into the house, all the days that it is locked up, shall he unclean until the evening. 47 And he that lieth in the house shall wash his clothes; and he that eateth in the house shall wash his clothes. 48 But if the px'iest should come in, and see, and, behold, the plague have not spread in the hou.se, alter the house was plastered: then shall the priest pronounce the house clean, because the plague is healed. 49 And he shall take, to atone" for the ■* 13;> otherwise "dust," is rendered here, according to Arnheim, with "rubbish," or the "old mortar;" and in the next verse it is given with " mortar." ° Tlie word NonS in the Fiel form, means, to remove ilNOn or "sin," therefore, "to remove the sin of the house," or simply " to atone for the house;" in this sense it is the same with -\33h " to make an atonement," where- fore both words have been given here with the same Eng- lish term, 'i'he leprosy of a house was considered as a piinislimenl for the owner; hence the atonement. LEVITICUS XIV. XV. METZORANG. house, two birds, and cedav wood, and a string of scarlet yarn, and h_yssop ; 50 And ho shall kill the one liird in an earthen vessel over running water ; 51 And he shall take the cedar wood, and the hyssop, and the scarlet yarn, and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain bird, and. in the running water, and sprinkle on the house seven times: 52 And he shall atone for the house with the blood of the bird, and vnth the running water, and with the living liird, and with the cedar wood, and witli the hyssop, and witli the string of scarlet yarn ; 53 But he shall let tly forth the living bird out of the city into the open field, and make (thus) an atonement for the house, and it shall be clean.* 54 This is the law for all manner of plague of leprosy, and scall, 55 And for the leprosy of a garment and of a house, 56 And for a swelling, and for a rising, and for a bright spot; 57 To teach on the day when something is unclean, and on the day when it is clean : this is the law of the leprosy. CHAPTER XV. 1 Tl And the Lord spoke unto Moses and to Aaron, saying, 2 Speak unto the cliildren of Israel, and say unto them. When any man have a run- ning issue out of his flesh : because of his issue is he unclean. 3 And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue : whether his flesh run with his issue, or his flesh be stopped from his issue, it is his uncleanness. 4 Every bed, whereon he may lie that hath the issue, shall bo unclean : and every vessel, whereon he may sit, shall be unclean. 5 And any man that toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening. 6 And he that sitteth on any vessel where- on he that hath the issue may sit, shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening. 7 And ho that toucheth the flesh of him that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evenins. <S And if he that hath the issue spit upon him that is clean : then shall this one wasli his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean luitil the evening. 9 And what saddle soever he that hath the issue may ride upon shall be unclean. 10 And whosoever toucheth any thing, that may be under him, shall be unclean un- til the evening : and he that beareth any of these things shall wash his clothes, and l)athe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening. 11 And whomsoever he that hath the issue may touch, and he have not rinsed his hands" in water, shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening. 12 And an earthen vessel that he who liath the issue may touch, shall be broken; and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water. 13 And when he that hath an issue be- cometh clean of his issue : then shall he num- ber to himself seven days for his cleansing, and wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh iu running water, and then shall he be clean. 14 And on the eighth day shall he take unto himself two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, and come before the Lord, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and give them unto the priest : 15 And the priest shall offer them, the one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt- ofiering ; and the priest shall make an atone- ment for him before the Lord for his issue. '^ 16 1j And if any man's seed of copulation go out from him, then shall he bathe all his flesh in Avater, and be unclean until the evening. 17 And any gamient, and any skin, where- on the seed of copulation may be, shall be washed with water, and be unclean until the evening. 18 And if a man should lie with a woman with seed of copulation, then shall they bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the evening. 19 ^[ And if a woman have an issue, so that Islood flow from her flesh : then shall she be in her state of separation seven days; and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the evening. 20 And every thing that she may lie upon " This is explained to mean that he hath liot bathed hiuiwlf after the termination of the disease. 137 LEVITICUS XV. XVI. ACHARAY MOTH. in her .separation .shall Ix' nnclean : and what- ever she may sit upon shall be unclean. 21 Anil whosoever touclieth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening. 22 And whosoever toucheth any vessel, that she may sit upon, shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evenino;. 23 And if something be on the bed, or on any thing whereon she may sit, when he toucheth it, he shall be imclean until the evening. 24 And if any man should lie with her, and the uncleanness of her separation come U2X)U him, he shall be unclean seven days; and every l)ed whereon he may lie shall be unclean. 25 ^ And if a woman have an issue of her blood many days out of the time of her sepa- ration, or if it run beyond the time of her separation : all the days of the issue of her un- cleanness shall she be as in the days of her separation ; she shall be unclean. 26 Every bed whereon she may lie all the days of her issue shall be unto her as the bed of her separation ; and whatever vessel she may sit upon shall be unclean, as the un- cleanness of her separation. 27 And whosoever toucheth these things shall be unclean ; and he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening. 28 And when she becometh clean of her issue, then shall she number to herself seven days, and after that shall she be clean.* 29 And on the eighth day shall she take unto herself two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, and bring them unto the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 30 And the priest shall offer the one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering; and the priest shall make an atonement" for her before the Lord for the issue of her un- cleanness.* 31 And ye shall separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness ; that they may " As all lefirnsy and kindred uncleanness were consider- ed as a punishnient tor sin, the leper or other sufferer had to bring a proper sacrifice at. the period nf jiis purification, to obtain atonement for the guilt wiiicii had caused his visitation. *" Not with the usual eight ornanu'utal garments of his order, but in plain white attire should the priest enter the 138 not die in their uncleanness, when thej defile my tabernacle that is in their midst. 32 This is the law of him that hath an issue, and of him whose seed goeth from him, and is defiled therewith ; 33 And of her tliat is suflering in her sepa- ration, and of him that hath an issue, of the man, and of the woman, and of him that lieth with her that is unclean. Haphtorah in 2 Kings vii. 3 to 20. SECTION XXIX. ACHARAY MOTH, nn nnx. CHAPTER XVL 1 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they had come near before the Lord, and died : 2 And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy l)rother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail, before the mercy-seat, which is upon the ark, that he die not; for in the cloud will I appear upon the mercy-seat. 3 With this shall Aaron come into the holy place : with a young bullock for a sin-oflering, and a ram for a burnt-offering. 4 A holy linen'' coat shall he put on, and linen breeches shall he have upon his flesh, and with a linen girdle shall he gird himself, and a linen mitre shall he bind on his head; these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and then put them on. 5 And from the congregation of the chil- dren of Israel shall he take two goats for a sin-oflfering, and one ram for a burnt-offering. 6 And Aaron shall bring near the l)ullock of the sin-oflering, which is for himself, ;uid make an atonement for himself, and for his house. 7 And he shall take the two goats, and place them before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 8 And Aaron shall put lots upon the two goats ; one lot " for the Lord," and the other lot "for'Azazel."" holy of holies; these articles are therefore pre-eminently called holy. ° " Scapegoat," Eng. ver. ; but there is no reason for so giving it. The whole service of the day of atonement ac- cording to our tradition, is correctly de.><cribed in the ' Aboihili of the Moossaph for Kippur, according to the cus- tom of the iSej)hardim, to which the reader is referred. LEVITICUS XVI. ACHARAY MOTIT. 9 And Aaron shall Iji-ing near the goat upon which fell the lot "-lor the Lord," and offer him for a sin-offeriug. 10 But the goat on which fell the lot "for 'Azazel," shall he placed alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, by sending him away to 'Azazel into the wilderness. 11 And Aaron shall bring near the bullock of the sin-offering, which is for himself, and he shall make" an atonement for himself, and for his house; and he shall kill the bullock of the sin-offering which is for himself 12 And he shall take a censer fnll of burn- ing coals of fire from off the altar before the Lord, and both his hands full of incense of spices, ponnded fine, and bring it within the vail; 13 And he shall put the incense upon the fire, before the Lord; that the cloud of the incense may envelop the mercy-seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not. 14 And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger above toward the mercy-seat,'' eastward; and before the mercy-seat shall he sprinkle seven times of the blood Avith his finger. 15 And he shall kill the goat of the siii- ofiering, that is for the people, and bring his blood to within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it above the mercy-seat, and be- fore the mercy-seat. IG And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness" of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins : and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that abideth among tliem in the midst of their uncleanness. 17 And there shall not be any man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out: and so shall he make au atonement for himself, and for his household, and for the whole congregation of Israel.* 18 And he shall then go out unto the altar that is before the Lord, and make an atone- * i. e. By making a confession. (See the 'Abodah.) "■ Meaning that the priest raised his hand in the direc- tion above the cover of the ark and sprinkled the blood in the air, which fell then down on the floor; and so with the other seven sprinklings, where he directed his finger downward. (See the 'Abodah.) ' nx"3iD is in the plural, and means, ther'^^'ore, nets ment upon it; and he shall take of the lilond of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat. and put it upon the horns of the altar round about. lU And he shall sprinkle upon it of the blood with his finger seven times; and he shall cleanse it, and hallow it from the un- cleanness of the children of Israel. 20 And when he hath made an end of atoning for the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar: then sliall he bring near the live goat. 21 And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and he shall send him away by the hand of a man appointed thereto into the wilderness : 22 And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited; and so shiill he send away the goat into the wilderness. 23 And Aaron shall then go into the taber- nacle of the congregation, and he shall take off the linen garments, which he had put on when he went into the holy place, and he shall leave them there : 24 And he shall bathe his flesh with water in a holy place, and put on his garments;'' and come then forth, and ofler his burnt- offering, and the burnt-offering of the people, and make an atonement for himself, and for the people.* 25 And the fiit of the sin-offering shall he burn upon the altar. 2C And he that carrieth the goat to 'Azazel shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he may come into the camp. 27 And the bullock for the sin-oftering, and the goat for the sin-offering, the blood of which was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall one carry forth withoitt the camp; and they" shall burn in fire their skins, and their flesh, and tlieir dung. 28* And he that burneth them shall wash which cause uncleanness. So also in the end of this verse, and in verse 19. ■* The usual ornamental garments of the high-prie.st, in which he officiated. " Both N'sr and i-j-iiyi are indefinite in their meaning; "one" whoever he be that shall carry forth; and "they" whoever may be those who do the burning. 139 LEVITICUS XVI. XVII. ACHARAY MOTH. liis clothes, and bathe liis Hesh in water, and afterward he may come into the camp. 29 And it shall be unto _you a statute for ever: in the seventh montli, on the tenth of the month, ye shall afflict yourselves (by- fasting), and no work shall ye do, Avhether it be one of 3'our own country, or the stranger that soj( urneth among you ; 30 For on that day shall (the high-priest) make an atonement lor you, to cleanse you; from all your sins before the Lord shall ye be clean. 31 It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afliict yourselves (by festing), as a statute for ever. 32 And the priest, who shall be anointed, and who shall be consecrated" to minister as priest in his father's stead, shall make tlie atonement; and he shall put on the linen clothes, the holy garments. 33 And he shall make an atonement for the holy of holies; and for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar shall he make an atonement; and also for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation shall he make an atonement. 34 And this shall be unto you as a statute for everlasting, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sms once a year: and he did as the Lord had commanded Moses.''' CHAPTER XVII. 1 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ing, 2 Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say luito them, This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, saying, 3 Any man whatsoever of tlie house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or a sheep, or a goat, in the camj), or that killeth it out of the camp, 4 And bringeth it not to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer it as an offering unto the Lord before the taber- ° This means, that whether the high-priest was anointed, as (luring tiic first temple, or was inducted into office by in- vestiture with the high-priestly garments, as in the second, lie should officiate in the place of Aaron. ^ No doubt tliat, while in Wgypt, the Israelites had learned to sacrifice to idols; they were therefore com- manded, during their sojourn in the wilderness, to bring all sacrificial animals to the door of the tabernacle, to offer HO nacle of the Lord: as blood-guiltiness shall it be imputed unto that man, l)]ood hath he shed; and that man shall lie cut (iff from among his people. 5 In order that the children of Israel nuiy bring their sacrifices, which they sla_y in the open field, and bring them unto the Lord, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest, and slay them as sacrifices of peace-offerings unto the Lord. 6 And the jii'iest shall sprinkle the blood ujion the altar of the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation; and he shall burn the fat for a sweet savour unto the Lord. 7 So that they shall offer no more'' their sacrifices unto evil spirits, after which they have gone astray: a statute for ever sliall this be unto them throughout their generations.* 8 And unto them shalt thou say. Whatso- ever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who may sojourn among them, that ofiereth a burnt-offering or a sacri- fice, 9 And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer it unto the Lord: even that man shall be cut off from among his people. 10 And if there be any man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among them, that eateth any manner of blood : I will set my face against the person that eateth the blood, and I will cut him off from among his people. 11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have appointed it for you ujjon the altar to make an atonement for your souls; for the blood it is that maketh an atonement for the soul." 12 Therefore have I said unto the children of Israel, No one of you sliall eat 1)1 ood, and the stranger tliat sojourneth among you shall not eat blood. 13 And if there be any man whatsoever of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among them, who catcheth by them to the Lord as peace-oflFerings, before being per- mitted to eat the flesh. □•Ti'B' "goat-demons," no doubt imaginary idols, like the satyrs of the Greeks. ° Amheim renders, "For the blood itself maketh atone- ment through the life," and comments, L e. "through the life that is in the .same; for the atonement is upon the principle 'life for life;' in the blood itself, therefore, is only the principle of life, not the essence of atonement." LEVITICUS XVII. XVIII. ACHARAY MOTH. Iiunting any beast or fowl that may be eaten : then sliall he pour" out the Ijlood thereof, and cover it up with dust. 14 For the life of all flesh is its blood, on which its life- dependeth; therefore luive I said unto the children of Israel, The blood of every manner of tlesh shall ye not eat; for the life of all llesh is its blood, every one who eateth it shall be cut oft". 15 And every person that eateth that which hath died of itself, or that which was torn b}^ beasts, be this one born in your own country, or a stranger, shall botli wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and l^e unclean until the evening, when he shall be clean. 16 But if he wash (them) not, nor bathe his flesh, then shall he bear his iniquity. CHAPTER XVIII. 1 Tl And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the Lord jour God. o After the doings of the land of Egypt, wlierein ye have dwelt, shall ye not do; and after the doings of the land of Canaan whither I am l)ringing you, shall ye not do; and in tlieir customs shall ye not walk. 4 My ordinances shall ye do. and my statutes shall ye keep, to walk therein : I am the Lord your God. 5 And ye shall keep my statutes, and my ordinances, which if a man do, he shall live in them : I am the Lord.'^' G ^ None of you shall approach to any that are near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the Lord. 7 ^ The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not un- cover: she is thy mother, thou shalt not un- cover her nakedness. 8 ][ The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it is tliy father's nakedness. 9 ^ The nakedness of th}' sister, the daughter of thy father, or tlie daughter of thy mother, whether she l)e born at home, or * i. e. By cutting the throat. " Arnhuiin gives ny£3j3 with "its body;" thus, "is the blood in its body." The version in the text is after Rashi. ° "nxS is rendered by Mendelssohn " to e.xcite jealousy." The eviileiit eoustructiou of this verse, aceordinjr to which born aliroad, — even the nakedness of any of these, shalt thou not uncover. 10 ^ The nakedness of thy son's daughter, or of thy daughter's daughter, — even the nakedness of an}' of these, shalt thou not un- cover; for theirs is thy own nakedness. 11 T[ The nakedness of thy father's wife's daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sistei", — thou shalt not uncover her naked- ness. 12 ^ The nakedness of thy father's sister shalt thou not uncover: she is thy father's near kinswonuin. 1.3 ][ The nakedness of thy mother's sister shalt thou not uncover; for she is thy mother's near kinswoman. 14 *[] The nakedness of thy father's brother shalt thou not uncover: his wife shalt thou not approach, she is thy aunt. lo ^ The nakedness of thy daughter-in- law shalt thou not uncover: she is thy son's wife, thou shalt not uncover her mdvcdness. 16 ^[ The nakedness of thy brother's Avife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy brother's nakedness. 17 ^ The nakedness of a Avoman and her daughter shalt thou not uncover: her sou's daughter, or her daughter's daughter shalt thou not take, to uncover her nakedness; lor they are near kinswomen ; it is incest. 18 And a woman together with her sister shalt thou not take, to vex her,'" to uncover her nakedness, beside the other, in her life- time. 19 And a woman in the separation of her uncleanness shalt thou not approach, to un- cover her nakedness. 20 And with thy neighl)our's wife shalt thou not lie carnally, to defile thyself with her. 21 And any of thy seed shalt thou not let pass through (the fire) to Molech, and thou shalt not proftme the name of thy God : I am the Lord.'-= 22 And with a man shalt thou not lie, as with a woman: it is an abomination. 23 And with any beast shalt thou not lie to defile thyself therewitli; neither shall any Jewish authorities have always decided, is that only dur- ing the lifetime of the one is it pmhibited to marry the other sister, even if a divorce should have taken place; but for this reason the prohibition also ceases when the cause given no longer operates. LEVITICUS XVIII. XIX. KEDOSHIM. woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. 24 Do not defile yourselves through any of these things; for through all these have be- come defiled the nations which I cast out before you : 25 And the land became defiled; where- fore I have visited its iniquity upon it, and the land itself vomited out its inhabits ants.* 26 Ye shall therefore keejo my statutes and my ordinances, and ye shall not com- mit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor the stranger that sojoui'neth among you; 27 (For all these abominations have the men of the land done, who were before you, and the land hath become defiled;)* 28 That the land may not vomit you out also, when ye defile it, as it hath vomited out the nations that were before you. 29 For whosoever shall conimit any of these abominations, — even the souls that com- mit them shall be cut off from among their people. oO Therefore shall ye keep my charge, so that ye commit not any one of these abomi- nable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye do not defile yourselves therewith : I am the Lord your God. Haphtorah in Ezekiel xsii. 1 to 16. The Germans read to verse 18. SECTION XXX. KEDOSHIM, D'tinp. CHAPTER XIX. 1 ][ And the Lohd spoke unto Moses, say- ing, 2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them. Ye shall be holy; for I the Eternal your God am holy. 3 Ye shall fear, every man, his mother and his father, and my sabbaths shall ye keep: I am the Lord your God. 4 Ye shall not turn unto the idols, and molten gods shall ye not make to yourselves: I am the Lord your God. 5 And if ye oft'er a sacrifice of peace-ofler- ' Sec above, vii. 18. '' This i.s the version aceording to our authorities; sec also ahovc v. 21, where the difl'erent specifications are given. 142 ing unto the Lord, ye shall offer it so that it may be favourably received from ^ou. 6 On the same day }e offer it shall it be eaten, and on the morrow : and whatever is left until the third day, shall be burnt with fire. 7 And if the intention was that it should" be eaten on the tliird day, it is an abominar tion, it shall not be favourably received. 8 And whoever eateth it shall bear his iniquity ; because he hath profaned the hal- lowed thing of the Lord: and that soul shall be cut off' I'rom among his peojile. 9 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou slialt not ^\•holly reap the corners of thy field, neither slialt thou gather up the gleanings of thy harvest. 10 And thou slialt not glean thy vineyard, and the single grapes that drop in thy vine- yard shalt thou not gather up ; for the poor and the stranger shalt thou leave them : I am the Lord your God. 11 Ye shall not steal; neither shall ye deny*" (another's jDroperty in 3'our hands), nor lie one to another. 12 And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, and thou shalt not thus profane the name of thy God : I am the Lord. 10 Thou shalt not v.'ithhold any thing from thy neighbour, nor rob him : there shall not abide with thee the wages of him that is hired, through the night until morning. 14 Thou shalt not curse the deaf nor put a stumbling-block before the blind; but thou shalt be afraid of thy God : I am the Lord.''' 15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judg- ment; thou shalt not respect'' the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the great; in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neigh- bour. 16 Thou shalt not go up and tlown as a talebearer among thy people; thou shalt not stand (idly) by the blood' of thy neighbour: I am the Lord. 17 Thou shalt not hate thy l)ro11ier in thy heart: thou shalt indeed rebuke thy neigh- bour, and not bear sin on account of liim. 18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people; but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord. ° i. e. Not to favour the poor, nor to dread ofitiuliug the great, but to act according to strict justice. , e. Danger of HIV LEVITICUS XIX. XX. KEDOSHIM. 19 My (Statutes shall ye keep; thy cattle shalt tliou not let gender with a diverse kind; thy held shalt thou not sow with mingled seeds; and a garment of mingled kinds, of linen and woollen, shall not come upon thee. 20 And if a man lie carnally with a woman, that is a bond-maid, betrothed to a man. but who hath neither been redeemed, nor hath her freedom been given her: there shall a scourging be decreed;" they shall not be put to death, because she Avas not tree. 21 And he shall bring his trespass-offering unto the Lord, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: a ram for a trespass- offering. 22 And the priest shall make an atonement lor him with the ram of the trespass-offering before the Lord for his sin which he hath done ; and he shall Ix' Ibi'given for his sin which he hath committed.* 23 ^ And when ye come into the land, and plant any kind of tree bearing edible fruit, then shall ye count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised : three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you, it shall not be eaten. 24 But in the fourth year shall all its fruit be holy for praisegiving'' unto the Lord. 25 And in the lifth year shall ye eat of its fruit, in order that it may increase" unto you its productiveness: I am the Lord your God. 26 Ye shall not eat upon the blood ;'' nor shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times. 27 Ye shall not cut round the corners (of the hair) of your head, neither shalt thou de- stroy the corners of thy beard. 28 And for the dead shall ye not make any incision in your Hesh; and any etched-in writing shall you not fix on yourselves: I am the Lord. 29 Do not profane thy daughter, to cause her to be a prostitute; lest the land fall to ' "She shall be scourged, uot he." — Rashi. '' The fruit of the fourth year was to be eaten at Jeru- salem, as a holy thing belonging to the owner. •= After Rashi. Philippson renders it, "That after this it may give you eimstantly more fruit," and com- ments, that after the fcnirth year, as the tree becomes naturally more productive, the fruit should belong un- disturbed to the owner. ■^ This is variously explained : for instance, uot to eat of the sacrifices till the blood be sprinkled; not to eat of any animal till life be entirely extinct by the running out of all the blood. Mendelssohn and others translate "near" or "by the blood." Rut Rashbam and Wesstdi prostitution, and the land become full of in- cest. 30 My sabbaths shall ye keep, and my sanctuary shall ye reverence: I am the Lord. 31 Turn not unto them that liaAC familiar spirits, and unto wizards; seek (them) not, to be defiled Ijy them: I am the Lord your Cod. 32 Before the hoary head shalt thou rise up, and honour the face of the old man ; and thou shalt be afraid of thy God: I am the LORD.'^' 33 ^ And if a stranger sojourn with thee, in your land, ye shall not vex him. 34 As one born in the land among }t)U, shall be unto you the stranger that sojourueth with you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the laud of Egypt : I am the Lord your God. 35 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judg- ment, in metejard, in weight, or in measure. 36 Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall 3'e have: I am the Lord your God, who have brought you Ibrth out of the land of Egypt. 37 Ye shall tlierefore observe all my sta- tutes, and all my ordinances, and do them : I am the Lord.'-' CHAPTER XX. 1 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 2 And to the children of Israel shalt thou say. Whatsoever num of the children of Is- rael, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech, shall surely be put to death; the people of the land" shall stone him with stones. 3 And I will set my face against that man, and I will cut him off from among his people ; because of his seed hath he given unto Mo- lech, in order to defile my sanctuary,' and to profane my holy name. suppose that it was customary among heathens to eat upon the spot where the blood had run, from some super- stitious notions; hence the Israelites were prohibited to follow this practice; and it connects therefore also with what follows. " ]'ixn Dy rendered above, iv. 27, "common people," includes all Israelites except the king, the higii-priest, and the great sanhedrin of .seventy-one. Rashi adds, " It the court be not able to enforce the decree, the people should aid them." ' Whatever acts tend to withdraw the people from the worship of God, or to divert any thing to the service of idols, is a profanation of the divine Miijest}' who promised 143 LEVITICUS XX. KEDOSHIM. 4 And if the people of the land should in any way hide their eyes from that man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, so as not to kill him : 5 Then will I set my flice against that man, and against his family, and I will cut him off, and all that go astray after him, to go astray after Molech, from among their jjeople. 6 And the person that turneth unto such as have familiar spirits, and unto wizards, to go astray after them, — then will I set my face against that person, and will cut him off from among his people. 7 Sanctify j'ourseh-es therefore, and be ye holy; for I am the Lokd your God.* 8 And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them : I am the Lord who sanctify you. 9 For every one whatever that curseth his father or his mother shall be put to death : his father or his mother hath he cursed, his blood shall be upon him. 10 And if there be a man that committeth adultery with a man's wife, (whoever it be) that committeth adultery with his neighljour's wife : then shall the adulterer be put to death, together with the adulteress. 11 And a man that lieth with his father's wife, hath uncovered his father's nakedness : both of them shall be put to death ; their blood shall be upon them. 12 And if a man lie with his daughter-in- law, both of them shall be put to death : they have committed an unnatural deed; their blood shall he upon them. lo And if a man lie with a male, as they lie with a woman, both of them have com- mitted an aljomination : they shall be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. 14 And if a man take a woman and her mother, it is incest: in fire shall they burn him and them; that there be no incest among you. 15 And a man that lieth with a beast shall be put to death : and the beast also shall ye slay. 16 And if a woman approach unto any beast to lie down thereto, then shalt tliou kill the woman, and the beast: they shall be to dwell in Israel. If then a man (l(!V(ik's his offspriiig to the fire of Molrch, he profanes the ehiklren of the cove- nant, given to him by God, to an object abhorrent to the Deity, while at the same time his example, should he rc- 144 put to death ; their blood shall be put upon them. 17 And if a man take his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother, and he see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness : it is a disgraceful deed ; and they shall be cut off before the eyes of their people; the nakedness of his sister hath he uncovered ; his iniquity shall he bear. 18 And if a man lie with a woman suffer- ing of her separation, and uncover her naked- ness, and he lay open her fountain, and she uncover the fountain of her blood : then shall both of them be cut off from the midst of their people. 19 And the nakedness of th}' mother's sis- ter, or of thy father's sister shalt thou not un- cover ; for his near of kin he xmcovereth : their iniquity shall they bear. 20 And the man that lieth with his uncle's wife, hath uncovered his uncle's nakedness : their sin shall they bear; childless shall they die. 21 And if a man do take his brother's wife, it is an abominable act: the nakedness of his brother hath he uncovered ; childless shall they remain. 22 And keep ye all my statutes, and all my ordinances, and do them ; that the land, whither I bring j'ou to dwell therein, may not vomit" you forth.''' 23 And ye shall not walk in the customs of the nation which I cast out before you ; for all these things they committed, and there- fore I felt loathing for them. 24 And I said unto you, Ye shall possess their land, and f will give it unto you to pos- sess it, a land flowing with milk and honey : I am the Eternal your God, who have sepa- rated you from the nations.* 25 Ye shall therefore make a difference be- tween the clean beast and the unclean, and between the unclean fowl and the clean ; and ye shall not make your souls abominable by the beast, or by the fowl, or by any manner of thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have separated for you as unclean. 26 And ye shall be holy unto me, for 1 the Lord am holy ; and I have separated you from the nations, that ye should be mine. main unpunished, would mislead others to acts of wicked- ness, though they even might not reach the greatness of his transgressions. ° {. e. Cast out, as it were, the sinners dwelling in it. LEVITICUS XX. XXI. EMORE. 27 And if there be among men or women one that hatli a laniiliar spirit, or that is a wizard, they'' sliall be put to death ; with stones shall they stone them ; their blood shall be upon them. Haphtorali in iVmos ix. 7 to 15. The Purtuguesu read in Ezekiel ss. 2 to 20. Otliors begin at verse 1. SECTION XXXI. EMORE, n^N- CHAPTER XXI. 1 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, None (of them) shall defile him- self on the dead, among* his people ; 2 But on his kin, that is near unto him. (that is,) on his mother, and on his father, and on his son, and on his daughter, and on liis brother, 3 And on his sister that is a virgin, that is nigh unto him, who hath had no husband: on her may he defile himself 4 The chief" man among his people shall not defile himself, to be profaned thereljy. 5 They shall not make any baldness upon their head, and the corner of their beard slitdl they not shave of!', and in their flesh sliall they not make any incision. 6 Holy shall they be unto their God. and they shall not profane the name of their God ; for the firc-ofl'erings of the Lokd, the bread of their God, do they oft'er, they shall therefore be holy. 7 A woman that is a harlot, or one pro- faned, shall they not take ; and a woman put away from her husband shall the}- not take ; for holy'' is he unto his God. 8 And thou shalt sanctify him f for the bread of thy God doth he ofier: holy shall he be unto thee; for I the Lokd, who sanctity you, am holy. 9 Ami if tlie daughter of any priest profane ' Tlie plural is again used Iiere after the .singular, though preceded by the disjunctive " or;" and seems thus to say, that if there be uuiny guilty of this sin, they shall all be punished alike. '' This is explained, '■ when others are there to bury the dead ;" but if a priest find a corpse and no one is there to inter it, he himself must do it. " Eashbam translates, " A husband among the priests shall not defile himself (on his wife) to be profaned thereby." Tradition, however, limits this to a woman whom the priest should of right not marry. Our version T herself by committing incest, her father doth she profane : with fire shall she be burnt. 10 Tl And the priest tluit is higliest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil hath been ])0ured, and who hath been con- secrated to put on the garments, sluiU not let the hair of his head grow long, and his gar- ments shall ho not rend ; 11 Neither shall he go in to any dead body ; even on his father", and on his mother shall he not defile himself. 12 And out of the sanctuary shall he not go, that he may not profane the sanctuary of his God ; for the crown^ of the anointing oil of his God is upon him : I am the Lord. 13 And he shall take a wife in lier virgin state. 14 A widow, and a divorced womtm, and one profiined, (and) a harlot, these shall he not take; Ijut a virgin of his own people shall he take for wife ; 15 So that he may not proftme his seed among his people ; for I, the Lord, do sanctify him.'^' 16 ^[ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 17 Speak unto Aaron, saying. Whosoever of th}- seed in their generations it be on whom there is any blemish, shall not approach to ofter the bread of his God. 18 For whatsoe^■er man it be on whom there is a l)lemish, shall not approach : a blind, or a lame man, or one that hath a flattened nose, or a m;iu one of Avhose limbs is too long. 19 Or a man who htith ;i broken foot, or a broken hand, 20 Or a crookbiicked, or a dwarf, or one that hath a blemish in his eye, or the itch, or the scurvy, or the testicles broken. 21 Every man on whom there is a blemish, of the seed of Aaron the priest, shall not come niiili to offer the fire-ofierings of the Lord : is after Onkelos, and refers to the high-priest, see farther, ver. 11. '' (". <•. Each individual priest. ■^ " Sanctify him even against his will, so that if he will not put away such a woman as just mentioned, com- pel him by punishment to do so. Holy shall he be to thee, that is, look upon him as holy, to commence as the first in every thing, and to be the first to say the bless- ing at the table." — R.\shi. ' Arnheim and others render i;: as " setting apart," hence " the consecration." 145 LEVITICUS XXI. XXII. EMORE. there is a blemish on him ; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of liis God. 22 The bread of his God, both of the most holy, and of the holy things he may eat. 23 Only unto the vail, and unto the altar shall he not come nigh, because there is a blemish on him : that he profane not my holy things ; for I the Lokd do sanctify them. 24 And Moses spoke thus unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the cJiildren of Israel. CHAPTER XXII. 1 ][ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they keep themselves away from the holy things of the children of Israel, (so that they profiuie not my holy name) which" they hal- low unto me: I am the Lord. 3 Say unto them. In your generations, if there be any man of all your seed, that ap- proacheth unto the holy things, which the children of Israel. li allow unto the Lord, hav- ing his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off from my presence : I am the Lord. 4 Any man whatsoever of the seed of Aaron, that is a leper, or hath a running issue, shall not eat of the holy things, until he be clean; and ^\dioso toucheth any thing that is unclean by the dead, or a man whose seed goeth from him ; 5 Or a man who toucheth any creeping thing, whereby he may be made unclean, or a man through whom he can be rendered un- clean, through any kind of uncleanness which he hath : 6 The i)erson that toucheth any su(}h shall l)e unclean until the evening, and he shall not eat of the holy things, unless he have bathed his flesh in water. 7 And when the sun hath set, he shall be clean ; and afterward he may eat of the holy things; because it is his food. 8 That which dietli of itself, or is torn by beasts, shall lie not eat, to defile himself there- with: I am the Lord. 9 And they shall keep my charge, that ' This rpf(TS back " to the holy things of the children of Isnicl." '' One a stranger to the priesthood. " By .sojourner, is understood a Hebrew servant, whose car was bored, who stays till the jubilee; and by a hired servant, one who stays till the end of the sixth year. — Kasui. I Sec Exodus xxi.j 146 they may not bear sin through it, ;uid die therefor, if they jjrofane it: 1 am the Lord who sanctity them. 10 And no stranger'' shall eat of a holy thing : a sojourner" of a priest, or a hired ser- vant, shall not eat of a holy thing. 11 But if a priest buy a person with his money, then may he eat of it; and those that are born in his house, may eat of his bread. 12 And if the daughter of a priest be mar- ried unto a stranger, she may not eat of the offered part' of holy things. 13 But the daughter of a priest, if she be a widow, or divorced, and have no child, tind is returned unto her fathers house, as in her youth, may eat of her father's bread ; Ijut no stranger shall eat thereof 14 And if a man eat a holy thing unwit- tingly, then sliall he ;idd the fifth i)art thereof unto it, and he shall make good unto the priest the holy thing. 15 And they shall not pi'oftine the holy things of the children of Israel, which they offer unto the Lord; 16 And" load on themselves the iniquity of trespass, when they eat tlieir holy things; for I am the Lord who sanctifj- them.''' 17 ^[ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying,^ 18 Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, a)id say imto them. If there be any man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that offereth his oblation, be it for any manner of vows, or for any manner of freewill-offerings, which they may offer unto the Lord for a burnt^offering : 19 Then shall it be, tluit it may be f\ivour- ably received for you, a male without blemish, of the oxen, of the sheep, or of the goats. 20 Whatsoever on which there is a blemish shall ye not offer; for it will not be favour- ably received for you. 21 And when a man offereth a sacrifice of peace-offering unto the Lord as a vow, or a freewill-off'ring of the herds or of the flocks: it shall be without blemish to be favourably '' The breast and shoulder of the peace-offeriugs. (Sec Leviticus x. 15.) " Aruheini renders, (after Rashbatn,) "that these load themselves with the guilt of trespass, in their eating the holy things," referring to those strangers to the priest- hood, who are not permitted to do so. Our version refers LEVITICUS XXII. XXIII. EMORE. received; no kind of bodily defect shall be thereon. 22 A blind, or broken-limbed, or maimed animal, or one having a wen, or itch, or scurx-}-, — ye shall not offer these unto the Lord, and a fire-offering shall ye not make of them upon the altar unto the Lord. 23 And an ox or a lamb that hath a limb too long or too sliort, that mayest thou offer for a freewill-offering;" but for a vow it shall not be favourably received. 24 And one that is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut in the testicles, shall ye not offer unto the Lord; and in 30ur land shall ye not make the like. 25 And from a stranger's hand shall ye not offer the bread of your God from any of these ;'' because their corruption is on them, a bodily defect is on them: they shall not Ije favourably received for you. 26 *i\ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ings 27 When a bullock, or a sheep, or a goat, is brought forth, then shall it remain seven days b}' its mother; and from the eighth day and thenceforth shall it be favourably received for an offering made by fire unto the Lord. 28 And whether it be ox" or sheep, ye shall not kill it aud its young both in one da}'. 29 And when ye ofler a sacrifice of thanks- giving unto the Lord, offer it so that it may be favourably received of you. 30 On the same day shall it be eaten up; ye shall leave none of it until the morning: I am the Lord. 31 And ye shall keep my commandments and do them: I am the Lord. 32 And ye shall not profane my holy name ; so that I may be sanctified among the children of Israel ; I am the Lord who sanc- tify you, 33 That brought you out of the land of Egypt, t(j be unto you a God: I am the Lord.* to the priests themselves, who are to abstain from the sacred gifts when unclean. This is the view of Onkelos. ° ('. e. It may be devoted to the expenses of the temple, but not for a .sacrifice. '' No complaisance to a stranger to Israel could allow us to accept from him such an animal for sacrifice as was prohibited to us. Otherwise heathens were permitted to offer at the altar through the priest. " Eng. ver. " cow or ewe ;" but the Hebrew has " ox or sheep." '' The word riDD in the precedmi; verse is evidently of a difi'erent signification fmni the feast of unleavened bread CHAPTER XXlll. 1 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- mo;. 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, The feasts of the Lord, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, — these are my feasts : 3 Six days may woi'k be done; but on the seventh day is the sabl)ath of rest, a holy con- vocation ; no kind of work shall ye do thereon ; it is the sabbath (holy) unto the Lord in all your dwellings. 4 ^ These are the feasts of the Lord, the holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons : 5 On the fourteenth day of the first month, toward evening, is the passover-lamb to be offered unto the Lord. G Aud on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread"* unto the Lord : seven days must ye eat unleavened bread. 7 On the first dtiy there shall be ;i holy convociition unto yon ; no servile work shall ye do thereon. 8 And ye shall offer an ofl'ering nunle by fire unto the Lord seven days: on the seventh day is a holy convocation; no servile work shall ye do. 9 ^[ And the Lord spoke inito Moses, say- ing, 10 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto tliem, When ye shall have come into the land which I give inito you, and reap the harvest thereof: then shall ye bring an omer full of the first of Aour harvest unto the 11 Aud he shall wave the omer before the Lord, that it may be ftivouraljly received for you; on the morrow after the holy day'' shall the priest wtive it. 12 And ye shall offer on the day when ye mentioned here; hence the word has been rendered accord- ing to Rashi : "The passover-lamb," with the addition un- derstood, "is to be offered." The fifteenth day, commenc- ing the evening before, is the feast of unleavened bread. ' The word in Hebrew is nlty "the rest," which ap- plies equally well to the strict holy days, when no work is to be done, as to the weekly day of rest, the sabbath proper. '• The morrow after the holy day," in this verse, refers to the second day of the Passover, from which, till the Pentecost, are forty-nine days. The word n^ty signi- fies also "week," probably because each wci-k has one sabbath. 147 LEVITICUS XXm. EMORE. wave the omer, a male sheep without blemish of the first year for a bunit-ofiering unto the Lord. 13 And the meat-oftei'ino' thereof shall be two tenth parts of line tioiw mingled with oil, as an offering made by fire unto the Lord, for a sweet savour; with its drink-offering of wine, the fourth part of a bin. 14 And neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, shall ye eat, until the self- same day, until ye have brought the ofiering of your God: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwell- ings. 15 ^ And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the holy day, from the day that ye bring the omer of the wave-offering, (that) it be seven complete weeks : 16 Even unto the morrow after the seventh week shall ye number fifty days ; and ye shall then offer a new'' meat-offering unto the Lord. 17 Out of your own habitations shall ye bring two wave-loaves of two tenth parts ; of fine fiour shall they be; leavened shall they be Ijaked; they are the first-fruits unto the Lord. 18 And ye sliall offer with the bread seven sheep without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams : they shall be for a burnt-offering unto the Lord, Avith their meat-ofit'ring, with their drink-offerings, an ofiering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord. 19 And ye shall sacrifice one he-goat for a sin-offering, and two sheep of the first year for a sacrifice of peace-offering. 20 And the priest shall make with them together with the bread of the first-fruits a waving before the Lord, together with the two sheep ; holy shall they be to the Lord for the priest. 21 And ye shall proclaim on the self-same day, that it may be a holy convocation unto you; no servile work shall ye do; it shall be a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations. 22 And Avhen ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not cut away altogether the * /. e. Of the now wheat. '' Hcb. "Ye shall afflict ymir iiersdiis;" Imt this phrase is always employed as synoiiynious with nii" "fasfiiir;," used in the prophetic books, but not found in the Pentateuch. It is, perhaps, also move comprehensive, as ou the day of atouemcnt all iudulgcuccs of whatever kind are prohibited 148 corners of thy field when thou reapest, and the gleaning of thy harvest shalt thou not gather up ; unto the poor, and to the stranger shalt thou leave them : I am the Lord your God.* 23 ][ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 24 Speak unto the children of Israel, say- ing. In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, shall ye have a rest, a (day of) memorial of sounding the cornet, a holy con- vocation. 25 No servile work shall ye do : and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord. 26 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 27 But on the tenth day of this seventh month is the day of atonement, a holy convo- cation shall it be unto you, and ye shall fast ;'' and ye shall offer an offering made ))v fire' unto the Lord. 28 And no manner of work** shall ye do on this same day ; for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you befoi'e tlie Lord your God. 29 For whatsoever person it be that fasteth not on this same day, shall be cut off' from among his people. 30 And if there be any person tliat doth any work on this same day, then will I de- stroy the same person from among his people. 31 No manner of work shall ye do: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your genera- tions, in all j-our dwellings. 32 A sabbath of rest it shall be unto you, and ye shall fast: on the ninth day of the month at evening'" (shall ye begin), from even- ini;- unto evening shall ve celebrate your sab- bath.* 33 ^f And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 34 Speak unto the children of Israel, say- ing. On the fifteenth day of this_ seventh month, shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the Lord. 35 On the first day shall be a holy convo- cation; no servile work shall ye do. ■= The offering is specified in the parallel passages, above, chapter xvi., and Numbers, chapter xxi.x. 7 to Jl. '' Not even the preparation of food, which is peruiitted on other holy days; this being equal to the usual sabbath, a nn3B' n^ty a day of rest in the highest degree. '' The other festivals also begin at evening, as indicated- LEVITICUS XXIII. XXIV. EMORE. (lay of the seventh lave gathered in the IVuit .d6 Seven days shall ye offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: on the eighth day shall be a holy convocation unto .you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lokd, it is a solenni" assembly; no servile work shall ye do. ?)7 These are the feasts of the Lokd. which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord, buriit-dfT'ering, and meat-dflering, sacrilice, and drink-oil'erings, every thing upon its day: 08 Beside the sabbaths'' of the Lord, and l)eside your gifts, and Ix'side all your vows, and beside all your freewiU-otlerings, which ye may give unto the Lord. .39 But on tlie fifteenth dav month, when ye of the land, shall ye keep the feast of the Lord seven davs: on the first dav shall be a rest, and on the eighth day shall be a rest. 40 And 3'e shall take unto }ourselves° on the first day the fruit of the ti'ee hadar,'^ branches of palm-trees, and the boughs of the myrtle-tree, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days. 41 And ye shall keep it as a feast unto the Lord seven days in the A-ear: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations ; in the seventh mouth shall ye celebrate it. 42 In booths shall ye dwell seven days; all that are Isi'aelites bom shall dwell in l)ooths. 43 In order that your generations may know, that I caused the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. 44 And Moses declared the feasts of the Lord unto the children of Israel.* CHAPTER XXIV. 1 1[ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ing, 2 Conunand the children of Israel, that they bring unt(j thee pure beaten olive-oil, for •Philippson: "Fiast of conclusion," mx;' from ti'i' "to shut up," "to restrain." *" /'. c. Beside tlie two lambs, the additional sacrifice for the sabbath, which are mentioned in Numbers xxviii. 9, 10. ° "Each of you .shall take of his own." — Wesseli. In the same manner all similar phrases must be explained. ^ Our tradition teaches us that this means the citron- tree. The oritrin of the name Hadar is otherwise duubt- the lighting, to cause the lamp to l)urn con- tinually. 3 Without the vail of the testimony, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall Aaron put it in order (I'or) from evening unto morn- ing before the Lord continually; as a statute for ever in your generations. 4 Upon the pure candlestick shall he put in order the lamps, before the Lord, con- tinually. 5 ^i And thou slialt take fine flour, and Ijake thereof twelve cakes: of two tenth parts sliall each one cake be. G And thou shalt place them in two rows, six in a row, upon the [)ure table Ijeibre the Lord. 7 And thou shalt put upon each row pm-e ft'ankincense, that it may be unto the Ijread for a memorial," as a fire-offering mi to the Lord. 8 On every and each sabbath day shall he place it in order before the Lord continualh", (obtained) from the children of Israel as an everlasting covenant. 9 And it shall belong to Aaron and to his sons; and they shall eat it in a holy place; for it is most holy unto him, from the fire- offerings of the Lord, as a perpetual fixed portion. 10 T[ And there went forth a son of an Israelitish woman, but who Avas the son of an Egyptian man, among the children of Israel; and there quarrelled together in the camp this son of the Israelitish wonuin and an Israelitish man. 11 And the son of the Israelitish woman pronounced'^ the (holy) Name, and blasphem- ed; and they brought him unto Mo.ses: (and his mother's name was Shelomith. the daugh- ter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan ;) 12 And they placed him in ward, until the decision of the Lord could be explained to them. 13 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ful. The English version of this verse is too incorrect to require remark. " The bread belonged to the priests; but the frankin- cense alone was burnt; consequently it was the memorial for the showbread, the same as above, ii. 2, &c., with tlie ordinary meat-offering. ' "As Onkelos explains, he pronounced the most holy name of God, which they had heard on Sinai, and bla*- phcujcd." — E.vsm. H'.) LEVITICUS XXIV. XXV. BEHAR. 14 Lead forth the bhisphemer to without the camp; and all that have heard him shall lay their hands upon his head ; and all the congregation shall stone him. 15 And mito the children of Israel shalt thou speak, saying. Whatsoever man tliat blasphemeth his God shall bear his sin. 16 But he that pronounced the name of the Lord (with blasphemy) shall be put to death, all the congregation shall stone him; be he a stranger, or be he one that is born in the land, when he pronounceth the (holy) Name (with blasphemy,) he shall be put to death. 1 7 And he that taketh the life of any man shall surely be put to death. 18 And he that taketh tlie life of a beast shall make it good: beast for beast. 19 And if a man cause a bodily defect in his neighbour, as he hath done, so shall be done to him; 20 Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: in the manner as he hath caused a bodily defect in a man, so shall it be done to him.* 21 And he that killeth a beast, shall make restitution for it; and he that killeth a man, shall be put to deatli. 22 One manner of judicial law shall ye have, the stranger shall be equal with one of your own country; for I am the Lord your God. 23 And Moses spoke to the children of Israel; and they led forth the blasphemer to without the camp, and they stoned him with stones; and the children of Israel did as tlie Lord had commanded Moses. Haphtorah in Ezekiel xliv. 15 to 31. SECTION XXXII. BEIIAR, nn3. CHAPTER XXV. 1 Tl And the Lord sjtoko unto Moses on mount Sinai, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto thein, Wben ye come into tlic land which I give unto you; then shall the land keep a sabbath imto the Lord. 3 Six years shalt thou st)\v thy field, and * Properly, Yohcl. Raslii dorivcs this word from SdV "the ram," because the ram's horn (cornet) was bhnvn to announce it; but as liorns from otlmr animals were also 150 six years shalt thou prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; 4 But in the seventh year there shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath (in honour) of the Lord: thy field shalt thou not sow, and thy vineyard shalt thou not prune. 5 That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest shalt thou not reap, and the grapes of thy undressed vine shalt thou not gather: a year of rest shall it he unto the land. 6 And (the product of) tlie sabbath of the land shall be unto you for food, for thee, and for thy man-.servant, and lor thy maid-ser- vant, and for thy hired labourer, and for thy stranger, that sojourn with thee; 7 And lor thy cattle, and tor the beasts that are in thy land, shall all its products be (left) for food. 8 Tl And thou shalt number unto thee seven sabbaths of years, seven years seven times; and the space of the seven salj))aths of 3'ears shall be unto thee forty and nine years. 9 And then shalt thou cause the sound of the cornet to be heard, in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month: on the day of atonement shall ye sound the cornet throughout all your land. 10 And ye shall hallow the fiftietli year, and proclaim freedom throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee'' unto you; and ye shall return, every man, unto his possession, and ye shall return, eveiy man, unto his family. 11 A jubilee shall this, the fiftietli year, be unto you : ye shall not sow, nor reap that which groweth of itself in it, nor gather in it the fruit of the undressed vines. 12 For it is the jubilee; holy shall it be unto you : from the field shall ye eat the pro- ducts thereof 13 In this year of the jubilee shall je re- turn, every man, unto his possession.* 14 And if thou sell aught unto thy neigh- bour, or buy aught of thy neighbour's hand, ye shall not overreach one the other; 15 According to the number of years after the jubilee shalt thou buy of thy neighbour, permitted for this service, Ramban derives it from ^3' which signifies in Hiphil "to bring," that is, the year when each man is brought back to his own LEVITICUS XXV. BEHAR. according unto tlic iiiunber of" harvest-years" shall he sell unto thee; 16 According to the multitude of years slialt thou increase the price thereof", and ac- cording to the fewness of years shalt thou diminish the price thereof; for a munber of harvests doth he sell unto thee. 17 And ye shall not overreach'' one the other; but thou shalt be afraid of thy God; for I am the Lord your God. IS And ye shall do my statutes, and my ordinances shall ye keep and do them; and then shall ye dwell in the land in safety.* 19 And the land shall yield its fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell in safety therein . 20 And if ye should say. What shall we eat in the seventh year? behold, we are not permitted to sow, and we cannot gather in our harvest : 21 Then will I command my blessing unto you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth a harvest for three years. 22 And when ye sow in the eighth year, then shall ye eat yet of the old harvest; until the ninth year^ until its harvest come in, shall ye eat of the old store. 23 And the land shall not be sold for a permanence (to the purchaser) ; for the land is mine; for strangers and sojourners are ye with me. 24 And in all the land of your possession ye shall grant a redemption tor the land.* 25 T[ If thy brother become poor, and sell away some of his possession : then may his nearest of kin come and I'edeem what his brother hath sold. 26 And if the man have none to redeem it, and he acquire the means, suiHcient to be aljle to redeem it himself: 27 Then let him reckon the years since his sale, and restore the overplus unto the man to whom he sold it; and so shall he return unto his possession. " /. c. While harvesting is permitted to the buyer, or the years that are to elapse till the jubilee; for then the j land returns to the original owner. Hence the price is higher it" the time to the jubilee be long, and smaller in proportion ; as in nest verse. ' Tradition makes i:in not "deceive,"' but to "offend" | with words, to "excite to anger." But in our version we ; followed Onkelos and others. i ° Rashi renders this, "If a man purchase from the Le- vites," &c. Our translation is after Arnheim, who com- j 28 But if his means do not suffice to enable him to restore it to him : then shall that which he hath sold remain in the hand of him that hath bought it until the year of the jubilee; and it shall be freed in the jubilee, and he shall return unto his posses- sion.* 29 ^[ And if a nmn sell a dwelling-house in a walled city, then shall the time of re- demption last till the end of the year of his sale; ti full vear shall his time of redemption last. 30 And if it be not redeemed within the expiration of a full year: then shall the house which is in the walled city remain as a per- nmnence to him that bought it throughout his generations; it shall not become freed in the jubilee. 31 But the houses of the villages which have no wall round about them shall Ije counted as the fields of the country : they shall have the right of redemption, and they shall become freed in the jubilee. 32 And (respecting) the cities of the Le- vites, the houses of the cities of their posses- sion, a perpetual right of redemj^tion shall belong to the Levites. 33 And if a man of the Levites redeem'' something: then shall the house that was sold, and the city of his possession, become freed in the jubilee; for the houses of the cities of the Levites are their possession among the children of^ Israel. 34 And ii field of the sul)urbs of their cities shall not be sold;'' for a perpetual possession is it unto them. oG T[ And if thy brother become poor, and fall in decay with thee : then shalt thou assist him, (yea) a stranger, or a sojourner, that he may live with thee. 36 Thou shalt not take of him any usury or increase; but thou shalt be afraid of thy God: that thy brother may live with thee. 37 Thy money shalt thou not give him ments, that if a Levite should redeem a property sold by another of his tribe, it will revert to the original owner at the jubilee; whereas, as regards the lands of other Israel- ites, the law is silent, provided (.mly that it must revert to the tribe of the seller. Philipp.son renders, "any one of the Levites may redeem," &c., and connects it with the preceding verse; and it then means, it requires no relative to redeem, but any one of the Levitical tribe. ■^ This is said to refer to a tield sanctified by a Levi, which is not to be forfeited to the priests as m xxvii. 21. LEVITICUS XXV. XXVI. BECHUCKOTAY. upon usury, uor leud liiui tli\ victuals for in- crease. 38 I am the Lord your God, who have brought, you forth out of tlie hind of Egypt, to give unto you tlie hind of Canaan, to be unto you a God.'^' 39 ^ And if thy brother become poor near thee, and be sold unto thee : thou shalt not compel him to work as a bond-servant. 40 But as a hired labourer, as a sojourner, shall he be with thee; until the year of the jubilee shall he serve with thee: 41 And then shall he depart fi-om thee, he and his children with him; and he shall re- turn unto his own family, and unto the pos- session of his fathei's shall he return. 42 For my servants are they, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bond-men are sold. 43 Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but thou shalt have fear of thy God. 44 But thy bond-man, and thy l:)ond-wo- man that shall remain thine, shall be of the nations that are round about 3"ou; of them may ye buy bond-man and bond-woman. 45 And also of the children of the strangers that sojourn with you, of them may ye Ijuy, and of their families that ai'e with you, which they have begotten in your land; and they shall remain to you as a possession. 46 And ye may transfer them as an inherits ance for your children after you. to inherit them for a possession ; you may hold them to service for ever; but over your brethren the children of Israel, one over the other, ye"' shall not rule with rigour.'-' 47 ^ And if a stranger or sojourner wax rich near thee, and thy brother become poor near him, and he sell himself unto the so- journing stranger near thee, or to a descend- ant of a stranger's family : 48 After he hath sold himself shall he have the right of redemption ; one of his brethren may redeem him. 49 Either his uncle, or his uncle's son, may redeem him, or any that is near of kin unto him of his family nuiy redeem him ; or if he obtain the means, he may redeem himself •50 And he shall reckon with him that bought him from the year that he sold him- self to him unto the year of the jubilee : and " llol). "Thou shalt not rule," acfiivding to ttio Hebrew ididiii. the price of his sale shall be according to the number of years, as the time of a hired labourer shall he have been with him. 51 If there be yet many years, according to them shall he return the price of his re- demption out of his purchase-money. 52 And if there remain but few years unto the year of the jubilee: then shall he reckon with him; according to his years shall he return the price of his redemption. 53 As a lal)0urer hired from 3"ear to year shall he be with him; he shall not rule over him with rigour before thy eyes. 54 And if he be not redeemed by (one of) these means ; then shall he go out in the year of the jubilee, both he, and his children with him.''' 55 For unto me are the children of Israel servants, my servants are they, whom I have brought forth out of the land of Egypt: 1 am the Eternal jour God. CHAPTER XXVI. 1 Ye shall not make yourselves any idols, and a graven im-age, or a standing image shall ye not rear up inito you, and any carved stone shall you not place in your hmd, to l)ow down upon it; for I am the Eternal \"our God. 2 My sabbaths shall ye keep, and my sanctuary shall ye reverence: I am the Lokd. Haphtorah in Jeromiah xxxii. <i tu '2' . SECTION XXXIII. BECHUCKOTAY, 'npnn. 3 ^ If in my statutes ye walk, and if my commandments ye keep, and do them : 4 Then will I give you rains in their due season, and the earth shall yield her pro- ducts, and the tree of the field shall yield its fruit. 5 And the thresliing shall reach with you unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto sowing-time; and ye shall eat your bre;id to the full, and ye shall dwell in safety in your land.'-'' G And I will give peace in the lan<l. and ye shall lie down, with none to nuU\e you afraid; and 1 will remove evil beasts out of the land, and tne sword shall not pass through yoiu'land. 7 And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall betbre you by the sword. JOSEPH INTEKPKETIXG PHARAOHS DREAM. LEVITICUS XXVI. BECHUCKOTAY. 8 And five of you shall chase a hundred, aiul a hundred of you shall chase ten thou- sand ; and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. 9 And I will turn myself unto you, and make you fruitful, and multipW you; and I will establish my covenant with 30U.* 10 And \e shall eat very old stox'e, and the old shall ye remove away because of the new. 11 And I will set my dwelling among you; and my soul shall not loath" you. 12 And I will walk among you, and I will be to you a God, and ye shall be to me a people. 13 I am the Eternal your God, who have brought you forth out of the laud of Egypt, that ye should not be their bond-men ; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and caused you to walk upright. 14 ^1 But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments; 15 And if my statutes ye despise, and if my ordinances your soul loath, so as not to do all my commandments, in that ye break my covenant : 16 Then will I also do this unto you, and I will inflict on you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart; and ye shall sow in vain your seed, for your enemies shall eat it.'' 17 And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be struck down before 3'our enemies : and they that hate you shall bear rule over you; and ye shall flee Avhile there is no one pursuing you. 18 And if with these things even ye will not yet hearken unto me : then will I chastise you yet more, sevenfold for your sins. 19 And I will break the pride of your power ; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as copper : 20 And in vain shall your strength be spent; for your land shall not yield her pro- ducts, and the tree of the land shall not yield its fruit. 21 And if ye walk yet contrary unto me. ' " Fear not that after a long time I will be tired of you and choose another nation to render it higher than you; for I the Lord change not; and if you do your part, to walk in my statutes, my dwelling shall be among you for ever." — Wesseli. '' "You .shall sow, but nothing will grow; but if you Li and if 30U lefuso to hearken unto me: then will I bring more plagues upon you, seven- fold according to jour sins. 22 And I will send out against you the beasts of the field, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and dimi- nish yourselves; so that your roads shall be desolate. 23 And if notmthstanding these things ye will not be reformed by me, and walk con- trary unto me : 24 Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and I also will punish you, sevenfold for your sins. 25 And I will bring over you the sword, avenging the quarrel of my covenant, so that ye shall be gathered together within your cities; and then will I send the pestilence among you,° that ye shall deliver yourselves into the hand of the enemy; 26 When I break unto you the stafi" of bread; and ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver your bread again by weight; and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied. 27 ^ And if notwithstanding this ye will not hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me : 28 Then will I also walk contrary unto you in fury; and I, even I, Avill chastise you, sevenfold for your sins. 29 And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughtei-s shall ye eat. 30 And I will destroy your high -places, and cut down your suu-images, and cast your carcasses upon tlie carcasses of your idols; and my soul shall loath you. ■31 And I will render your cities a waste, and I will make desolate your sanctuaries, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours. 32 And I will surely make desolate the land: and your enemies who dwell thei'eiu shall be astonished at it. 33 And you will I scatter among the nar tions, and I will draw out after you the sword; and your land shall be a 'desolate wild, and your cities shall be a waste. should have any thing in your fields, then shall your ene- mies come and eat it." — Rashi. ° Meaning, the people having violated the covenant, God would send enemies into the land, fleeing before whom they should seek refuge in the towns, whence the plague should drive them again into the power of their pursuers 153 LEVITICUS XXVI. XXVII. BECHUCKOTAY. 34 Then shall the laud satisfy'' its sab- baths, all the days of its desolation, when ye are in the land of your enemies : then shall the laud rest, and satisfy its sabbaths. 35 All the days of its desolation shall it rest, the time which it did not rest in 3'our sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it. 36 And regarding those that are left of you, I will send a faintuess into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a leaf shaken shall chase them ; and they shall tlce, as fleeing from the sword ; and they shall fall with none pursuing. 37 And they shall stumble one over the other, as l^efore the sword, without one pur- suing: and ye shall have no power to stand up before your enemies. 38 Arid 3'e shall be lost among the nations, and the land of your enemies shall consume you. 39 And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in the land of your ' enemies; and also through the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with J them. 40 And they shall then confess their ini- quity, and the iniquity of their fathers, (that) through their trespass which they trespassed against me, and also that (because) they had walked contrary unto me : 411 also had to walk* contrary unto them, and to bring them into the land of their ene- mies; aud then shall their uucircumcised heart be humbled, and then shall they satisfy their iniquity. 42 And I will then remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and the land will I remember. 43 For the land shall be forsaken by them, and shall satisfy its sabbaths, while it lieth desolate without them, and they shall satisfy" their iniquity; because, even because my ordi- nances they despised, and my statutes their soul loathed. 44 And yet for all that, though they be in * Make compensation for the years of release which the Israelites did not observe according to the dictates of the law. '' After riiilipj).son; as l^X is the future form; thus ex- pressing an act arising from a foregone cause, ix IN given liere with "and then," may also mean, as llashi com- ments, ''perhaps then," or "whether then." Thus: "I also had to walk contrary unto them, and bring them into 154 the land of their enemies, will 1 not cast them away, neither will I loath them, tn destroy them utterly, to break m_v co\'enant with them; for I am the Lokd their God. 45 But I will remember for their sakes the covenant of tln'ir ancestors, whom I Ijrought forth out of the laud of Egjpt Ix'fore the eves of the nations, that I might be imto them a God: I am the Lord. 46 Tlie.se are the statutes and ordinances and laws,"* which the Lord made between him and the children of Israel on mount Sinai, l)y the hand of Moses.''" CHAPTER XXVII. 1 •[ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ing, 2 Speak unto the children of Isiael. and sa}' unto them, If a man make a particular vow, (to give) the estimated value of persons in honour of the Lord : 3 If the estimated value concern a male from twenty years old and unto sixty years old, then shall the estimation be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanc- tuary. 4 And if it be a female, then shall the esti- mation be thirty shekels. 5 And if (the person be) from five years old and unto twenty years old, then shall the estimation of the male be twenty shekels, and for the female ten shekels. 6 Aud if (the person be) IVoui a muntli old aud unto five yeai's old, then shall the estimation of the male be five shekels of silver, and for tlie female the estimation (shall be) three shekels of silver. 7 And if (the person be) from si.xty years old and upward, if it be a male, then shall the estimation be fifteen shekels, and for the female ten shekels. 8 But if he be too poor for this estimation, tlien shall he present himself before the priest, and the priest shall value him; according to the ability to pay of him that hath voweil shall the priest value him. the land of their enemies, (to see) whether then their uu- circumcised heart would be humbled, and they would then atone for their iniquitj'." ° This word, employed also in verses 34 and 41, means that they sliall suffer such punishment as will be in full satisfaction for the guilt they have incurred. '' Arnheim adds, as an ellipsis, "of the covenant," tc tally with what follows, "between him," lic. LEVITICUS XXVII. BECHUCKOTAY. 9 ^ Ami if it be a l3east," whereof men can bring an offering unto the Lord, all tliat** a man giveth of such unto the Lord shall be holy. 10 lie shall not alter it, nor change it, a good for a bad one, or a bad for a good one: and if he should change beast for beast, then shall it together with its exchange be holy. 11 And if it be any unclean beast, of which they cannot offer a sacrifice unto the Lord, then sliall he present the beast before the priest : 12 And the priest shall value it, wliethcr it be good or bad; as the priest valueth it, so shall it be. lo And if he will redeem it, then sliall he add a fifth part thereof unto the estimated value. 14 And if a man sanctify his house as holy unto the Lord, then shall the priest value it, whether it be good or bad; as the priest may value it, so shall it stand. 15 And if he that sanctified it will redeem his house, then shall he add the fifth part of the money of the estimated value unto it, and it shall remain his.* 16 And if a man sanctify some part of a field of his possession unto the Lord, then shall the estimation be in proportion to its re- cpiired seed : the seed of a chomer of barley at tifty shekels of silver. 17 If immediately after the year of the jubilee he sanctify his field, according to this estimation shall it stand. 18 But if after the jubilee he sanctify his field, then shall the priest reckon uuto him the money in proportion to the years that re- main, until the year of the jubilee, and it shall be deducted from the estimation. 19 And if he that sanctified the field will redeem it, then shall he add the fifth part of the money of the estimated value unto it, and it shall be assured to him. 20 But if he will not redeem the field, or if he" have sold the field to another man, it shall not be redeemed any more. 21 But the field, when it is freed in tlie ' This means only domestic animals, cattle proper, the ox, sheep, and goat; for these only could be sacriticod. '' " If a man said, The leg of this shall be a burnt-oifer- ing, his words were valid, and it was sold for the purposes of the burnt-ofl'ering, and all the proceeds were prof^me property, with the exception of the value of that limb."- — • K.vsHi. jubilee, shall be holy unto the Lord, as a de- voted field : to the priest shall it belong as his possession.* 22 And if a man sanctify a field which he hath bought, wliich is not of the fields of his possession, unto the Lord: 23 Then shall the priest reckon unto him the amount of the estimated value to the year of the jubilee; and he shall give this estima- tion on that day, as a holy thing unto the Lord. 24 In the year of the jubilee the field shall return unto him of whom he bought it, to the one to whom belongeth the possession of the land. 25 And all estimations of value shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuaiy; twenty gerahs shall be the shekel. 26 Only the first-born which shall, bj- be- ing first born, Ije sacred unto the Lord among cattle, no man shall sanctify ;'' w'hether it be ox, or lamb, it is the Lord's. 27 And if it be an unclean animal, then shall he I'edeem it according to the estimated value, and he shall add its fifth part thereto ; and if it be not redeemed, then shall it be sold accoi'ding to the estimated value. 28 But any devoted thing, which a man may devote unto the Lord of all that he hath, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall not be sold nor redeemed : every devoted thing is most holy unto the Lord.* 29 Any one condemned,^ who shall be con- demned to death amone men, shall not be re- deemed: he shall be put to death. 30 And every tithe of the land, of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, belongeth to the Lord: it is holy unto the Lord. 31 And if a man will redeem any part of his tithe, its fifth part shall he add thereto.* 32 And concerning the tithe of the herds, or of the flocks, whatsoever passeth under the rod,' the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord. 33 He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it : and if he ° i. e. The treasurer of the sanctuary. ■* For the purpose of sacrifice, it being sacred by its birth. ' According to Rashi's commentary; and it says that the offering of the above valuations for the life of a con- demned criminal shall be of no avail. ' "When he comes to tithe them, he causes them to go NUMBERS I. BEMIDBAR. should change it, then both it and the ex- change thereof shall be holy ; it shall not be redeemed. 34 These are the commandments, which the Lord commanded Moses for the childrei/ of Israel on mount Sinai. Ilaphtorah in Jeremiah xvi. 19 to xvii. 14. Haphtorali for Sabbath Haggadole in Mahxcbi iii. 4 tu 24. THE BOOK OF NUMBERS, BEMIDBAR, nm03. CONTAINING THE HISTORY OF THE ISRAELITES IN THE DESERT. SECTION XXXIV. BEMIDBAR, -im03. CHAPTER I. 1 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after their going out of the land of Egypt, saying, 2 Take ye the sum of all the congregation of tlie children of Israel, after their families, by the descent from their fathers," by num- bering the names,* every male according to their polls; 3 From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: these shall ye number according to their armies, thou and Aaron. 4 And with you there shall be one man each of every tribe ; a man who is the head of his fiimily division. 5 And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you; of Reiiben: Elizur the son of Shedeiir. 6 Of Simeon : Shelumiijl the son of Zuri- shaddai. 7 Of Judah : Nachshon the son of 'Ammi- nadab. through a doorway, one after the other, and the tenth he strikes with a rod having paint on it, that the animal may be recognised as the tithe; and so was done to the lambs and calves of every year." — R.\SHr. * So Rashi explains the term 3X n'3 "family descent reckoned from the father." But generally it is nearly .synonymous with the word nnsiyo family, and it may be renden'd "family division," or " branch," and is conse- quently a subdivision of "family," which itself is less than " tribe " In other instances 3X n"3 appears the major, nnatyo the lesser division. But in reality it means at 166 8 Of Issachar : Nethanel the son of Zuar. 9 OfZebulun: Eliiib the son of Chelon. 10 Of the children of Joseph, of Ephraim: Elishama the son of 'Ammihud ; of Menasseh : Gamlitil the son of Pedahzur. 11 Of Benjamin : Abidan the son of Gidoui. 12 Of Dan: Achiezer the son of 'Ammi- shaddai. 13 Of Asher: Pagiel the son of 'Ochran. 14 Of Gad: Elyassaph the son of Deiiel. 15 Of Naphtali: Achira the son of 'Enaii. 16 These were tlie selected" of the congre- gation, the princes of the tribes of their fathers ; the heads of the thousands'' of Israel were they. 17 And Moses and Aaron took these men who are expr-essed by name : 18 And all the congregation they assem- bled together on the first day of tlie second month, and they were enrolled in the lists of their pedigrees after their families, by the de- scent from their fathers, by numbering the names, from twenty years old and upward, according to their polls. 19 As the Lord had commanded Moses, so did he number them in the wilderness of Sinai.* last only those who have a common ancestry; hence it will be found variously rendered, to prevent the too fre- quent repetition of the same term. ''"With the number of their names." — Eyicflish ver- sion. ° 'xnp "the called," from xip "to call;" hence, those called to the meetings of the chiefs, the srkchncn, repre- sentatives; and so it is rendered elsewhere. '' Philippson translates 'sha not with "thousands," but with "families," as synonymous with 's^hn in Genesis x.xxvi. 4y. NUMBERS I. BEMIDBAR. 20 ^ And there were of the children of Reiiljen the first-born of Israel, by their gene- rations, after their iamilies, by the descent from their lathers, hy nunil)eriug the names, ac- cording to their polls, every male from twenty years old and npward, all that were aljle to go forth to war; 21 Those that were numbered of the tribe of Reuben, were forty and six thousand and five hundred. 22 ][ Of the" children of Simeon, hy their generations, after their families, by the de- scent from their lathers, those that were numbered of them, by numbei'ing the names, according to their polls, every male from twenty 3'ears old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war ; 23 Those that were numbered of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred. 24 ^[ Of the children of Gad, by their gene- rations, after their families, by the descent from their fathers, by numbering the names, from twenty years old and upAvard, all that were able to go forth to war ; 25 Those that were numbered of the tribe of Gad, were forty and five thou.sand six hun- dred and fifty. 26 ^ Of the children of Judah, by their generations, after their fiimilies, hy the de- scent from their fathers, by numbering the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 27 Those that were numbered of the tribe of Judah, were seventy and four thousand and six hundred. 28 ][ Of the children of Issachar, by their generations, after their families, by the de- scent from their fathers, by numbering the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 29 Those that wei'e numljered of the tribe of Issachar, were fifty and lour thousand and four hundred. 30 ][ Of the children of Zebulun, by their generations, after their families, by the de- scent from their fathers, by numbering the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; * The 1 prefixed to each name must be taken in the Bense of "of," as though it read, " there were of the sons nf Simeon, &c., those that were nnuiborcd, fifty and nine thousand and three hundred," &e. 31 Those that were numbered of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred. 32 ^ Of the children of Joseph, namely, of the children of Ephraim, by their generations, after their families, by the descent from their fathers, by numbering the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 33 Those that were numbered of the tribe of Ephraim, were forty thousand and five hundred. 34 ^ Of the children of Menasseh, by their generations, after their families, by the de- scent from their fathers, by numbering the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 35 Those that were numbered of the trilte of Menasseh, were thirty and two thousand and two himdred. 36 ][ Of the children of Benjamin, by their generations, after their families, by tlie de- scent from their fathers, by numbering the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 37 Those that were numbered of the tribe of Benjamin, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred. 38 T[ Of the children of Dan, by their generations, after their families, by the de- scent from their fathers, by numbering the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 39 Those that were numbered of the tribe of Dan, were sixty and two thousand and seven hundred. 40 ][ Of the children of Asher, by their generations, after their families, by the de- scent from their fathers, by numbering the names, from twenty years old and npward, all that were able to go forth to war; 41 Those that were numbered of the trilie of Asher, were forty and one thousand and five hundred. 42 T[ Of the children of Naphtali, by their generations, after their families, by the de- scent from their fathers, by numbering the names, from twenty years old and lunvard, all that were able to go forth to war; 43 Those that were numbered of the tribe of Naphtali, Avere fifty and three thousand and four hundred. 44 ^ These are those that were numbered, whom Moses nimibered Avith Aaron, and the 157 NUMBEES I. II. BEMIDBAR. princes of Israel, being twelve men : one man each for his family division were they. 45 Thus were all those that were numbered of the children of Israel, by the descent from their fathers, from twenty years old and up- ward, all that were able to go forth to war in Israel, — 46 Even all they that were numbered, were six hundred thousand and three thou- sand and iive hundred and fifty. 47 But the Levites, after the tribe of their fathers, were not numbered among them. 48 T[ For^ the Lord had spoken unto Moses, saying, 49 Only the tribe of Levi shalt thou not number, and their sum shalt thou not take, among the children of Israel ; 50 But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimon}', and over all its vessels, and over all things that belong to it: they shall carry the tabernacle, and all its vessels; and they shall minister unto it; and round about the tabernacle shall they en- camp. 51 And when the tabernacle is to be car- ried forward, the Levites shall take it doA\'n ; and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up : and the stranger'' that cometh nigh shall be put to death. 52 And the children of Israel shall pitch"^ their tents, every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, according to their armies. 53 But the Levites shall encamp round al)out the tabernacle of the testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel : and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of the testi- mony. 54 And the children of Israel did so : all. just as the Lord had commanded Moses, so did they.* CHAPTER II. 1 Tf And the Lord spoke unto Moses and unt« Aaron, saying, 2 Every man by his own standard, by the ensigns of their family division, shall the chil- dren of Israel pitch their tent: at some dis- " /. c The not, mimboring of the Levites among the other ~ons of Israel was owing to a previous command that they should not be reckoned among them for secular tance round about the tabernacle of the con gregation shall they encamp. 3 And they, who encamp on the east, to- ward the rising of the sun, shall be (tho.se who belong to) the standard of the camp of Judah according to their armies : and the prince of the children of Judah shall he Nacli- shon the son of 'Amminadab. 4 And his host, and those that were num- bered of them, were seventy and four thou- sand and six hundred. 5 And those that encamp next unto him shall be the tribe of Issachar : and the prince of the children of Issachar shall be Nethanel the son of Zuar. 6 And his host, and those that were num- bered thereof, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred. 7 (Then) the tribe of Zebulun : and the prince of the children of Zebulun shall be Eliab the son of Chelon. 8 And his host, and those that were num- bered thereof, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred. 9 All that were numbered of the camp of Judah were one hundred thousand and eighty thousand and six thousand and four hundred, according to their armies : they shall first set ibrward. 10 T[ The standard of the camp of Eeiiben shall be on the south side, according to their armies : and the prince of the children of Beiil^en shall be Elizur the son of Shedeiir. 11 And his host, and those that were num- bered thereof, were forty and six thousand and five liundred. 12 And those that encamp by him shall be the tribe of Simeon : and the prince of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. 13 And his host, and those that were num- bered of them, Avere fifty and nine thousand and three hundred. 14 Then the trilje of Gad : and the prince of the sons of Gad shall be Elyassaph the son of Reiiel. 15 And his host, and those that were num- bered of them, were forty and five thousand and six hundred and fifty. [lurposes. 168 '• The word 11 used here and elsewhere, signifies "one strange in the matter specified;" here, therefore, any one of Israel who is not a Levite. ° Lit. " Shall encamp." NUMBERS II. III. BEMIDBAR. 16 All tliiit were numbered of the camji of Reiiben were one hundred thousand and fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, according to their armies; and as the second shall they set forward. 17 T[ Then shall the tabernacle of the con. gregation, the camp of the Levites, set for- Avard in the midst of the camps : as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place after their standards. 18 *[\ The standard of the camp of Ephraim shall be on the west side, according to their armies : and the prince of the sons of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of "Anunihud. 19 And his host, and those that were num- bered of them, were forty thousand and five hundred. 20 And by him shall be the tribe of Me- nasseh; and the prince of the children of Me- nasseh shall be Gamliel the son of Pedahzur. 21 And his host, and those that were num- 1 lered of them, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred. 22 Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the prince of the sons of Benjamin shall be Abi- dau the son of Gidoui. 23 And his host, and those that Avere num- bered of them, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred. 24 All that were numbered of the camp of Ephraim were one hundred thousand and eight thousand and one hundred, according to their armies ; and as the third shall they set forward. 25 ^ The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side, according to their armies : and the prince of the children of Dan shall be Achiezer the son of 'Ammi- shaddai. 26 And his host, and those that were num- bered of them, were sixty and two thousand and seven hundred. 27 And those that encamp by him shall be the ti'ibe of Asher : and the jirince of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ochran. 28 And his host, and those that Avere num- bered of them, were forty and one thousand and five hundred. 29 Then the tribe of Naphtali : and the * This would seem to indicate that each tribe had its separate banner, besides the general division-standards of JuJah, Reiiben, Ephraim, and Dan. prince of the cliildren of Naphtali shall lie Achira the son of 'Enan . 30 And his host, and those that were num- bered of them, A\ere fifty and three thousand and four hundred. 31 All those that were numbered of the camp of Dan were one hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred ; the hindmost shall they set forward according to their standards." 32 ^[ These are those that were numbered of the children of Israel according to their family divisions : and all those that were num- bered of the camps, according to their armies, were six hundred thousand and three thou- sand and five hundred and fifty. 33 But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel ; as the Lord had commanded Moses. 34 And the childi'en of Israel did all just as the Lord had commanded Moses, so did the}- encamp by their standards, and so did they set forward every one after his family, by his division.* CHAPTER III. 1 *\\ And these are the generations of Aaron and Moses, on the day that the Lord spoke with Moses on mount Sinai. 2 And these are the names of the sons of Aaron : the first-born Nadab, and Abihu, ELo- zar, and Ithamar. 3 These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests that ^ycYQ anointed, who were con- secrated to minister as priests. 4 And Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord, when they offered a strange fire before the Lord, in the walderness of Sinai, and they had no children : and Elazar and Ithamar ministered as priests in the life-time of Aai'on their father. 5 ][ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ing, 6 Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present the same before Aaron the priest, that they may serve him. 7 And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation'' before the tent of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle. *" The whole congregation are interested that the duties of the sanctuary be well performed ; consequently the ministration of the Leyites is doing the work of all Israel. 159 NUMBERS III. BEMIDBAR. 8 And they shall keep all the vessels of the tent of the congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle. 9 And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons : as associates are" they given unto him out of the children of Israel. 10 And Aaron and his sons shalt thou in- struct, that they shall guard well their priest's office ; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death. 11 ][ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- 12 And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from the midst of the children of Israel in- stead of every first-born that openeth the womb among the children of Israel ; and the Levites shall be mine. 13 Because mine is every first-born; on the day when I smote every first-born in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me every first- born in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be; I am the Lord.* 14 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying, 15 Number the children of Levi after their divisions, by their famihes; every male of them from a month old and upward shalt thou number. 16 And Moses numbered them according to the order of the Lord, as he had been commanded. 17 And these were the sons of Levi by their names : Gershon, and Kehath, and Me- rari. 18 And these are the names of the sons of Gershon after their families : Libni, and Sliimi. 19 And the sons of Kehath after their families : 'Amram, and Yizhar, Chebron, and 'Uzziel. 20 And the sons of Merari after their fa- milies : Machli, and Mushi ; these are the fiimilios of the Levites accoi'ding to their family divisions. 21 Of Gershon : the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites ; these are the families of the Gershunites. 22 Those that were numbered of them, by the numbering of all the males from a month ' After Arnhcim, who takos the first Djm: as a predi- frate of tho Levites; and means tlien that (iiey are ap- pointed DJirU "associates" in the priest's ollicc 160 old and upward, even those that were num- bered of them, were seven thousand and i\ve hundred. 2.3 The families of the Gershunites used to encamp laehind the tabernacle, westward. 24 And the prince of the family division of the Gershunites was Elyassaph the sou of Lael. 25 And the cliarge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation was the taljernacle and the tent, its covering, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, 26 And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the taljernacle and by the altar, round about, and its cords for all the service thereof 27 T[ And of Kehath : the family of the 'Amramites, and the family of the Yizharites, and the family of the Chebronites, and the iamily of the 'Uzzielites; these are the families of the Kehathites. 28 By the numbering of all the males, from a month old and upward, they were eight thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary. 29 The families of the sons of Kehath used to encamp on the side of the tabernticle, southward. 30 And the prince of the division of the families of the Kehathites was Elizaphan the son of 'Uzziel. 31 And their charge was the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary which are used for the service, and the vail, and all belonging tliereto. 32 And the chief over the princes of the Levites was Elazar the son of Aaron the priest, having the oversight of those that kept the charge of the sanctuary. 33 Of Merari : the family of the MachUtes, and the family of the Mushites; these ai'e the families of Merari. 34 And those that were numbered of them, by the numbering of all the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand and two hundred. 35 And the chief of the division of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abi- chayil : they used to encaiup on the side of the tabernacle, northward. 36 And under tbe custody and cliarge of the sons of Mel ari Aveiv the boards of the tabeniar NUMBERS III. IV. BEMIDBAR. cle, and its bars, and its pillars, and its sockets, and all its vessels, and all that belongeth thereto, 37 And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords. 38 But those that encamped before the ta^ bernacle toward the east, e\'en before the tabernacle of the congregation toward the rising of the sun, were Moses, and Aaron, and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel ; and the stranger that came nigh was to be put to death. 39 All that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses numbered with Aaron, at the order of tlie Lord, according to their fami- lies, all the males from a month old and up- ward, were twenty and two' thousand."^' 40 *i\ And the Lord said unto Moses, Num- ber all the first-born males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names. 41 And thou shalt take the Levites for me,'' I am the Lord, instead of all the firsts born among the children of Israel ; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the first- born among the cattle of the children of Israel. 4:^ And Moses numbered, as the Lord had commanded him, all the first-born among the children of Israel. 43 And aU the first>boru males, by the numbering of the names, from a month old and upward, of those that were numbered of them, were twenty and two thousand two hundred and seventy and three. 44 ^1" And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ino" 45 Take the Levites instead of all the first- born among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine : I am the Lord." 46 And (for) those that are to be redeem- ed, the two hundred and seventy and three of the first-born of the cliildren of Israel, wdio are more than the Levites, ' Which Aben Ezra comments on, "beside three hun- dred first-born among them, as these did not redeem the fii-st-born of Israel." '' Mendelssohn renders "unto me the Lord;" but it seems to be the phrase frequently found by positive enact- ments or prohibitions, and means to declare that they are the authoritative injunctions of the great SoYcreign, wliich is the only reason assigned for their enactment. V 47 Thou shalt take five shekels apiece for the poll; after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take, twenty gerahs to the shekel ; 48 And thou shalt give unto Aaron and to his sons the money, (lor) those who are to Ije redeemed of those that are over the number of them. 49 And Moses took the redemption-money of those that were over in number above those who were redeemed Ity the Levites : 50 Of the first-born of the children of Israel did he take the money; a thousand three hundred and sixty and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary. 51 And Moses gave the money of those wdio were redeemed unto Aaron and unto his sons, by the order of the Lord; as the Lord had commanded Moses.* CHAPTER IV. 1 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses and imto Aaron, saying, 2 Take the sum of the sons of Kehath from among the sons of Levi, after their fami- lies, by their divisions, 3 From thirty 3ears old and upward even luitil fifty years old, all that are fitted for the service,'* to do work at the taljernacle of the congregation. 4 This shall be the service of the sons of Kehath at the tabernacle of the congregation: The most holy things. 5 And iVaron shall come with his sons, when the camp setteth forward, and they shall take down the vail of the separation, and cover therewith the ark of the testimony; 6 And the}- shall [)ut over it a covering of badgers' skins, and they shall sjjread over all a cloth wholly of blue (woollen yarn), and they shall put in its staves." 7 And over the table of the showbread shall they spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the tubes, and the staves of the covering; and the continual bread shall be thereon: 8 And they shall spread over them a cloth " "Me the Lord." — Mendel.ssoun. ''After Mendelssohn; lit., "That enter the ai'uiy" or "host," (■. e. of those who do the service at the taber- nacle, or those who are from thirty to fifty years ot age. " L c. In the rings fitted for their reception. ' /. (. The bread which is to be always upon the table. 161 NUMBERS IV. NAHSSO. of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers' slvins; and they shall put in its staves. 9 And they shall take a cloth of 1)1 ue, and cover the candlestick of the lighting, and its lamps, and its tongs, and its snuft-dishes, and all the oil-vessels thereof, wherewith they minister by it : 10 And they shall put it and all its vessels within a covering of badgers' skins, and they shall put it upon a barrow. 11 And over the golden altar shall they spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins ; and they shall put in its staves. 12 And they shall take all the vessels of the service, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers' skins; and they shall put them on a barrow. 13 And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread over it a cloth of purple ; 14 And they shall put upon it all its ves- sels, wherewith they minister upon it, the fire-pans, the forks, and the shovels, and the basins, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread over it a covering of- badgers' skins, and put in its staves. 15 And when Aaron and his sons have thus made an end of covering the sanctuarj^, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, when the camp is to set forward : then shall, after that, the sons of Kehath come to carry it; but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die; these are the things which the sons of Kehath are to carry at the tabernacle of the congregation. 16 And under the supervision of Elazar the son of Aaron the jiriest shall be the oil for the lighting, and the incense of spices, and the daily meat-offering, and the anointing-oil ; the supervision of all the tabernacle, and of all that is therein, over the sanctuary, and over its vessels.* * 17 Tl And the Lord spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 18 Do ye" not cause the tribe of the fami- lies of the Kehathites to be cut off from among the Levites ; " This is an injunction to the chief superintendent of thf sanctuary not to allow those who arc to be engaged in carrying it, to touch it in any wise before it is time, for 162 19 But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them, every one, to his service and to his burden ; 20 That they may not go in to see when the holy things are covered, and die. Ilaphtorah in Hosea ii. 1 to 22. SECTION XXXV. NAHSSO, NCI 21 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, lying, 22 Take also the sum of the sons of Ger- shon, by their divisions, after their families; 23 From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them ; all that are fitted for the service, to do ^\'ork in the tabernacle of the congregation. 24 This shall be the service of the families of the Gershunites, to serve, and to carry : 25 They shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle, and of the tent of the congrega- tion, its covering, and the covering of the bad- gers' skins that is over it above, and the hang- ing for the door of the tabernacle of the con- gregation, 20 And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and )jy the altar roinid about, and their cords, and all the ves- sels of their service; and all that is delivered'' to them shall they perform. 27 By the order of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Ger- shunites, in all their carrying, and in all their service : and ye shall designate unto them in charge all which they have to carry. 28 This is the service of the families of the sons of the (iershunites at the tabernacle of the congregation ; and their charge shall be under the supervision of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. 29 ^[ The sons of Merari, shalt thou num- ber after their families, by their divisions; 30 From thirty years old and upward, e\en until fifty years old, shalt tiiou number them, every one that is fitted for the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation. by this they would incur the penalty of death. Hence the great care enjoined here. " After Onkclos, who renders ntyj?' in the sense "to be NUMBEES IV. V. NAHSSO. 31 And this is wliat is confided to tlicm to oarry, regarding all their service at the taber- uable of the congregation : The boards ot tlie tabernacle, and its bars, and its pillars, and its sockets, 32 And tlie pillars of the court round about, and tlieir sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all tlieir instruments, and all which belongeth thereto; and by name shall ye designate (to them) the vessels which are confided to them to carry. 33 This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, regarding all their service, at the tabernacle of the congregation, under the supervision of Ithamar the son of Aaron, the priest.* 34 And Moses with Aaron and the princes of the congregation numbered the sons of tlie Kehathites after their tamilies, and after their divisions, 35 From thirty years old and upward, even imtil fifty years old, every one that was fitted for the service, for the work at the tabernacle of the congregation. 36 And those that were numbered of them after their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty. 37 These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kehathites, all that could do service at the tabernacle of the con- gregation, whom Moses with Aaron numl^ered by the order of the Lokd through tlie hand of Moses.* 38 ^ And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershou, after their families, and after their divisions, 39 From thirty years old and upward, even until fifty years old, every one that was fitted for the service, for the work at the tabernacle of the congregation, 40 Even those that Avere numljered of them, after their families, after their divi- sions, were two thousand and six hundred and thirty. 41 These are they that were numbered of the families of the sons of Gershou, all that could do service at the tabernacle of the con- made over," or "assigued." Others render, ''and what- ever is to be done thereon." * Perliaps referring to the priests, for they, being Le- vites, were also numbered with the other Kehathites. Rashi refers it to the music- and singing, which devolved uu the Levit/;s. Jonathan has, '• the service of watching." gregation, whom Moses with Aaron numbered by the order of the Lord. 42 And those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari. after their I'auii- hes, after their divisions, 43 From thirty jears old and upward, even until fifty years old, every one that was fitted for the service, lor the work at the tabernacle of the congregation, 44 Even those that were numbered of them after their families, were three thousand and two hundred. 45 These are those thatw'ere numbered of the tamilies of the sons of Meraii, whom Moses with Aaron numbered Ijy the order of the Lord through the hand of Moses. 46 All those that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses with Aaron and the chiefs of Israel numl)ered, after their families, and after their divisions, 47 From thirty years old and upward, even until fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry," and the service of the carrying at the tabernacle of the congregation, 48 Even those that were iiuml)ered of them, were eight thousand and five hundred and eighty. 49 By the order of the Lord through the hand of Moses, did he ajjpoint'' them, every one to his proper service, and to his proper carrying: and they were numbered, as the Lord had commanded Moses.* CHAPTER V. 1 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- in o* 2 Command the children of Israel, that they send out of the camp every leper, and every one that hath an issue, and whosoever is defiled by tlie dead : 3 Both male and female shall ye send out, to without the camp shall ye send them; that they defile nOt their camps, in the midst whereof I dwell. 4 And the children of Israel did so, and they sent them out to without the camp: as Aben Ezra comments, "to raise the tabernacle, to make the bread, to slay (^the sacrifices,) and to watch." '' The different versions of the word nps in this passage are according to Mendelssohn; still, "appointing'' is lite- rally a "counting off" of nil those arc to do a certain work together. 16:3 NUMBERS V. NAHSSO. the Lord had spoken unto Moses, so did the children of Israel. 5 ][ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ing, G Speak unto the children of Israel, If any man or woman commit any sin against a fel- lo\s"-mau, thereby doing a trespass against the Lord, and this person thus become guilty : 7 Then shall they" confess their sin which the}^ have committed; and he shall make restitution for his trespass with the principal thereof, and its fifth part shall he add thereto, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.'' 8 But if the man have no kinsman to whom restitution could be made for the tres- pass, then shall the trespass which is restored unto the Lord, belong to the priest; besides the ram of the atonement, whereby an atone- ment shall be made for him. 9 And every oflering of all the holy things of the children of Israel, which they bring unto the priest, shall be his. 10 And every man's hallowed things shall be his:'^ whatsoever any man giveth to the priest, shall Ijelong to him.* 11 ][ And the Lord spoke imto Moses, saying,^ 12 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If the wife of any man go aside, and commit a trespass against him, 13 And a man lie with her carnally, and it be hidden from the eyes of her husband, because she hath been secretly defiled; and there be no witness against her, and she have not been detected in the fact; 14 And the sjjirit of jealousy come over him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she have been defiled; or the spirit of jealousy come over him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she have not been defiled : 15 Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephali of barley- meal; he shall not pour any oil upon it, nor ^ Tlic nipid change here from the singular to the plural, is a peculiarity in Hebrew, easily understood, and has been noticed before. *' i. c. If he should be living; but if dead, to his near relatives. This will explain the succeeding verse, where a person is spoken of who leaves no one authorized to claim his property. ° A man has the right to bestow the gifts of the priest- hood on whomsoever he pleases, although he cannot use 161 put any frankincense thereupon; for it is a meat-offering of jealousy, a meat-offering of memorial, Ijringing iniquity to remembrance. 16 And the jjriest shall Ijring her near, and place her before the Lord; 17 And the priest shall take holy water'' in an earthen vessel; and of the dust that is on the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and put it into the water; 18 And the priest shall jjlace the woman before the Lord, and uncover the woman's head, and put upon her hands the meat-offer- ing of memorial, it is the mea1>offering of jealousy; and in the hand of the priest shall be the bitter waters that bring the curse. 19 And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and he shall sa}' unto the woman. If no man have lain Avith thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness behind thy hus- band: then be thou free from these bitter waters that bring the curse. 20 But if thou hast gone aside behind thy husband, and if thou hast been defiled, and some man have lain with thee besides thy husband : — " 21 And the priest shall charge the woman with an oath of imprecation, and the priest shall s;i^ unto the woman, The Lord then make thee a curse and an oath among thy people, when the Lord doth cause thy thigh to fall away, and thy belly to swell; 22 And these waters that bring the curse shall go into thy bowels, to cause the belly to swell, and the tliigh to fall away; and the woman shall sa}'. Amen, amen. 23 And the priest shall write these curses on a roll, and he shall blot them out with the bitter waters. 24 And he shall cause the woman to drink the bitter waters tlmt bring the curse; and the waters that bring the curse shall enter into her for bitterness. 25 And the priest shall take out of the woman's hand the meat^olTering of jealousy, them himself No individual priest has any claim on any Israelite for the sacred things; but when once parted with, then are they the priest's in lull riiilit. "" ('. ('. That which has been sanctitie(l in the laver. The preparation of the bitter waters as here described, of the meanest materials in a mean vessel, was to typify the abhorrence of incest in the estimation of the Lord. ° Here the idea breaks off, and is resumed in the next verse at the words, "The Lord then make thee." ^1 NUMBERS V. VI. NAHSSO. and he shall wave the meat-offering before the Lord, and bring it near to the altar: 26 And the priest shall take a handful from the meat-offering, as its memorial, and burn it upon the altar, and after that shall he cause the woman to drink the water. 27 And when he hath made her drink the water, then shall it come to pass, if she have been defiled, and have committed a trespass against her husband, that the waters that bring the curse shall enter into her, for bitterness, and her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall fall away ; and the woman shall become a curse among her people. 28 And if the woman have not been de- fded, but be clean : then shall she remain un- harmed, and she shall conceive seed. 29 This is the law of jealousies, when a woman goeth aside behind lier husl:)and, and hath been defiled ; 30 Or when the spirit of jealousy cometh over liim, and he be jealous of his wife ;'' and he shall place the woman before the Lord, and the priest shall do unto her altogether according to this law. 31 And the man shall be guiltless from iniquity; but this woman shall bear her ini- rpiity.'' CHAPTER VL 1 ^ And the Lord spoke imto Moses, say- 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, "When either man or woman pronounce an especial vow, the vow of a Na- zarite, to be abstinent in honour of the Lord : 3 Then shall he abstain from wine and strong drink, vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink shall he not drink, and any infusion of grapes shall he not drink, and grapes, fresh or dried, shall he not eat. 4 All the days of his abstinence shall he eat nothing that is made of the grape-vine, from the kernels even to the husk. 5 All the days of the vow of his abstinence no razor shall pass over his head : until the days be completed, in which he abstaineth in honour of the Lord, shall he be holy, letting grow untouched the hair of his head. ' Here is evidently understood, " And she hath not been defiled." — Arnheim. " Even if he should have exposed her without full cause to the above disgraceful procedure ; since, if it was 6 All the days of his abstinence in honour of the Lord shall he not come near any dead body. 7 On his father, or on his mother, on his brother, or on his sister, shall he not make himself unclean, when they die; because the consecration of his God is upon his head. 8 All the days of his al)stinence is he holy unto the Lord. 9 And if some one die very suddenly by him, and he thus defile his consecrated head : then shall he shave his head on the day of his being cleansed, on the seventh day shall he shave it. 10 And on the eighth day shall he In-ing two turtle-doves, or two 3'oung pigeons, to the l)riest, to the door of the taljernacle of the congregation : 11 And tlie priest shall prepare the one for a sin-offering, and the otiier for a burnt- offering, and make an atonement for him, Iw- cause he hatli sinned through the dead; and he shall hallow'' his head on that same day. 12 And he shall consecrate unto the Lord (again) the days of his altstinence, and he shall bring a sheep of the first year for a tres- pass-offering ; but the prior days shall not be counted, because his consecration liath ])een defiled. 13 And this is the law of tiie Nazarite : On the day when tlie days of his abstinence are completed, sliall he present himself at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation ; 14 And lie sliall luring his offering unto the Lord, one male shcej) of the first year witli- out blemish Ibi- a burnt-offering, and one ewe of the first year without blemish for a sin- offering, and one ram without blemish for a peace-offering, 15 And a l)asket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and un- leavened wafers anointed with oil; and their meat-offering, and their driuk-oflcrings. IG And the priest sliall bring them near before the Lord, and he shall prepare his sin-offering, and his burnt-ofteriiig: 17 And tiie ram sliall he pi"e[>are lor a sacrifice of peace-offering unto the Lord, with the basket of unleavened bread; and the even an improper levity of conduct, alone, by which she has excited his jealousy, she has incurred guilt, and de- serves a just punishment. — Arniiei.m. " !. r. Ooninience anew to let his hair grow. 105 NUMBERS VI. VII. NAHSSO. priest shall prepare his iiieat-oft'eriiig and his driuk-ofFering. 18 And the Nazarite shall shave at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation his consecrated head ; and he shall take the hair of his consecrated head, and put it on the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace- offering. 19 And the priest shall take the shoulder of the ram when it is cooked, and one unlea^ vened cake out of the basket, and one unlea- vened wafer, and he shall put them upon the hands of the Nazarite, after he hath shaved his consecrated (head). 20 And the priest shall make with them a waving before the Lord ; it is a holy gift for the priest, together with the breast that was waved and the shoulder that was lifted up :" and after that may the Nazarite drink wine. 21 This is the law of the Nazarite who hath vowed ; his ofieriug unto the Lord for his abstinence, besides that whicji he- may be able to give : according to his vow which he may vow, so must he do in addition to what is required Ijy the law of his abstinence. 22 *\\ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, Thus'' shall ye bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, 24 ^ The Lord bless thee, and preserve thee ; 25 ^f The Lord make his face shine unto thee, and be gracious to thee ; 26 ^ The Lord lift up his countenance unto thee, and give thee peace. 27 *\\ And they shall put my name" upon the children of Israel : and I will bless them.* ' As usual with other peace-offerings. ^ You shall not bless them with a blessing of your own, as a man says : May such a good come upon the head of that one ; but unto me shall ye pray that I may bless them ; as it is said here, " May the Lord bless thee;" and F will iiear your voice and bless Israel. — R.vshbam. The blessings, however, are not for the bestowal of worlilly goods merely ; for they also refer to the Divine grace and light, whicli are the greatest good unto man. ° This eitiier means, as Rashi says, that in blessing tlie people the priests should pronounce the most holy name of the Lord, or that they should, as said already, refer the issue of (ivents to God alone, who would bless as might seem best in his wisdom. '' After the altar liad been duly consecrated by the cere- monies and sacrifices detailed in their proper places, the j)riiices of the congregation volunteered yet more than the CHAPTER VII. 1 ^ And it came to pass on the day that Moses had finally set up the tabernacle, and had anointed, and sanctified it, and all its ves- sels, as also the altar and all its vessels, and had anointed them, and sanctified them : 2 That the princes of Israel, the heads of their family divisions, who were tlie princes of the tribes, tlie same who had superintended the numbering, oftered. 3 And they brought their ofiering befoi'e the Lord, Six covered wagons, and twelve oxen ; a wagon for two princes, and ;ui ox for each one : and they presented them be- fore the tal^ernacle. 4 And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 5 Take it from them, that they may lie used to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation ; and thou shalt give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his service. 6 And Moses took the wagons and the oxen, and gave them unto the Levites. 7 Two of the wagons and four of the oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon, according to their service : 8 And four of the wagons and eight of the oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari, accord- ing to their service, under the supervision of Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest. 9 But unto the sons of Kehath he gave none ; because the service of the sanctuary belonged unto them, they were to bear upon their shoulders. 10 The princes also offered for the dedi- cating of the altar on the day that it was anointed ; and the princes presented their ofiering before the altar.'' large gifts bestowed by them fur the erection of the taber- nacle, to testify their devotion for the religion which they had received. The first offering they brouglit, consisting of six covered wagons, with twelve draught oxen, Moses would not accept, till he was ordered to do so, and to ap- ply them to the use of the Levites. Now the most holy things, as the ark, the altars, the table, and the candle- stick, were intrusted to the sons of Keiiath ; but as all these were to be carried upon the slioulder, no beast of burden was assigned to tliem. Diflerent, however, was it with those who were charged with the transportation of the heavier articles belonging to the tabernacle, to wit, the sons (if Gershon, and they received therefore two wagons and four oxen, while those who carried tlio boards, pillars, and sockets, &c., of the tabernacle and j eiiurt, the sons of Merari, obtained four wagons and eight I oxen to aid them in their more laborious work. In addi- NUMBERS VTI. NAHSSO. 11 And the Lord said unto Moses, One prince each on a given day, shall they offer their offering, for the dedication of the altar* 12 T[ Anil he that offered his offering on the first day was Nachshon the son of 'Am- minadab, of the tribe of Judah : 13 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine Hour mingled with oil for a meat-offering ; 14 One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense ; 15 One young bullock, one ram, one sheep of the first year, for a burnt-offering; 16 One he-goat for a sin-offering; 17 And for a sacrifice of peace-oftering, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five sheep of the first year ; this was the offering of Nach- shon the son of 'Amminadab. 18 ^ On the second day Nethanel the son of Zuiir, the prince of Issachar, did offer : 19 He offered for his offei'ing one silver charger, the weight whereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy sliekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary ; both of them full of fine fiour mingled with oil tor a meat-offering ; 20 One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense ; 21 One young bullock, one ram, one sheep of the first year, for a burnt^oftering ; 22 One he-goat for a sin-offerinsi- ; 23 And for a sacrifice of peace-ofiering, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five sheep of the first year; thanel the son of Zuiir. 24 ^ On the third day Ehab the son of Chelon. the prince of the children of Zebulun, (did offer): 25 His oflering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one siher bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of tion to these presents, the princes also came charged each with the same sacrifices and vessels for the use of the sanctmiry ; and so well was this liberality received by the Most High, that Moses was ordered to enjoin upon the princes that the sacrifices should not be offered all at once, but during a period of twelve days, and that they should use the order in which they moved forward in their march : this was the offering of Ne- them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat-offering ; 26 One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense ; 27 One young bullock, one ram, one sheep of the first year, for a burnt-offering ; 28 One he-goat for a sin-offering ; 29 And tor a sacrifice of peace-ofiering, two oxen, five rams, five lie-goats, five sheep of the first year ; this was the offering of Eliab the son of Chelon. 30 ^ On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeiir, the prince of the children of Reuben, (did ofier): 31 His offering was one silver charger, the weio'ht whereof was a hundred and thirtv she- kels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary ; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat-oflering ; 32 One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense ; 33 One young bullock, one ram, one sheep of the first }car, for a burnt-ofiering ; 34 One he-goat for a sin-offering ; 35 And for a sacrifice of peace-offering, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five sheep of the first year; this was the offering oi' Elizur the son of Shedeiir. 36 ^ On the fifth day Shelumiel the sou of Zurishaddai, the prince of the children iif Simeon, (did offer): 37 His offei'ing was one silver charger, the weight whereof was a hundred and thirtv shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil fir a meat-offering ; 38 One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense ; 39 One young bullock, one ram, one sheep of the first year, for a burnt-offering; 40 One he-goat for a sin-offering; 41 And for a sacrifice of peace-offering, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five sheep of the first year; this was the oftering of She- lumiel the son of Zurishaddai.* Judah first, then Zebulun, Issachar, &c., ending with Naphtali, not according to the order of the birth of the fa- thers of the tribes. There was no difference whatever in the gifts of the various chiefs; thus showing that all were alike acceptable, whether descended from Leah and Kachel, or from Zilpali and Bilhah. This is also probably the reason why thev are all separately recorded. 1U7 NUMBERS VII. NAHSSO. 42 ^ On the sixth day Elyassaph the son of Deiiel," the prince of the children of Gad, (did offer): 43 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat-offering ; 44 One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense ; 45 One young buUoclc, one ram, one sheep of the first year, for a burnt-offering ; 46 One he-goat for a sin-offering: 47 And for a sacrifice of peace-oftering, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five sheep of the first year; this was the offering of Elyassapli the son of Deiiel. 48 Tl On the seventh day Elishama the son of 'Ammihud, the prince of the children of Ephraim, (did offer) : 49 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat-offering; 50 One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense ; 51 One young bullock, one ram, one sheep of the first year, for a burnt-offering; 52 One he-goat for a sin-offering; 53 And for a sacrifice of peace-offering, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five sheep of the first year; this was the offering of Elishama the son of 'Ammihud. 54 ^ On the eighth day Gamliel the son of Pcdahzur, the prince of the children of Me- nasseh, (did offer): 55 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled witli oil for a meat-offering ; 5G One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense ; 57 One young bullock, one ram, one sheep of the first year, for a burnt-oflfering; 58 One he-goat for a sin-ofiering; 59 And for a sacrifice of peace-offering. * This name is elsewhere (ii. 14) given as Keiiel, the T resh being substituted for T dahth. two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five sheep of the first year; this was the offering of Gamliel the son of Pedahzur. 60 ][ On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gidoni, the prince of the children of Benja- min, (did offer): 61 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventv shekels. after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled Avitli oil for a meat-offering ; 62 One spoon often shekels of gold, full of incense ; 63 One young bullock, one ram, one sheep of the first year, for a burnt-offering ; 64 One he-goat for a sin-offering; 65 And for a sacrifice of peace-offering, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five sheep of the first year; this was the offering of Abidan the son of Gidoni. 06 ^ On the tenth day Achiezer the son of 'Ammishaddai, the prince of the children of Dan, (did oiler): 67 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat-offering ; 68 One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense : 69 One young bullock, one ram, one sheep of the first year, for a burntroffering ; 70 One he-goat for a sin-oftering; 71 And for a sacrifice of peace-offering, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five sheep of the first year; this was the offering of Achiezer the son of 'Ammishaddai.* 72 Tl On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of 'Ochian, the prince of the children of Asher, (did offer) : 73 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat-offering ; 74 One spoon of ten shekels of gold, fidl of incense ; 75 One young bullock, one ram, one sheep of the first 3'ear, for a burnt-offering; 76 One he-goat for a sin-offering; 77 And for a sacrifice of peace-offering, NUMBERS VII. VIII. BEHANGALOTECHA. two oxen, five rami!?, live he-goats, five sheep of the first year; this was the offering of Pa- giel the son of 'Ov'hran. 78 T[ On the twelfth day Achira the son of 'Enau, tlie prince of the children of Naph- tali, (did ofter): 79 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine tlour mingled with oil for a meat-offering ; 80 One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense ; 81 One young bullock, one ram, one sheep of the first year, for a burnt-offering ; 82 One he-goat for a sin-offering; 83 And for a sacrifice of peace-offering, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five sheep of the first year; this was the offering of Achira the sou of 'Enan. 84 ^ This was the dedication-offering of the altar, on the day when it was anointed, from the princes of Israel: Twelve silver chargers, twelve silver bowls, twelve golden spoons ; 85 A hundred and thirty shekels was the weight of each silver charger, and seventy of each bowl; the silver of all the vessels was two thousand and foin- hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; 86 Twelve golden spoons, full of iBcense;* ten shekels was the weight of each spoon, after the shekel of the sanctuary; all the gold of the spoons was a hundred and twenty shekels.* 87 All the oxen for the burnf^ofFering were ' Rasbi, after Talmud 3Ienaclioth, remarks: "We find no mention of incouse for an individual, nor such an ofter- ing upon the outer altar, (('. c. that of burnt-ofi'ering,) ex- cept in this instance, (;'. e. at the consecration of the tabernacle.) and it was merely permitted as rii'iy nxiin a temporary rule only for the time." In farther explana- tion of this view, it may be added, that incense was a na- tional offering, ordered to be burnt upon the golden altar, before the vail, morning and evening, and to be carried within the vail on the day of atonement. A special dis- pensation must therefore have been granted to do as the princes did at the consecration, though probably the mix- ture was not identical with that prepared for the sanctuary under the superintendence of Moses. This, however, in no wise abolishes the force of the general prohibition, nor can it legalize our deviating therefrom, unless by an equally authoritative dispensation; and thus a strange incense could on no account be offered on either altar, after the W twelve bullocks, the rams were twelve, the sheep of the first year twelve, with their meat-offering ; and the he-goats for sin-offering were twelve. 88 And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace-offerings were twenty and four bullocks, the rams were sixty, the he-goats sixty, the sheep of the first year sixty: this was the dedication-offering of the altar, after it had been anointed. 89 And when Moses went into the taber- nacle of the congregation to speak with Him, then heard he the voice speaking unto him from off the mercy-seat that was ujDon the ark of testimony, from between the two che- rubim: and thus he spoke unto him. Ilaphtorah in Judges xiii. 2 to 25. SECTION XXXVI. BEHANGALO- TECHA, "inS^HD. CHAPTER VIII. 1 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say mg, 2 Speak unto Aaron, and say unto him, When thou lightest the lamps,'' then shall the seven lamps give light toward the body of the candlestick. 3 And Aaron did so; toward the body of the candlestick did he light its lamps; as the Lord had commanded Moses. 4 And this was the workmanship of the candlestick : It was of beaten gold, from the shaft thereof, unto the flowers thereof, it was beaten work; according unto the pattern event under consideration. There are other instances in Scripture, of a temporary suspension of certain precepts, such as the officiating of Moses before Aaron's assumption I nf the priestly office; the sacrifice of Elijah on Carmel, against the positive order of the law not to offer any- thing at any other place save the chosen sanctuary. But it will always be seen that there were weighty reasons for the suspensions, — that they were sanctioned or ordained by the Holy Spirit; and that consequently we are from such premises not authorized to suspend any precept by our own authority, except there be an absolute necessity which compels us to disobey. '■ The middle light, which was not on the branches, but on the body of the candlestick; the wicks of the six lamps, upon the six branches, of the three eastern, as well i as of the three western, were turned toward the middle ! lamp — Rashi. In this manner the whole seven lights were all turned to one point. 169 NUMBERS VIII. BEHANGALOTECHA. which the Lord had shown Moses, so made he the candlestick. 5 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 6 Take the Levites from the midst of the cliildren of Israel, and cleanse them. 7 And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle upon them water of purification, after they have let the razor pass over all their tlesh, and then let them wash their clothes, and so shall they be clean. 8 And they shall take a young bullock with his meat-offering, fine flour mingled with oil; and another young bullock shalt thou take for a sin-oflbring. 9 And thou shalt bring near the Levites before the tabernacle of the congregation: and tliou shalt assemble together the whole congregation of the children of Israel. 10 And when thou hast brought near the Levites before the Lord, then shall the chil- dren of Israel lay their hands upon the Le- vites : 11 And Aaron shall make with the Le- vites a waving before the Lord from the chil- dren of Israel, that they may be ready to execute the service of the Lord. 12 And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks: and thou shalt prepare the one as a sin-offering, and the other as a burnt-offering, unto the Lord, to make an atonement for the Levites. 13 And thou shalt place the Levites before Aaron and before his sons, and make with them a waving befoi'c the Lord. 14 Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from the midst of the children of Israel : and the Levites shall be mine.* 15 And after that shall the Levites go in to do the service of the tabernacle of the con- gregation: after thou shalt have cleansed them, and made with them a waving. 16 For they are wholly given" unto me from the midst of the children of Israel : in- stead of every one that openeth the womb, of every first-born of the children of Israel, have I taken them unto me. ° Rashi comments on □•jnj D'jn: "they are given for carrying, given for singing." (See, however, for a differ- ent version, aceonling to our authorities, above, iii. 9.) '' /. c. At this period tliey should coninieneo to learn the .service, which they entered on at thirty years. Rash- bam reconciles the difficulty of iv. 3, &c., where thirty years are named, that that limit applied only to the car- ITU 17 For mine are all the first-born of the children of Israel, both of man and beast : on the day that I smote every first-born in the land of Eoypt did I sanctify them unto m^•- self IS And I have taken the Levites, instead of all the first-jjorn among the children of Is- rael. 19 And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from the midst of the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the tabernacle of the congregation, and to make an atonement for the children of Israel; that there be no plague among the children of Israel, when the children of Israel come nigh unto the sanctuary. 20 And so did Moses, and Aaron, and all the congregation of the children of Israel, to the Levites: according unto all that the Lord had commanded Moses concerning the Le- vites, so did the children of Israel unto them. 21 And the Levites purified themselves, and they washed their clotlies; and Aaron made with them a waving before the Lord : and Aaron made an atonement for them to cleanse them. 22 And after that went the Levites in to do their service in the tabernacle of the con- gregation before Aaron, and before his sons: as the Lord had commanded Moses concern- ing the Levites, so did they unto them. 23 ^1 And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 24 This shall be the rule for the Levites : From twenty and five'' years old and upward shall he 2:0 into the ranks to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; 25 And from the age of fifty years shall he go out of the ranks of the service, and he shall serve no more ; 20 But he shall wait on his In-ethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, but the service shall he not per- form ; thus shalt thou do unto the Levites in the discharge of their office.* rying of the holy vessels and parts of the tabernacle, which also terminated with the fiftieth year; hut that all other Levitical functions commenced at twenty-five and continued while the faculties lasted. Oukelos and Rashi also render verse 2(5, "But he shall serve with his brethren," thus also confining the excluded service t« the carrying of the sanctuary. NUMBERS IX. BEHANGALOTECIIA. CHAPTER IX. 1 •[[ And the Lord spoke unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the second year after their coming out of the Land of Egypt, ill the first montli, saying. 2 That the chikh-en of Israel shall prepare the passover-lanib at its appointed season. .3 On the fourteenth day of this month, to- ward evening, shall ye prepare it at its ap- pointed season: according to all its ordi- nances, and according to all its prescribed rules, shall ye prepare it. 4 And Moses spoke unto the children of Israel, that they should prepare the passover- lamb. 5 And they prepared the passover-lamb on the fourteenth day of the first month toward evening in the wilderness of Sinai : according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel. 6 But there were certain men, who had been defiled by the dead body of a man, and they could not j^repare the passover-lamb on that day: and they came before Moses and before Aaron on that day. 7 And these men said unto him. We are defiled by the dead body of a man : where- fore shall we be kept back, so as not to offer the sacrifice of the Lord at its appointed sea- son in the midst of the (other) children of Israel ? 8 And Moses said unto them, Wait ye, and I will hear what the Lord will command con- cerning you. 9 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ing, 10 Speak unto the children of Israel, say- ing. If any man whatever should be unclean by reason of a dead body, or be on a distant journey," among you or your posterity: yet shall he prepare the passover-lamb unto the Lord; 11 In the second month on the fourteenth day toward evening shall they prepare it, with unleavened bread and bitter herbs shall they eat it. 12 They shall leave none of it until morn- ing, and no bone shall they break on it : ac- ° This is explained to mean any distance which pre- vents one from being within the precincts of the temple at the time of the slaying of the passover-lamb. cording to the whole ordinance of the pass- over-lamb shall the}' prej^are it. 13 But the man tliat is clean, and is not on a journey, and forbeareth to prepare the passover-lamb, even that same soul shall be cut ofi" from his people ; because the offering of the Lord hath he not brought at its appointed season, his sin shall that man bear. 14 And if a stranger sojourn among you, and will prepare the passover-lamb unto the Lord : according to the ordinance of the pass- over-lamb, and according to its prescribed rule, so shall he prepare it ; one statute shall be for you, both for the stranger, and for the native born in the laud.''- 15 T[ And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle of the tent of the testimony : and in the even- ing there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until morning. 16 So it used to be always : the cloud co- vered it (by day), and the appearance of fire by night. 17 And as the cloud was taken up fi'oin the tabernacle, then after that did the chil- dren of Israel journey forward : and in the place where the cloud halted, there did the children of Israel encamp. 18 At the order of the Lord did the chil- dren of Israel journey forward, and at the order of the Lord they encamped : all the days that the cloud abode upon the taberna- cle did they remain in camp. 19 And when the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle manj^ days, then did the children of Israel keep the charge of the Lord, and journeyed not forward. 20 And at times it was, that the cloud re- mained but a few days upon the tabernacle ; at the order of the Lord they abode in camp, and at the order of the Lord they journeyed forward. 21 And at times it was, that the cloud remained from evening until morning; and when the cloud was taken up in the morning, they journeyed forward ; or a day and a night, and Avhen the cloud was taken up, they jour- neyed forward ; 22 Or two days, or a month, or a year; so long as the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, to remain thereon, did the children of Israel I'emain encamped, and journeyed not forward j 171 NUMBERS IX. X. BEHANGALOTECHA. but when it was taken up, they joume3'ed forward. 23 At the order of the Lord they remained in camp, and at the order of the Lord they journeyed forward : the charge of the Lord they kept, at the order of the Lord by the hand of Moses. CHAPTER X. 1 ][ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- 2 Make unto thyself two trumpets of silver, beaten out of one piece shalt thou make them ; and they shall serve thee for the calling of the congregation, and for the setting forward of the camps. 3 And when they shall blow" with both, all the congregation shall assemble themselves unto thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 4 And if they blow'' with but one, then shall assemble themselves unto thee the princes, the heads of the thousands of Israel. 5 And when ye blow an alarm, then shall set forward the camps that encamp on the east side. 6 And when ye blow an alarm the second time, then shall set forward the camps that encamp on the south side : an alarm shall they blow for their setting forward. 7 But at the assembling of the assembly, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm. 8 And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the truinpets ; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations. 9 And if ye go to war in your land against the oppressor that oppresseth you, then shall ye blow an alarm with the trumpets ; and ye shall be remembered'' before the Lord your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies. 10 And on the day of your gladness, and on your appointed festivals, and on the begin- nings of your months, shall ye blow with the trumpets over your burnt-offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace-ofterings ; and they shall ije to you for a memorial before your God : I am the Lord your God. • The "simple blowing" njj'pn and the "alarm" n;?nn are the sounds now blown on the cornet in the New-Year's festival. 172 11 T[ And it came to pass in the second year, in the second month, on the twentieth day of the month, that the cloud was taken up from ofi' tlie tabernacle of the testimony. 12 And the children of Israel set forward on their journeys from the wildei'ness of Si- nai, and the cloud halted in the wilderness of Paran. 13 And they set forward for the first time at the order of the Lord by the hand of Moses. 14 And the standard of the camp of the children of Judah set forward at the first, ac- cording to their armies : and over their host was Nachshon the son of 'Annninadab. 15 And over the host of the tribe of the children of Issachar was Nethanel the son of Zuiir. 16 And over the host of the tribe of the children of Zebuluu was Eliab the son of Chelon. 17 And (in the mean time) the tabernacle was taken down; and then set forward the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari, the bearers of the tabernacle. 18 Then set forward the standard of the camp of Reuben, accoi'ding to their armies: and over their host was Elizur the son of Shedeiir. 19 And over the host of the tribe of the childi-en of Simeon was Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. 20 And over the host of the tribe of the children of Gad was Elyassaph the son of Deiiel. 21 And then set forward the Kehathites, the bearers of the sanctuary:" and the others set up the tabernacle against they came. 22 Then set forward the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim according to their armies: and over their host was Eli- shama the son of 'Ammihud. 23 And over the host of the tribe of the children of Menasseh was Gamliel the son of Pedahzur. 24 And over the host of the tribe of the children of Benjamin was Abidan the son of Gidoni. '• Obedience to Grod alone proves that those who claim his protection are worthy of his favour. ° i. e. The holy vessels. (See iv. 4.) NUMBERS X. XI. BEHANGALOTECHA. 25 Then set forward the standard of tlie camp of the children of Dan, the rereward of all the camps, according to their hosts: and over their host was Achiezer the son of 'Am- mishaddai. 26 And over the host of the tril^e of the cliildren of Asher was Pagiel the son of 'Ochran. 27 And over the host of the trilje of the children of Naphtali was Achira the son of 'Enan. 28 In this order were the jourueyings of the children of Israel according to their ar- mies, when they set forward. 29 T[ And Moses said unto C'hobab, the son of Reiiel the Midianite, the flitlier-in-law of Moses, We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord hath said, Tliis will I give unto you : come thou with us, and we will do thee good; for tlie Lord hath spoken (to bring) good upon Israel. 30 And he said unto him, I will not go; but to my own hmd, and to my birthplace will I go. 31 And he said, Do not, I pray thee, leave us; since thou didst find out the places where we were to encamp in the wilderness, and thou hast* been to us instead of eyes. 32 And it shall be, if thou go with us, yea, it shall be, that the same goodness whicli the Lord may do unto us, will we do unto thee. 33 And they set forward fronr the mount of the Lord a three days' journey : and the ark of tlie covenant of the Lord went before them in'' the three days' journey, to search out for them a resting-place. 34 And the cloud of the Lord was over them by day, wdien they set forward from the camp."'= 35 Tf And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said. Rise up. Lord, and let thy enemies be scattered; and let those that hate thee flee Ijefore thy face. 36 And when it rested, he said, Return, Lord, among the myriads of the thousands of Israel. CHAPTER XL 1 T[ And it came to pass that as the people " After Arnheim ; others render, "and thou wilt be," &c. *■ Others translate, "a distance of a three days' journey." ° "The place of burning," hah'ei; from •\p2 "to burn." " Verses 7, 8, and 9 must be taken as a parenthesis complained in a manner displeasing in the cars of the Lord, the Lord heard it, and his anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed at tlic ut- termost part oi' the camp. 2 And the people then cried unto Moses; and Moses prayed unto the Lord, and the fire disappeared. 3 And he called the name of tlie place TalVerah ;'' liecause the fire of the Lord had burnt among them. 4 And the mixed multitude that w^as among them felt a lustful longing: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said. Who will give us flesh to eat? 5 We remember the fish, which we could eat in Egypt for naught; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic; 6 But now our soul is faint: there is no- thing at all, only to the manna are our e^'es (directed) . 7'' But the manna was like coriander-seed, and its colour as the colour of the bdellium. 8 The people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in a mill, or pounded it in a mortar, and boiled it in a pot, or made cakes of it : and its taste was as the taste of cakes mixed with oil.' 9 And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it. 10 And Moses heard the people weej) ac- cording to their families, every man at the door of his tent : and the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly; and in the eyes of Moses also was it displeasing. 11 And Moses said unto the Lord, Where- fore hast thou done evil to thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy eyes, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon nie? 12 Was it I who have conceived all this people? or was it I who have begotten them? that thou shouldst say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou hast sworn unto their fathers? 13 Whence shall I obtain flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep around explaining the excellence of the manna which the people despised. The narrative recommences at verse 10. ° After Onkelos. Arnheim gives, " the marrow (^bestj of oil." 173 NUMBERS XL BEHANGALOTECHA. me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat. 14 I am not able by myself alone to bear all this people, because it is too heavy for me. 15 And if thou wilt thus deal with me, then slay me, I pray thee, at once, if I have found iavour in thy eyes ; that I may not see my wretchedness. 16 T[ And the Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and its officers; and take them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall stand there with thee. 17 And I will come down and speak with thee there : and I will take some of the spirit which is upon thee, and I will put it upon them ;" and they shall bear with thee the bui'- den of the people, and thou shalt not bear it by thyself alone. 18 And unto the people shalt thou say. Hold yourselves ready against to-morrow, that ye may eat flesh ; for ye have wept in the ears of the Lord, saying. Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was better with us in Egypt : thus will the Lord give you flesh, and ye shall eat. 19 Not one day shall ye eat, nor two days, nor five days, nor ten days, nor twenty days ; 20 But up to a full month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it become loathsome vmto you ; Ijecause that ye have despised the Lord who is in the midst of you, and ye have we]it ))efore him, saying, Why did we come forth out of Egypt? 21 And Moses said. Six hundred thousand men on loot is the people, in the midst of whom I am; and yet thou hast said. Flesh will I give them, that they may eat a whole month. 22 Shall flocks and herds be slain for them, that they may suffice for them ? or shall all tlie fish of the sea be gathered together for them, that they may suffice for them ? 23 T[ And the Lord said unto Moses, Should the Lord's hand be too short? now shalt thou .see whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not. 21 And Moses went out, and spoke to the [jeople the words of the Lord; and he assem- ' Unto what was Moses like at that hour standing upon a candlestick, by which all lamps, while its litilit is in nmviso diiiiinisln'il, to a lamp light their — EA.tHI. bled seventy men from the elders of the people, and placed them round about the tabernacle. 25 And the Lord came down in a cloud, and sp>oke unto him; and he took some of the spirit that was upon him, and put it upon the seventy men, the elders : and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, but they did not so any more. 26 And there remained two men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad ; and the spirit rested upon them ; and thej^ were of tliose that were written down,'' but they had not gone out unto the tabernacle : and they pro- phesied in the camp. 27 And there ran a young man, and told to Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camjj. 28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses from his youth, answered and said. My lord Moses, forbid them. 2U And Moses said unto him, Art thou zeal- ous for my sake ? And oh that one might render all the people of the Lord prophets, that the Lord would put his spirit ujjon them !* 30 And Moses retired back into the camp, he with the elders of Israel. 31 And a wind went forth from the Lord, and drove up quails from the sea, and scat- tered them over the camp, about a day's jour- ney on this side, and about a day's journey on the other side, round about the camj), and about two cubits high over the face of the earth. 32 And the people arose all that day, anil all that night, and all the following day, and they gathered the quails ; he that had taken the least, had gathered ten chomers: and they spread them out for themselves round about the camp. 33 The flesh was yet between their teetli, it was not yet chewed : when the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord smote among the people a \ery great {)lague. 34 And he called the name of that place Kil)rotii-hattaavali f because there the^' bu- ried the people that had lustfully craved. '■ It is priihable that seventy-two, six from each tribe, were first written down, wherefore two were left over. " /. ('. " The graves of the desire." 174 J NUMBERS XI. XII. XIII. SHELACH LECHA. 3-3 Fi-om Kibrotli-hattaavah the people journe3-ed unto Chazeroth; and they remain- ed at Chazeroth. CHAPTER XII. 1 ][ And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, on account of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married ; for an Etliiopian wo- man had he married. 2 And they said, Hath then only with" Moses the Lord spoken ? hath he not also spoken with us? And the Lord heard it. 3 (But the man Moses -was ver}- meek, more so than any man Avho was upon the face of the earth.) 4 ^ And the Lord said suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Go out 3'e three unto the tabernacle of the congregation ; and these thi-ee went out. 5 And the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the taberna- cle; and he called Aaron and Miriam, and both of them went out. 6 And he said, Hear now my words : If there be a prophet of your kind, I, the Lord, do make myself known unto him in a vision,'' in a dream do I speak with him. 7 Not so is my servant Moses, in all my house is he faithful. 8 Mouth to mouth do I speak with him, even evidently, and not in dark speeches ; and the similitude of the Lord doth he Ix'hold : wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses ? 9 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he went away. 10 And the cloud departed from oft' the tabernacle ; and, behold, Miriam became le- prous, (white) as snow ; and Aaron turned toward Miriam, and, behold, she was le- prous. 11 Then said Aaron unto Moses, Alas, my lord, do not, I beseech thee, account to us as sin that wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. ' After Onkelos. Others give " through." ^ Marah, the feminine, denotes the indistinct, dream- like perception, followed as it is by "dream;"' march, however, the masculine, expresses the clear perception of Divine things. Arnbeim translates, moreover, v. 8, in this manner: "To him I speak from mouth to mouth, and visibly, not in riddles, that he should see only an image of the Eternal," conceiving the word xV "not" to be understood before 0'2" ; but the construction is too 12 Let her not be as a dead-burn child, of which half the flesh is consumed, when it cometh out of its mother's womb. 13 And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, God! do thou heal her, I beseech thee.* 14 T[ And the Lord said unto Moses, If her fiither had spit in her face, would she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut up seven days outside of the camp, and after that let her be brought in again. 15 And Miriam was shut up outside of the camp seven da}s; and the people did not set forward till Miriam was brought in again. 16 And afterward the people removed from Chazeroth, and encamped in the wilderness of Paran. Haphtorah in Zechariali ii. 14 to iv. 7. SECTION XXXVII. SHELACH LECHA, CHAPTER XIII. 1 ][ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ing, 2 Send thou out some men that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel : one man each of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send, every one who is a prince among them. 3 And Moses sent them out from the wil- derness of Paran by the order of the Lord : they all were men, (who) were heads of the children of Israel. 4 And these are their names : Of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur. 5 Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Chori. 6 Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Yephunneh. 7 Of the tribe of Issachar, Yigal the son of Joseph. 8 Of the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea, the son of Nun. forced, nron given in our text, as in Genesis i. 26, with "similitude" or "likeness," refers to the higher conception which Moses had of God's power, and of his government of the world ; and is to be considered merely a continuation of the preceding "and not in dark speeches," which is, the indistinct perception which all prophets had of what they themselves foresaw and foretold, when compared with Moses. (See Daniel xii. 8.j 175 NUMBERS XIII. XIV. SHELACH LECHA. 9 Of the tribe of Benjai'iiin, Palti the son of Eaphu. 10 Of the tribe of Zebuliui, Gaddiel the son of Sodi. 11 Of the tribe of Joseph, of the tribe of Meuasseh, Gaddi the sou of Sus.si. 12 Of the tribe of Dan, 'Amuiiel the son of GemalU. 13 Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael. 14 Of the trilje of Naphtali, Nachbi the son of Vophsi. 15 Of the tribe of Gad, Geiiel the son of Machi. 16 These are the names of the men whom Moses senttospyouttheland; and Mosescalled HosheJi the son of Nun, Joshua [Yehoshua']." 17 And Moses seut them to spy out the land of Canaan, and he said unto them, Go you up this way at the south side, and go up into the mountain; 18 And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwell therein, whether they be strong or weak, whether they be few or many ; 19 And what the land is on which they dwell, whether it be good or bad; and what the cities are in which they dwell, whether in open places, or in strongholds ; 20 And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be trees therein, or -not; and take ye courage, and take away some of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the season of the first ripening of grapes.'^' 21 And they went up, and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rechob, on the road to Chamath. 22 And they ascended on the south side, and came unto Hebron; and there were Achi- man, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of 'Anak; (now Hebron had been built seven years before Zolin in Egypt.) 23 And they came unto the valley of Esh- col, and they cut down from there a branch with one cluster of grapes, and the_\' bore it upon a barrow between two; and (they took some) of the pomegranates and of the figs. * Signifying, "May the Lord aid (thee.)' Some sup- pose that this name was given to Hoshca at the time he imtcrcd the service of Moses; others, however, that it was bestowed at the present occasion, and is to bo viewed as a prayer: "May the Lord save thee from the counsel of the spies." 176 24 That place was called the valley of Eshcol,'' on account of the cluster which the children of Israel cut down from there. 25 And they returned from spying out the land at the end of forty da^s. 26 And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Par ran, to Kadesh ; and they brought back word unto them, and unto all the congTegation, and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou didst send us, and truly doth it flow mth milk and honey;" and this is its fruit. 28 Nevertheless the people are strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are very strongly walled, and great; and the children of 'Anak also have we seen there. 29 The Amalekites dwell in the southern country; and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Emorites, dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the margin of the Jordan. 30 And Caleb stilled the people toward Moses, and he said. We can easily go up, and take possession of it; for we are well able to overcome it. 31 But the men who had gone up with him said. We are not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. 32 And they brought up an evil report of the land which the\' had spied out unto the children of Israel, saying. The land through which we have passed to spy it out, is a land that consumeth its inhabitants; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. 33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, of the giants' (family): and we were in our own eyes as grasshoppers, and so were we in their eyes. CHAPTER XIV. 1 And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried aloud; and the people wept that night. ^ Eshcol signifies "cluster." ° To obtain credibility for their evil report, they spoke first in praise of the products of the land; and then they expatiated on the strength of the people, while they averred that the unhealthiness of the climate caused the death of the giants even. VIOSES AMU A.A.KO.N tiH:Kt:)RE PHA.KA.OH. NUMBERS XIV. SHELACH LECHA. 2 And all the people murmured against Moses and against Aaron ; and the whole congregation said unto them, Oh who would grant that we had died in the land of Egypt! or that we might hut die in this wilderness! 3 And wherefore doth the Lord bring us unto yonder land, to fall by the sword? that our wives and our children may become a prey? is it not better for us to return to Egypt? 4 And tliey said one to anotlier, Let us ap- point a chief, and let us return to Eg} 2)t. 5 Then fell Moses and Aaron on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. G And Joshua, the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Yephunneh, of those that had spied out the land, rent their garments. 7 And they said unto all the (^.ongregation of the children of Israel, as foUoweth, The land, through which we have passed to spy it out, this land is exceedingly good.''" 8 If the Lord have delight in us, then will he bring us into this land, and give it to us: a land which is flowing with milk and honey. 9 Onlj^ against the Lord do ye not rebel;" and then ye need not fear the people of the land; for they are our bread: their shadow'' is departed from them, while the Lord is with us; fear them not. 10 But all the congi'egation said to stone them with stones: when the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of the con- gregation unto all the children of Israel. 11 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, How long yet shall this people provoke' me? and how long 3et will they not belie^'e in me. with all the signs which I have shown in the midst of them ? 12 I will smite them with the pestilence, and root them out, and I will make of thee a nation greater and mightier than they. 13 And Moses said unto the Lord, But when the Egyptians hear, from the midst of ° That is to say, It is rebellion only which can make the Canaanites formidable enemies to the sous of Israel ; since, if obedient to God, the conquest will be an easy thing, the people being as readily overcome as bread can be used for food. ''"Shadow" means, in Hebrew, "protection," "secu- rity." Ilashi therefore explains, "the .«hadow of God is departed from them;" upon which then the next clause follows correctly, "while the Lord is with us." X whom thou hast brought up in thy might this people; — 14 And when they tell to the inhabitants of this land, who'' have heard that thou, Lord, art in the midst of this people, that fiice" to face thou. Lord, art seen, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that in a pillar of cloud thou goest before them by day, and in a pillar of fire by night; — 15 That thou hast killed this people as one man : then will the nations that have heard thy fame, say in this manner, 16 That because the Lord was not aljle to bring this people into the land which he had sworn unto them, hath he slain them in the wilderness. 17 And now, I beseech thee, let tlie great- ness of the power of the Lord be made mani- fest, as thou hast spoken, saying, 18 The Eternal is long-suflering, and aljun- dant in beneficence, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, upon the third and upon the fourth generation. 19 Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity ot this people, according to the greatness of thj' beneficence, and as thou hast been indul- gent to this people, from Egypt even until hitherto. 20 And the Lord said, I have pardoned ac- cording to thy word. 21 But as truly as I live, and as all the earth is filled with the glory of the Lord : — 22 That all the men who have seen my glory, and my signs, which I have displaced in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice, 23 Shall surely not see the land which I have sw(n'n unto their fathers, yea all those that have provoked me sluiU not see it. 24 But my servant Caleb, as a reward that he had another spirit with him, and followed me fully, — therefore will I bring him into the " Reject me. — Arnheim. ■* The word "who" is supplied, according to Onkelos. The connection of the verses 13— l(j is given after Arnheim, and is to be taken in this manner: "When the Egyjitians hear, and when the inhabitants of (his land (Canaan) are told, that God hath killed the people : then will all of them say, that it was inability in God to accomplish his promise." ' Heb. "Eye in eye," ;'. c. seeing and seen. NUMBERS XIV. XV. SHELACH LECHA. land wherein to he went; and his seed shall possess it. 25 And the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwell in the valley: to-moiTow turn you, and .set forward into the wilderness by the way to tlie Red Sea.* 26 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 27 How long (shall indulgence be given) to this evil congregation, that murmur against me ? the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me, have I heard. 28 Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in my ears, so will I do to you : 29 In this wilderness shall your carcasses fall, and all that were numbered of you, ac- cording to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward; ye who have murmured against me; 30 Truly ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I have lifted up my hand to let you dwell therein; save Caleb the son of Yephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. ol But your little ones of which ye said, They would Ijecome a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised. 32 But as for you, your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness. 33 And your children shall wander about in the wilderness forty years, and bear your backslidings, until your carcasses be spent in the wilderness. 34 After the number of the days in which ye spied out the land, forty days, yea, each one day for a }'ear, shall ye bear for your ini- quities, forty years; and ye shall experience my withdrawal" (of protection) . 35 1 the Lord have spoken it, surely, this will I do unto all this evil congregation that have asscnd^led against me : in this wilderness shall tliey be spent, and therein shall they die. 3G And the men whom Moses liad sent to spj' out the hind, and wlio returned, and caused all Ihc congregation to murmur against him, l)y bringing up an evil report against the land, ' Rashi renders, " And ye shall know that you have with- drawn your heart from nic." Oiikelos gives more freely, •' that ye have murmured aj^ainst me." But in the present version, the idea of Mendelssohn, that the word " witii- 178 37 Even these men, that had brought up the evil report of the land, died'' by the plague before the Lord. 38 But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Yephunneh, remained alive of those men, wlio had gone to spy out the land. 39 And Moses spoke these words unto all the children of Israel ; and the people mourned greatly. 40 And tliey rose up early in the morning, and went up to the top of the mountain, say- ing, Lo, here we are, and we will go up unto the place of which the Lord hath spoken ; for we have sinned. 41 And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the order of the Lord? and it will not prosper. 42 Do not go up, for the Lord is not among you ; that ye may not be smitten before your enemies. 43 For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and ye will fall by the sword; since, because ye are turned away from the Lord, the Lord also will not be with you. 44 Yet they persisted to go up unto the top of the mountain ; but the ark of the cove- nant of the Lord, and Moses, did not move out of the camp. 45 Then came down the Amalekites, and the Canaanites that dwelt on that mountain, and smote them, and discomfited them, even unto Chormah. CHAPTER XV. 1 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ing, 2 Sjjeak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye shall have come into the land of your habitations, which I give unto you, 3 And ye will prepare a fire-oflering unto the Lord, a burnt-ofiering, or a sacrilice, in performing a j^ronounced vow, or as a free- will-oflering, or on your solemn feasts, to pre- pare a sweet stivour unto the Lord, of the herds or of the flocks : 4 Then shall he that bringeth his offering unto the Lord, bring as a meat-oilcring a drawal" refers to au act of God, has been adopted; and it means then, that the people should experience the differ- ence between the Divine protection and wrath. '' i e. A sudden, unnatural death. NUMBERS XV. SHELACH LPX'HA. tfiitU" part of fiue flour miuglud with the fourth of a hin of oil. 5 And wine for a drink-offering, the fourth of a liin, shalt thou prepare witli the burnt- oftbring or sacrifice, for each one sheep. G But for a ram, shalt thou jJi'epare as a meat-offering two tenth parts of fine flour mingled with the third of a hin of oil. 7 And wine for the drink-ofl'ering, the third of a hin, shalt thou bring, for a sweet savour unto the Lord.* 8 And when thou preparest a bullock for a burnt-offering, or for a sacrifice, in performing a pronounced vow, or as a peace-oflering unto the Lord: Then shall he brmg with the bullock as a meat-oftering, three tenth parts of fine flour mingled with half a hin of oil. 10 And wine shalt thou bring for a drink- ofl'ering, half a hin, as a fire-offering of a sweet sa\i)ur unto the Lord. 11 Thus shall it be done for each one bul- lock, or for each one ram, or for a lami), be it of the sheep or of the goats. 12 According to the number that ye may prepare, so shall ye do to every one according to their number. 13 All that are born'' in the country shall do tlie.se things after this manner, in offering a fire-offering of a sweet savour unto the Lord. 14 And if a stranger sojourn with 30U, or whosoever may be among you in your gene- rations, and will make an offering made hy fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord -. as ye do, so shall he do. 15 Congregation!" one statute shall be lor you, and for the stranger that sojourneth: a statute for ever in your generations; as ye are, so shall the stranger be Ijetbre the Lord. It) One law and one code shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you/'= 17 % And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ' Wheuever this term is used, it means "a tenth of an ephah." '' In oifering a sacrifice, nothing must be omitted which the law requii-es, in order to make it acceptable on high. " This word is merely to be taken as an addres? to the entire people, whether native or adopted strangers. 18 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them. When ye come into the land whither I bring you : 19 Then shall it be, that, when ye eafof the bread of the land, ye shall set aside a heave-offering unto the Lord. 20 As the first'' of your doughs shall ye set aside a cake for a heave-oftering; like the heave-oflering of the threshing-floor, so shall ye set this aside. 21 Of the first of your doughs shall ye give unto the Lord a heave-oflering, in your gene- rations. 22 ^ And if ye err," and do not observe all these commandments, which the Lord hath spoken mito Moses, 23 All that the Lord hath commanded you by the hand of Moses, from the day that the Lord commanded (the same) and thencefor- ward, among your generations : 2-4 Then shall it be, if, through inadver- tence of the congregation, it was committed by ignorance, that all the congregation shall prepare one young bullock for a burut-ofler- ing, for a sweet savour unto the Lord, with his meat-oflering, and his drink-ofl'ering, ac- cording to the prescribed manner, and one he- goat for a sin-oflering. 25 And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven unto them; for it is (a sin of) ignorance; and they have brought their oflering, a sacrifice made by fire unto the Lord, and their sin-offering before the Lord, for their (sin of) ignorance : 26 And it shall be forgiven unto all the congi'egation of the children of Israel, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among them; for by all the people (was it done) in ignorance.* 27 ]| And if any person sin through igno- rance, then shall he briuii' a she-ii'oat of the first year for a sin-oflering. 28 And the priest shall nutke an atonement for the person that hath erred, in his sinning through ignorance before the Lord; to make ^ " Before ye eat of your dough, you shall oiTer a por- tion to the Lord." — Rashi. This was given to the priest, and had no fixed proportion by the letter of the law; but the Rabbins state, a twenty-fourth part b}' a housekeeper, and a forty-eighth by a baker. ' This refers to the sin of idolatry, according to our authorities. 179 NUMBERS XV. XVI. KORACH. an atonement for him, that it may be forgiven unto him. 29 For the native born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them: — one law shall be for jou, for him that acteth through ignorance. 30 But the jierson that doth aught with a high hand," be he one born in the land, or a stranger, the same dishonoureth the Lord ; and that person shall be cut off from among his people. 31 Because the word of the Lord hath he despised, and his commandment hath he broken ; that person shall be cut off, his ini- quity is upon him. 32 ^ And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gatlier- ing*' sticks upon the sabbath-day. 33 And they that found him gathering sticks brought him for judgment unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation. 34 And they put him in ward; because it had not been declared what should be done to him. 35 ][ And the Lord said unto Moses, The man shall be put to death : all the congregar tion shall stone him with stones without the camp. 36 And all the congregation brought him forth to without the camp, and they stoned him with stones, and he died; as the Lord had connuanded Moses.* 37 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, as followeth, 38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say to them, that they shall make themselves fringes" on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and that thej- shall put upon the fringe of the corner a thread of blue : 39 And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all tbe commandments of the Lord, and do them ; and that ye seek not after (the inclination of) your own heart and (the delight of) your " 4. e. Wilfully ; and for such sin no sacrifice can avail. '' Arnln'im suggests, that, wti>pD may mean "making small," "chipping," or "splitting wood;" wherefore he committed a direct and well-defined labour on the .sab- bath. " Mendelssohn and his successors have rendered nx'i" with "schaii/dde/i," literally, " threads to be looked upon.'' The word " fringes" has been retained here, because there 180 eyes, in pursuit of which ye have been led astray. 40 In order that ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God. 41 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God : I am the Lord your God. Haphtorah in Joshua ii. 1 to 24. SECTION XXXVIII. KORACH, Hip. CHAPTER XVI. 1 *(\ Now Korach, the son of Yizliar, the son of Kehatli, the son of Levi, was presump- tuous,* together with Datlian and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reiiben : 2 So that they rose up before Moses, with certain men of the children of Israel, in num- ber two hundred and fifty; (who were) princes of the congregation, called to the assembly, men of renown. 3 And they assembled themselves against Moses, and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye assume too mucli ; for the whole of the congregation are all of them holy, and the Lord is among them ; wherefore then will you lift yourselves up above the congregation of the Lord ? 4 And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face : 5 And he spoke unto Korach and unto all his company, saying, To-morrow, — then will the Lord make known who is his, and who is holy, that he may cause them to come near unto him ; and him whom he shall choose will he cause to come near unto him. (1 This do ye : Take yourselves censers, Koraoh and all his company ; 7 And put therein fire, and put upon them incense before the Lord, to-morrow ; and it shall be that the man whom the Lord will is no English word nearer to the true meaning, from a root cither signifying "a lock of hair" or "something to look on." Israelites are well acquainted with the "corner fringe," which is to be regarded as a memento of the com- mandments, a simple yet efficient symbol to call to mind tlu! duty we owe to God. '' He presumed to .set himself apart from the conniiu- nity to quarrel about the priesthood. — Rashi. NUMBERS XVT. KORACH. choose, he shall be the holy one ; you assume too much, ye sons of Levi. 8 And Moses said unto Korach, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi : 9 Is it too little lor you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congi'ega- tion of Israel, to bring you near unto himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the congregation to minis- ter for them ? 10 And he hath brought thee near, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee : and now will ye seek the priesthood also ? 11 For which cause (beware)," thou and all thy company that are gathered together against the Lord ; for Aaron, what is he, that ye should murmur against him ? 12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab; but they said, We will not come up : 13 Is it too little that thou hast brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, that thou wilt assume to make thyself also a prince over us ?* 14 Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, and thou hast not*" given us inheritance of fields and vineyards : wilt thou bore out the eyes" of these men ? we will not come up. 15 And this displeased Moses greatly, and he said unto the Lord, Have no respect unto their oftering : I have not taken awaj' an ass of any one of them, nor have I done wrong to any one of them. 16 And Moses said unto Korach, Thou and all thy company, be ye before the Lord, thou, and they, and Aaron, to-morrow : 17 And take ye every man his censer,"^ and put incense upon them, and bring ye near before the Lord every man his censer, two hundred and fifty censers ; thou also, and Aaron, each his censer. 18_ And they took every man his censer, * After Mendelssohn, whd renders pS in the sense it is used in Gen. iv. 15, as a threat, Philippson gives it, "Do you therefore assemble — against the Lord?" Arn- heim, "Surely — you assemble against the Lord." But the n in DHi'jn favours the version in our text. "" After Kashi. Arnheim translates, "so that thou couldst give us," &c. ° i. r. " Wilt thou presume to blind the people to thy assumption of undue power and bveaeh of promi.se ?" and put fire on them, and laid incense there- upon ; and they stood at the door of the tar bernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron. 19 And Korach assembled against them all the congregation unto the door of the ta^ bernacle of the congregation ; and the glory of the Lord then appeared unto all the con- gregation.* 20 ^[ And the Lord spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 21 Separate yourselves from the midst of this congregation, and I will make an end of them in a moment. 22 And tliey fell upon their faces, and said, God, the God of the spirits of all flesh," this one man doth sin, and with all the congregar tion wouldst thou be wroth ? 23 ]| And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- 24 Speak unto the congregation, saying. Get you away from about the dwelling of Korach, Dathan, and Aliiram. 25 And Moses ro.se up and went unto Da- than and Abiram ; and there went after him the elders of Israel . 26 And he spoke unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing which belongeth to them, lest ye be destroyed through all their sins. 27 So they got away from the dwelling ol Korach, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side : and Dathan and Abiram came out, standing (boldly) at the door of their tents, with their wives, and their sons, and their little ones. 28 And Moses said. Through this shall ye know that the Lord hath sent me to do all these deeds ; that (I have) not done them out of my own heart. 29 If these men die as all men die, and if the visitation of all men be visited on them : then hath the Lord not sent me. ^ This refers back to verse 5. Moses said there to Korach, that on the following day God would declare who was the holy and chcscn servant of the tabernacle. The test now proposed was, that all who claimed the right to act as priests, should come with incense before the sanc- tuary, though it would be at great peril; since it would be destruction to all but the one who was justly chosen The text tells the sequel. • Arnheim gives this word elsewhere with "mortals." 181 NUMBERS XVI. XVII. KORACH. 30 But if the Lord do create" a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertaineth unto them, and thej go down alive into the pit : then shall ye understand that these men have provoked the Lord. 31 And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground that was under them was cloven asunder : 32 And the eartli opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korach, and all their goods. 33 And they went down, they, and all they that appertained to them, alive into the pit; and the earth closed over them, and they disappeared from the midst of the con- gregation. 34 And all Israel that were round ahout them Heil at their cry ; for they said, Perhaps the eartli may swallow us up (also). 35 And tliere came out a tire from the Lord, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that had ofi'ei'ed the incense. CHAPTER XVII. 1'' ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ing, 2 Speak unto Elazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he lift up the censers out of the burning, and throw out the fire far away ; foi' they have been hallowed : 3 The censei's of these sinners against their own lives; and they shall make of them broad plates for a covering for the altar ; for they brought them near before the Lord, and they have thus become hallowed ;" and they shall serve for a sign unto the children of Israel. 4 And Elazar the priest took the copper censers, which they that were burnt had brought near ; and they beat them out for a covering unto the altar : 5 As a memorial unto the children of Israel, in order that no stranger, who is not of the seed of Aaron, should come near to burn incense before the Lord; that he be- • The sudden destruction of the rebels is called a crea- tion, and Moses appealed to such an unheard-of display of power, as a verification of his truth. '' The English version commences eh. xvii. at verse 10. 182 come not as Korach, and as his company ; as the Lord had spoken to him by the hand oj' Moses. 6 ^ And all the congregation of the chil- dren of Israel murmui'ed against Moses and Aaron, on the morrow, saying. It is you* who have caused the people of the Lord to die. 7 And it came to pass, when the congrega- tion assembled against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the taberna- cle of the congregation, and, behold, the cloud covered it; and the glory of the Lord ap peared. 8 And Moses came with Aaron before the tabernacle of the congregation.* 9 ]f And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- in o' 10 Remove yourselves from the midst of this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. And they fell upon their faces. 11 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take the censer, and put therein fire from off the altar, and jnit on incense, and carry (it) quickly unto the congregation, and make an atone- ment for them ; lor the wrath is gone forth from the Lord; the plague hath begun. 12 And Aaron took as Moses had com- manded, and he ran into the midst of the as- sembly ; and, behold, the j^k^gue had begun among the people : and he put on the incense, and made an atonement for the people. 13 And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed. 14 And those who died in the plague were foiu'teen thousand and seven hundred, besides those that had died about the matter of Korach. 15 And Aaron returned unto Moses, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, af- ter the plague had been stayed.* 1 6 Tl And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- 17 Speak unto the children of Israel, and take from them one staft' each for a family division, from all their princes, according to their family divisions, twelve staves : the name of each man shalt thou write u})on his staff. 18 And the name of Aai'on shalt thou ° Although the sacrifice was in sin, still the oft'criu" sanctified the instruments used. '' They ascribed the death of the elders to the agency "f Mdses and Aaron NUMBERS XVII. XVIII. KORACH. write u[H)ii the staft' of Levi; for there shall be but one stafl' for the head of their family division. 19 And thou shalt lay them down in the tabernacle of the congregation l)efore the tes- timony, where I u.sually meet with you. 20 And it shall come to pass, that the staff of the man whom I shall choose, shall blos- som :" and I will alia}- from around me the murmurings of the children of Israel, Avhich they murmur against you. 21 And Moses spoke unto the children of Israel, and all their princes gave him each a staff, one for every prince, according to their family divisions, twelve staves : and the staft' of Aaron was among their staves. 22 And Moses laid down the staves be- fore the Lord in the tabernacle of the testi- mony. 23 And it came to pass on the morrow, that as Moses went into the tabernacle of the testimony, behold, the staff of Aaron for the house of Levi had budded ;*" and it brought forth buds, and produced blossoms, and yielded ripe almonds. 24 And Moses brought out all the staves from before the Lord unto all the children of Israel; and they looked (at them), and took away every one his staft'.* 25 ^ And the Lord said unto Moses, Carry back the staff of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept as a token against the children of rebellion, that there may be an end of their murmurings from around me, and they die not. 26 And Moses did so ; as the Lord had commanded him, so did he. 27 ^ And the children of Israel said unto Moses, thus. Behold, we perisli, we are lost, we are all lost. 28 Every one that cometh near at all unto the tabernacle of the Lord must die : shall we totally perish ?•= * In ths preceding narrative, the selection of Aaron was demonstrated by the punishment of those who contended against him. The present attestation was, however, to be one of peace, to confirm the institution of the priest- hood. '' Rashbam comments, that the evident meaning of this in, tliat when Moses first brought out Aaron's staff to the people it had just budded ; and it was before them that the buds expanded, opened into blossoms, and yielded ripe almonds. Rashi renders |"V with "the young fruit" which appears immediately on the blossom's falling. CHAPTER XVIII. 1 ^ And the Lord said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity'' of the sanctuary ; and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood. 2 And also thy brethren, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy i'tither, bring thou near with thee, that they may be joined with thee, and minister unto thee; while thou and thy sons witli thee shall be before the tabernacle of the testimony. 3 And they shall keep thy charge, and tlie charge of all the tal)ernacle: oidy unto tJie vessels of the sanctuar}- and unto the altar shall they not come netir, that they may not die, either they or 30 u. 4 And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the con- gregation, respecting all the service of the ta- bernacle : and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you. • r5 And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar ; that there be not any more wrath upon the chil- dren of Israel. G And I, behold, I have taken your bre- thren the Levites from the midst of the chil- dren of Israel ; unto you are they given as a gift for the Lord, to perform the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. 7 And tliou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priesthood concerning e\'ery mat- ter of the altar, and for that within the vail, where ye shall serve : as a service of gift do I give you your priesthood ; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put t(j death. 8 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Aaron, Arid I, behold, I give thee the charge of my heave- offerings ; of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel, unto thee have I given " i. c. Since every attempt to approach proves fatal. '' "Against the sanctuary ;" " against your priesthood." — Arnhei.m. " On you I place the punishment of the strangers that may commit sin through the hallowed things which are intrusted to you (the priests and the sons of Kehath :) — you shall sit and warn every stranger that approaches, from touching them ; while thou and tiiy sons the priests shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood, because this is not intrusted to the Levites, and you shall warn these not to interfere in your proper service." — Rashi. 183 NUMBERS XVIII. KORACH. the 01 as an official portion, and to thy sons, as a fixed right for ever. 9 This shall belong to thee of the most lioly things, from the fire- (offerings) :" every oblation of theirs, namely, every meat-offer- ing of theirs, and every sin-offering of theirs, and every tresjDass-offering of theirs, which they shall render unto me, shall, as most holy things, belong to thee and to thy sons. 10 In a most holy place shalt thou eat it : every male shall eat it ; holy shall it be unto thee. 11 And this shall be thine, as the heave- offering of their gift, of all the wave-offerings of the children of Israel ; unto thee have I given them, and to thy sons and to thy daughters with thee, as a fixed portion for ever : every one that is clean in thy house may eat thereof 12 All the best of oil, and all the best of wine, and of com, the first-fruits thereof which they shall offer unto the Lord, to thee have I given them. 13 The first i*ipe fruit of whatsoever is in their land, which they may bring unto the. Lord, shall be thine : every one that is clean in thy house may eat thereof 14 Every thing devoted in Israel shall be thine. 15 Whatever openeth the womb of all flesh, which they luring unto the Lord, be it of men or of cattle, shall be thine : neverthe- less thou shalt redeem the firstrborn of man, and the firstling of the uncleau cattle shalt thou redeem. 16 And those that are to be redeemed from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to the usual estimation of five shekels of silver, after tlie shelvel of the sanctuary, which is twenty geralis. 17 But tlie firstling of an ox, or tlie first- ling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou shalt not redeem ; they are holy : tlioir bhjod shalt thou sprinkle upon the altar, and their fat shalt thou burn .as a fire-offering, for a sweet savour unto the Lord. ■ ' After Aben Ezra; Onkelos, Raslii, and others, "what is left from the fire," ('. e. after the fat has been burnt. "■ That is, " as unvarying and unifurna as the salt, which never beeonies corrupt or ])utrid." — After IIashi. '■ The priests and servants of the [iOiiu shmild not have political ])c)vvcr through extended possessions. ■* (". e. Wine and oil, which are produced by means of expressing the grape and olive ; properly therefore, " with 184 18 And their flesh shall be thine: as the breast that is waved and as the right shoulde** shall it be thine. 19 All the heave-offei'ings of the holy things which the children of Israel set apart unto the Lord, I have given to thee, and to thy sons and to tliy daughters with thee, as a fixed portion for ever : it is a covenant of salt'' for ever before the Lord for thee and for thy seed with thee. 20 And the Lord said unto Aaron, In their land shalt thou have no inheritance, and any portion shalt thou not have among them f I am thy portion and thy inheritance among the children of Israel.'"' 21 ^ And to the children of Levi, behold, I have given every tithe in Israel, for an inhe- ritance, in lieu of their service which they render, the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. 22 And the children of Israel shall not henceforth come nigh unto the tabernacle of the congregation, to bear sin, to die thereby. 23 But they of the tribe of Levi themselves shall perform the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity : a statute for ever shall it be through- out your generations ; and among the children of Israel shall they not possess any inheritance. 24 But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as a heave-offering unto the Lord, have I given to the Levites for an in- heritance : therefore have I said unto them. Among the children of Israel shall the}'' ob- tain no inheritance. 25 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ing, 26 And unto the Levites shalt thou speak, and say unto them. When ye take from the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance: then shall ye separate therefrom a heave-offer- ing of the Lord, the tenth part of the tithe. 27 And your heave-offering shall be reck- oned unto you, like the corn of the threshing- floor, and as the fulness of the wine-press.'' what the wine-press is filled." The verse it.self is to be so understood : The Israelites were commanded to give a fiftieth part of their annual product to the priests; this gift was called a heave-offering nonn ; and the tithes be- ing tlie Levites' threshing-floor and wine-press, that is, their means of livelihood, they were ordered to give from their income also a portion to the priests, before thej could legally use it for their own purposes. NUMBERS XVIII. XIX. CHUCKATH. 28 Thus shall ye also ofler a heave-offering unto the Lord from all your tithes, which ye may receive from the children of Israel ; and ye shall give thereof the heave-off'ering of the Lord to Aaron the priest. 1:9 From all your gifts shall ye set apart every heave-oftering of the Lord, from every best part thereof, its hallowed portion there- from.'-' 30 And thou shalt say unto them, When ve have separated the best thereof from it: then shall (the remainder) be counted unto the Levites as the produce of the threshing- floor, and as the produce of the wine-press. 31 And 3e may eat it in every place, ye and your households; for it is your reward in lieu of your service at the tabernacle of the (-ona-regation. 32 And ye shall not bear any sin by rea- son of it, when ye have separated its best part from it : and the holy things of the children of Israel shall ye not profane, lest ye die. IIa|ihtorah in 1 Samuel xi. 14 to sii. 22. SECTION XXXIX. CHUCKATH, HpH. CHAPTER XIX. 1 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 2 This is the statute'* of the law which the Lord hath commanded, saying. Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee a completely red cow, on which there is no blemish, upon which no yoke hath ever come. 3 And ye shall give her unto Elazar the priest, and he shall lead her forth to without the camp, and some one shall slay her Ijefore his face: 4 And Elazar the priest shall take some of her blood with his finger; and he shall sprin- kle in the direction of the front of the taber- nacle of the congregation of her blood seven times. 5 And some one shall burn the cow before his eyes; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn. " /. e. An ordinance for which no reason is to be sought farther than that it is the will of the Lord, who instituted it as a test of obedience to Israel. " "The stranger" here signifies one that has adopted Y 6 And the priest shall take cedai'-wood, and hyssop, and a scarlet string, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the cow. 7 And the priest shall wash his clothes, and he shall bathe his flesh in water, and afterward may he come into the camp; and the priest sliall be unclean until the even- ing. 8 And he that burnetii her shall wash his clothes in water, and bathe his flesh in water ; and he shall be unclean until the evening. 9 And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the cow, and lay them up with- out the camp in a clean place ; and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of sprinkling : it is a purifi- cation-offering. 10 And he that gathereth up the ashes of the cow shall wash his clothes, and be un- clean until the evening: and it shall be unto the children of Israel, and unto the stranger'' that sojourneth auiong them, for a statute for ever. 11 He that toucheth the dead body of any" human person shall be unclean seven da^-s. 12 Such a one shall purify himself with it on the third day and on the seventh day, when he shall be clean ; but if he purify him- self not on the third day and on the seventh day, he shall not be clean. 13- Whosoever toucheth the dead body, the person of any man that is dead, and purifieth himself not, hath defiled the tabernacle of the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off' from Israel ; because the water of sprinkling was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is yet npon him. 14 This is the law, when a man dieth in a tent: Every one that cometh into the tent, and all that is in the tent, shall be unclean seven days. 15 And every open vessel, on which there is not a closely fitting cover, is unclean. 16 And whosoever toucheth in the open field one that hath been slain with a sword, or a dead body, or a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be unclean seven days. 17 And they shall take for the unclean person some of the ashes of the burnt purifi- the law of Israel. The same is the case whenever this word occux's in reference to observance of religious duties. ° Meaning, whether the dead be an Israelite or gen- tile. 185 NUMBERS XIX. XX. CHUCKATH. cation-offering, and they shall put thereupon running water in a vessel.* 18 And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that have been there, and upon liim that hath touched the bone, or the one slain, or the dead, or the grave : 19 And the clean person shall sprinkle upon the unclean on the third day and on the seventh day; and when he hath purified him on the seventh day, then shall he wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at evening. 20 But a man that is unclean, and doth not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation; because the sanctuary of the Lord hath he defiled; the water of sprinkling hath not been sprinkled u^jon him ; he is unclean. 21 And it shall be unto them for a per- petual statute; and he that sprinkleth" the water of sprinkling shall wash his clothes; and he that toucheth the water of sprinkling shall be unclean until the evening. 22 And whatsoever the unclean person may touch shall be unclean; and the person that toucheth him'' shall be unclean until the CHAPTER XX. 1 ][ And the children of Israel, the whole congregation, came into the desert of Zin in the first month, and the people abode in Ka- desh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there. 2 And there was no water for the congre- gation; and they assembled themselves to- gether against Moses and against Aaron. 3 And the people quarrelled with Moses, and said thus. Oh that we had but perished when our brethren perished Ijefore the Lord! 4 And why have ye brouglit the congrega- tion of the Lord into this wilderness, to die there, we and our cattle? " The wiso men expound this, that he who sprinkles the water nf puriticatinn sliall not be rendered unclean, he is merely to wash his garments; while all others engaged in this sacrifiee are made unclean thereby, till evening. Hence, in view of these peculiarities, it is pre-eminently a statute, or a positive ordinance of the Lord, given as the will of our Legislator. ^ ('. e. One defiled by touching a dead body. * "The Scriptures here declare, that had it not been 186 5 And wherefore have ye caused us to come up out of Egypt, to britig us jn unto this evil place ? it is no place for sowing, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; and water even there is none to drink. 6 And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces : and the glory of the Lord appeared unto them.* 7 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- in o* 8 Take the staf!', and gather the assembly togetlier, thou, with Aaron thy lirother, and ye shall speak unto the rock before their eyes, that it shall aive forth its Avater; and tliou shalt bring forth for tliem water out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their cattle. 9 And Moses took the staff from before the Lord, as he had commanded him. 10 And Moses and Aaron assembled the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels! shall we out of this rock bring forth water for you? 11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and he smote the rock with his staff twice : and there came out much water, and the congregation drank, together with their cattle. 12 ^y And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye have not confided'' in me, to sanctify me before the ej'esof the children of Israel : therefore shall ye not bring this congregation into the land which I have given to them. 13 The.se are the waters of Meribah ;'' Avhcre the children of Israel quarrelled with the Lord, and through which" he was sanctified.* 14 ^ And Moses .sent messengers from Kor desh unto the king of Edom. Thus hath said thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the hardship that hath befallen us. 15 How our lathers went down into Egypt, and we dwelt in Egypt many days; and the Egyptians did evil to us, and to our fathers : for this sin, they would have entered into the land, that it should not be said of them that they were punished for the transgression of their generation, against whom the decree had been pronounced, that they should not come to Palestine." — Rashi. '' Mirlhah means quarrelling. (See also Exodus xvii. 7.) " This refers to " the water," according to Rashi, who adds, "When the Lord executes judgment upon his saints, he becomes feared and sanctified among men.' NUMBERS XX. XXI. CHUCKATH. 16 And we cried unto the Lord, and he heard our voice, and he sent a messenger, and caused us to go forth out of Egypt; and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city at the out- most end of tliy border. 17 Let us pass, we pray thee, through thy country; we will not pass through field, or through vineyard, and we will not drink the water of the wells: by tlie king's highway will we go, we will not tnrn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy Ijorder. 18 And Edom said unto him, Tliou shalt not pass through my land, lest I come against thee with the sword. 19 And the children of Israel said unto him. We will go by the highway : and if we drink of thy water, I and my cattle, then will I pay its value; I will do thee no injury," only on foot will I pass through. 20 And he said, Thou shalt not pass through; and Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand. 21 And as Edom thus refused to permit Israel to pass through his border, Israel turned away from him.* 22 ^ And they set forward from Kadesh; and the children of Israel, the whole congre- gation,'' came unto mount Hor. 23 And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron at mount Ilor, by the boundaiy of the land of Edom, as followeth, 24 Aaron shall be gathered unto his peo- ple; for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, be- cause ye rebelled against my order at the waters of Meribah. 25 Take" Aaron and Elazar, his son, and cause them to go up unto mount Hor : 26 And cause Aaron to take off his gar- ments, and clothe therewith Elazar his son; and Aaron shall be gathei'ed in, and he shall die there. 27 And Moses did as the Lord had com- manded ; and they went up to mount Hor be- fore the eyes of all the congregation. ' After Onkelos. Arnheim, "It is not the least even (I desire)." Philippson, "It is surelj' nothing." ' All righteous and ready to enter Palestine; there was none left among them of those who had the decree of exclusion pronounced against them; for the whole of them had already perished, and of those who then remained, it was said, "And ye who have adhered unto the Lord your God, are all alive this day." — Kashi. 28 And Moses caused Aaron to take off his garments, and he clothed therewith Elazar his son ; and Aaron died there on the top of the mount; and Moses and Elazar then came down from the mount. 29 And when all the congregation saw that Aaron was departed, they wept for Aaron thirty days, even all the house of Israel. CHAPTER XXI. 1 ^ And when the Canaanite, the king of 'Arad, who dwelt in the south, heard that Israel was coming by the way of the spies :° he made an attack on Israel, and took from them some prisoners. 2 And Israel made a vow unto the Lord, and said, If thou wilt but deliver this people into my hand, then will I devote their cities. 3 And the Lord hearkened to the voice of Israel, and he deliverd up the Canaanites ; and they devoted them and their cities : and they called the name of the place Chormah. 4 ^ And they set forward from mount Hor by the way to the Red Sea, to go round the land of Edom : and the spirit of the people became impatient because of the way.* 5 And the people spoke against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness ? for there is no bread, and there is no water ; and our soul loatheth this miserable bread. 6 And the Lord let loose against the people poisonous serpents, and they bit the people; and there died much people of Israel. 7 And the people then came to Moses, and they said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away from us the serpents. And Moses praj-ed for the people. 8 And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thyself a serpent," and set it upon a pole : and it shall come to pass, that whoever is bitten shall look at it, and he shall live. 9 And Moses made a serpent of copper, and ° According to the Septuagint, onnxn is the name of a place, " Atharim." ^ Although, as just said, the people had been purified by the death of the fathers, still the sons also murmured when they themselves were yet detained from Palestine. ° When they looked upward and subdued their heart to their Father in heaven, they were healed; and if not. they perished. — Yoma. ^ *^ 187 NUMBERS XXI. CHUCKATH. put it upon a pole ; and it came to pass, that, when a serpent had bitten any man, and he looked up to the serpent of copper, he re- mained alive.* 10 And the children of Israel set forward, and encamped in Oboth. 11 And they journeyed fronr Oboth, and encamped at 'lye-ha'abarini; in the wilder- ness, which is before Moab, toward the rising of the sun. 12 From there they set forward and en- camped in the valley'' of Zered. 13 From there tliey set forward, and en- camped on the other side of Anion, which is in the wilderness, and which cometh out of the boundary of the Emorites ; for Anion is the border of Moab, between Moab and be- tween the Emoi'ites. 14 Therefore mention is made in the book uf the wars of the Lord, of Vaheb in Supha,'' and of the brooks of Arnon, 15 And the descent of the brooks, that turnetli toward Shebeth-'Ar, and leaneth upon the border of Moiib ; 16 And from there to the well; this is the well where the Lord said unto Moses, Assemble the people and I will give them water. 17 T[ Then did Israel sing this song, Come up, well ; sing ye unto it : 18 Well, which the princes have dug, which the nobles of the people have hollowed out with the sceptre, with their staves; — and from the wilderness to Mattanah ; 19 And from Mattanah to Nachaliel ; and from Nachaliel to Bamoth ; 20 And from Bamoth to the valley, which is in the fields of Moab, to the top of Pis- gah, which looketh toward the desert.* 21 ^[ And Israel sent messengers unto Si- chon the king of the Emorites, saying, 22 Let me pass through thy land ; we will not turn aside into field, or into vineyard ; we will not drink the water of a well : by the * Tlio wadys, or doop valleys, in the neighbourhood of Palestiiio, f^cnorally have a stream running thruugh them, whieh swells greatly in the rainy season. Hence '7nj sig- nifies both " valley" and " stream." ■" These places, and those mentioned farther, are names whieh occur in the book of the wars of the LtiRD, and are unknown to us now. Arnon has several branches which form the main stream. The descent next spoken of refers to these rivulets, which unite and How toward the city of 18« king's highway will we go along, until we have passed thy border. 23 But Sichon would not sufter Israel to pass through his border ; and Sichon assem- bled all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness ; and he came to Yahaz, and fought against Israel. 24 And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and took possession of his land from Anion unto Yabbok, even unto the chil- dren of 'Amnion; for the border of the chil- dren of 'Amnion was strong.'^ 25 And Israel took all these cities ; and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Emorites, in Cheshbon, and in all the villages thereof. 26 For Cheshbon was the city of Sichon the kino- of the Emorites ; and he had foimht against the former king of Moiib, and taken all his land out of his hand, up to the Arnon. 27 Therefore said the poets. Come into Cheshbon, let the city of Sichon be built tuid established. 28 For a fire is gone out of Cheshbon, a flame from the city of Sichon : it hatli con- sumed 'Ar-Moab, the men of the high places of the Arnon. 29 Wo to thee, Moab! thou art lost, people of Kemosh : he hath suftered his sons to become fugitives, and his daughters to go into Ciiptivity, unto the king of the Emorites, Sichon. 30 A^e have thrown them down; lost is Cheshljon even unto Dibon, and we have laid waste (all) up to Nophach, which reacheth unto Medeba. 31 Thus Israel dwelt in the land of the Emorites. 32 And Moses sent to spy out Ya'zer, and they captured the villages thereof, and drove out the Emorites that were there. 33 And they turned and went up by the way to Bashan; and 'Og, the king of Bash an, went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei.* 'Ar-Moab, here called Shebeth-'Ar, literally, "dwelling of 'Ar;" whence the river turned to the well. Beer, which was discovered probably in a couutry otherwise destitute of good drink water. (Jnkelos renders, " .\nd thence was tlu^ well given them." English version, " And from thence they went to Beer." In this version, Arnheim'a translation has been followed. ° " And what was its strength 'I the prohibition of God, who liad told them, 'Attack them not,'" &c. — Rasiii NUMBERS XXI. XXII. BALAK. 34 And the Lord said unto Moses, Fear him not; for into thy liand have I delivered him, and all his people, and his laud; and thou shalt do unto him as thou hast done unto Siehon. the king of the Emorites, who dwelt at Cheshbuu. 35 And they smote him and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left unto him that escaped; and they took possession of his land. CHAPTER XXII. 1 And the children of Israel set forward, and encamped in the plains of Moab, on this side of the Jordan, opposite Jericho. Haphtorah in Judges xi. 1 to 33. SECTION XL. BALAK, ph2. 2 ][ And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Emorites. 3 And Moiib was greatly afraid of the peo- ple, because it was numerous ; and Moitb was horrified because of the children of Israel. 4 And Moiib said unto the elders of Midian, Now will this assemblage devour all that is rouud about us, as the ox devoureth the grass of the field ; and Balak the son of Zippor Avas king of MoJib at that time. 5 x\nd he sent messengers unto Bil'am" the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river, in the land of the children of his people, to have him called; saying. Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt ; behold, it cover- eth the surface of the earth, and it is abiding opposite to me: 6 And now do but come, curse me this people; for it is too mighty for me; perad- venture I may be able to smite it, that I may drive it out of the land; for I know that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed. 7 And the elders of Moiib and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards'' ol' divi- nation in their hand; and they came unto Bifam, and spoke unto him the words of Balak. • Eng. ver. "Balaam." '' According to Midrash Rabba, quoted by Rashi, the translation sbould be, "with instrimieuts of divination in their hands." " Bj' not stating the reasons for this refusal, the mes- Bengers were left in doubt as regards them. Hence they 8 And he said unto them. Remain you here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the Lokd may speak unto me; and the princes of Moiib abode with Bil'am. 9 And God came unto Bil'am, and said, Who are these men with thee? 10 And Bil'am said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, the king of Moiib, hath sent unto me, (saying,) 11 Behold, there is the people that is come out of Egypt, and covereth the foce of tlie earth : now come, denounce it for me ; perad- ventui'e I shall he al)le to fight against it, and drive it away. 12 And God said unto Bil'am, Thou slialt not go with them : thou shalt not curse the people; for it is blessed.* 13 And Bil'am rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Go back to your land; for the Lord refusoth to give me leave to go with" you. 14 And the jirinces of Moiib rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Bil'am refus- eth to come with us. 15 And Balak sent yet again princes, more in number, and more honourable than those. IG And they caine to Bil'am, and said to him. Thus hath said Balak the son of Zippor, Do not suft'er thyself. I pray thee, to Ije pre- vented from coming unto me ; 17 For I will honour thee greatly, and whatsoever thou mayest say unto me will I do : and only come, I pray thee, denounce me this people. 18 And Bil'am answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not transgress the order of the Lord my God, to do a small or a great thing. 19 And now, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the Lord will farther speak with me. 20 And God came unto Bil'am at night, and said unto him, If to call thee the men have come, rise up, go with them ; but only the word which I shall speak unto thee, that shalt thou do.* and the king thought, perhaps, that it was because the de- putation had not been commensurate with the dignity of the prophet; wherefore Balak despatched a second more numerous and honoured deputation to call him, and then for the first time did Bil'am reveal his powerless- ness. 189 NUMBERS XXII. XXIII. BALAK. 21 And Bil'am rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moiib. 22 And the anger of God was kindled, be- cause he went; and an angel of the Lord placed himself in the way to be a hindrance to him; and he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. 23 And the ass saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Bil'am smote the ass, to make her turn into the way. 24 But the angel of the Lord stepped into a path between the vineyards, (with) a wall on this side, and a wall on that side. 25 And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she forced herself against the wall, and pressed Bil'am's foot against the wall : and he smote her again. 26 And the angel of the Lord went yet farther, and stood in a narrow place, Avhere there was no way to turn either to the right or to the left. 27 And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she lay down under Bil'am : whereupon Bil'am's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a stick. 28 And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Bil'am, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? 29 And Bil'am said unto the ass. Because thou hast mocked me : had I Ijut a sword in my hand, I would assuredly have now killed thee. .^0 And the ass said unto Bil'am, Am not I thy ass, upon which thou hast ridden from thy commencement" unto this da_y? was I ever wont to do so unto thee ? and he said, No. 31 Then the Lord opened the eyes of Bil'am, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand : and he bowed down his head and prostrated himself on his face. 32 And the angel of the Lord said unto * Hob. "From thy first being," which the commentator to Mendelssohn's transhitiou explains, "from the first time thou didst ride." '' Mendelssohn, after Kashi; and it means that though permission had been given to the gentile prophet to go to 190 him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thy ass these three times? behold, I went out to be a hindrance; because the journey which is odious to me was too quickly begun.'' 33 And the ass saw me, and turned aside before me these three times; if she had not turned aside from me, I would surely now not only have slain thee, but saved her alive. 34 And Bil'am said unto the angel of the Lord, I have sinned; for'^ I knew not that thou wast standing against me in tlie way; but now, if it be evil in thy eyes, I will return home again. 35 And the angel of the Lord said unto Bil'am, Go with the men; however, only the word which I will speak unto thee, that shalt thou speak :* and Bil'am went with the jjrinces of Balak. 36 And when Balak heard that Bil'am was come, he went out to meet him unto 'Ir-Moab, which is on the border of Arnon, which is at the outmost end of the boundary. 37 And Balak said unto Bil'am, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to have thee called? wherefore camest thou not unto me? in truth, am I not able to honour thee? 38 And Bil'am said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee; have I now any power Avhat^ ever to speak the least? the word that God may put in my mouth, that alone must I speak.* 39 And Bil'am went with Balak, and the}- came unto Kiryath-chuzoth. 40 And Balak slew oxen and sheep, and sent to Bil'am, and to the princes that were with him. 41 And it came to pass in the morning, that Balak took Bil'am, and brought him ujj into the high places of Baiil, and he saw thence a portion of the people. CHAPTER XXIII. 1 And Bil'am said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams. 2 And Balak did as Bil'am had spoken; and Balak and Bil'am offered a IjuUock and a ram on every altar. Balak, he nevertheless showed too great and culpable an eagerness to attempt cursing the people of God. " Arnheini renders o with "that;" Philippson, with "nevertheless." '' Bil'am was evidently anxious to injure Israel. NUMBERS XXIII. BALAK. 3 And Biram paid \nito Balak, Place thy- self bv thy burnt-oflering ; and I will go, per- adveiiture the Lord will come to meet me, and whatsoevei- he ■ may show me I will tell thee: and he went thoughttully alone." 4 And God met BiFam : and he said unto him. The seven altars have I made ready, and I have offered a bullock and a ram upon every altar. 5 And the Lord put a word'' in Bil'am's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus shalt thou speak. 6 And he returned unto him, and, lo, he was standing l)y his burnt-offering, he, and all the princes of Moiib. 7 And he took up his parable, and said. From Aram did Balak send for me, the king of MoJib, out of the mountains of the east. Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel. 8 How shall I denounce, ^vliom God hath not denounced? and how shall I defy, whom the Lord hath not defied? 9 For from the top of rocks I see him, and from hills I behold him: lo, it is a people that shall dwell alone, and among the nations it shall not be reckoned. 10 Who can count the dust of Jacob, and number the fourth part of Israel ? May my soul die the death of the righteous, and may ni}- last end be like his!" 11 And Balak said unto Bil'am, What hast thou done unto me? to denounce my enemies did I take thee, and, behold, thou hast even blessed them. 12 And he answered and said. Must I not take heed to speak that only which the Lord may put in my mouth?* 13 And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, wdth me unto another place, from where thou canst see them; nevertheless a portion of them only wilt thou see, liut the whole of them thou wilt not see : and denounce them for me from there. 14 And he brought him to the field of the watchmen, on the top of Pisgah, and he built * Mendelssohn renders, "to a mountain-top;" but On- kelos gives tpi' "alone;" Raslii agrees with this. Arn- hcim renders "devoutly." In the present version it has been endeavoured to unite both these ideas. ^ Mendelssohn, "ausvper;" Philippson, "speech." ° i. e. The people, personified as an individual. '' Onkeios refers both the " wrong" and " perverseness" to the worship of idols, and so is it rendered by Arnheim. ^Sd ni>nn is given after Onkclos. Rashij Easbbam, and, seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar. 15 And he s;ud unto Balak, Place thyself here by thy burnt-offering, while I wall repair to yonder place. 16 And tlie Lord met Bil'am, and put a word in his mouth, and said. Return unto Balak, and thus shalt thou speak. 17 And he came to him, and behold, he was standing by his burnt-offering, and the princes of MoJib with him; and Balak said imto him. What hath the Lord spoken? 18 And he took up his parable, and said. Rise up, Balak, and hear; bend hither thy ear unto me, son of Zippor ! 19 God is not a man, that he should lie; nor a son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? and hath he spoken, and shall he not fulfil it? 20 Behold, to bless I have received (the word) ; and he hath blessed, and I cannot re- verse it. 21 He hath not beheld any wrong'" in Ja- cob, nor hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the Lord his God is with him, and the glory of the king dvvelletli among him. 22 God, who brought them out of Egypt, is to them like the heights" of the reem. 23 For there is no enchantment in Jacob, nor is there any divination in Israel : at the proper time shall it be said to Jacol) and to Israel, what God doth work. 24 Behold, it is a people, that shall lise up as a lioness, and as a lion shall it raise itself: it will not lie down until it have eaten the prey, and have drunk the blood of the slain. 25 And Balak said unto Bil'am, Neither shalt thou denounce them, nor shalt thou any wise bless them. 26 But Bil'am answered and said unto Ba- lak, Have I not spoken unto thee, saying, All that the Lord will speak, that must I do?* 27 And Balak said unto Bil'am, Come, 1 pray thee, I will take thee unto anothei after them, Arnheim, render it with "love" or " kindness.'' Philippson, "the joyous shout of the king." " Arnheim, after whom this verse is given, thinks that it means " God is to the people a sure refuge, like the Alpine heights are to the reem, which he supposes to be here the chamois, where it is safe against the hunter." On- keios translates " the strength and height are his," (God's,) meaning that He is mightier than all. 0. does not re- gard therefore dni as the name of an animal in this verse. ^^ 19i x^UMBERS XXIII. XXIV. BALAK. place . peradventure it may be pleasing in the eyes of God that thou mayest denounce them for me from there. 28 And Balak took Bil'am unto the top of Peer, that looketh toward the desert. 29 And Bil'am said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams. 30 And Balak did as Bil'am had said, and he offered a Ijullock and a ram on every altar. CHAPTER XXIV. 1 And when Bil'am saw that it was pleas- ing in the eyes of the Lord to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for en- chantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness. 2 And Bil'am lifted up his eyes, and when he saw Israel encamped according to their tribes, there came upon him the spirit of God. 3 And he took up his parable, and said, Thus saith Bil'am the son of Beor, and thus saith the man whose eyes are open ; 4 Thus saith he who heareth the sayings of God, w^ho seeth the vision of the Almighty, falling down, with unvailed eyes : •5 How beautiful are thy tents, Jacob, thy dwellings, Israel ! 6 As streams" are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as aloe-trees, which the Lord hath planted, as cedar-trees beside the waters. 7 Water runneth out of His** buckets, that his seed may be moistened by abundance of water; and exalted above Agag shall be his king, and raised on high shall be his kingdom. 8 God, who In'ought him forth out of Egypt, is to him like the heights of the reem; he will devour nations, his opi)ressors, and their bones will he break, and pierce (them) through with his arrows. 9 He coucheth, he lieth down as a lion, and as a, lioness: who shall make him rise up? They that bless thee be blessed, and they that curse thee be cursed. 10 And the anger of Balak was kindled • Others, "valleys." '' Arnheim refers " his" to God, who is represented as ))lanting the trees of Israel by flowing streams, the great fertilizers in all eountries, partieularly in warm elimates; the buckets of '.Jod, his clouds, then send forth a con- stant supply, that the seed of the trees spokeu of may be 102 against Bil'am, and he struck his hands to- gether : and Balak said unto Bil'am, To de- nounce my enemies did I call thee, and, be- hold, thou hast even blessed them these three times. 11 And now flee thou to thy place: I thought to honour thee greatly ; but, lo, the Lord hath kept thee back from honour. 12 And Bil'am said unto Balak, Did I not already speak to thy messengers, whom thou sentest unto me, saying, 13 If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not transgress the order of the Lord, to do good or evil out of my own heart : what the Lord will speak, that must I sjjeak ?* 14 And now, behold, I am going unto my people : come, I will advi.se thee against what this peojjle will do to thy people in the end of days. 15 And he took up his parable and said, Thus saith Bil'am the son of Beor, and thus saith the man whose eyes are open ; 16 Thus saith he who heareth the sayings of God, and knoweth the knowledge of the Most High, who seeth the vision of the Al- mighty, falling down, with unvailed eyes : 17 I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not nigh ; there steppeth forth a star out of Jacob, and there ariseth a sceptre out of Israel, and he pierceth the chiefs" of Moiib, and destroyeth all the children of Sheth. 18 And Edom shall be a conquest, and Seir shall be a conquest for his enemies ; and Israel shall do valiantly. 19 And there shall rule the one from Jacob, and he shall destroy whatever escapeth out of the city. 20 And he looked on Amalek, and he took up his parable, and said, The first of nations* is Amalek ; but his latter end shall be de- struction" for ever. 21 And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said. Strong is tliy dwelling-place, and placed on the rock is thy nest.*^ ■ 22 Nevertheless the Keuite shall be wast^ blessed by the abundance of the element through which they grow. ° After Onkelos. Arnheim and others, "corners." ^ To war against Israel. — Onkelos. ' Leadeth to destruction. — Arnheim. ' i. e, The mountain-strongholds of the Kenites. NUMBERS XXIV. XXV. XXVI. PINECTIAS. ed : whither'' will Asshur carry thee away captive ? 23 And he took up liis parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doth appoint this one ?'^ 24 But ships will come from tlie coast of Kittim, and will afllict Asshur, and will afflict 'Eber; and he also will be given to destruction for ever. 25 And Bil'am rose up, and went and re- turned to his place ; and Balak also went his way. CHAPTER XXV. 1 ]| And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit incest with the daughters of Moab. 2 And they called tlie people unto the sa- crifices of their gods : and the people did eat, and bowed themselves down to their gods. 3 And Israel joined themselves unto Baal- peor; and the anger of the Lord was kindled against Isi'ael. 4 And the Lord said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and (cause them to) hang'' the (guilty) up before the Lord, in the face of the sun, that the fierce angei' of the Lord may be turned away from Israel. 5 And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye eveiy one his men that have been joined unto Baill-peor. 6 And, ))ehold, one of the children of Israel came, and brought unto his brethren a Midi- anitish woman, before the eyes of Moses, and before the eyes of all the congregation of the children of Israel, and these were weeping by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.* 7 And when Phinehas, the son of Elazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from the midst of the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand; 8 And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her Ijody : and the plague was stayed from the children of Israel. " Rashi. How long will it he when Asshur will, &c. — Arnheim. '' i. c. When God sends Asshur to execute his will. See Isaiah x. 5. — Philippson, "Wo! who might live, if God dispense it!" '■■ And judge and slay those who deserve death. — Onkei.os. Z 9 And those that dicil in the ])laguc were twenty and four thousand. Haphtorah in ]Micab v. G tu vi. S. SECTION XLI. PINECHAS, DnrS. 10 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, 11 Phinehas, the s<m of Elazar, the son of Aaron the jjriest, hath turned away my wrath from the children of Israel, while he was zeal- ous in my stead' in the midst of them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my indignation. 12 Therefore say. Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace ; 13 And it shall be unto him and unto liis seed after him a covenant of an everlasting l)riesthood ; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel. • 14 Now the name of the man of Israel that was slain, who was slain with the Midianitish woman, was Zimri, the son of Sahlu, a prince of a family division among the Simeonites. 15 And the name of the Midianitish wo- man that was slain was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur ; he was head of tribes, of a family di- vision in Midian. 16 ^[ And the Lord spoke unto Mo.ses, saying, 17 Attack the Midianites and smite them; 18 For they ai"e enemies unto you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiletl you in the matter of Peor. and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a jirince of Midian, their sister, who was slain on the day of the plague for the sake of Peor. CHAPTER XXVI. 1 And it came to pa,ss after the plague, ^ That tlie Lord spoke unto Moses and unto Elazar the son of Aaron the jiriest, say- 2 Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years ^ Heb. " In his avenging my vengeance ;" meaning, that Phinehas executed the judgment which the Lord would otherwise have executed upon the daring Zimri. — The word "indignation" is used here for 'nNJp3, as this expresses the idea of " wrath existed by the exhibition of the apostasy" spoken of in the first verses of this chap- ter, better than "jealousy." i9a NUMBERS XXVI old and upward, by the descent from their PINECHAS. fathers, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel. And Moses witliErazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jor- dan opposite Jericho, saying, 4 (Take" the sum of the peoj^le,) from twenty years old and upward ; as the Lokd commanded Moses and the children of Israel, who went forth out of the land of Egypt.* 5 Heiiljen, the eldest son of Israel : the children of Reuben, of Chanoch, the family of the Chanochites; of Pallu, the family of the Palluites ; 6 Of Chezron, the family of the Chezron- ites ; of Carmi, the family of the Carmites. 7 These are the families of the Reiibenites; and those that were numbered of them were forty and three thousand and seven hundred and tliirty. 8 And the sons of Pallu : Eliab. 9 And the sons of Eliab : Nemuel, and Da- than, and Abiram. These are Dathan and Abiram. men called to the assembly, who (juarrelled against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korach, at the time they Quarrelled against the Lord; 1 When the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korach, while that company died, when the fire de- voured the two hundred and fifty men ; and they became a sign.'' 1 1 But the sons of Korach did not die. V2 ^ The sons of Simeon after their fami- lies : of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites; of Yaniin, the family of the Yaminites; of Yachin, the family of the Yachinites ; 13 Of Zerach, the family of the Zarchites ; of Sliaid, the family of the Shaiilites. 14 These are the I'aniilies of the Simeon- ites, twenty and two thousand and two hun- dred. 10 ^ The children of Gad after their fami- lies : of Ze})ho)i, the family of the Zephonites; of Cliaggi, the family of the Chaggites; of Slauii, the family of the Shunites; 16 Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites ; of 'Ei-i, the family of the 'Erites ; 1 7 Of Arod, the family of the Arodites ; of Areli, the family of the Arelites ; 18 These are the families of the children of Gad according to those that were numbered of them, forty thousand and five hundred. 19 ^1 The sons of Judah were Kv and Onan ; and 'Er with Onan died in the land of Canaan. 20 And the sons of Judah after their fami- lies were: of Shelah, the famil}' of the She- lanites; of Perez, the family of the Parzites ; of Zerach, the family of the Zarchites. 21 And the sons of Perez were : of Chez- ron, the family of the Chezronites ; of Cha- mul, the i'amil_) of the Chamulites. 22 These are the families of Judah, accord- ing to those that were numbered of theiri, seventy and six thousand and five hundred. 23 •[[ The sons of Issachar after their fami- lies: of Tola', the family of the Tolaites; of Puva, the family of the Punites ; 24 Of Yashub, the tamily- of the Yashubites; of Shinn-on, the family of the Shimronites. 25 These are the families of Issachar ac- cording to those that were nundxM-ed of them, sixty and four thousand and Ihree hundred 26 ][ The sons of Zebulun after their fami- lies : of Sered, the family of the Sardite>; ; of Elon, the family of the Elonites; of Yachleel, the family of the Yachleelites. 27 These are the families of the Zebuion- ites according to those that were numbered of them, sixty thousand and five hundred. 28 T[ The sons of Joseph after their fami- lies are Menas.seh and Ephraim. 29 The sons of Menasseh : of Macliir. the family t)f the Machirites ; and Machir begat Gil'ad ; of Gil'ad, the family of the Gil'adites. 30 These are the sons of Gil'ad : of I'ezer, the family of the I'ezerites ; of Chelek, the family of the Chelkites; 31 " And of Assriel, the family of the Assri- elites; and of Shechem, the family of the Shichmites ; " The worJs enclosed in parentheses are not in the He- brew, as is likewise tlie ease with nearly all others marked tiius in this version; but they are such as are absolutely required by the context. ' The )iunishnient inflicted on the trangressors must always be Inoked upon as a means of guarding others against following the i-inful cuMrsc through which the VM evil was brought upon the sinners ; hence the persons in the text are said to have become a "sign," or, more pro- perly, a " banner," or a signal raised up on high, as a land- mark for those who may pass the road where tiie banner is planted. Hashi, tiierefore, comments, " As a sign and memorial, in order that no stranger shall iu future ap- proach to contend about the priesthood." NUMBERS XXVI. PINECHAS. 32 And of Shemida', the family of the She- mida'ites; and of Chepher, the family of the Cheph rites. 83 And Zelophchad the son of Chepher had no sons, hut only daughters; and the names of the daughters of Zelophchad were Machlah. and No' ah, Choglah", Milcah, and Tirzah. 34 These are the families of Menasseh ; and those that were numbered of them were fifty and two thousand and seven hundred. 35 ^ These are the sons of Ephraim after their families : of Shuthelach, the family of the Shuthalehites ; of Becher, the family of the Bachrites ; of Tachan, the family of the Taehanites. 30 And tliese are the sons of Shuthelach : of "Eran, the i'amily of the 'Eranites. 37 These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those that were num- bered of them, thirty and two thousand and five hundred : these are the sons of Joseph after their families. 38 |[ The sons of Benjamin after their families : of Bela', the family of the Bal'ites ; of xVshbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Achiram, the family of the Achiramites ; 39 Of Shephupham,'' the family of the Shuphamites ; of Ohupham, the family of the Chuphamites. 40 And the sons of Bela' were Ard and Na'aman : ol" Ard, the family of the Ardites ; and of Na'aman, the family of the Na'am- ites. 41 These are the sons of Benjamin after their families ; and those that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and six hundred. 42 ^ These are the sons of Dan after their families : of Shueham, the familj^ of the Slm- chamites ; these are the families of Dan after their families. 43 All the families of the Shuchamites, according to those that were numbered of them, were sixty and four thousand and four hundred. 44 ^[ The children of Asher after their fixmilies : of Yimnah, the family of the Yim- ' In comparing the names of the families of Israel with those of the fathers who first came into Egypt, there will be found considerable variation in some of them ; for in- stance, the name in the text is i^hephupham ; in Genesis xlvi. 21, it is Muppira ; so likewise Nemuel is in Genesis nites ; of Yishvi, the family of the Yishvites ; of Beri'ah, the family of the Beri'ites. 45 Of the sons of Beri'ah : of Cheber, the family of the Chebrites ; of Malkiel, the family of the Makielites. 46 And the name of the daughter of Aslier was Serach. 47 These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them, fifty and three thousand and four hundred. 48 ][ The sons of Naphtali after their fami- lies : of Yachzeel, the family of the Yachzeel- ites ; of Guni, the family of the Gunites ; 49 Of Yezer, the family of the Yizrites ; of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. 5(J These are the families of Naphtali ac- cording to their families ; and those that were numbered of them were forty and five thou- sand and four hundred. 51 These were the numbered of the chil- dren of Israel, six hundred thousand, and one thousand, seven hundred and thirty. •■' 52 ^ And the Lokd spoke unto Moses, say- ing, 53 Unto these shall tlie land be divided for an inheritance according to the number of the names. 54 To the large tribe shall thou give the more inheritance, and to the small shalt tliou give the less inheritance : to each according to those that were numbered thereof shall its in- heritance be given. 55 Nevertheless, through the lot shall the land be divided : according to the names of the tribes of their fathers shall they obtain their inheritance. 56 By the decision of the lot shall the in- heritance of each be divided, according as they ai'e many or few. 57 *\\ And these are those tliat weie num- bered of the Levites after their families : of Gershon, the family of the Gerslnniites; oi' Kehath, the family of the Kehathites ; ot' Merari, the family of the Merarites. 58 These are the families of Levi : the family of the Libnites, the family of the Che- bronites, the family of the Machlites, the Yemuel; Zoehar there, is Zerach here; Yob is Yaslmb, &c. The reason of these changes is not very ;ip|iarent : perhaps the original founders of the family were known by both names, or these may have become corrupted in the process of time. 195 NUMBERS XXVI. XXVII. PINECHAS. family of the Mushites, the family of the Korciiites ; and Kehatli begat 'Amram. 59 And the name of 'Amram's wife was Yochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom (her mother) bore to Levi in Egypt ; and slie bore unto Anu-am, Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister. 00 And there were born unto Aaron, Na- dab, and Abiliu, Elazar, and Ithamar. 61 And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered a strange tire before the Lord. 62 And those that were numbered of them were twenty and three thousand, all the males from a month old and upward; for they were not numbered among the children of Israel, because there was not given unto them ar.y inheritance among the children of Israel. 63 These are those that were numbered by Moses and Elazar the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moiib by the Jordan, opposite Jericho. 64 And among these there was not one man of those whom Moses and Aaron the priest had numbered, who numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. 60 For the LoKij had said of them. They shall surely die in the wilderness : and there was not left of them one man, save Caleb the son of Yephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. CHAPTER XXVII. 1 ^f And there came nigh the daughters of Zelophchad, the son of Chepher, the son of Cil'ad, the son of Macliir, the son of Menas- seh, of the families of Menasseh the son of Joseph : and these are the names of his daughters, Machlah, No' ah, and Choglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah. 2 And they stood before Moses, and before Elazar the priest, and before the princes, and all the congregation, by the door of the taber- nacle ol" tlie congregation, saying, 3 Our father died in the wilderness ; but he was n(»t among the company of those that gathered themselves together against the Lord in the (■(>iii])any of Korach ; but in his own sin he died, and sons he had not. 4 Why should the name of our father be don(' away fi'om the midst of his family, be- * Meaning, that they had omitted to sanctify God. Mendelssohn, therefore, translates freely, " Because you 196 cause he hath no son ? Give unto us a pos- session among the brothers of our father. 5 And Moses brought their cause before the Lord.* 6 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ing. 7 The daughters of Zelophchad speak rightly : thou shalt indeed give them a pos- session as an inheritance among the brothers of their father; and thou shalt cause the in- heritance of their father to pass unto them. 8 And unto the children of Israel shalt thou speak, saying. If a man die, and have no son, then shall ye cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter. 9 And if he have no daughter, then shall ye give his inheritance unto his brothers. 10 And if he have no brothers, then shall ye give his inlieritance unto his father's bi-o- thers. 11 And if his father have no brothers, then shall ye give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, anil he shall inherit it ; and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of justice, as the Lord hath commanded Moses. 12 ]f And the Lord said unto Moses, Go thou up unto this mount of 'Abarim, and .see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel. 13 And when thou hast seen it, then shalt thou also be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother hath been gathered. 14 Because ye rebelled against my order in the desert of Zin, at the quarrelling of the congregation, to sanctify" me through the waters before their eyes : these are the waters of Meribah in Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin. 15 ^ And Moses spoke unto the Lord, say- ing, 16 Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all tlesh, appoint a man over tlie congregation, 17 Who may go out before them, and who may come in before them, and who may lead them out, and who may bring them in; that the congregation of the Lord be not as a tlock which have no shepherd. LS And the Lord .said unto Moses. Take to thyself Joshua the son of Nun, a man in should have sanctified me, on the occasion of the water, before their eyes." NUMBERS XXVlt. XXVI 1 1. PINECHAS. vnd thou shalt give him a charge" U'hoin there is a spirit, and thou shalt lay thy hand upon him ; 19 And tlioil shalt cause him to stand ))e- fore Elazar the priest, and before all the con- ui-eiiiition ; lid'ore their eyes. 20 And thou slialt put some of thy greatr ness upon him ; in order that all the congrega- tion of the children of Israel may he obedient. 21 And before Elazar the priest shall he stand, and he shall ask of him after the judg- ment of the Urim before the Lord: at his'' di- rection shall they go out, and at his direction shall they come in, he, and all the children of Israel with liim, and all the coniireiia- tion. 22 And Moses did, as the Lord had com- manded him ; and he took Joshua, and caused him to stand before Elazar the priest, and be- fore all the congregation ; 2-3 And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge : as the Lord had com- manded by the hand of Moses.* CHAPTER XXVin. 1 Tl And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- 2 Command the children of Israel, and say unto them. My ofi'ering, my bread for my sa- .crifices consumed by fire, for a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in its due season." 3 And thou shalt say unto them, This is the offering made by fire which ye shall bring unto the Lord : Sheep of the first year with- out blemish, two on every day, as a continual Ijurnt^offering. 4 The one sheep shalt thou prepare in the morning, and the other sheep shalt thou pre- pare toward evening; 5 And a tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meat-offering, mingled with the fourth part of a bin of beaten oil. G It is a continual burnt-oftering, as it was prepared at mount Sinai, for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the Lord. 7 And the drink-oflering thereof shall be the fourth part of a bin for the one sheep : in the holy place shalt thou cause the strong " Give liim publicly a distinct injunction of the manner in which he is to administer the government, exercise justice, and be a valiant leader in battle. *■ That is, of fllazar. The priest invested with the wine to be pouri'd out as a driid\;-()fi"ering imto the Lord. 8 And the other sheep shalt thou |)i'('pare to- ward evening: as the meat-offering of the morning, and as the drink-offering thereof, shalt thou prepare it; an offering made Ijy fire, for a sweet savour imto the LoitD. 9 ^ And on the sal;)bath-day two sheep of the first year without blemish, and two tenth parts of fine flour for a meat-offering, mingled with oil, and the drink-offering thereof 10 This is the burrit-offering of the sal)])ath on every sabbath, besides the continual buint- offering, and its drink-oft'ering. 11 ][ And on the beginnings of your months shall ye bring as a burnt-offering unto the Lord, two young bullocks, and one ram, seven sheep of the first 3'ear without blemish. 12 And three tenth parts of fine flour for a meat-oftei'ing, mingled with oil, for each one bullock ; aiid two tenth parts of fine ffour for a meat-offering, mingled with oil, for the one ram ; 13 And a tenth part of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat-offering for every sheep : as a burnt-offering for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the Lord. 14 And their drink-offerings shall Ix' half of a bin of wine for each bullock, and the third part of a hin for the ram, and a fourth part of a hin for every sheep: this is the burnt-offering of the new moon for every month throughout the months of the year. 15 And one he-goat for a sin-offering unto the Lord: beside the continual biu'nt-oflering shall it be prepared with its drink-offering.* 16 T[ And in the first month, on the Ibur- teenth day of the month, the passover-lamb (must be offered) unto the Lord. 17 And on the fifteenth day of this month is the feast; seven days shall unleavened bi-ead be eaten. 18 On the first day is a holy convcx^ation ; no manner of servile work shall ye do; 19 And ye shall bring as a sacrifice made by fire for a burnt-offering unto the Lord, two young bullocks, and one ram, and seven sheep of the first year ; witliout blemish shall they be unto you; knowledge derived from the judgment of the Urim, should impart to the political chief the Divine injunctions for the government of the people. ° Whether on sabbath or week-days NUMBERS XXVIII. XXIX. PINECHAS. 20 And their meat-offering shall be of fine Hour mingled witli oil; three tenth parts for each bullock, and two tenth parts for the ram shall ye offer; 21 A tenth part each shalt thou oflfer for every sheep, of the seven sheep ; 22 And one goat for a sin-offering, to make an atonement for you. 23 Besides the burnt-offering of the morn- ing, which is for a continual burnt-offering, shall ye prepare these. 24 After this manner" shall ye prepare daily, throughout the seven days, the food of the sacrifice made by fire, for a sweet savour unto the Lord: besides the continual burnt- (jftei'ing shall it be prepared with its drink- offering. 25 And on the seventh day shall ye liave a holy convocation; no servile work shall ye do. 26 ^f And on the day of the * first-fruits,' when ye bring a new meat-offering unto the Lord, after your weeks are out, shall ye have a holy convocation; no servile work shall ye do. 27 And ye shall bring as a burnt-offering for a sweet savour unto the Lord, two young bullocks, one ram, seven sheep of the first year; 28 And their meat-offering of fine flour mingled with oil, three tenth parts for each one bullock, two tenth parts for the one ram, 29 A tenth part each for every sheep, of the seven sheep; 30 One he-goat to make an atonement for you: 31 Besides the continual burnt^offering and its meatoffering shall ye prepare them ; with- out blemish shall they be unto you together with their drink-ofterings. CHAPTER XXIX. 1 ^ And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, shall ye have a holy convocation; no servile work shall ye do: a ' lie}). "Like these." '' The feast of weeks, which is at the end of the seven weeks from the beginning of the harvest, or the second day of tlie passovcr. It is called the day of first-fruits, on account of the two loaves of the first wheat sacri- ficed thereon. ° Tlmugh the first day of the seventh month is an espe- cial festival, it nevertheless is also a new-rnoon day; con- sequently the .sacrifices ordained above (xxviii. 11—15) 198 day of blowing the cornet shall it be unto you. 2 And ye shall prej^are as a burnt-oft'ering for a sweet savour unto the Lord, one young bullock, one ram, seven sheep of the first yeai without blemish; 3 And tlieir meat-oflering of fine flour min- gled with oil, three tenth parts for the Ind- lock, and two tenth parts for the ram, 4 And one tenth part for every sheep, ot the seven sheep; 5 And one he-goat for a sin-ofiering, to make an atonement for you : 6 Besides the burnt>offering of the new- moon," and its meatr-oftering, and the daily burnt-offering, and its meat-oflering, and their drink-offerings, according unto their prescrib- ed manner; for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the Lord. 7 ][ And on the tenth day of this seventh montli shall ye have a holy convocation ; and 3^e shall afflicf your persons; no manner of work shall ye do. 8 And 36 shall bring as a buint-offering unto the Lord for a sweet savour, one 3'oung bullock, one rain, seven sheep of the first year; without blemish shall they be unto you. 9 And their meat>offei'iiig shall lje of fine flour mingled with oil, three tenth parts for the bullock, two tenth parts lor the one ram, 10 A tenth part each for every sheep, of the seven sheep; 11 One he-goat for a sin-offering: Ix'sides the sin-offering of the atonement," and the continual burnt-offering, and the meat-oflering thereof, and their drink-offerings.'^ 12 Tf And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month shall ye have a holy convocar tion; no servile work shall ye do; and ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days. 13 And ye shall bring as a burnt-offering, a sacrifice made by fire, for a sweet savour unto the Lord, thirteen young bullocks,*^ two must be brought, in addition to the festivo-ofFering com- manded in this section. '^ i. e. By fasting. ° In addition to the sin-oflFerings, the blond of which was carried into the holy of holies, tiie gout for 'x\/azel, and the ram for a burnt-offering, menticmed in Leviticus xvi., shall these sacrifices be made. ' As the whole scheme of sacrifices is merely an autho- ritative enactment of the Lord, it would be needless to NUMBERS XXIX. XXX. PINECHAS. rams, and foiirteen sheep of the first year; without blemish shall they be. 14 And their meat-oflei'iiig shall be of fine Hour mingled with oil, three tenth parts for every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth parts for each one ram of the two rams. 15 And a tenth part each for every sheep of the fourteen sheep. IG And one he-goat for a sin-otlering: be- sides the continual burnt-ofi'ering, its meat- (jffering, and its drink-offering. 17 ^1 And on the second day, twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen sheep of the first year without lileinish ; 18 And their meat-oflering and their driuk- ofiei'ings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the sheep, shall be according to their num- ber, after tlie prescribed mannei-; lU And one he-goat for a sin-oflering: be- sides the continual burnt-ofiering, and the meat-ofiering thereof, and their drink-ofier- ings. 20 T[ And on the third day eleven bul- locks, two rams, fourteen sheep of the first year without blemish; 21 And their meat-ofiering and their drink- oflerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the sheep, shall be according to their num- ber, after the prescribed manner; 22 And one goat for a sin-ofi'ering: besides the continual burnt-ofiering, and its meat^ offering, and its drink-ofiering. 23 ^f And on the fourth daj- ten bullocks, two rams, fourteen sheep of the first year without blemish ; 24 Their meat-oifering and their drink- offerings for the bulhjcks, ftjr the rams, and for the sheep, shall be according to their num- ber, after the prescribed manner; 25 And one he-goat for a sin-offering: te- sides the continual burnt-ofiering, its meat^ offering, and its drink-offering. 2G 1J And on the fifth day nyie bullocks, two rams, fourteen sheep of the first year without blemish; 27 And their meat-ofiering and their drink- ofi'erings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the sheep, shall be according to their num- ber, after the prescribed manner; seek f(ir any particular reason for the diver.sity in the va- rious festivals. Only when oiFered as ordained, were burnt and other oiferings acceptable, as acts of obedience and submission to the supreme will of Israel's Ruler and King. 28 And one goat for a sin-offering: besides the continual l)urnt^oflering, and its meat- ofiering, and its drink-ofiering. 29 ^ And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, fourteen sheep of tlie first year without blemish ; 30 And their meat-ofTering and their drink- offerings for the bulk)cks, for the rams, and for the sheep, sliall be according to their num- ber, after the prescribed manner; 31 And one goat for a sin-oftering: besides the continual burnt-ofiering, its meat-ofiering, and its drink-offerings. 32 ^ And on the seventh day seven bul- locks, two rams, fourteen sheep of the first year without blemish; 33 And their meat-ofiering and their drink- ofterings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the sheep, shall be according to their num- ber, after their prescribed manner; 34 And one goat for a sin-oftering: besides the continual burnt-ofiering, its meat-offering, and its drink-oftering.'-' 35 ^ On the eighth day shall ye htive a solemn assembly f no servile woi'k shall ye do. 36 And ye shall bring as a burnt-oftering, a sacrifice made by fire, for a sweet savour unto the Lord, one bullock, one ram, seven sheep of the first year without blemish. 37 Their meat-ofiering and their drink- ofterings for the bullock, for the ram, and tor the sheep, shall be according to their number, after the prescribed manner ; 38 And one goat for a sin-oftering: besides the continual burnt-oft'ering, and its meat- oftering, and its drink-oftering. 39 These shall ye prepare unto the Lord on your appointed festivals ; besides your vows, and your freewill-offerings, consisting of your burnt-ofterings, and of your meat offerings, and of your drink-ofterings, and of your peace- offerings. CHAPTER XXX. l*" And Moses said to the children of Israel accoi'ding to all that the Lord had command- ed Moses. Ilaplitorah in 1 Kiu^s xviii. 46 to xix. 12I ; but if it Ijc after tlie 17th of Tamuz, in .Jeremiah i. 1 to ii. 3. Hence, also, it is useless to seek for an exact solution of the various ceremonies attcndinj; them. " " A conclusion feast." — Philippson. '' The English version commences ch. sxx. at ver. "2. IPO NUMBERS XXX. XXXI. MATTOTH. SECTION XLII. MATTOTH, ^\^Qr2. 2 ^ And Moses spoke unto the heads of the tribes of the children of Israel, saying. This is the thing which the Lord hath com- manded, 3 If a man make a vow unto the Lord, or he swear an oath to bind his soul with au obligation :" he shall not profane his word; according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth shall he do. 4 And if a woman make a vow unto the Lord, and l)in(l herself by an obligation, be- ing in her father's house in her youth ; 5 And her father hear her vow, and her oliligation wherewith she hath bound her soul, and her father be silent to her: then shall all her vows stand, and every obligation wherewith she hath bound her soul shall stand. 6 But if her father disallow her on the day that he heareth it: all her vows or her obligations, wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall not stand; and the Lord will for- give her, because her father hath disallowed her. 7 And if she be given to a man, and have vows upon her, or what she may have uttered with her lips, wherewith she hath bound her soul ; 8 And her husbaud hear it, and be silent to her on the day that he heareth it: then shall her vows stand, and her obligations, wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand. 9 But if on the day of her husband's hear- ijig it, he disallow her: then doth he annul her vow which is upon her, and that which she hath uttered with her lips, wherewith she hath bound her soul; and the Lord will for- give her. 10 But regarding the vow of a widow, or of her that is divorced, all, wherewith she liatli bound her soul, shall stand for her. 1 1 And if she had vowed in her husband's " That is, to prohibit oneself something which other- wise is pprniitto<l to him, whereas a vow may refer to do .something which otherwi.se would not be obligatory. In cither case, wliether it was by an oath or simple declara- tion, we are warned not to violate our word, called in the text to profane it. ' Verse 8 refers evidently to oaths made before the en- gagement of the female to hor husband, although a second- ' 200 house,'' or had bound her soul by an obliga- tion with an oath; 12 And her husband heard it, and was silent to her, and disallowed lier not : then all her vows shall stand, and every obligation, wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand. 13 But if her husband hath annulled them on the day he heard them : then whatsoever ^Droceeded out of her lips, concerning her vows, or concerning the obligation of her soul, shall not stand; her husband hath annulled them; and the Lord will forgive her. 14 Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the person, her husband may confirm it, or her husband may annul it. 15 But if her husband should be silent to her from daj- to day: then hath he confirmed all her vows, or all her obligations, which are upon her; he hath confirmed them, because he was silent to her on the day that he heard them. 16 But if he should annul them after (the day) that he hath heard them : then shall lie bear her iniquity. 17 These are the statutes, Avhich the Lord commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between the father and his daughter, being yet in her youth, in her father's house.* CHAPTER XXXI. 1 ][ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- mo* 2 Execute the vengeance of the children of Israel on the Midianites, after which thou shalt be gathered unto thy people. 3 And Moses spoke unto the people, say- ing. Arm from yourselves some men for the army, and let them go against the Midian- ites, to execute the vengeance of the Lord on Midi an. 4 A thousand each for every tribe, of all the tribes of Israel, shall ye send to the army. 5 And there were levied out of the thou- ary rule concerning the vows of a minor, who is betroth- ed, is also drawn from it; whereas the present addresses itself to those made after marriage, while the wife is in her husband's house. It is also inferred from this that, if a woman, during her husband's life, has made a vow. to take effect after a certain time, and he disallow it, though he should die before the time, still the vow is an- nulled. i NUMBERS XXXI. MATTOTH. sands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for the army. 6 And Moses sent them, a thousand of every tribe, to the anny; them and Phinehas the son of Elazar the priest, to the army, with the holy vessels, and the trumpets for blowing the alarm in his hand. 7 And the}- marched out against the Mi- dianites, as the Lord had commanded Moses; and the}- slew every male. 8 And the kings of Midian they slew, be- sides the rest of their men that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Chur, and Keba', the five kings of Midian; and Bifam the son of Beor they slew with the sword. 'J And tlie children of Israel took captives the women of Midian, and their little ones; and all their cattle, and all tlieir flocks, and all their goods, they took as spoil. 10 And all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all tlieir castles they burnt with tire. 11 And they took all the spoil, and all the boot}', both of men and of cattle. 12 And the_y brought unto Moses, and to Ela/.ar the priest, and unto the congregation of the children of Israel, the captives,* and the booty, and the spoil, unto the camp, to the plains of Moab, \vhich are by the Jordan opposite Jericho.* 13 ][ And Moses, and Elazar the priest, and all the princes of the congregation, went forth to meet them, to without the camp. 14 And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, the captains over the tliousands, and the captains over the hundreds, who had come from the war-campaign. 15 And Moses said unto them. Have ye allowed all the females to live? 10 Behold, these chietly were the cause unto the children of Israel, through the coun- sel of Bil'am, to commit the gross trespass against the Lord in the matter of Peor; through which there was the plague among the congregation of the Lord. 17 And now kill ye every male among the 'The word "captives" Oty refers to human beings; "spoil" SSty to inanimate things, "booty" nip'70 to the cattle. But when they are not all enumerated together, both SSty and nip'?^: refer to all things taken in war, as the English word xjioil. '■ In obedience to the injunction contiiined in chap, xix., by which every one touching a dead body is rendered un- 2A little ones, and every woman that hath known man by lying with him shall ye kill. 18 But all among the women-children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves. 19 But ye, — you must abide without the camp seven dajs: all ye who have killed any person, and all who have touched any one slain, shall purify yourselves on the third day, and on the seventh day;*" both jou and your captives. 20 And every garment, and whatever is made of skins, and every work of goats' hair, and every vessel made of wood, shall ye purify unto yourselves. 21 ^ And Elazar the priest said imto the men of the army who had gone to the battle, This is the ordinance of the law which the Lord hath commanded Moses: 22 Nevertheless'' the gold, and the silver", the copper, the iron, the tin, and the lead, 23 Every thing that cometh into the fire shall ye make go through the fire, and it shall be clean; only it shall be purified with the waters of sprinkling: and wliatsoever doth not come into the iire shall ye cause to go through the water. 2-4 And ye shall wash your clothes on the seventh da}-, and ye shall be clean, and after that may ye come into the camp.* 25 T[ And the Lord said unto Moses, as followeth, 26 Take the sum of the booty of the cap- tives, both of man and of cattle, thon, with Elazar the priest, and tlie chiefs of the fami- lies of the congregation : 27 And thou shall divide the booty, l)e- tween those that carried on the war, who went out to the army, and between all the congregation. 28 And thou shalt levy a tribute unto the Lord from the men of war who went out to the army, one individual from every five hun- dred, of the persons, and of the beef-cattle, and of the asses, and of the sheep ; 29 From their half shall ye take it; and clean, and remains so, till sprinkled with the ashes of the red cow. ° "Although Moses only instructed you respecting the law of uncleanness, you are now to be instructed, in addi- tion, concerning the purification of vessels used for forbid- den food. 'Only' means an exception: you are not to use such articles even after they have been cleansed from 201 NUMBERS XXXI. XXXII. MATTOTH. diou ^sh;^lt give it unto Elazar the priest, for a heave-oftering of the Loud. 30 And from tlie luilf of the chikU-en of Israel, shalt thou take one individual, as it may come," from any fifty, of the persons, of beet-cattle, of the asses, and of the tlocks, of all manner of cattle; and thou slialt give the same unto the Levites, who keep the charge of the tabernacle of the Lord. 31 And Moses with Elazar the priest did, as the Lord had commanded Moses. 32 And the booty, being the rest of the spoil wdiich the men of the army had taken, was of sheep and goats, six hundred thousand and seventy thousand and five thousand, 33 And of beef-cattle, seventy and two thousand, 34 And of asses, sixty and one thousand, 35 And of human persons, of women that had not knowai man hy lying with him, in all thirty and tw(j thousand. 30 And the half, the portion of those who had gone out in the army, was, in the number of sheep and goats, three hundred thousand and seven and thirty thousand and five hun- dred. 37 And the tril)ute unto the Lord of the flocks was six hundred and seventy and five. 38 And the beef-cattle were thirty and six thousand; and the triljute thereof unto the Lord was seventy and two. 39 And the asses were thirty thousand o^nd five hundred; and the tribute thereof unto the Lord was sixty and one. 40 And the human persons were sixteen thousand; and the tribute thereof unto the Lord was thirty and two persons. 4 1 And Moses gave the tribute, the Lord's heave-olfering, unto Elazar the priest, as the Lord had conuuanded Moses.'-' 42 And from the half of the children of Is- rael, which Moses divided ofl" from the men that had gone forth in the army, — 43 (Now the half of the congregation was, of sheep and goats three hundred thousand the uncieanness of the dead, till they have been treated nfter the manner prescribed in this section. — After R.Asin. ' inx means "to seize;" the participle here employed means, tlicrefnre, "jn.st as it came," or "as it was seized hold of," that is, no particular care being em))l(iyed in making the selection. '' Hv niferring to l''::.i(.;us .\x.x. 12, it will be found that 202 land thirt}' thousand, seven thousand and ^^•e hundred, 44 And beef-cattle, thirty and six tlioii sand, 45 And asses thirty thousand five hundred, 46 And human persons sixteen thousand;) 47 And Moses took from this half of the children of Israel, as it came, one from every fifty, of man arid of cattle, and gave the same unto the Levites, who kept the charge of the tabernacle of the Lord; as the Lord had com- manded Moses. 48 And there came near unto Moses the officers who had been over the thousands of the army, the captains of the thousands, and the captains of the hundreds, 49 And they said unto Moses, Thy ser- vants have taken the sum of the men of war who have been under our command, and there lacketh not one man of us. 50 We have therefore brought an oblation imto the Lord, each what he hath gotten of vessels of gold, chains, and bracelets, finger- rings, ear-rings, and tablets, to make an atone- ment'' for our souls before the Lord. 51 And Moses with Elazar the priest took the gold from them, all kinds of wrouglit articles. 52 And all the gold of the offering tiial they oflered up to the Lord, was sixteen thou- sand seven hundred and fifty shekels, I'rom the captains of the thousands, and from the captains of the hundreds. 53 The men of the army had taken spoil, every man for himself 54 And Moses and Elazar tlie priest took the gold from the captains of the thousands and of the hundreds, and they brought it into the tabernacle of the congregation, as a memo- rial for the children of Israel before the Lord.''' CHAPTER XXXIL 1 ^ Now the children of Reuben and the childi'en of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle; and they saw the land of Ya'zer, when numbering the people, it was ordained that every one should offer half a shekel as an atonement, that " there might be no plague among the children of I'irael." It was no doubt this commandment, at the taking of the general census, which induced the captains of the army to offer a similar gift as an atonement for the numbering of the men intrusted to their command, at the partial census which they had instituted. NUMBERS XXXII. MATTOTH. Lord hath given ami the hind of Girad. that, behold, the place was a [ilace i'or cattle. 2 And the children of Gad and the chil- dren of Reiiljcn came, and said unto Moses, and unto Elazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation, as foUoweth, ;5 'Atarotli, and Dibon, and Ya'zei-, and Ninirah, and Cheshbon. and El'aleh, and Se- bam, and Nebo, and Be'on, 4 The country which the Lord hath smit- ten before the congregation of Israel, is aland for cattle ; and th}' servants have cattle. ■3 ^ And they said. If we have found grace in thy eyes, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession: do not compel us to go over the Jordan. 6 And Moses said unto the children of Gad, and unto the children of Reiibeu, Sliall yonr brethren go to the war. nnd will ye' sit here? 7 And wherefore will you turn aside the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the them ? 8 Thus did your fothers, when I sent them fi"om Kaflesh-baruea to see the land. 9 For they went up as far as the valley of Eslicol, and they saw the land, and then they turned aside the heart of the children of Israel, so that they would not go into the land which the Lord had given them. 10 And the anger of the Lord was kindled on that day, and he swore, saying, 11 Surel}' none of the men that came up out of Egypt, ti'om twenty ^ears old and up- ward, shall see the land which I swore unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; be- cause they have not wholly followed me :'' 12 Save Caleb the son of Yephnnneh the Keuizzite, and Joshua the son of Nun ; for they have wholly followed the Lord. 13 And the anger of the Lord was thus kindled against Israel, and he made them wander about in the wilderness forty years, " Moses thought, jirobably, that it was an unwillingness on the part of the petitioners to enter Palestine, which caused them to prefer the eastern side of Jordan; and that their refusal to participate in the conquest of the western part might perhaps induce the other tribes to re- bel, which again would cause the wandering in the desert to be continued for an indefinite length of time. Hence his remonstrances, and their assurance that it was simply because the land was suited for the pasture of their cattle that their request was made. until all the generation was spent, that had done the evil in the eyes of the Lord. 14 And now, behold, ye are risen up in your fathers' stead, a new race of sinful men, to augment yet more the fierce anger of the Lord toward Israel. 15 For if ye turn away from after him, he will yet longer leave them in the wilderness; and y-e will thus be destruction to all this people. 16 ^ And they came near unto him, and said, Sheepfolds will we build for our cattle here, and cities for our little ones; 17 But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until that we have brought them unto their place ; and our little ones shall d\\"ell in the fortified cities, because of the inhabitants of the land. 18 We will not return inito our houses, until the children of Israel have acquired for themselves every man his inheritance. 19 For we will not take possession with them on the other side of the Jordan, and farther on : when" our inheiitauce hath come to us on this side of the Jordan eastward.* 20 ][ And Moses said unto them. If ye will do this thing, if ye will arm yourselves before the Lord tor the war; 21 And every armed man of you will go over the Jordttn before the Lord, until he have driven out his enemies from before him; 22 And when, only after the land hath been subdued before the Lord, ye will return, and ye be thus guiltless'' before the Lord, and before Israel : then shall this land be yours for a possession before the Lord. 23 But if ye will not do so, behold, 3-6 have sinned against the Lord; and ye shall experience the punishment^ of your sin which will overtake you. 24 Build yourselves cities for your little ones, and folds for yoin" flocks; and that Avhich hath proceeded out of \ our mouth shall ye do. *■ Hcb. "They have not filled after nie;'" meaning, that they had not rendered their hearts fully willing to follow the Lord. " Onkelos and others, "becau.se." '' Arnheim renders D"pJ DjT'DI with "ye have discharged the duty." — We can derive from this a lesson, that it is not enough for us to act justly before (xod, but we should also strive to avoid suspicion from man. ° nxDn properly signifies "the sin," and then also the punishment which follows on the same. 203 NUMBERS XXXII. XXXIII. MASSAY. 25 And the children of Gad and the children of Reiiben said unto Moses, as foUoweth, Thj servants will do as m^y lord commandeth. 26 Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall remain there in the cities of Gil'ad ; 27 But thy servants will pass over, every one that is armed for the army, before the Lord, to the war, as my lord speaketh. 28 And Moses commanded concerning them Elazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chiefs of the fiiniilies of the tribes of the children of Israel ; 29 And Moses said unto them. If the chil- dren of Gad and the children of Reuben do pass with you over the Jordan, every one that is armed for the war, before the Lord, and the land shall be subdued befoi'e you : then shall ye give to them the land of Gil'ad for a possession; 30 But if they should not pass over armed with you, they shall take possessions among you in the land of Canaan." 31 And the children of Gad and the chil- dren of Reiiben answei*ed, saying, That which the Lord hath spoken concerning thy ser- vants, even so will we do. 32 We will indeed pass over armed before the Lord into the land of Canaan, while ours reraaineth the possession of our inheritance on this side of the Jordan. 33 And Moses gave unto them, to the chil- dren of Gad, and to the children of Reiiben, and to half the tribe of Menasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sichon, the king of the Emorites, and the kingdom of 'Og, the king of Bashan, the land, with its cities with- in the boundaries, the cities of the country round about. 34 And the children of Gad built Dibon, and 'Ataroth, and 'Aro'er, 35 And 'Atroth-shophan, and Ya'zer, and Yogbehah, 36 And Beth-nimrah, and Beth-haran, forti- fied cities, and folds for flocks, * As eiicli tribe hail to sopuro its possession by conquest, (see Jiulgfs i.,) it was a proper denunciation of punish- ment for the Roiibenites and tlicir associates to be com- pelled to .-KMiuire new territory, if tliey foi-feiied the land already eoncjuerecl, by tluiir brea<'h of this oovenant. '' The commentator to IMemlelssohn's translation sup- p').ses 'hat iSiehon, in conquering the part of tlie country of Moiib mentioned above, xxi. '20, had given now names to :;04 37 And the children of Reiiben built Chesh bon, and El'aleh, and Kiryathayim, 38 And Nebo, and Ba'al-me'on (theii names being changed), and Sibmah ; and they gave the former names'' unto the cities which they built. 39 And tlie children of Muchir the son of Menasseh went to Gil'ad, and conquered it, and dispossessed the Emorites who were in it.* 40 And Moses gave Gil'ad unto Machir the son of Menasseh ; and he dwelt therein. 41 And Ya'ir the son of Menasseh Avent and conquered the small towns thereof, and called them Chavotli-jair. 42 And Nobach went and conquered Ke- nath, and the villages thereof, and called it Nobach, after his own name. Haphtorah in Jeremiah i. 1 to ii. 3. SECTION XLIII. MASSAY, 'i'DO. CHAPTER XXXIII. 1 T[ These are the journeys of the children of Israel, who went forth out of the land of Egypt according to their armies, under the guidance of Moses and Aaron. 2 And Moses wrote their departures ac- cording to their journeys by the order of the Lord ; and the.se are their journej-s according to their departures. 3 And they set forward from Ra'meses in the first month ; on the fifteenth day of the first month, on the morrow after the pass- over-sac rifice" the cliildren of Israel went out with a high hand before the eyes of all the Egyptians. 4 And the Egy])tians were burying all the first-born, whom the Lord had smitten amono; them ; and upon their gods also did the Lord execute judgments. 5 And the children of Israel removed from Ra'meses, and encamped in Succoth. 6 And they removed from Succoth, and en- thc cities ; and that the Reiibenitcs adopted again the Moabite names, except Nebo and Ba'al-Me'on, which they changed. But Arnlieim renders, " And they called by various names the cities which they built;" meaning, that they applied new names to the towns erected by them in their country ° I. e. The day after the sacrifice of the passovcr-himb. See note above, to Leviticus xxiii. 5. NUMBERS XXXIII. MASSAY. c-aniped in Etham, which is on the edge of the Avihleniess. 7 And tlR\y removed from Etham, and re- turned unto Pi-hacliiroth, which is hefoiv Ba- "al-zephon ; and tliey encamped l)efore Miudol. S And they removed from belbre Pi-haehi- rotii. and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness; and they went a three da^'s' journey in the wiklerness of Etham, and encamped in Marah. 9 And they removed from Marah, and came unto Elim ; and in Elim there were twelve springs of water, and seventy palm- trees ; and they encamped there. 10 And tliey removed from Elim, and en- camjied by the Red Sea.''' 11 And they removed from the Red Sea, and encamped in the wildei'ness of Sin. 12 And they removed from the wilderness of Sin, and encamped in Dophkah. 13 And they removed from Dophkah, and encamped in Alush. 14 And they removed from Alush, and en- camped at Repliidim, and there was no water for the people to drink. 15 And they removed from Repliidim, and encamped in the wilderness of Sinai. 16 And they removed from the wilderness of Sinai, and encamped in Kibroth-lmttniivah. 17 x\nd they removed from Kibi'oth-hat^ taiivah, and encamped in Chazeroth. 18 And they removed from Chazeroth, and encamped in Rithuiah. 19 And they removed from Rithmah, and encamped in Rimmon-perez. 20 And they removed from Rimmon-perez, and encamped in Libnah. 21 And they removed frorh Libnali, and encamped in Rissah. 22 And they removed from Rissah, and encamped in Kehelathah. 23 And they removed from Kehelathah, and encamped in mount Shapher. 24 And they removed from mount Shapher, and encamped in Charadah. 25 And they removed from Charadah, and encamped in Makheloth. 26 And they removed from Makheloth, and encamped in Tachath. 27 And they removed from Tachath, and encamped in Tarach. 2S And tliey removed from Tarach, and encamped in Mithkah. 29 And they removed from Mithkah, and encamped in ('hashmonah. 30 And they removed lix)m Chashmoiuih, and encamped in Mosseroth. 31 And they removed from Mosseroth, and encamped in Bene-ya'akan. 32 And they removed from Bene-ya'akan, and encamiied in Chor-hagidgad, 33 And they removed from Chor-hatiitljiad, and encamped in Yotbathah. 34 And they removed from Yotbathah, and encamped in 'Abronah. 35 And they removed from 'Abronah, and encamped at 'Ezyon-geber. 36 And the}' removed from 'Ezyon-geber, and encamped in the wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh. 37 And they removed from Kadesh, and encamped at mount Hor, on the edge of the land of Edom. 38 And Aaron the priest went uj) on mount Hor by the order of the Lord, and died there, in the fortieth year after the going out of the children of Israel from the land of Egypt, in the fifth month, on the first of the month. 39 And Aaron was a hundred and twenty and three years old when he died on mount Hor. 40 T[ And the Canaanite the king of "Arad, who dwelt on the south side in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel. 41 And they removed from mount Hor, and encamped in Zalmonah. 42 And they removed from Zalmonah, and encamped in'Punon. 43 And they removed from Punon, and en- camped in Oboth. 44 And they removed from Oboth, and en- camped in 'lyt^-ha'abarim, on the border of Moab. 45 And they removed from 13'im, and en- camped in Dibon-gad. 46 And they x-emoved from Dibon-gad, and encamped in 'Almon-diblathaymah. 47 And they removed from "Almon-dibla- thaymah, and encamped on the mountains of 'Abarim, before Nebo. 48 And they removed from the mountains of 'Abarim, and encamped in the plains of Moab by the Jordan opposite Jericho. 49 And they encamped by the Jordan, 205 NUMBERS XXXIII. XXXIV. MASSAY. from Beth-hayeshimoth even unto Abel-ha- shittim in the plains of Moab.* 50 ][ And the Lord spoke unto Moses in the phiins of Moab by the Jordan opposite Jericho, saying, 51 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye pass over the Jordan into the land of Canaan : 52 Then shall ye drive out all the inha^ bitants of the land from before you, and ye shall destroy all their statues, and all their molten images shall ye destroy, and devastate all their high places. 53 And ye shall drive out (the inhabitants of) the land, and ye shall dwell therein ; for unto you have I given the land to possess it. 54 And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families ; to the numerous shall ye give the more inheritance, and to the small in number sliall ye give the less inheritance : there, where the lot desig- nateth it for him, shall every one's jjossessions be ; according to the tribes of your fathers shall ye divide it among yourselves. 55 But if ye will not drive out the inhabit- ants of the land from 1 )efore you : then shall it come to pass, that those whom ye will let remain of them shall be as thorns in your eyes, and as stings in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land wherein ye dwell. 56 And it shall come to pass, that as I purposed to do unto them, mil I do unto you. CHAPTER XXXIV. 1 T[ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ing. . 2 Command the children of Israel, and say unto them. When ye come into the land of Canaan, shall this be tlie land that shall fall unto you for an inheritance : The land of Ca- naan according to its boundaries. 3 And the southern side shall be unto you from the wilderness of Zin along Ijy the l)()undary of Edom, and your southern border shall commence at the outmost edge of the Salt Sea on its east side. 4 And the border shall turn for you from * A different mount from the niio wliore Aaron dicrl ; '.lit one here bring a liuadlanil on the nortli-we.st, tiow call- 206 the south of the ascent of 'Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin ; and its terminating points shall be to the south of Kadesh-barnea', and shall go ou to Chazar-addar, and pass on to 'Azmon ; 5 And the border shall turn from 'Azmon unto the river of Egypt, and its terminating points shall be at the sea. 6 And as the western border, shall ye have the Great Sea for a border : this shall be your western border. 7 And this shall be unto you the northern border : from the Great Sea shall ye mark out for you (the boundary to) mount Ilor;'' 8 From mount Hor shall ye mark out (the boundary) unto the entrance of Chanuith ; and the terminations of the border sliall be toward Zedad ; 9 And the border shall go on to Ziphrou. and its terminating points shall be atChazar-'enan : this shall be unto you the northern border. 10 And ye shall turn yourselves to the eastern border, from Chazar-'enan to Shepham ; 11 And the boundary shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, to the eastward of 'Ayin; and the boundary shall descend, and sludl touch upon the coast of the sea of Kiiuiereth, eastward ; 12 And the border shall go down tt) the Jordan, and its terminating points'' sliall be at the Salt Sea : this shall be your land after its boundaries round about. 13 And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying. This is the land which ye shall divide among yourselves by lot, which the Lord hj.th commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe. 14 For the tribe of the children of Reuben according to their family divisions, and the tribe of the children of Gad according to their family divisions, have received, — and the half of the tribe of Menasseh have received their inheritance ; 15 The two tribes and the half tribe have received their inheritance on this side of the Jordan o],)posite Jericho eastward, toward the rishig of the sun.* 16 ^[ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ing, ed Ras-al-shnka, between Beirut and Trablos (Tripoli ;) whereas flie other is at the soutli-cast. '' /'. e. Thet'arthest points of the boundary in that direction NUMBERS XXXIV. XXXV. MASSAY. 17 These are the names of the men who shall parcel out unto ,you the land : Elazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun. 18 And one prince each from every tribe shall ye take to paixel out the land. 19 And these are the names of the men : Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Ye- phunneh ; 20 And of the tribe of the children of Si- meon, Shemuel the son of 'Ammihud ; 21 Of the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the son of Kisslon ; 22 And of the tribe of the children of Dan the prince. Bukki the son of Yogli ; 23 Of the children of Joseph, for the tribe of the children of Menasseh the prince, Chan- niel the son of Ephod ; 24 And of the ti'ibe of the children of Eiiliraim the prince, Kemuel the son of Shiplitau ; 25 And of the trilje of the children of Zebuhm the prince, Elizaphan the son of Parnacli ; 26 And of the tribe of the children of Issa- cliar the prince, Paltiel the son of 'Azzan ; 27 And of the trilie of the children of Asher the prince, Achihud the son of She- lomi; 28 And of the tribe of the children of Naphtali the prince, Pedahel the son of 'Am- iniliud. 29 These are they whom the Lord hath commanded to divide out the inheritance unto the children of Israel in the land of Ca- naan.* CHAPTER XXXV. 1 Tl And the Lord spoke unto Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan opposite Jericho, saying, 2 Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites from the inheri- tance of their possession cities to dwell in; and an open space for the cities round about them shall ye give (also) unto the Levites. ' "And afterward he mentions two thousand. How is this? He gives them two thousand cubits all round, and of these the inner thousand are for the open space, and the outer thousand for fields and vineyards." — Kasiu and Rasiih.v.m. But Philippson conceives that the whole snould form a square of two thousand cubits, in the centre of which the city should be situated, which would make the line one thousand cubits only fmni each aide of the 3 And the cities shall serve them to dwell in ; and their open spaces shall be for their cattle, and for their goods, and for all their requirements. 4 And the open spaces of the cities, which ye shall give unto the Levites, shall reach from the wall of the city and outward a thousand" cubits round al)0ut. 5 And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits, with the city in the midst : this shall be to them the open spaces of the cities. 6 And the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites shall be the six cities of refuge, which 3'e shall appoint that the manslayer may flee thither; and in addition to them shall ye give forty and two cities. 7 All the cities which ye shall (thus) give to the Levites shall be forty and eight cities, they with their open spaces. 8 And the cities which ye shall give of the possession of the children of Israel, from the tribe that hath many shall ye give many; but from the one that hath few shall ye give few : every one according to its inheritance which it may inherit shall give of its cities unto the Levites.* 9 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say- ing, 10 Speak unto the children of Isi-ael, and say unto them, When ye have passed over the Jordan into the land of (Janaan : 11 Then ye shall appoint unto yourselves proper cities, that they be cities of refuge for you ; and thither shall flee the manslayer who killeth any person at unawares. 12 And these cities shall be unto you for a refuge from the avenger ; that the manslayer die not, until he have stood before the congre- gation for trial.'' 13 And the cities which ye shall give, shall be six cities of refuge unto you ; city wall. But Rashi's opinion seems preferable, espe- cially if we consider that the space of one thousand cubits was to be for pasture, &c., and they would have thus had nothing for fields and vineyards. "■ DStyob, to be judged and inquired into whether the deed was murder or accidental homicide, or whether it happened at all. — This also shows us that even open mur- der had to be tried by the [uiblie courts. NUMBERS XXXV. XXXVI. M ASSAY. 14 Three of these cities shall ye give on this side of the Jordan, and the three other cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan : cities of refuge shall they be; 15 For the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them, shall these six cities be for a refuge: that every one" may flee thither that killeth any person at unawares. 16 And if he have smitten him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer : the murderer shall surely be put to death. 17 And if he have smitten him with a stone which one can take in the hand,'' where- with he may die, and he die, lie is a murder- ' er : the murderer shall surel}' be put to death. 18 Or if he have smitten him with an arti- cle of M'ood, which one can take in the hand, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer : the murderer shall surely be put to death. 19 The avenger of the blood himself shall slay the nuirderer; when he meeteth him, shall he slay him. '20 And if he push" against him out of hatred, or he have hurled at him (any thing) by lying in wait, that he die ; 2i Or if in enmity he have smitten him with his hand, that he died, he that smote him shall surely be put to death ; (for) he is a murderer: the avenger of the blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth with him. 22 But if he have pushed against him ac- cidentally^ without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without lying in wait, 23 Or with any stone wherewith a man may die, without seeing him, and he have let it tall ui)Ou him, that lie died; whereas he was not his enemy, and did not seelc his harm : 24 Then shall the congregation judge be- tween the slayer and the avenger of the blood according to these institutions; " Anotlior injunction to treat the stninffcr well. "' That is, as Rashi says, a stone tiiat lills the hand, and is lari;e enough to produce dcatli ; so also with wood. A .small piece of iron, however, can ])roduce death; no size, therefore, is mentioned. Mendelssohn renders, "If he take a stone, with which otic can be slain, in the hand, and smite some one," kc. But the evident intention of the law is to provide that the stone or wood must be of a size likely to produce death, and to exclude from wilful mur- der when tlic nrtii-lc was of that kind as to preclude a 2lJH 25 And the congregation shall deli^■er tht; manslayer out of the hand of the avenger of the blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he had Hed ; and he shall abide in it until the death of the high-priest, Avho hath been anointed with the holy oil. 26 But if the manslayer shouUl at any time pass the boundary of the city of his refuge, whither he may have fled ; 27 And the avenger of the blood should find him beyond the boundary of the city of his refuge, and the avenger of the blood should kill the manslayer: he shall not Ijc guilty of blood ;" 28 Because in the city of his refuge shall he remain until tlie death of the higli-[)riest ; but after the death of the high-priest the man- slayer may return unto the land of his pos- session .** 29 And these things shall be unto you lor a statute of justice throughout your genera- tions, in all your dwellings. 30 Whoever it be that killeth a person, according to the testimony of witnesses shall the murderer be put to death ; but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die. 31 Moreover ye shall take no redemption money for the person of a murderer," who is guilty of death; but he shall surely be put to death. 32 And ye shall take no redemption money for him that hath fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. 33 And ye shall not defile the land wherein ye are ; for the blood it is which defileth the land : and no atonement can Ije made unto the land for the blood which hath l)eeii shed therein, except through the blood of him that hath shed it. 34 And ye shall not render unclean the murderous intent, though death should have accidentally ensued. ° "I'ush him down from a high place." — Aukn Kzk.\. '' .\t this return he is free from civil punishment ; cou- se(iuently, to kill him would be a punishable murder. " This prohibition, not to take money to redeem a mur- derer from his punishment, permits by implication that if is permitted to assess a fine for inflicting a wound on ano- ther, and lint to take actually eye for eye or tooth for tooth. This also was the practice of J/wish courts. HHA.RA.()H A.HPEA.UIMO To MOSES TO OEl^AKl' WI IH THE CHILDREN OE ISRAEL NUMBERS XXXVI. MASSAY. land which ye inhabit, in the midst of which I dwell ; for' I the Lord dwell in the midst of the children of Israel.* CHAPTER XXXVI. 1 .T[ And there came near the chiefs of the divisions of the famil}' of the children of Gil- "ad. the son of Machir, the son of Menasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph ; and they spoke before Moses, and before the princes, the chiefs of the divisions of the children of Israel ; 2 And they said, The Lord hath command- ed my lord to give the land for an inherit- ance by lot to the children of Israel ; and my lord hath been commanded by the Lord to give the inheritance of Zelophchad onr brother unto his daughters. 3 And if they become the wives of any of the sons of the (other) tribes of the children of Israel : then will their inheritance be taken from the inheritance of our fathers, and be added to the inheritance of the tribe where- among they may be married;" and Irom the lot of our inheritance will it be taken away. 4 And whenever the jubilee shall be to the children of Israel : then will their inherit- ance be added unto the inheritance of the tribe wliereamong they may be married ; and from the inheritance of the tribe of our fathers will their inheritance be taken away. 5 And Moses commanded the children of Israel by the order of the Lord, saying. The tribe of the sons of Joseph have spoken well. 6 This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded'' concerning the daughters of Ze- " D'a'ih is here again understood; hence the word "mar- ried" has been supplied. ' It is probable that the restriction now made known was a part of the law of inheritance communicated to Moses lophchad, saying. To those who are pleasing in their eyes may they become wives; howe\er only to the family of the tribe oi' their lather shall they become waves. 7 And the inheritance of the children of Israel shall not pass Irom tribe to ti'il)e; Init the children of Israel shall adhere every one to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathei's. 8 And ev<iry daughter that inheriteth any possession out of any tribe of the children of Israel, shall become the wife unto one of the family of the tribe of her father ; in order that the children of Israel may' inherit every one the inheritance of his fathers. 9 And no inheritance shall })ass irom one tribe to another tribe ; but the tribes of the chidren of Israel shall adhere, every one, to his own inheritance.* 10 Even as the Lord had commandeil Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophchad ; 11 And Machlah, Tirzah, and Choglah, and Milcah, and No'ah, the daughters of Ze- lophchad became the wives (;f the sons of their uncles. 12 (To persons) of the families of the sons of Menasseh the son of Joseph did they be- come wives, and their inheritance remained in the tribe of the family of their lather. 13 These are the commandments and the ordinances, which the Lord connnanded by the hand of Moses unto the children of Israel, in the plains of Mo;Uj by the Jordan op})osite Jericho. Haphtorah in Jeremiah ii. 4 to 28 : to which the (iermans add iii. 4: and the Portuguese, iv. 1 aud 2. with the other clauses above, xxvii. 7 toll, but wa.s with- held until the elders most interested came to inquiry, .s might have been at once expected, so as to give the matter greater sanction and force. 2B THE BOOK OF DEUTEKONOMY, DEBARIM, Dn^-t. CONTAINING A RECAPITULATION OF THE HISTORY OF THE ISRAELITES IN THE DESERT, AND OF SEVERAL LAWS; EMBRACING ALSO SOME NEW ENACTMENTS, AND AN ACCOUNT OF THE LAST DAYS OF MOSES. SECTION XLIV. DEBARIM, DHDl. CHAPTER I. 1 ^1 These are the words which Moses spoke unto all Israel on this side of the Jor- dan" in the wilderness, in the plain opposite Suph, between Paran, and Tophel, and La- ban, and Chazeroth, and Di-zahab. 2 It is a journey of eleven days from Ho- reb by the way of mount Se'ir unto Kadesh- barnea. 3 And it came to pass in the fortieth'' year, ill tke eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spoke unto the cliildren of Israel, according to all that the Lord had commanded him concerning them; 4 After lie had smitten Sichon the king of the Einorites, who dwelt in Cheshbon, and 'Og the king of Bashan, who dwelt at 'Ashta- roth ill Edre'i. 5 On this side of the Jordan, in tlie land of Moab, began Moses to explain this law, saying, 6 The Lord our God spoke unto us in IIo- i-eb, saying. Ye have tarried long enough at this mount; 7 Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mountaiu of the Einorites, and unto all its neighbourmg places, in the plain, in the mountain, and in the lowlands, and in the southern country, and by tlie coast of the sea, to the land of the Canaan ites, and unto the Lebanon, up to the gr(>at river, the river Euphrates. S liehold I have given up the land before " Properly "Yardeii." ^ {. c. After the going (lut from Egyi't, whieh is always the era mentioned in the Bible up to the Babylonian captivity. ° This verse is a parenthesis : Moses says in the pre- ceding one that he was not able to bear all the labour of the great multitude: and adds iiuverllieless, may it be 210 3-ou: go in and take possession of the hind which the Lord hath swoni unto your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give it unto them and to their seed alter them. 9 And I said unto you at that time, as ibl- loweth, I am not able alone to bear you : 10 The Lord your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude. 11 May" the Lord the God of your iathers make you a thousand times as many more as ye are; and bless you, as he hath spoken unto you.* 12 How can I by myself alone bear jour cumbrance, and your burden, and your strife? 13 Furnish for yourselves wise and under- standing men, and those known among your tribes,'' and I will place them as chiefs over you. 14 And ye answered me, and said. The thing which thou hast spoken is good to do. 15 And I took the chiefs of your tribes, wise and known men, and I set them as heads over you, captains over thousands, and cap- tains over hundreds, and cajitains over fifties, and cajitains over tens, and as officers for your trilies. 16 And I commanded your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your bretliren, and judge righteously, between a man and his brother, and between his stran- ger.^^ 17 Ye shall not respect persons in Judg- ment; the small as well as the great shall ye the will of God to add to them a thousand-fold a.s many; and then continues with the narrative. '' According to the Massorah, "and those weU known, according to j'our trilies." ° The law knows of no distinction between the Israelite and the fircifiiuT ; :;11 are alike brf're the Supnnir . Judge uf the woild. DEUTERONOMY I. DEBARIM. heiir; ye shall not be afraid of any man; for the judgment belongeth to God: and the cause that is too hard for you shall ye bring unto me, and I will hear it. 18 And I commanded you at that time all the things which ye should do. 19 And we departed from Horeb, and we went through all that great and terrilile wil- derness, which ye have seen, by the wa^- of the mountain of the Emorites, as the Lord our God had commanded us; and we came as far as Kadesh-barnea. 20 And I said unto you, Ye are come unto the mountain of the Emorites, which the Lord our God doth give unto us. 21 Behold, the Lord thy God hath given up" the land before thee : go up and take pos- session of it, as the Lord the God of thy fathers hath spoken unto thee; do not fear, and be not discouraged.* 22 And ye alF' came near unto me and said. Let us send out men before us, that they may search out for us the land, and Ijring us Avord again concerning the wa_y by which we must go up, and the cities to which we shall come. 23 And the thing was pleasing in my eyes; and I took of you twelve men, one man for every tribe : 21 And they turned and went up into the mountain, and came unto the valley of Eshcol, and spied it out. 25 And they took in their hand some of the fruit of the land, and brought it down unto us ; and they brought us word again, and said, Tlie land which the Lord our God doth give us is good. 26 But you would not go up, and ye re- belled against the order of the Lord your God; 27 And ye murmured in your tents, and said. On account of the hatred of the LoRi: toward us, hath he brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Emorites, to desti'oy us. ' Meaning, "surrendered, yielded up;" elsewhere called "to give into the hands." ' "Confusedly; and elsewhere (Deut. v. 20) it is said, ' The heads of your tribes, and your elders,' &c. ; that apprciacliing was a worthy one, the young men ho- noured the elders by letting them go in advance; and 80 did the elders to the chiefs ; but in this case you all Ciiuie in confusion, young men pushing aside tiie ddir^ and the elders the chiefs " — R.\t,Hl. 28 Whither shall we go up? our l)rethren have made faint our heart, saying, The i)eo- ple is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and fortified up to heaven ; and moreover the sons of the 'Anakim jiave we seen there. 29 And I said unto you. Have no dread, nor be 36 afraid of them. 30 The Lord your (!od who gocth hetbre you, he it is who will fight for you; all just as he did for you in Egypt before your eyes ; 31 And in the wilderness which' thou hast seen, where the Lord thy God bore thee, as a man doth bear his son, on all the way that ye have gone, until ye came unt(j this place. 32 Yet in this thing do ye not believe in the Lord your God, 33 Who goetli before you on the way to seek out for you a place for your encamping. in fire by night, to cause 30U to see on the way in which ye are to go, and in a cloud by aay. 34 And the Lord heard the voice of your words; and he was Avroth, and swore, say- in o' 35 Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I have sworn to give unto your fathers; 36 Save Caleb the son of Yephunneh. he shall see it, and to him will 1 give the land upon which he hath trodden, and to his chil- dren; because he hath whollj' followed the Lord. 37 Also with me was the Lord angry'' for your sakes, saying. Also thou shalt not go in thither. 38 Joshua the son of Nun, who sta-ndeth before thee, he shall go in thither : him en- courage; for he shall cause Israel to inhe- rit it.* 39 And your little ones, of whom ye said. They will become a prey, and your children who know not this da}* either good or evil, these shall go in thither; and unto thent will I give it, and they shall possess it. ° According to Rashi, this ought to read, "Where thnu hast seen that the Lord, &c." But in either way ihe sense is the same. ^ As Moses was relating the ddoni of " the generation uf the desert," as they are called )jy our writers, he includes also the decree which was pronounced upon him, since he too did not pass over the Joidan. "For your sake " nicnn^ onlv that the disobedience of the ]ieople cau.se 1 his own transgressiou. DEUTERONOxMY I. II. DEBARIM. 40 But as for you, turn you, and take your j (unie}- into the wilderness by the way of the Eed Sea. •41 And ye answered and said unto me, We have sinned against the Lord; we indeed will go up and we will fight, according to all that the Lord our God hath commanded us; and ye girded on every man his weapons of Avar, and ye insisted to go up into the moun- tain. 42 And the Lord said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, and do not fight; for I am not among you; lest ye he smitten before your enemies. 4.3 And I spoke unto you; but ye would not hear; and ye rebelled against the order of the Lord, and you were presumptuous, and went up into the mountain. 44 And the Emorites, who dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and they pursued you, as the bees do, and they over- threw you in Se'ir, as far as Chormah. 45 And ye returned and wept before the Lord; but the Lord hearkened not to your voice, nor gave ear unto _you. 46 And ye tarried in Kadesh many days, according unto the days that ye tarried there. CHAPTER II. 1 Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red Sea, as the Lord had spoke unto me: and we travelled around mount Se'ir many days.* 2 ^[ And the Lord said unto me, as fol- lowetii, 3 Ye have travelled long enough around this mountain ; turn yourselves northward. 4 And the people command thou, saying, Ye are passing ty the bcnnk-r of your brethren the children of Esau, who dwell in Se'ir; and they will be afraid of you; therefoix' take ye good heed unto yourselves : 5 Do not contend with them; for I will not give unto you of their land, even so much as a foot's l)readtli ; because unto Esau have I >riven mount Seir for an inheritance. 6 Food shall ye buy of them for money, that ye may eat; and water also shall ye buy ol" them I'or money, that ye may drink. " Moaning, that tlicy could Iiavc no excuse for asking favours of men, since their wealth, abundant as it was, had been supplied by the liberal hand of their God. '' Hcb. I'T. "lie hath known;" a knowledge of a per- 212 7 For the Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand;" he hath pro- vided for'' thy wandering through this great Avilderness: these forty 3'ears the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing. 8 And we passed away from our brethren the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir, iioni the way through the plain, from Elath, and from 'Ezjon-galjer. ^ And we turned and passed the Avay of the wilderness of Moab. 9 And the Lord said unto me. Do not at- tack the Moabites, nor contend with them in battle; for I will not give thee from their land any inheritance; because unto the chil- dren of Lot have I given 'Ar for an inherits ance. 10 The Emim in times past dwelt therein, a people great, and numerous, and tall as the 'Anakim; 11 As Repha'im' were also they accounted, equally with the 'Anakim; and the Moiibites called the Emim. 12 And in Se'ir dwelt the Chorim in times past; but the children of Esau drove tlieni out, and they destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead ; as Israel hath done unto the land of his inheritance, which the Lord hath given unto them. 13 Now rise up, and get 30U over the brook Zered; and we passed over the brook Zered. 14 And the time which we came from Kar desh-barneil', until we had passed OA-er the brook Zered, was thirty and eight years; until all the generation of the men of war A\ere spent from out the midst of the camp, as the Lord had sworn unto them. 15 And also the hand of the Lokd was against them, to destroy them from the midst of the camp; until they were spent. 16 So it came to pass, when all the men of war were spent by dj'ing from the midst of the people, 17 ^ That the Lord spoke unto me, say- ing, 18 Thou art passing this day ly the bor- der of Moiib, by 'Ar, son's wants being requisite, before his benefactor can fur- nish him with the needful. ° "Mighty ones." — Onkelos. "Giants." — EmjUsh version. DEUTEEONOMY IT. III. DEBARIM. 19 And tliou oomest nigh opposite the chil- nrvu of 'Ainiiion : do not attack them, nor contend with them; for I will not give nnto thee of the land of the children of 'Annnon anv inheritance; because unto the children of Lot have I given it for an inheritance. 20 As a land" of Rephaim was it also ac- counteil: Re}ihaim dwelt therein in times past; and the "Annnonites called them Zam- zunnnim ; 21 A people great, and lunnerous, and tall, as the 'Anakim; but the Lohd destroyed them before them; and they drove them out, and dwelt in their stead : 22 As he hath done to the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir, from before whom he destroyed the Cliorim; and the>' drove them out and dwelt in their stead, even unto this da}-. 23 And the 'Avvim, who dwelt in open towns,'' as far as unto Gazzah, — the Caphto- rim, who came forth out of Caphtor, de- stroyed them, and dwelt in their stead. 24 Rise ye up, set forward, and pass over the brook Anion; behold I have given into thy hand Sichon the king of Cheshbon, the Enio- rite, and his land : begin to drive him out, and contend with him in l)attle. 25 This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven ; whoever will hear the report of thee, shall tremble, and shall quake because of thee. 26 And I sent mes!?engers out of the wil- derness of Kedemoth unto Sichon, the king of Cheshbon, with words of peace, saying, 27 Let me pass through thy land : always by the highway will I go along; I will not turn unto the i-ight hand or unto the left. 28 Food shalt thou sell me for money, that I may eat; and water for money shalt thou give me, that I may drink : only let me pass through on foot ; 29 (As the children of Esau who dwell in " Not only the land of 'Og, the king of Bashan, was the one at times called the "giant country," Ere/^ Bi- jiho'im ; since the people of Moiib and 'Animon also had taken possession of two districts belonging to the same general tribe of men. ' Kabbi Joseph Schwarz, in his Geography of Palestine, renders this with "the towns called Chazer," or " Chaze- rim ;" as there were several' in the southern district hav- ing this as a general name. ' This must not be understood as if the Israelites had Seir, and the Moiibites'" wdio dwell in 'Ar, have" done unto me;) until that I shall [lass over the Jordan into the layd which the Lord our God givetli us. 30 But Sichon, the king of Cheshbon, would not suffer our passing Ijy him ; for the Loud thy God had hardened his spirit, and had made obstinate his heart, that he might de- liver him into thy hand, as (hath happened) this day.* 31 ^ And the Lord said unto me. Behold, I have begun to give up Sichon and his land before thee: begin to drive him out. that thou mayest inherit his land. 32 And Sichon came out against us. he and all his people, to the battle at Yahaz. 33 And the Lord our God gave him up be- fore usj and we smote him, and his sons, and all his people. 34 And we conquered all his cities at that time, and devoted every inhabited cit}-, and the women, and the little ones; we left none tliat escaped. 00 Only the cattle we took as booty mito oiu'selves, and the spoil of the cities which we had captured. 30 From 'Aro'er, which is by the bank of the brook of Arnon, and the city that is in the brook, even unto Gil'atl, there was not one city which was too strong for us; the whole did the Lord our God give up before us. 37 Only unto the land of the children of 'Ammon didst thou not come nigh, unto the wdiole margin of the brook Yalibok, and the cities in the mountain, and unto whatsoever the Lord our God had forbidden us. CHAPTER in. 1 And we turned, and went iq) the way to Bashan; and 'Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to tlie battle at Edre'i. 2 And the Lord said unto me. Fear him not; for into thy hand have I given him, and been permitted to pass through the countries of Jloiib and Edom : Moses's rec[uest was twofold, to pass througli the country and to purchase provisions. We can therefore infer that the Edumeans and JMoiibites sold provisions to the Israelites, while Sichon alone prepared to attack them. But as the Moiibites were relatives of Israel, their sordid- ness in refusing to meet them with bread and water, wait- ing till money was offered, and their hiring Bil'am to cur.se the people, caused them afterward to be prohibited the right of becoming proselytes. (Dent, xxiii. 4.) 213 DEUTEEONOMY III. VAETCHANNAN. all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do unto liini as thou hast done unto Si*chon, the kint;' of the Emorites, who dwelt at Chesh- bon. 3 And the Lord our God gave into our hands also 'Og the king of Bashan, and all his people; and we smote him until none was left to him who escaped. 4 And we conquered all his cities at that time, there was not a city" which we took not from them, sixty cities, all the region of Ar- gob, the kingdom of 'Og in Bashan. 5 All these were fortified cities, with high walls, gates, and bars; besides the unwalled towns, which were a great many. fi And we devoted them, as we had done unto Sichon the king of Cheshbon, devoting every inhabited'' city, the women, and the little ones. 7 But all the cattle, and the spoil of the cities, we took as booty to ourselves. 8 And we took at tliat time out of the hand of the two kings of the Emoiites the land which is on this side of the Jordan, from tlie river of Arnon unto mount Chermon; 9 (The Sidonians call Chermon ' Siryon ; and the Emorites call it Senir;) 10 All the cities of the plain, and all Gil'ad, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edre'i, the cities of the kingdom of 'Og in Bashan. 11 For only 'Og the king of Bashan had been left of the remnant of the Rephaiui ; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; lo! it is in Kabbah of the children of 'Auunon : nine cubits is its length, and four cubits its breadth, after the arm" of a man. 1 2 And of this land, of which we took pos- session at that time, from 'Aro'er, which is by the river Anion, and half mount Gil'ad, and the cities thereof, I gave unto the Reiibenites and to the Gadites. lo And the rest of Gil'ad, and all Bashan, the kingdom of 'Og, I gave unto the half tribe of Menasseh: all the region of Argob, with all Bashan, this is called the land of Rephaim. " "Fortified place;." — Arniikim — who thus distin- guishes between nnp and -\y "fortress" and "simple city." Pcrliai).s ri'ip i.s derived from Tp "walls," "a town fenced in by a wall." ^ Lit. "City of men;" niid lliis means again, "The meu who lived therein." ° "The cubit of a man." Mendelssohn however ren- ders " Vordcrarm," or, "the forepart of the arm," which 214 14 Ya'ir the son of Menasseh took all the region of Argob up to the border of the Ge- shurites and the Ma'achathites; and he called them the (land of) Bashan, after his own name, the villages of Ya'ir,'' unto this day.'-' 15 And unto Machir I gave Gil'ad. 16 And unto the Reiibenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gil'ad even unto the brook Arnon, the land within" the river and that adjoining, even unto the brook Yabbok, the border of the children of 'Amnion ; 17 The plain also, and the Jordan, and the adjoining land, from Kinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, the Salt Sea, under the de- clivities of Pisgah, eastward. 18 And I commanded jou at that time, saying. The Lord your God hath given you this land to pos.sess it: armed sliall ye pass over before your brethren the children ot Israel, all that are fit to bear arms. 19 But your wives, and your little ones, and your cattle, (I know that ye have iiiucli cattle,) shall abide in your cities which I have given you;* 20 Until that the Lord have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you, and they also have taken possession of the land wliicii the Lord your God giveth them beyond the Jordan : then shall ye return every man unto his possession which I have given you. 21 And Joshua also I commanded at that time, saying, Thy own eyes have seen all that the Lord your God hath done unto these two kings : thus will the Lord do unto all the kingdoms whither tliou passest. 22 Ye shall not fear them ; for the Lord your God it is who fighteth for you. Haphtorah in Isaiah i. 1 to 27. SECT. XLV. VAETCHANNAN, pnnxi. 23 ^ And I besought the Lord at that time, saying. 24 O Lord Eternal, thou hast begun to show thy servant thy greatness, and thy is certainly not the usual length of the cubit, which is the entire arm. '' Chavvoth-yair. *■ Tills is rendered according to Onkelos, who has been followed by Arnheim. "iin is in this sense a noun, signify- ing " that within ;" and means then the land comprised within the bed of the river ; and the banks on both sides are comprised by the word h2i^, as Rashi explains. DEUTERONOMY III. IV. VAETCHANNAN. mighty hand ; for what god is there in heaven or on earth, that can do aught Hke thy works, and hke thy mighty deeds? 25 Let me go over. I pray thee, that I may see the good kind which is on the other side of the Jordan, this goodly mountain, and the Lebanon. 2G But the Lord was wrotli with me for your sakes. and he would not hear me : and the Lord said unto me, Let it suffice thee; do not continue to speak unto me any more of this matter. 27 Get thee up unto the top of Pisgah, and lift up thy eyes, westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thy eyes; for thou slialt not })ass over this Jordan. 28 And do thou charge Joshua, and strength- en him, and encourage liim ; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall divide out to them the laud which thou shalt see. 29 And we abode" in the valley opposite Beth-peiir. CHAPTER IV. 1 Tl And now, Israel, hearken unto the sta- tutes and unto the ordinances which I teach you to do ; in order that ye may live, and go in and take possession of the laud which the Lord, the God of your fathers, giveth unto you. 2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, nor shall ye diminish aught from it ; that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. 3 Your own eyes have seen that wdiicli the Lord hath done because of BaiU-peor; for every man that followed Baiil-peor,'' him tlie Lord thy God hath destroyed from the midst of thee.' . 4 But ye that did cleave unto the Lord ^our God, are alive, every one of you, this day.* 5 See, I have taught you statutes and ordi- nances, just as the Lord my God commanded me; that ye may do so in the midst of the land whither ye go to take possession of it. * flovc must be supplied, "at the time that thisoccurrecl." ° As idolatry was the prevailing sin auioug all ancient r.ati.ons, Moses commences by culling the attention of the pcojple pre-eminently to the consequences of their relapse in the country of Moiib ; how that so many that trans- gressed died, while tlnise firm in the service of God re- iiiained alive. ^ Others render, "in all things." ^ " For your souls' ^ak''." — Arxheim. 6 Keep therefore and do them ; for this is your wisdom and your understandiug before the eyes of the nations, that shall hear all these statutes, and they will say. Nothing but a wise and understanding people is this great nation. 7 For what great nation is there that hath gods so nigh unto it, as is the Lord our God at all times" that we call upon him ? 8 And what great nation is there that liath statutes and ordinances so righteous as is all this law, which I lay before you this day?* 9 Only take heed to thyself and guard thy soul diligently, that thou do not forget the things which thy eyes have seen, and that they depart not from thy heart nil the days of thy life; but thou shalt make them known unto thy sons, and unto thy sons' sons ; 10 The day that thou stoodest before the Lord thy God at Horeb, when the Lord said unto me, Assemble for me the people, ;md I will cause them to hear my words, which they shall learn, to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the eartli, and which they shall teach their children. 11 And ye came near and stood at the foot of the mount; and the mount was btu'u- ing with fire unto the midst of the heaveu, (from amidst) darkness, clouds, and thick darkne.ss. 12 And the Lord spoke unto you out of the midst of the fire ; the sound of words ye heard, but an}' similitude ye saw not : there was nothing but a sound. 13 And he told unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, the ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone. 14 And me the Lord commanded at that time to teach you statutes and ordinances, that ye might do them in the land wdiither ye go over to possess it. 15 Take ye therefore good heed of your souls;'' for ye saw no manner of similitude" on " The great King of Israel did not make himself mani- fest under any bodily shape. All on the mour.tain was darkness and cloud. A loud voice was heard, audible words reached the ear of all at once, one impression was made upon all alike. Hence the energetic prohibition against the foll^' of representing the Invisible and Incom- prehensible under any outward shape, even the most beautiful aud strong. All will fail of reaching him ; con- sequently all are odious to the Deity. DEUTERONOMY IV. VAETCHANNAN. the day tliat the Lord spoke unto you at Iloveb out of the midst of the fire : 1() Tliat ye become not corrupt, and make yourselves a graven image, the similitude of any idol-figure, the likeness of a male or of a lemale, 17 The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flietli in the air of heaven, IS The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth ; 11) And that thou lilt not up thy eyes unto the heavens, and thou see the sun, and the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, and be misled to bow down to them, and to serve them, those which the Lord thy God hath assigned" unto all nations under the whole heaven. 20 But you did the Lord take, and he brought you forth out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inlieritance, as ye are this day. 21 Fartherraore the Lord was angry with me for your sakes, and he swore that I sliould not go over the Jordan, and that I should not go in unto that good land, which the Lord thy God giveth unto thee for an inheritance; 22 For 1 must die in this land ; I shall not go over the Jordan ; but ye will go over and take possession of this good land. 23 Take heed unto yourselves, that ye do not forget the covenant of the Lord your God, which he hath made with you, and make jourselves a graven image, the likeness of any thing, which the Lord thy God hath forbid- den thee. 24 For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, yea, a watchful God. 25 ][ When thou begettest children, and childreirs children, and ye shall have re- mained long in the land, and ye become cor- rujit, and make a graven image, tlie like- " "To give them light."— Talmud Megii.laii, fol. 9. "15iit the text eviclcntly means that the Lord had not in- terfered with the nation.s in their false worship. Witli Israel, however, he acted otherwise, taking them fnuii slavery tn be his people." — Rashbam. ^ As the verse stands, it means that under the oppres- sions of the times, many will fall off to idolatry and false worship. This prediction has come to pass, during the mary persecutions which have occurred. Onkelos, how- ever, ))araphrases, "And ye shall serve there nations, ness of any thing, and do the evil in the eyes of the Lord thy God, to provoke him to anger : 20 I call this day the heavens and the earth to witness against you, that ye shall soon perish from off' the land Avhereunto ye go over the Jordan to possess it; ye shall not remain many days upon it, but ye shall sm-ely be de- stroyed. 27 And the Lord will scatter you among the nations, and ye will be left few in number amona- the nations, whither the Lord will lead you. 28 And ye will serve** there gods, the work of man's hands, wood and stone, which neither can see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. 29 But thou wilt seek from there the Lord thy God, and wilt find him, if thou apply to him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. 30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things have overtaken thee, in the lat- ter end of days: then wilt thou return to the Lord thy God, and be obedient unto his voice. 31 For a merciful God is the Lord thy God; he will not forsake thee, nor destroy thee ; and he will not forget the covenant of thy fathers which he hath sworn unto them. 32 For do but ask of former days, which were before thee, since the day that God cre- ated man upon the earth, and from the one end of the heavens unto the other end of the heavens, whether there hath Ijceii the like of this great thing, or whether the like of it hath lieen heard ? 33 Hath ever a people heard the voice ul' a° god, speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and remained alive ? 34 Or hath a god essayed to go .to take to himself a nation from the midst of a nation, Ijy proofs, by signs, and l)y wonders, nnd by war, and by a mighty hand, and b\" an out- stretched arm, and by great terrors, bke ;iU worshipping error, (idolatry,) the work of the hands of men," conceiving, probably, as the commentator to Men- dclssiihn observes, that to worship idols i< a sin, nut a punishment. ° Meaning, the gods of any other nation; did iuch ever speak to their followers ? and so also in the si;'JCcodin»: verse. But Onkelos, Jonathan, Aben Ezra, and others refer God to the Supreme, and the te.\t (hen says that the mercy which Israel^ witnessed was impartcil to no othci people DEUTERONOMY IV. V. VAETCHANNAN. that which the Lord your God hath done for you in Egypt before thy e^es"' 35 Unto thee it was shown, that tliou niio-htest know, that the Eternal is the God: there is none else besides hnn. 06 Out of the heavens he caused thee to hear his voice, to correct thee : and upon the eartli he caused thee to see his great fire; and his words didst tliou liear out of the midst of the fire. 37 And therefore, because he loved thy father.s, he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his presence'' with his mighty power out of Egypt; 3 8 To dri ve out nations greater and mightier than thou art, from before thee, to bring thee in, to give unto thee their land for an inherits ance, as it is this day. 39 Know therefore this day, and reflect in th}- heart, that the Eternal is the God in the heavens above, and upon the earth be- neath : there is none else. 40 And thou shalt keep his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee; and that thou mayest live many days upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, for all times.* 41 "[j Then Moses set aside three cities on this side of the Jordan, toward the rising of the sun; 42 That thither might flee the manslayer, who should kill his neighbour unawares, when he had not been an enemy to him in times past; and that he should flee unto one of these cities and live. 43 Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, for the Relibenites ; and Ramoth in Gil'ad for the Gadites ; and Golan in Bashan for the Menassites. 44 And this is the law which Moses set before the children of Israel : 45 These are the testimonies, and the star tutes, and the ordinances, which Moses spoke ' "In his own person." — Arnheim. " With his own word." — Onkelos ; who, by the by, frequently renders the holy Name with ^'memera" xiO'O prefixed, as in Gen. iii. 8, vi. 6, xv. 6, &c.; perhaps the idea of ^oyoj, cum- mon in his time, as the mysterious creative power of the Deity. '' Others render this word with " springs;" others with "the foot ;" others with ''heights;" but it probably means the direction which streams take in quitting a mountain, 2C unto the children of Israel, when they came ibrtli out of P]g^q;)t, 46 On this .side of the Jordan, in tlie valley opposite to Beth-])eor, in the land of Sichon the king of tlie Emorites, who dwelt at Chesli- bon, whom Moses and the children of Israel smote, after they were come forth out of Egj'pt ; 47 And they took possession of his land, and of the land of 'Og the king of Bashan, the two kings of the Emorites, who were o^ this side of the Jordan toward the rising of the sun ; 48 From 'Aro'er, which is on the bank of the river Arnon, even unto Mount Sion, which is Chermon, 49 And all the jslain on this side of the Jordan eastward, even unto the sea of the plain, under the declivities'' of Pisgah.''' CHAPTER V. 1 ^ And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and that ye may observe to do them. 2 The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. 3 Not with our fathers did the Lord make this covenant, but with us, we who are here all of us alive this day. 4 Face" to face did the Lord speak with you on the mount, out of the midst of the fire, 5 (F was standing between the Lord and be- tween you at that time, to announce to you the word of the Lord ; for ye were afraid by reason of the fire, and ye went not up into the mount;) saying, 6 ][ I am the Lord thy God, who have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of slavery. 7 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 8 Thou shalt not make unto thyself any graven image, any likeness of any thing that or the slope; here, therefore, the points where the slopes of the Pisgah commence. (See Num. xxi. 15.) ' I. <:. Without a mediator. — Aben Ezra. ■* This is a parenthesis, explaining the reason why the people would not themselves receive the couimauduients, and of the appointment of Moses as the messenger between God aiid the people; the word "saying" is to be understood as though it followed immediately upon the words "of the fire," in verse 4. 217 DEUTERONOMY V. VAETCHANNAN. IS in the heavens above, or tliat is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth : 9 Thou shalt not bow thyself down unto them, nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the lathers upon the children, and upon the third and upon the fourth generation of them tiiat hate me, 10 And showing kindness unto the thou- sandth generation of them that love me, and keep my commandments. 11 Tl Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him {ruiltless that taketh his name in vain. 12 ^ Keep the salibath-day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded" thee. 13 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work ; 14 But the seventh day is the sabbath in honour of the Lord thy God ; on it thou shalt not do any work, neither thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy ox, nor thy ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: in order that thy man-ser- vant and thy maid-servant may rest as well as thou. 15 And thou shalt remember that thou hast been a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out from there by a might}' hand and by an out- stretched arm ; therefore hath the Lord thy God commanded thee to observe the sabbath- day. 16 ][ Honour thy father and thy mother, as the liORD thy God hath commanded thee : in order tliiit thy da_\s may be {irolonged, and in order that it may go well witli thee, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 17 Tl Thou shalt not kill. ^1 Neither'' shalt thou commit adultery. ^1 Neither shalt thou steal. ° " As the Lord thy God commanded thee in Marah, before tiic giving of the law." — R.\siii. Otherwise the piirase is merely general, referring to the institution of the sabbath as a divine thing, and is an expression of Moses ill his address to the peDjile, calling their attention t(j the necessity of obedience, because it is the will of God. Hence the iutroiliiction of the exodus from Egypt in verse 15. See also verse U'l. where the same phrase oc- curs again. 218 ^ Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour. 18 ^ Neither shalt thou covet th}- neigh- bour's wife. ^ Neither shalt thou desire" thy neighbour's house, nor his field, nor his man-servant, nov his maid-servant, nor his ox. nor his ass, nor any thing that is th}' neighbour's.* 19 ^ These words did the Lord speak unto all your assembly on the muiuit out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice, but he did so no more f and he wrote them on two tajjles of stone, and he gave them unto me. 20 And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of tiie darkness, while the mount w'as liurning with fire, that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders ; 21 And ye said. Behold, the Lord our God hath caused us to see his glory and his givat- ness, and his voice have we heard out of the midst of the fire: this day have we seen that God can speak with man, who nevertheless may live. 22 But now why shoidd we die ? for this great fire may consume us; if we continue to hear the voice of the Lord our God any more, then shall we die. 23 For where is there any flesli, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, like us, and hath remained alive ? 24 Do thou approach, and hear all that the Lord our God may say ; and thou shalt speak unto us all that the Lord our God may speak unto thee; and we will hear and do it. 25 And the Lord heard the voice of yoin- words, while ye were speaking unto me ; and the Lord said unto me, I have heard the voice of tlie words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have done well in all that they have spoken ' The English version makes separate verses of i;ll the commandments; so also in Exodus xx. " If we consider that the repetition of the Decalogue was only to recall the general tenor thereof to the people, the variations from the text in Ex<idus xx. will readily ex- plain themselves; it is there the very word of God; here Moses teaches what had been confided to him. ^ Meaning, that this was the only time that God spoke to the penple without a mediator, as Moses himself was. DEUTERONOMY V. VI. VAETCHANNAN. 26 Who would granf" that this tlioir heart mi,nht remain in tlieni, to tear ine, and to keep all my (.•oinuiaudinents at all times; in order that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever! 27 Go, say to them. Return you unto your tents. 28 But as for thee, remain tliou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the com- mandments, and the statutes, and the ordi- nances, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it. 29 Observe ye then to do as the Lord your God hatli commanded you : ye shall not turn aside to the right or to the left. 30 Altogether in the way, which the Lord your God luith connnanded you, shall ye walk ; in order that ye may live, and that it may be -well with you, and that ye may re- main many days in the land which ye will possess. CHAPTER VI. 1 And this is the commandment, with the statutes, and the ordinances, which the Lord your God hath commanded to teach you, to do them in the land whither ye are passing over to possess it : 2 In order that thou mayest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his com- mandments, which I command thee, thou and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life ; and in order that thy days may be pro- longed. 3 Hear, therefore, Israel, and observe to do them; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase greatly, as the Lord the God of thy fathers hath spoken to thee, (in) the land flowing with milk and honey.* 4 ^ Hear, Israel ! The Lord, our God, is the One Eternal Being.'' * God is represented as speaking in the fashion of man. Piety is here shown to be voluntary ; as no Divine force is spoken of as compelling tu obedience. The miracles, therefore, however astonishing they were, were never- theless evanescent, and left human nature unchanged. Hence the wish that the tcill then expressed might last for ever. ^ Philippson translates, "Hear, Israel, the Eternal, our (jtod, the Eternal is One." But every attempt to convey in another language the simiilicity uf the Hebrew must fail. Hero we have the third revelatidn of God's being; in Genesis xvii. he is revealed as the Almighty; 5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soid, and with all thy might. 6 And these words which I command thee this day, slndl be in thy heart : 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and thou shalt speak of them wlien thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest I)y the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thy eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates. 10 ^ And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall Itring thee into the land which he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give unto thee," great and goodly cities, which thou didst not build, 11 And houses ftdl of all good things, which thou didst not fill, and wells hewed out which thou didst not hew, vineyards and olive-trees, which thou didst not plant; and thou hast eaten and art satisfied : 12 Then beware that thou do not forget the Lord, who hath brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of slavery. 13 The Lord thy God shalt thou fear, and him shalt thoti serve, and by his name shalt thou swear. 14 Ye'' shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the nations which are round about yon; 15 For the Lord thy God is a watchful" God among you: so that the anger of the Lord thy God may not be kindled against thee, and he destroy thee from oft' the lace of the earth. 16 Tl Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God, as ye tempted liini in Massah. 17 Ye shall diligently keep the command- in Exodus vi. as the Eternal ; and now as the one, un- compound, indivisible, and not liable to change or increase. We have thus the complete idea of the Godhead, as the highest Power, Eternity, Unity. — After PHn,n>l'SO.\. " Here we must understand " replete with." ^ As Moses addresses all the people of Israel, he occa- sionally employs the singular, they being but one body in liis eyes ; and again the plural, as they are composed of in- dividuals. Hence the frequent ciianges observable in the text. " One who sees inicjuity and is ever ready to recom- pense it with retribution. 1>19 t)EUTERONOMY VI. VII. AYKEB. nients of the Lord your God, and his testimo- nies, and his statutes, which he hath com- manded thee. 18 And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the eyes of the Lord; in order that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and take possession of the good land with the Lord hath sworn unto thy fathers, 19 To cast out all thy enemies from before thee; as the Lord hath spoken. 20 ^ When thy son should ask thee in time" to come, saying, What mean the testi- monies, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which the Lord our God hath commanded you ? 21 Then shalt thou say unto thy son, We were bond-men unto Pharaoh in Egypt; and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand ; 22 And the Lord let come signs and won- ders, great and sore, on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household, before our eyes; 2.3 And us he brought out from there; in order to bring us in, to give us the land which he had sworn unto our fathers. 24 And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God; that it might be well with us at all times, and that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. 25 And it shall be accounted righteousness unto us, if we observe to do all this command- ment before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us. CHAPTER VII. 1 T[ Wlien the Lord thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to pos- sess it, and cast out many nations before thee, the Ilittites, and the Girgashites, and the Emorites, and the Canaanites, and the Periz- zites, and the Ilivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations, greater in number and mightier than thou ; 2 And when the Lord thy God shall give them up before thee, and thou dost smite them: thou shalt utterly destroy them; thou slialt not mako any covenant with them, nor shuw mercy unto them. ' Ilcb. IITD "to-morrow," any time after to-day. '• "Son" stands here for the entire people; therefore it is properly followed by th(' plural in the ne.xt phrase. " /. ('. The one who is in tr\itii (iod the Creator, while 220 3 Neither shalt thou make marriages witli them; thy daughter shalt thou not give untc his son. and his daughter shalt thou not take unto thy son. 4 For he ^vould turn away thy son*" from following me, so that they might serve other gods; and the anger of the Lord would be kindled against you, and he would destroy' thee speedily. 5 But thus shall ye do unto them : their altars shall ye pull down, and their statues shall ye break, and their groves shall ye cut down, and their graven images shall ye liurn with fire. 6 For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God; of thee the Lord thy God hath made choice to be unto himself a special people, above all the nations that are upon the face of the earth. 7 Not because ye are more in number than all the nations, did the Lord desire you and make choice of you; for ye are the fewest of all the nations; 8 But on account of the love of the Lord for you, and because he keepeth the oath which he hath sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed j'ou out of the house of bond-men, out of the hand of Pharaoh the king of Egypt.'-' 9 Know then that the Eternal thy God, is the" God, the faithful God, who keepeth the covenant and the mercy with those that love him and with those that keep his connnand- ments to the thousandth generation; 10 And repayeth those that hate him to their face,"^ to desti'oy them; he will not de- lay to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. 11 Therefore shalt thou keep the command- ment, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which I command thee this day, to do them. Haphtorah in Isaiah xl. 1 to 20. SECTION XLVI. AYKEB, Dpr. 12 ^ And it shall come to pass in reward for that ye will hearken to these ordinances, the other deities are false, powerle.ss, imaginary beings, therefore not Ood. lu this sense must the definite artiele iu this and other instances be understood. ^ J. f. At once, promptly, ("Arnheim, "in their life- DEUTERONOMY VII. VIII. AYKEB. aiul keep, and do them, that the Lord thy j God will keep unto thee the covenant and the kindnet^y whieh he hath sworn unto thy fathers : 13 And he will love thee, and bless thee, ind multiply thee; and he will bless the fruit of thy womb, and tlie fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thy oil, the in- crease of thy cattle, and the young of thy flocks, in the land which he hath sworn unto thy fathers to give unto thee. 14 Blessed shalt thou be above all the na- tions; there shall not be a barren male or female among thee, nor among thy cattle. 15 And the Lord will take away from thee all sickness ; and all the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, will he not put upon thee; but he will lay them upon all those that hate thee. IG And thou shalt consume all the nations which the Lord thy God giveth unto thee; thy eye shall not look with pity upon them : and thou shalt not serve their gods; tor that would be a snare unto thee. 17 T[ If thou shouldst say in thy heart, These nations are more numerous than I: how shall I be able to dispossess them? 18 Thou shalt not be afraid of them; (but) thou shalt well remember w'hat the Lord thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt; 19 The great pi'oofs" wliich thy eyes have seen, and the signs, and the wonders, and the mighty hand, and the outstretched arm, whereby the Lord thy God brought thee out : in this wise will the Lord thy God do unto all the people of whom thou art afraid. ;^0 Moreover the hornet will the Lord thy God send out against them, until they that are left, and hide themselves from thee, be destroyed. 21 Thou shalt not be affrighted at them; for the Lord thy God is in the midst of thee, a mighty and terril;)le God. 22 And the Lord thy God will chase out these nations before thee, little by little : thou shalt not be able to make an end of them time,") so that the guilt be expiated in the fourth genera- tion, while tlie righteousness of the fathers is remembered to the thousandth of their descendants. ixiiyS means "every one of those who hate him." ' Onkelos renders "wonders;" Rashi and Mendelssohn, ■'temptations;" but it appears to be a.s above, iv. 34, to denote the positive exhibitions of God's power, or wonders speedily, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee. 2o And the Lokij thy God will give them up before thee, and he will bring among them a mighty confusion, until they be de- stroyed. 24 And he will give their kings into thy hand, and thou shalt destroy their name from under the heavens: no num shall be able to stand up before thee, until thou have de- stroyed them. 25 The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not covet the silver or gold that is on them, so that thou wouldst take it unto thyself, lest thou be ensnared thereby ; for it is an abomination to the Lord thy God. 2G And thou shalt not bring an abomintir tion into thy house, lest thou become accursed like it: thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is accursed. CHAPTER VIII. 1 ][ All the commandment which I com- mand thee this day shall ye observe to do; in order that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and take possession of the land which the Lord hath sworn unto your fathers. 2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God hath led thee these forty years in the wilderness, in order to afflict thee, to prove thee, to know what is in thy heart, whether thou wouldst keep his com- mandments, or not. o And he afflicted thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and he gave thee manna to eat, which thou knewest not, and which thy fathers had not known; in order that he might make thee know that not by bread alone man dotli live, but by e^'ery thing that joroceedeth out of the mouth'' of the Lord doth man live. 4 Thy garment did not tall worn out from thee," and thy foot did not swell,'' these Ibrty years. 5 And thou shalt consider in thy heart, sent as proofs of the truth of the prophetic mission of Moses. ' i. e. Whatever is produced by the will of God. God's word creates; hence every thing proceeds out of his mouth. ° After Arnhcim. ^ i.e. From walking barefoot in the sand. 221 DEUTERONOMY VIII. IX. AYKEB. that, as a man chasteneth his son," so doth the Lord thy God chasten thee. 6 And thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord, thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him. 7 For the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a g(jod Land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths'' that spring out of val- leys and mountains ; 8 A land of wheat, and barley, and of the vine, and the fig-tree, and the pomegranate; a land of the oil-olive, and of honey ; 9 A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, wherein thou shalt not lack any thing; a land the stones whereof are iron, and out of the mountains of which thou canst licw copper. 10 And when thou hast eaten and art satisfied, then shalt thou bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.* 11 Take" heed unto thyself that thou for- get not the Lord thy God, so as not to keep his commandments, and his ordinances, and his statutes, which I command thee this day; 12 That when thou hast eaten and art satisfied, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; 13 And when tl\y herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold are multiplied, and all that thou hast is multi- plied : 14 Thy heart be then not lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, who hath brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of slavery; 15 Who hath led thee through the great and terrible wilderness, wherein are snakes, poisonous serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there is no water; who hath brought forth for thee water out of the fiinty rock ; 16 Who hath fed thee in the wilderness with manna, wiiicli thy fathers knew not; in order to alllict thee, and in order to Drove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; * The father punishes the son to correct him of some rvil habit or propensity; in the same manner did the Lord punish tlic Israelites to cure them of their sinful- ness. ' "Lakes." — Aknuei.m. ' All friini this verse to v. 17 inclusive is one sentence, and must be so understood: Moses vfarns the people not to imagine, after all the dangers should he passed, that it 222 17 And thou say in thy heart. My power and the strength of luy hand have gotten me this wealth. 18 But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God; for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth ; in order that he might fulfil his covenant which he hath sworn unto thy fathers, as it is this day. 19 If And it shall come to pass, that, if thou shouldst forget the Lord thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and bow thyself down to them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish ; 20 Like the nations which the Lord de- stroyeth from before you, so shall ye perish ; in recompense of that ye would not hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God. CHAPTER IX. 1 T[ Hear, Israel : Thou art to pass this day over the Jordan, to go in to drive out nations greater and mightier than thou, (to conquer) cities great and fortified up to heaven, 2 A people great and tall, the children of the 'Anakim, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou hast heard say, Who can stand before the children of 'Anak ! 3 Understand therefore this day, that the Lord thy God it is who goeth over before thee, he is a consuming fire; he will destroy them, and he will subdue them before thy face; and thou wilt drive them out. and de- stroy them quickly,'' as the Lord hath spoken unto thee.* 4 Thou must not say in thy heart, when the Lord thy God doth cast them out from before thee, as followeth, For my righteous- ness hath the Lord Ijrought me in to possess this land; and that for the wickedness of these nations the Lord doth drive them out from before thee. 5 Not for thy righteousness, nor lor the uprightness of th^y heart, dost thou go in to possess their land ; but for the wickedness of these nations doth the Lord thy God drive was their strength which had accomplished all, but to look upon their acquisitions as the gift of God ; man indeed must labour, but God alone can graut success. ■* This is no contradiction to vii. '22 ; for there it merely says that the conquest shall be gradual ; here that, though it take place in this way, it would still be in less time than tiie Israelites, from their unprepared .state to cope with their enemies, could rationally expect. DEUTERONOMY IX. AYKEB. them out from before thee, and in order that he may fulfil the word which the Lorp hath sworn unto thy fathers, to x\braham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. 6 And thou shalt know, that not for th}^ riditeousness doth the Lord thy God give unto thee this good land to possess it; for thou art a stiff-necked people. 7 Remember," do not forget, how thou didst provoke the Lord thy God to wrath in the wilderness : from the day that thou went- est out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, have ye been rebellious against the Lord. 8 Also at Horeb ye provoked the Lord to wrath, so that the Lord was angry with you to destroy you. 9 When I Avas gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, the tables of the covenant which the Lord had made with you, and 1 aljode on the mount forty days and forty nights, Ijread did I not eat, and water did I not drink. 10 And the Lord gave unto ine the two tables of stone inscribed by the finger of God ; and on them (was written) according to all the words, which the Lord had spoken with you on the mount out of the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly. 11 And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, that the Lord gave unto me the two tables of stone, the tables of the covenant. 12 And the Lord said unto' me. Arise, get thee down f[uickly from here; for thy people which tliou hast brought forth out of Egypt have become corrujited ; they have quickly turned aside out of the way which I have commanded them; they have made them- selves a molten image. 13 And the Lord said unto me, thus, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stifl- necked people: 14 Let me alone, and I will destroy them, and blot out their name from imder the heavens; and I will make of thee a nation mightier and more numerous than they. 15 And I turned and came down from the * Since men are so apt to imagine all they receive as justly their due, the prophet here impresses upon the people, that they had deserved punishment, not the great mercy which was and would be shown them. ' Although Moses had already spoken of the rebellion mount, and the mount was burning with fire; and the two tables of the covenant were upon my two hands. l(j And I looked, and, behold, ye had sin- ned agaiivst the Lord your God, ye had made yourselves a molten calf; ye had turned aside quickly out of the way which the Lord had commanded you. 17 And I took hold of the two tables, and cast them out of my two hands, and I broke them Ijefore your ej'es. 18 And I threw myself down before the * Lord, as at the first, forty days and forty nights; bread did I not eat, and water did I not drink; on account of all your sins which ye had committed, in doing what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, to provoke him to anger. 19 For I was afraid of the anger and the indignation, wherewith the Lord was wi-otli against 3'ou to destroy you; but the Lord hearkened unto me also at that time. 20 And with Aaron was the Lord Aery angry to destroy him; and I praved also tin- Aaron at the same time. 21 And your work of sin, which yo had made, the calf, I took and burnt it in fire, and stami^ed it, grinding it very small, until it was as fine as dust: and I cast the dust thereof into the brook that descendeth from the mount. 22 And at Taberah, and at Massah and at Kibroth-hattalivah, have ye been provoking the Lord to wrath. 23 And when the Lord sent you from Ka- desh-barnea','' saying. Go up and take posses- sion of the land which I have given you : then rebelled ye against the order of the Lord your God, and ye believed not in him, and ye hearkened not to his voice. 24 Rel^ellious have ye been against the Lord, from the day that I have known \on. 2-5 And I threw myself down Ijefore the Lord those forty days and forty nights, which I threw myself down ; because the Lord had said that he would destroy you. 26 And I jsrayed unto the Lord, and said,' Lord Eternal, destroy not thy people and upon the occasion of the spies, he sums up here this event also as a connected portion of their series of obdurate sin- ning. ° As was said above with the ten commandments, so it is here : Moses gives merely the substance of what oc- 223 DEUTERONOMY IX. X. AYKEB. thy heritao'e, which thou hast redeemed through thy greatness, which thou hast brought forth out of Egyj^t with a mighty hand. 27 Think of tliy servants, of Abraliam, of Isaac, and of Jacob ; turn not unto the stub- bornness of this people, nor to its wickedness, nor to its sin : 28 Lest (the inhabitants of) the bind whence thou hast brought us out say, Out of want of abihty in the Lord to bring them '^ into the land which he had promised them, and out of his hatred to them, hath he brought them out to slay them in the wilder- ness. 29 Whereas they are thy people and thy heritage, whom thou hast bi'ought out by thy mighty power and by thy outstretched arm.* CHAPTEE X. 1 ^ At that time the Lord said unto me, Hew for thyself two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount; and make thyself an ark of wood. 2 And I will write on the tables the words that were on the first tables which thou hast broken; and thou shalt put them in the ark. 3 And I made an ark of shift im-wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and I went up into the mount, with the two tables in my hand. 4 And he wrote on the tables, like the first writing, the ten connnandments, which the Lord had spoken unto you on the mount out of the midst of the fire on the day of the as- sembly; and the Lord gave them unto me. 5 And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and I put the tables in the ark which I had made; and they have re- mained there, as the Lord hath commanded me. 6 And the children of Israel took their journey from the wells of the children of Ya'a- kan to Mosserah : there' Aaron died, and he curred, and confines himself not to the exact words which were spoken. His object is to condense, and occasionally to add some particulars not before dwelt upon. * This verse is thus explained by Abon Ezra : " Above it is said that Moses prayed also for Aaron ; and he did not die then, but at the end of forty years." The places mentioned here are either divisions of Mount Hor, or neighbiinring places thereto. The former opinion is pro- bably the most correct. 224 was buried there ; and Elazar his son became priest in his stead. 7 From there they journeyed unto Gudgo- dah ; and I'rom Gudgodah to Yotbatha, a land of brooks of waters. 8 At that time^ did the Lord separate the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day. 9 Therefore was not assigned unto Levi any poiition or mheritance with his brethren : the Lord is his inheritance, as tlie Lord thy God hath spoken to him. 10 And I stayed on the mount, like the first days, forty days and forty nights ; and the Lord hearkened unto me also at that time, the Lord would not destroy thee. 11 And the Lord said unto me, Ari.se, go on the journey before the i)eople, that they may go in and take possession of the land, which I have sworn unto their fathers to give unto them.* 12 ^ And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God ^vith all thy heart and with all thy soul, 13 To keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day, for thy own good ? 14 Behold, to the Lord thy God belong the heavens and the heavens of heavens, and the earth with' all that is thereon ; 15 Yet only in thy fathers had the Lord delight, to love them ; he chose, therefore, their seed after them, namely you, from all the nations, as it is this day. l(i Remove" therefore the obduracy of your heart, and be no more stiff-neclved.'' 17 For the Lord your God is the God of gods, and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who hath no re- gard to persons, and talceth no bribe ; ' At the time first mentioned, when the golden calf was made. ° The phrase employed in the Hebrew is so peculiarly idiomatic, that it has been freely rendered, more so than any other hitherto in this version. Whatever is odious among the Israelites is called "uncircumcised ;" hence, t<i convert the heart, to be no longer disobedient, is called "circumcising the heart." '' Lit. "And cause not your neck to be slitV any uioro." DEUTERONOMY X. XI. AYKEB. 18 Who executeth justice for the fatherless and the wiclo\v, and loveth the stranger, to give him Ibod and raiment. 19 Love yv then the stranger; for you ha\c been sti'angers in the hmd of Egyjit. "20 The Lord thy God shalt thou fear: him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and bv his name shalt thou swear. 21 lie is thy praise, and he is thy God, who hath done for thee these great and fear- ful things, which thy own eyes have seen. 'I'l With sevent}' persons did thy fathers go down into Egypt ; and now the Lord th}' God hath made thee like the stars of heaven in multitude. CHAPTER XL 1 Thou shalt therefore love the Lord thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his ordinances, and his commandments, all the days. 2 And ye shall know this day, that (I speak) not with your children who have not known, and who have not seen the chastise- ment of the Lord your God, his greatness, his strong hand, and his outstretched arm ; 3 And his signs, and his acts, which he displayed in the midst of Egypt, unto Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and unto all his land ; 4 And what he did unto the army of Egypt, unto its horses, and to its chariots; over whom he caused the water of the Red Sea to flow, as they pursued after you, and whom the Lord destroyed unto" this day; 5 And what he did unto you in the wilder- ness, until ye came unto this place ; 6 And what he did unto Dathan and Abi- ram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reiiben; liow the earth opened her mouth, and swal- lowed them up, and their households, and their tents, and all tlie living substance that followed them, in the midst of all Israel ; 7 But^ it is your own eyes which have seen all the great acts of the Lord which he hath done. 8 Ye shall therefore keep all the command- ' Mcndelssohu veuders freely: "Anrl the Lord des- troyed them to such a degree, that none of them is to be seen any more." It appears, however, that the phrase is merely the strong affirmative frequently used by Moses. '' With this ver.se ends the f-cntencc commenced with verse '2. ° "In Egypt it was necessary tu bring water from the 2D ment which I command you this day, that ye mav' be strong, and go in and take possession of the land, whither ye go over to possess it; 'J And in order that ye may live many days in the land, Avhich the Lord hath sworn luito }'our fathers to give unto them and to their seed, a land flowing with milk and hone} .* 10 ^ For tlie land, ^vhither thou goest in to possess it, is not like the land of Egypt, from where ye came out, where thou sowest thy seed, and waterest it with thy foot," as a gar- den of herbs ; 11 But the land, whither ye go over to possess it, is a land of mountains and valleys, from the rain of heaven doth it drink water: 12 A land which the Lord thy God careth for ; always are the eyes of the Lord thy God upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year. 13 ^ And it shall come to pass, if ye will hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, 14 That I will send rain for your land in its due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thj- corn, and thy wine, and thy oil. 15 And I will give grass in thy field for thy cattle ; and thou shalt eat and be satisfied, 16 Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship) them ; 17 (For) then the Lord's wratii will be kindled against you, and he will shut up the heavens that there be no rain, and the land, will not yield her products ; and ye shall perish quickly from oft' the good land which the Lord giveth unto you. IS Therefore shall ye lay u[) these my words in your heart and in your sold ; and ye shall bind them for a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 19 And ye shall teach them to your chil- Nile on foot," (hence the expression in the verse,) "and to water it, like the vegetable garden, which has not enough from the rain of heaven." — Kashi. It however probably alludes to the water-wheels used in the East for purposes of irrigation, which are worked by treading upon them, ill the manner iit a tn ad-niill ; in this view, the foot actually does the watering. 22b DEUTERONOMY XL XII. REAY. clren, to speak of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou I'isest up. 20 And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates. 21 In order that your days may be multi- plied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord swore unto your fathers to give unto them, as the da_\s of the heavens over the earth."* 22 ][ For if ye will diligently keep all this commandment which 1 command you, in order to do it, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him : 2.3 Then will the Lord drive out all these nations from before you, and ye sliall supplant nations greater and mightier than yourselves. 24 Every j^lace whereon the sole of your foot may tread shall be yours : from the wil- derness and the Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, eveu unto the Western Sea'' shall be your boundary. 25 There shall no man be able to stand up before you ; the dread of you and the fear of you will the Lord your God lay upon all the land which ye may tread upon, as he hath spoken unto you. Ilaphtorah iu Isaiah xlix. 14 to li. 3. SECTION XLVII. REAY, HNI. 26 T[ Behold, I lay before 3'ou this day a blessing and a curse : 27 The blessing, if ye will hearken unto .the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day ; 28 And the curse, if ye will not hearken unto the commandments of the Lord your God, and ye turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye know not. 29 ^ And it shall come to pass, when the IiORD thy God shall have brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing" upon mount Gerizzim, and the curse upon mount 'Ebal. 30 Behold, they are on the other side of the Jordan, far away in the direction of the going down of the sun, in the land of the Ca- naanites, wlio dwell in the plain, opposite Gilgal, near the grove of Moreh. 31 For 3'e are about to pass over the Jor- dan to go in to take j^ossession of the land which the Lord j-our God giveth jou ; and ye will possess it, and dwell therein. 32 And ye shall then observe to do all the statutes and ordinances which I set before you this day. CHAPTER XII. 1 These are the statutes and ordinances, which ye shall observe to do, in the land which the Lord, the God of thy fathers, giveth unto thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth. 2 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places whereon the nations which ye are about to drive out served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under 'every green tree; 3 And ye .shall overthrow their altars, and break their statues, and their groves shall ye burn with fire; and the graven images of their gods shall 3'e hew down ; and }e shall destroy their name out of the same place. 4 Ye shall not do so'' unto the Lord }our God; 5 But unto the place which the Lord your God ma}' choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye repair, and thither shalt thou come; G And ye shall bring thither ^our burnt- offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and the heave-offering of your liand, and your vows, and your freewill-ofl'eriugs, and the first-born of your herds and of your flocks ; " ('. c. While tho sky is visible over the earth, or always. "' /. c. The Jlerliterraiieaii Sea, which is at the west of Palestine; .so calleJ in reference to the Sea of Kinnercth, which is at the cast. tnriN is in this sense opposed to tmp, "west" and "cast," not "last" and "first." — After A'lMIKIM. ' 'I'iie manner of ihiing thi.? \rill be fmind farther ex- plained in chap, xxvii. 226 ^ " Ye shall not sacrifice unto Heaven in every place," &e.— P..\sin. Thii; is another energetic prohibition against following the heathen practices. On every promontory, hill, or remarkable place, temples and statues were erected; and to this day similar customs prevail among the gen- tiles; but not so should Israel do : they were one people; they liad but one God ; they ncrded no mediator, so thej 1! should have but oue temple, and one altar. DEUTERONOMY XII. REAY. 7 And ye shall eat there before the Eord your God. and ye shall rejoice with all tlie acquisition of your hand, ye and your house- holds, wherewith the Lord thy God may have blessed thee. 8 Ye shall not do after all the manner that we do here this day, every one whatsoever is right in his own eyes. 9 For ye are not as yet come to tlie rest and to the inheritance, which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 10 But ye will go over the Jordan, and dwell in the land which the Lord your God causeth you to inherit, and he will give you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye may dwell in safety.* 11 And then shall it be, that the place which the Lord your God will choose to cause his name to dwell there, — (even) thither shall ye bring all that I command 30U : your burnt-ofteriniis. and vour sacrifices, voiir tithes, and the heave-offering of }'our hand, and all your choice vows which ye may voav unto the Lord; 12 And ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God, ye, and your sons, and your daugh- ters, and your men-servants, and your maid- servants, and the Levite who is within your gates; because he hath not any portion nor inheritance with you. 13 Take heed to thyself that thou ofler not thy burnt^offerings in every place which thou mayest see ; . 14 But in the place which the Lord will choose in one of thy tribes, there shalt thou offer thy burnt^offerings, and there shalt thou do ah *jiat I command thee. 15 iNotwiihstanding, according to all the longing of thy soul, mayest thou kill and eat flesh, accordin"' to the blessinti' of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee, in all thy gates: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof as of the roebuck, and as of the hart. IG Only the blood shall ye not eat: upon the Ccirth shall ye pour it out as water. 17 Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the titlie of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil. nor tlie first-born of thy herds or of thy flocks, nor any of thy vows which thou mayest " In this and in v. 14, permission is granted to kill ani- mals for food, beyond the precincts of the temple, prohi- oited during the journey on the desert. (Lev. xxvii. 3, 4.) vow, nor thy freewill-offerings, and the heave- offering of thy baud; 18 But before the Lord thy God must thou eat them in the place which the Lord thy God may choose, tliou. and thy son, and thy daug-liter, and thy nian-scr\;uit, and thy maid- servant, and the Levite who is within thy gates; and thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God with all the ac(piisition of thy hand. 19 Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon thy land. 20 Tl When the Lord thy God will enlarge thy border, as he hath spoken unto thee, and thou dost say, I wish to eat fiesh, because thy soul longeth to eat fiesh : then mayest thou, according to all the longing of thy soul, eat flesh. 21 K the place which the Lord thy God may choose to put his name there be too far for thee : then mayest thou kill of thy herds" and of thy flocks, which the Lord hath given thee, as I have commanded thee; and thou shalt eat in thy gates according to all the longing of thy soul. 22 But as the roebuck and the hart are eaten, so shalt thou eat the same : the unclean and the clean may eat thereof together. 23 Only be firm so as not to eat the blood; for the blood is the life ; and thou shalt not eat the life with the fiesh. 24 Thou shalt not eat it : upon the earth shalt thou pour it out like water. 25 Thou slialt not eat it ; in order that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou wilt do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. 26 Nevertheless thy holy things which thou mayest have, and thy vows, shalt thou take, and go unto the place which the Lord may choose : 27 And thou shalt offer thy burnt-offerings, the fiesh and the blood, upon the altar of the Lord thy God; and the Ijlood of thy sacrifices shall be poured out u])on the altar of the Lord thy God, and the fiesh shalt thou eat. 28 Observe and hear all these words which I command thee; in order that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee Of such killing, the clean and unclean may eat together. Verse 26 again enjoins that whatever has been sanctified, must nevertheless be brought to the altar. 227 DEUTERONOMY XII. XIII. REAY. for ever, when thou wilt do what is good and right in the eyes of the Lord thy God.* 29 ][ When the Lord thy God will cut oflf the nations, whither thou goest to drive them out from before thee, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land : 30 Then take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after they have been destroyed from before thee ; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying. How did these nations serve their gods ? even so will I do likewise. 31 Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God; for every abomination" to the Lord, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods ; for even their sons and their daughters have they burnt in the fire to their gods. CHAPTER XIII. 1 What thing soever I command you, even that shall ye observe to do : thou shalt not add thereto, and thou shalt not diminish there- from.'' 2 ^ If there arise in the midst of thee a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and he giv- eth thee a sign or a token, 3 And the sign or the token come to pass, whereof he spoke unto thee, saying. Let us go after other gods, which thou dost not know, and let us serve them : 4 Then shalt thou not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or unto that dreamer of dreams; for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye indeed love" the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 5 After the Lord your God shall ye walk, and him shall ye fear, and his commandments shall ye keep, and his voice shall ye obey, and him shall ye serve, and unto him shall ye cleave. 6 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken revolt against the Lord your God, who hath brought you out of the land of Egypt, and who hath redeemed you out of the house of bond-men, to mislead thee ironi the way which the Lord thy God commanded thee to walk tlierein ; and thou shalt put the evil iiway from the midst of thee. 7 T[ If thy bi'other, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or tlie wife of thy bosom, or thy triend, who is (dear to thee) as thy own soul, should entice thee, in secret, saying. Let us go and serve other gods, which thou dost not know, either thou, or thy fathers ; 8 Some of the gods of the nations which are round about you, that are nigh unt(j thee, or that are far off from thee, from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth : 9 Then shalt thou not consent unto him, nor shalt thou hearken unto him ; nor shall thy eye look with pity on him, nor shalt thou spare, nor shalt thou conceal it for him ; 10 But thou shalt surely kill him ; thy hand shall be the first upon him to put him to death, and the hand of all the people afterward. 11 And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die ; because he sought to mislead thge from the Lord thy God, who hath brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bond-men. 12 And all Israel shall hear it, and they shall be afraid, and they shall not do any more such a wicked deed as this is in the midst of thee. 13 ^ If thou shouldst hear concerning one of thy cities, which the Lord thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying, 14 There have gone forth men, children of worthlessness,'' from the midst of thee, and have misled the inhabitants of their city, say- ing. Let us go and serve other gods, whicli ye have not known : 15 Then shalt thou iiiquire, and make search, and ask diligentl}' ; and, behold, if it be true, the thing is certain, such abomination hath been wrought in the midst of thee : • Inasmuch as the worship of thr heathens presented so ° The DWine legislatimi is the standard ipf truth ; conso- many abominations, the Israelites are here prohibited ' quer.tly no miracle, sliould such be wrought, can be o(m- from copying any of their customs in tliis respect ; only sidered :,s an evidence of Divine mission, if it coutradict that which (!im1 commanded could he lawfully considered ■ the law. The will of God is expressed in his revelation, Divine worship, and no addition, however elegant, could be tolerated. The ne.vt verse, therefore, follows properly as a farther exposition. ^ The English version commences cliap. xiii. at verse 2 228 and he is uo man, that he should change ■" h})f 'Sj " without yoke, who iiave thrown oft' the yoke of Heaven." — K.vsiU. "Sons of Belial" has uo lueau- iug. DEUTERONOMY XIII. XIV. REAY. 16 Then shall tliou smite the inliabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, de- voting it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, to the edge of the sword. 17 And all its spoil shalt thcni gather into the midst of the market-place thereof, and thou shalt burn with fire the city, and all its spoil entirely, unto the Lord thy God; and it shall be a ruinous heap for ever: it shall not be built again. 18 And there shall not cleave to thy hand ausi'lit of the devoted things; in order that the Lord may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and grant thee mercy, and have mercy upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hatli sworn unto thy fathers; 19 When thou wilt hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep all his com- mandments which I command thee this day, to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord thy God.* CHAPTER XIV. 1 ][ Ye are the children of the Lord your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead. 2 For a holy people art thou unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath made choice of thee to be unto himself a peculiar nation above all the nations that are upon the face of the earth. •3 ][ Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing. 4 These are the beasts which ye ma}' eat : The ox, the sheep, and the goat, 5 The hart, and the roebuck, and the fal- low-deer, and the chamois, and the gazelle, and the wild ox, and the antelope. 6 And every beast that hath parted hoofs, and whose feet are cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud among the beasts — that alone ma}' }e eat. 7 Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of those that chew the cud, and of those that possess the divided cloven hoof: The camel. * " The bat," according to Raslii and Mendelssohn. Al- though this word has been left unchanged from the Eng- lish version, it is not probable that the rendering "swan" IS correct; the word noB'jn being also applied among the creeping animals as synonymous with '•mole." conse- quently used here most probably to denote the flying species, ''the bat." and the hare, and the coney ; for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; unclean are they unto you ; 8 And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you ; of their tlesli shall ye not eat. and their dead carcass shall ye not touch. 9 Tl This may ye eat of all that is in the waters : All that hath fins and scales may ye eat; 10 And whatsoever hath not fins and scales shall ye not eat; it is unclean unto you. 11 ^ Every clean bird may ye eat. 12 But these are they which ye shall not eat of them : The eagle, and the ossifrage, and the osprey, 13 And the glede, and the kite, and tlie vulture after his kind, 14 And every raven after his kind, 15 And the ostrich, and the night-hawk, and the cuckoo, and the hawk after his kind, 16 The little owl, and the great owl, and the swan," 1 7 And the pelican, and the gier-eagle, and the cormorant, 18 And the stork, and the heron after his kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.'' 19 And every winged insect is unclean unto }ou : it shall not be eaten. 20 All clean fowls may }'e eat. 21 Ye shall not eat any thing that dieth of itself: unto the stranger" that is in thy gates canst thou give it, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien ; for thou art a holy j^eople unto the Lord thy God; thou shalt not seethe a kid in its mother's milk.* 22 ][ Thou shalt truly tithe all the pro- duce of thy seed, which the field bringeth forth year by year. 23 And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he will choose to cause his name to dwell there, the tithe oi thy corn, of thy wine, and of thy oil, and the first-born of thy herds and of thy flocks; in '' "The swallow." — MENDELSSOHN; who, singularly enough, doubtless by an oversight in transcribing, renders this word in Lev. xi. 19, with '•' WtidcJtopf," English "pcwet" or "lapwing," "hoopoe." " These things not being interdicted for their unliealthi- ness, but because God chose to forbid them to Israel they may be eaten by others, if they v.'Il. 229 DEUTERONOMY XTV. XV. REAY. order that thou may leai'ii to ft-ar the Lord thy God all the days. 24 And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; because the place is too far from thee, which the Lord thy God will choose to set his name tliere, because the Lord thy God will bless thee : 25 Then shalt thou turn it into money, and Ijind up the money in thy hand, and thou shalt go unto the place which the Lord thy God will choose; 26 And thou shalt lay out that money for whatsoever thy soul longeth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul asketh of thee; and thou shalt eat it there before the Lord thy God, anil thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thy household. 27 And the Levite, who is within thy gates, him sluilt thou not forsake; for he hath no portion nor inheritance with thee. 28 T[ At the end of three years shalt thou bring forth" all the tithe of thy produce in the same year, and thou shalt lay it down within thy gates: 29 And then shall come the Levite, be- cause he hath no portion nor inheritance with thee, with the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates, and they shall eat and be satisfied; in order that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thy hand which thou doest.* CHAPTER XV. 1 ^ At tlie end of (every) seven years shalt thou make a release. 2 And this is the manner of the release : Every creditor shall release the loan which he hath lent to his neighbour; he shall not exact it of his neighbour, or of his brother; because the release year in honour of the Lord hath been ])roclaimed. •") Of a foreigner thou mayest exact (pay- ment) ; but that which is thine with thy brother shall thy hand release. 4 Although'' indeed there should be no need}' uuui among thee; for the Lord will greatly bless thee in the land which the Lord ' I. c. Out of the house. Every third year the tithe which at other times was eaten at Jerusalem, was reserved for tho poor iu all cities. 230 thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it: 5 Yet only if thou wilt carefully hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to ol> serve to do all this commandment which I command thee this day. 6 For the Lord thy God blesseth thee, as he hath spoken unto thee; and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt rule over many na- tions, but over thee shall they not rule. 7 1[ If there be among thee a needy man, au}' one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee; thou shalt not harden thy heart, nor shut thy hand from thy needy brother. 8 But thou shalt open wide thj' hand unto him, and thou shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, which his want requireth. 9 Beware that there be not a wicked thought in thy heart, saying, Tlie seventh year, the year of release, is at hand ; and thy eye be thus evil against thy needy brother, so that thou wouldst give him nought; and if he cry concerning tliee unto the Lord, it will be sin in thee: 10 Thou shalt surely give him, and thy heart shall not be grieved when thou giv .st unto him ; for because of this thing the Lord thy God will bless thee in all thy work, and in all the acquisition of thy hand. 11 For the needy will not cease out of the land; therefore do I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open wide thy hand unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land. 12 ][ If thy brother, the Hebrew, or a He- brew woman, be sold unto thee, he shall serve thee six years; and in the seventh year shalt thou let him go free from thee. 13 And when thou lettest him go out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty : 14 Thou shalt funiish liim liljerally out of thy flocks, and out of thy threshing-floor, and out of thy wine-press; wherewith the Lord thy God hath blessed thee, that shalt thou give unto him. 15 And thou slialt remember that thou " This verse has been rendered according to Moniicls-. sohn; but it evidently means that the poor siiould In' very few ; hence to relieve them will be no difEoult duty. DKUTERONOMY XV. XVI. REAY. hast l)<'en a bond-man in the land of Egypt, and that tlie Lord thy God hatli redeemed thee; therefore do I command thee this thing to-day. IG And it shall be. if he say unto thee. T will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thy house, because he is well with thee : 17 Then shalt thou take an awl, ^and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be unto thee a servant for ever;* and also unto thy maid-servant shalt thou do like- wise. 18 It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee, that for double the w'ages of a hired labourer hath he served thee si.K years; and the Lord thy God will bless thee in all that thou doest.* 19 ^ All the first-born males that come of thy herds and of thy flocks shalt thou sanctify unto the Lord thv God : thou shalt do no work with the first-born of thy bullock, and not shear the first-bora of thy sheep. 20 Before the Lord thv God shalt thou eat it year by year, in the place which the Lord will choose, thou with th}- household. 21 And if there be any blemish thereon, if it be lame, or blind, or have any (other) ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the Lord thy God. 22 Within thy gates shalt thou eat it, the unclean and the clean together, as the roebuck, and as the hart. 2o Only the Ijlood thereof shalt thou not eat: upon the ground shalt thou pour it out as water. CHAPTER XVL 1 ^ Observe the month of Abib,'' and pre- pare the passover-sacrilice unto the Lord thy God; for in the month of Abil) did tlie Lord thy God bring thee forth out of Egypt by night. 2 And thou shalt sacrifice the [)assover- offering unto the Lord thy God of sheep and oxen, in the place which the Lord will choose to let Ins name dwell there. 3 Thou shalt not eat therewith any leaven- ed bread; seven days shalt thou eat there- with unleavened bread, the bread of affliction; * i. e. Till the jubilee, when all seivltuJe terminates. ' t. e. The ripening of the grain. for in haste didst thou go forth out of the land of Egypt ; in order that thou nia} est vv.' member the day of thy going tbith out of the land of Egypt all the days of th}' life. 4 And there shall not be seen with thee any leaven in all tin* borders seven days: neither shall there any of the flesli, which thou sacrificedst in the evening, on the first day, remain all night until tlie morning. ■5 Thou mayest not slay the passover witli- in any of thy gates, which the Lord thy God giveth thee; 6 But at the place which the Lord thy God will choose to let his mime dwell in. there shalt thou slay the passover at e\(n- ina", a-t the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt. 7 And thou shalt roast" and eat it in the place which the Lord thy God will choose; and thou shalt turn in the morning, and go unto thy tents. 8 Six days shalt thou eat unleavened bread; and on the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to the Lord thy God ; thou shalt do no work. 9 ^ Seven weeks shalt thou nundjer unto thyself: from the time thou beginnest to put the sickle to the corn, shalt thou begin to number seven weeks. 10 And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto the Lord thy God with a tribute of a freewill-offering of thy hand, which thou shalt give: according as the Lord tliy God shall have blessed thee. 11 And thou shalt rejoice Ijefore the Lord thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daugh- ter, and thy man-servant, and thy maid-ser- vant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are in the midst of thee, in the place which the Lord thy God will choose to let his name dwell there. 12 And thou shalt rememlter that tliou hast been a bond-man in Egypt ; and thou shalt observe and do these statutes. '=" 13 ^ The feast of tabernacles shalt thou hold for thyself seven days, when thou hast gathered in the produce of thy threshing- floor and of thy wine-press: 14 And thou shalt rejoice on thy feast, ° Heb. "Boil;" but the preparation of the passnver wn;" by roa?ting. 231 DEUTERONOMY XVI. XVII. SHOPHETIM. thuii, and thy son, and tli}' daughter, and thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, and the Levite, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates. 15 Seven days shalt thou Iveep a solemn feast unto the Lord thy God in the place which the Lokd will choose; because the Lord thy God will bless thee in all thy pro- duct, and in all the work of thy hands, and thou shalt only rejoice. 16 Three times in the year shall every one of thy males appeAr before the Lord thy God in the place which he will choose: on the feast of unleavened bread, and on the feast of weeks, and on the feast of tabernacles; and no one shall appear before the Lord empty; 17 Every man according to Avhat his hand can give, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee. Ilanhtin-ah in Isaiah liv. 11 to Iv. 5. SECTION XL VIII. SHOPHETIM, D't3£)r. 18 ^ Judges and officers shalt thou appoint unto thyself in all thy gates, Avhicli the Lord thy (iod giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with a just judgment. ill Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not resjject persons, and thou shalt not talvo a bribe; for tlie bril)e lilindeth the eyes of the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous. 20 Justice, (mly justice shalt thou pursue; in order that thou niayest live, and retain possession of the land wliich the Lord thy God giveth thee. 21 T[ Thou shalt not plant unto thyself a grove, any tree, near the altar of the Lord thy God, which thou shalt make unto thy- self 22 Neither shalt thou set thee up any statue," which the Lord thv God hateth. CHAPTER XVn. 1 % Tliou shalt not sacrifice unto the Lord thy God any bullock, or lamb, whereon there •Lit. " Jlonument," or ".standing stone." Single stones wore erected by heathens for altars to idols, and some idols even were represented by rude unseulptured blocks; hence tie prohibition of them, and of all figures or statues put up as monuments. is a blemish, any tiling evil; for it is an alio- mination unto the Lord thy God. 2 ^ If there be found in the midst of thee, within any one of thy gates, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, a man or a woman, that doth the wickedness in the eyes of the Lord thy God, to transgress his covenant, 3 And he hath gone and served other gods, anc^ worshipped them, either the sun, or the moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have prohibited; 4 And it be told thee, and thou hearest of it: then shalt thou inquire diligently; and, behold, if it be true, the thing is certain, such abomination hath been wrought in Israel : -3 Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, who have committed this wack- ed thing, unto thy gates, the man or the woman, and thou shalt stone them with stones till they die. 6 Upon the evidence'' of two witnesses, or of three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of deatli be put to death: he shall not l^e put to death upon the evidence of one witness. 7 The hand of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to deatli. and the hand of all the people at the last; and thou shalt put the evil away from the midst of thee. 8 ^ If a matter be unknown" to thee for decision, between blood and blood, Ijetween plea and plea, and between bodily injury and injury, (or) matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up unto the place which the Lord thy God v,ill choose ; 9 iVnd thou shalt come unto the priests, the Levites, and unto the judge that may be in those days, and thou shalt inquire, and they shall inform thee of the sentence of the case ; 10 And thou shalt do according to the sen- tence, wdiich they may tell thee from that place which the Lord will choose, and tliou shalt observe to do according to all tliat they may instruct thee; 11 In accordance with the instruction which they may instruct thee, and according to the decision which they may say unto thee, shalt thou do: thou shalt not depart from the ' Heb. "Mouth," or that spoken by the mouth; here, "evidence." " xSiJ' from xSi) "a wonder;" hence "extraordinary," "too difficult," or "unknown." The last word has been selected as best comprising all the shades of meaning. DEUTERONOMY XVII. XVIII. SHOPHETIM. sentence which they may tell thee, to the right, or to the left. 12 And the man that will act presump- tuously, so as not to hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the Lord thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die ; and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel. 13 And all the people shall hear, and be afraid, and not act presumptuously any more.* 14 ]| When thou art come unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, and thou hast taken possession of it, and dwellest therein, and thou sayest, I wish to set a king over me, like all the nations that are round about me : 15 Then mayest thou indeed set a king over thee, the one whom the Lord thy God will choose; (but) from the midst of thy brethren shalt thou set a king over thee; thou mayest not set over thee a stranger, who is not thy brother. 16 Only he shall not acquire for himself many horses, so that he may not cause the people to return to Egypt,'' in order to acquire many horses; whereas the Lord hath said unto you. Ye shall henceforth not return on that way any more. 17 Neither shall he take to himself many wives, that his heart may not turn away; nor shall he acquire for himself too much silver and gold. 18 And it shall be. when'' he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall wiite for himself a copy of this law in a book out of (that which is) before the priests, the Le- vi tes ; 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: in order that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them. 20 So that his heart- be not lifted up above his brethren, and so that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right, or to " Egypt being the country which procluccd the best horses. '' "At the commencement of his reign." — Aben Ezra. ° Tradition fixes a sixtieth portion, and with a posses- sion of not less than five sheep. '' This version of the English Bible is nearly in accord- ance with Aben Ezra. Mendelssohn renders, " Besides his income of his property at home which he may sell." Arn- heim, however, refers this part of the verse back to verse 2E the left: in order that he may live many days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.* CHAPTER XVIII. 1 T[ The priests, the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no portion nor in- heritance with Israel : the fire-offerings of the Lord, and his inheritance shall they consume. 2 But any inheritance shall he not have among his brethren: the Lord is his inherit- ance, as he hath sjwken unto him. 3 ^ And this shall be the priests' due from the people, from them that slay an animal, whether it be ox or lamb: then shall each one give unto the priest the shoidder, and the two cheeks, and the maw. 4 The first-fruit of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thy oil, and the first shearing" of thy sheep, slialt thou give him. 5 For him the Lord thy God hath chosen out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the Lord, he and his sons all the days.* 6 ^ And if the Levite come from any one of thy gates out of all Israel, where he so- journeth, and come with all the longing of his soul inito the jjlace which the Lord will choose : 7 Then can he minister in the name of the Lord his God, like all his brethren the Le- vites, who stand there before the Lord. 8 They shall have like portions to eat, be- sides that which cometh of the sale'' of his patrimony. 9 ^ When thou comest into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among thee any one who causeth his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one who useth di\'i- nation, one who is an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a conjurer, 11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with fa- 1 : — The priests, the Levites, &e., shall have no property, "except the assigned portions (see Lev. xxv. -34) which shall remain in the family divisions;" taking i^r^-^ in the light of "assigned portion," and ni^NH as nnND 'n3 "family divisions," and understanding rrr before S;'. Compare with Num. xxxvi. 12. This construction is in- genious, but certainly too improbable, Rashi refers this section to the priests, who are also called Levites, as they are the only ones entitled to take part in the sacrifices. 233 DEUTERONOMY XVIII. XIX. SHOPHETIM. miliar spirits, or a wizard, or who iuquireth of the dead. 12 For an abomination unto the Lord are all that do these things; and on account of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. 13 Perfect shalt thou be with the Lord thy God.* 14 For these nations, which thou art about to dispossess, hearken unto observers of times, and unto diviners; but as for thee, the Lord thy God hath not assigned the like unto thee. 15 A prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me, will the Lord thy God raise up unto thee; unto him shall ye hearken : 16 According to all that thou didst desire of the Lord thy God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, saying, I wish no more to hear the voice of the Lord my God, and this great fire I wish not to see again, that I die not. 17 And the Lord said unto me, They have done well in wliat they have spoken. 18 A prophet will I raise up unto them from among their brethren, like unto thee; and I will put my words in his mouth ; and he shall speak unto them all that I may com- mand him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that if there be a man Avho will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him. 20 But the prophet, who may presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded liim to speak, or who may speak in the name of other gods — even that prophet shall die. 21 And if thou shouldst say in thy heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken ? 22 That which the prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, and the thing do not j happen and come not to pass — this is the word j which the Lord hath not sjjoken; in pre-! sumption hath the prophet spoken it; thou| shalt not be afraid of him. I CHAPTER XIX. j 1 *i\ When the Lord thy God shall havei cut off the nations, whose land the Lord thy God giveth thee, and thou hast driven them out, and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses : ■18i 2 Then shalt thou set apart three cities for thyself, in the midst of thy land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee to j^ossess it. 3 Thou shalt pat in order" for thyself the (way to them), and divide into three parts the territory of thy land, which the Lord thy God will give thee to inherit, and it shall serve, that every man-slayer may flee tliither. 4 And this is tiae case of the man-slayer, who shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoso smiteth his neighbour without know- ledge, when he hath not been an enemy to him in time past; 5 And he that goeth into the forest with his neighbour to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the iron slippeth from the helve, and striketh his neighbour, that he die : this one shall flee unto one of these cities, and live; 6 That the avenger of the blood pursue not the man-slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and smite him dead; whereas he deserveth not a judgment of death, inasmuch as he was not an enemy to him in time past. 7 Therefore do I command thee, saying, Three cities shalt thou set apart for tliyself. 8 And if the Lord thy God enlarge thy boundary, as he hath sworn unto thy lathers, and give thee all the land which he hath spoken to give unto thy fathers ; 9 Because tliou dost keep all this com- mandment to do it, which I command thee this day, to love the Lord thy God, and to walk in his ways all the days : then shalt thou add for thyself thi'ee cities more, unto these three ; 10 That innocent blood be not shed in the midst of thy land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and blood- guiltiness be brought upon thee. 11 ][ But if any man be an enemy to his neighbour, and he lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally so that he die, and he flee unto one of these cities: 12 Then shall the elders of his city send and fetch him thence, and they shall deliver him into the hand of the avenger of the blood, that he may die. ' The road was to be made level, and guide-postg put up, so th:it the murderer might not be detained needlessly DEUTERONOMY XIX. XX. SOPHETIM 13 Thy eye shall not look with pity on him; but thou shalt put away the (shedding of) innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.''' 14 *[] Thou shalt not remove the landmark of thy neighbour, which they of old time have set, in thy inheritance which thou shalt in- herit, in the land that the Lord thy God giv- eth thee to possess it. 15 ^ There shall not rise up one single witness against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth : upon the evidence of two witnesses, or upon the evi- dence of three witnesses, must a case be es- tablished. 16 If a witness of violence rise up against any man to testify against him for any wrong : 17 Then shall both the men, who have the controversy, stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges, who shall be in those days; 18 And the judges shall inquire diligently; and, behold, if the witness be a folse witness, he hath testified a falsehood against his bro- ther : 19 Then shall ye do unto him, as he had purposed to do unto his brother; and thou shalt put away the evil from the midst of thee. 20 And those who remain shall liear, and be afraid, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil thing in the midst of thee. 21 And thy eye shall have no pity; but life (shall go) for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. CHAPTER XX. 1 ^ When thou goest out to battle against thy enemies, and thou seest horse, and chariot, people more in number than thou: be not afraid of them ; for the Lord thy God is with thee, who bi'ought thee up out of tlie land of Egypt. 2 And it shall be, when ye come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people; 3 And he shall say unto them. Hear, ' I. e. Inhabiting it for the first time ; the first use of a thing is called " consecration." No doubt, however, that religious ceremonies were not omitted on such occasions, as we owe to it the thirtieth Psalm of David. '' At the fourth year from the planting. Israel, ye come nigh this day unto the battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and be not downcast, and do not tremble because of them; 4 For the Lord your. God it is who goeth with you, to fight for you against your ene- mies, to help you. 5 And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying. What man is there who hath built a new house, and hatli not dedicated" it ? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it. 6 And what man is there who hath planted a vineyard, and hath not redeemed'' it? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man redeem it. 7 And what man is there that hath be- trothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her. 8 And the officers shall speak yet farther unto the people, and they shall say. What man is there that is fearful and faint-hearted ? let him go and return unto his house, that the heart of his brethren become not as faint as his heart. 9 And it shall be, when the officers have made an end of speaking unto the people, that they shall appoint captains of the armies at the head of the people.*^* 10 ][ When thou comest nigh mi to a city to make war against it, then summon it with words of peace. 11 And it shall be, if it make thee an an- swer of peace, and open (its gates) unto thee : then shall it be, that all the people that are found therein shall be tril^utaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee. 12 But if it will not make peace with thee, and wageth war against thee; then shalt thou besiege it; 13 And when the Lord thy God hath de- livered it into thy hands, thou shalt^ smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword ; 14 But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that may be in the city, all " Mendelssohn renders this, " Then shall some chiefs commence the mustering at the head of the people." ^ It would appear from the general idea, that "shalt" is not a command, but a mere permission, yet prohibiting the molestation of the women and children. 236 DEUTERONOMY XX. XXI. KI TETZAY. the spoil thereof, shalt thou take as booty unto thyself; and thou shalt enjoy the spoil of thy enemies, which the Lord thy God hath given thee. 15 Thus shalt th6u do unto all the cities which are very far off from thee, which are not of the cities of these nations. 16 But of the cities of these people, which the Lord thy God doth give thee for an in- heritance, shalt thou not let live a single soul. 17 But thou shalt utterly devote them ; namely, the Hittites, and the Emorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites ; as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; 18 In order that they may not teach you to do in accordance with all their abomina- tions, which they have done unto their gods; and ye would thus sin against the Lord your God.' 19 ][ When thou besiegest a city a long time, to make war against it to capture it, thou shalt not destroy the trees thereof by forcing an axe against them ; for of them thou mayest eat, and thou shalt not cut them down, (for man liveth of the trees" of the field,) to employ them in thy siege ; 20 Only those trees of which thou knowest that they are not fruit-trees, thou mayest de- stroy and cut down ; and (thus) thou can*;t build bulwarks against the city that wageth war with thee, until it be subdued. CHAPTER XXI. 1 ^ If there be found a slain person in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee to possess it, lying in the field, (and) it be not known wlio hath slain him : 2 Then shall thy elders and thy judges go forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about the one that is slain. ?i And it sliall be, that the city which is the U'-arest unto the slain person, even the elders of that city shall take a heifer, which hath not been wrought with, which hath not drawn in a yoke; ' Onkoloa, Raslii, and Meuilelssnhn render, "Is then the tree of tlie field like man, that thou shouldst put it in a state of siege'/"' And Hashi adds, " Why wouldst tlio-j destiny it'/"' Tint English version has been fidlowed in our text, and it agrees with Aben K/,ra, Arnheiin, and the pnininentator to Mendelssohn's translation. The last clause may m'.d: "tv put (the eity) in siege before thee." •J30 4 And the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto a rough*" valley, which is neither tilled nor sown, and they shall break there the neck of the heifer in the valley ; 5 And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near ; for them the Lord thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the Lord; and after their decision shall be done (at) every controversy and every injury; 6 And all the elders of that city who are nearest unto the .slain person shall wash their hands over the heifer, the neck of which is broken in the valley.* 7 And they shall commence and say. Our hands have not shed this blood, and our eyes have not seen it. 8 Grant pardon unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, O Lord, and lay not innocent blood in the midst of thy people Israel: and the blood shall Ije forgiven unto them. 9 And thou shalt put away the (guilt of) the innocent blood" from the midst of thee, when thou wilt do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. Haphtorah in Isaiah li. 12 to Hi. 12. SECTION XLIX. KI TETZAY, NVH O. 10 ^ When thou goest forth to war against thy enemies, and the Lord thy God delivereth them into thy hands, and thou takest cajatives of them ; 11 And thou seest among the captives a woman of handsome form, and hast a desire unto lier, that thou wouldst take her to thee for wife : 12 Then shalt thou bring her home to thy house; and she shall shave her head, and let grow" her nails; 13 And she shall put off the raiment of her captivity from her, and she shall remain in thy house, and weep for her father and her mother a full month ; and after that thou "■ Philippson, after Rambam, "rapid stream," which does not dry up in the summer, and the bed of which can therefore never be ploughed. " "If the murderer be caught after this and convicted heis todie, notwithstanding this ceremony." — KETUBfiTH fol. .37. * Others, "shall out off." DEUTERONOMY XXI. XXII. KI TETZAY. mayest go in unto her. and be her husband, that she may become thy wife. 14 And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then shalt thou let her go whither she will ; but thou shalt nowise sell her for money : thou shalt not make a servant of her, because thou hast humbled her. 15 ^ If a man have two wives, one beloved, and the other hated, and they bear him chil- dren, both the beloved and the hated ; so that the first-born son lie hers that is hated : 16 Then shall it be, when he divideth as inheritance among his sons what he hath, that he shall not institute the son of the be- loved as the first-born before" the son of the hated, the tirst^born; 17 But the first-born, the son of the hated woman, shall he acknowledge, to gi^'e him a double portion of all that is found in his pos- session ; for he is the beginning of his strength ; to him belongeth the right of the first birth. 18 ^ If a man have a stubborn and rebel- lious son, who hearkeneth not to the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and they chastise him, and he will not hearken unto them : 19 Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the eld- ers of his city, and unto the gate of his place ; 20 And they shall say unto the elders of his city. This our son is stubborn and rebel- Uous, he will not hearken to our voice ; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. 21 And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die; and thou shalt put away the evil from the midst of thee; and all Israel shall hear, and be afraid.* 22 Tl And if a man have committed, a sin for which there is a punishment of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree : 23 Then shall his body not remain all night on the tree, but thou shalt surely bury him on that day ; (for he that is hanged is a dishonour of God;) and thou shalt nut defile thy land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance. CHAPTER XXII. 1 \\ Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox oi * "In the lifetime of," &c. — Arnheim. ' Since such a practice might easily lead to lewdness aud thus demoralize the people. his lamb go astray, and withdraw thyself i from them : thou shalt surely bring them back again unto thy brother. 2 But if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or thou know him not: then shalt thou take it unto thy own house, and it shall remain with thee until thy brother inquire after it, and then shalt thou restore it to him. 3 In like manner shalt thou do with his ass; and in like manner shalt thou do with his raiment; and in like manner shalt thou do with every lost thingof thy brother's, which may have been lost to him, and which thou hast found : thou art not at liberty to with- draw tliyself 4 ^ Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fallen down by the way, and with- draw thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again. 5 T[ A woman shall not have upon her the apparel of a man, and a man shall not put on a woman's garment; for an abomination unto the Lord thy God are all who do this.'' 6 ][ If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way, on any tree, or on tlie ground, wath young ones, or with eggs, and the mother be sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs : thou shalt not take the mother with the young; 7 But thou shalt surely let the mother go, and the young thou mayest take to thyself; in order that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest live many days.* 8 ^ When thou bulkiest a new house, thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof; that thou liring not blood upon thy house, if any one were to fall from there." 9 Thou shalt not sow thy vinej-ard with divers seeds; that the ripe fruit of thy seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of the vineyard, be not defiled. 10 ^ Thou shalt not plough with an ox and an ass together. 11 Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, of woollen and linen together. 12 Tl Thou shalt make thyself fringes upon the four corners of th}' vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself. 13 ]| If any man take a w^ife, and go in unto her, and hate her. ° We are here prohibited from being the cause througb want of foresight, or culpable neglect, that any injury whatever should happen to our fellow-meu. 287 DEUTERONOMY XXII. XXIII. KI TETZAY. 14 And he lay an accusation against her, and spread abroad an evil name upon her, and say, This woman I took (for wife), and when I came near to her, I found no tokens of virginity in her : 15 Then shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth the tokens of the damsel's virginity unto the elders of tlie city, to the gate. 16 And the father of the damsel shall say unto the elders, My daughter I gave unto this man for wife; but he hath conceived hatred toward her; 17 And, lo, he hath laid an accusation (against her), saying, I have found no tokens of virginity in thy daughter; and yet these are the tokens of my daughter's virginity: and they shall spread the cloth before the elders of the city. 18 And the elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him; 19 And they shall amerce him in a hun- dred shekels of silver, and give them unto the father of the damsel ; because he hath spread abroad an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall remain his wife; he shall not be at liberty to put her away all his days. 20 ][ But if this thing was true, there have not been found tokens of virginity in the damsel : 21 Then shall they lead out the damsel to the door of her fother's house," and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die ; because she hath wrought a disgrace- ful deed in Israel, to commit incest in her father's house; and thou shalt put away the evil from tlie midst of thee. 22 Tl If a man be found lyhig with a wo- man married to a husband: then shall both of them die, the man that lieth with the wo- man, and the woman; and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel. 23 ^ If a damsel that is a virgin be be- trothed unto a man, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her: 24 Then shall ye lead them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not (for aid) in the city; and the ' The housft wliicli she luia disgraced by her lewdness shall be the scene (if her punishmeut; so as to strike ad- ditional terror in others, that the sanctity of the people of (jrod miglif, be preserved inviolate. 238 man, because he hath done violence to his neighbour's wife; and thou shalt put away the evil from the midst of thee. 25 T[ But if in the field the man should find the betrothed damsel, and the man take hold of her by force, and lie with her : then shall the man that lay with her die alone; 26 But unto the damsel shalt thou not do any thing; there is in the damsel no sin worthy of death; for as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and striketh him dead, even so is this matter; 27 For in the field did he find her; had the betrothed damsel even cried,"* there would have been none to aid her. 28 T[ If a man find a damsel that is a vir- gin, who is not betrothed, and lay fast hold on her, and he with her, and they be found : 29 Then shall the man who lieth with her give unto the father of the damsel fifty shekels of silver; and she shall become his wife, because he hath done violence to her, he shall not be at liberty to put her away all his days. CHAPTER XXIII. 1° ^ A man shall not take his father's wife, and he shall not uncover his father's skirt. 2 ^ He that is wounded in the testicles, or hath his privy member cut, shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord. 3 ^ One born from prohibited connections shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even the tenth generation of him shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord. 4 ^ An 'Ammonite and a Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even the tenth generation of them shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord, for ever ; 5 For the reason, that they met you not with bread and with water on the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because he'' hired against thee Bil'am the son of Beor of Pethor in Mesopotamia, to curse thee; 6 But the Lord thy God would not hearken unto BiFam ; and the Lord thy God changed unto thee the curse into a blessing, because the Lord thy God loved thee. *■ Others : " The betrothed damsel did cry out, but thei'fi was none to aid her." ° Tlie English version commences chap, sxiii. at verse 2 ■» The king of Moiib. DEUTERONOMY XXIII. XXIV. KI TETZAY. 7 Thou phalt not seek their peace and' their welfare all thy clays, for ever.* 8 T[ Thou shalt not abhor" an Edomite ; for he is thy brother : thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger iu his land. 9 The children that are born unto them in the third generation, may enter of them into the congregation of the Lord. 10 Tl When thou goest forth into camp against thy enemies, then keep thyself from every evil thing. 11 If there be among thee any man, that is not clean by reason of an occurrence by night ; then shall he go abroad to without the camp, he shall not come within the camp; 12 But it shall be, that toward evening he shall bathe himself in water; and when the sun goeth down, he may come into the midst of the camp. 13 And a place shalt thou have without the camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad : 14 And a spade shalt thou have with thy weapons; and it shall be, when thou sittest abroad, that thou shalt digtherewith. andslialt afterward cover that which cometh from thee; 15 For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee and to give up thy enemies before thee ; therefore shall thy camp be holy ; that he see no un- seemly thing in thee, and turn away from thee. 16 ^ Thou shalt not deliver unto his mas- ter the servant Avho may escape unto thee from his master; 17 With thee shall he dwell, in the midst of thee, in the place which he may choose in any one of thy gates, where it seemeth best to him: thou shalt not oppress him. 18 ^ There shall not be a prostitute of the daughters of Israel, and there shall not be a sodomite of the sons of Israel. 19 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a har- lot, or the price of a dog, into the house of the Lord thy God for any vow; for both of these are equally an abomination unto the Lord thy God. That is, we are not to refuse admission to the tliird generation of the Edomite and Egyptian proselyte from lutermarrying with descendants of Israel; as a probation ot this length of time shall qualify them for a commixing with the chosen people. 20 T[ Thou shalt not take interest from thy brother, interest of money, interest of victuals, interest of any thing that is lent upon interest : 21 From an alien thou mayest take inte- rest; but from thy brother thou shalt not take interest; in order that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all tlie acquisition of thy hand, in the land whither thou goest to possess it. 22 ^ When thou makest a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not delay to pay it; for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. 23 But if thou forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. • 21 What is gone out of thy lips shalt thou keep and perform, as thou hast vowed unto the L(tRD thy God voluntarily, as thou hast spoken with thy mouth.* 25 ^ When thou comest into thy neigh- bours vineyai'd, thou mayest eat grapes at thy own pleasure, till thou have enough; but into thy vessel shalt thou not put any. 26 ^ When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour, thou mayest pluck ears with thy hand; but a sickle shalt thou not move over thy neighbours standing corn. CHAPTER XXIV. 1 ^ When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass, that if she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some scandalous thing in her, he may write her a Ijill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and sent her away out of his house ; 2 And she shall depart out of his house ; and if she go and become another man's wife; 3 And the latter husband hate her. and write her a bill of divoi'cement, and give it iu her hand, and send her away out of his lunise; or if the latter husband, who took her as his wife, should die i*" 4 Then shall her former husband, who had sent her away, not be at liberty to take her again to be his wife, after she hath been de- filed; for it is abomination before the Lord; and thou shalt not bring sin upon the land. The connection of this passage has been given after li shall," &c Arnheim. Blendelssohn, however, who here terminates the first portion of the sentence, makes the whole from verse 1 a continued condition, thus: "And he write a bill — give it — and if she depart — and go and be- come — and the latter husband hate her, &c. : then 239 DEUTERONOMY XXIV. XXV. KI TETZAY. which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.* 5 % When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall lie be charged with any public business : he shall be free for his house one year, and shall cheer up his wife whom he hath taken. 6 No man shall take to ])k'dge the nether or the upper mill-stone ; for lie taketli a man's life to i^ledge. 7 Tf If a man be found stealing any one of his brethren of the children of Israel, and he treateth' him as a slave, and selleth liini : then shall that thief die ; and thou shalt put the evil away from the midst of- thee. 8 ^ Take heed in the plague of leprosy, to observe diligently, and to do according to all that the priests, the Levites, may instruct you;" as I have commanded them, so shall ye observe to do. 9 Remember what the Lord thy God did untt) Miriam on the journey, at your coming forth out of Egypt. 10 T[ When thou dost lend thy brother any thing as a loan, thou shalt not go into his house to take his pledge. 11 In the street shalt thou stand, and the man to whom thou dost lend shall bring out unto thee the pledge into the street. 12 And if he be a poor man, thou shalt not lie down with his pledge : 13 Thou shalt punctually deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may lie under his own cover,'' and bless thee ; and unto thee shall it be as righteous- ness before the Lord thy God.* 14 ][ Thou shalt not withhold the wages of a hired man, of the poor and needy, (whether he be) of thy brethren, or of thy strangers'' that are in thy land within thy gfites : 15 On the same day shalt thou give him his wages, that the sun may not go down upon it ; for he is poor, and his soul longeth"' for it; so that he may not cry against thee unto the Lord, and it be sin in thee.' IG ^[ Fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall children be put * " He is not guilty of death, unless he have made him labour as a slave." — Kasih. ■■ " If he be uven a king as 'Uzziah, (hey must nut honour him; hut he must bo locked up outside the camp, ;ind dwell solitarily, .as the priests may instruct." — After Rash BAM. 240 to death for the fathers : for his own sin shall every man be put to death. 17 *[[ Thou shalt not pervert the cause of the stranger, or of the fatherless; and thou shalt not take in pledge the raiment of a Avidow ; 18 But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bond-man in Egypt, and that the Lord thy God redeemed thee thence; therefore do I command thee to do this tiling. 19 ^ When thou cuttest down thy harvest in thy field, and forgettest a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go back to fetch it; for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow shall it be; in order that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thy hands. 20 ]| When thou beatest thy olive-tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again ; for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the Avidow shall it be. 21 When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean the small fruit afterward ; for the stranger, lor the fatherless, and for the wddow shall it be. 22 And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bond-man in the land of Egypt; there- fore do I command thee to do this thing. CHAPTER XXV. 1 ^ If there be a controversy between men, and they come nigh unto a court of jus- tice, and they judge them; and they justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked : 2 Then shall it be, if the guilty man de- serve to be lieaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to the degree of his fault, by a (certain) number. 3 Forty stripes may he give him, not more ; so that he shall not exceed to have him beaten above these, with too many stripes, and thy brother be thus rendered vile before thy eyes. 4 Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he thresheth out the corn. 5 T[ If brothers dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child : then shall the ° Heb. "In his raiment." " Lit. " Stranger." " Heb. " And to it he beareth his soul." ' Those who are the weakest are the special favourites of God, and we are therefore the more bound to regard their wants DEUTERONOMY XXV. XXVI. KI TAHBO. w'lk of the dead not be married abroad, unto a stranger; her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to himself for wife, and perform the duty of a husband's brother unto her. 6 And it shall be, that the first-born whom she may bear shall succeed in the name of his brother who is dead ; so that his name be not blotted out of Israel. 7 And if the man have no desire to take his sister-in-law : then shall his sister-in-law go up to the gate unto the elders, and say, My husband's brother refuseth to raise up unto his brother a name in Israel, he will not perform on me the duty of a husband's bro- ther. 8 Then shall the eldei's of his city call him, and speak unto him; and if he persist,* and say, I have no desire to take her : 9 Then shall his sister-in-;law come nigh unto him in the presence of the elders, and pull his shoe from off his foot, and spit out before him, and shall commence and say. Thus shall be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house. 10 And liis name shall be called in Israel, The house of the barefooted.'' 11 ]| When men strive together one with the other, and the wife of the one draweth Ucor to deliver her husband out of the hand of him that smiteth him, and putteth forth bt:r hand, and taketh him by the secrets : 12 Then shalt thou cut off her hand," thy eye shall not have pity. 13 ]y Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small. 14 Thou shalt nof have m thy house divers measures, a great and a small. lo A perfect and just weight shalt thou have, a pei'fect and just measure shalt thou have ; in order that thy days may be })rolonged in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee; 16 For an abomination of the Lord thy God is every one that doth such things, every me that acteth unrighteously.''' 17 Tl Remember what 'Amalek did unto ' Heb. " And he standeth," i. e. fixed in his mind. '' Ileb. "Of the one whose shoe was pulled off." " This is explained, that she is to pay the damages for the insult offered : " Thy eye," &c., even if she be uoor. ' Another injunction against overreaching; not even to 2F thee, by the way, at your coming forth out of Egypt; 18 How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, all that were feeble behind thee, when thou was faint and weary; and he feared not God. 19 And it shall come to pass, when the Lord thy God giveth thee rest from all thy enemies round about, iia the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the re- membrance of 'Amalek from under the hea- vens: thou shalt not forget. Haphtorah in Isaiah liv. 1 to 10. SECTION L. KI TAHBO, N3n O. CHAPTER XXVI. 1 T[ And it shall come to pass, when thou art come in unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and thou hast taken possesf^ion of it, and dwellest therein : 2 That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the soil, which thou shalt bring in from thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, and shalt put it in a basket; and thou shalt go unto the place which the Lord thy God will choose to let his name dwell there. 3 And thou shalt come unto the priest that may be in those days, and thou shalt say unto him, I give thanks this day unto the Lord thy God, that I am come into the land which the Lord swore unto our fathers to give to us. 4 And the priest shall take the basket out of thy hand, and set it down before the altar of the Lord thy God. 5 And thou shalt commence and say before the Lord thy God, A Syrian, wandering" about, was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a fannly few in number, and he became there a nation, great, mighty, and numerous. keep any article in the house which might by chance be unlawfully employed, can be allowed. ° I. e. Abraham or Jacob, both of whom were residents of Syria, and moving from place to place with their cattle; but Onkelos and Rashi give : " A Syrian (Laban) wished to destroy my father (Jacob)." DEUTERONOMY XXVI. XXVII. KI TAHBO. 6 And the Egyptians treated us ill, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard labour; 7 And then we cried unto the Eternal, the God of our fathers ; and the Lord heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our trouble, and our oppression ; 8 And the Lord l^rought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an out- stretched arm, and with great terror, and with signs, and with wonders ; 9 And he brought us unto this place, and gave unto us this land, a land flowing with milk ^nnd honey. 10 And now, behold, I have brought the first of the fruits of the soil, which thou hast giveu me, Lord; and thou shalt set it down be,\n-e the Lord thy God, and prostrate thy- self before the Lord thy God; 11 And thou shalt rejoice with every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thy liouse, thou, with the Levite, and the stranger that is in the midst of thee.* 12 ^ When thou hast made an end of giving away all the tithe of thy produce in the third year, the year of the tithing," and hast given it unto the Levite, to the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, and'' they have eaten it within thy gates, and are satis- fied: 13- Then shalt thou say before the Lord thy God, I have removed away the hallowed things out of the house, and I have also given tSieiu unto tlie Levite, and unto the stranger, to tlie fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandment which thou hast commanded me ; I have not deviated from thy commandments, and I have not forgotten ; 14 I have not eaten thereof in my mourn- ing, neither have I removed away aught thereof in an unclean state, nor have I given aught thereof for the dead ; I have hearkened to the voice of the Lord my God, I have done all, just as thou hast commanded me. " In the firet two years a tithe was set aside to be eaten at .Jerusalem ; iu the third it was given to the poor. '' "That they may eat," &c. — Arniieim and English version. " "II'DSni niONn " There is no phrase in Scripture by which the correct meaning of tliese words could be ascer- tained; but to mc it app('»ts that they convey the idea of separation and setting aside; thou hast separated him from f'or(Mgn gods to be to thee as God, and he has separated thee from the nations of the earth to be to him as a pecu- 242 15 Look down from the habitation of thy holiness, from the heavens, and bless thy jjeo- ple Israel, and the soil which thou hast given unto us, as thou hast sworn unto our fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey.'^' 16 T[ This day the Lord thy God com- mandeth thee to do these statutes and ordi- nances ; and thou shalt keep and do them with all thy heart, and with all thy soul. 17 Thou hast this day acknowledged'' the Lord, that he is thy God, and that thou wilt walk in his ways, and keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his ordinances, and hearken unto his voice; 18 And the Lord hath acknowledged thee this day, that thou art unto him a peculiar people, as he hath spoken unto thee, and that thou shouldst keep all his commaudments; 19 So that he may set thee highest above all nations that he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou may- est be a holy people unto the Lord thy God, as he hath spoken.* CHAPTER XXVII. 1 ^ And Moses with the elders of Israel com- manded the people, saying, Keep the whole commandment which I command you his day. 2 And it shall be on the day when ye pass over the Jordan unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set up for thj-self great stones, and cover them with plaster ; 3 And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, so soon as thou art passed over; in order that thou mayest go in unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, a land flowing with milk and honey; as the Lord, the God of thy fathers, hath spoken unto thee. 4 And it shall be so soon as ye are gone over the Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, on mount 'Ebal; and thou shalt cover them with plaster. liar people." — Rashi. Arnheim simply gives them with "declared openly," " undisguisedly," "acknowledged," as in the text. Mendelssohn translates with "given occa- sion;" thus, "Thou hast given this day occasion unto the LoKD (to make a covenant with thee) to be unto thee a God," &c. Philippson after Aben Ezra, Rashbam, &c., simply, " Thou lettcst it be told unto the Lord," and " The Lord letteth it be told unto thee," as the causative from "TON "to say," or "cause something to be told, said, or answered." But the sense in each case is the same. DEUTERONOMY XXVII. XXVIII. KI TAHBO. 5 And thou shalt build there an altar unto the Lord thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them. 6 Of whole stones shalt thou build the altar of the Lord thy God; and thou shalt offer thereupon burnt-offerings unto the Lord thy God; 7 And thou shalt slay peace-offerings, and eat (them) there; and thou shalt rejoice be- fore the Lord thy God. 8 And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law, very plainly. • 9 T[ And Moses with the priests, the Le- \ites, spoke unto all Israel, saying. Be atten- tive, and hearken, Israel ! this day art thou become a people unto the Lord thy God. 10 Thou shalt therefore hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his com- mandments and his statutes, which I com- mand thee this day.* 11 Tl And Moses commanded the people on the same day, saying, 12 These shall stand upon mount Gerizzim to bless* the people, when ye are come over the Jordan: Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin. 13 And these shall stand for tlie sake of the curse upon mount 'Ebal : Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. 14 And the Levites shall commence, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice, 15 ^ Cursed be the man who maketh a graven or molten image, the abomination of the Lord, the work of the hands of the crafts- man, and putteth it in a secret place ; and all the people shall answer, and say. Amen. 16 ^ Cursed be he that holdeth in light esteem his father or his mother ; and all the people shall say, Amen. 17 ][ Cursed be he that removeth the land- mark of his neighbour; and all the people shall say. Amen. 18 Tl Cursed be he that causeth the blind to wander out of the way ; and all the people a. all say, Amen. 19 ]j Cursed be he that perverteth the ' Six tribes went up to the top of mount Gerizzim, and six to that of mount 'Ebal, while the priests, with the Levites and the ark wore in the middle of the valley be- low ; tha Levites thereupon turned their faces toward Gerizzim, and commenced with the blessing: "Blessed be t'oc map. who doth not make a graven image," &c. ; cause of the stranger, of the fatherless, and of ^he widow; and all the people shall say, Amen. 20 Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his Other's skirt; and all the people shall say, Amen. 21 ][ Cursed be he that lieth with any man- ner of beas-t; and all the j^eople shall say, Amen. 22 ^ Cursed be he that lieth with his si.'*- ter, the daughter of his father, or the daugh- ter of his mother, and all the people shall say, Amen. 23 T[ Cursed be he that lieth with his mother-in-law; and all the people shall say, Amen. 24 ^ Cursed be he that smiteth his neigh- bour secretly; and all the people shall say, Amen. 25 ^ Cursed be he that taketh a bribe to slay a person, an innocent blood ; and all the people shall say, Amen. 2(3 ^ Cursed be he that executeth not the words of this law to do them; and all the people shall say, Amen. CHAPTER XXVIII. 1 ^ And it shall come to pass, if thou wilt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his command- ments which I command thee this day, that th'e Lord thy God will set thee highest above all nations of the earth; 2 And all these blessings shall conie upon thee, and overtake thee; because thou wilt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. 3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. 4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy l^ody, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy cattle, and the 3'oung of thy flocks. 5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy kneading-trough. 6 Blessed shalt thou be at thy coming in, and blessed shalt thou be at thy going'' out.* 7 The Lord will cause thy enemies that when both parties answered, " Amen." They then turned their faces toward mount 'Ebal, and commenced with the curse : " Cursed be the man," &c., and so till the last, " that observeth not." — Mishna Sotah, vii. § 5. " Rashi explains, "Trat thy going out from this world shall be like thy entrance therein, without sin." •J43 DEUTERONOMY XXVIII. KI TAHBO. rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face : on one way sliall they come out against thee, and on seven ways" shall they flee be- fore thee. 8 The Lord will command upon thee the ble.s.sing in tliy storehouses, and in all the acquisitions of i\\y hand ; and he will bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 9 The Lord will raise thee up unto him- self as a holy people, as he hath sworn unto thee; if thou wilt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways. 10 And all the nations of the earth shall see, that thou art called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee. 11 And the Lord will make thee pre- eminent for good, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the Lord swore unto thy fathers to give unto thee. 12 The Lord will open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven, to give the rain of thy land in its season, and to bless all the work of thy hand ; and thou shalt lend unto many nations, l)ut thou shalt not borrow. 13 And the Lord will constitute thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt only be uppermost, and thou shalt not be beneath; if thou wilt hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day to observe and to do; 14 And thou wilt not go aside from all the words which I command thee this day, to the right, or to the left, to go after strange gods, to serve them. 15 T[ But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his command- ments and his statutes which I command thee this day: that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee. 16 Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field. 17 Cursed shall be thy basket and thy kneading-trough. 18 Cin-sed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy cattle, and the young of the flocks. * "Tliis is the course of those who flee hastily, that they scatter themselves on all sides." — Rashi. ' Mendelssohn considers these three as diseases of the hnman system: "unnatural dryuess, wasting, and jaun- 244 19 Cursed shalt thou be at thy coming in, and cursed shalt thou be at thy going out. 20 The Lord will send out against thee misfortune, confusion, and failure, in all the occupation of thy hand which thou mayest engage in ; until thou be destroyed, and initil thou perish quickly ; because of the wicked- ness of thy doings, that thou hast forsaken me. 21 The Lord will cause the pestilence to cleave unto thee, until it have consimied thee from ofl' the land, whither thou goest to pos- sess it. 22 The Lord Avill smite thee with vol,- sumption, and with fever, and with inflg-.d- mation, and with extreme burning, and with drought,'' and with blasting, and with mil- dew; and they shall pursue thee until thou be lost. 23 And thy heavens that are over thy head shall be copper, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron. 24 The Lord will give as the rain of thy land powder and dust: from heaven shall it come down upon thee, until thou be de- stroyed. 25 The Lord will cause thee to be smitten before thy enemies : on one way shalt thou go out against them, and on seven ways shalt thou flee before them; and thou shalt become a horror" unto all the kingdoms of the earth. 26 And thy carcass shall become food unto all the fowls of the heavens, and unto the beasts of the earth, but with no one to scare them away. 27 The Lord will smite thee with the in- flammatory disease of Egypt, and with the hemorrhoids, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou shalt not be able to be healed. 28 The Lord will smite thee with ma-f- ness, and witli blindness, and with confusion of heart ; 29 And thou shalt grope about at noonday, as the blind gropeth about in the darkner*, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways ; i.nd thou shalt be only oppressed and robbed all the days, but with no one to help.* dice;" others, however, view them as diseases in den'aJ to the products of the earth. " "An object of ill-treatment." — Philippson. * This pretigurates the helplessness of Israel in exile DEUTERONOMY XXVIII. KI TAHBO. 30 A wife wilt thou betroth, and another man shall lie with her; a house wilt thou build, and thou shalt not dwell therein; a vineyard wilt thou plant, and thou shalt not redeem it. 31 Thy ox shall be slain before th}- eyes, and thou shalt not eat thereof; thy ass shall be violently taken away from before thy face, and shall not be brouglit back to thee; thy sheep shall be given unto thy enemies, with- out any one to help thee. 32 Thv sons and thy daughters shall be given unto another people, and thy eyes shall look on, and fail with longing for them all the day long; but without any power in thy hand. 33 The fruit of thy .soil, and all thy exer- tion, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up ; and thou shalt only be oppressed and crushed all the days. 34 And thou shalt become mad from the sight of thy eyes which thou wilt see. 35 The Lord will smite thee with a sore inflammation upon the knees, and upon the legs, of which thou shalt not be able to be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head. 36 The Lord will drive thee, and thy king whom thou wilt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known; and thou wilt serve there strange gods, of wood and stone. 37 And thou shalt become an astonish- ment, a proverb, and a by-word, among all the nations whither the Lord will lead thee. 38 Much seed wilt thou carry out into the field, yet but little shalt thou gather in; for the locust shall consume it. 39 Vineyards wilt thou plant and dress; but wine shalt thou not drink nor lay up ; for the worms shall eat them. 40 Olive-trees wilt thou have throughout all thy borders; but with the oil shalt thou not anoint thyself; for thy olive shall cast the fruit. 41 Sons and daughters wilt thou beget; but they shall not remain thine; for they shall go into captivity. 42 All thy trees and the fruit of thy land shall the cricket strip bare. 43 The stranger that is in the midst of thee shall get up above thee higher and higher; but thou shalt come down lower and lower; 44 He shall lend to thee, and thou shalt not lend to him; he shall become the head, and thou shalt become the tail. 45 And there shall come upon thee all these curses, and they shall pursue thee, and overtake thee, till thou be destroyed; because thou didst not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he hath commanded thee; 46 And they shall remain on thee for a sign and for a token, and on thy seed, for ever. 47 For the reason that thou didst not serve the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, while there was an abundance of all things; 48 Therefore shalt thou serve thy enemies whom the Lord will send out against thee; in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of every thing; and they will put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until they have destroyed thee. 49 The Lord will bring up against thee a nation from afar, frona the end of the earth, as the eagle rusheth down; a nation whose tongue thou wilt not understand ; 50 A nation of a fierce" countenance, that will not have respect for the old^ nor show favour to the youn'g; 51 And it will eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thv .soil, until thou be de- stroyed ; so that it will not leave unto thee corn, wine, or oil. the increase of thy cattle, or the 3'oung of thy Hocks, until it have ruined thee. 52 And it will besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and strong walls come down, wherein thou trustest, throughout all thy land; and it Avill besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the Lord thy God hath given thee. 53 And thou shalt eat the fruit of thy own body, the ilesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, whom the Lord thy God hath given thee, in the siege, and in the strait- ness, whei-eAvith thy enemy will distress thee. 54 The man that is the most tender among ' Lit. "Hard," or "impudent;" i. e. bold and unmer- ciful in their conduct to pris^mers, and unreasonable in their demands. 245 DEUTERONOMY XXVIII. XXIX. KI TAIIBO. thee, and who is very delicate, — his eye shall look enviously toward his brother, and toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the remnant of his children whom he may spare ; 55 So as not to give to any of them of the flesh of his children which he may eat; because there is nothing left unto him, in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thy enemy will distress thee in all thy gates. 56 The woman, the most tender among thee, and. the most delicate, who hath never adventured to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, — her eye shall look enviously toward the hus- band of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter, 57 And toward her young one that is come from between her feet, and toward her chil- dren which she hath born; for she shall eat them for want of every thing secretly, in the siege and in the straitness, wherewith thy enemy will distress thee in thy gates. 58 If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law which are written in this book ;" to fear tins glorious and fearful name, THE Lord thy God : 59 Theii will the Lord render peculiar thy plagues, and the plagues of thy seed, plagues great, and of long continuance, and sicknesses soi'e, and of long continuance. GO And he will bring back upon thee all the diseases of Egypt, of which thou wast afraid; and they shall cleave unto thee. 61 Also every sickness, and every plague which is not written in the book of this law, will the Lord bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed. 62 And ye shall be left but few in num- ber, instead of that ye once were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou didst not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. 63 And it shall come to pass, that, as the Lord rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you, so will the Lord rejoice over " Tlie plagues mentioned arc not the results of any for- tuitous oircunistaucos, nor any extraneous cause; but only of the disobedience of the Israelites to the will of God. It is a faitLliil udhoreuec to the law which alone could build up our state, as the reverse is the ouly thing which could pive our enemies tiic victory over us. 246 you to bring you to nought, and to destroy you: and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it. 64 And the Lord will scatter thee among all the nations, from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; and there M'ilt thou serve strange gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, even wood and stone. 65 And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, and there shall not be any rest for the sole of thy foot: and the Lord will give thee there a trembling heart, and a fail- ing of eyes, and a faintness of soul. 66 And thy life shall hang'' in douljt before thee; and thou shalt be in dread day and night, and thou shalt have no confidence of thy life; 67 In the morning thou wilt say, Who would but grant that it were only evening! and at evening thou wilt say. Who would but grant that it were only morning! from the dread of thy heart which thou wilt experi- ence, and from the sight of thy eyes which thou wilt see. 68 And the Lord will bring thee l^ack to Egypt in ships, by the way whereof I have spoken unto thee, Thou shalt no more see it again: and there will ye offer yourselves;'' for sale unto your enemies for bond-men and bond-women, without any one to buy you. 69'' ]| These are the words of the covenant, which the Lord commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moitb, besides the covenant which he had made with them in Horeb.* CHAPTER XXIX. 1 ^ And Moses called unto all Israel, and said unto them. Ye yourselves have seen sll that the Lord hath done before your eyes in the land of Egypt unto Pharaoh, and unto aU. his servants, and unto all his land; 2 The great proofs which thy eye'? have seen, those great signs, and miracles : 3 Yet the Lord gave you not a heart tn '' Lit. "And thy life shall be hanging unto thee '.t a distance;" ('. c. it shall be in constant danger. ' "Ye will seek to sell yourselves, but noue will buy for they will decree against you slaughter and destruction." — Rashi. '' The ICnglish version coium;Mice.s here cLap. xxi.f DEUTERONOMY XXIX. NITZABIM. perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, until tliis day." 4 And I have led yon forty years in the wilderness; your clothes did not Ml worn out from oft' you. and thy shoe did not Ml woi-n out from oft' thy foot. 5 Bread have ye not eaten, and wine or strong drink have ye not drunk; in order that ye might understand that 1 am the Lord your God.'-' 6 And when ye came unto this place, Sichon the king of Cheshhon, and "Og the king of Bashan w^ent out against us unto Ijattle, and we smote them : 7 And we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reiihenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half tribe of the Menassites. 8 Keep ye therefore the words of this cove- nant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do. Haphtorah in Isaiah Ix. 1 to 22. SECTION LI. NITZABIM, D'Di'J. 9 ^ Ye are standing this day, all of you, before the Lord your God ; your lieads of your tribes, your elders, and your ofticers, all the men of Israel, 10 Your little ones, your wives, and thy stranger that is in the midst of thy camp, from the hewer of thy w^ood unto the drawer of thy water: 11 That thou shouldst enter into the covenant of the Lord th}- God, and into his oath of denunciation, which the Lord thy God raaketh with thee this day.* 12 In order to raise thee up to-day unto himself for a people, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath spoken unto thee, and ° Despite of the many proofs of God's mercy the people had obtained, they were yet wavering in their faith. '■ The reaffirmation of the covenant, with the oath of denunciation (above, xxvii. 15-26) for transgression now superadded, was for the purpose of impressing the more strongly the necessity of obedience upon the people, so that there might not be one individual or family, who, in daring carelessness, would offend against the will of the Lord, seeing that he himself had bound his soul with the covenant into which he and all Israel had voluntarily en- tered.— -This verse connects with verse 14. li ' After Arnheim, who renders ni3D with "to appease," 'i to still;' Ti]'\ from the Aramaic "n "drunkenne.ss," i "violent indulgence;" and hn-dv '-thirst," "desire;" and i| as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abra- ham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. lo And not with you alone do I make tliis covenant and this oath; 14 But with him that is standing here with us this day before the Lord our God, and with him that is not here w'ith us this day.* 15 (For }e know how we dwelt in the land of Egypt; and how we passed through the nations through Avhich ye have passed ; 16 And ye saw their abominations, and their idols, of wood and stone, silver and gold, which they had with them:) 17 So" that there may not Ije among you a man, or a woman, or a family, or a tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the Lord our God. to go to serve the gods of these nations; that there may not be among you a root that beareth abundantly poison and wormwood. 18 And it might come to pass, when he heareth the words of this denunciation, tliat he would Ijless himself in his heart, saying, There will be peace unto me, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart; in order that the indulgence' of the passions may ap- •pease the thirst (for them) : 19 The Lord will not pardon him; but then the anger of the Lord and his jealousy will smoke'' against that man, and there shall rest upon him all the curse that is written in this book; and the Lord will blot out his name from under the heavens. !| 20 And the Lord will single him out unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the denunciations of the covenant which I' is written in this book of the law. II 21 And the latest generation, your chil- dren that will rise up after you, and the 'stranger that will come from a far land, will say, when they see the plagues of that land, means then, that he will continue to indulge in unlawful desires, forgetful of the command of God, simply because his own will is stubborn, and he is careless about yielding obedience. Philippson renders mSD with ''to increase;" thus, " so that the drunkenness should yet farther increase the thirst; ('. r. for greater indulgence. rin'nB' Arnheim derives for TiB' ''fast, firm," hence, "security." '' This expression is taken from the effects of strong anger in a man, which is seen in the smoke coming out of his nostrils; and is only used to personify the results of wilful disobedience to God's will. "Jealousy" then represents the consequence of slighted affection which the mortal should feel for his heavenly Father, who both de- serves and expects love and obedience from his creatures. 247 DEUTERONOMY XXIX. XXX. NITZABIM. not assigned" " Our religion points out to us how we are to worship ; consequently irlolatry being interdicted, is properly a species of worship not assigned to us by God. *" 11'nini from in* "more;" therefore in Hiphil, "to make one more or greater than another," "to distinguish one for something." (8ce also above, xxviii. 11.) 248 ■Mid its sufferings with which tlie Lord hath | litten it; 1^2 (That) the whole soil thereof is brim- ,one, and salt, and a burning waste, whicli is lot sown, and beareth not, and in which no kind of grass springeth up, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Ze- bojim which the Lord overthrew in his an- ger, and in iiis wrath : — 23 Even all the nations will say. Where- fore hath the Lord done thus unto this land ? whence the heat of this great anger ? 24 Then shall men say. Because they had forsaken the covenant of the Lord, the God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt; 25 And they went and served other gods, and bowed down to them, gods which they knew not, and which he had unto them; 26 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against this land, to bring upon it the entire curse that is written in this book; 27 And the Lord plucked them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and he cast them into an- other land, as it is this day. 28 The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are publicly known belong unto us and to our children for ever, to do all the words of this law.* CHAPTER XXX. 1 ^ And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I liave set before thee, and thou x'eiiectest on them in thy heart among all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hatli driven thee, 2 So that thou returnest unto the Lord thy God, and hearkenest unto his voice ac- cording to all that I command this day, thou and thy children, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul : 3 That then the Lord thy God will restore thy captivity, and have mercy upon thee ; and he will again gather thee from all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath scat- tered thee. 4 If thy outcasts be at the outmost parts of heaven, from there will the Lord thy God gather thee, and from there will he fetch thee : 5 And the Lord thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers. 6 And the Lord thy God will circumcise thy heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, in order that thou mayest live.* 7 And the Lord thy God will put all these denunciations upon thy enemies, and on those that hate thee, who have persecuted thee. 8 And thou wilt return and hearken unto the voice of the Lord, and thou wilt do all his com- mandments which I command thee this day. 9 And the Lord thy God will make thee pre-eminent" in every work of thy hand, in the fruit of thy bod}-, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good; for the Lord will again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers; 10 ir thou wilt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law; if thou wilt return unto the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul.* 11 T[ For this commandment which I com- mand thee this day, is not hidden from thee, nor is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven; that thou shouldst say, Who will go up for us to heaven, and fetch it down unto us, and cause us to hear it, that we may do it? 13 Neither is it beyond the sea; that thou shouldst say, Who will go over the sea for us, and fetch it unto us, and cause us to hear it, that we may do it? 14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, ° All the blessings mast be earned by obedience in the first instance; and when they have been forfeited by sin, they can only be recovered through a perfect return unto God with all the heart and all the soul. This is the only condition pointed out to us in this beautiful passage. DEUTERONOMY XXX. XXXI. VAYELECH. in tliy month, and in thy heart, tliat thou niayest do it.* 15 ^ See, I have set before thee this day life and the good, death and the evil ; 16 In that I command thee this day to love the Loud thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his ordinances; that thou mayest live and multiply; and that the Lord thy God may bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. 17 But if thy heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hearken, and thou sufferest thy- self to be dra^vn away, and thou bowest do%\7i to other gods, and servest them :''" 18 I aunomice unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish ; ye shall not remain many days upon the land, whither thou passest over the J(jrdan to go thither to possess it. 19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you this day, that I have set before you life' and death, the blessing and the curse ; therefore choose thou life, in order that thou mayest live, both thou and thy seed ; 20 To love the Lokd thy God, to hearken to his voice, and to cleave mi to him; for he is thy hfe, and the length of thy days; that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord swore unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give unto them. Haphtorah in Isaiah Ixi. 10 to Ixiii. 9. SECTION LII. VAYELECH, -I-"1. CHAPTER XXXI. 1 ^ And Moses went and spoke these words unto all Israel. 2 And he said unto them, I am a hundred and twenty years old this day; I am not able any more to go out and come in ; for"" the Lord hath said unto me. Thou shalt not go over this Jordan. 3 The Lord thy God it is who goeth over ' Life IS the sure recompense of goodness, death that of evil; and as God loves mercy, he counsels man to choose goodiless, in order that he may live. 'Literally, "and;" but Rashi explains correctly that the reason why Moses could no longer be the leader of the people was not physical weakness, which is contradicted by xxxiv. 7; but the will of God that he should not go over the Jordan. 2Q before thee; he Avill destroy these nations fi'om before thee, and thou shalt dispossess them: Joshua it is who goeth over before thee, as the Lord hath spoken.* 4 And the Lord will do unto them as he hath done to Sichon and to 'Og, the kings of the Emorites, and unto their land, whom he hath destroyed. 5 And the Lord will give them up before you; and ye shall do unto them according unto the whole of the commandment which I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and of a good courage, be not afraid and be not dismayed on account of them; for the Lord thy God it is that goeth with thee; he will not let thee fail, nor forsake thee.* 7 ][ And Moses called imto Joshua, and said unto him before the eyes of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage; for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give unto them ; and thou shalt divide it for them as a possession. 8 And the Lord it is that goeth before thee; he will be with thee, he will not let thee fail, nor will he forsake thee : fear not, nor be thou discouraged. 9 And Moses wrote down this law, and de- livered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, who l)ore the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and unto all the elders of Israel.* 10 And Moses commanded them, sajdng, At the end of (every) seven" years, at the fixed time of the year of release, on the feast of tabernacles, 11 When all Israel come to appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he will choose, shalt thou read this law in the pre- sence of all Israel in their hearing. 12 Assemble the people together, the men, and the women, and the children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates; in order that they may hear, and in order that they may learn how they are to fear the Lord ° At the Feast of Tabernacles succeeding the release year, as it is explained by our authorities. It was then that the chief of the people was to read the law in the hearing of all ; since all had an equal interest in the same, and all were bound to give it strict obedience. Religious instruction should therefore in our day also be imparted to all who belong to the house of Israel, whether they be male or female, young or old. 249 DEUTERONOMY XXXI. VAYELECH. your God, and observe to do all the words of this law; 13 And that their children, who have not yet any knowledge, may hear, and learn to fear the Lord your God, all the days which ye li\'e iu the land whither ye go over the Jordan to possess it.''' 14 If And the Lord said unto Moses, Be- hold, thy days approach that thou must die ; call Joshua, and place yourselves in the taber- nacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge:* and Moses and Joshua went, and placed themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation. 15 And the Lord appeared in the taberna- cle in a pillar of cloud ; and the pillar of cloud stood at the door of the tabernacle. IC And the Lord said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers: and then will this people rise up, and go astray after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go to be iu the midst of them, and they will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them. 17 And my anger shall be kindled against them on that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be given to be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall overtake them; and they will say on that day, Is it not, because my God is not in the midst of me, that these evils have overtaken me ? 18 But I will assuredly hide my face on that day on account of all the evils which they have wrought, tecause they have turned unto other gods. 19 Now therefore write ye for yourselves this song, and teach it the children of Israel, put it in their mouth; in order tluit this song nuxy become for me a witness against the children of Israel.* 20 For when I shall have brought them into the land which I have sworn unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled them- " Tlii.s refers (o verso '2H, where it says, " And he gave a charge to Jo.shu.a, &c." As Joshua was to succeed MosCs, it was proper that the Spirit should speak with him in the presence of his teacher; so that the people miglit respect him. '' A pnjmise th;it thchiw shall never be forgotten, which has been signally fultilied. ' " The song shall, through the predictions it contains, 260 selves, and grown fat: then will they airn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant. 21 And it shall come to pass, when irany evils and troubles have befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a wit- ness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouth of tlieir seed;'' for I know their incli- nation' which they have shown, even this day, before I have brought them into the land which I have sworn. 22 And Moses wrote down this song on the same day, and taught it the children of Israel. 23 And he'' gave a charge unto Joshua the son of Nun, and said. Be strong and of a good courage ; for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which 1 have sworn uuii them; and I will be with thee. 24 And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,''' 25 That Moses commanded the Levites, the bearers of the ark of the covenant of the Lord, saying, 26 Take this book of the law, and put it at the side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may remain there against thee for a witness. 27 For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck : behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, have ye been rebellious against the Lord, and how much more after my death ?* 28 Assemble unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers; and I will speak in their ears these words, and I will call as wit- nesses against them the heavens and the earth. 29 For I know that after my death ye will to a surety become corrupt, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and that the evil will befall you in the latter days, when ye do the evil in the eyes of the Lord, to incense him through the work of your hands. be an evidence that their sinful life was already present before me, before they had yet taken possession of the prdmised land." — Arniieim. Aben Ezra comments, " For if I did not know the future, I know already whs' they have done till now ;" taking T]\ay in its literal sense, " to make," not as iu our version after Arnheim, " show," which then refers to " inclination." ■■ This refers to " God." (See above, ver:;e 14.) DEUTERONOMY XXXI. XXXIl. HAAZEENU. 30 And Moses spoke in the ears of all the congregation of Israel the words of this song, until they were ended. Haphtorah for the Portuguese, if after Kosh Hashanah, in Ilosea xiv. 2 to 10, and Micuh vii. 18 to 20 ; otlierwise that o( JS'itzabim. The Germans read, in the tirst case, in Ilosea xiv. 2 to 10, and Joel ii. 15 to 27 ; in the second, in Isaiah Iv. 6 to Ivi. 8. SECTION LIII. HAAZEENU, irrNH. CHAPTER XXXIL 1 ^ Give ear, ye heavens, and I will speak; and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. 2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as heavy rains upon the grass, and as showers upon herbs. 3 When I call on the name of the Lord, ascribe ye greatness unto our God. 4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are just: the God of truth and without iniquity, just and upright is he. 5 The corruption is not his," it is the de- fect of his children, of the perverse and crook- ed generation. 6 Will ye thus requite the Lord, people, worthless and unwise ? is he not thy father who hath bought thee? is it not he who hath made thee, and established thee?* 7 Remember the days of old, consider the years of former generations; ask thy lather, and he will tell thee; thy elders, and they will say it unto thee : 8 When the Most High divided to the na- tions their inheritance, when he separated the sons of man: he set the bounds of the tribes'' according to the nurabev of the sons of Israel. 9 For the portion of the Lord is his people ; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. 10 He found him in a desert land, and in the waste of tlie howling of the wilderness; he encircled him, he watched him, he guarded him as the apple of his eye. 11 As an eagle stirreth up his nest, flutter- eth over his young, spreadeth abroad his * The sinning of Israel is not a blemish upon the good- ness of God : he gave them a law which would render them happy ; but they chose sin and its subsequent sor- rows. wings, seizeth them, beareth them aloft on his pinions: 12 So did the Lord alone lead him, and there was not with him a stranger god.* 13 He caused him to stride on the high places of the earth, and he ate the products of the fields ; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty stone ; 14 Cream of cows, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of the kid- neys" of wheat ; and of the blood of the grape thou drankest unmixed wine. 15 Thus did Yeshurun grow fat, and he kicked; (thou art grown fat, thick, fleshy;) and then he forsook the God who made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvar tion. 16 They incensed him with strange gods, with abominations they provoked him to anger. 17 They sacrificed unto evil spirits, things that are not god, gods that they knew not, new ones lately come up, which your fathers dreaded not. 18 Of the Rock that begat thee thou wast unmindful, and foi'gottest the God that hatl brought thee forth.* 19 And the Lord saw this, and he was angry; because "of the provoking of his sons and of his daughters. 20 And be said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end will be; for a perverse generation are they, children in whom there is no faith. 21 They have moved me to wTath with things that are not god ; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities; and I too will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will pi'ovoke them to anger with a worthless nation. 22 For a fire is kindled in my anger, ar.d it burnetii unto the lowest deejj; and it con- sumeth the earth with her products, and it setteth on fire the foundations of the mou;.- tains. 23 I will heap upon them miseries; all my arrows will I spend upon them. ^ Established twelve tribes from the twelve sons o^ Israel. ° "An image borrowed from the shape of the vibcar. for 'fine flour.'" 251 DEUTERONOMY XXXII. HAAZEENU. 24 They shall be wasted with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter deadly disease ; also the tooth of beasts will I let loose against them, with the poison of ser- pents that crawl in the dust. 25 Without shall the sword destroy, and terror within the chaml^ers, both the young man and the virgin, the suckling with the man of gray hairs. 26 I said, I would drive them into one corner," I would cause their remembrance to cease from among men : 27 Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their oppressors should mis- talvC the truth, lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the Lord hath not wrought all this. 28 For a nation void of counsel are they, and there is no understanding in them.* 29 If they were but wise, they would under- stand this, they would consider their latter end! 30 How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had de- livered them up? 31 For not as our Rock is their rock, even our enemies themselves being judges. 32 For from the vine of Sodom is their vine, and from the fields of Gomorrah; their grapes are grapes of gaU, they bear bitter clusters. 33 The poison of serpents is their wine, and the deadly*" venom of asps. 34 Behold! this is laid up in store with me, it is sealed up among my treasures ! 35 Mine are vengeance and recompense, at the time that their foot shall slip; for nigh draweth the day of their calamity, and the future speedeth along for them. 36 For the Lord will espouse the cause of his people, and bethink himself concerning his servants: when he seeth that their power is gone, and the guarded and fortified are no more. ° Kasbi ; others reader, " I would make an end of them;" others, "scatter them." '' Lit. "Cruel," "unpitying;" heuce, "fatal in its effects," here, "deadly." ° After Rashi. Arnheim renders, "The fat of whose sacrifices they ate, the wine of whose driuk-offerings they drank?" '' Arnheim views this not as an oath, but merely as t declaration that the display of the Divine power will 262 37 Then will he say, Where are their gods the rock in whom they trusted, 38 They" that ate the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink-ofierings? let them arise and help you, let them be a protection over you. 39 See now that I, even I, am lie, and there is no god with me : I alone kill, and 1 make alive ; I wound, and I heal ; and no one can deliver out of my hand.* 40 For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.'' 41 When I whet my glittering sword, and my hand taketli hold on judgment:" I will render vengeance unto my enemies, and those that hate me will I requite. 42 I will make my arrows drunken with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh ; from the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the crushed head of the enemy. 43 Sjoeak aloud, ye nations, the praises of his people; for he*^ will avenge the blood of his servants, and vengeance will he render to his adversaries, and forgive his land, and his people.* 44 ^ And Moses came and spoke all the words of this song in the ears of the people, he, and Hosheii the son of Nun. 45 And when Moses had made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel : 46 He said unto them. Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify agrinst you this day, so that ye may command them your children, to observe to do all the words of this law. 47 For it is not a vain word for you; on the contrary, it is your' life; and through this word shall ye live many days in the land, whither ye go over the Jordan to pos- sess it.* 48 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Moses on that self-same day, saying, 49 Get thee up into this mountain of 'Aba- rim, unto mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moiib, that is in front of Jericho; and be- convince the heathens that the Lord God lives for ever. " Arnheim renders 03B'o "the iu.strument of punish- ment," or that by which the judgment or sentence of the judge is executed. ' Aben Ezra refers "he" to people, and would give, "It will avenge the blood of his (God's) servents and ren- der vengeance to its enemies — and his people will atone for his land." DEUTERONOMY XXXll. XXXlll. IIABERACHAH. hold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession; 50 And die on the mount whither thou goest np, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died on mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people; 51 Because ye trespassed against me in the midst of the children of Israel at the waters of contention at Kadesh, in the wil- derness of Zin ; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel. 52 For from afar shalt thou see the land; but thither shalt thou not go unto the land which I give the children of Israel. Haphtorah, if before Kippur, for the Portuguese in Hosea xiv. 2 to 10 and Micah vii. 18 to 20; for the Germans, instead of the last, Joel ii. 15 to 27 ; but if after Kippur, both read in 2 Samuel xxii. 1 to 51. Some congregations read in Ezekiel xvii. 22 to xviii 32. SECT. LIV. VEZOTH HABERACHAH, HDiDn nxn- CHAPTER XXXIII. 1 ][ And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses, the man of God, blessed the children of Israel before his death. 2 And he said. The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Se'ir unto them : he shone forth from mount Paran, and he came from among myriads of saints ; from his right hand he gave a fiery law unto them. 3 Yea, thou also lovedst the tribes ; all their saints were in thy hand ; and they, prostrate before thy feet, received thy words." 4 " The*" law which Moses commanded us, is the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob." 5 Thus became he king in Yeshurun, when the heads of the people wei'e assembled, as one the tribes of Israel. 6 May Reuben live, and not die ; and may not his men be few. 7 ][ And this is (the blessing) of Judah, ' Arnheim translates this verse: "He also bore the tribes on his bosom, all his (Israel's) saints were in thy hand ; but they were stretched out at thy feet, and trembled at thy word." " Rashi comments, that these are the words which the people spoke. ° After Targum and Rashi ; and it means then, that Ju- dah may be blessed with the means of contending against his opponents. Others, such as Abeu Ezra and the Eug- and he said, Hear, Lord, the voice of Judah, and bring him unto his people : let the power of his hands contend" for him ; and be thou a help to him from his adversaries.* 8 Tl And of Levi he said. Thy Thummim" and thy Urim are with thy holy man, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meril^ah ; 9 Who said of his lather and of his mother, I have not seen him ; and who did not ac- knowledge his brothers, nor regarded his own children; for they observe thy word, and thy covenant they keep. 10 They shall teach thy ordinances unto Jacob, and thy law unto Israel: they shall put incense before^ thee, and whole burnt^ sacrifice upon thy altar. 11 Bless, Lord, his substance, and re- ceive favourably the work of his hands : crush the loins of those that rise up against him, and those that hate him, that they cannot rise again. 12 ]f And of Benjamin he said. The be- loved of the Lord (is he), he shall dwell in safety by him : he will shield him all the day long, and between his shoulders will he dwell.* 13 ][ And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the Lord be his land, through the precious gift of heaven, through the dew, and through the deep that coucheth beneath, 14 And through the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and through the precious things put forth by the moon, 15 And through the best things of the ancient mountains, and through the precious things of the everlasting hills, 16 And through the precious things of the earth and its fulness, and through the good- will of him that dAvelt in the thorn-l)ush : may this blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the crown of the head of him that was separated from his brothers. 17 His first-born steer is adorned Avith glory, and his horns are like the horns of reem;' with them shall he push nations to lish version, translate, "let his hands be sufficient for him." Arnheim renders the concluding portion, "and may they (the hands) be a help," &c. ■^ " Thy justice and thy light are," &c. — Arnheim lud Philippson. ' Lit. "In thy nose," to wit, "as an agreeable savour." ' "Buffalo." — Philippson. But in this version it is Irft untranslated, from the uncertainty of the deriva tion. 358 DEUTERONOMY XXXIII. XXXIV. HABERACHAH. getlier to tlie ends of the earth : and they are the myriads of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Menasseh.* 18 ][ And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Ze- bulun, in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents. 19 They will call the tribes unto the mountain; there will they offer sacrifices of righteousness; for they will suck the abun- dance of the seas, and the treasures hid in the sand. 20 T[ And of Gad he said. Blessed" be he that enlargeth Gad: like a lioness lieth he down, and teareth off the arm with the crown of the head. 21 And he provided the first part for him- self, because there is the field of the law- giver, of the hidden ;* and he went forth at the head of the people: he executed the jus- tice" of the Lord, and his judgments with Is- rael.* 22 ^ And of Dan he said, Dan is a lion's whelp, that leapeth forth from Bashan. 23 And of Naphtali he said, Naphtali, satisfied with favour, and full of the blessing of the Lord, take thou possession of the west and the south. 24 ][ And of Asher he said. More than (all) the children be Asher blessed : he shall be the most favoured of his brethren, and bathe his foot in oil. 25 Iron and copper shall be thy bolts; and as thy (younger) days'* so shall thy old age be. 26 There is none like unto the God of Yeshurun, who rideth to help thee upon the heavens, and in his excellency upon the skies.* 27 Thy refuge" is the eternal God, and here beneath, the everlasting arms; and he thrust out the enemy from before thee; and he said. Destroy. 28 And then dwelt Israel in safety, alone, tlie fountain of Jacob; in a land of com and wine; also its heavens shall drop down dew. 29 Happy art thou, Israel ! who is like unto thee, people, saved by the Lord, the Saield of th-y- help, and who is the Sword of ' "Ulcssed, extensive is Gad." — Arniikim. '' i. e. Mo.^cs, who is buriod in Gad's portion. ' "The victory of the Lord and punishment, (against the CauaarjiiCij.) he exocutoth with Israel." — Arnheim. • After llashi. 264 thy excellency! and thy enemies shall fa^vn upon thee; and thou slialt tread ujjon their high-places.* CHAPTER XXXIV. 1 ^ And Moses went up from the plains of MoJib unto the mount of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is before Jericho; and the Lord showed him all the land (from) Gil'ad unto Dan, 2 And all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Menasseh, and all the land of Judah, unto the western sea. 3 And the south, and the plain, the valley of Jericho, the city of palm-trees, unto Zoiir. 4 And the Lord said unto him, This is the land which I swore unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying. Unto thy seed will I give it: I have let thee see it with thy eyes, but thither shalt thou not go over. 5 And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moiib, according to the order of the Lord. 6 And he buried him in the valley in the land of Moiib, opposite Beth-peor; but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. 7 And Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died; his eye was not dimmed, and his natural force had not abated. 8 And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plaiits of Moiib thirty days ; and then were ended the days of weeping and mourning for Moses. 9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom ; for Moses had laid his hands upon him ; and the childi*en of Israel hearkened unto him, and did, as the Lord had commanded Moses. 10 And there arose not a prophet since then in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, 11 In respect to all the signs and the won- ders', which the Lord had sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land, 12 And in respect to all that mighty hand, and in all the great terrific deeds which Moses displayed before the eyes of all Israel. Ilaphtorah in Joshua i. 1 to 9. The Germans read to 18. ' "The dwelling of the Eternal," &c. — Rashi; who refers nj^'D to the .skies in the precedinf; verse, thus: "The skies — which are the dwelling, etc., and beneath this dwell all the strong of arm, whom Israel was told to banish." D^iinr)i D^N^nj mm THE HOLY SCRIPTUIIES: PART SECOND.— DIVISION I. CONTAINING THE EARLIER PROPHETS. JOSHUA, ;;Knn' judges, d'Di^ic-' FIEST SAMUEL, 'N Sn'IOC SECOND SAMUEL, 'dSn'IOC' FIKST KINGS, 'N DoSo SECOND KINGS, '3 DoSs THE BOOK OF JOSHUA, CONTAINING THE EVENTS OF JOSHUA'S LIFE AFTER THE DEATH OF MOSES. CHAPTER I. 1 ^ And it came to pass after the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, that the Lord spoke unto Joshua" the son of Nun, the minister of Moses, saying, 2 Moses my servant is dead; now there- fore arise, pass over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, to the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread ujx>n, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4 From'' the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your Ijoundary. 5 No man shall be able to stand up before thee all the days of thy life; as I was with Moses, so will I b-e with thee: I will not let thee fail, nor forsake thee. 6 Be strong and of a good courage; for thou shalt divide for an inheritance unto this people the land, which I .'^wore unto their fathers to give to them. 7 Only be thou strong and very courage- ous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant hath commanded thee: turn not from it to the right band or to the left; in order that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, in order that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then shalt thou make " Properly, Ytlioshua' . ' That is, their utmost limits should be from the Desert of Arabia Petraea on the south, to Lebanon on the north; and from the Euphrates on the east, to the great sea, or 2 H thy way prosperous, and then shalt thou have good success. 9 Behold,'' I have commanded thee, Be strong and of good courage; be not dismayed, neither be thou discouraged; for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest. 10 •[[ Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, 11 Pass through the midst of the camp, and command the people, saying. Prepare yourselves provisions; for after only three days more ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the Lord your God giveth you, to possess it. 12 ^ And to the Reiibenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Menasseh, spoke Joshua, saying, 1.3 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, The Lord your God hath granted you rest, and hath given you this land; 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Mo.ses gave you on this side t)f the Jordan ; but ye shall pass over armed before your brethren, all the mighty men of valour, and help them ; 15 Until the Lord shall have granted your brethren rest, as he hath done to you, and they also have taken possession of the land which the Lord your God giveth them : then shall ye return unto the land of your posses- sion, and possess it, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on this side of the Jor- dan, toward the rising of the sun. 16 ]| And they answered Joshua, saying. All that thou hast commanded us will we do, and whithersoever thou wilt send us will we go. the Mediterranean, on the west. The Israelites did nnt possess the full extent of this grant till the time of ]):ivj(! "Territory." — S.VCHS, i.e. tliat within the houiidiries '' Lit. "Have I not couimauded theei"' 257 JOSHUA I. II. 17 Entirely so as we have hearkened mifo Moses, thus will we hearken unto thee : only the Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses. IS Every man that doth rebel against thy order, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou mayest command him, shall be put to death : only be strong and of a good courage. CHAPTER II. 1 ^ And Joshua, the son of Nun, had sent" out from Shittim two men as spies, secretly, saying, Go ye, view the land and especially Jericho; and they went, and came unto the house of a woman, a harlot, whose name was Rachab, and they lodged" there. 2 And it was told unto the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, men came in hither this night, of the children of Israel, to search out the country. 3 And the king of Jericho sent to Rachab, saying, Brnig forth the men who are come to thee, who came to thy house; for, to search out all the country are they come. 4 But the woman had taken the two men, and hidden them ; and she said, It is true, the men came unto me, but I knew not whence they were. 5 And it came to pass, about the time of shuttuig the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out; I know not whither the men are gone : pursue quickly after them, for ye can overtake them. 6 But she had brought them up to the roof, and had hidden them among the stalks of tlax, which she had laid in order upon the roof. 7 And the men pursued after them, by the way to the Jordan unto the lords; and the gate was closed, as soon as those who pursued after thcin were gone out. 8 But they had not yet laid themselves down, when she came up unto them upon the roof 9 And she said unto the men, I know that " Rashi comments that Joshua sent out the spies during the time the peojile uiourned for Moses; these men re- turned then before Joshua gave the cimimand contained above, i. 11 ; wherefore the word "liad" is supplied, to indicate tliat this account properly belongs ))cforc the con- versation given in the concluding verses of the preceding chapter. 2.58 the Lord hath given you the land, and that the teri'or of you hath fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are be- come faint-hearted, Ijecause of you. 10 For we have heard, how that the Lord dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you, wdien ye went forth out of Egypt ; and what ye have done unto the two kings of the Emorites, wlw were on the other side of the Jordan, unto Siclion and 'Og, whom ye have utterly destroyed. 11 And when we heard this, our heart melted, and there remained not any more courage in any man, because of you ; for the Lord your God" is alone God in the heavens above, and upon the earth beneath. 12 And now swear, I pray you, unto me by the Lord, because I have shown you kind- ness, that ye will also, for your part, show kindness, unto my father's house; and give me a sure token, 13 That ye will pi*eserve the life of my father, and my mother, and my brothers, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death. 14 And the men said unto her. Our life shall be (doomed) to death instead of yours, if ye tell not this our business; and it shall be, when the Lord giveth us the land, that we will show thee kindness and truth. 15 Then she let them dowm by a cord through the window ; for her house was with- iii the town wall, and within the wall she dwelt. 16 And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet with you ; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned ; and afterward ye may go your wa}'. 17 And the men said unto her. We Avill be blameless'^ of this thy oath which thou hast caused us to swear. 18 Behold, when we come into the laud, this line of scarlet thread shalt thou bind in the window liy which thou hast let us down; and thy father, and thy mother, and thy " Lit '•They lay down." " This expression, among others found in the ]?ible, proves that the heathen nations around I'alestine had be- come familiar with the omnipotence of the LoRl>, and were convinced of the powerlessness of their idols. '' i. e. If the conditions subsequently stated should not be complied with JOSHUA II. III. brothers, and all thy father's househonkl, thou must bring together unto thee into the house. 19 And it shall be, that whosoever will go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless; and whosoever will remain with thee m the house, his blood shall Ije on our head, if a hand be laid upon him. 20 And if thou tell this our lousiness, then will we be free of thy oath which thou hast caused us to swear. 21 And she said, Accoi-ding unto your words, so be it; and she dismissed them, and thev departed ; and she bound the scarlet line in tlie window. 22 And they went, and came unto the mountain, and they remained there three days, until the pursuers were returned; and the pursuers sought throughout all the way, but found nothing. 23 And tlie two men returned, and de- scended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the sun of Nun, and re- lated to him all the things that had befallen them. 24 And they said unto Joshua, Truly' the Lord hath given up into our hand all the country ; for all the iahal^itants of the country are already become faint-hearted because of us. CHAPTER III. 1 ][ And Joshua rose early in the morn- ing; and they broke up from Shittim, and came close to the Jordan, he and all the chil- dren of Israel ; and they lodged there before they passed over. 2 And it came to pass at the end of three days, that the oflicers passed through the midst of the camp. 3 And they commanded the people, say- ing. When ye see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests the Le- vites bearing it, then shall ye break up from your place, and go after it. 4 Nevertheless there shall be a space be- tween you and it, of about two thousand cu- bits by measure : come not near unto it, in ' Philippson translates 'a with ■' because," in accord- ance with many commentators who regard this verse as the end of the report which the spies brought to Joshua, which properly concludes with their reason for supposing oi'der that ye may know the way by which ye must go; for ye have not passed this way heretofore." 5 ^ And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify joursehes;" for to-morrow will the Lord do wonders in the midst of you. 6 And Joshua said unto the priests, as fol- loweth. Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went 'before the people. 7 Tl And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to nuike thee great in the eyes of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so will I be with thee. 8 And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying. When ye are come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, ye shall stand still in the Jordan. 9 T[ And Joshua said unto tlie children of Israel, Approach hither, and hear the words of the Lord your God. 10 And Joshua said, Hereby shall ye know that the living God is in the midst of you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and the Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Emorites, and the Jebu- sites. 11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into the Jordan. 12 And now take yourselves twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, one man each out of every tribe. 13 And it shall come to pass, tliat as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut oft', namely, the waters that come down from aljove; and they shall stand up as a wall. 14 ^ And it came to pass, when the people bnjke up from their tents, to pass over the Jordan, and the priests the bearers of the ark of the covenant were before the people ; 15 And as they that Ijore the ark were come up to the Jordan, and the feet of the that the conquest would be easy, both from natural causes and the divine aid. " Heb. "Since yesterday and the day before yesterday." ° '-Be ready." — Sachs". 259 JOSHUA III. IV. priests that bore the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, (the Jordan, however, had overflowed aU its banks all the time of harvest,) 16 That the waters which came down from above stood still and rose up as a wall, very far" from the city Adam, which is beside Zare- than; and those that ran down toward the sea of the plain, the salt sea, failed," were cut ofi'; aiid the people passed over opposite to Jericho. 17 And the priests that bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm" on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people had finished passing over the Jordan. CHAPTER IV. 1 And it came to pass, when all the peo- ple had finished passing over the Jordan, ^ That the Lord said unto Joshua, as fol- loweth, 2 Take yourselves twelve men out of the people, one man each out of every tribe, 3 And command ye them, saying, Take yourselves hence out of the midst of the Jor- dan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firmly, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging-place, where ye will lodge this night. 4 ^ Then did Joshua call the twelve men, whom he had appointed out of the children of Israel, one man each out of every tribe : 5 And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take yourselves up evei-y man one stone upon his shoulder, accord- ing unto the number of the tribes of the chil- dren of Israel; 6 In order that this may be a sign among you, when your children ask in time to come, saying. What mean ye liy these stones? 7 That ye shall answer them. That the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut oft'; and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever. 8 And the children of Israel did so as Joshua had commanded; and they took up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, as the Lord had spoken unto Joshua, accord- ing to the number of the tribes of the chil- dren of Israel ; and they carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. 9 Twelve stones also did Joshua set up in the midst of the Jordan, on the spot where the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant had stood: and they have re- mained there unto this day. 10 But the priests who bore the ark stood in the midst of the Jordan, until every thing was finished that the Lord had com- manded Joshua to speak unto the people, ac- cording to all that Moses had commanded Joshua ; and the people hastened and passed over. 11 And it came to pass, when all the peo- ple had finished passing over, that the ark of the Lord passed over with the priests in the presence of the people.* 12 And the children of Reiiben, and the children of Gad, and the half tribe of Menas- seh, passed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses had spoken unto them: 13 About forty thousand ready armed for war," did they pass over before the Lord unto battle, to the plains of Jericho. 14 T[ On that day the Lord made Joshua l| great in the eyes of all Israel ; and they feared [[ him, as they had feared Moses, all the days of his life. 15 ^ And the Lord said unto Joshua, as followeth, 16 Command the priests that bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of the Jordan. 17 And Joshua commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of the Jordan. 18 And it came to pass, when the priests that bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord were come up out of the midst of the Jordan, the soles of the feet of the priests were lifted * I. c. Very f:ir from the point of" transit. ■^ " Disappeared entirely." — Sachs. Wliichevcr way we render iniDJ ion it means tliat the water, haviui^ ecascd to flow from above, left tlie bed Iielow the spot indicated entirely dry. 2t;o " "In iz:ood order." — Jonathan and Rashi. * Rashi ; Redak and others, " Before the people," which means that these waited on the shore till the priests came up, and passed on before them. ' Lit. "Armed for the army." JOSHUA IV. V. tip unto the dry land, that the waters of tlie Jordan retiuiied unto their phxce, and Howed over all its hanks, as on the preceding days. 19 And the people came up out of the Jor- dan on the tenth day of the iirst month, and encamped in Gilgal, on the extreme eastern border of Jericho. 20 And those twelve stones, which they had taken out of the Jordan, did Joshua set up in Gilgah 21 And he said unto the children of Israel, thus. When your children shall ask in time to come their fathers, saying, What mean these stones? 22 Then shall ye let your children know, saying. On dry land did Israel pass over this Jordan ; 23 That the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up from before us. until we were gone over; 24 In order that all the nations of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty ; in order that ye may fear the Lord your God all the days. CHAPTER V. 1 ^ And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Emorites, who were on the side of the Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, who were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan from before the children of Israel, un- til they were passed over, that their heart melt- ed, and there remained no more any courage in them, because of the cliildren of Israel. 2 ^ At that time the Lord said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives," and circum- cise aga in' the eh i Idren of Israel the second time . 3 And Joshua made himself sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of 'Araloth. 4 And this is the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt, the males, all the men of war, died in the wilderness on the way, after their going forth out of Egypt. ' Others, " knives of sharp stones." i.r. Restore circumcision, which had been omitted for some time. 5 For all the people that came out were circumcised ; but all the people that were born in the wilderness on the way at their going forth out of Egypt, they had not circumcised. G For during forty years the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness, till there was an end of all the peo})le, the men of war, who were come out of Egypt, who had not obeyed the voice of the Lord; unto whom the Lord had sworn that he would not let them see the land, which the Lord had sworn unto their fathers that he would give unto us, a land flowing with milk and honey. 7 But their children he raised up in their stead: these did Joshua circumcise; for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them on the way. 8 And it came to pass, when the whole people had all been circumcised, that they abode in their places in the camp till they were healed. 9 ^ And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the I'eproach of Egypt from off you. And lie called the name of the place Gilgal unto this day. 10 And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and they prepared the passover-offering on the fourteenth day of the month at evening in the plains of Jericho. 11 And they ate of the corn of the land on the morrow after the jDassover-offering, un- ! leavened cakes and parched corn, on the self- j same day. j 12 And the manna ceased on the morrow .after they had eaten of the corn of the land; j and the children of Israel had not any more manna; but they did eat of the product of the land of Canaan during that year. 13 ^ And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, a man was standing over against him with his sw^ord drawn in his hand ; and Joshua went unto him, and said to him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? 14 And he said. No; for I am a captain of the host of the Lord: now am I come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed himself, and said to him, What doth my lord speak unto his servant? ° From hhi ;/<iMi\ ■' to roll." The meaning of the verse is probal)!^'. that now, as they had entered Palestine, the reproach that tliey would not do so was removed. 2U1 JOSHUA V. VI. 15 And the captain of the Lord's host said unto Joshua, Put off thy shoe from off thy foot; for the pLace whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so. CHAPTER VI. 1 Now Jericho was sliut up, and barred up, because of the children of Israel : no one went out, and no one came in. 2 ]y And the Lord said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thy hand Jericho and its king, even the mighty men of valour. 3 And ye shall compass the city, all the men of war, going round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. 4 And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven cornets of rams' horns ; and on the | seventh day shall ye compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the cornets. And it shall come to pass, that, when they blow a long ijlast with the ram's liorn, when ye hear the sound of the cornet all the people shall utter a great shout ; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat," and the peo- ple shall ascend up every man straight before him. 6 And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven cornets of rams' horns before the ark of the Lord. 7 And he said unto the people. Pass on, and compass the city, and let the armed men pass on before the ark of the Lord. 8 And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests, bearing the seven cornets of rams' horns before the Lord, passed on and hlevr with the cor- nets; and the ark of the covenant of the Lord followed them. 9 And the armed men went l^efore the priests that blew with the cornets, and the rereward came after the ark, going on, and blowing" with the cornets. 10 And Joshua had commanded the peo- ple, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor let your voice be heard, neitlicr shall any word pro- ceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you, Shout; and then sliall ye shout. 11 So the ark of the Lord compassed the city, going round it once; and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp. 12 Tl And Joshua rose early in the morn- ing, and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. 13 And the seven priests bearing seven cor- nets of rams' horns before the ark of the Lord went on continually, and blew Avith the cornets; and the armed men went before them; and the rereward came after the ark of the Lord, going on, and blowing with the cornets. 14 And they compassed the city on the second day once, and returned into the camp: so did they six days. 1-5 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after this manner seven times; only on that day they compassed the city seven times. IG And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priest blew with the cornets, that Joshua' said unto the people. Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city. 17 And the city shall be devoted, it, and all that is therein, to the Lord: only Rachab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house; because she did hide the messengers that we sent. 18 But ye, keep yourselves from the devot- ed things, lest ye devote and yet take of the devoted things, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. 19 And all the silver, and gold, and ves- sels of copper and iron, shall be holy unto the Lord: into the treasury of the Lord shall they come. 20 So the people shouted, when they blew with the cornets; and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the cornet, that the people uttered a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, and the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city. 21 And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and lamb, and ass, with the edge of the sword. 22 But unto the two men that had spied Lit. " Under itself." e. The priests ; 262 'and the priests went on and blew,' Jonathan; and it then means that the whole army moved on amid the sound of tho cornets blown by the priests. JOSHUA VI. VII. out the country, Joshua said, Go into the house of the woman, the harlot, and bring out thence the woman, and all belonging to her, as ye have sworn unto her. 23 And the young men, the spies, went in, and brought out Raohab, and her hither, and her mother, and her brothers, and all belong- ing to her; and they brought out all her kin- dred," and they left them without* the camp of Israel. 24 And the city they burnt with fire, and all that was therein : only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of copper and of iron, they put into the treasury of tlie house of the Lord. 25 And Racliab the harlot did Joshua save alive, and lier father's household, and all be- longing to her; and she dwelt in the midst of Israel even unto this day ; l^ecause she had hidden the messengers, whom Joshua had sent to spy out Jericho. 26 ^ And Joshua adjured (tlie people) at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the Lord, that will rise up and build this city Jericho : with" his first-liorn shall he lay its foundation, and with his youngest shall he set up its gates. 27 ][ And the Lord was with Joshua; and his fame was spread throughout all the country. CHAPTER VII. 1 But the children of Israel committed a trespass on the devoted things; for 'Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerach, of the tribe of Judah, took of the devoted things: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against the children of Israel. 2 ^ And Joshua sent men from Jericho to 'Ai, which is beside Beth-aven, on the east side of Beth-el, and said unto them, thus. Go up and spy out the country. And the men went up and spied out 'Ai. 3 And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him. Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three tliousand men go up and smite 'Ai: do not fatigue all the people (to go) thither; for they are but few. 4 So there went up thither of the people ? Heb. " families." ' Because she had not yet renounced idols. — KiMCHi. ° Meaning that the first-born shall die when he lays about three thousand men; and they fled be- fore the men of 'Ai. 5 And the men of 'Ai smote of them about thirty and six men ; and they chased them from before the gate unto the stone-quarries, and smote them on the declivity (of the hill) ; wherefore the heart of the people melted, and became as water. (1 And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell upon his face to the earth before the ark of the Lord until the evening, he with the elders of Israel, and they put dust upon tlieir head. 7 And Joshua said, Alas, Lord Eternal, wherefore hast thou caused this people to pass over the Jordan, to deliver ns into the hand of the Emorites, to destroy us ? and oh ! tliat we had been content, and dwelt on the other side of the Jordan ! 8 I pray thee, Lord, what shall I say, since Israel have turned their back before their enemies ? 9 And when the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it, they will environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth; and what wilt thou do lor thy great name? 1 ^[ And the Lord said unto Josh ua,Get thee up; wherefore liest thou upon thy face. 11 Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I have com- manded them; and they have also taken of the devoted things, and have also stolen, and have also dissembled, and they have also put it into their own vessels. 12 Therefore will the children of Israel not be able to stand up before tlieir enemies; their back will they turn before their enemies, be- cause they have become accursed : I will not be any more with you, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. 13 Rise up, sanctify the people, and say. Sanctify yourselves against to-morrow; for thus hath said the Lord the God of Israel, An accursed thing is in the midst of thee, Israel: thou shalt not be able to stand up before thy enemies, until ye have removed the accursed from among you. 14 And ye shall be brought near'' in the the foundation, and when the gates are hung the whole family shall cease with the death of the youngest. ■* /. e. T5c brought to the entrance of the tabernaclea. i'6a JOSHUA vn. vm. moi'ning according to your tribes : and it shall be, that the tiibe which the Lord will seize" shall come near according to its families ; and the flxmily which the Lord will seize shall come near by households; and the household which the Lord shall seize will come near by its men. 15 And it shall be, that he that is seized with the accui'sed thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he hath; because he hath transgressed the covenant of the Lord, and because he hath wrought wickedness in Israel. 16 ^ So Joshua rose up early in the morn- ing, and brought Israel near by their tribes, and the tribe of Judah was seized; 17 And he In-ought near the family of Judah, and he seized the family of the Zarch- ites ; and he brought near the family of the Zarchites by its men, and Zabdi was seized; 18 And he brought near his household by its men, and 'Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerach, of the tribe of Judah, was seized. 19 And Joshua said unto 'Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and make confession unto him ; and tell me, I pray thee, what thou hast done: hide nothing from me. 20 And 'Achan answered Joshua, and said, Truly ! I have indeed sinned against the Lord the God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: 21 I saw among the spoil a handsome Babylonish'' mantle, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels in weight, and I coveted them, and took them ; and, l)ebold, they are hidden in the earth in the midst of my tent, with the silver beneath the same. 22 Joshua thereupon sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hidden in his tent, and the silver beneath it. 2.3 And they took them out of the midst of the tent, and brought them unto Joshua, and unto all the children of Israel, and they laid" them out before the Lord. 24 And Joshua took 'Achan the son of " By the lot. '' l^Jty mix "a splendid or costly robe of Shinar," the plain in which Babylon stood. Boohart and Calmet have shown at large that Babylonish robes were very splendid, and in high reputation. ° Ileb. "poured." 264 Zerach, and the silver, and the mantle, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and hi.« daughters, and his ox, and his ass, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had, and all Israel were with him, and they brought them up'' unto the valley of 'Achoi*. 25 And Joshua said. How hast thou trou- bled us! so shall the Lord trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burnt them with fire, after they had stoned" them with stones. 26 And they raised over him a great heap of stones (which is) unto this day; and the Lord tiu-ned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of 'Achor,*^ unto this day. CHAPTER VIII. 1 *|[ And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou discouraged : take with thee all the people of war, and arise, go up to 'Ai ; see, I have given into thy hand the king of 'Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land. 2 And thou shalt do to 'Ai and to its king as thou hast done unto Jericho and its king; only its spoil and its cattle shall ye take for booty unto yourselves; but lay thee an ambush for the city in its rear. 3 So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against 'Ai : and Joshua choj5e out thirty thousand mighty men of valour, and sent them away by night. 4 And he commanded them, saying. Be- hold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, in the rear of the city ; go not very far from the city ; and be ye all ready ; 5 And I, and all the peojile that are with me, will approach unto the city ; and it shall come to pass that, when they come out against us, as at the first time, we will flee before them; 6 And they will come out after us, till we have drawn them from the city ; for they will say. They flee before us as at the first time: and we will flee before them. 7 And then shall ye rise up from the am- bush, and take possession of the city ; and the Lord your God will deliver it in into your hand. '' Probably it was necessary to go up a hill before they could approach the valley. ' The cattle belonging to him, and all his effects, were burnt; both children and friends were no doubt merely brought out to see the punishment. ' That is, (rouble. JOSHUA vm. 8 And it shall be, that as soon as 3'e have seized the city, ye shall set tlie city on fire; according to the word of the Lord shall ye do: see, I have commanded you. 9 And Joshua sent them off: and they went to lie in ambush, and remained be- tween Beth-el and 'Ai, on the west side of 'Ai; but Joshua lodged that night among the people. 10 Tl And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and ninnbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people, toward 'Ai. 11 And all the people" of war that were with him went up, and drew nigh, and came opposite the city, and encamped on the north side of 'Ai ; and the valley was between them and 'Ai. 12 And he took about five thousand men,*' and set them as an ambush between Beth-el and 'Ai, on the west side of 'Ai. 13 And the people, all the camp that was on the north of the city, and its ambush on the west of the city got ready ;" and Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley. 14 And it came to pass, when the king of 'Ai saw this, the men of the city hastened and rose up early, and went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at the time appointed, before the plain; but he knew not that there was an ambush against him in the rear of the city. 15 And Joshua and all Israel feigned them- selves beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness. 16 And all the people that were in 'Ai were called together to pursue after them; and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city. 17 And there was not a man left in 'Ai or Beth-el, that went not out after Israel; and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel. 18 T[ And the Lord said unto Joshua, Stretch out the spear'' that is in thy hand to- ward 'Ai; for into thy hand will I give it. And Joshua stretched out the spear which was in his hand toward the city. 19 And the ambush arose quickly out of ' nonSon Diti stands for " the people, who were □;? the people of war;" our text gives the sense merely. ' Rashi thinks that this means a second ambush nearer the city than the first; else it should be "had taken." 2 I their place, and they ran as soon as ho stretched out his hand; and they entered into the city, and took possession of it, and hast^ ened and set the city on fire. 20 And the men of 'Ai turned (and looked) behind them, and they saw, and, behold, the smoke of the city ascended up to heaven ; and they had no power to flee this way or that way; and the people that had fled to the wil- derness turned back upon the pursuers. 21 For when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had seized the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended : they turned back, and smote the men of 'Ai. 22 And the others issued out of the city against them; so that the Israelites had them in the middle, some on this side, and some on that side; and they smote them, until there was not left of them one that remained or escaped. 2.3 And the king of 'Ai they caught alive, and brought him to Joshua. 24 And it came to pass, that, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabit- ants of 'Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they had pursued them, and when they were all fallen by the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, ][ All the Israelites returned unto 'Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword. 25 And (the number of) all that fell in that day, both of men and women, was twelve thousand, all the people of 'Ai. 26 And Joshua drew not back his hand, wherewith he had stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabit- ants of 'Ai. 27 Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took as booty unto themselves, ac- cording to the word of the Lord which he had commanded Joshua. 28 And Joshua burnt 'Ai, and made it a ruinous heap of desolation for ever, even unto this day, 29 And the king of 'Ai he hanged on a tree until eventide; and at the going down of the sun, Joshua commanded, and they took his carcass down from the tree and cast it at the entrance of the city gate, and they raised ° Di'n 10'15''1. This means preparing for an attack near the wall to fight. — RAsni. ■* This means the spear on which was the banner. — MiOHLOL YoPHi. But Philippson gives "javelin." 265 JOSHUA VTIl. IX. over kim a great heap of stones, (which is) even unto this day. 30 T[ Then did Joshua build an altar unto the Lord, the God of Israel on mount 'Ebal, 31 As Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses," an altar of whole stones, over which no one had lifted up any iron tool; and they offered thereon burnt-offerings unto the Lord, and sacrificed peace-offerings. 32 And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he'' wrote in the presence of the children of Israel. 33 And all Israel, and their elders, and the officers, and their judges, stood on this side and on that side of the ark, opposite the priests the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord, the stranger no less than the native born: half of them turned toward mount Gerizzim, and the other half of them turned toward mount 'Ebal; as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded, to bless the people of Israel at first." 34 And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, all, just as it is written in the book of the law. 35 There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded, which Joshua did not read before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the stranger that walked in the midst of them. CHAPTER IX. 1 ^f And it came to pass, when all the kings that were on this side of the Jordan, in the mountain, and in the lowlands, and in all the coast of the great sea opposite Leba- non, the Ilittites, and the Emorites, the Car naanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, heard this, 2 That they assembled themselves all to- gether, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord. 3 ^ And when the inhabitants of Gib'on • Deut. .xxvii. 5, 6. *■ " Wliich lie (Moses) had prescribed to the," &c. — Sachs. ' Some explain, "first to bless, and then to pronounce the curse." (Deut. xxviii.) Others, "the first time." '' The word "also" Herxheimcr refers to the manner in which '.\i was taken, by stratagem. n'DX'i rendered :;gb heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and unto 'Ai, 4 They also" did work wilily, and went and feigned to be messengers, and took old sacks for their asses, and wine-bottles, old, and rent, and bound up; 5 And (put) old and patched-up shoes upon their feet, and old garments upon them- selves; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy. 6 And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We are come from a far-off country ; and now make ye a covenant with us. 7 And the men" of Israel said unto the j Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell in the midst of us; and how can we make a covenant with you? 8 And they said unto Joshua. We are thy servants. And Joshua said unto tliem, Who are ye? and whence come ye? 9 And they said unto bjm. From a very far-off country are thy servants come, because of the name of the Lord thy God; for we have heard his fame, and all that lie hath done in Egypt; 10 And all that he hath done to the two kings of the Emorites, that were beyond the Jordan, to Sichon the king of Cheslibon, and to 'Og the king of Bashan, who was at 'Ashtaroth. 11 Wherefore our elders and all the in- habitants of our country said to us, as follow- eth. Take provisions with you'' for the jour- ney, and go to meet them, and say unto them, Your servants are we: and now make ye with us a covenant. 12 This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you ; and now, behold, it is dry, and it is become mouldy : 13 And these wine-bottles, which we filknl, when new, — but behold, they are now become rent; and these om- garments and our shoes are become worn out by reason of the very long journey. here in accordance with Rashi, is given by Philippson and Herxhcinier with "and commeneed their journey- ing," from the Arabic ^xx "to go." — The wine-bottles in the East arc made of skins, which naturally crtick from age. 'Lit. "The man of Israel;" and so "me," "I," no doubt referring to Joshua as speaking for Israel. ' ITcb. " In your hand." JOSHUA IX. X. 14 And the iiR'ii took of their provisions, but the decision of the Lord they did not ask. 15 And Joshuu made peace with them, and made a covenant with them, to let them live; and the princes of the congregation swore unto them. 16 And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a covenant with them, that they heard that they were their neighbours, and that they dwelt in the midst of them. 17 And the children of Israel broke up, and came unto their cities on the third day; and their cities were Gib'on, and Kephirah, and Beeroth, and Kiryath-ye'arim. 18 And the children of Israel smote them not; because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the Lord, the God of Israel; but all the congregation murmured against the princes. 19 And all the princes said unto all the congregation. We have sworn unto them by the Lord the God of Israel ; and now we cannot touch them. 20 This" will we do to them, and we will let them live, that there be no wrath upon us, on account of the oath which we have sworn unto them. 21 And the princes said unto them. Let them live: and they became hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congrega- tion, as the princes had spoken unto them. 22 *(\ And Joshua called for them, and he spoke unto them, saying. Wherefore have ye deceived us, saying, We are very far from you : whereas ye dwell in the midst 'of us ? 23 And now be ye cursed, and there shall not cease to be'' of you servants and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God. 24 And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the Lord thy God had commanded Ills servant Moses to give unto you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you ; wherefore we were sore afraid for our lives because of you, and we have done this thing. ' rtefen-ing to next verse. The condition is not express- ed, but Clin easily be inferred, that tlio employment of the (lib'onites was in accord;inee therewith. ' i. e. "You shall be always servants," &c. "Unto all 25 And now, behold, we are in thy hand; as it seemeth good and right in thy eyes to do unto us, so do. 20 And he did unto them thus ; and he de- livered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, and they slew them not. 27 And Joshua appointed them on that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the Lord, even unto this day, for the place which he should choose. CHAPTER X. 1 ^ Now it came to pass, when Adoni- zedek the king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had captured 'Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; (that) as he had done to Jericho and its king, so had he done to 'Ai and its king; and that the inhabitants of Gib'on had made peace with Israel, and were in the midst of them : 2 That they were greatly afraid; because Gib'on was a great city, like one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than 'Ai, and all the men thereof were mighty. 3 Therefore Adoni-zedek the king of Je- rusalem sent unto Ilohani the king of Hebron, and unto Piram the king of Yarmuth, and unto Yaphia' the king of Lachish, and unto Debir the king of 'Eglon, saying, 4 Come up unto me, and help me, that we may smite Gib'on; for it hath made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel. 5 And the five kings of the Emorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Yarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of 'Eglon, assembled themselves together, and went up, they and all their camps, and en- camped before Gib'on, and made war against it. 6 And the men of Gib'on sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Do not with- draw thy hand from thy servants: come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us; for all the kings of the Emorites that dwell in the mountains are assembled together against us. 7 And Joshua went up from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour. 8 T[ And the Lord said unto Joshua, Be not the congregation," of verse 21, would seem therefore to be limited here "for the temple service," in lieu of the peo- ple, who should hereafter not perform these peculiar functions. 267 JOSHUA X. afraid of them; for into thy hand have I de- livered them : there shall not stand a man of them before thee. 9 And Joshua came unto them suddenly; the whole night he went up from Gilgal. 10 And the Lord brought them in confu- sion before Israel, and they smote" them with a great slaughter at Gib'on, and pursued them by the way of the ascent to Beth-choron, and smote them up to 'Azekah, and up to Mak- kedah. 11 And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, while they were in the declivity of Beth-choron, that the I^ord cast down upon them great stones from heaven, up to 'Azekah, and they died : there were more who died by means of the hailstones than those whom the children of Israel had slain with the sword. 12 ^[ Then spoke Joshua to the Lord on the day when the Lord delivered up the Emorites before the children of Israel, and he said before the eyes of Israel, Sun, stand*" thou still upon Gibon; and thou. Moon, in the valley of Ayalon. 13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged them- selves upon their enemies. Is not this writ- ten in the book of Yashar? And" the sun stood still in the midst of the heavens, and hastened not to go down about a whole day. 14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel. 15 ^ And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal. 16 But these five kings fled, and hid them- selves in the cave at Makkedah. 17 And it was told to Joshua, saying, The five kings have been found hidden in the cave at Makkedah. 18 And Joshua said. Roll great stones to the mouth of the cave, and set men over it to guard them ; 19 But you, do ye not stay, pursue after ° t. c. Israel. ^ A liviiii^ writer in the Eiii^lisli Jewish paper explains tliis passaf^e, that Jcishua coiiiniaiided the sun nat to shed his li;^ht., but to be obscured, DT " silent," so tliat the moon appeared ; and only wlien the darkness was eleared up, which was at midday, the sun reappeared, as natural, in the midst of heaven, and tlien set at the clo.se of day. If tliis exposition Le correct, the only miracle was that the i08 your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them I** suffer them not to enter into their cities; for the Lord your God hath delivered them into your hand. 20 And it came to pass, when Joshua and the childi-en of Israel had made an end of smiting them with a very great defeat, till they were all spent, and those that escaped had fied from tliem and entered into the forti- fied cities, 21 That all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: no one pointed against any° man of the children of Israel his tongue. 22 Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out unto me those five kings out of the cave. 23 And they did so, and brought forth unto him those five kings out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Yarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of 'Eglon. 24 And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Isra<?l, and said unto the chiefs of the men of war who had gone with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon their necks. 25 And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be disheartened, be strong and of good courage; for thus will the Lord do unto all your enemies against whom ye fight. 26 And Joshua smote them aftei-ward, and slew them, and hanged them on five trees ; and they remained hanging upon the trees until the evening. 27 And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun, that Joshua command- ed, and they took them down from the trees, and cast them into the cave wherein they had been hidden; and they placed great stones upon the mouth of the cave, (which remain) even until this very day. 28 T[ And Joshua captured Makkedah on sun was obscured at the moment it was needed for Israel to pursue their enemies in the darlc. Ingenious as it is, it is not in consonance with the received opinion. ° Some suppose that these words are literally quoted from the book of Yashar. ■* "Assail them in the rear." — Sachs. " This has been rendered as though the text read '7X^B'' "JDO lys^. (See also Exod. xi. 7.) JOSHUA X. XL that day. ami smote it with tlie edge of the sword, and its king he devoted, then), and all the souls that were therein; he left none that escaped ; and he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done unto the king of Jericho. 29 ][ Then did Joshua, and all Israel with him, pass from Makkedah unto Libnah; and he fought against Libnah; 30 And the Lord delivered it also into the hand of Israel, with its king; and he smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein ; he left none in it that es- caped; and. he did unto its king as he had done uuto the king of Jericho. 31 ][ And Joshua, and all Israel with him, passed from Libnah unto Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it; 32 And the Lord delivered Lachish into the hand of Israel ; and he captured it on the second day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein : just as he had done to Libnah. 33 Tf Then came up Iloram the king of Gezer to help Lachish ; and Joshua smote him and his people, until he had left him none that escaped. 34 ][ And Joshua and all Israel with him passed from Lachish unto 'Eglon; and they encamped against it, and fought against it; 35 And they captured it on that day, and smote it with the edge of the sword ; and all the souls that were therein he devoted on that day: just as he had done to Lachish. 36 ]f And Joshua and all Israel with him went up from 'Eglon unto Hebron; and they fought against it; 37 And they captured it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and its king, and all its cities, and all the souls that were therein ; he left none that escaped, ju.st as he had done to 'Eglon ; and he devoted it, and all the souls that were therein. 38 ][ And Joshua and all Israel with him returned to Debir; and fought against it; 39 And he captured it, and its king, and all its cities; and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and devoted all the souls that were therein ; lie left none that escaped : as he had done to Hebron, so did he to De]:)ir and to its king; and as he had done to Lib- nah and to its king. ' A district in the mountain of Judah. "" This is rendered by the Targiim "sea-water ditches," 40 ][ And Joshua smote all the country-, the mountain, and the south, and the low- lands, and the declivities, and all their kings; he left none that escaped; and all that breathed he utterly destroyed, as the Lord, the God of Israel had commanded. 41 And Joshua smote them from Kadesh- barnea even unto Gazzah, and all the country of Goshen," even up to Gibon. 42 And all these kings and their land did Joshua ca})ture at one time; because the Lord, the God of Israel fought for Israel. 43 And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal. CHAPTER XI. 1 T[ And it came to pass, that,^vhen Yabin the king of Chazor heard these things, he sent to Yobab the king of Madon,and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph, 2 And to the kings that were at the north, on the mountains, and in the plains, south of Kinneroth. and in the lowlands, and in the district of Dor on the west, 3 To the Canaanites on the east and on the west, and to the Emorites, and the Hit- tites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites in the mountains, and to the Hivites under Cher- mon in the land of Mizpah. 4 And they went out, they and all tlieir camps with them, much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea-shore in mul- titude, and with very many horses and cha- riots. 5 And all these kings assembled them- selves together, and they came and encamped together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel. 6 ^ And the Lord said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them; tor to-morrow about this time will I give all of them up slain Ijefore Israel : their horses shalt thou hamstring and their chariots .shalt thou burn with fire. 7 And Joshua and all the people of war with him came upon them by the waters of Merom suddenly ; and they fell upon them. 8 And the Lord delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and pursued tliem unto great Zidon, and unto Missrephoth- mayim,*' and unto the valley of Mizpeh east- which Rashi supposes were made to draw oif the sea- water, which evaporating, was converted into salt. Others JOSHUA XI. XII. ward; and they smote them, until they left them none that escaped. 9 And Joshua did unto them as the Lord had said unto him: their horses he ham- stringed and their chariots he burnt with fire. 10 ^ And Joshua at tliat time turned back, and captured Chazor, and its kings he smote with the sword; for Chazor aforetimes was the head of all these kingdoms. 11 And they smote all the souls that were therein with the edge of the sword, and de- voted them; there was not left any one hav- ing breath ; and Chazor he hvwnt with fire. 12 And all the cities of these kings, and all their kings, did Joshua capture, and he smote them with the edge of the sword, and he de- voted them, as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded. 13 But as for the cities that had been left standing in their strength," these did Israel not burn: save Chazor only did Joshua burn. 14 And all the spoil of thfese cities, and the cattle, did the children of Israel take as booty unto themselves; but all the men they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them : they left not any one having breath. 15 As the Lord had commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua: he left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses. 16 And Joshua took all that land, the mountain, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the lowlands, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and its lowlands; 17 From the ])ald mountain that goeth up to Se'ir, even unto Baal-gad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Chermon ; and all their kings he captured, and smote them, and slew tliem. 18 A long time did Joshua make war Avith all these kings. 19 There was not a city that made peace with tlie children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Cib'on: the whole they took by war. 20 For of the Lokd it was to harden their suppose the words to mean "burning springs," as those of Tiberias; others again, that it was merely a name, as ju our text. ' Sn elsewhere "heap," is given by Jonathan here "in 270 heart, that they should come against Israel in battle, in order to 'iestroy them utterly, that they might obtai/> no fevour; but in order that he might exterminate them, as the Lord had commanded Moses. 21 ^ And Joshua came at that time, and cut oft' the 'Anakim from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from 'Anab, and from the whole mountain of Judali, and from the whole mountain of Israel : with their cities did Joshua destroy them utterly. 22 There was none of the 'Anakim left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gazzah, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remain- ed some. 2.3 And Joshua' took the whole land, all just as the Lord had spoken unto Moses; and Joshua, gave it for an inheritance unto Israel, according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war. CHAPTER XII. 1 T[ And these are the kings of the land whom the children of Israel smote, and whose land they took pos.sessiou of on the other side of the Jordan, toward the rising of the sun, from the river Anion unto mount Chermon, and all the plain on the east: 2 Sichon the king of the Emorites, who dwelt in Cheshbon, and ruled from 'Aro'er, which is upon the banlc of the brook Arnon, and over the land in the middle of the brook, and from half Gil'ad, even unto tiie brook Yabljok, the boundary of the children of 'Am- nion ; 3 And over the plain up to the sea of Kinneroth on the east, and up to the sea of the plain, the salt sea on the east, on the way to Beth-hayeshimoth ; and at the south, under the declivities of Pisgah ; 4 And the territory of 'Og the king of Ba- shan, who was of the remnant of the Repha'im, that dwelt at 'Ashtaroth and at Edre'i, 5 And reigned over mount Chermon, and over Salcliah, and over all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshurites and the Ma'acha- thites, and lialf Gil'ad, (to) the boundary of Sichon the king of Cheshbon. 6 These did Moses the servant of the Lord their strength," meaning that they had not been destroyed during the conquest. Others render, "on their hills," /'. ''. the mountain-towns, which were naturally easily de- fended. JOSHUA XII. XIII. and the childreu of Israel smite ; and Moses the servant of the Lord gave it for a posse.s- sion unto the Keiibenites, and the Gadites. and the half tribe of Menasseh. 7 ]f And these are the kings of the country whom Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side of the Jordan on the west, from ]>a;il-,i;;ul in the valley of Lebanon as far as the bald mountain, that goeth up to Seir; and Joshua gave it unto the tribes of Israel for a possession, according to their divisions; 8 In the mountains, and in the lowlands, and in the plain, and in the declivities, and hi the wilderness, and in the south country : the Hittites, the Eniorites, and the Canaan- ites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Je- busites. 9 ][ The king of Jericho, one ; the king of 'Ai, which was beside Beth-el, one; 10 The king of Jerusalem, one ; the king of Hebron, one ; 11 The king of Yarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one ; 12 The king of 'Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one ; 13 The king of Debir, one ; the king of Geder, one ; 14 The king of Chormah, one ; the king of 'Arad, one ; 15 The king of Libnah, one ; the king of 'AduUam, one ; 16 The king of Makkedah, one ; the king of Beth-el, one ; 17 The king of Tappuach, one; the king of Chepher, one ; 18 The king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one ; 19 The king of Madon, one ; the king of Chazor, one; 20 The king of Shimron-meron, one ; the king of Achshaph. one ; 21 Tlie king of Ta'anach, one ; the king of Megiddo, one ; 22 The king of Kedesh, one ; the king of Yokne'am on Carmel, one ; 23 The king of Dor in the district of Dor, one ; the king of Go\'im in Gilgal, one ; 24 The king of Tirzah, one: in all thirty and one kings. * Others, "the cave," and is said to be the one between Zidon and Zarepta, in which the crusaders defended them- selves a long time against the Saracens. CHAPTER XIII. 1 ]| Now Joshua was old, well stricken in years ; and the Lord said unto him, Tliou art old, stricken in years, and of tlie land there re- maineth yet very much to be taken posses- sion of 2 This is the land that yet remaineth: All the circles of the Philistines, and all (the land of the) Geshurites, 3 From the Shichor, which runneth before Egypt, even unto the boundary of 'Ekron northward, is counted to the Canaanites; the five lords of the Philistines; the Gazzathites, and the Ashdodites, the Eshkelonites, the Gittites, and the 'Ekronites; also the 'Avvim; 4 On the sontli. all the land of the Canaan- ites, and Me'arah" that belongeth to the Zido- nians, up to Aphek, up to the border of the Emorites; 5 And the land of the Giblitcs, and all Lebanon, toward the rising of the sun, from Ba'al-gad under mouirt Chermon up to the entrance of Chamath. 6 All the inhabitants of the mountain from Lebanon unto Missrephoth-mayim, all the Zi- donians: these will I drive out from before the children of Israel ; only divide thou it by lot unto the Israelites for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee. 7 And now divide this land for an inherit- ance unto the nine tribes, and the half trilje of Menasseh. 8 With him the Reiibenites and the Gad- ites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave unto them, bejond the Jordan eastward, as Moses the servant of the Lord hath given them; 9 From 'Aro'er, that is upon the bank of the brook Anion, and the city that is in the midst of the brook, and all the plain of Me- deba up to Dibon ; 10 And all the cities of Sichon the king of the Emorites, Avho reigned over Cheshbon, up to the border of the children of 'Amnion ; 11 And Gil'ad, and the territory of the Geshurites and Ma'achathites, and all mount Chermon, and all Bashan up to Salchah; 12 All the kingdom of 'Og in Bashan, wdio reigned in ' Ashtaroth and in Edre'i ; who had been left of the remnant of the Repha'im: and Moses smote them, and cast them out. 13 Nevertheless the children of Israel ex- 271 JOSHUA XIII. XIV. pelled not the Geshurites and the Ma'achath- ites; but the Geshurites and the Ma'achath- ites continued to dwell in the midst of the Israelites until this day. 14 Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave no inheritance : the fire-oflferings of the Lord, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, as he hath spoken unto them. 15 ][ And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Keiiben according to their families ; 16 And their territory was from Aro'er, that is on the bank of the brook Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the brook, and all the plain by Medeba; . 17 Cheshbon, and all its cities that are in the i^lain ; Dibon, axid Bamoth-ba'al, and Beth- ba'al-me'on, 18 And Yahzah, and Kedemoth, and Me- pha'ath, 19 And Kiryathayim, and Sibmah, and Zereth-hashachar on the mount of the valley, 20 And Beth-pe'or, and the declivities of Pisgah, and Beth-hayeshimoth, 21 And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sichon the king of the Emor- ites, who reigned in Cheshbon, whom Moses smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Kekem, and Zur, and Chur, and Reba', the dukes of Sichon, the dwellers of the coun- try. 22 And Bil'am the son of Be'or, the sooth- sayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among their slain. 2.3 And the boundary of the children of Reuben was the Jordan, and its bordering terri- tory. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben after their families, the cities and their villages. 24 ^ And Moses gave unto the tribe of Gad, unto the children of Gad according to their families; 25 And their territory was Ya'zer, and all the cities of Gil'ad, and half the land of the children of 'Ammon, up to 'Ax'o'er that is before Rabbah ; 26 And from Cheshbon unto Ramath-miz- peh, and Betonim ; and from Machanayim up to the boi'der of Debir ; 27 And in the valley, Beth-haram, and Beth-nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sichon the king of Cheshbon, the Jordan and its bordering terri- 2-:s tory, up to the edge of the sea of Kinnereth on the other side the Jordan eastward. 28 This is the inheritance of the children of Gad after their famiUes, the cities and their villages. 29 ^ And Moses gave unto the half tribe of Menasseh ; and it belonged to the half tribe of the children of Menasseh after their iamilies ; 30 And their territory was from Machana- yim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of 'Og the kmg of Bashan, and all the villages of Ya'ir, which are in Bashan, sixty cities ; 31 And half Gil'ad, and 'Ashtaroth, and Edre'i, the cities of the kingdom of 'Og in Bashan, (belonged) unto the children of Machir the son of Menasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir after their fa- milies. 32 These are they to whom Moses did dis- tribute an inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side of the Jordan, by Jericho, eastward. 33 But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance: the Lord the God of Israel is himself their inheritance, as he hath sjioken unto them. CHAPTER XIV. 1 ^ And these are the countries which the children of Israel obtained as an inheritance in the land of Canaan, which Elazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the divisions of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for an inheritance unto them, 2 By the lot as their inheritance: as the Lord had commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and the half tribe. 3 For Moses had given the inheritance of the two tribes and the half tribe on the other side of the Jordan ; but unto the Levites he had given no inheritance among them. 4 For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Menasseh and Epln-aim ; therefore the_y gave no portion unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their open spaces for their cattle and for their substance. 5 As the Lord had commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel, and so divided they the land. 6 ^ And tlie children of Judah came near unto Joshua in Gilgal ; and Caleb the son of Yephunneh the Kenizzitc said unto him, josnuA XIV. XV. Thou well Icnowest the word which the Lokd spoke unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thyself in Kadesh-barnea'. 7 Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh- barneJi' to spy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in my heart. 8 But my brethren who had gone up with me caused the heart of the people to be faint; but I wholly followed the Lord my God. 9 And Moses swore on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy foot hath trod- den shall belong to thee for an inheritance, and to thy children for ever; because thou hast wholly Ibllowed the Lord my God. 10 And now, behold, the Lord hath kept me alive, as he hath spoken: it is now forty and five years since the Lord spoke this word unto Moses, while Israel wandered in the wil- derness; and now, behold, I am this day eighty and five years old. Ill am yet this day as strong as I was on the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, and to go out, and to come in. 12 Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spoke on that day; for thou didst hear on that day that the 'Anakim were there, and great fortified cities: perhaps the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out, as the Lord hath spoken. 13 And Joshua blessed him, and gave He- bron unto Caleb the son of Yephunneh for an inheritance. 14 Therefore did Hebron become the in- heritance of Caleb the son of Yephunneh the Kenizzite unto this day; for the cause that he had wholly followed the Lord the God of Israel. 15 And the name of Hebron was afore times Kiryath-arba'," who was the greatest man among the 'Anakim. And the land had rest from war. CHAPTER XV. 1 ^ And the lot for the tribe of the chil- dren of Judali after their families came by the border of Edom, with the wilderness of Zin, southward, as the uttermost southern boundary. 2 And their southern boundary was from " i. e. " The city of Arba', who was/' &c. 2K the end of the salt sea, from the biiy that bendeth southward ; 3 And it went out to the south to the heights of 'Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and ascended up on the south side unto Kadesh-barneii', and passed along to Chezron, and went up to Adar, and fetched a compass to Karka'; 4 And it passed on toward 'Azmon, and went out unto the river of Egypt; and the terminations of the boundary Avere at the sea: this shall be your southern boundary. 5 And the east boundary was the salt sea, unto the end of the Jordan. And the bound- ary in the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the end of the Jordan ; 6 And the boundary went up to Beth-chog- lah, and passed along by the north of Betli- 'arabah; and the boundary went up to Eben- bohan the son of Reuben; 7 And the boundary went up toward Debir from the valley of 'Achor, and at the north it tent toward Gilgal, that is opposite the heights of Adummim, which is on the south side of the valley; and the boundarj^ passed toward the waters of 'En-shemesh, and its termina- tions were at 'En-i'ogel ; 8 And the boundary went up to the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite, the same is Jerusalem; and the boundary went up to the top of the mount that lieth before the valley of Hinnom west- ward, which is at the end of the valley ol' Repha'im northward ; 9 And the lioundary extended from tlic top of the mount unto the spring of the waters of Nephtoach, and went out to the ci- ties of mount 'Ephron; and the boundary ex- tended to Ba'alah, which is Kiryath-ye'arim; 10 And the boundary compassed from Ba'alah westward unto mount Se'ir, and passed along unto the side of mount Ye'arim, which is Kessalon, on the north side, and went down to Beth-shemesh, and passed on to Timnah; 11 And the boundary went out unto the side of 'Ekron northward; and the boundary extended to Shikron, and passed along to the mount of Ba'alah, and went out unto Yab- neel; and the terminations of the boundary were at the sea. 12 And the west boundary was by the This is the 273 great sea, and the coast thereof. JOSHUA XV. boundary of the children of Judcah round about according to their famiUes. 13 \\ And unto Caleb the son of Yephun- neli he gave as a portion among the children of Judah, according to the order of the Lord to Joshua, Kiryath-arba' the father of 'Anak, which is Hebron. 14 And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of 'Anak, Sheshai, and Achiman, and Talmai, the children of 'Anak. 15 And he went up from there to the in- habitants of Debir; and the name of Debir before was Kiryath-sepher. 16 And Caleb said, He that will smite Kiryath-sepher, and capture it, to him will I give 'Achsah my daughter for wife. 17 And 'Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, captured it; and he gave him 'Achsah his daughter for wife. 18 And it came to pass, as she came thither, that she persuaded him to ask of her father a field: and she alighted from her ass; and Caleb said unto her. What aileth thee? 19 And she said. Give me a Ijlessing; for a dry land hast thou given me: give me then also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. 20 ][ This is the inheritance of the tribe of the cliildren of Judah according to their fixmilies. 21 And the cities on the boundary line of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the border of Edom, on the south, were Kabzeel, and 'Eder, and Yagur, 22 And Kinah, and Dimonah, and 'Ad- 'adah, 23 And Kedesh, and Chazor, and Yithnan, 24 Ziph, and Telem, and Be'aloth, 25 And Chazor-chadattah, and Keriyoth- chezron," which is Chazor, 26 Amara, and Shema', and Moladah, 27 And Chazar-gaddah, and Cheshraon, and Beth-palet, 28 And Chazar-shuiil, and Beer-sheba, and Bizyotlu-yah, 29 Ba'alah, and 'lyim, and 'Azem, 30 And Eltolad. and Kessil, and Chormah, 31 And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and San- sannah, " Others, "Chazor, Chadattah, and Keriyoth, Chezron, which," &c. '' As the ciuiniiTalcd places exceed twenty-uiiie, it has 274 32 And Lebaoth, and Shilchim, and Ayin, and Rimmon : in all twenty and nine'' cities, with their villages. 33 ]f And in the lowlands, Eshtaol, and Zor'ah, and Ashnah, 34 And Zanoach, and 'En-gannini, Tap- puach, and 'Euam, 35 Yarmuth, and 'Adullam, Sochoh, and 'Azekah, 36 And Sha'arayim, and 'Adithayim, and Gederah, and Gederothayim : fourteen cities with their villages. 37 ^ Zenan, and Chadashah, and Migdal- gad. 38 And Dil'an, and Mizpeh, and Yoktheel, 39 Lachish, and Bozkath, and Eglon, 40 And Cabbon, and Lachmass, and Kith- lish, 41 And Gederoth, Beth-dagoii, and Na- 'amah, and Makkedah: sixteen cities with their villages. 42 ^ Libnah, and 'Ether, and Ashan, 43 And Yiphtach, and Ashnah, and Nezib, 44 And Ke'ilah, and Achzib, and Mare- shah: nine cities with their villages. 45 ][ 'Ekron, with its towns and its vil- lages : 46 From 'Ekron even unto the sea, all that lay alongside of Ashdod, with their villages. 47 T[ Ashdod with its towns and its vil- lages, Gazzah, with its towns and its villages, up to the brook of Egyjit, and the great sea, and its territory. 48 ^ And in the mountains, Shamir, and Yattir, and Sochoh, 49 And Dannah and Kiryath-saimah, which is Debir, 50 And 'Anab, and Eshtemoh, and 'Anim, 51 And Goslien, and Cholon, and Giloli: eleven cities with their villages. 52 ^ Arab, and Duniah, and Esh'an, 53 And Yanimi, and Beth-tappuacli, and Aphekah, 54 And Chumtah, and Kiryath-arba", which is Hebron, and Zi'or: nine cities with their villages. 55 ^ Ma'on, Carmel, and Ziph. and Yutah, 56 And Yizre'el, and Yokde'ani, and Za- noach, been supposed by Abarbanel, that but that niiiiibor were large places, or cities, the others niUwjes. ' "The islands therein."— Rasiu. JOSHUA XV. XVI. XVII. 57 Kayin, Gib'ah, and Timiiah: ten cities with their villages. 58 ^f Clialchul, Beth-zur, and Gedor, 59 And Ma'arath, and Beth-'anoth, and Eltekon: six cities with their villages. 60 ]1 Kiryath-baal, which is Kiryath-je- 'arini, and Rabbah; two cities with their vil- lages. 61 ^1 In the wilderness, Beth-ha'arabah, Middin, and Sechachah, 62 And Nibshan, and 'Ir-hanunelach," and 'En-gedi: six cities with their villages. 63 ]f As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, these the children of Judah could not drive out; but the Jebusites dwelt with the childi'en of Judah at Jerusalem, even unto this day. CHAPTER XVI. 1 ^ And the lot of the children of Jo.seph fell'' from the Jordan by Jericho, unto the waters of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goeth up from Jericho b}' the mount Beth-el, 2 And (the boundary) went out from Beth-el to Luz, and passed along unto the boundary of the Arkites to 'Ataroth, 3 And went down westward to the bound- ary of the Yaphleti, unto the border of Beth- choron the lower, and to Qezer; and its ter- minations were toward the sea. 4 This did the children of Joseph, Me- nasseh and Ephraim, take as their inherit- ance. 5 ^ And (this) was the boundary of the chil- dren of Ephraim according to their families; and the boundary of their inheritance on the east side was 'Atroth-addar, up to Beth-choron the upper; 6 And the boundary went out towanl the sea to Michmethath on the north; and the boundary fetched a compass eastward unto Taihiathshiloh, and passed by it on the east to Ynnochah ; 7 And it went down from Yanochah to 'Ataroth, and to Na'arath, and touched on Jericho, and went out at the Jordan. 8 From Tappuach westward the border went out unto the biX)ok Kanah; and its ter- minations were toward the sea. This is the ' Othoi-s translate the name, "the city of salt;" by some supposed to be Zo'ar. inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim after their families; 9 And (in addition to this) the cities which were separated for the children of E})hraim in the midst of the iidieritance of the children of Menasseh, all the cities with their villages. 10 And they drove not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwelt among the Ephraimites until this day, and became tributary servants. CHAPTER XVII. 1 ^ And then came the lot for the tribe of Menasseh; for he was the first-born of Joseph: to wit, for Machir the first-born of Menasseh, the father of Gil'ad; because he was a man of war, therefore he obtained Gil'ad and Bashan. 2 There was also a lot for the I'est of the children of Menasseh after their families; for the children of Abi'ezer, and for the children of Chelek, and for the children of Assriel, and for the childi'en of Shechem, and for the children of Chepher, and for the children of Shemida": these were the male children of Menasseh the son of Joseph after their fami- lies. 3 But Zelophchad, the son of Chephei", the son of Gil'ad, the son of Machir, the son of Menasseh, had no sons, but only daughters; and these are the names of his daughters, INIachlah, and No'ah, Choglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 4 And they came near before Elazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, The Lord com- manded Moses to give unto us an inheritance among our brethren. And he gave them, according to the order of the Lord, an in- heritance among the brethren of their father. 5 And there fell ten portions of Menasseh, beside the lands of Gil'ad and Bashan, which were on the other side of the Jordan ; 6 Because the daughters of Menasseh o!> tained an inheritance among his sons: and the land of Gil'ad belonged to the rest of the sons of Menasseh. 7 And the boundary of Menasseh was from Asher to Michmethath. that lieth before She- chem; and the boundary went along on the Heb. "went forth. 275 JOSHUA XVII. XVIII. right hand unto the inhabitants of 'En-tap- puach. 8 To Menasseh belonged the land of Tap- puach ; ))ut Tappuach on the borders of Me- nasseh Ijelonged to the children of Ephraim; 9 And the boundary descended unto the brook Kanah, southward of the brook; these cities belonging to Ephraim are in the midst of the cities of Menasseh; and the boundary' of Menasseh was on the north side of the river, and its terminations were toward the sea: 10 Southward it Avas Ephraim's, and north- ward it was Menasseh's, and tlie sea was (there) his boundary; and on Asher tliey touched on the north, and on Issachar on the east. 11 And to Menasseh belonged in Issachar and in Asher Beth-sheixn and its towns, and Yible'am and its towns, together with the in- habitants of Dor and its towns, and the in- habitants of 'En-dor and its towns, and the inhabitants of Ta'anach and its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo aiid its towns, namely the three districts." 12 Yet the children of Menasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of these cities; but the Canaanites succeeded to dwell in this land ; 13 Yet it came to pass, when the children of Israel were become strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute; but they did not drive them out. 14 ^ And the children of Joseph spoke inito Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion as an inherit- ance, seeing I am a numerous people, to which extent the Lokd hath hitherto blessed me? 15 And Joshua said unto them, If thou art a numerous people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down (a space) for thyself there in the land oi' the Perizzites and of the Repha'im, if the mountain of Ephraim be too narrow for thee. IG And the children of Josej^h said, The mountain will not be enough* for us; and chariots of iron ai-e belonging to all the Ca- naanites that dwell in the land of the valley, " Probably, 'Endor, Ta'auaob and Mogiddo. '' "^V'c cannot rcarb tbc mountain." — I'hiltI'PSOn. ° (ienorally calU'd JczreeL * When tbu wood.s are cut down, tbo way to tbe plain below will be fipcn; licncc tbc driving out of tbo Canaan- ites of verso 17 will be acconipli.sbed, notwitbstanding tbcir strengtb. 276 to those who are at Beth-sheiin and its towns, and to those who ai"e in the valley of Yiz-. re'el." 17 And Joshua said unto the house of Josejjh, to Ephraim and to Menasseh, as fbl- loweth. Thou art a numerous j^eople, and hast great j^ower; thou shalt not have one lot only; 18 But the mountain shall be thine; it is indeed a wood, yet thou canst cut it down ; and the terminations'' of it shall be thine; for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites. though they have iron chariots, though they be strong. CHAPTER XVIII. 1 Tf And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shi- luh, and set up there the tabernacle of the congregation. And the land was subdued be- fore them." 2 ^ And there remained among the chil- dren of Israel, that had not yet received their inhei'itance, seven tribes. 3 And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long will ye show yourselves slack to go to take possession of the land, which the Lord the God of ^our fathers hath given to you? 4 Furnish for yourselves three men for etich tribe; and I will send them out, and they shall arise, and walk through the land, and describe' it according to their inheritance, and come again to me. 5 And they shall divide it into seven parts: Judah shall remain on his boundary at the south, and the house of Joseph shall remain on their boinidary at the north. 6 But you shall make a description of the land in seven parts, and bring it hither to me; and I will cast the lot for j'ou here, before the Lord our God. 7 For to the Levites there is no ]iortion among you; for the priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance ; and Gad, and Reiiben, and half the tribe of Menasseh have already re- ceived their inheritance beyond the Jordan, ° Altbougb in point of fact single districts were not conquiirod, still tbe country as a wbole was in possession of tbe Israelites at tbe time spoken c>f in tbe text. ' Sacbs and otbcrs, "Write it down." Probably tbey made a maji, and marked down on it the various divisions wbicb tbey <leeniod most suitable for tbe respective tribes; still tbe lot was to settle all doubts. JOSHUA XVIII. XIX. at the east, wliicli Moses the servant of the Lord gave to them. 8 And the men arose, and went away; and Joshua charged those that went to de- scribe the hind, saying, Go and walk through the hind, and describe it, and return again to me ; and here will I cast the lot lor you be- fore the Lord, in Shiloh. And the men went and passed through the land, and described it according to the cities in seven parts in a book; and they came again to Joshua to the camp at Shiloh. 10 And Joshua cast the lot for them in Shiloh before the Lord; and Joshua divided there the land unto the children of Israel ac- cording to their divisions. 11 ^ And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their fami- lies; and the boundary of their lot came forth between the childi-en of Judali and the chil- dren of Joseph. 12 And their boundary was on the north side (starting) from the Jordan ; and the boun- dary went up to the side of Jericho on the north, and went up through the mountains westward; and its terminations were at the wilderness of Beth-aven. 13 And the boundary went over from tliere toAvard Luz, to the south side of Luz, whicli is Beth-el; and the boundary descended to 'Atroth-addar, upon the mount that is on the south side of the lower Beth-choron. 14 x\nd the border extended (thence), and fetched a compass to the west side, to the south of the mount that is before Beth-choron at the .south ; and its terminations were at Kiryath-ba'al, which is Kiryath-ye'arim, a citv of the children of Judah : this was the west side. 15 And the south side commenced from the end of Kiryath-ye'arim, and the boundary went out on the west, and went out to the spring of the waters of Nephtoach ; 16 And the Ijoundary went down to the end of the mountain that is before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of Repha'im at the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusi on the south, and descended to 'En- rogel, 17 And extended northwardly, and went forth to 'En-shetnesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, wliich is opposite to the ascent of Adummim, and descended to Eben-bohan the son of Reuben, 18 And passed along on this siile opposite to 'Arabah northward; and went down unto 'Arabah ; 19 And the boundary passed along to the side of Beth-choiilah northward; and the ter- minations of the border were at the north bay of the Salt Sea at the south end of the Jor- dan : this was the south boundary. 20 And the Jordan bounded it on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, b}- its l)Oundaries round about, according to their lamilies. 21 Now these were the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families, Jericho, and Beth-choglah, and 'Emek- keziz, 22 And Beth-ha'arabah, and Zemarayim and Beth-el, 23 And Avvim, and Parah, and 'Ophrah, 24 And Kephar-ha'annnonah, and '(_)plnu, and Geba" : twelve cities with their villages. 25 Gib'on, and Ramah, and Beeroth, 26 And Mizpeh, and Kephirah, and Mo- zah, 27 And Rekem, and Yirpeel, and Tara- lah, 28 And Zela', Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gib'ath, and Kiryath: fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inherit- ance of the children of Benjamin according to their families. CHAPTER XIX. 1 Tl And then came forth the second lot for Simeon, for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their fomilies; and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah. 2 And they obtained in their inheritance Beer-shel)a', (or) Sheba', and Moladah, 8 And Chazar-shu'al, and Balah, and 'Ezem, 4 And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Cliormah, 5 And Ziklag, and Beth-hamarcaboth, and Chazar-sussah , 6 And Beth-lebaoth, and Sharuchen: thir- teen cities and their villages. 7 'Ayin, Rimmon, and 'Ether, and 'Ashan; four cities and their villages. 8 And all the villages that were round about these cities up to Ba'alath-beer, South JOSHUA XIX. t^ainah." This is tlie inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families. 9 Out of the portion of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon; for the portion of the children of Judah was too much for them; therefore the children of Simeon obtained their inheritance within their inheritance. 10 *[] And then came up the third lot for the children of Zebulun according to their fami- lies; and the boundary of their inheritance extended up to Sarid ; 11 And their boundary went up toward the sea, and Mar'alah, and touched on Dab- besheth, and touched on the Ijrook that is be- fore Yokne'am; 12 And turned from Sarid eastward to- ward the rising of the sun unto the border of Kisloth-tabor, and then went out to Daberath, and went up to Yaphia'; lo And from tliere it passed on in front to the east unto Gath-Chepher, to 'Eth-kazin, and went out to Riunnon, whence it extended to Ne'ah;" 14 And this boundary turned'' about on the north side to Channathon ; and its ter- minations were in the valley of Yiphthach-el: 15 And Kattath. and Nahallal, and Shim- ron, and Yidalah, and Beth-lechem : twelve cities with their villages. 16 This is the inheritance of the children of Zebulun according to their f\xmilies, these cities with their villages. 17 ][ For Issachar came out the fourth lot, for the children of Issachar according to their families. 18 And their boundary went to Yizre'el, and KessuUoth, and Shunem, 19 And (Jhapharayim, and Shion, and Anacharath, 20 And Rabbith, and Kishyon, and Abez, 21 And Remeth, and 'Eii-gannim, and 'En- chaddah, and Beth-pazzez ; 22 And the boundary touched on Tabor, ' No iloubt \t moans that Bu'a1alli-bciJr is the same witli South Rainah. '' After.Iouathaii and Hashi; other.s, to "Rimmon-methoar, to Neah," as tliough it were a proper name of the pLace. ° Others, "and tlie boundary turned around this," &c. ^ Eng. version, "(Ireat Zidon." ' i. e. The fortified llock; no doubt, an ancient Tyre, not the afterward famous citv of Tyro, (from /ziir, "roek."^ ^78 and Shachazimah, and Beth-shemesh ; and the terminations of their boundaries were at the Jordan: sixteen cities with their vil- lages. 23 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities and their villages. 24 *i] And then came out the fifth lot for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families. 25 And their boundary was Chelkath, and Chali, and Beten, and Achshaph, 26 And Allammelech, and 'Am'ad, and Mishal ; and it touched on Carmel at the sea, and on Shichor-libnath ; 27 And it turned toward the rising of the sun to Beth-dagon, and touched on Zebulun, and on the valley of Yiphthach-el at the north, on Beth-ha'emek, and Ne'iel, and went out to Cabul on the left, 28 And 'Ebron, and Rechob, and Cham- mon, and Kanah, up to Zidon the great city,** 29 And then the boundary turned back to Ramah, and to the city of Mibzar-zor;" and then the boundary turned back to Chossah; and the terminations were by the sea in the district toward Achzib; 30 And'Uramah and Aphek, and Rechob: twenty and two cities with their villages. 31 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their fami- lies, these cities with their villages. 32 Tf Unto the children of Naphtali came out the sixth lot, for the children of Naphtali according to their families. 33 And their boundary was from Cheleph, from Allon-beza'anannim, and Adami-hauekeb, and Yabneel, as far as Lakkum; and its ter- minations were at the Jordan; 34 And then the boundary turned west- ward to Aznoth-tabor, and went out from there to Chukkok, and touched on Zebulun on the south, and touched on Asher on the west, and on Judah upon the Jordan*^ toward the rising of the sun. ' As Judah proper did not touch Naphtali at all, various conjectures have been hazarded; one, the most ingenious, is broached by Rabbi Joseph Sehwarz, in accordance with Aben Ezra to Numb, x.xxii. 4"2, that Yair, who possessed the territory in Menasseh opposite Naphtali on the east side of the Jordan, was by the father's side from Judah, and, by the mother's, of Menasseh. (See 1. Chroii. ii. 21, 22.) JOSHUA XIX. XX. XXI. So And Ibrtlfied cities, Ziddim, Zer, and ("hanmiath, Kakkatli, and Kinnereth, 3G And Adaniali, and Raniah, and Chazor, 37 And Kedesh, and Edre'i, and 'En-cha^ zor, 38 And Yiron, and Migdal-el, Cliorem, and Beth-'anath, and Beth-shemesh : nineteen cities witli their villages. 39 This is tlie inhei'itance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities and their villages. 40 T[ For the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families came out the seventh lot. 41 And the boundary of their iidieritance was Zor ah, and Eshtaol, and 'Ir-shemesh, 42 And Sha'alabbin, and Avalon, and Yitldah, 43 And Elon, and Thimnathah, and 'Ekron, 44 And Eltekeh. and Gil)l)ethon, and Ba'- alath, 45 And Yehud, and Bene-berak, and Gath- rimnion. 46 And Me-hayarkon, and Rakkon, with the boundary before Yapho." 47 And tlie territory of the children of Dan went out beyond these ; for the children of Dan went up and fought against Leshem, and captured it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and took possession of it, and dwelt therein, and they called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father. 48 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their fami- lies, these cities with their villages. 49 "il And they made an end of dividing the land for inheritance after its boundaries; and the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them; 50 By the order of the Lord did they give him the city w'hich he had asked, Timnath- serach^'on the mountain of Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein. 51 ][ These arc the inheritances, which Elazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the divisions of the tribes of the children of Israel, divided for an inherit- ance by lot, at Shiloli before the Lord, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. So they made an end of dividing the country. "" Afterward Joppa, now the town of Jaffa '' El^ewlicre c-iUed Tiuiu.ith-cheres. CHAPTER XX. 1 ^ And the Lord spoke unto Joshua, saying, 2 Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint for yourselves the cities of refuge, whereof I have spoken unto you by the hand of Moses ; 3 That thither may tlee the manslayci- that killeth any person unawares, without knowledge; and they shall be unto you for a refuge from the avenger of the blood. 4 And he shall flee unto one of those cities, and he shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and speak in the ears of the elders of that city his words; and they shall take him into the city unto them, and gi\ e him a jjlace, that he may dwell among them. 5 And if the avenger of the blood should pursue after him, then shall they not deliver the manslayer up into his hand; because with- out knowledge did he smite his neighbour, and he was not an enemy to him in time past. 6 And he shall dwell in that city, until he shall have stood before the congregation for judgment, (and) until the death of the high-priest that may be in those days: then shall the manslayer return, and come unto liis own house, unto the city whence he hath lied. 7 And they appointed"" Kedesh in Galilee'' in the mountain of Naphtali, and Shechem in the mountain of Ephraim, and Kiryath-arba', which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah. 8 And on the other side of the Jordan by Jericho eastward, they appointed Bezer in the wilderness in the })lain from the tribe of Reii- ben, and Ramoth in Gil'ad from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Menasseh. 9 These were the cities assigned for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that thither might tlee whosoever killeth any person at unawares, and that he should not die by the hand of the avenger of the blood, until he have stood before the congregation. CHAPTER XXI. 1 ^ Then came near the heads of the divi- sions of the Levites unto Elazar the priest, Hfb. "sanctified." Correctly, " Galil." 279 JOSHUA XXT. iiud unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the divisions of the tribes of the children of Israel ; 2 And they spoke unto them at Shiloh, in the land of Canaan, saying, The Lord com- manded by the hand of Moses to give unto us cities to dwell in, with the open spaces there- of for our cattle. 3 And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites from their inheritance, at the order of the Lord, tliese cities and their open spaces. 4 ^ And the lot came out for the families of the Kehathites: and the children of Aaron the priest, who were of the Levites, obtained from the tribe of Judah, and from the tribe of Simeon, and from the tribe of Benjamin, by lot, thirteen cities. 5 ][ And the rest of the children of Kehath obtained from the families of the tribe of Ephraim, and from the tribe of Dan, and from the half tribe of Menasseh, by lot, ten cities. 6 ^ And the children of Gershon obtained from the families of the tribe of Issachar, and from the tribe of Asher, and from the tribe of Naphtali, and from the half tribe of Menasseh in Bashan, by lot, thirteen cities. 7 ^ The children of Merari after their families obtained from the tribe of Reuben, and from the tribe of Gad, and from the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities. 8 Tf And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites these cities with their open spaces, as the Lord had commanded by the hand of Moses, by lot. 9 T[ And they gave from the tribe of the children of Judah, and from the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities Avhich are called by name. 10 And the children of Aaron, of the fami- lies of the Kehathites, of the children of Levi, obtained them ;" — for they had the first lot. 11 And they gave unto them Kiryath- arba', (the father of 'Anak,) which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah, with the open spaces thereof round about it; 12 But the fields of the city, and its vil- lages, they gave to Caleb the son of Yephun- neh for his possession. 13 ^ And to the children of Aaron the priest they gave the city of refuge for the " ('. e.. The places which are named suhseqnently. 280 manslayer, Hebron with its open spaces, and Libnah with its open spaces, 14 And Yattir with its open spaces, and Eshtemoii' with its open spaces. 15 And Cholon with its open spaces, and Debir with its open spaces, 16 And 'Ayin with its open spaces, and Yuttah with its open spaces, and Beth-she- mesh with its open spaces: nine cities from those two tribes. 17 ^ And from the tribe of Benjamin, Gib'on with its open spaces, Geba' with its open spaces, 18 'Anathoth with its open spaces, and 'Almon with its open spaces : four cities. 19 All the cities of the children of Aaron, the priests, were thirteen cities with their open spaces. 20 T[ And the families of the children of Kehath, the Levites, who remained of the children of Kehath, obtained the cities of their lot from the tribe of Ephraim. 21 And they gave to them the city of refuge for the manslayer, Shechem with its open spaces in the mountain of Ephraim, and Gezer with its open spaces, 22 And Kibzayim with its open spaces, and Beth-choron with its open spaces: four cities. 23 Tf And from the tribe of Dan, Eltek^ with its open spaces, Gibbethon with its open spaces, 24 Ayalon with its open spaces, Gath-rim- mon with its open spaces: four cities. 25 Tf And from the half tribe of Menasseh, Ta'nach with its open spaces, and Gath-rim- mon with its open spaces: two cities. 26 All the cities were ten with their open spaces for the families of the children of Ke- hath that remained. 27 \ And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, (they gave) from the other half tribe of Menasseh the city of refuge for the manslayer, Golan in Bashan with its open spaces, and Be'eshterah with its open spaces : two cities. 28 \ And from the tribe of Issachar, Kish- yon with its open spaces, Daberath with its open spaces, 29 Yarmuth with its open spaces, 'En-gan- nim with its open spaces: four cities. 30 ][ And from the tribe of Asli.er, Mishal with its open spaces, Abdon with its open spaces, l^A.CiAi< yVNU HtCR CHILIJ IM THK Wl UOERN K«^S. JOSHUA XXI. xxn. ol Chelkath with its open spaces, and Re- chob witli its open spaces: four cities. 32 ][ And from the tribe of Naphtali, the city of refuge for the manslayer, Kedesh in GaUlee with its open spaces, and Chammoth- dor with its open spaces, and Karthan with its open spaces: three cities. 33 All the cities of the Gershunites accord- ing to their families were thirteen cities with their open spaces. 84 T[ And unto the families of the chil- dren of Merari, the remainder of the Levites, (they gave) from the tribe of Zebulun, Yok- ne'am with its open spaces, and Karthah with its open spaces, 35 Dimnah with its open spaces, Nahalal with its open spaces: four cities.^ 36 And from the tribe of Gad, the city of refuge for the manslayer, Ramoth in Gil'ad with its open spaces, and Machauayim with its open spaces, 37 Cheshbon with its open spaces, Ya'zer with its open spaces: four cities in all. 38 All the cities for the children of Merari after their families, they who were remaining of the families of the Levites, — ^ven their lot was twelve cities. 39 All the cities of the Levites in the midst of the possession of the children of Israel were forty and eight cities with their open spaces. 40 These cities were every one with their open spaces round about them: thus it was with all these cities. 41 ^ And the L(jrd gave unto Israel all the land which he had sworn to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. 42 And the Lord gave them rest round about, all just as he had sworn unto their fathers: and there s^ood not up before them a man of all their enemies; all their enemies the Lord delivered into their hand. 43 Tliere fiiiled'' not aught of all the good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the hoilse of Israel : it all came to pass. CHAPTER XXII. 1 ^ Then did Joshua call the Reiibenites, ' Here follow in some copies the following two verses; but they are not in the Hebrew text: — "36 And from the tribe of Reiiben, Bezer with its open spaces, and Yahzah with its open spaces, 2L and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Me- nasseh, 2 And he said unto them. Ye have indeed kept all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, and ye have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you: 3 Ye have not forsaken your brethren these many days, until this day ; but ye have kept tlie obligation of the commandment of the Lord your God. 4 And now the Lord your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them; therefore now turn yourselves, and get you unto your tents, unto the land of your posses- sion, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave unto you on the other side of the Jor- dan. 5 Only take diligent heed to practise the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the Lord hath commanded you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul. 6 And Joshua blessed them, and sent them away ; and they went unto their tents. 7 ^ Now to the one half of the tribe of Menasseh Moses had given possession in Ba- shan; but unto the other half thereof gave Joshua with their brethren on this side of the Jordan westward; and when Joshua sent them also away unto their tents, he blessed them; 8 And he said unto them, as followeth, With much riches return unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with copper, and with iron, and with very many garments: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren. 9 Tl And the children of Reuben and the chil- dren of Gad and the half tribe of Menasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel from Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go unto the country of Gil'ad, to the land of their possession, whereof they were possessed, according to the order of the Lord by the hand of Moses. 10 And when they came unto the districts of the Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, "37 Kedemoth with its open spaces, and Mepha'ath with its open spaces: four cities." If these verses arc included, v. 36 is 38, &c. ' Heb. "Fell," viz. "to the ground," or "failed." 281 JOSHUA XXII. the children of Keiiben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Menasseh built there an altar by the Jordan, a great altar for a show.* 11 And the children of Israel heai'd, as followeth, Behold, the children of Reiiben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Me- nasseh have built an altar in the front of the land of Canaan, in the districts of the Jor- dan, at the side belonging to the children of Israel. 12 And when the children of Israel heard it, the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled themselves together at Shi- loh, to go up against them to war.* 13 ^ And the children of Israel sent unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and the half tribe of Menasseh, into the land of Gil'ad, Pliinehas the son of Elazar the priest, 14 And ten princes with him, one prince each for every division of all the tribes of Israel; and each one was a head of their itxmily divisions among the thousands" of Is- rael. 15 And they came unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half tribe of Menasseh, unto the land of Gil'ad, and they spoke with them, saying, J. 6 Thus have said the whole congregation of the Lord, What trespass is this that ye have committed against the God of Israel to turn away this day from following the Lord, in that ye have built yourselves an altar, that ye might rebel this day against the Lord? 17 Have we had too little in the iniquity of Peor, — from which we are not yet cleansed until this day, — when there was a j^lague in the congregation of the Lord? 18 And will ye turn away this day from following the Lord ? and it will be, that when ye will rebel this day against the Lord, to- morrow he will be wroth with the whole con- gregation of Israel. V.) But, notwithstanding, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the Lord, wherein dwelleth the tabernacle of the Lord, and take possession in the midst of us ; but • i. e. Not to sacrifice thereon, but merely as a monu- tiient, to be looked on, or, as in our text, "for a show." *■ Lit. "To the army." " Philippsou renders, " families." 282 rebel not against the Lord, and against us do not rebel, in building yourselves an altar, be- side the altar of the Lord our God. 20 Did not 'Achan the son of Zerach com- mit a trespass on the devoted things, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and he, though but one man, perished not alone in his iniquity. 21 ^ But the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Menas- seh answered, and they spoke unto the heads of the thousands of Israel, 22 The God of gods, the Eternal,^ the God of gods, the Eternal, he kuoweth, and Israel also shall know : if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the Lord, (aid" us not this day,) 23 That we have built us an altar to turn away from following the Lord; or if to offer thereon burnt-offering or meat-offering, or if to offer thereon jjeace-offeiings, may the Lord himself require it ;^ 24 Or whether we have not done it for fear of this thing, saying. In time to come your children might say unto our children, as followeth. What have ye to do with the Lord, the God of Israel ? 25 For the Lord hath made a boundary between us and you, ye children of Reuben and children of Gad, — the Jordan; ye have no part in the Lord : thus might your children make our children cease so as not to fear the Lord. 26 Wherefore we said. Let us now act for ourselves to build this, altar, not for burnt- offering, nor for sacrifice; 27 But it shall be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we may perform the service of the Lord be- fore him with our burnt^offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace-offerings; aud that your children may not say in time to come to our children. Ye have no ^jortion in the Lord. 28 And we said, that it shall be when they should say this to us and to our generations in time to come, that we may say. Behold the pattern of the altar of the Lord, which our fathers made, not for burnt^offering, nor for " "The Mighty One, God the Eternal."— Philippson. This construction agrees with the Massorah. • This is merely an ejaculatory address to God. ' i. e. Punish it, after inquiring. JOSHUA XXII. XXIII. sacrifice ; but it is a witness between us and you. 29 Far be it from us that we should rebel against the Lord, and turn away this day from following the Lord, to build an altar for burnt-oflering, for meat-offering, or for sacri- fice, beside the altar of the Lord our God that is before his dwelling. 30 ^ And when Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation and the heads of the thousands of Israel who were with him, heard the words which the children of Keii- ben and the children of Gad and the children of Menasseh had spoken, it was pleasing in their eyes. 31 And Phinehas the son of Elazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Menasseh, This day do we know that the Lord is in our midst, because ye have not commit- ted this trespass against the Lord : now have ye delivered" the children of Israel out of the hand of the Lord. 32 ^ And Phinehas the sou of Elazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gil'ad, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and they brought them word again. 33 And the thing was pleasing in the eyes of the children of Israel ; and the children of Israel blessed God ; and they did not speak any more to go up against them to battle, to de- stroy the land wherein the children of Reuben and Gad dwelt. 34 And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar (" 'Ed") -^ for (they said) it is' a witness between us that the Eternal is God. CHAPTER XXIII. 1 ^[ And it came to pass after many days, after the Lord had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, and Joshua had grown old and was well stricken in age, 2 That Joshua called for all Israel, for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto ' i. e. Averted the dreaded punishment, by not commit- ting the imputed rebellion. *■ 'Ud signifies " witness;" it is not in the Hebrew, but supplied by the context. The passage might be rendered, them, I am become old and well stricken in age; 3 And ye have yourselves seen all that the Lord your God hath done unto all these na- tions, because of you; for the Lord your God it is that hath fought for you. 4 Behold, I have divided" unto you by lot those nations that yet remain, to be an in- heritance according to your tribes, from the Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, as far as the great sea, toward the setting of the sun. 5 And the Lord your God will indeed ex- pel them from befoi'e you, and drive them out from before you ; and ye shall possess their land, as the Lord your God hath spoken unto you. 6 But be ye very steadfast to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so as not to turn aside there- from to the right or to the left; 7 So as not to come among these nations, those that are left remaining near you; and of the name of their gods shall ye not make mention, nor cause any to swear thereby, neither shall ye serve them, nor bow your- selves down unto them; 8 But unto the Lord your God shall ye cleave, as ye have done unto this day. 9 And the Lord drove out from before you great and mighty nations; but as for you, no man hath been able to stand up before you unto this day. 10 One man of you can chase a thousand; for the Lord your God it is that fighteth ibr you, as he hath spoken unto you. 11 Take good heed therefore for your souls' sake, to love the Lord your God. 12 For if ye do in any wise turn back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, those that are left remaining near you, and make marriages with them, and come in among them, and they among you : 13 Know for a certainty that the Lord your God will no more drive out these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and stings in your eyes, until ye perish from "And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad, gave the altar a name ; for," &c. ° 'nSiJn Lit. "I have caused to fall," viz. Siun "by lot;" hence the phrase, "I have divided by Int." 28.'J JOSHUA XXITT. XXIV. off this good land which the Loud your God hath given you. 14 And, behold, I am going this day the way of all the earth ; and ye know with all your heart and with all your soul, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things* which the Lord your God spoke concerning you : all are come to pass unto you, not one thing thereof hath failed. 15 But it shall come to pass, that as every good thing is come upon you, which the Lord your God spoke unto you : so will the Lord bring upon you every evil thing, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the Lord your God hath given unto you. 16 When ye transgress the covenant of the Lord your God, which he hath commanded you, and go and serve other gods, and bow yourselves down to them : then will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you. CHAPTER XXIV. 1 ^ And Joshua assembled all the tribes jl of Israel to Shechem ; and he called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for i their judges, and for their officers, and they presented themselves'' before God. 2 And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus hath said the Lord the God of Israel, On the other side of the river" did your fathers dwell in old time, even Terach, the father of Abraliam, and the father of Nachor; and they served other gods. 3 And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the river, and I led him throughout all the land of Canaan; and I multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac. 4 And 1 gave unto Isaac, Jacob and Esau : and I gave unto Esau mount Seir, to possess it; but Jacob and his children went down into Egypt. 5 And I sent Mo.ses and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt in the manner as I have done among them; and after that I brought you out. 6 And I brought your fathers out of Egypt; * Philippson, "Not one word," "good words." '■ Lit. " Placed themselves standing." ' The Euphrates. 284 and ye came unto the sea; and the Egyptians pursued after your fathers with chariots and horsemen unto the Red Sea. 7 And they cried unto the Lord, and he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and he brought the sea over them, and covered them ; and your eyes saw what I had done on Egypt; and ye dwelt in the wilderness many days. 8 And I brought you into the land of the Emorites, that dwelt on the other side of the Jordan ; and they fought with 30U : and I gave them into your hand, and ye took possession of their land; and I destroyed them from before you. 9 Then Balak the son of Zippor, the king of Moab, arose and warred'' against Israel ; and he sent and called Bil'am the son of Beor to curse you ; 10 And I would not hearken unto Bil'am; but he had to bless you instead: and I de- livered you out of his hand. 11 And ye passed over the Jordan, and came unto Jericho ; and then fought the men of Jericho against you, the Emorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hit- tites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I gave them up into your hand. 12 And I sent before you the hornet which drove them out from before you, even the two kings of the Emorites: not with thy sword, and not with thy bow. 13 And I gave you a land for which ye had not toiled, and cities which ye had not built, and ye dwell in them : of vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat. 14 Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth ; and put awa}' the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the river and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 And if it be displeasing in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom ye will serve: whether the gods which your fathers that were on the other side of the river served, or the gods of the Emorites, in whose land ye dwell ; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. ^ Balak did not make actual war, but his intention to do so (Num. xxii. 6) was accounted as though he had done so. — After Redak. JOSHUA XXIV. 16 ^ And the people answered and said. Far be it from us to forsake the Lord, to serve other gods; 17 For the Lord our God it is that hath brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, from the house of slavery, and who hath done those great signs before our eyes, and preserved us upon all the way whereon we have gone, and among all the people through the midst of whom we have passed : 18 And the Lord hath driven out all the nations, and the Emorites who dwelt in the land, from before us; therefore also will we serve the Lord ; for he is our God. 19 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye will not be able" to serve the Lord; for he is a holy God; he is a watchful God; he will not have any indulgence for j'our transgres- sions and for your sins; 20 If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then will he again do you evil,* and consume you, after that he liatli done you good. 21 And the people said unto Joshua. No; nevertheless the Lord will we serve. 22 And Joshua said unto the people. Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye yourselves have chosen for you the Lord, to serve him. And they said. We are wit- nesses. 23 And" now put away the strange gods which are in the midst of you, and incline your heart unto the Lord the God of Is- rael. 24 And the people said unto Joshua, The Lord our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey. 25 And Joshua made a covenant with the " Meaning, it is not an easy thing to comply with the demands of religion; hence the repeated warning, that with choosing to be Israelites, our fathers also accepted the responsibility and punishment for sin. j^eople on that day, and set them a statute* and an ordinance in Shechem. 26 And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God ; and he took a great stone, and set it up there under the oak, that v^as by the snnctuar}' of the Lord. 27 Tf And Joshua said unto all the jDeople, Behold, this stone shall be among us as a wit- ness; for it hath heard all the words of the Lord which lie spoke unto us: it shall be therefore as a witness against you, that ye may not deny your God. 28 And Joshua let the people depart, every man unto his inheritance. 29 ^ And it came to jjass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the ser- vant of the Lord, died, one hundred and ten years old. 30 And they buried him on the border of his inheritance at Timnath-serach, which is on the mountain of Ephraim, on the north side of mount Ga'ash. 31 And Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who lived many days after Joshua, and who had known all the deeds of the Lord, that he had done for Israel. 32 And tlte bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel had brought up out of Egypt, they buried in Shechem, in a parcel of the field which Jacob had bought of the sons of Chanior the father of Shechem for one hundred kessitah : and it remained the in- heritance of the children of Joseph. 33 And Elazar the son of Aaron died; and they buried him on the hill of Phinehas his son, which was given him in the mountain of Ephraim. ' Lit. " He will return and do," &c. ° This is the farther speech of Joshua. ^ "He laid there before them the statutes in the law.s, and they accepted them." — Rashi. 285 THE BOOK OF JUDGES, D'OfiW "IQD. CONTAENING THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL FROM THE DEATH OF JOSHUA TO THE BIRTH OF SAMUEL. CHAPTER I. 1 ^ And it came to pass after the death of Joshua, that the children of Israel asked the Lord, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites at the first, to fight against them? 2 And the Lord said, Judah shall go up; behold, I have delivered" the land into his hand. 3 And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, and we will fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him.'' 4 And Judah went up; and the Lord de- livered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand; and they smote (of) them in Bezek ten thousand men. 5 And they found Adoni-bezek in Bezek ; and they fought against him, and they smote the Canaanites and the Perizzites. 6 But Adoni-bezek fled ; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes. 7 And Adoni-bezek said, Seventy kings," having their thumbs and their great toes cut ofi", gathered food under my table: as I have done, so hath God requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there. 8 ][ And the children of Judah fought against Jerusalem,'' and captured it, and they smote it with the edge of the sword, and the city they set on fire. 9 And afterward did the children of Judah go down to fight against the Canaanites, that • Lit. "Given." '' As tbo country of Simeon was embraced within the territory of Judah, it was to be expected tliat the final conquest should be undertaken by both tribes combined. 286 dwelt in the mountain, and in the south, and in the lowlands. 10 And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron; (now the name of Hebron was formerly Kiryath-arba';) and they smote Sheshai, and Achiman, and Tal- mai. 11 And he went from there against the in- habitants of Debir; and the name of Debir was formerly Kiryath-sepher : 12 And Caleb said, He that will smite Kiryath-sepher, and capture it, to him Avill I give 'Achsah my daughter for wife. 13 And 'Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, captured it: and he gave him 'Achsah his daughter for wife. 14 And it came to pass, when she came to him, that she persuaded him to ask of her father a field: and she alighted from off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What aileth thee? 15 And she said unto him, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a dry land: give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs. 16 ^ And the children of the Kenite, the father-in-law of Moses, went up out of the city of palm-trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, Avhich is at the south of 'Arad; and they went and dwelt with -the people. 17 And Judah went with Simeon his bro- ther, and they smote the Canaanites that in- habited Zephath, and devoted it. And the name of the city was called Chormali. 18 A)ul Judah captured Gazzah with itsterri- ° "Kings" means no doubt all independent chiefs or sheiks of villages, as they exist yet in the East. So alsc seventy may be an indefinite number, signifying many. '' Correctly, Yerushalaylm JUDGES T. II. fory, and Aslikelon with its territory, and 'Ekron with its territory. 19 And the Lord was with Jndah; and he took possession of the mountain ; but" could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron. 20 And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses had spoken; and he drove out thence the three sons of 'Anak. 21 And the Jebusites that inhabited Jeru- salem, the children of Benjamin did not drive out ; but the Jebusites dwelt Avith the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem until this day. 22 "if And the house of Joseph, these also, went up against Beth-el ; and the Lord was with them. 2.3 And the house of Joseph sent to spy out Beth-el : now the name of the city formerly was Luz. 24 And the watchers saw a man coming forth out of the city, and they said unto him. Show us, we pray thee, the entrance into the city, and we will show thee kindness. 25 And he showed them the entrance into the city, and they smote the city with the edge of the sword; but the man and all his family they let go free. 26 And the man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called its name Luz: this is its name unto this day. 27 ][ Neither did Menasseh drive out (the inhabitants of) Beth-shean and its towns, nor Ta'anach and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and its toAvns, nor the inhabitants of Yibleam and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns ; but the Canaanites succeeded'' to remain in this land. 28 And it came to pass, when Israel be- came strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute; but they did not drive them out en- tirely. 29 ^[ Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer; and the Ca- naanites dwelt in the midst of them at Gezer. " Sachs and cithers, " For the inhabitants of the valley were not to be driven out." Jonathan, "But after that, as they sinned, they could not expel the inhabitants of the plain." '' After Sachs; others, "They were content," meaning, " not to encroach elsewhere;" Philippson, " they began;" Herxheimer, "undertook." ° Lit. " As the hand of the house of Joseph grew heavy," which means that the Emorites who resisted the Danites were at length overcome by the tribe of Ephraim. 30 *{\ Zebulun did not drive out the inhabit- ants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Naha- lol; and the Canaanites dwelt in the midst of them, and became tributary. 31 ][ Asher did not drive out the inhabit- ants of 'Akko, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Achlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Chelbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rechob ; 32 And the Asherites dwelt in the midst of the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land ; for the}' did not drive them out. 33 ^1 Naphtali did not drive out the inhabit- ants of Beth-shemesh, nor the inhabitants of Beth-'anath ; and he dwelt in the midst of tlic Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land ; never- theless the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and of Beth-'anath became tributary unto them. 34 And the Emorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain ; for they would not suffer them to come down into the valley ; 35 And the Emorites succeeded to remain on mount Cheres, in Ayalon, and in Slui'al- bim ; but when the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed," they became tributary. 36 And the territory of the Emorites was from the ascent of 'Akrabbim, from the Rock* upward. CHAPTER II. 1 ^ And a messenger of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, ^ And he said, I cau.sed you to go up out of Egypt, and I brought you unto the land which I had sworn unto your fathers; and I said, I will not break my covenant with you for ever. 2 But ye for your part shall make no cove- nant with the inhabitants of this land; their altars shall ye throw down; but ye have not obeyed my voice: what is this ye have done? 3 And I also have said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be evil neighbours to .you," and their gods shall become a snare unto you. '' Sela'; no doubt, Petra, in Edom, the capital of Ara- bia Petrwa, which was called after it. " And upward" means farther to the southern mountain range. ' In Num. xxxiii. 55, D'li'S has been given with "as thorns;" it might be rendered here again .so, "they shall be to you as thorns;" but as the word stands unconnected, Rashi has been followed, who gives, " that they shall at- tack your sides with troops and armies to rob and plun- der." Jonathan translates i'p'i'oS "as terrors." Our version embraces all the ideas. 287 JUDGES II. III. 4 And it came to pass, when the messenger of the Lord spoke these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept. 5 And they called the name of that place, Bochim ;" and they sacrificed there unto the Lord. 6 Tl And wheu*" Joshua had let the people go, the children of Israel went every man unto his inheritance to take possession of the land. 7 And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that lived many days after Joshua, who had seen all the great deeds of the Lord, which he had done for Israel. 8 Then died Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, being one hundred and ten years old. 9 And they buried him on the border of his inheritance in Timnath-cheres, in the mountain of Ephraim, on the north side of mount Ga'ash. 10 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers; and there arose another generation after them, who knew not the Lord, and likewise not the deeds which he had done for Israel. 11 Tl And the children of Israel did the evil in the eyes of the Lord, and served the Be'alim : 12 And they forsook the Lord the God of their fathers, who had brouglit them out of the land of Egypt, and they went after other gods, of the gods of the nations that were round about them, and they bowed themselves unto them, and incensed the Lord. 13 And they forsook the Lord, and served Baiil and 'Ashtaroth. 14 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of spoilers who spoiled them, and he sold them into the hand of their enemies round about, and they were not able any longer to stand before their enemies. 15 Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil, as the Lord had spoken, and as the Lord had sworn unto them : and they were greatly distressed. * That is, " weepers." " This passage (6 to 10) refers back to the narrative at the end of the boot nf Josluia, which has been interrupted by the account of the conquest of the land. " Namely, the war.-; nf ('muiuih lucntinnod in verse 1. Bashi comments: "Ouly fur this pur(M)se did God leave 288 16 And the Lord raised up judges, and they delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them. 17 But also unto their judges they did not hearken; but they went astray after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers had walked in, to obey the command- ments of the Lord; the}' did not so. 18 And when the Lord raised them up judges, then was the Lord with the judge, and he delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the Lord bethought himself because of their groaning by reason of those that oppressed them and ill-treated them. 19 And it came to ]3ass, when the judge died, that they returned, and became more corrupt than their fathers, in going after other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them: they omitted nothing from their doings, and from their stubborn way. 20 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel; and he said, For the cause that this people have transgressed my cove- nant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice : 21 So Avill I also for my part not drive out henceforth any man from before them out of the nations which Joshua left when he died; 22 In order to prove through them the Israelites, whether they will keep the way of the Lord, to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not. 23 And thus did the Lord leave these na- tions, so as not to drive them out speedily ; and he delivered them not into the hand of Joshua. CHAPTER HI. 1 ^ Now these are the nations that the Lord left, to prove by them the Israelites, namely, all those who had not experienced all the wars of Canaan ; 2 Only in order that the future generations of the children of Israel might obtain know- ledge, to teach them war ; but only such as before had learned nothing thereof;*^ them, that the future generations of Israel might know and understand the effects of sinning, since they would be compelled to learn war; while, however, (pi) before, when they were ready to servo the Lord, they had no know- ledge of these wars and their pomps, and had no need of them." JUDGES III. 3 Namely, the five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Zidoniaiis. and the Hivites that dwelt on mount Leba- non, from mount Ba'al-chermon unto the en- trance" of Chamath. 4 And they were left to prove by them the Israelites, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the Lord, which he had commanded their fa fliers by the hand of Moses. 5 And the children of Israel dwelt in the midst of the Canaanites, the Hittites, and the Emorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites; 6 And they took their daughters to them- selves for wives, and their daughters they gave to their sons; and they served their gods. 7 ][ And the children of Israel did (thus) the evil in the eyes of the Lord, and forgot the Lord their God, and served the Be'alim and the groves.*" 8 Wherefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Cushan-rish'atliayim the king of Mesopotamia; and the children of Israel served Cushan-rish'athayim eight years. 9 And the childi-en of Israel cried then unto the Lord, and the Lord raised up a de- liverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, namely, 'Othniel the son of Kenaz, the younger brother of Caleb. 10 And the spirit of the Lord came over him, and he judged Israel, and went out to battle: and the Lord delivered Cushan-rish- 'athayim the king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed over Cushan- rish'athayim. 11 And the land had rest forty years; and then died 'Othniel the son of Kenaz. 12 ][ And the children of Isi-ael did again the evil in the eyes of the Lord; and the Lord strengthened 'Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done the evil in the eyes of the Lord. 13 And he gathered unto him the children ' Called at a later period " Coelesyria." '' Sachs leaves nntys untranslated, "Asheroth." Phi- lippson, "the Astart6s," as though it were 'AshtarDth, and says, that the Phoenicians placed the statue of this idol, "the goddess of fortune," in groves. ' After Rashi and Jonathan; others, "left-handed," and others again, "using both hands alike." 2 M of 'Ammon and 'Amalek, and they went and smote Israel, and took possession of the city of palm-trees. 14 And the children of Israel served 'Eg- lon the king of Moab eighteen years. 15 But the children of Israel cried tlien unto the Lord; and the Lord raised up unto them a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera a Benjamite, a man who was lamed in his right hand ;" and the children of Israel sent by him a present unto 'Eglon the king of Moab. 16 But Ehud made himself a sword which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he girded it under his garments upon his right thigh." 17 And he brought the present near unto 'Eglon the king of Moalj; now 'Eglon was a very fat man. 18 And it canae to pass when he had made an end to ofier the present, that he sent away the people who had borne the present. 19 But he himself returned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret word unto thee, O king. And he said, Keep silence. And thereupon went out from his jDresence all that stood Ijy him. 20 And Ehud came in unto him; and he was sitting in the summer upper chamber," which was for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a word of God unto thee. And he arose out of his chair. 21 And Ehud stretched forth his left hand, and took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his body. 22 And the haft also went in after tlie blade; and the fat closed upon the blade; for he did not draw the sword out of his body, and it passed into the fundament. 23 And Ehud went forth into the ante- room, and shat*^ the doors of the upper cham- ber after him, and locked them. 24 He was just gone out, when his ser- vants came; and they saw, behold, the doors of the upper chamber were locked ; antl they said, Surely he covereth his feet in the sum- mer chamjjer. "* To have it ready for grasping with his left hand. " Lit. "a cooling upper-room," or the chamber under the roof of the house, which was open to the cooling winds; often used for private conversation (1 Sam. ix. 26,) or prayer (2 Kings xxiii. P2). ' Sachs and others, "locked the doors — and bolted il them." 283 JUDGES III. IV. 25 And they tarried till they were ashamed ; and behold, he opened not the doors of the upper chamber; wherefore they took the key and opened them : and, behold, their lord was lying dead on the floor. 26 And Ehud had escaped while they were tarrying, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Se'irah.* 27 And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew the cornet on the moun- tain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down witli him from the mountain, and he before them. 28 And he said unto them, Pursue after me; for the Lord hath delivered your enemies, the MoJibites, into your hand. And they went down after him, and seized on the fords of the Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over. 29 And they smote of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty, and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man. 30 And Moiib was humbled that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest eighty years. 31 Tl And after him was Shamgar the son of 'Anath, who smote of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox-goad;'' and he also delivered Israel. CHAPTER IV. 1 ^ And the children of Israel again did the evil in the eyes of the Lord, when Ehud was dead. 2 And the Lord sold them into the hand of Yabin the king of Canaan, that reigned in Chazor; and the captain of his army was Sissera, who dwelt in Charosheth-hago}am. 3 And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord; for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and he oppressed the cliildren of Israel with might twenty years. 4 And Deljorah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidotli, — she judged Israel at that time. 5 And she held her sitting under the palm- tree of Deborah between Rumah and Beth-el on the mountain of Ephraim : and the chil- dren of Israel came up to her for judgment. ' "Bnisli-wood." — -RAsni. '■ A long stick, armed at tlie oikI with a sharp point, for driving oxen ; a powerful instrument in the hand of a strong man. -^Heb. "sell." 290 6 And she sent and called Barak the son of Abino'am out of Kedesh-naphtali; and she said unto him, Behold, the Lord the God of Israel hath commanded, Go and lead on to- ward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun. 7 And I will draw unto thee. t(i the brook Kishon, Sissera, the captain of Yabin's army, and his chariots and his multitude; and I will give him up into thy hand. 8 And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then will I go; but if thou wilt not go with me, I will not go. 9 And she said, I will indeed go with thee; nevertheless it will not be for thy honour, on the way which thou goest; for into the hand of a woman will the Lord deliver" Sissera; and Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh. 10 And Barak called Zebulun and Naph- tali together to Kedesh; and there went up in his train ten thousand men; also Deborah went up with him. 11 Now Cheber the Kenite had severed himself from the Kenites, from the children of Chobab the father-in-law of Moses ; and he had pitched his tent as far as* Elon-beza'a- nannim, which is near Kedesh. 12 And they told Sissera that Barak the son of Abino'am was gone up to mount Ta- bor. 13 And Sissera called together all his cha- riots, nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people that were with him, from Cha- rosheth-hagoyim unto the brook Kishon. 14 And Deborah said unto Barak, Up ! for this is the day on which the Lord hath given Sissera into thy hand; behold, the Lord is gone out before thee: so Barak went down from mount Tabor, with ten thousand men after him. 15 And the Lord confounded Sissera, and all his chariots, and all his army," with the edge of the sword before Barak ; and Sissera alighted from his chariot, and fled away on foot. 16 And Barak pursued after the chariots. ■* Meaning that, in moving about with his herds, he had extended his p.asture-ground to the place indicated. (Sec also Gen. xiii. 12.) Eton is translated by others, "the grove of Za'anannim." • Lit "camp;" or, "those who mnlse up the camp " JUDGES IV. V. and after the army, unto Charosheth-hagoyira : and all the army of Sissera fell by the edge of the sword ; there was not left even one. 17 But Sissera" had fled away on foot to the tent of Ja'el the wife of Cheber the Kc- nite; for there was peace between Yabin the king of Chazor and the house of Cheber the Kenite. 18 And Ja'el went out to meet Sissera, and said unto him. Turn in, my lord, turn in unto me, fear not: and he turned in unto her into the tent, and she covered him with a blanket. 19 And he said unto her. Give me to drink, I prjiy thee, a little water; for I am thirsty : and she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him to drink, and covered him up. 20 And he said unto her, Stand at the door of the tent; and it shall be, that. when any man should come and ask of thee, and say, Is there any man here? thou shalt say, No. 21 And Ja'el the wife of Cheber took there- upon the nail of the tent, and placed a ham- mer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and struck the nail into his temple, and it be- came fastened in the ground ;'' but he was fast asleep and weary; so he died. 22 And, behold, Barak came in pursuit of Sissera, and Ja'el came out to meet him, and said unto him. Come, and I will show thee the man whom thou art seeking: and he came to her, and behold, Sissera was lying dead, with the nail in his temple. 2-3 So did God humljle on that day Yabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel. 24 And the hand of the children of Israel ' This is quite iu accordance with the manner of the writers of the Bible; they first give an account in general terms, and next they relate the particulars which resulted to one or more of the persons in the narrative. '' Arnheim renders "inxn njvni "she (Ja'el) cowered down on the ground," viz. for the purpose of striking. ° After Rashi, Arnheim, and Sachs. (Exod. xxxii. 25.) Philippson renders nU'^^S with "princes," and de- rives it from an Arabic root, .signifying "to lead in a matter;" and translates, "that in their might aro.se the princes in Israel; that the people," &c. Herxheimcr, "wheu deliverance (Num. v. l8) was effected in Israel." According to our version, this verse forms the retrospect upon the past. ■"Ra.slii; but Sachs and others, after the Septuagint, make t^i! "a chief;" hence ]n^£l "princes;" "the princes ceased;" but the text requires no such forced construction. became constantly heavier upon Yabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroj'ed Yabin the king of Canaan. CHAPTER V. 1 ^f Then sang Deborah with Barak tlie son of Abino'am on that day, saying, 2 When depravity'' had broken out in Israel, then did the people ofl!er themselves willingly; (therefore) praise ye the Lord. 3 Hear, kings; give ear, princes; I — unto the Lord will I sing; I will sing praise to the Lord, the God of Israel. 4 Lord, at thy going forth out of Seir, at thy marching along out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, also the heavens dropped, also the clouds dropped water. 5 The mountains melted away because of the presence of the Lord, yonder Sinai, be- cause of the presence of the Lord, the God of Israel. 6 In the days of Shamgar the .son of 'Anatli, in the days of Ja'el, the highways were unoc- cupied, and those who travelled on roads walked through crooked by-paths. 7 Desolate were the open towns'' in Israel, they were desolate, until that I arose, Debo- rah, that I arose a mother iu Israel. 8 They chose new gods, then was there war in the gates: was there a shield seen or a spear among forty thousand in Israel?" 9 My heart (belongeth) to the go\ernors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people -J praise ye the Lord. 10 Ye that ride on white asses, }e that sit in judgment,^ and ye who walk on the way, utter praise ! 11 (Urged on)"* by the voice of those who ° Although they had arms, their sins caused them not to wield them, and to flee ingloriously. ' This means, that her goodwill is for tho.se chiefs who volunteered with the people in time of danger. 8 Ralbag makes "Middin" the name of a place, (Josh. XV. 61,) thus: "Those who had to stop at Middin for fear." Zunz and others, "on carpets," i e. who live at home; finst the "riders," next, "the sitters," and next, "the wanderers," are thus called on to thank God. '' "Instead of the voice of the archer.s," — Piulippso.v, D'SVno from I'n "arrow." Sachs, "louder than the call of those who divide," from ri'n "to divide;" /. e. those who sing praises shall now be able to speak out more freely than the shepherds do when they divide their flocks after watering them, without fearing the enemy. Our text says, that the people, incited by the shepherds, who now are again unmolested, shall sing. 291 JUDGES V. divide (the flocks) between the watering wells, there shall they rehearse the benefits of the TiORD, the benefits toward his open towns in Israel; (for) now go down (again) to the gates the people of the Lord. 12 Awake, awake, Deborah! awake, awake, ntter a song! up, Barak, and lead away thy captives, son of Abino'am. 13 Then obtained" dominion a few that had escaped for the nobles among the people — the Lord gave me dominion over the mighty. 14 They whose root is out of Ephraim were against 'Amalek ; after thee, Benjamin, with thy armies; out of Machir came down lawgivers, and out of Zebulun they that handle the pen'' of the writer. 15 And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah ; yea Issachar, the support" of Barak ; into the valley he hastened down in his train ; (but) at the streams'* of Reuben there were great thoughts" of heart. 16 Why didst thou sit among the sheep- folds to hear the bleatings*^ of the flocks? At the streams of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. 17 Gil'ad al)ode beyond the Jordan; and Dan — why would he tarry in ships? Asher remained on the seashore, and aljode near his bays. 18 Zebulun is a people that jeoparded its life unto death, and Naphtali — on the high places of the (battle) field. 19 There came kings, (and) fought, then fought the kings of Canaan, in Ta'anach by the waters of Megiddo : gain'' of money they took not away. 20 From heaven they fought — the stars in their courses fought against Sissera. 21 The stream of Kishon swept them away, that ancient*' stream, the stream of Ki- " After Sachs. Rashi, " Then obtained a remnant domi- nion over the nobles of the enemy." Philippson, "Then went down a handful against a mighty people, the Lord went down with me against the heroes," — taking tt yerad as equal to yarad; whereas the others make it de- rived from rm radoh, "to rule." ^ After Jonathan. Zunz and others, " the staff of the writer." Philippson and Herxhcimer take l-JD sopher, "leader," referring to Jer. lii. 25, though there it is more likely ".secretary or scribe." ° After Arnheim; but Rashi has it, "and the other men of Issachar likewise," p as thus, "were with Barak." In our version p is in the sense of "base," hence, "sup- port" shon : step along, my soul, in victorious strength. 22 Then were crushed the hoofs of the horses, through the jirancuigs, the prancings of their mighty ones. 23 Curse ye Meroz, saith the messenger of the Lord, yea, curse ye bittei'ly its inhabit- ants; because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord among the mighty. 24 Blessed above (other) women shall be Ja'el the wife of Cheber the Kenite, above (other) women (dwelling) in the tent may she be blessed. 25 Water he asked, milk she gave (him) : in a lordly dish she brought him cream. 26 Her hand she put forth to the nail, and her right hand to the laboi'ious workmen's hammer; and she hammered Sissera, she struck his head, and crushed and smote through his temple. 27 Between her feet he bent, he fell, he lay ; between her feet he bent, he fell : where he had bent, there he fell down, bereft of life. 28 Out of the window looked and uioaned the mother of Sissera, through the lattice, Why tarrieth his chariot so long in coming? why lag the wheels' of his chariot? 29 The wise among her ladies answered her, she also returned a reply to herself, 30 Will they not find, — divide booty? one maiden, two maidens lor every man, a booty of coloured garments for Sissera, a booty of coloured embroidered garments, coloured, double-worked garments round tlie necks of the captives? 31 Thus may perish all thy enemies, Lord; but may those that love him be as the rising of the sun in his might. And tlie land had rest forty years. '' Rashi renders " in the divisions of the heart of Reii- ben." We have given it as "streams," after Ps. Ixv. 10. ' i. e. Very cautious men, who would not venture into the battle. ' Philippson, "pipes," in opposition to the "cornet" of the warrior. * Philippson after Thanchum, "a small piece of silver;" but Rashi comments, " they came to help Sissera without object of reward." It may mean, however, that they ob- tained no booty ; and it is then an ironical allusion to the shameful defeat of the Canaanites. '' "The battle stream." — Sachs and others. ' Lit. "the steps of his chariots." Sachs, "the stepa of his teams," JUDGES VI. CHAPTER VI. 1 ^ Anil the children of Israel did the evil in the eyes of the Lord: and the Lord deli- vered them into the hand of Midian seven years. 2 And the hand of Midian prevailed over Israel; and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made for themselves the passes which are in the mountains, and the caves, and the strong-holds. 3 And it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the 'Amalekites, and tilt' children of the east, and they went up against them ; 4 And they encamped against them, and destroyed the products of the earth, as far as Gazzah," and they left no sustenance for Israel, neither lamb, nor ox, nor ass. 5 For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and came as locusts in multitude; and both they and their camels were without number; and they came into the land to de- stroy it. 6 And Israel was greatly impoverished be- cause of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the Lord. 7 ^ And it came to pass, when the chil- dren of Isi'ael had cried unto the Lord be- cause of the Midianites, 8 That the Lord sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, and he said unto them. Thus hatli said the Lord the God of Israel, I led you forth out of Egypt, and brought you out of the house of slavery ; 9 And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and I drove them out from be- fore you, and gave you their land ; 10 And I said unto you, I am the Lord your God: ye shall not fear the gods of the Emorites, in whose land ye dwell; but ye have not obeyed my voice. 11 ^ And there came an angel of the Lord, and sat down under the oak which was in 'Ophrah, that pertained unto Joiish'' the Abi'ezrite; and Gid'on" his sou was beating out * Lit. " until thou comest to Gazza." ' Correctly Yoash. ° Commonly spelled "Gideon." * i. e. Only a small quantity at a time, so as not to at- tract the watchful Midianites. " According to the Massorah, Gid'on addressed God, as wheat in the wine-press,* to hide it from the Midianites. 12 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him. The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of Aulour. 13 And Gid'on said unto him. Pardon, my lord, if the Lord be indeed with us, why then hath all this befallen us ? and where are all his wonders of which our fathers liave told us, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt ? But now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hand of Midian. I-! And the Lord turned toward him, and said. Go in this thy might, and thou slialt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: behold, I have sent thee. 15 And he said unto him, Pardon my Lord," wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is the weakest in Menasseh, and I am the youngest in my father's house. 10 And the Lord said unto him, Because I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man. 17 And he said unto him. If now I have found grace in thy eyes, then give me a sign*^ that thou hast been speaking with me ; 18 Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring fortli my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thy return. 19 And Gid'on went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and the broth he put in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it. 20 And the angel of God said unto him. Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and the broth pour out. And he did so. 21 Then the angel of the Lord put forth the end of the staft' that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes ; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. And the angel of the Lord departed out of his sight. 22 And when Gid'on perceived that it was it is written Adonay, not AJoiii. But our version is after Michlol Yophi. ' Gid'on requested a token by which he could be certain that it was no delusion, his having been conversing with a messenger of God, or more yet, that he had received a direct communication from the Lord. 293 JUDGES VI. VII. an angel of the Lord, Gid'on said, Alas, Lord Eternal ! because I have surely seen an angel of the Lord face to fiice. 23 And the Lord said unto him, Peace be unto thee ; fear not : thou shalt not die. 24 And Gid'on built there an altar unto the Lord, and called it Adonaj-shalom [the Eternal of Peace :] unto this day it is yet in 'Ophrah of the Abi'ezrites. 25 ][ And it came to pass in the same night, that the Lord said unto him, Take thy fixther's young bullock, and the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baiil which belongeth to thy father, and the grove that is around it shalt thou cut down. 26 And build an altar unto the Lord thy God upon the top of this rock, on the level place, and take the second bullock, and offer (it as) a burnt-sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down. 27 And Gid'on took ten men of his servants, and did as the Lord had spoken unto him ; but it came to pass, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, to do it by day, that he did it by night. 28 And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was overthrown, and the grove that was around it was cut down, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar which had been built. 29 And they said one to another. Who hath done this thing? And they inquired and searched, and then said, Gid'on the son of Joash hath done this thing. .30 Thereupon said the men of the city unto Joiish, Bring out thy son, that he may die ; because he hath overthrown the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was around it. 81 But Joash said unto all that stood around him. Will ye indeed contend for Baal ? will ye assist him? he that will contend for him, shall be put to death ; (wait)*" until morn- ing: if he be a god, let him contend for him- self, because one hath overthrown his altar. 32 And the people called him on that day Yerubba'al," saying. Let Baiil contend against him, because he hath overthrown his altar. " i. e. The level part on the top of the rock ; this is the view of Jonathan. '' After Rashi, who supplies the word "wait." • From Yarili, "he shall contend." 294 33 ^\ And all the Midianites and 'Amalek- ites and the children of the east assembled to- gether, and went over* and encamped in the valley of Yizre'el. 34 But the Spirit of the Lord endued Gid'on, and he blew the cornet: and Abi'ezer assembled and followed him. 35 And he sent messengers throughout all Menasseh, who also assembled and followed him ; and he sent messengers through Asher, and through Zeljulun, and through Naphtali, and they came up to meet them. 36 And Gid'on said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as thou hast spoken, 37 Behold, I set up this fleece of wool in the threshing floor : if now there be dew on the fleece alone, and it be dry upon all the ground, then shall I know that thou Avilt save Israel by my hand, as thou hast spoken. 38 And it was so; and when he rose up early on the morrow, he squeezed the fleece together, and wrung dew out of the fleece, (making) a bowl full of water. 39 And Gid'on said unto God, Let not thy anger be kindled against me, and I will speak but this once (more); let me have a pi'oof, I pray thee, but this once more with the fleece; let it, I pray, be dry upon the fleece alone, and upon all the ground let there be dew. 40 And God did so that night; and it was dry upon the fleece alone, and on all the ground there was dew. CHAPTER VII. 1 *\\ Then Yerubba'al, who is Gid'on, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and encamped Ijeside the spring of Cha- rod; and the camp of the Midianites was on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. 2 ][ And the Lord said unto Gid'on, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites info their hand: lest Israel should vaunt themselves against me, saying. My own hand hath saved me. 3 Now therefore, do proclaim in the ears of the people, saying. Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early" " The Jordan. " i3i" from the Chaldaic N1-3X " morning." — Rashi. Redak renders it, " let them take a circuit." (Isaiah xxviii. 5.) JUDGES VII. from mount Gil'ad.' And there returncil of the people txN-enty and two thousand; and ten thousand remained. 4 ^ And the Lord said mito Gid'on, The people are yet too many; let them go down unto the water, and I will try them for thee ' there : and it sliall be, that of whom I will say unto thee, This one shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee ; and of whomso- ever I will say unto thee, This one shall not go with thee, tlie same sliall not go. 5 ^ So he caused the people to go down unto the water : and the Lord said unto Gid'on, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as the dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that bendeth down upon his knees to drink. 6 Autl the number of those that lapped, putting their hand'' to their mouth, was three hundred men; but all the rest of the peojjle bent down upon their knees to drink water. 7 ^[ And the Lord said unto Gid'on, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you. and deliver the Midianites into thy hand ; and let all the other people go every man unto his place. 8 And they took the provision of the peo- ple in their hand, and their cornets; and all the rest of Israel he dismissed, every man unto nis tent ; but those three hundred men he re- tained: and the camp of Midian was beneath him in the valley. 9 ^ And it came to pass, during the same night, that the Lord said unto him, Arise, get thee down into the camjD ; for I have deli- vered it into thy hand. 10 And if thou fear to go down, then go thou down with Purah thy servant to the camp. 11 And thou shalt hear what they will say; and after that sliall tliy hands be strengthened, and thou wilt go down unto the camp. And he went down with Purah his servant unto the outside" of the armed men that were in the camp. 12 And the Midianites and the 'Amalek- ites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like the locusts for multitude; and " lliibbi Joseph Schwurz, in his Geography, page 164, alleges that there is, about one mile east of Strain, the ancient Yizre'el, a mount called Djebl Djulud, which he deems a corruption from Djilead, or the Gil'ad of this verse. Others explain that they might go back to mount Gil'ad proper, on the east side of the Jordan. their camels were without number, as the sand which is by the seaside for multitude. 13 And when Gid'on was come, behold, a man was telling a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream, and, lo, a baked cake of bailey bread was rolling round through the camp of Midian, and came unto the tent,'' and struck against it so that it fell, and it turned it bottom upward, and the tent thus tumbled down. 14 And his fellow answered and said, Tliis is nothing else save the sword of Gid'on the son of Joash, a man of Israel; into whose hand God hath delivered Midian, and the whole camp. 15 ^ And it was, when Gid'on heard the narration of the dream, and its interpretation, that he prostrated himself, and returned unto the camp of Israel, and said, Arise; for the Lord hath delivered into your hand the camp of Midian. 16 And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put cornets in the hand of all of them, with empty pitchers, and torches in the pitchei's. 17 And he said unto them. What jou see me do, do ye likewise; and, behold, when I am come to the edge of the camp, it sliall be that, as I do, so shall ye do. 18 When I blow the cornet, I and all that are with me, then shall 3e blow the cornets also on every side of all the camp, and say, For the Lord, and for Gid'on. 19 ^ And Gid'on, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the edge of the camp hi the beginning of the middle watch; when they had but newly set the sentinels : and they blew the comets, and broke the pitchers that were in their hand. 20 And the three companies blew the cor- nets, and broke the pitchers, and seized with their lett hand the torches, and with their right hand the cornets to blow; and they cried. The sword for the Lord, and for Gid'on. 21 And they remained standing every man in his place round about the camp; and all (in) the camp ran, and shouted, and tied. '' These put their hand into the spring and lapped the water out their hand; the others kneeled down in form and drank from the spring direct, or fetched it in buckets or their helmets. • Perhaps equal to the modern "outposts." ^ No doubt that of the sheik. 295 JUDGES VII. VIII. 22 And as the three hundred cornets sounded, the Lord set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the camp;" and (those in) the camp tied as far as Beth-hashittah to Zererah, up to the border of Abelmecholah, near Tabbath. 23 And the men of Israel were called to- gether out of Naphtali, and out of Asher, and out of all Menasseh, and they pursued after the Midianites. 24 And Gid'on sent messengers throughout all the mountain of Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and seize from them the waters as f;xr as Beth-barah and the Jordan. And all tlie men of Ephraim assem- bled themselves, and seized on the waters as far as Beth-barah and the Jordan. 25 And tliey captured two jarinces of the Midianites, 'Oreb and Zeeb; and they slew 'Oreb upon the rock 'Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb, and pur- sued the Midianites ; and the heads of 'Oreb and Zeeb they brought to Gid'on from'' the other side of the Jordan. CHAPTER VIII. 1 And the men of Ephraim said unto him, What is this thing that thou hast done unto us, not to call for us, when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? And they quar- relled with him vehemently. 2 And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison with you ? Is not the gleaning of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abi'ezer? 3 Into your hand God delivered the princes of Midian, 'Oreb and Zeeb : and what have I been able to do in comparison with you ? Then was their anger" abated from him, when he had spoken this speech. 4 And Gid'on came to the Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, and in pursuit. 5 And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, a few loaves of bread unto the people that are in my train ; for they are ' Sachs, " and against all the camp." *■ /. ('. These chiefs were slain on the east side of the Jordan, and their heads were brought to Gid'on before he passed the river. ° Ileb. " spirit." '' After Sachs, as though it were SjT "^0. Jonathan, how- ever, leaves it untranslated, "are Zebacb and Zalmunna'." 296 faint, and I am pursuing after Zebach and Zalmunna,' the kings of Midian. 6 And the princes of Succoth said, Is the sole'' of the foot of Zebach and Zalmunna' now already in thy hand, that we should give unto thy army bread ? 7 And Gid'on said. Therefore when the* Lord hath delivered Zebach and Zalmunna' into my hand, then will I thresh your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers. 8 And he went up thence to Penuiil, and spoke unto them in the same manner : and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered." 9 And he said also unto the men of Penuel thus, When I return again in peace, I will break down this tower. 10 ^ Now Zebach and Zalmunna' were in Karkor, and their camps with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that had been left of all the camp of the children of the east ; but those who had fallen were one hundred and twenty thousand men that drew the sword. 11 And Gid'on went up by the way of those that dwelt in tents,^ to the east of No- bach and Yogbehah, and smote the camp; but the camp thought itself secure. 12 And Zebach and Zalmunna' fled; but he pursued after them, and captured the two kings of Midian, Zebach and Zalmunna', and all the camp he discomfited.^ 13 And Gid'on the son of Joash returned from the battle before the rising of the sun, 14 And he caught a young man of the peo- ple of Succoth, and inquired of him : and he wrote down for him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, seventy and seven men. 15 And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said. Behold here are Zebach and Zal- munna', with whom ye derided me, saying. Is the sole of the foot of Zebach and Zal- munna' now already in thy hand, that we should give unto thy weary men bread ? " The people of Succoth and Penuel were evidently afraid of the vengeance of the Midianites in case they were to supply (Jid'du with food, deeming him too feeble to overcome the formidable army still in their neighbour- hood. ' ('. r. The Nomadic tribes east of ralostine. « Ileb. " terrified." JUDCxES VIII. IX. 16 And he took the elders of the city, and the thorns of the wilderness and briers, and chastised with them the men of Succoth. 17 And the tower of Penuel he beat down, and slew the men of the city. 18 And he said unto Zebach and Zal- munna', What kind of men were those whoni ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they ; one" was in form like that of the children of a king. 19 And he said, They were my brothers, the sons of my mother; as the Lord liveth, if ye had spared them alive, I would not slay you. 20 And he said unto Yether his first-born, Rise up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword ; for he was afraid, because he was yet a youth. 21 Then said Zebach and Zalmunna', Rise thou, and fall upon us; for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gid'on arose, and slew Zebach and Zalmunna'; and he took away the crescent ornaments that were on the necks of their camels. 22 *(\ And the men of Israel said unto Gid'on, Rule thou over us, both thou and thy son, and th}' son's son also; for thou hast de- livered us out of the liand of Midian. 23 And Gid'on said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you : the Lord shall rule over you. 24 And Gid'on said luito them, I would ask one request of you, that ye should give me every inan the ear-ring of his booty; for they** had had golden ear-rings, because they were Ishmaelites. 25 And they answei'ed, We will willingly give. And they spread out a garment, and they cast therein every man the ear-ring of his booty. 26 And the weight of the golden ear-rings that he had requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; besides the [ crescent ornaments, and ear-drops, and purple ij garments that were on the kings of Midian, j and besides the chains that were about their camels' necks. 27 And Gid'on made thereof an ephod, and set it up in his city, in "Ophrah : and all Israel went astray after it thither; and it be- came a snare unto Gid'on, and to his house. Others, " every one was," /. e. The Midianites. 2N &c. 28 And Midian was humbled before the children of Israel, so that they lifted not up their head any more. And the country was quiet forty years in the days of Gid'on. 29 Tl And Yerubba'al the son of Joash went and dwelt in his own house. 30 And Gid'on had seventy sons begotten of his body ; for he had many wives. 31 And his concubine that was in Shechem, she also bore him a son, and ho gave him the name, Abimelech. 32 And Gid'on the son of Joiish died in a good old age, and was buried in the sepulchre of Joiish his father, in 'Ophrah of the Abi'ez- rites. 33 ^ And it came to pass, when Gid'on was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went astray after the Ee'alim, and made themselves Ba'al-berith for a god. 34 And tlie children of Israel remembered not the Lord their God, who had delivered them out of the hand of all their enemies on eveiy side : 35 Neither showed they kindness to the house of Yerubba'al, namely, Gid'on, in ac- cordance with all the good which he had done unto Israel. CHAPTER IX. 1 ^ And Abimelech the son of Yerub- ba'al went to Shechem unto his mother's bro- thers, and spoke unto them, and unto all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying, 2 Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men" of Shechem, What is better for you, either that there should rule over you seventy men, all the sons of Yerubba'al, or that there reign over you one man ? and remember that I am your bone and your tlesh. 3 And his mother's Ijrothers spoke con- cerning him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words; and their heart be- came inclined after Abimelech ; for they said. He is our brother. 4 And they gave him seventy pieces oi' silver out of the house of Ba'al-berith; and Abimelech hired therewith idle and heedless persons, who followed him. 5 And he came unto his father's house at "Sachs renders U2W ^byi uuif'ornily with "lords of Shechem." 297 JUDGES IX. 'Ophrah, and slew his brothers the sons of Yerublja'al, seventy persons, upon one stone; and there was yet left Yotham the 3'oungest son of Yerubba'al ; for he had hidden himself G ][ And all the men of Shechem and all Beth-millo assembled together, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the oak of the pil- lar'' that was by Shechem. 7 And they told it to Yotham; and he went and stood on the top of mount Gerizzim, and he lifted up his voice, and cried ; and he said unto them. Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, so that God may hearken unto you. 8 The trees went once forth to anoint a king over them ; and they said unto the olive- tree, Eeign thou over us. 9 But the olive-tree said unto them, Should I give up my fatness, wherewith through me they honour God and men, and shall I go to be promoted*" over the trees? 10 And the trees said to the fig-tree, Come thou, reign over us. 11 But the fig-tree said unto them, Should I give up my sweetness, and my good pro- ductiveness, and go to be promoted over the trees ? 12 Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou, reign over us. 13 But the vine said unto them, Should I give up my fresh wine, which rejoiceth God and men, and go to be promoted over the trees ? 14 Then said all the trees unto the bram- ble, Come thou, reign over us. 15 And the bramble said unto the trees. If in truth ye anoint me as king over you, then come seek protection in my shadow; and if not, then let fire come out of the bramble, .and devour the cedars of the Lebanon. 16 And now, if ye have acted in truth and sincerity, when ye made Abimelech king, and if ye have dealt well with Yerubba'al and his house, and have done unto him according to the merit of his hands; 17 (In tliat my father fought for you, and cast his life far away,° and delivered you out of the hand of Midian ; 18 While ye are risen up against my father's house this day, and have slain his ' Probably the pillar erected by Joshua. Herxheimer *■ Or, "to trouble myself about the trees." Literally, "to move over the trees." ° i. e. JooparJizeil his life in iin niioqunl contest. 298 sons, seventy men, upon one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of liis maid-ser\ant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother;) 19 If ye have thus acted in ti'uth and sincerity with Yerubba'al and with liis house this day: then rejoice ye in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you. 20 But if not, let fire come out from Abi- melech, and devour the men of Shechem and Beth-millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from Beth-millo, and devour Aljimelech. 21 And Yotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. 22 ][ And Abimelech ruled over Israel three years ; 23 And then did God send an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem ; and the men of Shechem became unfaithfid toward Abimelech ; 24 So that the violence (done) to the seventy sons of Yerubba'al might come, and their blood be laid ujion Abimelech their brother, who had slain them; and upon the men of Shechem, who had strengthened his hands to slay his lirothers. 25 And the men of Shechem set persons to lie in wait for him on the tops of the moun- tains, and they I'obbed all that passed by them on that way: and it was told unto Abime- lech. 26 ][ And there came Ga'al the son of 'Ebed with his brothers, and passed through Shechem : and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him. 27 And they went out into the field, and gathered their vineyards, and trod (the grapes), and made joyful feasts, and went into the house of their god, and ate and drank, and cursed Abimelech. 28 And Ga'al the son of 'Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Yerub- ba'al? and Zebul his superintendent? serve'' the men of Chamor the fiither of Shechem ; for why indeed should we serve him? 29 And that some one would put tins ^ {. e. Sooner serve the ancient owners of the land (see Gen. xxxiii. 19) than such a creature. Perhaps Ga'al himself may have been a Hivite, and claimed de- scent from the ancient lords. I JUDGES IX. people into my power! and I would remove Abimelech. And he let it be said to Abime- lecli, Iiierease thy army, and come out. oO And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Ga'al the son of 'Ebed, his anger was kindled. 31 And he sent messengers unto Abime- lech privately," saying, Behold, Ga'al the son of 'Ebed and his brothers are come to Shechem ; and, Ijehold, they incite'' the city to enmity against tlieo. 32 And now rise up by night, thou and the people that are with thee, and lie in wait in the held : 33 And it shall be, in the morning, the moment the sun shineth, that thou shalt rise early, and set" upon the city; and, behold, when he and the people that are with him come out against thee, then mayest thou do to him as thy means* may let thee. 34 ^ And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they lay in wait against Shechem in four companies. 35 And Ga'al the son of 'Ebed went out, and stood in the entrance of the city-gate: and Abimelech rose up, and tlie people that were with him, from the ambush. 36 And when Ga'al saw the people, he said to Zebul, Behold, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains. And Zebul said unto him. Thou regardest the sha- dow of the mountains as men. 37 And Ga'al spoke again and said. See people are coming down from the highest point of the land, and one company is coming along by the way of the grove of Me'oneuim." 38 Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy mouth, wherewith thou saidst. Who is Alnmelech, that we should serve him? is not tins the people that thou hast despised ? go out now, I pray, and fight with them. 39 And Ga'al went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech. 40 And Abimelech pursued him, and he fled before him, and many fell slain, even as far as the entrance of the gate. 41 And Abimelech remamed at Arumah: ' Others, "craftily," or, " to Tormah," as though it were a name of a place, the same as Arumah, verse 41. " Eedalc, after whom Sachs, "they close the city against thoe." and Zebul banished Ga'al and his brothers, that they should not remain in Shechem. 42 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the field ; and it was told to Abimelech. 43 And he took the people, and divided them i)ito three companies, and lay in wait in the field; and as he saw, and, behold, that the people were coming forth out of the city, he rose up against them, and smote them. 44 And Abimelech, and the companies that were with him, spread forward, and took position in the entrance of the city-gate : and the two other companies spread over all that were in the fields, and smote them. 45 And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he captured the city, and the people that were therein he slew ; and he beat down the city, and sowed it with salt. 46 ^1 And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard this, they entered into the strong-hold of the house of the god Berith. 47 And it was told unto Abimelech, that all the men of the tower of Shechem were gathered together. 48 And Abimelech went thereupon up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him ; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from a tree, and bore it, and laid it on his shoulder ; and he said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen that I have done, make haste, and do like me. 49 And all the people also cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put the same to the stronghold, and set the stronghold over them*^ on fire : and thus died also all the people of the tower of Shechem, about a thousand men and women. 50 ][ And Abimelech went then to Tlie- bez, and encamped against Thebez, and cap- tured it. 51 But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the men and the women, and all the chief persons of the city, and shut the doors behind them, and went up to the roof of the tower. 52 And Abimelech came up to the tower, ° Lit. "spread aljroatl," to wit, deploy the troops. ^ Lit. "As thy hand may find," ('. e. the means. • "The wizards' oak." — Philippson. ' i. e. The persons locked up in the stronghold. 299 JUDGES IX. X. and fought against it, and approached as far as Ihe door of the tower to burn it with fire. 53 But a certain woman cast a piece of an upper millstone upon Abimelech's head, and crushed his skull. 54 Then called he hastily unto the young man that bore his armour, and said unto him. Draw thy sword, and slay me, that people may not say of me, A woman hath slain him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died. 55 And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed every man to his place. 56 Thus did God compensate the evil of Abimelech, which he had done unto his father, in slaying his seventy brothers: 57 And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God bring back upon their own head; and thei'e came upon tliem the curse of Yo- tliam the son of Yerubl)a'al. CHAPTER X. 1 ^ And there arose after Abimelech to deliver Israel Tola' the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelt in Shamir in the mountain of Ephraim. 2 And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and then died, and was buried in Shamir. 3 ^ And after him arose Ya'ir, the Gil'adite, and judged Israel twenty and two years; 4 And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass-colts," and they had thirty cities, which are called Chavvoth-yair unto this day, which are in the land of Gil'ad. 5 And Yair died, and was buried in Ka- mou. 6 ^ And the children of Israel repeated to do the evil in the eyes of the Lokd, and they served the Be'alim, and 'Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of 'Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and they forsook the Lord, and served not him. 7 And the anger of the Lord was kindled * No doubt that riiliiig on an animal was a token of distinction in the simplicity of ancient manners. '' Mciinirig, in the very first year of their defection from GiiJ tliey were oppressed and crushed, for that is the sig- nification of the word IXXTIJ whereas before, they had 300 against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the children of 'Amnion. 8 And they afflicted and oppres.sed the tdiil- dren of Israel that* year ; (and) for eighteen years all the children of Israel that ^vere on the other side of the Jordan in the land of the Emorites, which is in Gil'ad. 9 And the children of 'Amnion passed over the Jordan to fight also against Judah, and against Benjamin, and against the house of I]phraiin; so that Israel was sorely distressed. 10 And tile cliildreii of Israel cried unto the Lord, saying, We have sinned against thee, becau.se we have forsaken our (iod, and have served the Be'alim. 11 ^.And the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Behold (I delivered you) from the Egyptians, and from the Emorites. I'rom the children of 'Ammon, and from the Philis- tines. 12 And when the Zidoiiians, and the 'Amalekites, and the Ma'onites did oppress you, and ye cried to me, I delivered _you also out of their hand. 13 And yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods; wherefore I will deliver you no more. 14 Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let these deliver you in the time of your tribulation. 15 And the children of Israel said unto the Lord, We have sinned: do thou unto us en- tirely as it seeraeth good in thy eyes; only de- liver us, we pray thee, this time.'' 10 And they put away the strange gods from their midst, and served the Lord: and his soul was grieved* I'or the trouble of Israel. 17 ^ And the children of 'Amnion were called together, and they encamped in Gil'ad. And the childi-en of Israel also assembled them- selves together, and encamped in Mizpah. 18 And the people, the princes of Gil'ad, said one to another. Whatever man it bo that will begin to fight against the children of 'Ammon, shall become the head over all the inhabitants of Gil'.id. nothing to fear; and this state of affliction lasted eighteen years. "Lit. "day." ■^ Lit. "was short;" »'. e "he could no longer endiira the," &c. JUDGES XI. CHAPTER XI. 1 ^1 Now Yiphthaclr'' the Giradite was a mighty man of valour, but he was the son of a harlot; and Gil'ad had begotten Yiphthach. 2 And the wife of Gil'ad also bore him sons; and Avhen the sons of the wife were grown up, tliev <lrove away Yiphthach, and said unto him. Thou shalt not inherit in the house of our father; for the son of another^ woman art thou. 3 And Yiphthach tied away from his bro- thers, and dwelt in the land of Tob ; and there gathered themselves to Yiphthach idle men, and they went out with him. 4 Tf And it came to pass after some time, that the children of 'Ammon made war against Israel. 5 And it was so, when the children of 'Ammon made war against Israel, that the elders of Gil'ad went to fetch Yiphthach out of the land of Tob. 6 And they said unto Yiphthach, Come, and become a leader unto us, tliat we may fight with the children of 'Ammon. 7 And Yiphthach said unto the elders of Gil'ad, Did ye not hate me, and drive me away out of my father's house ? and why are ye come unto me now, when ye are in dis- tress ? 8 And the elders of Gil'ad said unto Yiph- thach, Therefore are we now come Isack to thee, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of 'Ammon; and thou shalt become unto us a head, unto all the in- habitants of Gil'ad. And Yiphthach said unto the elders of Gil'ad, If ye bring me home again to fight against the children of 'Annnon, and the Lord give them up I)efore me, shall' I remain your head ? 10 And the elders of Gil'ad said unto Yii)h- thach, The Lord shall be a hearer'' between us, if Ave do not so according to thy word. 11 Then went Yiphthach with the elders of Gil'ad, and the people appointed him over " Improperly termed in the English version Jcphthah. ^ Others, " a strange woman." It was, no doubt, illegal to banish Yiphthaeh, as the children of a concubine, (which according to Jewish opinion is meant here,) could inherit. ° Arnheim renders this affirmatively, " then will I re- main your head." Either way it is a contract which he made with the elders, that it should nut be merely for the them as head and as leader; and Yiphthach spoke all his words before the Lord in Mitz- pah. 12 T[ And Yiphthach sent messengers unto the king of the children of 'Ammon, saying, What have I to do Avith thee, that thou art come unto me to fight against my land ? 13 And the king of the children of 'Annnon said unto the messengers of Yiphthach, lie- cause Israel took away my land, Avhen the\ came up out of Egypt, from the Arnon eveii unto the Yabbok, and unto the Jordan: and noAv restore these (lands) again in peace. 14 And Yiphthach again sent messengers unto the king of the children of 'Amnion ; 15 And he said unto him. Thus hath said Yiphthach, Israel did not take away the land of Moiib, nor the land of the children of 'Am- nion; 16 For when they came up out of Egypt, Israel Avalked through the Avilderness unto the Red Sea, and came to Kadesh; 17 And Israel then sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me pass, I pray thee, through thy land; but the king of Edom AvoiUd not Iiearken; and also to the king of Moiib they sent; but he Avould not consent: and Israel remained in Kadesh. IS Then they Avandered through the Avil- derness, and travelled round the land of Edom, and the land of Moalj, and came from the rising of the sun to the land of Moiib, and en- camped on the other side of the Arnon; but they came not Avithin the border of Moiib ; for the i^.rnon is the boundary of Moiib. 19 And Israel sent messengers unto Sichon the king of the Emorites, the king of Chesh- bon ; and Israel said unto him. Let us pass, Ave pray thee, through thy land unto my" place. 20 But Sichon trusted not Israel to (let them) pass through his territoiy; and Sichon assembled all his people, and encamped in Yaliaz, and fought against Israel. 21 And the Lord the God of Israel deliver- ed Sichon and all his people into tlie hand of war that he was to be the leader, but even after the de- liverance of the people had been achieved : the elders as- sented to this proposition also in verse 10. * Eug. version, "witness," viz. through means of hear- ing. ' The chief speaking in the singular in the name of the people. 301 JUDGES XI. Israel, and they smote them; and Israel took possession of all the land of the Emorites, the inhabitants of that country. 22 And they took possession of all the territory of the Emorites, from the Anion even unto the Yabbok, and from the wilder- ness even unto the Jordan. 2.3 So now the Lord the God of Israel hath dispossessed the Emorites from before his peo- ple Israel, and shouldst thou possess'' it ? 24 Truly! that which Kemosh thy go"d may give thee to possess, even that canst thou possess; but whatsoever the Lord our God hath driven out from liefore us, even that will we possess. 25 And now art thou then any better than Balak the son of Zippor, the king of Moab ? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them ? 2G (And) while Israel hath dwelt in Chesh- bon and in its towns, and in 'Ar'or and in its towns, and in all the cities that are along the margins of the Anion, three hundred years : why did ye not recover them within that time ? 27 Whereas I myself have not sinned against thee, and thou doest me wrong to war against me : may the Lord, the Judge, decide this day between the children of Israel and the children of 'Ammon. 28 Nevertheless the king of the children of 'Amnion hearkened not unto the words of Yiphthach which he had sent to him. 29 ^ Then came upon Yiphthach the spirit of the Lord, and he passed through Gil'ad and Menasseh, and passed through Mitzpeh of Gil'ad, and from Mitzpeh of Gil'ad he pass- ed over unto the children of 'Amnion. 30 And Yiphthach made a vow unto the Lord, and said, If thou wilt indeed deliver the children of 'Ammon into my hand, 31 Then shall it be, that whatsoever coni- etli^ forth out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the ° Others render, "and thou wouldst drive them out?" '' Heb. " the fortheomer that comcth forth." " pll is not transhitablc in this i)iissage: it means, "and only;" and is used to qualify intensively the ad- jective mTl", thus, "absolutely his sole child." "^ "1'he term 'descend to the mountains' is used, because Mizpah was situated on higher ground." — Heuxheimer. "Descending is here used as indicating to go into the caves of the same." — Phiui'I'son. Kashi renders, 'mi-i "I will mourn on the mountains." 302 children of 'Ammon, shall belong to the Lord, and I will offer it up for a burnt-offering. 32 ][ So Yiphthach passed over unto the children of 'Amnion to fight against them: and the Lord delivered them into his hand. 33 And he smote them from 'Aro'er, even till thou comest to Minnith, twenty cities, and unto Abel-keraniin, with a very great defeat; and the children of 'Amnion were humbled before the children of Israel. 34 ^ And Yiphthach came to Mizpah unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she" was his sole child; he had beside her neither son nor daughter. 35 And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his garments, and said, Alas, 1113' daughter! thou hast bent me down very low, and thou art one of those that trouble me; for I have ojiened ni\' mouth unto tlie Lord, and I cannot go back. 36 And she said unto him. My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the Lord^ do to me in accordance with what hath pro- ceeded out of thy mouth ; since the Lord hath taken vengeance for thee on thy enemies, on the children of 'Amnion. 37 And she said unto her father. Let this thing be done for me: Let me alone two months, that I may descend* to the moun- tains, and bewail my virginity, I with my companions. 38 And he said, Go. And he sent her away for two months : and she went with her companions, and bewailed her virginity on the mountains. 3 'J And it came to pass at the end of two months, that she returned unto her father, and lie fulfilled'" on her his vow which he had vowed; and she knew no man; and it be- came a custom in Israel, 40 That the daughters of Israel went from year to year to lament/ for the daughter of Yiphthach the Gil'adite four days in the year. " Some suppose that Yiphthach actually slew his daugh- ter, though of course not in the sanctuary; others, among them Redak, that ho built a house beyond the precincts of the city, where she, his only child, lived secluded and unmarried all her life. To those who know how much Israelites regarded children as a blessing, it will be easy to conceive that such a seclusion must have been extremely painful to Yijihthaoh no less than to his daughter, without assuming that he actually sacrificed her. ' Sachs and others, " to sing the praise of," &c. JUDGES XII. XIII. CHAPTER XII. 1 ]| And the men of Epliraim were called together, and went northward, and said unto Yijilitliaeh, Wherefore didst thou pass over to liii'lit against the children of 'Amnion, and didst not call for us to go with thee? thy house will we burn over thee with fire. 2 And Yiphthach said unto them, I and my people were greatly engaged in strife with the children of 'Amnion; and I called you, but ye helped me not out of their hand. 3 And when I saw that ye helped me not, 1 put my life'' in my hand, and passed over to the children of 'Amnion, and the Lord de- livered them into my hand; and why then are ye come up unto me this day, to fight against me? 4 Then Yiphthach gathered together all the men of Gil'ad, and fought with Ephraim; and the men of Gil'ad smote Ephraim, because they said, Ye are fugitives of Ephraim : Gil'ad is in the midst, between Ephraim and Me- nasseh.** 5 And the Gil'adites seized on the passages of the Jordan before the Ephraimites: and it came to pass, when the Ephraimites who had escaped said, Let me pass over; that the men of Gil'ad said unto him. Art thou an Ephrathite? and if he said. No; (J Tlien said they unto him, Do say. Shib- boleth; but when he said, Sibboleth, and was not able to pronounce it correctly, they laid hold of him and slew him on the passages of the Jordan ; and there fell at that time of the Ephraimites forty and two thousand. 7 And Yiphthach judged Israel six years; and then died Y^iphthach the Gil'adite, and was buried in (one of) the cities of Gil'ad. 8 ^ And after him there judged Israel Ibzan of Beth-lechem. 9 And he had thirty sons; and thirty daughters he sent abroad," and thirty daugh- ters he brought in for his sons from abroad: and he judged Israel seven years. ' Figuratively for "perilling life." '' After Philippson, who considers these the words of the Gil'adites, reproaching the men of Ephraim, who, en- deavouring to fly, were taunted when taken with their presumptuous invasion of the east side of the Jordan. The meaning is, "Now ye Ephraimites have to fly, and we Gil'adites will prevent you, as our country, bordering on the river, is situated between the two tribes." Hashi, 10 Then died Ibzan, and was buried at Beth-lechem. 11 T[ And after him there judged Israel Elon the Zebulonite : and he judged Israel ten years. 12 Then died Elon the Zelndonite. and was buried in Ayalon in the country of Zebulun. 13 ^ And after him there judged Israel 'Abdon the son of Hillel the Piratlionite. 14 And he had forty sons and thirty grand- sons, that rode on seventy ass-colts: and he judged Israel eight years. 15 Then died"'Abdon the son of Ilillel the Pir'athonite, and was buried in Pir'athon in the land of Ephraim, in the mountain of the 'Amalekites. CHAPTER XIIL 1 ^ And the children of Israel did again the evil in the eyes of the Lord; and the Lord delivered them into the hand of the Philis- tines forty years. 2 ][ And there was a certain man of Zor'ah, of the flimily of the Danites, whose name was Manoach ; and his wife was barren, and did not bear. 3 And there appeared an angel of the Lord unto the woman, and he said unto her, Be- hold, thou art bai'ren, and hast not born; Init thou wilt conceive, and bear a son. 4 And now do beware, and drink neither wine nor strong drink, and eat not any thing unclean. 5 For, lo, thou wilt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head; for a Nazarite of God shall the lad be from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Is- rael out of the hand of the Philistines. G And the woman came and told her hus- band, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his appearance was like the appearance of an angel of God, very terrible; but I asked him not whence he might be, and his name he did not tell me. 7 And he said unto me. Behold, thou wilt conceive, and bear a son; and now thou must drink neither wine nor strong drink, and not after Jonathan, translates, "For the meanest of the Ephraimites had, despising the Gil'adites, said, What are you valued at in the midst of Ephraim and the midst of Menassch ?" The slaughter of the fugitives is iu this way assigned to motives of revenge fur past ill-usage. There are other versions of this diftieult verso, but we cannot give them all. ' ('. e. He gave in marriage 303 JUDGES XIII. XIV. eat any thing unclean; for the child shall be a Nazarite of God from the womb until the day of his death. 8 T[ And Manoach entreated the Lord, and said, Hear me, Lord, let the man of God, whom thou didst send, come again unto us, and instruct us what we shall do unto the child that is to be born. 9 And God hearkened to the voice of Ma- noach ; and the angel of God came again unto the woman, as she was sitting in the field; and Manoach her husband was not with her. 10 And the woman made haste, and ran, and informed her husband ; and she said unto him. Behold, there luith apj^eared inito me the man, that came unto me the other" day. 11 And Manoach arose, and went after his wife ; and he came to the man, and said unto him. Art thou the man that spokest unto the woman? and he said, I am. 12 And Manoach said, If now'' thy words come to j)ass, what shall be (our) ^ii'oceeding with the child, and what shall be done unto him? 13 And the angel of the Lord said unto Manoach, Of all that I have said unto the woman must she beware. 14 Of any thing that cometh of the grape- vine she may not eat, and wine or strong drink she may not drinlc, and any thing un- clean she may not eat : all that I commanded her must she observe. 15 And Manoach said unto the angel of the Lord, Let us, I pray thee, detain thee, and we will make a kid ready for" thee. 16 And the angel of the Lord said unto Manoach, Though thou detain me, I will not eat of thy bread; but if thou wilt offer a burnt-offering, thou must offer it unto the Lord ; for Manoach knew not that he was an angel of tlie Lord. 17 And Manoach said unto the angel of the Lord, What is thy name, that, when thy word cometh to pass, we may do thee honour ? 18 And the angel of the Lord said unto him. Why is it that thou wilt ask after my uame, seeing it is secret? ° Others, " to-day," conceiving that the angel returned the very same day. '■ Arnheim views this phrase as a substitute for the ex- pression "Let us now hear thy words," "do tell us," so liliewise in verse 17. " Lit. "before thee." 304 19 And Manoach took the kid and the meat-offering, and offered it upon the'' rock unto the Lord: and he did woudrously; and Manoach and his Avife looked on. 20 And it came to pass, when the flame went up from off the altar toward heaven, that the angel of the Lord ascended in the flame of the altar; and Manoach and his wife looked on, and they fell on their faces to the ground. 21 And the angel of tlie Lord was no longer visible to Manoach and to his wife: then knew Manoach that he was an angel of the Lord. 22 And Manoach said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because a divine being have we seen. 23 But his wife said unto him. If the Lord were pleased to kill us, he would not have received from our hand a burnt-offering and a meat-offering, nor would he have let us see all these things, and at this time he would udt have let us hear (such a thing) as this. 24 And the woman bore a son, and called his name Samson;' and the child grew up, and the Lord blessed him. 25 And the Spirit of the Lord began to move him in Machaneh-dan'^ between Zor'ah and Eshtatil. CHAPTER XIY. 1 ^ And Samson went down to Tim- nathah, and saw a woman in Tinniathah of the daughters of the Philistines. 2 And he went up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnathah of the daughters of the Philistines; and now take her to me for wife. 3 Then said unto him his father and his mother. Is there not among the daughters of thy brethi-en, or among all my people, a woman, that thou art going to take a wife from the Philistines, the uncircumcised ? And Samson said unto his father. This one take for me; for she pleaseth me well.^ 4 But his father and his mother knew not that it was from the Lord, that he souglit but ■^ The definite article refers to the roclc in tlie field where this occurrence took ])lace, and was no doubt known at the time the book was written. ° Correctly, "Shimshon." ' Or, "Camp of Dan," the name of a place. ' Heb. "she is right in my eyes." JUDGES XIV. XV. an occasion against the Philistines; and at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel. 5 T[ And Samson thus went down, with his fiither and his mother, to Timnathah; and wlien they were come as far as tlie vine- yards of Timnathah, hehold, a young lion came roaring toward him. G And the Spirit of the Lokd came sud- denly over him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand; but he told xaot his father or his mother wliat he had done. 7 And he went down, and spoke unto the woman; and she pleased Samson well. 8 And when he I'eturned after a time to take her, he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion : and, behold, there was a swarm of bees in the carcass of the lion and honey likewise. 9 And he took it out in his hands, and went on, eating as he was going, and came to his father and mother, and he gave unto them, and they did eat; but he told them not that out of the carcass of the lion he had taken the honey. 10 And his f;ither went down unto the woman; and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do. 11 And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions, and they remained with him. 12 And Samson said unto them, I will now propound unto you a riddle: if ye can in anywise tell it me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then will I give you thirty shirts and thirty changes of gar- ments ; 13 But if ye will not be able to tell it to me, then shall ye give me thirty shirts and thirty clianges of garments. And they said unto him. Propound thy riddle, that we may hear it. 14 And he said unto them. Out of the eater came forth food, and out of the strong came forth sweetness. And they could not solve' the riddle in three days. lo And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson's wife. Per- suade thy husband, that he may solve unto •Lit. "tell." "" I. e. Whatever time was left after she first urged him with her tears to betray his secret 20 US the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy fither's house with fire: have ye invited us to impoverish us? is it not so? It) And Samson's wife Avept before him, and said. Thou dost l)ut hate me, and lovest me not: that riddle hast thou propounded unto the children of my people, and me hast thou not told (the solution). And he said unto her, Behold, I have not told it to my father and to my mother, and thee shall I tell it? 17 And she wept before him the seven days,* while their feast lasted ; and it came to pass on the seventh da}-, that he told her, IjC- cause she had worried him : and she told (the solution of) the riddle to the children of her people. 18 Then said unto him the men of the city on the seventh day before the sun was yet gone down, What is sweeter than honey ? and Avhat is stronger than a lion? And he said unto them. If ye had not ploughed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle. 19 And the Spirit of the Lord came sud- denly over him, and he went down to Ashke- lon, and slew of them thirty men, and he took their apparel, and gave the changes of gar- ments unto the expounders of the riddle; but his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house. 20 And Samson's wife was given to his companion who had been given him as his associate. CHAPTER XV. 1 Tl And it came to pass after some time, in the time of wheat-harvest, that Samson visited his wife with a kid; and he said. Let me go in to my wife into the chamber; but her father would not sutler him to go in. 2 And her father said, I verily thought that thou didst utterly hate her; therefore I gave her to thy companion: is not her younger sister fairer than she ? Let her be thine, I pray thee, instead of her. 3 And Samson said to them. Now shall I be more" blameless than the Philistines, though I do them evil. 4 And Samson went and caught three hun- dred foxes,'* and took torches, and turned tail " Or, "Now shall I be blameless regarding the Philis- tines, though," &c. " Others, "jackals." 305 JUDGES XV. XVI. to tail, and put one torch between two tails in the midst ; 5 And he set the torches on fire, and let them go into the standing corn of the Philis- tines, and burnt up both shocks and standing corn, as also olive-yards. 6 Then said the Philistines, Who hath done this? And they answered, Samson, the son- in-law of the Tliimnite, because he hath taken his wife, and given her to his companion. And the Philistines went up, and burnt her and her fiither with fire. 7 And Samson said unto them. Since ye will do the like of this, I will surely be avenged on you, and after that will I cease. 8 And he smote them hip' and thigh with a great slaughter; and he w^ent down and tarried in the cleft of the rock 'Etam. 9 ][ And the Philistines went u]), and encamped in Judah, and spread themselves in Lechi. 10 And the men of Judah said, Why are ■ye come up against us ? And they answered. To bind Samson are we come up, to do to hini as he hath done to us. 11 Thereupon went three thousand men of Judah down to the cleft of the rock 'Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines rule over us ? and what is this that thou hast done unto us ? And he said unto them. As they did unto me, so have I done unto them. 12 And they said unto him. To bind thee are we come down, to deliver thee into the hand of the Philistines. And Samson said unto them, Swear unto me, that ye will not assail me yourselves. 13 And they said unto him, thus, No; ibr we will (only) bind thee fast, and deliver thee into their hand; but we will in nowise kill thee. And they bound him with two new cords, and brought liini up from the rock. 14 When he was come unto Lechi, the Philistines sliouted against hina; but the Spirit of the LoKD came suddenly over him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax tln-eads that are burnt with fire, and his l>ands melted Irom oft" his hands. 15 And he found a fresh jaw-bone of an * A proverbial phrase, meaning "in every direction." ' ('. e. The lifting up of the jaw-bone, or, the casting away of the jaw-bouc. 306 ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and smote therewith athousand men. 16 And Samson said. With a jaw-l)nne of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw-bone of an ass have I smitten a thousand men. 17 And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking, that he cast away the jaw-bone out of his hand, and called that place Ramath-lechi.'' 18 And he became very thirsty, and he called on the Lord, and said. Thou hast grant- ed through the hand of thy servant this great deliverance;" and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised ? 19 But God clave a hollow place that was at Lechi, and there came forth water out of it; and he drank, and his spirit came again, and he revived; wherefore he called the name thereof 'En-hakkore,'' which is in Lechi unto this day. 20 And he judged Israel in the dajs of the Philistines'' twenty years. CHAPTER XVI. 1 ^ Then went Samson to Gazzah, and saw there a harlot, and went in unto her. 2 And it was told to the Gazzites, saying, Samson is come hither : and they compassed him in, and lay in wait for him all the night in the gate of the city, and held themselves quiet all the night, saying, By the time it is light in the morning will we kill him. 3 And Samson lay till midnight ; but he arose at midnight, and took hold of the doors of the city-gate, and the two door-jidsts, and tore them away with the bolt, and [)vit tiiem upon his shoulders, and carried them up to the top of the mount that is before Ik'liron. 4 ^ And it came to pass after this, that he loved a woman in the valley of Shorek, whose name was Delilah. 5 And the lords of the Philistines cniue up unto her, and said unto her, Persuade him, and see wherein his great strength lietli, and by what means we may prevail over him, that we may bind him to subdue him : and we will give thee every one of us eleven hun- dred j)ieces of silver. 6 And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I " Zunz and others, " victory." '' " The spring of him that called." " Who still retained the supremacy. — IIedak. JUDGES XVI. pray tlieo, wherein thy great strength lieth, and wherewith thou canst be bound to subdue thee. 7 And Samson said unto her, If they bind mc with seven moist cords which have not yet been dried, then shall I become weak, and be like any other of mankind. S And the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven moist cords which had not yet been dried, and she bound him with them. 9 And she had men \yuig in wait, sitting near her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines are upon thee, Samson. And he tore the cords, as a thread of tow is torn when it toucheth" the fire; and his strength was not perceived.'' 10 And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast deceived me, and told me lies; now do tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou canst be bound. 11 And he said unto her. If they bind me fast with new ropes that have never been used in work, then shall I become weak, and be like any other of mankind. 12 And Delilah took new ropes, and bound him therewith, and said unto him. The Phi- listines are upon thee, Samson. And the Hers in wait were sitting in the chamber. But he tore them from off" his arms like a thread. 13 And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast deceived me, and told me lies; do tell me wherewith thou canst be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web. 14 And she fiistened' it with the pin, and said unto him, The Philistines are upon thee, Samson. And he awakened out of his sleep, and tore away the pin of the loom, with the web. 15 And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thy heart is not with me ? these three times hast thou deceived me, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth. 16 And it came to pass, when she worried him daily with her words, and urged him, that his soul became impatient to die;'' 17 And he told her all his heart, and said • Heb. " smelleth." ' i. e. It seemed to require no strength in hii this f^reat feut. to do unto her, A razor hath not passed oxn- my head; for a Nazarite of God have I been from my mother's womb; if I were shaved, my sti'ength would depart from me, and I should become weak, and ])e like all other men. 18 And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, sa_ying, Come up this once; for he hath told me all his heart. Then came the lords of the Philistines up unto her, and brought the money in their hand. 19 And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called a man, and caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head ; and she began to subdue him, and his strength departed from him. 20 And she said. The Philistines are upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and thought, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself free. But he knew not that the Lokd had departed from him. 21 And the Philistines seized him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gazzah, and bound him with fetters of copper ; and he had to grind in the prison-house. 22 But the hair of his head began to grow again after it was shaved oil'. 23 T[ And the lords of the Philistines gathered themselves together to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice; and they said, Our god hath delivered into our hand Samson our enemy. 24 And when the people saw liim, they praised their god; for they said. Our god hath delivered into our hand our enemy, and the destroyer of our countiy, and him who hath slain so many of us.' 25 And it came to pass, when their lieart was merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make sport for us. And they called for Samson out of the jirison-house ; and he made sport before them ; and they placed him between the pillars. 26 And vSamson said unto the lad that held him by the hand, Suffer me (to go) and let me feel the pillars whereupon the house is supported, that I may lean upon them. 27 Now the house was full of men and women; and there were all the lords of the ' /. e. She wove the locks and fastened the web. ^ Heb. " shortened." ' Heb. " and who multiplied our slain." 307 JUDGES XVII. XVIII. Philistines ; and upon the roof were about three thousand men and women, that looked on while Samson made sport. 28 And Samson called unto the Lord, and said, Lord Eternal, remember me, I pray thee, and do thou strengthen me only this once, God, that I may be avenged for one" of my two eyes on the Philistines. 29 And Samson threw his arms around the two middle pillars u})on which the house was supported, and he leaned on them, (on) one with his right hand, and (on) the other with his left. 30 And Samson said, Let me*" die with the Philistines. And he bent (them) with might, and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead whom he slew at his death were moi'e than those whom he had slain in his life. 31 Then came* down his brothers and all the house of his father, and they took him up, and carried him up, and buried him be- tween Zor'ah and Eshtaol, in the burying- place of Manoach his father. And he had judged Israel twenty years. CHAPTER XVII. 1 If And there was" a man of the mountain of Epliraim, whose name was Michayhu. 2 And he said unto his mother, The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from thee, about which thou cursedst,'' and spokest of also in my ears, — behold, the silver is with me; I took it. And his mother said. Blessed be my son unto the Lord. 3 And he restored the eleven hundred shekels of silver to his mother ; and his mother said, I had wholly dedicated the silver unto tlie Lord from my hand, for my son, to make a graven and molten image ; and now I will give it back unto thee. 4 Yet he gave tlie money" back unto his ' Ilashi ; others, " that I may execute one vengeance fur my two eyes on the Philistines." " Heb. " my soul." ° Commentators suppose that the history of chapters xvii. and xviii. occurred during the oppression of Cushan llish'atayiui, hence before the time of 'Othniol, the first judge ; and that the events of xix., xx., and xxi. occurred ]ierhaps immediately after .Joshua's death. But as they have no reference to the relation of the Israelites with other nations, they have been placed at tlie end of the Book of Judges, so as not to interrupt the narrative. — After llASHi and Philippson 308 mother; and his mother took two lunidrcd shekels of silver, and gave them to the silver- smith, who made thereof a graven and molten image; and it was in the house of Micali.*^ 5 And the man Micah had a house of god, and he made an ephod, and tcraphim, and con.secrated^' one of his ^ons, who l)ecame his priest. 6 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did what seemed right in his own eves. 7 Tl And there was a young man out of Beth- lechem-judah of the family of Judali,'' but he was a Levite, and sojourned tliere. 8 And tiie man departed from the city, from Beth-k'chem-judah, to sojourn where he could tind (a jjbace) ; and he came to the mountain of Ephraim to the house of Micah, as lie was pursuing his journey. 9 And Micah said unto him. Whence comest thou? And he said unto him, I am a Levite from Beth-lechem-judah, and I go to sojourn Avhere I may tind (a place). 10 And Micah said unto him. Remain with me, and become unto me a father and a priest, and I will give thee ten shekels of silver for the year, and suitable apparel, and thy vic- tuals. And the Levite went in. 11 And the Levite consented to dwell with the man; and the young man was unto him as one of his sons. 12 And Micah consecrated the Levite ; and the young intin became his priest, and remained in the house of Micah. 13 Then said Micah, Now I know that the Lord will do me good, seeing I have obtained a Levite for priest. CHAPTER XVIII. 1 In those days there was no king in Israel ; and in those days the tribe of the Danites were seeking for themselves an inheritance tc ■^ /. e. The thief, whoever he might be. ° Probably he declined supplying the money himself; whereupon his uKitlur took it hereelf to tlie silversmith. ■ Michah, abbreviated from Michayhu. — The image wa.s both molten and rhis(dled out with the graver — not tw(. imagi'S, as the English version has it. Tlie whole sh !ws : confused idea of religion, that people who believed in the Lord slmuld make an image to honnur him ; and the entire transaction proves the bad influence of Canaanitish rxam pie (in the people. e Hcb " tilled the hand." ;| '' ('. c. The place belonged to Judah. JUDGES xvm. lIwcU in; for there had not ftillen to their share up to that day among tlie tribes of Israel a (sufficient) inlieritanee. 2 ]f And the children of Dan sent from their family five men from among themselves, men of valour, from Zorah, and from Esh- taiil, to spy out the land, and to search it; and they said unto them, Go, search the land. And they came to the mountain of Ephraim, as far as the house of Micah, and lodged there. 3 They were just by the house of Micah, when they recognised the voice of the young man the Levite ; and they turned in thither, and said unto him. Who brought thee hither? and what doest thou in this place ? and what hast thou here ? 4 And he said unto them, Thus and thus hath Mictdi done unto me; and he hired me, and I became his priest. 5 And they said unto him. Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God, that we may know whether our way on which we are going shall be prosperous. 6 And the priest said unto them, Go in peace : before the Lord is your way on which ye will go. 7 ^I And the five men departed, and came to Layish, and saw the people that were therein, dwelling in security, after the man- ner of the Zidonians, quiet and secure ; and no one inflicted any wrong in the land, as hereditary ruler ;^ and they were far from the Zidonians, and had no concern with any man. S And they came unto their brethren to Zor ah and Eshtaol : and their brethren said unto them. What (news bring) ye ? 9 And they said, Arise, and let us go up against them ; for we have seen the land, and, behold, it is very good: and you keep still?** be not slothful, to go, to enter to take pos- session of the land. 10 When ye enter, ye will come unto a secure people, and the land is roomy ; for God hath given it into your hand ; a place where theie is no want of any thing that is on the earth. " After Sachs ; and means then, that there was no con- test and its consequent wrong and injuries arising, as so frequently, from a quarrel about the succession. Philipp- son comments that no ruler in the vicinity had the power to injure them ; whence their security. 11 ]) And there went from there of the family of tlie Danites, out of Zor'ali and out of Eshtaol, six hundred men girded with weapons of war. 12 And they Avent up, and encamped in Kiryath-ye'arim, in Judah; wherefore they called that place Machaneh-dan until this day; behold, it is behind Kiryath-ye'arim. 13 And they pa.ssed thence unto the moun- tain of Ephraim, and came as far as the house of Micah. 14 Then commenced the five men tliat iiad gone to spy out the country of Layish. and said unto their brethren. Do ye know that there are in these houses an ephod, and tera- phim, and a graven and molten image? and now consider what ac have to do. 15 And they turned thitherward, and came to the house of the young man the Levite, unto the house of Micah, and asked him after his welfare." 16 And the six hundred men who were of the children of Dan, girded with their wea- pons of war, remained standing by the en- j trance of the gate. I 17 And the five men that had gone to spy ! out the land went up, and came in thither, [ and took the graven image, and the ephod, ! and the teraphim, and the molten image ; and ; the priest stood in the entrance of the gate I with the six hundred men that were girded with the weapons of war. 18 And these went into Micah's house, and took the graven image, the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image ; and the priest said unto them, What are ye doing? 19 And they said unto him. Be still, lay thy hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and become to us a father and a priest: is it better that thou be a priest unto the house of one man, or that thou be a priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel? 20 And the priest's heart became glad, and he took the ephod, and the terapliim, and the graven image, and came into tlie midst of the people. 21 And they turned and went away, and ■^ Abarbanel, "But you keep still?" /. e. keep your ex- pedition a secret. Rashi and others, " And you rciunin idle?" ('. ('. hesitate to go thither. ° Lit. " Asked him concerning (his) peace," i.n. "saluted him." 309 JUDGES XVIII. XIX. placed the little ones and the cattle and the heavy things before them. 22 When they were at a distance from the house of Micah, the men that were in the houses near to Micah's house were called to- gether, and they overtook the children of Dan. 23 And they called unto the children of Dan, who turned their faces, and said unto Micah, What aileth thee, that thou hast called out thy people? 24 And he said. My god which I made have ye taken away, and the priest, and are gone away; and what have I more? and what is this ye say unto me. What aileth thee? 25 And the children of Dan said unto him. Cause not thy voice to be heard among us, lest men of an imbittered spirit assail thee, and thou lose thy life, with the life of thy household. 26 And the children of Dan went on their way; and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back unto his house. 27 And they took what Micah had made, and the priest whom he had had, and came over Layish, over a people that were quiet and secui'e; and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and the city they burnt witli fire. 28 And there was no deliverer; because it was far from Zidon, and the people had ]io business with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Both-rechob. And they rebuilt the city, and dwelt therein. 29 And they called the name of the city, Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was boi'n unto Israel: nevertheless, Layish was the name of the city at first. 30 And the children of Dan erected for themselves the graven image : and Jonathan, the son of Gershora, the son of Menasseh," he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the exile of the land.'' 31 And they set up for themselves Mi- cah's graven image, which he had made, all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh. " This is said to staud for Moses, the j of ntJ'jn being writtcu suspended, indicating that it is superfluous. '■ Iledak refers this to the capture of the ark by the Philistines. (1 Sam. iv. 11.) CHAPTER XIX. 1 Tl And it came to pass in those daj's, when there was no king in Israel," that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the lower edge of the mountain of Ephraim, who took to himself a concubine out of Beth-lechem- judah. 2 And his concubine became fixithless unto him, and she went away from him unto her father's house to Beth-lechem-judah. and was there one year* and four months. 3 And tlien her husband arose, and went after her, to speakly fi'iendly unto her, to bring her back; and he had his servant with him, and a couple of asses : and she brought him into her father's house; and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him. 4 And his father-in-law, the damsel's fa- ther, detained him; and he abode with him three days: and they ate and drank, and lodged there. 5 And it came to pass on the fourth day, that they arose early in the morning, and he rose up to depart; but the damsel's father said unto his son-in-law, Comfort thy heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward can ye go your way. 6 And they sat down, and both of them ate togetlier and drank; and the damsel's father said unto the man. Do consent, I jiray thee, and tarry all night, and let tliy heart be merry. 7 Still the man rose up to depart; but his iather-in-law urged him, and he turned back and lodged there. 8 And when he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart, the damsel's fatiier said, Comfort thy heart, I pray thee, and tarry until the decline of the day : and Ijoth of them did eat. 9 And. when the man rose up to denart, he, and his concubine, and his servant, his father-in-law, the damsel's father, said unto him, Beliold, now tlie day drawetli tdward evening, tarry all night, I pray you : behold, it is the resting time of day, lodge here, and let thy heart be merry; and you may get ° The history of the lawless act here described is well introduced in this manner, as it could not have occurred when the law of God was properly administered. ^ Others, "four whole months." JUDGES XIX. XX. early to-morrow on your way, and go then to tliy'tent. U) But the man would not tarry that night, but he rose up and went away, and came as fixr as opposite Jebus, which is Jerusalem; and he liad with him two saddled asses, and his concubine also was with him. 1 1 Wlien they were by Jebus, the day was far spent ; and the servant said unto his mas- ter. Come, I pray thee, and let us turn in unto this city of the Jebusites, and lodge in it. 12 And his master said unto him, We will not turn into one of the cities of the stranger, that are not belonging to the cliildren of Is- rael ; but we will ]5ass on as far as Gib'ah. 13 And he said unto his servant. Come, and let us draw near to one of these places; and let us lodge all night in Gib'ah, or in Ramah. 14 And they passed on and went forward; and the sun went down unto them by Gib'ah, which belongeth to Benjamin. 15 And they turned aside thither, to go in to lodge in Gib'ah; and when he went in, he sat down in the street of the city; for there was no man that brought them into his house to lodge. 16 And, behold, an old man was coming from his work out of the field at evening, and this man was from the mountain of Ephraim, and he sojourned in Gib'ah; but the men of the place were Benjamites. 17 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the wayfaring man in the street of the city: and then said the old man, Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou? 18 And he said unto him. We are passing from Beth-lechem-judah toward the lower edge of the mountain of Ephraim ; from there am I, and I went as far as Beth-lechem-judah; but I am going to the house of the Lord ; and there is no man that bringeth me into his house. 19 Yet there is both straw and provender for our asses; and there are also bread and wine for me, and for thy handmaid, and for the young man who is with thy servants; there is no want of any thing. 20 And the old man said. Peace be with thee; only let all thy wants lie upon me; at least lodge not in the street. 21 So he brouo-ht liim to his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and they ate and drank. 22 As they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, worthless people, beset the house round about, knocking at the door; and they said to the master of the house, the old man, thus, Bring forth the man that is come to thy house, that we may know him. 23 And the man, the master of the house, went out unto them, and said unto them. No, my brethren, I pray you, act not wickedly ; since this man is once come into my house, do not this scandalous thing. 24 Behold, here is my daughter a vii'gin, and his concubine; let me bring them out now, and liumble ye them, and do to them what seemeth good in your eyes; but unto this man do not this scandalous thing. 25 But the men would not hearken to him ; so the man took hold of his conculjine, and brought her forth unto them into the street; and they knew her, and ill-used her all the night until the morning; and they let her go when the day began to dawn. 26 Then came the woman (home) in the early part of the morning, and fell down at the door of the man's house where her lord was, (and lay) till it was light. 27 And when her lord rose up in the morning, and opened the doors of the house, and went out to go on his way : l)ehold, the woman, his concubine, was laying at the door of the house, with her hands ujton the thres- hold. 28 And he said unto her, Rise up, and let us be going; but no one answered. Then he took her upon the ass, and the man rose up, and went unto his place. 29 And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concu- bine, and divided her, according to her lioues, into twelve pieces, and sent her about in all the territory of Israel. 30 And it happened, that whoever saw it said, There hath no such deed been done ov seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt until this day: reflect well on it, give advice, and speak. CHAPTER XX. 1 T[ Then went out all the children of Israel, and the congregation was assembled 311 JUDGES XX. together as one man, from Dan even to Beer- slieba', with the land of Gil'ad, unto the Lord in Mizpah. 2 And there presented themselves the chiefs" of all the people, of all the tribes of Israel, in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand men on foot that drew the sword. 3 ][ (And the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpah.) And the children of Israel said, Speak, how did this wicli:edness take place? 4 And the Levite, the husband of the woman that was murdered, answered and said, I came to Gib'ah that belongetli to Ben- jamin, I and my concubine, to stay one night, 5 When the men of Gib'ah rose against me, and beset the house round about against me by night ; me they intended to slay ; and my concu])ine they humbled, so that she died. 6 And I took hold of my concubine and cut her in i)ieces, and sent her about through- out all the fields of the inheritance of Israel ; for they had committed incest and scandal in Israel. 7 Behold, ye are all here children of Israel : furnish for yourselves here advice and counsel. 8 And all the people then arose as one man, saying, We will not go any of us to his tent, neither will we turn any of us into his house. 9 And now this shall be the thing which we will do to Gib'ah : We will go up against it by lot ; 10 And we will take ten men out of every hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and a hundred out of every thousand, and a thousand out of every ten thousand, to pro- cure provisions for the people ; that they may do, when they come to Gib'ah of Benjamin, in accordance with all the scandalous deed that they have wrought in Israel. 1 1 So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, associated together as one man. 12 ][ And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the divisions* of Benjamin, saying. ' After Jonathan. Pliilippson, after Abarbanel, ren- ders nUD with "army corps," or "military divisions;" and transhates, "and the whole people placed themselves in divisions," &c. 812 What wickedness is this that hath been done among you ? 13 Now therefore deliver up the men, those worthless people, who are in Gib'ah, that we may jjut them to death, and remove evil from Israel. But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren tiie children of Israel. 14 ^ And the children of Benjamin ga- thered themselves together out of the cities unto Gib'ah, to go out to battle with the chil- dren of Israel. 15 And at that time there were numbered of the children of Benjamin out of the cities twenty and six thousand men that drew the sword, beside the inhabitants of Gib'ah, who were numbered seven hundred chosen men. 16 Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men hmie' in the right hand: every one of these could sling a stone at a hair, and would not miss. 17 ^ And the men of Israel, beside Benja- min, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew the sword : all these were men of war. 18 And they arose, and went up to Beth-el. and asked counsel of God ; and the children of Israel said. Who of us shall go up at first to the battle with the children of Benjamin? And the Lord said, Judah, at first. 19 And the children of Israel rose u]) in the morning, and encamped against Gib'ah. 20 And the men of Israel went out to battle with Benjamin; and the men of Israel put themselves in battle-array against them by Gib'ah. 21 And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gib'ah, and struck down'' to the ground of the Israelites on that day twenty and two thousand men. 22 And the people the men of Israel took courage, and set themselves again in battle- array in the place where they had arrayed themselves on the first day. 23 And the children of Israel went uj) and wept before the Lord luitil the evening, and asked counsel of the Lord, saying, Shall I again ■^Lit. "Tribes." ' Others, " Left-handed j" others, "using both hands." (See above, iii. 15.) '' Lit. "destroyed." JUDGES XX. approach to battle with the children of Benjor mill my I)rother? And the Lord said, Go up ai2iiinst liim. 24 ^ And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin on the second day. 25 And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gib'ah on the second day, and struck down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men : all these were men that drew the sword. 20 Now all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto Beth-el, and wept, and sat there before the Lord, and fasted on that day until the evening, and offered burnt-offerings and peace-oflFerings be- fore the Lord. 27 And the children of Israel inquired of the Lord, (for there was the ark of the cove- nant of God in those days, 28 And Phinehas, the son of Elazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days,) saying, Shall I yet continue to go out to battle Avith the children of Benjamin my bi'other, or shall I forbear? And the Lord said. Go up; for to-morrow will I deliver him into thv hand. 29 And Israel set men to lie in wait round about Gib' ah. 30 ^ And the children of Israel went up against the childi-en of Benjamin on the third day, and put themselves in array against Gib' ah, as at previous times. 31 And the children of Benjamin went out against the people, and were drawn away from the city; and they began to smite some of the people, and kill," as at previous times, in the highways, of which one goeth up to Beth-el, and the other to Gib'ah in the field, about thirty men of Israel. 32 And the children of Benjamin said, They are defeated before us, as at the first. But the children of Israel said. Let us flee, and draw them from the city unto the high- ways. 33 And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and put themselves in array at Ba'al-thamar : and those that lay in wait of ' Lit. "smite of the people slaiu." '' Some refer this "they" to the "men of Israel," mean- ing, that the Benjamites thought in the beginning of the battle that the others were defeated, as they began to fly. 2 P Israel rushed forth out of their place, out of the meadows of Gib'ah. 34 And there came against Gib'ah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was severe; but they knew not that the evil was overtaking them. 35 ^ And the Lord smote Benjamin before Israel ; and the children of Israel destroyed of the Benjamites on that day twenty and five thousand and one hundred men : all these were those that drew the sword. 36 And the children of Benjamin saw that they*" were defeated; for the men of Isi-ael gave place to the Benjamites, Ijecause they trusted unto those that lay in wait whom they had set against Gib'ah. 37 And those in ambush hastened, and spread themselves over Gib'ah; and those that lay in wait moved along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword. 38 Now there was an understanding be- tween the men of Israel and those that lay in wait, that they sliould make an abundance of columns of smoke rise up out of the city. 39 And when the men of Israel turned round in the battle, and Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons ; for they said, Surely they are entirely defeated before us, as in the first battle : 40 Then began the cloud" to arise up out of the city as a pillar of smoke; and when the Benjamites looked behind them, behold, the flames of all the city were ascending up to heaven. 41 And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed; for they saw that the evil had overtaken them. 42 Therefore they turned round before the men of Israel unto the way to the wilderness ; but the battle overtook them ; and those who came out of the cities destroyed them in the midst of them. 43 They enclosed the Benjamites I'ound about, chased them, they overtook them in their places of rest,'' as far as opposite to Gib'ah toward the rising of the sun. " Redak renders, "The flames to send up." ^ Rashi. Others, "they trod them down with ease;" others, " they chased them to Menuchah," as though it were the name of a place. 313 JUDGES XX. XXi. 44 And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men : all these were men of valour. 45 And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon ; and they gleaned of tliem in the highways five thousand men; and they pursued hard after them as far as Gidom, and slew of them two thousand men. 46 So that all who fell on that day of Benjamin were twenty and five thousand men that drew the sword : all these were men of valour. 47 But six hundred men turned and fled into the wildeniess unto the rock Rimmon, and they abode on the rock Rimmon four months. 48 And the men of Israel turned again upon the children of Benjamin, and smote them Avith the edge of the sword, as well the men of every city," as the beasts, and all that was found : also all the cities that they came upon did they set on fire. CHAPTER XXI. 1 ^ Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, sajdng, Not any one of us shall give his daughter unto Benjamin for wife. 2 And the people came to Beth-el, and abode there till the evening, before God, and they lifted up their voices, and wept with a great lamentation ; 3 And they said, Wherefore, Lord, God of Israel, is this come to pass in Israel, that there should be lacking this day out of Israel one tribe ? 4 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt^oflerings and peace-offerings. 5 % And the children of Israel said, Who is there among all the tribes of Israel that came not up with the congregation unto the Lord? For there had been taken the great oath concerning him that came not up to the Lord to Mizpah, saying. He shall surely be put to death. 6 And the children of Israel felt regret for Benjamin their brother, and they said. One tribe hath this day been cut down from Israel. ' Raslii. Sachs and others render UDO not as D'TID with "people," but "entirely;" thus, "the entire city, no less than the cattle," &c. "■ Lit. "and proclaimed to them peace." 314 7 What shall we do as respecteth wives for those that remain, since we have sworn b\ the Lord that we will give none of our dnugh- ters unto them for wives ? 8 And they said, What one is there of the tribes of Israel that came not up unto the Lord to Mizpah ? And, behold, there had not come to the camp a man from Yabesh-gil'ad to the assembly. 9 For the people were numbered, and, be- hold, there was not present a man of the in- habitants of Yabesh-gil'ad. 10 And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand persons of the valiant men, and com- manded them, saying. Go and smite the in- habitants of Yabesh-gil'ad with the edge of the sword, with the women and the children. 11 And this is the thing that ye shall do, every male, and every woman that hath known (man) by l^'ing with him, shall ye devote. 12 And they found among the inhabitants of Yabesh-gil'ad four hundred joung virgins that had not known man by lying with any male : and they brought them unto the camp to Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan. 1-3 T[ And the whole congregation sent and spoke to the children of Benjamin that were on the rock Rimmon, and'^' oflered them peace. 14 And Benjamin returned at that time: and they gave unto them the wives whom they had saved alive out of the women of Yabesh- gil'ad ; but they found not sufficient for them in this way. 15 And the people felt regret for Benjamin ; because that the Lord had made a breach iu the tribes of Israel. 16 ]f And the elders of the congregation said. What shall we do for those that remain as respecteth wives; because the women have been destroyed out of Benjamin ': 17 And they said. Their inheritance" must be secured for Benjamin, that not a tribe may be blotted out from Israel. 18 Nevertheless we ourselves are not able to give them wives of our own daughters ; for the children of Israel have sworn, saying. "Lit. "An inheritance of escape shall be for Benja- min;" ?". e. care must be taken that the possessions of this tribe shall remain with it, and not be diverted by it.s ex- tinction. JUDGES XXI. 1 SAMUEL I. Ciirsod be lu' tliat givetli a, wife to Benja- min. I'J ^1 And they said, Behold, there is a feast of the Lord in Shiloh from year to year" (at a phxce) which is on the north side of Beth-el, on the east side of the highway that goeth up from Beth-el to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah. 20 And they commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go ye and lie in wait in the vineyards; 21 And look out, and, behold, if the daughters of Shiloh go out to dance in dances : then come ye forth out of the vineyards, and snatch you every man his wife from the daughters of Shiloh, and go then to the land of Benjamin. 22 And it shall be, when their fathers or their brothers come to contend with us, that we will say unto them. Be favoura))le'' unto them for our sakes; because we took not for each man his wife in the war ; (and) because ye yourselves did not give them unto them, that ye should at this time be guilty. 23 And the children of Benjamin did so, and took themselves wives, according to their number, from the dancers whom they had stolen away ; and they went and returned unto their inheritance, and rebuilt the cities, and dwelt in them. 24 And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to his tribe and to his familj^, and they went out from there every man to his inheritance. 25 In those days there was no l^ing in Israel : every man did what was right in his own eyes. THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL, CONTAINING THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL FROM THE BIRTH OF SAMUEL TO THE DEATH OF SAUL. CHAPTER I. 1 And there was a certain man of Rama- thayira-zophim, of the mountain of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah, the son of Yero- cham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tochu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. 2 And he had two wives ; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah : and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 And this man went up out of his city from year to year to prostrate himself and to sacri- fice unto the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. And at that place were the two sons of 'Eli, Chophni and Phinehas, priests of the Lokd. 4 And when the day was come that Elkar " i. e. Once every year at a particular period. '' Sachs and Philippson translate, " grant them," i. e, the young women, "to us; for we have not taken a wife fur each in the battle, (('. e. against Yahesh,)" &c. — The nah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, por- tions ; 5 But unto Hannah he gave a double por- tion ; for Hannah he loved (greatly) ; but the Lord had shut up her womb. 6 And her rival also provoked her continu- ally, in order to make her fret; because the Lord had shut up lier womb. 7 And as he did so* year by year, as often as she went up to the house of the Lord, so did she provoke her; wherefore she wept, and did not eat. 8 Then said to her Elkanah her husband, Hannah, why wilt thou weep ? and why wilt thou not eat ? and why should thy heart be grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons? guilt referred to is the breaking of the oath, which they de- clared was not incurred, since the maidens were taken by the Benjamites, not given to them voluntarily by their parents. ° " And so it happened," &e. — Philippson. 315 1 SAMUEL J. 11. 9 And Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk; and 'Eli the priest was sitting upon a chair by the door-post of the temple of the Lord. 10 But she had bitterness of soul," and prayed unto the Lord, and wept greatly. 11 And she vowed a vow, and said, Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the af- fliction of thy handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thy handmaid, but wilt give unto thy handmaid a man-child : then will I give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head. 12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying long before the Lord, that 'Eli watch- ed her mouth. 13 Now as for Hannah, she spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice could not be heard ;*" wherefore 'Eli regarded her as a drunken woman. 14 And 'Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou Ije drunken? put away thy wine from off thee. 15 And Hannah answered and said. No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit; but neither wine nor strong drink have I drunk, and I have poured out my soul before the Lord. 16 Esteem not thy handmaid as a worth- less woman ; for out of the abundance of my grief and vexation have I spoken hitherto. 17 Then 'EU answered and said, Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant thy petition which thou hast asked of him. 18 And she said, Let thy handmaid find grace in thy eyes. The woman then went on her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no longer as before. 19 And they rose up early in the morning, and prostrated themselves before the Lord, and returned, and came to their house at Ea- mah; and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the Lord remembered her. 20 And it came to pass," after the lapse of some time, that Hannah conceived, and bore a son ; and she called his name Samuel,'' saying, Because from the Lord have I asked him. " /. e. Felt deep and corroding grief. *• Prayer to be acceptable to God should be the outpour- ing of sincere feeling, and needs not a loud voice. ° Redak; "When the usual time after Hannah had con- 2eivcd was come about, that," i*te. 816 21 And the man Elkanah went up, with all his house, to offer unto the Lord the yearly sacrifice, and his vow. 22 But Hannah did not go up; for she said unto her husband, So soon as the child shall be weaned, then I will bring him, that he may ajjpear before the Lord, and abide there for ever." 23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth good in thy eyes ; tarry until thou hast weaned him; only may the Lord fulfil his word. So the woman remained behind, and gave her son suck until she wean- ed him. 24 And she took him up with lier, when she had weaned him, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and she brought him unto the house of the Lord at Shiloh ; although the child was yet young. 25 And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to 'Eli. 26 And she said, Pardon, my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, to pray unto the Lord. 27 For this lad did I praj-; and the Lord hath granted me my petition which I asked of him ; 28 Therefore also have I lent him, for my part, to the Lord; all the days that have been assigned to him shall he be lent to the Lord. And he bowed himself there before the Lord. CHAPTER II. 1 ^ And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart is glad in the Lord, my horn is exalted through the Lord: my mouth is enlarged' over my enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. 2 There is none holy like the Lord; for there is none beside thee; and there is not any rock like our God. 3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogance come out of your mouth; for a God of knowledge is the Lord, and by him are actions weighed. 4 The bow of the mighty is In-oken, and those that stumbled are girded with strength. 5 They that were full hire themselves out * Properly, Shemuel, from Sno bisty "asked of God;" or, Sx yniil "God hath heard," /. e. my prayer. ° i. e. So long as he lives. The -\}} in the first part of the verse has been given after Philippson. ■ ' /. r. "T open it wide and boldly." 1 SAMUEL II. for bread; and they tliat wrre liungrj' cease (froui labour) : while the barren hath born seven, she that hath many children fadeth away. 6 The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bring- eth up. 7 The Lord maketh jjoor and maketh rich : he bringeth low and also lifteth up. 8 He I'aiseth up out of the dust the poor, from the dunghill he lifteth up the needy, to set them among nobles, and he assigneth them the throne of glor}-; for the Lord's are the pillars of the earth, on which lie liath set the world. 9 He ever guardeth the feet of his pious ones, and the wicked shall be made silent in darkness; for not by strength can man prevail. 10 The Lord — his adversaries will be crushed; out of heaven will he thunder upon them: the Lord will judge the ends of the earth; and he will give strength unto his king, and lift up the horn of his anointed. 11 ^[ And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the lad was ministering unto the Lord l^efore 'Eli the priest. 12 And the sons of 'Eli were worthless men : they knew not the Lord. 13 And the custom of the priests with the people was, that, when any man offered a sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while (the man) was seething the flesh, with a fork with three teeth in his hand; 14 And he struck it into the pan, or the kettle, or the caldron, or the pot; (and) all that the fork brought up the priest took away with it. So did they unto all the Israelites that came thither, to Shiloh. 15 Even" before they had yet burnt the fat, the priest's servant would come, and say to the man that sacrificed. Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he wall not take from thee sodden flesh, but raw. IG And if the man said unto him, They will surely presently burn the fat, and then take whatever thy soul may long for: then ' The priests had of sacrifices the breast and shoulder, and this was theirs ouly after the fat was burnt. Hence, their exaction was so odious, especially as they showed such a disrespect for the proper service, that they would be served before they had completed the duties demanded of them. '' Some refer this to the people who formerly sacrificed, would he say, Mo; but thou shalt give it mc now ; and if not, I will it take by force. 17 And the sin t)f the young men was very great before the Lord; for the men'' despised the offering of the Lord. 18 But Samuel was ministering Ijefore the Lord, being a lad, girded with a linen ephod. 19 Moreover his mother used to make him a little overcoat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her hus- band to offer the yearly sacrifice. 20 And 'Eli blessed Elkanah and his wile, and said. May the Lord gi\e thee seed from this woman instead of the loan who is lent to the Lord. And they wx^nt back unto his place. • 21 And truly the Lord visited Hannah, and she conceived, and bore three sons and two daughters. And the lad Samuel grew up before the Lord. 22 ^\ Now 'Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons were in the habit of doing unto all Israel ; and how they w' ould lie wi*^h the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 23 And he said unto them, Why will ye do such things? for I hear of your evil deal- ings from all this people. 24 No, my sons; for the report that I hear is not good, which the Lord's people sjjread abroad." 25 If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him ; but if against the Lord a man should sin, who shall praj- for him? Nevertheless would they not hearken unto the voice of their fiither, because the Lord desired to slay them. 26 And the lad Samuel was constantly growing and increasing in favour both with the Lord, and also with men. 27 ^ And there came a man of God luito 'Eli, and said unto him, Thus hath said the Lord, Did I (not) appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pha- raoh's house? 28 And did I (not) choose him out of all who obtained a disgust for offerings so shamefully abused by the priests. Others refer "the men" to 'Eli's son.s, who acted unworthily with the sacrifices as hypocrites of all ages do, seeking the sanctuary for their worldly ad- vancement. ° Others, "that you mislead the Lord's people to sin." Our version is after Rashi. (See Esod. xssvi. 6.) 317 1 SAMUEL II. III. the tribes of Israel to me as a priest, to offer upon my altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I (not) give unto the house of thy father all the fire-oflerings of the children of Israel Z 29 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at my meat-offering, which I have commanded in(my) habitation? and (why) honouredst thou thy sons above me, to fatten yourselves Avith the first of every offering of Israel my peo- ple? 30 Therefore saith the Lord the God of Israel, I had indeed said, Thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever; but now, saith the Lord, Be it far from me; for those that honour me will I honour, and those that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 31 Behold, days are coming, that I will hew off thy arm, and the arm of thy father's house, so that there shall not be an old man in thy house. 32 And thou shalt behold a rival" in my habitation, in all that Ijy which he'' will do good for Israel : and there shall not be an old man in thy house in all times. 33 And yet I will not cut off the men descended from thee" from my altar, to con- sume thy eyes, and to grieve thy soul : and all the increase of thy house shall die as (vigorous) men. 34 And this shall be unto thee the sign, tliat shall happen on thy two sons, on Chophni and Phinehas : On one day shall they, both of them, die. 35 And I will raise up to me a faithful priest, who shall do in accordance with what is in my heart and in my mind; and I will build for him an enduring house ; and he shall walk before my anointed in all times. 36 And it shall come to pass, that whoever is left in thy liouse shall come to bow down to him lor a gera* of silver and a loaf of bread, and shall say, Attach me, 1 pray thee, unto one of the priestly offices, that 1 may eat a piece of bread. CHAPTER III. ' After Rashi. Others render li" adverbially, "Thou wilt look about thee with cuvy." But it means simply that 'p]Ii, or his de.sceiidants, should be compelled to see in God's house oue who should supersede them. "" " He" refers to the rival, and means "the good which lie shall be permitted to effect." Rashi renders, "on all, when it shall go well with Israel." .318 1 T[ And the lad Samuel was ministering unto the Lord before 'Eli. And the word of the Lord was scarce in those days: prophecy was not extended. 2 And it came to pass one day, when 'Eli was lying down in his place, and his eyes had begun to grow dim, he could not see; 3 And the lamp of God had not yet gone out, while Samuel was lying down in (the hall of) the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was ; 4 That the Lord called Samuel: and he said, Here am I. 5 And he ran unto 'Eli, and said, Here am I ; for thou didst call me. And he said, 1 did not call: lie down again. And he went and lay down. 6 And the Lord continued to call again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to 'Eli, and said. Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I did not call, my son: lie down again. 7 And Samuel knew not yet the Lord, nor had the word of the Lord been as yet revealed unto him. 8 And the Lord continued to call, Samuel, the third time; and he arose and went to 'Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And 'Eli then perceived that the Lord was calling the lad. 9 And 'Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down ; and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say. Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. And Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the Lord came, and jjlaced him- self, and called as at previous times, Samuel, Samuel. And Samuel said. Speak; for thy servant heareth. 11 Tl And the Lord said to Samuel, Be- hold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. 12 On that day will I fulfil on 'Eli all " Lit. "I will not cut off a man unto thee;" i. <■. there shall be descendants from 'Eli, so that there may ever be some of them to serve at the altar under the conditions named. ^ /. r. A small coin. The meaning is, that though 'Eli was both judge and high-priest, his descendants should apply to the new head for means of support. 1 SAMUEL III. IV. that I have spoken eonceriiing his liouse: I will begin and finish.' 13 And I tell him that I will judge his house for ever; for the iniquity that he knew that his sons were drawing a curse on them- selves,'' and he restrained them not. 14 And therefore have I sworn unto the house of 'Eli, that the iniquitj' of 'Eli's house shall not be atoned for with sacrifice or meat- oflering for ever. IG And Samuel lay until the morning, when he opened the doors of the house of the Lord; and Samuel feared to tell the vision unto 'Eli. IG But 'Eli called Samuel, and said, Sa- muel, my son. And he said, Here am I. 17 And he said. What is the word which he hath spoken unto thee? do not, I pray thee, conceal it from me : may God do to thee thus, and continue to do so, if thou conceal any thing from me of all the word that he hath spoken unto thee. 18 And Samuel told him all the words, and concealed nothing from him. And he said, He is the Lor-d: let him do what seem- eth good in his eyes. 19 And Samuel grcAv up, and the Lord was with him, and he did not let fall any one of all his words to the ground. 20 And thus knew all . Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba' that Samuel was accredit- ed as a prophet of the Lord. 21 ]| And the Lord contiiuied to appear in Shiloh; for the Lord revealed himself to Sa- muel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord. CHAPTER IV. 1 And the word of Samuel became known to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and encamped beside Eben-ha'ezer;" and the Philistines encamped in Aphek. 2 And the Philistines put themselves in l)attle-array against Israel; and the battle became aeneral,'' and Israel was smitten be- fore the Philistines: and they slew on the battle-ground", in the field, about four thousand men. 3 And when the people were come back ' Ileb. "beginning and ending." Pliilippson, "from the beginning to the end." '' "Were rendering themselves vile." — Rashi. into the camp, the elders of Israel said. Where- fore hath the Lord smitten us this day before the Philistines? Let us bring over to us out of Shiloh the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that it may come in the midst of us, and de- liver us out of the hand of our enemies. 4 So the people sent to Shiloh, and they bi'ought away from there the ark of the covenant of tlie Lord of hosts, who dwelleth over the cherubim : and the two sons of 'Eli, Chophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. 5 And it happened when the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, that all Israel set up a great shout, so that the earth trembled. 6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shouting, they said, What mean- etli the noise of this great shouting in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the Lord was come into the camp. 7 And the Philistines were afraid; for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said. Wo unto us! for the like of this hath not been, yesterday or the day before. 8 Wo unto us ! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these are the Gods that smote the Egyptians with every plague in the wilderness. 9 Be strong, and act like men, Philis- tines, so that ye become not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been servants to you : therefore act like men, and fight. 10 And the Philistines fought, and the Is- raelites were smitten, and they fied every man unto his tent: and the defeat was very great ; and there fell of Israel thirty thousand men on foot. 11 And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of 'Eli, Chophni and Phinehas, died also. 12 And there ran a man of Benjamin from the battle-field, and came to Shiloh on the same day, with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head. 13 And when he came, lo, 'Eli was sitting upon a chair by the wayside watching; for his heart was anxious for the ark of God. ° /. e. The place afterward so called. ^ Lit. "wa.s spread out." ° Sachs; literally, "in the battle-array." 319 1 SAMUEL IV. V. And when the mau came to tell it in the city, all the city cried out. 14 And when 'Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said. What meaneth the noise of this multitude? And the man came in hasti- ly, and told it to 'Eli. 15 Now 'Eli was ninety and eight years old ; and his eyes were fixed, so that he could not see. 16 And the mau said unto 'Eli, I am the person that came from the battle-field, and I myself fled from the battle-field to-day. And he said. What was it that took place, my son ? 17 And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the PhiUstines, and there hath also been a great slaughter among the people, and also thy two sons, Chophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God hath been taken. 18 And it came to pass, when he mentioned the ark of God, that he fell from oflT the chair backward by the side of the gate, and his neck was broken, and he died ; for the man was old, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years. 19 And his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was with child, near to be delivered : and when she heard the tidings concerning that the ark of God had been taken, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she sank down and gave birth ; for her pains came suddenly upon her. 20 And at the moment of her dying, the women that stood around her spoke (unto her). Fear not; for a son hast thou born. But she answered not, nor did she take it to heart. 21 And she named the child I-chabod," «aying. Glory is departed from Israel ; because of the taking away of the ark of God, and be- cause of her father-in-law and her husband. 22 And she said, Glory is departed from Israel ; for the ark of God hath been taken away. CHAPTER V. 1 ][ And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Eben-ha'ezer unto Aslidod. 2 And the Philistines took the ark of God, * This means, " No honour." — Rashi. •" No doubt that Dagon was represented as a human figure above, terTninating in a lish budv. 320 and brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. 3 And when the people of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was l}"ing upon his face on the earth before the ark of the Lord. And they took Dagon, and set him again in his place. 4 And when they arose early on the morn- ing of the following day, behold, Dagon was lying upon his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord ; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut oft' upon the threshold; only the fish portion'' was left on him. 5 Therefore do the priests of Dagon, and all that come into Dagon's house, not step on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod even until this day. 6 ][ And the hand of the Lord became heavy upon the people of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with hemor- rhoids, even Ashdod and its territory. 7 And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said. The ark of the God of Israel shall not remain with us; for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god. 8 And they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines unto them, and said. What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be removed unto Gath. And they removed the ark of the God of Israel thither. 9 And it happened, after they had re- moved it, that the hand of the I.,ord was against the city with a very great confusion ; and he smote the men of the city, Ijoth small and great, and they had hemorrhoids in their secret parts. 10 And they sent away the ark of God to 'Eki'on. And it came to i)ass, as the ark of God came to 'Ekron, that the 'Ekronites cried out, saying. They have removed to us° the ark of the God of Israel, to slay us and our people. 11 So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said. Send away the ark of the God of Israel, that it may return to its own place, so that it may not "'Heb.Me, to slay me and my people."- — This construc- tion, moreover, occurs frequently to represent na'tions as iudividuals; altli-uigh the plural is meant. 1 SAMUEL V. VI. slay us, and our people ; for there was a con- fusion of death throughout all the city; tlie hand of God was very heavy there. 12 And the people that did not die were smitten with the hemorrhoids; and the la- mentation of the city went up to heaven. CHAPTER VI. 1 ^[ And the ark of the Lord ^vas in the fields of the Pliilistines seven months. 2 And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, What shall we do with the ark of the Lord? let us know wherewith we shall send oft' it to its place. 3 And they said, If }e send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not away empty; l)ut ye must to a certainty return him'' a tres- pass-offering : then will ye be healed, and it will be known to you why his hand is not re- moved from you. 4 And they said, What shall be the tres- pass-offering that we shall return to him ? And they answered, According to the number of the lords of the Philistines, five golden hemorrhoids, and five golden mice ;'' for one plague affected them all, and your lords. 5 Therefore make images of your hemor- rhoids, and images of your mice that devastate the land;'^ and give glory unto the God of Israel : perhaps he will lighten his hand from off" you, and from off" your gods, and from off" 3'our land. 6 And why will ye harden your heart, just as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their heart? Did not they, when he had Avrought wonderful deeds among them, dis- miss them, and they departed ? 7 And now make a new wagon, and take two milch-cows, on which there hatli come no yoke, and harness the cows to the wagon, and bring their calves home away from them : 8 And take the ark of the Lord, and place it into the wagon; and the articles of gold, which ye return him as a trespass-offering. 3-e must put in a casket alongside of it; and then send it away, that it may go. * i. e. The God of Israel. Sachs and others, " it," re- ferring to the ark. '' Probably this was the plague of field-mice, which destroyed the crops. But Philippson, after Abarbanel, supposes that it means a local disease, called " mouise," as now "cancer," denotes a peculiar malady. ■^ It was customary for the ancient heathen to oflcr to 9 And then see, if it go up by the way to its own boundary, to Beth-shemesh, then hath he done us this great evil; but if not, then shall we know that not his hand hath smitten us; it is a chance which hath happened to us. 10 And the men did so; and they took two milch-cows, and harnessed them to the wagon, and their calves they shut up at home: 11 And they jjlaced the ark of the Lord in the wagon, and the casket with the mice of gold and images of their hemorrhoids. 12 And the cows went straight forward on the way on the road to Beth-shemesh: on one high-way they did go along, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them as for as the border of Beth-she- mesh. 13 And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat-harvest in the valley ; and when they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, they rejoiced to see it. 14 And the wagon came to the field of Joshua, the Beth-shemite, and stood still there; and there was a great stdne; and they split the wood of the wagon, and the cows they offered as a burnt-offering unto the Lord. 15 And the Levites took down the ark of the Lord, and the casket that was with it, wherein were the articles of gold, and jjut them on tlie great stone; and the men of Beth- shemesh offered burnt-oftl'rings and sacrificed sacrifices on the same day unto the Lord. 16 And when the five lords of the Philis- tines had seen it, they returned to 'Ekron on the same day. 17 Tl And these are the golden hemor- rhoids which the Philistines returned as a trespass-offering unto the Lord: For Ashdod one, for Gazzali one, for Ashkelon one, for Gath one, for 'Ekron one. 18 ^ And the golden mice were according to the niunber of all the cities of the Philis- tines under the five lords, from the fortified city, down to the open village, even unto the their gods such monuments of their deliverance as repre- sented the evils from which they had been rescued ; and Tavernier (Travels, p. 9'2) informs us, that among the Indians, when a pilgrim goes to one of the pagodas f(ira cure, he brings the figure of the meuiber affected, made of gold, silver, or copper, according to his cin-um- stauces, which he ofl'ers to his god. 321 1 SAMUEL VI. VII. great stone" whereon they hud set down the ark of the Lord, and which is unto this day in the field of Joshua, the Beth-shemite. 19 And he smote among the men of Beth- shemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the Lord, namely, he smote among the people seventy men and fifty thousand men:** and the people mourned because the Lord had caused among the people a greats slaughter. 20 And the men of Beth-shemesh said, Who is able to stand before the Lord, this holy God? and to Avhom shall it go up away from us ? 21 And they sent messengers to the inha- bitants of Kiryath-ye'arim, saying, The Philis- tines have brought back the ark of the Lord : come ye down, and fetch it up to you. CHAPTER VII. 1 And the men of Kiryath-ye'arim came, and fetched up the ark of the Lord, and brought it unto the house of Al)inadab on the hill, and Elazar his son they sanctified to "•uard the ark of the Lord. 2 *\\ And it came to pass, from the time the ark remained in Kirj-ath-ye'arim, and the time was long, and it was twenty years: that all the house of Israel followed anxiously after the Lord. 3 And Samuel said unto all the house of Israel, as followeth. If with all your heai't ye do return unto the Lord, then put away the gods of the stranger and the 'Ashtarotli from your midst, and direct your heart unto the Lord, and serve him alone : and then will he deliver you out of the hand of the Philis- tines. 4 Then did the children of Israel put away the Be'alim and the 'Ashtaroth, and served the Lord alone. 5 *[] And Sanuiel said, Assemble all Israel together at Mizpah, and I will pray in your behalf unto the Lord. G And they assembled themselves together at Mizpali, and drew water, and poured it out before the Lord, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the ° After JoiKitluin, taldug Sax Ahrl for ps Ebeii. ' As Beth-Shomcsh was a small place, it is supposed that the seventy died of thcni, and the fifty thousand from all Israel. Perhaps it might be translated, " seventy among fifty thousand," /. c. of the crowd of that amount 322 Lord. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpah. 7 And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel had assembled themselves at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 8 And tlie children of Israel said to Samuel, Do not abstain," so as not to cry for us unto the Lord our God, that he may help us out of the hand of the Philistines. 9 And Samuel took one sucking lamb, and oflered it for an entire burnt-oft'ering unto the Lord: and Samuel cried unto the Lord in be- half of Israel ; and the Lord answered him. 10 And as Samuel was ofiering up the burnt^ofi'ering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel ; but the Lord thundered Avith a loud noise on that day over the Philis- tines, and brought them into confusion, and they were smitten before Israel. 11 And the men of Israel went out of Miz- pah, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, as far as below Beth-car. 12 And Samuel took one stone, and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Eben-ha'ezer,'* saying. As far as this hath the Lord helped us. 13 So were the Philistines hiunbled, and they came no more into the territory of Israel ; and the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Sanuiel.'' 14 And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel came again to Israel, from 'Ekron even unto Gatli, and their terri- tory did Israel deliver out of the hand of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel and the Emorites. 15 And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. IG And he went from year to year and travelled in circuit to Beth-el, and Gilgal, and Mizpah, and judged Israel in all these places. 17 And his return was to Eamali; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel: and he built there an altar unto the Lord. who were present. The last is an hypothesis of Ilerx- heimer, after Josephus. ° Heb. "Be not silent from us from crying." ■' /. c. The stone of help. * i. e. While he himself held actively the reins of go vorumout. 1 SAMUEL VIII. IX. CHAPTER VIII. 1 ^ And it came to pasa, when Samuel was old, that he appointed his sons judges over Israel. 2 And the name of his first-born was Joel;" and the name of his second Abiyah: they judged in Beer-sheba'. o I3ut his sons Avalked not in his wa}^, and they inclined after their own advantage, and took jjribes. and perverted justice. 4 *|| Then did all the elders of Israel as- semble themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Eamah, 5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons have not walked in thy ways : now apixiint for us a king to judge us like all the nations. G But the thing was displeasing in the eyes of Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel j^ra^ed unto the Lord. 7 Tl And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they may say unto thee; for not thee have they rejected, but me have the}' rejected, that I should not reign over them. 8 In accordance with all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even until this day, when they forsook me, and served other gods: so do they also unto thee. 9 And now hearken unto tlieir voice; nevertheless thou must still solennily fore- warn them, and tell them the manner'' of the king that will reign over them. 10 T[ And Samuel said all the words of the Lord unto the people that had asked of him a kin"'. 11 ^ And he said, This will be the man- ner of the king that will reign over you : Your sons will he take, and appoint them for himself with his chariots, and among his horsemen; and they will have to run before his chariot; 12 And to appoint ibr himself captains over thousands, and captains over fifties ; and to plough his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to nuike his instruments of war, and the instruments of his chariots. " Correctly, Yoef. ' " Eight," or " privilege."— Repak. ° Lit. " in." But it means, as iu verse 8, that Samuel said all this again in prayer. 13 And your daughters will he take for oint- ment makers, and for cooks, and for Itakers. 14 And your fields, and your vineyards, and your olive-yards, yea the best, will he take, and give them to his servants. 15 And of your seeds, and of your vine- yards will he take the tenth, and give (the same) to his officers, and to his servants. IG And your men-servants, and your maid- servants, and your best ^oung men, and your asses will he take, and employ (them) for liis work. 17 Of your flocks will he take the tenth: and ye yourselves will Ijecome his servants. IS And ye will cry out on that day because of your king whom ye will have chosen for yourselves; but the Lord will not answer you on that day. 19 Nevertheless the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel ; and they said. No ; but a king shall be over us; 20 That we also may ourselves be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. 21 And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he spoke tliem before'' the ears of the Lord. 22 ^ And the Lord said to Samuel. Hearken unto their voice, and apjioint them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city. CHAPTER IX. 1 ^ Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiach, the son of a Benjamite, a mighty man of valour. 2 And he had a son whose name was Saiil,'' young" and handsome; and there Avas not a man amom;' the children of Israel hand- somer than he : from his shoulders and up- ward he was taller than any of the people. 3 And there were lost the asses belonging to Kish, Saiil's father; and Kish said to Saiil his son. Do take with thee one of the ser- vants, and arise, go seek the asses. 4 And he passed through the mountain of Ephraim, and passed through the land of Sha- * Correctly, " Shahiil." • Philippson, "Distinguished and amial amiable." 823 1 SAMUEL IX. lisha, but they found (them) not; then they passed through the land of Sha'alim, and there was nothing there; and he passed through the land of Benjamin, but they found them not. 5 When they were come in the land of Zuph, Saiil said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return ; lest my father relinquish the care for tlie asses, and become anxious for us. 6 And the otlier said unto him, Behold now, a man of God is in this city, and the man is honoured; all that he ever saith will surely come to pass: now let us go thither; perhaps he can tell us our way that we should go. 7 Then said Saiil to his servant. But, be- hold, if we should go, what shall we bring to the man? for the bread is spent out of our vessels, and there is not a present* to bring to the man of God: what have we with us? 8 And the servant answered Saul again, and said. Behold, I have'' here in my hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver; and I will give this to the man of God, that he may tell us our way. 9 In former times it was custom in Israel, that when a man went to inquire of God, he said thus. Come, and let us go as far as the seer; for the Prophet of the present day was in former times called a Seer. 10 Then said Saiil to his servant. Thy word is good : come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was. 11 As they went up the ascent to the city, they found some maidens going out to draw water; and they said unto them. Is the seer here ? 12 And they answered them, and said. He is; behold, he is before you: malve haste now, for this day came he to the city; be- cause the people have a sacrifice to-day on the high-])ln-ce ; 13 As soon as ye are come into the city, ye will straightway find him, bei'ore yet he can go up to the high-place to eat; for the people will not eat until he be come, because he al- ways blesseth the sacrifice; afterward eat ' We are not to suppo.se from tiiis tliiit the prophets tcKik money to predict future events: Saiil only refers to an invariable eus((]ni, llia( no man approached a supe- ■S2i those that are invited; and now go you up; for just to-day will ye surely find him. 14 And they went up into the city. They were entering into the city, when, behold, Samuel came out toward them, to go ujj to the high- pi ace. 15 ^[ And the Loed had revealed to Sa- muel's ear one day before Saiil's coming, say- mo* 16 About this time to-morrow will I send unto thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him as chief over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines; for 1 have beheld my people, because their cry is come unto me. 17 And when Samuel saw Saiil, the Lord addressed him. Behold the man of whom I spoke to thee. This one shall rule over my people. 18 And Saiil drew near to Samuel within the gate, and said. Tell me, I pray thee, where is the house of the seer. 19 And Samuel answered Saiil, and said. I am the seer: go up before meunto the high- place, and ye shall eat with me to-day; and I will let thee go in the morning, and all that is in thy heart will I tell thee. 20 And as for thy asses that were lost unto thee this day three days ago, do not set thy heart on them; for they have been found. And to whom belongeth all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not to thee, and to all thy father's house? 21 And Saiil answered and said. Am not I a son of Benjamin, of one of the smallest tribes of Israel? and (is not) my family the least of all the fiimilies of the tribes of Benja- min? wherefore then hast thou spoken to me such a thing? 22 And Samuel took Saiil and his servant, and brought them into the apartment; and he assigned them a place at the head of the in- vited guests, who were about thirty persons. 23 And Samuel said unto the cook. Hand here the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee. Put it away by thee. 24 And the cook took up the shoulder, and that which was on it, and set it before rior without some present or another, however small in value ' Heb. '■ there i.'^ fnuiK.l in my liaml." 1 SAMUEL IX. X. Saiil : and he gaiil. Behold what is k-l't ! set it het'oro thee, and eat; for unto this time hath it been kept from thee, since I said, I have in- vited the people. And Saiil ate witli Samuel on that day. 25 And they went down from tlie high- place into the city, and he spoke with Saiil ujion the roof. 2G And they got up earlv; and it came to pass Avhen the morning-dawn arose, tliat Sa- muel called Saiil to the roof, saying. Up, that I may send thee awaj'. And Saiil arose, and they went out, both of them, he and Samuel, into the street. 27 As they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saiil, Say to the servant that he pass on before us, — and he passed on, — but thou remain standing a while, and I will let thee hear the word of God. CHAPTER X. 1 ^ And Samuel took a flask of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said. Behold, it is because the Lord hath anointed thee over his inheritance as chief 2 When thou goest this day away from me, thou wilt find two men who are now" by Rachel's sepulchre, on the boundary of Benjamin at Zelzach; and they will say unto thee, The a,sses which thou wentest to seek are found : and, lo, thy father hath given up the matter of the asses, and is anxious for you, saying, What shall I do for my son ? 3 Then shalt thou go on forward from there, and thou shalt come as far as the grove of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Beth-el, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine : 4 And they will ask thee after thy welfare, and give thee two loaves of bread, which thou must take from their hand. 5 After that shalt thou come to the hill of God,'' where the outposts of the Philistines are; and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou wilt meet » After Rasbi. '' The hill by Kiryath-ye'arim, where the ark was. — Rash I. ° " A company of scholars." — Jonathan Evidently those belonging to the schools of the prophets, who were probably taught religion, poetry, and music. ''"And they are praising." — Jonathan. Meaning. a company of prophets" coming down from the high-iihice. having before them a psaltery, and a tandiourine, and a pipe, and a harp; and they will be prophesying;'' 6 And the Spirit of the Lord will suddenly come over thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and thou shalt be changed into another man. 7 And it shall be, that, when these signs are come unto thee, then do thou what thy hand may be able to eflect; for God is with thee. 8 And thou shalt go down before me to Gil- gal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt-offerings, (and) to sacrifice sacri- fices of peace-offerings : seven days .shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and then will I tell thee what thou shalt do. 9 And it happened, that, as he turned his back to go away from Samuel, God changed his heart into another; and all these signs came to pass on that same day. 10 Tl And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him ; and the Spirit of God came suddenly over him, and he prophesied in the midst of them. 11 And it came to pas.s, when all that knew him before" saw, that, behold, he pro- phesied with the prophets, then said the people one to another. What is this that hath happened to the son of Kish? is Saiil also among the prophets? 12 And one of that place answered and said, And who is their father?^ Therefore it became a proverb. Is Saiil also among the prophets ? 13 And when he had made an end of pro- phesying, he came to the high-place. 14 And Saiil's uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither were ye gone? And he said. To seek the asses; and when we saw that they were nowhere, v/e went to Samuel. 15 And Saiil's uncle said. Do tell me, I pray thee, Avhat did Samuel say unto you. 16 And Saiil said unto his uncle, lie told us plainly that the asses had been found. not literally predicting, but engaged in singing the praises of God. ° Lit. "yesterday, the day before yesterday." ' Jonathan, "Who is their teacher?" referring to the prophets; meaning, prophecy is no inheritance, but a gift of God ; why then do you wonder that the son of Kish pro- phesies also? 3:^5 1 SAMUEL X. XI. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel had spoken, he told liira not. 17 ^[ And Samuel called the people to- gether unto tlie Lord to Mizpah; 18 And he said unto the children of Israel, Thus hath said the Lord the God of Israel, I brought up Israel for Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all the kingdoms that op- pressed you ; 19 And ye for your part have this day re- jected your God, he who hath saved you out of all your misfortunes and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nevertheless, thou must set a king over us: and now present yourselves before the Lord according to your tribes, and according to your thousands. 20 And Sanmel caused all the tribes of Israel to come near; and the tribe of Benja- min was seized. 21 And he caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near according to its families, and the family of Matri was seized, and then was seized Saiil the son of Kish : and they sought him, but he could not be found. 22 And they inquired again of the Lord, Is tlie man yet come hither?" ][ And the Lord said, Behold, he hath hid- den himself among tlie vessels.'' 23 And they ran and fetched him thence, and he placed himself erect in the midst of the people, and he was higher tluui any of the people from his shoulders and upward. 24 And Samuel said to all the people, Have ye seen him whom the Lord hath made choice of, that there is none like him aniong all the people ? And all the people shouted, and said, Long live the king. 25 ^] Then did Sanuiel speak to the people the rights of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it down before the Lord. And Samuel sent away all the people, every man to his house. 26 And Saiil also went to his home to (lib'ali; and there went with him a lariie crowd, whose heart God had touched. 27 But the worthless men said, In what can this one help us? And they despised him, and brought him no present. But he acted as though he were deaf ' After Redak, as though it were ty'sn- Others, "Is yet another man comi' hither ?" S20 CHAPTER XL 1 ^ Then came up Nachash the 'Ammonite, and encamped against Yabesh-girad : and all the men of Yabesh said unto Nachash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee. 2 And Nachash the 'Ammonite said unto them. On this condition will I make it with you, that ye all have jJut out the right eye, that I may lay it as a reproach upon all Israel. 3 And the elders of Yabesh said unto him, Grant us seven days respite, that we inay send messengers throughout all the. boundary of Israel : and then, if there be none to save us, will we come out to thee. 4 And the messengers came to Gib' ah of Saiil, and spoke the words in the ears of the people ; and all the people lifted up their \'oice, and w^ept. 5 And, behold, Saiil was coming after the herds out of the field; and Saiil said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the words of the men of Yabesh. 6 And the Spirit of God came suddenly over Saiil when he heard these words, and his anger was kindled greatly. 7 And he took a yoke of oxen, and cut them in pieces, and sent them about through- out all the boundary of Israel by the hand of the messengers, saying, Whosoever goeth not forth after Saiil and after Samuel, shall have his herds thus treated. And the dread of the Lord fell on the people, and they went out as one man. 8 And he numbered them in Bezek; and the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thou- sand. 9 And they said unto the messengers that were come, Thus shall ye say unto the men of Yabesh-gilad, To-morrow shall ye have help, when the sun shineth hot. And the messen- gers came and told it to the men of Yabesh : and these were glad. 10 And the men of Yabesh said," To-mor- row will we go out unto you, and ye can do unto us in accordance with all that seemeth good in your eyes. 11 ^ And it happened on the morrow, '■ 1. e. The baggage of the assomhly. ' Meaning, they sent word to tlic 'Animonitcfl. 1 SAMUEL XI. Xli. that Saiil put the people in throe companies; 1111(1 they caine into the midst of the camp in the morning watch, and thej smote the 'Am- monites until the heat of the day : and it came to pass, that those that remained were seat^ tered, and no two among them were left to- gether. 12 And the people said unto Samuel, Who is there that saith. Shall Saul reign over us ? give up the men, and we will put them to death. 13 And Saiil said, There shall not a man be put to death on this day; for to-day the Lo?JD liath wrought deliverance" in Israel. 14 ^[ And Samuel said to the people. Come and let us go to Gilgal, and renew there the choice'' of the king. 15 And all the people went to Gilgal; and they appointed there Saiil as king before the Lord in Gilgal; and they sacrificed there sacri- fices of peace-ofterings before tlie Lord; and Saiil with all the men of Israel rejoiced there very greatly. CHAPTER XII. 1 ^ And Samuel said unto all Israel, Be- hold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and I have set a king over you. 2 And now, behold, the king is walking before you; and I am old and gray-headed; and my sons, behold, they are with you ; and I have walked before 30U from my youth even until this day. 3 Behold, here am I ; testily against me in the presence of the Lord, and in the presence of his anointed : Whose ox have I taken ? or whose ass have I taken ? or whom have I de- trauded ? whom have I oppressed ? or from wdiose hand have I received any ransom so that I withdrew my eyes from him? and I will restore it you. 4 And they said. Thou hast not defrauded us, nor hast thou oppressed us, and thou hast not taken from any man's liand the least. 5 And he said unto them. The Lord is • Zunz, " Victory." '■ After Sachs. Rashi agrees with this, in commentiiig, "Because at first some objected, but now all were satis- fied." Others render, "the kingdom." ° According to Jonathan's version, who supplies between nDi" and niyo the word x'73, thus, riBfOT XT Sj? pu: ^^;^^. Others render, " who appointed Mo.ses and Aaron." witness a,gainst you, and his anointed is wit- ness this (lay, that ye have not found in my hand the least: and they answered. He is witness. 6 And Samuel said unto the people. It is the Lord who did" (wonders through) Moses and Aaron, and who brought your fathers up out of the land of P^gypt. 7 And now stand up, that I may hold judgment with you before the Lord concern- ing all the benefits of the Lord, which he hath done to you and to ^our fathers. 8 When Jacob was come into Egypt, then did your fiithers cry unto the Lord, and the Lord sent Moses and Aaron, and they brought forth your fathers out of Egypt, and caused them to dwell in this place. 9 And when they forgot the Lord their God, he sold them into the hand of Sissera, the chief of the host of Chazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab, and they made war against them. 10 And they cried (then) unto the Lord, and said. We have sinned, because we have forsaken the Lord, and have served tlie Be- 'alim and the 'Ashtaroth; and now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve thee. 11 And the Lord sent Yerubba'al, and Bedan,* and Yiphthach, and Samuel, and he delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, so tliat ye dwelt salelj. 12 But when ye saw that Nachash the king of the children of 'Amnion came against you, ye said unto me. No; but a king shall reign over ns : when the Lord your God is vour kinir. 18 And now here is the king wdiom ^e have chosen, whom ye have asked for! and, beh(jld, the Lord hath set over j-ou a king. 14 If ye will fear the Lord, and serve him, and obey his voice, and will not rebel against the will" of the Lord: then'' shall both ye and also the king that reiuneth over you con- tinue following the Lord your God. ^ Samson, or " son of Dan." ° Lit. "mouth," elsewhere given with "order." ' Both Sachs and Arnheim view this part of the verse as a continuation of the condition, and render, " Anil if both ye and also the king that reigneth over you, follow the Lord your God," — the consequcuce is then under- stood, meaning, " then will you be blessed." Z-27 1 SAMUEL XII. XIII. 15 But if ye will not hearken to the voice of the Lord, and rebel against the will of the Lord: then will the hand of the Lord be against you, as it was against your flxthers. 16 Also now stand up and see this great thing, which the Lord is about doino; before your eyes. 17 Is it not wheat-harvest' to-day? I will call unto the Lord, and he will send thunders and rain ; and ye will (thus) perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done, in the eyes of the Lord, to ask for your- selves a king. 18 And Samuel called unto the Lord; and the Lord sent thunders and rain on that day : and all the people feared greatly the Lord and Samuel. 19 And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray in behalf of thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that we may not die; for we have added unto all our sins yet this evil, to ask for oui'selves a king. 20 And Samuel said unto the people. Fear not; ye have indeed done all this evil: yet turn not aside from following the Lord, and serve ye the Lord with all your heart ; 21 And turn ye not aside; for then would ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; because they are vain. 22 For the Lord will not forsake his people for the sake of his gi'eat name ; because it hath pleased the Lord to make you a peoj^Ie unto himself 23 Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray in behalf of you ; but I will teach you the good and the right way : 21 Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for see what great things he hath done with you. 25 But if ye will in any wise do wickedly, both ye yourselves as also your king shall peri.sh. CHAPTER XIII. 1 ^ When Saul had reigned one year, — and two*" years he reigned over Israel, — ' A period when rain is uncommon in Palestine. '' Rabbi Isaiah, in his commeutary, makes the two years mentioncJ here as those antecedent to the anointing of David; as, in point of fact, Saiil must have reigned longer. ° Correctly, Yi)niilltan, or Ychonalhin. ' Others, "garrison." 2 Said chose for hi mself three thousand men out of Israel ; and there were with Saiil two thousand in Michmash and on the mountain of Beth-el, and a thousand were with Jonathan" in Gib'ah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent away every man to his tents. 3 And Jonathan smote the outpost* of the Philistines that was at Geba', and the Philis- tines heard of it. And Saiil Ijlew the cornet throughout all the land, saying, Let the He- brews hear it. 4 And all Israel heard it, saying, Saiil hath smitten the outpost of the Philistines, and the Israelites also have put themselves in ill-favour with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saiil to Gilgal. 5 And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea-shore in multitude; and they came \\\}, and en- camped in Michmash, eastward from Beth- aven. 6 And when the men of Israel saw that they Avere in a strait, (for the people were oppressed,) then did the people hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in strong-holds, and in pits. 7 And some of the Hebrews passed over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gil'ad. As for Saiil, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him hastily." 8 And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that SamueF had appointed ; but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattering themselves from him. 9 And Saiil said. Bring hither to me tlie jjurnt-oftering and the peace-offerings. And he offered the burnt^offering. 10 And it came to pass, that, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt- offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saiil went out to meet him, that he might greet him. 11 And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saiil said. Because I saw that the people were scattering themselves froni me, whereas thou camest not at the appointed day, and ' Rashi. Others, "trembling," or "fearfully." ' Philippson supposes that Samuel had made it a rule, independently of the order above, x. 8, for Saiil to wait with public sacrifices at Gilgal, where the taberniicle w.is probably at that time, till his arrival, which might rc<ju!re .some days from the time he was bidden. 1 SAMUEL XIII. XIV. the Philistines are gathering themselves to- gether at Michmash; 12 And I said, The Philistines will now come down unto me to Gilgal, and I have not yet made supplication unto the Lord : where- fore I forced myself, and offered the burnt- offering. 13 And Samuel said to Saiil, Thou hast done foolishly : thou hast not kept the com- mandment of the Lord thy God, which he had commanded thee; for now would the Lord have established thy government over Israel for ever. 14 But now thy government shall not en- dure : the Lord hath sought out for himself a man alter his own heart, and the Lord hath ordained him to be chief over his people; be- cause thou hast not kept what the Lord had commanded thee. 15 ^[ And Samuel arose, and went up from Gilgal unto Gib' ah of Benjamin. And Saiil numbered the people that were to be found with him, about six hundred men. 16 And Saiil, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were to be found with them, were lying in Geba' of Benjamin; but the Philistines were encamped in Michmash. 17 And the troop of freebooters went out of the camp of the Philistines in three com- panies: one company turned into the way to 'Ophrah, unto the land of Shu'al; 18 And another company turned into the w^ay to Beth-ohoron; and the other company turned into the way to the frontier that look- eth over the valley of Zebo'im toward the wilderness. 19 ^ Now there was no smith to be found throughout all the land of Israel; for the Philistines said, So that the Hebrews shall not make tliemselves swords or spears. 20 But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his plough- share, and his coulter," and his axe, and his mattock. 21 And they used a file'' for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for three-pronged forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads. 22 So it came to pass on the day of battle, ' Pliilippson, "plough-share, scythe, axe, aud sickle." ' Philippson, "namely, when the edge was dull ou the ugric-ultural implements, or on the scythes," &c., taking 2R that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saiil and Jonathan; but they were found with Saiil and with Jonathan his son. 23 And the outpost of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash. CHAPTER XIV. 1 T[ Now it liappened one day, that Jona- than the son of Saiil said unto the young man that bore his armour. Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' outpost, that is on the other side yonder. But unto his lather he told nothing. 2 And Saiil tarried in the lower part of Gib'ali under the pomegranate-tree which is by Migron: and the people that were with him were about six hundred men. 3 And Achiyah, the son of Achitub, the brother of I-chabod, the sou of Phinehas, the son of 'Eli, the priest of the Lord in Shiloh, wore the ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone. 4 And between the passes, by which Jona- than sought to go over unto the outpost of the Philistines, there was a sharp point of rock on the one side, and a sharp point of rock on the other side : and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. 5 The one point rose up abruptly north- ward opposite Michmash, and the other south- ward opposite Geba'. 6 And Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armour. Come, and let us go over unto the outpost of these uncircumcised : it may be that the Lord will work for us; for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by means of many or by means of few. 7 And his armour-bearer said unto him. Do all that is in thy heart: turn thee; be- hold, I am with thee according to thy heart. 8 Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will show ourselves unto them. 9 If they say thus unto us. Stand still until we come to you: then will we remain standing in our places, and will not go up unto them. m'i"3 as signifying "gap," "dulness," from ly-) "to blunt." Our version is after Kashi. 329 10 But if they say thus, Come up uuto us: then will we go up; for the Lord hath de- livered them into our hand; and this shall be unto us the sign. 11 And when both of them showed them- selves unto the outpost of the Philistines, the Philistines .said, Behold, Hebrews are coming forth out of the holes wherein they have hidden themselves. 1'2 And the men of the outpost addressed Jonathan and his armour-bearer, and said, Come up to us, and Ave will let you know something. Then said Jonathan unto his armour-bearer, Come up after me; for the Lord hath given them up into the hand of Israel. 10 And Jonathan then ascended upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armour- bearer after him : and they fell before Jona- than, and his armour-bearer was killing after him. 11 And that tirst defeat, which Jonathan and his armour-bearer caused, was about twenty men, within about the half of a field," which a yoke of oxen might plough. 15 And there arose a terror in the camp, in the field, and among all the people; the outposts, and the free-booters, they also were terrified, and the earth quaked; and it became a very great terror.'' 16 And the watchers of Saiil in Gib'ah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude ))ecame scattered," and ran hither and thither. 17 ]f Then said Saiil unto the people that were with him. Muster now, and see who is gone away from us. And they mustered, and, behold, there was neither Jonathan nor his armour-bearer. 18 And Saiil said unto Achiyah, Bring hither the ark of God ; for the ark of God was on that day with the children of Israel. 19 And it happened, while Saiil was speak- ing unto the priest, that the conliision which was in the camp of the Philistines went on and increased more and more : " Lit. " half a furrow of a yoke of land;" meaning, a small field, half as much as a pair of oxen can plough in a day. ' Lit. "a terror of God," /. e. "a fearful panic." The word "God" added in Ilehrew, expresses the highest of the thing spoken of; thus, " the mountains of God," kc. ' Lit. " njclted," i. e. lost the compact order of soldiers, and got into disorder. DiSn is rendered by Redak as sig- 330 1 SAMUEL XIV. ^ And Saiil said unto the priest, With- draw thy hand. 20 And Saiil and all the people that A\ere with him were called together, and they came to the battle : and, behold, the sword of every man was against his fellow, the disorder being very great. 21 And the Hebrews that were with the Philistines as before that time, those namely who had gone up with them, were in the camp round aljout; but these also resolved to be with the Israelites that were with Saiil and Jonathan. 22 And all the men of Israel who had hid- den themselves on the mountain of Ephraim, heard that the Philistines had tied; and they also followed hard after them in the battle. 2-3 So the Lord saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Beth-aven. 24 And the men of Israel were hard urged that day; and Saiil adjured the people, say- ing, Cursed be the man that will eat food'' until the evening, until I have been avenged on ray enemies. And the whole people tasted thus no food. 25 And (the men of) all the land came to a forest; and there was honey" upon the surface of the field. 26 And when the people were come into the forest, behold, there was a stream of ho- ney; )3ut no one put his hand to his mouth; for the people feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard his flither charging the people with the oath ; he there- fore* put forth the end of the stafi' that was in his hand, and dipped it in a honey-comb,' and carried his hand again to liis mouth ; and his eyes became clear. 28 Then commenced one of the people, and said. Thy father strictly charged the peo- ple with an oath, saying. Cursed be the man that will eat food this day ; though the people were faint.''' 29 Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how nifying "to strike;" thus, "went and struck against one another," or "struck one another more and more." ■^ Hcb. " bread." " This was wild honey, which even now abounds in Judea ; and bursting from the comb runs down the hol- low trees, rocks, &c. Riishi, however, comments, "the juice of canes growing in the land of Israel." ' Rashi, " the sugar-cane." Sachs, "the pure honey." 8 After Redak. 1 SAMUEL XIV. my eyes are become clear, because I have tasted a little of this honey. 30 How luucli more, if haply the people had eaten freely this day of the spoil of their enemies which they found ? for would there not ha\(' been now a greater defeat among the Philistines? 31 And they smote on that day among the Philistines from Michmash to Ayalon ; and the people were very faint. 31^ Ami the people Hew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and young steers, and slew them on tiie ground : and the people did eat u[)on' the blood. 33 And they told Saiil, saying. Behold, the people are sinning against the Lord, in eating upon the blood. And he (then) said, Ye have acted treacherously: roll (hither) unto me this day a gi'eat stone. 34 And Saiil said, Disperse yourselves among tlie people, and say unto them. Bring near unto me every man his ox, and every man his lamb, and slaughter here, and eat; and sin not against the Lord in eating by the blood. And all the people brought near every man his ox by his hand that night, and slaughtered (them) there. 35 And Saiil built an altar unto the Lord: the same was the first'' altar that he built unto the Lord. 36 ^ And Saiil said. Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning-light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said. Do whatsoever seemeth good in thy eyes. T[ Then said tlie priest. Let us draw near hither unto God. 37 And Saiil asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines ? wilt thou deli- ver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not on that day. 38 And Saiil said, Draw ye near hither all the chief of the people: and know and see through what this sin hath happened this day. 39 For, as the Lord liveth, who saveth ° See Leviticus xix. :26. — Rashi thinks they slew the Jams with the young, against the hiw. Others this : that they i-anetified the cattle, and ate before the blood was sprinkled. Ralbag, that they ate on the place where the blood had flowed, as in our test ; but Redak, that having slain the cattle on the ground, the blood was not fully drained out, which ought to be done, as blood is prohi- Isx'ael, that if it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But no one answered him among all the people. 40 Then said he unto all Israel, Ye shall be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saiil, Do what seemeth good in thy eyes. 41 And Saiil said unto the Lord, God of Israel, 0, show forth the perfect truth.' And Jonathan and Saiil were seized ; but the peo[)le came forth (free). 42 And Saiil said. Cast the lot between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was seized. 43 Then said Saiil to Jonathan, Do tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did Init taste with the end of the staff that was in my hand a little honey: lo, I am willing to die. 44 And Saiil said, May God do thus now, and in future also; for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan. 45 And the people said unto Saiil, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought tliis great salvation in Israel ? This shall not be : as the Lord liveth, there shall not tall one hair of his head to the ground; for with God hath he wrought this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, and he died not. 46 ^ Then went Saiil up from following the Philistines; and the Philistines went to their own place. 47 So Saiil strengthened himself in the government over Israel; and he fought on every side against all his enemies, against Motib, and against the children of 'Amnion, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines : and whithersoever he turned himself, he caused terror. 48 And he gathered an army,' and he smote the 'Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of those that spoiled them. 49 ^ Now the sons of Saiil were Jonathan, and Yishvi, and Malkishua' : and the names bited. Hence Saiil's order, verses 3, 4. Whatever it was, it was an infraction of a precept of the law. •■ Literally, " with it he began to build an altar." ° D'Di\ " perfect," that which is in accordance with truth. Rashi, " give a true lot." Others, " declare the inno- cent." ■^ After Jonathan. Others, " he did mighty deeds." 331 1 SAMUEL XlV. XV. of his two (laughters — the name of the first- born was Meralj, and the name of the yonnger Mich ah 50 And the name of Saul's wife was Achi- no'am, the daughter of Achima'az: and the name of the captain of his army was Abiner, the son of Ner, Saiil's uncle. 51 And Kish the fatlier of Saiil, and Ner the father of Abner, were each the son of Abiel. 52 ^ And the war against the Philistines was violent all the days of Saiil : and when Saiil saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto himself. CHAPTER XV. 1 ^ And Samuel said unto to Saiil, Me did the Lord send to anoint thee as king over his people, over Israel ; and now hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the Lord. 2 ][ Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, I remember what Amalek did to Israel, how he lay in wait for him on the way, when he came up from Egypt- 3 Now go and smite 'Amalek, and devote all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suck- ling, ox and lamb, camel and ass. 4 ^ And Saiil ordered the people to assem- ble, and he numbered them in Telaim," two hundred thousand men on foot, and ten thou- sand of the men of Judah. 5 And Saiil came to the city of 'Amalek, and he fought'' in the valley. 6 And Saiil said unto the Kenites, Go, de- part, get you down from the midst of the 'Amalekites, lest I destroy 3'ou with them ; whereas ye acted kindly with all the- children of Israel, at their conung up out of Egypt. And the Kenites departed from the* midst of the 'Amalekites. 7 And Saiil smote the 'Amalekites from Chavilah until thou comest to Shur, that is before Egypt. 8 And he caught Agag the king of the ' Raslii and others translate, " And he numbered them with laml).s," and expound, he told every one to take a lamb out of the king's flock, and then counted the lambs, because it was prohibited to count the persons of Israel. See Esodus x.x.k. 12. Others, however, consider Telaim as the name of a place, as in the text. ' Rashi. Others take 3T1 for niN'l "and lay in wait." Abarbanel, "and he contended for the stream.'' 382 'Amalekites alive, and all the people he de- voted to the edge of the sword. 9 But Saiil together with the people had pity on Agag, and on the best of the flocks, and of the oxen, and of the failings, and the fat lambs, and all that was good, and they would not destroy them; but all the cattle that was of little value and weak, that they destroyed. 10 ^ And the Avord of the Lord came unto Samuel, saying, 11 I repent that I have set up Saiil as king ; for he hath turned back froi^j following me, and my word hath he not performed: and it displeased Samuel, and he cried unto the Lord all the night. 12 And Samuel rose up early to meet Saiil in the morning ; and it was told to Samuel, saying, Saiil came to Carmel, and, behold, he set himself up a monument, and then v/ent about, and passed on, and went down to Gilgal. 13 And Samuel came to Saiil; and Saiil said unto him. Blessed be thou unto the Lord. I have performed the word of the Lord. 14 And Samuel said. What is then this bleating of tlie flocks in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen wliich I hear ? 15 And Saiil said, Prom the 'Amalekites have they brought them ; because the people had pity on the best of the flocks and of the oxen, in order to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God; and the rest have we destroyed. 16 •[ And Samuel said unto Saiil, Stay, and I will tell thee what the Lord said to me this night: and he said unto him. Speak. 17 T[ And Samuel said. Is it not that, however little thou wast in thy own eyes," thou art the head of the tribes of Israel ? and the Lord anointed thee as king over Israel ? 18 And the Lord sent thee on a journey,'' and said. Go and destroy the siiniers, the 'Amalekites, and thou shall fight against them until they be consumed. " Meaning, " However humble Saiil might have deemed himself before his appointment, he was still, thnmgh his having been anointed, king over Israel ; heiiee his exam- ple ought to have led others to obedience." Our version is after Sachs. — Philippson, " Art thou not become, al- though thou wast little in thy eyes," &c. ^ Lit. "way," and means the campaign or military journey. 1 SAMUEL XV. XVI. I'J Wlicivloiv tlii'ii ilifLst thou not liearken unto the voice of the Lord, and didst tly upon the .sjjoil, and didst the evil in the eyes of the LoKD? 20 ^ And Saiil said unto Samuel, Yea, I have fully hearkened unto tiie \oice of the Lord; and I went on the way which the LoKD had sent me; and I have brought Agag the king of 'Amalek; and the 'Amalekites have I destroyed. 21 And the people took of the spoil, of the Hocks and oxen, the chief of the devoted things, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal. 22 ^f And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as much delight in burnt-offerings and in sacri- iices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is l)etter than sacrifice, and to attend more than the fat of the rams. 23 For the sin of witchcraft is rebellion, and idolatry and image-worship, stubbornness; inasmuch as thou hast despised the word of the Lord, he hath also despised thee that thou shalt not lie king. 24 ^ And Saiil said unto Samuel, I have sinned; for I have transgressed the will of the Lord, and thy words; because I feared the people, and I hearkened to their voice. 25 And now, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and return with me, that I may prostrate myself to the Lord. 26 ^ And Samuel said unto Saiil, I will not return with thee; for thou didst despise the word of the Lord, and the Lord hath de- s[)ised thee, that thou shalt not be king over Israel. 27 And Samuel turned about to go: and he laid hold on the corner of his mantle, and it was rent. 28 ][ And Samuel said unto him. The Lord hath rent the kingdom of Israel from off thee this day, and hath given it to thy as- sociate, who is better than thou. 29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent; for he is not a man, that he should repent. 30 And he said, I have sinned; (yet) honour me now, I pray thee, in the presence of the elders of my people, and in the pre- ° Correctly, Yishai. "' Lit. "seeu." German, "ersebeu," ;'. e. seeing. " ' Lit. "call." '.select sence of Israel, and return \\ith me, that I may prostrate myself unto the Lord thy God. 31 So Samuel returned, following' Saiil; and Saiil prostrated himself to the Lord. 32 ][ And Samuel said. Bring ye hitlier unto me Agag the king of the 'Amalekites: and Agag came unto him cheerfully; and Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is past. 33 Tl And Samuel said. As thy sword did make women childless, so shall thj' mother be childless among women; and Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the Lord in Gilgal. 34 ][ Then Samuel went to Ramah ; and Saiil went up to his house at Gib'ah of Saiil. 35 And Samuel did not see Saiil any more until the day of his death; because Samuel mourned for Saiil; and the Lord repented that - - - ----- le Had made Saiil king over Israel. CHAPTER XVL 1 T[ And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou niourn for Saiil, seeing I have rejected liim so as not to reign over Israel? fill thy horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse" the Beth-lechemite; for I have selected'' among his sons unto myself a king. 2 And Samuel said, How shall I go? if Saiil should hear it, he would kill me. ^ And tlie Lord said. Take a heifer with thee, and say. To sacrifice unto the Lord am I come. 3 And invite" Jes.se to the sacrifice, and I Avill let thee know what thou shalt do; and thou shalt anoint unto me the one whom I will say unto tliee. 4 And Samuel did that which the Lord had spoken, and came to Beth-lecliem. And the elders of the to^vn came hastily'' to meet him, and said. Peace to thee at thy coming. 5 And he said, Peace: to sacrifice unto the Lord am I come; sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanc- tified Jesse and his sons, and invited them to the sacrifice. 6 And it came to pass, when they came, that he saw Elial), and said. Surely the Lord's anointed is (here) before him. 7 ^ But the Lord said unto Samuel, Re- '' After Kaslii, who is followed by Sachs; but Philipp- son gives, "came trembling to meet him, and said, Is tliy coming in peace? And he said, Peace." 33a 1 SAMUEL XVI. XVII. gard not his appearance, nor the height of his stature; because I have rejected him; for not what man looketh on ;" — for man looketh on the eyes, but the Lord looketh on the heart. 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and caused him to jjass before Samuel. And he said. This one also hath the Lord not chosen. 9 Then Jesse caused Shammah to pass by. And he said. This one also hath the Lord not chosen. 10 And Jesse caused seven of his sons to pass before Samuel: and Samuel said unto Jesse, The Lord hath not made choice of these. 11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Ai'e there no more young men? And he said, There is yet left behind the youngest, and, behold, he is feeding the flocks. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him; for we will not sit down'' till he have come liither. 12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy," having withal handsome eyes, and being of a goodly appearance. ^ And the Lord said. Arise, anoint him; for this is he. 13 Then took Samuel the horn of oil, and anointed him from among'' his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came suddenly upon David from that day and forward. And Sa- muel then rose up, and went to Ramah. 14 And the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saiil, and there troubled him an evil spirit" from the Lord. 15 And Saiil's servants said unto him, Be- hold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. 16 Let our lord but say (the word), and thy servants, now before thee, will seek out a man, who is skilful as a player on the hai'p ; and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upcm thee, that he shall play with his hand, that thou mayest be well. 17 And Saiil said unto his servants. Select for me, I pray you, a man that can play well, and bring him to me. " Tlio sentence is completed at the end of the verse, "but (rod looketh on the heart." Some render, "that which man seeth is nothing." Jonathan, "man seeth with the eyes, and before God are revealed the thoughts of the heart." '' 2D: literally, "sit round," /. e. the table. " "Ked-haircd." — PinLU'PsoN. ' Kedak. 334 18 Then answered one of the scr\ ants, and said. Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Beth-lechemite, who is skilful as a player, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and intelligent in speech,' and a person of a good form, and the Lord is with him. 19 Thereupon Saiil sent messengers unto Jesse, and said. Send me David thy son, who is with the Hocks. 20 And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them through David his son unto Saiil. 21 And David came to Saiil, and stood be- fore him; and he loved him greatly, and he became his armour-bearer. 22 And Saiil sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my e}es. 23 And it came to pass, when the spirit of God was upon Saiil, that David took the harp, and played with his hand; so Saiil be- came relieved, and he felt well, and the evil spirit de^iarted from him. CHAPTER XVII. 1 ^ And the Philistines gathered together their camps to battle, and they gathered themselves together at Sochoh, which belong- eth to Judah ; and they encamped Ijetween Sochoh and 'Azeliah, at Ephcss-dannnim. 2 And Saiil and the men of Israel gathered themselves together, and encamped in the valley of Elah, and put themselves in battle- array ojjposite to the Philistines. 3 And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and the Israelites stood on a mountain on the other side: and the valley was between them. 4 And there went out the" champion out of the camp of the Philistines, Goliath of Gath was his name, whose height was six cubits and a span. 5 And he had a helmet of copper upon his head, and he Avas clothed with a scaly coat of mail ; and the weight of the coat of mail was five thousand shekels of cojiper. ° A melancholy, depression of spirit, the cfl'ect of Divine punishment. ' Jonathan, "in counsel." Philippson refers this to a knowledge of language in poetic compo.sition, a (|uality highly necessary for extemporaneous song. °' D'JDn ly'X "the champion," who had probably been distinguished by deeds of arms before, and therefore now chosen to challenge Israel. 1 SAMUEL XVII. G And he had greaves of copper upon liis legs, and a javelin" of copper between his .shoulders. 7 And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and the Ijlade o[' his spear (weighed) six hundred shekels of iron : and the shield-bearer was walking before him. 8 And he stood and called unto the arrays of Israel, and said unto them. Why will ye come out to put yourselves in battle-array? Behold! I am the Philistine, and ye are ser- vants to Saul ! select for yourselves one man, and let him come down to me ; 9 If he be able to fight with me, and he kill me, then will we be unto ^ou as servants; but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be unto us as servants, and ye shall serve us. 10 And the Philistine said, I have defied the arrays of Israel this day; give me a man, and let us fight together. 11 When Saiil and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were disheart- ened, and became greatly afraid. I'J ^ Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Beth-lechem-judah. wliose name was ,lesse; and he had eight sons: and the man was old in the days of Saiil, belonging to the [)ersons (of high esteem). lo And the three eldest sons of Jesse were gone following Saiil to the battle: and the names of his three sons that were gone to the battle were Eliab the first-born, and the next to him Aliinadab, and the third Shammah. 14 And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saiil. 15 But David kept going and returning from Saiil to feed his father's flocks at Beth- lecliem. 1(3 And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days. 17 And Jesse said unto David his son, Take, I pray thee, for thy brothers an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy lirothers; 18 And these ten cheeses shalt thou luring unto the captain of the thousand, and inrpiire of thy brothers how they fare, and take away their pledge.'' " Jonathan, however, regards JITJ here as a lancc- shaped metal band brought down from the helmet to defend the back of the neck. But it may have been a javelin slung behind, to be used when needed. 19 Now Saiil, and they, and all the men t)f Isniel. were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. 20 *i] And David rose up early in the morning, and ga\e up the flocks to a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the entrenchment, as the host was going forth in battle-array, and shouted the battle-cry- 21 And the Israelites and the Philistines put themselves in battle-array, army" against army. 22 And David left the articles which he had on him in the hand of the keeper of the Ijaggage, and ran into the array, and came and asked of his brothers after their Avelfare. 2o And as he was speaking witli them. Ijc- hold, there came up the champion, Goliath the Philistine, by name, of Gath, out of the Ijattle-arrays of the Philistines, and spoke in accordance with these same words : and David heard it. 24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from Ijefore him, and were greatly afraid. 25 And the men of Israel said. Have ye seen this mtin that is coming forth? for to defy Israel is he coming forth; and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, — him will the kino; enrich Avith oreat riches, and his daughter will he give him, and his father's house wall he make free in Israel. 20 ^ And David said to the men that stood by him, thus, What shall be done to the man that may smite yon Philistine, and take away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uucircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the arrays of the living God? 27 And the people spoke to him after this manner, saying. So shall it be done to the man that may smite him. 28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he was speaking unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why didst thou come down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few shee]) in the wilderness? I know thy presumption, and the wickedness of thy heart ; for in order to see the battle art thou come down. '' No doubt a token that the_y were well, to .satisfy tl anxious father; or it may be a testimnnia duct from their superior. ' Lit. "arra^- opposite array." of good con- 335 1 SAMUEL XVII. 29 And David said, What have I now done? It is nothing but a word. 30 And he turned from him toward an- other, and spoke after the same manner : and the peojjle made him again a reply after the former manner. 31 And the words which David had spoken were heard, and they told them in the pre- sence of Saiil, who sent for him. 32 And David said to Saiil, Let no man's heart fail because of him: thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. 33 And Saiil said to David, Thou art not able to go unto this Philistine to fight with him; for thou art but a lad, and he (hath been) a man of war from his youth. 34 ][ And David said unto Saiil, Thy ser- vant was feeding his father's flocks, and there came a lion, and" a bear, and bore oif a lamb out of the drove; 35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth : and when he rose up against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. 36 Both the lion and the bear did thy ser- vant smite : and this uncircumcised Philistine shall become as one of them; because he hath defied the arrays of the living God. 37 ^ Moreover David said. The Lord who hath delivered me out of the power of the lion, and out of the power of the bear, will also surely deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. T[ And Saiil said unto David, Go, and may the Lord be with thee. 38 And Saiil clothed David with his gar- ments, and he put a helmet of copper upon his head; and he clothed him also with a coat of mail. 39 And David girded his sword over his garments, and he essayed to go; for he had not tried it. And David said unto Saiil, I cannot wallv in these (things) ; for I have never ti-ied it before. And David put them oif from him. 40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose himself five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the shepherd's pouch which he had, even in a scrip, with his sling ° Sachs, "or." Others suppose that David had two such encounters, ouce with a liou aud once with a bear. 336 in his hand; and he approached to the Philis- tine. 41 And the Philistine went and drew nearer and nearer unto David; and tlie man that bore the shield went before him. 42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him ; for he was but a lad, and ruddy, with a fair appearance. 43 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest unto me with sticks? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesli unto the fowls of the heavens, and to the beasts of the field. 45 ^ Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest unto me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a javelin; but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the ari'ays of Israel, that tliou hast defied. 46 This day will the Lord deliver thee into my hand; and I will smite thee, and remove thy head from thee; and I will give the carcasses of the army of the Philis- tines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth ; and all the earth shall know that there is a God for Israel. 47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not through sword and sjjear; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you up into our hand. 48 And it came to pass, when the Philis- tine arose, and went and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the battle-array to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand into the pouch, and took thence a stone, and slung it, and he struck the Philistine on his forehead, and the stone sunk into his forehead: and he fell upon his ftice to the ground. 50 So David prevailed over the PliiUstine with the sling and with the stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but tliere was no sword in the hand of David. 51 And David ran, and stood l)y tin.' Phi- listine, and took his sword, and drew it out of its sheath, and slew him, and cut ofi' his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they fled. 52 And then arose the men of Israel and 1 SAMUEL XVII. XVlir. of Judah, and shouted, and pursued the Phi- listines, until thou comest to the valley, and to the gates of 'Ekron. And the slain of the Philistines fell down Ijy the way to Sha'ara- yim, even as f\iv as Gath, and up to 'Ekron. 53 And tlie children of Israel returned from hotly pursuing after the Philistiaies, and they spoiled their camps. 54 And David took the head of the Philis- tine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but his weapons he placed in his tent. 55 ^ And when Said saw David going forth against the Philistine, he said unto Ab- ner, the captain of the army, Abner, whose son is this lad ?" And Abner said. As thy soul liveth, king, I know it not. 56 And the king said, Ask thou whose son this youth is. 57 ^ And as David returned i\\nn smiting the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him bel'ore Saul with the head of the Philis- tine in his hand. 58 And Saiil said to him. Who.se son art thou, young man ? And David answered. The son of thy servant Jesse the Beth-lechemite. CHAPTER XVIII. 1 And it came to pass, when he had made an end of s[)eaking unto Saiil, that the soul of Jonatlum was knit on the soul of David; and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 'J And Saiil took him on that da}', and would not permit him to go home to his father's house. o Then Jonathan and David made a cove- nant, because of his loving him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan strip})ed himself of the robe that he had upon him, and gave it to David, and likewise his garments, even to his sword, and to his Ijow, and to his girdle. 5 And David went out; whithersoever Saiil used to send him, he was successful; and Saiil set him over the men of war; and he Avas accepted in the eyes of all the people, and also in the eyes of the servants of Saiil. G ^ And it came to ])ass as the^- came home, ' when David returned from smiting the Philis- * Ralbug explains tlie circumstance of Saiil's iicit recog- nising David, as owing to the fact that he had hitherto been only at court during Saiil's melancholy, and had since then been away to keep the flocks, and he appeared 2S tine, that the women came forth out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saiil, with tambourines, with joy, and with triangles. 7 And the women that played answered one another, and said, Saiil hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. 8 And Saiil was very wroth, and this sa\'- ing was displeasing in his eyes; and he said. They have given unto David ten thousands, and to me they have given the thousands : and all tliat he lacketh now yet is only tlie kingdom. 9 And Saiil looked jealous on David from that day and forward. 10 ]| And it came to pass on the morrow, that an evil spirit from God came suddenly over Saiil, and he spoke tbolish things in the midst of the house : while David was playing with his hand, as on previous da3s; and the spear was in tiie hand of SaiiL 11 And Saiil cast the spear; and he thought, I will strike David through e\'en on the wall. And David turned aside out of his presence twice. 12 And Saiil was afraid of David; Ix'cause the Lord was with him, and Irom Saiil he was departed. 13 Therefore Saiil removed him from him- self, and made him his captain over a tliou- sand : and he went out and came in belbre the people. 14 ^\ And David was successful on all his ways; and the Lord was with him. 15 And when Saiil saw that he was very successful, he was in dread of him. 16 But all Israel and Judah loved David; because he went out and came in before them. 1 7 ^[ And Saiil said to David, Behold here is my eldest daughter Meralj, her will I give to thee for wife : only be thou luito me a man of valour, and fight the Lord's battles. And Saiil thouglit. Let not my hand be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him. 18 And David said unto Saiil, Who am I? and wdiat is my life, (or) my lather's family before him now in a shepherd's dress. Abner, who was all the time with the army, might never have seen David till then. But after all, the chief inquiry was after David's father, whose house was to be made free in Israel. S37 1 SAMUEL XVlll. XIX. in Isi'ael, that I should Ije a son-in-law to the king ? 10 But it happened at the time when Merab, Saul's daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto 'Adriel the Mecholathite for wife. 20 And Michal Saiil's daugliter loved David : and they told it to Saiil, and the thing was right in his eyes. 21 And Saiil said, I will give her to him, that she may become unto him a snare, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saiil said to David, Through' the second shalt thou this day be- come my son-in-law. 22 And Saiil commanded his servants. Speak to David secretly, saying, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee; and now thou must become the king's son-in-law. 23 And the .servants of Saiil spoke in the ears of David these words. And David said. Doth it seem so light in your eyes to become the king's son-in-law. seeing that I am a poor man, and of light esteem'' 24 And the servants of Saiil told him, say- ing, Words such as these David hath spoken. 25 Tl And Saiil said. Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged on the king's enemies. But Saiil thought to cause David to fall by the hand of the Philistines. 26 And when liis servants told David these words, the tiling was pleasing in the eyes of David to become the king's son-in- law : and the days were not complete, 27 When David arose and went, he and his men, and smote of the Philistines two hun- dred men ; and David Ijrought their foreskins, and they counted them out in full to the king, that he might liecome the king's son-in- law. And Saiil gave him Michal his daughter for wife. 28 And Saiil saw and understood that the Lord was with David: and Michal, Saiil's daughter, loved him. 2!) And Saiil was yet the more afraid of I)a\id; and Saiil was David's enemy all the time. * After Pbilippson. Jonathan, aft<i- whom Rashi, "with oni! (if the tw(i." 3S8 30 ^ And the princes of the Philistines went forth : and it came to pass, whenever they went forth, that David Avas more suc- cessful than all the servants of Saiil; so that his name was highly prized. CHAPTER XIX. 1 And Saiil spoke to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that he would kill David. But Jonathan the son of Saiil de- lighted greatly in David. 2 And Jonathan told David, saying, Saiil ray father seeketh to kill thee ; now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself in the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyselfr 3 And I will go out and stand Ijy the side of iny father in the field where thou iirt, and I myself will speak of thee to my father; and I will see what it is, and I will tell thee. 4 ^[ And Jonathan spoke favourably of David unto Saiil his father, and said iint(j him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; since he liath not sinned against thee, and because his deeds are very good for thee ; 5 And he did put his life in his hand, and he slew the Philistine, and the Lord wrought a great salvation for all Israel; thou sawest it, and wast rejoiced : wherefore then wilt thou commit sin on innocent blood, by sla^'ing Da- vid without a cause? C And Saiil hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan : and Saiil swore. As the Lord liv- etli, he shall not be put to death. 7 And Jonathan called David, and Jona- than told him all these words. And Jona- than brought David to Saiil, and he was in his presence, as in times past. 8 ^ And the war occurred again : and Da- vid went out, and fought with the Philistines, and smote them with a great defeat, and they fled from before him. 9 And the evil spirit from the Lord came ujjon Saiil, and he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand : and Da\id Avas playing with his hand. 10 And Saiil sought to strike Diivid tliinugh with the spear even to the wall; hut he slip- ped away from before Saiil, who struck the spear into the wall : and David fled, and escaped that night. 11 T[ But Saiil sent messengers unto Da- 1 SAMUEL XIX. XX. vid's house, to watch liim. luid to shiy liim in the morning; and Michal his wife told it to David, saying, It" thou save not thy lite tiiis night, to-morrow thou wilt he put to death. 12 And Michal let David down through the window: and he went, and tied, and escaped. 13 And Michal took an image," and put it in the hed, and a pillow'' of goats' hair she put for its head to I'est on, and covered it with a cloth. 14 And when Saiil sent messengers to take David, she said. He is sick. 15 And Saiil sent the messengers to see David, saying, Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may put him to death. 16 And when the messengers were come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats' hair for its head to rest on. 17 And Saiil said unto Michal, Why hast thou thus deceived me, and sent away my enemy, that he is escaped? And Michal said to Saiil, He said unto me, Let me go away: why should I kill thee? IS So David tied, and escaped, and came unto Samuel to Kaniah, and he told him all that Saiil had done to him. And he and Sa- nuiel went and remained in Nayoth.'' 11) And it was told unto Saiil, saying, Be- hold, David is at Nayoth near Ramah. 20 And Saiil sent messengers to take Da- vid; and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying.'' and Samuel standing as superintendent over them: then came upon the messengers of Saiil the sjiirit of (iod, and they also prophesied. 21 And when it was told to Saiil, he sent other messengers, and these prophesied like- w isc. i\.nd Saiil sent again messengers the third time, and these also prophesied. 22 Then went he himself also to Ramah, and came as far as the great well that is in Sechu : and he asked and said. Where are Samuel and David? And some one said, Behold, they are at Nayoth near Ramah. 23 And he went thithei' to Na^'oth near ' SoiiK' suppose tliat it may have been a bust of David; as it would not be likely that there should have been in his house an image for worship. " Rashi, "the skin of a goat." ""School-house." — .Jon.\THAN. Probably the house where the scholars of the pro]>hi't-schi>(ils met. Ramah: and there came upon him al.'^o th(> Si)irit of God, and he went on, and prophesied as he went, until he came to Nayoth near Ramah. 2-4 And he also stripped oil' his clothes," and he also prophesied himself before Samuel, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Tlierefore people are in the liabit of saying. Is Saiil too among the prophets ? CHAPTER XX. 1 T[ And David fled from Nayoth near Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is my iniquity? and what is mj' sin before thy lather, that he seeketh my life? 2 And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not die: behold, my father is not wont to do a great thing or a small thing, wliicli he doth not inform'' me of; and why should ni}- father conceal this thing from me? it is not so. 3 But David swore again, and said. Thy father well knoweth that I have found grace in thy eyes; wherefore he said, Jonathan must not know this, lest he l)e grieved: never- theless, as truly as the L(»ki) liveth, and thy soul liveth, there was Init one step between me and death. 4 Then said Jcjuathan unto David, What- soever thy soul sayeth will I do for thee. 5 And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to-morrow is the new-moon, and 1 should as usual sit with the king to eat; but let me go, that I may hide myself in the lield until the third evening. G If thy father at all miss me, then do thou say, David asked earnestly leave of' me that he might run to Beth-lechem his city; lor there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the ianiily. 7 If he .should say thus. It is well: then shall thy servant ha\e peace; Ijut if it be at all displeasing to him, then know that the evil is determined on by him. 8 And do thou deal kindly with thy ser- vant; for into a covenant of the Lord hast thou ))rought thy servant with thee; l)ut if '' I'erhaps as above, x. 6, engaged in singing religious hymns, in which the messengers ioined instead of seiziuir i)ivid. " " ' This is supposed to mean, that he laid aside his ar- mour and royal robes, to be like the scholars jiroscnt. ' lAt. "and he will not reveal njy car." ;i3;i 1 SAMUEL XX. there be in me any iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldst thou In'ing me to thy father? 9 And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee;" for if I should know for certain that evil were determined on by my fatlier to come upon theo, would I not tell it thee ? 10 Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall tell it me? or what,* if thy father answer thee roughly? 11 And Jonathan said unto David, Come, ,and let us go out into the field. And they Avent out, both of them, into the field. 12 ^ And Jonathan said unto David, May the God of Israel (punish me) if, when I have sounded my father about this time to-morrow, or of the third day, and, behold, if he be good toward David, I do not then send unto thee, and inform thee of it. 13 May the Lord do so to Jonathan and continue so yet farther, that, if it please my fa- ther (to do) thee evil, I "\vill inform thee of it, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace; and may the Lord be with thee, as he hath been with my father. 14 And wilt thou not," should I be yet alive, show me the kindness of the Lord, that I may not die ? 15 But, surely, thou wilt not withdraw thy kindness from my house for ever, not even when the Lord cutteth off the enemies of Da^ vid, every one, from off the face of the earth. 16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, (saying,) May the Lord re- quire it at the hand of David's enemies. 17 And Jonathan caused David to swear again, by his love for him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul. 18 Tl Then Jonathan said to David, To- morrow is the new-moon: and thou wait be missed, because thy seat will be left empty. 19 And when thou hast stayed till the third day, then shalt thou go down greatly, and come to the place where thou didst hide * Raslii renders, " Far it be from thee to think thus, tluit, if I were to know that, &c., I should not tell it to thee." '' Sachs, and others, "or what hard reply thy father would make thee ?" ° After llashi, who takes nSi as a petition of Jonathan, that David might not forget their friendship in his pros- I»erity. Abarbanel refers it to the preceding, and takes it as an imprecation if David should prove false. Sachs, "Nor may it happen, that should I live, thou wouldst not show," &,c. 340 thyself on the work-day;'' and thou shalt re- main by the stone Ezel.'^ 20 And I will myself shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I were shooting at a mark. 21 And, behold, I will send the lad, say- ing, Go, find the arrows ; if I should now say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee : then take him'' and come ; for there is peace to thee, and it is nothing; as the Lord liveth. 22 But if thus I should say unto the young man. Behold, the arrows are beyond thee: then go thy way, for the Lord hath sent thee off. 2-3 And touching the matter of which we have spoken, thou and I, behold, the Lord is between me and thee for ever. 24 Tl So David hid himself in the fiehl: and when the new-moon was come, the king set himself down to the repast to eat. 25 And the king sat upon his seat, as at other times, upon the seat by the wall : and when Jonathan arose, Abner seated himself by the side of Saiil, and David's place was left empty. 26 Nevertheless Saiil spoke not the least on that day; for he thought. Something hath befiillen him, he is not clean ; because he hath not yet purified himself^ 27 ^ And it came to pass on the morrow, the second day of the new-moon, that David's place was left empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son. Wherefore is the son of Jesse not come, both yesterday and to-day, to the repast? 28 And Jonathan answered Saiil, David asked earnestly leave of me to go as far as Beth-lechem. 29 And he said. Let me go, I pray thee; for we have a family-sacrifice in the city, and my brother himself hath connnanded it to me; and now, if I have found favour in thy * After Jonathan. Philippson, "on the day of yonder event," xix. 2; or the place where David was hidden be- fore. ' Jonathan, "the guide-stone." ' Viz. the lad, after Eedak. After Easlii, we should render it, "Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them and come: (then come thou forth,) for there is," &c. Philippson, "this side of thee, fetch it; then come, for there is," &c. * Rashi. Philippson, "It is an accident, he is not clean; surely he is not cleau." 1 SAMUEL XX. XXI. eyes, let me get away, I pvay thee, that I may see my brothers: thereibre is he not come unto the king's table. 30 ^1 And the anger of Saiil was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him. Thou son of perverse relielliousness!" do I not know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thy own shame, and to the shame of thy mother's nakedness? • ol For all the days that the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou wilt not have any permanence with thy kingdom: there- lore no\v send and fetch him unto me, for he shall sui'ely die.'' 32 "I And Jonathan answered Saiil his firther, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be put to death? what hath he done? 33 And Saiil cast his spear at him to smite him: and Jonathan understood that it was determined on by his father to put David to death. 34 And Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no food on the second day of the new-moon ; for he was grieved for David; because his father had made him feel ashamed. 35 ^ And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field to the place appointed with David, and a little lad was with him. 3G And he said unto his lad, Run, do find out the arrows which I shoot: and the lad ran, and he shot the arrow so as to pass beyond him. 37 And when the lad was come to the l)lace of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan called after the lad, and said, Be- hold, tlie arrow is beyond thee! 38 And Jonathan called after the lad, Make haste, speed, stay not: and Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master. 39 But the lad knew not the least: only Jonathan and David knew the matter. 40 And Jonathan gave his weapons unto the lad who was with him, and said unto him. Go, carry them to the cit}'. " Sachs. Others, "Thou son of a perverse rebellious woman." ^ Heb. "he is a son of death." ° )'. e. He wept more than Jonatlian; but Sachs, "until David wept aloud." ■^ This is in the English version a part of the verse 42 (if the last chapter ; our ver.se 2 is there verse 1 , &c. 41 And as .soon as the lad was gone, Da- vid arose from the south side (of the stone), and fell on his face to the ground, and Ijowed himself three times: and they kissed one an- other, and wept one with another, until Da- vid exceeded." 42 And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace: wliat we have sworn, both of us, in the name of the Lokd, saying, The Lord shall be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever, (shall Ije kept). CHAPTER XXI. l*" ^ And he arose and departed; and Jona- than went into the city. 2 And David came to Nob to Achimelech the priest; and Achimelech hastened trem- bling to meet David, and said unto liim, Why art thou alone, and no man is with thee ? 3 And David said unto Achimelech the priest. The king conunanded me a business, and said unto me. Let not any num know the least of the business concerning which I send thee, and which I have commanded thee. And the young men have I appointed to such and such a jjlace. 4 And now what hast thou on hand?" put five loaves of bread into my hand, or what else can be found. 5 And the priest answered David, and said, I have no common bread on hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have only withheld tliemselves from women. 6 \ And David answered the priest and said to him. To a certainty women have been denied us yesterday and the day before, when I went forth, and the vessels of the yfiung men wex'e hoi}': and if this was the custom with unholy things, how much more will it remain this day holy in the vessels.*^ 7 So the priest gave him hallowed bread ; for there was no bread there except the show- bread, that was removed from before the Loud, so as to put down hot bread on the day when it was taken away. 8 Now a certain man of the servants of • Lit. " what is under thy hand ?" ' After Ralbag. Sachs, "When already, &c., and thi.s was the custom with the unholy," &c. The latter part of the verse is an assurance that the show-bread shmild not be rendered unclean by giving it to David and his men, a.<t their vessels were all untouched by uncleanness. (See Leviticus xi. xiv. xv. and elsewhere.) .341 1 SAMUEL XXI. XXTT. Saiil was there on tliat day, detained before tlie L(»iiD; ;in(l his name was Doeg, the Edomite, the cliief of the herdsmen that belonged to Saiil. 9 And David said unto Achimelech, Hast thou not also here at hand a spear or sword ? for both my sword as also my other weapons have I not brought with me, because the king's business was urgent. 10 ^ And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou didst slay in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped up in a cloth beliind the ephod : if Ihou wilt take that for thysell', take it; for there is no other save it here. 1[ And David said, There is none like that: give it to me. 11 T[ And David aro.se, and tied on that day from before Saiil, and came to Achish the king of Gath. 12 And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not of this man sing one to another in the dances, saying, Saiil liatli slain his thousands, and David liis ten thousands? lo And David took these words to his lieart, and was greatly afraid of Achish the king of Gath. 14 And he disguised his reason before their eyes, and played the madman in their hands, and scribbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle run down upon his beard. 15 T[ Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see, the man is mad: wherefore then will ye bring him to me? IG Have I lack of madmen, that ye have brought this man to play his pranks about me? shall this one come into my house? CHAPTER XXII. 1 Tl And David departed thence, and es- caped to the cave 'AduUam: and when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down to him thither. 2 And there gatheix'd themselves unto him every one that was in distress, and every one that had a creditor, and every one that had an emljittered spirit ; and he became a captain over them: and there were witli liim about four hundred men. o And David went thence to Mi'/,[)eh of Motib: and he said unto the king of Mo'ab, " Others, " niulcr a gnivf in llMIII Let my fatlier and my mother, I pray thee, g(j fortli with you, until I can know what God will do for me. 4 And he conducted them to the presence of the king of Moab : and they remained with him all the time that David was in the strong- hold. And the prophet Gad said unto Da^id, Thou must not remain in the strong-hold: depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Chereth. G ^1 And Saiil heard that David was disco- vered, and the men that were with him, (now Saiil was sitting in Gib'ah under the tamarisk on the hill," with his spear in his- hand, and all his .servants were standing about him ;) 7 Then said Saiil unto his servants that stood about him. Hear, I pray you, men of Benjamin! will the son of Jesse give, indeed, to ever}' one of you fields and vineyards? will he appoint you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds ? 8 That ye have conspired, all of you, against me, and there is none that inibrmeth me, while my son hath made a covenant with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is concerned for me, or informeth me that my son hath stirred up my servant to lie in wait against me, as it is this day ? 9 ]| Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who'' was set over the servants of Saiil, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Achimelech the son of Achitub. 10 And he asked counsel for him of the Lord, and he gave him provision, and gave him also the sword of Goliath the Philistine. 11 Then sent the king to call Achimelech, the son of Achitub, the priest, and all his father's house, tlm priests that were in Nob: and they came, all of them, to the king. 12 ^ And Saiil said. Hear now, thou son of Achitub. And he said, Here am I, my lord. 13 And Saiil said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou didst give him bread, and a sword, and hast asked counsel for him of God, that he should rise to lie in wait against me, as it is this day ? 14 ^f Then answered Achimelech the king, .JiiikiIIkiii; ndiers, "wIid was standing by," &c. 1 SAMUEL XXII. XXIIi. and said, And who is among all thy servants so trusted as David, and the king's son-in- law, and freely admitted to thy jDrivate council," and is honoured in thy house? 15 Did I this da}' then begin to ask coun- sel for him of God? far be it from me; let not the king impute any thing unto his ser- vant, (nor) to all the house of my father; for thy servant knew not of all tliis, either a little or great thing. 16 A)iil the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Achimelech, tliou, and all thy father's house. 17 And the king said unto the runners that stood about him. Turn round and slay the priests of the Lord; because tlieir hand also is with David, and because they knew that he was fleeing, ami did not disclose it to me. But the servants of the king would not stretch forth their hand to tall upon the priests of tlie Lokd. 18 And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou round, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned round, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day eighty and live persons that did wear a linen ephod. 19 And Nob, the city of the priests, he smote with the edge of the sword, Ijoth men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and lambs, witli the edge of the sword. 20 And there escaped one of the sons of Achimelech the son of Achitul), whose name was Kbyathar,'' and he tied after David. 21 And Ebyathar told David that Saiil had slain the priests of the Lord. 22 And David said unto Ebyathar, I knew on that day, because Doeg the Edomite was tliere, that he would surely tell Saiil: I have myself occasioned the deatli of all the persons ot" thy father's house. 23 Remain thou with me for he that will seek my life will seek thy life; Init thou shalt be well guarded with me. CHAPTER XXIIL 1 ^ Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Ke'ilah, and they are plundering the threshing-floors. * Rasbi and Redak, "obedient to tby will." Our ver- sion is after .Sachs and others, who take "inj-ntyo for "thy secret council." (See 2 Samuel xxiii. i'S.) fear nothing; 2 Thereupon David asked counsel of tht Lord, saying. Shall I go and smite among these Philistines? ^f And the Lord said unto David, Go and smite among the Philistines, and deliver Ke'ilah. 3 And David's men said unto him. Behold, here in Judah are we afraid : how much more then if we slioidd go to Ke'ilali against the battle-arrays of the Philistines ? 4 ^[ Then David asked yet again counsel of the Lord. And tlw Lord answered him and said, Arise, Go down to Ke'ilah; lor I (will) deliver the Philistines into thy hand. •5 So David and his jnen went to Ke'ilali; and he ii)Ught with the Philistines, and lead away their cattle, and smote among them a great slaughter. So David delivered the in- habitants of Ke'ilah. G ][ And it came to pass, Avhen Elnathar the son of Achimelech fled over to David, to Ke'ilah, that the ephod came down witii him." 7 And it was told to Saiil that David was come to Ke'ilah. And Saiil said, God hath delivered him into my hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars. 8 And Saiil called all the jjeople together to war, to go down to Ke'ilah, to besiege David and his men. 9 And Da\id understood that Saiil secretly devised mischief against him; and he said to Ebyathar the priest. Bring hither the epliod. 10 1] Then said David, Lord, God of Israel, thy servant hath heard for certain that Saiil seeketh to come to Ke'ilah, to destroy the city tor my sake. 11 Will the men of Ke'ilah surrender me into his hand? will Saiil come down as thy servant hath heard? Lord, God of Isi-ae'l, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. T[ And the Lord said. He will come down. 12 ^ Then said David, Will the men of Ke'ilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saiil ? And the Lord said. They will surrender. 13 T[ Then arose David and his men, about six hundred men, and departed out of Ke'ilah, and wandered about whithersoever they could Eng. version, "Abiathar.' Lit. "in his hand." 343 1 SAMUEL XXTII. XXIV. go. And when it was told to Saiil that David was escaped from Ke'ilah, he forbore to go Ibrth. 14 And David remained in the wilderness in strong-holds, and abode on the mountain in the wilderness of Zi])h. And Saiil sought him all the time, but God delivered him not into his hand. 15 And David saw that Saiil was gone forth to seek his life : and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in the forest.'' 16 ^ And Jonathan, the son of Saiil, arose, and went ■ to David into the forest, and strengthened his hand in God.*" 17 And he said unto him, Fear not; for the hand of Saiil my father will not find thee ; and thou wilt be king over Israel, and I will be next" unto thee ; and also Saiil my father knoweth this. 18 And they made, both of them, a cove- nant before the Lord: and David remained in the forest; Ijut Jonathan went to his house. 19 ^ Then came up the Ziphites unto Saiil to Gib'ah, saying, Behold, David is hiding himself with us in the strong-holds in tlie forest, on the hill of Chachilah, which is on the right of the desert. 20 And now in accordance with all the longing of thy soul, king, to come down, come down ; and our part shall be to surren- der him into the king's hand. 21 And Saiil said. Blessed be ye of the Lord; for ye liave pity on me. 22 Go, I pray you, make yet more prepara- tions, and remark and see his place where his foof may be, who hath seen him there ; for I am told that he dealeth with great subtilty. 23 See therefore, and remark eveiy one of all the lurking-places where he usually liideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I Avill go with you; and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah. 24 And they arose, and went to Ziph be- fore Saiil; but David and his men were in " After Jonathan. Others rentier it "Choreshah," as the name of a place. '' I. e. He .strengthened him in spirit by bidding liiin to rj^ly on G-od's promise. ° nwo "the second," or the one next in anthnrity to ilic king. 344 the wilderness of Ma'on, in the plain on the right of the desert. 25 And Saiil and his men went to make a search. And they told it to David : wherefore he came down to the rock, and abode in the wilderness of Ma'on. And when Saiil heard this, he pursued after David into the wilder- ness of Ma'on. 26 And Saiil went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain ; and David made haste to get away from before Saiil ; and Saiil and his men were compassing David and his men to seize them. 27 But a messenger came unto Saiil, say- ing, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded" the land. 28 Wherefore Saiil returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines : therefore they called that place Selorham- machlekoth.' CHAPTP]R XXIV. 1^ And David went up from there, and abode in strong-holds of 'En-gedi. 2 ^ And it came to pass, when Saiil was returned from pursuing the Philistines, that it was told to him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of 'En-gedi. 3 ^ Then took Saiil three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.'' 4 And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, and there w.as a cave; and Saiil went in to cover his feet: and David and his men were sitting in the lower end of the cave. 5 And the men of David said unto him, Behold, this is the day of which the Lord hath said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thy enemy into tliy hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good in thy eyes. And David arose, and cut off the corner of the rol)e whicli Saiil wore, unperceived. And it came to pass afterward, that Da- vid's heart smote him, because he had cut off the corner of Saiil's (robe) . '' Eng. version, freely, "where his haunt is." " Ileb. "spread themselves upon." ' ('. c. The rock of divisions. 8 In the English version this verse is v. 29 of chap, xxiii.; and in our version is v. 1 of xxiv. " Sachs, "chamois." tJESTRLTCTlON OF" THE WALL OK JERICHO, t SAMUEL XXIV. XXV. 7 And lie said unto Iiis men. Far be it from me for tlie Lord's sake, that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord's anoint- ed, to stretch forth my hand against him ; be- cause he is the anointed of the Lord. 8 So David restrained his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against SaiiL But Saiil rose up out of the cave, and went on his way. 9 ^ David also arose afterward, and went forth out of the cave, and called after Saiil, saving. My lord, the king! And Saiil then looked behind him, and David bowed his face to the earth, and prostrated himself. 10 And David said to Saiil, Wherefore wilt thou listen to men's words, saying. Behold, David seeketh thy injury? 11 Behold, tliis day thy eyes have seen how that the Lord had delivered thee to-day into my hand in the cave, and some one said that I should kill thee : but my soul felt compassion for thee: and I said, I will not stretch forth my hand against my lord; be- cause he is the anointed of the Lord. 12 And now, my father, see, yea, see the corner of thy robe in my hand; for in that I cut off the corner of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there IS neither evil nor transgression in my hand, and that I have not sinned against thee : yet thou liest in wait for my soul to take it. 13 May the Lord judge between me and thee, and may the Lord avenge me on thee ; but my hand shall not be against thee. 14 As saith the proverb of the ancients. From the wicked proceedeth wickedness ; but my hand shall not be against thee. 15 After whom is the king of Israel gone out? after whom* art thou pui'suing? after a dead dog,'' after a single flea. 16 May the Lord therefore be judge, and decide between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and obtain me justice out of thy hand. 1 7 ^[ And it came to pass, "When David had finished speaking these words unto Saiil, that Saiil said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saiil lifted up his voice, and wept. " Jonathan paraphrases, " after one weak man, after one common person." ' Lit. "told," i. e. by action. ° " On a good road," i. e. to let him get away unharmed to pursue his business freely. * Raslri, "his cattle and property." This Carmol here 2 T 18 And ho said to David, Thou art more righteous than I ; for thou hast dcme for me only what is good, whereas I have rewarded thee only with what is- evil. 19 And thou hast proved'' this day, that thou hast dealt well with me; forasmuch as when the Lord had surrendered me into thy hand, thou didst not kill me. 20 For if a man lind his enemy, will he let him go away on a good road?" so may the Lord reward thee with good for what thou hast done unto me this day. 21 And now, behold, I know that thou wilt surely become king, and that the king- dom of Israel Avill stand firmly in thy hand. 22 And now swear unto me by the Lord, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's house. 23 And David swore unto Saiil; and Saiil went to his liouse; but David and his men went up into the strong-hold. CHAPTER XXV. 1 ^ And Samuel died; and all the Israel- ites assembled themselves together, and la- mented for him, and Ijuried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran. 2 ^ And there was a man in Ma'on, whose business'' was in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats : and he was, while they were shearing his sheep, at Carmel. 3 Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigayil : and the woman was of good understanding, and of a beautiful form ; but the man was hard-hearted and evil in his deeds; and he was of the house of Caleb. 4 And David lieard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep. 5 And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men. Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and ask him in my name after his well-being. 6 And ye shall say," May it thus be through- out thy life ; and peace be to thee, and peace mentioned is a district in the south of Judah, not Mount Carmel at the north-west of Palestine. ' Rashi, "May it thus be for the next year; peace," &c. Philippson, "And ye shall say thus to him who liveth prosperously, Peace," &c. Herxheimer, "And ye shall say thus, To thy prosperity, and have peace," &c. 345 1 SAMUEL XXV. be to thy house, and unto all that thou hast be peace. 7 And now have I heard that thou hast Bheep-shearers : now thy shepherds have been with us, we liave not injured them, neither hath there aught been missing unto them, all the time they were at Carmel. 8 Ask thy young men, and they will tell it thee. Therefore let the young men find favour in thy eyes; for on a festive day are we come: give, I pray thee, whatsoever thy hand is capable of unto thy servants, and to thy son, to David. 9 And David's young men came, and they spoke to Nabal in accordance with all these words in the name of David ; and then they ceased. 10 And Nabal answered tlie servants of David, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? now-a-dajs there are many servants that break away every one from his master. 11 Shall I then take my bi'ead, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my sheep-shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they are? 12 And David's young men turned about on their way, and returned, and came and told him in accordance with all these words. 13 And David said unto his men, Gird ye on, every man, his sword. And they girded on, every man, his sword; and David also girded on his sword : and there went up after David about four hundred men, and two hundred abode by the baggage. 14 But one" of the young men told Abigayil, Nabal's wife, saying. Behold, David sent mes- sengers out of the wilderness to greet our master; but he hath spoken rudely to them. 15 Whereas the men have been very good unto us; and we have not been injured, neither have we missed any thing, all tiie time that we went about with them, while we were in the field : 10 A wall were they around us both by night and l)y day, all the time we were with them, feeding the flocks. 17 And now know and consider what thou canst do; for evil is determined on asrainst our master, and against all his household; ' Hcb. "one young man of," &c. '' Others give this phrase, "any male." 346 and he is too greatly a worthless man for me to speak to him. 18 And Abigayil made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five mear sures of parched corn, and a hundred clusters of niisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses. 19 And she said inito her young men. Pass on before me: behold, I come after you. But to her husband Nabal she told nothing. 20 And it was so, as she was riding on the ass, and coming down by the covert of the mount, that, behold, David and his men came down toward her; and she met them. 21 Now David had said, Yea, for naught only have I guarded all that lielongeth to this lellow in the wilderness, so that not the least was missed of all that pertained unto him; and he hath requited me evil instead of good. 22 So may God do unto the enemies of David, and do so yet forther, if I leave of all that pertaineth to him by the morning light, as much as a dog.*" 23 And when Abigayil saw David, she hastened, and alighted oft" the ass, and fell down before David on her tace, and bowed herself to the ground, 24 And she fell at his feet, and said. On me, me, my lord, is the fault : and let thy hand-maid, I pray thee, speak in thy hearing, and listen to the words of thy hand-maid. 25 Let not my lord, I pray thee, turn his heart unto this worthless man, unto Nabal; for as his name is, so is he: Naljal" is his name, and meanness is with him; but I thy hand-maid did not see the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send. 20 And now, my lord, as the Eternal liv- eth, and as thy soul liveth, it is the Lord who hath withholden thee from coming to blood- guiltiness, and from helping thyself with thy own hand; and now may like Nabal be thy enemies, and those that seek (to do) my lord evil. 27 And now this present which thy hand- maid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow in the train my lord. ° i. e. "Fool," "wicked," "mean," from nrhahih, "a scandalous, foolish, or mean act." 1 SAMUEL XXV. XXVI 28 Pardon, I pray thee, the trespass of thy hand-maid; for tlie Lord will certainly make for n)y lord an enduring liouse; because the battles of tlie Lord doth my lord fight, and evil will not be found in thee all thy da^ys." 29 And though a man is risen up to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul : yet will the soul of my lord be bound in the bond of life with the Lord thy God ; and the soul of thy enemies will he hurl away, as out of the middle of the sling. 30 x\nd it shall come to pass, when the Lord will do to my lord, in accordance with all the good that he hath spoken concerning thee, and will ordain thee as ruler over Israel, 31 That this shall not be unto thee as a cause of offence and as a reproach of heart unto my lord, both by having shed blood without cause, and by my lord having righted himself; and when the Lord will do good unto my lord, then do thou remember thy hand-maid. 32 1[ And David said to Abigayil, Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent thee this day to meet me; 33 And blessed be thy intelligence, and blessed Ije thou, who hast prevented me this day from coming unto blood-guiltiness, and from helping myself with my own hand. 34 But truly, as the Lord the God of Israel liveth, wdao hath withdrawn me from injuring thee, except thou hadst hastened and come to meet me, surely there would not have been left unto Nabal by the morning- light so much as a dog. 35 And David took out of her hand that wdiich she had brought him; and unto her he said. Go up in peace to thy house : see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have respected'' thy presence. 36 And Abigayil came to Nabal ; and, be- hold, he held a feast in liis house, like the feast of a king; and NabaFs heart was merry within him, and he was exceedingly drunken; wdierefore she told him not a word, either little or great, until the morning-light. 37 But it happened in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, that his wafe * Sachs, " And raisfoi-tunu will imt assail thee all thy days." llashi, "Therefore should wrong uot bo found on thee." The meaning of the last clause is, probably, that told him these things; and Ids heart died within him, and he became as a stone. 38 And it came to pass in about ten days thereafter, that the Lord struck Nabal, and he died. 39 And when Da^•id heard that Nabal was dead, he said. Blessed be the Lord, who hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand erf Nabal, and hath withheld his servant from evil; and the wickedness of Nabal iiath the Lord returned upon his own head. And David sent and applied for Abigayil, to take her to himself for wife. 40 And the servants of David came to Abigayil to Carmel, and they spoke unto her, saying, David hath sent us unto thee, to take thee to himself for wife. 41 Thereupon she arose, and bowed herself with her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thy hand-maid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord. 42 And Abigayil hastened, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with her five damsels that went in her train; and she went after the messengers of David, and she became his wife. 43 David also took Achino'am of Yizre'el; and both of them became thus his wives. 44 ^1 But Saiil had given Michal his daughter, David's wife, to Palti, the son of Layish, who was of Gallim. CHAPTER XXVI. 1 And the Ziphites came unto Saiil to Gil/ah, saying, Behold, David hideth himself on the hill of Chachilah, before the desert. 2 Then arose Saiil, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, and with him were three thousand men chosen out of Israel, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph. 3 And Saiil encamped on the hill of Cha- chilah, which is before the desert by the way; but David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saiil was coming after him into the wilderness. 4 David thereupon sent out spies, and understood that Saiil was come for a certainty. 5 And David arose, and came to the place where Saiil was encamped; and David beheld the place where Saul lay, with Abner the son she begs David not to sully his reputation by doing wrong to the innocent. '' i. e. Received in favour the prayer of the petitioner. 347- 1 SAMUEL XXVI. of Ner, the captain of his army: and Saiil was lying in the midst of the ring,'' and the people were encamped round about him. 6 Then commenced David and said to Achi- melech the Hittite, and to Abisliai the son of Zeruyah, the brother of Joiib, saying, Who will go down with me to Saiil to the camp ? And Abishai said, I will i-eadily go down with thee. 7 So David and Abi.shai came to the peo- ple by night : and, behold, Saul lay sleeping witliin the ring, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head; but Abuer and the j^eo- ple were lying round about him. 8 T[ Then said Abishai to David, God hath surrendered this day thy enemy into thy hand: and now let me strike him through, I pray thee, with the spear, even to the earth with one blow, and 1 will not give him a second one. 9 But David said to Abishai, Destroy him not; ior who hath stretched forth his hand against tlie Lord's anointed, and remained guiltless? 10 David said farthermore, As the Lord liveth, the Lord alone shall strike him down : either his day shall come that he die; or he shall go down into battle, and perish. 11 Far be this from me for the sake of the Lord, that I should stretch forth my hand against the Lord's anointed ; but now, I pray thee, take thou the spear that is by his head, and the cruise of water, and let us go our ■\vay. 12 So David took the spear and the cruise of water by the head of Saiil, and they went their way; and no one saw it, and no one perceived it, and no one awaked; for they were all sleeping; because a deep sleep from the Lord was fallen upon them. 13 Then went David over to the other side, and stood on the top of the mount afar off, the space between them being great. 14 And David called to the people, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying. Wilt thou not answer, Abner? And Abner answered and said. Who art thou that callest to the king ? 15 T[ And David said to Abner, Art thou not a man ? and who is like to thee in Israel ? " /. e. Formed by the people and their baggage. ' David regarded bis banishment from Palestine, the vicinity of the ark of God, as though lie had been bid- 348 why then hast thou not kept guard over thy lord the king? for there came one of the people to destroy the king thy lord. IG This thing which thou hast done is not good. As the Lord liveth, ye deserve to die; because ye have not kept guard over your master, over the Lord's anointed. And now see, Avhere is the king's spear, and the cruise of water that was by his liead ? 17 And Saiil recognised David's A'oice, and he said. Is this thy voice, my son David? And David said, It is my voice, my lord, king. 18 And he said. Why is this that my lord doth pursue after his servant? for what have I done ? or what evil is in my hand ? 19 And now, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant! If the Lord have stirred tliee up against me, then may he accept the savour of an offering; but if they be the children of men, then be they cursed before the Lord; because they have driven me out this day so that I cannot attach my- self on the inheritance of the Lord, saying. Go, serve other gods.*" 20 Now, therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth far from the presence of the Lord; for the king of Israel is come out to seek a single flea, as one doth usually pursue a par- tridge on the mountains. 21 Then said Saiil, I have sinned ; return, my son David; for I will not do thee harm any more, for the cause that my life was precious in thy .eyes this day : behold, I have acted foolishly, and have erred exceedingly much. 22 And David answered and said, Behold, here is the king's spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it. 23 And may the Lord recompense to every man his righteousness and his laithfulness ; since the Lord delivered thee into my hand to-day, and I would not stretch forth my hand against the anointed of the Lord. 24 And Ijeliold, as thy lite was highly valued this day in my eyes, so may my lite be highly valued in the eyes of the Lord, and may he deliver me out of all tribula- tion. den to worship idols. Experience also proves, that reli- gion is neglected the moment men are separated from early associations. 1 SAMUEL XXVI. XXVII. XXVIII. 25 T[ Then said Saiil to David, Blos.sed be thou my son David : thou wilt both do great thiiii^.s, and wilt also surely prevail. And David went then on his way, and Saiil re- turned to his place. CHAPTER XXVII. 1 ^ And David said in his heart. Now I may yet perish suddenly one day by the hand of Saiil ; there is nothing better for me than tliat I should escape at once into the land of the Philistines, when Saiil will abstain frona nie, to seek me any moi'e in all the territory of Israel : and so shall I escape out of his hand. 2 And David arose, and he passed over himself witli the six hundred men that were with him unto Acliish, the son of Ma'och, the king of Gath. 3 And David remained with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his houseliold, also David with his two wives, Achino'am the Yizre'elitess, and Abigayil, Na- bal's wife, the Carmelitess. 4 And when it was told unto Saiil that David was fled to Gath, he continued no more to seek for him. 5 Tl And David said unto Achish, If now I have found grace in thy eyes, let them give me a place in some one of the country-towns, that I may dwell there; for why should thy servant dwell in the royal city with thee? 6 Then gave Achish unto him on that day Ziklag : therefore hath Ziklag pertained unto the kings of Judah until this day. 7 Tl And the number ' of the days that Daviil dwelt in the fields of the Philistines was a full year and four" months. 8 And David and his men went up, and invaded the Geshurites, and the Gizrites, and the 'Amalekites; for these nations were of old the inhabitants of the land, till thou comest to Shur, and as far as the land of Egypt. 9 And David smote the land, and left not alive either man or woman, and took away the flocks, and the oxen, and the asses, and the camels, and the apparel, and returned, and came to Achish. 10 And Achish said, Whither have ye made an inroad to-day? And David said, * Rashi renders, "a few days above four months." '' Lit. "for the army," i. e. gathering the varinus divi- eions into an army to eoninience active war. Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Yerachmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites. 11 And David lett not alive either man or woman, to bring (them) to Gath, saying. That they may not tell on us, saying. So hath David done, and so is his custom all the days he hath dwelt in the fields of the Philistines. 12 And Achish had confidence in David, saying. He hath surely spoiled his odour among his people, among Israel; and he will become unto me a servant for ever. CHAPTER XXVIII. 1 Tf And it came to pass in tho.se days, that the Philistines gathered their camps to- gether for warfare,'' to fight with Israel ; and Achish said unto David, Thou must know that thou shalt go out with me into the camp, thou and thy men. 2 And David said to Achish, By rea.son of this wilt thou thyself ascertain what thy ser- vant will do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee the guard of my head for all times. 3 ^ Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and Ijuried him in Ramah, even in his own city: and Saiil had remov- ed those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land. 4 And the Philistines assembled themselves together, and came and encamped at Shunem : and Saiil assembled together all Israel, and they encamped at Gilboii'. 5 And when Saiil saw the camp of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trem- bled greatly. 6 And Saiil asked counsel of the Lord; but the Lord answered him not, either by means of dreams, or by means of the Urim, or by means of the prophets. 7 Then said Saiil unto his servants, Seeli out for me a woman that hath a familiar spirit,"" that I may go to her and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Reliolil, there is a woman that hath a familiar sjiiiit at 'En-dor. 8 And Saiil disguised himself, and put on other garments, and he went, he and two men with him, and they came to the wonnni by ° Philippson, "a woman liaving the power to adjure the dead." 31X is rendered )iy him, Saehs, and others "adjurers of the dead." 349 1 SAMUEL XXVIll. XXIX. night: and he said, Divine, I pray thee, unto me by the fixftiiliar spirit, and bring up for nie the one whom I shall say unto thee. 9 And the woman said unto him. Behold, thou well knowest that which Saiil hath done, that he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land; wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die ? 10 And Saiil swore to her by the Lord, saying, As the Lord liveth, there shall no guilt attach to thee for this thing. 11 Then said the wonuxn, Whom shall I bring up for thee? And he said, Samuel thou must bring up for me. 12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice : and the woman said to Saiil thus, Why hast thou deceived me? since thou art Saiil. 13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid; however, what hast thou seen? And the woman said unto Saiil, A divine being'' have I seen ascending out of the earth. 14 And he said unto her. What is his form? And she said. An old man is coming up; and he is wrapt in a mantle. And so Saiil perceived that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground, and pros- trated himself 15 ][ And Samuel said to Saiil, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saiil answered, I am greatly distressed, and the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and hath not answered me any more, either by the agency of the prophets, or by means of dreams; wherefore I have called thee, to make known unto me what I shall do. 16 Then said Samuel, And why wilt thou ask me, seeing the Lord is departed from thee, and is become thy enemy?'' 17 And the Lord hath done for himself as !ie hath spoken through my agency; and the Lord hath rent the government out of thy liand, and hath given it to thy associate, to David ; 18 As thou didst not obey the voice of the Lord, and didst not execute his fierce wrath ;ipon 'Amalek; therefore hath the Lord done this thing unto thee this day. " Hcb. D'S;' '.Txi d'hSn "i/ods have I seeu ascending," n'liioh i.s till! jihii-al of majesty. (See Geu. i. 20.) 360 19 And the Lord will deliver also Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines; and to-morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: also the camp of Israel will the Lord deliver into the hand of the Philis- tines. 20 Then fell Saiil hastily with his full length to the earth, and was greatly afraid, because of the words of Samuel: there was also no strength in him; for he had not eaten any food all that day, and all that night. 21 And the woman came unto Saiil, and saw that he was greatly terrified ; and she said unto him, Behold, thy hand-maid hath obeyed thy voice ; and I put my life in my hand, and hearkened unto thy words which thou spokest unto me. 22 And now, hearken thou also, I pray thee, unto the voice of thy hand-maid, and let me set before thee a morsel of bread, and eat ; that thou mayest have strength when thou goest on the way. 23 But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants urged him much, as also the woman; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed. 24 And the woman had a fatted calf in the house; and she hastened, and slaughtered it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread thereof: 25 And she brought it near before Saiil, and before his servants; and they ;tte. Then they rose up, and went away tliat night. CHAPTER XXIX. 1 ^ Now tlie Philistines assembled to- gether all their camps at Aphek: and the Israelites encamjjed by the sj^ring which is by Yizre'el. 2 And the lords of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands; but Da- vid and his men passed on at the last with Achish. 3 Then said the princes of the Philistines, What are these Hebrews to do? And Achish said unto the princes of the Philistines, Be- hold, this is David, the servant of Saiil the king of Israel, who hath been with me already '' Jonathan, "and now assLstcth thy enemy," i. David. i 1 SAMUEL XXIX. XXX. a year,"' or even years, and I have not found the least in him (to bhxnie) from the day of his joining (me) until this day? 4 ^ And the princes of the Philistines Mere angry with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Cause this man to go back, that he may return to his place whither thou hast assigned him ; but he shall not go down with us to the battle, that he may not become an adversary to us in the battle; for wherewith conld this person reconcile him- self unto his master? is it not by means of the heads of these men ? 5 Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in the dances, saying, Saiil hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands ? 6 ][ Then did Achisli call David, and say unto him, As the Lord liveth, (I declare) that thou art upright, and that thy going out and thy coming in with me in the camp is good in my eyes ; for I have not found in thee any evil from the day of thy coming unto me until this day; nevertheless in the eyes of the lords thou art not good. 7 And now return, and go in peace, that thou ma^est not do any evil in the eyes of the lords of the Philistines. 8 And David said unto Acliish, But Avhat have I done ? and what hast thou found in thy servant from the day that I have been before thee, until this day, that I shall not go to fight against the enemies of my lord the king ? 9 And Achish answered and said to David, I know that thou art good in my eyes, as an angel of God ; nevertheless, the princes of the Philistines have said. He shall not go up with us to the Ijattle. 10 And now rise up early in the morning with the servants of thy master that are come with thee : and rise then np early in the morning, and when ye have light, go away. 11 And David and his men rose up early to go away in the morning, to return unto the land of the Philistines; but the Philistines went up to Yizre'el. ' After S;ichs. Achish at the moment socmed iint to recollect the exact length of David's residence with him. Redak, " I have proved him in one j-ear as though he had been many with me." '' Lit. "spread out against," &c. CHAPTER XXX. 1 ][ And it came to pass when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, that the 'Amalekites had invaded'' the south, and Ziklag. and smitten" Zikliig. and Iturnt it with tire; 2 And had taken captive the Avomen that were therein, Ijoth great and small : the3- had not slain an^' one, but had led them off, and gone on their way. 3 When therefore David and his men came to the city, behold, it was burnt with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, had been taken captive. 4 And David and the people that -were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep. 5 And the two wives of David were also taken captive, Achino'am the Yizre'elitess, and Abigayil the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. 6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, Ijecause the soul of all the people was indjittered, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David fortified himself in the Lord his God. 7 Tl And David said to Ebyathar the priest, the son of Achimelech, Bring hither, I pray thee, unto me the epliod. And Ebyathar brought the ephod near unto David. 8 And David asked counsel of the Lord, saying. Shall' I pursue aftei- this troop ? shall I overtake them ? And he said to him, Pur- sue ; for thou wilt surely overtake them, and certainly recover (all). 9 So David went, he and the six hundred men that were with him, and came up to the brook Bessor, where those that were left be- hind stayed. 10 But David pursued on, he and four hundred men; and there stayed behind two hundred men, who were too fatigued to go over the brook Bessor. 11 And they found an Egyptian man in the field, and took him to David, and gave him bread, and he did eat; and they made him drink water; 12 And they gave him a piece of a cake " " Smiting" does not mean here " killing," but de- stroying; since it says in the next verse that they killed no one. ^ Sachs, " If I pursue after this tr'H'p, shall T overtake them ?" 351 1 SAMUEL XXX. XXXI. of figs, aud two clusters of raisins, and he ate, and then liis spirit returned'' to him ; for he had not eaten any bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights. 13 Tf And David said unto him. To whom Ijelongest thou ? and whence art thou ? And he said, I am a young Egyptian man, the servant to an ' Amalekite ; and my master left me behind, because I fell sick, to-day three days ago. 14 We made an invasion upon the south of the Kerethites,'' and upon that which be- longeth to Judali, and upon the south of Caleb; and Ziklag did we burn with fire. 15 And David said to him, Wilt thou bring me down to this troop ? And he said, Swear unto me by God, that thou wilt not kill me, and that thou wilt not surrender me into the hand of my master, and then will I bring thee down to this troop. IG Aud he brought him down; and behold they were scattered over the face of all the country, eating and drinking, and dancing for joy, because of all the great spoil which they had taken out of tlie land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah. 17 And David smote them from the twi- light even unto the evening of the next day : and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, who rode upon camels, and fled. 18 And David recovei'ed all that the 'Amalekites had taken away; aud his two wives also did David rescue. 19 And there was nothing missing to them, from small to great, as also sons and daugh- ters, and spoil, down to every thing that they had taken from them: the whole did David bring back. 20 And David took all the flocks and the herds:" these they drove before those other cattle, and said. This is David's spoil. 21 And David came to the two hundred men, Avho had been too fatigued to fol- low after David, and whom they had left to remain at the brook Bessor: and they Aveut * i. e. He revived from a comparative state of insensi- bility. '' /. c. The Philistines, so called because they probably came as a colony f|;om Krete, now Candia. ° Joseph Kimchi explains the vorse as moaning that David took, as natural, the other cattle found with the 'Amalekites, besides his own, and thi.s, as " the spoil of 352 forth to meet David, and to meet the people that were with him ; and David came near to the peojDle, and asked them after their well-ljeing. 22 *i\ Then exclaimed every wicked and worthless man, of those that had gone Avith David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them aught of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, and these the}' may lead away, and go. 23 Then said David, Ye must not do so, my brethren; since'' the Lord hath given us this, and guarded us, and delivered the troop that came against us into our hand. 24 And who will heai'keu unto you in this matter? but as is the part of him that went down to the battle, so shall be the part of him that remained with the baggage : together must they share. 25 T[ And it happened from that day and forward, that he made it a statute aud an ordinance for Israel until this day. 26 ][ And when David came to Ziklag, he sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah, to his friends, saying. Behold, here is a present" for you from the spoil of the enemies of the LOKU : 27 To those who were in Beth-el, and to those who were in south Ramoth, and to those who were in Yattir, 28 Aud to those who were in 'Aro'er, aud to those who were in Siphmoth, and to those who were in Eshtemoa', 29 Aud to those who were in Rachal, and to those -who were in the cities of the Yerach- meelites, aud to those who were in the cities of the Kenites, 30 Aud to those who wei'e in Chormah, aud to those who were in Kor-'ashan, and to those who were in 'Athach, 31 Aud to those who were in Hebron. ;iud to all the places wliere David himself aud his men had wandered about. CHAPTER XXXI. 1 T[ Now the Philistines fought against David," was put in advance of the recovered property. Rashi renders un: "men led the way before the captured cattle, and said," &c. " After the Massorah. Others, " with that which the Lord hath given us, when ho preserved," &c. ° Heb. "blessing;" so called from the oft'ects it has on the receiver, and being a token of good-will of the giver. I 2 SAMUEL I. Israel ; and the men of Israel fled from before the riiilistines, and there fell down (many) slain on mount Gilboii'. 2 And the Philistines overtook Saiil and his sons; and the Philistines smote Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malkishua', the sons of Saul. 3 And the battle was heavy against Saiil, and he was found by the archers, the men Avith bows; and he was greatly in dread of the archers. 4 And Saiil said unto his armour-bearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and wantonly ill-use me. But his armour-bearer would not; for he was greatly afraid ; wherefore Saiil took tlie sword, and fell upon it. 5 And when his armour-bearer saw that Saiil was dead, then fell he likewise upon his sword, and died with him. G Thus died Saiil, and his three sons, and his armour-bearer, also all his men, on that same day together. 7 And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and those that were on the other side of the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel had tied, and that Saiil and his sons had died : they forsook the cities, and fled away; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them. 8 Tf And it came to pass on the morrow, that the Philistines came to strip the slain ; and they found iSaiil and his three sons fallen on mount Gilboa'. 9 And they cut off his head, and stri[)[)ed off his armour, and sent it into the land of the Philistines round about, to ])ublish it in the house of their idols, and among the jjeo- ple. 10 And they put his armour in the house of 'Ashtaroth; and his body they fastened to the wall of Beth-shan. 11 And when the inhaliitants of Yaliesh- gifad heard concerning him that which the Philistines had done to Saiil : 12 Then arose all the valiant men, and walked all the night, and took the body of Saiil and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Yabesh, and burnt them" there. 13 And they took their bones, and buried them under the tamarisk-tree at Yabesh, and they fasted seven days. THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL, CONTAINING THE HISTORY OF DAVID'S REIGN OVER ISRAEL. CHAPTER I. 1 ^ Now it came to pass after the death of Saiil, when David was returned from smit- ing the 'Amalekites, that David abode in Ziklag two days. 2 And it came to pass on the third day, that, Ijehold, a man came out of the camp from Saiil with his clothes rent, and earth * After .Jonathan, we should translate, "they burnt for them (their armour and spears) as they formerly did for a upon his head : and it happened, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and prostrated him.self 8 And David said unto him. From wliere comest thou? And he said imto him. Out of the camp of Israel am I esca]ied. 4 And David said unto him, What took place there? I pray thee, tell me. And he said, That the people are fled from the king;" this would recuueile tlie next verse. Or perhaps the flesh was burnt, and the bones kept for burial. 353 2 SAMUEL I. battle, and that also many of the people are fallen and have died; and that also Saiil and Jonathan his son are dead. 5 And David said unto the young man that told hiin, How knowest thou that Saiil is dead as also Jonathan his son ? G And the young man that told him said, I happened entirely by chance to be upon mount fiilboil', when, behold, there was Saiil leaning upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen had overtaken him. 7 And he turned round, and he saw me, and called unto me. And I said, Here am I. 8 And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, An 'Amalekite am T. 9 And he said unto me, Place thyself, I pray thee, by me, and slay me; for a mortal tremour" liath seized on me, although my life is yet whole in me. 10 So I placed myself by him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after his foil;'' and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and I have brought them unto my lord hither. 11 David thereupon took hold of his clothes, and rent them ; and (so did) likewise all the men that were with him : 12 And they lamented, and wept, and fasted until the evening, for Saiil, and for Jonatlian his son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword. 13 ^f And David said unto the young man that told him. Whence art thou ? And he said. The son of a stranger, an 'Amalekite, am I. 14 And David said unto him. How wast thou not afraid to stretcli forth thy hand to destroy the Lord's anointed? ' After Jonathan. Philippson, "agony of death." Sachs, "craniji." Others, "convulsion." Still all these shades have at lengtli the same meauiug, and express " the shrinking of the muscles of the body from fear or imminent danger." " Whether the 'Amalekite here alludes to the falling of Saiil on his sword, by which he did not die at once, or whether he refers to his fall from authority, canuot be ascer- tained; so also whether his story was a pure invention, or the truth. At least, he robbed the body of the royal insignia. " llaslii says that since the mighty archers had fallen, it would be necessary that Judah should practise this weapon, which the Philistines wielded so formidably. (Jthers transhite, " the song of the bow," /. <;. this lament- ation in which the archer Jonathan is celebrated, and 364 15 And David called one of thp young men, and said. Come near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died. 16 And David said unto him, Thy blood is. upon thy own head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I myself have slain the Lord's anointed. 17 ^ And David lamented with this lament- ation over Saiil and over Jonathan his son : 18 And he said, That the children of Ju- dali sliould be taught the bow f behold it is written in the book of Yashar. 19 O beauty of Israel! upon the high places slain : hoAV are the mighty fallen ! 20 Tell it not in Gath, puljlish it not in the streets of Ashkelon; that the daughters of the Philistines may not be glad, that the daughters of the uucircumcised may not re- joice. 21 mountains of Gilboii', no dew, nor rain be upon you, nor fields of oflei'ings; for there the shield of the mighty was stained,'' the shield of Saiil, as though it° had not Ijeen anointed with oil. 22 From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned never back, and the sword of Saiil never returned empty. 23 Saiil and Jonathan, the beloved and the dear in their lives, were even in their death not divided: more than eagles were they swift, more than lions were they strong. 24 daughters of Israel, weep for Said, who clothed you in scarlet, with beautiful' dres,ses, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel. 25 How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle ! Jonathan, on th}- high places slain. that it was preserved in the book of Yasher, mentioned also in Joshua x. 13. '' Rendered as in Lam. iv. 14, and means, " The shield is stained with the blood of those who bore it." '■ After Kalbag, referring the ITtyo "to shield," "as though it had not been anointed before the battle to ward off the shafts hurled against it." Others, "as though he (Saiil) had not been," &c. Others think that the ancients oiled their shields when they were laid by ; but that when in use it needed not this precaution to guard tlieni against rust; and they translate, "the shield of Saiil, wiiich did not need the anointing." ' D'Jl> after Redak, who comments that whatever gives delight is called np, hence properly applied to fe- male dress. Philippson, " to cause pleasure," /'. c the dress of scarlet spoken of. 2 SAMUEL II. 26 I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan; very dear hast thou been unto me : wonderful Avas thy love for me, passing the love of women. 27 How are the mighty fallen, and lost the instruments of war ! CHAPTER II. 1 *|[ And it came to pass after this, that DaA'id asked counsel of the Lord, saying. Shall I go up into one of the cities of Jiidah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said. Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron. 2 So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Achino'am the Yizre'elitess, and Abiga_vil Nabal's wife the Carmelite. 3 And his men that were witli him did David bring up, every man with his house- hold; and the_y dwelt in the cities of Hebron. 4 And then came the men of Judah, and they anointed there David as king over the house of Judah. And they told David, say- ing. The men of Yabesh-gil'ad were those that buried Saiil. 5 ][ And David thereupon sent messengers unto the men of Yabesh-gil'ad, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the Lord, that ye have done this kindness unto your lord, unto Saiil, and have buried him. 6 And now may the Lord deal with you in kindness and truth: and as for me also, I will requite you this good deed, because ye have done this thing. 7 And now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant men; for your lord Saiil is dead; and also me have the house of Judah anointed as king over them. 8 ^ But Abner, the son of Ner, the captain of the army of Saiil, took Ish-boshcth the son of Saiil, and brought him over to Machanayim ; 9 And made him king over Gil'ad, and over the Ashurites," and over Yizre'el, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel. 10 Tl Forty years old was Ish-bosheth the son of Saiil, when he became jjing over Is- rael, and two yeai's ho reigned. But the house of Judah tijUowed David. 11 And the number of days that David * Jonathan, " Asher." was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months. 12 ^ And there went out Al)ner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saiil, IVoin Machanayim to Gib'on. 13 And Joiib the son of Zeruyah and the servants of David .also went out, and they met together Ijy the pool of Gib'on: and tluy sat down, these on the one side of the pool, and the others on the other side of the pool. 14 And Abner said to Joiib, Do let the young men rise up and play before us. And Joiib said, They may rise up. 15 Then tlie}" rose up and went over by numlxT: twelve for Benjamin, and lor Ish- bosheth the son of Saiil, and twelve of the servants of David. 10 And they grasped every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his tid- low's side; and they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Chelkath- hazzurim,'' which is Ijy Gib'on. 17 And the battle was exceedingly fierce on that d;iy; and Abner with the men of Israel was beaten, before the servants of David. 18 And there were at that place three st)ns of Zeruyah, Joiib, and Abishai, and 'Asahel : and 'Asahel was as Heet of foot as any roe in the field. 19 And 'Asahel pursued after Abner; and he turned not in going to the right hand or to the left from following Abner. 20 And Abner turned round and said, Art thou 'Asahel? And he answered, 1 am. 21 And Abner said to him. Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay hold for thyself on one of the young men, and take thyself his armour. But 'Asahel would not turn aside from following him. 22 And Abner repeated again to say unto 'Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: Avherefore should I smite thee to the ground? and how should I then lift up my face to Joiib thy brotlier? 23 But he refused to turn aside; and Abner smote him with the hinder end of the spear under the fifth rib. so that the spear came out I jehind him ; and he lell down there, and died on the spot : and it came to pass, that all who ^ i. c. "The field of strong men," ur "of sharp swords." 355 2 SAMUEL II. III. cixme to the place where 'Asahel had fallen down and died remained standing still. 24 But Joab and Abiishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giach on the way to the wilderness of Gib'on. 25 And the children of Benjamin assem- bled themselves together Ix'hind Abner, and formed one solid body, and posted themselves on the top of a certain hill. 26 And Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall for everlasting the sword devour? knowest thou not that it will be bitter in tlie end? and how long shall it be, ere thou wilt bid the people to return from pursuing their brethren ? 27 And Joilb said, As God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely then already in the morning would the people have gone away every one from pursuing his brother. 28 So Joab blew the cornet, and all the people i"emained standing still, and pursued no more after Israel, and they continued no more to fight. 29 And Abner and his men walked through the plain all that night, and they passed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to Machanayim. 30 And Joiib returned from pursuing Ab- ner; and he gathered all the people together; and there were missed of David's servants nineteen men and 'Asahel. 31 But the servants of David had smitten (many) of Benjamin, and of Abnei''s men: three hundred and sixty men died. 32 And they took up 'Asahel, and buried him in the sepulchre of his fother, which was in Beth-lechem. And Joilb and his men went all that night, and the day broke on them at Hebron. CHAPTER III. 1 And the war last<'d a, long time between the house of Saul and the house of David; but David became continually stronger and stronger, and the house of Saiil became con- tinually weaker and weaker. 2 ][ And there were liorn unto David sons in Hebron : and liis first-born was Amnon, of Achino'am the Yizre'elitess; Eashi. Oilioi> 35fi " lield fast on the liouso of Saiil." 3 And his second was Kilab, of Abigayil the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Abshalom, the son of Ma'achah the daughter of Talmai the king of Geshur; 4 And the fourth, Adoni3'ah, the son of Chaggith; and the fifth, Shephatyah, the son of Abital ; 5 And the sixth, Yithre'am, by 'Eglah, David's wife. These were born to Da\i(l in Hebron. 6 T[ And it came to pass, while the war lasted Ijetween the house of Saiil and the house of David, that Abner upheld" with all his strength the house of Saiil. 7 And Saiil had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Ayah : and Ish- bosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in mito my flither's concubine? 8 And Abner became very wroth because of the words of Ish-bosheth, and said. Am I the chief of the dogs'' which belong to Judah ? unto this day have I shown kindness unto the house of Saiil thy father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David; and yet thou chargest me to-day with a wrong committed with this woman? 9 May God do so to Abner, and continue to do yet more to him, that, as the Lokd hath sworn to David, even so will I surely do to him ; 10 To transfer the kingdom from the house of Saiil, and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beer-sheba'. 11 And he could not answer Abner a word more in reply, because of his fear of him. 12 11 And Abner sent messengers' to Da- vid on his behalf, saying. Whose is the land? saying (also,) Make thy covenant with me, aiid, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring round unto thee all Israel. 13 And he said, Well: I will indeed make a covenant with thee; but one thing I require of thee, namely, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saiifs daughter, when thou comest to see my face. 14 II Au(4 David sent messengers to Ish- bosheth, the son of Saiil, saying, Give u[) to me my wife Michal, whom I espoused to ni'i for a iiuudred foreskins of the Philistine.-. " H;ishi, ":\iii I tlic (.-liicf I'f tlie dog-kccpoi-.s, "&C. 2 SAMUEL lit. 15 And Ish-bosheth sent, and took her from the man, from Paltiel tlie son of Layish. IG And her husband went with her going along and weeping behind her as far as Ba- ehurim: wlien Abner said unto liim, Go, re- turn. And he returned. 17 ^ And Abner had used these words witli the elders of Israel, saying, Already yes- terday and even before ^^e have been desiring David as king o\er you : 18 And now do it; for the Lord hath said of David thus, By the hand of my servant David will 1 save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies. 1!) And Abner also spoke in the ears of Benjauiiu; and Abner went also to speak in tlie ears of David in Hebron all that seei]ied good in the eyes of Israel, and in the eyes of the whole house of Benjamin. 20 And Abner came to David to IIel>ron. and with him were twenty men; and David made for Abner and for the men that were with him a feast. 21 And Abner said unto David, I will now arise and go, and I will assemble unto my lord the king all Israel, that they may make a covenant with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thy soul longeth for. And David dismissed Abner: and he went in peace. 22 And, behold, the servants of David and Joilb came from a predatory excursion, and brought in much booty with them; but Abner was no more with David in Hebron ; for he had dismissed him, and he was gone in peace. 2.3 When Joalj and all the army that was with him were come, they told Joiib, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath dismissed him, and he is gone in peace. 21 Then came Joab to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee : why is it that thou hast dismissed him, that he went fi-eely away? 25 Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that to deceive thee did he come, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou art doing. 2G And Joilb went out from David, and he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him back from the well of Sirah ; but David knew it not. I 27 And when .Miner was rctinned to He- bron, Joiib took him aside in the gate to speak with him in private; and he smote him there under the fifth rib, and he died, for the blood of 'Asahel his brother. 28 And wdien David heard it afterward, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless be- fore the Lord for ever of the blood of Aljner the son of Ner : 29 May it rest on the head of Jo;d:>, and on all his fither's house; and may there not fail from the house of Joiib one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a crutch, or that falleth by the sword, or that lacketh bread. oO But Joiib and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had killed their brother 'Asahel at Gib'on in the battle. 31 And David said to Joiib, and to all the people that were with him. Bend your clothes, and gird 3'ourselves with sackcloth, and (go) mourning before Abner. And kinij David walked behind the bier. 32 And they buried Abner in Hebron : and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner ; and all the people wept. 33 ^ And the king lamented over Abner, and said, O, that Abner had to die, as the worthless dieth ! 31 Thy hands were not bound, and thy feet were not put into fetters : as one falleth before men of wickedness art thou fiillen. And all the people w'cpt again over him. 35 And all the people came to cause David to eat food while it was 3'et day; but David swore, saying. So do God to me, and thus may he continue, if before the sun be down I taste bread, or the least else. 36 And all the people took notice of it, and it was pleasing in their eyes : as wdiatso- ever the king did was pleasing in the eyes of all the people. 37 And all the people and all Israel under- stood on that day that it had not l)een of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner. 38 T[ And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that a prince and a great man hath fallen this day in Israel? 39 And I am this day yet weak, and just anointed king; and these men, the sons of Zeruyah, are too strong for me : may the Lord pay the doer of evil according to his wicked- ness. 357 2 SAMUEL IV. V. CHAPTER IV. 1 ][ And when Saiil's son heard that Ab- ner had died in Hebron, liis hands became enfeebled, and all the Israelites were troubled. 2 And Saul's son had two men who were captains of bands ; the name of the one was Ba'anah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin; (for Beeroth also was reckoned to Benjamin: 3 And the Beerothites had fled to Gittayim, and remained sojourners there until this day.) 4 ^ And Jonathan, Saiil's son, had a son that was lame on both feet. He was five years old when the tidini^s came of Saiil and Jonathan from Yizre'el, and his nurse took him up and fled : and it came to pass, in her haste to flee, that he fell, and was rendered lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. 5 And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Ba'anah, went, and came at tlie heat of the day to the house of Ish-bosheth, who was just lying in bed as usual at noon." 6 And they came thither into the interior of the house, as buyers of wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Ba'anah his brother escaped. 7 Namely, they came into the house, while he was lying on his bed in his sleeping-cham- ber, and they smote him, and slew him, and cut ofl' his head, and took his head, and went by the Avay of the plain all the niglit. 8 And they brought the head of Ish-bosheth unto David to Hebron, and they said to the king. Behold, here is the head of Ish-bosheth the son of Saiil thy enemy, who sought tliy life: and the Lord hath granted to my lord the king vengeance this day on Saiil, and on his seed. 9 But David answered Rechab and Ba- 'anah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them. As the Loud liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity, 10 When one told me, saying. Behold, Saiil is dead, and he was in his own eyes as * It is customary, in all hot countries, to travel or work very early and very late, anil to rest at noon, at which time the heat most prevails. '' The meaning probably is that the fort was so strong, that even the bliud and lame could keep an enemy nut. 868 though lie brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who (thought) that I should give him a reward for his tid- ings : 11 How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous man in his own house upon his bed? and now, behold, I will require his blood of your hand, and I will remove you away from the earth. 12 And David gave the command to the young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up by the pool in Hebron. But the head of Ish-bosheth they took, and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron. CHAPTER V. 1 Tf Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spoke, saying. Be- hold us, thy lione and thy flesh are we; 2 Already yesterday, and even before, when Saiil was king over us, thou wast the one that led out and brought in Israel : ^ And the Lord said to thee, Thou shall indeed feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a chief over Israel. 3 Tlius came all the elders of Israel to the king unto Hebron ; and king David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the Lord : and they anointed David as king over Israel. 4 ]| Thirty years was David old when he became king, (and) forty years he reigned. 5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months : and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah. 6 And the king and his men went to Jeru- salem against the Jebusites, the inh;d)itants of the land; who said unto David, as Ibllow- eth. Thou shalt not come in hither, except thou (flrst) remove away the blind'' and the lame : meaning, David cannot come in hither. 7 Nevertheless David captured the strong- hold of Zion : the same is the city of David. 8 And David said on that day. Whosoever will smite the Jebusites, and reach the aque- duct" and* the lame and the blind, that are ° Some render iijs " the gutter pipe," through which the rain-water is led off from th(! roof. Others view it as a subterranean passage. Jonathan, " and will succeed to conquer the fort." '' Here should be supplied "smite," or "remove." 2 SAMUEL V. VT. hateful to David's soul," — Wherefore people'' nsHallj say. The blind and the lame shall not come into the house. 9 And David dwelt in the fort, and he called it -The City of David." And Davi.l built (it) round about from the JNIillo and in- ward. 10 And Da\i(l went on, and became greater atid greater, and the Lord the God of hosts was with him. 11 ^1 And Hiram the king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedai'-trees, and carpenters, and stone-masons; and they built a house for David. 12 And David felt conscious that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel. 13 ^ And David took yet more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he Avas come from Hebron; and there were born to David yet (more) sons and daughters. 14 And these are the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem : Shammua', and Sholjab, and Nathan, and Solomon," 15 And Yibchar, and Elishua', and Ne- pheg, and Yaphia', 16 And Elishama', and Elyada', and Eli- phelet. 17 ]| But when the Philistines heard that the people had anointed David as king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David : and David heard of it, and went down to the strong-hold. 18 The Philistines also came and spread themselves out in the valley of Eepha'im. 19 And David asked counsel of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into my hand? "If And the Lord said unto David, Go up; for I will certainly deliver the Philistines into thy hand. 20 And David came to Ba'al-perazim, and David smote them thei'e, and said, The Lord hath broken down my enemies before me, as a breach (is made by) water. Wherefore he " The ellipsis is supplied in 1 Chron. xi. 6, ''Whoever smitetb the Jebusites at the first shall he head and chief " *■ ('. e. People have the proverb, The blind and lame are poor defenders. ° Correctly, Shdonioh. ^ After Jonathan. (See 1 Chron xiv. 12.) But, lit. "carried them away." ' Or, Kiryath-ye'arim. called the name of tbat place Ba'al-pera- zim. 21 And they left behind there their idols, and David and his men burnt'' them. 22 ^1 And the Philistines came up once again, and spread themselves out in the valley of Rephaim. 23 And when David asked counsel of the Lord, lie said, Thou shalt not go up; Init turn al)out and fall in the rear of them, and come upon them opposite to the mnlljerry- trees. 24 And it shall be, when thou hearest the soinid of walking on the tup of the mulberry- trees, that tli(ju shalt then bestir thyself; for then will the Lord go out before thee, to smite in the camp of the Philistines. 25 And David did so, as tiie Lord had commanded him ; and he smote the Philis- tines from Gel)a' until thou contest to Gezer. CHAPTER VI. 1 ^ A)id David assembled again all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 And David arose, and went with all the people who were with him from Ba'ale-yehu- dah,' to bring up from there the ark of God, the name of which was callecF by the name of the Lord of hosts, thatdwelleth over the che- rubim. 3 And they conveyed the ark of God in a new wagon, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was on the hill; and "Uzzah and Acliyo, the sons of Abinadab, guided tiie new wagon. 4 When they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was on the hill, (they were) near the ark of God ; but Achyo went before the ark. 5 And David and all the house of Israel played' before the Lord on all manner of in- struments made of fir-woocl, and on harps, and on psalteries, and on tambourines, and with bells, and with cyanbals. And when they came to the threshing- floor of Nachon, 'Uzzah put forth (his hand) ' Philippson, " on which was proclaimed the N.'VME, the name of the Eternal of hosts who dwelleth between the cherubim." Some Rabbins, " throiigli which the name, the name of the Lord of hosts was made known." * Aruheim renders, "Danced before the Lord, witii all manner of cypress-branches, (in their hands,) and played," &c. 359 2 SAMUEL VI. VII. to the ark of (UA, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook" it. 7 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against 'Uzzah; and God smote him there for tjie error; and he died there by the ark of God. 8 And it was grievous to David, because the Lord had suddenly'' taken away 'Uzzah ; and he called that place Perez-'uzzah [Breach of 'Uzzah] until this day. 9 And David Avas afraid of the Lord on that day, and said. How shall the ark of the Lord come to me? 10 So David would not allow to have the ark of the Lord removed unto him into the city of David; but David had it carried round into the house of 'Obed-edom the Gittite. 11 And tlie ark of the Lord remained in the house of 'Obed-edom the Gittite thi'ee months: and the Lord blessed 'Obed-edom, and all his household. 12 And it was told to king David, say- ing, The Lord hath blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God: and David then went and brought i;p the ark of God from the house of 'Obed-edom into the city of David with joy. 13 And it happened, that when the bearers of the ark of the Lord had progressed six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling. 14 And David danced with all his might before the Lord; and David was girded with a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the cornet. IG And it happened, as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saiil looked through the window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart. 17 And they brought in the ark of the Lord, and set it in its place, in the midst of '"The oxen had brolcpn loose." — Joel Briel and others. I'hilippson, " had jumped sideward." ' Lit. "made a breaeh on 'Uzzah." ° After Ilashi. Others render, " I will yet farther play before him, should I be yet more despised than now, (for toward him I also am reckoned as nothing,) yea, even with the maid-servants of whom thou hast spoken, would I ho honoured thereby;" which would say, that the king ;iCO the tent that David had pitched for it: and David offered burn t-oflfo rings before the Lord and peace-offerings. 18 And when David had made an end of offering the burnt-ofierings and the peace- offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts. 19 And he dealt out to all the people, to the whole multitude of Israel, to both men and women, to every person one cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine: and all the people departed every one to his house. 20 And David then returned to ])less his household. ^ But Michal the daughter of Saiil came out to meet David, and she said. How honoured was to-day the king of Israel, who uncovered himself to-day before the eyes of the handmaids of his servitnts, as only one of the low fellows can uncover himself! 21 And David said unto Michal, Before the Lord, who chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to ordain me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel: — yea, before the Lord will I yet farther play. 22 And should I be yet more vile" than thus, and should I be base in my own eyes: yet among the maid-servants of whom thou hast spoken, yea, among them would I still be honoured. 23 And Michal the daughter of Saiil had no child until the day of her death. CHAPTER VII. 1 ^ And it came to pass, when the king dwelt in his house, and the Lord had given him rest round about from all his enemies; 2 That the king said unto Nathan the jjro- phet. See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, v^hile the ark of God dwelleth within cur- tains.'' 3 And Nathan said to the king, All that is in thy heart go and do ; for the Lord is with tliee. of Israel, in humbling himself before God, would not lose the respect of the humblest of his people. Arnheim ren- ders, " and I would yet be more vile than thus, and would be base in my own eyes, if of the maid-servants of whom thou hast spoken, I should seek fur honour;" and consi- ders it as a satirical expression, that David would indeed be vile were he to seek for praise from the lowest classes. ■^ i. f. A simple tent. 2 SAMUEL VII. 4 ^[ And it came to ])ass during that night, ^f That the word of the Lord came unto Nathan, saving, Go and say unto my servant, unto David, Thus hath said the Lord. Wilt thou indeed build uie a house for my dwelling? 6 For I have not dwelt in a house since the day that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even until this day; but have been moving about in a tent and in a tabernacle. 7 In all the places wliere I moved about among all the children of Israel, did I speak a word to any one" of the tribes of Israel, whom I ordained to feed my people Israel, saying, Why have ye not built for me a house of cedar ? 8 Now therefore, thus shalt thou say unto my servant, to David, Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, I took thee from tlie sheep- cote, from behind the Hocks, to be a ruler over my people, over Israel ; 9 And I have been with thee whithersoever thou didst go, and I have cut off all thy ene- mies from thy presence, and I have made thee a great name, like the name of the great who are on the earth ; 10 And I have procured a place for my people, for Isi-ael, and I have planted them, that they may dwell in a place of tlieir own, and be no more troubled; and that the children of wickedness shall not afflict them any more as aforetimes, 11 And (as it was) since the day that I ordained judges to be over my people Israel; and'' I have caused thee to rest from all thy enemies; and the Lord telleth thee that he, the Lord, will make thee a house. 12 When thy days will be completed, and thou wilt sleej) with thy fathers : then will I set up thy seed after thee, who shall proceed out of thy body, and I will establish his kingdom. ' /. c. The one ehosen from the tribes to govern, " the judge." ' Philippson ends the first period with the last verse; and translates, " And since the time that I ordained judges over my people Israel, have I granted to thee (alone) rest," etc. ° After Jonathan and Rashi. Philippson, "As this is the rule of man," *'. e. as one man acts to another, not as a mortal has a right to expect of God. In our version min is regarded as synonymous with Dija'D "manner," "right," "claim," "desert." 2 V 13 He it is that shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14 I too will be to him as a f\ither, and he shall indeed be to me as a son : so that when he committeth iniquity, I will chastise him with the rod of men, and with the plagues of the children of man ; 15 But my kindness shall not depart from him, as I caused it to depart from Saiil, whom I removed from before thee. 16 And thy house and thy kingdom shall be steadfast for ever before thee : thy throne shall be established for ever. 17 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David. 18 T[ Then Avent king David in, and sat down before the Lord, and he said. Who am 1, Loi\l Eternal? and what is my house, that thou liast brought me as far as hitherward? 19 And this was yet too small a thing in thy eyes, Lord Eternal; and thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a dis- tant time. And is this the desert" of man, Lord Eternal? 20 And what can David add yet more to speak unto thee? since thou, Lord Eternal, knowest well thy servant? 21 For the sake of thy word, and in ac- cordance with thy own heart, hast thou done all this great thing, so as to let tliy servant know it. 22 Therefore art thou great, Eternal God; for there is none like thee, and there is no god beside thee, in accordance with all that we have heard with our ears. 23 And who is like thy people, like Israel, the only nation on the earth, which God** went to redeem for himself as a people, and to acquire for himself a name, and to do for you" this great deed, and fearful things for thy' land (to drive out),from^ before thy peojjle ^ Jonathan, and after him Rashi, refer DTlSx, trans- lating it, "Divine messengers," to Moses and Aaron, to which then the plural, uSn "they went," is correctly joined; in our version it is the plural of majesty. " "You," here, is an address to Israel. ' "Thy land" reverts again to God, who is the one mainly addressed by David. ^ Philippson, "because of thy people, which thou hast redeemed for thyself from Egypt (from) nations and their gods." Sachs, "(against) heathens and their gods." Our version is after Rashi, supplying "to drive out." 361 2 SAMUEL VII. Vm. which thou hast redeemed for thyself from Egypt, nations and their gods. 24 For thou hast established for thyself thy people Israel as a people unto thee for ever; and thou, Lord, art indeed Ijecome their God. 25 And now, Eternal God, let the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, stand firm for ever, and do as thou hast sjjoken. 2G And let thy name be magnified unto everlasting, that men may say, The Lord of hosts is tlie God over Israel: and may the house of thy servant David be established be- fore thee. 27 For thou, Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, hast revealed to the ear of thy servant, saying, A house will I build up for thee; therefore hath thy servant found the" heart to pray unto thee this prayer. 28 And now, Lord Eternal, thou art the (true) God, and thy words must become the truth, and thou hast spoken unto thy servant this goodness : 29 And now let it ^^lease thee and bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee; for thou, Lord Eter- nal, hast spoken it; and from thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever. CHAPTER VIII. 1 ^ And it came to pass after this, that David smote the Philistines, and humbled them : and David took Metheg-haammah'' out of the hand of the Philistines. 2 And he" smote Moiib, and measured them with a line, laying them down on the ground; and he measured with two lines to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And the Moabites became David's servants, bringing presents. 3 David smote also Hadad'ezer, the son of Rechob, the king of Zobah, a^ he went to ex- tend his territoi'y" at the river Euphrates. 4 And David captui-ed from him a thousand and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand men on foot : and David hamstringed * Lit. "fdund his heart," ('. e. the courage. ' In 1 Chron. xviii. 1, Gath is inentioned. Rashi thinks Gath was called "Metheg," or "a goad," because it was the chief town. ° After Jonathan. Horxheimcr, " to restore his power." 3C2 all the chariot-teams, but reserved of them a hundred chariot-teams. 5 And the Syrians of Damascus then came to aid Hadad'ezer the king of Zobah, when David slew of the Syrians twenty and two thousand men. 6 And David put garrisons'* in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, bearing presents. And the Lord helped David whithersoever he went. 7 And David took the shields'" of gold that belonged to the servants of Hadad'ezer, and brought them to Jerusalem. 8 And from Betacli, and from Berothai, cities of Hadad'ezer, did king David take ex- ceedingly much copper. 9 ^ And when To'i the king of Chamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadad'ezer, 10 Then did To'i send Yoram his son unto king David, to ask him after his well-being, and to bless him, because that he had fought against Hadad'ezer, and smitten him; for Hadad'ezer had been engaged in wars with To'i; and he had in his hand vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of cojijper : 11 These also did king David sanctify unto the Lord, with the silver and gold that he had sanctified from all the nations which he subdued; 12 From Syria, and from Moab, and from the children of 'Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from 'Amalek, and from the spoil of Ha- dad'ezei', the son of Rechob, the king of Zobah. 13 And David acquired a name when he returned from his smiting the Syrians in the valley of salt, eighteen thousand men. 14 And he put garrisons in Edom ; through- out all Edom put he garrisons, and all the Edomites became servants to David. And the Lord helped David whithersoever he went. 15 And David reigned over all Israel; and David did what is just and right unto all his people. 16 And Joab the son of Zeruyah was over the army ; and Jehoshaphat the son of Achi- lud was recorder; 17 And Zadok the son of Achitub, and Sachs, "to turn hack his arm," or "power;" which last is both strictly according to the words, and gives a good sense, and means that David went to drive back Hadad'ezer. " Or, "tax collectors." — Rashi. = "Quivers of gold." — Rashi. I 2 SAMUEL VIII. IX. X. AcliiiiK'lecli the son of Ebyathar, wore priests; and Serayah was scribe; 18 And Benayahu the son of Yehoyada' was over both the Kerethites and tlie Pelethites; and David's sons were officers of state. CHAPTER TX. 1 ^ And David said, Is tliere yet any one that is left of the house of Saiil, that I may show him kindness for the sake of Jonathan ? 2 And the house of Saiil had a servant whose name was Ziba; and they called him unto David; and the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant^ (is it). 3 And the king said, Is there no one left any more of the house of Saiil, that I may show him the kindness of God? And Ziba said unto the king, There is yet a sou of Jonathan, lame on both feet. 4 And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king. Behold, he is in the house of Machir. the sou of 'Am- miel, in Lo-debar. 5 And king David sent, and had him taken out of the house of Machir, the son of 'Ammiel, from Lo-debar. 6 And Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saiil, came unto David, and he fell on his face, and bowed himself. And David said, Mephibosheth ! And he answered. Here is thy servant! 7 And David said unto him. Fear not; for I will surely show thee kindness for the sake of Jonathan thy fatlier, and I will restore unto thee all the land of Saiil thy lather; and thou shalt eat bread at my table con- tinually. 8 And he bowed himself, and said. What is thv servant, that thou shouldst turn thv regard unto such a dead dog as I am? 9 Then called the king for Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him. All that hath pertained to Saiil and to all his liouse have I given unto tliy master's son. 10 And thou shalt till for him the land, thou, and thy sons, ami thy servants, and thou shalt bring in (the j)roduct), that thy master's son may have bread which he can eat; but ' i. e. "Yes." The repetition of the chief word in the question in the answer is equal to the affirmative abverb, "yes." " These wonls are not in the Hebrew; but they are Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat con- tinually bread at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. 11 And Ziba said unto the king. In accord- ance with all that my lord the king may com- mand his servant, so will thy servant do. And Mephibosheth (said the king)'' shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons. 12 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Me- phibosheth. l.S And Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem; for he ate continually at the king's table; and he was lame on both his feet. CHAPTER X. 1 T[ And it came to pass after this, that the king of the children of 'Ammon died, and Chanun his son reigned in his stead. 2 Then said David, I will show kindness unto Chanun the son of Nachash, as his father showed me kindness. And David sent to com- fort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David's servants came unto the land of the children of 'Amnion. 3 And the princes of the children of 'Ammon said unto Chanun their lord, Doth David honour thy father in thy eyes, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath David not sent his servants unto thee, in order to search the city, and to spy it out, and to over- throw it? 4 Chanun thereupon took David's servants, and shaved off the one-half of their beard, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away. 5 When they told it unto David, he sent (persons) to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed; and the king said. Tarry at Jericho until your beard be grown, and then return. 6 And when the children of 'Ammon saw that they were become in l)ad odour Avith David, the children of 'Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Beth-rechob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand men on foot, and the king Ma'achah with a thousand men, and of the people of Tob twelve thousand men. added according to Rashi and others. But Ziba may also have ofTered a free table to his master, as he wag evidently a very rich man ; wherefore the addition is not necessary. 363 2 SAMUEL X. XI. 7 And when David heard of it, he sent Jo'dh, and all the arm)', (and) the mighty men. 8 And the children of 'Ammon came out, and put themselves in battle-array at the en- trance of the gate : and the Syrians of Zol)a, and of Eechob, and the people of Toh and Ma'achah, were by themselves in the field. 9 When now Joab saw that the frontof the battle was against him before and behind, he selected from all the chosen men of Israel, and arrayed himself against the Syrians : 10 And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Aljishai his brother, who arrayed himself against the children of 'Am- nion. 11 And he said, If the Svrians be too strong for me, then shalt thou bring me help ; but if the children of 'Amnion be too strong for thee, then will I go to help thee. 12 Be strong, and let us strengthen our- selves in behalf of our people, and in behalf of the cities of our God : and may the Lord do that which seemeth good in his eyes. 13 And Joab drew nigh, and the people that were with him, unto the battle against the Syrians: and they fled from before him. 14 And when the children of 'Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, then did they also fly before Abishai, and entered into the city. Joiib then returned from the children of 'Am- nion, and came to Jerusalem. 15 And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel, they gathered them.selves altogether. 16 And Hadar'ezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river, and they came to Chelani ; and Shobach the cap- tain of the army of Hadar'ezer went before them. 17 And when it was told to David, lie gathered all Israel together, and passed over the Jordan, and came to Chelam. And the Syrians set themselves in battle-array against David, and fought with him. 18 And the Syrians fled from before Israel; and David slew of the Syrians (the men) of seven hundred chariots, and forty thousand horsemen ; and Shobach also the captain of their army he smote, and he died there. 19 And when all the kings, the vassals to Hadar'ezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and 364 served them: and the Syrians feared to help the children of 'Amnion any more. CHAPTER XI. 1 ^ And it came to pass, at the return of the same season of the year, at the time when kings go forth, that David sent Joiib, and liis servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of 'Amnion, and Ije- sieged Rabbah. But David remained behind at Jerusalem. 2 And it happened at evening-tide, that David arose from oft' his couch, and walked upon the roof of the king's house : and he saw from the roof a woman bathing herself; and the woman was of a very beautiful appear- ance. 3 And David sent and inquired after the woman ; and some one said. Behold, this is Bath-sheba', the daughter of Eli'am, the wife of Uriyalr' the Hittite. 4 And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her, and she had just purified herself from her uncleanness : and she returned unto her house. 5 And the woman conceived ; and she sent and told David, and said, I am with child. 6 And David sent to Joiib, Send unto me Uriyah the Hittite. And Joiib sent Uriyah to David. 7 And when Uriyah was come unto him, David asked after the well-being of Joiib, and after the well-being of the people, and how the war prospered. 8 And David said to Uriyah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriyah went forth out of tbe king's house, and there followed him a mess of food from the king. 9 But Uriyah laid himself down at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house. 10 And they told David, saying, Uriyah is not gone down unto his house: and David said unto Uriyah, Art thou not come from a journey? why then art thou not gone down unto thy own house? 11 Then said Uriyah unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah abide in booths; and my lord Joiib and the servants of my lord are encamped in the open field : and slioidd I ^ Commonly written Uriah. 2 SAMUEL XI. XII. "After Jonathan and Sachs; "iiniy^ lit. "watching," i, e. by putting the troops in such a position that no one can go in and out without being noticed. ■■ i. c. Gid'on, or Ycrubba'al. " Besheth" is a word of disgrace, signifying "shame," instead of the usual name of the idol "Ba'al," or "Lord." alone go unto my hou.se, to eat and to drink, II and to lie with my wife ? as thou livest, and ij as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing. 12 And David said to Uriyah, Tarry here also this day, and to-morrow will I send thee off. So Uriyah remained in Jeru.salem on that day and the following. ' l-\ And David invited him, and he ate and drank before him, and he made him drunken ; ;ind he went out in the evening to lie down on his resting-place with the servants of his lord; but to his house he did not go down. 14 And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriyah. 15 And he wrote in the letter, saying. Set Urij'ah in front, opposite to the hottest fight, and tben withdraw from behind him, that he may be smitten and die. 16 And it came to pass, when Joiib was enclosing" the city, that he placed Uriyah toAvard the spot of which he knew that valiant men were thex'e. 17 And the men of the city went out and fought with Joiib; and there fell some of the people, of the servants of David, and there died also Uriyah the Ilittite. 18 Then did Joab send, and told unto David all the events of the war. 19 And he charged the messenger, saying. When thou hast finished telling all the events of the war to the king, 20 And it happen that the king's wrath arise, and he say unto thee, Wherefore did you approach unto the city to fight? knew ye not. tliat they would shoot down from oS the wall ? 21 Who smote Abimelech the son of Ye- rubbesheth T* did not a woman throw down upon him a piece of an upper mill-stone from off the wall, so that he died at Thebez? why did ye approach unto the wall'' then must thou say. Also thy servant Uriyah the Ilittite is dead. 22 And the mes,senger went, and came and told unto David all for which Joiib had sent him. 23 And the messenger said unto David, Because'' the men overpowered us, and came out against ns into the field; but we set upon them, as far as the entrance of the gate. 24 And the archer.s tben shot at thv ser- vants from off the wall ; and there died .some of the servants of the king, and also thy servant Uriyah the Ilittite is dead. 20 Then said Da\id to the messenger. Thus shalt thou say to Joiib, Let this thing not be displeasing in thy eyes; for at times this, at other times the other will the sword devour; continue firmly in thy war against the city, and overthrow it; and thus do thou encourage him.'' 26 And when the wife of LTriyah heard that Urijah her husband had died, she mourn- ed for her lord. 27 And when the (time of) mourning was past, David sent and took her to his house, and she became his wife; and she bore him a son. But the thing which David had done was dis- pleasing in tlie eyes of the Lord. CHAPTER XIL 1 ^ x\nd the Lord sent Nathan unto David, and he came unto him and said to him. Two men were once in one city, the one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had flocks and herds, in great abundance. 3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe, wliich he had Ijought; and he nourished it, and it grew up with him and with his children together; of his bread it used to eat, and out of his cup it u.sed to drink, and in his bosom it used to lie, and it was to him as a daughter. 4 And there came a traveller unto the rich man ; and he felt compunction to take from his own flocks and from his own herds to dress for the ^vayfarer that was come to him; but he took the ewe of the poor man, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. 5 And the anger of David was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to " This would appear to be the conclusion of the report, and is intended to account for the loss of so many lives ; first that the 'Ammonites forced their way out, but were then repulsed by the Israelites, Vfho, in their eagerness to distinguish themselves, did not heed the archers till too late. " This is said to the messenger in encourage Joiib. 305 2 SAMUEL XII. NatLau, As the Lord liveth, surely the man that hath done this deserveth to die; 6 And the ewe he shall pay fourfold, for punishment that he hath done this thing, and because he had no compassion. 7 ][ Then said Nathan to David, Thou art the man ! Thus hath said the Lord, the God of Israel, It is I who anointed thee as king- over Israel, and it is I who delivered thee out of the hand of Salil; 8 And I gave unto thee the house of thy mas- ter, and (put) the wives of thy master into thy bo- som, and gave unto thee the house of Israel and Judah : and if this be too little, I could bestow on thee yet many more like these things. 9 Wherefore hast thou despised the word of the Lord to do what is evil in his eyes? Uriyah the Ilittite hast thou smitten with the sword, and his wife hast thou taken unto thee for wife ; but him hast thou slain with the sword of the children of 'Ammon. 10 And now, the sword shall not depart from thy house for ever; for the reason that thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriyah the Hittite to be thy wife. 11 •[[ Thus hath said the Lord, Behold I will raise up against thee evil out of thy own house, and I will take away thy wives before thy eyes, and I will give them unto thy neighbour; and he shall lie with thy wives before the face of this sun. 12 For thou hast done it in secret; but I will surely do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. 13 ^ Then said David unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. ^ And Nathan said to David, Also the Lord hath caused thy sin to pass away : thou shalt not die. 14 Nevertheless, because thou hast given great cause to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme through this thing, the child also that hath been l^orn unto thee shall surely die. 15 And Nathan went to his house; and the Lord struck the child that Uriyah's wife had born unto David, that it became very sick. 16 And David besought God in behalf of the lad ; and David kept a fast, and came home, and lay over night upon the earth. * Correctly, Shelomoh, from " shalum," peace, per- haps referring to the forgiveness of his sin. '■ Eng. version, Jedidiah; it signifies, "beloved of the Lord." 366 1 7 And the elders of his house arose about him, to raise him up from the earth; but he would not, and he did not partake of any bread with them. 18 And it came to pass on the seventh day that the child died; and the servants of David were afraid to tell him, that the child was dead; for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we sjDoke to him, and he would not hearken to our voice: how then shall we say to him. The child is dead! he might do (himself) a hurt. 19 But when David saw that his servants were whispering to each other, David under- stood that the child was dead; wherefore David said unto his servants. Is the child dead ? and they said. He is dead. 20 David then rose up from the earth, and washed and anointed himself, and changed his garments, and Avent into the house of the Lord and prostrated himself; and then he came to his own house, and asked that they should set food before him. and he ate. 21 And his servants then said unto him, What is this thing which thou hast done? On account of the child when living thou didst last and weep ; but as soon as the child was dead thou didst arise and eat bread ! 22 And he said. While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept; because I said. Who knoweth, but that the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live ? 23 But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast then ? can I restore him again ? I am going to him ; but he will not return to me. 21 And David comforted Bath-sheba' his wife, and he went in unto her, and lay with her; and she bore a son, and called his name Solomon;" and the Lord loved him. 25 And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet, and called his name, Yedideyah'' in behalf of the Lord. 26 ^ And Joab fought against Eabbah of the children of 'Ammon, and captured the royal city. 27 And Joiib sent messengers to David ; and said, I have fought against Rahbah, and have also captured the water-town.*" 28 And now gather the rest of the people ° i. e. That portion of the city situated near the water, the river Zorlca; in the preceding verse the royal city is mentioned ; perhaps the palace of the king may likewise have been in the part situated near the river. 2 SAMUEL XII. XIII. together, and encamp against the city, and I capture it: lest I capture the city myself, and it be called by my name." 29 And David gathered all the people to- gether and went to Rabbah, and fought against it, and captured it. 30 And he took the crown of Malkan? from off his head, and its weight was a talent of gold, and (on it was) a precious stone, and it was set on the head of David; and the booty of the city he brought out in great abundance. .31 And the people that were therein he brought forward, and put them under' saws, and under iron threshing-wagons, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through Ijrick-kilns; and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of 'Amnion: and David returned then with all the people unto Jeru- salem. CHAPTER XIII. 1 Tl And it came to pass after this, that Abshalom the son of David had a handsome sister, whose name was Thamar; and Am- non the son of David loved her. 2 And Amnon worried himself so that hefell sick on account of Thamar his sister; for she was a virgin ; and it was im])0ssible in the eyes of Amnon, to do her the least (harm.) 3 But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Yonadab, the son of Shim'ah, David's brother; and Yonadab was a very sensible man. 4 And he said to him. Why art thou so wasted, prince,'' morning after morning? Wilt thou not tell me? Then said Amnon to hiui, Thamar the sister of Abshalom my brother do I love. 5 And Yonadab said to liim, Lie down on thy couch, and. feign thyself sick ; and when thy father cometh to see thee, thou must say unto him, Let, I pray thee, Thamar my sister come, and give me some food, and prepare the refreshment before my eyes, in order that I may see it, and eat it out of her hand. ' i. r. That the conquest woukl be ascribed to Jo'ab, not to David, who would thus be robbed of the ghiry at- tached to this achievement. " /. c. The idol of 'Amnion, from the same derivation as Molech. Others derive it from "p-i " king," thus, " their king;" but we have followed lliishi. " Philippson, "ho put them to saws, &c., and led them to the brick-kilns;" that is, he made them labour at these various operations: the text will readily bear this version. " Heb. "son of the king." 6 So Amnon lay down, and feigned him- self sick; and when the king came to see him, Amnon said to the king. Let, I pray thee, Thamar my sister come, and mix up be- fore my eyes a couple of cakes, that I may enjoy them out of her hand. 7 Then did David send home to Thamar, saying. Do go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and prepare for him the refreshment. 8 So Thamar went to the house of Annion her brother, and he w^as lying down ; and she took the dough and kneaded, and mixed it up before his eyes, and baked the cakes ; 9 And she took the pan, and poured them out before him; but he refused to eat; and Amnon said, Cause every man to go out from me; and the}' went out, every man^ from him. 10 And Amnon said unto Thamar, Bring the refreshment into the chamber, that I may enjoy it out of thy hand. So Thamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them unto Amnon her brother into the chamber. 11 And when she had brought them near unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her. Come, lie with me, my sister. 12 But she said to him. No, my brother, do not violate me; for such a deed ought not to be done in Israel ; do not this scandalous act! 13 And I, whither should I carry my shame ? and as for thee, thou wouldst be like one of the worthless in Israel; but now, speak, I pray tliee, unto the king, for he Avill not with- hold me from thee. 14 Nevertheless, he would not hearken unto her voice; but he overpowered her, and violated her, and lay with her. 15 Then did Amnon hate her with a very great hatred; so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her; and Amnon said unto her. Arise, be gone. IG And she said to him, (Do) not'" add " rniN '7N we have rendered after Rashi, taking miN as meaning " sequel," that which fullows from a foregone cause ; properly, " Let not this greater wrong to send me away be the sequel of the other thou hast done." Jona- than renders it as though it were mix S;' " concerning." I'hilippson translates, " She spoke to him concerning the evil deed, Greater is this than the other which thou hast done to me." But the Massoretic punctuation and reading do not warrant such a version, We have strictly followed both, 367 2 SAMUEL XIII. this yet greater wrong than the other which thou hast done with me, to send me (now) away ! But lie would not listen to her ; 17 And he called his young man, his ser- vant, and said, Do send this woman away from me, into the street, and lock the door behind her. 18 'And she had on her a garment of divers colours; for thus were usually apparelled the king's daughters when virgins, in robes; and his servant brouglit her out into the street, and locked the door behind her. 19 And Tliamar put' ashes on her head, and the garment of divers colours which was on her she rent ; and she placed her hand on her head, and went aAvay and cried as she went along^ 20 Then said to her Abshalom her bro- ther, Hath Aminon'' thy brother been with thee? but now, my sister, keep silence, he is thy brother, take this thing not to thy heart. So Thamar remained, and was secluded" in the house of Abshalom her Ijrother. 21 And when king David heard all these things, it displeased him greatly. 22 And Abshalom spoke not with Amnon either bad or good; for Abshalom hated Am- non, because he had violated Thamar his sister. 23 ][ And it came to pass after two full years, that Abshalom had sheep-shearers at Ba'al-chazor, which is near Ephraim; and Abshalom invited all the king's sons. 24 And Abshalom came to the king, and said, Behold, now, thy sei'vant hath sheep- shearers; let the king, I pray thee, and his servants go with thy servant. 25 And the king said to Abshalom, No, my son, do not let us all go now, that we may not be a burden upon thee. And he urged him much, but he would not go, and he blessed him. 2G And Abshalom said, If not, let, I pray thee, Amnon my brother go with us. And the king said to him. Why should he go with thee? 27 But Abshalom urged him greatly, and he sent with him Amnon and all the sons of the king. ' Lit. "took," ?'. c. first took and then applied it. *■ i. e. Little Aiiiuon, a term of contempt. " Ileb. n:30ty " desiilutc," /. e. seeing no one but those around her, and unwilling to meet friends and strangers. ;i(i8 28 Now Abshalom commanded his ser- vants, saying, Mark ye, I pray you, when Am- non's heart is merry with wine, and I say unto you. Smite Amnon: then kill him, fear not; behold, it is I who command it you ; be firm and show yourselves men of valour. 29 And the servants of Abshalom did unto Amnon as Abshalom had commanded. Then arose all the king's sons, and they rode ofl', every man on his mule, and tied. 30 And it happened, while they were on the way, that the report came to David, say- ing, Abshalom hath smitten all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left. 31 Then arose the king and rent his gar- ments, and laid himself on the earth ; and all his servants were standing by with their gar- ments rent. 32 But Yonadab the son of Shim'ah, David's brother, commenced and said. Let not my lord suppose that they ha\'e slain all the young men, the king's sons; since Amnon alone is dead ; for by the command of Absha- lom was this ordained from the day that he violated Thamar his sister. 33 And now let notni}- lord the king take the thing to his heart, thinking, that all the king's sons are dead; for Amnon alone is dead. 34 And Abshaiom fled away. And the young man that was watching lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, many people were coming by the way behind him, by the side of the mount. 35 And Yonadab said to the king. The king's sons are come : according to the word of thy servant, so hath it come to pass. 36 And it hapjtened, as he had just finished speaking, that, behold, the king's sons came, and they lifted up their voice and wept; and also the king and all his servants wept very much. 37 But Abshalom had tied; and he went to Talmai, the son of 'Ammihud, the king of Geshur: and (David) mourned for his son all the time. 38 So did Abshalom tly, and go to Geshur,- and he remained there three years. 39 And (the soul"* of) king David longed '' Philippsou, " And king David ceased to go forth against Abshalom," i. e. that at first he had thought to punish him, and demand him from the king of Geshur; but uow he had given up this intention. UEI-IOKAH THE I'KOl 'HhCTESSS, 2 SAMUEL XIV. to go forth unto Al)slialoni; for ho was com- forted concerning Amnon, that he Avas dead. CHAPTER XIV. 1 *\\ And wlion now Joiib the son of Zeru- yah perceived that the heart of the king was (turned) toward Abshalom: 2 Then sent Joiib to Tekoa , and lie fetched thence a wise woman, and said to her, Feign, I pray thee, as tliougli thou niournest, and do put on mourning garments, and anoint thy- self not with oil ; but be as a woman that hath these many days been mourning for tlie dead. 3 And thou must come to the king and speak with him after these words: and Joab put the words into her mouth. 4 And the woman of TekoJi' spoke to the king, and fell on her lace to the ground, and bowed herself, and said. Help, king ! 5 ^[ And the king said unto her. What aileth thee? And she said, Truly, I am a widow-woman ; since my husband is dead. 6 And thy hand-maid liad two sons, and they two quarrelled together in the tield, and there was no one between them to help (either) ; so the one smote the other, and slew him. 7 And, behold, the whole family is risen up against thy hand-maid, and they said. Give up the slayer of his brother, that we may ha\'e him put to death, for the life of his brother whom he hath killed; and we will destroy- also the heir : and thus they will quench my coal which is remaining, so as not to allow to my husband either name or remainder upon the face of the earth. 8 ^ And the king said unto the woman. Go to thy house, and I will issue (my) charge concerning thee. 9 Then said the woman of Tekoil' unto the king, On me, my lord, king, be the iniquity, and on my father's house : and may the king and his throne Ije guiltless. 10 ^ And the king said, Whosoever speak- eth aught unto thee, bring him to me, and he shall not touch thee any more. 11 Then said she, Let the king, I pray thee, remember the Lord thy God, so as not ' i. e. That tlicy would kill a man without legal proof, with no witnesses to see the crime. ^ Jonathan, " Thus is it not possible for a righteous judge to accept money for falsehood, and lie should devise 2 W to sutler the avenger of I lie blood to cause yet more destruction, and that they may not destroy my son. And he said. As the Lord liveth, there shall not fall one hair of thy son to the earth. 12 Then said the woman. Let th}- hand- maid, I pray thee, speak unto my lord the king one word. And he said. Speak on. lo And the woman s;iid. Wherefore then hast thou thought such a thing against the people of God?" and since the king doth speak this thing, he is as a guilty man, if the king do not permit his banished one to return home. 14 For we must needs die, and are as water which is spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; and yet doth God'' not take away life ; and he devisetli thoughts, so that the banished one may not remain banished from him. 15 And now that I am come to speak unto my lord the king of this thing, (happened) because the people made me afraid; and therefore thy handmaid said, I will still speak unto the king; perhaps the king may act (in accordance with) the word of his handmaid. 16 For the king may hear (me), to deliver his handmaid out of the hand of the man (that desireth) to exterminate me and my son together out of the inheritance of God. 17 And tliy handmaid said. May the word of my lord the king now become (the means of giving) repose ; for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to comprehend the good and the bad: and may the Lord thy God be with thee. 18 T[ Then answered the king and said unto the woman. Conceal not, I pray thee, from me a word concerning what I am going to ask thee. And the woman said. Let my lord the king but speak. 19 And the king said, Is not the hand of Joiib with thee in all this? And the woman answered and said. As thy soul liveth, my lord, king ! none can turn to the right or to the left from all that my lord the king liath spoken; for it was thy servant Joiib who hath bidden me, and it was he that liatli put in the mouth of thy handmaid all these words. , thoughts, so as not to banish from him the banished." Sachs, "Should the judge not desire, and devise thoughts, that the banished may not remain banislicil from him''" 3G9 -/ 2 SAMUEL XIV. XV. 20 In order to change the apjoearance of the matter hath thy servant Joab done this thing : and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all that is (done) on the earth. 21 ^ And the king said unto Joab, Behold, now, thou hast done this thing: go then, brins: back the voung man Abshalom. 22 And Joiib fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself, and blessed the king : and Joiib said, To-day is thy servant convinced that I have found grace in thy eyes, my lord, king; since the king hath acted in accord- ance with the word of thy servant. 23 And JoJib arose and went to Geshur, and brought Abshalom to Jerusalem. 24 Tl And the king said, Let him repair to his own house, but my face he shall not see. So Abshalom repaired to his own house, but the king's fiice he did not see. 25 ][ And like Abshalom there was no man as handsome in all Israel, so that lie was greatly praised : from the sole of his foot up to the crown of his head there was no blemish on him. 26 And when he shaved off (the hair of) his head (and it was at the end of every year that he shaved it ofl"; because it was too heavy on him, so that he had to shave it ofl':) he weighed the hair of his head at two hun- dred shekels by the king's weight. 27 And there were born unto Abshalom three sons and one daughter, whose name was Tliamar : this one was a woman of handsome appearance. 28 ^ And Abshalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and the king's face he did not see. 29 Abshalom sent out therefore for Joab, to send him to the king; but he would not come to him: and he sent again the second time; but he would not come. 30 He thereupon said unto his servants. See, Joilb's field is alongside of mine, and he hath barley there: go and set it on fire. And Abshalom's servants set the field on fire. 31 T[ Then did Joiib arise, and he went to Abshalom unto his house, and said unto him, ° (. c. The place where the public meetings and courts were held in Palestine. It is customary for Eastern kings to give audience and hold judgment early iu the morn- ing, immediately after performing their devotions. 370 Wherefore have thy servants set the field be- longing to me on fire? 32 And Abshalom said to Joab, Behold, I had sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? it would be better for me were I yet there : and now let me see the king's face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him put me to death. 33 So Joiib went to the king, and told it to him : and he called for Abshalom, who came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king; and the king kissed Abshalom. CHAPTER XV. 1 ^ And it came to pass after this, tliat Abshalom provided for himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men who ran before him. 2 And Abshalom rose up early, and stood on the side of the way to the gate :" and it happened, that whenever a man who had a con- troversy came to the king for judgment, Al> shalom called to him, and said. From what city art thou? And he said. Thy servant is from one of the tribes of Israel. 3 And Abshalom said unto him. See, thy words are good and right; but no one listeneth to thee on the part of the king.'' 4 And Abshalom said, Oh if there were but one to appoint me judge in the land, so that every man who may have any controversy or cause might come mito me, and I would do him justice! 5 And it happened, that when a man came nigh to bow down to him, he used to jntt forth his hand, and laid hold of him, and kissed him. 6 And Abshalom did after this manner to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: and thus did Abshalom steal the heart of the men of Israel. 7 And it came to pass at the end of forty'^ years, that Abshalom said unto the king, Let me go, I pray thee, and fulfill my vo^v, -w Inch I have vowed unto the Lord, at Hebron. 8 For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying. If the Lord '' i. e. There is no one ready to attend to the case. ° The Eabbins suppose this period is reckoned from the time that the people asked a king of Samuel. Others, the time when David was anointed. 2 SAMUEL XV. rtill ever l)riiig me back again to Jerusalem, then will I serve the Lord. 9 And the king said unto him, Go in peace : and he arose, and went to Hebron. 10 T[ But Abshalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, When ye hear the sound of the cornet, then shall ye say, Abshalom is become king at Hebron. 11 And with Abshalom went two huudred men out of Jerusalem, who were invited, and going in their simplicity ; and they knew of nothing whatever. 12 And Abshalom sent for Achithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, from Giloh, while he ofiered the sacrifices. And the conspiracy became strong; and tlie people increased continually with Abshalom. 13 And there came a news-bearer to David, saying, The heart of the men of Israel is turned after Abshalom. 14 And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for there will not (else) be any escape for us from Abshalom : make haste to depart, lest he make haste and overtake us suddenly and overwhelm us with evil, and smite the city with the edge of the sword. 15 And the king's servants said unto the kiuij;. In accordance with sdl that my lord the king may choose, are thy servants ready. 16 And the king went forth, and all his household in his train. And the king left behind ten women, who were concubines, to guard the house. 17 And the king went forth, and all the people in his train, and tarried in a place that was fixr oS." 18 And all his servants passed on along- side of him, and all the Kerethites, and all the Pelethites; and all the Gittites, six hun- dred men, who were come in his train from Gath, passed on before the king. 19 Then said the king to It'tai the Gittite, Wherefore wilt thou also go with us? turn back and abide with the l\iug; for thou art a stranger, ami also an exile from tli\ place.^ 20 Yesterday thou earnest; and to-day should I move thee about with us to wander? * Philippson leaves untranslated, Bith-hammerchnk, and supposes it was a well-known house at some distance from Jerusalem, so called in the manner of the modern phrase, "halfway house." seeing that I go whither I may: retui'n thou, and take back thy brethren with thee, in kindness and truth. 21 And Ittai answered the king, and said. As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in whatever place my lord the king may be, whether for death or lor life, even there will thy servant be. 22 And David said then to Ittai, Go and pass on. And Ittai the Gittite passed on, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him. 23 And all the (people of the) country wept with a loud voice, as all the people passed on : and the king passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, along the way to the wilderness. 24 And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites with him, were bearing the ark of the cove- nant of God ; and they set down the ark of God; and Ebyathar went up, until all the people had finished passing out of the city. 25 ^ And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city; if I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me back again, and show me both it, and his dwelling; 26 But if he should thus say, I have no delight in thee : here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good in his eyes. 27 ^ The king said also unto Zadok the priest. If thou see the justice of this, return to the city in peace: and your two sons, x\cliima'az thy son, and Jonathan the son of Ebyathar, ai*e with you." 28 See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to bring me news. 29 Zadok therefore and Ebyathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem : and they remained there. 30 And David went up by the ascent of the mount of Olives, weeping as he went up, and had his head covered, and he was walking barefoot : and all the people that were with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up. 31 And some one told David, saying, Achithophel is among the conspirators with " Philippson, who views the '^ of -jDipaS as used in the sense "for," an exile as respects (for) thy place. Jona- than however, " If thou be banished (return) to thy place." ' This verse is rendered after Kashi. 371 2 SAMUEL XV. XVI. Abshaloni. And David said, I pray thee, turn into foolishness the counsel of Achitho- phel, Lord! 32 And it came to pass, that, when David was come to the top, where he used to bow himself down to God, Ijehold, Chushai the Arkite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head. 33 And David said unt(j him. If thou pas.s- est on with me, thou wouldst be a burden unto me; 34 But if thou shouldst return to the city, and say unto Abshalom, Thy servant will I be, king; thy lather's servant have I been this long time past, and now will I also be thy servant: then mightest thou defeat for me the counsel of Achithopel. 35 And, behold, thou hast with thee there Zadok and Ebyathar the priests; therefore shall it be, that what thing soever thou may- est hear out of the king's house, shalt thou tell to Zadok and Ebyathar the priests. 36 Behold, they have tliere with them their two sons, Achima'az for Zadok, and Jonathan for Ebyathar: and ye shall send by means of them unto me whatever thing ye can hear. 37 So Chushai, David's friend, came into the city, as Abshalom had just resolved to enter into Jerusalem. CHAPTER XVL 1 And when David was passed a little be- yond the top (of the mount), behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth came toward him, Avith a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and a hundred bunches of raisins, and a hundred (cakes) of dried figs," and a bottle of wine. 2 And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou with these? And Ziba said, The asses are for the king's household to ride on ; and the bread and the dried figs for the young men to eat; and the wine to drink for such as may be faint in the wilderness. 3 And the king said, And where is thy master's son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he remaineth at Jerusalem; for he said, To-day will the house of Israel restore unto me the kingdom of my father. ' After Jonathan ; but |"p literally, means "summer." '' After the Massorali ; others, "as alsd all the people aud all the mighty men on his right and loft." 372 4 Then said tiie king to Ziba, Behold, thine shall be all that pertaineth unto Mephi- bosheth. And Ziba said, I prostrate myself: let me but find grace in thy eyes, my lord, king. 5 And when king David came as far as Bachurim, behold, there came out thence a man of the family of the house of Saiil, whose name was Shim'i, the son of Gera, coming forth, and cursing. 6 And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David :'' and all the peo- ple and all the mighty men were on his right and on his left. 7 And thus said Shim'i as he cursed. Away, away, thou man of blood, and thou worthless man! 8 The Lord hath brought back upon tliee all the blood of the house of Saiil, in whose stead thou didst reign; and the Lord hath placed the kingdom into the hand of Aljsha- lom thy son ; and, behold, thou art now in thy misfortune, because a man of blood art thou. 9 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruyah unto the king. Why should tins dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and remove his head. 10 And the king said. What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruyah ? so let him curse; because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say. Wherefore hast thou done so ? 11 And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants. Behold, my son, who hath come forth out of my own body, seeketh my lil'e : how much more now this Benjamite? let him alone, and let him curse; for the Lord hath said it to him. 12 Perhaps the Lord will look on my affliction," and the Lord will requite me good instead of his cursing this day. 13 ^ And David and his men went (thus) on the way. T[ And Shim'i went on the side of the mount opposite to him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones toward him, and cast dust.* 14 ^ And the king, and all tlie peo]ile that were with him, arrived Aveary, and re- freshed themselves there." ° Rashi after Jonathan, "(the tears of) my eye." "" Others, "cast up the dust," viz., in walking hcfure David. ' Bachurim. 2 SAMUEL XVI. XVII. 15 And Abshalom, iind all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Achi- thopliol (iilso) with him. 16 Anil it oanu' to pass, when Chushai the Arkite, David's friend, was come unto Ab- slialom, that Chushai said unto Abshalom, Long- liv^e the king! Long live the king! 17 And Abshalom said to Chushai, Is this thy kindness for thy friend? why art thou not gone with thy friend? 18 And Chushai said unto Abshalom, No; but whom the Lord, and this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen, his will I be, and with him will I remain. 19 And secondly, who is it whom I shall serve? is it not in the presence of his son? as I liave served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence. 20 ]f Then said Abshalom to Achithophel, Hold counsel among yourselves as to what we shall do. 21 And Achithophel said unto Abshalom, Go in unto thy lather's concul^ines, whom he hath left to guard the house; and all Israel will hear that thou art in bad odour with thy father: and then Avill the hands of all that are with thee become strong. 22 So they spread for Abshalom a tent upon the roof; and Abshalom went in unto his lather's conculjines before the eyes of all Israel. 23 And the counsel of Achithophel, which he counselled in those days, Avas as if a man had asked advice of the word of God: so was all the counsel of Achithophel both with David and with Abshalom. . CHAPTER XVII. 1 T[ Moreover Achithophel said unto Ab- shalom, D(j let me now select twelve thou- sand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night; 2 And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak-handed, and will terrify him; so that all the people that are with him will tiee; and I will smite the king alone; 3 And I will bring back all the people unto thee: when all return (except") the man whom thou seekest, all the people will be in peace. ' After Sacbs, who follows Rashi, in supplying "ex- cept," meaning, tbat David aloue should perish, where- fore the whole people would submit to Abshalom without 4 And the thing Avas pleasing in the eyes of Abshalom, and in the eyes of .all the elders of Israel. 5 ^ Then said Abshalom, Do call now also Chushai the Arkite, and let us hear what he likewise beareth in his mouth. G And when (Inishai was come to Absha- lom, Abshalom said unto him, as followeth, Such words as these hath Achithophel spoken : shall we do after his words? if not, do thou speak. 7 ][ And Chushai snid unto Abshalom, The counsel that Achithophel hath given at this time is not good. 8 And Chushai said, Thou well knowest thy father and liis men, that they ai-e mighty men, and are of an imbittered spirit, as a bear robljed of her whelps in the field : and thy father is also a man of war, and will not lodge with the people. 9 Behold, he is now hidden in some one of the pits, or in some one of the (other) places : and it will come to pass, when some of them should fall at the first onset, that who- soever heareth it would say, There hath been a slaughter among the people that follow Ab- shalom. 10 And he also that is most valiant, whose heart is as the heart of the lion, would Ijeconie quite discouraged ; for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they who are with him are valiant persons. 11 But I counsel that all Israel be gathered together unto thee, from Dan even to Beer- sheba', like the sand that is by the sea in multitude: while thou in thy own person goest into the fight. 12 And when we come upon him in some one of the places where he may be found, we will encamp around him as the dew falleth on the earth : and there shall not be left of him and of all tlu; men that are with him so much as one. 13 And if he should withdraw into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it into the stream, until there be not found there even one small stone. 14 ^ And Abshalom and all the men of war. Philippson renders ty\xn as a collective noun, "the populace;" thus, "as soon as all the populace whom thou seekest return," &c. 373 2 SAMUEL XVII. XVIIt. Israel said, The counsel of Cliushai the Arkite is better thau the counsel of Achithophel. ^ But the Lord had ordained to frustrate the good counsel of Achithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring the evil upon Ab- shalom. 15 Tl Then said Chushai unto Zadok and to Ebyathar the priests, Thus and thus did Achithophel counsel Abshalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I coun- selled. 16 Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying. Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but rather pass over at once;" lest the king be entirely ruined,'' and all the people that are with him. 17 Now Jonathan and Achima'az were staying by 'En-rogel ; and a maid-servant had to go and tell them, that they should go and tell king David; for they dared not be seen to come into the city. 18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told it to Abshalom ; but they went, both of them, quickly away, and came to the house of a man in Bachurim, who had a well in his court; and they went down thither. 19 And the wife took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and scattered ground corn thereupon; so that nothing was per- ceived. 20 And Abshalom's servants came to the woman into the house, and they said. Where are Achima'az and Jonathan? And the wo- man said unto them, They are passed over the brook of water." And they sought, but could not find them; and they returned to Jerusalem. 21 ][ And it came to pass, after they were gone, that they came up out of the well, and went and told it to king David, and they said unto David, Arise, and pass quickly over the water; for thus hath Achithophel counselled against you. 22 Then did David arise, and all the peo- ple that were with him, and they passed over the Jordan: by the time the morning was light, not even one was lacking who had not passed over the Jordan. 23 And when Achithophel saw that his • The Jordan. ' Ileb. "be swalliiwed up." " Jonathan, " The Jordnn." .?71 counsel was not followed, he saddled the ass, and arose, and went home to his house, to his city, and gave his chai'ge to his household, and hanged himself; and he died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. 24 ^[ Then came David to Machanayim: and Abshalom passed over the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him. 25 And Abshalom placed 'Amassa instead of Joiib as captain over the army : and 'Amassa was the son of a man, whose name was Yithra the Israelite, who had gone in to Abigal the daughter of Nachash/ the sister of Zeruyah Joab's mother. 20 And Israel and Abshalom encamped In the land of Gil'ad. 27 ^ And it came to pass, when David was come to Machanayim, that Shobi the son of Nachash of Kabbah of the cliildren of 'Amnion, and Machir the son of 'Ammiel of Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gil'adite of Ro- gelim, 28 Brought beds, and bowls, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched coi'n, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse, 29 And honey, and cream, and sheep, and cow's cheese, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat; for they said. The people are hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness. CHAPTER XVIII. 1 And David numbered the people that were with liim, and he set over them captains of thousands and captains of hundreds. 2 And David sent forth the people a third part under the command of Joab, and a third part under the command of Abishai the son of Zeruyah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the command of Ittai the Gittite. ^ And the king said unto the people, I myself also will without fail go forth with you. 3 But the people said, Thou shalt not go forth; for if we should have to flee away, tliey will not care for us; and if half of us die, they will not care for us; for now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now * Herxheimer supposes that Nachash may have been the first husband of David's mother; others think that Na- chash is idcntiral witli Josse. 2 SAMUEL XVIll. it is better tlitit thou shouldst be a succour to us out of the city. 4 And tlie king said unto them, What seemeth good in your eyes will I do. And the king placed himself by the side of the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands. 5 And the king commanded Joiib and Abi- shai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, with Abshalom. And all the people heard when the king charged all the captains with respect to Abshalom. 6 So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim. 7 And the peojile of Israel were smitten there before David's servants, and the slaughter was great there on that day — twenty thousand men. 8 And the battle became extended there over the face of all the country: and the forest devoured yet more of the people than the sword had devoured on that daj^ 9 And Abshalom happened to come before the servants of David. And Abshalom was riding upon a mule, and the mule came under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was left hang- ing'' Ijetween the heaven and the earth: and the mule that was under him passed on. 10 And a certain man saw, and told it to Joilb, and said. Behold, I have seen Abshalom hanging on an oak. 11 And Joab said unto the man that told him, And. behold, thou sawest him: why then didst thou not smite him there to the ground ? and it would have been obligatory on me to give thee ten shekels of silver and a girdle. 12 And the man said unto Joiib, And though I should weigh on my hands a thou- sand shekels of silver, I would not stretch forth my hand against the kings son ; for be- fore our ears did the king charge thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying. Take heed, who- ever it lie, of the young man, of Abshalom. • Lit. "was put." *" Meaning, .Should I have even pretended not to know of the king's injunction, still would my life have paid the forfeit, as David discovers all things; and thou Joiib wouldest then have stood aloof, and let justice be executed against so common a man, without interposing. Phil- ippson translates, " or should I act falsely in my soul," i. e. against my better knowledge. — ij:n is not "against," but "at a distance," or as here given, " aloof" 13 Or should I even have acted with false- hood against my own life, since there is no matter which can be hidden from the king; thou wouldst surely have placed thyself aloof' 14 Then said Joiib, I will not wait" thus before thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them into the heart of Abshalom, who was yet alive in the midst'' of the oak. 15 And ten young men, Joab's armour- bearers, encompassed and smote Abshalom, and slew him. IG And Joiib blew the cornet, and the peo- ple returned from pursuing after Israel; for Joiib restrained the people. 17 And they took Abshalom, and cast him down in the forest, into the large pit, and erected upon him a very great heap of stones : and all Israel fled, every one, to his tents. 18 Now Abshalom had taken and reared up for himself in his lifetime, the pillar, which is in the king's dale; for he said, I have no" son, so as to keep my name in remembrance; and he called the pillar after his own name : and it was called Abshalom's monument, even until this day. 19 ^ And Achima'az the son of Zadok said, Do let me run, I pray thee, and bear the king tidings, tliat the Lord hath done him justice from the power of his enemies. 20 And Joiib said unto him, Thou art not the man to bear (good) tidings this day, and thou shalt bear tidings another day ; but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead. 21 ^ Then said Joiib to the Cushi,^ Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joiib, and ran. 22 Then said Achima'az the son of Zadok yet again to Joiib, Be it as it may, let me, I pray thee, run also after the Cu.shi. And Joiib said, Wherefore is it that thou wilt run, my son, seeing that thou hast no profitable^ tidings ? 23 But be it as it may, let me run. And he said unto him. Run. And Achima'az ran ° Rasbi, "entreat thee." " Heb. " heart." ■^ Some suppose that it means, that none of his sons was destined to succeed him; others, that perhaps they had not been born when he erected this pillar; others that they had died. ' Probably an ./Ethiopian attached to David's service. ' After Rashi. 375 2 SAMUEL XVIII. XIX. by the way of the plain, and passed the Cushi. 24 And David was sitting between the two gates: and the watchman" went up to the roof of the gate, upon the wall, and as he lifted up his eyes, he saw, and behold, a man was running alone. 25 And the watchman ci'ied, and told it to the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there are tidings in his mouth. And he came nearer and nearer continually. 26 And the watchman saw another man running: and tlie watchman called unto the gate-keeper, and said, Behold, here is a man running alone. And the king said, Also this one bringeth tidings. 27 And the watchman said, I regard the running of the foremost as the running of Achima'az the son of Zadok. And the king said. That is a good man, and with good tidings must he come. 28 And Achima'az called, and said unto the king. Peace. And he prostrated himself to the king vfith his face to the earth, and said, Blessed be the Lord thy God, who hath surrendered the men that had lifted up their hand against my lord the king. 29 ][ And the king said. Is the young man Abshalom safe?*" And Achima'az answered, I saw the greatest crowd when Joab sent off the king's" servant, and thy servant; but I know not what hath happened. 30 And the king said. Turn aside, place thyself here. And he turned aside, and re- mained staTiding. 31 And, behold, the Cushi came (next); and the Cushi said, Let my lord the king receive the tidings, that the Lord hath done thee justice this day trom the power of all those that had risen up against thee. 32 ]f And the king said unto the Cushi, Is the young man Abshalom safe? And the Cushi answered. May like the young man be the enemies of my lord the king, and all that have risen up against thee tor evil. CHAPTER XIX. 1 ^ ''And the king was much moved, and • Correctly, " the look out." " Heb. " Is then! \,r:iPK to," &c. ' i. e. The CiLshi and himself. '' This verse is the v. 83J of ch. xviii. version. ;)76 the Enelisl he went up to the upper chamber of the gate, and wept : and thus he said as he went, my son Abshalom, my son, my son Abshalom! who would grant that I had died in thy stead, Abshalom, my son, my son ! 2 And it was told unto Joab, Behold, the king is weeping and he mourneth for Absha- lom. 3 And the victory' on that day was turned into mourning unto all the people; for the people heard it said on that day, that the king was grieved for his son. 4 And the people repaired by stealth on that day when coming into the city, as usually steal away the people who are ashamed when they flee in battle. 5 But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, my son Abshalom, Abshalom, my son, my son ! 6 ^f And Joiib came to the king, into the house, and said. Thou hast covered with shame this day the faces of all thy servants, who have saved thy life this day, and the life of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the life of thy wives, and the life of thy concu- bines ; 7 Since thou lovest thy enemies, and hatest thy friends; for thou hast declared this day, that thou hast neither princes nor servants;' for I perceive this day, that if Abshalom were but alive, and we all were dead this day, that then it would have been just right in thy eyes. 8 And now arise, go forth,, and speak to the heart^ of thy servants; for by the Lord have I sworn, that if thou go not forth, there shall not remain one man with thee this night: and this would be worse unto thee tlian all the evil that hath befallen thee from thy youth until now.'' 9 ^ Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told it unto all the people, saying. Behold, the king is sitting in the gate. And all the people came before the king; but Israel lied, every man to his tents. 10 ^ And all the people were contending tliroughout all the tribes of Israel, saying. The king hath saved us out of the hand of ' Heb. "salvation," or "deliverance." ' /. e. That they are nothing in his estimation. ' i. c. Cheerfully and encouragingly. '' Because there wore yet many disaffected, who probably would have souf^ht David's life. 2 SAMUEL XIX. our cnoniies, and he it was that hath delivered usoutot'the hand of the Philistines; and now he is tied outof the land from hefore Abshalom. 11 And Abshalom, whom we had anointed over us, died in battle: and now why are ye silent about bringing the king back? 12 ^ And king David sent to Zadok and to Ehyathar the priests, saying, Speak ye unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why will you be the last to bring the king back to his house ? seeing the speech of all Israel is already come to the king, to his house. 13 My brothers are ye, my bone and my flesh are ye : wherefore then will you be the last to bring Ijack the king ? 14 And to 'Amassa shall ye say. Art thou not my bone and my flesh? May God do so to me, and may he thus continue to do, if thou shalt not be captain of the army before me continually in the room of JoJil). 15 And he" tunied the heart of all the men of Judah, as of one man : and these sent unto the king, Eeturn thou, with all thy servants. 16 So the king returned, and came as far as the Jordan ; and Judah came to Gilgal, to go forth to meet the king, to conduct the king over the Jordan. 17 Then hastened Shim'i the son of Gera, the Benjamite, who was of Bachurim, and went down with the men of Judah to meet king David. 18 And there were with him a thousand men of Benjamin, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saiil, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him ; and they set hastily over the Jordan before the king. 19 And there went over the ferry-boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what was good in his eyes. And Shim'i the son of Gera fell down befoi'e the king, as he was passing over the Jordan ; 20 And he said unto the king. Let not my lord impute it unto me as iniquity, neither do thou remember that in which thy servant acted perversely on the day that my lord the king went forth out of Jerusalem, so that the king should lay it to his heart. 21 For thy servant doth know that I have indeed sinned ; and, behold, I am come this day the first of all the house of Joseph'' to go down to meet my lord the king. e. 'Amassa; others refer ''he" to David. ■2 X 22 But Aljishai the son of Zeruyah spoke out and said. Shall Shim'i for this not be put to death, because he cursed the Lord's anointed? 23 And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruyah, that ye should become a hinderance this day unto me? shall this day any man be put to death in Israel? for do I not know that this day I am king over Israel? 24 And the king said unto Shim'i, Thou shalt not die. And the king swore unto him. 25 1[ And Mephibosheth the (grand-)son of Saiil came down to meet the king, and he had not dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day that the king departed until the day that he came home in peace. 26 And it came fo pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him. Wherefore didst thou not go with me, Mephibosheth? 27 And he answered, My lord, king, my servant deceived me; for thv sei'vant said, I will saddle for me the ass, that I ma}' ride thereon, and go with the king; because thy servant is lame. 28 And he slandei'ed thy servant unto my lord the king; l)ut my loi'd the king is like an angel of God : do then what is good in thy eyes. 29 For all of my father's house were no- thing but men deserving death with my lord the king : and yet didst thou set thy servant among those that eat at thy own table. What other merit therefore have I, and what to complain of yet farther unto the king ? 30 \ And the king said unto him, For what purpose speakest thou yet thy words? I have said, Thou and Ziba shall divide the field. 31 And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take the whole, since that my lord the king is come (back) in peace unto his own house. 32 \ And Barzillai the Gil'adite came down from Eogelim ; and he passed over the Jordan with the king, to accompany him over the Jordan. 33 Now Barzillai was very aged, eighty years old : and he had sustained the king e. All Israel, in opposition to Judah. 377 2 SAMUEL XIX. XX. while he lay at Machanayim; for he was a very great man. 34 And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will sustain thee near me in Jerusalem. 35 But Barzillai said unto the king, How many yet are the days of tlie years of my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem ? 30 I am eighty years old this day : can I discern between good and evil? or can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink ? or can I listen yet to the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant become yet a burden unto my lord the king? 37 Thy servant will" pass a little way over the Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense me with this re- ward ? 38 Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in my own city, by the sepulchre of my father and of my mother. But, behold, thy servant Kimham will pass over with my lord the king; and do to him what is good in thy eyes. 39 And the king said, Kimham shall pass over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good in thy eyes : and what- soever thou wilt desire of me,'' will I do for thee. 40 And all the people passed over the Jor- dan, after the king had passed over; and the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place. 41 ^\ Then did the king pass on to Gilgal, and Kindian passed on with him : and all the jieople of Judah conducted the king, and also lialf the people of Israel. 42 And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away, and have conducted the king and his household over the Jordan, and all David's men with him? 43 T[ And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin to us: wherefore then are ye so angry for this matter? have we eaten the least " After Raslii ; but Sachs, " Scarcely is tliy servant able to pass over," &c. '' Lit. "choose by mc." "Jonathan, "of the king's property." 378 from the king?" or hath he given us any gift? 44 ^ And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said. Ten parts have we"* in the king, and also in David have we more right than ye: why then did ye esteem us lightly ? and w^as not our word the very lirst to bring back our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel. CHAPTER XX. 1 ][ And there happened to be a worthless man, wliose name was Sheba', the son of Biehri, a Benjamite : and he l)lew the cornet, and said, We have no irdvt in David, nor have we any inheritance in the son of Jesse : every man to his tents, Israel ! 2 So every man of Israel went ofl' from David, following Sheba' the son of Biehri; but the men of Judah adhered unto their king, from the Jordan even to Jerusalem. 3 And David came to his house at Jerusa- lem; and the king took the ten women, the concubines, whom he had left to guard the house, and put them in a guard-house, and provided ibr them, but went not in unto them. So they were confined until the day of their death, living in widowhood." 4 T[ Then said the king to 'Amassa, Call together for me the men of Judah within three days, and thou present thyself here (then). 5 So 'Amassa went to call Judah together; but he remained out longer than the set time which he had appointed him. G And David said to Abishai, Now will Sheba' the son of Biehri do us more harm than (did) Abshalom : take thou the servants of thy lord, and pursue after him, lest he suc- ceed in reaching fortified cities, and withdraw himself from our eyes. 7 And there went out after him Joilb's men, and the Kerethites, and the Pelethitcs, and all the mighty men : and they went forth out of Jerusalem, to pursue alter Sheba' the son of Biehri. 8 They were close by the great stone which is at Gib'on, as 'Amassa came before them. •^ Heb. "I," and so in this whole conversation, "I" and "thou," which are rendered here "we" and "you." ' Lit. "widowhood life." TTTI njD'7iX signifies a woman forsaken by her husband, "a living widow." 2 SAMUEL XX. XXI. And Joilb was girded with his coat, his (usual) garment, and upon it the girdle of the sword which was fastened upon his loins in its sheatli ; and as he went forth it fell out. 9 And Joiib said to 'Amassa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joiib's right hand took hold of 'Amassa's beard to kiss him." 10 And 'Amassa did not guard himself against tlie sword that was in Joiib's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib and shed out his l)owels to the ground, and struck him not again ; and he died. But Joilb and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba' the son of Bichri. 11 And one man of Joab's people remained standing by him, and said, He that favoureth Joiib, and he that is for David, follow Joiib. 1 12 And 'Amassa was wallowing in his blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he put 'Amassa aside out of the highway into the field, and threw a garment over him, wlien he saw that every one that came by him stood still. 13 When he was removed out of the high- way, every man passed on after Joiib, to pur- sue after Sheba' the son of Bichri. 14 And this one passed through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, which is of Beth- ma' achah, and all the Berim:'' and they as- sembled themselves together, and went also after him. 15 And they came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-ma' achah, and they cast up a trench against the city, and it stood enclosed by the troops f and all the people that were with wall. IG Then called a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear: say, I pray you, unto Joiib, Come near as fiir as hither, that I may speak with thee. 17 And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joiib? And he " iS may either refer to 'Amassa thus, "him," or to the beard, when we should say, " it." Kissing the beard is the usual manner of saluting in the East, according to D'Arvieux. — Philippson. ' Rabbi Joseph Sehwarz, in his Geography, p. 203, states that this means a district near Abel-beth-ma'achah near which were several towns called Bir!,Bei:rotli, Biri/a; collectively, "the Berim." ' After Jonathan; but Philippson, "and it (the trench) Joiib were battering to throw down the said, I am. Then said she unto him. Hear the w^ords of thy hand-maid. And he said, I do hear. 18 Then said she, tlius. They ought surely first to have spoken, saying, "Let them ask at least in Abel:" and so would they have come to an end."" 19 I am one of the peaceful and laithful (cities) in Israel ; thou seekest to overthrow a city and a metropolis in Israel : why wilt thou destroy the inheritance of the Lord? 20 ^] And Joiib answered and said. Far Ije it, far be it from me, that I should destroy or ruin. 21 The matter is not so; but a man from the mountain of Ephraim, Sheba' the son of. Bichri is his name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, against David : give him up alone, and I will withdraw I'rom the city. And the woman said unto Joilb, Behold, liis head shall be cast down to thee over the wall. 22 And the woman came unto all the peo- ple with her wisdom; and they cut off the head of Sheba' the son of Bichri, and cast it down to Joiib : and he blew the cornet, and they scattered themselves from the city, every man to his tents. And Joiib returned to Je- rusalem unto the king. 23 ^ Now Joilb was over all the army of Israel; and Benayah the son of Yehoyada' was over the Kerethites and over the Pele- thites ; 24 And Adoram was over the tribute ; and Jehoshaphat the son of Achilud was recorder ; 25 And Sheva was scribe; and Zadok and Ebyathar were priests; 26 And 'Ira also the Yairite was an officer of state unto David. CHAPTER XXI. 1 ^ And there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David besought" the presence of the Lord. stood against the fortifications," i. e. it reached to their height. Others, "the city stood with its inner wall," i. e. the outer one being already thrown down. * After Rashi ; meaning, before destroying Abel they should have resolved to ask the men of the city to come to terms, which could readily have been arranged. ° After Jonathan. Others, " sought," i. e. inquired what should be done, through the Urim and Thummim 37b ^ 2 SAMUEL XXI. j[ And the Lord said, On account of Saiil, and on the account of the house of blood, is tiiis; because he liath slain the Gib'onites. 2 And the king called for the Gil/onites, and said unto them; (now the Gib'onites are not of the children of Israel, but of the rem- nant of the Emorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them; but Saiil had sought to slay them in his zeal for the chil- dren of Israel and Judah;) 3 Wherefore David said unto the Gib'on- ites, What shall I do for 30U ? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that je may bless the inhei'itance of the Lord ? 4 And the Gib'onites said unto him, We have no concern of silver or gold with Saiil and with his house; nor do we wish to kill any man in Israel. And he said. What ye say, will I do for you. 5 And they said to the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us that we should be destroyed, so that we should have no footing in all the boundaries of Israel, — G Let there be delivered unto us seven men of his sons, and we will hang them up unto the Lord in Gib'ah of Saiil, the chosen of the Lord. ^f And the king said, I will give them. 7 But the king had pity on Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saiil, because of the Lord's oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saiil. 8 And the king took the two sons of Riz- 2)ah the daughter of Ayah, whom she had born unto Saiil, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saiil, whom she had brought' up for 'Adriel the son of BarzilJai the Mecholatliite : 9 And he delivered them into the hand of the Giiyonites, and they hanged them on the mount before the Lord ; and they fell, these seven, together; and they were put to death in the first'' days of harvest, in the beginning of tiie barley-harvest. H) And Rizpah the daughter of Ayah took sacl'Ccloth, and spread out it for herself upon the rock, from the beginning of the harvest ° As ]\licli;il was David's wife ; but tlie cliildren were tliose of Merab, the oldest daughter of Saiil, who were probably educated by her Hister. '' Lit. " in the days of harvet^t, iu the fii-st." S80 until water dropped down upon them out of heaven, and she suffered neither the birds of heaven to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night. 11 And it was told to David what Rizpah the daughter of Ayah, the concubine of Saiil, had done. 12 And David then went and took the bones of Saiil and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Yabesh-gifad, who had stolen them from the market-place of Beth- shan, where the Philistines had hanged them up, at the time the Philistines had smitten Saiil at Gilboii' : 13 And he brought up from there the bones of Saiil and the Ijones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered up the bones of tliose that had been han2;ed. 14 And they buried the bones of Saiil ;Hid Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin at Zela', in the sepulchre of Kish his father : and they performed all that the king had commanded. And after tliat God was en- treated for the land. 15 \ And the Philistines had again a war with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines : and David became fatiaued. 10 And Yishbi at Nob, who was of the chil dren of the Raphah," the weight of whose spear was three hundred shekels of copper, he being girded with a new armour, thought to slay David. 17 But Abishai the son of Zeruyah suc- coured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then swore the men of David unto him, saying. Thou shalt go out no more witli us to battle, that thoii mayest not quench tlie lamp of Israel. 18 T[ And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle at Gob with the Philis- tines: then smote Sibbechai the Chushathite Saph, who was of the children of the Raphah. 19 And there was again a battle at Gob with the Philistines, when Elchanun the son of Ya'are-oregim, the Beth-lechemite, slew Goliath'' the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. " Other.s translate the word, " the giant." ^ A younger Goliath ; perhaps a descendant of the one slain by David in his youth. In 1 Chron. xx. 5, he is called "Laclimi, brother of (.loliatli," &c. 2 SAMUEL XXI. XXII. 20 Tl And there was again a battle in Gatli, where was a man of (great) stature," that had on every hand six fin"ers, and on every foot six toes, (in all) four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the Raphah. 21 And he defied Israel; but Jonathan the son of Shim'ah the brother of David slew him. 22 These four were born to the Raphah in Gath ; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants. CHAPTER XXII. 1 ^[ And David spoke unto the Lord the words of this song, on the day that the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saiil. 2 And he said, Lord, my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer ; .3 God, my rock, in whom I trust;'' my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour! from vio- lence dost thou save me ! 4 Praised," I cried, be the Lord, and from my enemies was I saved. 5 For the waves of death encompassed me, the floods of destruction'^ made me afraid ; 6 The bonds of hell encircled me, the snares of death seized on me : 7 (When) in my distress I called upon the Lord, and to my God I cried ; and he heard from his temple my voice, and my complaint (entered) into his ears. 8 Then shook and trembled the earth; the foundations of the heavens were moved; and they shook, because he was wroth. 9 Smoke went up in his anger," and con- suming fire out of his mouth, coals flamed forth from him. 10 And he bent the heavens, and came down, and thick darkness was under his feet. 11 And he rode upon a cheruli. and flew along, and he w^as seen upon the wings of the wind. 12 And he made darkness round about him into pavilions, heavy masses of w^aters, thick clouds of the skies. ' Philippson and Sachs, "a champiou." '' ''With whom I seek protection." — S.\CHS. ° Mendelssohn. Others render, "I call on the praised sno, on the Lord." ■' " Bands of tho wicked." — Jon.vtha.v. 13 From tlie brightness before him flamed forth coals of fire. 14 The Lord thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered forth his voice. 15 And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them. 16 And then were seen the channels of the sen, there were laid open the foundations of the world; at the reljuke of the Lord, through the blast of the breath of his nostrils. 17 He stretched out from above (his hand), he took me; he drew me out from the mighty waters. 18 He delivered me from my enemy, the strong, from those that hated me, when they were too mighty for me. 19 They overcame me on the da}' of my calamity ; but the Lord became my stay ; 20 And he brought me forth into a large space : he delivered me, because he had delight in me. 21 The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the purity of m}' hands did he recompense me. 22 For I had kept the ways of the Lord, and had not wickedly departed from my God. 23 For all his ordinances were befoi'e me, and from none of his statutes did I depart. 24 I was also upright*^ toward him, and I guarded myself against my iniquity. 25 Therefore did the Lord recompense me according to my righteousness, according to my purity before his eyes. 26 With the kind thou wilt show thyself kind ; with the upright mighty" man thou wilt show thyself upright. 27 With the pure thou wilt show thyself pure; and wdth the perverse thou wilt wage a contest. 28 And the afflicted people thou wilt save; but thy eyes are upon the haughty, (that) thou mayest bring (them) down. 29 For thou art my lamp, Lord! and the Lord will enlighten my darkness. 30 For (aided) by thee I run through a troop : (helped) by my God I leap over a wall. 31 As for God — his way is perfect; the ° Others, " from his nostrils." ' "I belong entirely to him." — Sacus. s After Sachs. Redak, however, regards ^UJ here sim- ply as ^^2i "man;" hence, "the upright man." 381 2 SAMUEL XXII. XXIII. word of the Lord is tried; he is a shield to all that trust in him. 32 For who is god, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God? 33 God is my strength'' and power; and he rendereth free from obstruction my way. 34 He maketh my feet like those of the hinds, and upon my high places he causeth me to stand. 35 He teacheth my hands for tlie wax*, so that a brazen bow is bent by my arms. 36 And thou gavest me the shield of thy salvation; and thy assistance'' hath made me gi'eat. 37 Thou enlargest my steps under me, so that my joints do not slip. 38 I pursue my enemies and destroy them; and I return not again until I have made an end of them. 39 And I make an end of them, and I crush them, that they cannot rise; and they fall under my feet. 40 For thou hast girded me with strength for the Avar; thou subduest my opponents under me. 41 And my enemies thou causest to turn their back to me; those that liate me, — that I may destroy them. 42 They look about, but there is none to help ; unto the Lord — but he answereth them not. 43 And I beat them small as the dust of the earth ; as the mire of the street, I stamp them, I tread them down. 44 Thou hast also delivered me from the contests of my people : thou preservest me to be the head of nations, a people which I know not shall serve me. 45 The children of the stranger shall utter Hattery" unto me; as soon as their ear hear- eth'' they shall be obedient unto me. 40 The children of the stranger shall fade * "My mighty fortress." — Sachs. ^ Rashi, "meekuefis." Eng. version, "gentleness." Sachs, "favour." Philippson, "thy hearing of prayer." But our version is after Jonathan, who has -jID'aai ljpil33l "anJ thy word and assistance." ' "From fear of nie they will tell falsehoods." — Rashi. "Submit themselves." — Enq. version. " I-it. "at the hearing of the ear." ° Ilashi. Piiilippson, "they come forth armed," ?. e. at David's bidding. ' Others, "later," or those subsequent to the preceding. 383 * ^ away, and come forth tottering'' out of their close 2)l<ices. 47 The Lord liveth, and blessed be my Rock; and exalted be the God, the Rock of my salvation ; 48 The God, that granteth me vengeance, and bringeth down nations under me ; 49 And that bringeth me forth from my enemies : also above my opponents thou liftest me up, from the man of violence thou delivcr- est me. 50 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, Lord, among the nations, and unto thy name will I sing praises; 51 (To) the tower of salvation of his king, and who showeth kindness to his anointed, to David and to his seed for ever. CHAPTER XXIII. 1 T[ And these are the last' w^ords of David. Thus saith^ David the son of Jesse, and thus saith the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet'' singer of Israel : 2 The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me, and his word was upon my tongue. 3 (Thus) said the God of Israel, concerning me spoke the Rock of Israel, That (I should be) ruler over men, be righteous, ruling in the fear of God ; 4 And' as in the light of morning the sun riseth, in a morning without clouds, with more than the brightness (reflected) by rain on the herbs that spring from the earth. 5 Truly is not so my house with God? since he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, firm in all, and sure? yea, will he not cause to grow all my salvation, and all my desire ?'' 6 But the godless are all of them as waving thorns, which cannot be taken in the hand ; 7 But the man that will touch them must ^ Sachs, and others, "assertion." '■ Lit. "agreeable (or beloved) through songs" (or Psalms). ' This describes the nature of David's prosperity. '' The verses 3 and 4 are after Rashi ; verse 5 is given after Philippson; but Rashi renders, "For not so is my house with God, that my morning should be cloudy; for an everlasting covenant hath he granted me, well ordered in all and guarded; for he is all my help and my desire, because he will not let grow another king after my kingdom," 2 SAMUEL XXIIl. protect his hand with iron and the staff of a spear: and they will be utterly burnt with hre in the dwelling." 8 ^ These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Yosholvbasheljeth,'' the Thachkemonite, the chief among the cap- tains, — the same as 'Adino the 'Eznite, — be- cause of eight hundred slain at one time. 9 *i\ And after him was El'azar the son of Dodo, the son of Achochi, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered to- gether to battle, and the men of Israel had \vitlidrawn themselves ; lU He then arose, and smote the Philistines until liis hand was weary, and his hand did cleave unto the sword : and the Lord wrought a great victory on that day; and the people returned after him only to strip (the slain). 11 ^ And after him was Shammah the son of Age the Hararite. The Philistines were gathered together into a troop," and there was a piece of ground full of lentiles; and the people had fled from tlie Philistines; 12 But he placed himself in the midst of the ground, and delivered it, and smote the Philistines: and the Lord wrought a great victory. 13 And these three, the chiefs of the thirty, went down, and came to David at harvest- time unto the cave of 'Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines was encamped in the \alley of Rephaim. 14 And David was then in the strong-hold, and an outpost of the Philistines was then in Betli-lecliem. 15 And David longed, and said. Oh that one would brins; me water to drink out of the well at Beth-lechem, which is by the gate! l(j And the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines; and drew water out of the well of Beth-lechem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David; but he would not drink thereof, and poured it out unto the Lord. " Sachs. Philippson, "on their own phico," i. e. on the spot where they grow. '' Rashi, "who sat among the jiulges and was wise." (Jthers, "the private counsellor, Thaehkemoni." Phi- lippson, very peculiarly, " Yosheb-bashebeth-thachkeiuoni, the captain of the body-guard; he struck with his spear right hundred slain at one time." ':i"i'n U'l^' Dr. P. translates thus : "striking down with his spear," — deriving 1 7 And he said. Far be it from me, Lord, that I should do this: (is not this) the blood of the men that went at the risk of their life? and thus he would not drink it. These things did the three mighty men. 18 *[] And Al)ishai, tlie brother of Joiib, the son of Zeru3'ah, was the chief of these three ; and he lifted u]) his spear against three hun- dred slain, and had a uame among the three. 19 Although he was the most honoured of the three, wherefore he became their captain : he nevertheless attained not unto the three (in prowess). 20 ^ And Benayahu the son of Yehoyada', the son of a valiant man, great in many acts of Kabzeel; he it was that smote the two lion-like heroes of Moiib; he also went dt)wn and slew a lion in the midst of a pit on a day when it snowed ; 21 And he slew an Egyptian, a man of good appearance; and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and he snatched the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear. 22 These things did Benayahu the son of Yehoyada', and he had a name among the three mighty men. 2.3 He was more honoured than the thirty; but he attained not to these three.'' And David appointed him in his private council." 24 ^\ 'Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elchanan the son of Dodo of Beth-lechem, 25 T[ Shanunah the Charodite, Elika the Charodite, 26 ][ Chelez the Paltite, 'Ira the son of 'Ikkesh the Teko'ite, 27 ^ Abi'ezer the 'Anethothite, Mebunnai the Chushathite, 28 ][ Zalmon the Achochite, Maharai the Netophathite, 29 ][ Cheleb the son of Ba'anah, the Ne- tophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai of Gib'ah of the children of Benjamin, these words from the Arabic; but the construction is too obscure. Our version is after Sachs, renderiug Si' "be- cause," /. e. he was made the chief of the captains for the great feat of valour in causing the death of eight hundred at one time. " Redak, "at Chayah." ^ I. r. Brave as he was, the three first excelled him. ' Others, "guard," ' " 383 2 SAMUEL XXIII. XXIV. 30 Tf Benayahii the Pir'athonite, Hiddai of Nachale-Ga'ash, 31 ^ Abi-'albon the 'Arbathite, 'Azmaveth the Barchumite, 32 ^ Elyachba the Sha'albonite, Bne-ya- shen, Jonathan," 33 T[ Shammah the Hararite, Achiam the son of Sharar the Ararito, 34 ^ Elijjhelet the son of Achasbai, the son of the Ma'achathite, Eli'am the son of Achithophel the Gilonite, 35 ^ Chezrai the Carmelite, Pa'arai the Arbite, 36 t Yigal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, 37 T[ Zelek the 'Ammonite, Nacharai the Beerothite, the armour-bearer of Joalj the son of Zeruyah, 38 1[ 'Ira the Yithrite, Gareb the Yithrite, 39 ii Uriyah the Hittite : in all thirty and seven. CHAPTER XXIV. 1 ^ And again was the anger of the Lord kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah. 2 And the king said to Joab the captain of the army, who was with him, Traverse, I pray thee, all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beer-sheba', and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people. 3 Then said Joab unto the king, Now may the Lord thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, a hundred-fold more, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it; but why doth my lord the king find delight in this thing? 4 Nevertlieless the king's word remained firm against Joiib, and against the captains of the army: and Joilb and the captains of the army went out from'' the presence of the king, to numljcr the ])eople of Israel. 5 And they passed over the Jordan, and encamped in 'Aro'er, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the valley of Gad, and toward Ya'zer: * Eng. ver., "of the sons of Yashen, Jonathan." '' Lit. "before tlic king;" and so it is rendered by Phi- lippson, after Jonathan. " Philippson, "the new lowhmd," which had probably been newly conquered by the Ilciibcnites. (1 Chrou. v. 10.) ;!84 6 Then they came to Gil'ad, and to the land of Tachtim-chod.shi f and they came to Dan-ya'an, and about to Zidon; 7 And they came to the strong-hold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites; and they went out to the south of Judah, up to Beer-sheba'. 8 And so they traversed all the land, and they came at the end of nine months and twenty days to Jerusalem. 9 And Joab gave up the sum of the num- ber of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men. 10 And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. Tl And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned greatly in what I have done ; and now, I beseech thee, Lord, cause the iniquity of thy servant to pass away; for I have acted very foolishly. 11 And when David was arisen in the ni morning, ][ The word of the Lord came unto Gad the prophet, David's seer, saying, 12 Go and speak unto David, Thus hath said the Lord, Three things do I oflFer'' thee : choose for thyself one of them, and I will do it unto thee. 13 So Gad came to David, and told it unto him ; and he said unto him. Shall there come unto thee seven years of famine in thy land ? or three month.s, that thou flee before thy enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be for three days a pestilence in thy laud? now consider and see what word I shall bring back to him that hath sent me. 14 ^ And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait : let us fiiU then into the hand of the Loud, — for his mercies are great; but let me not fall into the hand of man. 15 And the Lord sent a pestilence in Israel from the morning even to the time appointed :° and there died of the people from Dan even to Beer-sheba' seventy thousand men. 16 And when the angel stretched out his * Heb. "I lay upon thee." ' {. c. Tlie three days agreed on. But Juiuitban, after the Talmud, limits the plague to the time that the daily sacrifice was burnt; some even that the mortality lasted but about an hour. 1 KINGS I. liand over Jerusalem tu destroy it, the Lord belliought himself of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed among the people, It is enough : now stay thy hand. And the angel of the Lord was by the threshing-floor of Aravnah the Jebusite. 17 ^ And David spoke unto the Lord when he saw the ansel that smote among the people, and said, Lo. I have indeed sinned, and I have truly done wickedly; but these sheep, what have the}- done? let thy hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house. 18 ^ And Gad came to David on that day, and said unto him, Go up, erect an altar unto the Lord on the threshing-floor I of Aravnah the Jebusite. 19 And David went up, according to the, word of Gad, as the Lord had commanded. 20 And Aravnah looked up, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him : and Aravnah went out, and bowed himself I before the king with his face to the ground. 2 1 ][ And Aravnah said, Wherefore is my , lord the king come to his servant? And David said. To buy from thee the threshing- floor, to build an altar unto the Lord, that the i)lague may be stayed from the people. 22 And Aravnalr said unto David, Let my lord the king take and ofler up what seemeth good in his eyes : behold, the oxen are here for burnt-olferings. and the threshing-rollers and the harness of the oxen for wood. 23 All these things did Aravnah, the king," give unto the king. Tf And Aravnah said unto the king, May the Lord thy God receive thee favourably. 24 And the king said unto Aravmdi, No; but I will surely buy it from thee at the value; for I will not offer burnt-offerings unto the Lord my God without paying therefijr. So David bought the threshing-floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 25 And David built there'' an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt-ofierings and peace- offerings: and the Lord Avas entreated*" for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel. THE FIRST BOOK OF THE KINGS, 'x DoV'J 15D. CONTAINING THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL FROM THE DEATH OF DAVID TU THAT OF JEHOSHAPHAT. CHAPTER I. 1 Now king David was old, stricken in years; and they covered him Avith clothes, but he could not become warm. 2 Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let them seek out for my lord the king a young vii'gin, and let her stand before the king, and let her be an attendant on him; ' Tradition represents Aravnah as a proselyte and former king or chief of Jebus, or Jerusalem. "■ The spot is said to have been the one where Solomon built the temple. 2 Y and let her lie in thy besom, that my lord the king may become warm. 3 So they sought for a fair maiden through- out all the territory of Israel; and they found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4 And the nutiden was exceedingly fiiir; and she became an attendant on the king, and ministered to him ; but the king knew her not. " This expression means that the Loud accepted the prayers of the people; whereas before this their entreaties seem to have been unavailing, since so many calamities overcame them one after annlher. 385 1 KINGS I. 5 And Adoniyah the son of Chaggith ex- alted himself, saying, I shall be king: and he procured himself a chariot and horsemen, and fifty men who ran l^efore him. 6 And his father had never grieved him in all his life by saj-ing, Why hast thou done so? and he also was of a very goodly form; and his mother had Ijorn him after Absha- lom.° 7 And he had conferences with Joiib the son of Zeruyah, and with Ebyathar the priest: and the}-, following Adoniyah, helped him. 8 But Zadok the priest, and Benayahu the son of Yehoyada', and Nathan the prophet, and Shim'i, and Re'i, and the mighty men that belonged to David, were not with Adoni- yah. 9 And Adoniyali slaughtered sheep and oxen and fatted cattle by the stone Zocheleth, which is by 'En-rogel ;'' and he invited all his brothers the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants; 10 But Nathan the prophet, and Benayahu. and the mighty men, and Solomon his bro- ther, he invited not. 11 And Nathan spoke unto Bath-sheba' the mother of Solomon, saying. Hast thou not heard that Adoniyali the son of Chaggith is become king, and (that) David our lord knoweth it not? 12 And now come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thy own life,'' and the life of thy son Solomon. 13 Go and get thee in unto king David, and say unto him. Didst not thou, my lord, () king, swear unto thy liand-maid, saying. Assuredly, Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and only he shall sit upon my throne? why then is Adoniyah become king? 14 And, lo, while thou shalt be yet speak- ing there with the king, I myself will come in after thee, and confirm thy words. 15 And Batli-sheba' went in unto the king into the chamber, and the king was very old ; and Abishag the Shunammite was ministering unto the king. IG And Bath-sheba' bowed, and prostrated * Ileb. "she had burn him after Abshalom ;" racauing, that the mother of AJoniyali bore him, after Abshalom liad been born by his mother; since they were half-bro- thers only. *■ "Fuller's-spring." — Hkhxuki.MEU, 386 herself unto the king: and the king said, What wouldst thou ? 17 And she said unto him, My lord, thou thyself didst swear hy the Lord thy God unto thy handmaid, Assuredly, Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and only he shall sit njjon my throne. 18 And now, behold, Adoniyah is become king; and now, my lord, king, thou know- est it not : 19 And he hath slaughtered oxen and fat- ted cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath invited all the sons of the king, and Ebyathar the i)riest, and Joiib the captain of the army; but Solomon thy .servant hath he not invited. 20 And as for thee, my lord, king, the eyes of all Israel are upon thee, to tell them, who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 21 Otherwi.se it would come to pass, ^\dien my lord the king sleepeth with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon may be counted offenders. 22 And, lo, Avhile she was yet speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet also came in. 2.3 And they told the king, saying, Behold, liei'e is Nathan the prophet: and when he was come in before tlie king, he prostrated himself before the king with his face to the ground. 24 And Nathan said. My lord, king, hast thou then said, Adoniyah shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? 25 For he is gone down this day, and hath slaughtered oxen and fatted cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath invited all the kina's sons, and the captains of the arm}', and Elna- thar the priest: and, Ijehold, they are eating and drinking before him, and they say. Long live king Adoni^Mh. 2G But as for me, me thy servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benayahu the son of Yehoyada', and tliy servant Solomon, hath he not invited. 27 Can it be that this hath been done by order of my lord the king, and thou hast not ' Tiiis would seem to indicate that with the commcnee- meut of the kingdom, there was danger of introducing the cruel practice even now prevailing in the East, that at almost every accession the reigning monarch destroys those who can be injurious to him. 1 KINGS I. informed thy servant, who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him ? 28 Then answered king David, and said, Call me Bath-sheha' ; and she eame into the kings presence, and stood hefore the king. 29 And the king swore and said, As the Lord liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress. 30 Even as I have sworn unto tliec Jjy the Lord the God of Israel, saying. Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign alter me, and only he shall sit upon my throne in my stead : even so will I certainly do this day. 31 Then did Bath-sheba' bow herself with her face to the earth, and prostrate herself unto the king; and she said, May my lord, the king David, live for ever! 32 T[ And king David said. Call unto me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benayahu the son of Yehoyada'. And the^' came before the king. 33 And the king said unto them, Take with vou tlie servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon my own mule, and conduct him down to Gichon : 34 And let Zadok the priest witli Nathan the prophet anoint him there as king over Israel; and blow ye with the cornet, and say, Long live king iSolomon. 3-3 Then shall ye go up after him, and he shall come and sit upon my throne; and he shall be king in ni}' stead : and liim have I ordained to be ruler over Israel and over Judah. 36 And Benayahu the son of Yehoyada' answered the king, and said, Amen : Maj^ thus say the Eternal tlie God of my lord the king. 37 As the Eternal hath been with my lord the king, even so may he be with Solo- mon, and may he make his throne greater than the throne of my lord the king David. 38 Thereupon Zadok the priest, and Na- than the prophet, and Benayahu the son of Yehoyada', and the Kerethites, and the Pele- thites, w^ent down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and conducted him to Gichon. 39 And Zadok the priest took the horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solo- * S"n wa not alone valiant "in arms," but "worthy," or "distinguished for good deeds." mon. And they blew with the cornet; and all the people said. Long live king Solo- mon. 40 And all the people went up after him, and the people blew on flutes, and rejoiced with great joy, so tliat the earth was rent at their noise. 41 And Adoniyah and all the guests that wei'e with him heard it as they had just finished eating: and when Joab heard the sound of the cornet, he said. Wherefore is this noise of the city in an uproar? 42 And while he was yet speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Eljyathar the priest came in: and Adoniyah said (unto him). Come in; for thou art a worthy" man, and must bring good tidings. 43 And Jonathan answered and said to Adoniyah, Alas, no:"" our lord king David hath made Solon;on king ; 44 And the king hath sent with him Zad<jk the priest, and Natlum the proi)het, and Be- nayahu the son of Yehoyada', and the Ke- rethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule; 45 And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him as king on the Gichon ; and they are come up from there rejoicing, and the city hath Ijeen set in com- motion. This is the noise that ye have heard. 46 And Solomon hath also sat on' the kingly throne. 47 And also the king's servants are come to Ijless our lord king David, saying, May God make the name of Solomon more famous than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy throne : and the king hath bowed himself upon the bed. 48 And also thus hath the king said, Bless- ed be the Lord the God of Israel, who hath given (me) this day one who sitteth on my throne, while my eyes see it. 49 And all the guests that were with Ado- ni\'ah were terrified, and rose up, and Avent, every man, on his own way. 50 And Adoniyah was afi'aid because of Solomon; and he arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar. 51 And it was told unto Solomon, saying. "" '73N, literally, "but," Lore denoting the oppojvite of what Adoniyah expected. 387 1 KINGS I. II. Behold, Adoniyah feareth king Solomon ; and, behold, he hath caught hold on the horns of tlie altar, saying, Let king Solomon swear unto me to-day that he will not slay his ser- vant with the sword. 52 And Solomon said, It' he will become a worthy man, there shall not a hair of his fall to the earth ; but if any wrong shall be found on him, then shall. he die. 53 So king Solomon sent, and they brought liim down from the altar; and he came and bowed himself to king Solomon ; and Solomon said unto him. Go to thy house. CHAPTER II. 1 T[ xVnd when the days of David drew near that he should die, he charged Solomon his son, saying, 2 I am going the way of all the earth ; but be thou strong, and become a man ; 3 And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, his commandments, and his ordinances, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses; in order that thou maj-est prosjaer in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself; 4 In order that the Lord mav fulfd his Avord which he hath spoken concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall never fail thee, said he, a man on the throne of Israel. 5 And thou also knowest well what Joiib the son of Zeruyah hath done to me, what he did to the two captains of the armies of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto 'Amassa the son of Yether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and on his shoes that were on his feet. G Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoary head go down in peace to the gra\'e. 7 ^] But unto the sons of Bar/.illai the Gil'adite show thou kindness, and let them be of those that eat at thy tajjle ; for so they came near to me when I tied from before Ab- shalom thy brother. " Lit. "lay with," or "laid himself down." Abavbanel well observes, that thi.s expression does not mean the association of the bodies after death, since David was 388 8 And, behold, thou hast with tliee Shim'i the son of Gera, the Benjamite of Bachurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse on the day when I went to Machanayim; but who came down to meet ine at the Jordan, and I swore to him by the Lord, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword. U But now leave him not unpunished ; for thou art a wise man : know then what thou oughtest to do unto him, and bring thou down his hoary head with blood to the grave. 10 And David slept" with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David. 11 And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years : in Hebron he reigned seven years, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirt}- and three years. 12 Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was estii- Ijlished greatly. 13 ^\ And Adoniyah the son of Chaggith came to Bath-sheba' the mother of Solomon: and she said. Is thy coming for peace? And he said. For peace. 14 He said moreover, I have a word for thee. And she said. Speak. 15 And he said. Thou well knowest that mine was the kingdom, and that on me all Israel had set their fxces, that I should reign : nevertheless the kingdom was turned about. and became my brother's; for from the Lord was it (made) his. IG And now there is one petition I am go- ing to ask of thee, do not turn me away. And she said unto him, Speak. 17 And he said. Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not turn thee away,) that he may give me Abishag the Shuuannnite for wife. IS And Bath-sheba' said. Well: I will speak for thee unto the king. 19 Bath-shel)a' thereupon went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for .Adoniyah; and the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and then sat down on his throne, and placed a chair for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand. 20 Then said she, There is one small peti- tion I am going to ask of thee: do not turn me away. And the king said unto her, Ask not buried in the family sepulchre at Hebron; but the spiritual association after our decease. (^Compare with Deut. sxsi. 10.) 1 KINCxS II. on. my mother; for T will not turn thee away. 21 And !^he said, Let Abis^hag the Shu- naramite be given to Adoiiiyah thy brother for wife. 22 And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother. And why dost thon ask xibishag the Slnnianiuiite for Adoniyah? rather" ask for hiui the kinirdom; for he is my elder brother; — even for him, and for Ebyathar the priest, and for Joiib the son of Zeruyah. 23 ^ Then swore king Solomon by the Lord, saying. May God do so to me, and may he thus continue, if Adoniyah have not spoken this word against his own life. 24 And now, as the Lord liveth, who hath established me, and seated me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me a house, as he hath spoken, this very day shall Adoniyah be put to death. 25 And king Solomon sent by the hand*" of Benayahu the son of Yehoyada' ; and he fell upon him so that he died. 26 T[ And mito Ebyathar the priest said the king. Go to 'Anathoth, unto thy own fields ; for thou art a man worthy of death ; but on this day will I not put thee to death; l^ecause tliou hast borne the ark of the Lord Eternal before David my father, and because thou wast afflicted in all wherein my father was afflicted. 27 So Solomon banished Ebyathar that he should not be priest unto the Lord, to fulfil the word of the Lord, wdiich he had spoken concerning the house of 'Eli in Shiloh." 28 ]| And the report came to Joiib; for Joab had turned after Adoniyah, though he had not turned after Abshalom. And Joab fied unto the tabernacle of the Lord, and caught hold on the horns of the altar. 29 And it was told to king Solomon that Joiib had fled unto the tabernacle of the Lord; and that, behold, he was close by the altar. ' The demanding of the relict of David, though she never was actually his wife, showed that Adoniyah enter- tained some hopes of reaching the throne through her, after the custom of the orientals. Solomon, therefore, told his mother that she might as well have asked at once to constitute Adoniyah as king, and bring back to power his followers. *■ "Through the hand" means the message was sent by Benayahu, who saw the droree executed. Then sent Solomon Benayahu the son of Yehoyada', saying. Go, fall upon him. 30 And Benayahu came to the tabernacle of the Lord, and said unto him. Thus hath said the king. Come forth. And he said. No; but here will I die. And Benayahu brought the king word again, saying, Thus hath Joiib spoken, and thus liath he answered me. 31 Then said the king unto him. Do as he hath spoken, and fall upon him, and bury him; and remove (thus) the innocent Ijloml, which Joiib hath shed, from me, and from the house of my fiither. 32 And may the Lord •bring back his lilood-guiltiness upon his own head, because he fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, while my father David knew it not, Abner the son of Ner, the captain of the army of Israel, and 'Amassa the son of Yether, the captain of the army of Judah. 33 And their Ijlood shall return upon the head of Joiib, and upon the head of his seed for ever; but unto David, and unto his seed, and unto his house, and unto his throne, may there be peace for ever from the Lord. 34 So Benayahu the son of Yehoyada' went up, and fell upon him, and slew him: and he was buried in his own house in tlie wilder- ness. 35 And the king appointed Benayaliu the son of Yehoyada' in his place over the army; and Zadok the priest did the king appoint in the place of Ebyathar. 36 T[ And the king sent and called tijr Shim'i, and said unto him, Build thee a house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and thou shalt not go forth from there hither or thither. 37 And it shall be, that on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain that thou shalt surely die : thy blood shall be uyion thy own head. 38 And Shim'i said unto the king. If' is ° This was for having taken part with Adoniyah ; but by it a remarkable prophecy was fulfilled. God had told 'Eli (1 Sam. ii. 30-36) that the high-priesthood should depart from his house : Ebyathar was the last high-priest of Ithamar, of which family also was 'Eli the judge. Za- dok, who succeeded, was of the family of Elazar; and by this change the high-priesthood reverted to its ancient channel. *' Lit. "the thing is good." 389 V \_ 1 KINGS 11. m. well: as my lord the king hath spoken, so will thy servant do. And Shim'i dwelt in Jerusalem many days. 39 ^ And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two servants of Shim'i ran away unto Achish the son of Ma'achah the king of Gath : and they told unto Shim'i, say- ing, Behold, thy servants are in Gath. 40 And Shim'i arose, and saddled his ass, and went to Gath to Achi.sh to seek his ser- vants; and Shim'i went, and brought his ser- vants from Gath. 41 ^ And it was told to Solomon that Shim'i had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and had returned. 42 And the king sent and called for Shim'i, and said uuto him. Did I not make thee swear by the Lord, and warned thee, saying, On the day tliou goest out, and walkest abroad hither or thither, know ibr certain that thou shalt surely die ? and thou saidst unto me, It is well, I liave heard?" 43 Why then hast thou not kept the oath of the Lord, and the commandment with which I charged thee? 44 The king said moreover to Shim'i, Thou well knowest all the wickedness of which thy heart is conscious, that thou hast done- to David my father: and the Lord bring- eth back thy wickedness upon thy own head; 45 But king Solpmon will be blessed, and the throne of David will be established before the Lord for ever. 4G So the king commanded Benayahu the son of Yehoyada', who went out, and fell upon him, so that he died. And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon. CHAPTER III. 1 ^ And tSolomon intermarried with Pha- raoh the king of Egypt, and took the daughter of Pharaoh, and brought lier into the city of David, until he had finished building his own house, and the house of the Lord, and the wall of Jerusalem round about. 2 But the people sacrificed still on the high- places; because there was no house built unto the name of the Lord, until those days. 3 Tl And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father : only that ' Herxheimer, heard tlic word." 3'JO 'I obey." Pfiifippison, "Well, I liavc he sacrificed and burnt incense on the high- places. 4 And the king went to Gib'on to sacrifice there ; for that was the great high-place : one thousand burntrofferings did Solomon offer upon that altar. 5 Tf In Gib'on the Lord appeared to Solo- mon in a dream of the night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 6 And Solomon said, Thou hast shown unto thy servant David my father great kind- ness, just as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, and thou hast given him a son who sitteth on liis throne, as it is this day. 7 And now, Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king in the place of David my father : and I am but a young lad ; I know not how to go out or come in. 8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people wliicli thou hast chosen, a great peo- ple, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. 9 Give therefore thy servant an understand- ing heart to judge thy people, to discern be- tween good and bad; for who would (other- wise) be able to judge this thy great'' peo- ple? 10 And the speech was pleasing in the eyes of the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life;'' and hast not asked for thy- self riches, nor hast asked the life of thy ene- mies; but hast asked for thyself discernment to understand (how to give) judgment : 12 Behold, 1 have done according to thy word ; lo, I have given thee a wise and a discerning heart; so that like unto thee there was none before thee, nor after thee shall any one arise like unto thee. 13 And also what thou hast not nsked have I given thee, both riches, and honour : so that like unto thee there shall not have been any one among the kings all thy days. 14 And if thou wilt walk in my wa^s, to kee]) my statutes and my commandments, as '' After Jonathan, 'troublesome." Arnheim, "powerful;" Eashi, " Heb. "many days." 1 KINGS in. IV. tliv father David did wallc, then will I leiiiithen thy days. 15 ^f And Solomon awoke, and, behold, it was a dream ; and he went to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt-oflerings, and pre- pared peace-oflferings, and made a feast to all his servants. 10 ^ Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and placed them- selves before him. 17 And the one woman said. Pardon, my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house ; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house. 18 And it came to pass on the third day after I was delivered, that also this woman was delivered: and we were together, there was no stranger with us in the house, only we two were in the house. 19 And this woman's son died in the night; because she had overlaid him. 20 And she arose in the midst of the night, and took my son from beside me, while thy handmaid slept, and laid him in her bosom, and her dead son she laid in my bosom. 21 And when I rose in the morning to give my son suck, behold, he was dead; but when T looked at him carefully in the morning, be- hold, it was not my son, whom I had born. 22 And the other woman said. It is not so;" my son is the living one, and thy son is the dead ; and this one said. It is not so ; thy son is the dead, and my son is the living: thus they spoke before the king. 2-3 Then said the king. This one saith. This is my son that liveth, and thy son is dead: and the other saith, It is not so ; thy son is the dead, and my son is the living. 24 And the king said, Fetch me a sword: and they brought the sword before the king. 25 And the king said, Hew the living child in two, and give the one half to one, and the other half to the other. 2G Then spoke the woman whose son was the living unto the king, for her love'' had become enkindled for her son, and she said, pardon, my lord, give her the living child, and only do not slay it; but the other said, Neither mine nor thine shall it be, hew it asunder. * After Jonathan; others, " No; but," &c. 27 The king then answered and said, Give her the living child, and do not slay it: she is its mother. 28 And when all Israel heard of the judg- ment which the king had given,"" they feared the king; for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to exercise justice. CHAPTER IV. 1 Thus was king Solomon king over all Israel. 2 ^ And these were the princes whom he had: 'Azaryahu the son of Zadok the priest ; 3 Elichoreph and Achiyah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Achi- lud, the recorder; 4 And Benayahu the son of Yehoyada' over the army; and Zadok and Ebyathar priests ; 5 And Azaryahu the son of Nathan was over the superintendents; and Zabud the son of Nathan was an officer of state and the kings friend; G And Achishar was over the household; and Adoniram the son of 'Abda was over the tribute. 7 ^ And Solomon had twelve superintend- ents over all Israel, who provided for the king and his household: one month in the year had the particular one to jirocure provisions. 8 And these are their names: Ben-churon the mountain of Ephraim ; 9 Ben-deker, in Makaz, and in Sha'albim, and Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-chanan ; 10 Ben-chessed, in Arubboth; to him per- tained Soclioh and all the land of Chepher; 11 Ben-abinadab, in all the district of Dor; he had Taphath the daughter of Solomon for wife; 12 ^ Ba'ana the son of Achilud in Tha'a- nach and Megiddo, and all Beth-shean, which is by Zarethanah beneath Yizre'el. from Beth- shean to Abel-mecholah, as far as beyond Yok- me'am ; 13 ^ Ben-geber, in Ramoth-girad ; to him pertained the villages of Ya'ir the son of Me- nasseh, which are in Gil'ad; to him also per- tained the region of Argob, which is in Ba- shan, sixty great cities with walls and brazen bars; Lit. ' mercy. Lit. "judged." 391 1 KINGS IV. V. 14 ^ Acliinadab the son of 'Iddo in Ma- chanayim; 15 ^ Achima'az in Naplitali; he also took Bahsemath the daughter of Solomon for wife; IG ^ Ba'anah the son of Cliiishai in Asher and in Be'aloth; 17 ][ Jehoshaphat the son of Paruach, in Issachar; 18 Tl Shim'i the son of Ela, in Benjamin; 19 if Geber the son of Uri in the country of Gil'ad, the country of Sichon the king of the Emorites, and of 'Og the king of Ba- shan; besides" the one superintendent who was in the land. 20 Judali and Israel were numerous, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude; and they ate and drank, and made merry. CHAPTER V. 1'' And Solomon was ruling over all the kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and as far as the boundary of Egypt, which brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life. 2 Tl And Solomon's provision for one day was thirty kors" of fine flour, and sixty kors of meal, 3 Ten fotted oxen, and twent}- pasture oxen, and a hundred sheep, besides harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl. 4 For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Thiphsach even to Gazzah, over all the kuigs on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him. 5 And Judah and Israel dwelt in safety, every man under his vine and under his fig- tree, from Dan even to Beer-sheba', all the days of Solomon. 6 ^ And Solomon had forty thousand stalls for the horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen. 7 And those superintendents provided for king Solomon, and for all that came near unto king Solomon's table, every man in his month : they let nothing be wanting. 8 The barley also and the straw for the * Rashi. There is a doubt concerning this officer; some suppose it refers to ' Azaryahu, son of Nathan, (ver. 5,) and others, to a thirteenth officer not named, who had to furnish supplies in the thirteenth month of a leap-year. '' The English version commences chapter v. only at our verse 15. 392 horses and the runners'* did they bring unto the place where he might be, every man ac- cording to his prescription. 9 ^ And God gave unto Solomon wisdom and understanding exceedingly much, and largeness" of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea-shore. 10 And Solomon's Avisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east coun- try, and all the wisdom of Egypt. 11 And he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrachite, and Heman, and Kal- kol, and Darda', the sons of Machol : and his name was (spread) among all the nations round abont. 12 And he spoke three thousand proverbs; and his songs were a thousand and five. 13 And he spoke concerning the trees, from the cedar-tree that is on the Lebanon even unto the hyssop that spriugeth out of the wall ; he spoke also concerning the beasts, and concerning the fowl, and concerning the creeping things, and concerning the fishes. 14 And men came from all the jjeople to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom. 15 ^ And Hiram*^ the king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon ; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father; for Hiram had all the time been a lover of David. 16 ][ And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, 1 7 Thou well knowest of David my father, that he was not able to build a house unto the name of the Lord his God, on account of the war wherewith his enemies encompassed him, until the Lokd had put them under the soles of his feet. 18 But now hath the Lord my God given me rest on every side, there is neither adver- sary nor evil hinderance. 19 And, behold, I purpose to build a house unto the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord hath spoken unto David my father, say- ing. Thy son, whom I will place in thy room upon thy throne, he it is that shall build the house unto my name. " A certain measure, said to be about 9| Prussian bushels, or about 14} imperial ones. ■^ A species of fleet horses. Others render, "dromeda- ries." ' /. e. "Extensive knowledge." ' Correctly, Chiram. 1 KINGS V. VI. 20 And now command thou that they hew me cedar-trees out of Lebanon; and my ser- vants shall be with thy servants; and the wages of thy servants will I give unto thee in accordance with all that thou wilt say; for tliou well knowest that there is not among us a man that hath the skill to hew timber like unto tlie Zidonians. 21 ][ And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly; and he said, Blessed be the Lord this da}-, who hath given unto David a wise son over this numerous people. 22 And Iliram sent to Solomon, saying, I have heai'd what thou hast sent to me for: I will gladly execute all thy desire in respect of timber of cedar, and in respect of timber of fir. 23 My servants shall bring them down from the Lebanon unto the sea: and I will convey them by sea in fioats unto the place of which thou wilt send me word, and I Avill cause theni to be taken apart there, and thou shalt take them away; and tliou shalt accom- plish my desire, in giving the food for my household. 24 So Iliram gave Solomon cedar-trees and fir-trees, all his desire. 25 And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thou- sand kors of wheat as provision for his house- hold, and twenty kors of beaten oil : thus did Solomon give to Hiram year by year. 26 1| And the Lord gave wisdom unto So- lomon, as he had spoken to him; and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon ; and they made a covenant with each other. 27 And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men. . 28 And he sent them into the Lebanon, ten thousand in each month by turns; one month they used to be in the Lebanon, two months at home : and Adoniram was over the levy. 29 ^ And there belonged to Solomon seventy thousand bearers of burdens, and eighty thousand stone-cutters in the moun- tains ; 30 Besides the chiefs who" were appointed ' Others, "the chiefs of Solomou's oflScers who were." ^ i. e. Commenced to build. ° Wesseli renders, "windows transparent when closed," or "glass windows." .Tonathan, "narrow without and wide within." ■2 Z by Solotnon over the work, three thousand and three hundred, who ruled over the people that wrought on the work. 31 And when the king commanded, they quarried out great stones, heavy stones, to lay the foundation of the house, and hewn stones. 32 And the builders of Solomon, and the builders of Hiram, and the Giblites hewed them; and so they prepared the wood and the stones to build tlie house. CHAPTER VI. 1 ^ And it came to pass, in the four hun- dred and eightieth year after the soinii forth of the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year, in tlie month Ziv, which is the second month, of the reign of Solomon over Israel, that he built'' the house unto the Lord. 2 And the house which king Solomon built unto the Lord, was sixty cubits in length, and twenty in breadth, and thirty cubits in height. 3 And the porch before the temple of the house, was twenty cubits in length, in front of the breadth of the house; and ten cubits in breadth at the east side of the house. 4 And he made for the house windows wide without and narrow within.'' 5 And he built on the wall of the house a gallery round about, on the walls of the house round about, of the temple and of the most holy place : and he made side-chambers round about. 6 The nethermost gallery was five cubits in Ijreadth, and the middle was six cubits in breadth, and the third was seven cubits in breadth ; for projections'' had he made to the house round about on the outside, so as to fasten nothing in the walls of the house. 7 And the house, when it was in building, was built of entire stones as they had been prepared at the quaiTy: so that neither ham- mer, nor axe, nor any tool of iron was heard in the house, while it was in building. 8 The door for the middle" (gallery) side- chamber was in the right side of the house : ^ Lit. m^TlJO means "diminutions," ('. c. the wall dimi- nished in thickness one cubit each at the end of the fir-t and second stories, on which projection thus formed the beams of the galleries were laid. " Jonathan renders, "the lowermost gallery." 393 1 KINGS VI. and with wmdiiig- stairs they went up into the middle chamber, and out of the middle into the third. 9 So he built the house, and finished it; and covered the house with hollow tiles,'' and with"' boards of cedar. 10 And he built the gallery against all the house, (each) five cubits in height; and it was fastened on to the house with timber of cedar." 11 T[ And the word of the Lord came to Solomon, saying, 12 This house which thou art building — if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my ordinances, and keep all m}' command- ments to walk in them: then will I perform my word with thee, which I have spoken unto David thy f\ither. 13 And I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel, and I will not forsake my people Israel. 14 ^ So did Solomon build the house, and finish it. 15 And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar ; from the floor of the house to where the walls touched the ceiling did he overlay it on the inside with wood; and he over- laid the floor of the house with boards of fir. 16 And he built the twenty cubits on the lower side of the house with boards of cedar, from the floor to the battlements; and he built it within, for the debir,'' for the holy of holies. 17 And the house, that is, the temple be- fore it, was forty cubits long. 18 And the cedar on the house within was carved with colocynths and opening flowers : all was cedar, no stone was seen. 19 And the debir in the house within did he prepare, to set therein the ark of the cove- nant of the Lord. 20 And the interior of the debir was . twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits was its height: * Rashi. Otbers, "narrow boards or slats," or "shin- gles of cypress." " Arnheim, from "no "order," i. c. of columns, "and the columnar-hall with cedar-wood." Philippson, "and he covered the house with slats, and beams of cedar." ° Rashi, "and ho fastened the house," &c. Philipp- son-, "and he encased the house," &c. Our version is after Ralbag. '' T31 can scarcely be translated except with the harsh es- 394 and he overlaid it with pure gold ; and he overlaid the altar with cedar-wood. 21 And Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold : and he barred by means of chains of gold the front of the debir; and he overlaid it with gold. 22 And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until all the house was finished : also the whole altar that was before the debir did he overlay with gold. 23 And Avithin the debir he made two cherubims of oleaster-wood,' each ten cubits high. 24 And five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: (there were) ten cubits from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the utter- most part of the other. 25 And the other cherub was also ten cu- bits : both the cherubim were of one measure and one form. 20 The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so that of the other cherub. 27 And he set the cherubim within the innermost part of the house : and they spread forth the wings of the cherubim, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings toward the middle of the house touched one another. 28 And he overlaid the cherubim with gold. 29 And on all the wall of the house round about, he carved figures of cherubim and palm-trees and opening flowers, in the debir and in the temple. 30 And the floor of the house he overlaid with gold for the debir and for the temple. 31 And for the entrance of the debir he made doors of oleaster-wood : the lintel with' the side-posts forming five sides. *^ 32 And also upon the two doors of oleaster- wood he carved figures of cherubim and palm- trees and opening flowers, and overlaid them pression, "speaking-place, the spot for revealing;" where- fore we have left it, with Herxheinier, untranslated. The English version has "oracle," evidently not a good word. " i'. e. The wild olive. Lit. " oil-trees ;" but Jonathan, "olive-trees." ' After Rashi, who explains that the lintel was not straight, but formed an angle : hence the base and side- posts with the lintel formed a pentagon, or five-sided opening A. 1 KINGS VI. VII. with gold, and spread the gold, by beating, upon the cherubim, and ujjon the palm-trees. 33 So also made he for the entrance of the temple door-posts of oleusterwond in sliape of a square ; 34 And two doors of fir-wood: the one door having two leaves which were folding, and the other door having two leaves which were folding." 35 And he carved thereon cherubim, and palm-trees and opening flowers: and he over- laid them with gold fitting upon the carved Avork. 36 And he built the inner court of three rows of hewn stone, and one row of cedar beams. 37 In the fourth year was the foundation of the house of the Lord laid, in the month Ziv; 38 And in the eleventh year, in the month Bui, which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all its parts, and according to all its requirements. So was he building it seven years. CHAPTER VII. 1 But his own house was Solomon build- ing thirteen years, and then lie finished all his house. 2 He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon: a hundred cubits was its length, and fifty cubits was its breadth, and thirty cu)>its was its height, upon four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars. 3 And it was covered with cedar above over the beams,'' that lay on the forty-five pillars, fifteen in a row. 4 And there were window-spaces in three rows, and windows were ojiposite each other in three ranks. 5 And all the entrances and door-posts formed a square in shape: and windows were ojjposite windows in three ranks. 6 And he made a porch of pillars ; fifty cubits was its length, and thirty cubits its breadth; and the porch was before them; and the other pillars with an entablature" before them. ° D'S'Sj lit. " revolving," /. c. on their own hinges. '' Some render, " above the chambers which rested on the pillars, which chambers were forty-five," &c. ° Philippsou, " and the porch was in front, also columns and a stairway in front." But 3^ is considoreil by the 7 Then he made a porch for the throne where he might judge, the porch of judg- ment: and it was covered with cedar from one side of the floor to the other. 8 And his house where he dwelt in another court within the porch, was of the like work : and Solomon made also a house for Pharaoh's daughter, whom he had taken for wife, like unto this porch. 9 All these were of heavy stones, hewn after a fixed measure, sawed with the saw inside and outside, even from the foundation unto the coping, and from the outside unto the great court. 10 And the foundation was of heavy stones, large stones, stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits. 11 And above were heavy stones, hewn after a fixed measure, and cedars. 12 And the great court round about was of three I'ows of hewn stones, and one row of cedar beams, both for the inner court of the house of the Lord, and for the porch of the house. 13 ^ And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre. 14 He was the sou of a widow of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tjre, a worker in copper : and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and know- ledge, to make every work in copper; and he came to king Solomon, and did all his work. 15 And he cast the two pillars of copper, eighteen cubits was the height of the one pil- lar;"^ and a line of twelve cubits did encom- pass the second pillar. 16 And he made two capitals, to set upon the tops of the pillars, of molten copper; five cubits Was the height of the one capital, and five cubits was the height of the other capital; 17 And nets of checker-work, and wreaths of chain-work, for the capitals which were upon the top of the pillars ; seven for the one capital, and seven for the other capital. 18 And he made the pillars, so that two rows of pomegranates were round about upon the one net-work, to cover the capitals that Rabbins as thick beams, forming cornices over the columns, as rendered here. ^ The height is given of one pillar, and the circumfe- ' rence of the other; though both were alike. 395 1 KINGS VII. were upon the top: and the same he made for tlie otlier capitaL 19 And the capitals, that were upon the top of the piUars, furnished with hly-work, (as) those in the porch, were four cubits. 20 And the capitals" upon the two pillars rose also above, close by the rounding which was on the side of the net-work : and the pomegranates were two hundred, in rows round about, upon either'' capital. 21 And he set up the pillars for the porch of the temple; and he set up the right pillar, and called its name Yachin ; and he set up the left pillar, and called its name Boilz. 22 And upon the top of the i)illars there was lily-work : and so was finished the work of the pillars. 23 ^ And he made the molten sea, ten cubits i'rom the one brim to tlie other, rounded all about, and it was five cubits in height : and a line of thirty cubits did encompass it round about. 24 And colocynth-shaped knobs were under its brim round about encompassing it, ten in a cubit, encircling the sea round al^out: the colocynths were in two rows, and were cast (with it) when it was cast. 25 It was standing upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east; and the sea was resting above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward. 20 And its thickness was a hand's breadth, and its brim was wrought like the brim of a cu|), with lily-buds: it could contain two thousand baths. 27 ][ And he made ten bases of copper: four cubits Avas the length of each one base, and four cubits its breadth, and three cubits its heiglit. 28 And this was the workmanship oi' the bases: They had borders, and the borders were between the corner ledges; 29 And on the borders that were between " Tliis verse is translated by others freely to explain thd obscurity: "The two hundred pomegranates hung in two rows around the capitals, to wit, (one row) above, and (another row) below the centre, around which was the not-work." Our version seems to indicate the same, that the capitals rose above the ornaments which covered them in the centre. '' Rashi. ° lta.shi renders p "there was a pedestal above," viz, for the laver to rest oii. the ledges were lions, oxen, and cherubitn; and upon the corner ledges it was thus also" above; and likeAvise beneath the lions and oxen were pendant wreaths of plated work."* 30 And every base had four copper wheels, and axles of copper ; and its four corners had un- dersetters : under the laver were the under.set- ters cast on ; at the side of each were pendants. 31 And its mouth" was within the capital and above a cubit in height; but the mouth of this was rounded after the work of the base, a cubit and a half-cubit; and also upon its mouth were car\ings ; and their borders were square, not rounded. 32 And the four Avheels were under the borders ; and the axletrees of tlie wheels were joined to the base : and the height of each one wheel was a cubit and a half cubit. 33 And the workmanshi[) of the wheels was like tlie workmanship of a chariot-wheel : their axletrees, and their naves,' and their felloes, and their spokes, were all cast. 34 And there were four undersetters to the tour corners of each one base ; the underset- ters were of one piece with the base itself 35 And on the top of tlie base was a rounded compass of half a cubit high : and on the top of the base were its side-ledges ; and its borders were of one piece with itself 36 And he engraved on the plates of its side-ledges and on its borders, cherubim, lions, and palm-trees: and in the open space of every one were pendant wreaths'^ round about. 37 After this manner did he make the ten bases: one casting, one measure, one form, was there for all of them. 38 ^ Then made he ten lavers of copper; forty baths could each one laver contain; every laver was four cubits : each one laver was upon 'each one base of the ten bases. 39 And he put the bases, five on the right side of the house, and five on the left side of the house: and the sea he set on the right side of the house eastward opposite'' the south. ■^ Philippson, "Also beneath were oxen and lions sol- dered on, of plated work;" nvh thus, after Jonathan, "fastened on." ° i. e. Of the laver which rested on the base. ' Sachs, and others, "felloes, spokes, and naves." ' Sachs. Philipp.son, " And he engraved on the tables — cherubim, &c., according to the space of each, and they were then solilored on," &c. (nr'? as above, v. 29.) " ('. r. South-easterly. 1 KINC.S VII. VIII. 40 ^ And lliraiu iiiailc the lavers, and the shovels, and the basins; so Hiram made •an end of doing all the work tliat he made for king Solomon for the house of the Lord: 41 The two ]>iiliirs, and the two bowl- shaped capitals that were on the top of the two pillars; and the two net-works, to cover tlie two bowl-shaped capitals which were upon the top of the pillars; 42 And the four hundred pomegranates for the two net-works, two rows of pomegranates lor each one net-work, to cover the two bowl- shaped capitals that were upon the fronf of the pillars; 43 And the ten bases, and the ten lavers upon the bases; 44 And the one sea, and the twelve oxen under tlie sea; 45 And the pots, and the shovels, and the basins; and all these vessels, which Iliram had I made for king Solomon for the house of the Lord, Avere ol' polished copper. 46 In the plain of the Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay-ground'' Ijetween Suc- coth and Zarethan. 47 And Solomon set down all tlie vessels (unweighed), because they were exceedingly many: the weight of the copper was not in- quired into. 48 And Solomon made all the vessels that pertained unto the house of the Lord : The altar of gold, and the table whereupon the show-bread was, of gold, 49 And the candlesticks, five on tlie right side, and five on the left, before the debir,''of pure gold, with the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs of gold, 50 And the bowls, and the knives,'' and the basins, and the spoons, and the censers of pure gold ; and the hinges, for the doors of the inner house, for the holy of holies, for the doors of the house, and for the temple, (were) of gold. 51 ^[ And so was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the Lord: and vSolomon lirought in tlie things sanctified by David his father, the silver, and the gold, " Meaning, whieh were visible when in front. " Lit. "in thick" or "solid earth." ' lleuflered "the most holy place," in vi.5. ^ Eng. ver. "snuffers." Raslii supposes nnoio auil 11130 to be particular musical instrunnnts. and the vessels, (and) he placed (these) in the treasuries of the house of the Lord. CHAPTER VIIL 1 •[[ Then did Solomon assemble the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the trilies, the ])i'inces of the divisions of the children of Is- rael, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. 2 And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast" in the month Etlianim, which is the seventii month. ' 3 And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took np the ark. 4 And they brought up the ark of the Lord, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that were in the taber- nacle: even these did the priests and the Le- vites bring up. 5 And king Solomon, and all the congre- gation of Israel, that were assembled unto him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, that conld not be told nor numbered for multitude. 6 And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the Lord unto its place, into the debir of the house, into the most holy place, under the wings of the cherubim. 7 For the cherubim spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark and its staves from above. 8 And the_y had made the staves so long, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place in the front of the debir, but they were not seen without;' and they have remained there until this day. 9 There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses had placed therein at Horeb, where the Lord made a' covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. 10 And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the liouse of the Lord: 11 And the priests were not able to stand " The Feast of Tabernacles, celebrated in the month of Tishry, formerly Ethanim. ' The staves which ^Moses had made to carry the ar'K, had been made longer than before, and tliey just touched tiie curtain, so as lo be iiierelv iicrceptible on the outside. ' ' ' 3U7 1 KINGS VIII. to minister because of the cloud ; lor the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord. 12 ][ Then said Solomon, The Lord said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. 13 1 have indeed built a dwelling-house for thee, a settled place for thy abode for ever. 14 And the king turned his face about, and blessed all the congregation of Israel; and all the congregation of Israel was stand- in o" 15 And he said. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who spoke with his mouth unto David my father, and hath with his hand ful- filled it, when he said, 16 Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I did not make choice of any city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house, that my name might be therein; but I made choice of David to be over my people Israel. 17 And it was in the heart of David my lather to build a house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. 18 But the Lord said unto David my father. Whereas it was in tliy heart to build a house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thy heart: 19 Nevertheless, thou shalt not thyself build the house; but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house unto my name. 20 And the Lord hath fulfilled his word that he hath spoken : and I am risen up in the room of David my fatlier, and I sit on the throne of Israel, as the Lord hath spoken, and I have built the house for the name of the Lord the God of Israel. 21 And I have assigned there a place for the ark, wherein is the covenant of the Lord, Avhich he made with our ftithers, when he "Ijrought them Ibrth out of the land of Egypt. 22 ^ And Solomon now placed himself be- fore the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven; 23 And he said, Lord, the God of Israel, there is no god like thee, in the heavens above, and on the earth beneath, thou who keepest the covenant and the kindness for thy servants that walk before thee with all theii' heart; 24 Who hast kejjt for thy ser\ant David 398 my father what thou hadst promised him ; and thou spokest with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thy hand, as it is this day. 25 And now, Lord, the God of Israel, keep for thy servant David my father what thou hast spoken concerning him, saying. There shall never fail thee a man in my sight who sitteth on the throne of Israel; if thy chil- dren but take lieed to their way to walk be- fore me, as thou hast walked before n)e. 26 And now, God of Israel, I pray thee, let thy word be verified, which thou hast spoken unto tliy servant David my father. 27 For in truth will God then dwell on the earth? behold, the heavens and the heavens of heavens cannot contain thee: how much less then this house that I have built! 28 Yet wilt thou turn thy regard unto the 2)rayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, Lord my God, to listen unto the entreaty and unto the prayer, which thy servant pray- eth before thee to-day; 29 That thy eyes may be open toward this house night and day, toward the place of which thou hast said. My name shall be there ; that thou mayest listen unto the prayer which thy servant shall pray at this place. 30 And listen thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they will pray at this place : aiid oh, do thou hear in heaven thy dwelling-place; and hear, and forgive. 31 If any man trespass against his neigh- bour, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thy altar in this house : 32 Then do thou hear in heaven, and act, and judge thy servants, by condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head ; and by justifying the righteous, to give him ac- cording to his righteousness. 33 ^[ When thy people Israel are struck down before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee, and they return then to thee, and confess thy name, and pray, and make supplication unto thee in this house: 34 Then do thou hear in heaven, and for- give the sin of thy people Israel, and cause them to return unto the land which thou hast given unto their fathers. 35 Tl When tlie heavens Ije sliut up, and there be no rain, because they have sinned ! iigainst thee, and tlicy pray toward this place, 1 KINGS VIII. iind coiitl'ss thy iiaiiic, and turn i'rom their sin, because thou liast" afflicted them : 36 Then do tliou hear in heaven, and for- give the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel; for''thou wilt teach them the good way wherein they should walk ; and give then rain upon thy land, which tlion hast given to thy jjeople for an inheritance. 37 ^ If there be fiimine in the land, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, or if there be locust, caterpillar, if their enemy besiege them in the land in their gates; at whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness ; 38 Wliat prayer and supplication soever bo made by any man," of all thy people Is- rael, when they shall be conscious every man of the plague of his own heart, and he then spread forth his hands toward this house : 39 Then do thou hear in heaven the place of thy dwelling, and forgive, and act, and give to every man in accordance with all his ways, as thou mayest know his heart; for thou, tliv- self alone, knowest the heart of all the chil- dren of men; 40 In order that they may fear thee all the days that the}- live on the face of the land which thou hast given unto our fathers. 41 But also to the stranger, who is not of thy people Israel, but cometli out of a far-oft' country for the sake of thy name; . 42 For they will hear of thy great name, and of thy strong hand, and of thy out- stretched arm; when he will come and pray at'' this house : 43 Mayest thou listen in heaven the place of thy dwelling, and do according to all that the stranger will call on thee for; in order that all the nations of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as (do) thy people Israel; and that they may understand that this house, which I have built, is called by thy name." 44 % If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, on the way on which thou may- est send them, and they do pray unto the Lord in the direction of the city which thou " Jmuithaii, ''because thou wilt accept their prayers," takinj; u:i'r\ as derived from nj>', "to answer prayer." " Others, "after thou hast tauj^ht them," &e. ' Redak, "be it one man, or all thy people Israel." '' After Jonathan ; though from tlie context we have rendered Sn at times, with "at" in tliis passage. But the hast chosen, and of the house that I have built for thy name: 45 Then hear thou in heaven their prtiyer and their sup{)lication, and procure them jus- tice. "^ 46 If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that may not sin,) and thou be angry with them, and give them up before the enemy, so that their captors carry them away captive unto the land of the enemy, (be it) lar or near ; 47 And if tliey then take it to their heart in the land whither they have been carried captive, and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of their captors, say- ing. We have sinned, and have committed ini- quity, we have acted wickedly; 48 And they return unto thee with all tlieir heart, and with all their soul, in the land of their enemies, who have led them away captive, and they pray unto thee in the direction of their land, which thou hast given unto their fathers, of the city which thou hast chosen, and of the house which I have built for thy name : 49 Then hetir thou in heaven the place of thy dwelling their prayer and their sui)plica- tion, and procure them justice; 50 And forgive thy people for what they have sinned against thee, and all their trans- gressions whereby they have transgressed against thee, and cause them to find mercy before their captors, that they may have mercy on them; 51 For they are thy people, and thy heri- tage, whom thou hast brought forth out of Egypt, from the midst of the iron furnace; 52 That thy eyes may be open unto the supplication of thy servant, and unto the sup- plication of thy people Israel, to listen unto them in all for which they call unto thee ; 53 For thou hast separated them unto thee as a heritage from all the people of the earth, as thou spokest by the hand of Moses thy servant, when thou broughtest forth our ftitliers out of Egypt, Lord Eternal. 54 ^ And it happened, that, when Solomon I word has been chosen no doubt purposely, to denote that praj'er should be said tou-ard the sanctuary, if it should not be possible to pray in it. " Heb. "thy name is called upon this house." ' Arnheim, "do for them what they need." (See also V. 4[).) 1 KINGS Vlll. IX. hud made an end ol" pi-ayiiig all this prayer and supplication unto the Lord, he arose from before the altar of the Lord from kneeling on his knees, with his hands spread out toward heaven. 55 And he stood up, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saj- 56 Blessed be the Lord, who hath given rest unto his people Israel, in accordance with all that he hath spoken : (so that) there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he spoke bv the hand of Moses his servant. 57 The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our t;ithers; oh may he not leave us, nor forsake us; 58 That he may incline our heart unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his ordinances, which he commanded our fathers. 59 And may these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the Lord, be nigh unto the Lord our God day and night, that he may maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel in their daily requirements ;" 60 In order that all the nations of the earth ma}- know that the Lord is the (true) God, and none else. 61 Let your heart therefore be entire with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day. 62 And the king, and all Israel with him, offered sacritices before the Lord. 63 And Solomon ofiered (as) the sacrifice of peace-offering which he offered inito the Lord, two and twenty thousand oxen, and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep. And thus did the king and all the children of Israel dedicate the house of the Lord. 64 On the same day did the king hallow the interior of the court that was before the house of the Lord; lor he prepared there the burnt-offerings, and the meat-offerings, and the fat of the peace-offerings; because the copper altar that was before the Lord was too sm.all to contain the burnt-offerings, and the meat- offerings, and the fat of the peace-offerings. 65 And Solomon held at that time the ' Heb. "the thing of a d;iy on its day." ■100 feast,** and all Israel with him. a great assem- bly, from the entrance of Chamath unto the river of Egypt, before the Lord our God, seven da3s and seven days, even fourteen days. 66 On the eighth da)- he dismissed the peo- ple, and they blessed the king; and they went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart, be- cause of all the good that the Lord had done for David his servant, and tor Israel his people. CHAPTER IX. 1 And it came to pass, Avheu Solomon had finished building the house of the Lord, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to execute : 2 ^ That the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared inito him at Gib'on. 3 And the Lord said unto him, I have heard thy praj er and thy supplication, that thou hast offered before me; I have hallowed this house, which thou hfist built, to put my name there for ever; and my eyes and my heart shall be thei'e at all times. 4 And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in rectitude, to do in accordance with all that I have commanded thee, (and) wilt keep my statutes and my ordinances : 5 Then will I establish the throne of thy kingdom over Israel for ever; as I have spoken concerning David thy fathei', sa3ing, There shall never fail thee a man upon" the throne of Israel. 6 But if ye will at all turn awa}-, ^e or your children, from following me, and will not keep m_v commandments (and) my sta- tutes which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods, and bow down to them : 7 Then will I cut off Israel from the face of the land which I have given them; and the house, which I have hallowed unto m}^ name, Avill I cast away from my sight ; and Israel shall be a pro\erb and a In-word among all the nations; 8 And at this house, (which) should be so ex- alted, every one that passeth l)y it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and men will say, 'Why hath the Lord done thus unto this land, and unto this house? ^ i. e. Of tabernai'les. ' Lit. " from." 1 KINGS IX. X. 9 And tlicy .sliall say, For the cause that they forsook tlie Lord their God, who had brouglit forth their fathers out of the land of I]gypt, and took hold ofotlier gods, and bow- ed down to them, and served them : therefore hath the Lord liroiight upon tliem all this evil. 10 T[ And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, when Solomon had built the two houses, the house of the Lord, and the king's house, 11 (Now Hiram the king of Tjre had sup- plied Solomon with cedar-trees and lir-treea, and with gold, according to all his desire.) that king Solomon then gave to Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee. 12 And Hiram came out from Tyre to see the cities which Solomon had given him; but they were not right in his eyes. 13 And he said, What kind of cities are these which thou hast given me, my brother? And he called them, The hand of Cabul, until this day. 14 ][ And Hiram sent to the king one hun- dred and twenty talents of gold. 15 And this is the manner of the levy which king Solomon raised, to build the house of the Lord, and his own house, and the Millo," and the wall of Jerusalem, and Chazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer. IG (Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, and captured Gezer, and burnt it witli tire, and slain the Canaanites that dwelt in the city, and given it as a marriage-present unto his daughter, Solomon's wife. 17 And Solomon built Gezer, and lower Beth-choron, 18 And Ba'alath, and Thadmor'' in the wil- derness, in the land," 19 And all the treasure-cities'* that Solomon had, and the cities for the chariots, and the cities for the horsemen, and the (other) desire of Solomon which he desired to build in Jeru- salem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.) " Millo is said to have been a deep valley between the ancient city of Jebu.s, and the city of David on Mount Zion : this Solomon filled up, and built upon ; and it be- came a fortified place, and a place for public assemblies. " The word is written iu the Hebrew text Thamar, which is " Palm," the same as Palmyra, the usual name of the place. ° Kashi comments, "this means, near the inhabited country." 3 A 20 MY the people that were left of the Emorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hi- vites, and the Jcbusites, who were not of the children of Israel, 21 Their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel had not been able utterly to destroy, these did Solomon levy as trilnitary labourers until this day. 22 Yet of the children of Israel did Solo- mon make no one a bond-man ; but they were the men of war, and bis servants, and his princes, and his captains, and the officers of his chariots, and of his horsemen. 23 ]f These (also) were the chiefs of the superintendents that were over Solomon's work, live hundred and fifty, wlio ruled o^ er the people that wrought on the work. 21 But Pharaoh's daughter came up out of the city of David unto her house whicli he had built for her: then did he build the Millo. 25 And Solomon did ofler three times in every year burnt-olfe rings and peace-oflerings upon the altar which he had built unto the Lord, and he burnt incense upon the one that was before the Lord. So he tinished the house.^ 26 And king Solomon made a slii]y- in 'Ez- yon-gebei', which is near Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom. 27 And Hiram sent in the ship his ser- vants, seamen, that had knowledge of the sea, with the servants of Solomon. 28 And they came to Ophir, and fetched from there gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon. CHAPTER X. 1 T[ And when the queen of Slieba heard of the fame of Solomon iu connection'' witli the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with riddles. 2 And she came to Jerusalem with an ex- ceedingly great train, with camels bearing '' i. e. Those where the public stores and provisions were kept. (See E.Kod. i. 11.) ' Here recommences the statement of the levy beguu in verse 15. ' Arnheim, after Kalbag, "he paid his dues to the house," i. e. the necessary sacrifices for the altar. ^ Others, "ships" or "navy," referring to 2 Chr. viii. 18. '' Herxheimer explains, "what he had done for the fllniilifatiim of the LdLiH." 401 1 KINGS X. spices, and gold in great abundance, and pre- cious stones : and when she was come to Solo- mon, she spoke with him of all that was on her heart. 3 And Solomon solved her all her ques- tions: nothing remained hidden from the king, which he did not tell her. 4 And when the queen of Sheba saw all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built, 5 And the food of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cup- bearers, and his ascent" by which he went up unto the house of the Lord : there was no more spirit in her. 6 And she said to the king. The truth only was the word that I heard in my own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. 7 And I believed not in the words, until I came, and my eyes saw (all) : and, behold, the half hath not been told me; thou excel- lest in wisdom and prosperity the report which I have heard. 8 Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, who stand before thee continually, who hear thy wisdom. 9 Blessed be the Lord thy God, who hath had delight in thee, to place thee on the throne of Israel; because the Lord lovetli Israel for ever, therefore hath he made thee king, to do justice and righteousness. 10 And she gave to the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices a very great store, and precious stones : there came no more spices in such abundance as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon. 11 And also the ship of Hiram, that fetched gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir in great abundance sandal-wood** and precious stones. 12 And the king made of the sandal- wood a railing for the house of the Lord, and for the king's house, and harps and psalteries for the singers: there came no such sandal-wood, nor was it seen (again) until thi.s day. " After Rashi, who with other Rabbins takes inS^' for in'Sj', )'. r.. a passage loading from the palace to the temple. But Jonathan, " and his burnt-offerings, which he offered at the house of the Lord." '' After Kodak. ' /iunz and others, siiiijilv " nK'rcliants." 40i 13 And king Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba all her pleasure, whatsoever she asked, beside what Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. So she turned about and went to her own country, she and her servants. 14 \ Now the weight of the gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hun- dred and sixty and six talents of gold, 15 Beside (what he had) of the travelling tradesmen," and of the traffic of the mer- chants, and of all the kings of confederate nations,'' and of the governors of the country. 16 And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold :" six hundred shekels of gold he used for each one target. 17 And (he made) three hundred shields of beaten gold; three manehs of gold he used for each one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.^ 18 The king also made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold. 19 The throne had six steps, and there was a round top on the throne behind ; and there were arms on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the arms. 20 And twelve lions stood there upon the six steps on both sides: thei'e was not the like made in any other kingdom. 21 And all king Solomon's drinking-vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold ; none were of silver;^ it was not valued in the days of Solomon at the least. 22 For the king had a Tharshish-ship" at sea with the ship of Hiram : once in three 3'ears the Tharshish-ship used to come home, laden with gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. 23 And king Solomon became greater than all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. 24 And (men of) all the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. 25 And thoy brought every man his jare- sent, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and '' After Jonathan; others, "kings of Arabia;" Zunz, " the western country." ' Zunz and Philippson, " alloyed gold;" Redak, "soft," or " the finest gold." ' Jonathan, "summer palace." ' Lit. "there was no silver." '' " African-traders." — Kasui. 1 KINGS X. XI. and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules : and so year by year. 26 ][ And Solomon gathered together cha- riots and horsemen : and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thou- sand horsemen, whom he quartered in the cities for chariots, and near the king at Jeru- salem. 27 And the king rendered the silver in Jerusalem like stones, and the cedai's he rendered like the sycamore-trees that are in the lowlands, for abundance. 28 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt; and a company"' of the king's mer- chants bought a quantity at a price. 29 And a chariot-team'' came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty : and so for all the kings of the Ilittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means." CHAPTER XI. 1 *[\ But king Solomon loved many strange women, beside the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moiibites, 'Ammonites, Edom- ites, Zidoniaiis, and Hittites. 2 Prom the nations concerning which the Lord had said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in among them, nor shall they come in among you; surely they will turn away your heart after their gods : unto these Solomon did cleave to love them. 3 And he had seven hundred wives, prin- cesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. 4 And it came to pass, at the time that Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart w^as not undivided with the Lord his God, like the heart of David his flither. 5 And Solomon went after 'Ashtoreth the divinity of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the 'Ammonites. 6 And Solomon did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, like David his father. 7 ][ Then did Solomon build a high-place for Kemosh, the abomination of Moab, on the * Rashi. Others, "and Solomou Iiad liorscs brought out of Egypt and linen, the king's merchants bought the linen at a price." mount that is before Jerusalem, and for Mo- lech, the abomination of the children of 'Am mon. 8 And so did he for all his strange wives, who bui-nt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. 9 And the Lord was angry with Solomon ; because his heart was turned away from the Lord the God of Israel, who had appeared unto him twice; 10 And had comnumded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods; but he did not keep that which the Lord had commanded. 11 ][ And the Lord said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is in thy mind, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I commanded concerning thee : I will surely rend, the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. 12 Nevertheless in thy days will I not do it, for the sake of David thy father; (but) out of the hand of thy son will I rend it. 13 Still all the kingdom will I not rend away: one tribe will I give to thy son on ac- count of David my servant, and on account of Jerusalem which I have chosen. 14 ][ And the Lord stirred up an adver- sary unto Solomon, Iladad the Edomite : he was of the king's seed in Edom. 15 It came to pass, namely, when David was in Edom, when Joiib the captain of tlic army was gone up to bury the slain, after he had smitten every male in Edom; IG (For six months did Joab remain there with all Israel, until he he had cut oft' every male in Edom :) 17 That Hadad fled, he and certain Edom- ites of his father's servants with him, to go into Egypt ; but Hadad was then yet a young lad. 18 And they arose from Midian, and came to Paran; and they took (some) men with them from Paran, and came to Egypt, unto Pharaoh the king of Egypt; who gave him a house, and decreed him a support, and gave him land. 19 And Hadad found great favour in the eyes of Pharaoh, so that he gave him for wife '' Eng. version, simply "a chariot." " From this it appears that Solomon's trailers had a, monopoly to supply the neighbourhood with Imrses. 4QS 1 KINGS XI. the sister of his own wife, the sister of Thach- peness tlie queen. 20 And the sisterofThachpeness bore him Genubath his son,Avhoni Thaehpeness brought up in Pharaoh's house ; and Genuljath remained in Pharaoh's house among the sons of Pharaoh. 'Jl And when Had!id heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the army was dead : Iladad said to Pharaoh, Dismiss me, that I may go to my own country. 22 Then said Pharaoh unto him, But wdiat dost thou hick with me, that, behold, thou seekest to go to thy own country? And he answered. Nothing: nevertheless thou must let me go away. 23 And God stirred him up (another) adver- sary, Rezon the son of Elyada', who had fled fro7n Hadad'ezer the king of Zobah his lord; 24 And he gathered around him some men, and Ix'came captain over a band, when David slew those (of Zoljali) ; and they went to Da- mascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus. 25 And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, beside the mischief that Iladad did: and he abhorred" Israel, and reigned over Syria. 26 ^ Also Jerobo'am"' the son of Nebat, an Ejihrathite of Zeredah, the name of whose mother was Zeru'ah, a widow woman, was a servant of Solomon, and he lifted up his hand against the king. 27 And this was the occasion that he lifted ui) his hand aaainst the king: Solomon built up the Millo," and closed up the breach of the city of David his father. 28 And the man Jerobo'am was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was (also) an industrious worker, he appointed hini over all the charge of the house of Joseph. 29 T[ And it came to pass at tliat time when Jerobo'am went out of Jcmisalem, that the prophet Achiyah the Siiilonite found him on the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and these two were alone by themselves in the field; •Jonathan, "and he rebelled against Israel." Zunz, "and he dreaded." '' Properly, Yaroh'am. " Rashi, in the name of the Talmud, explains that David had left the Milio open and tiie wall breathed, that 404 30 'And Achiyah caught hold of the new garment that was on him, and rent it in twelve pieces; 31 And he said to Jerobo'am, Take thee ten pieces; for thus hath said the Lord, the God of Israel, Behold. I will rend the king- dom out of the hand of Solomon, and I will give to thee the ten tribes; 32 But the one tribe shall remain for him. on account of my servant David, and on account of Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel ; 33 For the cause that they have forsaken me, and have bowed down to 'Ashtoreth the divinity of the Zidonians, toKemosh the god of Moab, and to Milconr the god of the children of 'Amnion, and have not walked in my ways, to do what is riglit in my eyes, and my sta- tutes and my ordinances, like David his father. 34 Nevertheless will I not take the whole kingdom out of his hand; but I will let him remain prince all the days of his life for the sake of David my servant, whom I chose, who kept my commandments and my statutes ; 35 But I will take the kingdom out of the hand of his son, and I will give it unto thee, even the ten tribes. 36 And unto his son will I give one tribe; so that there may remain a government^ for David my servant at all times before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen for me, to put my name there. 37 But thee will I take, and thou shalt reign over all that thy soul may long for; and thou shalt be king over Israel. 38 And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I shall command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do what is I'ight in my eyes, to keep my statutes and my command- ments, as David my servant did : that I will be with thee, and build thee a permanent house, as I have built for David, and 1 will give Israel unto thee. 39 And I will afflict the seed of David for this; but not for all times. 40 ][ Solomon thereupon sought to iiut Je- robo'am to death; but Jerobo'am artise. and fled into Egypt, luito Shishak tlie king of Egypt, the pilgrims might freely enter and lodge, and that Solo- mon having built it up for the purpose of Pharaoh's daughter, brought about a reproof from Jerobo'am. '' After Jonathan ; others take Tj as i: and render " a lamji," or "light." 1 KINCS XI. XII. and he remaiiiod in Egypt nntil the death of Solomon. 41 And the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, behold, they are written in the book of the history of Solomon. 4:^ And the days that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel were forty years. 43 And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the eity of David his father: and Rehobo'am" his son became king in his stead. CHAPTER XII. 1 ^ And Rehobo'am went to Shechem; for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 2 And it came to pass, when Jerobo'am the son of Nebat, heard of it, (but he was yet in Egypt, whither he was fled irom the pre- sence of king Solomon, and Jerobo'am dwelt in Egypt; 3 And they had sent and called him;) that Jerobo'am and all the congregation of Israel came, and spoke unto Rehobo'am, saying, 4 Thj- lather made our yoke hard; but do thou now make lighter the hard service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, and we will serve thee. 5 And he said unto them, Go away yet for three days, and then return to me. And the people went away. 6 Then consulted king Rehobo'am with the old men, that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said. How do ye advise that I should give an answer to this people? 7 And they spoke unto him, saying. If thou wilt this day be a servant unto this peo- l)le, and wilt serve them, and be attentive to them, and speak to them good words; then will they be servants unto thee for all times. 8 But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, tho.se who stood before him : 9 And he said unto them, What do you counsel how we should give an answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying. Make lighter the yoke which thy father did put upon us? * Corrfctly, Rn-Jinh' tnyi. 10 Then sjioke unto him the 3'oung men that were grown up with him, saying. Thus must thou say unto this people that have spoken unto thee, saying, Th}' father made our yoke heavy, but do thou make it lighter unto us: thus must thou speak unto them. My little fnmcr is thicker than mv father's loins. 11 And now, if my father hath burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will even add to your yoke ; if my father liath chastised you with whips, then will I chastise you with scorpion-thorns. 12 When now Jerobo'am and all the peo- ple came to Rehobo'am on the third day, as the king had spoken, saying. Return to me on the third day : 13 The king answered the people harshly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they had advised him; 14 And he spoke to them after the counsel of the young men, saying. My father made your yoke heavy, and Twill even add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpion-thorns. 15 Thus the king hearkened not unto the people; for it was so brought about from the Lord, in order that he might fulfil his word, which the Lord had spoken by means of Achiyah (he Shilonite unto Jerobo'am tlie son of Nebat. 16 So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people gave the king an answer saying. What portion have we in David? nor have we an inherit- ance in the son of Jesse; to your tents, Israel : now see to thy own house, Daviil. So did Israel go away unto their tents. 17 But as for the children of Israel who dwelt in the cities of Judah, over them did Roliobo'am reign. 18 Tf Then sent king Rehobo'am Adorani, who was over the tribute ; but all Isi-ael stoned him with stones, that he died. There- fore king Rehobo'am made speed with all his might to get up into his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. 19 So did Israel rebel against the house of David unto this day. 20 Tl And it came to pass, when all Isi'ael heard that Jerobo'am was returned, that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and inade him king over all Israel : there was 405 1 KINGS XII. XIII. none that followed the house of David, save the tribe of Judah alone. 21 And when Rehobo'am was come to Je- rusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah, with the tribe of Benjamin, a hundred and eighty thousand chosen men, warriors," to fight against the house of Israel, to bring Imck the kingdom to Rehobo'am the son of Solomon. 22 ]| But the word of God came unto She- ma'yah the man of God, saying, 23 Say unto Echobo'am, the son of Solo- mon, the king of Judah, and unto all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the remnant of the people, saying, 24 Thus hath said the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight with your brethren the children of Israel : return every man to his house; for from me hath this thing been brought about. And they hearkened to the word of the Lord, and returned to go home, according to the word of the Lord. 25 Tl And Jeroljo'am built^' Shechem in the mountain of Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and he went out from there and built Penuel. 26 And Jerobo'am said in his heart, Now may the kingdom return to the house of David : 27 If this people go up to prepare sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then may the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehobo'am the king of Judah, and they might kill me, and return to Rehobo'am the king of Judah. 28 Whereupon the king took counsel, and he made two calves of gold, and said unto the people, You have been long enough going up to Jerusalem: behold, here are thy gods, Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 29 And he placed the one in Beth-el, and the other put he in Dan. 30 And this thing became a sin ; and the people went before the one, as far as Dan.° 31 And he made a house of the high- places, and made priests of the lowest* of the people, who were not of the sons of Levi. 32 And Jerobo'am made a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the ' Lit. "conducting" or "making war." '■ /. e. He fortified it, and built probably a palace in it. — Redak. ■= Tills is mentioned to the disgrace of the people, as 40G month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he ofiered upon the altar; so did he in Beth-el, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he stationed at Beth-el the priests of the high-places whom he had made. 33 So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Beth-el on tlie fifteenth day of the eighth month, in the month which he had falsely devised of his own heart; and he ordained a feast unto the children of Israel, and he went up to the altai", to burn incense. CHAPTER XIII. 1 T[ And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah Ijy the word of the Lord unto Beth-el: while Jerobo'am was standing upon the altar to burn incense. 2 And he called out against the altar by the word of the Lord, and he said, altar, altar, thus hath said the Lord, Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah hy name, and he shall sacrifice upon thee the priests of the high-places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee. 3 And he gave on the same day a token, saying, This is the token that the Lord hath spoken, Behold, the altar shall be rent, and the ashes which are upon it shall be spilled about. 4 And it came to pass, when the king heard the word of the man of God, which he had called out against tlie altar in Beth-el, that Jerobo'am stretched forth his hand from off the altar, saying. Seize him. And his h.and, which he had put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not draw it back to himself. 5 The altar also was rent, and the ashes were spilled about from the altar, according to the token which the man of God had given by the word of the Lord. 6 And the king connnenced and said unto the man of God, Offer but entreaty before the Lord thy God, and pray in behalf of me, that my hand may return to me again. And tlie man of God off'ered his entreaty before the Lord, and the king's hand returned to him again, and became as it was before. 7 And the king spoke unto the man of they went to the end of the land to worship the idol, and would not go to Jerusalem, which was a great deal nearer. — RAl.BAr,. '' Mc.TxheiiiH'r, "all clast^es of the people." / 1 KINGS XIII. (u)(i. Come hoinc witli mo, and take some refreshment, and I will give thee a present. 8 But the man of God said unto the king, If thou wert to give me the half of thy house, I would not go in with thee, neither would I eat bread nor drink water in this place; 9 For so was it charged me by the word of the LoKD, saying. Thou shalt not eat bread, nor drink water, nor return by the way that tiK)u camest. 10 So he Avent by another way, and re- turned not by the way on which he was come to Beth-el. 11 ^[ Now there dwelt a certain old pro- phet in Beth-el; and his son came and told him all the deed that the man of God had done that day in Beth-el: the words (also) which he had spoken unto the king, these too they told to their father. 12 And their father spoke unto them. What way did he go? His sons however had seen what way had gone the man of God, who had come from Juihih. 13 And he said unto his sons, Saddle me the ass. So they saddled him the ass, and he rode away thereon, 14 And he went after the man of God, and found him sitting under the oak; and he said unto him, Art thou tlie man of God that camest from Judah ? And he said, I am. 15 Then said he unto him, Come with me home, and eat bread. IG And he said, I cannot return with thee, nor go in with thee : neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place; 17 For a command came to me ))y the word of the Lord, Thou shalt not eat bread nor drink water there; thou shalt not return to go by the way (also) by which thou camest. 18 And he said unto him, I also am a pro- phet like thee; and an angel spoke unto me by the word of the Lord, saying. Bring him back with thee unto thy house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him. 19 So he returned with him, and ate bread in his house, and drank water. 20 And it came to pass, as they were sit- ting at the table, ° Philippson translates, "belonging to the prophet who had brought him back." '' Ileb. "brokon " T[ That the word of the Lord came unto the prophet who had brought him back ; 21 And he called unto the man of God that was come fi-om Judah, saying, Thus hath said the Lord, Forasmuch as thou hast dis- obeyed the order of the Lord, and hast not kept the commandment which the Lord thy God had connnanded thee ; 22 But didst return, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of which he had spoken to thee, Thou shalt not eat bread, nor drink water: thy dead body shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers. 23 And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread, and after he had drunk, that he saddled for him the ass, (to wit,) for" the prophet whom he had brought back. 24 And when he was gone, a lion met him on the way, and slew him: and his corpse remained cast down on the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the corpse. 25 And, behold, men passed by, and saw the corpse cast down on the way, and the lion standing by the corpse ; and they came and spoke of it in the city where the old pro- phet dwelt. 20 And when the prophet that had brought him back from the way heard it, he said. It is the man of God who was disobedient unto the order of the Lord; wherefore the Lord hath given him up unto the lion, who hath torn* him, and slain him, according to the word of the Lord, which he had spoken unto him. 27 And he spoke to his sons, saying. Sad- dle me the ass. And they saddled him. 28 And he went and found his corpse cast down on the way, and the ass and the lion standing by the corpse: the lion had not eaten the corpse, nor torn the ass. 29 And the prophet took up the corpse of the man of God, and laid it upon the ass, and brought it back ; and he came to the city of the old prophet, to lament for, and to biu-y him. 30 And he laid his corpse in his own sepul- chre; and they lamented over him, "Alas, my brother!"" 31 And it came to pass, after he had buried ° Probably the commencing words of a well-known la- ment, (see Jer. xxii. 18,) which, with all other Hebrew writings except the Bible, have been lost. 407 1 KINGS XIll. XIV. him, that he spoke to his sons, saying. When I am dead, then bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of God is buried; beside his bones lay ye my bones ; 32 For the thing which he called out by tlie word of the Lf)KD against the altar whicli is in J3eth-el, and against all the liouses of the high-places'' which are in the cities of Sa- maria,'' will surely come to pass. 33 ^ After this event Jerobo'am returned not from his evil way; but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high-places : whosoever desired it, he consecrated, that he might become one of the priests of the high- places. 34 And he became through this tiling the cause of sin*" unto the house of Jerobo'am, and to cause that it was blotted out, and de- stroyed from off the face of the earth. CHAPTER XIV. 1 *[[ At that time Abiyah the son of Jero- bo'am fell sick. 2 And Jerobo'am said to his wife. Arise, I pray thee, and disguise thyself, that people may not know that thou art the wife of Jero- bo'am ; and go to Shiloh : behold, there is Achiyaliu the prophet, who spoke of me that (I should become) king over this peoi:)le. 3 And take with thee'' ten loaves of bread and spice-cakes, and a cruise of honey, and go to him : he will tell thee what is to become of the lad. 4 And Jerobo'am's wife did so, and arose, and went to Shiloh, and came to the house of Achiyahu. But Achiyahu was not able to see; for his eyes were set by reason of his high age. 5 Tl And the Lord had said unto Achiyahu, 'Behold the wife of Jerobo'am is coming to inquire a word of thee about lier son ; for he is sick : thus and thus shalt thou speak unto her; for it will be, when she cometh in, that she will feign to be another. G And it happened, Avhen Achiyahu heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the door, that he said, Come in, thou wife of Je- " " High-places" is the general term for elevations where altars were erected, some using their roofs or courts for lliut purpo.se. (See Rashi on 1 Kings iii. 2.) '' (Jnrrcctly, Shomcroii. ° Kodak, "punishment." (See Zech. xlv. 19.) Zunz, "guiltiness." -108 robo'am ; why is this, that thou feignest to be another? but I am sent to tliee with a hard message. 7 Go, say to Jerobo'am, Thus hath said tlie Lord the God of Israel, Forasmuch as I exalt- ed thee from the midst of the people, and made thee prince over my people Israel, 8 And I rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it unto thee; whereas thou hast not been like my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed after me with all his heart, to do only what is right in my eyes ; 9 And thou hast done more evil than all that were before thee; and thou art gone and hast made unto thyself other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and me hast thou cast behind thy back : 10 Therefore, behold, will 1 bring evil upon the house of Jerobo'am, and will cut off from Jerobo'am every male," (also) the guarded and fortified in Israel; and I will sweep out after the house of Jeroljo'am as one sweepeth away the dung till tliere be nothing left of h. 11 Him that dieth of Jerobo'am in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the heavens eat; for the Lord hath spoken it. 12 But thou, arise now, go to thy own house : when thy feet enter into the city, the child shall die. 13 And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him; for this one alone shall come of Jerobo'am's (family) to the grave ; because there hath been found in him some good thing toward the Lord the God of Israel in the house of Jerobo'am. 14 And the Lord will raise up unto him- self a king over Israel, who shall cut off the house of Jerobo'am what is here this day, and what will be after this.' 15 And the Lord will smite Israel, as the reed is shaken in the water, and he will pull up Israel out of this good land, which he gave to their fathers, and will scatter them on the other side of the river; because they ^ Heb, "in thy hand." ' Others, " even a dog." ' After Jonathan and llashi. Kimchi, " the house of Jerobo'am on the day he (that king) will arise; but what is even this evil now? for the IjOKL) will .'•mite/' &e. SAMSOM Pt;LLI>!C-. DOWN T H K l-'ILUAR« OK THE HOLISE. 1 KINGS XV. they buried him in the city of David: and Assa his son became king in his stead. 9 And in the twentieth year of Jerobo'am the king of Israel became Assa king over Judah. 10 And forty and one years did he reign in Jerusalem. And the name of his mother" was Ma'achah, the daughter of Abishalom. 11 And Assa did what is right in the eyes of the Lord, like David his lather. 12 And he put away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols which his fiithers had made. 13 And also Ma'achah his mother, even her he removed from being queen; because she had made a scandalous image for the grove;'' and Assa cut down her scandalous image, and burnt it by the brook Kidron. 14 But the high-places were not removed; nevertheless Assa's heart was entire with the Lord all his days. 15 And he brought the things which his father had sanctified, and his own sanctified things," into the house of the Lord, silver, and gold, and vessels. IG And there was wMr between Assa and Ba'sha'' the king of Israel all their days. 17 And Ba'sha the king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, in order not to suffer any one to go out or come in to Assa the king of Judah. 18 Then did Assa take all the silver and the gold that were left in the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king's house, and gave them into the hand of his servants; and king Assa sent them to Ben-hadad, the son of Taln-inniion, the son of Chesyon, the king of Syria, who dwelt in Damascus, saying, 19 A covenant is between me and thee, (as) between my father and thy fother: be- hold, I have sent unto thee a present of silver and gold; go and do l)r('ak thy covenant witli Ba'sha the liing of Israel, that he may with- draw from me. 20 And Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Assa, and sent the captains of the armies wliich he had against the cities of Israel, and smote 'lyon, and Dan, and Abel-beth-ma'achah, * More correctly, " grandmother," as Ma'achah was Aliiyam's mother. " Fhilippson, "because she liad made a terrific image for Astartc." Arnhcim, "Asherah." 410 and the whole of Kinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali. 21 And it came to pass, when Ba'sha heard this, that he left oft' the building of Ramah, and remained in Tirzah. 22 Then king Assa called together by pro- clamation all Judah, none being exempted: and they took away tlie stones of Ramah, and its timber, wherewith Ba'sha had built; and king Assa built with them Geba' of Benjamin, and Mizpah. 23 And the rest of all the acts of Assa, and all his mighty deeds, and all that he did, and the cities wliich he built, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah. Nevertheless in the time of his old age he became diseased in his feet. 24 And Assa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoshaphat his son became king in his stead. 25 ^ And Nadab the son of Jerobo'am be- came king over Israel in the second year of Assa the king of Judah ; and he reigned over Israel two years. 2G And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, and he walked in the way of his father, and in his sin wherewith he had in- duced Israel to sin. 27 And Ba'sha the son of Achiyah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him ; and Ba'sha smote him at Gibbethon, which be- longed to the Philistines: while Nadab and all Israel were besieging Gibbethon. 28 And Ba'sha slew him in the third year of Assa the king of Judah, and became king in his stead. 29 And it came to pass, when he reigned, that he smote all the house of Jerobo'am; he left not any tluit breathed unto Jerobo'am, until he had destroyed him, according to the word of the Lord, which he had spolven by his servant Achiyah the Shilonite; 30 Because of the sins of Jerobo'am which he had sinned, and through which he had in- duced Israel to sin, by his provoking where- with he provoked the Lord the God of Israel to anger. ■■ After Jonathan ; but the Keri would require "and he brought in the things which his father had sanctified, and the (other) things sanctified /«/• the house of the Lord." ' Uomniuuly WiiUen Jiaualia. 1 KINGS XV. xvr. ?.l Alul the rest of the acts of Nadab, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the l)ook of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 32 And there was war between Assa and Ba'sha the king of Israel all their days. 33 ^ In the third year of Assa the king of Judah became Ba'sha tlie son of Achiyah king over all Israel, in Thirzah, (tor) twenty and four years. 34 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, and walked in the way of Jero- bo'ani, and in his sin wherewith he had in- duced Israel to sin. CHAPTER XVI. 1 ^ Then came the word of the Lord to Jehu" the son of Ciianani against Ba'sha, say- ing, 2 Forasnuicli as I lifted thee up out of the dust, and I set thee as prince over my people Israel; and thou hast walked in the way of Jerobo'am, and hast induced my people Israel to sin, to provoke me to anger with their sins: 3 Behold, I will sweep out after Ba'sha, and after his house; and I will render thy house like the house of Jerobo'am the son of Nebat ; 4 Ilira that dieth of Ba'sha in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth of his in tlie field shall the fowls of the heavens eat. o And the rest of the acts of Ba'sha, and what he did, and his mighty deeds, behold, they are written in the Ijook of the chronicles of the kiniis of Israel. G And Ba'sha slept with his fathers, and was Ijuried in Thirzah: and Elah his son be- cajne king in his stead. 7 And also by the hand of Jehu the son of Chanani, the prophet, came the word of the Lord against Ba'sha, and against -his house, botli for all the evil that he did in the eyes of the Lord, to provoke him to anger with the work of his hands, thus being like the house of Jerobo'am; and because he had kill- ed him.'' 8 T[ In the twenty and sixth year of Assa the king of Judah became Elah the son of ' Correctly, Yeha. In general it may be observed, that all the Hebrew words commencing with ' rendered in the English version with J, should be pronounced with Y, as the other sound is not found in Hebrew. Ba'sha king over Israel in Thirzah, (for) two years. 9 And there conspired against him his ser- vant Zimx-i, captain of half the chariots, as he was in Thirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza," wlio was set over the house in Thirzah. 10 And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him, in the twenty and seventh year of Assa the king of Judah, and became king in his stead. 11 And it came to pass, when he began to reign, as soon as he sat on his throne, that he slew all the house of Ba'sha: he left him not a single male, neither of his kinsfolks, nor of his friends. 12 Thus did Zimri exterminate all the house of Ba'sha, according to the word of the Lord, which he had spoken against Ba'sha by the agencv of Jehu the prophet, 13 For all the sins of Ba'sha, and the sins of Elah his son, by which they had sinned, and by which they had induced Israel to sin, to provoke the Lord the God of Israel to an- ger with their vanities. 14 Now the rest of the acts of Elah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 15 T[ In the twenty and seventh year of Assa the king of Judah did Zimri reign seven days in Thirzah: and the people were en- camped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines. IG And when the people that were en- camped heard it said, Zimri hath conspired, and hath also slain the king: all Israel made 'Omri, the captain of the army, king over Is- rael on that da\' in the camp. 17 And 'Omri went up, and all Israel with him from Gibbethon, and they besieged Thir- zah. 18 And it came to pass, when Zimri saw that the city was captured, that he went into the strong-hold of tlie king's house, and burnt the king's house over Wm with fire, and he died; ^ 19 For his sins which he had sinned, in doing what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, '' Only piety on the part of Ba'sha could excuse his killing Nadab and his family; hence his own sin made it a crime for which he deserved punishment. ° Jonathan, "In the temple of his house-idol, Arza." 411 1 KINGS XVI. XVIi. to walk in the way of Jerobo'am, and in his sin which he did, to induce Israel to sin. 20 And the rest of the acts of Zimri, and his conspiracy that he contrived, behold, they are wiitten in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 21 Tl At that time were the people of Is- rael divided into two parts : one half of the people followed Tliibni the son of Ginath, to make him king; and the other half followed 'Omri. 22 But the people that followed 'Omri pre- vailed against the people that followed Tliibni the son of Ginath: and Thibni (also) died, and 'Omri became king. 2.3 In the thirty and first year of Assa the king of Judah became 'Omri king over Is- rael, (for) twelve years; in Thirzah he reigned six years. 24 And he bought the mount Samaria, of Sliemer for two talents of silver, and built on the mount, and called the name of the city which he had built, after the name of Shemer, the lord of the mount, Samaria. 25 And 'Omri did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, and did worse than all that were before him. 26 And he walked in all the way of Jero- bo'am the son of Nebat, and in his sin where- with he induced Israel to sin, to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger with their vani- ties. 27 Now the rest of the acts of 'Omri which he did, and his mighty deeds that he displa}'- ed, beliold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 28 And 'Onn-i slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria: and Achab" his son became king in his stead. 29 Tl And Achab the son of 'Omri became king over Israel in the thirty and eighth year of Assa the king of Judah ; and Achab the son of 'Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years. 30 And Achab the son of 'Omri did wliat is evil in the eyes of the Lord more than all that had been before him. 31 And it came to pass, as if it had been • Pronounce Ach-ahb. Eng. ver. Ahab. ' Sec Josh. vi. 26. ° Correctly, EUyah, or Elii/ahu. Tishbi is supposed to have been a town in (xalilee, in Naplitali, and that Elijah was an inhabitant (itMiiTud, in Mcua.sscli. il2 too light a thing for him to walk in the sin."? of Jerobo'am the son of Neljat, that he took for wife Izebel the daughter of Ethba'al the king of the Zidonians, and went and served Ba'al, and worshipped him. 32 And he erected an altar for Ba'al in the house of Ba'al, which he had built in Samaria. 33 And Achab made a grove; and Achab did j^et more, so as to provoke the Lord the God of Israel to anger, than all the kings of Israel that had been before him. 34 In his days did Chiel the Beth-elite build Jericho : with Abirani his first-born laid he the foundation thereof, and with Segub his youngest son set he up the gates thereof,"^' according to the word of the Lord, which he had sjDoken by means of Joshua the son of Nun. CHAPTER XVIL 1 ^ Then said Elijah" the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gil'ad, unto Achab, As the Lord the God of Israel liveth, before Avhom I have stood, there shall not be in these years dew or rain, except according to my word.* 2 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, 3 Go away from here, and turn thyself eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Ke- rith, which is to the east of the Jordan. 4 And it shall be, that out of the brook shalt thou drink; and the ravens'" have I or- dained to sustain thee there. 5 And he went and did according to the word of the Lord ; and he went and remained by the brook Kerith, that is to the east of the Jordan. G And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening: and out of the brook he used to drink. 7 And it came to pass after a while,^ that the brook dried up; because there had been no rain in the laud. 8 ^[ And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, 9 Arise, go unto Zarepliath, which belong- ^ Pbilippson, "unless I first announce it;" /. e. by the word of the Lord. ' Some suppose that it should be translated, Arabs, or " men from 'Oreb." ' Philippson, " at the end of a year." 1 KINGS XVII. XVIII. etli to Ziduii, and remain there: behold, I have ordained there a widow-woman to sus- tain thee. 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath; and when he came to the gate of the city, be- hold, there was there a widow-woman gather- ing sticks of wood : and he called her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. 11 And as she went to fetch it, he called to lier, and said. Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thy hand. 12 And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have nothing baked, but a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a cruise : and, behold, I am gathering a couple of sticks, that I may go in and prepare it for me and my son; and when we have eaten it, we shall have to die." 13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said; but make me there- of a little cake at first, and bring it out unto me, and for thee and for thy son shalt thou prepare (something) afterward. 14 For thus hath said the Lord the God of Israel, The jar of meal shall not fail, neither shall the cruise of oil diminish, until the day that the Lord giveth rain upon the face of the earth. 15 And she went and did according to the word of Elijah: and she, and he, and her household, did eat (many) days.** 16 The jar of meal failed not, nor did the cruise of oil diminish, according to the word of the Lord, which he had spoken through means of Elijah. 17 ][ And it came to pass after these events, that the son of the woman, the mis- tress of the house, fell sick ; and his sickness became very severe, until that at length there was no breath left in him. 18 And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, man of God? thou art come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son ! 19 And he said unto her. Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into the upper chamber, in which he abode, and he laid him upon his own bed. i. e. Of starvation. Or, "a full year." 20 And he called unto the Lord, and said, Lord my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the widow Avith whom I sojourn, by slaying her son? 21 And he stretched himself out over the child three times, and called unto the Lord, and said, Lord my Ciod, let, 1 pray thee, the soul of this child return again within him. 22 And the Lord listened to the voice of Elijah: and the soul of the child returned into him, and he revived. 23 And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the upper chamber into the house, and gave him unto his mother; and Elijah said. See, thy son liveth. 24 And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this do I know, that thou art a man of God, and the word of the Lord in thy moutli is truth. CHAPTER XVIII. 1 ]| And it lasted many days, when the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, show thyself unto Achab ; and I will give rain upon the face of the earth. 2 And Elijah went to show himself unto Achab; and the famine was grievous in Sa- maria. 3 And Achab called 'Obadiah," who was the superintendent of the house ; — (now 'Oba- diah feared the Lord greatly; 4 And it happened, when Izebel cut off the prophets of the Lord, that 'Obadiah took a hundred prophets, and hid them fifty each in one cave, and provided them with bread and water;) 5 And Achab said unto 'Obadiah, Go through the land, unto all the springs of water, and unto all the brooks; peradventure we may find grass and keep alive horse and mule, that we lose not all the cattle. 6 So they divided between them the laud to pass through it : Achab went one way by himself alone, and 'Obadiah went another way by himself alone. 7 And as 'Obadiah was on the way, behold, Elijah came toward him; and he recognised him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou here indeed, my lord Elijah? Correctly, 'Obcuh/ah, or ' OUn'i/a lui. 413 1 KINGS XVIII. 8 And he said unto him, I am: go, say unto thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here. 9 And he said, What have I sinned, that thou wouldst deliver thy servant into the hand of Achab, to slay me ? 10 As the Lord thy God liveth, there is not a nation or kingdom whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee ; and when they said, He is not here: he caused that kingdom and nation to take an oath, that no one could find thee. 11 And now thou sayest, Go, say unto thy lord. Behold, here is Elijah. 12 And it may come to pass, that,Avhen I go from thee, the spirit" of the Lokd may carry thee whither I know not; and when I come to inform Achab, and he cannot find thee, he will slay me; but I thy servant have feared the Lord from my youth- 13 Hath it not been told unto my lord what I did when Izebel slew the prophets of the Lord, how I hid a hundred men of the prophets of the Lord, fifty each in one cave, and provided them with bread and Avater? 14 And now thou sayest. Go say to thy lord. Behold, Elijah is here: and he will slay me. 15 Then said Elijah, As the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom I have stood, surely'' to- day will I show myself unto him. 16 So 'Obadiah went to meet Achab, and he told it to him ; and Achab went to meet EHjah. 17 And it came to pass, when Achab saw Elijah, that Achab said unto him. Art thou he that troul:)leth' Israel ? 18 And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, through your forsaking the commandments of the Lord, and because thou hast followed the Be'alim. 19 And now send, assemble unto me all ij Israel at Mount Carmel, and the prophets of Ba'al four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the grove' four hundred, who eat at the table of Izebel. ' " Wind of the Lord." — Moses Friedlander. '' o in this connection is to be taken as a strong affirma- tion : "surely," "without doubt." ° "JJringcr of destruction to Israel." — Arnhei.m. It must bo understood that the country was suffering from the want of rain, which Achab ascribed to the interference of Elijah, (see above, xvii. 1 ;) but the prophet properly laid the fault upon the king and his family, who through their sins had caused the heavens to be shut uji that there 414 20 And Achab sent round among all the children of Israel, and he assemljlcd the pro- phets at Mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah approached unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye Isetween the two opinions? if the Lord be the God, follow him; and if Ba'al — follow him. And the people answered him not a word. 22 And Elijah said unto the people, I have been left a prophet of the Lord by myself alone; but the prophets of Ba'al are four hundred and fifty men. 23 Thei'efore let there be given unto us two bullocks; and let them choose for them- selves the one liullock, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire to it: and I will prepare the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire to it. 24 And do ye call on the name of your god,° and I will call on the name of the Lord: and it shall be that the God who answereth by fire, he shall be the (true) God. And all the people answered and said, The proposal is good. 25 And Elijah said unto the prophets of Ba'al, Choose you for yourselves the one l)ul- lock, and prepare it first ; for ye are the many ; and call on the name of your god, but put no fire to it. 26 And they took the IjuUock which he had given to them, and they prepared it; and they called on the name of Ba'al from morn- ing even until noon, saying, Ba'al, answer us; but thei'e was no voice, nor any answer: and they danced about the altar which had been made. 27 And it came to pass at noon, tliat Elijah mocked at them, and said, Call with a loud voice; for he is a god; either he is holding council,' or he is busy in some pursuit,*'' or he is on a journey; or peradventure he sleepeth, and may thus awaken. 28 And they called with a loud voice and cut themselves after their custom with knives and spears,'' till the Ijlood gushed out over them. was no rain; they, therefore, not he, had brought the de- struction on Israel. '' More correctly, "Asherah," the name of an idol; "Astarte," in Philippson. ° Others, "gods." ' Rashi. Others, "he is hist in thought." ^Philippson, "stepped aside." Aruheini, "engaged in business." '' I'hig. ver. "lancets." Lit. with swurd.s and spears. 1 KTNCS XVllI. XIX. 29 And it came to pu^^s, wlu'ii niiililay was past, that they practised their follies until near (the time of) the offering of the evening-saerifiee; ])ut there was neither voice, nor any answer, nor any perceptible sound. 30 And Elijah said unto all the people, ("ome near unto nie: and all the people came near unto him; and he repaired the altar of the LoiiD that had been torn down. 31 And Pjlijah took twelve stones, accord- ino" to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacol), unto whom the word of the Lord was come, saying, Israel shall be thy name. 32 And he built of the stones an altar in the name of the Lord; and he made a trench as great as would contain two seiihs of seed" round about the altar. 33 And he put in order the wood, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid them on the wood, 34 And he said. Fill four jars with water; and they had to pour it on the burnt-offering, and on the wood;'' and he said, Do it the second time ; and they did it the second time ; and he said. Do it the third time; and they did it the third time. 35 And the water ran round about the altar; and the trench also he filled with water. 36 And it came to pass, at (the time of) the oflering of the evening-sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, TjORD, God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, this da}' let it be known that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that at thy word I ha^-e done all these things. 37 Answer me, Lord, answer me, and let all this people know that thou, Lord, art the (true) God, and thou wilt (then) have turned their heart back again." 38 And there fell a fire of the Lord, and consumed the burnt-ofiering, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust; and the wa- ° /. e. Covering a space in which two seiihs (a certain measure) could be sown. '' Here commences verse 34 in the English version. " This is acoordiug to Arnheim's version, after Sa'adyah Gaon : others, and among them, llambam, give, " that through thy permission their heart was hitherto turned backward." The former version, however, is more in concert with what precedes and follows. Elijah had re- presented to the people the folly of their indecision; and proposed thereupon the test of tire as a mark of the divi- ter also that was in the trench did it lick up. 39 And when all the ])eople saw this, thev fell on their iaces; and the}- said, the Lord — he is the God ; the Lord — he is the God. 40 And Elijah said unto them. Seize the prophets of Ba'al; not one of them must escape; and they seized them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slaughtered them there. 41 And Elijah said mito Achab, Go up,'' eat and drink ; for there is a sound of al)un- dance of rain.'' 42 So Achab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast' liimself down toward the earth, and put his face between his knees; 43 And he said to his servant, Go up, I pray thee, look in the direction of the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, Not the least (is visible). And he said, Go again, seven times. 44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there is a little cloud like a man's hand arising out of the sea. And he said. Go up, say unto Achab, Harness up (thy chariot), and come down, that the rain may not detain thee. 45 And it came to jJass in the mean while, that the heavens were blackened with clouds and wind, and there w'as a great rain. And Achab rode, and went to Yizre'el. 46 And the inspiration*^ of the Lord came over Elijah, and he girded up his loins ; and he ran l)eibre Achab up to the entrance of Yizre'el. CHAPTER XIX. 1 \ And Achab told Izebel all that Elijan had done, and withal that he had slain a!! the prophets with the sword. 2 Then sent Izebel a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So may the gods do to me, and may they thus continue, if about this time to-mor- nity in either god. He therefore prays, after the vanity of Ba'al had been exhibited, that the Lord would answer him with lire, through which means the people would be- come converted. And .so it was. Nevertheless, the usual version can be defended, as meaning that their man) sins had hitlierto prevouted their repentance. 1 '' )'. e. Away from Kishon. i ° Arnheim, " for there i.s a sound of the uoi,se of I rain." ' To ra-av for raiu. — ILvsiU. ' Literallv, -'hiiiid." 1 KINGS XIX. row I do not render thy life as the life of any one of them. 3 And when he saw this, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba', which belongeth to Judah, and he left his young man there. 4 But he himself went forward into the wilderness a day's journey, and he came and sat down under a certain broom-bush :" and he requested for himself to die ; and he said. It is enough, now, Lord, take away my soul; for I am not better than my fathers. 5 And he laid himself down and slept un- der a certain broom-bush, and, behold then, an angel was touching him, and said unto him, Arise, eat. 6 And he looked about, and, behold, there was at his head a cake baked on coals,*" and a cruise of water ; and he ate and drank, and laid himself down again. 7 And the angel of the L(3RD came again, the second time, and touched him, and said. Arise, eat; because the journey is yet far for thee. 8 And he arose, and ate and drank; and he went on the strength of that eating forty days and forty nights unto the mount of God, Horeb. 9 And he came there unto a cave, and re- mained there over night: and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and said unto him, What dost thou here, Elijah? 10 And he said, I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts ; for the chil- dren of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thy altars have they thrown down, and thy prophets have they slain with the sword: and I am left liy myself alone, and they have sought my life, to take it away. 11 And he said. Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord : and, behold, the Lord passed by, and a wind, great and strong, rending the mountains, and breaking in pieces the rocks (went) before the Lord; but not in the wind was the Lord; and after the wind was an earthquake; but not in the earth- quake was the Lord; 12 And after the earthquake was a fire; * Generally rendered "juniper-tree;" but according to R. .Toseph Schwarz in his Geography, (p. 309,) the broom (I'lania Genistd, (leiiiatu liaekm) grow.s plentifully in the desert, to the height of ahout eight feet, but no jiiniprr. '■ "On hot stones." — J'iiilu'Pson. 41 e but not in the fire was the Lord; and after the fire was the sound of a soft whisper." 13 And it came to pass, when Elijah heard it, that he concealed his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entrance of the cave: and, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What dost thou here, Elijah ? 14 And he said, I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thy altars have they thrown down, and thy prophets have they slain with the sword: and I am left by myself alone, and they have sought my life, to take it away. 15 ^ And the Lord said unto him. Go, re- turn on thy way to the wilderness of Damas- cus; and go, anoint Chazael to be king over Syria; 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel ; and Elisha' the son of Shaphat of Abel-mecholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy stead. 17 And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Chazael shall Jehu slay; and him that escapeth the sword of Jehu shall Elisha' slay. 18 And I will leave in Israel seven thou- sand, all the knees which have not been bent unto Ba'al, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. 19 And he departed thence, and found Elisha' the son of Shaphat, who was plough- ing; twelve yoke of oxen were before him, and he w-as with the twelfth: and Elijah passed up to him, and cast his mantle toward him." 20 And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss but my father and my mother, and I will (then) follow thee : and he said unto him. Go, return ; for what have I done to thee ? 21 And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and with the instruments of the oxen he boiled the flesh" for them, and he gave it unto the people, and they did eat; and then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him. ° " A sound composed of sound and silence." — Ralbao. Eng. ver., "A still small voice." Philippson, and others, "Ein sanftes Siiuseln," or delicate whispering, as that produced by wind in the trees. '' !. e. As a sign of appointing him prophet. ■• i'lashi, "he boiled their flesh." 1 KINGS XX. CHAPTER XX. 1 T[ And Ben-liadad the king of Syria assembled all his host together: and thirty and two kings were with him, and horses, and chariots; and he went up and besieged Samaria, and made ^\■ar against it. 2 And he sent messengers to Ac.liab the king of Israel into the city; 3 And he said unto him, Thus hath said Ben-hadad," Thy silver and thy gold are mine; thy wives also and thy children, even the best, are mine. 4 And the king of Israel answered and said, According to thy word, my lord, king, thine am I, and all that I have. 5 And the messengers returned, and said. Thus hath said Ben-hadad, to say. (to thee), I have indeed sent unto thee, saying. Thou shalt give unto me thy silver, and thy gold, and thy wives, and thy children;'' 6 Nevertheless, about this time to-morrt)w will I send my servants unto thee, and they shall search through thy house, and the houses of thy servants; -and it shall be, that whatsoever is pleasant in thy 'd'yes, they shall place it in their hand, and take it away. 7 Then did the king of Israel call for all the elders of the land, and said, Mark, I pray you, and see that this man seeketh mischief; "for he hath sent unto me for my wives, and lor my children, and for my silver, and for my gold, and I have not refused them to him. 8 And all the elders and all the people said unto him. Thou must not hearken, nor consent. 9 Wherefore he said unto the messengers of Ben-hadad, Say to my lord the king, All that thou didst send for to thy servant at the first will I do; Ijut this thing I am not able to do. And the messengers went away, and brought him word again. 10 And Ben-hadad then sent unto him, and said. May the gods do so unto me, and continue to do so, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls'' for all the people that are in my train. " At this word ends in the English version verso 2. '' Moaning, tliat it should not be a more nominal sub- mission, or a ransom for the retention of the property and families; but a complete surrender, so that Beu-hadaJ should bo empowered to ransack all and take all. " Rashi and Jonathan, "for the steps;" moaning, the 3C 11 And the king of Israel answered and said. Speak, Let him that girdeth on the armour not boast himself as he that putteth it of!'. 12 And it came to pass, when he heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pa\'ilions, that he said unto his servants. Get ready for the attack.'' And they got ready for the attack against the city. 13 And, ])ehold, there approached a certain prophet unto Achab the king of Israel, and said. Thus hath said the Lord, Hast thou seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into thy hand this day; and tliou shalt know that I am the Lord. 14 And Achab said, By whom? And he said, Thus hath said the Lord, By means of the young men" of the princes of the provinces. Then said he, Who shall order the battle ?f And he said, Thou. 15 He then numbered the young men of the princes of the provinces, and they we)-e two hundred and thirty-two: and after them he numbered all the people, all the children of Israel, seven thousand strong. 16 And they went out at midday; while Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him. 17 And the young men of the princes of the provinces went out at first; and Ben- hadad sent out, and they told him, saying. Some men are come out of Samaria. 18' And he said. If they be come out for peace, catch them alive; and if they be come out for war, alive must ye catch them. 19 So these, the young men of the princes of the provinces, came out of the city, with the army which followed them. 20 And they slew every one his man; and the Syrians tied, and Israel pursued them : and Ben-hadad the king of Syria escaped on a horse with the horsemen. 21 And the king of Israel Avent out. and smote the horses and chariots, and inflicted on the Syrians a great defeat. 22 And the prophet approached unto the dust that adheres to the shoes in walking; so numerous should the enemy be. '' Rashi, "Place the besieging engines forward." " (Others, " the sons of," &c. ' Rashi, "order to command." Zunz, "comraencej" so also, "join the battle.'' 417 1 KINGS XX. king uf Israel, and said unto him, Go, strength- en thyself, and mark, and see what thou hast to do; for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee. 23 ][ And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Gods of the mountains are their gods ; therefore they prevailed over us ; but let us fight against them in the plain, (and see) whether we shall not prevail over them. 24 But do this thing. Remove the kings, every one from his place, and appoint gover- nors in their rooms; 25 And thou, number for thyself an army, like the army that thou hast lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot: and we will fight against them in the plain, (and see) whether we shall prevail over them. And he hearkened unto their voice, and did so. 26 ^ And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Ben-hadad numbered the Sy- rians, and went up to Aphek, to the war with Israel. 27 And the children of Israel were num- bered, and provisioned, and went (out) against them: and the cliildren of Israel encamped opposite to them like two little flocks of goats ; but the Syrians filled the country. 28 And there approached the man of God, and spoke unto the king of Israel, and said. Thus hath said the Lord, Forasmuch as the Syrians have said, "A God of the hills is the Lord, but he is not God of the valleys:" will I deliver all this great multitude into thy hand; and ye shall know that I am the Lord. 29 And they encamped one opposite the other for seven days. And it happened, that on the seventh day the battle took place : and the children of Israel smote of the Syrians a hundred thousand men on foot in one day. ;;0 But those that were left fled to Apliek, into the city; but the city-wall* fell upon the twenty and seven thousand men that had been left. And Ben-hadad fled, and came into the city, into an innermost'' chanil)er. 31 And his servants said unto him, Behold ' I'hilippson supposes that the w.iU foil, as the city was taken by assault. '' Heb. "into a chanilici- within a chamber." " llashi. Arnheini, "ami the men watched and hast- ened tn assure them, whether he spoke of him," /. e. Ben- hadad 118 now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are kindly kings: let us, we pray thee, put sackcloth on our loins, and ropes upon our heads, and go out to the king of Israel ; persidventure he may save thy life. 32 So they girded sackcloth on their loins, and ropes on their heads, and came to the king of Israel, and said. Thy servant Ben- hadad hath said. I pray thee, let me live. And he said, Is he yet alive? he is nw bro- ther. 33 Now the men took it for a good sign, and hastened and caught at his word, whetlier it was his earnest f and they said. Thy bro- ther Ben-hadad! But he said, Go ye, bring him. Then came Ben-hadad forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the cha- riot. 34 And he* said unto him, The cities, which my fother took from thy father, will I restore; and thou canst lay out for thyself streets in Damascus, as my flither laid out in Samaria. "And" I for my part will send thee away with this covenant." So he made a covenant with him,* and sent him away. 35 ^ And a certain man of the sons of the projahets said unto his companion, By*^ the word of the Lord, smite me, I pray thee. But the man refused to smite him. 36 Then said he unto him. Forasmuch as thou hast not obeyed the voice of the Lord, behold, when thou goest away from me, a lion"^ shall slay thee. And he went away from him, when a lion found him, and slew him. 37 Then he met with another man, and said, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, smiting and wounding (him). 38 And the prophet then went, and placed himself before the king on the way, and dis- guised himself w' ith a bandage over his eyes. 39 And as the king passed by, he cried unto the king, and said. Thy servant Avent out into the midst of the battle; and, behold, a man turned aside, and brought unto me a man, and said. Guard this man; if l)y any means he be missing, then shall tliy life be (forfeit) " Ben-hadad. = Words of Achab. ' Rashi and Arnheim so divide the verse. Others, " said to his companion by the word of the Lord, Smite me," &c. 8 Disobedience to prophets, is punishable sin. (Deut. xviii. ly.) 1 KINGS XX. XXI. for his lite, or else thou shalt weigh lue down a talent of silver. 40 But it happened as th}- servant was busy here and there, that he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him, So is thy sentence: tliou thyself hast decided it. 4 1 And he hastened, and removed the band- age from his eyes; and the king of Israel re- cognised him that he was one of the prophets. 42 And he said unto him, Thus hath said the Lord, Because thou hast let go out of thy hand the man whom I had caught in my net." therefore shall thy life bo the forfeit for his life, and thy people for his people. 43 And the king of Israel went to his house low-sj^irited and displeased, and he came to Samaria. CHAPTER XXI. 1 ^ And it came to pass after these events, that Naboth the Yizre'elite had a vineyard, which was in Yizre'el, near the palace of Achab the king of Samaria. 2 And Achab spoke unto Naboth, saying. Give me thy vineyard, that it may serve me for an herb-garden, because it is near unto my house; and I will give thee in its stead a vineyard better than it ; (or,) if it seem good in thy eyes, I wall give thee the money, the value of the same. 3 And Naboth said to Achab, Far be it from me before the Lord, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee. 4 And Achab came into his house low- spirited and displeased because of the word Avhich Naboth the Yizre'elite had spoken to him, when he said, I will not give unto thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid himself dt)wn upon his bed, and turned away his face, and woidd eat no food. 5 But Izeljel his wife came to him, and spoke unto him. Why is thy spirit so sad? and why eatest thou no food? 6 And he said unto her. Because I spoke vmto Naboth the Yizre'elite, and said unto him. Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it plea.se thee, I will give thee a vine- yard in its stead ; but he hath said, I will not give unto thee my vineyard. 7 Then said unto him Izebel his wife, " Kcdnk, after iMidrasli. Jnnathan, "who deserved to die." Aniheiii), "the man iu luy net." Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Is- rael?'' arise, eat bread, and let thy heart be merry: I will myself give thee the vine- yard of Naboth the Yizre'elite. 8 So she wrote letters in Achab's name, and sealed them with his seal ; and she sent the letters unto the elders and unto the nobles who were in his city, and who dwelt near Naboth. 9 And she wrote in the letters, saying. Proclaim a fast, and cause Naboth to sit at the head of the people; 10 And seat two men, worthless fellows, opposite to him, and let them bear witness against him, saying. Thou hast blasphemed God and the king: and then lead him forth, and stone him, that he may die. 11 And the men of his city, the elders and the nobles, those who dwelt in his city, djd as Izebel had sent unto them, as was written in the letters which she had sent unto them. 12 They proclaimed a fast, and caused Nalwth to sit at the head of the people. 13 And there came in two men, worthless fellows, and seated themselves opposite to him; and these worthless men testified against him, against Naboth, in the presence of the peoi)le, saying, Naboth hath blasphemed God and the king. Then they led him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died. 14 And they sent to Izebel, saying, Naboth hath been stoned, and is dead. 15 And it came to pass, when Izebel heard that Naboth had lioen stoned, and was dead, that Izebel said to Achab, Arise, take posses- sion of the vineyai'd of Naboth the Yizre'elite, which he refust'd to give thee for money; for Naboth is not alive, but dead. 16 And it came to pass, when Achab heard that Naboth was dead, that Achab rose up ic go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Yiz- re'elite, to take possession of it. 17 T] And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 18 Arise, go down to meet Achab the king of Israel, who is in Samaria: behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to take possession of it. 19 And thou shalt speak unto him, saying. '' "Thiiu art yet in jm.sse.'^sion of the royal power over Israel." — Arnhei.M. 419 1 KINGS XXI. XXII. Thus hath said the Lord, Hast thou murdered, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus hath said the Lord, In the place" where the dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall the dogs lick thy blood, yes, thine also. 20 And Achab said to Elijah, Hast thou iound me, my enemy? And he answered, I have found thee; because thou hast sold thyself to do what is evil in the eyes of the Lord. 21 Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and I will sweep out after thee, and will cut off from Achab every male, and the guarded and fortified in Israel, 22 And I will make thy house like the house of Jerol)o'am the son of Nebat, and like the house of Ba'sha the son of Achiyah, for the provocation wherewith thou hast provok- ed (me) to anger, and induced Israel to sin. 23 And also concerning Izebel hath the Lord spoken, saying, The dogs shall eat Ize- bel in the valle^''' of Yizre'el. 24 Him that dieth of Achab in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the heavens eat. 25 But indeed there was none like unto Achab, who sold himself to do what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, to which Izebel his wife incited him. 26 And he acted very abominably in fol- lowing the idols, in all things just as had done the Emorites, whom the Lord had driven out from before the children of Israel. 27 And it came to pass, when Achalj heard these words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his Hesh,° and fested, and slept in the sackcloth, and walked about bare- footed.'' 28 ^ And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 29 Hast thou seen how Achab hath hum- bled liimself before me? therefore, because he hath humbled himself before me, will I not bring the evil in his days: in tlie days of his son will I bring the evil upon his house. " E. Jos. Schwarz renders nipDD "in punisbincut for," as the pool at Samaria, wLeru Auhab's blood was spilt, could uovor have conveyed the blood of the slain king to Yizre'el. " After Jonathan. Others, "at the outer wall," &c. " "On his body." — Arniieim, and others, who always render "iB'a, when used as here, witli "body," and not "flesh." 420 CHAPTER XXII. 1 And they remained (at rest) three years, there being no war between Syria and Israel. 2 T[ And it came to pass in the third year that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel. 3 And the king of Israel said unto his ser- vants. Know ye that Ramoth in Gil'ad is ours, and we remain idle, without taking it out of the hand of the king of Syria? 4 And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to the battle against Ea- moth-gil'ad? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I (will be) like thee, my peo- ple like thy people, my horses like thy horses. 5 And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Inquire, I pray thee, to-day (first) of the word of the Lord. 6 Then assembled the king of Israel the prophets, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Kamoth-girad to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; and the Lord will deliver (it) into the hand of the king." 7 And Jehosliaphat said. Is there not here a pro^jhet of the Eternal besides, that Ave might inquire of him? 8 And the king of Israel said unto Jeho- shaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we might inquire of the Lord; but I hate him; for he will never pro2)hesy good concerning me, but evil: (it is) Michayhu the son of Yimlah. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. 9 Then called the king of Israel a certain officer, and said. Hasten hither Michayhu the son of Yimlah. 10 And the king of Israel and Jehosha- phat the king of Judah M'ere sitting each on his throne, dressed in their regal garments, in a tlireshing-floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. 11 And Zedekiah'the sonof Kena'anah had * Jonathan. Others, "he walked about heavy-hearted," or "slowly," "softly;" but the actual idea is, that he di.s- played regret in his outward demeanour, even iu his walk, his gait being changed. " Ambiguous, not clearly defining what king, or what shnidd be delivered. Lit., "the Lord will deliver into," &c. ' C!orreetly, Zii/kcj/ah. 1 KINGS XXII. made himself horns of Iron ; and he said, Thus hath said the LoRD, With these shalt thou pusli tlie Syrians, until thou have made an end of them. 12 And all the prophets prophesied so, saving. Go up to Eamoth-gil'ad, and prosper; and the Lokd will deliver it into the king's hand. 13 And the messenger that went to call Miohayhu spoke unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets are with one voice" good for the king: do let thy word, I pray thee, he like the word of any one of them, and speak something good. 14 And Michayhu said. As the Lord liv- eth, truly, what "the Lord may say unto me, that will I speak. 15 And when he wa,s come to the king, the king said unto him, Michayhu, shall we go against Eamoth-gil'ad to l)attle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go up, and ]n-osper; and may'' the Lord deliver it into the hand of the king. 16 x\nd the king said unto him. How many times yet must I adjure thee that thou shalt not speak to me any thing but the truth in the name of the Lord? 17 And he said, I saw all Israel scattered over the mountains, as iiocks that have not a shepherd : and the Lord said. These have no master; let them return every man to his house in peace. IS And tlie king of Israel said unto Jeho- shaphat. Did 1 not say unto thee that he would not prophesy concerning me any good, but (only) evil? 19 And he said, Therefore hear thou the word of the Lord : I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven stand- ing by him on his right and on his left. 20 And the Lord said. Who wall persuade Achab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth- gil'ad? And one said. In this manner, and another said. In that manner. 21 And there came forth a° spirit, and placed himself before the Lord, and said, I will persuade him. ''And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith? 22 And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his pro- 'Heb. "mouth." ' Ra-shi. Othors. "for the Lord will," &e. phets. And he said, Thou wilt persuade him, and also prevail : go forth, and do so. 23 And now, behold, the Lord hath put a l3'ing spirit in the mouth of all these thy pro- phets; but the Lord hath spoken evil con- cerning thee. 24 And Zedekiah the son of Kena'anah went near, and struck Michayhu on the cheek, and said. Which way passed the Spirit of the Lord away from me to speak witli thee? 25 And Michayhu said, Behold, thou shalt see it on that day, wdien thou shalt go into the innermost chamber to hide thyself. 26 And the king of Israel said. Take Mi- chajdiu, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and unto Joiish the king's son; 27 And say. Thus hath said the king, Put this man in the prison, and feed him with j sparing bread and with sparing water, until I come home in peace. 28 And Michayhu said. If thou return at all in peace, then hath the Lord not spoken through me. And he said. Hear it, all ye nations ! 29 ^ So the king of Israel went up wdth Jehoshaphat the king of Judah to Eamoth- gil'ad. 30 And the king of Israel said unto Jeho- shaphat, I will disguise myself, and enter into the battle; but do thou put on thy regal garments. And the king of Israel disguised himself, and went into the battle. 31 And the king of Syria had commanded the captains over his chariots, thirty-two (in number), saying, Fight neither with a small nor a great one, save only with the king of Israel alone. 32 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said. Surely this is the king of Israel. And they turned aside against him to fight: and Jehoshaphat cried out. 33 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, that tliey turned back from following him. 34 But a man drew his bow at a venture, and struck the king of Israel between the Lit. " The spirit." ^ In the English version, verse 22 commences here. 421 1 KINGS XXII. joints" find the armour : wherefore he said unto his chariot-driver, Turn about, and carry nie out of the camp ; for I am wounded.*" 35 And the battle increased on that day; and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians; but he died in the even- ing: and the blood of the wound flowed down into the hollow of the chariot. 30 And there went a proclamation through- out the camp at the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to liis city, and every man to his own land. 37 So the king died, and w.as brought to Samaria; and they buried the king in Sa- maria. 38 And the chariot was washed out at the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up liis blood, as they washed his armour:'' according to the word of the Lord which he had spoken. 39 Now the rest of the acts of Achab. and all that he did, and the ivory house which he built, and all the cities that he built, be- hold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 40 So Achab slept with his fathers: and Achazyahu his son bectwne king in his stead. 41 il And Jehoshaphat the son of Assa became king over Judah in the fourth year of Achab the king of Israel. 42 Jehoshaphat was thirty and five years old when he became king, and twenty and five years did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was 'Azubah the daughter of Shilchi. 43 And he walked in all the ways of Assa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing Avhat is right in the eyes of the Lord: 44** Nevertheless the high-places were not ° Rashi interprets, that it was what is called a scaly armour, in which the scales cover the perforations of the coat of mail, in one of which the arrow struck. " Ilrb. "mailc sick." removed; for the people still ofllTod, nud burnt incense on the high-places. 45 And Jehoshaphat made peace with the king of Israel. 46 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his mighty deeds that he showed, and how he warred, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Ju- dah . 47 And the remnant of the sodomites, that had been left in the days of his father Assa, did he put away out of the land. 48 There was then no king in Edom: a deputy was king. 49 Jehoshaphat made Tharshish-ships to go to Ophir for gold; but they went not; for the ships were wrecked at 'Ezyon-geber. 50 Then said Achaz^-ahu the son of Achab unto Jehoshaphat, Let my servants go with thy servants in the ships. But Jehoshaphat would not. 51 And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoram his son became king in his stead. 52 ^ Achazyahu the son of Achab became king over Israel in Samaria in the seven- teenth year of Jehoshaphat, the king of Ju- dah ; and he reigned over Israel two years. 53 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father, and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jerobo'am the son of Nebat, who had induced Israel to sin. 54 And he served Ba'al, and bowed down to him, and he provoked to anger the Lord the God of Israel, all just as his father had done. " After Jonathan. But others render, " while the har- lots bathed therein." '' This is a part of verse 4.3 in the English version, in which the chapter has hut 53 verses. THE SI<:C'OND BOOK OF TllK KINGS, CONTAINING THE CONTINUATION OF THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL TO THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE. CHAPTER I. 1 Then did Moiib rebel against Israel after the death of Acliab. 2 And Achazyah fell down through the lattice in his upper chamber that was in Sa^ niaria, and became sick ; and he sent messen- gers, and said unto them. Go, inquire of Ba'al-zebub" the god of 'Ekron whether I shall recover from this sickness. 3 But an angel of the Lord spol^^e to Elijah the Tislibite, Arise, go up to meet the mes- sengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it because there is not a God in Is- rael, that ye go to inquire of Ba'al-zebub the god of 'Ekron? 4 Now therefore, thus hath said the Lord, From the bed on which thou art gone up shalt thou not come down; for thou shalt surely die. And Elijah departed. 5 And the messengers returned unto him, and he said unto them. Why is this that ye are already returned? 6 And they said unto him, There came up a man to meet us, and said unto us, Go, return unto the king that hath sent you, and speak unto him, Thus hath said the Lord, Is it be- cause there is not a God in Israel, that thou sendest to inquire of Ba'al-zebub the god of 'Ekron ? therefore from the bed on which thou art gone up shalt thou not come down ; for thou shalt surely die. 7 And he spoke unto them, Wljat is the manner of the man who came up to meet you, and spoke unto you these words? 8 And they said unto him, He is a hairy man, with a girdle of leather girded about his loins. And he said. It is Elijah the Tisli- bite. ' Literally, "the lord of flies;" probably so called be- cause he was supposed to defend the people from flies. 9 Then did he send unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty: and he went up to him, and, behold, he was sitting on the top of the mount; and he spoke unto him, Oman of God, the king hath commanded, Come down. 10 And Elijah answered and spoke to the captain of the iifty. And if I te a man of God, I let a fire come down from heaven and consume ! thee and th}' fift}'. And there came down a fire from heaven, and consumed him and liis I fifty. I 11 And lie sent again unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he com- menced and spoke unto him, man of God, thus hath the king said, Come down quickly. 12 And Elijah answered and spoke unto them. If I be a man of God, let a fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. 13 And he sent again a captain of fifty the third time'' with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and bent down on his knees Ix-fore Elijah, and besought him, and spoke unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life and the life of these fifty thy servants be precious in thy eyes. 14 Behold, there came down a fire from heaven, and consumed the two captains of the first fifties with their fifties; and now let my life be precious in thy eyes. 15 T[ And the angel of the Lord spoke unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the kin<j;. 16 And he spoke unto him, Thus hath said the Lord, Forasmuch as thou didst send messengers to inquire of Ba'al-zebub the God Arnl Others, ''the third fifty. 423 2 KINGS I. 11. of 'Ekron, as though there were no God in Israel to inquire of his word : therefore from the bed on which thou art gone up shalt thou not come down ;' for thou shalt surely die. 17 And he died, according to the woi'd of the Lord which Elijah had spoken ; and Je- horam became king in his stead in the second year of Jehoram'' the son of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah; because he had no son. 18 Now the rest of the acts of Achazyahu which he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. CHAPTER II. 1 ^ And it came to pass, when the Lord was about to take up Elijah by a storm-wind to heaven, that Elijah went out with Elisha' from Gilgal. 2 And Elijah said unto Elisha', Remain, I pray thee, here; for the Lord hath sent me as far as Beth'el. But Elisha' said. As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Beth-el. 3 And the sons" of the prophets that were at Beth-el came forth to Elisha', and said unto him, Knowest thou that to-day the Lord will take away thy master from thy head? And he said, I also know it ; be still. 4 And Elijah said unto him, Elisha', re- main, I pray thee, here; for the Lord hath sent me to Jericho. But he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho. 5 And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came near to Elisha', and said unto him, Knowest thou that to-day the Lord Avill take away thy master from thy head ? And he said, I also know it; be still. 6 And Elijah said unto him, Remain, I pray thee, here ; for the Lord hath sent me to the Jordan. But he said, As the Lord " In the East, there is usually at the end of each cham- ber a little gallery, raised three or four feet above the floor, with a ballustnide in front, to which they go up by a few steps: here they place (heir beds; an allusion to which situation is involved in this declaration of Elijah's, and frequently referred to in the Sacred Scriptures. (See Gen. xlix. 4.) '■ As it is said in chap. iii. 1, that he began his reign in the eighteenth of Jehoshaphat, it is supposed that Jeho- Bhaphat admitted his sou Jehoram to reign with him, eight or nine years before his death ; hence, the secoud 421 liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So these two went on. 7 And fifty men of the sons of the pro- phets went, and stood opposite (to them) afar oflF: and those two stood by the Jordan. 8 And Elijah took his mantle, and folded it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, and they went, both of them, over on dry ground. 9 And it came to pass, when they passed over, that Elijah said unto Elisha', Ask what I shall do for thee, before I shall be taken away from thee. And Elisha' said, Let there he, I pray thee, a double portion"* of thy spirit U2»n me. 10 And he said. Thou hast asked a hard thing: if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so (given) unto thee; but if not, it shall not be. 11 And it came to pass, as they went on, speaking as they were going, that, behold, there came a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Eli- jah went up by a storm-wind* to heaven. 12 And Elisha' saw it, and he cried, My flither, my father, the chariot of Israel, and their horsemen.*^ And he saw him no more; and he took hold of his clothes, and rent them in two pieces. 13 And he lifted up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back, and stood by the border of the Jordan ; 14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord the God of Eli- jah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither; and Elisha' passed over. 15 And when the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho, at a distance, saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha'. And they came forth to meet year that Jehoram was associate king, and the eighteenth of Jehoshaphat. ° 7. e. As the Targumist renders N'O: ''TnSn "disciples of the prophets." ^ Ralbag suggests that it means that Elisha requested to obtain a twofold portion of Elijah's spirit above the other disciples, regarding himself as his spiritual first- born, who was entitled to a double portion. (See Deut. xxi. 17.) ° Arnheim, "storm-cloud." ' Jonathan, " who wast better for Israel by thy prayers than their chariots and horsemen." 2 KINGS TI. IIT. hiiu, and bowed thomselves unto liini to the ground. ] G And they said unto him, Behold now, there are among thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek th^' master; peradventure the Spirit of the Lord hath taken him up, and cast him upon one of the mountains, or into one of the val- leys. And he said, Ye must not send. 1 7 And they urged him till he was ashamed," when he said, Send. And they sent fifty men; and the}- sought three dnjs, but found him not. 18 And they returned again to him, for he had remained at Jericho; and he tlien said unto them. Did I not sa}' unto you. Ye should not go? 19 ^ And the men of the city siiid unto Elisha', Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is good, as my lord seeth ; but the water is bad, and the land causeth luitimely births. 20 And he said. Fetch me a new flask, and put salt therein : and they fetched it to him. 21 And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast therein the salt, and said. Thus hath said the Lokd, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from there any more death or untimely births. 22 So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the word of Elisha' which he spoke. 23 ^ And he went up from there to Beth-el : and as he was going up by the way, there came forth young lads'" out of the city, and they mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, bald-head! go up, bald-head! 24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord; and there came I'orth two she-bears out of the forest, and tore of them forty and two boyfe\ 25 And he went from there to mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Sa^ maria. " /. c. till he was a.shamed to refuse any longer. '' The wonts □•:£3p w\i'i not only .signify little chil- dren, hut young men; for rap signifies not only little, but young, in opposition to old; and l;?: signifies not only a child, but a young man, grown to years of matu- rity : thus Isaac is called i;;: when perhaps over thirty years old, Joseph when thirty, and Rehobo'am when forty. 3D CHAPTER in. 1 \ And Jehoram the son of Achab be- came king over Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, and he reigned twelve years. 2 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord; Ijut not like his father, and like his mother; and he removed the statue of Ba'al which his lather had made. 3 Nevertheless unto the sins of Jerobo'am the son of Neljat, who had induced Israel to sin, did he cleave: he departed not there- from. 4 ^[ And Mesha' the king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered as tribute unto the king of Israel a hundred thousand landjs, and a hundred thousand rams, with the wool. 5 And it came to pass, "when Achab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. 6 And king Jehoram went out of Samaria at that time, and numbered all Israel. 7 And he went and sent to Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, saying. The king of Moab hath rebelled against me: wilt thou go with me against Moab to battle? And he said, I will go up, I as thyself, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses. 8 And he said. Which way shall we go up? And he said, The way through the wil- derness of Edom. 9 So the king of Israel went, with the king of Judah, and the king of Edom; and they took a circuitous route, a seven days' journey; and there was no water for the camp, and for the cattle that followed in their train. 10 And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the Lord hath called these three kings, to deliver them into the hand of Moab! 11 But Jehoshaphat said. Is there not here a prophet of the Lord, that we may inquire of the Lord from him? And there answered one of the king of Israel's servants and said, Here is Elisha' the son of Shaphat, who pour- ed" water on the hands of Elijah. These idolatrous young men, having heard of the ascen- sion of Elijah, without believing it, blasphemously bade Elisha' follow him. — After Abarbanel. ° )'. e. "Ilad waited on him." Elisha' must therefore have followed the army in the wilderness, to be ready to take advantage of circumstances to preach the word of God. — Philippson. 425 2 KINGS in. It. 12 And JeliOHliaphat said, The word of the Lord is with him. And tliere went down to him the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom. 13 And EHsha' said unto the king of Is- rael, What have I to do with thee? go to the prophets of th}' father, and to the prophets of thv mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Not so; for the Lord hatli called these three kings, to deliver them into the hand of Moiib. 14 And Elisha' said, As the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom I have stood, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee. 1-5 But now bring me a musician. And it came to pass, when the musician 2)layed, that the inspiration^of the Lord came upon him. 16 And he said, Thus hath said the Lord, Make this valley full of ditches. 17 For thus hath said the Lord, Ye shall not perceive wind, nor shall ye see rain; yet this valley shall be filled with w'ater, that ye may drink, yourselves, and your flocks, and your cattle. 18 And this is yet too light a thing in the eyes of the Lord; and he will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. 19 And ye shall smite every fortified city, and every choice city, and every good tree shall ye fell, and all springs of water shall ye stop, and every good piece of land shall ye spoil with stones. 20 And it came to pass in the morning, at the time when the meat-ofiering is offered, that, behold, there came water by the way from Edom, and the country was filled with the water. 21 And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they were called together from every one who was girded with a sword,'' and upward, and they posted themselves on the border. " /. e. The power to foresee what was impending. '■ Lit. "girdle;" i. c. from the youngest that could buckle on a sword, to those of a higher age. ° Jonathan. Arnheim, literally, "they have ruined themselves." ^ Some suppose that the prince thus sacrificed was a son of the Edumean king wlio had fallen into the hand of the Moiibite, wherefore ho felt indign.ant at Israel, whose alliance had brought him so much evil. Others, again, understand that Mcslia' slow his own son, which 420 22 And when they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, the Moabites saw the water at a distance as red as blood. 2.3 And they said. This is blood ; the kings have certainly" had a contest among them- selves, and they have smitten one another: and now, up to the spoil, Moab. 24 But when they came to the camp of Is- rael, the Israelites rose up and smote the Moabites, so that they fled before them; and they smote the Moabites com2:>letely, even in their own country. 25 And the cities they pulled down, and into every good piece of land they cast every man his stone, and filled it up, and every sirring of water tliey stopped, and every good tree they felled, until they left only its stones in Kir-chareseth, and this the slingers encom- passed and smote it. 26 And when the king of Moiib saw that the battle was too strong for him, he took with him seven hundred men that drew the sword, to break through unto the king of Edom; but they could not. 27 Then took he his eldest*^ son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a burnt-offering upon the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their land. CHAPTER IV. 1 T[ And a certain woman, of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried unto Elisha', saying, Thy servant my husband is dead ; and thou well knowest that thy servant was one who feared the Lord : and now the credi- tor is come to take my two sons unto himself for servants." 2 And Elisha' said unto her, What shall I do for thee ? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said. Thy handmaid hath nothing in the house, save a pot of oil. revolting spectacle broke up the confederacy. Rashi, and others, that God's wrath was kindled against the Is- raelites, who were then idolaters. " This passage proves that with the prevalence of idola- try the purer principles of the law fell into disuse. The power of taking a human being into bondage for debt, is nowhere conferred upon the creditor; and here we see that the widow of one of the scholars of the prophets is threatened by her creditor with the servitude of her chil- dren. 2 KINGS IV. fi And he said, Go, borrow ibr thyself vessels from abroad from all thy neighbours, empty vessels, let them not he a few. 4 And then go home, and lock the door behind thee and behind thy sons, and then pour out into all those vessels; and that which is full tliou slialt set aside. 5 So she went from him, and locked the door behind her and behind her sons, who brought the vessels near to her, and she poured out. 6 And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son. Bring near to me yet another vessel; and he said unto her, There is not a vessel more : and the oil stayed. 7 Tiien came she and told it to the man of God; and he said. Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and thou with thy children shalt live of the rest. 8 •[[ And it happened one day, that Elisha' passed over to Shunera, and there was a great woman, and she constrained him to eat bread ; and it happened, that as oft as he passed by, he used to turn in thither to eat bread. 9 And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God, who passeth through by us continu- ally. 10 Let us then make a little upper cham- ber, on the wall ; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a chair, and a candle- sticlv : and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. 1 1 And it happened one day, that he came thither, and he turned into the upper chamber, and lay'' there. 12 And he said to Gechazi his servant. Call this Shunammite: and he called her, and she stood before him. 13 And he said unto him. Say now unto her, Beliold, thou hast been at pains to take all this trouble for us: what is to be done for thee ? wouldst thou be spoken for to the king, or to the chief of the army? And she said, I dwell in the midst of my own people.'' 14 And he said, What then is to be done • Others, " slept." ' " Among my relatives: no one injures me, and I have no need of the aid of the king or the chief of the army." — Rashi. " See Gen. xviii. 10. ' This passage proves the correctness of the rabbini- for her? And Gechazi said, Verily, she hath no son, and her husband is old. 15 And he said, Call her: and he called hei', and she stood in the door. 16 And he said. At this season, next year,"" thou shalt embrace a son. Aiidshe said, No, my lord, man of God, do not deceive thy hand-maid. 17 But the woman conceived, and bore a son at that season in the following year, as Elisha' had spoken unto her. 18 And the child grew up; and it happen- ed one day, that he went out to his father to the reapers. 19 And he said unto his father. My head, my head: and he said to a lad. Carry him to his mother. 20 And he took him up, and brought him to his mother, and he sat on her knees till noon, when he died. 21 And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and locked the door behind him, and went out, 22 And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the she-asses, that I may hasten as far as the man of God, and return. 23 And he said. Wherefore art thou going to him to-day ? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath.'^ And she said. It is well. 24 Then she saddled the she-ass, and said to her servant. Drive, and go forw^ard ; do not resti'ain me in riding, unless I say it to thee. 25 So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel: and it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gechazi his servant. Behold, yonder is that Shunammite. 26 Now do run to meet her, and say unto her. Is it well with thee ? is it well with thy husband ? is it well with the child ? and she answered, It is well. 27 And she came to the man of God to the mount, and caught hold of his feet; and Gechazi came near to thrust her away; but the man of God said. Let her alone; for her soul is grieved within her; and the Lord hatli hidden it from me, and hath not told it me. cal rule that a person should wait upon his teacher on the festival; for the husband remonstrated with the wife, that it being neither sabbath, which includes the festivals, n<ir new moon, there was no cause for her going to Elisha' ; and no doubt to calm his uneasiness on that account, she answered him, "It is peace," meaning, " All is well." 427 2 KINGS IV. V. 28 And she said, Did I request a son from my lord? did I not say, Do not lead me astray ? 29 Then said he to Gechazi, Gird up th}' loins, and take my staff in thy hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, thou shalt not salute him; and if any salute thee, thou shalt not answer him; and lay my staff upon the face of the lad. 30 And the mother of the lad said, As the Lord livetli, and as thy soul livetli, I will not leave thee. And he arose and followed her. I 31 And Gechazi passed on before them, ' and laid the staff upon the face of the lad ; but there was neither voice, nor perceptible sound ; wherefore he went back to meet him, and told him, saying, The lad is not awakened. 32 And when Elisha' was come into the house, behold, fjie lad was dead, laid upon his bed. 33 And he went in and locked the door behind both of them, and prayed unto the Lord. 34 And he went up, and laid himself upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands; and he stretched himself upon him: and the flesh of the child became warm. 35 Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself (again) upon liim : and the lad sneezed as many as seven times, and the lad opened his eyes. 36 And he called Gechazi, and said. Call this Shunammite: so he called her, and she came in unto him; and he said. Take up thy son. 37 Then went she in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out. 38 Tl And Elisha' returned to Gilgal; and there was a famine in the land ; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him : and he said unto his servant, Set on the large pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the pro- phets. 39 And one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered thereof wild colocynths his garment ' Pliilippson, "rid him." *" The king of Syria, from his ignorance of the customs of Israel, whore the l;iii2 prisscsscl no power over tlic .J28 full, and came and cut them up into the pot of pottage; for they knew them not. 40 And they poured it out for the men to eat ; and it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, Death is in the pot, man of God. And they could not eat. 41 But he said, Then Ijring some meal. And he cast it into the pot; and he said. Pour it out for the people, that they may eat. And there was nothing bad in the pot. 42 ^1 And tliere came a man from Ba'al- shalishah, and brought unto the nuui of God bread of the first-fruits, twenty loaves of bar- ley bread, and fresh ears of corn in his scrip: and he said. Give it unto the people, that they may eat. 43 And his servitor said, What, shall I set this before a hundred men? And he said. Give it unto the people, that they may eat; for thus hath said the Lord, They shall eat, and shall leave (thereof). 44 So he set it before them, and they ate, and left thereof, according to the word of the Lord. CHAPTER V. 1 ^ And Na'aman, the captain of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man before his lord, and highly honoured; because by him had the Lord given victory unto Syria : and this man was valiant in war, (but) a leper. 2 And the Syrians had gone out in preda- tory troops, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maiden ; and she waited on Na'aman's wife. 8 And she said unto her mistress, Oh that my lord were but before the prophet that is in Samaria ! then would he heal^ him of liis leprosy. 4 And he went in, and told his lord, saj-- ing. Thus and thus hath spoken the maiden that is from the land of Israel. 5 And the king of Svria said. Go to, qo, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and si.\ thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of garments. 6 And he brought the letter'' to the king prophet, thought it sufficient to address the former. Hence the words of Elisha', "And he shall know that there is a proplie' in Israel." 2 KINGS V. of Israel, which t^aid, And' now when this let- ter Cometh unto thee, behold, I have sent to thee Na'anian my servant, that thou mayest heal him ol' his leprosy. 7 And it came to pass, when the king of Israel read the letter, tliat he rent his clothes, and said. Am I (Jod, to kill and to make alive, that this one doth send unto me to heal a man of his leprosy? for know to a certainty, I pray you, and see that he but seekcth a quarrel against me. 8 And it happened, when Elisha' the man of God heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, tliat he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes ? let him but come to me, and he shall know that tliere is a prophet in Israel. 9 And Na'aman came with his horses and and with his chariot, and remained at the door of the house of Elisha'. 10 And Elisha' sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and bathe seven times in the Jor- dan, and thy flesh shall be restored (healthy) to thee, and thou shalt become clean. 11 But Na'aman became wroth, and went away, and said. Behold, I had thought. He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and swing his hand over the place, and heal the leper. 12 Are not Amanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel ? may I not bathe in them, and be- come clean ? and he turned and went away in a rage. 13 And his servants came near, and spoke unto him, and they said. My father, if the pro- phet had bidden thee a great tiling, wonldst thou not do it? how much rather then, when he hath said to thee, Bathe, and become clean ? 14 Then went he down, and dived seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God: and his flesh was restored (healthy) like the flesh of a little boy, and he became clean. 15 And he returned to the man of God, he with all his camp, and came and stood before him, and said, Behold, now I know that there is no god on all the earth, but in Israel; and now, I pray thee, take a present from thy servant. 16 But he said, As the Lord liveth before " Perhaps tlie conclusion of the letter. ^ Jonathan, "secret place;" others, "tower." whom I lia\c stood, 1 will take none: and he nrged him to take it ; but he refused. 17 And Na'aman said, If (thou wilt) not, (then) let there be given, I pray thee, unto thy servant two mules' burden of earth ; for thy servant will not offer henceforth either burnt-offering or peace-sacrifice unto other gods, except unto the Lord. 18 For this thing may the Lord pardon thy servant, that when my lord goetli into the house of Rimmon to prostrate himself there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I prostrate myself also in the house of Rimmon : when I prostrate myself in the house of Rimmon, may the LoKD pardon thy servant for this thing. 19 And lie said unto him, Go in peace: so he departed from him some distance. 20 ^ But Gechazi, the servant of Elisha' the man of God, said. Behold, my master hath spared Na'aman, this Syrian, in not re- ceiving from liis hand what he had brought; but, as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take some little thing from him. 21 So Gechazi hurried after Na'aman; and when Na'aman sa\v liim running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said. Is (all) well? 22 And he said, (All) is well. My mas- ter hath sent me, saying. Behold, even now there are come to me from the mountain of Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets : do give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments. 23 And Na'aman said, Give thy assent, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound up two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and he gave them unto his two young men, and they carried them before him. 24 And when he came to the hill,'' he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house : and he dismissed the men, and the}' departed. 25 But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha' said unto him. Whence contest thou, Gechazi? And he said. Thy servant went not hither or thither. 2G And he said unto him. My mind was not gone," when the man turned round from his chariot to meet thee. Is it a time to take Lit. "My heart was not gone,' niv kniiwledcre. it did not escape 2 KINGS V. VI. money, and to take garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and men-servants, and maid-servants? 27 May then the leprosy of Na'aman cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper (as white) as snow. CHAPTER VI. 1 ^ And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha', Behold now, the place where we dwell before thee is too narrow for us. 2 Let us go, we pray thee, as far as the Jor- dan, and take thence every man one beam, and let us prepare for us there a place to dwell therein. And he said, Go. 3 And one said, Give thy assent, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he said, I will indeed go. 4 So he went with them; and they came to the Jordan, and they cut down trees. 5 But as one was felling a beam, the axe- head" fell into the water : and he cried, and said, Alas, my lord ! it was also* borrowed. 6 And the man of God said, Where did it fall? And he showed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither, and he caused the iron to swim. 7 And then said he. Lift it up to thee. And he stretched out his hand, and took it. 8 ^ And the king of Syria made war against Israel, and took counsel with his ser- vants, saying, In such and such a jjlace shall be my camp. 9 And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not that place; for thither the Syrians are come down. 10 And the king of Israel sent to the place, which the man of God had told him and warned him of, and he took care of himself there: not once nor twice. 11 Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sorely troubled concerning this thing; and he called for his servants, and said unto them. Can ye not tell me who of us is for the king of Israel ? 12 And one of his servants said. Not so, • Heb. "iron." ' i. e. The loss is the greater because it belougs to an- other. " ('. c. Confound their sight, so that they may not know what they see, and so mistake one place for another. The 430 my lord, king; but Elisha', the prophet that is in Israel, can teU unto the king of Israel the words that thou mayest speak in thy sleeping-chamber. 13 And he said. Go and see where he is, tliat I may send and fetch him. And it was told unto him, saying, Behold, he is in Do- tlian. 14 And he sent hither horses, and chariots, and a strong army : and they came by night, and surrounded the city. 15 And the servant of the man of God rose early, and went forth, ^vhen, behold, an army compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 16 And he said. Fear not; for those that are with us are more than those that are with them. 17 And Elisha' prayed, and said, Lord, open, I jjray thee, his ejes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man: and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha'. 18 And when they came down to him, Elisha' prayed unto the Lord, and said. Smite, I i^ray thee, this people with blindness." And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha'. 19 And Elisha' said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will lead you to the man whom ye wish to seek. And he led them thus to Sa- maria, 20 And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha' said. Lord, open the eyes of these, that they may see. And the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw, and. behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. 21 And the king of Israel said unto Elisha', when he saw them, Shall I smite them? Shall I smite them, my father? 22 But he said, Tiiou shtilt not smite them : wouldst thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow?'' set bread and water before them. word DHUD, rendered "blindness," occurs only hero and in Gen. xix. 11. ■^ Rashi. But Zunz, "Hast thou taken them i-aptivc with thy sword and with thy bow, that thou woidd>t smite them?'' 2 KINGS VI. VII. that they may cat and ihiuk, aud go (back) to their master. 23 Aud he prepared for them a great meal ; and they ate and drank, and he sent them avvay, and they went (back) to their master. Aud the predator}' bands of Sjria came no more into the kind of Israek 24 •[ And it came to pass after this, that ]3ea-hadad the king of Syria assembleil all his camp, and went up, and besieged Sar maria. .25 And there was a great famine in Sa- maria ; and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass's head was sold for eighty pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a kab of dove's dung for five pieces of silver. 26 And it happened as the king of Israel was passing along upon the wall, that a wo- man cried unto him, sayijig. Help, m^- lord, O king. 27 Aud he said, If the Lord do not help thee, whence shall I help thee ? shall it be out of the threshing-floor, or out of the wine- press ? 28 And the king said unto her. What aileth thee ? And she said, This woman said unto me. Give up thy son, that we may eat him to-day, and my son we will eat to-mor- row. 29 So we boiled my son, and ate him ; but when I said unto her on the next day. Give up thy son, that we may eat him : she hid her son. 30 And it came to pass, when the king heard the A\ords of the woman, that he rent his clothes, as he was passing along upon the wall: and the people looked, and, behold, he had sackcloth beneath upon his flesh. 31 Then said he. May God do so unto me and continue so yet farther, if the head of Elisha' the son of Shaphat* shall remain on him this day. 32 But Elisha' was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him ; and he*^' sent a man from before liim; but before the messenger could yet come to him, he said to the elders. See ye how this son of the murderer * Perhaps he expected, as Rashi thiuks, that Elisha' ought and could have prevented the famine by procuring the defeat of the Syrians, through his prayers; or per- haps, as others suggest, he had dissuaded him from surren- dering. '' Ra.shi adds, "the king;" but it more properly refers to hath sent to reirtove my head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him back with the door: is not the soinid of his masters feet behind him? 33 And while he was yet speaking with them, behold, the messenger came down unto him: and he" said. Behold, this evil is of the Lord; what shall I hope for in the Lord any longer ? CHAPTER VII. 1 ^f Then said Elisha', Hear ye the word of the Lord : Thus hath said the Lord, About this time to-morrow a seiih'' of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seiihs of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria. 2 Then answered the lord of the king, on whose hand lie used to lean, the man of God, and said, Behold, will the Lord make windows in the heavens, that this thing shall be? And he said. Behold, thou shalt see it with thy eyes, but thereof shalt thou not eat. 3 ^ And there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate: aud they said one to another, Why do we remain" here until we die? 4 If Ave say, We will enter into the city, then is the famine in the city, and we shall die there; and if we remain here, we die (also) : now therefore come, and let us go*^ over unto the camp of the Syrians; if they will let us live, we shall live ; and if they kill us, we shall but die. 5 And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians; and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of the Syrians, behold, there was no man there. G For the Lord had caused the camp of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, the noise of a large army : and they said one to the other, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us. 7 And they were arisen aud fled in the twilight, and had left their tents, and their Elisha', who sent out somebody to look out for the messenger whom he knew prophetically to be coming. — Philippson. ' Kashi says, "he" refers to " the king," who was also after the messenger. ■^ The sciih was about two gallons and a half. ' Tat. " f^it." ' ' bit. " fall unto." 431 2 KINGS VII. YIII. horses, and their asses, the cavap as it was, and fled for their Ufe. 8 And so came these lepers to the utter- most part of the camp, and they went into one tent, and ate and drank, and carried away thence silver, and gold, and garments, and went and hid them ; and they returned, and entei-ed into another tent, and carried away (something) thence, and went and hid it. 9 And then they said one to the other, We do not act correctly; this day is a da}' of good tidings; and if we remain silent," and tarry till the morning-light, we shall incur guilt: now then come, and let us go and tell it at the kino:'s house. 10 So they went and called unto one of the gate-keepers of the city, and they told them, saying. We came to the camp of the Syrians, and, behold, there was' no man there, nor the voice of man; but the horses Avere tied, and the asses were tied, and the tents as they had been. 11 And he called the gate-keepers; and they told it at the king's house within. 12 And the king arose in the night, and said unto his servants, I can easily tell you what the Syrians have done to us : they knoAV that we are hungry; and they are therefore gone out of the camp to hide themselves in the field, saying. If thej^ should come out of the city, we will catch them alive, and enter into the city. 13 And one of his servants answered and said. Let some take, I pray thee, five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city, let it fare witli them as with all the multitude of Israel that are left in it, (or) let it lare with them as with all the multitude of Israel that have perished :*' and let us send out and see. 14 And they took two chariots with horses ;° and the king sent after the camp of the Sy- rians, saying, Go and see. 15 And they went after them as far as the Jordan; and, lo, the whole wa}' was full of garments and vessels, which the Syrians had cast away in their, haste: and the messengers returned, and told it to the king. 16 And the people went out, and plundered ' Zuiiz. Otbei-s, "anil we remain silent, and if we tarry," &g ^ Zunz anrl .\rnlu-ini. " If it ])c said, tliuy are in danger of being slain ]>y the Syrian.**, tliey arc in this city in danger of famine, like all the multitude of Israel that are 433 the camp of the Syrians: and a seJili of fine flour was to be had for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the Lord. 17 And the king had ajjpointed the lord on whose hand he used to lean to have the charge of the gate; and the people trod him down in the gate, and he died ; as the man of God had spoken, which he spoke when the king came down to him. 18 And it came to pass as the man of God was speaking to the king, saying, Two seahs of barley for a shekel, and a seiih of fine flour for a shekel, shall be about this time to-mor- row in the gtite of Samaria : 19 That the lord had answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if even the Lord were to make windows in tlie heavens, would such a thing be? And he had said. Behold, thou shalt see it with thy eyes, but thereof shalt thou not eat. 20 And it happened unto him so; for the people trod him down in the gate, and he died." CHAPTER VIII. 1 ^ And Elisha' spoke unto the woman, whose son he had restored U> life, saying, Arise, and go, thou and thy household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn; for the Lord hath called for a famine, and it is also coming in the laud for seven years. 2 And the woman arose, and did after the word of the man of God; and she went, she with her household, and sojourned in tbe land of the Philistines seven years. 3 And it came to pass at the end of seven years, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines ; and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land. 4 ^ And the king was just speaking with Gecliazi the ser-\'ant of the man of Gt)d, say- ing. Relate to me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha' hath done. ■5 And it came to pass, as he was just relat- iu"' to the kin"' how he had restored the dead to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he left; and if they die, they are like all those of Israel who have died by famine." — K.\snT, after Jonathan. " Others, •' two horses with riders ;" others, " two teams, chariot-horses." Eng. ver. " two ehariot-horscs." ■^ See Deut. xviii. U). iLl,\lll ^^1,A1X 1;;V WA\I1J v. 2 KINGS VIII. had restored to life, cried to tlie king for her house and for her land. And Gechazi said, My lord, O kinp:, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha' restored to life. G And the kins; asked of the woman, wlio came to his master; who said to iiim, What hath Elisha' said to thee? And he said. He said to nie that thou conldst surely recover. IG And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a coverlid, and dip[)ed it in related it to him. So the king appointed unto '^ water, and spread' it over his face, and he her a certain ofticer, saying, Restore all that died: and Chazael became king in his stead, belongeth to her, and all the products of the'; 16 ^j And in tbo fifth year of Joraui the field since the day that she left the land, even i son of Achab the king of Israel, Jehoshaphat until now. \ being yet king of Judtdi, Jehoram the son of 7 ^ And Elisha' came to Damascus;* and | Jehoshaphat the king of Judah became king. Ben-hadad the king of Syria was sick ; and it ; 17 Thirty and two years old was he when was told him, saying, The man of God is he became king, and eight years did ho reign come even hither. S And the king said nnto Chazael, Take a present in thy hand, and go to meet the man of God, and inquire of the Lord from him, saying. Shall I recover from this sickness? 9 So Chazael went to meet him, and took a present in his hand, and all manner of good things of Damascus, a burden for forty camels, and he came and stood before him, and said. Thy son Ben-hadad the king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying. Shall I recover from this sickness? 10 And Elisha' said unto him. Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover; nevertlieless the Lord hath shown me that he shall surely die. 11 And he restrained'' his countenance, and held back as long as he could : and then wept the man of God. 12 And (Uiazael said. Why doth my lord weep? And he said. Because I know what evil thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong-holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and their children wilt thou dash, and their pregnant women wilt thou rip up. 13 And Chazael said, But what is thy ser- vant, the dog,° that he should do this great thing? And Elisha' said, The Lord hath caused me to see thee as king over Syria. 14 So he went away from Elisha', and " Heb. Da7nmcssek. '' After Rashi, who cxplaius "cnuntenaiiee" as though it read "sorrowful countenance." Jonathan, "Ho turned away his face," &c. Philippsou, "And he directed his face (toward him) and fixed it on hiiu till ho was ashamed, and he wept — the uum of God." Zunz has nearly the same idea. " Not as in the English version, " What, is thy servant a dog," dtc., but, "the dog;" meaning, "Shall so worthless a oerson ever have the power to do," &c. 3E in Jerusalem. IS And he walked in the way of the kiitgs of Israel, as the house of Achalj had done; for a dauii'hter of Achab had he for Avife: and he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord. 19 Yet would the Lord not destroy Judah for the sake of David his servant, as he said unto him, to give him a government" and to his children at all times. 20 In his days Edom revolted from under the power of Judah. and they appointed a king over themselves. 21 And Joram went over to Za"ir, and all the chariots were with him; and he rose up by night, and smote the Edomites who com- passed him about, and the captains of the chariots: and the people tied unto their tent.->. 22 Yet Edom revolted' from under the power of Judah even until this day ; tiien did Libnah revolt at the same time. 23 And the rest of the acts of Ji)rara, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the Ijook of the chronicles of the kings of Judah. 24 And Joram slejjt with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Achazyahu his son becam.e king in his stead. 2-5 ^ In" the twelfth year of Joram the son of Achab the king of Israel became Achazyahu, the son of Jehoram the king of Judah, king. '' Tlu' text leaves it doubtful whether Chazael or Ben- liada<l liiiiiself moistened the coverlid or cloth and placed it on his face to allay the fever; and if Chazael did, whe- tlier it was to serve the sick king, or to smother him ; probably the first was the case, as such a remedy is said not to be uncommon in the East. ' Jonathan. Others, " a light." ' Gradual decay of the power of the house of David, the cnrisciiu 'nee nl' id:ihtrv md misgovernmcnt. '■' lleh. -In tlie year, the twelfth year" 488 2 KINGS VIII. IX. 26 Two and twenty years old was Achaz- yahu when he became kmg; and one year did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was 'Athalyahu, the (grand-) daughter of 'Omri the king of Israel. 27 And he walked in the way of the house of Achab, and did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, like the house of Achab; for he was the son-in-law of the house of Achab. 28 And he went with Joram the son of Achab to the war against Chazael the king of Syria at Ramotli-girad: and the S3'rians smote Joram. 29 And king Joram returned to be healed in Yizre'el of the wounds which the Syrians had inflicted on him at llamah," when he was fighting against Chazael the king of Syria. And Achazyahu the son of Jehoram the king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Achab in Yizre'el, because he was sick. CHAPTER IX. 1 1[ And Elisha' the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him. Gird*" up thy loins, and take this flask of oil in thy hand, and go to Ramoth-girad : 2 And when thou art come thither, look out there for Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and cause him to stand up from the midst of his brethren, and bring him in to the innermost cham- ber; 3 And thou shalt then take the flask of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus hath said the Lord, I have anointed thee as king over Israel. Then must thou open the door, and flee, and not wait for any thing. 4 So the young nuui, the disciple" of the prophet, went to Ramoth-gil'ad. 5 And when he came, behold, the captains of the army were sitting; and he said, I have a word for thee, captain. And Jehu said, For whom of all of us? And he said, For thee, captain. 6 And he arose, and went into the house: and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus hath said the Lord the God of * The singular from Ramotli. ^ As the upper garments of the orientals wore long auJ flowing, it was indispensably necessary to tuck up the skirts with a ginllc about their loins, in order to use any exiieditiuu in tiieir wuik, i)r on a journey. 434 Israel, I anoint thee as king over the people of the Lord, over Israel. 7 And thou shalt smite the house of Achab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the Lord, a,t the hand of Izebel. 8 And the whole house of Achab shall perish: and I will cut off from Achab every male, and the guarded and fortified in Israel; 9 And I will make the house of Achab like the house of Jerobo'am the son of Nebat, and like the house of Ba'sha the son of Achi- yah; 10 And Izebel shall the dogs eat in the field of Yizre'el, with none to bury her. And he (then) opened the door, and fled. 11 But Jehu came forth to the servants of his lord : and one said unto him, Is all well ? wherefore came this madman to thee? And he said unto them, Ye yourselves know the man, and his talk. 12 And they said, It is false: only tell us, we pray thee. And he said. So and so did he speak to me, saying. Thus hath said the Lord, I anoint thee as king over Israel. 13 Then they hastened, and they took every man his garment, and put it under him on the top'' of the stairs; and they blew the cornet, saying, Jehu is king. 14 So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram. (Now Joram had kept guard at Ramoth-giVad, he and all Israel, because of Chazael the king of Syria. 15 But king Jehoram was returned to be healed in Yizre'el of the wounds which the Syrians had inflicted on him, when he was fighting with Chazael the king of Syria.) And Jehu said. If this be your mind, then let none that escapeth go forth out of the city to go to tell it in Yizre'el. 16 So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Yizre'el; for Joram was lying there. And Achazyah the king of Judah was come down to see Joram. 17 And the watchman stood on the tower in Yizre'el, and he saw the company of Jehu " Jonathan, as though it read x'^::! ii': -\^yr\. Others, '•The young man, the prophet." '' Jonathan, "on the step of the sun-dial." Others, "on the bare steps." Perhaps, however, that the steps were so re instructed as to show the hours. 2 KINGS IX. X. as he came; and he said, A compauy do I see. And Jehoram said, Take a horseman, and send out to meet them, and let him say. Is it peace ? 18 So there went one riding on horseback to meet him, and said, Thus hath said the king. Is it peace? And Jehu said. What hast thou to do with peace? turn thee about behind me. And the watchman told, saying, The messenger came up to them, but he hath not returned. 19 Then sent he out a second rider on horseback, who came to them, and said, Thus hath said the king. Is it peace? And Jehu answered. What hast thou to do with peace? turn thee about behind me. 20 And the watchman told, saying, He came up to them, but he hath not returned : and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the sou of Nimshi ; for he driveth as though he were mad. 21 And Jehoram said. Harness up. And his chariot was harnessed up. And Jehoram the king of Israel and Achazyaliu the king of Judah went out, each in his chariot, and they went out to meet Jehu, and found him in the portion of land of Naboth the Yiz- re'elite. 22 And it came to pass, when Jehoram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he said, What jjeace can there be with the acts of incest of thy mother Izebel and her many witchcrafts ? 23 And Jehoram turned about," and tied, andsaid to Achazyahu, Treachery, Achazj'ahu. 24 And Jehu grasped'' the bow with his full strength, and struck Jehoram between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot. 2-5 Then said he to Bidkar his officer, Lift up, (and) cast him down in the part of the field that was Naboth's the Yizre'eHte ; for re- member how that I and thou rode alongside each other after Aehab his father, when the Lord pronounced over him this fatal decree:" 26 Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith the Lord; and I will repay thee in this part of the field, saith the Lord. And now lift •Lit. "turned about bis b;iuds ;" reins of the horses with his hands. * Heb. "filled his hand with a bow." turniui: the up, (and) cast him down into the field, accord- ing to the word of the Lord. 27 And when Achazyahu the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden- house; but Jehu pursued after him, and said. Also him smite in the chariot. (And they did so) on the ascent to Gur, which is by Yible'am. And he fled to Megiddo, and died there. 28 And his servants carried him in a cha- riot to Jerusalem, and buried him in his sepul- chre with his fathers in the city of David. 29 ]f And in the eleventh year of Joram the son of Achab became Achazyah king over Judah. 30 And Jehu came to Yizre'el ; and wlien Izel^el heard of it, she painted her eyes, and ornamented her head, and looked out at the window. 31 And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said. Is it peace, Zimri, who hath shiin his master? 32 And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side ? who ? And there looked out to him two or three chamberlains. 33 And he said. Pitch her down. So they pitched her down : and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses; and he trod her under foot.* 34 And he came in, and ate and drank; and then said he, Look, I pray you, after this accursed one, and bury her; for she is a kings daughter. 35 And they went to bury her; but they found nothing of her but the skull, and the feet, and the palms of the hands. 36 And they returned, and told him ; and he said. It is the word of the Lord, which he spoke by means of his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the field of Yizre'el shall the dogs eat the flesh of Izebel : 37 And the carcass of Izebel shall be us dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Yizre'el ; so tliat they shall not say. This is Izebel. CHAPTER X. 1 T[ And Achab had seventy sons in Sa- maria. And Jehu wrote letters and sent them Lit. " bore over him this burden.'' Philippson, freely, " and he drove on over her." 435 2 KINGS X. to Saniaria, uuto the rulers of Yizre'el, the elders, and to those that brought up Achab's children, saying, 2 And" now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing that there are with 3'ou your master's sons, and there are with you the chariots and the horses, and the fortified city, and the armour: 3 Select then the best and the most fitting of your master's sons, and set him on his father's throne, and fight for your master's house. 4 But they were exceedingly much afraid, and said, Behold, the two kings could not stand before him : how then shall we be able to stand? 5 And the superintendent over the house, and the commander over the city, and the elders, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and all that thou mayest say unto us will we do; we will not set up any one as king: do what is good in thy eyes. 6 Then wrote lie to them a letter the second time, saying. If ye be tor me, and if ye will hearken unto my voice, then take the heads of the men, your master's sons, and come to me to Yizre'el by this time to-morrow. Now the king's sons, seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, who brought them up. 7 And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons and slaughtei'ed them, seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent them to him to Yizre'el. 8 And the messenger came, and told him, saying. They have brought the heads of the king's sons. And he said. Place ye them in two heaps at the entrance of the gate until the morning. 9 And it came to pass in the morning, tluit he went out, and stood, and said to all the people, Ye are righteous: behold, I conspired ' Frc(|uently when letters or messages are quoted in the ISible, only the material parts referring to the narra- tive in hand arc recorded; hence the portion given, as here, fitly commences with and, the preceding part being omitted. *" i. e. Where the sheep were bound when they were Hhorn. Jonathan and Ilaslii, "where the .shepherds used to assemble." Zunz, ami Eng. ver., "shearing-house." ' llednk, " It is. And if it be so, give nie thy hand," the 436 against my master, and slew him ; but who hath killed all these ? 10 Know now that there shall not fall of the word of the Lord unto the earth, the least that the Lord hatli spoken concernii.g the house of Achab; and the Lord liath done that which he spoke by means of his servant Elijah. 11 And Jehu smote all that yet remained of the house of Achab in Yizre'el, and all his great men, and his acquaintance, and his priests, until he had left him none that es- caped. 12 And he arose and departed, and came to Samaria; he was just at the binding-house'' of the shepherds, on the way : 13 When Jehu met with the brothers of Achazjahu the king of Judah, and he said. Who are ye? And they said. The brothers of Achazyahu are we; and we are come down to salute the children of the king and the children of the queen. 14 And he said, Seize them alive. And they seized them alive, and slaughtered them at the pit of the binding-house, two and forty men ; and he left not one of them remain- ing. 15 Tf And he went away thence, and met Yehonadab the son of Rechab coming to mPet him: and he saluted him, and said to him. Is all right in thy heart, as my heart is with thy heart? And Yehonadab answered, It is; it is:" give me thy hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot. IG And he said. Come with me, and behold my zeal for the Lord. So they made him ride in his chariot. 17 And when he came to Samaria, he smote all that yet remained unto Acliab in Samaria, till he had exterminated him, accord ing to the word of the Lord which he had spoken to Elijah. 18 *f\ And Jehu assembled all tlie people, first B'' being Ychonadab's answer, and the second t5"l the reply of Jehu. Our version is after Rashi. If the other idea be the correct one, Jehu asked for the hand of Ye- honadab the influential, not merely for the purpose of as- sisting him into the chariot, but that lie might give him an assurance that ho would aid him in the prosecution of his designs; for giving the hand is considered as a pledge of friendship and fidelity, (ir a form of entering into a contract, aniiing all nations, 2 KINGS X ami said unto them, Aelial) liatli served Ba'al a little: Jehu will serve him much. 10 And now call unto me all the prophets of Ba'al, all his worshippers, and all his priests: let no one be missing; for I have a great sacrifice to make for Ba'al ; whosoever will lie missing, shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, in order to destroy the worship pers of Ba'al. 20 And Jehu said, Sanctify a solemn as- sembly for Ba'al. And they proclaimed it. 21 And Jehu sent throughout all Israel : and there came all the worshippers of Ba'al, so that there was not a man remaining that came not; and they came into the house of Ba'al; and the house of Ba'al was full from one end to another. 22 And he said unto him that was over the wardrobe," Bring forth vestments for all the worshippers of Ba'al. And he brought forth for them the vestments. 23 And Jehu went, wath Yehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Ba'al, and he said unto the worshippers of Ba'al, Seai'ch, and look that there be not here with you any of the servants of the Lord, but the worship- pei's of Ba'al entirely alone. 24 And they went in to prepare sacrifices and burnt-oft'erings; Ijut Jehu had set for him- self without eighty men, and said, (If there be) a man that escapeth from the men whom I deliver into vour hands, (there shall he given) life'' for his life. 25 And it came to pass, as soon as they had made an end of preparing the burnt-oflfering, that Jehu said to the runners and to the of- ficers. Go in, smite them: let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the runners and the cap- tains cast them out, and went as far as the city'^ of the house of Ba'al. 26 And they brought forth the statues out of the house of Ba'al, and burnt every one of them. 27 And they broke down the statue of Ba'al, and broke down the house of Ba'al, and made it a common sewer unto this day. ' Rashi, after Jonathan, "the one over the chests of the garments ;" i. e. the festive dress worn by the worshippers of Ba'al. Our version includes the idea of both the gar- ment and the place where they were kept. " Lit. "his life;" i'. e. the guard's who is at fault. XI. 28 Thus Jt'lui exterminated Ba'al out of Israel. 29 Nevertheless the sins of Jerobo'am the son of Neljat, who induced Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from in following them, (namely,) the golden calves that were in Beth-el, and that were in Dan. 30 ^ And the Lord said unto Jehu, For- asmuch as thou hast acted well in doing what is right in my eyes, and hast done in accordance with all that was in my heart unto the house of Achab: children of the fourth generation after thee shall sit upon the throne of Israel. 31 But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord the God of Israel with all his heart : he departed not from the sins of Jero- bo'am, who induced Israel to sin. 32 In those days the Lord began to cut Israel short;'' and Chazael smote them in all the boundary of Israel ; 33 From the Joi'dan to the rising of the sun, all the land of Gil'ad, the Gadites, and the Reiibenites, and the Menassites, from 'Aro'er which is by the river Arnon, both Gil'ad and Bashan. 34 Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his mighty deeds, be- hold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 3-j And Jehu slept with his fathers, and thev buried him in Samaria. And Jehoiichaz his son became king in his stead. And the time that Jehu reigned over 36 Israel vears. in Samaria was twenty and eioht CHAPTER XL 1 Tl And when 'Athalyah the mother of Achazyahu saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. 2 But Yehosheba', the daughter of king Joram, the sister of Achazyahu, took Joash the son of Achazyahu, and stole him away from among the king's sons that were slain, him and his nurse into the*" bed-chamber : and they hid him from 'Athalyah, so that he was not slain. ' Perhaps the quarter where the priests lived. ^ (". e. To cut of}", by means of the enemies, one piece of the land after the other; but Rashi, "to feel disgu.«t in Israel." • Where the officiating priests slept in the temple. 437 2 KINGS XI. 3 And he was with her in the liouse of the Lord hidden for six years, while 'Athalyah was reigning over the land. 4 ^ And in the seventh year Yehoyada' sent and fetched the rulers over the hundreds, of tlie guards" and the runners, and brought them to him into the house of the Lord, and made a covenant with them, and made them swear in the house of the Lord, and showed them the king's son. 5 And he commanded them, saying, This is the thing that ye shall do : A third part of you that enter in on the sabbath shall even be keeping watch in the kings house; 6 And a third part shall be at the gate of Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the runners; so shall ye keep watch at the house, as a defence.* 7 And two parts of you all that are re- lieved'' on the sabbath, even they shall keep watch in the house of the Lord about the king. 8 And ye shall encompass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand; and he that cometh within the ranges shall be put to death : and Ije ye with the kin"- when he goeth out and when he com- eth in. 9 And the captains over the hundreds did in accordance with all that Yehoyada' the priest had commanded : and they took every man his men that came in on the sab- bath, with those that were to be relieved on the sabbath, and came to Yehoyada' the priest. 10 And the priest gave to the captains over the hundred the spears and shields that had belonged to king David, that were in the house of the Lord. 11 And the runners stood every man with his weapons in his hand, from the right side of the house to the left side of the house, by the altar and within, round about the king. 12 And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and (gave him) the testimony,** and they made him king, and " Jonathan, N'13J "the mighty men." '' /unz render,'" nD3 "in armour." Others regard it as a proper name, Masnarh. Rashi, "that you become not in ittentive." '■ Lit. "the goers out." Every sabbath anew company each of priests, Levites, and Israelites, came and relieved those of the preceding week in the temple. anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said. Long live the king. 13 ][ And when 'Athalyah heard the noise of the runners" (and) of the people, she came to the people in the house of the Lord. 14 And she looked, and, behold, the king stood upon a stand, according to custom, and the princes and the trumpeters were by the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing, and blowing with trumpets: and 'Athalyah then rent her clothes, and cried. Conspiracy ! conspiracy ! 15 But Yehoyada' the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the commanders of the army, and said unto them. Lead her forth to within the ranges : and him that fol- loweth her put to death with the sword. For the priest had said. She shall not he slain in the house of the Lord. 16 And they made way for her;' and she went by the way of the entrance of the horses into the king's house : and she was put to death there. 17 ^ And Yehoyada' made a covenant be- tween the Lord and between the king and between the people, that they should be a people imto the Lord; and between the king and between the people. 18 And then came all the people of the land into the house of Ba'al, and pulled it down: his altars and his images they broke in pieces thoroughly, and Mattan the priest of Ba'al they slew before the altars. And the priest appointed superintendents"^ over the house of the Lord. 19 And he took the chiefs over hundreds, and the guards, and the runners, and all the people of the land, and they brought down the king from the house of the Lord, and came by the way of the gate of the runners to the king's house : and he sat on the throne of the kings. 20 And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet; but 'Athalyah they had slain with the sword at the king's house. " After Rashi; i. e. "the book of the law." Others, "the royal insignia." ' Jonathan, "of the people as they jliraped about." ' Jonathan. Others, "they laid hands on her." 8 Rashi comments, "as usual, for 'Athalyah had abo- lished all these." Others render, "he restored the of- ficers." 2 KINGS Xli. CHAPTER XII. 1" 1[ Seven years old was Jehoash when he became king. 2 In the seventh year of Jehu became Jehoash king; and forty years did he reign in Jerusalem; and the name of his mother was Zibyah of Beer-sheba'. 3 And Jehoash did what is right in tlie eyes of the Lord all liis days, that Yehoyada the priest instructed him. 4 Only the high-places were not removed: the people as yet sacrificed and burnt incense on the high-places. o And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that may be brought into the house of the Lord, the money of ever}- one that passeth the number- ing, the money any man is valued at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the Lord, 6 The pi'iests shall take to themselves, every man from his acquaintance; and they sh.all repair the breaches of the house, where- soever any breach may be found. 7 ^ But it happened, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house. 8 Then called king Jehoash for Yehoyada' the priest, and the (other) priests, and he said unto them. Wherefore do ye not repair the breaches of the house? and now ye shall take no more money from your acquaint- ances, but ye shall give it up (at once) for the breaches of the house. 9 And the priests consented neither to take any more money from the people, nor to re- pair the breaches of the liouse. 10 But Yehoyada' the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in its lid, and he placed it beside the altar, on tlie right side as one cometh into the house of the Lord: and the priests that kept watch at the threshold put tlierein all the money, that was brouglit into the house of the Lord. 11 And it happened, when the}^ saw that there was much money in the chest, that the king's scribe and the high-priest came up, and * This is, in the English version, verse 21 of chap. xi. '' According to Rashi. It might be given with "stew- ards." ' "Appointed in tiio houpr." — Pmr.Trpsox. they put up in bags, after having counted, the money that was found in the house of the Lord. 12 And they gave the money, after it was counted, into the hands of those who over- looked'' the workmen, that liad been appoint- ed" as overseers of the house of the Lord : and they laid it out to the carpenters and to the Iiuiklers, that wrought on the house of tlie Lord, 13 And to the masons, and the hewers of stone, and for the purchase of timber and hewn stones to repair the breaches of the house of the Lord, and for .all that was laid out for the house to repair it. 14 Nevertheless there were not made for the house of the Lord bowls of silver, knives, basins, trumpets, all kinds of vessels of gold, or vessels of silver, from the money that was brought into the house of the Lord; 15 But they gave it to those who over- looked the workmen, and they repaired there- with the house of tlie Lord. 16 And they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to give it to those who overlooked the workmen ; for they acted in good faith. 17 The money for ti'espass-ofFerings* and the money for sin-offerings was not brought into the house of the Lord : it belonged to the priests. 18 ][ At that time Chazael the king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and cap- tured it: and Chazael directed his face to go up against Jerusalem. 19 Then took Jehoilsh the king of Judah all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Achazyahu, his fathers, the kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in tlie treasures of the house of the Lord, and in the king's house, and sent it to Chazael the king of Syria: and he withdrew from Jerusalem. 20 And the rest of the acts of Jojish, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah. 21 And his .servants arose, .and formed a ^ i. e. The remainder of money destined for the purchase of these sacrifices was given to the priests to buy tliere- with pnWic burnt-oiferings.- — Talmud Temurah. 43\) 2 KINGS Xil. XIII. conspiracy, and smote Joiish in Beth-niillo, which (lieth on the road) that goeth down to Silla. 22 And Yozach.ar the son of Shini'ath, and Yehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died ; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amazyah his son became king in his stead. CHAPTER XIII. 1 ^ In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Achazyahu the king of Judah became Jehoiichaz tlie son of Jeliu liing over Israel in Samaria (for) seventeen years. 2 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, and followed the sins of Jerobo'am tlie son of Nebat, who induced Israel to sin: he departed not therefrom. 3 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel; and he gave them up into the hand of Chazael the king of Syria, and into the hand of Ben-hadad the sou of Chazael, all the time. 4 And Jehoachaz besought the Lord; and the Lord hearkened unto him; for he saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Syria oppressed them. 5 (And the Lord gave Israel a deliverer, so that they came out from under the power of the Syrians: and the children of Israel' dwelt in their tents, as in times past. 6 Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jerobo'am, who induced Israel to sin, therein the people walked : and the Asherah' also remained standing in Sa- maria.) 7 For*" he had left of people to Jelioilchaz none but fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand men on foot; for the king of Syria had destroyed them, and had made them like the dust at" threshing. 8 Now the I'est of the acts of Jehoachaz, and all that he did, and his mighty deeds, be- liold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 9 And Jehoachaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria : and Joiish his son became king in his stead. 10 T[ In the thirty and seventh year of " Elsewhere rendered "grove." '■ "This 'for' refers to the end of ver.se 4." — Redak. ° Arnheim, "which is trodden down." '' Iled;ik explains the difference in tlie phraseology to 440 Joiish the king of Judah became Jehojish the son of Jehoachaz king over Israel in Samaria, (for) sixteen years. 11 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord; he departed not from all the sins of Jerobo'am the son of Nebat, who induced Israel to sin : therein he walked. 12 And the rest of the acts of Joiish, and all that he did, and his mighty deeds where- with he fought against Amazyah the king of Judah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 13 And Joiish slept with his fathers; and Jerobo'am sat^ upon his throne : and Joiish was buried in Samaria with the kings of Is- rael. 14 ^ Now Elisha' was fallen sick of his sickness wliereof he had to die. And Joiish the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, my father, my fiither, the chariot of Israel, and their horse- men.' 15 And Elisha' said unto him, Fetch a baw and arrows. And he fetched unto him a bow and arrows. 16 And he said to the king of Israel, Place thy hand*^ upon the bow. And he placed his hand (upon it) : and Elisha' laid his hands upon the king's hands. 17 And he said. Open the window east- ward. And he opened it. Then said Elisha', Shoot. And he shot. And he said. The ar- row of victory from the Lord, and the arrow of victory over Syria; and thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till they be consumed. 18 And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Strike upon the ground. And he struck three times, and stopped. 19 And tlie man of God was angry with him, and said, Thou shouldst have struck five or six times; then wouldst thou have smitten the Syrians till tliey had been con- sumed : whereas now thou shalt smite the Syrians three times. 20 If And Elisha' died, and they buried him. And the predatory bands of the Moiib- ites frequently invaded the land at the com- ing in of the year. indicate that .Joiish appointed his son co-regent during his life. ' See above, ij. 12. ' Hell. "Cause tiiy hand to ride." 2 KINGS XITI. XIV. 21 IT And it cniiic fo jiass. as tlioy were burying' a man, that, beliold, they saw the band; and they oast down tlie man into the sepulchre of p]lisha": and as the man came, and touched the Ijones of Elisha', he reyived, and rose up on his feet. 22 ^ But Chazael the king of Syria op- pressed Israel all the days of Jehoachaz. 23 And the Lord became gracious unto them, and had mercy on them, and turned his regard unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, and he cast them not oft' from his ]n"esence even until now.* 24 And Chazael the king of Syria died: and Ben-hadad his son became king in his stead. 2o And Jeholish the son of Johoiichaz took again the cities out of the power of Ben-hadad the son of Chazael, which he had taken out of the power of Jehoachaz his father in the war. Three times did Joash beat him, and he recovered the cities of Israel. CHAPTER XIV. 1 ^ In the second year of Joiisli the son of Joilchaz the king of Israel became Amazjahu, the son of Joash the king of Judah,king. 2 Twenty and fi\^e years was he old when he became king, and twenty and nine yeai'S did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Yeho'addan of Jerusalem. 3 And he di<l what is right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not like David his father : in accordance Avith all that Joiish his father had done, (so) did he. 4 Nevertheless the liigli-places were not removed : as yet the people sacrificed and burnt incense on the high-places. 5 And it came to pass, when the kingdom was firmly established in his hand, that he slew his servants who had slain the king his lather. G But the children of the murderers he put not to death : as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, that the Lord com- manded, saying, Tlie fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor shall the chil- dren be put to death for the fathers : but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.'' * {. e. The time of writing this book. ' Deut. xxiv. 16; this proves that the law of Moses was known nt that time. 3 F 7 lie it was that smote of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand men, and seized Sela'° in the war, and called its name Yok- theel until this day. 8 ]| Then sent Amazyah messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoachaz the son of Jehu, the king of Israel, saying. Come, let us look one another in the face.'' 9 And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amazyahu the king of Judah, saying, The thornbush that was in the Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in the Lebanon, saying. Give thy daughter to my son for wife. And there passed along the wild lieasts that were in Lebanon, and trod down the thornbush. 10 Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thy heart hath lifted thee up : keep thy glory and stay in thy house; and why wilt thou meddle with misfortune, that thou mayest fixll, thou, and Judah with thee? 11 But Amazyahu would not hear. There- fore Jehoiish the king of Israel went up ; and he and Amazyahu the king of Judah looked one another in the face at Beth-shemesh, which belongeth to Judah. 12 And Judah was defeated before Israel; and they fled every man to his tents. 13 And Jehoash the king of Israel caught Amazyahu the king of Judah, the son of Je- hoash, the son of Achazyahu, at Betli-She- mesh; and he came to Jerusalem, and made a breach in the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner-gate, four hun- dred cubits. 14 And he took all the gold and the silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasures of the king's house, and the children of the chiefs as hostages, and returned to Samaria. 15 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did. and his mighty deeds, and how he fought with Amazyahu the king of Judah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 16 And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel: and Jerobo'am his son became king in his stead. 17 ^ And Amazyahu the son of Joash the ° Lit. "the Rock," i. e. the city of Petra, nitpa, so called by the Greeks, also signifying roc/^-. ^ i. e To fight. ^ HI 2 KINGS XIV. XV. king jf Judali lived after the deatli of Jehoiish, the son of Jehoachaz the king of Israel, fifteen years. 18 And the re.st of the acts of Amazyahu, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah. 19 Now they raised a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem : wherefore he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish, and slew liim there. 20 And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David. 21 And all the people of Judah took 'Azaryah," who was sixteen years old. and they made him king instead of his father Amazyahu. 22 He it was that built'' Elath, and brou2rht it l^ack to Judah, after the king" slept with his lathers. 23 ^ In the fifteenth year of Amazyahu the son of Joash the king of Judah became Jerobo'am the son of Joiish the king of Israel king in Samaria, (for) forty and one years. 24 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord : he departed not from all the sins of Jerobo'am the son of Nebat, who induced Israel to sin. 25 He restored* the boundary of Israel from the entrance of Chamath unto the sea of the plain ; in accordance with the word of of the Lord God of Israel, which he had spoken by means of his servant Jonah tlie son of Amitthai, the prophet, who was of Gath- chejjher. 26 For the Lord saw the atlliction of Israel, which was very bitter; that the guarded was no more, and that the fortified was no more, and there was no helper for Israel. 27 And the Lord had not spoken that he would blot out the name of Israel from under the heavens ; but he lielped them by means of Jerobo'am the son of Joiish. 28 Now the rest of the acts of Jerobo'am, ' Also called ' (Jzziyali or ' Uz'iynhu. ^ Built, ill this verse, simply means restored, or enlarged and fortified. ° i. e. Amazyahu. His father recovered the east-Jordanic country from the Syrians; but he the tract extending from Coelesyria and Damascus to the Dead Sea. " These places belmiged to Judah by David's conquest, ('1 Sam.viii. 11,) but had been repos>e.ssed by the Syrians. 'To reeoiicile the ehronology, some suppose an inter- 41i and all that be did, and his mighty deeds, how he warred, and how he brought back Damascuf: and Chamath, (which had belonged) to" Ju- dah, to Israel, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 29 And Jerobo'am slept with liis fathers, with the kings of Israel: and Zechariah his son became king in his stead. CHAPTER XV. 1 ^ In the twenty and seventh year of Je- robo'am the king of Israel became 'Azar\ ah. the son of Amazyah^ king of Judah, king. 2 Sixteen years old was he when he became king, and two and fifty years did he reign in Jerusalem. And liis mother's name was Yecholyahu of Jerusalem. 3 And he did what is right in the eyes of the Lord, in accordance with all that Amaz- yahu his father had done; 4 Nevertheless the high-places were not removed: as yet the people sacrificed and burnt incense on the high-places. 5 And the Lord afllicted the king with leprosy, and he was a leper unto the day of his death, and he dwelt in the leper-house.' And Jotham the king's son was over the house, (and) judged the people of the land. 6 And the rest of the acts of 'Azaryahu, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah. 7 And 'Azaryah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son became king in his stead. 8 ][ In the thirty and eighth 3-ear of 'Azar- yahu the king of Judah became Zechariah the son of Jerobo'am king over Israel in Sa- maria (for) six months. 9 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, as his fiithers had done: he depart- ed not from the sins of Jerobo'am the son of Nebat, who induced Israel to sin. 10 And Shallum the son of Yabesh con- regnum of eleven years ; others, that a part of the reign of 'Azaryah was in his fother's lifetime. (See above, verse 22.) • n'tysn means, literally, "freedom;" hence the house of freedom, so called, no doubt, because its inmates were relieved from all labour. Jonathan, simply, " and he dwelt outside of Jerusalem," describing the situation of the house more than translating the word. Philipps^iu, "in a ."ieeluded house." Eng. vcr. "scver.il house." Lit. •' the house of scclu.sion " 2 KINGS XV. spired against him. ami smote bim before the jjeople, and put him to death, and became king in his stead. 11 And tlie rest of tlie acts of Zechariah, beliold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of tlie kinas of Israel. 12 This was the word of the Lord which he spoke unto Jehu, saying, Sons of the fourth generation shall sit after thee on the throne of Israel. And so it came to pass. 13 ^[ Sballum the son of Yabesh became king in the nine and thirtieth year of 'Uzzi- yah the king of Judah ; and he reigned for the space of one month in Samaria. 14 Then went up Menachem the son of Gadi from Thirzah, and came to Samaria, and smote Shallura the son of Yabesh in Samaria, and put him to death, and became king in his stead. 15 And the rest of the acts of Shallum, and his conspiracy which he made, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 16 ^ At that time did Menachem smite Thiphsach, and all that was therein, and its territory from'" Thirzah; because they opened not to him, he smote it; and all the pregnant women therein he ripped up. 17 ^ In the nine and thirtieth year of 'Azaryah the king of Judah became Mena^ chem the son of Gadi king over Israel, (for) ten years, in Samaria. 18 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord: he departed not from the sins of Jerobo'am the son of Nebat, who induced Is- rael to sin, all his days. 19 (Then) came Pul the king of Assyria aaainst the land : and Menachem o;ave Pul a tliousand talents of silver, that his hand'' might be with him to strengthen the kingdom in his hand. 20 And Menachem exacted" the money from all Israel, from all the mighty men of the army, to give to the king of Assyria, fifty sliekels of silver from every nran ; and the king of Assyria then returned and stayed not there in the land. 21 And the rest of the acts of Menachem, " Meaning, " setting out from Thirzah." Zuuz, after Ralbag, " its boundaries toward Thirzah." Kodak thinks that Thiphsach was outside of Palestine, (see 1 Kings v. 4;) while others again suppose it to have been a place in Palestine not mentioned elsewhere. " i e. To assist him against any revolt of the people. and all that he did. Deiioiu they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 22 And Menachem slept with his fathers; and Pekachyah his son became king in his stead. 23 ^ In the fiftieth year of 'Azaryah the king of Judah became Pekachyah the son of Menachem king over Israel in Samaria, (for) two years. 24 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord : he departed not from the sins of Jerobo'am the son of Nebat, who induced Is- rael to sin. 25 And Pekach the son of Remalyahu, an ofiicer of his, conspired against him, and smote him in Samaria, in the fortress of the king's house, with the aid of Argob and the Aryeh,** and* with him were fifty men of the children of the Gil'adites : and he put him to death, and became king in his stead. 26 And the rest of the acts of Pekachyah, ' and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 27 T[ In the fifty-second year of 'Azar- yah the king of Judah became Pekach the son of Remalyahu king over Israel in Samaria, (for) twenty years. 28 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord: he departed not from the sins of Jerobo'am the son of Nebat, who induced Is- rael to sin. 29 In the days of Pekach the king of Is- rael came Tiglath-pilesser the king of Assyria, and took 'lyon, ;ind Abel-beth-ma'achah, and Yanoach, and Kedesh, and Chazor, and Gil- 'ad, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and led them" away as exiles to Assyria. 30 And Hoshea' the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekach the son of Remal- yahu, and smote him, and put him to death, and became king in his stead, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of 'Uzziyah. 31 And the rest of the acts of Pekach, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. ° Heb. "caused to come forth." ^ After Redak and Ralbag, who take Argob and Arych for two brave men who joined Pekach. The Aryeh would denote that it was a name given him for his bravery, as the lion-hearted. ' i. e. The inhabitants of the towns and districts. as 2 KINGS XV. XVI. ?/2, ^ In the second j-par of Pekacli the son of Remaljahu the king of Israel became Jotham,the son of 'Uzziyah the king of Judah, king. 1 oo Five and twenty years okl ^vas he when he became king, and sixteen years did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Yerusha, the danirhter of Zadok. 34 And he did what is right in the eyes of the Lord: in accordance with all that 'Uzzi- yahu his father had done, (so) did he. 35 Nevertheless, the high-places wei'e not removed : as yet the people sacriticed and burnt incense on the high-places. He it was that built the upper gate of the house of the Lord. 36 Now the rest of the acts of Jothara, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah. 37 ^ In those days began the Lord to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekach the son of Remalyahu. 38 And Jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Acliaz his son became king in his stead. CHAPTER XVI. 1 ^ In the seventeenth year of Pekach the son of Remalyahu, ))ecame Achaz, the son of Jotham the king of Judah, king. 2 Twenty years old was Achaz when he l^ecame king, and sixteen 3'ears did he reign in Jerusalem ; and he did not what is right in the eyes of the Lord his God, like David his father. 3 But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and even his son he caused to pass through the fire, after the aliominable acts of the nations whom the Lord had driven out from before the children of Israel. 4 And he sacrificed and burnt incense on the high-places, and on the hills, and under every green tree. 5 Then came up Rezin the king of Syria and Pekach the son of Remalyahu the king of Israel to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Achaz, but were not able to make an attack." • i. e. Capture the city, lit. "to fifrht." ' Tlii.s is tlie first time the word I'rhuilini, Jcw.s, occur.^ in the ]?ihle. ° Tlie K'-'tih i.s Aromim, i. e. Syrians, Hi G ^ At that time did Rezin the king of Syria bring Elath back to Syria, and drove the Jews'' from Eloth : and the Edoraeans" came to Elath and dwelt there, even until this day. 7 And Achaz then sent messengers to Tig- lath-pi lesser"* the king of Assyria, saying. Thy servant and thy son am I: come up, and help me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, who rise up against me. 8 And Achaz took the silver and the gold that were found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent (the same) to the king of Assyria as a bribe. 9 And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him; and the king of Assyria went np against Damascus, and captured it, and led (the peo- ple of) it away captive to Kir, and Rezin did he put to death. 10 And King Acliaz went to meet Tiglath- pilesser the king of Assyria to Damascus,' and he saw the altar that was at Damascus: and king Achaz then sent to Uriyali the priest the form of the altar, and its pattern, after all its workmanship. 11 And Uriyah the priest built the altar; in accordance with all that king Achaz had sent from Damascus, so did Uriyah the priest make it against the arrival of king Achaz from Damascus. 12 And when the king came from Damas cus, the king saw the altar; and the king ap proached to the altar and oflbred thereon. 13 And he burnt his burnt-offering and his meat-offering, and poured out his drink- olfering, and sprinkled the blood of his j^eace offerings' upon the altar. 14 And as respecteth the copper altar which was before the Lord, he moved it back from tlie forefront of the house, from between the altar* and the house of the Lord, and set it on the side of the altar to the north. 15 And king Achaz commanded Uriyah the priest, saying. Upon the great altar burn the morning burnt-oftering, and the evening meat-offering, and the king's burnt-ofiering, and his meat-offering, with the burnt-offering ^ In Hebrew, the name is spelled here Plcsser. ' The name is spelled here Dummcssck instead of A(?;i wics.s'e/t". ' rieb. "the peace-ofiFerings whicli were his." « )'. r. The new altar. 2 KINGS XVI. XVII. of all the people of tlie land, and their meat- offei-ing, and their drink-offerings; and all the blood of the burnt-offering, and all the blood of the sacrifices shalt thou sprinkle on it; and the copper altar shall be for nie to visit oc- casionally." IG And Uriyali the priest did in accord- ance with all that king Achaz had com- manded. 17 And king Achaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the lavers from off them ; and the sea he took down from off the copper oxen that were under it, and placed it upon a pavement of stones. 18 And the covered passage for the sabbath that they had built on the house, and the outer king's entrance, turned he from the house of the Lord, on account** of the king of Assyria. 19 Now the rest of the acts of Achaz which he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah. 20 And Achaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Ilezekiah" his son became king in his stead. CHAPTER XVII. 1 ^ In the twelfth year of Achaz the king of Judah became Hoshea' the son of Elah king in Samaria over Israel, (for) nine years.'' 2 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, but not like the kings of Israel that were before him. o Against him came up Shalmanesser the king of Assyria ; and Hoshea" became his ser- vant, and rendered him tribute. 4 And the king of Assyria discovered a conspiracy on Hoshea'; for he had sent mes- sengers to So the king of Egypt, and had raised no tribute for the king of Assyria, as (before) year by year; and the king of Assyria made him prisoner, and shut him up in a prison-hou.se. 5 And the king of Assyria came up over " Rashi. Lit. "to seek," "to visit," "to inquire." Philippsou, " but to seek the brazen altar shall depend on my will." '' As some suggest, Achaz made all the various changes, the object and manner of which are not clearly understood, to please the Assyrians, to render his worship like theirs; or for the purpose of personal security in the palace. ' Correctly, Chkki^ahit all the land, and went up to Samaria, and be- sieged it three years. 6 In the ninth 3-ear of Hoshea' did the king of Assyria capture Samaria, and he led Israel away as exiles into Assyria, and settled them in Chalach and in Chabor" by the river of Go- zan, and in the cities of Media. 7 ][ This took place, because the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and had feared other gods, 8 And had walked in the customs of the nations whom the Lord had driven out from before the children of Israel, and in those of the kings of Israel, which they had made. 9 And (because) the children of Israel had secretly done things that are not right against the Lord their God, and had built them.selves high-places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen up to fortified cities ; 10 And had set themselves up statues and groves on every high hill, and under every green tree ; 11 And had burnt there incense on all the high-places, like the nations that the Lord had led away exiles before them ; and wrought wicked things to provoke the Lord to anger ; 12 And had served the idols, whereof the Lord had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing. 13 The Lord had indeed warned Israel and Judah, by means of all the prophets, all the seers, saying. Turn ye back from your evil ways, and keep my conunandments (and) my statutes, in accordance with all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I have sent to 3'ou by means of" my servants the prophets. 14 But they would not hear, and hardened their neck, like the neck of their fathers, who had not believed in the Lord their God ; 15 And they despised his statutes, and his covenant which he had made with their fathers, and his testimonies^ which he had en- ^ Some reconcile the chronology, by supposing that Hoshea', after the murder of Pekach, was only governoi under Tiglath-Pilesser for about ten years. " Ilerxheimer, "on the Chabor," stating it to be a river in Assyria east of the Tigris. ' Philippson,"and his warning with which he Ii:id warn- ed then)." Hi 2 KING8 XVII. trusted to them; and they followed after what is vanity, and became vain, and fol- lowed after the nations that were round about them, concerning whom the Lord had charged them, not to do like them. 10 And they forsook all the command- ments of the Lord their God, and made them- selves molten images, two calves, and made a grove, and bowed down to all the host of the heavens, and served Ba'al; 17 And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divinations and enchantments, and sold them- selves to do what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, to provoke him to anger. IS Therefore became the Lord very angry with Israel, and he removed them from his presence : there was none left but the tribe of Judah alone. 19 Also Judah kept not the command- ments of the Lord their God, but walked in the customs of Israel which they had made. 20 Therefore did the Lord reject all the seed of Israel, and he afflicted them, and gave them up into the hand of spoilers, until that he had cast them out of his presence. 21 For Israel had torn themselves from the house of David, and they made Jerobo'am the son of Nebat king: and Jerobo'am misled Israel from following the Lord, and caused them to commit a great sin; 22 And the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jerobo'am which he did ; they departed not therefrom. 23 Until that the Lord removed Israel out of his presence, as he had spoken by means of all his servants the prophets; and Israel was led away as exiles out of their own land to As- syria even until this day. 24 ^ And the king of Assyria brought (men) from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from 'Avva, and from Chamath, and from Sepharvayim, and settled them in the cities of Samaria in the room of the children of Is- rael : and they took possession of Samaria, and dwelt in its cities. 25 And it happened at. the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the Lord; wherefore the Lord sent among them lions, which slew some of them. ' This means, probably, the followers of the priest, as no Joubt it required more than one to teach so many. 448 26 And they said to the king of Assyria, as foUoweth, The nations that thou hast led away, and settled in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land; wherefore he hatli sent among them lions, and, behold, they are slaying them, since they know not the manner of the God of the land. 27 Then commanded the king of Assyina, saying, Carry thither one of the ^jriests whom ye led away from there; and let them' go and dwell there, and let him teach them the manner of the God of the land. 28 And there came one of the priests whom they had led away as exiles from Samaria, and dwelt in Beth-el; and he taught them how they should fear the Lord. 29 Yet they made, every nation, their own gods; and they put them in the houses of the high-places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt. 30 And the men of Babylon made Siiccoth- benoth, and the men of Cuth made Neregal. and the men of Chamath made Ashima. 31 And the 'Avvites made Nibchaz and Tharthak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to 'Adrammelech and 'Anam- melech, the gods of Sephar\ayim. 32 And they feared (also) the Lord; and they made unto themselves of the lowest*" of them priests of the high-places, and these sacri- ficed for them in the houses of the high-places. 33 The Lord did they fear, and their own gods did they serve, after the manner of the nations whence they had been led away. 34 Even until this day do they act after the former manners : they fear not the Lord, neither do they act after their own customs, and after their manner, nor after the law and after the commandment which the Lord com- manded the children of Jacob, whose name he styled Israel; 35 With whom the Lord had made a cove- nant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves down to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them ; 36 But the Lord, who hath brought }ou up out of the land of Lgypt with great might and with an outstretched arm, him aloneshall ye ■■ Philippson renders, 1 Kings sii. 31. 'from their whole mass," as in 2 KINGS XVII. XVIII. fear, and to him shall ye bow yourselves down, and to him shall ye sacrifice; 37 And the statutes, and the ordinances, and the law, and the commandment, which he hath written for you, shall ye observe to do for all time; and ye shall not fear other gods. 38 And the covenant that I have made with you shall ye not forget; and ye shall not fear other gods. 31) But the Lord your God shall ye fear; and he will deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies. 40 Nevertheless they have not hearkened, but they act after their former manner. 41 So were these nations, while they feared the Lord, also serving their graven images; and both their children and their children's children do until this day as their fathers have done." CHAPTER XVIII. 1 ^[ And it came to pass in the third year of Hosliea' the sou of Elah the king of Israel, that Hezekiah, the son of Acliaz the king of Judah, became Icing. 2 Twenty and live years old was he when he became king, and twenty and nine years did he reign in Jerusalem ; and his mother's name was Abi, the daughter of Zechariah. 3 And he did what is right in the eyes of the Lord, in accordance with all that David his father had done. 4 He it was that removed the high- places, and broke the statues, and cut down the groves, and stamped in pieces the copper serpent that Moses had made ; for unto those days were the children of Israel burning in- cense to it : and he called it Nechushtan.'' 5 In the Lord the God of Israel did he trust; and after him there was not his like amons; all the kings of Judah, nor among those that were before him. 6 And he adhered to the Lord, and turned not away from following him ; but he kept his commandments, which the Lord had com- manded Moses. 7 And the Lord was with him; whither- * Ilerxheimer comments, "from the exile of the ten tribes till that of Babylon," when no doubt this book was written. *■ Kashi and otliers suppose that IJczckiah called it so, soever he went forth he prospered: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not. 8 He it was that smote the Philistines, as far as Gazzah.and its territory, from the tower of the watchmen up to the ibrtified city. 9 ][ And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Iloshea' the son of Elah the king of Israel, that Shalmanesser the king of Assyria came up against Samaria, and besieged it. 10 And they captured it at the end of three years, — in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that is the ninth year of Hoshea' the king of Israel, was Samaria captured. 11 And the king of Assyria led away Is- rael as exiles unto Assyria, and transported them to Chalach and to Chabor, by the river of Gozan, and to the cities of Media; 12 Because they had not obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, but had transgressed his covenant, all that Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded; and had not obey- ed, nor done accordingly. 13 ^ And in the Iburteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacheril/ the king of Assyria come up against all the fortified cities of Judah, and seized on them. 14 And Hezekiah the king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have sinned; retire from me: what thou wilt impose on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria exacted I'rom Hezekiah the king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. 15 And Hezekiuli gave up all the silver that was found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasures of the king's house. 16 At that time did Hezekiah cut ofi^ (the gold from) the doors of the temple of the Lord, and from the door-sills which Hezekiah the king of Judah had overlaid, and gave the same to the king of Assyria. 17 ][ And the king of Assyria sent Thar- than and Ral>sariss and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a strong army against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem; and when they were signifying, "it is but a piece of copper;" but Zunz and others translate, "and people called," &e., i. e. the nanii/ under which it was worshipped. ° Corrcctlvj Sancherib, iil 2 KINGS XVIII. come up, they came and halted by the aque- duct of the upper pool, which is on the high- way of the washer's field." 18 And they called for the king, when there came out to them Elyakim the son of Chilkiyahu, who was superintendent over the house, and Shebnah the scribe, and Yotlch the son of Assaph the recorder. 19 And Eabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus hath said the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wheiewith thou hast trusted ? 20 Thou saidst, but'' it was onl}' a word uttered with the lips, (I have) counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom didst thou trust, that thou rebelledst against me? 21 Now, behold, thou triisteds.. :n3e upon yon cracked reed-staft', upon Egypt, which, if a man lean on it, will enter into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh the king of Egypt unto all that trust on him. 22 But if ye should say unto me. In the Lord our God have we trusted : is he not the one whose high-places and whose altars Heze- kiah hath removed, when he said to Judah and to Jerusalem, Before this altar shall ye prostrate yourselves in Jerusalem? 23 And now, I pray thee, enter into a con- test with my master the king of Assyria, and I will give thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them. 24 How then wilt thou turn Isack the face of a single chieftain among the least of my master's servants, while thou hast put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen? 25 Now am I come up without the Lord ('s will) against this place to destroy it? The Lord hath said to me. Go up against this land, and destroy it. 26 Then said Elyakim the son of Chilki- yahu, and Shebnah, and Yo'ach, unto Eabsha- keh, Speak, we pray thee, to thy servants in the Syi'ian language; for we understand it: and speak not with us in the Je^vish language before the ears of the people that are on the wall. 27 But Kabshakeh said unto them, Hath my master then sent ine to thy master, and to thee, to speak these words? is it not rather » Others, "fuller's field." '' Kiifilii eimiineiits, "Tlum Ijast .said till imw, Iwill not serve! the king of Assyria; but this was mere boasting while he came not from his place : but now it requires 448 Lo the men who sit on the wall, that they may eat their own excrement, and drink their own urine with you? 28 Then stood Rabshakeh up and called out with a loud voice in the Jewish language, and spoke, and said. Hear ye the word of the great king, the king of Assyria: 29 Thus hath said the king, Let not Heze- kiah deceive you ; for he will not be able to deliver you out of his hand; 30 Neither let Hezekiah induce you to trust in the Lord, saying, The Lord will surely deliver us, and this city will not be given up into the hand of the king of Assyria: 31 Hearken not to Hezekiah ; for thus hath said the king of Assyria, Make a treaty of peace with me, and come out to me, and eat ye every man of liis own vine, and every man of his tig-tree, and drink ye every man the waters of his cistern ; 32 Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of oil-olive trees, and of honey, that ye may live, and not die; and hearken not unto Heze- kiah; for'' he will mislead you, saying. The Lord will deliver us. 33 Have the gods of the nations delivered in anj'wise each his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 34 Where are the gods of Chamath, and of Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvayim, Hena', and 'Ivvah? have they'' then delivered Samaria out of my hand ? 35 Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their coun- try out of my hand, that the Lord should de- liver Jerusalem out of my hand ? 30 But the people remained silent, and answered him not a w^ord; for it was the king's command, saying, Ye shall not answer him. 37 Then came Elyakim the son of Ghilki- yah, who was superintendent over the liou.se, and Shelfuah the scribe, and Yolich the son of Assaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent; and they told unto him the words of Eabshakeh. counsel and .strength for the war." Zunz, " Weauest thou, that only a wonl of the lijis is counsel," &c. ° Others, "when he wishes to persuade," &c. '' /'. e. The godsof iSanuiria. o is b'>re given with then. 2 KINGS XIX. CHAPTER XIX. 1 And it came to pass, when king Hozekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the Lord. 2 And he sent Elyakim, who was superin- tendent over the house, and Shebnah the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah" the prophet the son of Amoz. 3 And they said unto him. Thus hath said Ilezekiah, A day of trouble, and of rebuke, and derision is this day ; for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth. 4 Perhaps the Lokd thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to blaspheme the living God ; and who hath reproached with the words which the Lokd thy God hath heard : wherefore lift up a prayer in behalf of the remnant that is still found here. 5 And the servants of king Ilezekiah came to Isaiah. 6 And Isaiah said unto them, Tlius shall ye say to your master, Thus hath said the Lord, Be not afraid because of the words which thou hast heai'd, with which the bo^s of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. 7 Behold, I will put an (other) spirit in him, that when he will hear a rumour, he shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land. 8 And Rabshakeh returned, and tbund the king of Assyria warring against Libnah ; for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish. 9 And he heard it said of Thirhakah the king of Ethiopia, Behold, he is come out to fight with thee; and he again sent messengers unto Hezekiah, saving, 10 Thus shall ye say to Hezekiah the king of Judah, as followeth. Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Je- rusalem shall not be given up into the hand of the king of Assyria. 11 Behold, thou thyself hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the ' Correctly, Tesha'yahu. "" Philippson, "he returned, but sent messengers." 3 G lands, by destroying them utterly : and thou alone shouldst be delivered ? 12 Have the gods of the nations which my fathers destroyed delivered them; as Gozan, and Charau, and Rezeph, and the children of 'Eden, who were in Thelassar ? 13 Where is the king of Cliamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvayin".. of Hena', and 'I\"vah ? 14 And Hezekiah took the letters out of the hand of the messengers, and read them : and Hezekiah went up into the house of the Lord, and spread them out Ix'fore the Lord. 15 ][ And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said, Lord God of Israel, who dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the (true) God, thou alone, for all the kingdoms of the earth ; for it is thou who hast made the heavens and the earth. 16 Bend down, Lord, thy ear, and hear! open, Lord, thy eyes, and see! and hear the words of Sennacherib, that" which he hath sent to blaspheme the living God. 17 Truly, Lord, the kings of Assyria have devastated the nations and their land, 18 And they have placed their gods into the fire ; for they are no gods, Ijut tlie work of man's hands, wood and stone : and these have they destro3-ed. 19 And now, Lord our God, save us. I beseech thee, out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord God, thou alone.'' 20 ^ Then sent Isaiah the son of Amoz to Hezekiah, saying. Thus hath said the Lord the God of Israel, What thou hast prayed to me concerning Sennacherib the king of Assy- ria have I heard. 21 This is the word that the Lord hath spoken over him: She despiseth thee, she laugheth thee to scorn, the virgin daughter of Zion ; behind thee shaketh her head the daughter of Jerusalem. 22 Whom hast thou Ijlaspliemed, and (whom) hast thou scorned? and against whom hast thou raised thy voice, and lifted up thy eyes on high? against the Holy One of Israel. 23 By thy messengers thou hast blasphemed the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude ° Others refer mSiy to the messenger, and trausktt who h:ith .scut Liui." '' Philippson, " that thnu, Lord, art God alune." 449 2 KINGS XIX. XX. ol' iny chariots am I indeed come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Leba- non, and I will cut down its tall cedars, the choice of its fir-trees : and I will enter" into the lodginus on its summit, the forest of its fruitful soil. 24 I have dug and drunk strange'' waters, and I will dry up with the sole of my feet all the streams" of besieged places.'' 25 Hadst" thou not heard that in distant^ ages I had prepared this ? in the times of an- tiquity when I formed it? now have I brought it along, and it came to pass, to desolate into ruinous heaps fortified cities. 26 And thus their inhabitants were short of power, they were dismayed and confound- ed ; they were as the herbs of the field, and as the green grass ; as the moss on the house- tops, and as corn blasted before the ear ap- peareth. 27 But thy abiding and thy going out and thy coming in do I know, and thy raging against me. 28 Because of thy raging against me and thy tumult that is come up into my ears, will I put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle between thy lips; and I will cause thee to turn back on the way by which thou earnest. 29 And this shall be unto thee'' the sign, Ye shall eat this year what groweth of itself, and in the second year what springeth up after the same ; and in the third year sow and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat their fruit. 30 And the remnant of the house of Judah that is escaped shall yet again strike root downward, and bear fruit upward. 81 For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and that which escapeth out of mount Zion : the zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. o2 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord " Zuiiz and Arnheira, "now I penetrate to its utmo.st dwelling, in its thick forest." liashi and other Rabbins take "the mountains" for the temple mount, "Lebanon" for the temple, and translate the last clause, "the fatness of its land, and the beauty of its glory." '• I have conquered strange countries, and marched througii tiie driest places, in which I have dug wells for my army. " My infantry have been so numerous, that they alone have been sufficient to dry up all the rivers of besieged m concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, and he shall not shoot an arrow thereon, nor come before it with shield, nor cast up against it an embankment. 33 On the way by which he came, by the same shall he return, and into this city shall he not come, saith the Lord. 34 And I will shield this city, to save it, for my own sake, and for the sake of David my servant. 35 ][ And it came to pass, on the same night, that an angel of the Lord went out and smote in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred eighty and five thousand men : and when people arose early in the morning, Ije- hold, they were all dead corpses. 36 And Sennacherib the king of Assjria then departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh. 37 And it came to pass, as he was prostrat- ing himself in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adranunelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Ararat. And Essar-chaddon his son became king in his stead. CHAPTER XX. 1 ^[ In tho.se days Hezekiah fell sick untt death; and there came to him Isaiah the son of Amoz the prophet, and said unto him. Thus hath said the Lord, Give thy charge to thy house ;'' for thou shalt die, and not live." 2 Then did he turn his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, saying, 3 I beseech, thee, Lord, remember now that I have walked before thee in truth, and with an undivided heart, and have done what is good in thy eyes. And Hezekiah wept aloud.'' 4 ^ And it came to pass, before Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 5 Eeturn, and say to Hezekiah the ruler places, either by drinking them, or diverting their course into other channels. '' After Rash i. Others, "of Mazor" or "Egypt." Jona- than, " deep rivers." ° Here recommence God's words to Sennacherib. ' Rashi, after Massorah, " Hadst thou not heard afar of what I had decreed ?" * Hezekiah. ^ i. e. " JIake thy will," which was the more necessary, as he had at that time no children. ' Philippson and others, "not recover," '' Heb. "with n great weeping." 2 KINGS XX. XXI. of my people, Thus hath said the Lord, the God of David thj father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears; behold, I will heal thee : on the third day shalt thou go up unto the house of the Lord. G And I will add unto thy days fifteen years ; and out of the hand of the king of As- syria will I deliver" thee and this city; and I will shield this city for my own sake, and for the sake of David my servant. 7 And Isaiah said. Fetch a lump of figs. And they fetched and laid it on the inflamma- tion,'' and he recovered. 8 And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What sign shall there lie that the Lord will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the Lord the third day ? 9 And Isaiah said, This shall be unto thee the sign from the Lord, that the Lord will do the thing that he hath spoken : Shall the sha- dow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees ? 10 And Hezekiah said. It is a light thing for the shadow to go forward ten degrees: no; but let the shadow return backward ten degrees. 11 And Isaiah the prophet called unto the Lord; and he caused the shadow to return, by the degrees which the (sun) was gone down on the dial of Achaz, backward, ten degrees. 12 ^ And at that time sent Berodacli-bala- dan, the son of Baladan, the king of Babylon, letters and a present unto Hezekiah ; for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick. 13 And Hezekiah listened unto them, and showed them the whole of his treasure- house," the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious oil, and the whole of his armour-house, and all that was- found in his treasures : there was nothing that Heze- kiah showed them not, in his house and in all his dominion. 14 Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him. What did these men say? and whence did they come unto thee ? And Hezekiah said, From a for otf country are they come, from Baljylon. " I. e. He shiill not return after the event noted above, xix. 35. ^ Perhaps the bubos oommon iu the plague, by which some suppose that the Assyrian army was so suddenly de- stroyed, and which afterward or at the same time attacked 15 And he said, What did they see in thy house? And Hezekiah answei'ed. All that is in my house have they seen : there was nothing that I did not show them in my treasures. 16 ^ And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the w^ord of the Lord, 17 Behold, days are coming, when all that is iu thy house, and that wdiich thy fathers ha\'e laid up in store until this day, shall be; carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord. 18 And of thy sons that will issue from thee, whom thou wilt beget, shall they take ; and they shall be court-servants in the palace of the king of Baljylon. 19 Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not so, if there be peace and stability'* in my days ? 20 And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his mighty deeds, and how he made the pool, and the aqueduct, and brought the water into the city, l>ehold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah. 21 And Hezekiah .slept with his fathers: and Menasseh his son became king in his stead. CHAPTER XXI. 1 ][ Twelve years old was Menasseh when he became king, and fifty and five years did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Chephzi-bah. 2 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, after the abominable acts of the na- tions whom the Lord had dri\'en out before the children of Israel. 3 And he built up again the high-places which Hezekiah his father had destro3'ed; and he reared up altars for Ba'al, and made a grove," as Achab the king of Israel had done; and he bowed down to all the host of heaven, and served them. 4 And he built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, In Jerusa- lem will I put my name. 5 And he built altars for all the host of the king of Judah. The angel was thus a natural agent^ not rare in the East; the' the wonder was equally great. ° Rasbi renders injj as in Gen. sxxvii. '2.5, with "spices.'' "■ Others, literally, " truth." ' Philippson, "an Astarte." Zuu/., "an Aslicrali " •151 2 KINGS XXI. XXII. heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. 6 And he caused his sou to pass through the fire, and observed times, and used en- chantments, and dealt with flimiliar spirits and wizards : he wrought much that is evil in the eyes of the Lord, to provoke him to inger. 7 And he set a hewn image of the Asherah that he had made in the house, of which the Lord had said to David, and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever: 8 And I will not cause any more tlie foot of Israel to move out of the land which I gave their fathers; only if they will observe to act in accordance with all that I have command- ed them, and in accordance with all the law that my servant Moses conmianded them. 9 But they hearkened not: and Menasseh seduced them to do what is evil more than the nations whom the Lord had destroyed be- fore the children of Israel. 10 ][ And the Lord spoke by means of his servants the prophets, saying, 11 Forasmuch as Menasseh the king of Judah hath done these abominations, having done wickedly more than all that the Emo- rites had done, who were before him, and hath induced Judah also to sin with his idols: 12 T[ Therefore thus hath said the Lord the God of Israel, Behold, I will bring evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, at which both the ears of every one that hearetli it shall tingle. 13 And I will stretch over Jerusalem the measure-line* of Samaria, and the plummet of the liouse of Achalj: and I will wijie oft' Jerusalem as one wipeth off a dish, wiping it, and turning it on its tace. 14 And I will forsake the renuiant of my inheritance, and give them up into tlie hand of their enemies; and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies ; 15 Foi'asmuch as they have done what is evil in my eyes, and have Ijeen provoking me to anger, from the day that their fathers came forth out of Egypt, even until this day. 16 And also innocent blood did Menasseh shed in very great abundance, till he had filled ' !\Inaniiiii, tlio same measure of justice which ovcr- whi'liii cl Siimariu should bo luctoil out to .Jvrusalciii. ■16'.: (therewith) Jerusalem from one end to an- other; beside his sin wherewith he induced Judah to sin, to do what is evil in the eyes of the Lord. 17 Now the rest of the acts of Menasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he com- mitted, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah. 18 And Menasseh slept with his fathei's, and was buried in the garden of his own house, in the garden of 'Uzza'' : and Amon his son became king in his stead. 19 T[ Twenty and two years old was Amon when he became king, and two years did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Meshullemeth, the daughter of Charuz of Yotbah. 20 And- he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, as his fixther Menas.seh had clone. 21 And he walked in all the way that his father had walked in, and served the idols that his father had served, and bowed him- self down to them ; 22 And he forsook the Lord the God of his fathers, and walked not in the way of the Lord. 23 And the servants of Amon conspired against him, and put the king to death in his own house. 24 And the people of the land slew all those that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah" his son king in his stead. 25 Now the rest of the acts of Anion which he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah. 2G And they buried him in his sepulchre in the garden of 'Uzza: and Josiah his son became king in his stead. CHAPTER XXII. 1 Tf Eight years old was Josiah when he became king, and thirty and one years did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Yedidah, the daughter of 'Adayah of Boz- kath. 2 And he did what is right in the eyes of the Lord, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right or to the left. i. e. Not in the sepulchre of the aucieut king.s Correctly, Yoshi'i/tihu. 2 Kings xxii. 3 *f[ And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiali, that the king sent Sha- phan the son of Azal_vahn, the son of Meshul- 1am, the scribe, to the house of the Lord, say- ing, 4 Go up to Cliilkij-ahn tlie high-priest, that he may collect" up all the money which is brought into the house of the Lord, which the door-keejjers haA'e gathered from the peo- ple: 5 And let them deliver it into the hand of those who overlook the workmen, that have been appointed as overseers of the house of the Lord; and let them gi^'e it to those who do the work who are in the house of the Lord, to repair the breaches of the house ; 6 Unto the carpenters, and the builders, and the masons, and to buv timber and hewn stones to repair the house. 7 Nevertheless shall there be no reckoning made with them for the money that is deli- vered into their hand, because they deal faith- 8 And Chilkiyahu the high-priest said unto Shaphau the scribe, A book of the law have I found in the house of the Lord. And Chil- kiyah gave the book to Shaphan,'' and he read it. 9 And Shaphan the scribe came to the kincf, and brought the king word again, and said. Thy servants have taken out all the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of those who over- look the workmen, tliat have been appointed overseers of the house of the Lord. 10 And Shaphan the scribe also told the king, saying, A book hath Chilkiyahu tlie priest given me. And Shaphan read it before the king. 11 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes. 12 And the king commanded Chilkiyah the priest, and Achikam the son of Shaphan. and 'Achbor the son of Michayah, and Sha- phan the scribe, and Wssahyah a servant of the king's, saying, * Philippson, "shall pay out." ' It is possible enough, that during the long reign of Menasseh, the books of the law had become scarce, at least among the courtiers and priests; or it may have been the autograph of Moses which Chilkiyahu had dis- ooverel. It is absurd to suppose that it was then first 13 Go ye, inquire of the Lord in my be- half, and in behalf of the people, and in be- half of all Judah, concerning the words of this book that hath been found ; for great is the wrath of the Lord that hath been kin- dled against us, because our fothers did not hearken unto the words of this book, to do in accordance with all that is prescribed con- cerning us. li And Chilkiyahu the priest, and Achi- kam, and 'Achbor, and Shaphan, and 'Assah- yah, went unto Chuldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah the son of Charchass, the keeper of the wardrobe f (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the suburb;)'' and they spoke unto her. 15 And she said unto them, Thus hath said the Lord the God of Israel, Say unto the man that hath .sent you to me, 16 Thus hath said the Lord, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon its in- habitants, all the w'ords of the book which the king of Judah hath re&d ; 17 Because they have forsaken me, and have burnt incen.se unto other gods, in order to provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands: therefore is my wrath kindled against this place, and shall not he quenched. 18 But with respect to the king of Judah who sendeth you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall ye say to him. Thus hath said the Lord the God of Israel, Concerning the words which thou hast heard; 19 Because thy heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I had spoken against this place, and against its inhabitants, that they should become an astonishment and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me: I also have heard it, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore, behold, I will gather thee unto thy lathers, and thou shalt be gathered unto thy graves in peace ; and th}- eyes shall not look on all the evil which I am bringing over this place. And they brouglit the king word again. composed ; as the whole history of Israel proves that its con/eiils were at least traditionally known. ' Heb. "garments." ■^ Rashi, "outside the first wall, and between it and the second." Jonathan, "college." Zuuz, "in the second quarter of the city." 453 2 ICINGS XXTIl CHAPTER XXIII. 1 And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and Jeru- salem. 2 And the king went up into the house of the Lord, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the peo- ple, from the small to the great: and he read before their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which had been found in the house of the Lord. 3 And the king stood upon the stand, and he made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep his command- ments, and his testimonies and his statutes with all (their) heart and all (their) soul, to maintain the words of this covenant that are written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant. 4 And the king commanded Chilkiyahu the high-priest, and the priests of the second order, and the door-keepers, to carry forth out of the temple of the Lord all the vessels that had been made for Ba'al, and for the Asheralj, and for all the host of heaven : and they" burnt them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried their ashes unto Beth-el. 5 And he put down*" the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had appointed that they might burn incense on the high-places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; those also that burnt in- cense unto Ba'al, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets," and to all the host of heaven. 6 And he brought out the Asherah from the house of the Lord, without Jerusalem, inito the brook Kidron, and burnt it at the brook Kidron, and ground it small to powder, and cast its powder upon the graves of the cliildren of the people. 7 And he pulled down the houses of the sodomites,'' that were by" the house of the ' Heb. "he," i. c. any one that did the act spoken of; the indefinite "they" in English, "man" in German, and "on" in French. " Ileb. "caused to cease." '■ Others, "the constelhitions of the zodiac." '' .\s elsewhere,idolatry had caused demoralization. ' 'Axuw. and others, "in." 464 Lord, where the women wove hangings foi the Asherah. 8 And he brought all the priests out of the cities of Judah, and defiled the high-places where the priests had burnt incense, from Geba' to Beer-sheba', and he pulled down the high-places of the gates that were at the en- trance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on a man's left at the gate of the city. 9 Nevertheless the priests of the high-places came not up to the altar of the Lord in Jeru- salem ; but they ate unleavened bread in the midst of their brethren. 10 And he defiled the Thoplieth, which was in the valley Ben-hinnom, so that no man should cause his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech. 11 And he put down the horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun, from the entrance of the house of the Lord,^ by the chamber of Nethan-melech the chamber- lain, who was over the suburbs; and the cha- riots of the sun he burnt with fire. 12 And the altars that were on the roof of the upper-chamber of Achaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Menasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the Lord, did the king pull down, and tore them away from there, and cast their dust into the brook Kidron. 13 And the high-places that were before Jerusalem, which were to the right of the mount of destruction,^ which Solomon the king of Israel had built for 'Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Ke- mosh the abomination of the Moiibites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of 'Ammon, did the king defile. 14 And he broke in pieces the standing images, and cut down the Asherah-groves, and filled their places with the bones of men. 15 So also the altar that was at Beth-el, the high-place which Jerobo'am the son of Nebat, who induced Israel to sin, had made, — also that altar and the high-place did he ' Zunz and Arnheim, "And he prevented the horse.? which the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun, from coming into the house of the Lord, (and put them) into the cell of Nethan-melech," &c. * i. e. The Mount of Olives; so called here in disgrace for the idols worshipped there. (See note to 2 Sam xi. 21.) 2 KINGS Xxm. pull down; and he burnt the high-place, ground it small to powder, and burnt then the Apherah. 16 And Josiah turned about, and beheld the graves that were there in the mount, and he sent, and took the bones out of the sepul- chres, and burnt them upon the altar, and polluted it, according to the word of the Lord which the man of God proclaimed, who had J. roelaimed these events. 17 Then said he, What kind of monument IS that which I see? And the men of the cit}- said to him, It is the grave of the man of God, who came from Judah, and proclaim- ed these things which thou liast done against the altar of Beth-el. IS And he said, Let him rest: no man shall disturb his bones. So they saved his ))oues, with the bones of the prophet that came out of Samaria. 19 And also all the hou.ses of the high- places that were in the cities of Samaria, which the kings of Israel had made as provo- cations to anger," did Josiah remove, and did to them in accordance with all the acts that he had done in Beth-el. 20 And he slaughtered all the priests of the high-places that were there upon the altars, and burnt men's bones upon them, and returned (then) to Jerusalem. 21 And the king commanded all the peo- ple, saying, Keep'' the passover unto the Lord your God, as it is written in this book of the covenant. 22 For there had not been liolden such a passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel; nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, and of the kings of Judah; 23 But in the eighteenth year of king Jo- siah was this passover holden to the Lord in Jerusalem. 24 And also the men of familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the teraphim, and the idols, and all the abominations tb.at were to be seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusa- lem, did Josiah clear away; in order that he might accomplish the words of the law which * i. e. Of the Lord. ^ Zuuz, "Prepare the passover-sacrifices;" and so also in verse 22. ° It seems that Josiah went out to intercept the march o( Nechoh, and that the armies met at Megiddo (or Me- giddon> where Josiah lost his life in the battle which en- were written in the book that ChilkivMhii the priest had found in the house of the Lord. 25 And like unto him there was no king before him, that returned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Mo.ses; and after him there arose none like him. 26 Notwithstanding this the Lord turned not from the fierceness of his great anger, since his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provokings wherewith Me- nasseh had provoked him to anger. 27 And the Lord said, Also Judah will I remove out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and will cast ofi'this city which I have chosen, even Jerusaleiti, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there. 28 Now the rest of the acts of Josiah. and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Ju- dah. 29 In his days went up Pharaoh-nechoh the king of Egypt against the king of As.syria to the river Euphrates : and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he saw him." 30 And his servants caiTied him dying in a chariot from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepul- chre. And the people of the land took Je- hoachaz the son of Josiah, and anointed'* him, and made him king in his fiither's stead. 31 ^f Twenty and three years old was Je- hoachaz when he became king; and three months did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Chamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah" of Libnah. 32 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, all just as his fathers had done. 33 And Pharaoh-nechoh put him in fetters at Riblah in the land of Chamath, that he should not reign in Jerusalem, and imposed a fine on the land of a hundred talents of sil- ver, and a talent of gold. 34 And Pharaoh-nechoh made Elyakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah sued. "Seeing each other face to face" means "to meet in battle." (See above, xiv. 8.) ^ It is noticed that he was younger than Elyakim wherefore he was anointed, which was only done at a dis puted succession, as with Solomon and Joiish. ' Properly, Yirmeyahu. 43.5 2 KINGS XXITI. XXIV. his father, and changed his name to Jehoya- kim, and took JehoJichaz away : and he came to Egypt, and died there. 35 And Jehoyakim gave the silver and the gokl to Pharaoh ; but he taxed" the kind to give the money by the order of Pharaoh : from every one according to his estimation did he exact the silver and gold from the people of the land, to give it unto Pharaoh- nechoh. 36 ^ Twenty and five 3'ears old was Je- hoyakim when he became king; and eleven years did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mothers name was Zeljudah, the daughter of Peda^ah of Rumah. 37 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, all just as his fothers had done. CHAPTER XXIV. 1 In his days came up Nebuchadnezzar the king of Baljylon, and Jehoyakim became his servant for three*' years: and then he turned' and rebelled against him. 2 And the Lord sent against him preda- tory bands of the Chaldeans,* and predatory bands of the Syrians, and predatory bands of the Moiibites, and predatory bands of the children of "Amnion, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the Lord, which he had spoken by means of his servants the prophets. 3 But only at the order of the Lord came this upon Judah, to remove the same out of his sight, ibr the sins of Menasseh, in accord- ance with all that he had done; 4 And also for the innocent blood that he had shed; for he had filled Jerusalem with in- nocent blood ; wherefore the Lord would not pardon. 5 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoyakim, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah. 6 And Jehoyakim slept with his fathers : and Jehoyachin his son became king in his stead. 7 And the king of Egypt came no more " Lit. "estimated," /'. e. how ranch each was to give. ' From the fourth year of this king commences the Babylonian exile of seventy years. ' Zunz, and others, "ho again rebelled," &c. " Heb. "Cas.odiin." ■1-30 again out of his land ; for the king of Babylon had taken from the brook of Egypt unto thf river Euphrates all that had pertained to the king of Egypt. 8 TJ Eighteen years old was JehoyacLin when he became king, and three months did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Nechushta, the daughter of Ehia- than of Jerusalem. 9 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, all just as that his father had done. 10 At that time the servants of Nebuch^id- nezzar the king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was put in a state of siege. 11 And Nebuchadnezzar the king of Baby- lon came against the city, while his servants were besieging it. 12 And Jehoyachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his court-officers: and the king of Babylon took him (captive) in the eighth year of his reign. 13 And he carried out thence all the trea- sures of the house of the Lord, and the trea- sures of the king's house, and cut" in pieces a.ll the vessels of gold which Solomon the king of Israel had made in the temple of the Lord, as the Lord had spoken. 14 And he led away as exiles all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, ten thousand exiles, and all the ci\aftsnien' and locksmiths : there was none left, save the poorest sort of the people of the land. 15 And he led away Jehoyachin as exile to Babylon ; and the king's mother, and the king's wives, and his court-officers, and the mighty men of the land, he led into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 16 And all the men of might, seven thou- sand (in number), and the craftsmen and the locksmiths a thousand (in number), all strong men, apt for war; and the king of Babylon brought them into exile to Babylon. 17 And the king of Babylon made Mattan- ' Philippson, "cut loose," i. e. "removed them from their fastenings." Herxheimer, " cut oif the surface," and refers to above, xviii. 6. 'Others, "smiths." The removal of the oraftsnict was a state policy to render the others dependi iit. ^ KINGS XXIV. XXV. yali his uncle kint;' in liis stead, ami changed his name to Zedekiah." iS ^ Twenty and one years old was Zede- kiali when he became king, and eleven years did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was '"hamutal. the daughter of Jere- miali of Libuidi. 19 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, all jnst as Jehojakim had done. '20 For through the anger of the Lord it occurred in Jerusalem and Judali, until he had cast them out from his presence, that* Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Baby- lon. CHAPTER XXV. 1 ^ And it came to jDass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, on the tenth of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar the king of Bab3"lon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and encamped against it; and they built a mound" all round about it. 2 And the city was put in a state of siege luitil the eleventh year of ki)ig Zedekiah. 3 And on the nintli of the montli,'' when the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land : 4 The city was broken into, and all the men of war (tied) in the night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which w^as by the king's garden; (while the Chaldeans were all round about the city;) and the peo- ple went the way toward the plain. And the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho : and all his arm}' were scattered from around him. 6 And they seized the king, and brought him up to the king of Bal)ylon to Kiblah; and they called him to account." 7 And they slaughtered the sons t)f Zede- kiah before his eyes, and he blinded the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Baliylon. 5 ^[ And in the tifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which was the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar the kini;' of Babylon, came Nebusaradan, the chief of the ' Properly, Z'ulkSyahu. ° Herxheinier — "presence; and .so Zedekiah," &c. ' Others, " wooden towers." '' Jer. lii. 6, supplies "fourth." .•?H guard, a servant of tlie king of Bal)ylon, unto Jerusalem : 9 And he burnt the house of the Lord, and the king's house; also, all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man's house burnt he with fire. 10 And the walls of Jerusalem round about did all the army of the Chaldeans that were with the captain of the guard tear down. 11 And the rest of the people that were left in the city, and the deserters that had run over to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebusaradan the captain of the guard lead away into exile ; 12 But from the poorest of the land the captain of the guard left some to be vine- dressers and husbandmen. 13 And the pillars of copper that were in the house of the Lord, and the bases, and the copper sea that was in the house of the Lord, did tlie Chaldeans break up, and they carried the copper thereof to Babylon. 14 And the pots, and the shovels, and the knives, and the spoons, and all the vessels of copper wherewith the}' ministered, took they away. 15 And the censers, and the bowls, the gold of the golden things, and the silver of the silver things, took the captain of the guard away. 16 The two pillars, the one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the Lord: the copper of all these vessels was too much to l)e weighed. 17 Eighteen cubits was the height of the one pillar, and the capital upon it was cop- per; and the height of the capital was three cubits; and the wreathed work, and the pome- granates upon the capitals round about, were all of copper : and the same had the second pillar together with the wreathed work. 18 And the captain of the guard took Sera- yah the chief-priest, and Zephanyahu the second priest, and the three door-keepers; 19 And out of the city he took one court- officer that was api)ointed over the men of war, and five men of those that could come ° After Rashi. Lit. " they spoke with him judgment." Some render, "pronounced sentence on him." Our vc- sion implies that he was called to task for his rebellio>i The sentence is shown in the sequel. 467 2 KINGS XXV. into the king's jn'osence, who were found in the city, and the scribe of the chief of the army, who ordered to the army the people of the land, and sixty men of the people of the and that were found in the city : 20 And Nebusaradan the captain of the ofuard took these, and conducted them to the king of Babylon to Riblah; 21 And the king at Babylon smote them, and put them to death at Riblali in the land of Chamath. So did Judali wander away into exile out of their land. 22 And as for the people that were left in the land of Judaii, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had left, he appointed over them Gedalyahu the son of Achikam, the son of Shaphpn. 23 *i] And when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedalyahu, they came to Gedalyahu to Mizpah ; even Ish- ma'el the son of Nethanyah, and Jochanan the son of KareJich, and Serayah the son of Tan- chumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazanyahu the son of a Ma'achathite, they and their men. 24 And Gedalyahu swore to them, and to their men, and said unto them. Be not afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans : re- main in the land, and serve the king of Baby- lon; and it will be well with you. * Evil-merodach was a vicious prince, and was slain after a reign of two years by his brothor-in-lawNoriglissar. 25 ^ But it happened in the seventh month, that there came Ishma'el the son of Nethanyah, the son of Elishama', of the seed royal, and ten men with him, and the}' smote Gedalyahu, so that he died, also the Jews and the Chaldeans that were with him at Mizpah. 26 And then arose all the people, from small to great, and the captains of tlie armies, and went to Egypt; for they were afraid of the Chaldeans. 27 ^ And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Tehoya- chin the king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth (day) of the month, that Evil-merodach'' the king of Babylon in the year tliat he became king did lift up the head of Jehoyachin the king of Judah out of the prison ; 28 And he spoke kindly to him, and set his chair above the chair of the kings that were with him in Babylon; 29 And changed his prison-garments : and he ate bread continually before him all the days of his life. 30 And his allowance was a continual al- lowance given him by the king, the necessary ration for the day on its day, all the days of his life. Jehoyachim, or as he is called Jechonyah, was probabW yet alive when the Book of Kings was written. 458 n'2)n:2) d^n^^: nnn THE HOLY SCRIPTURES: PART SECOND.— DIVISION II. CONTAINI^^G THE LATER PROPHETS. ISAIAH, n'i'C" JEREMIAH, n^oi' EZEKIEL, Sxprn' HOSEA, ^rC'IH JOEL, ':^N*v AMOS, Dio;^ OBADIAH, nn^V JONAH, HJV MicAH, nyr2 nahum, oinj JABAKKUK, pip^n ZEPHANIAH, H'JDV HAGGAI, 'jn zechariah, jin^^ MALACHI, 'DnSo THE BOOK OF ISAIAH, nTtJ'* "ifiD- CHAPTER I. 1 ^ The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusa- lem in the days of 'Uzziyaliu, Jotham, Achaz, and Hezekiah, the kings of Judali. 2 Hear, O ye heavens, and give ear, earth ; for the Lord hath spoken : Children have I nourished and brought up, but they have rebelled against me. 3 The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. 4 Wo! sinful nation, people laden with iniquity, seed of evildoers, children that are corrupt: the3' have forsaken the Lord, they have incensed" the Holy One of Israel, they are departed backward. 5 Why*" will ye be stricken yet more? (that) ye increase the revolt? every head is sick, and every heart is foint. 6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores : the}' have not been closed,'' nor bound up, nor mollified with oil. 7 Your country is desolate, your cities are burnt with fire ; your soil — in your presence, strangers devour it, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers. 8 And left is the daughter of Zion as a hut in a vineyard, as a lodge in a cucumber-field, as a besieged'^ city. 9 Unless the Lord of hosts had left unto us a remnant ever so small, like Sodom" should we have been, unto Gomorrah should we have been compared. 10 Tl Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom : give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. 11 For what serveth me the multitude of ' Sachs, "rejected." Philippson, "despised." '' Others, "where," as all the body is already sore. ° Rar-bi, "They have not been -sprinkled with powder." Othc-.s, "icjueeied out," your sacrifices? saith the Lord: I am sated with the bumt-oflerings of rams, and the fat of fatted beasts; and the blood of bullocks, and of sheep, and of he-goats, I do not desire. 12 When ye come to appear in my pre- sence — who hath required this at your hand, to tread down my courts? 13 Continue no more to bring an oblation of deceit; incense*^ of abomination is it unto me: new moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies — I cannot bear misdeed with fes- tive gathering. 14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth; they are become a burden unto me; I am weary to bear them. 15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will withdraw my eyes from you; yea, when ye make ever so many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. 16 Wash yourselves, make 3'ourselves clean ; put away the evil of }^our deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil; 17 Learn to do well; seek for jutitice, re- lieve the opprefiscd, do justice to the fether- less, plead for the widow."^ 18 ^ Come now, and let us reason toge- ther, saith the Lord: though your sins should be as scarlet, they shall become white as the snow; though they should be red like crim- son, they shall become like wool. 19 Li ye be willing and obey, the best of the land shall ye eat; 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, by the sword shall ye be devoured; fci the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. 21 ^ How is she become a harlot, the faithful town! she, that was full of justice; righteousness lodged therein; but now inur- derers. 22 Thy silver is become dross, thy wine is drugged with Avater; '' Philippson, "as a city just released from siege." ' Correctly, Sedom, ' Amorah. ' Rashi. Others, "incense is an aboniinntinn." ^ Only righteousness can appear bciorj Oo'l 451 ISAIAH J. II. 23 Thy princes are rel^els, and companions of thieves ; every one loveth bribes, e nd run- neth after rewards ; to the fatherless they will not do justice, and the cause of the widow doth not come unto them. 24 ]| Therefore saith the Lord, the Eternal of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will take satisfaction on mv adversaries, and be avenged on my enemies. 25 And I will turn my hand against thee, and purge away as with lye" thy dross, and remove all tin- tin :'' 26 And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning; after that shalt thou be called, The city of righteousness, the town that is faithful. 27 Zion shall be redeemed through justice, and her converts through righteousness. 28 But destruction shall come over trans- gressors and sinners together, and those that forsake the Lord shall perish. 29 For people shall be ashamed because of the terebinths'' which ye had desired, and ye shall be put to the blush because of the gardens that ye had chosen. 30 For ye shall be as a terebinth the leaves of which wither, and as a garden that hath no water. 31 And the mighty oppressor"* shall be- come as tow, and his workman as a spark; and they shall both burn together, with none to quench. CHAPTER II. 1 ^ The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz foresaw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 And it shall come to pass in the last" days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be firmly established on the top of the moui tains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and unto it shall flow all the nations. o And many people shall go and say, Come " Tbo flux put into metal to remove the impurities. " Otbers, "lead." ° Terebinths, T)r other spreading trees, were used to place images under their shade; and so in the gardens the domestic idols were set up. (See also chap. Ixvi. 17.) * Rashi. Jonathan, "And the strength of the wicked shall become as tow, and the work of their hand as a spark." Heinemann comments, " the idol — and its wor- shipper." " Lit. " the latter end of days." Sachs Ilciaamann, " the latest." Jonathan, ' i'bilippson, " in the cour.se of tiuie." "late times." the end of." ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us of his ways, and we may walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord ou« of Jerusalem. 4 And he will judge among the nations, and decide*^ for many people ; and they shall beat their swords into plough-shares, and their spears into pruning-kuives: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, and they shall not learn any more war. 5 ][ house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord. 6 For"^ thou hast abandoned thy people, the house of Jacob, because they are full of (witchcraft) more than the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and with the children of strangers they unite*" them- selves. 7 And full became their land of silver' and gold, and there is no end to their treasures; and full became their land of horses, and there is no end to their chariots ; 8 And full became their land of idols; to the work of their own hands they bow them- selves, to what their own fingers have made. 9 And so is bent down the son of earth, and humbled the man; and thou wilt not for- give them. 10 Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, because of the dread of the Lord, and because of the glory of his majesty. 11 The looks of human pride shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bent down: and exalted shall be the Lord alone on that day. 12 \ For there is a day (of judgment) unto the Lord of hosts over every proud and lofty one; and over every exalted one, that he be brought low ; 13 And over all the cedars of the Lebanon, ' This is the natural parallel to "judge." Others, "shall rebuke," "reprove." Aben Ezra, "And he, the judge, the king Messiah, shall judge," kc. ^ The prophet now addresses God. — K.i.sHl. " Sachs, "they are full of the children," &c. Redak, and Aben Ezra, "they abound (are content) with the laws (the mental children) of the stranger." So also Jonathan, " they walk in the customs of the nations." Rashi, how- ever, refers it to intermarriage, and renders, " they are busied with the children of a strange marriage." ' The prophet first traces the demoralizing efl'ects of wealth and then the reverses, as the divine veugeauce. ISAIAH II. III. the high and exalted, and over all the oaks of Bashan ; 14 And over all the high mountains, and over all the exalted hills ; 15 And over every high tower, and over every fortified wall; IG And over all the ships of Tharshish; and over all desirable palaces.' 17 And the pride of man shall be bent dow.^5 and the haughtiness of men shall be hiunbled: and exalted shall be the Lord alcae on that day. 18 And the idols will he utterly alx)lish. 19 And men shall enter into the caverns of rocks-, and into the rifts of the earth, be- cause of the dread of the Lord, and because or the glory of his majestj", when he ariseth to terrify the earth. 20 On that day shall a man cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which have been made for him to worship, to the moles and to the bats; 21 To enter into the clefts of the rocks, and into the hollows of the cliffs, because of the dread of the Lord, and because of the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to terrify the earth. 22 Withdraw yourselves (then) from man, whose breath is in his nostrils; because, for what is he to be esteemed?'' CHAPTER III. 1 ^f For, behold, the Lord, the Eternal of hosts, doth remove from Jerusalem and from Judah stay and staff," every stay of bread, and every stay of water. 2 The hero, and the man of war, the i udge, and the prophet, and the prudent,** and the ancient, 3 The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the skilful arti- il'c&Y,' and the eloquent orator. 4 And I will set up boys as their princes, and children shall rule over them. ■ Kashi, "Palaces with costlj' floors." Redak, "pic- tures." Sachs, "what delighteth the eye." "■ i. e. What is his value in comparison with God ? ° Abarbanel renders, "stay and st;'5," with "every prop;" I. e. the great, who are farther described. ^ Rashi, " the king." Sachs, " diviner." " Sachs, "Wizard and conjurer." 'Jonathan. Others, "a physician," taking -j^n literally, as on ! who binds up a wound — /. e. The public uistresi^ nhall be so great that each one shall be afraid to rule. 5 And so shall the people press man against man, and one against the other: the boy shall demean liimself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable. C When a man will seize hold on his bro- ther in the house of his fother, (saying.) Thou hast a garment, thou shalt be our ruler, and let this ruin be under thy hand: 7 He will swear on that day, saying, I will not be a chief;' and in my house is neither bread nor clothing ; you shall not a^)- point me a rvder of the peojile. 8 For Jerusalem is sunk to decay, and Judah is fallen; because their tongue and their doings are against the Lord, to incense the eyes of his glory. 9 The boldness'^ of their face testifieth against them; and like Sodom they tell openly their sin, they conceal it not. Wo unto their soul! for they have prepared evil unto themselves. 10 Say ye to the righteous, that he hath done well;*" for the fruit of their* doings shall they eat. 11 Wo unto the wicked who doeth evil;"* for the recompense of his hands shall be be- stowed on him. 12 My people! their oppres.sors are children, and women rule over them. my people ! thy leaders cause thee to err, ajid the direc- tion' of thy paths they corrupt. 13 ^ The Lord is stepj^ed forth to plead, and standeth up to judge the people. 14 The Lord will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and their princes; but ye — ye have eaten up the vine- yard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses. 15 What mean ye that ye crush my people, and grind down the faces of the poor? saitli the Lord the Eternal of hosts. 16 ^ And the Lord said. Forasmuch as the daughters of Zion are proud, and walk with stretched forth necks and casting about their ^ Rashi. Sachs, after Aben Ezra, " the appearance," or "traits." ■^ Rashi. Sachs, after Jonathan, "Praise the righteous, for it goeth well with him." ' The plural after the singular, or "all who are righteous." '' Rashi, who takes ;'i as the adjective of ;'tyi. Other.s, "it shall be ill with him." ' After Sachs; it means that they who ought to lead rightly, cause the people to swerve from the proper path into a wrong directiou. 463 ISAIAH in. IV. V. ejes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet : 17 Therefore will the Lord smite with le- prosy the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will lay open their nakedness. 18 ][ On that day will the Lord take away the beauty of their tinkling shoe-buckles, and the hair-nets, and the crescent-shaped orna- ments, 19 The drops, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, 20 The bonnets, and the foot-chains, and the head-bands," and the tablets, and the ear- rings, 21 The finger- rings, and nose-jewels, 22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the shawls, and tlie pockets, 23 The mirrors, and the chemisettes,'' and the turbans, and the long vails. 24 And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be corruption ; and instead of a girdle a rope; and instead of curled hair baldness; and instead of a wide garment a girding of sackcloth; a mark of burning instead of beauty. 25 Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy miglity ones in the wtir. 26 And then shall her gates lament and mourn ; and stript of all shall she sit upon the ground. CHAPTER IV. 1 And seven women shall take hold of one man on that day, saying. We will eat our own bread, and wear our own appai'el : only let us be called by thy name, take but away our re- jiroach.'' 2 ^f On that day shall the sprout of the Lord be for ornament and for honour, and the fruit of the land for excellence and for glory for the escaped of Israel. 3 And it shall come to pass, that Avlioever is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Je- * Zunz and others, "belts, smelling-boxes, and amulets." * y\0 here, is evidently not '-fine linen," but a garment made of it. We have followed Sachs and others, who ren- der it with Ilcmdclirn, the nearest term to which is the one we have chosen. On the whole, there is much uncer- tainty what precise ornaments and dresses are described hen;; but no doubt that luxury had attained a high pjint iu Isaiah's time. rusalem, shall be called holy, every one thai is written down unto life in Jerusalem: 4 When the Lord shall ha^ e washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have scoured away the blood-guiltiness of Je- rusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judg- ment, and l)y the spirit of destruction.'* 5 And then will the Lord create upon every dwelling of mount Zion, and upon lier places of assembly, a cloud and smoke by day, and the brightness of a flaming fire by night; for over all the gloiy shall be a cover- ing." 6 And a tabernacle shall it Ijo for a sliade in the daytime from the heat, and for a refuge, and for a covert from tempest and from rain. CHAPTER V. 1 ^[ I will sing now for my beloved, the song of my dear one touching his vineyard. A vineyard had my beloved on a i-ich hill-top; 2 And he fenced it in, and cleared it of stones, and planted it with the choicest vines, and built a tower in its midst, and also u winepress he hewed out therein : and lie hoped that it should bring forth grajDes, anc^ it brought forth worthless fruit.' 3 And now, inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, be- tween me and my vineyard. 4 What more was to be done to my vine- yard, that I had not done in it? whj' then did I hope that it should bring forth grapes, while it brought forth worthless fruit? 5 And now I will let you know also what I Avill do to my vineyard : I will take away its hedge, and it shall be eaten off;^ I will break down its wall, and it shall be trodden down ; C And I will lay it (juite waste; it shall not be pruned, nor hoed around; and it shall be overgrown with briers and thorns; and the clouds will I command that they send down no rain upon it. ^ Lit. "Removal," or "sweeping out," i.e. of wickedne.ss. ° Philippson, " that it (the cloud) may bo a cover of all the glory," and refers to Exod. xl. 34, 35 ; but Rashi comments, " for over all the glory promised to them, shall be the protection which my majesty shall cover them with." ' Rashi, " L(1ihIji-ii</i) , 'wild grapes,'" appearing like 1 1 grapes. ' They demand him in marriage, celibacy being a dis- 'I « /. e. Cattle shall comr in and liud on its branehes; the i,'i6. ll same meaning is to be applied tn above, iii. 14. ISAIAH V. 7 Vov the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are the plant of his delight: and he hoped for justice, but behold injustice; for equity, but liehold iniquity." 8 ^ Wo unto those that cause house to join on liouse, bring field near*" to field, till there is no more room, so that ye may be left alone as the inhabitants in the midst of the land ! 9 In my ears (spoke) the Lord of hosts. Truly many houses shall )jecome desolate, yea, great and beautiful ones without an in- habitant. 10 Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield (but) one bath, and a chomer-seed" shall yield (but) an ephah. 11 ^ Wo unto those that rise up early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink; that continue until late in the twi- light, till wine inflame them! 12 And there are harp and psaltery, tam- bourine and flute, and wine at their drinkina:- feasts ; but the deeds of the Lord they regard not, and the works of his hands they behold not. 13 Therefore are my people led into exile, for want of knowledge :"* and their honour- able men suffer of famine, and their multi- tude are panting with thirst. 14 Therefore hath the deep' enlarged her desire, and opened her mouth without mea- sure: and there descend (Jerusalem's)' glory, and her multitude, and her noise, and who- ever rejoiced therein. 15 And bent down shall be the son of earth, and humbled shall be the man, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled ; 16 And tlie Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and the holy God shall be sanc- tified by (displaying his) righteousness. 17 Then shall the sheep feed according to ° Lit. "outcry," i. e. against the false decrees of the ! judges. It has been endeavored to retain the play on the words in the original, oaB^n against n-JiyrD, and npnv against rypyiS. '' i. e. By taking away by force the intermediate pro- perty. ° A rlwmrr is ten rphahs or ten haf/i>'. ^ r\;;T ''730 is rendered by Sachs "unawares;" /. <•. be- fore they are aware or knowing of the evil. We have followed Rashi and Jonathan, who also give a;'"! 'no with ■• dying of faniiiic" h^HV/ is rendered /n/l in tliu English version : but the 31 I their wont, and the ruins of the fat ones shall sojourners eat. 18 ][ Wo unto those that draw iniquity with the cords of falsehood, and as with a wagon-rope, sinfulness ; 19 That say, Let liini make speed, let him hasten his work, that we niay see it: and let draw nigh and come the counsel of the Holy One of Israel, that we may know it! 2(J ^1 Wo unto those that say of tlu' (■\ il it is good, and of the good it is evil; tliat put darkness for liglit, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bit- ter! 21 ^[ Wo unto those that are wise in their own eyes, and intelligent in their own es- teem !^ 22 ][ Wo unto those that are heroes to drink wine, and men of might to mingle strong drink; 23 Who justify the wicked in lieu of a bribe, and who deprive the righteous of their j right! 2-1 ^ Therefore as the tongue of the fire devoureth the stubble, and dry hay sinketh before the flame : so shall their root be as rot- ten tilings, and their blossom shall fly up as the dust ; because they have despised the law of the Lord of hosts, and the word of the Holy One of Israel they have rejected. 25 For this cause is kindled the anger of the Lord against his jieople, and he stretcheth" forth his hand against them, and he smiteth them ; and the mountains tremble, and their carcasses lie like sweepings' in the midst of the streets: with all this his anger is not turned away, but still is his hand stretched out. 26 And he will lift up an ensign to tlie nations from afar, and will call' for one t)f them from the end of the earth; and, behold, with speed, swiftly, it cometh; general idea is the place where the dead go to, '■ the grave," •'the deep." "the nether world." ' After Rashi, s Heb. "and in the presence of their face." ^ In the Hebrew the past tense is used, because to the prophet's eyes the present is already past. ' After Rashi. But Aben Ezra takes the 3 of nniD3 belonging to the root, and renders, "shall be cast away." Redak, ■out in pieces." ' Lit. "whistle." or "pipe." Rashi, •'■ Siffler, which is also a sign for gathering, like the lifting up nf tlic lian- uer." 4iJ-J ISAIAH V. VI. VII. 27 There is none weary nor stumbling among its men ; it slumbereth not, it sleepeth not; not loosened is the girdle of its loins, not broken is the latchet of its shoes; 28 Whose arrows are sharpened, and all whose bows are bent; its horses hoofs are hard like the flint, and its wheels like the whirl- wind; 29 It hath a roar like the lioness, it roareth like the young lions: yea, it growleth, and layeth hold of the prey, and carrieth it safely off. with none to deliver. SO And it will rage against them on that day like with the raging of the sea: and if one look unto the earth, behold, there is dai'kness, oppression," and the light is darkened through the darkness of its clouds. CHAPTER VI. 1 ^ In the year of king 'Uzziyahu's death I saw the Lord sitting upon a high and ex- alted throne, and his train filled the temple. 2 Seraphim were standing around him, each one had six wings; with two he covered his fiice, and with two he covered his feet, and with two did he fly. 3 And one called unto the other, and said. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory. 4 And the posts of the threshold shook at the voice of those that called aloud, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 And I said. Wo is me! for I am lost; be- cause a man of unclean lips am I, and in the midst of a people of unclean lips do I dwell; for the King, the Lord of hosts have my eyes seen. 6 Then flew unto me one of the seraphim, and in his hand was a live coal," with the tongs had he taken it from off the altar : 7 And he touched therewith upon my moutli, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thy iniquity is departed, and thy sin is forgiven. 8 And I heard the voice of the Lord, say- ' ('. e. The inimical nation, against Israel. '' Sachs, "darkness of distress," otherwise this verse is rendered after him. Some translate, "moon and sun are rendered dark through its clouds;" making tv the moon, or small luminary. ° Sachs, "a glowing stone." '' Philippson, " You sh.ill hear, but not understand," &c. ' After Rash i. Other.s, " Make obdurate," &c. ; mean- ing, the perverseness of the people is so great that the 400 ing. Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? And I said. Here am I: send me. 9 And he said. Go. and say unto this peo- ple. Hear'' indeed, but understand not; and see indeed, but know not. 10 Obdurate" will remain the heart of this people, and their ears will be heavyj and their eyes will be shut: so that they will not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor their hearts be understanding, so that they be converted, and healing be granted them. 11 And I said, How long, Lord? And he said, Until that cities be left waste without an inlial)itant, and houses without man, and the soil be made desolate as a wilderness, 12 And the Lord will have removed far away the men, and the depopulation be great in the midst of the land. 13 And should a tenth part thereof yet re- main, it will again be swept away: (yet) like the terebinth and the oak, which, when they cast their leaves, retain their stems, so re- maineth the holy seed, its' stem. CHAPTER VII. 1 Tl And it came to pass in the days of Aehaz the son of Jotham, the son of 'Uzzi- yahu, the king of Judah, that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekach the son of Remalyahu, the king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it; but were not able to make an attack upon it. 2 And it was told unto the house'^ of David, saying, Syria is encamped with Ephraim ; and his heart trembled, with the heart of his people, as the trees of the forest are shaken before the wind. 3 ^ And the Lord said unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Achaz, thou with Shear-yashub thy son, to the end of the aqueduct of the up- per pool, on the highway of the washer's" field; 4 jiVnd thou shalt say unto him. Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, and let thy heart not become ftiint because of these two stumps of smoking firebrands, before the fierce prophetic mission will only display the stronger their un- worthiness. (See Exod. iii. Ht; Deut. xxix. 3.) ' Israel's. The deciduous tree easts its leaves iu the autumn; still it dies not; with return of the spring a new foliage appears; so, though destruction comes after de- struction over the godless, the holy seed, the truly pious, are the stem, the trunk of Israel's tree, sending out new branches and new leaves I'or ever. The kinii Othe • fuller's field." ISAIAH YII. VIII. anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remalyahu. 5 Forasmuch as Syria, (with) Ephraini and the son of Remalyahu, have taken evil coun- sel against thee, saying, 6 Let us go up against Judah, and hesiege'' it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set up as king in the midst of it the son of Tabeal : 7 ][ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, It shall not succeed, and it shall not come to pass. 8 For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin : and within sixty and five'' years shall Ephraim be broken, to be no more a people. 9 And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remalyahu's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not have permanence. 10 ][ And the Lord continued to speak unto Achaz, saying, 11 Ask tliee a sign from the Lord thy God; ask it in the depth, or high up above. 12 But Achaz said, I will not ask, and I will not tempt the Lord. lo And he said. Hear ye now, house of David ! Is it too little for you to weary men, that ye will weary also my God ? 14 Therefore will the Lord biniself give you a sign: behold, this young' woman shall conceive, and bear a son, and she*^ shall call his name 'Immanu-el, (God with us.) 15 Cream' and honey shall he eat, so soon as he knoweth to refuse the evil, and to choose tlio good. 16 For before yet the child shall know to refuse the evil, and to choose the good, shall be forsaken the land, of the kings of which thou feelest dread. 17 The Lord will bring over thee, and over thy people, and over thy flither's house, days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim withdrew from Judah, — the king of Assyria. ' Philippson, ''inclose." 8aohs, "trouble." *■ Rashi refers this to the prophecy of 'Amos from which the period is to be dated to which Isaiah now refers; and to this he properly appends a sign, Achaz having no doubt shown that he believed Isaiah as little as the older prophet 'Amos. ° noS;? does not necessarily signify vinjin, but a young marriageable woman in general. (See also Prov.xxx. 21.) * Others, "and thou shalt call," addressing the young- woman herself. • liashi, who comments, •• Now all is desolate by the 18 ^ And it shall come to pass on tluit day, that the Lord will call'' for the lly tliat is in the uttermost end of the streams of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria. 19 And they shall come, and shall encamp, all of them, in tlie desolate valleys, and in the clefts of the rocks, and upon all thorn- hedges, and upon all bushes. 20 On the same day will the Lord shave with the razor that is hired, from among those on the other side of the river, with the king of Assyria,*^ the head, and the hair of the feet: and also the beard shall it entirely remove. 21 ^ And it shall come to pass on that day, that a man shall nourish (but) one young cow,*" and two sheep; 22 And it shall happen, that lor the abun- dance of milk which the}' shall give he shall eat cream; for cream and honey shall eat every one that is left in the midst of the land. 23 And it shall come to pass on that day, that every place, where there are (now) a thou- sand vines worth a thousand silver shekels, shall be, — ^^■'ea, this shall be (given up) to briers and thorns. 24 With arrows and with bows shall men enter thither; because all the land shall be- come (covereil with) briers and thorns. 25 And all mountains that are worked with the mattock, there' shall not come thither the fear of briers and thorns: and they snail serve for the pasture of oxen, and for the treading of sheep. CHAPTER VIIL 1 ^ And tlie Lord said unto me. Take thyself a large table,' and write on it with distinct letters,' Lemaher-shalal-chash-bas."" 2 And I was to summon for myself trust- worthy witnesses, Uriyah the priest, and Zecharyahu the son of Yeberech}ahu. 3 And I came near unto the prophetess; war; but this shall cease speedily and there be plenty for all." ' Lit. " whistle." (See above, v. 26.) ^ The Assyrian is the razor which is to do God's bidding. ^ Kashi, "after the desolation, and on the little that is left will I send my blessing." ' Philippson, "thou shalt not enter there for fear of briers and thistles." '.Jonathan. Rashi, "roll.". ' Jonathan; lit. "the pen," "or style of a man." " L e. Speedy booty, sudden spoil. Mil ISAIAH VIII. aud «he conceived, and bore a sou. Then said the Lord to me, Call his name Maher- shalal-chash-bas. 4 For before yet the boy shall know to call, My father, and my mother, the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be carried away before the king of Assyria. 5 ]| And the Lord continued to speak unto me again, saying, 6 Forasmuch as this people despiseth the waters of Shiloach that flow softl}', and rejoice in Reziu and Remal_yahu's son: 7 Yea therefore behold, the Lord bringeth up over them the strong aud many waters of the river, — the king of Assyria, and all his glory; aud he shall come up over all his channels, and step over all his banks ; 8 And he shall penetrate into Judah, over- sow and flood over, even to the neck shall he reach ; and his outstretched wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, 'Immanu-el." 9 ]| Associate'' yourselves, ye people, yet shall ye be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of the far portions of the earth : gird' yourselves, yet shall ye be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, yet shall ye be broken in pieces. 10 Take counsel together, yet shall it come to naught; speak the word, and it shall not stand firm; for with us is God. 11 II For thus said the Lord to me with the strength of prophecy, aud warned me not to -valk in the Avay of this people, saying, 12 Call'' ye not a conspiracy all that this people may call a conspiracy, and what it feareth shall ye not fear, and be not terrified (thereat). 1 3 The Lord of hosts, him shall ye sanctif^y ; " 'Immanu-el was tbe child that was to show the early fulfilment >f the prophecy in chap. vii. ; hence his name stands for the land of Judah, which, notwithstanding the danger predicted, should still be delivered ; as was done when Sennacherib's army fell before Jerusalem. " Rashi and Jonathan. Zunz, "rage, nations, and fear." Akin Vi'iTs, "]5c ye broken and crushed." ' With armour. '' Lit. " Say not a conspiracy of all," &c. Tbe conspiracy i-f probably the confederacy of the enemies of Judah ; and tio prophet sfluni2isV.cs himfclf and others not to be dis- m.'^.j'ed at the apparent danger ' Ra'ihi, "bind and seal the warning and the teaching >f tho l;;w on the heart of 'iiy disciples who fear the Loun," properly called, " the disciples of tlie Lord." ' Lit. "chirp," like a bird. Kngiisb version, "peep," iu the Jiiune sense. 'This 16 the ansHci wiiich is to bi givcu ; leudered m aud let him be your fear, and let him be your terror. 14 And he will be for a sanctuary; but also for a stone of stumbling and for a rock to fall over unto both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many shall stumble over them, and fall, and be broken, and snared, and be caught. 16 T[ Bind" up the testimony, seal up the law among my disciples. 17 And I will wait for the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, aud I will hope for him. 18 Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for tokens in Israel, from the Lord of hosts who dwelleth on mount Ziou. 19 Aud when they shall say unto you, " Inquire of those that have familiar spirits, and of the wizards, that whisper,'' aud that mutter :" should" not a people inquire of their God? (should we then) in behalf of the liv- ing (inquire) of the dead? 20 (Hold) to the law and to the testimony: if they are not to speak according to this word.'' in which there is no light. 21 And the (people) shall pa.ss tln-ough (the laud), hard oppressed and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they will become enraged, and curse their king and their god, and turn to^\•ard on high (for aid).' 22 And they will look unto the earth; and behold there are trouble aud darknf^^s, dimness of oppression, and they shall be scat- tered into obscurity. 23 For no fatigue'' (befalleth) liim that op- after Rashi. But Jonathan, "this is the custom of the nations who worship error, they inquire of their idols, of the dead for the living." '' Rashi renders, " You will see that they will say in ac- cordance with this word, that their fiilse gods have no power to grant prayer;" t.aking tnty " to seek by eutreaty." I'hilippson, " (Back) to the law and testimony, if tbe peo- jile to whom uo morning dawneth speak not after this word;" meaning, that no light shall be given to those who turn not back to the law. ' Jonathan. '' This verse is given after Rashi aud Jonathan ; though the latter renders the last part, "and the remainder shall a mighty king lead captive, because they remembered not God's power at the (Red) Sea, and the miracles at the Jordan near the cities of the nations." rh refer.-; to the land. S'Sj Rashi applies to all Palestine, "the laud to which the nations draw in masses." This verse is the 1st (if ehaj). i.\. in the English version. ISAIATI VTTr. IX. presseth it; in the first time he made light of the land of Zcl)ulun, and the land of Naph- tali, and at the last he will deal hard, with the way by the sea, on the other side of the Jordan, (up to) the Galilee of the nations. CHAPTER IX. 1 The people that walk in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death — a light shineth brightly over them. 2 Thou hast multiplied the nation, made great their joj*: they rejoice before thee as with the joy in harvest, as men are glad when they divide the spoil. 3 For the yoke of their burden, and the staff on their shoulder, the rod of their op- pressor, hast thou broken, as on the day of Midian. 4 For" all the weapons of the fighter in tlie battle's tumult, and the garment rolled in blood, shall be burnt, become food for fire. 5 For a child is born unto us, a son hath been given unto us, and the government is placed on his shoulders; and his name is called. Wonderful, counsellor of the mighty God, of the everlasting Father, the prince of peace," 6 For (promoting) the increase of the go- vernment, and for peace without end, upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom, to establish it and to support it through jus- tice and righteousness, from henceforth and unto eternity: the zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 7 ][ A word hath the Lord sent against Jacob, and it hath alighted upon Israel. 8 And experience it shall all the people together, Ephraim and the iidiabitants of Samaria; because they say, in the pride and haughtiness of heart, 9 "The bricks are follen down, but with hewn stones will we re-build : the svcamores' " After Heinemann, Sachs, Pliilippson. Hoehstadter, '' all rattling armour." "" Heineniaun ; Rashi renders, '• and theWonderful, coun- sellor, mighty God, the everlasting Father, hath called his name The prince of peace." Aben Ezra, however, after whom Philippson, applies all the words as epithets of the prince, (Hezekiah,) and translates, "and people call him, W^onder, counsellor, mighty one of God, perpetual father, p.ince of peace." The only difficulty in the verse is the word Sn which may as well be rendered with Aben Ezra 'powerful," as God. a> this word is found in the same are cut down. Imt with cedars will we replace them." 10 Therefore will the Loku strengthen the adversaries of Rezin above him, and will stir up'* his enemies ; 11 The Syrians in front, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with a full mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand still remaineth stretched out. 12 And the people return not unto him that smiteth them, and the Lord of hosts do they not seek. 13 ][ And tlie Lord cutteth off from Israel head and tail, palm-branch and rush, on one day. 14 The ancient and honoura))le is the head; and tlie prophet that teaclieth lies is the tail. 15 And the guides of this people are those that guide to error; and those that are led of them ai'e misled.' 16 Therefore will the Lord have no joy in their young men, and on their fatherless and widows will he have no mercy ; for every one is a hypocrite and an evil-doer, and every month speaketh scandalous words. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand still remaineth stretched out. 17 For wickedness burnetii like the fire; it shall devour the briers and thorns; and it shall kindle (a flame) in the thickets of the forest, and they shall be shrouded' by the wreaths of smoke. 18 ]| Through the fury of the Lord of hosts is the land scorched,* and the people have become as food for the fire; no man will spare his brother. 19 And he snatcheth on the right hand, and is (yet) hungry ; and he eateth on the left hand, and are not (yet) satisfied; they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm : sense in E.xod. xv. 11, 15. Only the importance attached to this verse by controversialists has induced us to spe:ik so much of it, as it evidently alludes to a child born already, jnj '-hath been." not |nr "shall be given." " Sachs, "mulberries." Othens, "wild fig trees." " "Arm."— Sachs. ' "And their misled ones are ruined." — PhilippsoN. ' " They shall be shrouded and shut out by the strength of the smoke of the conflagration." — Repak. ' Rashi, "the smoke is thrown over the earth " He- dak, "the laud is darkened." ■4t;9 ISAIAH IX. X. 20 Menasseli (against)" Ephraim; and Ephraim (against) Menasseh; and they to- gether against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand still remain- eth stretched out. CHAPTER X. 1 ^ Wo unto those that decree decrees of unrighteousness, and the writers" who write down wrongful things; 2 To turn aside from judgment the needy, and to rob the just due of the poor of my peo- ple, that widows may be their prey, and (that) they may plunder the fatherless ! 3 And what will ye do on the day of the visitation, and at the desolation which will come from afar? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory? 4 Without me' they shall kneel down un- der the prisoners, and under the slain shall they fall. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand still remaineth stretched out. 5 T[ Wo over Asshur, the rod of my an- ger; and a staff is in their hand my indigna- tion. 6 Against a hypocritical nation will I send him, and against the people of my fury will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to carry off the prey, and to render them trodden down like the mire of the streets. 7 But he deemeth it not so, and his heart doth not think so; but to destroy is in his heart, and to cut oft' nations not a few. 8 For he saith, "Are not my princes alto- gether kings? 9 Is not Calno like Karkemish? is not Cha- math like Arpad? is not Samaria like Da^ mascus? 10 As my hand hath reached the king- doms of the idols, whose graven images ex- ceeded in number those of Jerusalem and of Samaria : 11 Shall I not, as I have done unto Sar • After Aben Ezra. But Rashi, " Menasseh joineth Ephraim," &c. '' Sachs. But Rashi, " and sign wrongful writings," D'3n3n as " the written transactions. He also renders, " Wo to those who indict false obligations." Redak. Rashi, after Jonathan, " where they have not kneeled there shall thoy be prisoners ;" ('. e. beyond I'lilestine, taking rinn as "on the spot." Sachs, "he who hath never kneeled (shall do it) among prisoners," 470 maria and her idols, do so unto Jerusalem and unto her idols ?" 12 Tl Wherefore shall it come to pass, that when the Lord hath completed all his work on mount Zion and in Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the haughtiness of the king of Asshur, and the vain-glory of his proud looks. 13 For he hath said, "By the strength of my hand have I done it, and by my wisdom, for I have intelligence; and I have removed the boundaries of nations, and their laid-up treasures have I plundered, and brought down low those that were powerfully seated.'' 14 And my hand hath reached, as a bird's nest, the wealth of the people: and as one gathereth up eggs that are forsaken, have I myself gathered up all the earth; and there was not one that moved the wing, or opened tlie mouth, or chirped." 15 Shall the axe boast itself over hhn that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that swingeth it? as if the rod should swing about those that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up him who is no wood." 16^ Therefore will the Lord, the Eternal of hosts, send forth among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory shall be kindled a burn- ing like the burning of a fire. 17 And the light of Israel shall become a fire, and his Holy One a flame; and it shall burn and devour his thorns and his briers on one day. 18 And the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body, will he de- stroy: and he shall be as (a tree) eaten to powder by the worms.' 19 And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few in number, so that a boy may write them down. 20 ][ And it shall come to pass on that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall not &c. Our version is, " where God does not aid, all human strength is vain." ■* Jonathan, "that dwell in strong cities." 1"3SO is thus used adverbially. Philippson, and English version, "as a valiant man." Rashi, "many inhabitants." ' Rashi. 'Rashi, taking ddU to mean 'gnaw-worm." Sachs, "as the fading away of a sick man," from OOD "to melt away." tSAtAH X. Xt farther lean for support again upon liiiu that sniitelh them; hut they shall lean for support upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. 21 The remnant shall return, the remnant of Jacoh, unto the mighty (lod. 22 For though thy people Israel should be as the sand of the sea, (yet) a remnant (only) of them shall return : destruction is decreed, it overtloweth with righteousness. 23 For it is completed and decreed: the Lord, the Eternal of hosts will do it in the midst of all the land. 24 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord the Eternal of hosts, Be not afraid, my people tliJit dwellest in Zion, of Asshur, who will smite thee with the rod, and lift up his staflf against thee, after the maimer of Egypt. 25 ^ For yet but a very little Avhile more, and the indignation shall cease, and my anger shall be for their destruction." 26 And the Lord of hosts shall hft up a scourge over him like (at) thesmitingof Midian at the rock of 'Oreb : and as his staff was lifted over the sea, so will he carry him off after the manner of Egypt. 27 And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be removed from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be broken because of the fatness. 28 He cometh to 'Ayath," he passeth on to Migron; at Michmash he lajeth up his baggage ; 29 They go through the pass; they take up tlieir lodging at Geba'; Ramah trembleth; Gib'ah of Saul fleeth. 30 Let thy voice resound, daughter of Gallim ; listen Laj'shah ; poor 'Anathoth ! 31 Madmenah is in motion; the inhabit- ants of Gebim are assembled to flee. 32 As yet to-day will he remain at Nob: then will he swing his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jeru- salem. ' Jonathan, " over the nations that do wicked deeds to destroy them." Rashi, "and my anger will stop, because of their (Assyrians') blasphemy." '' Metaphorical, as though by the increase of fat around the neck the bars of the yoke would crack asunder. ' This is a prophetical description of the march of Sen- nacherib's army approaching Jerusalem in order to invest it, and of the terror and confusion spreading and increas- ing through the several places as he advanced ; expressed with great brevity, but finely diversified. 33 ^1 Beliold, the Lord, the Eternal of hosts, will lop off the fruitful bough with terrific might: and those of towering growth shall be hewn down, and the high shall be laid low. 34 And he will cut down the thickets of the forests with iron, and the Lebanon shall fall by (means of) a mighty one. CHAPTER XI. 1 Tl And there shall come forth a shoot out of the stem of Jes.'^e, and a sprout shall spring out of his roots. 2 And there shall rest upon him the spirit of the Lord, the spirit of wisdom and under- standing, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord ; 3 And he shall be animated'' by the fear of the Lord; and not after the sight of his eyes shall he judge, and not after the hearing of his ears shall he decide; 4 But he shall judge with righteousness the poor, and decide with equity for the suf- fering ones of the earth;' and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5 And righteousness' shall be tlie girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his hips. 6 And the wolf shall then dwell with the sheep, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid ; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling (shall be) together, and a little bo\- shall lead them. 7 And the cow and the she-bear shall feed, together shall their young ones lie down : and the lion shall like the ox eat straw. 8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and on the basilisk's den shall the weaned child stretch out his hand. 9 They shall not do hurt nor destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth^ shall be ^ Rashi. Redak, "He shall understand quickly," from nn "the smell." Philippson, "A pleasant odour is to him the fear," &c. • Others, "the land." ' Jonathan, " And the righteous shall be all around him, and those who act faithfully shall come near him." ' The effect of the spread of the knowledge of truth shall be to remove all contention, discord and strife, — universal peace — universal knowledge. 471 ISAIAH XI. XII. XIII. full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.* 10 |[ And it shall happen on that day, that (he of) the root of Jesse, who shall stand as an ensign of the people, to him shall nations (come to) inquire: and his resting-place*" shall be glorious." 11 ^f And it shall happen on th<j.t day, that the Lord will put forth his hand again the second time to acquire the remnant of his people, which shall remain, from Asshur -.nd from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from (,'ush, and from 'Elani, and from Shin'ar, and from Chamatb, and from the islands of the sea. 12 And he will lift up an ensign unto the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel; and the dispersed of Judah will he collect together from the four corners of the earth. 13 A.nd then shall depart the envy of Ephraim, and the adversaries'* of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not assail Ephraim. 14 But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; together shall they spoil the children of the east : upon Edom and Moab shall they lay their hands; and the children of 'Amnion shall obey them. 15 And the Lord will utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea ; and lie will swing his hand over tlie river with his mighty'-' wind, and will smite it into seven streams, and render it passable with shoes. 16 And there shall be a high-way for the remnant of his people, which shall remain from Asshur, like as it was to Israel on the day that they came up out of the land of Egypt. CHAPTER XII. 1 And thou shalt say on that day, " I will thank thee, Lord, that thou wast angry * '('. f. The bed of the sea; and so Sachs, " the depth of the sea." '' Jonathan. ° Lit. "glory," and is so rendered by Sachs and others. Ilouhstadter, " and rest sliall be glorious to him." " Kedak and other.s, " the enemies of Ephraim among Judah;" ('. e. neither party shall desire war. " Sachs, after Sa'adyah, " with the glowing of his anger;" D'p from an Arabic root, signifying "ihe glowing." •)7-J with me : thy anger (now) is turned away, a.nd thou comfortest me. 2 Behold, God is my salvation : I will trust and not he afraid; for my strength and song is Yah the Eternal; and he is become m}' salvation." 3. And ye shall draw water with gladness out of the spring-s of salvation. 4 And ye shall say on that day, "Give thanks unto the I-ord, call on his name, mike known his deeds among the people, keep it in remembrance that exalted is his name. 5 Sing unto the Lord; for he hath wrought a stupendous thing: knovai is this on all the earth." 6 Call aloud and shout, > babi tress of Zion; for great is in the niiu^t o" tbee the Holy One of Israel. CHAPTER XIII. 1 Tf The doom*^ of Babylon, whicli Isaiah the son of Amoz foresaw. 2 Upon a liigh^ mountain lift ye up a ban- ner, raise high ^our voice unto them, Avave the hand, that they may enter into the gates of the princes. 3 I have chai'ged my prepared ones, I have also called my heroes for my anger, those that rejoice in my highness.'' 4 There is a noise of tumult on the moun- tains, like that of a numerous people; a noise of shouting of kingdoms of nations assembled : the Lord of hosts mustereth a host of battle.' 5 They are coming from a far-off country, from the end of the heavens, (here is) the Lord, with the weapons of his indignation, to destroy all the land. 6 Wail ye; for nigh is the day of the Lord ; like wasting from the Almighty shall it come. 7 Therefore all hands shall become weak, and every mortal's heart shall melt; 8 And they shall be afirighted, pangs and ' Rashi, who comments, " the load of punishment." Lit. "burden," or that prophecy which announces what is heavy, or direful, — or simply doom. * Rashi and Jonathan, "against the secure mountains;" but Babylon was in a plain; it is evidently merely a cal!. for all the enemies to assemble. '' Aben Ezra, " to display my strength." ' A beautiful description of a gradual gathering of a large army at a distance from the speaker. a. D m ISAIAH XIII. XIV. pains shall seize on them; they shall havej throes as a woman that travaileth; one at the other shall they look amazed; red like Hames shall their faces glow". | 9 Behold, the day of the Lokd cometh.' direful/' (laden) with wrath and the fierceness, of anger, to render the earth desolate: and its sinners will he destroy out of it. 10 For the stars of the heavens and their constellations shall not give forth their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not shed abroad her light. 11 And I will visit on the world" its evil, and on the wicked their iniquity; and I will stop the arrogance of the presumptuous, and the haughtiness of the tyrants will I humble. 12 I will make the mortal more precious'' than fine gold; and man, more than the va- lued metfil of Ophir. 13 Therefore will I shake the heavens, and the earth shall start quaking out of her place, at the wn-ath of the Lord of hosts, and on the day of his fierce anger. 14 And the people shall be as the chased roe, and as flocks wiiich no one gathereth up; every man to his own people shall they turn, i and every man into his own land shall they ' flee. ■ j 15 Every one that is foiuid shall be thrust through; and every one that is joined unto thenf shall fill by the sword. 16 And their babes shall be dashed to pieces before their ej-es : spoiled shall be their houses, and their wives ravished. I 17 Behold, I will stir up against them the Medes; who will not regard silver, and who will not delight in gold. I 18 And their bows will dash young men to pieces ; and on the fruit of the womb will they have no mercy; on children their eye will not look with pity. 10 And (thus) shall Babylon, the glory of! kingdoms, the proud' ornament of the Chal- i deans, become like the overthrow through God of Sodom aud Gomorrah. * Lit. "the faces of flames (are) their faces." *■ Heb. "cruel," as though the day itself were inex- orable. Others render, '"earth," '-land," i. e. Babylon. " Rashi and Eedak refer this to Babylon. ^ i. r. Scarcer, so many shall die. ' So Jonathan and Rashi. Sachs, "who hideth him- Belf" riiilippson comments, "who joins the enemy." Heinemann. "who is caught." ' Lit. "the ornament of the pride," or "arrogance." ,-; K 20 It shall not 1)o inhabited for ever, and it shall not be dwelt in from generation to generation ; nor shall the Arabian pitch there his tent; and shepherds shall not let their flocks rest there ; 21 But there shall rest the wild beasts of the desert; and their houses shall be fidl of owls; and ostriches shall dwell there, and evil spirits shall dance there. 22 And jackals* shall howl in her palaces," and monsters in the temples of pleasure; and near to come is her time, and her days shall not be extended. CHAPTER XIV. 1 For the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will again make choice of Israel, and replace them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined unto them, and they shall attach themselves to the house of Jacob. 2 And nations shall take them, and bring them to their own place; but the house of Israel shall obtain possession of them in the land of the Lord for men-servants and for maid-servants; and they shall take captive their captors, and they shall rule over their oppressors.' 3 ^ And it shall come to pass on the day when the Lord will give thee rest from thy trouble, and from thy vexation, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve, 4 That thou wilt take up this parable against the king of Babylon, and say. How hath ceased the oppressor! ceased the exac- tress" of gold! 5 Broken hath the Lord the staff of the wicked, the sceptre' of rulers; G He who smote people in wrath, blows without intermission, he that ruled in anger nations, persecuting without restramt. 7 At rest, quiet is all the earth; men break forth into loud song. 8 Also, the fir-trees rejoice at thee, the " The names of the animals introduced in these verges have been translated according to various authorities ; but they are still very uncertain. "■ Jonathan. Aben Ezra, " her widowed, i. '-. deserted houses." ' Or "taskmasters." '' Redak. Rashi, " the proud imposer of a heavy bur- den." Philippson, simply "oppressor." Sachs, after Rashi, "tormentress." Others, " rod." 473 ISAIAH XIV. cedars of Lebanon, " Since tliou wast laid low, no feller is come np against us." 9 The nether world from below is in mo- tion concerning thee to meet thee at thy com- ing: it stirreth up the departed for thee, all the chief ones of the earth; it hath caused to rise up from their thrones all the kings of nations. 10 They all will commence and say unto thee, ''Thou — thou also art become weak like us; similar unto us art thou become!" 11 Into the nether world is brought down thy pride, the clatter of thy psalteries: be- neath thee is spread the worm, and thy cover is the moth. 12 How art thou follen from heaven, morning-star, son of the dawn! how art thou hewn down to the o'l'ound, crusher" of na- tions ! 13 And thou — thou hadst said in thy heart, " Into heaven will I ascend, above the stars of God will I exalt my throne; and I will sit also upon the mount of the assembly, in the farthest'' end of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be equal to the Most High." 15 But into the nether world shalt thou be brought down, into the lowest depth. 16 They that see thee will gaze at thee, will regard thee well, (saying.) "Is this the man that caused the earth to tremble, that made kingdoms quake? 17 That rendered the world as a wilder- ness, and pulled down its cities : never opened" the prison-house of his prisoners?" 18 All the kings of nations, all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own (eternal) house." 19 But thou — thou art cast out of thy grave like a discarded offshoot, as a garment of those that are slain, pierced by the sword, that go down to the stones" of the pit, as a carcass trodden under foot. 20 Thou shalt not be united with them in burial ; because thy land hast thou destroyed. grandson, thy people hast thou slain: to eternity shall not be called the seed of evil-doers. 21 Prepare for his children the slaughter, for the iniquity of their fatliers: that they may not rise, and possess the land, and fill the 'face of the world with enemies (of mankind). 22 And I will rise up against them, saith the Lord of hosts; and I will cut oft' from Babylon name, and remnant, and son, and saith the Lord. I will also make it a possession for the ij hedgehog,' and pools of water: and I will 'sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith i the LoKD of hosts. 24 ^ Sworn hath the Lord of hosts, saying. Surely as I have purposed, so doth it come to pass; and as I have resolved, so shall it occur*: 25 To break Asshur in my own land, and upon my mountains will I tread him under foot; then shall his joke be removed from oft' them, and his burden shall be removed from off their shoulders. 26 This is the resolve that is resolved over all the earth : and this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations. 27 For the Lord of hosts hath resolved, and who shall frustrate it? and it is his hand which is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? 28 ^ In the year that king Achaz died was this prophecy (given). 29 Rejoice not, thou entire Palestine, be- cause the rod of him that smote thee is broken ; for out of the serpent's root shall come forth an adder, and its fruit shall be a flying dragon. 30 And the first-born of t he poor shall feed, and the needy shall rest in safety: and I will kill with famine thy root, and men shall slay thy remnant. 31 Wail, gate; cry out, city; thou art dissolved, thou entire Palestine; for from the north a smoke is coming, and there is no one solitary among those of his that are bidden to come. 'Lit. "weakenor of the nations. Jonathan, "who didst slay among nations." '' D'riDT means thn farthest point of a thinj; ; for in- stance, the back wall of a house. Probably here is meant a mountain in the far north, which the Babylonians fancied to be the seat or assembliuf; plaee of their gods. The ■ Greeks had Olympus; the Indians, Meru; the Persians, I Albordj. Rashi and others refer it to Mount Zion. ' ■ 474 " Or, "did not let his prisoners loose homeward." ^ Jonathan, i. e. the grave. " i. e. The bottom. Philippson, "who are sunk under the stones," &c. The legend is, that Nebnchadnezzer was dragged out of his grave; but it may be metaphori- cal to express the utter desolation of Babylon, as its rOyal sepulchre even was not spared. ' Rashi. Others, " the bittern/' a bird. ISAIAH XTV. XV. XVI. S2 And what will each one of the messen- gers of the nation answer? That the Lord hath fonnded Zion, and that therein shall find protection the poor of his people. CHAPTER XV. 1 ][ The doom of Moab. Truly in a night is 'Ar of Moab plundered, it is laid waste; truly in a night is Kir of Moab plundered, it is laid waste. 2 It goeth up to the (idol-) house, and Di- bon (goeth) up to the high-places to weep, on° Nebo and on Medeba shall Moiib w^ail : on all its heads there is baldness, and every beard is hewn off. 3 In its streets they are girded with sack- cloth, on its roofs, and in its public places every one shall wail, groan"* with weeping. 4 And loud crieth Cheshbon with El'aleh ; as far as Yahaz is heard their voice : therefore the armed men of Moiib shall howl; its soul is grieved for itself." 5 My heart will cry for Moiib, w^hose fugi- tives are as far as Zo'ar, (and) the third'* 'Eg- larth ; for the ascent of Luchith — with weep- ing is it ascended; for on tlie way to Choro- nayim they let resound the cry of defeat (in battle). 6 For the waters of Nimrim shall be deso- late ; for dry is the grass, gone are the herbs, and green things are no more. 7 Therefore the rest of their acquisitions" and what they possess shall they carry away over the brook of the willows. 8 For the cry hath encompassed the bound- ary of Moab; up to Eglayim (is heard) its wail, and at Beer-elim (is heard) its w^ail. 9 For the waters of Dimon are filled with blood; for I will bring over Dinion armed bands;' over the escaped of Moab (cometh) a lion, and over the remnant of the land. CHAPTER XVI. 1 Send ye the lambs of the ruler* of the land from Sela', through the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion. ' Sachs, "for." *• Rashi. Sachs, "melt in weeping." ° Jonathan, "and they cry out for their soul." * i. e. A town so called: others, "like a three years' old heifer." 'Jonathan; but Aben Ezra, "the wealth they have acquired." 2 For it shall be, that, as a fugitive bird, as a chased" nest, so shall be the daughters of Moiib at the fords of Arnon. 3 Bring counsel, execute justice; render like the night thy shadow in the midst of the noonday; conceal the outcasts; betray not the fugitive. 4 Letmyoutcasts sojourn w'ith thee, Moiib;' be thou a covert to them from the face of the waster: till" ceaseth the extortion, past be the wasting, and vanished be the oppressor out of the land. 5 ^ And there shall be founded through kindness a throne; and there shall sit upon it in truthfulness in the tent of David a judge who seeketh justice, and is quick in right- eousness. 6 We have heard of the pride of Moiib; (that) he is very proud: of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath, his groundless lies. 7 Therefore shall Moab wail for Moab, every one shall wail; for the strong walls of Kir-charesseth shall ye lament, deeply stricken. 8 For the fields of Cheshbon are withered, the \ane of Sibmah — the lords of nations have beaten down its branches, they did reach as far as Ya'zer, into the wnlderness did they wander: its tendrils were stretched forth, they passed over the sea. 9 Therefore will I weep, when weeping for Ya'zer, for the vine of Sibmah : I will moisten thee richly with my tears, Cheshbon, and El'aleh ; for over (the gathering of) thy sum- mer fruits and over thy harvest the battle-cry is fallen. 10 And (thus) are taken away joy and glad- ness out of the fruitful field ; and in the vine- yards shall be no singing, shall be no joy- ful shout : in the presses shall the treader not tread out wine; I have stopped the harvest- call.' 11 Therefore my bowels shall groan for Moiib like a harp, and my inward parts for Kir-charess. 'Jonathan. Others, "additional evils." ^ /. e. of Moiib. See 2 Kings iii. 4. '■ i. e. As the young chased out of their nest. ' Jonathan, "the outcast of Moab." ' Others, " because." ' In verse 9, n-n represents the battle-cry ; here, the call of the reapers and vintners at their labour. •475 12 And it shall come to pass, that it shall be seen that Moilb is weavy on the high-places; and he will come to his sanctuary to pray; but he shall not accomplish (aught). 13 This is the word that the Lord hath spoken concerning Moiib in former times. 14 But now hath the Lord spoken, saying, Within throe years, as the years of a hired labourer, shall the glory of Moiib be rendered mean with all this (his) great multitude ; and the reuniant shall be very small and incon- siderable. CILVPTER XVn. 1 1[ The doom of Damascus. Behold, Da- rn a.scus is deprived of being a city, and it shall become decaying ruins. 2 Forsaken are the cities of 'Aro'er: they shall be (given up) to flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. And there shall cease the fortress from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: like the glory of the children of Israel shall they be, saith the Lord of hosts. 4 ^ And it shall come to pass on that day, that the glory of Jacob shall vanish, and the fatness of his iiesh shall become lean. 5 And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the standing-corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as when one gleaneth ears in the valley of Rephaim. 6 And there shall be left on it gleaning- fruit, as one shaketh an olive-tree, two or three berries on the top of the uppermost bough, four or five on the outmost branches of a fruitful tree, saith the Lord the God of Israel. 7 On that day shall a man turn his regard up to his Maker, and his eyes shall look to- ward the Holy One of Israel. 8 And he shall not turn his regard to the altars, the woi-k of his hands; and he sliall not look at what his fingers have made, both the groves and the sun-images. 9 1[ On that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken ruin in a forest,' and on a mountain-peak, which they left because of * After Rashi, except that we have followed Philippson in giving TOS (iisii.ally rendered, "tree-top,") with moun- tain-peak," a.s giving a better sense, llashi refers " they" to the ancient Canaanites who fled before Israel. 476 ISAIAH XVT. XVII. XVIIT. [the chiMivn of Israel: and the land shall be desolate. 10 Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and the rock of thy strength thou hast not remembered ; therefore wouldst thou plant luxuriant plantings, and wouldst set out the shoots of the stranger therein. 11 (Already) on the day that thou plant- edst thou causedst to grow, and in the morn- ing thou madest thy seed to blossom; but now fleeth the harvest on the day of disease*" and of incurable pain. 12 *i] Wo to the raging of many people, who rage like the raging of the seas; and to the noise of nations, that make a noise like the roar of mighty waters ! 13 The nations will make a noise like the roaring of many waters; but He will rebuke it, and it shall flee afar off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and as thistle-down before the tempest. 14 Atevcningtide, behold, there is trouble; before yet it is morning it is no more. This is the portion of our spoilers, and the lot of those that plunder us. CHAPTER XVIIL 1 ][ Wo to the land Avith spreading" wings, which is beyond the rivers of Cush, 2 That sendeth on the sea ambassadors, and in vessels of bulrushes'^ messengers over the face of the waters. Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation pulled and torn, to a people terri- ble from their beginning and onward; a na- tion meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled ! 3 All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, when the ensign is lifted up on the mountains, see ye; and when the cornet is blown, hear ye. 4 ^ For so hath said the Lord unto me, I \\i\\ take my rest, and I will look down on my dwelling-place like a clear heat upon herbs, and like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest. 5 For before the harvest, when the blossom is past, and the flower becometh a ripening grape, will he both cut off the tendrils with ^ Aben Ezra; but Sachs, literally, "possession." ° Jonathan, applying it to the sails of ships, spread out like wings of birds. Others, " buzzing." ■^ 8ee note to Exod. ii. 3. ISAIAH XVIIl. XIX. pruiiiiig-kui\ fs, and tlie sprig.s will he remove and cut down. 6 They .shall be left together unto the ])irds of*prey of the mountahiH, and to the beasts of the earth : and the birds of prey shall summer upon them, and all the beasts of the earth sliall winter upon them. 7 ^ At that time shall be brought as a present unto the Lord of hosts a people pulled and torn, and' a people terrible from their beginning and onward; a nation meted out and trodden under foot, whose land the ri\-ers have spoiled, to the place of the name of the Lord of hosts, the mount Zion. CHAPTER XIX. 1 If The doom of Egypt. Behold, the Lord rideth upon a swift" cloud, and is coming to Egypt : and the idols of Egypt shall be moved because of his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in its inward parts. 2 • And I will stir up Egyptians against Egyp- tians : and they shall fightevery one against his brother, and every one against his fellow; city against city, kingdom against kingdom. 3 And the spirit of Egypt shall be emptied out" in its inward parts, and its counsel will I frustrate; and they will inquire of the idols. and of the charmers,'' and of those that have fomiliar s]iirits, and of the wizards. •i And 1 will surrender the Egyptians into the hand of a cruel lord ; and a rigorous king shall rule over them, saith the Lord, the Eternal of hosts. 5 And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up. 6 And the rivers shall become foul;° and shallow and dried up shall become the deep streams :' reeds and flags shall wither. 7 The well-rooted plants by the stream, by the mouth of the stream, and every thing ° In Hebrew there is a o " from," which has been loft un- translated by Jonathan and others, and we have done so likewise. Perhaps we mifrht render it, "what is left of," meaning thus. " the remnant of Israel." "A nation meted out," over whom many sufferings — measures of punish- ment — have passed. This verse is rendered by Sachs and others, "In that time will be offered a present to the Lord of hosts (from) the tall-grown and fat-shining peo- ple, and from the people terrible from then and onward, the sinewy and treading-down nation, whose land is in- tersected by streams; to," &c. The same construction is followed in verse 2, and refers to the people of Cush, who are thus tall, fat, &c.; but this sense is not given sown by the stream, shall dry up, be scattered (by the wind,) and be no more. 8 The fishermen also shall lament, and all they that cast an angle into the stream shall mourn; and they that spread nets upon the face of the waters sliall languish. 9 And ashamed shall be they that work in fine flax, and they that weave white cloth. ^ 10 And its foundations shall be beaten down, all that build sluices shall be grieved in soid. 1 1 Surely fools are the princes of Zo'an, the wise of the coimsellors of Pharaoh (impart) silly counsel: how can ye say unto Pharaoh, I am a son of the wise, a son of the ancient kings? 12 Where are they, these, thy wise men? that they may tell thee now, that they know what the Lord of hosts hath resolved on over Egypt. 13 The princes of Zo'an are become fools, deceived are the princes of Noph ; and Egypt is led astray by the cliiefs of its tribes. 14 The Lord hath poured out in the midst thereof a spirit of perverseness : and they have led Egypt astray in all its work, as a drunk- ai'd reeleth astray in his vomit. 15 And there shall not be for Egypt (suc- cessful) work, which the head or tail, palm- branch or rush, ma\" do. 16 ^ On that day shall Egypt be like the women: and it shall tremble and be in dread becau,se of the wa\ing of the hand of the Lord of hosts, which he waveth over it. 17 And the land of Judah shall become unto Egypt a terror, every one that maketh mention thereof shall be in dread, because of the counsel of the Lord of hosts, which he hath resolved against it. 18 •[[ On that day shall be five cities in the land of Egypt s])eaking the language of Ca^ naan, and swearing by the Lord of hosts; "The city of destruction"" shall one be called. to it by our ancient commentators, who refer these verses to the persecuted Israelites. (See chap. Ixvi. 20.) " Others, literally, "light." ° i. ('. It shall be deprived of its wisdom. ■" Sachs and others, "ventriloquists." ' Sachs, after Rashi and Aben Ezra, "men shall aban- don," &c. 'Jonathan. Others, "streams of Mazor, ' net." Egypt." Sachs, ^ Aben Ezra. Ra.shi renders this with "coloured, and white linen." ■■ Philippson, "city of light," referring to Menachoth, fol. 110 a. .Iiinathan. "the city of the sun," (Heliopolis,) which shall be destroyed, 477 ISAIAH XIX. XX. XXI. 19 ]| On that day shall there be an altar i| to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, j[ and a pillar at its border to the Lord. : 20 And it shall be for a sign and for a testi- mony unto the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they sliall cry unto the Lord be- cause of the oppressors, and he will send them jl a helper, and a chief, and he shall deliver!' them. 21 And the Lord will be made known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians shall knowj the Lord on that day, and will do service (with) sacrifice and oblation ; yea, they will make vows unto the Lord and perform (them) . 22 And the Lord will thus strike Egypt, striking and healing it: and they will return unt« the LoKD, and he will be entreated of them, and heal them. 23 ^ On that day there shall lie a highway out of Egypt to Assliur. and Asshur shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptians into Asshur, and the Egyptians shall serve Avith Asshur (the Lord).' 24 ]j On that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Asshur, a blessing in the midst of the earth, 25 Whom the Lokd of hosts will have' blessed, saying, Blessed be my people Egypt, and Asshur the work of my hands, and my heritage Israel. CHAPTER XX. 1 ^ In the year that Tharthan came unto ! Aslidod, when Sargon the king of Assyria, sent him, and fought against Ashdod, and| captured it; 2 At the same time spoke the Lord by means of Isaiah the son of Amoz. saying. Go and loosen the sackcloth from oft' thy loins, and thy shoe shalt thou pull off" fi'om tliy foot. And he did so, walking naked and l)arefoot. 3 ^ And the Lokd said. Just as my ser- vant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years as a sign and token for Egypt and for Cush : 4 So shall the king of Assyria lead away the prisoners of Egypt, and tlie exiles of Cush, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with uncovered buttocks, to the disgrace of Egypt. 5 And they" shall be terrified, and.ashamed of Cush their trust, and of Egypt their vaunt. C And the inhabitant of this isle shall say on that day. Behold, such is our trust,Avhither we fled for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria: and how shall we then escajje? CHAPTER XXI. 1 Tl The doom of the desert" by the sea. As tempests in the south blow with fury: so doth it come from the desert, from a terrible land. 2 A hard vision hath been told unto me; the traitor dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. " Go up, 'Elam; besiege, Media ;" all sighing have I caused to cease. 3 Therefore are my loins filled witli pain : pangs have seized me, like the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I am too much cramped to hear; I am too much dismayed to see. 4 My heart wandereth astra}'. dread af- frighteth me: tlie evening of my jjleasure hath he turned unto me into terror. 5 Prepare the table, put on the candle- sticks,'' eat, drink: arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield. 6 Tl For thus hatli said unto me the Lord, Go, set the watchman, what he seeth let him tell. 7 And he will see chariots, horsemen in coui)les, riders on asses, riders on camels ; and he shall listen diligently with nuich heed : 8 And he calleth (like)' a lion. Upon the iwatchtower, O Lord, do I stand continually 1 in the daytime, and on my ward am I set all the nights. 9 And, behold, here cometh a chariot with I men, horsemen in couples, and he commenc- eth and saith. Fallen, fiillen is Balnlon; and all the graven images of her gods hath he shivered unto the ground. 10 my down-troddon' (people,) and the son of my thresliing-floor : that which I have heard from the Lord of hosts, the God of Is- rael, have I told unto you. " Redak. Jonathan, " Rsrypt shall serve .Asshur." '■ The Israelites. — Ahen Ezri.\. ' !. e. Babylon, liedak renders D' " we.st." ° Aben Ezra; i. e. loLully. ' Lit. " my threshini^." llaslii refers it to Israel, which has been threshed (oppressed) for its improvement, '' llashi. .\hen Ezra, " i^rini; iu the music." Jona-Las a man threshes and winnows corn to fit it for use; after tiian, "Set the watchman." Others, •' Jjay the covers." which properly follows, "the son of the thveshing-floor." 4?« ; ISAIAH XXI. XXII. 11 Tl The doom of Duniali. Unto me one calleth out of Se'ir, Watchman, Avhat of the night?" Watchman, what of the night? 12 The watchman said. The morning com- eth,"" and also the night: if je will desire, de- sire ye; return, come again. 13 T[ The doom upon Arabia. In the forest in Arabia shall }e lodge, yo caravans of Dedanim. 14 Toward him that is thirsty they bring water; the inhabitants of the land of Thema meet with suitable^ bread the fugitive. 1-3 Because from the swords are they fled, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the pressure of war. 16 ^ For thus hath said the Lord unto me. Within yet one year, like the years of a hired labourer, shall all the glory of Kedar be at an end : 17 And the residue of the number of bows of the mighty men of the children of Kedar shall be small ; for the Lord the God of Israel hath spoken it. CHAPTER XXII. 1 ^ The doom of the valley of vision." What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the roofs? 2 O noiseful, tumultuous ci ty. joyous town ! thy slain ones are not slain with the sword, and not those that die in battle. 3 All thy rulers are fled together, they are made prisoners by the bowmen: all that are found in thee are made prisoners together, who have run away from afar. 4 Therefore said I, Look away from me ; I will weep bitterly ; be not urgent to comfort me, because of the wasting of the daughter of my people. 5 For a day of confusion, and of treading down, and of perplexity hath the Lord Eter- nal of hosts in the valley of vision; walls are broken, and cryins; is heard aoainst the moun- tain. 6 And 'Elam beareth the quiver, (cometh) with men in chariots and horsemen, and Kir uncovereth the shield. 7 And it is so, that thy choicest valleys are girding with sack- ' Rashi, "What will become of this nicrht, this dark- ness?" Sachs, ''How much is elapsed of the night?" '' Rashi, "There is a morning (reward) for the right- eous, and a night for the wicked ; if you wish your desire of the redemption fulfilled, repent, come back to God." full of chariots, and tlie horsemen set them- selves in array against the gate. 8 And he laid open the covering of Judah ; and thou didst look on that day toward the armour of the house of the forest. 9 And the breaches of the city of David have ye seen, that they are many: and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool. 10 And the houses of Jerusalem have ye numbered, and ye have pulled do\vn the houses to fortify the wall. 11 And a tank have ye made between the two walls for the water of the old jdooI; but ye have not looked toward the Maker thereof, and him that fashioned it in distant times have ye not regarded. 12 And the Lord Eternal of hosts called on that day for weeping, and for mournirig, and for baldness, and for cloth, 1 3 And behold (there are) gladness and joy, slaying of oxen, and killing of sheep, eating- flesh, and drinking wine: "Let us eat and drink; for to-morrow we must die." 14 And it was revealed in my ears by the Lord of hosts : Surely this iniquity shall not I be forgiven unto you until ye die, said the ! Lord the Eternal of hosts. 15 ^ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal of hosts, Go, get thee unto this treasurer, even unto Shebna, who is (superintendent) over the house: 16 What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewn out for thy- self here a sepulchre, (the man) that hath hewn out on high his sepulchre, that hol- lowetli out in the rock a habitation for him- self? 17 Behold, the Lord will thrust thee about with a mighty throw, man! and will lay flist hold of thee; 18 He will roll thee up as a bundle, and (toss thee) like a ball into a country of ample space : there shalt thou die, and there shall (remain) the chariots of thy glory, thou dis- grace of the house of thy lord. 19 And I will cast thee out from thy sta- The watchman here is, according to the same authority, typical of God. " Lit. " his bread." ^ Rashi, Jerusalem, " the valley on which many prophe- cies have been spoken." Abcn Kzra, "the plac-e of pro- phecy." ^_^ ISAIAH XXII. XXIII. tion, and from thy post shall he pull thee down. 20 And it shall come to pass on that day, that I will call my servant, for Elyakim the son of Chilkiyahu. 21 ^ And I will clothe him with thy robe, and thy girdle will I fasten around him, and thy government will I place into his hand : and he shall be as a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. 22 And I will lay the key" of the house of David upon his shoulder; so that he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. 23 And I will lasten him as a tent-nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a chair of honour to his father's house. 24 And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house, the shoots and offshoots, all the small vessels, from the ves- sels of basins, even to all the vessels of fla- gons. 25 On that day, saith the Lord of hosts, shall be removed the nail that is fastened in the sure place, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that is upon it shall be cut off; for the Lord hath spoken it. CHAPTER XXIII. 1 T[ The doom of Tyre. Wail, ye ships of Tharshish; for it is laid waste, without house, without entrance: from the land of Kittim hath it l^een revealed to them. 2 Be silent,' ye inhabitants of the coast- land :" the merchants of Zidon, that pass over the sea, (formerly) filled thee. 3 And on mighty waters (came) the seed of Shichor," the harvest of the stream, as her revenue; and she became the mart of na- tions. 4 Be ashamed, thou Zidon ; for spoken hath the sea, the stronghold of the sea, say- ing, I travailed not, nor brought forth chil- ' Jonathan, " the keys of the temple and the rule of the house of David." ' z. e. Phoenicia; literally, "island;" but here the whole adjacent coast is evidently included. ° /. <:. The Nile, the stream of Egypt. ■^ Rashi. Sachs, " When the report (cometh) to Egypt, shall they tremble at," &c. " lleinemann. ' Lit. "uirdle," metajihuric fur "strength," "endu- rance." 48U dren, neither did I nourish up 3'oung men, nor bring up virgins. 5 As at the report concerning Egypt, so shall they tremble at the report of Tyre." 6 Pass ye over to Tharshish; wail, ye in- habitants of the coast-land. 7 Is this your fate," ye of the joyous (city)? she whose antiquity is of ancient days — her own feet shall carry her, afar of!" to sojourn. 8 Who hath resolved this against Tyre, the crowning city, whose merchants are princes, whose traders are the honourable of the earth? 9 The Lord of hosts hath resolved it, to dishonour the ])ride of all ornament, to make of light esteem all the honourable of the earth. 10 T[ Pass through thy land as a stream, daughter of Tharshish : there is no more strength.' 11 He hath stretched out his hand over the sea, he hath shaken kingdoms; the Lord hath given a command against Canaan,^ to subvert its strongholds. 12 And he said. Thou shalt no longer" i-e- joice any more, thou oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon: arise, j^ass over to the Kittim; also there shalt thou have no rest. 13 Behold the land of the Chaldeans — this people which was not, Asshur founded it for the dwellers in the wilderness — they have set up their watchtowers, have overthrown its palaces, have rendered it a heap of ruins. 14 Wail, ye ships of Tharshish; for your stronghold is laid waste. 15 T[ And it shall come to pass on that day, that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, like the days of one king:' at the end of seventy years shall it happen to Tyre as in the song of the harlot." 16 '"Take the harp, go round about the city, thou forgotten harlot; make sweet music, . sing many songs, in order that thou mayest be remembered." "= The coasts of Palestine, ancient Canaan, (Num. siii. 29.) including Phoenicia. '' /. e. Not for ever, but a long time. ' lledak, "the life of a man, which is seventy years." Aben Ezra, "the duration of one dynasty of kings." ' Intercourse with foreigners is a figurative incest in the eye of the prophet, as the Israelites lived secluded in their own land. So also the hire spoken of means the profits cif commerce, whicli therefore can be holy, which the actual wages ol' sin cainiut be. (l)eut. x.xiii. IS.j ISAIAH XXlll. XXIV. 17 And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that the Lord will visit Tyre, and she shall return to her hire, and shall have commerce" with all the kingdoms of the world upon the iace of the earth. 18 And her gain and her hire shall be holy to the Lord: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; but for those that dwell before the Lord shall her gain be, to eat to fulness, and for magnificent clothing. CHAPTER XXIV. . 1 ^ Behold, the Lord maketh empty the land, and layeth it waste, and marreth its surtace, and scattereth abroad its inhabitants. 2 And it shall be the same with the peo- ple as Avith the priest; with the servant as with his master; with the bondwoman as with her mistress; with the buyer as with the seller; with the lender as with the bor- rower; with the debtor as with his creditor. 3 Empty, emptied out shall be the land, and spoiled, utterly spoiled; for the Lord hath spoken this word. 4 The land mourneth, withereth away, the world languisheth, withereth away, the high ones of the people of the land do languish. 5 For thedand was defiled under its inhabit- ants ; Ijecause they had transgressed the laws, neglected the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant. 6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the land, and they that dwell therein sutler for their guilt; therefore are the inhabitants of the land dried up, and but few men are left. 7 The new wine mourneth, the vine lan- guisheth, all the merry-hearted sigh. 8 At rest is the mirth of the tambourines ; (eased hath the tumult of the joyful; at rest is the mirth of the harp. 9 Amidst singing shall they no (more) drink wine ; bitter shall be the strong drink to those that drink it. " In a bad sense. "* Philippsun, after Gesenius, takes d'IN^ as derived tVom 11X, "light," or "the place where the light comes," /. e. the east, in opposition from D"n " the west," given here from the sea. ° Lit. "languishment," or "famishing ;" hence, Sachs, " I am famishing ;" — but it is only an expression of anguish ; hence our version. Jonathan derives this word from n "secret," and paraphrases, "there hath been revealed to me the secret of the reward of the righteous, and the secret of the punishment nf the wicked." u 1j 10 Broken down is the city of desolation; shut up is evei'y house that none can enter. 11 A (painful) cry for wine is in the streets; darkened is all joy; banished is the mirth of the land. 12 There is left destruction in the city, and in ruins is beaten the gate. 13 For thus shall it be in the midst of the land among the nations, as (at) the shaking of an olive-tree, as (at) the gleaning of grapes when the vintage is done. 14 These shall lift up their voice, they shall sing; because of the majesty of the Lord, they shout aloud from the sea. 15 Therefore in the valleys'" honour ye the Lord; in the isles of the sea, the name of the Lord the God of Israel. IG ^ From the edge of the eartli have we heard songs, "Glory to the righteous." But I said, " EviP is mine, evil is mine, wo is me !"* the treacherous have dealt treacherously ; yea, the treacherous have dealt very treacher- ously." 17 Fear, and the pit, and the snare are upon thee, inhabitant of the land. 18 And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the call of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be caught in the snare; for the windows from on high are opened, and there quaked the foundations of the earth. 19 Crushed entirely is tlie eartli, split in pieces is thu earth, shaken to its centre is the earth. 20 The earth reeleth to and fro like a drunkard, and vibrateth like a watch-hut ;° and heavily lieth upon it its transgression; and it shall tail, and not rise again. 21 And it shall come to pass on that day, that the Lord will visit punishment on the host of heaven*^ in heaven, and on the kings of the eartli upon the earth. ^ In view of the great evil inflicted on Israel, the prophet- expresses his grief; liecause treason on treason has been perpetrated against the helpless. Others render njn witk "robber," and so the verbs derived from it; but the sense is all the same. ' Kashi; ;'. e. the hut put on the tup of a tree to watch the field. Philippson, after Jonathan, "a swinging mat." (See also cb. i. 8.) ' DHD "what is high," i.e. the superior world, the heavens; here the sun, moon, and stars, which were the nbiects of the heathen worship. ^ 481 ISAIAH XXIV. XXV. XXVI. 22 And they shall be gathered in heajjs, as prisoners, in the prison, and shall be shut up in the dungeon, and thus after many days shall they be punished. 23 And the moon shall be put to the Ijlush, and the sun be made ashamed; for the Lord of hosts will reign on mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients in glory." CHAPTER XXV. 1^0 Lord, my God art thou ; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things, resolves of distaiit times (are become) faithful confirmation.'' 2 For thou hast made of a city a stone- heap; of a fortified town a falling ruin; the palace of barbarians ceaseth out of the city, to eternity shall it not be rebuilt. 3 Therefore shall a strong people honour thee ; the town of the tyrannical nations shall fear thee. 4 For thou hast become a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy when he is distressed; a protection from the tempest, a shadow from the heat; for the (wrathful) breath of the tyrants is like the tempest against a wall. 5 Like heat in a dry land, wilt thou subdue the tumult of the bar])arians; as the heat (is lessened) by the shadow of the cloud, so will he subdue the song of the ty- rants." 6 And the Lord ol' hosts will make unto all the nations on this mountain a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. 7 And he will destroy on this mountain the face of the covering which covereth all the people, and the vail that is spread over all the nations. 8 He will destroy death to eternity; and the Lord Eternal will wipe away the tear Irom oft' all faces ; and the shame of his peo- ple will he remove from off all the earth; for the Lord hath spoken it. ' Or, " before his ancients there shall be glory." '' llaslii, after Jonathan; i. e. God's ancient decrees are conlirmed and made truth by fulfilment. ° llashi makes Toi as derived from a root signifying to "cut away;" lionee, "the fall of tlio tyrants sliriil cnuse (others J to sing." 48i 9 "ly And men will say on that day, Lo, this is our God, for whom we have waited that he would help us; this is the Lord for whom we have waited, we will be glad and we will rejoice in iiis salvation. 10 For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain, arid Moab shall be trodden down on his own place, even as straw is trodden down upon the dunghill. 11 And he will spread forth his hands in the midst thereof, as the swimmer spreadeth them forth to swim : and he will Iji-ing down his pride together with the joints of his hands. 12 And the fortress of the stronghold of thy"* walls he bringeth down, layeth low, casteth it to the ground, even to the dust. CHAPTER XXVL 1 ^ On that day shall this song be sung in the land of JudaL: A strong city have we; his aid will he grant (us) as v.-alls and defence." 2 Open ye the gates, that there may enter in the righteous nation which guardeth the truth. 3 The confiding mind wilt thou keep in perfect^ peace; because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the Lord unto eternity ; for in Yah the Lord is everlasting protection.'^ 5 For he bendeth down the dwellers of the height; the lofty fortress — he layeth it low; he layeth it low, along the ground; he casteth it down to the dust. 6 The foot shall tread it down, the feet of the poor, the steps of the needy. 7 The path of the just is straight: thou, most upright, dost ever level the road of the just. 8 Yea, on the path of thy judgments, Lord, have we waited for thee; for thy name, and for the remembrance of thee, was the lomring of our soul. 9 In my soul have I longed for thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek for thee; for when thy judgments are (sent) on the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness. 10 If favour be shown to the wicked, he * Moab. ' *. e. The outer wall, between which and the larger one a ditch was made. — After Redak. Sachs. " He (God) granteth victory, walls, and defence," ' Hcb. "peace, peace," ^ lleb. "rock." ISAIAH XXVI. XXVII will not learn righteousness; in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not regard the majesty of the Lord. 11 •[[ Lord, thy hand was raised high, but they would not see : oh that they might see, and be ashamed, (thy) zeal for the people; yea, the fire which shall devour them — tliy enemies. 12 ^ Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us; for also all our works hast thou accomplished for us. 13^0 Lord our God, lords have had do- minion over us beside thee; (but) of thee" only would we make mention, — of thy name. 14 (They are) dead, they will not live (again) ; (they are) departed, they will not rise (again) ; therefore hast thou visited and destroyed them, and made to perish every memorial of them. 15 Thou hast done more for the nation, Lord, thou hast done more for the nation ; thou hast glorified thyself: thou hast enlarged all the ends of the earth.'' 16 T[ Lord, in trouble have they sought thee, they poured out earnest prayers when thy chastening was upon them. 17 Like as a pregnant woman, that is near giving birth, is in pain, (and) crieth out in her pangs : so have we been in thy presence, Lord. 18 We have been pregnant, we have been in pain, (but it w^as) as though we brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliver- ance in the land; and the inhabitants of the world have not fallen. 19 Thy dead shall live, my dead bodies'" shall arise. Awake and sing ye, that dwell in the dust; for a dew on herbs* is thy dew, and the earth shall cast out the departed." ' p is translated by Eashi simply as "thee" Jona- than, "on thy word do we trust." Sachs, "'by thee only do we swear, (by) the name." Philippson, "thee alone, thy name do we adgre." " Heinemann, after Rashi. It means that God has done great things for Israel, more than any other people, through which he is glorified ; and removed away the oppressors from their land. ° Jonathan. But Redak supplies " with ;" thus, " with my own dead body shall they arise." '' Rashi, "a dew of light." Heinemann, freely, "a dew of life," i e. such as revives the dying plants. " Jonathan, "and the wicked thou wilt cast down to the earth." 'Others, "extended," "far-stretching." This descrip- tion is no doubt intended for Egypt and .\ssyri:i, I'aslii adds " E<loni," 20 ^ Go, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy door behind thee: hide thyself but for a little moment, until the indignation be passed away. 21 For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to visit the iniquity of the inhabit- ants of the earth on them : and the earth shall disclose her blood, and shall no more be a cover over her slain. CHAPTER XXVII. 1 ][ On that day will the Lord punish with his heavy and great and strong sword levia- than the fljing' serpent, and leviathan the crooked servant; and he will slay the croco- dile that is in the sea. 2 ^ On that day sing ye a song of th.e vineyard of excellent wine. 3 "I the Lord do keep it; every moment will I water it: that no one shall hurt it. night and day will I keep it. 4 Wrath have I not: who would set the briers and thorns against me in battle? I would pass^ through them, and I would burn them altogether. 5 If he"" but take hold of my strength, make peace with me ; make peace with me." 6 In the future shall Jacob yet take root ; Israel shall bud and blossom, and shall fill the face of the world with fruit. 7 T[ Hath he smitten him, as he smote the one that smote him? or was he slain with the same slaughter as those of him that were slain ?' 8 In measure,^ by driving him forth, thou strivest with him : he removed him with his violent storm on the day of the east wind. 9 Therefore by this (only) shall the ini- quity of Jacob be atoned ; and this shall be 5 Sachs, " Should I meet with them, I would," &c. The meaning is, that the peaceable keeper of the vine- yard (God) will destroy all the enemies (the thorns) who might come to injure what he so carefully watches over. "Heinemann; and it then means, "AH this shall be if Israel but confides in God, and makes peace with him through righteous deeds." Philippson, " Unle.ss the enemy come to the vineyard, not as enemies, but to seek protection there, making their peace with God the keeper." ' Meaning, Israel, though punished, was not treated by God like their oppressors; these were exterminated — look at Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and others — while they them- selves have always remained. " Him" refers back to the enemy, "the smiter," whenever "he" designates "Jacob." ' Sachs, " through agitation." The meaning of the verse is, that God ])iii]ishod Israel in moderation, and Jrocf them otilv out of Palcr,tine aud did not consume them. 483 ISAIAH XXVII. XXVIII. all tlie fruit of th-e taking away of his sin ; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as limestones that are beaten in pieces," when ihere shall not arise again any groves and sun-images. 10 For (by this) the fortified" city shall be desolate, the haljitation be forsaken, and left like a wilderness ; there shall the calf feed, and there shall it lie down, and consume its branches. 11 When its b(nighs are withered, they shall be broken off; women will come and set them on fire ; for it is not a people of under- standing ; therefore he that made it will not have mercy on it, and he that formed it Avill show it no favour. 12 ^ And it shall come to pass on that day, that the Lord will beat off (the fruit) from the channel of the River" up to the brook of Egypt ; but ye — ye shall be gathered up one by one, ye children of Israel. 13 ^ And it shall come to pass on that day, that the great cornet shall be blown, and then shall come those who are lost in the land of Asshur, and those who are outcasts in the land of Egypt, and they shall prostrate them- selves before the Lord on the holy mount at Jerusalem. CHAPTER XXVIII. 1 ^ Wo to the crown of pride, of the drunkards of Ephraim, and to the fading flower of his glorious ornament, which is on the eminence of the fat valley of those who are struck down by wine ! 2 Behold, (it conieth) mighty and strong from the Lord, as a tempest of hail, a storm of destruction ; as a tempest of mighty over- flowing waters, will he cast it down to the earth with force. 3 Under feet shall be trodden the crown of jjride of the drunkards of Ephraim : 4 And the fading flower of his glorious or- nament, which is on the eminence' of the fat " When all the altars of idols are destroyed, and thus the worship of false gods can uo more exist among Is- rael. '' Kashi. Others, '' For the fortified city is desolate," &c. ■■ From the Euphrates to the Arish. ' The 3Iount of Samaria, which overlooks the fruitful valley beneath. " Others, "in the forepart of summer." Lit "report,'' or "what is heard," !. c from God. ' llashi commeutH, that the people would not hear, 484 valley, shall be as its early ripe fruit Ijefore* the summer; which one, when he just seeth it, while it is scarcely in his hand, hastily de- voureth. 5 T[ On that day will the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people, 6 And for a .s^iirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to those that drive back the battle to the gate (of the enemy) . 7 But these also are now stumbling through wine, and reeling through strong drink : priest and prophet are stumbling through strong drink, they are overpowered with wine, they reel through strong drink ; they stumble in (divine) vision, they are unsteady in giving judgment. 8 For all tables are full of vomit of filthi- ness, there is no jjlace (clean). 9 T[ Whom shall he teach knowledge ? and whom shall he give to understand doctrine f those that are weaned from the milk, those that are taken from the breasts. 10 For precept'' must be upon precept, pre- cept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line ; here a little, and there a little. 11 For (as)*" with stammering lip.s and a foreign tongue will he speak to this people ; 12 When he said unto them, This is the rest, cau.se ye the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing; but they would not hear. 13 Therefore shall be unto them the word of the Lord, precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little ; in order that they may go, and stumljle backward, and be broken, and snared, and caught. 14 \ Therefore hear the word of the Lord, ye scornful men, who rule this people that is in Jerusalem. 15 Because ye have said, "We have en- tered into a covenant witli death, and with the nether world have we made an agree- and to every precept the prophet offered them in Grod's name, they said that they had one from an idol. It ougiit to be rendered then, " For there is jirecept against precept, " &c. The word of God should bring rest; but as the drunkards of Ephraim derided it, they did sufl'er through their enemies the evil threatened again.st them. '' Kashi, " they regard every prophet as though he stam- mered, and eould not be understood." But Sachs, "God will speak to them through nations of stammering lips," i. e. who speak the language of the laud imperfectly. tSATAH XXVIII. XXTX. ment; the overflowing scourge, uheii it pas.s- eth bj, shall not come at us; for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we sought a hiding-place." 16 ^ Therefore thus hath said tlie Lord Eternal, Behold, I have laid in Zion as a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a costly corner-stone, well founded : he that believeth will not make haste." 17 And Twill make of justice a measuring line, and of righteousness a plummet: and the hail shall sweep off the refuge of lies, and the hiding-place against the waters shall these flood away. 18 And your covenant with death shall be {innulled, and your agreement with the nether world shall not have permanence; the over- flowing scourge, when it passeth by — then shall ye be trodden down by it. 19 As often as it passeth by shall it take you; for morning by morning shall it pass by, by day and by night; and the mere un- derstanding of the report shall cause terror.*" 20 For the bed shall be too short for (a : man) to stretch himself out (on it): and the covering too narrow to wrap himself in. 21 For as on mount Perazim" will the Lord rise up, as in the valley of Gib'on will he be wroth, that he may do his work, his singular work; and to accomplish his labour, his strange labour. 22 And now be ye no longer scornful, lest your bonds be made strong; for as completed and fully decreed have I heard it from the Lord Eternal of hosts over all the earth. 23 ^ Give ye ear, and hear my voice; listen, and hear my speech. 24 Doth the ploughman plough all the* time to sow? doth he open and harrow his ground (continually) ? 25 Is it not so? that, when he hath made ' Aben Ezra, " For this prophecy will be accomplished only after many days." •■ /. e. So constant shall be the infliction of the scourge, that the report that it may be apprehended shall terrify all who hear of it. Sachs, "and the report shall teach nothing but terror." " Perazim,Gib'on known for the victory of Joshua where David prevailed over the Philistines. (2 Sam. v. 17-25.) " Jonathan. Sachs, lit. "all the day." ' Kashi, "on the boundary (outer edge) of the field." Philippson says, that nvp here given fennel, is black car- raway, Niyella saliva; \nj mmin, is the Cuminum ci/minum, not the usual Canim ntri-i. The millet is level its surface he scattereth fennel, and streweth about cumin, and planteth the wheat in rows, and barley on its assigned (place), and millet on its proper spot?" 26 For his God hath instructed him right- ly, taught him (so to do).' 27 Truly not with a threshing instrument is fennel threshed, and a wagon-wheel is not turned about upon cumin; but fennel is beaten out with a staff, and cumin with a stick. 28 Bread-corn is crushed ; but not for ever doth (man) keep threshing it; and thougli he drive over it the wheel of his wagon and his horses, he will not (thereby) crush it.^ 29 This also cometh forth from the Lord of hosts; wonderful is he in counsel, and excel- lent in (his) wise deeds. CHAPTER XXIX. 1 T[ Wo to Ariel,'' to Ariel, the town where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let the festivals come round in order;' 2 Yet will I distress Ariel, and there shall be groaning and wailing : and it shall be unto me like Ariel.'' 3 And I will encamp against thee round about, and will lay siege against thee with hostile posts,' and I will raise up intrench- ments against thee. 4 And brought down low, shalt thou speak (as though) out of the earth, and out of the dust shall come forth thy speech; and like one of a iamiliar spirit out of the eartli shall be thy voice, and out of the dust shalt thou whisper forth thy speech. 5 And like the small dust shall be the multitude of thy barbarian enemies, and like the passing chaff the multitude of tyrants ; and (this) shall be at unawares, suddenly. 6 From the Lord of hosts shall the visita- the Tn'fiijum sjultu of Linnseus, not "rye," as in the English version. ' Joseph Kimchi, " And hath he so tilled it as it is pro- per, his God will send the rain." Kashi, "Even to the one whom God tcachcth (he will not for ever send his pro- phets) but chastise him with judgment." We have fol- lowed Aben Ezra and Redak. 6 Rashi. " The altar. ' Jonathan, "the festivals shall cease." ' The city shall be filled with the slain of men, as the altar was surrounded with the slain cattle. — R.tSHi. ' Rashi, "trenches." 486 ISAIAH XXIX. XXX. tion come with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the devouring flame of fire. 7 And as a dream of a night-vision shall be the multitude of all the nations that go to war against Ariel, even all that fight against her and.raise towers against her, and that dis- tress her. 8 And jt shall even be as when a hungry man dreameth, that, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empt}^; or as when a thirsty man di'eameth, that, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul yet longeth : so shall it be with the multitude of all the nations, that go to war against mount Zion. 9 ^ Stay but still and wonder; turn your eyes away, and be blinded : they are drunken, but not with wine ; they stagger, but not with strong drink. 10 For the Lord hath poured out over you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: (over) the prophets, and your chiefs, the seers, hath he cast a vail. 11 And the vision of every thing is become unto you as the words of a Ijook that is seal- ed, which men deliver to one that can read," saying, Read this, I pray thee; and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: 12 And the book is then delivered to one that cannot read, saying. Read this, 1 pray thee ; and he saith, 1 cannot read. 13 ][ And the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near*" with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have re- moved their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is but the acquired precept of men: 14 Therefore, behold, I will do yet farther a marvellous work with this people, doing wonder on wonder; so that the wisdom of their wise men shall be lost, and the under- standing of their prudent men shall be hid- den. 15 ^ Wo unto those that seek to hide deeply their counsel from the Lord, so that tlieir works may be in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us? 16 Oh your perverseness ! shall the potter * Lit. "that knoweth a book." ^ Jonathan, "because this people hath vaunted." ° Rashi, after Jonathan; but Sachs, "Who into desola- tion mislead the righteous." 486 be esteemed as the clay? that the work shall say of its maker, He hath not made me? or shall the thing framed say of its framer, He had no understanding? 17 Lo! but yet a very little while more, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest! 18 And on that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and out of obscurity, and out of darkness, shall the eyes of the blind see. 19 And the sufferers shall have abundant joy in the Lord, and the needy among men shall be glad in the Holy One of Israel. 20 For the tyrant is no more, and con- sumed is the scorner, and cut off are all that watch for injustice; 21 That cause mankind to sin by (their) word ; and lay a snare for him that reproveth (them) in the gate ; and pervert through fraud the cause of the just." 22 Tl Therefore thus hath said the Lord un • to the house of Jacob, he who hath redeemed Abraham, Not now shall Jacob be ashamed, and not now shall his face be made pale. 23 For when he seeth his children, the work of my hands in the midst of him, how they sanctify my name: then will they sanc- tify the Holy One of Jacob, and the God of Israel will they reverence. 24 They also that were erring in spirit shall acquire understanding, and they that murmured shall obtain instruction. CHAPTER XXX. 1 ^ Wo to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not from me; and that set themselves a ruler,'' but not by my spirit, in order that they may add sin to sin : 2 That travel to go down into Eg3'pt. and have not asked my will;"" to strengthen them- selves through the strength of Pharaoh, and to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt ! 3 Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh become your shame, and the shelter in the shadow of Egypt your disgrace. 4 For his princes' were at Zo'an, and his ambassadors had reached Chanes. ^ Jonathan. Septuagint, "who make a covenant." Redak, "who make resolves without my spirit." ° Lit. "my mouth." ' Those of the king of I.«racl. tSAlAH XXX. 6 They all are ashamed because of a peo- ple that cannot profit them, neither be a help nor gi\e profit; but (bringeth) shame, and also a reproach. 6 ^ The doom" of the beasts of the south : Through the land of trouble and anguish, Avhence come the lioness and the lion, the ^'iper and fl3'ing dragons, they will carry upon the shoulders of young asses their riches, and upon the humps of camels their treasures, to a people that cannot profit. 7 And the Egyptians will help in vain, and to no jjurpose; therefore have I called this. Boasters they are in sitting still. 8 Now go, write it belbre them on a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the latest time to come, for ever, and to eternity; 9 For this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord : 10 Who have said to the seers. Ye shall not see; and to the prophets, Keveal not unto us true things, speak unto us smooth things, reveal deceits; 11 Depart you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, remove from before us the Holy One of Israel. 12 Therefore thus hath said the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and lean thereon for aid : 13 Therefore shall this iniquity be to you as a threatening breach,'' swelling out in a high-towering wall, the fall" of which will come unawares, suddenly. 14 And he will break it, as one breaketh a potter's vessel, dashing it in pieces without sparing"" it; so that there cannot be found among its fragments a sherd to rake fire from a hearth and to draw water from a pit. 15 ][ For thus hath said the Lord Eternal, the Holy One of Israel, In repose" and rest shall ye be helped ; in quietness and in confi- " Rashi connects this verse with the above; thus, '■ Heavily laden go their beasts to the south, through," &c. '' Philippson, "wide extending rent." ' Lit. "breaking." ■^ Lit. "he will not spare." ' Rashi. Others, "returning;" b'ut the verse evidently means that God said they should not go to Egypt, but await in quiet and hope his omnipotent aid. 'Rashi renders, "he will tarry — he will remove him- self," &c., "for he will first exercise justice on sinners." ' After Sachs and Philippson. Rashi, however, "bread deuce shall be your strength ; and ye would not. IG And ye said, "No; for upon horses will we flee;" tlierefore shall ye flee: and, "Upon swift l)easts will we ride;" therefore shall your pursuers be swift. 17 One thousand (shall flee) at the threat- ening of one; at the threatening of five shall ye (all) flee : till _ye be left as a pole upon a mountain-top, and as an ensign on a hill. 18 And therefore will the Lord wait,'^to be gracious unto you, and therefore will he exalt himself, to have mercy upon you; for a God of justice is the Lord: happy are all those that wait for him. 19 ^ For people of Zion that shall dwell at Jerusalem ! thou shalt indeed not weep : he will be surely gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; so soon as he heareth it, he answereth thee. 20 And the Lord will give you bread (in)' adversity, and water (in) oppression ; and thy teachers shall not have to hide themselves in a corner any more, but thy eyes shall see thy teachers : 21 And thy ears shall hear the word be- hind thee,'' saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it," when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. 22 And ye will regard as unclean the covering of thy graven idols of silver, ami the ornament of thy molten images of gold : thou wilt cast them away as a filthy thing; "Get thee hence," wilt thou say unto them. 23 Then will he give the rain for thy seed, that thou raayest sow in the ground; and bread — the produce of the ground — this shall be fat and nutritious: thy cattle shall feed on that day in extensive pastures.' 24 The oxen likewise and the voung asses that till the ground shall eat salted"" proven- der, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan. of adversity, and water of oppression;" t. e. every thing in moderation, in opposition to the luxury then existing, which led to such forgelfulness of God. Jonathan, "the property of the enemy, and the spoil of the oppressor." ^ The prophets are represented as shepherds walking behind the flock. — This verse is the opposite of the rejec- tion of the word, above, verses 10, 11. ' Jonathan, "till they be fat cattle." ' Aben Ezra. Salt is a useful article for cattle. Rashi, "mixed with corn." Redak, "purified," "clean," from an Arabic root. 487 ISAIAH XXX. XXXI. XXXII. 25 And there shall be upon every high mountam, and upon every prominent hill, rivulets, streams of waters on the day of the great slaughter, when towers fall. 26 And the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of the seven days, on the day that the Lord bindeth up the jjroken (limbs) of his people, and healeth the bruise of their wound. 27 ][ Behold, the name of the Lord cometh from afar, burning is his anger, and heavy the smoke;" his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue is like a devouring fire; 28 And his breath, like an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to toss the nations with the van of falsehood : and (to place) a deceiving bridle on the jaws of the people. 29 (Then) shall ye have a song, as in the night when a festival'' is ushered in, and joy of heai't, as when one goeth with the tlute to come unto the mountain of the Lord, to the Eock of Israel. 30 And the Lord will cause his majestic voice to be heard, and will show the stretch- ing down of his arm, in the indignation of (his) anger, and in the flame of a devouring fire, in flood, and tempest, and stones of hail. 31 For because of the voice of the Lord shall be terrified Asshur, that smote (you) with the rod. 32 And at every passage of the appointed"" staff which the Lord will let fall on him, thei'e shall be (music) on tambourine and harp; and in the tumult'' of battles will he fight with them. 33 For already of old is Topheth" made ready; also this is prepared for the king — deep and wide ; its pile hath fire and wood in plenty, the breath of tlie Lord, like a stream of sulphur, will kindle it into a flame. CHAPTER XXXI. 1 Tl Wo to those that go down to Egypt for help; and depend for support on horses, ' Judges XX. 40. Rashi, "burden." "■ Lit. "when a feast is sanctified." ° The punishment decreed; it means, as often as the bhiw falls on the Assyrians, the Israelites shall be merry at their deliverance. '' nsijn, after Aben Ezra, "the waving of the hand to play." But it means here the swinging of armour and the shaking of swords, or the tumult of the fight. 488 and trust on chariots, because they are many; and on horsemen, because they are very strong; but Avho turn not unto the Holy One of Israel, and seek not the Lord ! 2 Yet he also is wise, and bringeth evil, and taketh not back his words; and riseth up against the house of evil-doers, and against the help of those that work injustice. 3 But the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses are flesh, and not spirit; and the Lord will stretch out his hand, and there sliall stumble the helper, and he that is helped shall fall down, and they all shall perish together. 4 )] For thus hath said the Lord unto me, Just as the lion or the young lion growleth over his prey, against whom is called forth the company of shepherds, of whose voice he is not afraid, and is not depressed because of their multitude: thus will the Lord come down, to fight on mount Zion and on its hill. 5 As fluttering birds, so will the Lord of hosts shield Jerusalem ; shielding and deliver- ing; sparing*^ and preserving. 6 Turn ye unto him from whom the chil- dren of Israel have deeply revolted. 7 For on that day shall every man despise his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made unto you for a sin. 8 Then shall Asshur fall by the sword of one who is not a man; and the sword of one who is not a son of earth shall devour him; and he shall flee him from the sword, and his joung men shall become tributary'. y And his stronghold shall pass away for fear, and his princes shall be terrified because of the ensign, saith the Lord, who hath a fire in Zion, and a furnace in Jerusalem. CHAPTER XXXn. 1 ^ Behold, a king shall reign in right- eousness, and princes shall rule in justice. 2 And every one" shall be as a hiding- place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivulets of water in a dry place, ° Topheth, the place outside of JerusaJem where Mo- lech was served, and where the offal was burnt. The image will thus be readily understood. ' Lit. " passing over," /. r. not striking them when others are stricken. Redak thinks that "fluttering birds" refers to Jerusalem; others, "as birds flutter over their young." * Rashi, " The man who is mighty in the fear of God (Hezekiah) shall be to Israel," &c. ISAIAII XXXII. XXXIII. as the shadow of a large rock in a hinguishing land." 3 And the eyes of those that see shall not he blinded again, and the ears of those that hoar shall hearken. 4 The heart also of the rash shall be at- tentive in order to know, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly. 5 The worthless person shall be no more called liberal, and the avaricious'' man shall not be said to be bountiful. 6 For the worthless person ever speaketh villany, and his heart will work injustice, to practise hypocrisy, and to speak error against the Lord, to leave empty the soul of the hun- gry, and the drink of the thirsty will he take away. 7 The instruments also of the avaricious man are evil : he deviseth wicked resolves to destroy the poor with words of falsehood, even when the needy speaketh what is right. 8 But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and he ever persisteth by liberal things. 9 ^ Ye careless women rise up, hear my voice ; ye daughters that are secure, give ear unto my speech. 10 After days and years shall ye shudder, ye women that are secure; for ended is the vintage, the fruit gathering shall nowise come. 11 Tremble, ye careless women; shudder, ye that are secure, strip off your garments and make yourselves bare, and gird (sack- cloth) upon the loins. 12 (They shall strike) on the breast, la- menting, for the pleasant fields, for the fruit- ful vine. 13 Upon the soil of my people thorns and briers shall come up ; yea, upon all the houses of joy of the gladsome town. 14 Because the palace is abandoned, the tumult of the city is forsaken ; the hill and watch-tower are become dens for a long time," a joyous haunt for wild asses, a pasture for flocks. ° i. e. Where the traveller languishes for water. ' Sa'adyah. Gesenius,"deceitf'ur'or" cunning." Rashi, "deceiver." " Philippson, after Jonathan. Others, lit. "for ever." ■^ After Sachs and Philippson ; after Aben Ezra in part, rendering TI3 as Tii3; but Jonathan, literally, "hail," thus, " and the hail shall come down and slay the camps of the nations so that perish and be at an end their 3 M 15 Until a spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be changed into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be ac- counted as a forest. 16 Then shall justice dwell in the wilder- ness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. 17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quiet- ness and security for ever. 18 And then shall my people abide in peaceful dwellings, and secure abodes, and in undisturbed resting-places. 19 And it shall spread itself out in the de- clivity of the forest; and far down in the lowlands shall the city descend.'' 20 Happy are ye that sow beside all waters, freely sending forth the feet of the ox and the ass. CHAPTER XXXIII. 1 ][ Wo to thee that wastest, while thou wast not wasted; and traitor, while men dealt not treacherously with thee ! when thou shalt have made an end of wasting, thou shalt be wasted; and when thou shalt have finished to deal treacherously, men shall deal treacher- ously with thee. 2 ][ Lord, be gracious unto us ; we have waited for thee : be thou their support" every morning, also our salvation in the time of trouble. 3 At the noise of (thy) thunder'' people fled; when thou liftedst thyself up nations were scattei'ed. 4 And your spoil shall be gathered as the cricket gathei'eth:^ as locusts run about, so shall people hasten after it. 5 The Lord is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with justice and righteousness. 6 And the stability of thy times and the strength of thy happiness shall be wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is his** treasure. dwellings." Rashi, — "upon the wicked, who are now built up and full of cities as a forest of trees." "Lit. "arm." Rashi comments on " their," "those who were subjected to the waster," spoken of in verse 1. ' Lit. " tumult." ' Rashi, "each of which gathered its food in summer." Others, "as the cricket (others, caterpillar) is gathered." ^ t. e. Of the man who possesses it. 489 ISAIAH XXXIII. XXXTV. 7 ^ Behold, their valiant ones cry with- out : the ambassadors of peace weep bitterly. 8 The highwaj^s lie waste, ceased hath the wayfaring traveller: he" hath broken the cove- nant, he despiseth cities, he regardeth not man. 9 It mourneth, it languislieth — the land: Lebanon is ashamed, it is withered away; Sharon is become like a wilderness; and be- reft of their fruits are Bashan and Carmel. 10 Now will I arise, saith the Lord; now will I raise myself; now will I lift myself up. 11 Ye shall be pregnant with hay, (and) ye shall bring forth stubble: your breath is a fire, which shall devour you. 12 And the people shall be burnt as lime :*' as cut-off thorns shall they blaze up in tire. 13 Tl Hear, ye distant ones, what I have done; and acknowledge ye that are near my might. 14 In Zion sinners are in dread; trembling hath seized on hypocrites. " Who" among us shall abide with the devouring fire? who among us shall abide with everlasting burn- mgs ; 15 He that walketh in righteousness, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands against taking hold of bribes, that stoppeth his ears asainst hearing of blood, and sliut- teth his eyes against looking on evil ; 16 He shall dwell on high; rocky strong- liolds shall be his refuge: his bread shall be given him; his water shall be sure. 17 The king in his beauty shall thy eyes behold : they shall see a far-off land. 18 Thy heart shall meditate (on past) ter- ror. " Where is who wrote down T"* where is he that weighed? where is he that counted the towers?" 19 The barbarous people shalt thou not see any more, the people of a speech too obscure to be understood, of a stammering tongue, without meaning. 20 Look on Zion, the town of our solemn assemblies; thy eyes shall see Jerusalem as an * r. c. The enemy. * Lit. "as the burnings of lirae." ' Rashi, " Who shall stand for us to ward off," &c. '' Redak, " who wmte down the taxes, and he also, who weighed the tribute, and eounted and wrote down the number of towers;" all are now gone; a thing only of dreadful memory. 400 undisturbed residence, a tent that shall not be struck for removal; not one of the stakes of which shall ever be moved, and all the cords of which shall never be torn loose. 21 But there will the Lokd (show himself) mighty unto us, (in) a place of rivers and streams of ample l)readth ; wherein no oared galley shall go, and a gallant ship shall not pass thereby. 22 For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he will save us. 23 Loose hang thy tacklings; they cannot well uphold strongly their mast, they cannot spread the sail. Then are divided booty and spoil in abundance, (even) the lame take the booty. 24 And no inhabitant shall say, I am sick : the people that dwell therein shall be one whose iniquity is forgiven. CHAPTER XXXIV. 1 ^ Come near, ye nations, to hear; and ye people, hearken : let the earth hear, and all that filleth it; the world, and all things that spring forth of it. 2 For the indignation of the Lord is (en- kindled) over all the nations, and his fury over all tlieir army : he hath devoted them, he hath given them up to the slaughter. 3 And their slain also shall be cast out, and as regardeth their carcasses their stench shall ascend upward, and the mountains shall be melted through their blood. 4 And all the host of heaven shall be dis- solved, and the heavens shall be rolled to- gether like a book : and all their host shall wither, as the leaf withereth from the vine, and as withering fruit from the fig-tree. 5 For my sword is sated" in heaven : be- hold, it shall come down upon Edom, and upon the people I have devoted to punish- ment.' 6 The sword of the Lord is full of blood, it is enriched* with fot, with the blood of lambs and goats,*" with the fat of the kidneys ° I. e. With slaughter. Sachs and others, " drunk," /. e. with blood. ' Aben Ezra, lit. "judgment." Rashi, "the people with which I war." * In the sense of being fat. '■ Rashi "chiefs and rulers." — The overcoming of the guilty is represented as a bloody victory over enemies. ISAIAH XXXIV. XXXV. of rams ; for the Lord liath a sacrifice in Boz- rab, and a great slaughter in the land of Edom. 7 And wild oxen" shall sink down with them, and steers with bullocks; and their land shall be sated with blood, and their dust enriched with fat. 8 For it is the day of vengeance unto the Lord, and the year of recompense for the con- troversy'' of Zion. 9 And its brooks shall be changed into jntch, and its dust into sulphur, and its land shall become burning pitch. 10 Night and day shall it not be quenched; for ever shall ascend the smoke thereof: from generation to generation shall it lie waste; no one shall for ever and ever pass through it. 11 But pelican and hedgehog shall take possession of it; night>owl also and raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out over it the line of destruction, and the weights" of desolation. 12 Their nobles — no one is there they could call (to) the kingdom, and all its princes shall be no more. 13 And thoi'ns shall spring up in its pa- laces, nettles and brambles in its fortresses : and it shall be a habitation of monsters, and a court for ostriches. 14 And the martens'^ shall meet with the jackals, and one goat shall call to his fellow; only the screech-owl shall rest there, and find for herself a place of repose. 15 There shall nestle the arrow-snake,° and lay eggs, and hatch, and gather its young under its shadow .^ only vultures shall assem- ble there, every one with her mate. 16 Inquire out of the book of the Lord, and read : not one of these shall be absent, not one shall miss her mate ; for my mouth it is that hath ordained it, and its breath" it is that hath gathei'ed them. 17 And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it out unto them by the measuring line : for ever shall they pos- ' Sachs leaves reem untranslated. Philippson, " buflfa- loes." '' Sachs, " to contend for Zion." ° Ilashi. Sachs, simply "plummet;" elsewhere rhvati; lit. " stones," used for " weights." (Levi. six. 36, &:c.) * Rashi, rendered .^iv. 21, "beasts of the desert." • Philippson; stating it be the Anguisjaculus of Linn. a small, but very poisonous serpent, in Africa and Arabia. sess it, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein. CHAPTER XXXV. 1 1[ The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad thereat ;'' and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the lily.' 2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice, yea, with joy and singing; the glory of the Lebanon shall be given unto it, the elegance of Carmel and Sharon : they indeed shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God. 3 ^ Strengthen ye Aveak hands, and stum- bling knees make ye firm. 4 Say to the timid of heart. Be strong, fear not: behold, your God, (with) vengeance will he come, with God's recompense ; it is he who will come and save you. 5 Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be un- stopped. 6 Then shall the lame leap as a hart, and the tongue. of the dumb shall sing; for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and brooks in the desert. 7 And the sandy waste'^ shall be changed into a pool, and the thirsty land into springs of water : in the habitation of monsters, where each one used to lie, shall be a court for reeds and rushes. 8 And there shall be a highway and a way, and The holy way, shall it be called ; no unclean one shall pass over it; but it shall be (only) theirs; the wayfaring man, and those unacquainted' (therewith), shall not go astray. 9 No lion shall be there, and no ravenous beast shall go up thereon, — shall not be found there; but there shall walk the redeemed: 10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall re- turn, and come to Zion with song, with ever- lasting joy upon their head; gladness and joy shall they obtain, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. ' i. e. Protection. ' Ilashi. '' Aben Ezra deems the D of Diiyty superfluous, and simply renders " shall be glad," and so Sachs, &c. ' Philippson, " narcissus." Eng. version, after Redak, " rose." ^ Philippson, " the mirage shall become an actual lake." ' Jonathan: otherwise D'ViX is rendered with " fools." 491 ISAIAH XXXVI. XXXVII. CHAPTER XXXVI. 1 ^1 And" it came to pass in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah, that Sennacherib the king of Ass^'ria came uj) against all the forti- fied cities of Judali, and seized on them. 2 And the I^^ing of Assyria sent Rabsliakeli from Lacliisli to Jerusalem to king Hezekiah with a strong army. And he halted by the aqueduct of the upper pool on the highway of the washer's field. 3 Then came forth unto him Elyakim, the son of Cliilkiyahu, who was superintendent over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Yoiich the son of Assaph, the recorder. 4 And Rabshakeh said unto them, — Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus hath said the great king, the king of Assyria, What confi- dence is this wherewith thou hast trusted ? 5 I have said,*" but it was only a Avord uttered with the lips, (I have) counsel and strength for the war. Now, on whom didst thou trust, that thou rebelledst against me ? 6 Behold, tliou trustedst on yon cracked reed-stafl', on Egypt; wliicii, if a man lean on it, will enter into his hand, and pierce it : so is Pharaoh the king of Egypt to all that trust on him. 7 But if thou shouldst say to me. In the Lord our God have we trusted : is he not the one whose high-places and whose altars Heze- kiah hath removed, when he said to Judali and to Jerusalem, Before this altar shall ye prostrate yourselves? 8 And now I pray thee, enter into a con- test with my master the king of Assyria, and I will give thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them. 9 How then wilt thou turn back the fixce of a single chieftain of the least of my mas- ter's servants, while thou hast put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen ? 10 And now am I come up without the Lord('s will) against this land to destroy it? The Lord hath said unto me, Go up against this land, and destroy it. 11 Then said Elyakim and Shebna and Yoiich unto Rabshakeh, Speak, we pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language; • For explanatory notes to this, and chapters xxxvii. to xxxix., see 2 Kings xviii. to xx. *' The words of Hezekiah quoted by Rabshakeh. 492 ' ^ for we understand it : and speak not to us In the Jewish language, before the ears of the people that are on the wall. 12 But Rabshakeh said. Hath my master then sent me to thy master and to thee to speak these words? is it not rather to the men who sit upon the wall, that they may eat their own ex- crements, and drink their own urine with you? 13 Then stood Rabshakeh up, and called out with a loud voice in the Jewish lantiuaoe, and said, Hear ye the words of the great khig, the king of Assyria. 14 TIius hath said the king. Let not Heze- kiah deceive you ; for he will not be able to deliver you ; 15 Neither let Hezekiah induce you to trust in the Lord, saying, The Lord will surely deliver us ; this city shall not be given up into the hand of the king of Assyria. 16 Hearken not to Hezekiah; for thus hath said the king of Assyria, Make a treaty of pence witli me, and come out to me; and eat ye every one of his vine, and every one of his fig-tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern ; 17 Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards. 18 So that Hezekiah may not mislead you, saying. The Lord will deliver us. Have the gods of the nations delivered each his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 19 Where are the gods of Chamath and Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvayim? and have they then delivered Samaria out of my hand? 20 Who are they among all the gods of these countries, that have delivered their countiy out of my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand? 21 But they remained silent, and answered him not a word ; for it was the king's com- mand, saying. Ye shall not answer him. 22 Then came Elyakim the son of Chilki- yahu, that was superintendent over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Yoacli the son of Assaph, the I'ecorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent; and they told him the words of Rabshakeh. CHAPTER XXXVIL 1 ^ And it came to pass, when king Heze- kiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and ISAIAH XXXVII. co\ert'd himself with suckcluth, uud went into the house of the Lord. '1 And he sent Elyakim, who was superin- tendent over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered witli sackcloth, to Isaiah the son of Amoz, the prophet. 3 And the}- said unto him, Thus hath said Hezekiah, A day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of derision is this day ; for the children are come to the birth, and there is not streiiizth to bring forth. 4 Perhaps the Lord thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of As- syria his master hath sent to blaspheme the living God, and who hath reproached with the words which the Lord thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up a prayer for the remnant that is still Ibund here. 5 And the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah. 6 And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say unto your master, Thus hath said the Lord, Be not afraid Ijecause of the words which thou hast heard, with which the boys of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. 7 Behold, I will put an (other) sjiirit in him, and when he will hear a rumour, he shall return to liis own land ; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in bis own land. 8 And Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah; for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish. 9 And he heard it said of Thirhakah the king of Ethiopia, He is come out to fight with thee. And when he had heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, 10 Thus shall ye say to Hezekiah the king of Judah, as followeth. Let not thy God, in whom thou trustest, deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given up into the hand of the king of Assyria. 11 Behold, thou thyself hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the lands by destroying them utterly: and thou alone shouldst be delivered? 12 Have the gods of the nations which my lathers destroyed delivered them, as Gozan, and (Jharan, and Rezeph, and the children of 'Eden, who were in Thelassar? 13 Where is the kinu- of Chamath. and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvayim, of Hena', and 'Ivvah? 14 And Hezekiah took the letter out of the hand of the messengers, and read it : and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the Lord, and spread it out before the Lord. 15 And Hezekiah prayed unto the Lord, saying, 10 Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, who dwellest between the cherubim, thou art the (true) God, thou alone, for all the kingdoms of the earth; (for) it is thou who hast made the heavens and earth. 17 Bend down, Lord, thy ear, and hear; open, Lord, thy eye, and see : and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which he hath sent to Ijlaspheme the living God. 18 Ti'uly, Lord, the kings of Ass_yria have devastated all the nations," and their land ; 19 And they have placed their gods into the fire; for they are no gods, but the work of man's hands, wood and stone; and these have they destroyed. 20 And now, Lord our God, save us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord, thou alone. 21 Then sent Isaiah the son of Amoz unto Hezekiah, saying. Thus hath said the Lord the God of Israel, Whereas thou hast prayed to me concerning Sennacherib the king of Assyria : 22 This is the word that the Lord hath spoken over him: She despiseth thee, she laugheth thee to scorn, the virgin daughter of Zion; behind she shaketh her head, the daughter of Jerusalem. 23 Whom hast thou blasphemed, and (whom) hast thou scorned? and against whom hast thou raised thy voice, and lifted up thy eyes on high? against the Holy One of Israel. 24 Through thy servants hast thou blas- phemed the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots am I indeed come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon ; and I will cut down its tall cedars,the choice of its fir-trees: and I will enter into the height of its summit, the forest of its fruitful soil. 25 I have dug, and drunk water; and I ' Heb. "countries;" but in the parallel passage, 2 Kings sis. 17, we read D'U "nations," as here given. in ISAIAH XXXVII. XXXVIII. will dry up with the sole of my feet all the streams of besieged places. 26 Hadst thou not heard, that in distant ages I had prepared this? in the times of antiquity when I formed it? now have I brought it along, and it came to pass to de- solate into ruinous heaps fortified cities. 27 And thus their inhabitants were of short power, they were discouraged and con- founded : they were as the herbs of the field, and as the green grass; as the moss on the housetops, and as corn blasted before the ear appeareth. 28 But thy abiding, and thy going out, and thy coming in do I know, and thy raging against me. 29 Because of thy raging against me, and thy tumult, that is come up into my ears, will I put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle between thy lips, and I will cause thee to turn back on the way by which thou camest. 30 And this shall be unto thee the sign, Ye shall eat this year what groweth of itself; and in the second year what springeth after the same; and in the third year sow, and reap, and plant vinej^ards, and eat their fruit. 31 And the remnant of the house of Judah that is escaped shall 3'Ot strike root down- ward, and bear fruit uj^ward. 32 For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and that which escapeth out of Mount Zion: the zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 33 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, and he shall not shoot an ari'ow thereon, nor come before it with shields, nor cast uji an embankment against it. 34 On the way by which he came, by the same shall he return, and into this city shall he not come, saith the Lord. 35 And I will shield this city to save it for my own sake, and for the sake of David my servant. 36 ^ Then went out an angel of the Lord, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty and five thousand men ; and when people arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. 37 And Sennacherib the king of Assyria * lledak. Rashi and 'Eramah, "in the suffering," or "desolation of my days." Others, "I said on my days of suffering, I shall," &c. 494 departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh. 38 And it came to pass, as he was prostrat- ing himself in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. And Essar-chaddon his son became king in his stead. CHAPTER XXXVIII. 1 ^ In those days Hezekiah fell sick unto death ; and there came unto him Isaiah the son of Amoz, the prophet, and said unto him. Thus hath said the Lord, Give thy charge to thy house; for thou shalt die, and not live. 2 Then did Hezekiah turn his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord. 3 And he said, Lord, I beseech thee remember now that I have walked before thee in truth, and with an undivided heart, and have done what is good in thy eyes. And Hezekiah wept aloud. 4 T[ Then came the word of the Lord to Isaiah, saying, 5 Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus hath said the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I ha\'e seen thy tears : behold, I will add unto thj* dciys fifteen years. 6 And out of the hand of the king of As- syria will I deliver thee and this city; and I will shield this city. 7 And this shall be unto thee the sign from the Lord, tliat the Lord will do this thing which he hath spoken : 8 Behold, I will cause the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down on the dial of Achaz by the sun, to return backward ten degrees. So the sun returned ten degrees, by the degrees which he was gone down. 9 ^ The writing of Hezekiah the king of Judah, when he had been sick, and ^vas re- covered of his sickness : 10 I had said, In the midst' of my days, must I enter the gates of the nether world ; I am deprived of the residue of iny years. 11 I had said, I shall not see the Lord, the Lord, in the land of the living: I shall not behold man any more among the inhabit- ants of the regions of death.'' 12 My dwelling" is broken down, and is re- " Rashi. • Redak and Aben E^ra. Oilier-^ broken off." Lit. " irencration." ■ my lit'etinio is ISAIAH XXXVIII. XXXIX. XL. moved from me as a, shepherd's tent : I have cut off, like a weaver, my life; with pining sickness will he snatch me away:" from day until night wilt thou make an end of me. 13 I waited (with patience) till morning, (whether)'' as a lion, so would he break all my bones: from day until night wilt thou make an end of me. 14 Like a swallow or a crane, so did I chirp; I. did moan like a dove; my eyes were lifted up on high : Lord, I am oppressed ; grant me ease. 15 What shall I speak? he hath pro- mised it unto me, and he hath also accom- plished it; I will make pilgrimages (to God's house) all my years because of the bitterness of my soul. 16 Lord, by these (things men) will live, and in all these (things) is the life of my spirit: so A'ilt thou give me health, and cause me to live. 17 Behold, for peace I had great Ijitterne.ss; but thou hast, in loving my soul, delivered it from the pit of corruption; for thou hast cast behind thy back all my sins. 18 For the nether world will not thank thee, death will not praise thee : they that go down into the pit will not hope for thy truth. 19 The living, the living alone sliall thank thee, like me this day : the father to the chil- dren shall make known thy truth. 20 The Lord is there to help me ; therefore will we play my hymns all the days of our life in the house of the Lord. 21 And Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaster upon the intiammation, and he shall recover. 22 And Hezekiah had said. What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the Lord? CHAPTER XXXIX. 1 At that time sent Merodach-baladan, the son of Baladan, tlie king of Babjlon, letters and a present to Hezekiah ; for he luid heard that he had been sick, and was become strong again. 2 And Hezekiah was rejoiced on their ac- " Sachs, elegantly but freely, " My life is cut ofiF unto me, as though the weaver were to tear il off from the thread (of tlie web)." Life is a web, the days the single tliroads, which are severed by the luind of death. count, and showed them his treasure-iiouse, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious oil, and the whole of liis tirmour- house, and all that was found in his trea- sures: there was nothing that Hezekiah showed them not, in his house, and in all his dominion. 3 Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What did these men say? and whence did they come unto thee? And Hezekiah said, From a far-off country are they come unto me, from Ba- bylon. 4 And he said. What did they see in thy house? And Hezekiah said, All that is in my house have the}' seen : there is nothing that I did not show them in my treasures. 5 And Isaiah said to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the Lord of hosts, G Behold, days are coming when all that is in thy house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left,, saith the Lord. 7 And of thy sons that will issue from thee, whom thou wilt beget, shall they take ; and they shall l>e court-servants in the palace of the king of Babylon. 8 Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and stability in my days. CHAPTER XL. 1 T[ Comfort ye, comfort ye my j^eople, saith your God. 2 Speak ye (comfort) to the heart of Jeru- salem, and call out unto her, that her" time of sorrow is accomplished, that her iniquity is atoned for; for she hath received from the hand of the Lord double for all her sins. 3 ][ A voice calleth out, In the wilderness make ye clear the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be raised, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made a straight path, and the rough places a plain : '' Rashi, " I made myself strong like a lion, hoping for the morning; yet the more would he break," &c. ° Philippson, "its servitude." Heinemann, "her war- fare." Sachs, "her time of servitude." Wo ISAIAH XL. 5 And the glory of the Lord shall be re- vealed; and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. 6 ^ A voice salth, Proclaim; and he saith, What shall I proclaim? All flesh is grass, and all its goodliness is as the flower of the field: 7' The grass withereth, the flower fadeth ; because the breath of the Lord hath Ijlown upon it; surely the people is grass. 8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God will stand firm for ever. 9 ^ Upon a high mountain get thee up, thou that bringest good tidings to Zion; lift up with strength thy voice, thou who bringest good tidings to Jerusalem ; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold, (here is) your God ! 10 Behold, the Lord Eternal will come with might," and his arm ruleth for him : be- hold, his reward is with him, and his recom- pense'' before him. 11 Like a shepherd will he feed his flock: with his arm will he gather the lambs, and in his bosom will he carry them, will he lead gently those that suckle their young. 12 ^ Who hath measured in the hollow of his hand" the waters, and meted out the heavens with the span, and comprised in a measure'' the dust of the earth, and weighed in the scale-beam the mountains, and the hills in balances? 13 Who hath meted out" the Spirit of the Lord? and (who was) his counsellor that he could have given him information? 14 With whom took he counsel, that he gave him understanding, and taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and caused him to know the way of under- standing? 15 Behold, nations are as a drop out of a bucket, and as the small dust of the balance " Hcincmaiin, "as the mighty one." '' Rashi. Jonathan, "bcliold, the reward of those who have done his wm-il is with him ; for all their deeds are known before him." ° Rashi, "with Lis steps." ■" K/^hw, literally, "a third;" hence Rashi, "a third de- sort, a third habitable hand, a third seas and rivers." ■^ Ruslii, after the Massorali, "Who has iiioti^d out the spirit!' the Loiir." ' Jonathan. Kedak, "behuld, islands he liftrlh uji like line dust." 490 are they accounted: behold, isles are like the flyino; dust.*^ 16 And Lebanon is not sufficient fur l)urn- ing, and its beasts do not suffice for burnt- offering. 17 ^ All the nations are as naught before him; less than nothing, and vanity" are they accounted to him. 18 To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him? 19 The graven image — this the artificer hath cast, and the goldsmith hath o^'erspread it with gold, and fabricated (on it) silver chains. 20 He that is skilled in the choice'' clioos- eth a wood that will not rot; he seeketh unto himself a skilful workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved. 21 Know ye not? hear ye not? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not paid attention to the foundations of the earth ? 22 (It is he) that dwelleth above the circle of the earth, while its inhabitants are as i grasshoppers ; that stretched out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in; 23 That bringeth princes to naught; ren- dering the judges of the earth as vanity. 24 Yea, they were not yet planted; yea, they were not yet sown ; yea, their stem had not yet taken root in the earth : .when he but breathed upon them, and they withered, and the storm-wind carrieth them away as stub- ble. 25 To whom then will ye liken me, that I should he equal to? saith the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high, and see who hath created these? he that bringeth out their host by number; that calleth them all by name; from him, who is great in might, and strong in power, not one escapeth.' 27 T[ Why wilt say thou, O Jacob, and ^ Sachs and others, "nonentities;" properly, "the form- less, chaotic state;" but it is impossible to find a simple English word nearer than "vanity." '' Rashi, and it is then a continuation of the description of how idols are made. Others, "who is poorer in his gifts ;" i. e. who cannot have an idol cast, but one carved of wood. ^ Lit. "is missed:" it means that, numerous as arc the stars, they all are always there to Jo God's bidding. The jirophct contrasts the iilols with (rod ; those are the works I of human hands, while lb' i> (lie iiKikci' of all. 1' H tC UKCItSUjX <_)1^' SOLOXIOX ISAIAH XL. XLI. speak, Israel, My way is hidden from the Lord, and my cause hath passed from the cognizance of my God? 28 Dost thou not know? hast tliou not heard? The God of everhisting is the Lord, is the Ci'eator of the ends of the earth ; he will not be faint, and he will not be weary; un- searchable is his understanding. 29 He givetli to the faint strengtli; and to the powerless he imparteth much might. 30 Though youths should grow faint and be weary, and young men siiould utterly stumble: 31 Yet they that wait upon the Lord shall acquire new strength, they shall" mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk, and not become faint. CHAPTER XLI. 1 Tl Keep silence'' before me, islands; and let nations acquire new strength: let them approach, then let them speak, together let us come near to judgment. 2 Who waked up from the east the man whom righteousness" met in his steps? he giveth up nations before him, and maketh him rule over kings; that his sword may ren- der them as the dust, as driven stubble, his bow. 3 He j)ursueth them, passeth along in safety, by a path which*^ his feet have not gone over before. 4 Who hath wrought and done it? he who called the generations from the beginning; I the Lord, (who am) the first, and with the latest I am the same. 5 The isles saw it, and are afraid ; the ends of the earth tremble; they draw near, and come. G They help one another; and each one saith to his brother, Be strong! 7 So the smith encouraged" the melter, he that smootheth with the hammer him that striketh on the anvil ; saying of the solder, It is good; and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved. ' Others, "acquire wings." '■ Rashi, "To hear my words." ' Sachs, "victory," so called because the victor has the power to declare himself in the right. *■ Lit. "a path (on whirli) with his feet he was used to corae," 3N 8 ][ But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend; 9 Thou, whom I have taken hold of from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the midst of its chiefs,*^ and said unto thee, Thou art my servant, I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. 10 Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I strengtiien thee, yea, I help thee, yea, I uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.*^ 11 Behold, ashamed and confounded shall be all that were incensed against thee; they shall be as naught and perish — the men that strive with thee. 12 Thou wilt seek them, and shalt not find them, the men that contend with thee : they shall be as naught and as nothing, the men that make war against thee. 13 For I the Lord thy God lay hold of thy right hand; (I am he) who saith unto thee. Fear not, I help thee! 14: Tf Fear not, thou worm Jacob, \e few menof Israel: I myself help thee,saitb the Lord, and thy redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. 15 Behold, I have rendered thee a thresh- ing instrument, sharp, new, having many teeth: thou shalt thresh mountains, and beat them small, and shalt render the hills as chaff. 16 Thou shalt scatter them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the storm shall disperse them; but thou shalt rejoice in the Lord, in the Holy One of Israel shalt thou glorify thyself. 17 ^1 The poor and the needy seek water, and there is none ; their tongue is dried up with thirst: I the Lord will answer them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. 18 I will open on naked mountain-peaks rivers, and in the midst of valleys fountains : I will change the wilderness into a pool of water, and the dry land into springs of water. 19 1 will place in the wilderness'' the cedar, the acacia, and the myrtle, and the oil-tree ; " In the expectation of a battle the heathens make their idols, hoping aid from them, not yet recognising the power of God. ' Sachs, "edges;" thus, "called thee fi-oni it edges." ^ Sachs, "victorious right hand." '' (jrod will ultimiitely liring good nut nf evil. 497 ISAIAH XLI. XLII. I will set ill the desert the fir-tree," the pine and the box-tree together ; 20 In order that they may see, and know and take (it to hetxrt), and comprehend to- gether, that the hand of the Lokd hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath cre- ated it. 21 ][ Produce 3'our cause,'' saith the Lord: bring forward your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. 22 Let them bring them forward and tell us what shall happen : the former things — what are they ? — tell us. that we may take it to heart, and know the result of them ; or let us hear the things that are to come. 23 Tell the events that are to liappen hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods : yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be astonished, and see it together. 24 Behold, ye are less than nothing, and your work less than a breath : (he that is) an abomination (alone) chooseth you. 25 ^ I have waked up one from the north, and he cometh ; from the rising of the sun one who will call on my name : and he shall (over-) come princes as mortar, and as the pot- ter treadeth down the clay. 26 Who hath told it from tlie Ijeginning, that we may know it? and aforetimes, that we may say, "It is right?" but indeed there is none that telleth, indeed there is none that letteth us hear, indeed there is none that hear- eth your words. 27 The iirst^ (was I to say) to Zion, Be- hold, there they are; and to Jerusalem will I H'ive one that brintieth arood tidinos. 28 And I ever look, and there is no man; and among these there is no counsellor, that, were I to ask them, they could answer a word. 29 Behold, they all are naught ; their works are nothing: wind and vanity are their mol- ten images. " Philippsoii, "cypress, plantain, (^PlalmiKs imUca,) and box." ^ Address to the idols. ° Jonathan, "The words of consolation which the pro- jihets foretold from the beginning, behold, have come to pass, and to," &c. Kashi, "He (Cyrus) shall be the first for Zion; and," &c. '' Rashi, "Jacob my servant, Israel my elect." Jona- than, "tli(^ Mcssiaii." * !33iyn not alone means the yH(^/mc»/ which the judge 498 CHAPTER XLII. 1 ][ Behold my servant,'' whom I will up hold ; my elect, in whom my soul delightcth : I have put my spirit upon him, that he may bring forth justice" to the nations. 2 He sliall not cry, nor call out aloud, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. 3 A cracked reed will he not break, and a dimly burning wick*^ will he not quench : unto truth shall he bring forth justice. 4 He shall not become fatigued and not be faint, till he liave established justice on the earth; and (till) the isles shall wait for his law. 5 ^ Thus hath said God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and the things which come out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to those that walk thereon : 6 I the Lord have called thee in^ righteous- ness, and will lay hold on thy hand, and will keep thee, and appoint thee for a covenant'' of the people, for a light of the nations; 7 To open blind eyes, to bring out from the dungeon the prisoner, and out of the prison-house those that dwell in darkness. 8 I am the Everlasting One, that is my name; and my glory will I not give to any other, nor my praise to graven images. 9 The former' things, behold, are come to pass; and new things do I announce; before they spring forth I let you hear of them. 10 ^ Sing unto the Lord a new song, his praise from the end of the earth ; ye tliat go down to the sea, and all that fiUeth it; the isles, and their inhabitants. 11 Let resound with song the wilderness and its cities, the villages which Kedar in- habiteth : let the inhabitants of the rocks sing, let them shout forth from the top of the mountains. gives, but aXio justice itself, and the laws on which it is founded, the ri(jht.. God's servant is to make the laws of justice known, and execute them truly, that no one shall suffer injury, even the weakest, tyiiificd by a cracked reed and a glimmering wick. ' Lit. "flax." '■ Sachs, "for happiness." '' Aben Ezra, "to keep up the cdvcnaut with llu- peo- ple." Philippson, "a union of mankind." ' Philippson, after Rashi, "the early annoiuiced events." ISAIAH XLII. XLIIT. 12 Let theui give glory unto the Lord, and in the ishmds declare his praise. 13 The Lord — as a mighty one will he go forth, like a man of war will he arouse his vengeance :" he will shout, yea, raise the war- cry; against his enemies will he show his strength. 14 ][ I have a long time'' held my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: (now) like a travailing woman will I cry; I will de- stroy and devour (all) together. 15 I will lay waste mountains and hills, and all their herbs will I dry up; and I will change the rivers into islands, and pools will I dry up. 10 And I will cause the blind to walk on a way that they have not known ; on paths that they have not known will I lead them : I will change darkness before them into light, and crooked places into plains. These are the things which I will do, and not leave them (unfultilled). 17 They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that sa^■ to molten idols, Ye are our gods. IS ][ Ye deaf, hear; and ye blind, look up, that ye may see. 19 Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger whom I send? who is blind as he that is perfect,'' and blind as the servant of the Lord ? 20 Thou seest many things, but observest not; the ears are open, l^ut he heareth not. 21 The Lord willed (to do this) for the sake of his righteousness; (therefore) he mag- nifieth the law, and maketh it honourable. 22 But it is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them ensnared in holes, and in prison-houses are they hidden : tlie}^ are become for a prey, and none delivei'eth ; for a spoil, and none saith. Restore. 23 Who among you will give ear to this? will heai'ken and listen, for tlie time to come? 24 Who gave up Jacob for a spoil, and Is- rael to plunderers? was it not the Lord? he it is against whom we have sinned; for they would not walk in his ways, neither did they hearken unto his law. 'Sachs, "zeal." "■ Rashi. Philippson, literally, "from the beginning." ' Rashi, " who hath been punished for hi.s sins." Phi- 25 Therelbre hath he poured out over him the fury of his anger, and the strength of bat- tle: and it blazed all round about him,'* yet he regarded it not; and it burnt on him, yet he laid it not to heart. CHAPTER XLIII. 1 ^ But now thus hath said the Lord that created thee, Jacob, and he that formed thee, Israel, Fear not ; for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; mine art thou. 2 Whenever thou passest through the wa- ters, I am with thee; and through the rivers, — they shall not overflow thee: whenever thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be scorched; neither shall the flame burn on thee. 3 For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour; I have given Egypt for thy ransom, Cush and Seba in place of thee. 4 Since thou art precious in my eyes, art honoura1>le, and I indeed do love thee :"^ there- fore will I give men in place of thee, and na- tions instead of thy soul. 5 Fear not, for I am with thee; from the east will I bring th}' seed, and from the west will I gather thee. 6 I will say to the north, Give up ; and to the soutli. Withhold not: bring my sons from afar, and my daughters from the ends of the earth ; 7 Every one that is called by my name, and whom I have created for my glory ; whom I have formed ; yea, whom I have made. 8 Bring forward the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears. 9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled : who among them can announce this? and cause us to hear former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or" let them hear, and say. It is truth. 10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen : in order that ye may know and believe me, and under- stand, that I am he; before me there was no god formed, and after me there will be none. lippson, "the purchased," ('. c. the servant, further de- scribed. '' Israel. ° Aben Ezra, " so that they (the witnesses) may hear," &c. 499 ISAIAH XLIII. XLIV. 1 1 I, I am the Lord ; and beside me there is no saviour. 12 1 myself have announced it, and I have saved, and I have let it be heard, and there was no strange (god) among you : and" ye ai-e my witnesses, saith the Lord, and I am God. 13 Yea, from the (tirst) day am I he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand : if I will work, is thei-e one that can hinder it? 14 ^ Thus hath said the Lord, your Re- deemer, the Holy One of Israel, For your sake did I send to Babylon, and in swift ves- sels'' brought I them all down, and the Chal- deans, in the ships of their joyful song. 15 I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King. 16 Tl Thus hath said the Lord, who maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty \vaters ; 17 Who bringeth forth chariot and horse, army and power : together shall they lie down, they shall not rise up again ; they are extinct, like a wick are they quenched. 18 Remember not the former things, and ancient events regard no more. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now shall it spring forth ; will ye not acknowledge it? I will even make in the wilderness a way, and in the desert rivers. 20 The beasts tif the field shall honour me, the monsters and the ostriches; because I give waters in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my elect; 21 This people which I have formed for myself; my praise shall they relate. 22 But on me hast thou not called, Jacob; for thou art become weary of me, Israel. 23 Thou hast not brought unto me the lamb of thy burnt-offerings; and with thy sacrifices hast thou not honoured me: I have not troubled thee with meat-oiferings, nor wearied thee with frankincense. 24 Thou hast not bought for me with " Eng. ver., "therefore ye," &c. "that I am," &e. *" Rashi, "For your sake will I send the kings of Media to Babylon, and bring down in ships and boats the Chal- deans into captivity to Media, and the Chaldeans will I bring down in ships in which they used to sing," /. e. in plcMsure trips. Abon Ezra, "and broke off all the m money sweet cane, and with the fat of thy sacrifices hast thou not satisfied me ; but thou hast troubled me with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thy iniquities. 25 I, it is I that blot out thy transgressions for my own sake, and thy sins I will not re- member. 26 Put me in remembrance; let us plead together: relate thou, in order that thou mayest be justified. 27 Thy'first father did sin, and they that plead for thee transgressed against me. 28 Therefore do I profane the holy princes, and I give up Jacob to the curse," and Israel to reproaches. CHAPTER XLIV. 1 T[ Yet now hear, Jacob my servant ; and Israel, whom I have chosen : 2 Thus hath said the Lord thy Maker, and he that formed thee from the womb, who will help thee, Fear not, my servant Jacob; and thou Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For (as) I pour water upon the thirsty (land), and rain-droppings upon the dry ground : (so) will I pour my spirit over thy seed, and my blessing over thy offspring. 4 And they shall spring up (as) among grass, like willows by the water-courses. 5 This one will say, I Ijelong to the Lord; and the other will call himself by the name of Jacob; and the other will inscribe himself with his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself by the name of Israel. 6 Tl Thus hath said the Lord, the king of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts, I am the first, and I am the last; and Ijeside me there is no god. 7 And who. like me, will announce, and will tell it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the people of ancient times ? and the future things, and those which are to happen, — let them foretell unto them. 8 Have no dread, and do not despond; have I not long since informed thee, and have told it? and ye are my witnesses: Is'^ there a bars, and cast down the Chaldeans who shouteil in ships." Others, D'n'i3 as "fugitives;" thus, "and I will carry them down all as fugitives, and the Chaldeans," &c. ° Philippson, " b.anishment." Kodak, "to slaughter." ^ This is what G-od aniiouneed, and tu which Israel is the witness. ISAIAH XLIV. god beside me? jea, there is iiu loclv, wliuui 1 know" not. 9 The maimers of graven'' images are all of them vanity; and their costly idols cannot profit; and they are their own witnesses, that the3' see not, and know not, in order that they" may be ashamed. 10 Who hath ibrmed a god, or cast an image that profiteth nothing? 11 Behold, all his associates'" shall be ashamed, for the workmen themselves are but men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up, they shall he terrified, they shall be ashamed together. 12 The" iron-smith (maketh) an axe and worketh it in the coals, and with hannnershe fashioneth it, and worketh it with his power- ful arm ; he also, when he is hungry, loseth his strength: when he drinketh no water, he becometh faint. 13 The worker in wood stretcheth out the rule; he marketh it out with chalk ■/ he fitteth it with planes,^ and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, alter the beauty of a child of earth, that it may dwell in a house.'' 14 He felleth for himself cedars, and taketh cypress and oak, and he chooseth for himself the strongest among the trees of the tbrest; he planteth an ash, and the rain causeth it to grow. 15 Then doth it serve a man for burning; and he taketh thereof, and warmeth himself; he also heateth therewith, and baketh bread ; he also worketh out a god, and boweth him- self; he maketh of it an image, and kneeleth down thereto. 16 The half thereof hath he burnt in fire; with the half thereof will he eat fiesh ; he will roast food, and be satisfied ; he will also warm himself, and say. Aha, I am warm, I have felt the fire: 17 And the residue thereof hath he made ' i. e. That all are vanity. Philippson, " yea, there is no rock, I know none." ■^ Arnbeim, too boldly, "The idol images are all vanity with their costly ornaments." ° " Those that serve them." — E.\shi. '' (. e. Those who assist in making the idol. ° Philippson, " This one striketh on the iron with a beatle, and worketh, &c., — he also is hungry, till he is powerless, he drinketh no water, that he becometh faint;" and says that many heathens fasted when they made their idols. into a god. his graven image; he kneeleth down unto it, and boweth himself, and pray- eth unto it, and saith. Deliver me; for my god art thou. 18 They know not, tliey understand nut; for their eyes are daubed over, that they cannot see; their hearts, that they cannot understand. 19 And he layeth it not to heart, and hath no knowledge, no understanding, to say, The half thereof have I burnt in fire; and I have also baked upon its coals bread; I (now) will roast flesh, and eat it: and shall I make of its residue an abomination, before a block' of wood shall I kneel? 20 He pursueth'' ashes ; a deceived heart hath turned him aside; and he cannot deliver his soul, and will not say. Is there not a lie in my right hand? 21 ^ Remember these things, Jacob; and Israel, for thou art my .servant : I have formed thee to be my servant, thou (art this); Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten by me. 22 I liave blotted out, as a vapour,' thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee. 23 Sing, ye heavens; for the Lokd hatli done it; shout, ye lowest depths of the earth; break forth into singing, ye mountains, forest, and every tree therein ; for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and on Israel will he glorify himself 24 Thus hath said the Lord, thy Redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that hath made all things; tliat hath stretched forth the heavens b^^ m3 self alone; that hath spread abroad the earth from my own self;" 25 That frustrate the tokens of the liars, and confuseth diviners; that turneth the wise backward, and maketh their knowledge fool- ish; ' i. e. Any material to mark off the figure. Ra.shi, " planes." * Jonathan, " graving-tools." '■ ('. e. Temple. — Heinema.nn. ' Rashi, "to rotting wood." Jonathan and Rcdnk, "a branch of a tree." ' ?'. e. He cherisheth (leads upon pasture) vanity. ' Aben Ezra, "which passeth away with sunrise." "Jonathan, "by my strength." Philippson, "without another," after the Xelib. But the A'trt has in fact the same signification, "all is from God." 501 ISAIAH XLIV. XLV. 26 That fulfilleth the word of his servant, and perforraeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith of Jerusalem, It shall be inhabited; and of the cities of Judah, They shall be built, and their ruins will I raise up. 27 That saith to the deep, Be dry, and thy rivers will I dry up; 28 That saith of Cyrus,'' (He is) my shep- herd, and all my pleasure shall he perform : even saying of Jerusalem, It shall he built; and the temple's foundation shall be laid. CHAPTER XLV. 1 ^ Thus hath said the Lord to his anoints ed, to Cyrus, whom I have taken hold of by his right hand, to subdue nations before him, even the loins of kings will I ungird, to open be- fore him (city-) doors,'' and gates that they shall not be shut; 2 I myself will go before thee, and proud eminences will I level : doors of brass will I break in pieces, and bolts of iron will I cut asunder. 3 And I will give unto thee the treasiu'es of darkness, and riches hidden in secret places; in order that thou mayest know that I am the Lord, who call thee by thy name, — the God of Israel ; 4 For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Is- rael my elect; and I have called thee by thy name: I have designated" thee, though thou hast not known me. 5 I am the Lord, and there is none else, beside me there is no god; I assisted'^ thee, though thou hast not known me. G In order that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from its setting, that there is nothing without me. I am the Lord, and there is no one else ; 7 Forming the light, and creating dark- ness; making peace, and creating evil : I the Lord do all these things. 8 ][ Drop down, ye lieavens, from above, and let the skies distil blessing; let the earth open and let them (all) be fruitful of prosper- * Properly, Koresli. '° P]ng. version, " two-leaved gates ;" referring to the particular gates of Babylon; but the word crb^ simply applies to all city-doors, as they are composed of two pieces or leaves. ° i.e. By the various titles applied to him, others than his proper name. ity, and let righteousness spring up likewise: I the Lord have created it. 9 ^ Wo unto him that contendeth with the one who formed \\m\ — a" potsherd among the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it. What makest thou? or*^ thy Avork, He hath no hands? 10 Tl Wo unto him that saith unto (his) father. What begettest thou ? or to the woman, What bringest thou forth ? 11 ]| Thus hath said the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and he who hath formed hira. About events to come will you ask me ? con- cerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands will ye command me ? 12 (When) I myself have made the earth, and created man upon it; (when) I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and I have ordained all their host. 13 1 myself have waked him up in right- eousness, and all his ways Avill I make straight: he shall build my city, and my exiles shall he dismiss free, not for purchase-money nor for presents, saith the Lord of hosts. 14 ^ Thus hath said the Lord, The labour of Egypt, and the merchandi.se of Ethiopia, and of the Sabeans, men of high stature, shall pass over unto thee, and thine shall they be: behind thee shall they walk; in chains shall they pass along, and unto thee shall they bow, unto thee shall they pray, (saying) Yea, only among thee is God ; and there is no one else beside God. 15 Verily" thou art a God that hidest thy self, God of Israel, the Saviour. 16 They are a.shamed, and also confounded, all of them : together shall they go to confu- sion that are makers of idols. 17 (But) Israel shall be helped by the Lord with an everlasting salvation : ye shall not be ashamed and not be confounded unto all eternity. 18 ^[ For thus hath said the Lord the creator of the heavens; he, the God that formed the earth and made it ; he that hath ^ Lit. "I will gird," i. e. with armour. * Or, "as one potsherd (would contend) with the pot- sherds of the earth." ' i. e. The thing made says that the workman has no hands to work, lledak, " and thy work hath no strength ;" "hand," metaphorical for strength, "endurance." 8 Rashi regards this as the continuation of v. 15. TSAIAH XLV. XLVI. XLVIT. estiil»lislie(1 it, — not for naught did he create it, to 1)0 inliabited did he form it: I am the Lord; and tliere is no one else. 19 Not on a secret spot have I spoken, in a dark phice of the earth ;" I said not unto the seed of Jacol>, Seek ye me for naught; (liut) I the Lord speak rigliteousness, I decLare tilings that are right. 20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye escaped fugitives of the na- tions! They have no knowledge that carry the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. 21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: Who hath an- nounced this in ancient times? told it fi'om the beginning? is it*" not I the Lord? and there is no other god without me, a just god and a saviour; there is none beside me. 22 Turn unto me, so that ye may be helped, all ye ends of the earth ; for I am God, and there is no one else. 23 By myself have I sworn, righteousness is gone out of my mouth, a word (which) shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bend, every tongue shall swear. 24 Only in the Lord," — shall men say of me, — there are righteousness and strength. Unto him shall come and be ashamed all that are incensed against him. 25 In the Lord shall be justified, and shall glory themselves all the seed of Israel. CHAPTER XLVI. 1 Bel is bowed down, Nebo sinketh, their idols are (delivered) unto the beasts, and unto the cattle; those which were once carried by you are now laden u^:** a burden to the weary beasts. 2 They are sunk, they are bowed down together; they could not deliver the burden, but they themselves are gone into captivity. 3 ^i Hearken unto me, house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, who are borne" (by me) from their birth, who are carried from the womb; ' Sacbs, "in a place of a dark country." '' After Jonathan. But the punctuation would require us to render it thus: " Behold, I am the Lord, and there is no other god without me," &c. ' After Redak, and is then what God says of himself. Aben Ezra, " Only from the Lord who hath said it me, are the righteousness and strength " Ras^hi takes it as 4 And even unto old age'^ I am the same; and even unto the time of hoary hairs will 1 bear: I have done it, and I will carry (you); even I will bear, and deliver you. 5 ^ To whom will ye liken and assimilate me, and compare me, that we may be like ? 6 (There are those) that lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in tlie balance ; that hire a melter, that he may make of it a god; they (then) bend the knee, yea, they bow themselves down ; 7 They carry him, upon the shoulder they bear him, and set up him in his spot, and he remaineth standing, from his place he doth not move : yea, though one should cry unto him, he cannot answer, out of his trouble he cannot help him. 8 T[ Eemember this, and take courage: take it again to heart, ye transgressors. 9 Remember the former things of olden times ; for I am God, and there is no one else ; I am God, and there is nothing like me; 10 Declarino; from the beoinnino; the end, and from the earliest days the things that have not yet been done, saying, My counsel shall stand firm, and all my pleasure will I do; 11 Calling from the east the eagle, from a far-ofi' country the man of my counsel; yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass ; I have purposed it, I will also exe- cute it. 12 Tl Hearken unto me, ye stout of heart, that are far from righteousness : 13 1 have brought near my righteousness ; it shall not be flir oft', and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will grant unto Zion salva- tion, unto Israel my glory. CHAPTER XLVII. 1 Come down, and sit in the dust, virgin daughter of Babylon ; sit on the ground, there is no throne, daughter of the Chaldeans; for men shall nevermore call thee. Tender and delicate. 2 Take the mill, and grind meal : uncover the speech of Israel : "Only in the Lord have I been pro- mised righteousness," &c. Sachs, "Only with the Lord, so said he to me, (the prophet,) is," &c. ^ I. e. To be carried away. ' Lit. " laden," figurative, as though God had loaded himself with Israel to carry them away in safety. ' /. c. Of Israel. 503 iSAlAH XLVII. XLVIir. thy locks, lift up the train, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. 3 Tiiy naliedness shall he uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen : I will take ven- geance, and I will not regard any man. 4 ^ Our redeemer — the Lord of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel. 5 Sit thou silent, and enter into darkness, daughter of the Chaldeans; for men shall never more coll thee, The mistress of king- doms. 6 I was wroth over my people, I defiled my inheritance, and gave them into thy hand : (yet) thou didst grant them no mercy ; upon the aged hast thou laid very heavily thy yoke. 7 And thou saidst, For ever shall I be mis- tress; until that thou didst not lay these things to thy heart, thou didst not call to mind the result thereof. 8 |[ And now hear this, luxurious one, that dwellest in security, that sayest in thy heart, I am, and there is nothing else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall 1 know the loss of children : 9 Yet both these things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood ; in their full measure shall they come upon thee, despite of the multitude of thy sorceries, despite of the very great abundance of thy enchantments. 10 And thou didst trust" in thy wicked- ness: thou saidst, No one seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, — these were the}' that seduced thee; and thou saidst in thy heart, I am, and there is nothing else beside me. 11 And there shall come upon thee an evil, which thou shalt not know how to re- move it by 2:)rayer;'' and there shall fall upon thee mischief, which thou shalt not be able to atone for; and there shall come upon thee suddenly desolation, wliich thou shalt not know. 12 Stand now with thy enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laljoured from tliy youth; perad- venture thou mayest be able to iirofit, perad- venture thou mayest withstand. 13 Thou art wearied with the multitude * Sachs and others, " Thou deemedst thyself secure," &c. ''Jonathan and Rashi. Redak, "the dawning of which," &c. " i. e. Family; literally, "waters." 504 of thy counsels. Do let now those that divide off the heavens, that look at the stars, that announce (coming) events at new moons, stand up, and save thee from the things that are to come over thee. 14 Behold, they are become as stubble; the fire burnetii them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame : not a coal shall be left to warm at, no blaze to sit before it. 15 Thus are they become unto thee with whom thou hast laboured; those that had commerce with thee from thy youth, wander away every one on his road : there is no one to save thee. CHAPTER XLVIII. 1 ^ Hear ye this, house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the sirring" of Judah, who swear by the name of the Lord, and malce mention of the God of Israel, — not in truth, nor in righteousness. 2 For of the holy city they call themselves, and upon the God of Israel they stay them- selves, — The Lord of hosts is his name. 3 ^ The former things have I declared from the beginning; and out of my ntouth went they forth, and I announced them : sud- denly did I accomplish them, and they came to pass; 4 Because I knew that thou art obstinate, that like an iron sinew is thy neck, .and thy brow of copper ; 5 And I declared it to thee from the begin- ning; before yet it came to pass did I let thee hear it: lest thou shouldst say, My idol hath done these things, and my graven image, and my molten image, have ordained them. 6 Thou hast heard it; see it all now; and you — will you not declare it? I caused thee to hear new things, from this time, even hid- den things which thou hadst not known. 7 Now are they created, and not from the beginning; and* before the day (that I an- nounced them) thou lieardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them. 8 But neither hadst thou heard it; nor didst thou know; nor had in ancient times thy ear ^ Rcdak. Rashi, "and before the day that it occurred I caused thco to hear them, and thou hcardest not till to-day." The prophet, however, means to show that God announces and accomplishes his will. iSAlAlI XLVIII XT.IX. been opened; for I knew that tliou wouklst deal very treaclieroui>ly, and a transgressor wast thou called from thy birth. 9 For the sake of my name will I defer my anger, and because of my praise will I re- strain it toward thee, so that I may not cut thee off. 10 Behold. I have refined thee, though not into" silver: I have approved thee in the crucible of aftliction. 11 For my own sake, for my own sake, will I do it: for how would(my name) be dis- lionoured? and my glory will T not give unto an other. 12 ^ Hearken unto me, Jacob, and Is- rael, my called one; I am he; I am tlie first, I also am the last. 13 My hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned out the heavens: I call unto them, they stand forward"" together. 14 Assemble yourselves, all of you, and hear: Who among them hath told these things? He whom the Lord loveth, will do his pleasure on Babylon, and (display) his arm (on) the Chaldeans. 15 I, even I, have spoken it, I have also called him: I have brought him, and he shall be prosperous on his way. IG Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; never from the beginning have I spoken in secret; from the time that it occurred, was I there. And now'' the Lord Eternal hath sent me, and his Spirit.'' 17 ][ Thus hath said the Lord, thy Ke- deemer, the Holy One of Israel, I am the Lord thy God who teach thee for thy profit, who lead thee by the way thou shouldest go. 18 Oh that thou hadst but listened to my connnandments! then would have l)een as a river thy peace, and thy prosperity as the waves of the sea : 19 And then would have been as the sand thy seed, and the offspring of thy body like * Sachs, after Geseniiis; and means, that as yet the punishment had not produced a people pure as fine silver, llashi and Aben Ezra would translate, "but not in the silver crucible," i. e. to remove all the dross, or the wicked. '' After Aben Ezra; /. e. they stand ready to do God's bidding as his servants. " The prophet's own words; meaning, all the Lord now announces through him as coming, is as certain as those things which have occurred already — the present mes- 30 the iielijjles" of the sea-slioi'e; yet .shall his name*^ not be cut ofl" nor destroyed from be- fore me. 20 ^ Go forth out of Bab3lon, flee away from the Chalde;ins. with the voice of singing declare, announce this, carry it forth as far as the end of the earth; say. The Lord hath redeemed his servant Jacob. 21 And thev thirsted not when he led them through the deserts; waters out of the rock he let drop down for them : and he cleaved the rock, and the waters gushed out. 22 There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked. CHAPTER XLIX. 1 ^ Hearken, isles, unto me; and listen, ye people, from afar: The Lord hath called me- fi'om my birth ; from my mother's womb hath he made mention of my name. 2 And he hath rendered my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hidden me: and he hath rendered me as a 25olished arrow; in his quiver hatli he con- cealed me; 3 And said unto me. My servant art thou, Israel, thou on whom I will be glorified. 4 But I had indeed said, For no purpose have I laboured, for naught and vanity have 1 spent my strength; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and the recompense of my work with my God. 5 Tl And now hath said the Lord that foi'med me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, that Israel may be gathered unto liim, that I should be ho- noured in the eyes of the Lord, while my God was my strength, — 6 And he said. It is too light a thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to bring back the pre- served of Israel ! but I will (also) appoint thee for a light to the nations, that my salva- tion may reach as far as the end of the earth. sage of the humbling of Babylon and the return of the Israelites being certain to come. (Compare with Num. xvi, .30.) " FTeincmann, "with his spirit," !. c. laid upon him his holy inspiration. " Jonathan. Rashi, " the is.sue of the sea," i. e. the fishes. ' That of the seed of Jacob. * Some apply this address to Isaiah, but Philippson to the people of Israel. 505 ISAIAH XLTX. t. 7 T[ Tims hath said the Lord, the Ee- deemer of Israel, his Holy One, to him who is despised" by men, to him who is abhorred by nations, to the servant of rulers, Kings shall see it and rise up, princes, and they shall j^rostrate themselves, for the sake of the Lord who is faitliful, the Holy One of Israel, who hath made choice of thee. 8 ^ Thus hath said the Lord, In the time of favour liave I answered thee, and on the day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and I will appoint thee as a people of my covenant'' to raise up the land, to divide out desolate heritages ; 9 When I say" to the pi'isoners, Go forth; to those that are in darkness, Show youi'- selves. On the roads shall tliey feed, and on all mountain-peaks shall be their pasture. 10 They shall not be hungry nor thirsty, and neither heat' nor sun shall smite them ; for he that hath mercy on them will lead them, and by springs of water will he guide them. 11 And I will change all my mountains in- to a road, and my highways shall be lifted up. 12 Behold, these shall come from afar; and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim. 13 Sing, heavens ; and be joyful, earth; and break forth, mountains, into song; for the Lord hath comforted his people, and upon his oppres.sed" will he have mercy. 14 T[ Yet Zion said, The Eternal hath for- salcen me, and the Lord hath forgotten me. 15 Can a woman*^ forget her sucking child, not to have mercy on the son of her body ? yea, should these even forget, yet would I not forget thee. 16 Behold, upon the palms of my hands have I engraved thee; thy walls are continu- ally before me. 17 Thy children come in haste; thy de- stroyers and they tliat laid thee waste shall go away from thee. 18 Lift up thy eyes round about, and see; they all are assembled together, they come to thee : as I live, saitli the Lord, thou shalt surely clothe thyself with them all, as with ' Lit. "despised in soul." Jonathan, "despised be- tween the naticin.s." '' Rashi. Lit. " for a covenant of the people." ■■ Rashi. ' Philippsnn, '' mirage." an ornament, and bind them on thee, as a bride. 19 For thy ruins and thy desolate places, and thy wasted land, — ^yea, now shall it be too narrow for thee by reason of the inhabit- ants, and thy destroyers shall be far away. 20 Yet again will say before thy ears the children of whom thou wast deprived, The place is too narrow for me; make room for me that I may dwell. 21 And thou wilt say in thy heart. Who hath I)orn me these, seeing I was bereft of my children, and was solitary, an exile, and outcast? and who hath brought up these? Be- hold, I was left entirely alone; the.se, where have they been ? 22 ^ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I will lift up to the nations my hand, and to the people will I raise up high my standard; and they shall bring thy sons in (their) arms,*^ and thy daughters shall be car- ried upon shoulders. 23 And kings shall be thy nursing-fathers, and their princesses thy nursing-mothers ; with the fiice toward the earth shall they bow down to thee, and the dust of thy feet shall they lick up : and thou shalt know that I am the Lord, who will not sutler those who hope in me to be made ashamed. 24 iy Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or shall the captive of the victor es- cape ? 25 For thus hath said the Lord, Also the captive of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the powerful shall escape; and with those who contend against thee will I contend, and thy children will I indeed save. 26 And I will feed thy oppressors with their own flesh ; and as with new wine shall they be made drunken with their own blood: and all flesh shall know that I the Eternal am thy Saviour, and thy Redeemer the Mighty One of Jacob. CHAPTER L. 1 ][ Thus hath said the Lord, Where is your mother's bill of divorcement, wherewith"* ' Sachs, "his poor." ' The singular stands for the class, "all woman;" hence the plural in the next sentence. * Jonathan, yyn^ "in covered wagons." '' .\ rnheim, after Jonathan. Others, " whom I have," &o tSAlAil L. LT. t have sent lier away? or who of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? behold, for your iniquities were ye sold, and for your transgressions was your mother sent away. 2 Why did I come and no man was there, did I call, with none to answer? hath my hand become too short for redeeming? or is there no power in me to deliver? behold, through my threatening I can dry up the sea, I can change the rivers into a wilderness: their fish stink for want of water, and die for thirst. 3 I can clothe the heavens with blackness, and I can make sackcloth their garment. 4 ][ The Lord Eternal hath given me a tongue for teaching," that I should know how to strengthen the weary with the word: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth my ear to listen like those who are well taught. T) The Lord Eternal hath opened me mj^ear, and I resisted not: I turned not backward. C) My back I gave up to the smitors, and my cheeks to those that plucked off the hair: my ftxce I hid not from abuse and spitting. 7 But the Lord Eternal ever helpeth me; therefore was I not confounded; therefore have I rendered my face like a flint, and I knew that I should not be made ashamed. 8 He that justifieth me is near; who will contend with me? let us stand forward toge- ther: who hath a dispute'' with me? let him come near to me. 9 Behold, the Lord Eternal will help me; who is the man that will condemn me ? lo, they all shall wear out as a garment: the moth shall eat them up. 10 *\\ Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that harkeneth to the voice of his ser- vant? though he have walked in darkness, and had no light : let him trust in the name of the Lord, and lean for support upon his God. 11 Behold, all ye that kindle fire, that urge" on the brands : walk by the blaze of your fire, and by the brands ye have kindled; from my hand hath this been bestowed on you; in pain shall ye lie down. " Rashi ; but Redak, " a tongue of tbe practised," i. e. those who have been weil trained. Pbilippson, "disci- ples;" and so at the end, "to understand like disciples." '' Lit. " tbe master of my cause." " Lit. "gird," i. e. "arm," or " urge," in this connec- tion. ^ Pbilippson, "how I called bim, the one." CHAPTER LL 1 ][ Hearken to me, ye tliat pursue rights eousness, that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye were hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye were dug up. 2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bore you; lljr'' he was one when I called him, and I blessed him, and I increased him. 3 Yea, the Lord hath" comforted Zion ; he hath comforted all her ruins; and he hath made her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord: gladness and joy shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of song. 4 ^ Listen unto me, my people ; and my nation, give ear unto me; for a law shall pro- ceed from me, and my justice will I establish as a light of the people. 5 My righteousness is near ; my salvation goeth forth, and my arms shall judge the people : on me the isles shall wait, and for my arm shall they hope. 6 Lift up 3'our eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath ; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and tlie earth shall wear out like a garment, and they that dwell thereon shall die in like manner; but my salvation shall exist for ever, and my righteousness sliall not be delayed.*^ 7 ]f Hearken unto me, ye that know right- eousness, people in whose heart my law is: ye must not fear the reproach of men, and of their revilings shall ye not be in dread. 8 For like agarment shall the moth eat them up, and like wool shall the worm eat them ; but my righteousness shall exist for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation. 9 ][ Awake, awake, put on strength, arm of the Lord: awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of olden times. Art thou not it that struck down Rahab,^ that pierced the crocodile? 10 Art thou not it that dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep; that rendered ° The propbetic past, representing tbe future as already come. 'Jonathan. Redak, "broken." ' Allegorical term for "Egypt." Tbe crocodile, as ren- dered by Pbilippson, or "dragon," by others, denotes Pharaob, who is frequently so called by the prophets. Tbe word ;'jn is difficult to translate with an equivalent in o07 IS AT All LI. til. tlie depths of the sea a road for the redeemed ' to pass through? 11 And (so) shall the ransomed of the Lord return, and come to Zion with song, with everlasting joy upon their head; glad- ness and joy shall they obtain, while sorrow and sighing shall have tied away. 12 ^ I, I am he that comforteth you : who art thou^ that thou shouldst be afraid of a mortal that must die, and of a son of man who will wither as the grass? 13 And thou forgettest the Lord, thy Maker, who hath spread out the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and thou dreadest continually, all the day, because of the fury of the oppressor, whenever he aimeth to destroy : and where is (now) the fury of the oppressor? 14 The exile will be speedily set free; and he shall not die in the dungeon, and his bread shall not fail. 15 For I am the Lord thy God, who stir- reth" up the sea that its waves roar: the Lord of hosts is his name. IG And I have placed my words in thy mouth, and with the shadow of my hand have I covered thee: to plant'' the heavens, and to lay the foundations of the earth, and to say to Zion, Thou art my people. 17 Tl Rouse up, rouse up. arise, Jerusa- lem, thou who hast drunk from the hand of the Lord the cup of his fury: the deep' cup of confusion hast thou drunk, hast thou drained. IS There is none to lead her, from all tlie children whom she hath born; and there is none that taketh her liy the hand, from all the children whom she hath brought up. 19 Two things are these which have befall- en thee: who will have compassion for thee? desolation and destruction, and famine and the sword — with whom shall I comfort thee? 20 Thy children have fainted, they lie at the entrance of all streets, as a wild bull caught in a net, (they are those) who are full otber languages. In Gen. i. 21, it evidently means simply "the large marine anim<als;" in Exod. vii. 10, it is equally clear that it ilenntes "serpent;" the general term "monster," something large, frightful, and unusual, would best express it; and the context must then determine what sort of a creature is likely the subject of the dis- course. " Jonathan, " who assuagefh the sea when its waves roar." The ditBculty is in the word yil, to which opposite meanings arc attached. WJ8 of the fury of the Lord, the threatening of thy God. 21 Therefore hear now this, thou afflict- ed, and drunken, but not with wine. 22 ^ Thus hath said thy Lord, the Eter- nal, and thy God, who will ever plead for his jjeople. Behold, I have taken out of thy hand the cup of confusion, the deep cup of my fury: thou shalt never more drink it again. 23 And I will place it in the hand of those who have tortured thee, that have said to thy soul. Bend thee down, that we may pass over; and thou madest like the earth thy back, and like the street for those that passed over. CHAPTER LIL 1 ^ Awake, awake, put on thy strength,'' Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, Jerusalem, thou holy city; for no more shall enter into thee henceforth the uncircumcised and the unclean. 2 Shake thyself free from the dust, arise," sit down, Jerusalem: loosen thyself from the bands of thy neck, captive, daughter of Zion. 3 ][ For thus hath said the Lord, For naught were you sold, and without silver shall ye be redeemed. 4 ^ For thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Into Egypt went my people down aforetimes, to sojourn there, and Asshur hath oppressed it without cause. 5 And now what have I here, saitli the Lord, since my people hath been taken away for nauglit? its rulers vaunt aloud, saith the Lord, and continually, all the day, is my name blasphemed. 6 Therefore shall my people know my name, therefore — on that day, that I am he that speaketli it: here am I. 7 ^ How beautiful are upon the mountains the feet of the messenger of good tidings, that publisheth peace, that announceth tidings of ^ The commentators say that this refers to the preserva- tion of Israel, as important as the creation, and the gather- ing of the captives. "Jonathan. But Rashi, "the dregs of the cup." r\;'3p is given by Sachs with "arched cup." "^ Sachs, "(decoration of) victory." •^ Sachs, "sit erect;" but the verse simply says that the captives who formerly lay bound in the dust shall spring up from the earth and sit on a .seat of ease, like other freemen. ISAIAH LII. LIII. hiippiness, that publisheth salvation, that saith unto Zion, Thy God reignoth. 8 Tlie voice of thy watchmen, — they raise their voice, together shall they shout; for eye to eye shall they see, when the Lord return- eth unto Zion. Break forth (in song), shout together, ye ruins of Jerusalem.; for the Lord hath com- forted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusa- lem. 10 The Lord hath made bare his holy arm befoi'e the eyes of all the nations ; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. 11 ][ Depart ye, depart ye, go out from there, touch no unclean thing; go ye out from the midst of it; cleanse yourselves, ye bearers of the vessels of the Lord. 12 For not in haste shall ye go out, and not in tlight shall ye go; for before you goeth the Lord, and your rereward is the God of Israel. 13 ^ Behold, my servant" shall be pros- perous, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be placed very high. * Rashi, explains "my servant," " Behold, at the end of days will my servant Jacob, the righteous among him, he prosperous." Dr. Piiilippson heads this section, "the sufferings of Israel conduce to the happiness of the na- tions;" and after reviewing the preceding prophecies, he says, "But if the prophet contrasts in chap. xlix. 7, in general terms, the despised state of Israel with their future greatness, he takes a deeper view of the subject in the speech now before us, (to the end of liii.,) as he declares t/iK pr(Si')il dfyradalion of hrael to he NECESS.\RY /<;;• tJie aa:omjtUshminl of their mission ; bixausr the exaltation of this ilejiressedy llie ijlorious iipi'isiriij of this despiseJ people uu'll prove so elearhj, so snrprisiiii/i^ to the other nations the siivin(j power of the sole God, vlioin the Israelites adore, that th( u will hceome eonverted to this onli/ One. The prophet goes, therefore, a step fJirther, in declaring the sufferings of Israel, in general terms, as borne by Israel merely as the means of happiness for the nations, in order to bring these out of their sinful idolatry to the pure ac- knowledgment of God. They are become the martyrs of the acknowledgment of the O.ne, and by their exaltation the nations will be directed with the strensth of convic- tion to the sole and only God. This view of the prophet is truly sublime; he stands here on the summit of the whole history of the world, since he thus recognises and pursues the universal tendency of all the histm-y of the families of man. The doubts, therefore, which Jewish commentators (Redak and Abarbanel) have raised here, that this procedure would bo opposed to the justice of God, which must allow every one to bear the punishment of what he himself has committed, can only be applied to individuals, while the prophet had in view the whole de- velopment of mankind. The prophet now expresses this idea in the following manner : — .\t fir.-^t he speaks of the future greatness of Israel (Hi. 13), which shall be as great 14 Just as numy were astonished at thee, so greatly was his countenance marred more than any (other) man's, and his form more than (that of) the sons of men, — 15 Thus will he cause many nations to jump'' up in (astonishment) ; at him will kings shut their mouth; for what had not been told unto them shall they see, and what they had never heard shall they understand. CHAPTER LIII. 1 Who would have believed our" report? and the arm of the Lord — over whom hath it been revealed? 2 Yea, he grew up like a small shoot be- fore him, and as a root out of a dry land : he had no form nor comeliness, so that we should look at him; and no countenance, so that we should desire him. 3 He** was despised and shunned l)y men ; a man of pains, and accpiainted with disease; and as one'' who hid his face from us was he despised, and we esteemed him not. as the Israelites are at present depressed (14). At this the nations and kings will be astonished to the utmost (15), and they will call to mind the entire state of de- gradation under which the Israelites have suffered, when seeing that it is preei-sely this people which have been re- deemed and raised so high by the sole God (liii. 1—3). But they will thence acknowledge that Israel had to bear this hard fate solely for their (the nations') redemp- tion out of their sinful state (4-6), so that Israel, through the patience which they exhibit notwithstanding all their sufferings, since they never departed from the only God, shall be placed on a yet higher eminence (7-9). There- fore will Israel be the more greatly exalted and rendered happy by God, and the will of the Most High will be ac- complished through them (10-12)." This view is gene- rally shared by the best commentators, and is perfectly reconcilable to the whole context and the separate expres- sions employed. '' Jonathan, "scatter." Rashi follows the same view. Redak, "he will cause to speak." Heinemann, "will set in motion." Sachs, "astonish." We have followed Phi- lippson, who explains it to mean the .sudden effect of un- expected news. This is farther exemplified by the first verse of the next chapter. ° Rashi, "So will the nations say one to the other. Had we heard from the mouth of others what we see our- selves, it would have been incredible; and on whom was such a power and majesty of the Lord revealed till now?" But Philippson, "it appears incredible that God should do so much for so small a people." '' Rashi, "This is the method of the prophet, to speak of all Israel as one man, as above, 'Fear not, my servant Jacob,' (xliv. 2, and ibid. 21)." ' Rashi, " On account of their great .shame and lowness they were as those who hide their faees from us with the ISAIAH LIII. LIV. 4 But only our' diseases did he bear him- self, and our pains he carried: while we in- deed esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 Yet he was wounded for'' our transgres- sions, he was bruised for our iniquities : the chastisement for our peace was upon him; and through his bruises was healing granted to us. 6 We all like sheep'" went astray; every one to his own way did we turn; and the Lord let befalP him the guilt of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was also taunted," yet he opened not his mouth; like the lamb which is led to the slaughter, and like a ewe before her shearer's is dumb; and he opened not his mouth. 8 Through oppression and through judicial punishment was he taken away;' but his genei'ation — who could tell, that he was cut away out of the land of life, (that) for the transgressions of my people the plague^ was laid on him? 9 And he let his grave'' be made with the wicked, and with the (godless)' rich at his death ; although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. 10 But the Lord was pleased to crush him ntmust care, that we should uot see them, like a leprous man, who hides his face and is afraid to look about." Philippson agrees with this, and refers to the laws of the leper, (Lev. xiii. 15,) who, with torn garments and long hair, wrapt up to his chin, called out, " Unclean, unclean," and had to live secluded without the city. Who knows uot of the Ghetto — the Jewish gaberdine — the execration of Mahomedans and Nazarenes? ' Rashi, " Bat now we see that it was not for his low- ness that evil befell him; but he was afflicted with pains that all the nations might find atonement through the pains of Israel; while wo (the Gentiles) thought him hated of God." '' Others, "through means of" " Philippson, "like sheep without a shepherd; but now Israel has brought law and justice." '' Rashi, " And the Lord forgave for his prayer the iniquity of us all." Ho alsn Jonathan, "And it was the will of God to forgive the guilt of us all for his sake." ;"J3n in the sense of prayer; so also in verse 12. Others take it in the sense of mceling, thus, "he let him be met by the guilt of us all." ° Rashi. But Sachs, "ho was resigned." n:;?: in the sense of hnml/iutivn. (Exod. x. .3). ' Rashi and Redak render, "He shall be taken out of ;hc ca]itivity and the painful judgments inflicted on him," kc. mh Rashi explains " to the righteous among them ;" but the prophets often u.se the singular and plural to- gether, if the subject be comjiosi'd of niany individuals. 010 through disease : when (now) his soul hath brought the trespass-offering,'' then shall he see (his) seed, live many days, and the plea- sure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 11 (Freed)' from the trouble of his soul shall he see (the good) and be satisfied : through his knowledge shall my righteous servant bring the many to righteousness, while he will bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him (a portion) with the many, and with the strong shall he divide the spoil; because he poured out his soul unto death, and with transgressors was he numbered : while he bore the sin of many, and for the transgressors he let (evil)"" befall him. CHAPTER LIV. 1 ^ Sing, barren one, thou that hast not born ; break forth into song, and rejoice aloud, thou that hast not travailed; for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married Avife, saith the Lord. 2 Enlarge the space of thy tent, and Jet them stretch forth the curtains of thy habita- tions, — spare not : lengthen thy cord.s, and strengthen thy stakes ;° 3 For to the right and to the left shalt ^ Sachs, "the punishment which (was due) to them," ('. f. the Gentile nation, here called "my people." *■ Rashi, "He delivered himself to be buried in any manner the wicked of the nations might decree." (It must be borne in mind, how unich the Israelites valued the rite of burial. Geu.xxiii. 11 ; xlvii. .30,&c.) " At the op- tion of the wicked he was willing thus to be buried, and not deny the living God ; and at the option of the ruler (the rich) he delivered himself up to all sorts of deaths, which were decreed against him, because he would do no wrong — not even to speak the word to adopt the worship of idols." ' After Philippson, to make up the contrast between D^ywi and T^i/y. •^ Atonement; and means, that when the trials have been duly borne as the means of the world's regeneration, then shall the (ippurciil evil be converted into real. good. ' Rashi renders the beginning of this verse, " He hath lived, seen pleasure, and was satisfied from the labour of his hands," i. c. not by violence, "and now he judgeth with righteousness," &c. ° Others, "he made intercession for," &c. Rashi adds, " through his" pains, by which happiness came into the world." This is daily verified by the experience of man- kind. ° Figurative — the tent and its appurtenances must be enlarged, or the place of Israel's habitation, to make room for the numerous progenv, spoken of also in ciiap. liii. 10. ISAIAH LIV. LV. thou ypread forth; and thy seed shall drive out nations, and desolate cities shall they re- people. 4 Fear not. for thou shalt not be made ashamed; and be not confounded, for thou shalt not be put to the blush; for the shame of thy youth shalt thou forget, and the re- proach of thy widowhood shalt thou not re- member any more. 5 For thy husband is thy Maker, the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Eedeemer is the Holy One of Israel, "The* God of all the i earth." shall he be called. 6 For as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit did the Lord call thee back, and as a Avife of 3'outh, that was rejected, saith thj^ God. 7 But for a brief moment'' have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I again re- ceive" thee. 8 In a little'' wrath did I hide my face for a moment from thee ; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith th}' Eedeemer the Lord. 9 ^ For as the waters of Noah is this unto me; as I have sworn that the waters of Noiih should no more pass over the earth : so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with tliee, nor rebuke thee. 10 For the mountains may depart, and the hills may be remo\ed ; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the cove- nant of my peace be removed, saith he that hath mercy on thee, the Lord. 11 •[ thou afflicted, tossed by the tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay th}' stones with fair colours," and lay th}' founda- tions with sapphires. 12 And I will make of rubies th}' battle- ments, and thy gates into carbuncle-stones, and all thy borders into precious stones. 13 And all thy children shall be disciples of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children. 14 In righteousness shalt thou be esta- blished: keep far from oppression, for thou ' Others, " inherit." * Others, "in brief exciteiueut." ° Lit. "gather up." '' Jonathan. Others, " in the violence of wrath." ° Sachs and others, " potter's ore," or " galena." The floors of the Egyptians were laid in beautiful colours, as was done also among other nations. shalt not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near unto thee. 15 Behold, they that assemble together, are nothing without me: whosoever assem- bleth together against thee shall fall under thy 230wer.*^ 16 Behold, I have created the snn'th that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that Ijring- eth forth an instrument for his work ; and I have also created the waster to destroy. 17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that will rise against thee in judgment thou shalt con- demn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their due reward^ from me, saith the Lord. CHAPTER LV. 1 T[ Ho, every one of ye that thirsteth, come ye to the water,'' and he too that hatlt no money : come ye, buy, and eat ; yea, come, buy without money and without price wine and milk. 2 Wherefore will ye spend money for what is not bread? and your labour for what sati.sfieth not ? hearken then unto me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight it.self in fiitness. 3 Incline your ear, and come unto me, hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, the promised mercies of David, which are sure. 4 Behold, for a lawgiver' unto the people have I appointed him, a prince and com- mander to the people. 5 Behold, a nation thou knowest not shalt thou call, and a nation that knew thee not shall run unto thee ; for the sake of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel, for he hath gloriiied thee. 6 *\\ Seek ye the Lord, while'' he may be found, call ye on him, while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the man of unrighteousness his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him, and unto our God, for he will abundantly pardon.' ' Rcdak. Others, " shall surrender to thee." s Jonathan. Lit. "righteousness." ' " The law."— Ra,shi. ' Sachs, after Rashi. Lit. " witness," in the sense of the one who has the right to "warn." ' Sachs, "because he may," &c. ' Sachs, "for he is rich iu forgiveness." 511 ISAIAH LV. LVI. 8 For not my thoughts are your thoughts, and not your ways are my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so high" are iny ways above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts. 10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and return not thither, but water the earth, and render it fruitful, and cause it to bring forth jjhants; and give seed to the sower and bread to him that eateth : 11 So shall ever be my word which goetli forth from my mouth, it shall not return unto me without etiect;*" but it accomplisheth what I desire, and it prospereth in that whereto I have sent it. 12 For in joy shall ye go out, and in peace shall ye be brought home : the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir-tree, and instead of the nettle" shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be unto the Lord for a name, for a sign of everlasting that shall not be cut off. CHAPTER LVI. 1 ^ Thus hath said the Lord, Keep ye justice, and do equity; for near is my salva- tion to come, and my righteousness to be re- vealed. 2 Happy is the mortal that ever doth this, and the son of man that ever layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabliath by not violating it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. 3 And let not say the son of the stranger, that joineth himself unto the Lord, saying. Surely the Lord will exclude me from his ' Man must not measure his forgiveness by that of the Lord; for our God is infinite in goodness as he is im- measurably greater than man in wisdom; hence we should never despair of mercy though our sins be many, •i Lit. " empty." ° Philippsou, " heather ;" others, "brier." ^ Jonathan and Abeu Ezra. Sachs, " a monument." * Philippson comments, that the prophet calls on the wild beasts to assail tlu! flock, /. e. the house of Israel, since their shepherds, rulers, ciders, priests, and false pro- phets (lid not watch them. He conceives the wild beasts addressed to be idniatry anil vice; and hi'nee hu de- &12 . people : nor let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. 4 Tj For thus hath said the Lord concern- ing the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and make choice of what pleaseth me, and take hold of my covenant, 5 I will indeed give unto them in my house and within my walls a jjlace'' and a nante, better than sons and daughters : an everlasting name will I give them, that shall not be cut ofl'. 6 ^[ Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves unto the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be unto him as servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath by not violating it, and those who take hold of my covenant : 7 Even these will I liring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt>offerings and their sor crifices shall l^e accepted upon my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations. 8 Thus saith the Lord Eternal who gather- eth the outcasts of Israel, I will yet gather (others) to him, beside his own gathered (out- 9 All ye beasts of the field, come to de- vour, (yea,) all ye beasts in the forest." 10 ^ His*^ watchmen are all of them blind, they know nothing; they all are dumb dogs, they cannot bark; dreamers,'^ Ij^^^o down, loving to slumber. 11 But the dogs are of a greedy disposition, they know not how to be satisfied; and those are shepherds that know how to understand : they all turn to their own way, every one after his gain, from all quarters.'' 12 Come ye,' I will fetch wine, and let us swallow aljundantly of strong drink ; and like this day shall it be to-morrow, excellent and in very great abundance. nounces the idolaters in the succeeding speech. Rashi, however, "All ye nations, come near unto me, and devour all the beasts in the forest, the mighty ones of the na- tions who have recused to become proselytes;" and con- nects this with the verse above. Aben lilzra deems it a call on the wicked nf the Gentiles to slay the wicked of Israel, like tiie wild beasts that slay each other. ' Israel's. * Others, "sleepers," or "those who talk miusensc iu sleep." "■ Rashi. Aben Ezra, "from his own quarter." ' "8o do thev say one to the nllnT." — Ka^MI. ISAIAH LVII. CHAPTER LVII. 1 The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and pious men are taken away, without one considering that before the evil" the righteous is taken away. 2 He shall come (to his lathers) in peace: they shall repose in their resting-place, every one that walketh in his uprightness. 3 ^ But 3'e draw near hither, .sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the harlot. 4 Over'' whom will you make yourselves merry? concerning whom will 3-ou open wide your mouth, stretch out your tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of false- hood, 5 That are intlamed" after the idols under every green tree; that slaughter the children in the ^■alle3•s under the clefts of the rocks ? (3 Of the smooth stones of the valley is thy portion ; they, they are thy lot : even to them hast thou poured out a drink-ofiering, hast thou oftered a meat-oflering. Shall I for these things repent me (of the evil) ?'' 7 Upon a high and lofty mountain hast thou placed thy couch : even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice. 8 And behind the doors and the door-posts hast thou placed thy (mark of) remembrance; for (departing) from me, thou hast laid open, and art gone up, — hast enlarged thy couch, and made thee a covenant with some of them; thou hast loved their lying with thee, hast selected a fitting place. 9 And thou didst show thyself unto the king with ointment, and thou didst multiply thy perfumes, and thou didst send out thy mes- sengers e\'en into the far-off distance, and didst debase thyself even down to the nether world. * "Which is to come over the generation." — R.\SHr. ' Rashi, " Since ye have departed from me, on whom will ye depend to enjoy what is good?" But the con- nection seems to indicate that the prophet asks them why they deride those sent to reprove them, with the coarse gestures of opening the mouth, and lulling out the tongue. ' Jonathan, ''that worship the enxirs," /. e. idols. But Rashi, "that excite themselves to incest under the tere- binths." '' Rashi, Aben Ezra, and others, and means, should God, seeing the gross idolatry, as they even worshipped smooth stones, have cause to refrain from sending over the people the evil denounced bv the prophets? Sachs, " Shall T nuiet ravsclf ?" ;; I' 10 Though thou art wearied by the length of thy way, yet saidst thou not, It is useless :" thou hadst found enough for thy hand ; th(>re- fore didst thou feel no care.*^ 11 And of whom hadst thou dreJid or fear, that thou becamest fidse, and didst not re- member me, nor lay it to th}' heart? is it not so? I kept silence, and this from earliest times, and therefore tliou fearest me not? 12 I, I ever tell thee (what deeds would be) th}' righteousness; but thy works — these indeed will not profit thee. 13 When thou criest. let thy uuisses of idols deliver thee; but all of them will the wind carry away, a breath will take them off; but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain. 14 And he" will say. Cast ye up, cast ye up, clear out the way, lift up every stundjling block out of the way of my people. 15 *\\ For thus hath said the high and lofty One, who inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy, In the high and holy place do I dwell, yet also with the contrite and humble of spirit, to revive the spirit of the hundjle, and to re- vive the heart of the contrite. 16 For not to eternity will I contend, neither will I be for ever wroth : when the spirit from before me is overwhelmed, and the souls which I have made. 17 Because of the iniquity of his covetous- ness was I wroth, and I smote him, hiding my face, and was wroth : while he went on frowardl^' in the Avay of his own heart. 18 I (now) see his ways, and I will heal him; and I will guide him, and bestow full comforts on him and on his mourners; 19 Creating'' the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him that is afar off and to him that ' Rashi, " I will give up these things, but attend to the law and commandments." Eng. ver., " There is no hope." ' Rashi. Aben Ezra, "thou foundest thy hand strong; therefore wast thou not weakened." ^ "The prophet in the name of God." — Rashi. *■ Rashi, after Jonathan, " Who create a new speech of lips," and comments, " Against that hitherto affliction came over him, and all exclaimed against him, ever}' one will now call to him, Peace, peace. To the far and to the near — both shall be alike, both he who has grown old in my law and service from his youth, and he who has approached now of late thereto to return from his . evil way; and the Lord says, I will heal him from Li* disease and sius." 618 ISAIAH LVII. LVIII. LIX. is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him. 20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea ; for it can never be at rest, but its waters cast up mire and dirt. 21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. CHAPTER LVni. 1 ][ Cry with a full throat, spare not, like the cornet lift up thy voice, and declare unto my people their transgression, and to the house of Jacob their sins. 2 Yet me do they ever seek day by day, and to know my ways do they always desire ; as a nation that hath done righteousness, and hath not forsaken the ordinance of their God : continually do they ask of me the ordinances of justice — do they desire to draw nigh unto God. 3 " Wherefore have we fiisted, and thou seest it not? have we afflicted our soul, and thou regardest it not?" Behold, on the day of 3'our fasting ye follow your business," and all your acquired gains'* do ye exact. 4 Behold, for contention and strife do ^-e fast, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye fast not so at this da}-, to cause your voice to be heard on high." 6 Is such then the fast which I can choo.se? a day that a man afUicteth his soul? to bend his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes for his couch? wilt thou call this a fast, and a daj' of acceptability unto the Lord? 6 Is not this (rather) the fost that I will choo.se ? to open the snares of wickedness, to undo the bands of the 3'oke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye should break asunder every yoke? 7 Is it not to distribute'' thy bread to the hungry, and tliat thou bring the afflicted'' poor into thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou clothe him; and that thou hide not thyself from thy own llesh? 8 Then shall break forth as the morning- dawn thy light, and thy healing shall speedily 'Jonathan, ysn Xi'D "to find one's desire," i.e. the business whieli one has most pleasure in. ' Rashi would render, '-yc exaet (the debts) from all your aggrieved debtors." " Jonathan, "ye shall not fast fasts like this," Ac. *Lit. "to break." 514 spring forth; and before thee shall go thy i-ighteousness, the glory of the Lord shall be thy re reward. 9 Then shalt thou call, and the Lord will answer; thou shalt cry, and he will sa^-. Here am I. If thou remove from the midst of thee the yoke, the stretching out of the finger, and speaking wickedly ; 10 And if thou pour out to the hungry thy soul, and satisfy the afflicted soul : then shall shine forth in the darkness thy light, and thy obscurity be as the noonday- ; 11 And the Lord will guide thee conti- nually, and will satisfy thy soul in times of famine, and will strengthen thy bones; and thou shalt be like a well-watered garden, and like a sj^ring of water, the waters of which will never deceive.*^ 12 And they that spring from thee shall build up the ancient ruins; the foundations of many generations shalt thou raise up again: and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breaches, The restorer of paths to the dwell- ing-j^lace.^ 13 If thou restrain thy foot for the sake of the sabbath, not doing thy business on my holy day ; and if thou call the sabbath a de- light, the holy day of the Lord, honourable ; and honour it by not doing thy usual pur- suits,*" by not following thy own business, and spea,king (vain) words: 14 Then shalt thou find delight in the Lord; and I will cause thee to tread upon the high places of the earth, and I will cause thee to enjoy the inheritance of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. CHAPTER LIX. 1 ^ Behold, the Lord's hand is not too short to save ; neither his ear too heavy' for hearing ; 2 But your iniquities have ever made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have caused him to hide his face from you, so that he would not hear. 3 For your hands are defiled with blood, 'Kodak. Jonathan, "wandering." Rashi, "com- plaining." ' i. c. Fail, or be not there when the caravans come to it; as is often the case when they pass through the desert. * /. f. Leading to the newly filled dwelling. Lit. "ways.' (, c. Peaf." ISAIAH LIX. LX. and your fingers with iniquity : your lips have spoken fiilsehood, your tongue uttereth de- ception. 4 No one admonisheth" with righteousness, and no one executeth justice in truth; men trust in naught, and speak lies; they have conceived mischief, and bring forth wicked- ness. 5 Basilisk's eggs do they hatch, and spi- der's webs do they weave: he that eateth of their eggs must die, and if one be crushed, a viper will break forth. G Their webs cannot serve for garments, and they cannot clothe themselves with their works : their works are works of wickedness, and the deed of violence is in their hands. 7 Their feet run to what is evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of wickedness ; wasting and destruction are on their highways. 8 The way of peace they know not; and there is no justice on their tracks : their paths they have made unto themselves crooked; whosoever walketh therein knoweth not peace. 9 Therefore is justice far from us, nor will happiness overtake us : we ever hope for light, but behold there is darkness; for brightness, but in obscurity must we walk. 10 We grope like the blind on the wall, and as if we had no eyes do we grope: we stumble at noonday as in the twilight ; we are in complete darkness like the dead. 11 We growl all of us like bears, and like doves do we moan sorely ; we ever hope for justice, but there is none; for aid, but it is far from us. 12 For our transgressions are numerous in thy presence, and our sins testify against us; lor of our transgressions are we aware; and our iniquities — we know them; 13 We transgressed and denied the Lord, and departed away from our God; we spoke oppression and revolt, conceived and brought forth in our heart words of falsehood. li And justice is forced to turn backward, and righteousness standeth afar oif ; for truth ' Eedak. Jonathan, "praycth;" PLilippsou, "assevo- rateth." "' Philippson, " Then was truth betrayed, and he that departed from evil was plundered." " Sachs, " when there comoth like a stream the enemy." '' nODJ after Redak, from DIJ " to fly," hence " urged to stumbled in the street, and equity is not able to enter. 15 And thus is the truth missing;'* and he that departeth from evil is regarded as foolish : and the Lord saw it, and it was displeasing in his eyes that there was no justice. 16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor ; therefore his arm brought him aid, and his righteousness, — yea, this sustained him. 17 And he put on righteousness as a coat of mail, and (placed) the helmet of salvation upon his head ; and he put on the garments of vengeance as raiment, and wraf)23ed himself with zeal as with a cloak. 18 According to the demerits, so will he rejiay (all), fury to his adversaries, recom- pense to his enemies; to the islands will he repay what they have merited. 19 And they shall fear from the west the name of the Lord, and from the rising of the sun his glory ; for there shall come distress" like the stream which the Spirit of the Lord urgeth'' forward. 20 But unto Zion shall come the redeemer, and unto those who return'" from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord. 21 And as for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord, My spirit that is upon thee, and my words*^ which 1 have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy children,^ nor out of the mouth of thy children's children, saith the Lord, from henceforth and unto all eternity. CHAPTER LX. 1 ][ Arise, give light, for thy liglit is come; and the glory of the Lord is shining forth over thee. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and a gross darkness the people; but over thee will shine forth the Lord, and his glory will be seen over thee. 3 And nations shall walk by thy light, and kings by the brightness of thy shining. speed on." Rashi, "The spirit of the Lord showeth wonders therein;" or "eateth it up as the worms eateth a tree." " i. e. That repent, or become converted. ' The law of God. s Lit. "seeds" 516 ISAIAH LX. LXl. 4 Lilt up thy eyes round about and see, they all are assembled, they come to thee, thy sons are coming from afar, and thy daugh- ters are brouoht alon"' in arms. 5 Then wilt thou see and be filled with light,^ and thy heart will dread and be en- larged; because unto thee shall lie turned the aljundance of the sea, the riches of nations shall come unto thee. 6 The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and 'Ephah ; they all from Sheba shall come: gold and frankincense shall they carry, and tlie praises of tlie Lord shall they amiounce. 7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be assem- bled unto thee, the rams of Nebayoth shall minister unto thee: the}- shall come for a favourable acceptance (unto me) upon my altar, and the house of my glory will I glorify. 8 Who are these that fly like a cloud, and like the doves, to their windows ? 9 Yea, unto me (the inhabitants of) the isles shall hasten,^ and the ships of Tharshish at first, to bring thy sons from afar, their sil- ver and their gold with them, unto the name of the Lord thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel; because lie hath glorified thee. 10 And the sons of the stranger shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee ; for in my wrath did I smite thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee. 11 And thy gates shall stand open con- tinually, day and night shall they not be closed, to bring unto thee the wealth of na- tions, and their kings led (captive). 12 For the nation and the kingdom that Avill not serve thee shall perish ; and the na- tions shall be utterly destroyed. lo The glory of Leljanon shall come unto thee, the fir, the cjpress, and the box toge- ther, to adorn the place of my sanctuary, and the (resting) place of my feet will I glorify. 14 And then shall come unto thee bent down the sons of those who afflicted thee, and there shall bow themselves down at the soles ol' thy feet all thy n'vilers; and they shall call thee, The city of the Lord, Zion of the Holy One of Israel. " .Iciialliaii. Others, "tlicii shalt tlimi fear and re- joice;" / '-. the siiddeii j(iy will nut iierniit the realiza- tion III' all that iia|i|iriis. '' Others, "wait," ii|- " lioiie," riKi 15 Instead that thou wast forsaken and hated, without one to pass through (thee), will I render thee an excellency of everlasting, a joy of all generations." 16 And thou shalt suck the milk of ntitioiis, and the breast of kings shalt thou suck ; and thou shalt know that I the Lord tun thy Saviour, and thy Eedeenier, the Mighty One of Jacob. 17 Instead of the copper will I bring gold, and instead of the iron will I bring silver, and instead of wood copper, and instead of the stones iron ; and I will set joeace as thy authorities, and righteousness as th}- task- masters. 18 There shall not be heard anymore vio- lence in thy land, wasting and destruction within thy boundaries ; but thou shalt c;i!l. vSalvation, thy walls, and thy gates, Praise. 19 The sun shall not be unto thee any more for a light by day, and for brightness shall the moon not give light unto thee; but the Lord will be unto thee for a light of ever- lasting, and thy God as thy glory. 20 Thy sun shall not go down any more, and thy moon shall not be withdrawn; for the Lord will lie unto thee for a light of ever- lasting, and ended shall be the days of thy mourning. 21 And thy jjeople — they all will be righteous, for ever shall they possess the land, the sprout of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may glorify- my.self 22 The little one shall become a thousand, and the small, a mighty nation : I the Lord will hasten it in its time. CHAPTER LXI. 1 ^ The Spirit of the Lord Paternal is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to announce good tidings unto the meek: he hath sent me to Ijind up the broken-hearted, to prochum to captives Libert\-, and to pri- soners Release;'' 2 To proclaim a year of favour of the Lord, and the dtiy of vengeance of our (!od, to comfort all mourners f 3 To grant unto the mourners of Zion, — ' Lit. "generation and generation." '' Aben Ezra. Joseph Kiniehi, " opening tlie jirison." Others, "bond.s." ■■ (Jod's justice is the safety of the rigliteon.s. ISAIAH LXI. LXIt. to give unto them ornament in the place of ashes, oil of gladness in the phu-e of mourn- ing, garments of praise in the place of a grieved spirit; that they may be called. Oaks of righteousness, the planting ol' the Lord, that he may be glorified. 4 And they shall build up the ancient ruins, desolate places of tbrmer times shall they raise up, and they shall renew ruined cities, the desolate places of many generations. 5 And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your ploughmen and your vintners. 6 But ye — ye shall be called. Priests of tlie Lord; Ministers of our God, shall be said unto you : the wealth of nations shall ye con- sume, and in their glory shall ye be placed as possessors." 7 In the place^ of your twoibld shame, — and the confusion of Avhich they loudly complained as their portion : therefore iirtheir land shall they possess a twofold (portion) ; everlasting joy shall be granted unto them. 8 For I the Lord love justice, I hate rot> bery with burnt-offering:' therefore will I give them the recompense, of their work in truth, and an everlasting covenant will I make with them. 9 And among the nations shall tlieir seed l)i' known, and tlieir oflspring in the midst of the people: all that see them shall acknow- ledge tliem, that they are the seed whom the Lord hath blessed. lU Tl I will be greatly glad in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hatli clothed me with the garments of salviV tion, with the mantle of righteousness hath lie enveloped me; as a bridegroom decketh himself with elegant attire,"" and as a bride adorneth herself with her bridal array. 11 For, as the earth bringeth forth her growth, and as a garden causeth what is sown therein to spring forth : thus will the Lord Eternal cause righteousness and praise to spring forth in the presence of all the na- tions. " Eashi, from lin, "to exchange." Jonathan, "ye shall enjoy yourselves." Others, ''boast." '' Rashi. But Redak, " Instead of your shame ye shall have twofold (reward), and instead of confusion, they shall rejoice in their portion." ' Rashi. Jonathan makes ' Olah synonymous with 'Avhili, wickedness, "i-obhing with wickedness." CHAPTER LXII. 1 For the sake of Zion will I not be silent, and for the sake of Jerusalem will I not lie quiet; until its righteousness'' go forth as tli(> brightness (of light), and its salvation as a burning torch. 2 And nations shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory; and men shall call thee by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall pronounce. 3 And thou shalt be a crown of ornament in the hand of the Lord, and a rojal diadem in the hand of tli3' God. 4 Thou*^ shalt not be termed any more "Forsaken," and thy land shall not be termed any more "Desolate;" for thou shalt be called "My delight in her" [Chephzi-bah], and thy land "Espou.^ed" [Be'ulah]; lor the Lord will have delight in thee, and thy land shall be espoused. 5 For as a j'oung man espouseth a virgin, so shall tliy sons espouse thee; and as the bridegroom is glad over the bride, so will be glad over thee thy God. G Over thy walls, O Jerusalem, have I ap- pointed watchmen, all the day and all the night, continually, shall they not be silent: ye that make mention of the Lord, take ag no rest. 7 And give him no rest, until he have established, and until he have set up Jerusjir leni as a praise on the earth. 8 Sworn hath the Lord bv his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, I will not give thy corn any more as food for thy enemies, and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy young wine for which tliou hast laboured; 9 But they who gather it shall eat it, and praise the Lord; and tli,ey Avho bring it to- gether .shall drink it in the courts of my sanc- tuai'y. 10 T[ Pass, pass through the gates, make clear the way of the people, cast up, cast up the highway, remove away the stones, lift up a banner ovei"^ the nations. ^ Philippson, "sanctifieth the head ornament;" render- ing jnj' as "sanctifying." Rashi would give it, "clotheth himself with the ornamental garments of the high-priest." ° Others, "happiness," ;'. <■. the result of rightecmsnesa. ' Sachs. Lit. " Then shall not be said of thee any more," &c. e Others, •■f.r." 617 iSAIAH LXII. LXIII. 11 Behold, the Lord hath caused to be heard unto the ends of the earth, " Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold his reward is with him, and his recompense before him." . 12 And they shall call them, The holy people, The I'edeemed of the Lord; and thou shaft be called, Souglit for, [Derusha,] The city never forsaken. CHAPTER LXIII. 1 T[ Who is this that cometh from Edom, dyed red in his garments from Bozrah? this — glorious in his apparel, moving along in the greatness of his strength? "I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save." 2 Why is redness on thy apparel, and (why are) thy garments as of one that tread- eth the wine-press? 3 "I have trodden the vat alone, and of the nations there was no man with me; and I trod them down in my anger, and I tram- pled on them in ray fury; and their blood was sprinkled on my garments, and all my raiments have I stained. 4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redeemed was come. 5 And I looked, and there was no one to help, and I was astonished, and there was no one to support; and then my own arm aided me, and my fury — this it was that upheld me. 6 And I stamped down nations in my an- ger, and I made them drunken with my fury, and brought down to the earth their victori- ous strength."" 7 The kindnesses of the Lord will I men- tion, the praises of the Lord, in accordance with all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, .and the abundant goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and the abundance of his kindnesses. 8 And he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie; and he became to them a Saviour. • Ra«hi. Abou Ezra, "blood." Sachs, "and I let flow to the earth their vital fluid." (See above, v. 3.) ' Rashi, who conmicnts, "The prophet complains, and says in the language of entreaty, This day doth his peo- ple remember in exile the ancient days, those of Moses." Sa'adyah agrees also with this. !:;8 9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, ■ and the angel of his presence saved them ; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them ; and he bore them, and he carried them all the days of old. 10 But they rebelled, and grieved his holy Spirit; and he changed himself to become their enemy, and he himself fought against them. 11 Then remembered his people'' the an- cient days of Moses, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his tluck? wliere is he that put within him his holy Spirit? 12 That displayed" by the right liand of Moses his glorious arm; that divided the water before them, to make unto himself an everlasting name? 13 That led them through the deeps, as a horse through the wilderness, that they should not stumble? 14 As a beast goeth down into the valley, so did the spirit of the Lord bring them to rest; thus didst thou guide thy people, to make unto thyself a glorious name. 15 Look down. from heaven, and behold, from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory : where are thy zeal and thy mights, the yearning of thy bowels and of thy mercy which are now restrained from me ? 16 For thou art our father; for Abraham knoweth nothing of us, and Israel recogniseth us not : thou, Lord, art our father, our Re- deemer from everlasting is thy name. 17 Why hast thou let us go astray,0 Lord, from thy ways, suflered our heart to be hard- ened against thy fear? Return for the sake of thy servants, the tribes of thy heritage. 18 But a brief space were thy holy people in possession, when our adversaries trod down thy sanctuary. 19 We are become as though we are those over whom thou hast never ruled, over whom thy name hath not been called. Oh'^ that thou mightest rend the heavens, come down: at thy presence would mountains (then) melt away." " Lit. "led." After Rashi, "God let walk by Moses the arm of his strength at all times that he needed the help of the Holy One." '' This part of the verse is verse 1, chap. Ixiv. of the English version. ' Philippson and Sachs, " tremble." (See Judges v. 5.) ISAIAH LXIV. LXV. CHAPTER LXIV. 1 ^ As^ fire is kindled on brushwood, as water is made to bubble up by fire — to make thy name known to thy advei'saries, that at thy presence nations might treml)le ! 2 (As) when thou didst fearful deeds which we had not looked for, thou earnest down, (while) at thy presence mountains melted away ; 3 Yea ! what from the beginning of the world men had not heard, not perceived by their hearing; no eye (also) had seen a god beside thee, who could do (the like) for the one that waiteth for him. 4 Thou acceptest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou wast wroth, for we had sinned on them continuall}' ; and can we thus be saved?'' 5 And we are become like an unclean inan all of us, and like a soiled garment, all our righteousnesses; and we wither like a leaf all of us; and our iniquities, like the wind, will bear us away. 6 And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth himself up to lay hold of thee ; for thou hast hidden thy face from us, and hast let us melt away, through the force"" of our iniquities. 7 But now, Lord, our tather art thou ; we are the clay, and thou our fashioner; and the work of thy hand are we all. 8 Be not wroth, Lord, so very greatly, and do not for ever remember (our) ini([uity : behold, look, we beseech thee, thy people are we all. 9 Thy holy cities are become a wilderness, ' In the original this chapter is the continuation of the section commencing at Ixiii. 7, and is therefore connect- ed with the last verse; thus, "before thee would moun- tains melt away; as fire is kindled on brushwood," &c. Rashi takes □"oon in the sense of a substance that is melt- ed. Redak, " as the strong fire that is intended to melt metals blazeth up." Rabbi Jonah apml Kirachi, "dry straw." ^ Rashi renders this diiEcult verse so : " Thou didst re- move those who were joyful to do righteousness, and in- voked thee in their prayer after the attributes of thy mercy ; behold, when thou wast angry with us for all the sins which we ever committed, we were saved through their prayer : (5) Wherefore now we are become," &c. Heinemann, " Wert thou to meet the joyful and him that Joth right, they would remember thee in thy attributes Zion is become a wilderness, JerusaK'ni,;i de- solate place. 10 Our holy and our beautiful house where our fiithers praised thee, is burnt up with fire; and all oiu- costly things are become ruins. 11 Wilt thou for these things refrain thy- self, Lord? wilt thou be silent, and aiilict us so very greatly ? CHAPTER LXV. 1^1 allowed mj'self to be sought by those that asked not ; I let myself be found by those that sought me not: I said. Here am I, here am I, unto a nation that called itself not' by my name. 2 I spread out my hands all the time unto a rebellious people, that walk in the way which is not good, after their own thoughts; 3 (To) the people that provoke me to anger to my face continually; that sacrifice in gardens" and burn incense upon (altars of) brick, 4 That sit about among the graves, and lodge in the vaults,^ that eat the flesh of the swine, and (have) broth of abominations'' (in) their vessels; 5 That say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burnetii all the time. 6 Behold, it is written before me ; I will not keep silence, till I have recompensed, yea, recompensed into their bosom, — 7 Your iniquities and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the Lord, who have burnt incen.se upon the mountains, and upon the hills have blasphemed me : and I will — we would have been helpled ; but as thou wast angry, we did sin through them perpetually." Sachs, " Wert thou to meet one who joyfully doth what is right, who think of thee in thy ways — behold, wert thou even angry because we had sinned — we should be helped through them for ever." Our version is aftur Philippson, who re- fers Dn3 " on them" to " thy ways," meaning "for we had sinned on God's ways," i. c not heeding his commands. " Jonathan, " and thou hast delivered us into the power of our iniquities." ^ Rashi, " that desired not to be called by my name;" ('. e. Israel. " [. e. To idols, as no sacrifice out of the temple could be lawfully brought to God ' Eng. ver. "monuments." Philippson, "caverns." « Philippson, "unclean animals." 519 Isaiah lxv. lxvi. measure out their woi'k at first into their bosom. 8 ^ Thus hath said the Lord, As the new wine is found in the cluster of grapes, and one saith, Destroy it not, for a blessing is in it : so will I do for the sake of my servants, that I Avill not destroy the whole; 9 And I let come forth out of Jacob a seed, and out of Judah an inheritor of my moun- tains; and my elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there. 10 And Sharon sliall become a fold of flocks, and the valley of 'Aclior a resting-place for herds, for my people that have sought me. 11 But ye who forsake the Lord, who for- get m}' holy mountain, that set out a table for the god of Fortune," and that fill for Destiny the drink-offering : — 12 Yea, I will destine you to the sword, and all of you shall kneel down to the slaughter; because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spoke, ye did not hear; but ye did what is evil in my eyes, and that wherein I had no delight did ye choose. 13 T[ Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry ; behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty ; behold, my serv- ants shall rejoice,butye shall be made ashamed ; 14 Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry out from pain of heart, and from a broken spirit shall ye howl; 15 And ye shall leave behind your name for an oath unto my elect ones, when the Lord Eternal will slay thee ; but his servants will he call by another name. 16 Whoever there be that blesseth himself on the earth shall bless himself by the true God; and that sweareth on the earth shall swear by the true God ; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hidden from my eyes. 17 For, behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth ; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind ;'' 18 But be ye glad and rejoice unto all eternity in what I create ; for, behold, I will ' nj "Fortune," a deity worshipped by the ancients. (See Gen. xxxii.) So also 'jo " Destiny," "Fate." Eng. version, "troop," "number." Rashi, "according to the number of the idol-priests you fill basins with wine," taking 'jo as " number." '' Hcb. " upon the heart." create Jerusalem for rejoicing, and her people for gladness. 19 And I will rejoice over Jerusalem, and be glad in my people : and there shall not be heard in her any more the voice of weeping, nor the voice of complaint." 20 There shall no more come* thence an infant of few days, nor an old man that shall not have the full lengih of his days ; for as a lad shall one die a hundred years old ; and as a sinner shall be accursed he who (dieth) at a hundred years old. 21 And they shall build houses, and inha- bit them ; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat their fruit. 22 They shall not build, and another in- habit; they shall not plant, and another eat; for as the days' of a tree are the days of my people, and the work of their hands shall my elect wear out. 23 The}' shall not toil in vain, nor bring forth unto an early death f for the seed of the blessed of the Lord are they, and their off- spring with them. 24 And it shall come to pass, that before yet they call will I answer; and while they are still speaking will I hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed to- gether, and the lion shall like the bullock eat straw: and the serpent — dust shall be his food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord. CHAPTER LXVI. 1 Tl Thus hath said the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my foot-stool: where is there a house that ye can build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 2 For all these things hath my hand made, that all these things came into being, saith the Lord; but upon such a one will I look, upon the poor, and him who is of a contrite spirit, and who trembleth at my word. 3 He that slaughtereth the oXj'-'slajeth a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, breaketh the neck of a dog; he that offereth a meat-offer- ing, (oflereth) swine's blood ; he that burnetii • crymg. ' 'be." ° Lit. "Lit. ° i. e. "Age," duration of life. ' Jonathan. Others, " terror," " trouble." * See chap. i. ; the prophet reproves those who sacrifice outwardly without the contrite .spirit of ver.se 2. ISAIAH LXVt. incense, blessetli an idol: yen, they have made choice of their own ways, and in their ahoininations doth their soul delight. 4 So will I also make choice of their mis- fortune,'' and what they dread will I bring upon them; because I called, and none did answer; I spoke, and they did not hear; and they did what is evil in my eyes, and that in which I delighted not did they choose. 5 ^1 Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his word: Your brethren that hated you. that cast you out for the sake of my name,'' said, "Let tlie Lord be gloriiied;" but he will appear to your joy, and they shall be made ashamed. 6 (There is) a voice of tumult from the city, a voice from the temple, the voice of the Lord who reudereth recomj^ense to his ene- mies. 7 Before she had travailed she brought forth ; before yet her pain was come, she was delivered of a man-child. 8 Who hath heard the like? who hath seen such things? shall a land be made to travail in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? that Zion hath travailed, also brought forth her children ? 9 Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the Lord; or shall I who cause to bring forth, now prevent it? saith thy God. 10 ^[ Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be delighted over her, all ye that love her; be higlih' glad with Iier, all ye that mourn for her. 11 In order that ye may suck, ami te satisfied with the breast of her consolations; in order that ye may sip, and find pleasure from the abundance of her glory. 12 Tl For thus hath said the Lord, Behold, I will extend to her peace like a river, and like a rapid stream the glory of nations, that ye may suck: upon the arm shall ye be borne, and upon knees shall ye be dandled. • Jonathnn. Others, "delusions," "child's play." " According to the Massorah, "for my sake" belongs to the next sentence, thus: — -"that cast you out said, For my sake (t, e. that of each speaker) let the LoilD be glorified." Sachs and others, "Let the Lord be glorified, that we may look on your joy — but they shall be put to shame." " Where the idols were placed. '' Aben Ezra. But Rashi, "one company after the other." Sachs, " behind one female," perhaps referring to a "a priestess," and some peculiar ceremony not now 3Q 13 As one whom his mother comforteth, so Avill I comfort you; and in Jerusalem shall ye be comforted. 14 And ye shall see this, and your heart shall be glad, and your bones shall flourish like the grass; and then will be known the hand of the Lord on his servants, and he will be indignant toward his enemies. 15 For, behold, the Lord will come with fire, and his chariots will be like the storm- wind, to send forth his anger with furv, and his threatening with flames of fire. 16 For by fire will the Lord judge, and by his sword against all flesh : and many shall be tlie slain of the Lord. 17 They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves for the gardens," behind one tree'' in tlie midst, they who eat the flesh of the swine, and the abomination, and the mouse, together shall they perish, saitli the Lord. 18 And I, because of their works and their thoughts, will let it come to pass to gather all the nations and tongues; and they shall come, and shall see my glory. 19 And I will display a sign on them, and I will send from them those that escape unto the nations, Tharshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, Thubal, and Javan, the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, and have not seen my glory; and they shall pro- claim my glory among the nations. 20 And they shall bring all your brethren out of all nations as an ofiering" unto the Lord, upon hoi'ses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon dromeda- ries,' to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saitli the Lord, as the children of Israel bring the offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord. 21 And of them*^ also will I take for priests and for Levites, saith the Lord. 22 For as the new heavens and the new known. Philippson, " behind one in the court," yn or "the interior;" and explains, that before they entered the idol-gardens, one commenced and the others followed to make the purification in the court. " See chap. xvii. 7. ' Eng. ver. "swift beasts." *"From the nations that bring, and the Israelites that are brought, will I take those again wlio are priests and Levites, but are now mingled up with ihe nations through compulsion, and they shall serve before me." — R.\SHI. 021 JEREMIAH i. earth, which I will make, shall have pei'ma- nence" before me, saith the Lord, so shall exist permanently your seed and your name. 23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to the other new moon, and from one sabbath to tlie other sabbath, shall all flesh come to prostrate themselves be- fore me, saith the Lord. 24 And they shall go forth, and look uj^on the carcasses of the men that ha^-e transgTess- ed against me ; for their worm shall not die, nor shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorrence unto all flesh. 23 [And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to the other new moon, and from one sabbath to the other sabbath, shall all Hesh come to prostrate themselves before me, saith the Lord.] THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH, n'OT -IGD. CHAPTER I. 1 ^ The words of Jeremiah'' the son of Chilkiyahu, one of the priests that were in 'Anathoth in the land of Benjamin; 2 To whom the word of the Lord came in the days of Josiah the son of Anion the king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign, 8 And who continued (prophet) in the days of Jehoyakim the son of Josiah the king of Judah, until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah the king of Judah, uutil tlie carrying away into exile of Jerusalem in the fifth month." 4 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 5 Before yet I had formed thee in thy mo- ther's body I knew thee ; and before thou wast yet come forth out of the womb I sanctified thee : a prophet unto the nations did I ordain thee. 6 And I said, Ah, Lord Eternal! behold, I know not how to speak ; for I am (but) a lad. 7 And the Lord said unto me, Say not, ' Jonathan. ' Properly, Yirmci/ahu. ° Tliis ik'finition of his prophetic activity applies pro- perly to the first thirty-nine chapters, which carry us to the destruction of Jerusalem ; but as there were no kings afterward, there was no means of designating his later ac- tivity with reference to them. The end of this verse also specifies the date of the end of Zedekiah's reign, not that if Jeremiah's prophecies. — After Phii.ippson. ^ Zunz, "whithersoever." 622 T am (but) a lad; but to whomsoever* I may send thee shalt thou go, and whatsoever I may command thee shalt thou speak. 8 Be not afraid because of them ; for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. 9 And the Lord stretched forth his hand, and touched (me) therewith on my mouth; and the Lord said unto me. Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. 10 See, I have appointed thee this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down: to build up, and to plant. 11 ][ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying. What seest thou, Jeremiah? And I said, A staff of an almond-tree do I see. 12 And the Lord said unto me. Thou hast well seen; for I am watching" over my word to perform it. 13 ^[ And the word of the Lord came unto me the second time, saying, What seest thou? And I said, A seething pot do I see ; and the front*^ thereof is turned from the north. 14 And the Lord said unto me. Out of the ° There is in the Hebrew a play on the word ipty shah/red, "almond," identical in its root with shahlcail, "to hasten," "to watch intently;" wherefore the almond was a proper type of the speedy fulfilment of the pro- phecy. The almond-tree is represented as blossoming and producing very early. ' Rashi renders, et ses ondes, "and its bubbling is (urged) from the north side." But literally, the part froin which the contents are poured out, the front, is ! turned toward Palestine from the north. JEREMIAH I. ir. north sliiill the Q\l\ break'* Ibrtli over all the inhabitants of the land, 15 For, lo. I will call unto all the families of the kingiloni.s of the north, saith the Lord; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his tlirone at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, and upon all its walls round about, and upon (those of) all the cities of Judah. 16 And I will call them to account'' touch- ing all their wickedness, in that they have forsaken me, and have burnt incense unto other gods, ami have bowed down unto the works of their own hands. 17 But do thou gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I may command thee; be not discouraged because of them, lest I humble thee befoi'e them. 18 But I. behold, I have made of thee this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls over the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land. 19 And (although) they fight against thee, they shall not prevail against thee; for with thee am I, saith the Lord, to deliver thee. CHAPTER II. 1 T[ And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 Go and call out before the ears of Jeru- salem, saying, Thus hath said the Lord, I remember" unto thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thy espousals, thy going after me in the wilderness, through a land that is not sown. 3 A holy thing is Israel unto the Lord, the first of his fruits: all that devour him shall incur guilt; evil shall come over them, saith the Lord. 4 ^ Hear ye the word of the Lord, house of Jacob, and all ye families of the house of Israel. 5 Thus hath said the Lord, What fault did your fathers find in me, that they went away far from me, and walked after vanity, and became vain? 6 That they said not, Where is the Lord that brought us up out of the land, of Egypt, ' Lit. "shall be opened. " ' Rasbi. Pbilippson, literally, " And I will pronounce my judgments over tbem." "Pbilippson, "I remembered," ''waSj" "devoured," "incurred," "came." that led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of wildness,'' through a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, through a land through which no one had passed, and where no man had dwelt ? 7 And I brought you into the land of fruitful fields, to eat its fruit and its goodly" products; but ye came and ye made unclean my land, and my heritage ye rendered an abomination. 8 The priests said not. Where is the Lord ? and they that handle^ the law knew me not; and the shepherds transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied in the name of Ba'al, and after things that cannot profit did they walk. 9 Therefore will I contend yet farther with you, saith the Lord, and with your children's children will I contend. 10 For pass over to the isles of the Chit- tites, and see; and unto Kedar send, and con- sider well : and see if any thing like this hath happened. 11 Hath a nation exchanged its gods, which are yet no gods? and (still) my people hath exchanged its glory for that which can not profit. 12 Be astonished, ye heavens, at this, and let ^our hair stand at an end, be ye greatly terrified,'^ saith the Lord. 13 For two evils have my people commits ted: me have they forsaken, the source of living waters, to hew out for themselves cis- terns, broken cisterns, that cannot hold water. 14 Is Israel a servant? or one born (to servitude) in the house ? why hath he been given up to plunder? 15 (That) over him young lions roared, let their voice resound, and changed his land into a waste, that his cities are burnt, left without an inhabitant? 16 Even the children of Noph and Thach- panches have crushed the crown of thy head. 17 Hast thou not procured this unto thy- self, through thy forsaking the Lord thy God, while he was leading thee on the (right) way ? 18 And now what'' hast thou to do on tlic way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Shichor ? ^Jonathan. Piasbi, "pit-foils." ' Zunz, " blessing." ' Jonathan, "the teachers of," kc. Rashi, " the judges." 8 Rashi, " be as though you were ruiued." ^ Zunz, " what hast thou obtained from the way," &c. 523 JEREMIAH II. and what hast thou to do on the wa}- of Asshur. to drink the waters of the river ? 19 Thy own wickedness shall chastise thee, and thy backslidin.crs shall correct thee; and thou siialt know and see that evil and bitter was thy forsaking the Lord thy God, while the dread of mo was not upon thee, saith the Lord Eternal of hosts. 20 Because from yore did I break thy yoke, did I burst asunder thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress: nevertheless upon every high hill and under every green tree thou makest thy bed," as harlot. 21 Yet I had planted thee as a branch of a noble vine, wholly of the proper seed ; but how art thou changed unto me into a degene- rate plant of an ignoble vine? 22 For though thou wash thyself with natron,'' and take for thyself much soap : yet would the stain of thy iniquity remain before me, saith the Lord Eternal. 23 How canst thou say, I am not become unclean, after the Be'alim have I not gone ? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done : (like) a swift dromedary bound fast" to her ways ; 24 (Like) a wild ass used to the wilder- ness, that at her pleasure snufteth up the wind; her lust — who can turn this away? all they that seek her will not weary themselves; in her month will they tind her. 25 "Prevent'^ thy foot from being unshod, and thy tliroat from being thirsty ;" but thou saidst, It is useless ;" no, for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go. 26 As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so have the house of Israel been made ashamed, they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets, ' Easlii ; but Redak, " thou wanJerest about." ' The natron of Egypt, which is found in several lake? in the south-western part of the Delta of the Nile, and elsewhere ; but not the 7iUre of commerce. ° i. e. Constantly pursuing the same path. The prophet reproves Israel for their prononess to idolatry, their disre- gard of God's word, and their shameless desire to imitate the customs of the Gentiles. '' Lit. " Withhold thy foot from barefootednesa, and thy throat from thirst." Jonathan, " Withdraw thy foot from a union with the nations, and thy mouth from the wor- shipping of their errors." • i. e. The prophetic advice is useless. ' Jonathan. Kashi, " Wo are severed (from thee);" iledak, ''We. have dominion, wo will not," &o. Mena- ciiem, " We are come down," ('. r. from our greatness. j2i 27 Who say to the wood. Thou art my father ; and to the stone, Thou hast brought us forth; for they have turned their back unto me, and not theii-face; but in the time of their misfortune will they say. Arise, and save us. 28 But where are then thy gods that thou hast made for thyself? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy misfortune ; for equal to the number of thy cities were thy "ods, Judah. 29 ^ Wherefore will ye contend with me? all of you have transgressed against me, saith the Lord. .30 To no purpose have I smitten youi children ; correction they accepted not : your sword hath devoured 3'our prophets, like a destroying lion. 31 (present) generation, regard ye the word of the Lord. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel ? a land of deep darkness ? where- fore say my people, We wander about ■,^ we cannot come any more unto thee ? 32 Can a virgin forget her ornament, or a Ijride her decorations?^ yet my people have forgotten me days without number. 33 Why ornamentest thou thy way to seek for love ? trul}' even to the worst ha,st thou used thyself as thy ways.*" 34 Also on th}' skirts is found the blood of the souls of the innocent needy ones: not while breaking in (thy house) didst thou find them ; but for all these things.' 35 Yet thou sayest. Yea, I am inno- cent, surely his anger is already turned away from me. Behold, I will hold judgment with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned. 36 Why makest thou thyself so very " Michlol Yophi, "necklaces and other jewels which arc bound or clasped on." Philipp.son, "girdle." '' llashi. Philippson, " Why allegest thou thy way to be good to acquire love?" (meaning that the Israelites .said they had not sinned, and hence deserved divine favour;) " truly, even on bad acts hast thou accustomed thy ways." Zunz, "Truly, even the worst hast thou taught to know thy ways." So also Jonathan and Redak, taking the feminine niinn as signifying nations. ' After R:ishi, who explains the last words, "because they had reproved thee." It is only necessary to call to mind the murder of Zochariah and the ill-usage of the |)rophet himself. The death of a thief slain while breaking into a house was not punishable. (See Exod. xxii. 1.) Rut Redak connects this with the following, thus, " Yet fir all these things — thou hast said," &c. JEREMIAH II. III. low" to change thy way ? also because of Egypt shalt thou be made ashamed, as thou wast put to shame Ijecause of Assyria. 37 Also from this one'' shalt thou go forth, with thy hands (clasped) over thy head ; for the Lord hath rejected those on whom thou trustest and thou shalt not prosper with theui. CHAPTER III. 1 One could say/ Behold, if a man send away his wife, and she go from him, and be- come another man's, can he return unto her again ? would not that land be greatly pol- luted? and thou hast played the harlot with many companions, and wilt yet return to me, saith the Lord. 2 Lift up thy eyes unto the mountain-tojDS, and see where tliou hast not been lain with. On public roads hast thou sat for them, as the Arab in the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land wath thy incests and with th}' wickedness. 3 And (though) the early showers were withholden, and the latter rain came not : yet hadst thou a forehead of an incestuous wife, thou refusedst to feel shame. 4 Wilt thou not^ from this time call out unto me. My fatlier, the guide of my }'outh art thou ? 5 Will he bear grudge for ever ? will he keep it to eternity? Behold, thou hast spoken (this), and yet hast done the things that are evil as much as thou w^ast able. 6 ^ And the Lord said unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen what backsliding Israel hath done? slie is gone upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and hath played the harlot there. 7 And I thought that after she had done all these things, slie would return unto me. But she returned not. And this saw her treacherous sister Judali. 8 And I saw, that, although because ) jack- sliding Israel had committed adulter^' I had sent her away, and given her bill of divorce " Rashi and Jouathau. Kedak, wbo is followed by Zunz, Eng. version, and others, " Why gaddest thou about." — " Egypt and Assyria" — the early kings relied for help on Assyria, the later ones on Egypt, and both were the cause of evil to Israel and Judah. ^ i. e. Egypt or the nations in general; but Redak, "from this place," i.e. Palestine or Jeru.salem. ' See Pent. xxiv. 4. unto her, still treacherous Judah her sister feared not, but went and played herself the harlot also. 9 And it came to pass through her giddy in- cest, that she defiled the land, and committ<?d adultery witli stone and with wood. 10 And yet with all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not returned unto me with all her heart, liut with falsehood, saith the Lord. 11^ And the Lord said unto me, The back- sliding Israel hath justified herself tln-ough" the treacherous Judah. 12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and sa}'. Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Loku: I will not cause my anger to fall upon you ; ll)r I am fidl of kind- ness, saith the Lord, I will not bear grudge lor ever. 13 Only acknowledge thy iniquity, that against the Lord thy God thou hast rebelled, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and that unto my voice ye have not hearkened, saith the Lord. 14 Rettu-n, Ijacksliding children, saith the Lord; for I am become 3'our husband ;'^ and I will take \()U one of a citv, and two of a family, and bring 3011 to Zion : 15 And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, and they shall feed 3'ou with knowledge and intelligence. 16 And it shall come to pass, when ye multii)ly and increase in the land, in those days, saith the Lord, that men shall not say any more, '"The ark of the covenant of the Lord;" nor shall it come any more to mind; nor shall they remember it ; nor shall they mention it; nor shall any thing Ije done*' any more (with it). 17 At that time shall they call Jerusalem, The throne of the Lord ; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the Lord, to Jerusalem: and tliey shall not walk any more after the stubbornness of their evil heart. ^ Rashi, who regards this verse as a wish expressed by God that Israel might repent. But Zunz, " Is it not SC; from that time thou calledst me, jMy father," &c. ■^ Others, " more than." ' Redak, "though I had rejected you;" as if it were -rhj.'! "Family" of nations, i.e. a people. « Zunz, literally, " nor shall Cany such) be made again;" alluding to the absence of the ark in the second temple. JEREMIAH 111. IV. 18 T[ 111 those days shall the house of Ju- dali walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north unto the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers. 19 But I had thought, How shall I esta- Ijlish" thee among the (other) sons (of man), and give thee a desirable land, a heritage of glory of the hosts'' of nations? and I thought, My father thou wouldst call me, and that from me thou wouldst call turn awa3^ 20 But truly as a wife treacherously de- parteth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously Avith me, house of Israel, saith the Lord. 21 A voice is now heard upon the moun- tain-tops, .the supplicatory weeping of the children of Israel; for they have perverted their way, they have forgotten the Lord their God. ^ 22 Return, ye backsliding children, I will heal your blackslidings. "Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the Lord our God. 23 Truly deceptive was (what we hoped for) from the hills, and the multitude on the mountains;" truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel. 24 And shame hath devoured the acquisi- tion of our fathers from our youth, their tlocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters. 25 We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us; for against the Lord our God have wc sinned, we and our fathers, from our youth even until this day; and we have not hearkened to the voice of the Lord our God." CHAPTER IV. 1 If thou wilt return, Israel, saith the Lord, unto me must thou return ; and if thou wilt put away thy abominations out of my sight, then shalt thou not wander about (any more) . 2 And if thou wilt swear. As the Lord liveth, in truth, in justice, and in righteous- " Zunz gives, "How sli;ill I endow thee with children." *" Zunz, after Jonathan, "which is an ornament amonc the ornaments of nations.' ° lleJak. ]3ut Philippson, " Deceptive is what (comoth) IViim the hills, but noise what conieth from the mountains." Hills and mountains denote the places where idols were worshipped. bless themselves in they glorify them- ness: tlieii shall nations him,'' and in him shall selves. 3 ][ For thus hath said the Lord to the men of Judali and to Jerusalem, Plough up your fallow ground, that ye may not sow among thorns. 4 Circumci.se yourselves to the Lord, and remove the obduracy of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem : lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn so that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings. 5 Tell ye in Judah, and publish in Jeru- salem, and say, Blow ye the cornet in the land : call out, gather together," and say, As- semble yourselves, and let us go into the for- tified cities. 6 Set up the standard toward Zion; save yourselves by flight, stay not; for evil do I bring from the north, and a great destruction. 7 The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of nations hath commenced his inarch, he is gone forth from his place, to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, left without an inhabitant. 8 For this gird yourselves with sackcloths, lament and wail; for the fierce anger of the Lord is not turned away from us. 9 And it shall come to pass on that day, saith the Lord, that the heart of the king and the heart of the princes shall fail; and the priests shall be astonished, and the pro- phets shall wonder. 10 Then said I, Ah, Lord Eternal! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul. 11 At that time shall be announced to this people and to Jerusalem a dry wind from the inonntain-peaks in the wilderness, (coming) on the road to the daughter of my people; not to winnow, nor to cleanse (the corn),^ 12 A strong^ wind from these places shall come unto me : now also will I myself pro- nounce judgment against thein. ^ i. e. Israel, the nation represented as one individual. " Philippson and others, "called out aloud." ' After Rashi; meaning, the enemy shall come as the dry ilesert wind sweeps over the land, too strong for mere winnowing and cleansing the corn. " Itaslii "A wind full of these (^punishments) shall come." JEREMIAH IV. V. 13 Behold, like clouds shall he come up, and like a whirlwind shall be his chariots: swifter than eagles are his horses. " Wo unto us! for we are wasted." 14 Wash from wrong doing thy heart, Jerusalem, in order that thou mayest be saved. How long wilt thou let lodge within thee the thoughts of thy wickedness ? 15 For a voice declare th from Dan, and publisheth unhappiness from the mountain of Ej)hraim. 10 Make ye mention of it to the nations; behold, let it be heard against Jerusalem, that beleaguerers come from a far-ofi' country, and send forth their voice against the cities of Judah. 17 As keepers of a field are they against her round about; because against me hath she been rebellious, saith the Lord. 18 Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee: this is thy wicked- ness, which is so bitter, which so reacheth unto thy heart. 19 |[ My bowels, my bowels! I am shaken, at the very chambers of my heart ; my heart beateth tumultuously in me; I cannot remain silent; because the sound of the cornet hast thou heard, my soul, the alarm of war. 20 Ruin upon ruin is called out; for the whole land is wasted : suddenly are my tents \vasted, and in a moment, my curtains. 21 Haw long shall I see the standard, hear the sound of the cornet? 22 ][ "Because my people is foolish, me have they not known; sottish children are they, and they have not any understanding: wise are they to do evil, but how to do good they do not know." 23 I look at the earth, and, lo, it is with- out form and void; and toward the heavens, and their light is gone. 24 I look at the mountains, and, lo, they tremble, and all the hills are moved. 25 I look, and, lo, there is no man, and all the birds of the heavens are lied. 26 I look, and, lo, the fruitful country is a wilderness, and all its cities are laid waste at the presence of the Lord, because of the ■fierceness of his anger. " Zunz and others, "purple." Others, "crimson." '' After Zunz; but literally, " fatigued ;" but when a person is exhausted in a contest he must succumb to the assailants. Bedak, "I am weary tu bear the great grief 27 *i\ For thus hath said the Lord, Deso- late shall be the whole laud; yet a full end will I not make. 28 ^] For this shall mourn the eai'th, and black shall be the heavens above; because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and I will not repent, and I will not turn back from it. 29 ][ From the noise of horsemen and those that shoot with the bow fleeth tlie whole city; they go into thickets, and climb up upon the rocks : every city is forsaken, and not a man dwelleth therein. 30 And thou, wasted one, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothe thyself with scarlet," though thou adorn thyself with orna- ments of gold, though thou encircle with paint thy eyes : in vain shalt thou make thy- self beautiful ; the adulterers will despise thee, thy life will they seek. 31 For a voice as of a woman in travail have I heard, the anguish as of one that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that groaneth, that spread- eth out her hands, (sa^ying,) "Wo is me now! for my soul succumlx'th'' to the murderers." CHAPTER V. 1 ][ Roam about through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and notice, and search in its broad places, if ye can find one man, if there be one that executeth justice, that searcheth for truth: and I will pardon it. 2 And though they say, "As the Lord liv- eth !" surely they only swear to a falsehood. 3 Lord, are not thy e^-es (directed) to the truth? thou didst strike them, but they felt it not; thou didst make an end" of them, (3'et) they refused to accept correction : they made their faces harder than a rock, they refused to return. 4 Yet I myself thought, Oh these are Init poor; they are foolish; for they know not the way of the Lord, the ordinance of their God. 5 I had Ijetter go unto the great men, and let me speak with them; for these surely know the way of the Lord, the ordinance of their God; but these altogether have broken the yoke,"* burst the l«mds. 6 Therefoi'e slayeth them the lion out of which overwhelmeth me because of the multitude of mur- derers." ° Eedak, " thou broughtest them near to destruction." '' The yoke uf God, i. e, obedience to his will. 6^7 JEREMIAH V. the forest, the wolf of the deserts wasteth them, the leopard lieth in wait against their cities: every one that cometh out thence shall be torn in pieces; because many ai'e their transgressions, very numerous are their back- slidings. 7 How shall I fur this pardon thee? thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by those that are not gods : when I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery, and assembled themselves by troops in the harlot's house. 8 As robust horses they rose by times" in the morning: every one neighed after the wife of his neighboui'. 9 Shall I not for these things inflict punish- ment ? saith the Lord : and shall on a nation such as this my souP not be avenged ? 10 ^ Scale ye her walls," and destroy; but make not a full end: remove her young shoots;** for they are not the Lord's. 11 For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very treacherously against me, saith the Lord. 12 They have denied the Lord, and said, "He existeth not; nor will evil come over us; and the sword and fomine shall we not see. 13 And the prophets shall become wind, and the word'' is not in them:" thus*^ shall it be done unto them. 14 ][ Therefore thus hath said the Lord the God of hosts. Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth to be a fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them. 15 Lo, I will brnig over you a nation from afar, house of Israel, saith the Lord: it is a mighty nation, it is a most ancient nation, a nation whose language thou wit not know, and thou wilt not understand what they speak. 16 Their cpiiver is as an open sepulchre: they are all mighty men. 17 And they shall consume thy harvest, and thy bread; they shall consume thy sons ' Rashi and Redak. Others derive CDt^O from ntyn "Arabian," or "of Me-shecb." "Ruliust" is rendered by others "woll-fcd." ■• Philippson, simply, "shall I not avenge myself." " Rashi, "Go into her plains," ku. •^ Rendered elsewhere, "tendrils." Jonathan, "pa- laces." Redak, "battlements." " Zunz, "for he (God) speaketh not through them." J'hilippson, "there is not in them he that speaketh." ! and thy daughters; they shall consume thy flocks and thy herds; they shall consume thy vines and thy fig-trees; they shall depopulate^ thy fortified cities, those wherein thou trust- edst, with the sword. 18 Nevertheless even in those days, saith the Lord, will I not make a full end of you. 19 And it shall come to pass, when ye will say, For what reason hath the Lord our God done all these things unto us? that thou shalt say unto them, In the same manner as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not yours. 20 ^f Announce this in the house of Jacob, and publish it in Judah. savin"'. 21 Do now hear this, sottish people, who have no heart; who have eyes, and see not; who have ears, and hear not; 22 Will ye not fear me? saith the Lord; will ye not ti'emble at my presence, who have placed the sand as a bound for the sea by an everlasting law,'' which it can never pass over? and though the waves thereof be upheaved, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it. 23 But this people hath a stubborn and a rebellious heart: they have departed (from the right) and have gone their way. 24 And they have not said in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain, the early and the latter rain, in its season : the appointed weeks' of the har- vest doth he ever preserve for us. 25 Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withhulden what is good from you. 26 For there are found among my people wicked men : they lie in wait, as he that lay- eth'' snares; they set a trap, they catch men. 27 As a coop is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore are they be- come great, and grown rich. 28 They are grown fat,' they are stout; yea, they surpass even the deeds of the wick- ' /. c What has been denounced. 8 Zunz, literally, "impoverish," ('. c. of men. "^ Zunz and others, freely, "as an everlasting barrier." ' Jlichhil Yophi, "the oaths concerning the laws of harvest will he ever keep for us." (See Gen. viii. '2'2.) '' Redak. Rashi, "as the steel trap biteth," /. r. seizes with violence the leg of an animal and wounds it ' Parallel of Dout. sxxii. 15. Rashi, "They surpass," with "they even commit," Zunz, "they overflow with." for tlie Coristruotion of the Tertiple. JEREMIAH V. VI. ed: they pronounce no (ju^t) sentence, the sentence of the fatherless, that they might" prosper; and the cause of tlie needy do they not judge. 29 Shall I not lor these things intlict punishment? saith the Lord: or shall on a nation such as this mv soul not be avenged? 30 ^ An astonishing and horrible thing is committed in the land; 31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so; but wliat will ye do in the end thereof? CHAPTER VI. 1 Assemble, ye children of Benjamin, to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and in Tekoii' blow the cornet, and on Beth-hakke- rem set up a fire signal; for evil is seen (coming) out of the nortli, and great havoc. 2 The comely and the delicate, the daugh- ter of Zion do I destroy. 3 Unto her shall come shepherds with their flocks; they shall pitch their tents against her round about; thev shall feed oft' everjf one his own place. 4 Prepai'e ye war against her ! " Arise, and let us go up at noon. Wo unto us! for the day waneth, for the shadows of the even- ing are stretched out. 5 Arise, and let us go up by night, and let us destroy lier palaces." (J ^[ For thus hath said the Lokd of hosts, Cut ye down trees, and cast up a mound against Jerusalem : this is the city whose time of punishment is come; she is full of op- pression in her midst. 7 As a well sendeth forth its waters, so doth she cause her wickedness to spring forth : violence and robbery are heard in her ; in my presence there are continually disease and wounds.'' 8 Be thou instructed," Jerusalem, that my soul tear itself not away from thee; that * Kashi. Others, "yet are they (the wiekod) prosper- ous." "' Philippson, "wounds and blows," wliieh tiie wicked infliot on the innocent. ■= Zunz, "Improve thyself." ■* /. c. The vintner moves his hand backward and forward till he has filled his baskets; so shall be done to Israel, destroying multitudes on multitudes. ' "It is easy for the false prophets to utter with their 3R I render thee not desolate, a land which is not inhabited. 9 ^ Thus hatli said the Lord of hosts, They shall thorougldy glean like a vine the remnant of Israel : carry back th}' hand as a grape-gatherer frequently to the baskets.'' 10 To whom shall I speak, and give warn- ing, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot be attentive : behold, the word of the Lord is become unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it. 11 And I am fidl of the fury of the Lord; I am weary with sustaining it: (I must) pour it out over the child in the street, and over the assembly of young men together; for even the husband with the wife shall be seized, the aged with him that is full of days. 12 And their houses shall be transferred unto others, fields and wives together; for I will stretch out my hand over the inhabitants of tlie land, saith the Lord. 13 For from their least even unto their greatest, every one is given to covetousness ; and from the prophet even unto the j^riest every one practiseth falsehood. 14 And they heal the breach of the daugh- ter of my people very lightly," saying. Peace, peace : when there is no peace. 1-3 They should have been ashamed, be- cause they had conniiitted an abomination ; but they neither felt the least shame, nor did they know how to l)lush: therefore shall they fall among those that fall ; at the time that I punish their sin shall they stumble, saith the Lord. 16 Tl Thus hath said the Lord, Place your- selves on the ways, and see, and ask after the ancient paths, where is tlie way which is good, that ye may walk thereon, and find rest for your soul. But they said. We will not walk (thereon). 17 Then did I set watchmen' over you, (say- ing,) Listen to the sound of the cornet. But they said, We will not listen. mouth and say, Ye shall have peace, and to heal by their speaking the breach which is coming over them." — Rashi. This false security, however, was the reverse of a cure, as it hastened the downfall which might otherwise have been averted. ' Watchmen denote the prophets wiio are to warn the people of coming danger, just as sentinels are placed by an army to guard against surprise. The danger to Israel is sin, its consequence — destruction. alia jp:remiaii vi. vii. 18 Therefore hear, ye nation!?, and know, O assembl}', what (guilt)" is among them. 19 Hear, earth ! behold, I will bring evil upon this people, the fruit of their thoughts ; because unto my words have they not been attentive, and as regardeth my law, — that have they despised. 20 To what purpose serveth me the frank- incense which Cometh from Slieba, and the sweet cane from a far-off country ? your burnt- oflerings are not acceptable, and your sacri- fices are not agreeable unto me. 21 Therefore thus hath said the Lord, Be- hold, I will place before this people stumbling- blocks, and thereon shall stumble the fathers and the sons together, the neighbour and his friend, and they shall perish. 22 ]| Thus hath said the Lord, Behold, a people is coming from the north country, and a great nation shall wake up from the ftxrthest ends of the earth. 2-3 Bow and spear shall they firmly grasp; cruel are they, and will have no mercy ; their voice roareth like the sea ; and upon horses do they ride; set in array as one man for the war, against thee, daughter of Zion. 24 We have heard the fiime of him — our hands grow feeble : anguish hath taken hold of us, pain, as of a woman in giving birth. 25 Go not forth into the field, on the road must ye not walk; for .(there is) the sword of the enemy, terror on every side. 26 daughter of my people, gird thyself with sackcloth, and roll thyself in the ashes: a mourning as for an only son prepare unto thee, a most bitter lamentation ; for suddenly will the destroyer come over us. 27 I have set thee for a tower'' and a fort- ress among my people, that thou mayest know and probe their way. 28 They all are grievous revolters, going about as talebearers, copper and iron : they all are corrupt. " Jonathan. Obernick, " what shall be done ou them." '' So Ra.shi; but the moderns conceive tnu to be "an assayer ;" lyno not a " fortres.s," but " metallic ore," — say here, "gold," or "silver." Hence Zunz, "I have ap- pointed thee an assayer among ray people — the ore — that lliou mayest know and pmbc their way," &c. The prophet is to decide on their worthiness by seeing whether they lolliiw his advice or not. Hence they are condemned, in V. 27, for being rebellious against (Jod and false to man, as ignoble metals — ^eopper and iron. " in: rendered liere " Imrnt," is foiiud in Job xxxix. OliO 29 Tlie liellows are burnt," by the fire the lead'' is consumed: in vain the melter refineth; for the wicked are not separated away. .30 Refuse silver men call them; because the Lord hath rejected them. CHAPTER VIL 1 ^ The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saj'ing, 2 Place thyself in the gate of the house of the Lord, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the Lord, all ye of Ju- dah, that enter in hy these gates to bow down before the Lord. 3 Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will permit you to dwell in this place. 4 (But) do not rely on the words of false- hood, saying, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, (as) they (say)." 5 For if ye thoroughly amend your way s and your deeds; if ye thoroughly execute jus- tice between a man and his neighbour ; 6 If ye oppress not the stranger, the father- less, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, and walk not after other gods to your own hurt : 7 Then will I permit you to dwell in this place, in the land that I have given to your fathers, from eternity to eternity. 8 Behold, ye rely on the words of false- hood, that cannot profit. 9 How ? will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods of which ye have had no knowledge ; 10 And (then) come and stand before my presence in this house, which is called^ by my name, and say, " We are delivered ;" in order to do all these abominations ? 11 Is then this house, which is called by 20, where it means " the snorting" of the hor.se ; hence, Philippson, " the bellows puff." '' " The lead" here spoken of was mixed with the sil- ver, as mercury is now, to separate it in a pure state ; hence the metaphor will be readilj' understood : the labour of purification will be in vain, as the dross (the wicked) will not be thereby separated from the pure metal (the good). " Kodak, after whom Zun/ ; but (_)bernick takes non for run " is here," " the temple is here." ' lleb. "whercupiiu my name is called," JEllEMlAll VII. my iiaiiie, become a den of robbers in j^onr eyes? (But) I also, behold, I have seen it, saith the Lord. 12 For go ye now unto my place which was in Shiloh, where I caused my name to dwell at the first," and .see what I did unto it because of the wickedness of my people Israel. 13 And now, whereas ye have done all these acts, saith the Lord, and I spoke unto you, causing (the prophets) to rise up early and speaking, while ye would not hear ; and I called you, but ye would not answer : 14 Therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, whereon ye rely, and unto the place which I have given to you and to vour fathers, as I have done to Shiloh. 15 And I will cast you out of my presence, as I have cast out all your brethren, all the seed of Ephraim. 16 ^ But thou — pray not thou in behalf of this people, nor lift up in their behalf entreaty'' or prayer, nor make intercession" to me ; for I will not hear thee. 17 Dost thou not see what thev are doing in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem ? 18 The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead dough, to make cakes for the queen of heaven, and they pour out drink-oflerings unto other gods, in order to provoke me to anger. 19 Do they provoke me to anger? saith the Lord, (and) not themselves, to the shame of their own faces ? 20 Tf Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold m\ anger and my fui-y shall be poured out upon this place, over man, and over beast, and over the trees of the field, and over the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn, and it shall not be quenched. 21 Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Add your burnt-ort'eriiigs unto your peace-sacrifices, and eat the Hesh thereof. 22 For I spoke not Avith your lathers, and I commanded them not on the day of my " Before the temple of Jerusalem was built. Rashi refers the prophet's allusion to the events in the time of 'Eli. '' Philippson. Redak, "cry." ' Zunz, "urge me imt;" i, <■, " ask nut urgently." bringing them out of the land of Egypt,'' con- cerning burnt-ofl'eiing or sacrifice; 23 But this thing did I command them, saying. Hearken to my voice, and I will be unto you for a God, and ye shall be unto me for a people; and walk ye altogether" on the way which I may conniiand you, in order that it may be well unto you. 24 Yet they hearkened not, and inclined not their ear; but they walked in the coun- sels, in the stubbornness of their evil heart; and they went backward, and not forward: 25 Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt until this day; and I sent unto you all my servants the pro- phets, sending them daily in the morning early; ^ 20 Yet they hearkened not unto me, and inclined not their ear; but they hardened their neck; they did vrorse than their fathers. 27 And if thou speak unto tliem all these words, and they will not hearken to thee ; and if thou call unto them, and they will not answer thee : 28 Then shalt thou say unto them, This is the nation that hearken not to the voice of the Lord their God, and accept not correc- tion; lost is the truth, and is obliterated from their mouth. 29 T] Cut ofi' thy flowing hair, and cast it away, and take up on mountain-tops a lament- ation ; for rejected hath the Lord and forsaken the generation of his wrath. 30 For the children of Judah have done what is evil in my eyes, saith the Lord: they have set up their abominations in the house which is called by my name, to pollute it. 31 And they have built the high-places of Thophet, which is in the \'alley of Ben-hin- nom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire ; which I had not commanded, and which never came into my mind.' 32 ^ Therefore, behold days are coming, saith the Lord, that it shall not be called any more Thophet, or The Aalley of Ben-hinnom, but The valley of slaughter: and they shall bury in Thophet, for want of room. '' " The first condition was only, ' If you will hearken to my voice and keep my covenant, then shall you be to mc a peculiar treasure.' (Exod. xix. 5.)" — Rashi. ° Lit. " on all the way." ' Lit. "heart," &31 JEREMIAH VII. VIII. 33 And the carcas.ses of this people shall become food unto the fowls of tlie heavens, and unto the beasts of the earth, with none to chase them away. 34 And I will cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jeru- salem, the voice of gladness, and the voice of jov, the voice of tlie bridegroom, and the voice of the bride; for a desert shall the land become. CHAPTER VIII. 1 At that time, saith the Lord, shall they bring out the bones of the kings of Judah, and the bones of his princes, and the Iwnes of the priests, and the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, out of their graves. 2 And they shall spread them out before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, which they liave loved, and which they have served, and after which they have walked, and which they have sought, and to which they have prostrated tliemselves : they shall not be gathered up, and they shall not be buried ; dung upon the face of the ground shall they become. 3 And' death shall Ije preferable to life, for all the residue of those that are left of this evil family, who are left in all the places whither I shall have driven them, saith the LoKD of hosts. 4 And thou shalt say unto them. Thus liath said the Lord, Shall they fall, and not arise ? will he turn away," and not return ? 5 Why then remaineth this people, Jeru- salem, rebellious by a perpetual back.sliding ? tliey hold fast on tleceit, they refuse to return. G I listened and heard, but they would not speak aright; no man repented him of his wickedness, saying. What have I done ? every one turned again to his course, as the impetu- ous horse in the battle. 7 Yea, tlie stork"" in tln' heavens knoweth lier appointed times ; and the turtle, and the swallow, and the crane observe the time of their coming home; l)ut my people know not tlie ordinance of the Lord. ' Rashi, "will ho (Gud) not turu from the evil decree if he (the people) return?" '' The iiiijrrafdry birds always return at rertaiu seasons. " Kodak ; but Philippson, "Vainly laboured the vain Blvle of the writers." Kashi, " It is forfalseiiood to make 632 8 How can ye say, We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us? Truly, behold in vain wrought" the pen, in vain the writers. 9 The wise men are ashamed, they are discouraged and caught : lo, the word of the Lord have they rejected ; and wdiat wisdom have they (now) ? 10 Therefore will I give their wives unto others, their fields to conquerors;'^ for from the least even unto the greatest, every one is seeking his own gain : from the prophet even unto the priest every one practiseth false- hood. 11 And they heal the breach of the daugh- ter of my people very lightly, saying, Peace, peace : when there is no peace. 12 They should have been ashamed, be- cause they had committed abomination; but they neither felt the least shame, nor did tliey know how to blush: therefore shall they fall among those that fall; at the time of their punishment shall they stumble, saith the Lord. 13 1[ I will surely make an end of them, saith the Lord : (there shall be left) no grapes on the vine, and no figs on the fig-tree, and the leaf shall wither; and the things that I have gi\'en them shall pass away from them.'' 14 " Why do we sit still? assemble your- selves, and let us enter into the fortilicd cities, and let us be silent there; for the Lord our God hath put us to silence, and given us poison-water to drink ; because we have sin- ned against the Lord. 15 We hoped for peace, but no ha]i[)iiiess is here ; for a time of cure, and behold here is terror." 16 From Dan was heard the snorting of his horses; at the sound of the neighing of his war-steeds trenil)letli the a\ hole land : and they are come, and devour the land, and all that filleth it; the city, and those that dwell therein. 17 For, behold, I will send out against you serpents, basilisks, for which there is no charm, and they sliall bite you, saith the Lord. the false pen of the writers (of your prophets) who deeeivc "* Lit. " heirs;" here, " those that are heirs by force. " Redak. Jonathan, " because I gave them laws from Sinai whi<'h ihoy transgressed." JEREMIAH VIII. IX. 18 1[ When" I would cheer myself up against sorrow, my heart within me is pained. 19 Behold (I hear) the voice of the com- plaint of the daughter of my people (coming) out of a f\\r-ofF land : " Is the L( )Ri) not in Zion ? is her king no more in her?" " Wliv have they provoked me to anger Avitli their graven images, and with the vanities of the stranger?" 20 '• The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not yet helped." 21 Because of the breach of the daughter of my people am I liroken : I am grieved ; as- tonishment hath taken fast hold on me. 22 Is there no (more) l>alm in Gil'ad? or is no physician there ? why then is there not placed a plaster (on the wound of) the daugh- ter of my ]3eople ?^' 23" ^[ Oh that one would make my head water, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that 1 might weep day and night for the slain of the daughters of my people ! CHAPTER IX. 1 Oh that one w^ould place me in the wil- dernes.s in a lodging-place of wayfaring men, that I might leave my peojile, and go from them! for all of tliem are adulterers, a band of traitors. 2 And they bend their tongues, their bow of falsehood, and not for the truth are they valiant in the land; for from evil to evil do the_y proceed, and me they know not, saith the Lord. 3 ^ Take ye heed every one of his neigh- bour, and on any brother place ye no reliance ; for every brother will sui'ely supplant, and every neighbour will go about as a tale- bearer. 4 And they will deceive every one his neighl)our, and the truth will they not speak : they have taught their tongue to speak false- hood, they weary themselves to commit ini- q"i_ty- 5 Thy habitation is in the midst of deceit: through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the Lord. " Tlie words of the prophet, who deplores the sorrow of his people : he finds no relief, no cheerfulness, because the first evils are past, as more are coming. So Rashi. But others, " Though he should saj-, the punishment was deserved, still their complaint pains his heart." " Rashi. Zunz, " why then doth the cure of the daughter of my people not succeed ?" 6 ][ Therefore thus hath said the Lord of hosts, Behold, I will melt them, and probe them ; tor how (else) shall I do because of the daughter of my people? 7 A murderous' arrow is their tongue; (every one) speaketh deceit : with his mouth speaketh he peaceably to his neighbour, but in his heart" he layeth wait' for him. 8 Shall I not for these things intlict pu- nishment on them? saith the Lord: or shall not on a nation such as this my soul be avenged ? 9 ^ For*^ the mountains will I take up a weeping and wailing, and lor the ha!)itations'' of the wilderness a lamentation ; because they are burnt up, so that no man can pass througli them; and they hear not the voice of the catr tie: both the fowls of the heavens and the beasts are Hed ; they are gone away. 10 And I will change Jerusalem into heaps of ruins, a dwelling for monsters ; and the cities of Judah will I make desolate, without an inhabitant. 11 ^f Who is the wise man, that may undei'stand this ? and who is he to whom the month of the Lord hath spoken, that he may' declare it: lor what is the land destroyed, burnt up like the wilderness, without one that passeth through ? 12 1[ And the Lord said, Becau.se they forsook my law -which I had set before them, and hearkened not to my voice, and walked not therein ; 13 But have walked after the stubbornness of their own heart, and after the Be'alim, which their iiithers had taught them. 14 ^ Therefore thus liatli said the Lord of hosts, the (lod of Israel, Behold, I will feed them — this people, with wormwood, and give them poison-water to drink. 15 And I will scatter them among the na- tions, whom neither they nor their lathers have known: and I will send out after them the sword, till I have consumed them. 16 ^ Thus hath said the Lord of hosts. Consider it well, and call for the mourning ' In the English version this is ver.se 1 of chap. ix. ■^ Or, according to others, "an arrow shot forth." ' Lit. " within him," or " in his midst." ' I. e. He contrives plans to injure him. 'Rashi. Others, " upon." ^ Others, " pastures;" but the huts of the shepherds on the desert presuppose pasture-land. JEREMIAH IX. X. women,'' that they may come; and send for the women skilled in lament,*" that they may come ; 17 And let them make haste, and take ujj for us a lamentation, that our eyes may run down with tears, and our eyelids drop down water. 18 For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion, How are we wasted! we are greatly ashamed; because we have forsaken the land, because they have cast down" our dwellings. 19 For hear, ^^e women, the word of the Lord, and let your ear perceive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation. 20 For death is come up through our win- dows, is entered into our palaces ; to cut off the children from the street, the yovmg men from the o]3en places. 21 Speak, Thus saith the Lord, Yea, the carcasses of men shall lie as dung upon the open field, and as the sheaves (left) after the harvestman, with none to gather them. 22 *i\ Thus hath said the Lord, Let not the wise glorify himself in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glorify himself in his might, let not the rich glorify himself in his riches ; 23 But let him that glorifieth himself glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord who exercise kind- ness, justice, and righteousness, on the earth; for'' in these things I delight, saith the Lord. 24 T[ Behold, days ai'e coming, saith the Lord, that I will send punishment on all the circumcised who are (yet) uncircumcised;" 25 On Egypt, and on Judah, and on Edom, and on the children of 'Amnion, and on Moiib, and all who have the locks of their hair cut off round' that dwell in the wilderness; for all these nations are uncircuincised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart. • Those whose office it was to sing mournful dirges, and make public lamentations at funerals. This was a custom among the (Jrccks and llomans, as well as the Hclirews. •■ After Redak. Lit. "wise women," it. with refer- ence to the business of making lamentations. ° Or, as some render, "our dwellings have cast (us) out;" and refer to Lev. xviii. 25, &c. " Zunz, "that." ' Ra.shi, "on every circumcised who is uncircumcised even as regards the heart." The prophet thus first de- CHAPTER X. 1 ^ Hear ye the word which the Lord hath spoken concerning you, house of Is rael : 2 Thus hath said the Lord, Do not habi- tuate yourselves on the way of the nations, and at the signs of the heavens be ye not dismayed ; although the nations should be dismayed at them. 3 For the statutes of these people concern what is vanity; for it is but a tree which a man hath cut out of a forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 4 With silver and Avith gold do they orna- ment it; with nails and with hammers do they fasten it, that it move not from its place. 5 As a wrought-out palm-like" column are they, and cannot speak; they must needs ]je borne, because they cannot step along. Be not afraid of them ; for they cannot do any harm, so also to do any good is not in them. 6 ^ Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, Lord: thou (alone) art great, and great is thy name in might. 7 Who would not fear thee, King of the nations ? for to thee doth it apjjertain ; because among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, (they say) there is none like unto thee. 8 But at once'' shall they be shown to be brutish and foolish: it is a doctrine of va- nities, it concerneth but wood. 9 The beaten out silver is brought from Tharshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the gold- smith:' blue and purple is their clothing; the work of skilful men are they all. 10 But the Lord God is the truth, he is the living God, and the everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall quake, and nations cannot endure his indignation. nounces the Israelites, who, having the law of God, still are obdurate and sinful. ' Descriptive of the Arabs, who so wear their hair; but Rashi, "who dwell separate in a corner," L «. the Arabian peninsula. 8 Philippson. Rashi, "till they be as high as a palm." Li the East the columns frequently represent palm-trees. ^ Rashi, "through one thing," "they shall be corrected for their wooden idol." Philippson renders nriN^l "in their union." ' Lit. " melter," because he works by melting his metals JEREMIAH X. XI. 11 ^ Thus" shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, sliall perish aw.ay from the earth, and I'roni under these heavens. 12 ][ He** made the earth by his power, he estabhshed the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding he stretched out the heavens. lo At° the sound when he giveth a multi- tude of waters in the heavens, and causetli clouds to ascend from the ends of the earth ; when he maketh lightnings with rain, and bi'ingeth forth the wind out of his treasures : 1-1 Then standeth every man as brutish without knowledge; ashamed is every gold- smith because of the graven image; for talse- hood is his molten work, and there is no breath therein. 15 They are vanity, the work of deception; in the time of their punishment shall they vanish. 16 Not like these is the portion of Jacob; for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance : The Lord of hosts is his name. 17 ][ Gather up thy wares from the ground, inhabitress of the beleagured city. 18 ][ For thus hath said the Lord, Behold, 1 will cast forth as with a sling- the inhaljit- antjs of the land at this time, and I will en- close them, in order that they'' may find them. 19 ^ Wo is me for my breach! my wound is painful; but I thought, This is but pain, and 1 shall be able to bear it. 20 (But now) my tent is laid waste, and all my cords are torn asunder; my children ai'e gone away from me, and they are not (here); there is no one to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains. 21 For the shepherds were brutish, and the Lord had they not sought; therefore have they not prospered, and all their flocks are scattered. 22 Behold, the noise of the report is come, and a great commotion out of the north count r}-, to render the cities of Judah deso- late, a dwelling for monsters. 23 I know, Lord, that the way of man ' This verse (x. 11) is in the Chaldean language, aud is, according to Jonathan, a part of a letter sent by Jere- miah to the exiles of Babylon, giving them the words they should use to reply to the heathens, when asked to wor- ship their idols. ^ In continuation of verse 10. is not in his own power: it is not ni man that passeth away to direct his own steps. 24 Correct me, Lord, but with justice; not in thy anger, lest thou bi-ing me to no- thing. 25 Pour out thy fury over the nations that know thee not, and over the families that have not called on thy name; for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and con- sumed him, and have made his dwelling deso- late. CHAPTER XI. 1 ^ The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, 2 Hear ye the words of this covenant, and- speak unto the men of Judali, and to the in- habitants of Jerusalem ; 3 And say thou unto them, Thus hath said the Lord God of Israel, Cursed be the man thathearkeneth not to the words of this covenant, 4 Which I commanded your fathers on the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron fin-nace,° saying. Hearken to my voice, and do the same, in ac- cordance with all which I may command you ; and so shall ye be to me for a people, and I will be to you for a God; 5 In order that I may fulfil the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give unto them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day. And I answered, and said, So be it,' Lord. 6 ^ Then said the Lord unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying. Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them. 7 For I earnestly warned your fathers on the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt even until this day, sending out early and warning, saying. Hearken to my voice ; 8 Yet they hearkened not, and inclined not their ear, but walked every one in the stub- bornness^ of their evil heart: thereibre did I bring over them all the words of this cove- ° Philippson, after Rashi; making verse 14 the sequel of 13. tipn is given by Zunz with "rushing noise." '' (■. e. The enemies; but Rashi, "I will distress tliera that they may find (the reward of their deeds)." " lO rendered "crucible" iu Isaiah xlviii. 10. ' Heb. amen. ^ Eng. ver. "imagination." 0-35 JEREMIAH XL XII. nant, which I commanded them to do; but which they did not. 9 ^ And the Lord said unto me, A con- spiracy hath been found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusa^ lem. 10 They are returned" again to the iniqui- ties of their earher forefathers, who had re- fused to hearken to my words; and they them- selves are (also) gone after other gods to serve them : the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with tlieir fathers. 11 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord, Behold. I will bring an evil upon them, from which they shall not be able to rid them- selves ;'' and they will cry unto me, but I will not hearken unto them. 12 Then let the cities of Judah and the in- liabitants of Jerusalem go, and cry unto the gods imto whom they ofter incense; but they shall not save them in the least in the time of their distress. 13 For equal to the number of thy cities were thy gods, Judah; and equal to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to the disgraceful idol, altars, to burn incen.se unto Ba'al. 14 1[ But thou — thou must not pray in behalf of this people, neither lift up in their behalf entreaty or prayer; for I will not hear at the time that they call unto me, because of their distress. 15 ^ What hath my beloved to do in my house, while she executeth the evil counsel .of so many (sinners)? Yea, the holy flesh passeth away from thee; for even with tliy wickedness, tliou rejoicest still.'' IG An ever-green olive-tree, beautiful in fruit and form, did the Lord call thy name : with the noise of a great tumult hath he * A great reformation had taken place in the reign of Josiah ; but, under the reign of his son and successors, they turned back again to idolatry, and became worse than ever. ■> Heb. "go forth out of." " This very difficult verse has been given after Kashi ; who takes the lulovcd to be " Israel," who are also spoken of as sh: and thati, (in the feminine,) a change of person not unusual with the pmphets. Philippson understands by the beloved the "prciphet," who was ordered not to pray for the people, and is told he has no business in God's house after the people have so defiled it. Rashi takes "the holy flesh" to mean circumcision, which it is 5.30 kindled (ire around it, and they break off its branches. 17 And the Lord of hosts, that planted thee, hath decreed evil against thee; on ac- count of the wickedness of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done against themselves, to provoke me to anger in offering incense unto Ba'al. 18 ^ And the Lord hath given me know- ledge of it, and I know it : then didst thou let me see their doings. 19 But I was like a sheep'' or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, " Let" us destroy the tree with its fruit, and let us cut liim off from the land of the living, that his name may not be remembered any more." 20 ^f But', O Lord of hosts, tliat judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them ; lor unto thee have I intrusted*^ my cause. 21 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord concerning the men of 'Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, " Thou shalt not prophesy in the name of the Lord, that thou mayest not die by our hand :"' 22 ][ Therefore thus hath said the Lord of hosts, Behold, I will inflict punishment on them : the young men shall die by the sword ; their sons and their daughters shall die by the famine; 23 And no remnant shall remain of them ; for I will bring evil upon the men of 'Ana- thoth, in the year of their punishment. CHAPTER XII. 1 (Too) righteous art thou, Lord, that I could plead with thee ; yet must I speak of (the principles of) justice with thee : Where- fore is the way of the wicked happy? do all those pros^Der that deal treacherously ? alleged they had neglected. Redak applies it to the sacri- fices, and it then means, " the sacrifices pass away u.se- lessly," because while sinning the Israelites rejoiced. Others take Ityn to mean "man," hence B'np "isyj "the holy men" who had ceased to exist. Philippson so trans- lates: "What hath my beloved in my house, where so many perform scandalous deeds '! The holj- flesh pas.seth by before thee; for at thy wickedness, there thou rejoicest still." ^ Zuuz, " harmless lamb." Jonathan, "a chosen lamb." Our version, "sheep or ox," is after Rashi and Redak. " These are the words of the resolve against Jeremiah. ' Lit. "laid open." JEREMIAH XII. Xllt. '2 Tliou hast planted tlu'iu; the}' have also taken root; they grow; they also bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their mind." 3 But thou, Lord, knowest me; thou seest me. and prohest my heart toward thee: set them apart like slieep for the slaughter, and destine them for the day of slaying. 4 ^ How long shall the land mourn, and the herb of all the field wither? Because of the wickedness of those that dwell therein are wholly removed the beasts and the birds ; be- cause the}' said, lie will not see our last end. 5 If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, how then canst thou contend with the horses? and if in the land of peace, (whei-ein) thou trustedst, (they wearied thee,)'' how then wilt thou do in the swelUng of the Jordan ? 6 For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, — even they have dealt treacher- ously with thee ; yea, even they have called forth a crowd of men" after thee : believe them not, though they speak kindly unto thee. 7^1 have forsaken my house, I have abandoned my heritage; I have given up the most dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies. 8 My heritage is become unto me as a lion in the forest; it sent forth its voice against me : therefore do I hate it. 9 Is my heritage become unto me as a bird of prey stained with blood ?■* so that the birds of i^rey are all around it? Come ye, assemble all the beasts of the field, bring them hither to devour. 10 Many shepherds have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden under foot my field, they have rendered my pleasant field a desolate wilderness. 11 Tliey have made it a desert, and being desolate it mourneth before me: the whole land is made desolate, because no man laid it to heart. 12 Over all the mountain-peaks in the wilderness did the destroyers come; for the sword of the Lord devoureth from the one * Zuuz. Lit. " reins." "" After Rashi; but others, "and in a land of peace thou seekest security, what then wilt thou do against the pride of the Jordan '!" which last phrase Rashi, after Jona- than, explains to be the wild animals, lions and tigers, that are found there, figurative for the chiefs of Judah. 33 end of the land even to the other end of the land: there is no jseace to any flesh. 13 Tl They have sown wheat, but they reap thorns; they have put themselves to pain, (but) have no profit : be therefore ashamed of your products, because of the fierce anger of the Lord. 14 ][ Thus hath said the Lord against all my bad neighl)(jurs, that toucli" the inherit- ance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit. Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and the house of Judah will I pluck out from the midst of tliem. 15 And it shall come to pass, that, after I have plucked them out, I will again*^ have mercy on them, and will restore them, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land. 16 And it shall come to pass, if they will truly learn the ways of my people, to swear by ray name. As the Lord liveth ; as they had taught my people to swear by Ba'al : that they shall then be built up in the midst of my people. 17 But if they will not hearken, then will I pluck out that nation, plucking out and ex- terminating (them), saith the Lord. CHAPTER XIII. 1 ^ Thus said the Lord unto me. Go and buy thee a linen girdle, and put it around thy loins, and lay it not in water. 2 So I bought the girdle, according to the word of the Lord, and put it around my loins. 3 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me the second time, saying, 4 Take the girdle that thou hast bought, which is around thy loins; and arise, go to the Euphrates, and hide it there in a cleft of the rock. 5 So I went, and hid it by the Euphrates, as the Lord had commanded me. 6 T[ And it came to pass at the end of many days, that the Lord said unto me, Arise, go to the Euphrates, and take from there the girdle, which I commanded thee to hide there. ° Rashi. Others, " with a full voice," -i. e. loudly. * Others take |'UX not as Rashi, stained or painted with blood, but as signifying the hyajna, " the striped" or "painted beast." ° i. e. " Lay violent hands on," &e. ' Lit. "I will return and have mercy." 537 JEREMIAH XIII. XI V. 7 And I went to the Euphrates, and dug, and took the girdle from the pLace where I had hidden it: and, behold, the girdle was spoiled, it was useful for nothing. 8 ][ Then came the word of the Lord unto me, saying, 9 Thus hath said the Lord, After this ' manner will I destroy the pride of Judah, and the pride of Jerusalem, which is great. ! 10 And this bad people, who refuse to hearken to my words, who walk in the stub- bornness of their heart, and have followed other gods, to serve them, and to bow down to them, shall even be as this girdle which is ! useful for nothing. 11 For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins; of a man, so had I caused to cleave unto me all the house of Israel and all the house of Judali, saith the Lord, — to become unto me a people, and (to be) for a name, and for praise, and for honour; but they W'Ould not hear. 12 Therefore shalt thou sa}' unto them this word, Thus hath said the Lord the God of Israel. Every bottle shall be filled with wine : and when they will say unto thee. Do w^e not know full well that every bottle shall be filled with wine? 13 ^ Then shalt thou say unto them. Thus hath said the Lord, Behold, I will fill all the inhaljitants of this land, even the kings that sit after David upon his throne, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the inhabit- ants of Jerusalem, with drunkenness. 14 And I will dash them one against the other, even the fathers and the sons together, saith the Lord: I will not pity, nor spare, nor have mercy, so as not to destroy them. 15 Hear ye, and bend your ear: be not proud; for the Lord hath spoken. 16 Give unto the Lord your God glory, be- fore he cause darkness, and before your feet strike upon the mountains of twilight, and (where), while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and change it into gross darkness. ' Rashi, who refers it to Jehoyaehiii. Philippson trans- lates it in the same way, but supposes that Josiah and his niiither are meant. Others, "queen." '' Kashi, "without resistance," "po.aceahly." Jona- than, "in recompense of its sins." The difficulty is in the wiird D'OlSiy, which can be rendered as an adverb, "cnmpletcly," or as derived from Dl'7B' s/ta/om, "peace," or DlSiy sliiZ/um, "recompense." 538 17 But if .ye will not hear it, mj' soul shall weep in secret places because of (your) pride; and my eye shall weep sorely, and run down with tears, because the flock of the Lord is driven away captive. 18 ^ Say unto the king and to the queen- mother," Sit down very lowly; for sunk down are your head-attires, the crown of your orna- ment. 19 The cities of the south are shut up, and there is no one to open them : Judah is car- ried away into exile altogether, it is carried into exile completely .'' 20 ][ Lift up your eyes, and see those that are coming from the north : where is the flock that was given thee, thy splendid flock ? 21 What wilt thou say when he 'will pu- nish thee? since thou hast accustomed' them to be over thee captains, and chiefs? shall not pangs seize upon thee, as on a woman in tra- vail? 22 And if thou wilt say in thy heart. Wherefore come these things upon me? For the greatness of thy iniquity are thy skirts laid open, thy heels are made bare violently. 2.3 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? (then) may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. 24 Therefore will I scatter them as the stubble that passeth away before the wind of the wilderness. 2-5 This is thy lot, the portion of thy mea- sures from me, saith the Lord; because thou hast forii'otten me, and trusted in falsehood. 26 Therefore do I also strip up thy skirts over thy face, that thy shame may be seen. 27 Thy adulteries and thy loud shoutings,* the lewdness of thy incest, thy abominations on the hills in the fields have I seen. Wo unto thee, Jerusalem! thou wilt not be made clean after ever so long a time. CHAPTER XIV. 1 ^ The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought. ° The prophet refers to the frequent calls for foreign aid, by which the enemies had been taught to regard them- selves as protectors and chiefs of Judah ; wherefore the Ls- raelites had no cause to complain of the ultimate fatal result of their wicked policy. '* Lit. "neighings" (of horses,) i. c. the vacant shout of sinful persons in their pretended forgetfulness of duty. JEREMIAH XIV. 2 Juilali iiiourneth, and her gates lan- guish; they lie grieved on the ground; and the distrejised cry of Jeriisaloni ascendeth up- ward. 3 And their nobles have sent out their sul> ordinates for water: they come to the ])its. they find no water; they return with their vessels empty; they ai'e ashamed and con- founded, and cover" their head. 4 Because of the ground which is cracked open,'' since there hath been no rain in the land, ai'e the ploughmen ashamed, they cover their head. 5 Yea, the hind also bringeth forth her young in the field, and forsaketh (them), be- cause there is no grass. 6 And the wild asses stand on the moun- tain-tops, they snuff up the wind like serpents : their eyes fail, because there are no herbs. 7 If our iniquities testify against us, Lord, do thou act for the sake of thy name; for our backslidings are many; against thee have we sinned. 8 thou hope of Israel, his saviour in time of trouble, why shouldst thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfarer that turneth aside to lodge for a night? 9 Why shouldst thou be as a man that is surprised,"^ as a mighty man that cannot save? yet thou art in the midst of us, Lord, and we are called by thy name: abandon us not. 10 ][ Thus hath said the Lord unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander about, their feet have they not restrained: therefore the Lord doth not receive them in favour; now will he remember their iniquity, and w-ill punish their sins. 11 ^1 Then said the Lord unto me. Pray not in behalf of this people for their good. 12 When they fast, I will not hear their entreaty; and when they oft'ei' burnt-offering and nieatroffering, I will not receive them in fiivour; l)ut by the sword, and by the famine, and Ijy the pestilence, will I make an end of them. 13 Then said I, Ah, Lord Eternal! behold, the prophets say unto them. Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but * As a sign of grief. '■ Redak, "burst open from the drought." Ene. ver. " chapt."The prophet speaks of the desolation caused by the wan t of rain, which caused the earth to crack from drought. a permanent peace will I give you in tliis place. 14 Tf Then said the Lord unto me. False- hood do the prophets prophesy ui my name ; I have not sent them, neither have I com- manded them, neither have I spoken unto them: a vision of falsehood, and divination, and idolatrous folly,'' and the deceit of their heart do they pi^ophesy unto you. 15 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, when I have not sent them, while they say, Sword and famine shall not come in this land : By the sword and by the famine shall these prophets come to their end. I 16 And the people to whom they prophesy shall lie cast down in the streets of Jerusalem by means of the famine and the sword ; and they shall have none to Ijury them, them, their wives, and their sons, and their daugh- ters; for I will pour out their wickedness over them. 17 But thou shalt say unto them this word, My eyes shall run down with tears night and day, and they shall not cease; for with a great breach is the virgin-daughter of my people broken, with a very painful blow. j 18 If I go forth into the field, behold, there are the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, behold, there are those that are sick with famine ! for both the prophet and the priest travel round*" into a land that they know not. 19 ^ Hast thou entirely rejected Judah? or hath thy soul loathing on Zion ? why hast thou smitten us, so that there is no healing for us ? we hoped for peace, and there is no good; and for the time of heal- ing, and behold, there is terror ! 20 We know, Lord, our wickedness, the iniquity of our flithers; for we have sinned against thee. 21 Do not cast us off, for the sake of thy name, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us. 22 Are there any among the vanities of the nations those that bestow rain ? or can the heavens give forth showers? Behold, " Rashi, "wearied." ^ Redak, "vanity." " /. e. Go into exile; but Rashi, "to seek for assist- ance." 639 JEREMIAH XIV. XV. thou art this," Lord our God, and we will hope in thee; for thou hast done all these things. CHAPTER XV. 1 Tl And the Lord said unto me, If Moses and Samuel were to stand before me, my favour'' would (still) not be toward this peo- ple: send them away out of my sight, that they may go forth. 2 And it shall come to pass, if they should say unto thee. Whither shall we go forth? that thou shalt say unto them, Thus hath said the Lord, Such as are destined to death, to death; and such as ai'e destined to tlie sword, to the sword ; and such as are destined to famine, to fomine; and such as are destined to captivity, to captivity. 3 And I will appoint over them four spe- cies," saith the Lord : The sword to slay, and the dogs to drag away, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and to destroy. 4 And I will cause them to become a hor- ror'' unto all the kingdoms of the earth, on account of Menasseh the son of Ilezekiah the king of Judah, because of what he did in Je- rusalem. 5 For who will have pity upon thee, Je- rusalem? or who will condole" with thee? or who will go aside to ask after thy welfare? 6 Thou hast indeed forsaken me, saith the Lord, thou art gone backward; therefore do I stretch out my hand against thee, and de- stroy thee: I am weary with repenting.' 7 And I winnow them with a fan in the gates of the land: I make childless, I anni- hilate my people, (since) from their ways they have not turned away. 8 Their widows are more numerous before me than the sand of the seas : I bring unto them, over the mothers of the young men, a ' Rcdak, "Art thou not he that givest rain? — there- fore will we," &c. " Rashi. Lit. "soul." ° Heb. "families," /. e. four means of punishment. '' Philipp.son, "And I give them up to ill usage," kc ' Rashi, "lament for." Zunz, "show sympathy." ' Philipp'Oii, "iif fcirgiving." Zunz, "of having merey." ' Raslii andJosejih Kimclii. Rablii Jonah, "tumult." Jonathan renders DX "cnmpaiiy." Others, "upon the a.sseniblago of young men;" but Rashi renders it "mo- ther-city," /. e. Jerusalem. " Rashi, "entreat," and exjdains it in two ways; first, hat the Israelites (who are represented as the personal 640 waster at noonday ; I cause to fall upon her suddenly the enemy^ with (liis) terrors. 9 She that had born seven children fadeth away ; she breatheth out her soul, her sun is set while it is yet day; she is made ashamed and put to the blush: — and their residue will I give UY> to the sword before their enemies, saith the Lord. 10 ^[ Wo is me, my mother, that tliou hast born me, a man of contention and a roan of strife to the whole land! I have not lent, nor have men lent to me : (yet) every one of them curseth me. 11 The Lord said, Truly I will release thee for (thy) good; truly I will cause the enemy to meet'' thee in the time of distress and in the time of affliction. 12 Can iron break in pieces' the northern iron and copper? 13 Thy'' wealth and thy treasures will I give up as spoil without price, and this for all thy sins, even in all thy borders. 14 And I will cause them' to pass over with thy enemies into a land which thou knowest not; for a fire is kindled in my an- ger, over you shall it burn. 15 T[ Thou well knowest it, Lord! re- member me, and think of me, and avenge me on my persecutors ; not according to thy long- suffering act thou for me: know, that for thy sake I have borne sliame. 16 When thy words were made manifest to me, then I greedily received them ;'° and thy word became unto me the gladness ana joy of my heart ; for thy name is called upon me, Lord God of hosts. 17 1 sat not in the assembly of the mirth- ful, and was rejoiced; because of thy inspira- tion I sat solitary; for thou hadst filled me with indignation. 18 Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable? it refuseth to be healed: enemies of the prophet) shall ask him to pray for them in their distress, or that Nebuzaraddan should request him to do as he pleased. (See Jer. xl. 4.) ' Can ordinary iron, though hard and strong in itself, break that which is of a much stronger kind, and well tempered? But Philippaon, "Can men break in pieces inm, iron of the north, and brass?" Eng. ver. has for "brass," ".steel." '' i. e. Spoken to Israel. ' Redak, "I will cause thee to pass over to thy ene- mies." "■ Lit. "Thy words were found, and I ate thorn." JEREMIAH XV. XVI. it is" truly become unto me as a deceptive spring, as waters that are not reliable. 19 Tl Therefore thus hath said the Lord, If thou return, and I bring thee back again, then shalt thou stand ()efore me; and if thou bring Ibrth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as ui}- mouth: these shall return unto thee; but thou shalt not return unto them.'' 20 And I will make thee unto this people as a fortified brazen wall; and they will fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the Lord. 21 And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the grasp of the tyrants. CHAPTER XVI. 1 ]f And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Thou shalt not take thyself a wife, neither shalt thou have sons or daughters in this place. 3 ^ For thus hath said the Lord concern- ing the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place, and concerning their mothers that bear them, and concerning their fathers that beget them in this land : 4 A death through diseases of famine" shall they die; they shall not be lamented for; nor shall they be buried; for dung upon the fixce of the earth shall they be: and by the sword and by famine shall they come to their end; and their carcasses shall be for food unto the fowls of heaven, and unto the beasts of the earth. •5 ^ For thus hath said the Lord, Enter not into the house of mouiuiing, neither go to lament nor to condole with them ; for I have taken a^vay my peace from this people, saith the Lord, yea, kindness and mercy. 6 And both the great and the small shall die in this land, — they shall not be buried, and men shall not lament for them, nor cut them- selves, nor make themselves laald for them;'' " Itaslii and others refer riTin to God, and render, "thnu art become." We have followed Zunz, who makes "the wound" the nominative of the verb in the third person feminine singular. ■" Jonathan, "If thou wilt cause the wicked to return to be righteous, thou wilt fulfil the will of my word; they shall come to thy prophecy, but thou shalt not turn to go astray after them." ' Jonathan. Uthens, simply "diseases." 7 Nor shall they break bread ibr them at their mouiniing, to comfort them for the dead; nor shall they give them to drink the cup of consolation for their iiither and for their mother. 8 And into the house of feasting shalt thou not enter, to sit with them, to eat and to drink. 9 T[ For thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place before your eyes, and in 3our days, the voice of gladness, and the voice of jo}', the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride. 10 And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt tell this people nil tliese words, and they should say unto thee, Wherefore hath the Lord spoken against us all this great evil? and what is our iniquity? and what is our sin that we have committed against the Lord our God? 11 That thou shalt say unto them, Be- cause your fothers forsook me, saith the Lord, and walked after other gods, and served them, and bowed down unto them, and me they forsook, and m}' law they kept not ; 12 And ye act worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk ever}' one after the stul> bornness of his evil heart, so as not to hearken unto me; 13 Therefore will I hurl you out of this land into the land of which }e had no know- ledge, neither ye nor your fathers ; and 3'e will serve there other" gods by day and by night; so that I will not grant you any flxvour.'' 14 ^ Therefore, behold, days are coming, saith the Lord,*-' when it shall not be said any more, As the Lord liveth, who hath brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt ; 15 But, As the Lord liveth, who hath brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the countries whither he had driven them : and I will cause them to return unto their land which I have given unto their fathers. ■^ See Deut. xiv. 1. ° Jonathan, "And ye shall serve there the nations who worship errors;" and so is this expression to be explained wherever it occurs in the Bible. ' Zunz, "respite," or "intermission from toil." ^ Notwithstanding the terrible iniquity of Israel, and its frightful consequences, God will not break his cove- nant with them, but redeem and restore them again to hia favour. 541 JEKEMIAH XVI. XVII. 16 ^ Behold, I will send for many fisher- men, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them ; and after that will I send for many hunters, and thej^ shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the clefts of the rocks. 17 For my eyes are directed upon all their ways, they are not hidden from my fiice, nor is their iniquity concealed from my eyes. 18 And (thus) will I pay them at the first their twofold iniquity and their sin ; because they have defiled my land, filling my heritage with the carcasses of their detestable and abominable idols. 19 ^ Lord, my strength, and my fort- ress, and my refuge on the day of trouble, unto thee shall nations come from the ends of the earth, and say. Nothing but falsehood had our fathers inherited, vanity, wherein there is no profit. 20 How ? can a man make unto himself gods, which are yet no gods ?"• 21 Therefore, behold, I will cause them to know, at this time will I cause them to know, my hand and my might : and they shall know that my name is The Eternal. CHAPTER XVII. 1 ^[ The sin of Judah is written down with a pen of iron, with the point of a dia- mond : it is engraved upon the table of their heart, and on the horns of your altars. 2 Like'' their remembrance of their chil- dren, so are (to them) their altars and their groves by (every) green tree upon the high hills. 3 my mountain" in the field, thy sub- stance, all thy treasures will I give up for spoil, thy high-places (reared) with sin, tliroughout all thy borders. 4 And thou'' shalt be cast out, yea through tliy own guilt, Irom thy heritage which I have given thee; and 1 will cause thee to serve thy enemies in a land which thou * Zunz, "and are tlieraselves no gods." Philipjwon, "these arc no gods." "■ Rashi; but. Jonathan in conucction with verse 1, "be- (-•Musc their chiklrcni remember their altars," &c. ° "Jerusalem, that is situated ou a table land." — liASill. l>ut Rcdak, "Thou nKumtain-dwcller," meaning "they who worshipped idols mi the moinitains ;" ho also gives, " for the sin of thy high-plaees in all thy borders." '' llashi, "And thou wilt let rest thy land against thy 64'J knowest not; for a fire have ye kindled in my anger, for ever shall it burn. 5 ^ Thus hath said the Lord, Cursed is the man that trusteth in man, and placeth on fiesh his dependence," while from the Lord his heart departeth. 6 And he shall be like a lonely tree in the desert, which feeleth not when the good cometh ; but abideth in the parched places in the wildei-ness, in a salty land which cannot be inhabited. 7 ][ Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and the Lord will be his trust. 8 And he shall be like a tree that is planted by the waters, and by a stream spreadeth out its roots, which feeleth not when heat cometh, but its leaf remaineth green ; and in a year of drought it is inidisturbed l)y care, and ceaseth not from yielding fruit. 9 Deceitful is tlie heart above all things, and sick: who can know it? 10 I the Lord search the heart, probe the reins: yea, to give unto every man according to his ways, according to tlie fruit of liis deeds. 11 ^ As a cuckoo' that sitteth on eggs which he hath not laid, so is he that getteth riches, and not by right: in the midst of his days shall he leave them, and at his end shall be called wicked. 12 A throne*-' of glory, exalted from the beginning, is the place of our sanctuary ! lo Hope of Israel, Lord, all that forsake thee shall be made ashamed, and the back- sliders among me shall be written down on the earth;'' because they have forsaken the fountain of living waters, the Lord. 14 If Heal me, Lord, and 1 shall be liealed: save me, and I shall be saved; for my praise art thou. 10 Behold, they say unto me. Where is the word of the Lord? let it come now. 10 As for me, I have not hastened to be a shepherd' to follow thee ; and the woful day will, and of thee will I take vengeance because of the land," &c. (See Lev. xxv. "2, xxvi. 3, 4, &c.) ' Lit. "raaketh flesh his arm." ' Others, "iKirtridge." '' llashi regards this as an address to God, thus, "O throne," &c. '' ]lashi expounds, "for tlii^ grave." Tliili]ips(iii, '• in the sand;" /. ''. given up to ol ' lledak. Rashi, "I did urge thee to 1, run JEREMIAH XVII. XVIII. have I not longed for; thou knowest it: what came out of my lips was known before thee. 17 Be not a terror unto me: thou art my protection on the clay of e\'il. 18 Let those be made ashamed that perse- cute me, but let not me be made ashamed; let tlieni be dismayed, but let me not be dismayed : bring upon them the day of evil, and strike"* them with a double lireach. 10 *i\ Thus said the Lord unto me, Go and stand in the gate of the children of the peo- ple, whereby the kings of Judah usually enter, and by which they usually go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem ; 20 And say unto them, Hear ye the word of the Lord, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates : 21 Thus hath said the Lord, Take heed for your souls, and bear no burden on the sabbath-day, nor bring it in through the gates of Jerusalem ; 22 Nor shall you carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabljath-day, and no manner of work shall ye do, but hallow ye the sabbath-day, as I have commanded your fathers; 23 But they hearkened not, and inclined not their ear ; and they made their neck stift^ so as not to hearken, and not to receive in- struction. 24 And it shall come to pass, if ye will diligently hearken unto me, saith the Lord, so as to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the sabbath-day, and to hallow the sabbath-day, so as to do no work thereon : 25 Then shall there enter through the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhal)itants of Jerusiv lem; and this city shall be inhabited for ever. 26 And there shall come from the cities of Judah, and from the environs of Jerusalem, nisliinent, because, as a good shepherd, I foHowed thee to ask mercy for them;"- — -to the eud of the verse he gives, "was before thee to turn away thy wrath from them." .Touathaii, '' I did not delay with thy word to prophesy to them to bring them to thy fear." Zunz gives, yiriN n;'T3 "because I am devoted to thee." » Lit. " break." '' Rashi, "form" or "seat" used by thi- putters in the East, which is described by Ttabbi Jonah an<l others as and from the land of Benjamin, and from the lowlands, and from the mountain, and from the south, those that bring burnt-oflerings, and sacrifices, and meat-on'erings, and Iraidv- incense, and those that Ijring thanksgiving- oflerings, imto the house of the Lord. 27 But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath-day, and not to Ix'ar a Ijurden, and to enter in at the gates of Jerusa- lem on the sabbath-day: then will I kindle a fire in its gates, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched. CHAPTER XVIIL 1 *i] The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, 2 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there will I let thee hear my words. 3 Then went I down to the potter's house, and, behold, he was doing work on the wheels.'' 4 And the vessel that he was making be- came spoiled as (happeneth) with the clay iu the hand of the potter; and he made again thereof another vessel, as it seemed good in the eyes of tlie potter to make it. 5 ^f Then came the word of the Lord to me, saying, (J shall I not be able to do unto you as this potter, house of Israel ? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in my hand, house of Israel. 7 ^ At one instant I speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to root out, and to pidi down, and to destroy it; 8 But should that nation, against whom I have spoken, return from their wrong-doing: then will I bethink me of the evil that I had thouglit to do unto them. 9 T[ And at one instant I speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it : 10 But should it do what is evil in my eyes, so as not to hearken to my voice : then consisting of a pair of circuUir stones placed upon one another like mill-stones; of which the lower was immov- able, while the upper turned on a spindle, or axis, and had its rotatory motion communicated to it by the foot of the potter sitting at his work, as we may learn from Ecclesiasticus xxxviii. '29, 30. On the top of this upper stone, which was flat, the clay was placed, which the potter, having given the stone the due velocity, shaped with his hands. 543 JEREMIAH XVIII. XIX. will I bethink me of the good, wherewith I had thought to benefit the same. 11 And now do say to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, as follow- eth, Thus hath said the Lokd, Behold, I form against you evil, and devise against you a device : do but return now every one from his evil way, and amend }our ways and your deeds. 12 And they said, It is useless; for after our own thoughts will we walk, and we will every one do after the stubbornness of his evil heart. 13 T[ Therefore thus hath said the Lord, Only ask among the nations, Who hath heard the like things ? a very horrible act hath the virgin of Israel committed. 14 Doth the snow of Lebanon ever quit the rock of the field ? or do the far-coming, cold, flowing waters ever fail ?" 15 That my people have forgotten me, that they have burnt incense to false gods, and are made to stumble on their ways, the ancient beaten tracks, to walk in paths, on a road which is not levelled ? 16 To make their land desolate, a perpetual derision ■} every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and shake" his head. 17 Like an east wind will I scatter them before the enemy ; with the back, and not the face, will I regard them" on the day of their calamity. 18 T[ And they said, Come, and let us con- trive devices against Jeremiah; for" the law will not be lost from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue," and let us not listen to any of his words. 19 Listen to me, Lord, and hearken to the voice of those that contend with me. ' Philippson, nearly after Jonathan, with but few verbal changes; " the ruck in the field," a proverbial expression for the rocks of Lebanon. Rashi and Redak, " Will a [ thirsty man leave the water that runneth from a rock in the i lields, which eometh from the pure snow of Lebanon? or i will he leave the living, cold, flowing water which hath been untasted hitherto by all men';"' Zunz, ''punyieif,\ oool water," after Mciiaehem. According to our ver.sion, ! it is an appeal to inanimate nature, which never disobeys Grod; as Isa. i. 8, speaks of animals. '' Lit. "hissing;" i. e. in derision. ° Lit. "shake with." * Rashi explains, "When they turn tlic back and nut the face before the cneniv will 1 see Ijut not lulii tiiem." 644 ^ ' 20 Shall evil be recompensed instead of good, that they have dug a pit for my life? Remember my standing before thee to speak good concerning them, to cause thy wrath to turn away from them. 21 |[ Therefore give up their children to the famine, and let their life ebb' out by means of the sword; and let their wives be bereaved of their children, and widows ; and let their men be slain by death ; their young men smitten by the sword in the battle. 22 Let a cry be heard from their houses, when thou bringest a troop over them sudden- ly; for they have dug a pit to catch me, and laid concealed snares for my feet. 23 Yet thou, Lord, knowest well all their counsel against me to (procure my) death : forgive not their iniquity, and let their sin not be blotted out from before thee; Ijut let them be brought to stumbling before thee ; in the time of thy anger deal thus with them. CHAPTER XIX. 1 ^ Thus said the Lord, Go and hwy a bottle from a maker of earthenware, and (take) some of the elders of the people, and of the elders of the priests; 2 And go forth unto the valley of the sou of Hiiniom, which is by the entry of the gate Charsith,^ and proclaim there the words that I will speak unto thee. 3 And say. Hear ye the word of the Lord, kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusa- lem, Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Behold, I will bring evil over this place, so that the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. 4 For the reason that they have forsaken me, and have defiled*" this place, and have burnt incense in it unto other gods, which ' Redak explains, "What do we lose by slaying him ? forthere are other priests, wise men, and prophets, who know the law, counsel, and prophesy." "^^'ith the tongue" is explained by Jonathan to mean, " to give false testimony against hiui." ' Redak and Rashi both reader Dljn as "caused them to flow;" I. e. as regards the blood. Zunz, "hurl them into the power of the sword." Philippson, "surrender them." " Jonathan translates thus, " dung-gate ;" and Rashi adds, "where they u.sed to cast the broken earthen vessels." Others, " sun-gate." 'Jonathan; lit. "estranged;" and Rashi, "they have made it a strani.'er before mo." JEREMIAH XIX. XX. they had not known, either they or their fathers, or the kings of Judah, and have filled this place with the blood of innocents; 5 And the}- have bnilt the high-places of Ba'al, to burn their sons with fire as burnt- offerings unto Ba'al, which I had not com- manded, nor spoken, and which had not come into my mind : G ^ Therefore, behold, days are coming, saith the Lord, that this place shall no more be called The Thopheth, nor The valley of the son of Hinnom, but. The valley of slaughter. 7 And I will make void the counsel of Ju- dah and Jerusalem in this place ; and I will cause them to fiill by the sword Ijefore their enemies, and by the hand of those that seek their life : and I will give their carcasses as food unto the fowls of the heaven, and unto the beasts of the earth. 8 And I will render this city desolate, and an (object of) derision: every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all its plagues. 9 And I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and they shall eat every one the flesh of his associate, in the siege and straitness, where- with their enemies, and those that seek their life, shall distre.ss them. 10 Then shaft thou break the bottle before the eyes of the men that are going with thee. 11 And thou shalt say unto them, Thus hath said the Lord of hosts. In this manner will I break this people and this city, as one breaketh a potter's vessel, that cannot be re- stored again; and in Thopheth shall they bury, for want of room to bury. 12 Thus will I do unto this place, saith the Lord, and to its inhabitants, and to make this city as Thopheth :" 13 And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, which are unclean, shall become as the place of theTliopheth, with'' all the hou.ses upon the roofsof which they have burnt incense to all the host of heaven, and have poured out drink-offerings to other gods. 14 ^ Then came Jeremiah from the Tho- ' llashi, "Full of slain oues, as the Tboplietli is where they slay the children unto Molech." '■ Redak, "because," or "this is with respect to,'' kc. ° riD-jnon, from lan, Iwphach, "to overturn, subvert, distort," generally denotes au oie/'Mrixf, (Deut. xxix. 22, 1 i wealth and seems to signify here a sort of stocks, by which the j ' The prophet's address to (j 3 T pheth, whither the Lord had sent him to pro- phesy ; and he placed himself in the court of the house of the Lord ; and said to all the people, 15 Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Behold. I will bring upon this city and upon all its towns all the evil that I have spoken against it; because they have hardened their neck, so as not to hear my words. CHAPTER XX. 1 But when Pashcluir the son of Innuer the priest, who was chief superintendent in the house of the Lord, heard Jeremiah pro- phesying these A\"ords : 2 Then smote Pashchur Jeremiah the \)Vo- phet, and put him in the stocks'' that were in the upps'r gate of Benjamin, which w;is in the house of the Lord. 3 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Pashchur brought forth Jeremiah out of the stocks. And Jeremiah said unto him, Not Pashchur [Fulness of freedom] hath the Lord called thy name, but Magor-missabib [Terror all around]. 4 ][ For thus hath saiil the Lord, Behold, I will make thee a terror to thyself, and to all thy friends; and the}- shall fall by the sword of their enemies, and thy eyes shall see it; and all Judah will I give into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall lead them into exile to Babylon, ;ind shall smite them with the sword. 5 And I will give up all the wealth'^ of this city, and all its acquisitions, and all its precious things; and all the treasures of the kings of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies, who .shall plunder them, and take them, and carry them away to Babylon. 6 And thou, Pashchur. and all the inha- bitants of th} house, shall go into captivity ; and to Babylon shalt thou come, and there thou shalt die, and there sliidt thou 1k' buried, thou, and all thy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied with falsehood. 7 ][ Thou" didst persuade me, Lord, and I limbs were distorted into uneasy postures. So Jonathan, Nili!':). But Rashi and others understand it as merely signifying a place of confinement, or house of corrertimi. ''Rashi; lit. "strength," which result.s often from S46 JEREMIAH XX. XXI. was persuaded ; thou laidst thy (hand) strongly on me, and didst prevail : I am laughed at all the time, every one mocketh me. 8 For as often as I speak must I cry out, violence and wasting must I proclaim; because the word of the Lord is become unto me a disgrace, and a derision, all the time. 9 And I thought, I will not make mention of him, and I will not speak any more in his name. But it" became in my heart as a burning fire enclosed within my bones, and I was weary with enduring, and I could not overcome it. 10 For I heard the defiiming of many, angry assemblies on everj' side, " Tell, and we will telP of him." All the men who ought to seek my welfare, watch for my tall; say- ing, " Peradventure he may be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we will then take our revenge on him." 11 But the Lord is with me as a mighty powerful one ; therefore my persecutors will stiuuble, and they will not prevail: they will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper ; (it is) an everlasting confusion which will never be forgotten. 12 But, Lord of hosts, that i)robest the righteous, seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them ; for unto thee have I laid open my cause. 13 ^[ Sing unto the Lord, praise ye the Lord; for he hath delivered the soul of the needy from the hand of evil-doers. ^ 14 ][ Cursed be the day whereon I was born: the day on which my mother bore me sliall not be blessed. 15 Cursed be the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A man-child is born unto thee. How very glad did he make him ! 16 And may that same man become like the cities which the Lord overthrew, and l)e- thought himself not; and may he hear a cry of anguish in the morning, and a tumultuous noise at noontide ; 17 ]?ecause I was nut slain (as I escaped) from the womb; or that my mother might have become unto me my grave, and her " K:islii, "the prophecy." ^ '-We will testify falsely against him." — Rashi. ' i. I'. Tlu' weapons of w:ir, iip they shall he useless out- sit-lo of the walls, against the enemies. Others refer 540 womb have been affected with a perpetual pregnancy. 18 Wherefore was this that I came forth out of the woml) to see trouble and sorrow, that my da^s should pass away in shame ? CHAPTER XXI. 1 Tl The word which came unto Jereiuiali from the Lord, when king Zedekiah sent unto him Pashchur the son of Malki^ah, and Ze- phanyah the son of Ma'assejah the priest, saying, 2 Inquire, I pray thee, in our behalf of the Lord; for Nebuchadrezzar the king of Baby- lon maketh war against us: peradventure the Lord will deal with us according to all his wondrous deeds, so that he may withdraw from us. 3 ^ Then said Jeremiah unto them. Thus shall ye say to Zedekiah : 4 Thus hath said the Lord the God of Israel, Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and against the Chaldeans, who besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them" into the midst of this city. 5 And I myself will fight against you with an outstretclied hand and with a strong arm, and in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath. 6 And I will smite the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast : of a great pestilence shall they die. 7 And afterward, saith the Lord, will I give up Zedekiah the king of Jiidah, and his servants, and the people, and those that are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar'' the king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those that seek their life : and he shall smite them with the edge of the sword ; he will not spare them, nor have pity, nor have mercy. 8 And unto this people shalt thou say. Thus hath said the Lord, Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death. 9 He that remaineth in this city shall die "them" to the Chaldeans, iniHcafing that they shall take the city. "■ Instead of Nehuehadnezzar, and i.s the reading of twenty-six places in this hook. JEREMlAii XXI. XXll. by the sword, or Ijy the famine, or by the pestilence; but he that goeth out, and runneth away* to the (_'haldeans that besiege you, shall remain alive, and his lile shall be unto him as a booty.'' 10 For I have set ray face against this city for evil, and not for good, saith the Lord : into the hand of the king of Babylon shall it be given up. and he will burn it with fire. 11 And to the house of the king of Judah (say), Hear ye the word of the Lord : 12 house of David, thus hath said the Lord, Exercise" justice on (every) morning, and deliver him that is robbed out of the hand of the oppi'essor; lest my fury go forth like tire, an<l burn so that none can quench it, be- cause of the evil of your doings. 13 Behold, I am against thee, inhar bitress of the valley, (about) the rock of the plain, saith the Lord ; who say. Who shall descend down ao'ainst us ? or who shall enter into our habitations ? 14 But I will inflict punishment on you ac- cording to the fruit of vour doings, saith the Lord : and I will kindle a fire in its forest, and it shall devour all its environs. CHAPTER XXIL 1 ^ Thus said the Lord, Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word ; 2 And thou shalt say. Hear the word of the Lord, Idng of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates : 3 Thus hath said the Lord, Execute ye justice and righteousness, and deliver him that is robbed out of the hand of the op- pressor; and the stranger, the iatherless, and the widow shall ye not oppress,'" and do them no violence, and shed no innocent lilood in this place. 4 For if ye indeed will do this thing, then shall enter in through the gates of this house "Lit. "falleth." '■ Rashi, "As a man seizeth on some booty and goeth Lis way, so shall he have his life as a booty from death from among those who are slain." "Lit. "judge." ■* Rashi explains Ijn, rendered in Lev. xxv. 17, with " overreach," as meaning, " vexing with words," as ibid, xix. 34. " Philippson, "Thou who art unto me a Oil'ad, a sum- mit of Lebanon — that I should have to make thee," &c. kings sitting after David upon his throne, riding in chariots and on horses, he, and his servants, and his peoi)le. 5 But if ye will not hear these words, then do I swear by myself, saith tlie Lord, that this house shall become a ruin. 6 T[ For thus hath said the Lord concern- ing the house of the king of Judah, A Gil'ail (though) thou'' art unto me, a summit of the Lebanon : yet I will surely change thee into a wilderness, cities which are not inhabited. 7 And I will make ready against thee de- stroyers, every one with his weapons : and they shall cut down the choice of thy cedars, and cast them into the fire. 8 And (when) many nations (then) pass by this city, they will say eveiy man to his nei<;liljour. Wherefore hath the Lord done the like unto this great city ? 9 Then shall they sa}^. Because they had forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God. and bowed down unto other gods, and served them. 10 ^ Weep not for the dead, and do not bemoan him : weep sorely for him that goeth away; fo^he shall never return any more, and see the land of his birth. 11 For thus hath said the Lord respecting Shalluin'^ the son of Josiah the king of Judah, who reigneth in the place of Josiah his father, who is gone forth out of this place, He shall never return thither any more ; 12 But in the place whither they have led him into exile, there shall he die; but this land shall he not see any more. 13 ^ Wo unto him that buildeth his liouse by unrighteousness, and his chambers by in- justice; that maketh his neighbour work without wages, and giveth him not the re- ward for his labour; 14 That saith, I will build me a room}" house, and ample'' chambers, and cutteth him- self out windows, and ceileth it with cedar, and painteth it with colours.' ' Sballum here mentioned is supposed by some to be Jehoachaz, who was carried after a reign of three months to Egypt, where he died ; by others, Jechonyah, who was carried to Babylon after an equallj' short reign ; and by others again, Zedekiah. s Rashi, simply, "large;" lit. "of measures." '' Redak, "airj'," but the sense is the same. ' Eng. ver. " vermilion ;" but the actual meaning is very doubtful. Rashi gives, »S'(''i<y'^ . 547 JEREMIAH 15 Slialt thou reign, because thou strivest to excel with cedar buildings? behold, thy father ate and drank, but he executed justice and righteousness : then was it well with him ! 16 He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then was it well : is not this the pro- per knowledge of nie? saitli the Lokd. 17 But thy eyes and thy heart are directed on nothing but upon thy own gain, and upon innocent blood to shed it, and upon oppres- sion, and upon extortion, to practise them. 18 ^ Therefore thus liath said the Lord concerning Jehoyakini the son of Josiah the king of Judah, They shall not lament for him, with, "Wo, my brother!" and, "Wo, sister!" they shall not lament for him, with " Wo. lord !" and, " Wo to his glory !" j 19 With the burial of an ass shall he be buried, dragged about and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem. 20 ^ Ascend the Lebanon, and cry aloud; and let thy voice resound in Bashan ; and cry aloud from 'Abarim;" for crushed are all thy lov^ers. 21 I spoke unto thee in tli\- prosperity ; ])ut thou saidst, I will not hear. This hath been thy manner'' from thy very youth, that thou didst not hearken to my voice. 22 The wind shall scatter abroad all thy shepherds, and thy lovers shall go into capti- vity: surely then shalt thou be ashamed and confounded because of all thy wicked- ness. 23 inhabitress of Lebanon, that makest thy nest in the cedars, how full" of grace wilt thou be when pangs come upon thee, the pain as of a woman in travail ! 24 As I live, saith the Loiii), though Con- yahu the son of Jelioyakim the king of Judah were a signet upon my right hand, yet for a surety would I tlience pluck thee; 25 And I will give thee into the hand of those that seek thy life, and into the hand of those of whom thou art afraid, and into the hand of Nebiichadrez/ar the king of Ba- bylon, and into the hand of the Chaldeans. " After Zunz; the name of the mountain east of the Jordan. Others, "passess." Rcchik, "on all sides." '■ Lit. "way." ° Ironical, ineaninf; that when the time of affliction comes, the enemy will not n'jranl the former glory; hence I'hilipp.son, " How pitiable!" 048 XXH. XXIII. 26 And I will hurl thee out, and thy mo- ther that hath born thee, into another coun- try, where ye were not born; and there shall ye die. 27 But to the land whitherward they di- rect their soul to return, thither shall they not return. 28 ^ Is this man Conyahu a despised broken image? or a vessel witlKnit value?'' wherefore are they hurled out, lie and his seed, and are cast forth into a land which they know not? 29 land, land, land! hear the word of the LoKi). 30 Thus hath said the Lord, Write ye down this man as childless," as a man that shall not prosper in his days; for no man of his seed shall succeed to sit upon the throne of David, and to rule any more in Judah. CHAPTER XXIII. 1 ^ Wo unto the shepherds that destroy and scatter the flocks of my pasture! saith the Lord. 2 Therefore thus hatli said the Lord the God of Israel concerning the shepherds that feed my people. Ye have scattered my flocks, and driven them away, and have not taken care of them : now, behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Loud. 3 And I will indeed gather the remnant of my flock together out of all the countries whither I have driven them; and I will bring them back again to their folds: and they shall be fruitful and' inidtiply. 4 And I will raise up over them shepherds who shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, and none of them shall be missing, saith the Lord. 5 |[ Behold, days are coming, saith the Lord, when I will raise up unto David a righteous sprout, and he shall reign as king, and prosper, and he shall execute justice and righteousness on the earth. In his days shall Judah be helped, and Israel shall dwell in safety: and this is his ■^ Lit. "in which there is no pleasure." " Childless only as regards the suecessimi to the throne; for though then but a lad, he afterward raised children in ]5abylon, and Zerubabel was his grandson; so no son of Je'hoyaehin ((Jonyahu) can ever be expected to becomh ruler over Israel. JEREMIAH XXin. nauif whereby he ishall be called, The Lord IS OUR" RIGHTEOUSNESS. 7 ^ Therefore, behold, days are coming, saith the Lord, when they shall no more say, As the Lord liveth, who hath brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt ; 8 But, As the Lord liveth, who hath brought up and who hath led forth the seed of the house of Israel out of the north coun- try, and out of all countries whither I had driven them: and they shall dwell in their own land. 9 ^[ To'' the prophets — Broken is my heart within me; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a person whom wine hath overcome, because of the Lord, and be- cause" of his holy words. 10 For of adulterers is the land full; for because of ftxlse* swearing mourneth the land, dried up are the pastures in the wilderness; because their course was for evil, and their strength was for injustice. 11 For both prophet and priest are hypo- crites: yea, in my ow4a house have I found their wickedness, saith the Lord. 12 Therefore shall their way be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness; they shall be pushed forward, and foil thereon; for I will l)ring upon them evil, the year of their punishment, saith the Lord. 13 ^[ And on the prophets of Samaria have I seen absurdity: they prophesied by Ba'al, and misled my people Israel. 14 ^ But on the prophets of Jerusalem have I seen a horrible thing; they commit adultery, and walk in falsehood; and they strengthen the hands of evil-doers, so that not one of these doth return from his wicked- ness : they are become unto me all of them as Sodom, and its inhabitants as Gomorrah. 15 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord of hosts concerning the prophets. Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink poison-water; for from the pro- ' Rashi, "The Lord will justify us in the days of this jne." See also the name of Jacob's altar, (fTen. xxsiii. 20;) and that of Moses, (Esod. xvii. 15,) &c. '' According to all the modern translators, □■N3j'7 ''To the prophets," forms a sort of address to the succeeding discourse; but Rashi and others, "Because of the (words of the) prophets my heart is broken," &c. phets of Jerusalem is hypocrisy gone forth over all the land. 16 ][ Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you, they bring you unto vanit}-: a vision of their own heart do they ever speak, not out of the mouth of the Lord. 17 They say indeed unto those that in- cense" me, The Lord hath spoken, Peace shall ye have: and unto every one that walketh in the stubboriniess of his own heart, they said. There sliall come no evil upon you. 18 For who hath stood in the secret coun- sel of the Lord, that he could perceive and hear his word? who hath listened to his word and heard it? 19 ^ Behold, the storm-wind of the Lord is gone forth in fury, 3'ea,' a whirling storm : upon the head of the wicked shall it fall grievousl}'. 20 The anger of the Lord will not return, until he have executed, and until he have ful- filled the purposes of his heart: in the end of days shall ye understand this fully. 21 I had not sent these prophets, yet they ran : I had not spoken to them, yet they pro- phesied. 22 But if they had stood in my secret counsel, they should have announced my words to my people, and have caused them to turn back from their evil way, and from the wrongfulness of their doings. 23 ^ Am I a God for tho.se'^' near at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God for those who are afar off? 24 If a man should hide himself in secret places should I not then see him? saith the Lord. Do I not fill the heavens and the earth? saith the Lord. 25 I have heard what the prophets have said, that prophesy falsely in my niime, say- ing, I have dreamt, I have dreamt. 26 How long shall'* it be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy falsehood? ^ea, '' Rashi. But others, "the curse." ' Jonathan : /. c. by their wickedness. Others, " de- spise." Others, "reject." ' Rashi, "an abiding storm;" one that passeth but slowly away. « Rashi. Rashi explains, " How long will they prophesy fals ° Redak, "because the Lord is profaned," &e. by these ^j hood? do those false prophets have in their heart to ac- prophets. Il complish their tlioughts, as they think to," &c. 54& JEREMIAH XXIIJ. XXIV. the prophets of the deceit, of their own | heart, — i 27 (IIow long) do they think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they relate every man to his neigh- bour, as their fathers forgot my name for the sake of Ba'al ? 28 The prophet that hath had a dream, let him relate his dream; and he that hath re- ceived my word, let him speak my word of trutli." What hath the straw to do with the corn?'' saith the Lord. 29 Is not thus my word, like the fire? saith the Lord, and like a hannner that shivereth the rock? 30 Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neiglibour. 31 Behold, I am against the jjrophets, saith the Lord, that use their own word," and say, (The Lord) saith. 32 Behold, I am against those that pro- phesy with false dreams, saith the Lord, and do relate them, and mislead my people by their talsehoods, and by their vain boasting:'' while I have not sent them, nor commanded them; and they cannot bring the least profit to this people, saith the Lord. 33 And if this people, or the prophet, or a priest, should ask thee, saying. What is the message" of the Lord? then shalt thou say unto them, Because*^ of this " What is the message?" will I even cast you oft', saith the Lord. 34 And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that will say, "A message of the Lord," I will even intlict punishment on that man and on his house. 35 Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother. What hath the Lord answered? and, What hath the Lord spoken? 36 But " A message of the Lord" shall ye not mention any more; for the message Cometh indeed to the man of his (prophetic) ' Jorciniah here draws a strong distiTiction between a dream of a tnie vision, and a base invention of deceivers; tbey who speak, themselves must know what is trnc. ' What has falsehood in counnon with truth? = Lit. "take their t(mf;ne." Kashi, "that teach their tongue to say their falsehoods." ■^ Kashi, " Ktourdis!-ant," "stunning," "astounding talk." Redak, "trifling." 5:j(> word f but ye pervert the words of the living God, of the Lord of hosts our God. 37 Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the Lord answered thee? and. What hath the Lord spoken? 38 But if ye will say, "A message of the Lord," then thus saith the Lord, Because ye say this word, " A message of the Lord," and I have sent unto you, saying. Ye shall not say, " A message of the Lord :" and had brought 39 Therefore, behold, I am here, and I will tear you completely away, and I will cast you oft", and the city that I have given to you and to your fathers, out of my presence ; 40 And I will lay upon you an everlasting disgrace, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten. CHAPTER XXIV. 1 ^ The Lord caused me to see, and, be- hold, there were two baskets of figs placed before the temple of the Lord, after Ne- buchadrezzar the king of Babylon had carried away into exile Yechonyahu the son of Ye- hoyakim the king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the carpenters and the lock- smiths, from Jerusalem them to Babylon. 2 The one basket (had) very good figs, like the figs that are first ripe : and the other basket (had) very bad figs, which could not be eaten, from being so bad. 3 *i\ Then said the Lord unto me, What seest thou, Jeremiah ? And I said. Figs : the good figs, are very good ; and the bad ones, tire very bad, which cainiot be eaten, from being so bad. 4 ^1 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 5 Thus hath said the Lord, the God of Israel, Like these good figs, so will I acknow- ledge the exiles of Judah, whom I have sent away from this jilace into the land of the Chaldeans,for good. G And I will set my eye ujjon them tor ■^ Rendered in Isaiah generally with "doom," which it properly means here also. 'After Philippson. Zunz, "then tell them wdiat the message is, I will," &c. ' The true prophet. We have followed Rashi. But Philippson, "for every man shall bear such a word, be- cause ye," &c. ; but the sense of the whole pa.ssage is to warn people against assuming the prophetic office. JEREMIAH XXIV. XXV. good, ami I \\\\\ cause them to I'etuni again to this land; and I will build them up, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up. 7 And I will give them a lieart to know me, that I am the Lord : and they shall be unto me for a people, and I will be unto them for God ; for they will return unto me with all their heart. 8 ][ And like the bad figs, which cannot be eaten, from being so bad, surely thus hath said the Lord, So will I render Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the resi- due of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and those that dwell in the land of Egypt ; 9 And I will make them a horror because" of (their) mishaps unto all the kingdoms of the earth, a disgrace and a pro^■er]J, a byword and a curse, in all the places whither I will drive them. 10 And I will send out against them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, till they be destroyed from off the land that I had given unto them and to their fiithei's. CHAPTER XXV. 1 T[ The word that came to Jeremiah con- cerning all the people of Judah, in the fourth year of Jehoyakim the son of Josiah the king of Judah, which is the first year of Nebuchad- rezzar the king of Babylon ; 2 Which Jeremiah the prophet spoke con- cerning all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, 3 From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Anion the king of Judah, e\'en until this day, that is now three and twenty years, the word of the Lord hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking ; but ye have not hearkened. 4 And the Lord hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, niaking (them) rise early and sending (them); but ye have not hearkened, and have not inclined your ear to hear. 5 They said, do turn away every one from liis evil way, and from the wrongfulness of your doings ; and ye shall remain in the • Ra,shi. Zunz, "a horror, a misfortune.'' ■■ Travellers remark, that in the East, everyivhere in , the morning may be heard the noise of the mills, which ' „...g,, „^ ..g... „. >.,^ ,..^.. often awakens people; for they generally grind every day ' ing, there must be an utter desolation land that the Lord hatii gi\('u uuto \()u and to your fathers, for from eternity to eternity; 6 And go not after other gods to serve them, and to bow down to them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will not injure you. 7 Yet have ye not hearkened unto me, saith the Lord: in order that _\e might pro- voke me to anger with the works of your own hands to your own injury. 8 Therefore thus hath said the Lord of hosts. Because ye have not hearkened to my words : 9 Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the Lord, and to Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my ser- vant, and I will l)ring them over this land, and over its inhabitants, and over all the.se nations round about, and I will utterly destroy them, and make tliem an astonishment, and a deri- sion, and perpetual ruins. 10 And I will banish from them the voice of gladness, and the Aoiee of joy, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the mill,'' and the light of the lamp. 11 And this whole land shall become a ruin and an (object of) astonishment ; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. 12 And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are completed, that I will visit on the king of Babylon, and on that nation, saith the Lord, their iniquity, and on the land of the Chaldeans, and will change it into perpetual desolations. 13 And I will bring over that land all my words which I have spoken concerning it, all that is written in this book, which Jere- miah hath prophesied concerning all the nations. 14 For when many nations and great kings shall have made them also serve: I will then recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the work of their own hands. 15 \ For thus hath said the Lord the God of Israel unto me. Take the cup of the wine of this fury out of my hand, and cause all the nations to whom I send thee to drink it. just as much as may be necessary for the day's consump- tion. Where, then, the noise of the mill is not heard in the morning, nor the light of the caudle .seen in the even- 551 JEREMIAH XXV. 16 And they shall diink, and reel about, and be mad, because of the swoi-d that I Avill send among them. 17 And I took the cup out of the hand of the Lord, and caused to drink all the nations, unto whom the Lord had sent me: 18 Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and its kings, and its princes, to make them a ruin, an astonishment, a derision, and a curse ; as it is this day; 19 Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and his servants, and his princes, and all his peo- ple; 20 And all the confederated nations, and all the kings of the land of 'Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ash- kelon, and Gazzah, and 'Ekron, and the rem- nant of Ashdod ; 21 Edom, and Moiib, and the children of 'Amnion ; 22 And all the kings of Tjre, and all the Jvings of Zidon, and the kings of the isle" wliich is beyond the sea; 23 Dedan, and Thema, and Buz, and all those that have their hair cut round; 24 And all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the confederated nations that dwell in the wilderness; 25 And all the kings of Zimri, and all the kings of 'Elam, and all the kings of Media ; 26 And all the kings of the north, that are far and that are near, one with another,'' and all the kingdoms of the world, which are upon the face of the earth ; and the king of Sheshach" shall drink after them. 27 And thou shalt say unto them. Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Drink ye, and become drunken, and vomit, and fall, and rise no more, be- cause of the sword, which I am sending among you. 28 And it shall l)e, if they refuse to take the cup out of thy hand to drink, that thou shalt say unto them, Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, Ye must certainly drink; 29 For lo, on the city which is called by my name, I begin to intlict evil, and ye will ' Philippson, "the coa.stland which in beyond the sea." ZuDZ, "of the isle which is by the sea." '' Zuuz, "who are near or far from one another." ° Babylon. '' Tiic word □o'nixisni Is of diffienlt construction : wo have followed Zunz, who supplies, " I will bring along" — remain utterly unpunished ? Ye shall not remain unpunished; for a sword am I calling up over all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the Lord of hosts. 30 But thou, do thou prophesy concerning them all these words, and say unto them. The Lord will cry aloud from on high, and from his holy habitation will he send forth his voice; he will cry out very loudly over his habitation ; the vintner's call, as they that tread out the grapes, will he lift up against all the inhabitants of the earth. 31 A tumultuous noise cometh even to the ends of the earth; for the Lord hath a contro- versy with the nations, he holdeth judgment over all ilesh: the wicked, — these he giveth up to the sword, saith the Lord. 32 T[ Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, Be- hold, evil goeth ibrth from nation to nation, and a great storm-wind waketh up from the farthest ends of the earth. 33 And the slain of the Lord shall be on that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth : they shall not be lamented, nor gathered up, nor buried; they shall be as dung upon the surface of the ground. 34 Wail, ye shepherds, and cry; and roll yourselves about (in the dust), ye leaders of the flocks ; for fidl are your days for you to be slaughtered, and I will scatter* you ; and ye shall fall like a costly vessel. 35 And lost shall be the place of refuge for the shepherds, and the escape for the leaders of the flocks to escape. 36 There is the voice of the cry of anguish of the shepherds, and the wailing of the leaders of the flocks; for the Lord hath devastated their pasture. 37 And in silent desolation lie the pasture- lands of peace, because of the fierceness of the anger of the Lord. 38 He hath forsaken his covert, like the young lion ;'" for their land is become desolate, because of the fierceness of the wasting (sword), and because of the fierceness of his "your scatterings." Ilashi supplies, "shall approach to come;" thus, "and your scatterings shall approach to come." " Like a costly vessel," is so explained by Ilashi : "If you will sa}', We are honourable — there is many a pre- cious crystal vessel which falloth and is broken." • Redak supplies, " who findeth no prey in his den." JEREMIAH XXVI. CHAPTER XXVI. 1 '\\ In the beginning of the reign of Jeho- yakim the son of Josiah the king of Judah came this word from the Lord, saying, 2 Thus hath said the Lord, Place thyself in the court of the house of the Lord, and speak against all of the cities of Judah, who come to prostrate themselves in the house of the Lord, all the words that I have com- manded thee to speak unto them : omit not a word (thereof); 3 Perhaps it be that they will hearken, and return every man from his evil way, that I may bethink me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them, because of the wrongfulness of their doings. 4 And thou shalt say unto them, Thus hath said the Lord, If ye will not hearken unto me, to walk in my law. which 1 have set before you, 5 To hearken unto the words of my ser- vants the prophets, whom I send unto you, yea, making them rise up early, and sending them, while ye have not hearkened : G Then will I render this house like Shi- loh, and this city will I render a curse unto all the nations of the earth. 7 ^ And the priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the Lord. 8 And it came to pass, when Jeremiah had finished speaking all that the Lord had com- manded (him) to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the jn-opliets and all the ■people seized on him, saying. Thou shalt surely die. 9 Why hast thou prophesied in the name of the Lord, saying, Like .Shiloh shall this house be, and this city shall be ruined, (left) without an inhabitant? And all the people assembled themselves against Jeremiah in the house of the Lord. 10 But when the princes of Judah heard these things, they came up from the king's house unto the house of the Lord, and sat down at the entrance of the new gate of the Lord's house. 11 Then said the priests and the prophets unto the princes and unto all the people, as fol- loweth. This man deserveth the punishment of death ; for he hath prophesied against this city, as ye have heard with your own ears. 3U 12 Tlicu Miitl .Icrcniiah unto all the princes and luito all the people, as followeth, The Lord liatli sent me to prophesy against this house and against this citv all the words that ye have heard. 13 But now amend your ways and your doings, and hearken to the voice of the Lord your God: and the Lord will bethink him of the evil that he hath spoken against you. 14 As for me, behold, I am in your hand : do with me as seemeth good and just in \our eyes. 1-5 But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye will surely place (the guilt of) innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon its inhabitants ; for in truth hath the Lord sent me unto yon to epeak in your ears all these words. 16 Then said the princes and all the peo- ple unto the priests and to the prophets, This man is not deserving the punishment of death ; for in the name of the Lord our God hath he spoken unto us. 17 And then rose up certain men of the elders of the land, and said to all the assembly of the people, as followeth, 18 Michah the Morashtliite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah the king of Judah, and said to all the people of Judah, as followeth. Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, Zion shall be ploughed up like a field, and Jerusalem shall l)ecome heaps of ruins, and the mountain of the house, woody high-places.'* 19 Did Hezekiah the king of Judah and all Judah attempt to put him to death? behold, he did fear the Lord, and besought the Lord, and the Lord bethought him of the evil which he had spoken against them. And shall we bring a great wickedness on our souls ? 20 And there was also a man that prophe- sied in the name of the Lord, Uriyah the son of Shema'yahu of Kiryath-ye'arim, who pro- phesied against this city and against this land in accoi'dance with all the words of Jere- miah ; 21 And when king Jehoyakim, with all his mighty men. and all the princes, heard his words, the king sought to put him to death ; but when Uriyahu heard it, he Avas afraid, and tied, and arriveil m Egypt ; 22 But king Jehoyakim sent some men into Lit. " high-plai-c'S of a forest." 553 JEREMIAH XXVI. XXVIl. Egypt, namely, Elnathan the son of 'Aclibor. and some men with him into Egypt : 23 And they fetched Uriyahu out of Egypt, and brouirht him unto kint!' Jehoyakim, who slew him with the sword, and cast his dead body upon the graves of the common j^eople. 24 But the hand of Achikam the son of Sliaplian was witli Jeremiah, so as not to give him up into the hand of the people to put him to death. CHAPTER XXVIL 1 ^ In the beginning of the reign of Jeho- yakim the son of Josiah the king of Judah came this word unto Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, 2 Thus said the Lord to me, Make for thyself bands and yoke-bars, ami put them around thy neck, 3 And send such to the king of Edom, and to the king of Moab, and to the king of the children of 'Amnion, and to the king of Tyre, and to the king of Zidon, by means of the messengers who come to Jerusalem unto Zede- kiah the king of Judah ; 4 And thou shalt charge them unto their masters, saying. Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Thus shall ye say unto your masters, 5 It is I who have made the earth, the men, and the beasts that are upon the fixce of the earth, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and I have given it unto the one who seemeth proper in my eyes. 6 And now it is I who have given all these countries into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and also the beasts of the field have I given him to serve him. 7 And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the time of his land is also come in its turn : when many nations and great kings shall make it" serve. 8 And it shall come to pass, that the na- tion and the kingdom which will not serve him, Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put its neck in the yoke of the king of Babylon, — even that nation will I punish with the sword, and with the famine, ' Babylon, which .^hall in its turn full before other con- querors, tlie Medcs and I'ersiaus. 554 and witli the pestilence, saith the Lord, initil I have made an end of them l>y his hand. 9 But do ye not hearken to your prophets, and to your diviners, and to your dreamers, and to your enchanters, and to your sorcerers, who speak unto you, saying. Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon ; 10 For ftilsehood do they j^roi^hesy unto you, in order to remove you far from your huid; and that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish. 11 But the nation that will bring its neck into the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, — that one will I then let remain quietly in its own laud, saith the Lord : and it shall till it, and dwell therein. 12 And unto Zedekiah the king of Judah did I speak in accordance with all these words, saying. Bring your neck into the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, that ye may live. 13 Why will ye die, thou and thy people, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pes- tilence, as the Lord hath spoken concerning the nation that ^vill not serve the king of Babylon? 14 And do ye not hearken unto the words of the prophets that say unto 3'ou, as follow- eth, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon ; for a falsehood do they prophesy unto you. 15 For I have not sent them, saith the Lord, yet they prophesy in my name falsely : in order that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you. IG And unto the jiriests and unto all this' people did I speak, saying, Thus hath said the Lord, Do not hearken to the words of yoiu' prophets that prophesy unto you, saying. Behold, the vessels'' of the house of the Lord shall be brought again from Babylon now speedily; for a falsehood do they prophesy unto you. 17 Hearken not unto them; serve the king of Babylon, that ye may live : wherefore should this city become a ruin ? 18 And if they be prophets, and if the word of the Lord be with them, let them now make intercession with the Lord of hosts, that the vessels which are left in the house of the '' " Which had been carried away with Jeohonyah." — Ra.siii. JEREMIATI XXVII. XXVIII. Lord, and in the house ofllie king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, may not be cari'ied" to Babvhm. 19 ^1 For thus hath said the Lord of hosts of the pillars,'' and concerning the sea, and concerning the bases, and concerning the resi- due of the vessels that are left in this city, 20 Which Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon did not take awaj', when he carried away into exile Jechonyah the son of Jehoya- kim the king of Judah from Jerusalem to Babylon, with all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem ; 21 ][ (Yea) for thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning the vessels that are left in the house of the Lord, and in the house of the king of Judah and in Jeru- salem, 22 Unto Babylon shall they be carried, and there shall they remain until the day that I think of them, saith the Lord, when I will bring them up, and restore them to this place. CHAPTER XXVIII. 1 ^ And it came to pass in the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah the king of Judah, in the fourth year,'' in the fifth month, that there said unto me Chananyah the son of 'Azzur the prophet, who w%'is from Gib- 'on, in the house of the Lord, before the eyes of the priests, and of all the people, as fol- io weth, 2 Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon ; 3 Within yet two years' time will I cause to be brought back unto this place all the vessels of the house of tlie Lord, which Nebu- chadnezzar the king of Babylon liath taken away from this place, and which he hath carried to Babylon : 4 And Jechonyah the son of Jehoyakim the king of Judah, and all the exiles of Judah that are gone to Babylon, will I cause to return to this place, saith the Lord ; for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon. 5 Then said Jeremiah the prophet unto Chananyah the prophet before the eyes of the •Heb. "come." ' See 1 Kings vii. 15, &o.; 2 Kings xxv. 13, &c. " This is explained that Zedekiah commenced his reign priests, and before the eyes of all the people that stood in the house of the Lord, G Yea, then said Jeremiah the prophet. Amen, may the Lord do so : may the Lord fulfil thy words which thou hast prophesied, to cause the vessels of the Lord's house, and all that have been carried into exile, to be brought back from Babylon unto this place. 7 Nevertheless hear thou now this word which I speak before thy cars, and Ijefore the ears of all the people : 8 The prophets that have been before me and before thee from olden times propliesied both concerning many countries, and against great kingdoms, respecting war, and respect- ing evil, and respecting pestilence. 9 The prophet who prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet doth come to pass, then shall the pr02)het be known, (as the one) whom the Lord hath sent in truth. 10 Then took Chananyah the prophet the yoke-bar from oft" the neck of Jeremiah the prophet, and broke it. 11 And Chananyah said before the eyes of all the people, as followeth. Thus hath said the Lord, Even so will I break the yoke of Ne- buchadnezzar the king of Babylon within two years' time from the neck of all the nations. And Jeremiah the prophet went his way. 12 ^ Then came the word of the Lord unto Jeremiah, after Chananyah t4ie prophet had broken the yoke-l^ar from oft' the neck of Jeremiah the px'ophet, saying, 13 Go and say unto Chananyah as follow- eth. Thus hath said the Lord, Yoke-bars of wood hast thou broken ; but thou shalt make in their stead yoke-bars of iron. 14 For thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, A yoke of iron have I placed upon the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon ; and they shall work for him : and also the beasts of the field have I given him. 15 Then said Jeremiali the prophet unto Chananyah the prophet, Hear now, Chanan- yah, The Lord did not send thee ; but thou hast caused this people to trust on a false- hood. 16 Therefore thus hath said the Lord, Be- in the fourth year after the release year, and that the temple was destroyed at the first year after the release j i. e. the eleventh of Zedekiah. i,rjr, JEREMIAH XXVIII. XX IX. hold. I will send thee awav from off the face of the earth : this year shalt thou die, because thou hast spoken rebellion against the Lord. 17 So Chananyah the prophet died in that same year, in the seventh month. CHAPTER XXIX. 1 Tf And these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusa- lem unto the residue of the elders of the ex- iles, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon ; 2 (After king Jechonyah and the queen- mother, and the court-officers, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, and the carpen- ters, and the locksmiths, wei'e departed from Jerusalem ;) 3 By the hand of El'assah the son of Sha- phan, and Gemaryah the son of Chilkiyah, (whom Zedekiah the king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar the king of Baby- lon,) saying, 4 Tlius hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all the exiles, whom I have caused to be carried into exile from Je- rusalem unto Babylon, 5 Build ye houses, and dwell therein ; and plant gaiTlens, and eat their fruit ; 6 Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters ; and take waves for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters: that ye may multiply there, and not be diminished. 7 And seek the welfare" of the city whither I have banished you, and pray in its Ix'half unto the Lord; for in its welfare shall ye fare well. 8 Tl For thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Let not your prophets, that are in the midst of you, and your diviners, de- ceive you, and do not hearken to your dreams which ye cause'' to be dreamt; 9 For with falsehood do they prophesy unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the Lord. 10 'W For thus hath said the Lord, Because only after the accomplishment of seventy 3-ears for Babylon, will I visit you, and fulfil respecting you my good word, in causing you to return to this place. 11 For I alone know the thoughts that I entertain respecting you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you a (happy) future and hope. 12 And you will call upon me, and ye will g(/ and will pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye will seek me, and shall find me, for ye will search for me with all your heart. 14 And I will be found of you, saith the Lord ; and I will bring back your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord ; and I will cause you to re- turn unto the place whence I have ban islied you. 15 Because ye have said. The Lord hath raised us up prophets in Babylon. 16 ^ But thus hath said the Lord concern- ing the king that sitteth upon the throne of David, and concerning all the people that dwell in this city, your brethren that are not gone forth with you into exile ; 17 Tl Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, Behold, I will send out against them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence ; and I will render them like the detestable figs, that cannot be eaten, from being so bad. 18 And I wall pursue after them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pes- tilence, and will make them a horror unto all the kingdoms of the earth, a curse, and an astonishment, and a derision, and a dis- grace, among all the nations whither I have driven them ; 19 For the reason that they have not hearkened to my words, saith the Lord, since I sent unto them my servants the prophets, causing them to rise up early and sending them ; but ye would not hear, saith the Lord. 20 But ye — hear ye the word of the Lord, all ye exiles whom I have sent away from Jerusalem to Babylon. 21 Tl Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning Achab the son of Kolayah, and of Zedekiali tlie son of Ma'asse- yah, who prophesy unto you in my name •Lit. "peace," or the state of well-being resulting Uienee. bRcdak; ?'. r. are the cause of these being flreaint by | ' Kashi supplies, " in my ways." the false prophets, by listening to them. Zunz, " which you clream.' JEREMIAH XXIX. XXX. falsehood, Behold, I will give them up into the hand of Nebuehadrezzar the king of Bal)3lon : and he .shall smite them before your eyes. 22 And a curse shall be derived IVom them for all the exiles of Judah who are in Baby- lon, saying, " May the Lokd make thee like Zedekiah and like Achab, whom the king of Babvon roasted in the fire ;" 23 Beeause they have done scandalous deeds in Israel, and have committed adultery with the wives of their neighbours, and have spoken in my name falsehood, which I had not commanded them ; whereas I am the one that know, and am the witness, saith the Lord. 24 ^ And to Shema'jahu the Nechelamite shalt thou say, as foUoweth, 25 Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, saying. Because thou hast sent in thy name letters unto all the people that are at Jerusalem, and to Zephanyah the son of Ma'asse3-ah the pi'iest, and to all the priests, saying, 20 The Lord hath appointed thee priest in the place of Jehojada' the priest, that ye should be superintendents in the house of the Lord, for ev^ei'y man that is mad, and that prophesieth, that thou shouldst put him in the stocks, and in prison :" 27 And now, why hast thou not rebuked Je- remiah of 'Anathoth, who prophesieth to you? 28 For the reason that he hath sent unto us to Babylon, saying. It will last a long time: liuild ye houses, and dwell therein; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit thereof. 29 And Zephanyah the priest read the letter before the ears of Jeremiah the prophet. 30 T[ Then came the word of the Lord unto Jeremiah, saying, 31 Send to all the exiles, saying. Thus hath said the Lord concerning Shema'jah the Nechlamite, Whereas Shema'yah hath pro- phesied unto you, while I have not sent him, and he hath caused you to rely on a falsehood : 32 Therefore thus hath said the Lord, Be- hold, I will inflict punishment on Shema'yah the Nechlamite, and on his seed; he .shall not have a man to dwell in the midst of this peo- ' Redak, " hand-cuffs." '' Lit. "changed into paleness.'' ' Rasbi. Others, " aeuordin"; ti light," " as is proper/' I pie; and he shall nut behold the good that I am doing for my people, saith the Lord ; be- cause he hath spoken revolt against the Lord. CHAPTER XXX. 1 ^[ The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, 2 Thus hath said the Lord the God of Israel, saying. Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book. 3 For, behold, days are coming, saith the Lord, when I will bring back again the cap- tivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the Lord ; and I will cause them to I'eturn to the land that I have given to their flithers, and they shall possess it. 4 ^ And these are the words that the Lord spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah ; 5 For thus hath said the Lord, A voice of terror have we heard, dread, and no peace. 6 Ask ye now, and see whether a male doth give birth to a child ? wherefore do I see every man with liis hands on his loins, as a woman in giving birth ? and why are all faces turned pale?*" 7 Alas! for that day is great, there is none like it ; and a time of distress it is unto Jacob; yet out of it shall he be saved. 8 And it shall come to pass on that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will break his yoke fi'om oft" thy neck, and thy bands will I burst asunder; and strangers shall not make him serve any more; 9 But they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them. 10 And thou — do not fear, my servant Jacob, saith the Lord; and be not dismayed, Israel ; for, behold, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed fro'm the land of their cap- tivitj' : and Jacob shall return, and shall be at rest, and be secure, with none to terrify him. 11 For with thee am I, saith the Lord, to save thee : though I make a full end of all the nations whither I have scattered thee, yet of thee will I not make a full end; but I will correct thee in moderation," and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.'^ '' Rashi, "but I will not destroy thee totally;" mean- ing the punishment shall be a correction; but not a de- struction of Israel, 557 JEREMIAH XXX. XXXI. 12 *i] Foi thus hutli said the Lord, Incura- ble is thy bruise, and painful, thy wound. 13 There is no one to plead tliy cause, to bind up (thy wound): useful" remedies there are none for thee. 14 All thy lovers have forgotten thee; thee they seek not ; for with the blow of an enemy have I smitten thee, Avith cruel chastisement, for the multitude of thy iniquity, because thy sins were so numerous. 15 Why wilt thou cry out because of thy breach? for thy pain which is incurable? be- cause of the multitude of thy iniquity, because thy sins were so numerous, have I done these things unto thee. IG Nevertheless all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thy adversaries, all of thorn, shall go into captivity; and they that plunder thee shall be (given up) to plun- der, and all that prey upon thee will I give u]) for a prey. 17 For I will place a healing plaster on thy bruise,'' and of thy wounds will I cure thee, saith the Lord; because they called thee "an Outcast," "This is Zion, whom no one seeketh after." 18 *\\ Thus hath said the Lord, Behold, I will bring back again the captivity of the tents of Jacob, and on his dwelling-places Avill I have mercy; and the city shall be relniilt upon her own heap of ruins, and the palace shall be inhabited after its (ancient) manner. 19 And there shall proceed out of them thanksgiving, and the voice of those that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be diminished; I will also make them numerous," and they shall not be made few in number. 20 And their children shall be as afore- times, and their congregation shall be fii'mly established before me, and I will punish all that oppress them. 21 And their leader shall l)e of themselves, mid their ruler shall [)i-oceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, " Philippson, "a remedy to cicatrizo," /. e. the wound. '' See above, viii. 22. Rashi, siiii]ily, "healing;" "I will bring up healing for thee." ° llashi. Others, "I will give them honour and tiii'y siiall not bo of little iuiportancc." '' Kaslii. (Secxxiii. 19.) Philippson, "raging." Zunz, "gatheriuir." DOB and he shall approach unto me ; for who is this that will venture of his own heart to ap- proach unto me? saith the Lord. 22 And ye shall be unto me for a people, and I will be unto you for a God. 2.3 ^ Behold, the storm-wind of the Lord goeth forth with fury, an aljiding'^ storm-wind : upon the head of the wiclved shall it fall. 24 The fierceness of the anger of the Lord will not turn back, imtil he have done, and until he have fulfilled the purposes of his heart : in the latter days shall ye understand this. CHAPTER XXXI. 1 Tl At the same time, saith the Lord, will I be the God for all the families of Is- rael, and they shall be unto me for a people. 2 ^ Thus hath said the Lord, The people of those that are escaped of the sword foimd grace in the wilderness, — even Israel, when it went to find rest. 3 "From afar is the Lord appeared unto me," (saying,) Yea, with an everlasting love have I loved thee; therefore have I guided' thee with loving-kindness. 4 Yet again will I build thee up, and thou shalt be built, virgin of Israel: yet again shalt thou adorn thy timbrels, and go forth in the dances of those that make merry. 5 Yet again shalt thou plant vineyards upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall redeem the fruit.*^ 6 For there cometh a day, that the watch- ers call out upon the mountain of Ephraim, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the Lord our God. 7 ]| For thus hath said the Lord, Sing for Jacob with joy, and shout at the head of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, The Lord hath helpedi^ thy people, the rem- nant of Israel. 8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and I will gather them from the farthest ends of the earth, among tliem the blind and the lame, the pregnant woman and ' Jonathan. Philippson, "bore kindness for thee." Zunz, "followed thee." Redak, "drew toward thee." Others, "drawn thee." ' t. e. The fruit of the fourth year after planting (See Lev. .xix. 2:3, 2,5 ; Deut. xx. 6.) * Jonathan. Philippson, "Thou hast holpril." Zunz. "Help, LoRli;" and so I<]nglish version. JEREMIAH XXXI. she that travaileth with chiW together: a givat a.ssenibly shall they return hither. 1) With weeping shall thej- come, and with supplications will I bring them in : I will lead them 1>y brooks of water in a straight way, whereon they shall not stumble; for I am become a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my first-born. ID Tl Hear the word of the Lokd, ye na- tions, and tell it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattereth Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd his Hock. 11 For the Lord hath ransomed Jacob, and redeemed him out of the hand of one stronger than he. 12 And they shall come and sing on the height of Zion, and shall come together as a sti'eam to the goodness" of the Lord, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flocks and of the herds, and their soul shall be as a well-watered garden ; and they shall not farther experience grief any more. 13 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, and youth and old men together : and I will change their mourning into gladness. 17 And there is hope Ihv (thee in) thy future, saith the Lord, and thy children shall return to their own borders. 18 I have indeed heard Ephraim bemoan- ing himself, " Thou hast cliastised me, and I was chastised, as an untamed calf; cause me to return, and I will return; for thou art the Lord m}- God. 19 Surely after m}' returning, I repent; and .after I am made conscious (by punish- ment). I smite upon my tliigh : I am ashamed, yea, I am confounded, because I bear the dis- grace of my youth." 20 Is not Ephraim a dear son unto me? or a child that I dandle? for whenever I speak of him, I do earnestly remember him again : therefore are my inward parts'* moved for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lord. 21 ^ Set thyselfupwayniarks.plnce thyself pillars;'' direct thj- heart toward the high- way, the way which thou didst go: return, virgin of Israel, return to these tliy cities. 22 How long wilt thou roam about, thou backslidins; daughter? for the Lord hath created a new thins on the earth, The wo- and I will comfort them, and make them , man*^ will go a])out (seeking for) the husb ind. rejoice from their sorrow. 14 And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with mj' goodness, saith the Lord. 15 ]| Thus hath said the Lord, A voice is heard in Ramah,'' groaning, weeping, and bitter lamentation; Rachel is weeping for her children: she refuseth to be comforted for her children, because they are not (here) . 16 T[ Thus hath said the Lord, Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thy eyes from tears; for there is a reward for thy work," saith the Lord, and they shall return from the land of the enemy. " Zunz, "blessing." Jouiithan, "they shall rejoice at the," &c. '' Cmmnentators, "on high." ' Redak, " For the work of thy children who have borne captivity many years and have not forgotten my name, nor transgressed my covenant." Rachel symbolic "for the whole people." '' Miehloi Yoplii, " the heart, the chief of the viscera, and the seat of thought, of which alone it can be said that it beats tumultuously." " Zunz. Rashi, "small date-palms;" but more pro- bably, palm-shaped columns, set on the road as guide- posts. ' Rashi, " How long wilt thou hide thyself from me, 23 ^ Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Yet again shall they say this word in the land of Judali and in the cities thereof, when I will bring back again their captivity, — May the Lord bless thee, O habitation of righteousness, holy mountain. 21 And there shall dwell therein Judah, and in all his cities together, husbandmen, and they that move about with the flocks. 25 For I have satiated the weary soul, and every grieving soul have I gratified.^ 20 For this did I awake, and looked about; and my sleep was sweet unto me.*" 27 ^[ Behold, days, are coming, saith the because thou art ashamed to return to me because of thy course? behold, a new thing is created on the earth, that the female goeth about after the man to ask him to marry her." Israel is represented as the rebellious wife, (lod as the husband ; and when the time for the accomplish- ment of the Lord's promises comes, the faithless spouse will seek her readily forgiving, but, as it were, now absent husband. (See also Hosea ii. 9, 18; iii. 5.) Rashi ex- plains the verse also in this manner. 8 Lit. "filled." '' I'hilippsou, referring n^V to Isaiah .\xiv. 11, "va- nished is all joy," translates, "and my sleep is vanished from me;" and presumes that God is represented as thoutrh he awoke from sleep to redeem Israel whom Ij^ &53 JEREMIAH XXXI. XXXII. Lord, when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of cattle. 28 And it shall come to pass, that just as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to overthrow, and to de- stroy, and to do harm : so will I watch over them, to build up, and to plant, saith the Lord. 29 In those days shall they not say any more. The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge; 30 But ever)' one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grapes — his teeth shall be set on edge. .31 Behold, days are coming, saith the IjORD, when I will make with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah, a new covenant; 32 Not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day that I took hold of them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they have broken, although I was become their husband," saith the Lord; 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, after those days, saith the Lord, I place my law in their inward parts, and upon tlieir heart will I write it; and I will be unto them for a God, and they shall be unto me for a people. 34 And they shall not teach any more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord ; for they all shall know me, from the least of them even unto their greatest, saith the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I not remember any more. 35 Tf Thus liath said the Lord, who be- stoweth the sun for a light by day, the ordi- nances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, who stirreth up the sea that its waves roar — The Lord of hosts is his name: 30 If these ordinances ever depart from before me, saith the Lord, then also shall the seed of Israel cease from being a nation before me during all time. 37 ][ Thus hath said the Lord, If the heavens can be measured above, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath : then also will I reject all the seed of Israel, for all that they have done, saith the Lord. 38 *\\ Behold, days are coming, saith the Lord, when the city shall be built up to the Lord from the tower of Chananel unto the corner-gate. 39 And the measuring-line shall yet again go forth opposite it over the hill Gareb, and shall take a turn to Go'ath. 40 And the whole valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes,** and all fields as far as the brook Kidron, unto the corner of the horse-gate toward the east, shall be holy unto the Lord: it shall not be plucked up, nor overthrown any more to eternity. CHAPTER XXXII. 1 ^ The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord in the tenth year of Zedekiah the king of Judah, which is the eighteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar. 2 And at that time the king of Babylon's army was besieging Jerusalem ; and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison, which was in the house of the king of Judah ; 3 Because Zedekiah the king of Judah had shut him up, saying. Wherefore art thou pro- l)hesying, saying. Thus hath said the Lord, Behold. I will give u[) this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall capture it. 4 And Zedekiah the king of Judah shall not escape out of the hand of the Chaldeans, because he shall surel}- be given uj) into the hand of the king of Babylon, and his mouth shall speak to his mouth, and his eyes shall behold his ejes ; 5 And to Babylon shall he lead Zedekiah, and there shall he remain until I think of" him, saith the Lord : though ye fight with the Chaldeans, ye shall not prosper. '' Rashi, " This prophecy applies to the coming future in the hist redemption, for it was not fulfillefl during the had left so long in captivity, llashi and others, how- ever, as we have given, "and my sleep was sweet unto me;" and Kedak eomments, as applied to the pro]ihet, second temple." This proves, therefore, that we must " I had seen in the dream of prophecy this consolation, jj expect another redemption, besides the return fi'oni Uahy- :ind therefore was my sleep sweet unto me." |] Ion, to accomplish the prophecies. '' llashi, "the visitation of every man is death;" i.e. Zedekiah shall remain in Babylon till he die. ' Jo.seph Kimchi, " wherefore I loathed them." (See note above, iii. 14.) 600 KIX<r ^M >1^< >XH ).N, JEKExMlAH XXXII. 6 ^ And Jeremiah said, The word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 7 BehoUI, Chanamel the son ol' Shalluui thy uncle is coming unto thee, saying, Buy for thyself my field that is in 'i\.nathotli ; for unto thee helongeth the right of redemption to buy it. 8 And there came to me Chanamel my uncle's son according to the word of the Lord into the court of the prison, and he said unto me, Buy, I pray thee, my field, that is in 'Anathoth, which is in the land of Benjamin; for to thee belongeth the right of inheritance, and to thee Ijelongeth the redemption, buy it for thyself: then did I know, that it was the word of the Lord. 9 And I bought the field from Chanamel my uncle's son, that is in 'Anathoth ; and I Aveighed out unto him the money, seven shekels, and ten pieces of silver. 10 And I wrote it in a deed," and sealed it, and had it certified by witnesses, and weighed the money in balances. 11 And I took the deed of the purchase, both that which was sealed, according to the law*" and custom, and that which was open ; 12 And I gave the deed of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriyah, the son of Macliseyah, liefore the eyes of Chanamel my kinsnuin, and before the eyes of the witnesses that had signed the deed of the purchase, be- fore the eyes of all the Jews that were sitting in the court of the prison. 13 And I charged Baruch before their eyes, saying, 14 Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Take these deeds, this deed of the purchase, both the sealed, and this open deed, and place them in an earthen vessel, in order that they may last many days." lo Tl For thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Yet again shall there be bought houses and fields and vineyards in this laud. IG ^r And I prayed to the Lord after' I * Lit. "letter," or "book;" fiere the evidences of sale, "a deed." ' Zunz, ''with the instruction and the conditions," (/. '-. of the sale,) which it is alleged was not published, while the "open," the transfer deed, was for the public inspection. " Zunz, "years." ^ Although the pr(jphet strictly followed the injunction 3 V had delivered the deed of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriyah, saying, 17 Ah Lord Eternal! behold, it is thou that hast made the heavens and the earth by thy great power and by thy outstretched arm ; nothing is too wonderful for thee; 18 Thou exercisest kindness unto the thousandth (generation), and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers unto the l)osom of their children after themj^x^iou art) the Great, the Mighty God. tIrC Lord of hosts is his name ; 19 Great in counsel, and mighty in execu- tion ; (thou) whose e}es are open over all the ways of the sons of man, to give unto every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings ; 20 Who hast displayed signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, up to this day, and in Isniel, and among other men ; and thou hast made thyself a name, as it is at this day ; 21 And thou didst bring forth thy people Israel out of the hind of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, smd with a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terror;- 22 And thou gavest them this land, which thou hadst sworn to their fathers to give unto them, a land flowing with milk and honey ; 2o And they came in, and took possession of it ; but they hetirkened not to thy voice, and in thy law they did not walk; all that thou hadst commanded them to do they did not do : and thou hast therefore caused all this evil to befall them. 2-1 Behold the mounds" reach unto the city to capture it; and the city is gi\en up into the hand of the Cluddeiins, who fiiiht against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence : and what thou hast spoken is t'ome to pass; and, behold, thou seest it. 25 And yet thou hast said unto me, Lord Eternal, Buy for thyself the field for by witnesses: money, and have it certified of the inspiration to make a regular purchase of the land, to write a deed, take witnesses, and to use even the form- ality of making a duplicate ; still he himself felt over- come by human weakness : hence the beautiful prayer in the text. ' T!ie works of the besiegers on wiiich the engines of attack were placed, JEREMIAH XXXII. XXXIII. while the city is given up into the hand of the Chaldeans. 26 •][ Then came the word of the Lord unto Jeremiah, saying, 27 Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh : shall any thing be too wonderful for me? 28 Therefore thus hath said the Lord, Be- hold, I will give up this city into the hand of the Chaldeans, and into the hand of Nebuchad- rezzar the king of Babylon, and he shall cap- ture it: 29 And the Chaldeans, that fight against this city, shall come and set tliis city on fire, and burn it, with the houses upon the roofs of which they have offered incense unto Ba'al, and have poured out drink-offerings unto other gods, in order to provoke me to anger; 30 For the children of Israel and the chil- dren of Judah have been doing only what is evil in my eyes from their youth ; for the children of Israel have Ijeen only provoking me to anger with the work of their hands, saith the Lord. 31 For to excite my anger and my fury hath been unto me this city from the day that they built it, even until this day; so that I will remove it fi'om before my presence; 32 Because of all the wickedness of the children of Israel and of the children of Ju- dah, which they have done to provoke me to anger, they, their kings, their princes, their priests, and their prophets, and the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem; 33 And they turned unto me the back, and not the face: though (my prophets) taught them, rising up early and teaching; yet they hearkened not to receive instruction. 34 But they placed their abominations in the house, which is called by my name, to defile it. 35 And they built the high-places of Ba'al, which are in the valley of the son of llin- nom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through (the fire) unto Molech; which I had not comnuxnded them, and which had not come into my mind, to practise this abo- mination, in order to mislead .Tudah to sin. 30 ^1 But now, therefore, thus hath said the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning this city, whereof ye say, It is given up into the hand of the king of Babylon through the sword, and tlirnugh tlie famine, and through the pestilence : 87 Behold, I will gather them out of all the countries, whither I have driven them in my anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them back again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell in safety; 38 And they shall be unto me for a people, and I will be unto them for a God ; 39 And I will give them one heart, and one manner, to fear me at all times, that it may be well with them, and with their chil- dren after them ; 40 And I will make with them an ever- lasting covenant, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good on my part; and my fear will I place in their heart, so that they may not depart from me. 41 And I will be glad over them to do them good; aiul I will plant them in this land in truth, with all my heart and with all my soul. 42 ^[ For thus hath said the Lord, Just as I have brought upon this people all this great evil, so will I bring upon them all the good that I speak concerning them. 43 And tlie field shall yet be bought in this land, whereof ye say. It is desolate with- out man or beast, it is given up into the hand of the Chaldeans. 44 Men shall buy fields for money, and write it in deeds, and seal it, and certify it by witnesses, in the land of Benjamin, and in the environs of Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, and in the cities of the mountain, and in the cities of the lowlands, and in the cities of the south ; for I will cause their cap- tivity to return, saith the Lord. CHAPTER XXXm. 1 T[ And the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying, 2 Thus hath said the Lord who doth this, the Lord that formeth it, to estal)lish it : the Eternal is his name; 3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and I will tell thee great and unheard'' of things, which thou knowest not. 4 ][ For thus hath said the Lord, the God ' Eashi, "Preserved in my heart to do them;" or aa rendered by Philippscm, "unheard;" i. e. not yet revealed hy God tuuinrtals. lledak, "niiglity things." JEREMIAH XXXIII. of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are thrown down by means of the mounds, and by means of the sword; 5 As they* come to fight with the Chal- deans, but only to fill those with the corpses of the men whom I slay in my anger and in my fury, and for all whose wickedness I have hidden my foce from this city : G Behold, I will bring it healing and cure, and I will cure them, and I will display unto them the abundance'' of peace and truth. 7 And I will cause to return the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel, and I will build them up, as at the first. 8 And I will cleanse them from all their guiltiness, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned toward me, and whereby they have transgressed against me. 9 And it shall be to me for a name of gladness, a praise and an honour with all the nations of the earth, who will hear all the good that I am doing unto them: and they shall dread and tremble because of all the good and because of all the happiness"' that I prepare unto it. 10 Tl Thus hath said the Lord, Yet again shall there be heard in this place, of which ye any, '• It is ruined, without man and without beast," [(even) in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, that are desolate, without man, and without inhabitant, and without beast,] 11 The voice of gladness, and the voice of joy, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of those that say, "Give thanks unto the Lord of hosts; for the Lord is good ; because to eternity endureth his kindness:" of those that brin2: thanksoivino;- oflenng unto the house of the Lord. For I will "After Philippson, who refers the word D\S3 " those who come," to the Israelites; meaning, the struggle should be in vain. Kodak considers the preceding verse to indicate that the houses were thrown down by the citizens to make ramparts against the besiegers, (Jona- than, "to strengthen the walls against those who slay with the sword;") to which this verse then follows, "be- cause they come to fight," &c. Others refer D\X3 to the instruments of siege and destruction ; thus, " which come uvV/j the Chaldeans to fight, only to fill," &c. '' Zunz, "the granting;" mn;' from the root ^r\i' "to entreat." Kashi, simply, "the blessing of peace, mi/uI." ° Lit. "peace." cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saitli the Lord. 12 ][ Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, Yet again shall there be in this place, which is ruined, without man and even without beast, and in all its cities, an habitation of shepherds who cause their tlocks to lie down. 13 In the cities of the mountain, in the cities of the lowlands, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the environs of Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shall the Hocks'' yet pass again under the hands of him that counteth them, saith the Lord. 14 ^ Behold, days are coming, saith the Lord, when I will fulfil that good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and respecting the house of Judah. 15 In those days, and at that time, will I cause to grow up unto David the sprout of righteousness: and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days shall Judah be helped, and Jerusalem shall dwell in safety : and this is what she shall be called, Tue Lord is our RIGHTEOUSNESS. 17 ^ For thus hath said the-LoRD, There shall never be wanting" unto David a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel ; 18 And unto the priests the Levites there shall not be wanting a man before me, to offer*^ burnt-ofTerino's. and to burn meat-offer- ings, and to prepare sacrifices at all times. 19 ]| And the woi'd of the Lord came unto Jeremiah, saying, 20 Thus hath said the Lord, If ye can break my covenant with the day, and my covenant with the night, and so, that there be not day and night in their season: 21 Then also shall my covenant be broken" with David my servant, that he should not ■^ Rashi comments, "The Israelites shall go out and come in under a king who goeth at their head." ° Rashi, "not an everlasting cutting oft"; but if he should cease for a time, he will at length return." ' Rashi, "there shall not be cut off descendants fit to sacrifice," i.e. "burnt-ofierings," &c. ^ It is evident that, as the prophet at the same time predicted the destruction of both kingdom and priesthood, he foretold the continuity only of descendants of David and Aaron, so that there shall at no time be wanting those who shall lineally be fit to act as their successors. (See also Isaiah Ixvi. 21, and llosea iii. 4, 5, which fully confirm this construction.) To this day there :ire many 503 JEREMIAH XXXI 11. XXXIV. have a son to reign upon his throne; and (that) with the Levites the priests, nay minis- ters. 22 As the host of heaven cannot be num- bered, and the sand of the sea not be measured : so will I multiply the seed of David my ser- vant, and the Levites that minister unto me. 2.S ^ And the word of the Lokd came to Jeremiah, saying, 24 Hast thou not observed what this" peo- ple have sjjoken, saying, The two fixniilies'' which the Lord hath made choice of, even these hath he rejected: and they" (thus) have despised my people, that they should be no more a nation belbre them. 25 Tf Thus hath said the Lord, If my covenant be not with day and night, if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth : 26 Then also will I reject the seed of Ja- cob, and Da\'id my ser\'ant, so as not to take any of his seed to be rulers o\'er the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; for I will cause their captivity to return, and luive mercy on them. CHAPTER XXXIV. 1 ^ The word which came unto Jeremiah from the Lord, when Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and all his army, and all the kingdoms of tlie country ruled by his power, and all the people, fought against Jerusalem, and against all its cities, saying, 2 Thus hath said the Lord, the God' of Israel, Go and speak to Zedekiah the king of Judah, and say to him. Thus hath said the Lord. Behold, I will give up this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, that lie nmy Ijurn it with lire : 3 And thou thyself shalt not escape out of his hand ; but thou shalt surely be caught, and be delivered into his hand; and thy eyes shall see the eyes of the king of Babylon, and his mouth shall speak with thy mouth, and to Babylon shalt thou go. who claim descent from David, and everywhere we meet with tho?e whom common consent hallows as the sons of Aaron and Levi. * The (Jhaldoans and the euomii's of Israel. '' David and Aaron. * Rashi comments here, "and with these words they cause my people to reject (mcj, not to be a nation unto luc, and they teach them to say tiie Lord will not turn 0G4 4 Yet hear the word of the Lord, Zede- kiah king of Judah, Thus hath said the Lord respecting thee. Thou shalt not die by the sword : 5 In peace shalt thou die ; and as burnings were made'* for thy fathers, the former kings who were before thee, so shall they make burnings ibr thee; and "Ah lord" shiill they lament for thee; for I have spoken the word, saith the Lord. 6 ^ And Jeremiah the prophet spoke unto Zedekiah the king of Judah all these words in Jerusalem, 7 When the army of the king of Babylon were lighting against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of Judah that were left, against Lachish, and against 'Azekah ; for these had Ijeen left of the cities of Judah as fortified cities. 8 *i\ Tlie word which came unto Jeremiah from the Lord, after king Zedekiah had nuide a covenant with all the people who were at Jerusalem, to proclaim among them- selves freedom ; 9 That every man should dismiss his man- servant, and every man his maid-servant, being a Hebrew man or a Heljrew wonum, free ; so that no man among them should ex- act labour of a Jew, his brother. 10 And all the princes had hearkened, with all the people, who had entered into the covenant, that every one should dismiss his man-servant, and every one his maid-servant, free, that no one should exact labour of them any more: and they had obeyed, and dis- missed them. 11 But they had turned afterward, and they had lirought back the men-servants and the maid-servants whom they had dismissed as free, and had subjected them to become men-servants and maid-servants. 12 ][ And the word of the Lord (then) came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saving, 13 Thus hath said the Lord, the God of Israel. — I myself made a covenant with your fathers on the day that 1 Ijrought them forth from his auger again, and that repentance would not avail them." How truly has this been fulfilled, even to this day ! the rejection of Israel being the constant theme to make us swerve from our God. ■^ Rashi, "'Thus was their custom to buru for tlu' kings their beds and the things they had had in use.'' ]5ut from 2 fhron. xvi. 14 it appears that they bur?it spices and aromatic herbs. JEREMIAH XXXIV. XXXV. out of the laml of Egypt, out of the house of bondmen, saying, 14 At the end of seven years shall ye dis- miss evei'y man his brother the Hebrew, who may have been sold unto thee; and when he hath served thee six years, then shalt tliou dismiss him free from thee; but your fathers hearkened not imto me, and inclined not their ear. 15 And ye had turned this day, and done what is right in my eyes, to proclaim freedom every man to his neighbour; and ye had made a covenant before me in the house over which my name is called; IG But ye have turned .again^ and pro- faned mj^ name, and ye have brought back every man his man-servant, and every man his woman-servant, whom ye had dismissed as free at their pleasure, and have subjected them to he unto you for men-servants and for Avomen-servants. 17 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord, Ye indeed have not hearkened unto me, to proclaim freedom, every one to his brother, and every one to his neighbour : behold, I proclaim a freedom over you. saith the Lord, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you a horror unto all the kingdoms of the earth. IS And 1 will give up the men that have transgressed my covenant, avIio have not ful- filled the words of the covenant which they had made before me, at the calf" which they cut in twain, and between the parts whereof they passed, 19 The princes of Judah, and the princes of Jerusalem, the court-servants, and the priests, and all the people of the land, who have passed between the parts of the calf; 20 (Yea) I will give them up into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those that seek their life; and their dead bodies shall become food unto the fowls of the hea^ vens, and to the beasts of the earth. * Manner of making a covenant. (See Gen. xv. 10-17.) '' Tlie Rechabites were a family of tiie Kenites, (1 Chron. li. 55,) and were most jjrobably the dcscemlants of Jcthro, tbe fatbcr-in-law of Closes. (Compare Num. x. 29-32, with Juilg. i. 16., iv. 11.) Though they dwelt among the Israelites from the first, they were never incorporated with them, nor had any inheritance assigned them, but were merely regarded as friends and allies. At the time of Jeremiah, as we see in verse 1, they had sought refuge 1^1 And Zedekiah the king of .Judah and his princes will 1 give up into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of tho.se that seek their life, and into the hand of the army of the king of Babylon, that are (now) gone away from you. 2"^ Behold, I will command, speaketli the Lord, and I will bring them back to this city; and they shall fight against it, and cap- ture it. and Ijurn it with fire: and the cities of Judah will I make a desert without an in- habitant. CHAPTER XXXV. 1 ^ The word which came unto Jeremiah from the Lord in the days of Jehoyakim tiie son of Josiah the king of Judah, saying, 2 Go unto the house of the Rechaljites,'' and speak with them, and bring them into the house of the Lord, into one of the cham- bers, and offer them wine to drink. 3 Then I took Yaiizanyah the son of Jere- miah, the son of Chabazzinj-ah, and his brethren, and all his sons, and the whole hou.'^e of the Rechabites ; 4 And I brought them into the house of the Lord, into the chamber of the sons of Chanan, the son of Yigdalyahu, the man of God,'' which was alongside of the chamber of the princes, which was above the chandjer of Ma'aseyahu the son of Shallum, the keeper of the door :'' 5 And I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites goblets full of wine, and cups; and I said unto them. Drink wine. 6 But tliey said, "We will not drink wine ; for Jonadab the son of Rechab our fiither hath laid a charge on us, saying. Ye shall not drink wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever; 7 Nor shall ye build any house, nor sow seed, nor plant a vineyard, nor liave (any such); but in tents shall ye dwell all jom- days, in order that ye may live many days on the face of the land where ye may sojourn. in Jerusalem against Nebuchadnezzar. Benjamin of Tudela, in his travels, assorts, that he found this tribe yet existing in the district of Thcima, in Arabia; and Niebuhr, that he found the Beiii-kheiber on the mountain east of Medina. Jonadab here mentioned is supposed to be the one spoken of in the history of Jehu. (2 Kings x. 15, 23.) " Jonathan, " the prophet of the Lord." ■* Heb. "threshold." Rashi, "treasurer." 563 JEREMIAH XXXV. XXXVt. 8 And we have hearkened unto the voice of Jehonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, not to drink any wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, and our daughters; 9 And not to build houses for our dwell- ing: and we never had any vinej'ard, or field, or seed ; 10 But we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed, and done in accordance with all that Jonadab our father hath commanded us. 12 But it came to pass, when Nebuchad- rezzar the king of Baljylon came up into the land, that we said. Come, and let us go into Jerusalem because of the army of the Chal- deans, and because of the army of the Syrians; and so we dwell at Jerusalem. 12 ^ Then came the word of the Lord unto Jeremiah, saying, 13 Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Go and say to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will ye not receive instruction to hearken to my words ? saith the Lord. 14 Fulfilled are the words of Jehonadab the son of Rechab, that he hath commanded his sons not to drink wine : and they have not drunk any even unto this day ; because they have obeyed the commandment of their father ; but I, I have spoken unto you, early in the day and speaking; but ye have not hearkened unto me. 15 And I have sent unto you all my ser- vants the prophets, making them rise up early and sending them, saying. Do but return every man from his evil way, and amend your deeds, and go not after other gods to serve them : and so shall ye remain in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers ; but ye have not inclined your ear, and have not hearkened unto me. 16 Because the sons of Jehonadab the son of Rechab have fulfilled the commandment of their father, which he liath commanded them; but iis this people have not hearkened unto me : 17 Therefore thus hath said the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel, Behold, I will bring upon Judah and upon all the inha- bitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have spoken concerning them ; because I spoke unto them, but they would not hear; and I called unto them, but they would not answer. 18 And unto the house of the Rechabites said Jeremiah, Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Whereas ye have hearkened to the charge of Jonadab your lather, and have kept all his commandments, and have done in accordance with aU that he hath commanded you : 19 Therefore thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God af Israel, There shall not be wanting unto Jehonadab the son of Rechab a man to stand before me at all times. CHAPTER XXXVI. 1 ^ And it came to pass in the fourth year of Jehoyakim the son of Josiah the king of Judah, that this word came unto Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, 2 Take thee a roll-book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all tlie nations, from the day that I sjjoke unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even until this day. 3 Peradventure it be that the hou.se of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpo.se to do unto them : in order that they may re- turn every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin. 4 |[ Then did Jeremiah call Baruch the son of Neriyah : and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the Lord, which he had spoken unto him, upon a roll- book. 5 And Jeremiah commanded Baruch, say- ing, I am shut up;' I am not able to enter into the liou.se of the Lord : 6 Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the Lord before the ears of the peo- ple in the house of the Lord on the fast-day; and also before the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities shalt thou read them. 7 Perhaps it may be that they will humbly present'' their supplication before the Lord, and will return every one from his evil way; for great are the anger and the fury that the Lord hath decreed against this people. 8 And Baruch the son of Neriyah did in accordance with all that Jeremiah the pro- " Philippson, "I am excluded," ('. e. by the hatred of the persecuting prie.sts, from entering the temple. " Ileb. " their supplication shall fall." JEREMIAH XXXVI. phet had comraandrd Iiim. to read in the book the words of the Lord in the house of the Lord. 9 ^f And it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoyakini the son of Josiah the king of Judah, in the ninth month, that they pro- chiimed a fast before the Lord for all the peo- ple in Jerusalem, and for all the people that came from the cities of Judali unto Jerusa- lem. 10 And Baruch read in the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of the Lord, in the chamber of Gemaryahu the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the upper court, at the entrance of the new gate of the Lord's house, before the ears of all the people. 11 And Avhen Michayhu the son of Ge- maryahu, the son of Shaphan, had heard all the words of the Lord out of the book : 12 He went down into the king's house, into the scribe's chamber; and, lo, all the princes were sitting there, even Elishama' the scribe, and Dolayahu the son of Sheina'yaliu, and Elnathan the son of 'Achljor, and Gemar- yahu the son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah the son of Chananyahu, and all the j^rinces. 13 And Michayhu told unto them all the words whixjh he had heard, when Baruch read in the book before the ears of the peo- ple. 14 Thereupon sent all the princes Jehudi the son of Nethanyahu, the son of Shelem- yahu, the son of (Jushi, unto Baruch, say- ing, The roll wherein thou hast read before the cars of the peoj^le, — this take in thy hand, and come. So Baruch the son of Neriyahu took the roll in his hand, and came unto them. 15 And they said unto him, Sit down, we pray thee, and read it before our ears. So Ba- ruch read it before their ears. IG Now it came to pass, when they heard all the words, they looked terrified at each other, and they said mito Baruch, We will surely tell the king of all these words. 17 And they asked Baruch, saying. Do ' No doubt but that the princes, touched for the mo- ment by the denunciation which they had heard, desired to report the words to the king, in the hope of producing an amendment; but they wished first to be convinced that Baruch had not misrepresented the prophet, who, though lint loved, was yet fully believed by the better in- formed of the people. This doubt was removed by the tell us. How didst thou write ddwn all these words from his mouth? 18 Then said Baruch unto them, With his mouth did he utter clearly all these words unto me, and I wrote them in the book with ink.'' 19 T[ Then said the princes unto Baruch, Go, hide thyself, thou with Jeremiah ; and let no man know where ye are. 20 And they went in to the king into the court, but the roll they had put in safe keep- ing in the chamber of Elishama' the scribe; and they told before the ears of the king all the words. 21 But the king sent Jehudi to fetch the roll; and he took it out of the chamber of Elishama' the scribe. And Jeliudi read it before the ears of the king, and before the ears of all the princes who stood around the king. 22 Now the king was sitting in the wmter- house in the ninth month :'^' and a pan of coals was burning before him. 23 And it came to pass, when Jehudi had read three or four pages, that he cut it with the writer's knife, and cast it into the fire that was in the coal-pan, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was in the coal-pan. 24 Yet they were not terrified, nor did they rend their garments, either the king, or any of his servants that had heard all these words. 25 And although Elnathan and Delayahu and Gemaryahu had also made intercession with the king that he might not l:)urn the roll, he would not listen to them. 26 And the king commanded Yerachmeel the son of the king,'' and Serayahu the son of 'Azi'iel, and Shelemyahu the son of 'Ab- deel, to seize on Baruch the scribe and Jere- miah the prophet; but the Lord hid them. 27 Tl Then came the word of the Lord to Jeremiah, after the king had bin-nt tlie roll, and the words which Baruch had written down from the mouth of Jeremiah, saying. simplicity of the answer, which is in substance that the amanuensis only wrote down the words as they fell dis- tinctly from the inspired lips of the seer. ' The month of Kislev, as now called, coincident with December, or November and December. ' Others take I/ainmelcrh as a proper name, as Jehoya- kim had at that time no grown son. 567 JEREMIAH XXXVI. XXXVII. 28 Take thee again another roll, and write on it all the former words that have been on the first roll, which Jehoyakim the king of Judah hath burnt. 29 And concerning Jehoyakim the' king of Judah shalt thou say. Thus hath said the Lord, Thou hast indeed burnt tliis roll, say- ing. Why hast thou written therein, saying, The king of Babylon shall certainly come and destroy this land, and shall cause to cease therefrom man and beast? 30 T[ Therefore thus hath said the Lokd concerning Jehoyakim the king of Judah, He shall have no one to sit upon the throne of David; and his dead body shall be cast out to the heat in the day, and to the cold in the night. 31 And I will visit on him and on his seed and on hi.s servants their iniquity ; and I will bring over them, and over the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and against the men of Judah, all the evil that I have spoken against them, while they did not hearken. 32 ][ And Jeremiah took another roll, and gave it to Baruch the son of Neriyahu the scribe; who wrote thereon from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoyakim the king of Judah had burnt in the fire: and there were yet added unto tliem many words like them. CHAPTER XXXVII. 1 Tl And Zedekiah the son of Josiah reign- ed as king in the place of Cony ah u the son of Jehoyakim. whom Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon made king in the land of Judah. 2 But neither he, nor his servants, nor the people of the land, did hearken unto the words of the Louu, which he had spoken by means of Jeremiah the prophet. 3 And king Zedekiah sent Jehuchal the son of Shelemyah and Ze[)hanyahu the son of Ma'assoyah the priest unto Jeremiah the prophet, saying. Pray now in our l)ehalf unto the Lord our God. 4 Now Jeremiah came and went out among the people; and they put him not into the prison-house. 5 But the army of Pharaoh was come ' Redak; but Jonathan and Raslii, "to divide hi.s pro- perty;" but the sense is, prnbably, that he feared ill-usage, and desired to escape it by a timely flight 508 forth out of Egypt: and when the Chaldeans that besieged Jerusalem heard the report of them, they withdrew from Jerusalem. Tl Then came the word of the Lord unto Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 7 Thus hath said the Lord, the God of Is- rael, Thus shall ye sa}' to the king of Judah, that hath sent you unto me to inquire of me. Behold, Pharaoh's arm}^ which is come forth to help you, returneth into its own land to Egypt. 8 But the Chaldeans will come again, and fight against this city, and capture it, and burn it with fire. 9 Tf Thus hath said the Lord, Deceive not yourselves, saying. The Chaldeans will cer- tainly go away from us ; for they will not go away. 10 For if even ye had smitten the whole army of the Chaldeans that fight against you, and there remained among them (only such) men as are pierced through : j-et should they rise up, every man in his tent, and burn this city with fire. 11 And it came to pass, when the army of the Chaldeans had withdrawn from Jeru- salem because of the army of Pharaoh, 12 ^ That Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to make his escape* thence in the midst of the people. 13 But as he was in the gate of Benjamin, there was there a captain of the guardsmen, whose name was Yiriyah, the son of Shelem- yah, the son of Chananyah; and he seized hold of Jeremiah the prophet, saying, Thou runnest away to the Chaldeans. 14 But Jeremiah said, It is false; I am not ruiniing away to the Chaldeans. But he listened not to him; and Yiriyah seized hold of Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes. 15 Thereujjon were the princes wroth with Jeremiah, and struck him, and put him in prison in the house of Jonathan the scribe; for that had they made into a prison-house. IG When Jeremiah had been placed in the dungeon, within the traders' shops,'' where Jeremiah remained many days : 17 King Zedekiah sent, and had him taken ' Jonathan considers that in the front of the prison there were traders' shops where goods were sold. Others re- gard nv:n as synonymous with "the keep" of a castle, or JEREMIAH XXXVII. XXXVIII. out, and the king asked him in his house in secret, and said, " Is there any word from tlie Lord?" And Jeremiali said, '"There is:" and he said, Into the hand of tlie king of Babykm shalt thou be given up. 18 And Jeremiah said unto king Zedeliiah, What have I sinned against thee, and against tliy servants, and against tliis people, that ye have put me into the prison-liouse? 19 And where are now your prophets who have propliesied unto you, saying, The king of Babylon will not come against you, and against this land? 20 Yet now, do but liear, I pray thee, my lord the king: let me offer my humble supplication, I pray thee, before thee, that thou wilt not make me return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there. 21 Then commanded king Zedekiah that they should put Jeremiah in ward in the court of the prison, and that they should give him a loaf of bread for every day out of the bakers' street, until all the bread was spent out of the city. Thus Jeremiah re- mained in the court of the prison. CHAPTER XXXVIII. 1 And Shephatyah the son of Matthan, and Gedalyahu the son of Pashchur, and Juchal the son of Shelemyahu, and Pashchur the son of Malkiyah, heard the words that Jeremiah was speaking unto all the people, saying, 2 Thus hath said the Lord, He that re- maineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence; but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; and he shall have his life as a booty, and shall live. 3 *\\ Thus hath said the Lord, This city shall surely be given up into the hand of the army of the king of Babylon, and he shall capture it. 4 Thereupon said the princes unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death ; for the cause that he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that are yet left in this city, and the hands of all the people, by- speaking such words unto them; for this man another term for prison, but only used so as occasion required, since there were probably no regular prison-build- ings in Palestine. 3 W seeketh not the welfare of this people, but their hurt. 5 Then said king Zedekiah, Behold, he is in your hand; for the king is not able to do any thing against you. G Then did they take Jeremiah, and cast him into the pit of Malkiyahu the son of the king,'' that was in the court of the prison : and they let Jeremiah down with cords; but in the pit there was no water, but mire; so that Jeremiah sunk into the mire. 7 Now when 'Ebed-melech the Cushi,'' a eunuch who was in the king's house, heard that they had placed Jeremiah into the pit ; while the king was sitting in the gate of Ben- jamin : 8 'Ebed-melech went forth out of the king's house, and spoke to the king, saying, 9 My lord, king, these men have done wrong in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the pit; and he would have had to die (as it is) in the place where he was for hunger; for there is no more bread in the city. 10 The king then commanded 'Ebed-me- lech the Cushi, saying, Take with thee from here thirty men, and bring up Jeremiah the prophet out of the pit, before he die. 11 So 'Ebed-melech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence cast-off clothes and old rags, and let them down into the pit to Jeremiah by cords. 12 And 'Elx'd-melech the Cushi said unto Jeremiah, Put, I pray, these cast-oft" clothes and old rags under thy arm-pits beneath the cords. And Jeremiah did so. 13 So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and brought him up out of the pit: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison. 14 Then sent king Zedekiah, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him into the third entry that was in the house of the Lord; and the king said unto Jeremiah, I will ask thee something: conceal nothing from me. 15 Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, If I should tell it unto thee, behold, thou wilt surely put me to death; and if I should " Others, son of Hammelah, as above, xxxv. 2G. ^ Commonly rendered Ethiopian. For "eunuch," Jo- nathan has "a great man." 669 JEREMIAH XXXVIII. XXXIX. give thee counsel, tliou wilt not hearken unto me. IG So king Zedekiah swore unto Jeremiah .secretly, saying. As the Lord livetli, who hath made for us this soid, I will not put thee to death, nor will I give thee up into the hand of these men that seek thy life. 17 ^ Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus hath said the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel, If thou wilt indeed go forth unto the princes of the king of Babylon, then shall thy soul live, and this city shall not be burnt with fire; and thou shalt live, thou with thy household; 18 But if thou wilt not go forth to the princes of the king of Babylon, then shall this city be given up into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou thyself shalt not escape out of their hand. 19 Tl Then said king Zedekiah unto Jere- miah, I am in dread of the Jews that have run away to the Chaldeans, lest these deliver me into their hand, and they might ill-use" me. 20 Tl But Jeremiah said, They will not give (thee) up. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the Lord, in that which I speak unto thee; so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live. 21 But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that the Lord hath shown me : 22 And behold, all the women that are left in the house of the king of Judah shall be led forth to the princes of the king of Babylon ; and these women shall say, '• Tliey have enticed, and have overpersuaded thee — thy men that should have sought thy wel- fare;'' thy feet are (now) sunk in the mire, and they have withdrawn themselves back- ward." 23 And all thy wives and thy children shall they bring out to the Chaldeans ; and thou thyself shalt not escape out of their hand ; for by the hand of the king of Babylon shalt thou be caught; and this city wilt thou cause" to be burnt with fire. 24 ^f Then said Zedekiah unto Jeremiah, ' Kashi, affronter, "insult." Eng. vcr. "mock." ' Philippson; but Ra,«hi, "the false prnphets that said to thcc, Thou shalt uot be caught." Jilt. " the men of thy peace." ° llashi, "thou wilt be us though thou burnest it with 570 Let no man know of these words, that thou majest not die. 25 And if the princes should hear that I have spoken with thee, and they come unto thee, and say unto thee. Tell us, we pray thee, what thou hast spoken unto the king, conceal it not from us, and we will not put thee to death; also what the king hath spoken unto thee : 26 Then shalt thou say unto them, I pre- sented my humble supphcation before the king, that he would not send me back to the house of Jonathan, to die there. 27 ]j And all the princes came unto Jere- miah, and asked him : and he told them in accordance with all these words that the king had commanded. And they turned away silent from him; for the matter had not been made public.'^ 28 And Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison until the day that Jerusalem was taken. ^ And® it came to pass when Jerusalem was captured, CHAPTER XXXIX. 1 In the ninth year of Zedekiah the king of Judah, in the tenth month, that Ne- buchadrezzar the king of Babylon came with all his army against Jerusalem, and they be- sieged it. 2 (And) in the eleveath year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, on the ninth day of the month, was the city broken in. 3 ^ And then came all the princes of the king of Babylon, and sat down in the middle gate ; (namely,) Neregal-sharezer, Samgar- nebu, Sarsechim, the chief of the eunuchs, Neregal-sharezer, the chief of the magi, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon. 4 And it came to pass when Zedekiah the king of Judali saw them, and all the men of war, that they fled, and went forth out of the city by night, by the way of the king's garden, by the gate between the two walls : and he went out by the way of the plain. thy own hands, for thou wilt cause it." Lit. " thou wilt buru." ■^ After Redak. Lit. "the thing had uot been hoard." ' According to the IMassorah, which makes here a srrtion, chapter xxxix. should commence with the word " And." JEREMIAH XXXIX. XL. 5 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after them, and they overtook Zedekiah in the pLiins of Jericho; and they took him, and brought hhu up to Xelnichadnezzar the king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Chamath : and he ealled him to account." G And the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah in Eiblah before his eyes; also all the nobles of Judah did the king of Babylon slaughter. 7 And the eyes of Zedekiah did he blind ; and ho bound him with brazen fetters, to carry him to Babylon. 8 And the house of the king, and the houses of the people did the Chaldeans burn with tire, and the walls of Jerusalem did they pull down. 9 And the rest of the people that remained in the city, and those who had run away that had run away to him, with the rest of the people that remained, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry off into exile to to Babylon. 10 But of the poorest of the people, who had nothing, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard leave some in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and arable lields at the same time. 11 And Nebuchadrezzar the king of Bab}- lon gave charge concerning Jeremiah through means of Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, sa3ing, 12 Take him, and direct thy eyes to him, and do him not the least harm ; but as he may speak unto thee, even so do thou with him. 13 Then sent Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, and Nebushazban, the chief of the eunuchs, and Neregal-sharezer, the chief of the magi, and all the chiefs of the king of Babylon, — 14 Even they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the prison, and they committed him unto Gedalyahu the son of Achikam the son of Shaplian, to carry him home : and he remained in the midst of the people. 10 ^ But unto Jeremiah was come the word of the Lord while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saving. ' Rashi ; lit. "he spoke with him judgments;" mean- ing, he demanded an account for the breach of his oath of fidelity. IG Go and say to 'Ebed-melech the Cushi as followeth. Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Behold, I will bring my words (to fulfdment) against this city I'or evil, and not for good ; and they shall be ac- complished before thee on that day. 17 But I will deliver thee on that day, saith the Lord; and thou shalt not be given up into the hand of the men of whom thou hast dread. 18 For I will surely let thee escape, and thou shalt not fall by the sword; but thy life shall be unto thee as a booty; because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord. CHAPTER XL. 1 Tl The word that came unto Jeremiah from the Lord, after Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had dismissed him from Raniah, when he had taken him as he was bound in chains in the midst of all the exiles of Jeru- salem and Judah, who were carried away into exile unto Babylon. 2 Then took the captain of the guard Jere- miah, and said unto him, The Lord thy God had spoken this evil over this place; 3 Now the LoiiD hath brought it (to fulfil- ment), and hath done according as he had spoken; because ye had sinned against the Lord, and had not hearkened to his voice ; and therefore is this thing come upon you. 4 And now, behold, I have freed thee this day from the chains which were upon thy hand. If it seem good in thy eyes to come with me to Babylon, come, and I will direct my eye unto thee ; but if it seem ill in thy eyes to come with me to Babylon, forbear : behold, all the land is before thee; whither it seemeth good and proper in thy eyes to go, thither go. 5 And as he did not yet turn about, (he said,) Go then back to Gedalyah the son of Achikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath appointed governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him in the midst of the people ; or wheresoever it seemeth proper in thy eyes to go, go. And the cajjtain of the guard gave him an allowance and a present, and then dismissed him. 6 So did Jeremiah come unto Gedalj'ah the son of Achikam to Mizpah ; and he dwelt with him in the midst of the people that had been left in the land. 571 JEREMIAH XL. XLT. 7 ^ Now when all the captains of the ar- mies who were in the field, thej and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedalyahu the son of Achikani governor over the land, and that he had intrusted unto him men, and women, and children, and these of the poorest of the land, of those that had not been carried away into exile to Baljylon : 8 Then came they to Gedalyah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethanyahn, and Jochanan and Jonathan the i-ons of Kareiich, and Serayah the son of Tanchumeth, and the sons of 'Ephai the Netophathite, and Yezan- yahu the son of a Ma'achathite, they and their men. 9 And Gedah-ahu the son of Achikam the son of Shaphan swore unto them and unto their men, saying, Have no fear to serve the Chaldeans : remain in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you. 10 As for me, l^ehold, I will dwell at Miz- pah, to stand before" the Chaldeans, -who will come unto us; but ye, gather ye together wine, and summer-fruits, and oil, and put them in your vessels, and dwell in your cities of which ye have taken possession. 11 And so likewise all the Jews that were in Moab, and among the children of 'Ammon, and in Edom, and that were in all the countries, heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant unto Judah, and that he had j appointed over them Gedalyahu the son of Achikam the son of Shaphan ; 12 And then did all the Jews return out of all places whither they had been driven, and came to the land of Judah, to Gedalyahu. unto Mizpah, and gathered together wine and summer-fruits in very great abundance. 13 And Jochanan the son of Kareiich, and all the captains of the armies that wei'e in the field, came to Gedalyahu to Mizpah, 14 And they said unto him. Dost thou at all know that Ba'alis the king of the children of 'Ammon hath sent Ishmael the son of Nethan- yah to deprive thee of life? But Gedalyahu the son of Achikam believed tliem not. * i. c. To represent the people with the Chaldeaii.s; and so does Philippson translate it. '' As the death of Gedalyah was the cause of the entire expulsion of the Jews from Palestine, tlu! anniversary of this sad event is kept as a fast-day throughout Israel. ° It may be observed, that the signs of mourning by means of incisions in the flesh were prohibited. The sa- 572 15 And Jochanan the son of Kareiich said to Gedalyahu secretly in Mizpah, as foUoweth, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ish- mael the son of Nethanyah, and no man shall know of it: wherefore should he deprive thee of life, whereby all the Jews who are gather- ed unto thee would be scattered, and the rem- nant of Judah be lost? 16 But Gedalyahu the son of Achikam said unto Jochanan the son of Kareiich, Thou shalt not do this thing; for thou speakest a falsehood concerning Ishmael. CHAPTER XLL 1 \ Now it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael' the son of Nethanj'ah the son of Elishama', of the royal seed, and the chiefs of the king, even ten men with him, came unto Gedalyahu the son of Achi- kam to Mizpah; and the}- ate there bread to- gether in Mizpah. 2 Then arose Ishmael the son of Nethan- yah, and the ten men that were with him, and smote Gedalyahu the son of Achikam the son of Shaphan with the sword, and put to death him, whom the king of Babylon had appointed governor over the land.'' 3 And all the Jews that ^vere with him, even with Gedalyahu, at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans that were found there, even the men of war, did Ishmael slay. 4 And it came to pass on the second day after he had put Gedalyahu to death, while no man knew of it, 5 That there came certain men from She- chem, from Shiloh, and from Samaria, eighty men (in all), having their beards shaven, and their clothes rent, and having cut themselves, with meat-offerings and frankincense in their hand, to biing the same to the house of the LOKD." 6 And Ishmael the son of Nethanyah went forth from Mizpah to meet them, going along and weeping: and it came to pass as he met them, that he said unto them, Come to Gedal- yahu the son of Achikam. orifices which these men brought, Rashi conceives, were devoted before they had heard that the temple was de- stroyed, which news only reached them on their jnurne}-; but Philippson, with more probability, supposes that an altar had been erected on the ruins of the temple, as later in Ezra's time, (see Ezraiii. 2, 3,) since the people always ckino; to the ceremonial observances of their religion. JEREMIAH XLI. XLII. 7 And it happened, as they entered into the midst of the city, that Islimael the son of Nethanyah slaughtered them, (and cast them) into the midst of the cistern, he, and the men that were with him. 8 But ten men were found among them that said unto Ishmael, >Shiy us not; for we have some things hidden in the field, (such as) wheat, and barley, and oil, and honey. So he forbore, and slew them not in the midst of their brethren. 9 And the cistern wherein Ishmael cast all the corpses of the men, whom he had slain in company" with Gedalyahu, is the same which king Assa had made on account of Ba'sha the of Israel : this did Ishmael the son of Lini Nethanyah fill with slain persons. 10 Then did Ishmael carry away captive all the residue of the people that were in Miz- pah, the king's daughters, and all the people that Avere remaining in Mizpah, whom Ne- buzaradan the captain of the guard had in- trusted to Gedalyahu the son of Achikam: and Ishmael the son of Nethanyah carried them away captive, and went oft' to pass over to the children of 'Amnion. 11 But when Jochanan the son of Kareiich, and all the captains of the armies that were with him, heard of all the evil that Ishmael the son of Nethanyah had done : 12 Then did they take all the men, and went to fight with Ishmael the son of Nethan- yah, and found him by the great water(-pool) that is near Gili'on. 13 And it came to pass, when all the peo- ple who were with Ishmael saw Jochanan the .son of Kareiich, and all the captains of the armies that were with him, that they were rejoiced. 14 And all the people that Ishmael had carried away captive from Mizpah tui-ned about and returned, and went unto Jochanan the son of Kareiich. 15 But Ishmael the son of Nethanyah escaped with eight men from the presence of Jochanan, and he went to the children of 'Ammon. 16 Then took Jochanan the son of Ka- reiich, and all the captains of the armies that ° T3 is given by Eashi, "through fault." Zunz, how- ever, "in the train," or, as given here, "in company." But literally, "by the hand."" were with him, all the remnant of tlie people whom he had recovered from Ishmael the son of Nethanyah, from Mizpah, after he had slain Gedalyah the son of Achikam, the adult males, the men of war, and the women, and the children, and the eunuchs, wliom he had brought l)ack from Gib'on; 17 And they went, and remained in Ge- ruth-Kimham," which is by Beth-lechem, to go to enter into Egypt, 18 Because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them; because Ishmael the son of Nethanyah had slain Gedalyahu the son of Achikam, whom the king of Babylon had appointed governor over the land. CHAPTER XLII. 1 T[ Then came near all the captains of the armies, and Jochanan the son of Kareiich, and Yezanyah the son of Hosha'yah, tind all the people from the least even unto the greatest, 2 And said unto Jeremiah the prophet. Let, we beseech thee, our humble supplica- tion Ije accepted before thee, and pray in our behalf unto the Lord thy God, in behalf of all this remnant; (for we are left but a few of many, as thy own eyes do see us :) 3 That the Lord thy God may tell us the way whereon we should walk, and the thing that we should do. 4 Then said Jeremiah the prophet inito them, I have heard you: behold, I will pray unto the Lord your God according to your words; and it shall come to pass, that what- soever thing the Lord will answer you, I will tell unto you; I will withhold not a word from you. 5 But they said to Jeremiah, May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us, if we do not act entirely according to till the word with which the Lord thy God may send thee to us : 6 Whether it be good, or whether it be evil, we will hearken to the voice of the Lord our God, to whom we send thee; in order tliat it may be well with us, when we heark- en to the voice of the Lord our God. 7 ^ And it came to pass at the end of ten *■ Jonathan supposes that this was a residence and estate which David had settled on Kimham, tlie son of Barzillai. 673 JEREMIAH XLII. XLIII. clays, thiit the word of the Lord oaine unto Jeremiah. 8 Then called he Jochanan the son of Ka- reiich, and all the captains of the armies who were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest, 9 And he said unto them, Thus hath said the Lord, the God of Israel, unto wdiom ye sent me to present your humble supplication before him : 10 If ye will indeed remain in this land, then will I Iniild you up, and I will not pull you down, and I will plaut you, and not pluck you n\); for I have bethought me of the evil that I have done unto you. 11 Be ye not al'raid because of the king of Baljylon, of whom ye are afraid : have no fear of him, saith the Lord; for I am witli you to save you, and to deliver you out of liis hand. 12 And I will give unto you mercy, that he may have mercy upon you, and let you return to your own land. 13 But if ye say, We will not remain in this land, so as not to hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, 14 Saying, No ; but into the land of Egypt will we go, that we may not see war, nor hear the sound of the cornet, and that we may not have hunger for bread; and thei'e will we dwell ; 15 And now therefore hear the word of the Lord, ye renniant of Judah, Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, If > ye will indeed set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go thither to sojourn there: 16 Then shall the sword, of which ye are iilVaid, there overtake you in the land of Egypt ; and the famine, whereof ye are in dread, shall there ck^ive close unto you in Egypt; and there shall ye die. 17 So shall be all the men that have set their faces to go into Egypt to sojourn there, — thej' shall die b_\- the sword, by the famine, iiud by the pestilence; and they shall have none that remainetli or escapeth from the evil that I am bringing over them. 18 For thus hath said the Lord of hosts, tlie God of Israel. As luy anger and my fury were poured forth over the inhabitants of Je- " Redak; but Pliilippsnn, after RnsPinniilliT and others, "You have coiiiniittcil a d','i-('])tioii tu tlic injury of your souls, when you sent," &c. f<74 rusalem : so shall my fury be poured forth over you, when ye enter into Egypt; and ye shall become an oath, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a disgrace; and ye shall never see this place again. 19 The Lord hath spoken concerning you, ye remnant of Judah, "Ye shall not go into Egypt:" ye must know for certain that 1 have warned you this day. 20 For ye have dissemljled in regard to what your intentions'^ are; for ye sent me unto the Lord your God, saying, Pray in our behalf imto the Lord our God: and in ac- cordance with all that the Lord our God may say, so tell unto us, and Ave will do it. 21 And I have told it to you this day; but ye inive not hearkened to the voice of the Lord your God, and this in all with which he hath sent me untt) you. 22 But now know for certain that ye shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, in the place whither ye desire to go to sojourn there. CHAPTER XLIII. 1 ^ And it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking unto the whole people all the words of the Lord their God, with which the Lord their God had sent him to them, (namely,) all these words, 2 ^ That then spoke 'Azaryah the son of Hosha'yah, and Jochanan the son of Kareiich, and all the presumptuous'' men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the Lord our God hath not sent thee to say. Ye shall not go into Egypt to sojourn there; 3 But Baruch the son of Neriyah setteth thee on against us, in order to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans, that they may put us to death, or carry us away as exiles to Babylon. 4 So Jochanan the son of Kareach, and all the captains of the armies, and all the people, hearkened not to the voice of the Lord, to re- main in the land of Judah. 5 But Jochanan the son of Kareach. and all the captains of the armies, took all the remnant of Judah, that w^ere retured from all the nations, whither they had been driven, to sojourn in the land of Judah ; ' ?'. e. Those who knowingly disobeyed ; their pretended defeioneo to the divine oounuaud did but heighten their guilt, as it proved their wilful disobedieueo. JEREMIAH XLIII. XLIV. C Tlie men, and the women, and the chil- dren, and the king's danghters, and every j)erst)n that Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had left with (icdalyalm the son of Aehikam the son of Shaphan; and Jeremiah the prophet, and Banicli the son of Neri- vah ; 7 And they entered into the land of Egypt; for they hearkened not to the voice of the Lord; and they came as far as Thach- panches. 8 ][ Then came the word of the Lord unto Jeremiah in Thachpanches, saying, 9 Take great stones in thy hand, and hide them in the mortar* in the brick-kiln which is at the entrance of Pharaoh's house in Thachpanches, before the eyes of the Jewish men ; 10 And thou shalt say unto them, Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Is- rael, Behold, I will send for and take Nebu- chadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and I will set his throne above these stones that I have hidden; and he shall spread liis royal pavilion"^ over them. 11 And he shall come and smite the land of Egypt: such as are destined for death shall be given to death; and such as are destined for captivity, to captivity; and such as are destined for the sword, to the sword. 12 And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt, and he shall burn them, and carry them away captive: and he shall wrap around" him the land of Egypt, as a shepherd wrappeth his garment around him; and he shall go forth from there in peace. 13 And he shall break the statues of Beth- shemesh,'' wliich is in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire. CHAPTER XLIV. 1 T[ The word that came to Jeremiah lor all the Jews who dwell in the land of Egypt, who dwell at Migdol, and at Thachpanches, and at Noph, and in the country of Pathros, saying, ' Rashi, "hide them, wrapping them up with clay;" but lledak, simply, "mortar." '■ Philippson, "carpet," which he prefers to "pavilion." ° Meaning, he .shall take awiy all the spoil of Egypt. Rashi, "he shall wrap around him all the booty of Egypt and go out, as the shepherd rolleth and wrappeth up his 2 Thus hatli said the LoKD of hosts, the God of Israel, You yourselves have seen all the evil that I have brought over Jerusalem, and over all the cities of Judali; and, beholil, they are ruins this day, and no man is dwell- ing in them ; 3 Because of their wickedness which they had committed to provoke me to anger, Ijy going to l)urn incense, to serve other gods, whom they did not know, either they, you, or your fathers. 4 And I sent unto you all mj' servants the prophets, making them I'ise early and send- ing them, saying, Oh, do not commit this abominable thing which I hate. 5 But they hearkened not, and inclined not their ear to turn away from their wicked- ness, so as not to burn incense unto other gods. 6 Whereupon my fury and my anger were poured forth, and were enkindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem : and the}' are become ruins, a desert, as at this day. 7 ][ And now thus hath said the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel, Where- fore do ye commit so great an evil against your souls, so as to cut off unto you man and woman, child and suckling, out of the midst of Judah, so as not to leave you any remainder, 8 By provoking me unto wrath with the works of 3"our hands, in burning incense unto other gods in the land of Egypt, whither ye are come to sojourn there, in order to cut yourselves off, and in order that ye might be- come a curse and a disgrace among all the nations of the earth? 9 Have ye forgotten the wickedness of your fathers, and the wickedness of the kings of Judah, and the wickedness of their wives, and vour own wickedness, and the wicked- ness of your wives, which they had committed in the land of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem ? 10 They are not humbled even up to this day, and they are not afraid, and the}' walk garment and casteth it from his shoulders when he leadeth forth his flock before him." Philippson, "as the shep- herd wraps his cloak around him to remain uninjured by the assaults of the storm." ^ "The house of the sun," the town of Heliopolis or On. 675 JEREMIAH XLIV. not in my law, nor in my statutes, that I have set before j'ou and before your fathers. 11 ][ Therefore thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Behold, I will set juy face against you for evil, and to cut ofl" all Judah. 12 And I will take the remnant of Judah, that have set their faces to go into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, and they shall all come to their end, and in the land of Egypt shall they fall: by the sword (and) by the famine shall they come to their end; from the least even unto the greatest, by the sword and by the famine shall they die; and they shall become an oath, an astonishment, and a curse, and a disgrace. 13 And I will inflict punishment on those that dwell in the land of Egypt, as I have inflicted punishment on Jerusalem, through the sword, through the famine, and through the pestilence: 14 So that there shall be no one that escapeth or remaineth of the remnant of Ju- dah, who are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, that they should return into the land of Judah, to which they direct (the desire of) their soul to return thither to dwell there; for they shall not return, but such as shall escape." 15 *|[ Then did all the men who knew that their wives were burning incense unto other gods, and all the women that stood by, a great multitude, and all the people that dwelt in the land of Egypt, in Pathros, an- swer Jeremiah, saying, 16 Respecting the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the Lord, we will not hearken unto tliee. 17 For to a surety we will do all the word that is gone forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense uuto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink-ofierings unto her, as we liave done, we, and our fathers, our kings, Mud our 2)rinces, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: when we had ° The denunciation of the prophet is thus qualified by this clause; as an entire body they should never return: only a few that should escape the general destruction were to see again the land of Israel. Philippson draws atten- tion to the contrast between the exiles in Babylon, who, from the moment of their entrance there, returned to the law, and the fugitives to Kgypt, who lapsi'd into idolatry. '' This verse is rendered after iiashi. It aj)|i('ars that tiie o70 plenty of food, and fared well, and saw no evil. 18 But since the time we have left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink-offerings unto her, have we had a lack of every thing ; and we have come to our end through the s^vord and through the famine. 19 And when we burnt incen.se to the queen of heaven, and poured out drink-oflfer- ings unto her, — was this without (the con- sent of") our husbands, that we did make cakes for her to make her image, and pour out drink-offerings unto her ? 20 ^ Then said Jeremiah unto all the peo- ple, to the men, and to the women, and to all the people who had answered him (with that) word, saying, 21 Behold, it was the incense that ye burnt in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, ye, and your fiithers, your kings, and your jirinces, and the people of the land, which the Lord remembered, and which came into his mind; 22 So that the Lord could no longer endure it, because of the evil of your doings, because of the abominations which ye had committed : therefore is your land become a ruin, and an (object of) astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day. 23 Because that ye had burnt incense, and because ye had sinned against the Lord, and had not hearkened to the voice of the Lord, and had not walked in his law, in his statutes, and in his testimonies: therefore did this evil befall 3'ou, as it is this day. 24 ][ And Jeremiah said (fixrther) to all the people, and to all the women. Hear the word of the Lord, all Judah that are in the land of Egypt, 25 Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, Ye and your wives have both spoken with yoiu- mouth, and fulfilled with your hands, saying, We will surely per- form our vows that we have vowed, to burn women took the lead in resisting the admonition to ab- stain from idolatry, and they ascribed worldly success to the practices they detail. n^iVnS from 3!?;; "an imago," to make images of the moon in dough, which custom al.>*o is said to have obtained among the Greeks. (See also above, vii. IS.) Others, "who serve her;" but this is not literal, as, if the root be derived from "pain," it should be "give her pain." JEREMIAH XLiV. XLV. XL VI. incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink-oflferings unto her: ye will fully ac- complish your vows, and fully perform your vows. 26 Therefore hear ye the word of the Lord, all Judah that dwell in the land of Egypt, Behold, I have sworn by my groat name, saith the Lord, that my name shall no more be called by the mouth of any man of Judah, saying, " As the Lord Eternal livetli," in all the land of Egypt. 27 Behold. I will watch over them for evil, and not for good : and all the men of Ju- dah that are in the land of Egypt shall come to their end through the swonl and through the famine, until the}- be destroyed. 28 Yet some that escape the sword shall return out of the land of Egypt into the land of Judah^, but few in number; and all the remnant of Judah, that are come into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall know \vhose words shall stand firm, mine, or theirs. 29 And this shall be unto you the sign, saith the Lord, that I will inflict punishment on you in this place, in order that ye may know that my words shall surely stand firm against vou for evil : 30 ^f'^Thus hath said the Lord, Behold, I will give Pharaoh-chophra' the king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies, and into the hand of those that seek his life, as I gave Zedekiah the king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, his enemy, and who had sought his life. CHAPTER XLV. 1 *j\ The word which Jeremiah the prophet spoke unto Baruch the son of Nei'iyah, when he wrote these words in a book out of the mouth of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Je- hoyakim the son of Josiah the king of Judah, saying, 2 Thus hath said the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning thee, Baruch : 3 Thou didst say. Wo is me now! for the Lord hath added grief to my jjain; I am wearied in my sighing, and rest have I not found ; 4 Thus shalt thou say unto him. Thus hath the Lord said, Behold, what I have ' Rashi, FoHi'hir, "to pnlisli,'' "to cleanse, "furlash." 3X Eng. built will I pull down, and what I have planted I will pluck up; and so it is with this whole land. 5 And wouldst thou indeed seek great things for thyself? seek them not ; for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, s.'uth the Lord; but I will give thy life unto thee as a booty in all the places whither thou mayest go. CHAPTER XLVI. 1 ^[ The word of the Lord which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the nations: 2 Concerning Egypt, against the arm\ of Pharaoh-necho the king of Egypt, which was (posted) by the river Euphrates in Karke- mish, which Nebuchadrezzar the king of Bab^dou smote in the fourth year of Jehoya- kim the son of Josiah the king of Judah. 3 Make ye ready shield and buckler, and draw near to the battle. 4 Harness the horses, and mount, je horse- men, and stand forth with helmets : shar[)en'' the spears, and put on the coats of mail. 5 Wherefore have I seen them dismajed, moving backward ? while their mighty ones are beaten down, and seek safety in flight, and look not back? There is terror round about, saith the Lord. 6 The swift cannot flee away, nor can the mighty man escape : toward the north by the shore of the river Euphrates do they stumble and fall. 7 Who is this that cometh up like a stream, whose waters are upheaved like the rivers? 8 Egypt cometh up like a stream, and like the rivers are the waters upheaved ; and he saith, I will go up, I will cover the land ; I will destroy the city and those that dwell therein. 9 Come up, ye horses; and rush along wildly, ye chariots; and let the mighty men come forth : Cush'' and Put, that grasp the shield, and the Ludini, that grasp and bend the bow. 10 And this same day is for the Lord, the Eternal of hosts, a day of vengeance, to be avenged on his adversaries ; that the sword may devour, and may be satiated and made drunken with their blood; for there is a sacri- fice for the Lord the Eternal of hosts in the north country by the river Euphrates. '' Eiig. ver. "Ethiopians," " Liliyans," • Lydiaus 577 JEREMIAH XLVI. XLVIl. 11 Go up into GiFacl, and fetch balm, virgin, daughter of Egypt: in vain usest thou many remedies; there is no recovery for thee. 12 Nations have heard of thy shame, and thy cry of anguish hath filled the earth ; for the mighty man over the mighty liave they stumbled, together are both of them fallen. 13 ^[ The word which the Lord spoke to Jeremiah the prophet, concerning tlie coming of Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, to smite the land of Egypt. 14 Announce ye in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and pul)lish in Noph and in Thach- panches: sa^y .ye, Stand last, and pi'epare thyself; for the sword devoureth round about thee. 15 Why are thy valiant men swept away? not one hath stood, because the Lord did drive him off. IG He caused many to stumble ; yea, one also fell over the other ; and they said, Arise, and let us return to our own people, and to the land of our birth, from befoi-e the wasting swoi'd. 17 They called out there, Pharaoh is king" of Egypt, it was but vaunting, he hath let the time appointed pass by. 18 As I live, saith the King, the Lord of hosts is his name. Surely as Thaboris among the mountains, and as Carmel is Ijy the sea, so shall he'' come. 19 Appurtenances of exile make for thy- self, thou inhabitress, daughter of Egypt; tor Noph shall be made a waste and be left desolate without an iidiabitant. 20 T[ flxirest heifer, Egypt! the butcher from the north cometh, he cometli. 21 Also her hired troops'" in the midst of her are like fatted calves ; for they also are turned round, are fled away together, they do not stand ; be(-au.se the day of their calamity is come upon them, the time of their pu- nishment. 22 Her cry shall come like (the hissing of ) a serpent; for with an army shall they march, " After Rashi and Arnheim; the last explains, " Nebu- (•li.uliiczzar's threat to invade Efr.vpt "■:''■* mere vaunting, and I'haraoh remains king." I'liilippsun, " Tiioj called out tliere," (at the battle,) "0 Pharaoh king of Kgypt, (there i.s) destruction. He let pa.ss by the favourable time;" meaning tliat the time for attacking Nebuchadnezzar cho.-ien by I'iiaraoh was unfavourable t(i success. 578 and with axes do they come against her, like hewers of wood. 23 They cut doAvn her forest, saith the Lord, though it cannot be searched out; be- cause they are more than the grasshoppers, and there is no number to them. 24 Ashamed hath been made the daughter of Egypt: she hath been given up into the hand of the people of the north. 25 The Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, hath said, Behold, I will send visitation on Ahmon of No, and on Pharaoh, and on Egypt, and on her gods, and on her kings; even on Pharaoh, and on those that trust on him; 2G And I will give them up into the hand of those that seek their life, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, and into the hand of his servants : and after- ward shall she Ite inhabited, as in the days of old, saith the Lord. 27 ^ But thou, — fear thou not, my ser- vant Jacol), and be not dismayed, Israel; for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity: and Jacob shall return, and he shall be at rest and at ease, with none to make him afraid. 28 Thou, — fear thou not, Jacob my ser- vant, saith the Lord; for I am with thee: and although I make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee, yet of thee will I not make a full end; and I will correct thee in measure; yet wholly will I not leave thee unpunished.'' CHAPTER XLVII. 1 The word of the Lord that came to Jere- miah the projihet against the Philistines, be- fore the time that Pharaoh smote Gazzah. 2 Thus hath said the Lord, Behold, waters are coming up out of the north, and they shall become an overflowing stream, and shall overflow the land, and what filleth it; the city, and those that dwell therein: and the men shall cry aloud, and every inhabitant of the land shall wail. 3 Because of the noise of the stamping of ' The king of Babylon, meaning, his present tardmcss shall be followed by his actual arrival, when all that is threatened shall be done. But Jonathan and Rashi, " shall this thing come on Egypt." " Redak ; but Rashi, " chiefs." ■•Jonathan and Rashi, "I will not whully destroy thee." (See also .\xx. 11.) JEREMIAH XL\11. XLV'III. the hoofs of hif^ stud-horses," because of the rushing sound of his chariots, the rumbling of his wheels, fathers do not turn round to their children from their feebleness of hands; 4 Because of the day that cometh to devas- tate all the Philistines, to cut ofi' from T^re and Zidon every helper that remaineth; for the Lord devastateth the Philistines, the remnant of the isle of Caphthor. 5 Baldness is come upon Gazzah; ruined is Ashkelon witli the remnant of their valley: how long yet wilt thou cut'' thyself? G Wo! thou sword of the Lord, how long yet wilt thou not l)e cpiiet? withdraw thyself into thv scabbard, take thee rest, and be still. 7 Yet how canst thou be quiet? When the Lord hath given it a charge, against Ashke- lon, and against the sea-coast^ — thither hath he destined it. CHAPTER XLVIIL " 1 Against Moiib, Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Wo unto Nebo! for it is wasted; made ashamed, captured is Kiryathayim ; made ashamed is Misgal/ and dismayed. 2 There is no more praise of Moilb: in Cheshbou have the}' devised evil against it, " Come, and let us cut it oiF from Ijeing a na- tion." Also thou Madmen shalt be ruined; after thee shall pursue the sword. 3 There is a voice of crying from Choro- nayim, destruction and a great breach. 4 Broken down is Moilb: her little ones send forth'' a cry of distress. 5 For the ascent of Luchith is ascended with weeping and tears; for on the descent of Choronayim the enemies have heard the cry of destruction. 6 Flee, save your life, and he ye like the solitary tree'' in the wilderness. 7 For, because thou hast trusted in thy • Eng. ver. and Redak, "strong horses." (.See viii. 16.) '' lu allusion to the heathen niocle of displaying tokens of outward grief. (Deut. xiv. 1.) " According to llashi, the name of a place; literally, "a strong height." ^ Lit "caused to be heard." ' Redak. (See xvii. 6.) But Jonathan and Rashi have, "like the tower of 'Aro'er in the wilderness, where there are no houses, but only tents around." ' Rashi, who says, "whatever stands out from man and cuttle is called yi, (literally, 'bud;') thus, 'lock of works and in thy treasures, thou also shalt be conquered: and Kemosh shall go forth into exile, (with) his priests and his princes together. 8 And the waster shall come over every city, and no city shall escape: and lost shall be the Aalley, and destroyed shall be the plain, as the Lord hath said. 9 Give wings^ unto Moilb, that she may tlee and get away; since her cities shall become desolate, Avithout any to dwell therein. 10 Cursed be he that doth the work of the Lord negligently,*-' and cursed be he that withholdeth his sword from blood. 11 Moilb was ever at ease from his 3'outh, and he was resting on his lees,'" and was not emjjtied from vessel to vessel, and had not gone into exile: therefoi'e had his taste re- mained in him, and his scent was not changed. 12 ^ Therefore, behold, days are coming, saith the Lord, when I will send unto him tappers, that shall tap liiin, and they shall empty his vessels, and dash in pieces their bottles. 13 And Moilb shall be ashamed of Ke- mo.sh, as the house of Israel were made ashamed Ijecause of Beth-el their confidence. 14 How can ye say, We are mighty and men of bravery for the war ? 15 Moilb is wasted, and into his cities hatli (the enemy) ascended, and his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter, saith the King, the Lord of hosts is his name. 16 Near is the calamity of Moilb to come, and his misfortune hasteneth last. 17 All ye that are about him bemoan him; and all ye tliat know his name: say. How is the strong staff broken, the beautiful stick ! 18 Come down from thy glory, and sit in thirst,' tlu)u inhabitress, daughter of Dibon ; for the waster of Moiib cometh up against thee, he destroyeth thy strong-holds. hair,' 'wing,'" &c. Hence, perhaps, y: is the "sparrow- hawk." ^ " Deceitfully," as the lazy man deceives in the amount of work expected from him. Rashi explains "the work of the Lord" the destruction of Moiib, for this is here given as a divine mission. ' Like wine which is left undisturbed in the cask to settle; the prophet carries out the simile in the next verse. D'i'X are those who draw oft' the wine from one vessel into the other, — "tappers." ' "There was a large pool near this place." I'lUi.iri'SON. 579 JEREMIAH XLVIIT. 19 Stand by the way, and look out, in- liabitress of 'Aro'er: ask him that fleeth, and her that escapeth, saj-, What hath been done ? 20 Moab hath been made asshamed; for it is broken down ; wail, and cry aloud : tell ye it by the Arnon, that Moiib is wasted, 21 And punishment is come over the land of the plain, over Cholon, and over Yahzah, and over Mcpha'ath, 22 And over Dibon, and over Nebo, and over Beth-diblatliayim, 23 And over Kiryathayim, and over Beth- gamal, and over Beth-me'on, 24 And over Keriyoth, and over Bozrah, and over all the cities of the land of Moab, that are far and that are near. 25 Hewn away is the horn of Moab, and his arm is broken, saith tlie Lord. 26 Make him drunken; for he magnified" himself against the Lord: and Moiib shall wallow in his vomit, and he also shall become (an object) of derision. 27 For was not Israel a derision unto thee? or was he found among thieves? that whenever thou spokest of him, thou hadst to shake (thy head) ? 28 Leave the cities, and dwell on rocks, ye that dwell in Moab; and be ye like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the mouth of rocky clefts. 29 We have heard the pride of Moab, who is so exceedingly proud, his haughtiness, and his pride, and his arrogance, and the over- bearingness of his heart. •'><) I well know, saith the Lord, his wrath, and how causeless it is : liis liars have done what is not right. 31 Therefore will I wail lor Moiib, and for all Moiib will I cry out; for the men of Kir-cheres shall people moan. 32 With the weeping of Ya'zer will I weep for thee, vine of 8ibmah; thy tendrils (once) passed over the sea, they reached as far as to the sea of Ya'zer: over thy sunnner- fruits and over thy vintage the waster is fallen. 33 And banished are joy and gladness from (Jarmel, and from the land of Moiib; and I have caused the wine to cease from the wine- " JiiikiIIkiii, "fdv lie liiitli iiKidu himself great over the people of tlie IjOKI)." 080 presses : none shall tread the press with the vintner's call; battle cry — nor vintner's call. 34 From the loud cry of Cheshbon as far as El'aleh, even unto Yahaz, have they sent forth their voice, from Zo'ar even unto Clio- ronayim, to the third 'Eglath ; for the waters also of Nimrim shall become desolate. 35 Moreover will I cause to cease unto Moiib, saith the Lord, him that ofiereth on the high-places, and him that burnetii incense to his gods. 36 Therefore shall my heart groan for Moiib like flutes, and my heart shall groan like flutes for the men of Kir-cheres; for the cause*" that the remnant of the riches he had gotten are lost. 37 For every head is bald, and every beard is shorn : upon all the hands are cuttings, and upon the loins is sackcloth. 38 Upon all tlie roofs of Moiib, and in her streets, there is everywhere lamentation ; for I have broken Moiib like a vessel which hath no value, saith the Lord. 39 Oh. how is it broken down! wail! how hath Moiib turned the back with shame ! and Moiib shall be a derision and a dismay to all those around him. 40 ][ For thus hath said the Lord, Behold, as the eagle shall he fly, and he shall spread out his wings over Moiib. 41 Captured are the fortresses, and the strong-holds are conquered : and the heart of the mighty men of Moiib shall Ix' on that day as the heart of a woman in lier pangs. 42 And Moiib shall be destroyed from be- ing a people; because it hath magnified him- self against the Lord. 43 Terror, and the pit, and the snare, shall be upon thee, inhabitant of Moiib, saith the Lord. 44 He that fleeth from the terror shall fiill into the pit; and he that getteth nji out of the pit shall be caught in the snare; for I will bring upon it, even upon Moiib, the j'car of their visitation, saith the Lord. 45 Under the shadow of Cheshbon stand still, deprived of strength, those that flee; but a fire cometh forth out of Cheslibon, and a flame from the midst of Siclion, and it devour- '' Beilak; but Rashi, "because he hath done proud things, therefore are they lost." .TEREMIATT XLVIII. XLIX. ctii tlio corner of Moab, and the crown of the head of the children of vannting. 4(1 Wo nnto tliee, Mollb! lost is the peo- ple of Keniosh ; for thj sons are taken cap- tives, and thy daughters into captivity. 47 Yet will I brin^- back a^ain the ca])ti- vity of Moilb in the end of days, saith the Lord. Thns far is the punishment of Moilb. CHAPTER XLIX. 1 ^ Against the children of 'Amnion, Thus hath said tlie Lord, ILith Israel no sons? or hatli he no heir? why then dotli Malcom possess Gad, and why do his people dwell in his cities? 2 Therefore, behold, days are coming, saith the Lord, when I will cause an alarm of war to be heard in Rabljah of the children of 'Am- nion; and it shall become a desolate heap, and its villages shall be burnt with fire: then shall Israel drive out those that drove them out, saith the Lord. 3 Wail, Cheshbon, for 'Ai is wasted; cry aloud, 3^e daughters of Rabbali, gird your- selves with sackcloth; lament, and roam about among the sheepfolds; for Malcom shall go into exile, (with) his priest and his princes together. 4 Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys? thy valley floweth (with" blood), backslid- ing daughter, that trusted in her treasures, saying. Who can come unto me? 5 Behold, I will bring terror upon thee, saith the Lord the Eternal of hosts, from all those that are around thee: and ye shall be driven out every man in his own way; and none shall gather up the fugitive. 6 And afterward will I bring back again the captivity of the children of 'Amnion, saith the Lord. 7 ^ Concerning Edom, thus hath said the Lord of hosts, Is there no more wisdom in Theman? is counsel vanished from the pru- dent? is their wisdom become corrupt? 8 • They tlee, turn round, seek their abode in deep places, — the inhabitants of Dedan; for the calamity of Esau do I bring upon him, the time when I visit him with punishment. " Redak: so also, iu a measure, Jouatban, " thy streugth is Lroken." Rashi, "the rains overflow thy valley." ■= Rashi refers this verse to Ii-rael; but it cau neverthe- less be applied to Edom, and mean that the destruction aball be so great that the captives and widows should 9 If grape-gatherers had come (o lliec, would they not have left some gleanings? if thieves by night, they would destroy only till they had satisfied themselves; 10 But I have made Esau bare, I have un- covered his secret haunts, so that he will not be able to hide himself: his seed is wasted, and his brethren, and his neighbours, ami he is no more. 11 Leave thy fatherless'' children, I will have to preserve them alive: and thy widows must trust in me. 12 ][ For thus hath said the Lord, Be- hold, they whose right it was not to drink tlie cup have been compelled to drink it, and art thou he that shall altogether go unpunish- ed? thou shalt not go unpunished, but thou shalt surely drink it. 13 For by myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, that ISozrah shall become an astonish- ment, a disgrace, a ruin, and a curse; and all its cities shall become perpetual I'uins. 14 A report have I heard from the Lord, and an ambassador is sent among the nations, (saying,) Gather yourselves together, and come against her, and rise up to the battle. 15 For, lo, I render thee small among the nations, despised among men. IG Thy hastiness hath deceived thee, the presumption of thy heart, thou that dwell- est in the clefts" of the rock, that boldest the heiixht of the hill: though thou shouldst make thy nest as high as the eagle, thence would I bring thee down, saith the Lord. 17 And Edom shall become (an object of) astonishment: every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss at all its wounds. 18 Like the overthrow of Sodom and Go- morrah and their neighbours, saith the Lord, so shall no man dwell there, nor shall a son of man sojourn therein. 19 Behold, like a lion will he come up from the (jvertlow of the Jordan against the strong haljitation; for I will hasten him, (and) make him suddenly prevail against her; and him who is chosen will I array against her; foi- who is like me? and who will challenge'' have no support but fJod, all human aid having been cut off. ° Jonathan. Others, "top of the rock." ^ Rashi, "summon me to war." Redak, "who will fix fir me time and period for battle." Zunz, "summon." 681 JEREMIAH XLIX. L. inc to battle? and who is that shepherd that can stand before me? 20 Therefore hear the counsel of the Lord, that he hath resolved against Edoni; and his purposes, that he hath devised against the in- haljitants of Tlieman : Surely the least" of the docks shall di'ag them away; surely he will devastate over them their habitation. 21 At the noise of their fall the earth quaketh: (there is) an outcry, — at the Red Sea their voice is heard. 22 Behold, like the eagle shall he* come up and Hy along, and spread out his wings over Bozrah : and the heart of the mighty men of Edom shall be on that day as the heart of a woman in her pangs. 23 ^ Concerning Damascus. Chamath and Arpad are made ashamed; for evil tid- ings have they heard, they are fainthearted: on the sea there is care, it is not able to be quiet. 24 Damascus is become feeble, she turneth about to flee, and trembling hath taken hold on her: pangs and throes have seized her, as a woman in travail. 25 " How is the city of praise not forsaken," the town of my joy !" 26 Therefore shall her young men fall in her streets, and all the men of war shall perish on that day, saith the Lord of hosts. 27 And I will kindle a fire on the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Ben-hadad. 28 ^ Concerning Kedar, and concerning the kingdoms of Chazor, which Nebuchadrez- zar the king of Babylon smote, thus hath said the Lord, Arise ye, go up to Kedar, and devastate tlie men of the east. 29 Their tents and their flocks shall they take away; their curtains, and all their ves- sels, and their camels shall they take to them- selves: and they shall call out over them. Terror is on every side. 30 Flee, fly away far ofl', seek your abode in deep places, ye inhabitants of Chazor, saith the Lord; for Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon hath taken counsel against you, and hath conceived a device against you. 31 Arise, get you up unto the nation that is at ease,** that dwelleth in security, saith * ZuDZ, "the boys attending the flocks;" but more properly, "the meanest of the flocks," common people. '' The enemy. &»:; the Lord, Avhich hath neither gates nor bars, which dwelleth idone. 32 And their camels shall become a booty, and the multitude of their cattle a spoil : and I will scatter unto all winds those that have the hair cut round ; and from all sides will I bring their calamity, saith the Lord. 33 And Chazor shall become a dwelling for monsters, a desolation for ever: there shall no man dwell there, nor shall a son of man sojourn therein. 34 T[ The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning 'Elam, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah the king of Judah, saying, 35 Thus hath said the Lord of hosts. Be- hold, I will break the bow of 'Elam, the chief of their strength. 30 And I will bring over 'Elam the four winds from the four quarters of the heavens, and I will scatter them toward all these winds: and there shall not be any nation whither shall not come the outcasts of 'Elam. 37 For I will cause 'Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before those that seek their life : and I will bring over them evil, the fierceness of my anger, saith the Lord; and I will send out after them the sword, till I have made an end of them. 38 And I will set up my throne in 'Elam, and I will destroy thence king and princes, saith the Lord. 39 But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring back again the capti- vity of 'Elam, saith the Lord. CHAPTER L. 1 ^ The word that the Lord spoke con- cerning Babylon, concerning the land of the Chaldeans, by means of Jeremiah the pro- phet. 2 Ainiounce ye among the nations, and publish, and lift u\) a standard ; publish, con- ceal not; say, Babylon is captured, Bel is put to shame, Merodach is broken in pieces; put to shame are her idols; broken in pieces are her images. 3 For there is come up against her a na- tion out of the north, which will change her land into a desert, so that there shall not ° Rashi, "how was the city not fortified." ■^ Eng. ver. "wealthy nation, that dwelleth without care." JEREMIAH E. be any one dwelling therein : l)oth man and beast are fled away, they are departed. 4 Tn those days, and at that time, saith the EoKD, shall the children of Israel come, they and the children of Judah together, go- ing and weeping shall they go, and the Eord their f Jod shall they seek. 5 After Zion shall they ask, with their faces j on the Avay thitherward, (saying.) Come: and they will join themselves to the Eord in a perpetual coA'enant that shall not be for- gotten . 6 ^ Lost sheep were my people ; their : shephei-ds had caused them to go astray, they had let them roam wildly on the moun- tains: from mountain to hill did they go, they forgot their resting-place. 7 All that tbund them devoured them ; and their adversaries said. We offend not, because they have sinned against the Eord, the ha- bitation of righteousness, and the hope of their fathei's, the Eord. 8 Fly away out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be ye as the he-goats before the flocks." 9 For, lo, I will awaken and cause to come up against Babylon an assemblage of great nations from the north country; and they shall set themselves in battle-array against her; from there shall she be captured: their arrows are as those of a skilfuP mighty one, none of which ever returneth in vain. 10 And Chaldea shall be given up to spoil: all that spoil her shall be satisfied, saith the Eord. 11 Though ye rejoice, though ye be glad, ye plunderers of my heritage, though ye be groA\'n'' i'at as the heifer at grass, and neigh as stud-horses: 12 Your mother is made greatly ashamed; she that Jjore you is put to the blush; l^e- hold, the end of nations shall be wilderness, dry land, and desert. lo Because of the wrath of the Eord shall it not be inhabited, and it shall be wholly de- solate: every one that passeth by Babylon ' Eashi, "The he-goafs usually walk before the goats." ' Some texts have 3Iash/ci'l, "who maketli childless," but the most read 3faski7, "wise," "successful," "skil- ful," i. e. in the use of warlike weapons. ' Philippson, "bellow like a grazing heifer." Rashi, "like a heifer that threshetb." ^ Rashi, "Cast stones at her," because the word here is shall be astonished, and hiss over all her wounds. 14 Put yourselves in battle-array against Ba])ylon round about, all ye that bend the bow, shoot at her,'' spare not the arrows ; for against the Eord hath she sinned. 15 Shout against her round about; she hath stretched out' her hand: fallen are her foundations, thrown down are her walls; for it is the vengeance of the Eord; take ven- geance upon her; as she hath done, so do unto her. 16 Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him that handleth the sickle in the time of harvest; because of the wasting sword shall they turn al)out every one to his people, and every one to his own land shall they flee. 17 ^ A scattered lamb is Israel; the lions have driven him away: first the king of As- syria devoured him ; and this last one broke his bones, (even) Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon . 18 Tl Therefore thus hath said the Eord of hosts, the God of Israel, Behold, I will in- flict punishment on the king of Babylon and on his land, as I have punished the king of Assyria. 19 And I will bring Israel back again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan: and upon the mountain of Ephraim and GiFad shall his soul be satis- fied. 20 In those days, and at that time, saith the Eord, shall the iniquity of Israel be sought for, and it shall not be there; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found; for I will pardon those whom I will leave remaining. 21 ^ Against the land of twofold rebel- lion — even against it go thou up, and against the iidiabitants of the country of punish- ment:' lay in ruins and utterly destroy their offspring,*'' saith the Eord, and do in accord- ance with all that I have commanded thee. 22 A sound of battle (is heard) in the land, and of great destruction. IT, from m', "to cast," not n", from m% "to shoot;" but the shooting is after all the casting forth of the pro- jectile by other means than the naked hand. ' As token of submission, being con((uored. ' Redak ; but Jonathan takes lips as a proper name, Pekotl, a district of (jhaldea. 8 Zunz; lit. "those after them." 583 JEREMIAH L. 23 IIow is cut asunder and broken the hammer" of all the earth! how is Babylon become an astonishment among the nations! 24 1 have laid a snare for thee, and thou art also captured, Babylon, while thou wast not aware : thou art found, and also caught, because thou hadst entered into a con- test against the Lord. 25 The Lord hath opened his treasury, and hath brought forth the weapons of his indignation ; for it is a work for the Lord, the Eternal of hosts, in the land of the Chaldeans. 26 Come against her from the end of the earth,*" open her garners; tread her down as sheaves of corn, and destroy her utterly : let there not be left of her a remnant even. 27 Destroy all her bullocks; let tlieta go down to the slaughter: wo unto -them! for their day is come, the time of their visita- tion. 28 There is the voice of those that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to tell in Zion the vengeance of the Lord our God, the vengeance for his temple. 29 Call together the archers against Baby- lon ; all ye that Ijend the bow, encamp against her rouud about; let there be no escape Ibr her : recompense her according to her work; in accordance with all that she hath done, do unto her; for against the Lord hath she act- ed presumptuously, against the Holy One of Israel. 30 Therefore shall her young men fall in her streets, and all her men of war shall perish on that day, saitli the Lord. 31 ^ Behold, I am against thee, pre- sumptuous" one ! saith the Lord, the Eternal of hosts ; for thy day is come, the time that I will visit thee (with punisliment). 32 And the presumptuous shall stumble and fall, with none to raise him up: and I will kindle a lire in his cities, and it shall de- vour all his environs. 33 Tl Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, The children of Israel and the children of Judah are oppressed together: and all that took them captive hold them fast; they re- fuse to dismiss them. " Symbolic for "destroyer," as the hammer destroys all by its force. ' Philippson. llasbi, "from the outmost end of the city;" and comments, "that she may not know, and be suddenly taken." 584 34 Their Redeemer is strong; The Lord of hosts is his name : he will surely contend in their cause, in order that he may give rest to the land, and make the inhabitants of Ba- bylon tremble.* 35 The sword is upon the Chaldeans, saith the Lord, and against the inhabitants of Ba- bylon, and against her princes, and against her wise men. 36 The sword is against the lying sooth- sayers, and they shall be made foolish: the sword is against her mighty men, and they shall be dismayed. 37 The sword is against their horses, and against their chariots, and against all the con- federates" that are in the midst of her, and they shall become as women: the sword is against her treasures, and tliey shall be plun- dered. 38 The drought is against her waters, and they shall be dried up; for it is the land of graven images, and with their horrid idols do they play the madman. 39 Therefore shall martens dwell (there) with jackals, and the ostriches shall dwell therein: and it shall be not inhabited any more for ever; and it shall not be dwelt in from generation to generation. 40 Like the overthrow b}' God of Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighbours, saith the IjOrd, so shall no man dwell there, nor shall any son of man sojourn therein. 4 1 Behold, a people cometh from the north, and a great nation, and many kings shall be awakened frpm the farthest ends of the earth. 42 Bow and lance do they firmly grasp; they are cruel, and show not any mercy; their voice roareth like the sea, and upon horses do they ride, placed in array, like one man, for the battle, against thee, daughter of Baljylon. 43 The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands are grown feeble: anguish hath taken fast hold of him, pangs as of a woman in travail. 44 Behold, like a lion shall he come up from the overflow of the Jordan unto the ° Lit. "presumption." ■^ The fall of the oppressor is rest for the oppressed. " As in XXV. 23. Others, "mixed people;" but Rashi explains it to mean, " those on whom the Babylonians de- pend;" hence, "auxiliaries," or "confederates." JEREMIAH L. LI. strong habitation; for I will hasten them (and) make them suddenly prevail over her, and him who is chosen will I array against her; for who like me? and who will challenge me to battle? and who is that shep- herd that can stand before me? 45 Therefore hear ye the counsel of the Lord, that he hath resolved against Babylon; and his purposes, that he hath devised against the laud of the Chaldeans: Surely the least of the flock shall drag them awa}^ ; surely he will devastate over them their habitation. 46 At the noise of the conquest of Babylon the earth quaketh, and tlie outcry is heard among the nations. CHAPTER LI. 1 ^ Thus hath said the Lord, Behold, I will awaken against Babylon, and against those that dwell in the midst" of my oppo- nents, a destroying wind ; 2 And I will send out unto Babj-lon fan- ners, and they shall fan her. and shall empty out her land; for they shall be against her romid about on the day of trouble. 3 Let the archer come against any one that bendeth his bow, and against him that lifteth himself up in his armour: and spare ye not her young men ; destroy ye utterly all her host. 4 And the slain shall fall in the land of the Chaldeans, and they that are pierced through, in her streets. 5 For not widowed are Israel and Judah of their God, of the Lord of hosts; for the land of those'' was filled with guiltiness against the Holy One of Israel. 6 Flee ye out of the midst of Babylon, and save ye every man his life : perish not for her iniquity; for this is a time of vengeance unto the Lord ; a recompense is he paying out unto her. 7 A golden cup hath Babylon been in the hand of the Lord, that made drunken all the earth : of her wine have nations drunk ; therefore are the nations rendered mad. 8 Suddenly is Babylon fallen and broken : wail ye for her; fetch balm for her wound, perhaps she may be healed. ' Heb. "heart." " The Chaldeans. ° Others, "sharpen the arrows, seize on the shields." * Rashi, "en soi memc." Philippsou, "by his life." 3 Y 9 " We would have healed Babylon, but she was not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one unto his own country; for her punishment reacheth uuto the heavens, and it is lifted up even to the skies." 10 The Lord hath brought forth our right- eousness : come, and let us relate in Zion the work of the Lord our God. 11 Make bright the arrows; fill the (pii- vers:° the Lord hath awakened the spirit of the kings of Media; for against Babylon is his intention, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the Lord, the vengeance for his temple. 12 Against the walls of Babylon lift up the standai'd, strengthen the watch, set up the watchmen, make ready the ambushes; for the Lord hath both intended and done what he had spoken against the inhabitants of Bar b}lon. 13 thou that dwellest upon many wa- ters, great in treasures, thy end is come, the full measure of thy selfish robbery. 14 Sworn hath the Lord of hosts by him- self,'' Surely I will fill thee with men, as with locusts: and they shall lift up the battle-cry against thee. 15 ^ He made the earth by his power, he established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding he stretched out the hea- vens. 16 At the sound when he giveth a multi- tude of waters in the heavens, and causeth clouds to ascend from the ends of the earth; when he maketh lightnings with rain, and briugeth forth -the wind out of his treasures : 17 Then standeth every man as brutish without knowledge; ashamed is every gold- smith because of the graven image ; for false- hood is his molten work, and there is no breath therein. 18 They are vanity, the work of decep- tion: in the time of their punishment shall they vanish. 19 Not like these is the portion of Jacolj; for He is the former of all things, and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance : The Lord of hosts is his name. 20 ^[ Thou art a hammer" unto me, wea- ' Eng. ver. "battle-axe." The prophet again addresses Babylon, which had been in this day the instrument of Gud's judgment. 686 JEREMIAH LI. pons of war; and I strike down with thee nations, and I destroy with thee kingdoms ; 21 And I strike down with thee the horse and his rider; and I strike down with thee the chariot and its rider ; 22 And I strike down with thee man and woman ; and I strike down witli thee the aged and the lad; and I strike down with thee the yonng man and the virgin ; 23 And I strike down with thee the shep- herd and his tlock ; and I strike down with thee the hnsbandman and his yoke of oxen ; and I strike down with thee governers and rulers. 24 But (now) will I repay unto Bab) Ion and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion before your eyes, saith the Lord. 25 ^[ Behold, I am against thee, destroy- ing mountain, saith the Lokd, which destroy- est all the earth ; and I will stretch out my hand over thee, and I will roll thee down from the rocks, and will render thee a burnt mountain. 26 And they shall not take from thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone lor foundations; but everlasting ruins shalt thou be, saith the Lord. 27 Lift ye up a standard in the land, blow ye the cornet among the nations, make ready against her nations, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashke- naz ; appoint against her a commander ; cause the horses to come up like the hairy locusts. 28 Make ready against her the nations with the kings of Media, its governors, and all its rulers, and all the land of their domi- nion. 29 And the earth quaketh and trembleth; for every one of the purposes of the Lord is fulfilled against Babylon, to change the land of Babylon into a desolate country without an inhabitant. 30 The mighty men of Babylon have ceased to fight, they sit still in (their) strong- holds ; their might is vanished ; they are be- come as women : they have burnt her dwell- ing-places ; her bars are broken. ' "The canes that grow in the Euphrates, which made the approach to the city difficult on the river side." — I'uil.U'l'.soN llubbi Jonah, "the forts," from an Arabic root 680 31 One runner shall run to meet another runner, and one messenger to meet another messenger, to tell unto the king of Babylon that his city is captured at all ends, 32 And that the passages have been seized, and that they have burnt the reeds" with fire, and that the men of war are aflVighted. , 33 ^ For thus hath said the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, The daughter of Babylon is like a threshing-floor, at the time'' they thresh therein ; but yet a little while more, when the time of harvest shall come for her. 34 " Nelnichadrezzar the king of Babylon devoured me, he crushed me, he set me down as an empty vessel, he swallowed me up like a huge serpent, he filled his belly with my delicacies: he drove me out. 35 The violence done to me and to my flesh be upon Babylon," will the inhabitress of Zion say; and "My blood be upon the in- habitants of Chaldea," will Jerusalem say. 36 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord, Behold, I will contend in thy cause, and exe- cute vengeance for thee ; and I will dry up her sea, and cause her springs to fail. 37 And Babylon shall become ruinous heaps, a dwelling-place for monsters, an as- tonishment, and a derision, without an inhar bitant. 38 Together like lions shall they roar : they shall yell like the lions' whelps. 39 When they are heated will I prepare their drinking-feasts, and I will make them drunken, in order that they may be joyful, and (then) sleep a perpetual sleep, and not awake again, saith the Lord. 40 I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter, like wethers with he-goats. 41 How is Sheshach captured! and how is conquered the praise of the whole earth ! how is Babylon become an astonishment among the nations ! 42 The sea is come up over Babylon : with the multitude of its waves is she covered. 43 Her cities are become desolate places, a dry land, and a wilderness, a land wherein not any man shall dwell, and through which no son of man shall pass along. 44 And I will inflict punishment on Bel in '' Rashi, "She is now full as the threshing-tinor is at threshing time, when it is full of wheat; but yet a little while more shall elapse when she shall be empty as the floor is empty at the commencement of harvest." JEREMIAH LI. Babylon, and I will bring forth what he hath j swallowed up out of his mouth ; and nations I shall not assemble together like a stream unto him any more : yea, the wall of Babylon also is fallen. 45 Go ye out of the midst of her, my peo- ple, and save ye every man his life from the fierceness of the anger of the Lord. 46 And so that your heart may not faint," and ye fear at the i-eport that is heard in the land : when the report cometh in one year, and after that in another year cometh an- other report, and when violence (be done) in the land, (by) ruler against ruler. 47 Therefore, behold, days are coming, when I will inflict punishment on the graven images of Babylon, and her whole land shall Ije put to shame, and all her slain shall fall in the midst of her. 48 And then shall the heaven and the earth, and all that is therein, sing because of Babylon ; for from the north shall come unto her the destroyers, saith the Lord. 49 Also Babylon is destined'' to fall, ye slain ones of Israel, also at Babylon fall the slain of all the land. 50 (But) ye that have escaped the sword, go away, stand not still: remember afar off the Lord, and let Jerusalem rise up in your heart. 51 " We had been made ashamed, because we had heard reproach: confusion had cover- ed our faces; because strangers were come into the sanctuaries of the Lord's hou.se." 52 ^ Therefore, behold, days ai-e coming, saith the Lord, when I will inflict punish- ment on her graven images: and through all her land shall groan the deadly wounded. 53 Though Babylon should mount up to heaven, and though she should fortity the height of her strength : yet from me should destroyers come unto her, saith the Lord. 54 A sound of a painful cry cometh from Babylon, and of a great breach from the land of the Chaldeans ; • The Israelites should not dread leaving the doomed land of Babylon, though evil reports of expected danger should meet them, and though their rulers should change constantly. (See Ezra and Nehomiali.) " Philippson; but Rashi, "As in Babylon the slain of Israel had to fall, so shall fall in Babylon the slain of all her land." ° Piedak, " he destroyeth from out of her the loud noise of the great multitude of people, which was like the roar- 55 Because the Lord wasteth Babylon, and destroyeth out of her the loud noise; but" their waves roar like great waters, the noise of their voice is sent forth ;* 56 Because the destroyer is come over- her, over Babylon, and her mighty men are caught, every one of their bows is broken; for the God of recompenses, the Lord, will surely requite. 57 And I will make drunken her princes, and her wise men, her governors, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not awake again, saith the King, The Lord of hosts is his name. 58 T[ Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, Every one of the broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly overthrown, and her high gates shall be burnt with fire : so that nations shall have' laboured in vain, and the people for the fire, and so shall they have wearied themselves. 59 T[ The word which Jeremiah the pro- phet commanded Serayah the son of Neriyah, the son of Machseyah, when he wont with Zedekiah the king of Judah unto Babylon in the fourth year of his reign. And this Se- rayah was chief chamberlain. 60 And Jeremiah wrote down all the evil that should come upon Babylon in one book, namely, all these words that are written con- cerning Babylon. 61 And Jeremiah said to Serayah, As thou comest to Babylon, see to it, that thou read all these words ; 62 And thou shalt say, Lord, thou thy- self hast spoken concerning this j^lace, to cut it oft", so that there shall not be in it an inha- bitant, either man or beast; but that it shall become a desolate place for ever. 63 And it shall be, when thou hast finish- ed reading this book, that thou shalt bind a stone to it, and throw it into the midst of the Euphrates; 64 And thou shalt say, Thus shall Baby- lon sink, and shall not rise again from the ing of the waves of the sea, when they give forth their noise." Others understand " their waves" to refer to the waving masses of the approaching enemies of Babylon. '' Rashi. Lit. "given." " i. e. The building of Babylon shall have been in vain, as the structures were to be burnt with fire; wherefore the weariness incurred in building it will have been quite useless. This prophecy has been singularly fulfilled in the utter destruction of Babylon and the country around. 5S7 JEREMIAH Li. Ltl. evil that I will bring upon her : and her people" shall be wearied. Thus far are the words of Jeremiah. CHAPTER LH. 1 T[ One and twenty years was Zedekiah old when he became king, and eleven years did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Chamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 2 And he did what is evil in the eyes of j the Lord, in accordance with all that Jehoya^ kirn had done. 3 For through the anger of the Lord it came to pass against Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. 4 T[ And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, that l*febucliadrezzar the king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Je'rusalem, and they encamped against it, and built against it works of attack round about. 5 So the city was placed in a state of siege until the eleventh year of king Zedekiah. G And in the fourth month, on the ninth day of the month, when the famine was severe in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land : 7 The city was broken in, and all the men of war fled, and went forth out of the city by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which was near the king's garden; (while the Chaldeans were round about the city;) and they went by the way of the plain. 8 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king, and they overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and all his army was scattered from him. 9 And they caught the king, and they Ijrought him up unto the king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Chamath: and he called him to account. 10 And the king of Babylon slaughtered * Redak; i. e. they shall not be able to contend against their opponents. " Lit. "stood." ° The Rabbins take this to mean either the synagogues, where prayers were offered, or the schools where the law was taught. 688 the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes : and also all the princes of Judah did he slaughter in Riblah. 11 And the eyes of Zedekiah did he blind; and the king of Babylon l)ound him with brazen fetters, and carried him to Babylon, and put him in the ward-house till the day of his death. 12 ^ And in the fifth month, on the tenth day of the month, which was the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadrezzar the king of Ba- bylon, came Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, (who) served'' the king of Babylon, unto Jerusalem. 13 And he burnt the house of the Lord, and the king's house : and all the houses of Jerusalem, and all the houses of the great" men, did he burn with fire : 14 And all the walls of Jerusalem round about did all the army of the Chaldeans, that were with the captain of the guard, pull down. 15 And certain of the poorest of the people, and the residue of the people that had been left in the city, and the deserters, that had run away to the king of Babylon, and the rest of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away into exile. 16 But certain of the poorest of the land did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard leave for vine-dressers and for husbandmen. 17 Also the pillars of copper that were in the house of tlie Lord, and the bases, and the copper sea that was in the house of the Lord, did the Chaldeans break, and they carried off all their copper to Babylon. 18 And the pots, and the shovels, and the knives, and the bowls, and the spoons, and all the vessels of copper wherewith they used to perform the service, did they take away. 19 And the basins, and the censers, and the bowls, and the pots, and the candlesticks, and the spoons, and the purifying-tubes:'' of what was of gold the gold," find of what was of silver the silver, did the captain of the guard take away. 20 The two pillars, the one sea, and the * L e. For the table of show-bread, which were placed between the bread to let the air have a free passage through them. (Sec note to Esod. xxv. 29.) ° Zunz. Philippson, simply, "both those of gold as also those of silver." While the copper vessels were broken up, these were carried away entire. JEREMIAH LII. twelve copper oxen that, served instead" of the bases, which king Solomon had made foi* the house of the Lord : the copper of all these vessels could not be weighed.'' 21 And as regardeth the pillars, eighteen cubits was the height of each one pillar ; and a thread of twelve cubits would compass it ; and its thickness was four fingers : it was hollow. 22 And a capital was upon it of copper; and the height of the one capital was five'' cubits, with network and pomegranates upon the capital I'ound about, all of copper. And the like was the case with the second pillar and the pomegranates. 23 And the pomegranates were ninety'* and six on every side : all the pomegranates upon the network w^ere one hundred round about. 24 And the captain of the guard took Se- rayah the chief priest, and Zephanyah the priest second in rank," and the three door- keepers ; 25 And out of the city he took a certain court-officer, who had the supervision of the men of war ; and seven men of those that had free access to the king's presence/ who were found in the city ; and the scribe of the chief of the army, who ordered to the armj' the people of the land ; and sixty men of the people of the land, that were found in the midst of the city ; 26 And Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took them, and led them away unto the king of Babylon to Riblah. ° I. c. Which oxen served for the sea as so many bases of a simpler form. Rashi, "which were near the bases," ?■. r. of the hxvers. Zunz, literally, "under the bases," which cannot be well understood. '' Ilyperbolically, so much that no one could readily undertake the task. " The height is given at iJure cubits in 1 Kings vii. 16, which is explained, that the capital consisted of two parts, 27 And the king of Babylon smote them, and put them to death in Riblah in the land of Chamath. Thus Judah was carried away into exile out of his own country. 28 This is the people wdiom Nebuchadrez- zar carried away into exile : in the seventh year, three thousand and twenty and tiiree Jews ; 29 In the eighteenth year of Ne])uchadrez- zar from Jerusalem, eight hundred thirty and two persons ; 30 In the three and twentieth year of Ne- buchadrezzar, did Nebuzaradan tlie captain of the guard carry away into exile of the Jews seven hundred forty and five persons; all the persons were four thousand and six hundred. 31 ^[ And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the exile of Jehoyachin the king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the five and twentieth day of the month, that Evil-merodach the king of Babylon in the (first) year of his reign lifted up the head of Jehoyachin the king of Judah, and brought him forth out of the prison-liouse ; 32 And he spoke kindly with him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon, 33 And he changed his prison-garments: and he ate bread before him continually all the days of his life. 34 And his allowance was a continual allowance given him by the king, the neces- sary ration for the day on its day, until the day of his death, all the days of his life. the lower, plain, of three cubits, and the upper of two cu- bits, ornamented. ^ Rashi explains this, that but ninety- sis could be seen at a view, the other four being hidden by intervening objects. " Philippson, "the vice-high-priest," or the one who officiated when the other was disabled. ' Lit. "who see the king's face." 589 THE BOOK OF EZEKIEL,' CHAPTER I. 1 Tl And it came to pass in the thirtieth'' year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was in the midst of the exiles by the river Kebar, tliat the lieavens were opened, and I saw divine" visions. 2 On the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of the exile of king Jeho- yachin, 3 Came the wox'd of the Lord expressly unto Ezekiel the son of Buzi, the priest, in the laud of the Chaldeans by the river Ke- bar; and there came upon him there the in- spiration'* of the Lord. 4 And I saw, and behold, a storm-wind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a flaming" fire, and a brightness was on it round about; and out of the midst of it was like the glitter of amber, "^ out of the midst of the fire. 5 And out of the midst thereof (I saw) the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance : They had the likeness of a man. G And every one had four faces, and every one of them had four wings. 7 And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's" foot : and they sparkled like the glitter of burnished copper. 8 And hands of man (were visible) from beneath their wings on their four sides: and their faces and their wings (were alike) on all these four. " Correctly, Yecheskd. '' Some suppose this tkirhflh to be the jear of the jubi- lee; others, the thirtieth year of the prophet's life. '' Redak, " great visions, as it is customary in Scripture, when eudeavouring to express the greatness of a thing, til join it to the word God." ''Jonathan. Lit. "hand;" meaning, the resistless ^trength of the divine prophecy, which overpowered him. '■ Jonathan. (See Exod. ix. "24.) Zunz, "spreading aliiiut." IMiilippson, "swelling." ' The word Sdkti is of uncertain signification. Zunz, "gold ore." Others leave it untranslated, " Chashmal." 590 9 Their wings were joined one to the other: they turned not about in their going; they went every one in the direction of one oftheir faces.*" 10 And the likeness of their ftices was the face of a man; and the face of a lion, on the right side for all four of them; and the face of an ox on the left side for all four of them; and the face of an ea^le for all foiu' of them. O 11 Thus were their faces: and their wings were spread out" upward; everyone bad two joined one to another, and two covered their Ijodies. 12 And they went every one in the direc- tion of one of his faces : whither the spirit'' was directed to go, they Avent; they turned not about in their going. 13 As for the likeness of the living crea- tures, their appearance was like coals of fire, burning as with the appearance of torches ; this (fire) it was which passed along between the living creatures : and a brightness was about the fire, and out of the fire went forth lightning. 14 And the living creatures ran backward and forward like the appearance of a flash of lightning. 15 And I looked on the living creatures, and, behold, there was one wheel' iqjon the earth close by the living creatures, by their four front faces."" IG The appearance of the wheels and their work was like the colour of a chrysolite; and all four had one likeness: and their aj)- * Jonathan, "round foot;" taking Sj;' not fur "calf," 'Egd, but "round," 'A'jol ^ llaslii. Lit. "to the side of his face." ' Jonathan. Redak, "separated from the body and spread out above to fly." " Rashi, "the will." ' Rashi, "At the four faces of each (Jlmij^ali ; or the Oplian had four face.'*." Zunz, "according to their tour faces." ° Like Cytiis/iinii/ nhovti, so is Opium here left untrans- lated in several versions, as denoting an order of angelsj in X. 13 the Ophan is called also (johjul. EZEKIEL I. II. peurance and their work was as though it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.* 17 Toward their four sides the>^ weut in their going: they turned not round in their "oin"'. 18 As for their circumferences, they were so high that they excited fear: and their felloes were full of eyes round about on all these four. 19 And when the living creatures went, the wheels went near to them : and when the living creatures lifted themselves u]) from the earth, the wheels lifted themselves 20 Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went ; (for) thither was (their) spirit to go : and the wheels lifted themselves up at the same^ time with them ; for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. 21 When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood ; and when those lifted themselves up from the earth, the wheels lifted themselves up at the same time with them ; for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. 22 And the likeness of a vault" was over the head of the living creatures, (shining) like the glitter of the purest crystal,'' stretch- ed forth over their heads above. 23 And under the vault their wings were straight, the one toward the other : every one had two, which covered them, and every one had two, which covered them, — (namely.) their bodies. 24 And I heard the sound of their wings, like the sound of great waters, as the voice* of the Almighty, when they went, the sound of (their) speech, as the noise of an army: when they stood still, they let down their wings.^ 25 And there was a voice from the vault that was over their head : when they stood still, they let down their wings. 26 And above the vault that was over their head was like the appearance of a sap- phire-stone, the likeness of a throne : and upon the likeness of the throne was a like- ' As though two wheels intersected each other, so that the Ophauira might move in either direction without turn- ing as the Cherubim at first described, by means of their four foces. '' Zunz. ° Zunz. Lit. "an expansion." ^ Lit. "fearful ice;" and so Jonathan and Eashi. But Kedak, "terrific in its whiteness and shining." ness as the appearance of a man above up- on it. 27 And I saw as if it were the glitter of am- ber, as the appearance of fire within it round about, from the appearance of his loins up- ward; and from tlie appearance of his loins downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. 28 Like tlie apjjearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about: this was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lokd. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard the voice of one that spoke. CHAPTER II. 1 ^f And he said unto me, Son of man, stand up upon thy feet, and I will speak with thee. 2 And a spirit entered into me as he spoke unto me, and it [)hiced me upon my feet, and I heard him that spoke unto me. 3 T[ And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to rebel- lious tribes'^ that have rebelled against me : they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even until this very day. 4 And the children are impudent of face, and obdurate of heart: I send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal. 5 And they, whetlier the}- will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious family.) shall yet know that a pro- phet hath been among them. G And thou, son of man, — thou shalt not be afraid of them, and of their words thou shalt have no fear, though they be bi'iers and thorns with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions :'' of their words be not afraid, and at their presence be not dis- mayed ; for they are a rebellious family. 7 And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear; for they are rebellious. ° Zunz, "thunder." ' /. e. Those which they used when flying, the other two remaining extended under the vault, or canopy, over their heads. s Rashi. *■ Jonathan, "scorpions" proper; Rashi gives one ver- sion as "the wild rose-bush," v.hich has sharp thorns. m EZEKIEL II. III. 8 ^[ But thou, son of man, liear what I am speaking unto thee, Be not thou rebel- lious like this rebellious family: open thy mouth, and eatwhat I give unto thee. 9 And then I looked, and behold, a hand was stretched out toward me ; and, lo, a roll- book was therein ; 10 And he spread it out before me ; and it was written within and without :" and there were written therein lamentations, and dirges, and wo. CHAPTER III. 1 ^ And he said unto me, Son of man, eat wliat thou findest : cat this roll, and go, speak unto the house of Israel. 2 So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat this roll. 3 And he said unto me. Sou of man, feed thy belly, and fill thy bowels with this roll tliat I am giving unto thee. And I ate it; and it was in my mouth like honey in sweet- ness. 4 ^ And he said unto me. Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them. 5 For not to a people of an obscure speech and of a difficult tongue art thou sent, but to the house of Israel ; 6 Not to many people of an obscure speech and of a difficult tongue, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would truly have heark- ened unto thee. 7 But the house of Israel will not hearken luito thee ; for they will not hearken unto me; for all the house of Israel have a bold forehead, and a liard heart. 8 Behold, I have made thy face strong against their face, and thy forehead strong against their forehead. 9 As an adamant harder than flint have I made tliy forehead : thou shalt not fear them, nor shalt thou be dismayed at their presence, though they be a rebellious fixmily. 10 TJ And he said unto me, Son of man, all my words that I will speak unto thee re- ceive in thy heart, and hear (them) with thy ears. 11 And go, get thee to those in exile, unto " Contrary tci the state of rull.s iu general, wliicli arc written on the inside only. 002 the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal: whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear. 12 Then a spirit took me up, and I heard Ijehind me a voice of a great rushing,'' (say- ing,) Blessed be the glory of the Lord from his i^lace." 13 (I heard) also the sound of the wings of the living creatures that touched one an- other, and the sound of the wheels at the same time with them, and the sound of a great rushing. 14 So a spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I walked in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit, and the inspiration of the Lord was strong upon me. 15 Then came I to the exiles at Tel-al^ib, who dwelt by the river Kebar, and I remain- ed where they dwelt, and I remained thei'e in a state of confusion aniong them seven days. 10 ^ And it came to pass at the end of seven days, ^ That the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 17 Son of man, I have made thee a watch- man unto the house of Israel : and thou shalt hear the word out of my mouth, and give them warning from me. 18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou dost not give him warning, and speakest not to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life : the same wicked man shall die through his ini- quity; but his blood will I require at thy hand. 19 But thou, — if thou hast warned the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way: he shall indeed die in his iniquity; but thou hast surely delivered thy soul. 20 ][ x\gain. When a righteous man do turn from his righteousness, and do what is wrong: then will I lay a stumbling-l^lock be- fore him, (so that) he shall die; yet if thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his acts of righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require from thy hand. 21 But if thou hast truly warned him, — '' Znnz, "earthquake." ° i. c. Everywhere, God's place, the universe. i>;lij A.H. EZEKIEL III. IV. the righteous, that the righteous should not fiiii, and he doth not sin: he shall surely live, Ijecause he attended to the warning, and thou hast surely delivered thy own soul. 22 ^ And the inspiration of the Lord came there over me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the valley, and there will I sjieak with thee. 23 And I arose, and went forth into the valley; and, behold, there was the glory of the Lord standing, like that glory which I had seen by the river Kebar : and I fell down on my face. 24 Then entered a spirit into me, and placed me upright on my feet, and spoke with me, and said unto me. Go, shut thyself up" within thy house. 25 But thou, son of man, behold, they put ropes^' upon thee, and bind thee with them, that thou canst not go out among them : 20 And I will let thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be duml:), and shalt not become to them a man who re- provetli; for they are a rebellious iamily." 27 But when I speak with thee, I will open thy moutli, and thou shalt say unto them. Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, He that heareth, let him hear; and he that for- l)eareth, let him forbear; for they are a rebel- lious family. CHAPTER IV. 1 ^ But thou, son of num, take thyself a tile, and lay it before thee, and engrave upon it a city, (namely,) Jerusalem : 2 And place around it a siege, and build works of attack'^ against it, and cast up a mound against it; and arrange around it en- campments, and place against it Ijattering rams" round about. 3 Moreover take thou unto thyself an iron pan, and set it up as a wall of iron between ° Rashi, "to show them that they are not worthy to bo reproved." '' Rashi, "be confined to thy house as though thou wert bound with ropes." Philippson, " the people prevent the prophet, binding him as it were, that he cannot go out and come among them to preach to them. So was Jeremiah prevented from coming into the temple; wherefore he had to send Baruch." (Jer. xxxvi. 5.) ° Lit. "house." — Now, as the people will not listen, so will the Lord not permit his messenger to speak, till such a time that a better effect can be produced. '' Rashi takes pn to be an instrument to throw stones ' 3Z thee' and the city : and direct thy face against it, that it may be placed in a state of siege, and lay siege against it. This shall be a sign for the house of Israel. 4 ^ And as for thyself, lie upon thy left side, and lay the iniquity of the hou.se of Is- rael upon it: (after) the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon it shalt thou bear their iniquity. 5 But as tor myself, I lay upon thee the years of their iniquity, after the number of the days, three hundred and ninety days : so shalt thou bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. 6 And when thou hast made an end of them, thou shalt lie on thy right side, the second time, and thou shalt bear the inic^uity of the house of Judah forty days : a day each for a year, a day for a year do I lay it on thee. 7 And toward the siege of Jerusalem shalt thou direct thy face with thy arm uncovered, and thou shalt prophesy against it. 8 And, behold, I will lay I'opes upon thee, that thou mayest not turn thyself from one side to the other, till thou hast made an end of the days of thy siege. 9 But thou take unto thee wheat, and bar- ley, and beans, and lentiles, and millet, and spelt, and put them in one vessel, and make thyself bread thereof, (after) the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon thy side, three hundred and ninety da}'s, shalt thou eat it. 10 And thy food which thou, shalt eat shall be by weight, twenty shekels for every day : from one time to the other^ time shalt thou eat it. 11 And water shalt thou drink by mcii- sure, the sixth part of a hin : from one time to the other time shalt thou drink (it). 12 And in form of a barley-cake shalt thou into the besieged city; Redak, as "wooden towers," which were pushed gradually against the walls for attack ; hence we have given it simply to express both opinions. ° Rashi explains D'13 to bo "chiefs of the division.s," each of whom watches his part of the besieged place. ' Rashi comments, "like the city wall which separates between the city and the hostile army." But Redak makes it emblematic of the sins of Israel, which separated them from their God. « Rashi, "from day to day shalt thou cat this — drink this," emblematic of a rigorous siege, where food and drink are closely calculated before being given out. 598 EZEKIEL IV. V. eat it, and this slialt thou bake with balls of human excrement before their eyes. 13 T[ And the Lord said, Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their liread unclean among the nations whither I will drive tliem. 14 Then said I, Ah Lord Eternal! behold, my soul hath not been defiled; and that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pietes, have I never eaten from my youth up even until now ; and never is flesh of abomination come into my mouth. 15 i[ Then said he unto me, Lo, I have given thee cow's dung instead of human ex- 'orement; and thou shalt prepare thy bread tliereupon. 16 ^ And he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jeru- salem; and they shall eat bread by weight, and with anxious care; and they shall drink ■water by measure, and in confusion ; 17 In order that they may want bread and water, and be confounded one with the other, and pine away for their iniquity. CHAPTER V. 1 ^ And thou, son of man, take unto thy- self a sharp sword, a barber's razor slialt thou take for it' unto thyself, and cause it to pass over thy head and over thy beard: then take unto thee balances for weighing, and divide the hair. 2 One third part shalt thou burn with fire in the midst of the citj^, when the days of the siege are completed ; and thou shalt take an- other third part, and smite (it) round about it with the sword; and the otlier thii-d part shalt thou scatter to the wind : and I will draw nut a sword after the same. 3 And take thence a few in number, and tie them up in the corners of thy garment. 4 And from these again shalt thou take some, and cast them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire : therefrom shall a fire go forth unto all the house of Is- rael. 5 ][ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, * Meaning, the sword shall be represented by a razor. '' Ilashi, "she e.Kohaugcd my ordinances for greater wiekedness than," &c. (See 2 ('hrou. xxxii. 2-9.) ° Raslii; but Menacbem, "ye make more noise," i. c. exceed thcui in deoils of ini([uity. '' Zun/,, "I will withdraw my eye, that it shall not look pityingly." 594 This is Jerusalem, which I had set it in the midst of the nations and countries that are round about her. 6 But she rebelled'' against my ordinances more wickedly than the nations, and against my statutes, more than the countries that are round about her; for my ordinances they have despised, and as for my statutes, they have not walked in them. 7 ^[ Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Because ye have given" yourselves up to evil more than the nations that are round about you, have not walked in my star tutes. and have not executed my ordinances, and not even acted according to the ordi- nances of the nations that are round about you : 8 ][ Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I, also I am against thee, and I will execute judgments in the midst of thee before the eyes of the nations. 9 And I will do in thee that M'hich I have never done, and the like of which I will never do anymore, because of all thy abominations. 10 ^ Therefore fathers shall devour trieir children in the midst of thee, and children shall devour their fathers: and I will execute judgments on thee, and I will scatter all thy remnant unto all the winds. 11 Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord Eternal, Surely, because thou hast made un- clean my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thy abominations: there- fore will I also diminish'' (thee); and my eye shall not show pity, and I also will not spare. 12 A third part of thee .shall die thi-ough the pestilence, and come through fantine to their end in the midst of thee ; and another third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and the other third part will 1 scatter unto all the winds, and a sword will I draw out after them. 13 Thus shall my anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will satisfy myself:" and they shall know*^ that I the Lord have spoken it in my " Rashi, after JonatLau, "when I have taken vengeance on them, then shall my fury be allayed, and I will be- think myself of the affliction which I have bestowed on them." But the next verse will require the translation here given. ' The accomplishment of the evil will prove that it was the truth from God which the prophet spoke, EZEKIEL V. VI. zeal, wIr'II I liavt' let out all iiiy fury on them. 14 Yea, I will render thee a ruin, and a disgrace among the nations that are round about thee, before the eyes of every one that passeth by. 15 And she shall be a disgrace and a taunt, a warning and an astonishment unto the na- tions that are round about thee," when I execute judgments on thee in anger and in fury and in furious chastisements, — I the Lord have spoken it, — IG When I send out among them the dreadful arrows of famine, which (ever) were the cause of destruction, which I will send out to destroy you ; and 1 will increase the famine upon you, and will bi'eak unto you the staff of bread : 17 So will I let loose over*" you famine and wild beasts, and they shall make thee childless; and pestilence and blood shall pass through thee; and the sword will I bring over thee. I the Lord have spoken it. CHAPTER VL 1 T[ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, set thy face against the mountains of Israel, and prophesy against them, 3 And thou shalt say, mountains of Is- rael, hear ye the word of the Lord Eternal! Thus hath said the Lord Eternal to the moun- tains, and to the hills, to the brooks," and to the valleys. Behold, I, even I, will bring over you the sword, and I will destroy your high- places. 4 And your altars shall be made desolate, and your sun-images shall be broken : and I will cause your slain ones to fall before your idols. ■5 And I will lay the carcasses of the chil- dren of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones round about your altars. In all your dwelling-places the cities shall be laid in ruins, and the high-places * Redak, "so is the custom of Scripture to speak of the third ^nd to the second person together. ^ See Levit. xxvi. 6, 25, 20. ° Zunz, "gullies," the vmdyx of Palestine, which are nearly all river beds in the rainy season, though many are dry in summer. Everywhere they had erected altars to the idols. ii '' liashi, ''shall be recognised thi-nugli liieir guill." | shall be made desolate; in order that jour altars may be laid in ruins and made deso- late,* and your idols may be broken and annihilated, and your sun-images may be cut down, and youi- works may be blotted out. 7 And the slain shall fall in the midst of 30U: and ye shall know that I am the Lord. 8 Yet will I leave (some); that ye shall have some that escape the sword among the nations, when ye shall be scattered in the (various) countries. 9 And those of \-ou that esca[)e shall re- member me among the nations among whom they shall have been carried captive, when I shall have broken" their licentious heart, which had departed from me, even with their eyes, which were gone astray after their idols: and the}' shall loathe*^ themselves on accoiuit of the evil deeds which they have committed with all their abominations. 10 And iXxiiy shall know that I am the Lord: not for naught have I spoken that I would do unto them this evil. 11 T[ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Strike thy hands together,'^ and stamp with thy foot, and say, Alas for all the dreadfid abominations of the house of Israel ! who will have to fall by the sword, bj' the famine, and by the pestilence. 12 He that is af\ir off' shall die of the pes- tilence; and he that is near shall ftill by the sword; and he that remaineth and is besieg- ed'' shall die by the famine : thus will I let out all my fury on them. 13 And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when their slain ones shall lie in the midst of their idols round about their altars, on every high hill, upon all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick-branched oak, — places where they presented sweet savour to all their idols. 14 And I will stretch out my hand over them, and I will render the land desolate and waste, more than the wilderness toward 'Jonathan, liashi, "who humbled myself, notwith- standing their heart went astray and departed from nie, in sending to them my prophets to ask them to return unto me, that I niiglit do them good, but they would not." Redak, "I was broken out of their licentious heart." ' liashi; but Menaebem, "(luarrel with themselves." * Lit. "smite in thy hand." '' Redak, "who is preserved;" so also Zunz, "spared." 595 EZEKIEL VI. VII. Diblath," in all their habitations : and the_y shall know that I am the Lord. CHAPTER VII. 1 ][ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 x\nd thou, son of man, thus hath said the Lord Eternal concerning the land of Is- rael, There is an end ! the end is coming over the four corners of the land. 3 Now Cometh the end over thee, and I will let loose my anger against thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and I will lay upon thee all thy abominations. 4 And my eye shall not show pity upon thee, and I will not spare thee ; for thy own ways will I lay upon thee, and thy abomina- tions shall come in the midst of thee : and ye shall know that I am the Lord. 5 ^ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, An evil, a peculiar evil, behold, is coming. 6 An end is coming, there is coming the end : it waketh up against thee ; l^ehold, (the evil) Cometh.'' 7 The evil decree" is come against thee, thou inhabitant of the land : the time is come, near is the day of tunndt, and not the joyful call'' on the mountains. 8 Now will I in a short time pour out my fury over thee, and I will let out all my anger against thee, and I will judge thee according to thy waj's, and 1 will lay upon thee all thy abominations. 9 And my eye sliall not show pity, and I will not spare : according to thy ways will I lay (evil) on thee; and thy abominations shall come in the midst of thee : and yc shall know that I am the Lord that smiteth. 10 Behold the day, behold, it is coming; the evil decree" is gone forth; the stafl' hath blossomed, presumption hatli budded; 11 The violence' is grown up into the staff " ('. e. 'Aliiinn-diblathayim, (Num. xxxiii. 46;) but Re- dak, "lliblah," by change of 1 for i. '' This is simihir to the second verse; but there is a paronomasia, or phiy upon the words here, deserving of notice. tSx ypn ypn vxn X3 yp, "the end cometh, come is tlio end: it waketh for thee." vp is "an end," V'pn is "ho waketli." ' Redak, " the evil decree is come against tliee like the m<irning." Rashi, "the light of the morning-dawn and glciry is already set." Jonathan, "the kingdom/' i. e. the ("haldeans. * Some, "echo." • Here, Rashi, "the dawn of the evil day is risen." 596 of wickedness: nothing is left of them, and nothing of their multitude, and nothing of theirs;^ and there shall be no lamenting for them. 12 The time is coming, the day occurreth ; let the buyer not rejoice, and let the seller not mourn; for wrath is against all her mul- titude. 13 For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although their soul were yet alive; for the vision is against all her multitude; no one*" shall return; but the soul of evei'y one is fastened to his iniquity, they do not strengthen themselves (to re- pent).' 14 They have blown the cornet, every one maketh himself ready; but no one goeth to the Imttle; for my wrath is against all her multitude. 15 The sword is without, and the pesti- lence and the ftimine are within : he tlnit is in the field shall die by the sword; and he that is in the cit}-, him shall famine and pes- tilence devour. 16 But they that escape of them shall escape, and they shall be on the mountains like the doves of the valleys, all of which are moaning, every one in his iniquity. 17 All haiTds become feeble, and all knees go into'' water. 18 And people gird themselves with sack- cloth, and shuddering covereth them: and upon all faces there is shame, and upon all their heads there is baldness. 19 Their silver shall they cast into the streets, and their gold shall be as though it were unclean : their silver and their gold shall hot be able to deliver them on the day of the wrath of the Lord; they shall not satisfy their souls, and not fill their bowels ; because it was the stumbling-block for' their iniquity. ' The violence of the enemy is grown into a staff of punishment; but Rashi, "the violence of your hand is risen up against you as a staff of wickedness to destroy you." ^ Zunz, "nothing of their wealth, and nothing of their tumult." Rashi, "nor of their children, nor their mul- titude." '' i. c. At the jubilee, to resume his sold jiroperty. Others, "this (vision) shall not return unfultilled." ' Rashi. Pliilippsou, "no one can stand firmly in the guilt of his soul." '' i.e. Are unable to stand, as water. ' (■. c. Their wealth led them to sin. EZEKIEL VII. VTII. 20 And as for the beauty'" of his ornament, whicli lie had institnted for (their) pride: even therein did they make the images of their abominations, their detestable things; therefore have I rendeied it unelean for them. 21 And I will give it np into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil : and they shall pol- lute it. 22 And I will turn away my face from them, and they shall pollute my place where I dwelt in secret; and therein shall barbarians enter and pollute it. 23 Make chains; for the land is full of blood-guiltiness, and the city is full of vio- lence. 24 Therefore will I bring the worst of na- tions, and they shall take possession of their houses : I will also cause the pride of the mighty to cease; and their holy places shall be polluted. 25 Destruction cometh: and they will seek peace, but there shall be none. 26 Mishap shall come upon mishap, and report shall be spread upon report: and then will they seek a vision from the prophet; but the law shall be lost from the priest, and counsel from the ancients. 27 The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with distress, and the hands of the people of the laud shall be powerless :'' after their way will I do unto them, and ac- cording to their own manners will I judge them; and they shall know that I am the Lord. CHAPTER VIII. 1 ^ And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, on the fifth day of the month, that I was sitting in my house, and the elders of Judah were sitting before me; and there fell upon me there the inspiration of the Lord Eternal. 2 And I saw, and, behold, there was a like- " Rasbi; referring this to God's temple, which he had made the pride of Israel, and which should now be cast off as imclean, because they had placed their abominations in it. Philippson, "their costly ornaments they applied for pride; made thereof," &c. " Lit. "troubled." Zunz, "be stiff." ° Rashi, "he showed me as though he were carrying me and brincrino; me to Jerusalem." uess similar to the appearance of fire; from the appearance of his loins downward, it was fire; and from his loins upward, it was similar to the appearance of a bright light, like the glitter of amber. 3 And he stretched forth the form of a hand, and took me by the locks of my head ; and a spirit bore me between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions" of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate** that looketh toward the north, where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to wrath." 4 And, behold, there was the glory of the God of Israel, like the appearance which I had seen in the valley. 5 And he said unto me. Son of man, do but lift up thy eyes in the direction toward the north. So I lifted up my eyes in the direction toward the north, and behold north- ward at the gate of '^ the altar (there was) this image of jealousy at the entrance. 6 Then said he unto me. Son of man, seest thou what they are doing? great abomina- tions are they that the house of Israel commit here, to make me go flxr away from my sanc- tuary ; but thou shalt yet see still other great abominations. 7 And he brought me to the door of the court: and I looked, and behold there was a hole in the wall.* 8 Then said he unto me. Son of man, do break (an opening)'' in the wall: and I broke (an opening) in the wall, and, behold, there was a door. 9 And he said unto me. Go in, and see the wicked abominations which they are doing here. 10 So I w'cnt in and saw; and behold there was every form of creeping things, and cattle, abominations, and all the idols of the house of Israel, engraven" upon the wall all round about. 11 And seventy men of the elders of the house of Israel, and Yaiizanyalui the son of ■^ /. e. The gate of the inner court. ' Jonathan. ' /. e. The gate which faced the altar, in the inner court. '^ Of a secret chamber near it. ^ Rashi, "Break in the wall and enlarge the hole." ' Similar to the temples of the Egyptians, on the walls of which all the things here described are engraved. 597 EZEKIEL VIII. IX. Shaplian standino; in the midst of them, were standing before them, and every man had liis censer in his hand; and a thick cnrling cloud of incense was ascending upward. 12 Then said he unto me. Son of man, hast thou seen what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark, every man in his image-chambers ?' for they say, The Lord seeth us not: the Lord hath forsaken the earth. 13 And he said unto me, Thou shalt yet again see still other great abominations that tliey are doing. 14 And he brouglit me to the entrance of the gate of the Lord's house which was on the north side: and, behold, there sat the wo- men weeping for Thanmiuz.'' 15 Then said he unto me. Hast thou seen this, son of man? Thou shalt yet again see still other greater abominations than these. 16 And he brought me into the inner court of the Lord's house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were al^out five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the Lord, and their faces toward the east; and they were prostrating themselves east- ward to the sun. 17 Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen tliis, son of man? Is it too light a thing for the house of Judah to commit the abomi- nations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and they constantly repeat to provoke me to anger; and, lo, they stretch forth the branch to their nose." 18 Therefore I also will deal in fury; my eye shall not look with pity, and I will not spare : and though they call before my ears with a loud voice, will I still not hear them. CHAPTER IX. 1 And he called before my ears with a loud voice, saying. Let those come near that " llaslii, "covered witli marble flooring " Gottshalk Metz, "concealed chamber." ^ A Phoenician idol, who.se death was mourned for at, the Humuier solstice, during eiglit days, when his resurrec- tion was cidebrated with the most extravagant joy. Li- terally, The Thammuz, have charge to punish'' the city, and every man with his destroying weapon in his hand. 2 And, behold, six men came from the direction of the upper gate, which is turned toward the north, and every man with his weapon of destruction in his hand; and one man in the midst of them was clothed in linen, with a writer's materials" by his side : and they went in, and placed themselves be- side the copper altar. 3 And the glory of the God of Israel as- cended up from the cherub, whereupon it had been, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed in linen, Avho had the writer's materials by his side. 4 *\ And the Lord said unto him. Pass through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and inscribe a mark upon the foreheads of the men who sigh and who complain because of all the abominations which are done in the midst of it. 5 And to the others he said before my ears, Pass ye through the city after him, and smite : let your eye not look with pity, and do not spare ; 6 The aged, youth, and virgin, and little children, and women shall 3e slay and de- stroy; but come not near any man upon whom the mark is; and at my sanctuary shall ye begin. Then they began with the ancient men who were before the house. 7 And he said unto them, Make unclean the house, and fill the courts with the slain : go forth. And they went forth, and they smote in the city. 8 And it came to pass, while they were smiting them, and I alone was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried out, and said. Ah Lord Eternal! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel when thou pourest out thy fury over Jerusalem ? 9 Then said he unto me. The iniquity of the house of Israel and of Judah is exceed- ingly great, and the land is full of blood-guilti- ness, and the city f'ldl of injustice;^ for they composed of pomegranate, tamarisk, and date trees, in the left hand. Redak, "thoy apply the filthy odour (of the incense) to their nose." " Rashi. ' Rashi, after Jonathan, "book of tablets," which were covered with wax, on which they used to engrave with a ° It is said that the Persians held, while worshipping j style. Zunz, "writing materials." Redak, "inkhorn." their spirit of good, a bundle of twigs, called Barsora, i| ' Rashi, "perverted judgment," r. e. wrongful deci.sions. 598 EZEKIEL IX. X. have said, The Lord hath forsaken the land, and the Lord seeth not. 10 And as for me al.'^o, my eye shall not look with pity, and T will not spare; but I will bring their course u|)()n their own head. 11 And, behold, the man clothed in linen, who had the writing materials by his side brought back word sa\nig, I have done ac- cording to all that thou hast commanded me. CHAPTER X. 1 Then I saw, and, behold, on the vault that was above the head of the cherubim, there appeared over them something like a sapphire stone, something similar in appear- ance to the likeness of a throne. 2 And he said unto the man clothed in linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, under the cherub, and fill thy hands with coals of fire from between the cherubim, and throw (them) over the city. And he went in before my eyes. 3 Now the cherubim were standino; on the right side of the house, when the man went in : and the cloud filled the inner court. 4 Then the glory of the Lord rose upward from the cherub, towai'd the threshold of the house: and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the bright- ness of the Lord's glory. 5 And the sound of the wings of the cherubim was heard as far as the outer court, like the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh. 6 And it came to pass, when he command- ed the man clothed in linen, saying. Take fire from between the wheels, from between the cherubim, that he went in, and stood be- side the wheel. 7 And the one cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubim unto the fire that was between the cherubim, and lift- ed it up, and placed it into the hands of the one clothed in linen; who took it, and went out. 8 And there became visil)le on the cheru- bim the form of a man's hand beneath their wings. 9 And I saw, and, behold, there were tour " Rashi and Redak think this describes the Ophannim; ethers, the Cherubim also, who are* thus represented as full of ejes. wheels by the (•lu'rul)im, one wheel bv the one cherub, and another wheel by the otlier cherub: and the ajipearance of the wheels was like the glitter of a chrysolite stone. 10 And as for their appearances, the whole four had one likeness, as if a wheel were in the midst of another wheel. 11 In their going, Ihey went toward their four sides, they turned not round in their going; but to the place whither the head was turned they followed it, they turned not round in their tioini!;. 12 And their" whole body, and their back, and their hands, and their wings, as also tlie wheels, were full of eyes round about, (even) the wheels that belonged to all four of them. 13 As for the wheels, they were called GalgaP before ray ears. 14 And every one had four faces : the one face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle. 15 And the cherubim lifted themselves up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river Kebar. 16 And when the cherubim went forward, the wheels went close by them; and when the cherubim lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the wheels also did not turn away from beside them. 17 When those halted, these halted; and when those lifted themselves up, these lifted themselves up with them ; for the spirit of the living creature was in them. 18 And the glory of the Lord went forth from oft' the threshold of the house, and lialt- ed over the cherubim. 19 And the cherubim lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth before my eyes as they went forth, and the wheels at the same time with them, and halted at tile entrance of the east gate of the house of the Lord: and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above. 20 This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel b}- the river Kebar; and I understood that they were cherubim. 21 Every one had four faces apiece, and '' 6'u(((/((/ is synonymous with 0/>/inH, meaning, "wheel;" but the first term, from '^hi "to roll," denotes more espe- ei.illy the speed and rapidity of their motion. 5yy EZEKIEL X. XI. every one had four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings. 22 And the likeness of their faces was the same as the laces which I had seen by the river Kebar, their appearances and them- selves : the}' went every one in the direction of his face. CHAPTER XI. 1 And a spirit bore me up, and brought me unto the east gate of the house of the Lord, which looketh eastward: and behold, there were at the entrance of the gate five and twenty men ; and I saw in the midst of them Yaiizanyah the son of 'Azzur, and Pelat- yahu the son of Benayahu, princes of the people. 2 Tl Then said he unto me, Son of man, these are the men that devise wickedness, and give evil counsel in this city ; 3 Who say, (The evil)" is not near; so let us build houses: this (city) is the pot, and we are the flesh. 4 ^- Therefore prophesy against them, pro- phesy, son of man. 5 And the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me, and said unto me. Speak, Thus hath said the Lord, Thus have ye said, house of Israel; and wliatever cometli into your mind, do I know full well. 6 Ye have multiplied those slain by you in this city, and ye have filled its streets with the slain. 7 Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eter- nal, Those slain by you whom ye have struck down*' in the midst of it, — they are the flesh, and this place is the pot; but you are to be re- moved" out of the midst of it. 8 The sword have ye feared: and the sword will I bring over you, saith the Lord Eternal. 9 And I will remove you out of the midst of it, and I will give you up into the hand " Rashi and Eedak. Zunz, "Not in the vicinity ouglit we to build liouses." Pbilippson, "It is not near the time to build houses (in foreign lands);" alluding to Jer. xxix..5,28. "It is the pot," is so commented on by Rashi: " As the flesh is not removed from the pot till it is com- pletely boiled, so shall wo not go forth from it till we die." " Lit. "placed." « Lit. "to bring forth." * i. e. They should not meet their end in Jerusalem but beyond the limits of Palestine. (iOO of strangers, and will execute punishments among you. 10 By the sword shall ye fall; on the Ijoundary of Israel will I judge you: and ye shall know that I am the Lord. 11 This place shall not be unto you as a pot, so that you should be as flesh in the midst of it; but on the boundary'' of Israel will I judge you. 12 And ye shall know that I am the Lord; because" in my statutes have ye not walked, and my ordinances have ye not executed; Ijut ye have done after the ordinances of the nations that are round about you. 13 And it came to pass, as I was prophesy- ing, that Pelatyahu the son of Benayah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said. Ah Lord Eternal ! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel ? 14 ][ Then came the word of the Lord unto me, saying, 15 Son of man, thy brethren, even thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and the whole house of Israel altogether,*' are they unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Piemain you far from the Lord: unto us is this land given for a possession. 16 TI Therefore say. Thus hatli said the Lord Eternal, Although I have removed them far away among the nations, and al- though I have scattered them among the countries : yet will I be to them as a minor^ sanctuary in the countries whither they are come. 17 H Therefore say, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, I will both gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the coun- tries whither ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel. 18 And they shall come thither, and they shall remove all its detestable things, and all its abominations out of it. ' Zunz, " You who have not," etc. G. Metz, "in whose statutes," &c. ' Those who had been carried to Babylon. They wore regarded as inferior by those who had been left under Zedekiah ; and they claimed to be especial favourites of God, because they yet held Palestine : hence the denun- ciation ; since neither they nor their king adhered to the law which God had imparted to them. « Jonathan, who renders, "synagogues," or "places of assembly." Philippson, after some moderns, " a sanctuary for a little while." EZEKIEL XL XII. 19 And I will give tlieui one single heart, and a new spirit will I put within yon ; and I will remove the heart of stone out of their body," and I will give unto tliem a heart of flesh : 20 In order that they may Avalk in my statutes, and keep my ordinances, and do them ; and they shall be unto me for a peo- ple, and I will indeed be unto them for a God. 21 But as for those whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, their way do I bring upon their own head, saith the Lord Eternal. 22 Then did the cherubim lift up their wings, and the wheels at the same time with them ; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above. 23 And the glory of the Lord ascended from the midst of the city, and halted upon the mount which is on the east side of the city. 24 But a spirit bore me up, and brought me into Chaldea, to those in exile, in the ap- pearance through the spirit of God : and then ascended away from me the appearance which I had seen. 25 Then did I speak unto those in exile all the things that the Lord had shown me. CHAPTER XII. 1 ^ The word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, in tlie midst of a rebellious family art thou dwelling, who have eyes to see, and see not; who have ears to hear, and hear not ; for they are a rebellious family. 3 T[ But thou, son of man, prepare for thyself vessels for going into exile, and wan- der away by day before their eyes ; and thou shalt wander away from thy place to another place before their eyes: perhaps they may become aware that they are a rebellious family. 4 Then shalt thou carry forth thy vessels, like vessels of exile, by day before their eyes : and thou shalt go forth at evening before their eyes, as they do that g(j forth into exile. 5 Before their eyes break a hole through the wall, and carry (them) through it. ' Lit. "flesli." '' Jeremiah prophesied that Zedekiah should see the Iciny of Babylon ; and Ezekiel, that he should not see that 4A 6 Before their (eyes) shalt thou bear them upon thy shoulders, in the dark shalt thou carr}' them forth : thy face shalt thou cover, that thou mayest not see the ground; for as a token have I set thee unto the house of Is- rael. 7 And I did so as I had been commanded; my vessels I carried forth by day, like vessels of exile, and in the evening I broke a hole for myself through the wall with my hand: in the dark I brought them forth, and I bore them upon my shoulder before their eyes. 8 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me in the morning, saying, 9 Son of man, have not the house of Is- rael, the rebellious family, said unto thee, What doest thou? 10 Say thou unto them, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, For the prince in- Jerusa- lem is the doom, and for all the house of Is- rael, (and those) that are in the midst of them. 11 Say, I am your token; just as I have done, so shall it be done unto them: into exile, into captivity, shall they wander. 12 And the prince that is among them shall bear upon his shoulder in the dark, and shall go forth; through the wall shall they break a hole to carr^' (things) through it : his face shall he cover up, that he may not see the ground with liis eyes. 13 And I will spread out my net over him, and he shall be caught in my snare: and I will l:)ring him to Babylon into the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it,'' and there shall he die. 14 And all that are round about him, those wlio assist him, and all the wings of his armies will I disperse toward every wind; and the sword will I draw out after them. 15 And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I scatter them among the na- tions, and disperse them in the countries. 16 But I will leave of them men few in number from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence: in order that they may relate all their abominations among the nations whither they shall have come; and they shall know that I am the Lord. comtri/; and so it happened. Zedekiah was taken to Riblah, where he was blinded by Nebuchadnezzar, and then carried to Babylon, which he never left again. cm EZEKIEL XII. XIII. 17 ^ And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 18 Son of man, thy bread shalt thou eat with quaking, and thy water shalt thou drink with trembhng and with anxious care. 19 And thou shalt say unto the people of the land, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal concerning the inhabitants of Jerusalem, (and) concerning the land of Israel, Their bread shall they eat with anxious care, and their water shall they drink with confusion, lor the cause that her land will be desolate, de- prived of its plenteousness because of the violence of all those that dwell therein. 20 And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid in ruins, and the land shall be made desolate: and ye shall know that I am the Lord. 21 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 22 Son of man, what sort of proverb is that which ye have in the land of Israel, say- ing. The days are lasting long," and lost is every vision? 23 Therefore say unto them, Thus hatli said the Lord Eternal, I will cause this pro- verb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but speak unto them. The days are coming nigh, and the word of every vision. 24 For there shall be no more any false vision'' and a deceptive divination within the house of Israel. 25 For I am the Lord, — I do speak, and whatever word I do speak shall be done; it sliall not be delayed any more; for in your days, rebellious flimily, will I speak the Avord, and I will execute it, saith the Lord Eternal. 26 T[ And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 27 Son of man, behold, the house of Israel say. The vision that he foreseeth is for distant days, and for times that are far off doth he projjhesy. " Raslii, "Tlie (lays (the time) will be long without the coming of the punishment, and in the mean while will the evil vision which the prophets prophesy unto us be for- gotten and lost sight of." Zunz, "all prophecy remains •unfulfilled." '' llashi, "The false prophets shall no more be able to ]iromise you falsely peace, for speedily will I bring to pass the words of the true prophets." Philippson, "dou- ble-meaning prodictiuu;" and thinks it to mean, that the tiOJ 28 Therefore say unto them. Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, There shall not be de- layed any more one of all my words ; but whatever word I do speak shall be done, saith the Lord Eternal. CHAPTER XIII. 1 Tf And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, prophesy against the pro- phets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto those that prophesy out of their own heart, Hear ye the word of the Lord : 3 Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Wo unto the scandalous prophets, that follow their own spirit, without having seen any thing ! 4 Like foxes among the ruins have been thy prophets, Israel ! 5 Ye did not go up into the breaches, nor did ye make a fence" around the house of Is- rael to stand in the battle on the day of the Lord. 6 They saw falsehood and lying divination, they who say, " The Lord saith," when the Lord had not sent them; and yet they made others hope for the fulfilment of the word. 7 Had ye not seen a false vision, and had ye not said a lying divination? and ye say, "The Lord saith," when I have not spoken. 8 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Whereas ye have spoken fixlsehood, and have seen lies: therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord Eternal. 9 And my hand shall be against the pro- phets that see fals<^liood, and that divine lies; in the secret council of my people shall they not be. and in the register of the house of Is- rael shall they not be written, and into the land of Israel shall they not come: and ye shall know that I am the Lord Eternal. 10 Because, even because they have se- duced my people, saying, " Peace," when there wiis no peace: and (my people)'' build a pro- assertions of the true prophets should no longer be a mat- ter of doubt. ' When the enemy has breached the wall the valiant step forward to repel the invaders, and others build in haste a wall or fence to repair the damage; but the false prophets seek their own safety, regardless of the sorrow of others. ■^ Rashi; meaning, the people sin, build, as it were, a wall to protect themselves of bad materials, and these prophets EZEKIEL XIII. XIV. tectlng wall, and, lo, they plaster it with un- adhesive mortar. 11 Say unto those who plaster it with nnadhesive mortar, that it shall fall: thei'e Cometh an overflowing rain-shower; and ye, great hailstones, shall fall ;^ and a storm- wind shall rend it. 12 And, lo, the wall is fallen down; will it not now be said unto you, Where is the plastering wherewith 3'e have jjlastered? 13 ^[ Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, I will even rend it with storm- winds in ni}' fury; and an overflowing rain- shower shall come in my anger, with great hailstones in my fury to destroy it. 14 And I will pull down the wall that ye have plastered with unadhesive mortar, and 1 will cast it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be laid open ; and it shall fall, and ye shall be destroyed in the midst of it : and ye shall know that I am the Lord. 15 Thus will I let out all ray wrath upon the wall, and upon those that have plastered it with unadhesive moi'tar; and I will say unto you. Gone is the wall, and gone are they that plastered it; 16 (Namely,) the prophets of Israel who prof)hesy concerning Jerusalem, and who see for her a vision of peace, when there is no peace, saitli the Lord Eternal. 17 ^ But, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, who pro- phesy out of their own heart: and prophesy against them, 18 And say, Thus hath said the Lord Eter- nal, Wo to the women that sew bolsters to- gether" for the armpits of all, and make cushions for the head of every stature, to hunt souls ! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, that ye may keep your own soul alive? 19 And ye profane me among my people for handful s*" of barley and for bits of bread, confirm them bj' predicting happiness, as though the}' covered the wall of the others with a plastering which will fall off almost as soon as applied. " Referring to the Eastern custom of furnishing the rooms luxuriously with bolsters, cushions, and divans. Redak takes nin-JCn to mean, not "cushions," but "vails." The last part of the verse Rashi renders, "to support yourselves by this means." So also Zunz. *" For a trifling reward. ° After Rashi and Philippson. Rashi comments, " that they may fly through your means to hell." which is beau- to slay the souls that should not die, and to keep alive the souls that should not live, by your lying to my people that listen to lies ! 20 ][ Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I am against your bolsters, whereon ye hunt the souls that they may flutter (in your net),"' and I will tear them away from your arms; and I will let the souls go free, even the souls that ye hunt that they may flutter (in yonr net.) 21 And I will tear away your cushions, and deliver my people out of your hand, and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted: and ye shall know that I am the Lord. 22 Because ye grieve the heart of the righteous with falsehood, when I have not given him pain; and strengthen the hands of the wicked, so that he should not return from his wicked way, through which he might live.'' 23 Therefore shall ye see no more false- hood, and tell no more divinations; and I will deliver my people out of your hand: and ye shall know that I am the Lord. CHAPTER XIV. 1 Then came there unto me certain men of the elders of Israel, and sat down before me. 2 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 3 Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart," and the stumbling-block of their iniquity have they placed before their faces: shall I in any wise let myself be in- quired of by them ? 4 ^ Therefore speak with them, and say unto them, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Whatever man it be of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and lay- eth the stumbling-block of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet: I the Lord will answer him, although*^ he cometh with the multitude of his idols; tifully given by Philippson, as here imitated, by "flutter- ing in the net" of those female deceivers whose arts and aim are to lead souls to destruction. This account of Ezekiel proves that the false prophetesses were not sparing of immoral acts to confirm their power over their dupes. ^ Zunz. Others, "by promising him life." 'Rashi, "they have resolved in their heart to serve their idols." ' Rashi. Zunz, "for he cometh." Philippson, "I tho Lord will answer him in this wise, according to the mul titude," &c. 603 EZEKIEL XIV. 5 In order that I may grasp" the house of Israel by their heart, those who are separated from me through all their idols. 6 ^ Therefore say unto the house of Is- rael, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Re- turn, and cause (your heart) to turn away from your idols: and from all jour abomina- tions turn away your faces. 7 For whatever man it be of the hou.se of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, that separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and layeth the stumbling-block of his iniquity before his face, and then cometh to the prophet to inquire through him of me : I the Lord will answer him through my word;'' 8 And I will set my face against that man, and will make him an astonishment for a sign and for proverbs, and I will cut him off from the midst of my j^eople; and ye shall know til at I am the Lord. 9 ^ And when the prophet suifereth him- self to be deceived, and he speaketh a word : I the Lord have suffered tliat prophet to be" deceived; and I will stretch out my hand against him, and will destroy liim from the midst of my people Israel. 10 And they shall bear their guilt: as the guilt of the inquirer is, so shall the guilt of the prophet be; 11 In order that the house of Israel may go no more astray by not following me, and not pollute themselves any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be- come unto me a people, and I may be unto them a God, saith the Lord Eternal. 12 ][ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 13 Son of man, if a land should sin against me by trespassing grievously, and I stretch out my hand against it, and break unto it the staff of bread, and send out f;unine against it, and cut off from it man and beast; 14 And if there be these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job,*" in the midst of it: these ° Jonathan, "In order to bring the house of Israel to come with repentance in their heart, which hath departed from my service." " Jonathan. Rcdak, "for my sake." Philippson, "In a manner befitting myself" • /. p. When the prophet, like Bil'ara, has evil inten- tions, and speaks contrary to the divine inspiration, which, though a sin, is not prevented by divine interposition, more Jerusalem. 004 through their righteousness should save but their own soul; saith the Lord Eternal. 15 If I cause wild beasts to pass through the land, and they depopulate it, and it be- cometh desolate, without any one to pass through because of the beasts : 16 These three men (if they were) in it, as I live, saith the Lord Eternal, should not save either sons or daughters; they only should be saved, but the land should be made desolate. 17 Or, if I should bring a sword over that land, and say, The sword shall pass through the land, and I cut off from it man and beast; 18 And if these three men should be in it: as I live, saith the Lord Eternal, they should not save either sons or daughters, but they alone should be saved. 19 Or, if I should send out the pestilence against that land, and pour out my fury over it in blood, to cut off from it man and beast; 20 And if Noah, Daniel, and Job, should be in the midst of it : as I live, saith the Lord Eternal, they should not save either son or daughter; they through their righteousness should save their own soul. 21 ^ For thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Although I send my four dreadful means of punishment over Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the wild beasts, and the pes- tilence, to cut off from it man and beast: 22 Still, behold, there are left therein some that escape who shall be carried foi'th, both sons and daughters; behold, they are coming forth unto you,* and ye will see their way and their doings; and then will ye be com- forted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, yea, concerning all that I have brought upon it; 2.3 And they will comfort you, when ye see their way and their doings ; and ye shall know that I have not done without cause*^ all that I have executed in it, saith the Lord Eternal. than other tran.sgressions. "Whoever will do wrong has the liberty to do so," is a saying of the wise; though it be at the peril of the sinner. ^ Correctly, lyyoh. " Meaning, that the exiles of Jeru.salem should join those already in Babylon. ' ?'. «. It was not caprice, but justice, which destroyed EZEKIEL XV. XVI. CHAPTER XV. 1 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, What shall become of the wood of the vine more than of any other Avood, of the branch" which was standing among the trees of the forest? 3 Can wood be taken therefrom to emplo}- it for any work? or will men take from it a pin to hang thereon an^^ vessel? 4 Behold, if it be given up to the fire to be consumed, — (and) the fire have consumed both its ends, and the middle of it be scorch- ed: will it be fit for any work? ') Behold, when it was yet entire, it could not be employed for any work : how much more (must this be) Avhen the fire hath con- sumed it, and it is scorched, — and shall it yet be employed for any work? 6 Tl Tlierefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, As the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have given up to the fire to be consumed : so do I give up the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 7 And I will set my face against them : from the fire* have they gone forth, yet the fire shall devour them; and ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I set my fiice against them. 8 And I will render the land a desert; be- cause they have committed a trespass, saith the Lord Eternal. CHAPTER XVL 1 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, make known unto Jerusa- lem her abominations, 3 And thou shalt say. Thus hath said the Lord Eternal unto Jerusalem. Thy origin and thy birth are out of the land of Canaan: thy father Avas an Emorite,'' and thy mother a Hittite. " Rashi, "Not the vine of viiiejai-ils wljii-h bcar.s fruit do I speak of to thee, but of tlie l)raiiches of the wild vine which groweth iu the foret^t." " Jonathan, "They have transgressed the words of the law which were given out of the fire, and the nations who are strong as fire shall destniy tbeni." But the plain sense is, "though they have escaped many dangers, they shall succumb at last." ' ('. e. The city of .Jerusalem was (if ancient origin be- fore Abraham came to Palestine. ■ 4 And as for thy birth, on the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut, nor wast thou washed in water to be cleansed^'' and thou wast not rubbed with salt, nor wrapt in swaddling clothes. 5 No eye looked with pity on thee, to do any of these things unto thee, to have com- passion upon thee; but thou wast cast out on the open field, with a loathing" of thj- body, on the day that thou wast born. 6 But I passed then b}' thee, and I saAv thee stained*^ with thy own blood, and I said unto thee, In- thy blood, live; yea, I said unto thee, In thy blood, live. 7 Myriads, like the vegetation of tlie field, did I make of thee, and thou didst increase and become great, and thou attainedst the highest attractions: with thy breasts deve- loped, and th}' hair full grown; but thou wast still naked and bare. 8 But I pas.sed then by thee, and saw thee, and, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread the skirt of my garment over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I swore unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord Eternal, and thou Ije- camest mine. 9 Then did I Itathe thee with watei', 3 ea, I thoroughly washed away thy blood from thee; and I anointed thee with oil. 10 1 clothed thee also with broidered work, and made thee shoes of badger's'' skin, and I placed on thy head a turban of fine linen, and I covered thee with silk. 11 And I decked thee with ornaments, and I placed bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain around thy neck. 12 And I placed a ring on thy no.se, and earrings in thy ears, and a crown of splendour on thy head. 13 Thus wast thou ornamented witli gold and silver; and thy garments were of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; fine flour, and honey, and oil didst thou eat: and ■" Rashi, ajiplanement, "making level," "smooth." " Zunz, "on thy body." Philippson, "full of contempt of thy life;" i. e. indifferent whether such treatment would injure tlie new-born child or not. ' Others, "twitching," "struggling." « Rashi, "In this thy state of filthiness shalt thon not die." Hence we might render, "Notwithstanding thy blood shalt thou live." ^ Zunz and other moderns leave BTin thatlunih uu- translated. EZEKIEL XVI. thou wast exceedingly beautiful, and thou didst succeed to acquire dominion. 14 And thy fame went forth among the nations because of thy beauty ; for it was per- fect through my glorious ornament, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord Eternal. 15 But thou didst trust in thy beauty, and play the harlot because of thy fame, and lavish thy lewd caresses on every one that passed by — on him they were bestowed. 16 And thou didst take from thy garments, and deck" thee high-i)laces with divers colours, and play the harlot thereupon : never should the like come to pass, and never should it be so. 17 And thou didst take thy elegant orna- ments of my gold and of my silver, which I had given thee, and make for thyself male images, and play tlie harlot with them; 18 And thou didst take thy broidered gar- ments, and cover them : and my oil and my incense didst thou place before them. 19 And my bread which I had given thee, fine flour, and oil, and honey, which I had let thee eat, even this didst thou set before them for a sweet savour : yes, so was it, saith the Lord Eternal. . 20 And thou didst take thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hadst born unto me, and didst slaughter these unto them to be de- voured ; (but) were thy acts of lewdness not yet enough? 21 That thou didst slay my children, and give them up to cause them to pass through the fire for them? 22 And in all thy abominations and thy acts of lewdness thou didst not remember the days of thy youth, when thou wast naked and bare, when thou wast stained with thy blood. 23 And it came to pass after all thy wick- edness, — (wo, wo unto thee! saith the Lord Eternal;) — 24 That thou didst build unto thyself emi- nences, and make thyself elevations in every street. 25 On the corner of every road didst thou build thy elevations, and make thy beauty * Lit. "make thyself high-places of clivers colours." *■ Lit. "great with respect to flesh." ° Rashi, taking |;;j3 not for Cauaanite, but "traders;" as the Phoenicians, the Canaanites by the seaside, were the merchants of antiquity, their proper name was at 606 abominable, and spread out thy feet to every one that passed by, and multiply thy acts of lewdness. 26 And thou didst play the harlot with the Egyptians, thy neighbours, with large limbs,'' and multiply thy acts of lewdness, to provoke me to anger. 27 And, behold, I stretched out my hand over thee, and diminished thy stated portion ; and I gave thee up unto the will of those that hate thee, the daughtei's of the Philistines, who were made to blush for thy incestuous course. 28 Then didst thou play the harlot with the sons of Asshur, because thou wast unsa- tiable: yea, thou didst play the harlot with them, and wast even then not satisfied. 29 And thou didst multiply thy lewdness with the traders'" land as for as Chaldea; and even with this wast thou not satisfied. 30 How very corrupt is thy heart, saith the Lord Eternal, seeing thou didst all these things, deeds of an abandoned lewd woman ; 31 Seeing that thou didst build thy emi- nences at the corner of every road, and make thy elevations in every street; and wast not like a harlot, as thou scornedst the wages. 32 thou adulterous wife! Avho, while bound to her husband, receiveth strangers! 33 Unto all harlots they give presents; but thou hast given thy presents to all thy lovers, and hast bribed them, that they might come unto thee from every side in thy acts of lewd- ness. 34 And the reverse was the case with thee from (other) women in thy acts of lewdness, that men did not follow thee to seek thy lewd caresses ; and because thou gavest the waoes, and no wa-ies were 2;iven thee : so was it the reverse with thee. 35 Therefore, harlot, hear the word of the Lord! 36 ^ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Whereas thy wealth was squandered,'' and thy nakedness was uncovered through tliy lewd acts with thy lovers, and with all thy abominable idols," and for the blood of thy children, whom thou didst give unto tlieni: 37 Therefore, behold, I will gather all thy length applied to all who made merchandise their pursuit. Others, literally, " with the land of Canaan as far as Chal- dea." ^ After Philippson. ° Here is the solution of the "lewdness" of Jorusalciu : EZEKIEL XVI. lovers, whom thou hast given' pleasure, and all whom thou hast loved, together with nil whom thou hast hated. — 3-ea, I will gather them all round arbout thee, and will uncover thy nakedness unto them, that the_y may see all thy nakedness. 38 x\nd I Avill judge thee, as adulteresses and women that shed blood are judged ; and I will bring'' upon thee the blood of fury and jealousy. 39 And I will also give thee up into their hand, and they shall pull down thy emi- nences, and shall break down thy elevations ; and they shall strip thee of thy clothes, and they shall take thy elegant ornaments, and leave thee naked and bare. 40 And they shall bring up against thee an assembly, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords ; 41 And they shall burn thy houses with fire, and execute punishments on thee before the eyes of many women : and I will cause thee to cease from being a harlot, and also the wages (of sin) shalt thou not give any more. 42 And then will I assuage my fury on thee, and my jealousy shall depart from thee, and I will be quiet, and will be no more angry." 43 Because that thou didst not remember the days of thy youth, but didst irritate me with all these things : behold, therefore I also will bring thy course upon tliy head, saith tlie Lord Eternal, and thou slialt no more commit incest'' with all thy (other) abominations. 44 Behold, every one that speaketh" in proverbs shall use this proverb against thee, saying, As the mother is, so is her daughter. 45 Thou art thy mother's daughter, loath- ing her husband and her children; and thou art the sister of thy sisters, who have loathed their husbands and their children : your mother was a Hittite, and your father an Emorite. 46 And thy elder sister is Samaria, she it means nothing else than the eagerness to adopt the idols of Egypt, Phcenieia, Ass3Tia, Babylon, &c., neglect- ing thereby the blessed law, giving, as it were, wages for sin, committing adultery while married to God, without the least beneficial return for all this sacrifice. * Rashi, "with whom thou hast mingled." "' Jonathan, "and I will give thee up to be slain in I'urv and wrath." So also Rashi, adding only "jealousy." ' When all the punishment has been inflicted. with her daughters.'^that dwelleth at thy left hand : and thy younger sister, that dwelleth at thy right hand, is Sodom with her daugh- ters. 47 Yet not even in their ways didst thou walk, nor act according to their abominations: as though this were quite too little, and thou wast more corrupt than they in all thy Avays. 48 As I live, saith the Lord Eternal, So- dom thy sister, she with her daughters, hath not done as thou hast done, thou with thy daughters. 49 Behold, tliis was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom: Pride, abundance of food, and prosperous security were hers and her daugh- ters'; but the hand of the poor and needy did she not strengthen. 50 And they became haughty, and com- mitted abominations before me: therefore did I remove them when I saw their course. 51 And Samaria hath not committed even the half of thy sins; but thou didst multiply thy abominations more than they; and thou hast justified thy sisters through all thy abo- minations which thou hast done. 52 Bear then thou also thy own confusion, which thou didst adjudge*' unto each of thy sisters; through thy sins, which thou hast committed more abominably than they, are they made more righteous than thou : there- fore thou also — be ashamed, and bear thy confusion, since thou hast justified thy sis- ters. 53 And I will bring back again their cap- tivit3% the captivity'' of Sodom and her daugh- ters, and tlie captivity of Samaria and her daughters, and the captivity of thy captives in the midst of them : 54 In order that thou mayest bear thy confusion, and mayest be confounded because of all that thou hast done, when thou art a comfort unto them. 55 And tliy sisters, Sodom and her daugh- ters, shall return to their former state, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to ^ Rashi and Jonathan take not for noiO "resolve;" "and because thou didst not resolve to lay thy heart to all th}' abominations to return from them." " Styn is rendered in Num. sxi. 27 with "poet," or one who relates facts in a proverbial and poetical manner. ' "Daughters" means villages or dependent cities. ' "Before Jerusalem became so corrupt itself, it used to say, that Sodom and Samaria had been justly punish- ed." — Ra.shi. '' (', e. A general restoration. 607 EZEKIEL XVI. XVII. their former state, and thou and thy daugh- ters shall return to your former state. 56 And was'' not thy sister Sodom a report in thy mouth in the days of thy pi'ide, 57 Before yet thy wickedness was discover- ed, as at the time of the reproach of the daughters of Syria, and all those round about her, the daughters of the Philistines, who taunted thee on all sides? 58 Thy incest and thy abominations, — thou thyself hadst to bear them, saith the Lord. 59 ^ For thus liatli said the Lord Eternal, I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, thou who hast despised the oath by breaking the covenant. 60 Nevertheless will I indeed remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an ever- lasting covenant. 61 And thou shalt then remember thy ways, and be confounded, when thou receiv- est thy sisters, both those that are older than thou and younger than thou : and I will give them unto thee for daughters, though not because thou wast fxithful to the covenant. 62 And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord : 63 In order that thou mayest remember, and feel ashamed, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy confusion, when I forgive thee for all that tliou hast done, saith the Lord Eternal. CHAPTER XVIL " 1 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, put forth a riddle, and pro- pound a parable unto the hou.se of Israel ; 3 And say, Thus hath said the Lord Eter- nal, The great eagle with large wings, long winged, full of feathers, who is rich in many colours, came unto the Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar: 4 The topmost of its young twigs did he crop off", and carry it into the traders' land; and he set it in a city of merchants. 5 And he took some of the seed of the "After Rashi; ))ut Ilc<lak, "AiKjl Sodom thy sister was not heard out of thy mnuth," &c. ' Rashi, " to the eagle — tiie king of Babylon." " Zunz, "foliage." * Jonathan; hut Rashi, "and the othrr (/. <, tlie second G08 land, and planted it in a fruitful field: he placed it by great waters, he transplanted it among the willow-trees. 6 And it grew, and became a trailing vine of low stature, tlie tendrils of which sliould turn toward liim,'' and the roots of which should be under him : so it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and sent out shoots." 7 There was also another great eagle with large wings and many feathers : and, behold, this vine did bend its roots famishing toward him, and shot forth its tendrils toward him, that he might water it, from the beds where it was planted ; 8 (Although) it was planted in a good field by great waters, that it might produce bouglis, and that it might bear fruit, that it might become an elegant vine. 9 Say now. Thus hath said the Lord Eter- nal, Shall it prosper? Behold the other will pull up its roots, and its fruit will he cut away, that it may dry up; every one of its growing leaves shall dry up; and not with great power and numerous people (will he have to come) to tear it away from its roots.** 10 Yea, behold, although it is planted, shall it prosper? Lo, as soon as the east wind toucheth it, shall it be utterly dried up: in the beds Avhere it groweth shall it dry up. 11 ][ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 12 Do now say to the rebellious liimih'. Know ye not what these things mean ? Say, Behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusa- lem, and took away its king and its princes, and he brought them unto himself to Baby- lon; 13 And he took one of the royal seed, and made a covenant with him, and bound him with an oath;" but the mighty of the land did he take away ; 14 That the kingdom should be deljased, so as not to lift itself up; that it should keep his covenant that it might continue to exist. 15 But he rebelled against him b}' sending his messengers into Egypt, that they might give him horses and numerous people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doth such eagle, the king of Egypt) will not eonic with a slicing arm I and numerous people against those who will imll otf and remove it from its roots." Rcdak follows the same con- struction. ' Ueb. "brought him iuln an oath." EZEKIEL XVII. XVIII. things? yea, he hath broken the covenant, and ishall he escape? 16 As I Hve, saith the Lord Eternal, surely in the residence of the king that hath made liini king, whose oath he hatli despised, and whose covenant he hath broken, even near him in the midst of Babylon shall he die. 17 And not with a mighty army and a large assembly shall Pharaoh labour for him in the war. when (the other) casteth up mounds, and buildeth works of attack, to cut off many souls. 18 Yea, he that hath despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these things, shall not escape. 19 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, As I live, surely my oath that he hath despised, and ray covenant that he hath broken, — even this will I bring upon his own head. 20 And I will spread my net over him, and he shall be cauglit in my snare, and I Avill bring him to Babylon, and will hold judgment with him there for his trespass which he hath committed against me. 21 And all his futiitives with all the wintis of his army shall f;ill by the sword, and those that remain shall be dispersed toward all winds: and ye shall know that I the Lord have spoken it. 22 ^ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, But I myself" will take (a part) of the high- est branch of the high cedar, and will pre- serve'' it; from the topmost of its young twigs will I crop off a tender one, and I my- self will plant it firmly upon a high and emi- nent mountain : 23 On the mountain of the height of Is- rael will I plant it firmly; and it shall pro- duce boughs, and bear fruit, and become an elegant cedar; and there shall dwell under it all fowls, every thing that hath wing; in the shadow of its light branches shall they dwell. 24 And all the trees of the field shall know that I the Lord have made low the high tree, have made high the lowly tree, that I have diied up the green tree, and have caused to ' J. c. In contrast with the act of the king of Babylon; he took the king and slew his sons and blinded him; bnt God at the time of redemjiticm will take a remote descend- ant of the great cedar, the house of David, and fulfil through him all he has promised. Hence, "I luj'self," &c. 4B flourish the (lr\ tree: I the Lord have spoken and have done it. CHAPTER XVm. 1 ^j And the word of the Lord came tuito me, saving, 2 What mean ye, that ye use this proverb in'" the countr}' of Israel, saying. The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are set on edge? o As I live, saith the Lord Eternal, ye shall not have any more to use this proverb in Israel. 4 Behold, all the souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son — mine are they : the soul which sinneth that alone shall die. o But if a man be righteous, and execute justice and righteousness; 6 Upon the mountains'* he eateth not, and his eyes he lifteth not up to the idols of the house of Israel, and the wife of his neighbour he defileth not, and unto a woman in her separation he cometh not near; 7 And he overreacheth no man, he restor- eth his pledge for a debt, a robbery he doth not commit, his bread he giveth to the hun- gry, and the naked he covereth with a gar- ment; 8 Upon interest he giveth not forth, and increase he doth not take, from wrons: he withdraweth his hand, true judgment he exe- cuteth between man and man ; 9 In my statutes he walketh steadfastly, and ni}' ordinances he keepeth to deal truly: he is righteous, he shall surely live, saith the Lord Eternal. 10 If he (now) ]>eget a dis.solute son, that sheddeth blood, and doth to (his) brother any one of these things; 11 And he is one that doth not any of these (duties); but eateth even upon the mountains, and defileth the wife of his neigh- bour ; 12 The poor and needy he overreacheth, he is guilty of robberies, the pledge he restor- eth not, and to the idols he lifteth up his eyes, abominations he committeth ; '' Eashi, after Jonathan. Lit. "will give it" — a place. ° Other.*, "concerning." ■^ /. r. Eats not of offerings brought to the idols wor- shipped on hills and mountains; whereas sacrifices to God could only be offered and eaten near the temple. (iOii EZEKIEL XVIII. XIX. 13 Upon interest he giveth forth, and in- crease he taketh : and he should live? he shall not live; all these abominations hath he done, he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him. 14 And behold, if he beget a son, who seeth all the sins of his father which he hath done, and he considereth," and doth not the like of them ; 15 Upon the mountains he eateth not, and his eyes he lifteth not up to the idols of the house of Israel, the wife of his neighbour he defileth not ; 16 And he overreacheth no man, a pledge he withholdeth not, and of a robbery he is never guilty cry J: g,......^, his bread he giveth to the hun- and the naked he covereth with a gar- ment ; 17 From the poor he withdraweth his hand, interest and increase he taketh not; my ordinances he executeth, in my statutes he walketh : — he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live. 18 His fiither, because he unjustly with- held (wages), was guilty of robbery on his brother, and did that which is not good in the midst of his people, — and lo, he died through his iniquity. 19 Yet say }e, Why dotli not the son bear part of the iniquity of the lather? when the son hath executed justice and rigliteousness, all my statutes hath he kept, and hath done them : he shall surely live. 20 The soul that sinneth, she alone shall die; the son shall not help to bear the iniquity (jf the fiither, and the father shall not help to bear the iniquity of the son : the righteous- ness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. 21 ^ And the wicked, when he turneth away from all his sins that he hath commit- ted, and keepeth all my statutes, and execut- eth justice and righteousness, shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions which he hath committed shall not be remembered unto through his righteousness which he um : hath done shall he live. " llashi, "though he sec them, he nevertheless doth not," ko. ^ Zunz, "return and convert your.selves." ' Zunz, "procure for yourselves." 610 23 Have I then the least pleasure in the death of the wicked? saith the Lord Eternal: and not in his turning away from his ways, that he may live? 24 ^ But when the righteous turneth awav from his righteousness, and committeth wrong, and doth according to all the abominations tliat the wicked man doeth, shall he live? all his righteousness that he hath done shall not be renrembered : through his trespass which he hath committed, and through his sin that he hath done, — through them shall he die. 25 Yet ye say. The way of the Lord is not equitable: hear now, house of Israel, Is not my way equitable? is it not your ways which are not equitable? 2G When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and doth wrong, and dieth therctbr: through his wron"' which lie hath done must he die. 27 ^ Again, when the Avicked turneth away from his wickedness which he hath committed, and executeth justice and righte- ousness: he shall indeed preserve his soul alive. 28 Because he hath considered, and turned aw.ay from all his transgressions which he had connnitted : he shall surely live, he shall not die. 29 Yet say the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equitable: are not my ways equitable, O house of Israel? is it not your ways which are not equitable ? 30 Therefore will I judge you, every one according to his ways, house of Israel, saith the Lord Eternal : return ye, and cause others'' to return from all your transgressions, that iniquity may not become 3'our stumbling-block. 31 Cast away from yourselves all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed ; and make" yourselves a new heart and a new spirit; for why will ye die, house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that deserveth to die, saith the Lord Eter- nal : therefore convert yourselves, and live. CHAPTER XIX. 1 Tf And thou, — do thou litt up a lamenta- tion lor the princes of Israel,'^ ^ In this lament the prophet mourns for the down- fall of the royal family. Some refer "the two young lions" to Jehoachaz and Jehoyachin, who were led away after a short reign. Others, JeUoUchaz and Jehoyakim. EZEKIEL XIX. XX. 2 And say, What a noble lioness was thy mother! among lions did she lie down, in the midst of young lions did she raise her whelps ! 3 And she brought up one of her whelps : he became a young lion," and he learned to tear in pieces the prey; (even) men he de- voured. 4 And when nations heard of him. he was caught in their pit, and they brought him with nose-rings unto the land of Egypt. 'J Now when she saw that she had long waited, (that) her hope was lost, she took an- other one of her whelps, and made him a young lion. 6 And he went up and down in the midst of lions, he became a young lion; and he learned to tear in pieces the prey; even men he devoured. 7 And he broke down'' their palaces, and their cities laid he in ruins: and then was terrified the land, with all that filled it, be- cause of the noise of his roaring. 8 Then set themselves the nations against him on every side from the provinces ; and they spread over him their net : in their pit was he cauQ-ht. o 9 And they put him in a cage" with xiose- rings (in his nose), and they brought him to the king of Babylon: they brought him into strong-holds, in order that his voice should no more be heard on the mountains of Israel. 10 ^ Thy mother was like a vine, if I compare thee to aught,"" planted by the wa- ters: fruitful and full of boughs was she by reason of many waters. 11 And she had strong branches (fit) for the sceptres of rulers, and her stature grew up high between the thick-branched (trees), and she was seen through her height by means of the multitude of her tendrils. 12 Bat she was plucked up in fury, to the ground was she cast down, and the east wind dried up her fruit : and torn off and dried up were her strong branches, a fire consumed them. 13 And now is she planted in the wilder- ness, in a dry and thirsty land. • /. e. King of Judah. '' Rashi, taking vnijoSiX from rniJOTN. Others, in the literal sense, "he violated their widows." Zunz, "he searched through their palaces," Philippson, "ho broke into," &c. 14 And fire is gone out of a l)ranch of her boughs, and liatii devoured her fruit, .so that there is no more on her a strong branch for a sceptre to rule. This is a lamentation, and it is become a lamentation. CHAPTER XX. 1 ^ And it came to j^ass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, on the tenth day of the month, that certain men of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the Lord, and they sat down before me. 2 T] And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 3 Son of man, speak unto the elders of Is- rael, and say unto them, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal. Is it to inquire of me that ye are coming? as I live, I will not let myself be inquired of by you, saith the Lord Eter- nal. 4 Wilt thou take them to task, wilt thou take them to task, son of man? then cause them to know the abominations of their fathers ; 5 And say unto them. Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, On the day when I made choice of Israel, I lifted up my hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and I made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt : and I lifted up my hand unto them, sa3-ing, I am the Lord your God. 6 On the same day I lifted up my hand unto them, to bring them fortli from the land of Egypt into a land that I luxd selected" for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is an ornament' among all the countries. 7 And I said unto them, Cast ye away ever}' one the abominations of his eyes, and on the idols of Egypt shall ye not defile j-'our- selves ; I am the Lord your God. 8 But they rebelled against me, and they would not hearken unto me; the}^ did not cast away every one the abominations of their eyes, and the idols of Egypt did they not for- sake : and I thought then to pour out my fury over them, to let out all my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt. ° Zunz. Jonathan, "chains." ^ Rashi. " Lit. "spied out." ' /. r. It excels in beauty and fruitfulness. 611 EZEKIEL XX. 9 But I acted for the isake of my name, so as not to profane it before the eyes of the na- tions, in the midst of wliom they were ; be- cause I had made myself known unto tliem before their eyes, to bring them forth out of the land of E^ypt. 10 I therefore caused them to go forth out of the land of Egypt, and brought them into the wilderness. 11 And I gave them mj' statutes, and my ordinances made I known to them, which a man is to do, fhat he may live through them. 12 And also my sabljaths gave I unto them, to be as a sign between me and be- tween them, that they miglit know that I am the Lord who sanctify them. 13 But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness ; in my statutes they walked not, and my ordinances they despised, which a man is to do, that he may live through them; and my sabbaths they greatly profaned : and I then tliought to pour out my fury over them in the wilderness, to make an end of them. 14 But I acted for the sake of my name, so as not to profane it before the eyes of the nations, before whose eyes I had brought them forth. 15 Yet did I also lift up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given (them), flowing with milk and honey, which is an ornament among all the countries. 16 Because my ordinances they had de- spised, and in my statutes they had not walk- ed, and my sabbaths they had profaned; for after their idols did their heart go. 17 Nevertheless my eye looked pityingly on them, so as not to destroy them, and I did not make an end of them in the wilderness. 18 And I said unto their children in the wilderness, In the statutes of 3'our fathers shall ye not walk, and their ordinances shall ye not keep, and on their idols shall ye not deflle yourselves. " Raslii, after Jonathan; meaning, as they had wilfully rebelled, God permitted thcni to follow their evil inclina- tions, till the measure of their sin was completed, and their destruction followed, as told in our hi.story. Zunz and Pliilippson take it in the light, tiiat to the sinners the law is a means of ]iuiii>hment, as its transgression Iji'ings painful consequences; wherefore the translation of Dr. P. is as follows: — "And I also gave th(>m laws which til 2 19 I am the Lord your God: in my sta- tutes must ye walk, and my ordinances must ye keep, and do them; 20 And my sabbaths must ye sanctity; and they shall be as a sign between me and between you, that ye may know that I am the Lord jour God. 21 Nevertheless the cliildren rebelled against me; in my statutes did the}- not walk, and my ordinances they kept not to do them, which a man is to do, that he may live through them ; my sabbaths they profaned : and I then thought to pour out my fury over them, to let out all my anger against them in the wilderness. 22 But I withdrew my hand, and acted for the sake of my name, so as not to profane it before the eyes of the nations, before whose eyes I had brought them forth. 23 I also lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the nations, and disperse them through the countries; 24 Because my, ordinances they had not executed, and my statutes they had despised, and my sabbaths they had profaned, and after the idols of their fathers their eyes were di- rected. 25 And I also let them follow'' statutes that were not good, and oi'dinances whereby they could not live; 26 And I let them be defiled though their gifts, in tluxt they caused to pass (through the fire) all that openeth the womb, in order that 1 miglit destroy them, to the end that they might know that I am the Lord. 27 Therefore, speak unto the house of Is- rael, son of nnm, and say unto them. Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Yet in tliis too did your fathers blaspheme me, by their com- mitting a trespass against me: 28 When I had brought them into the land, for which I had lifted up my hand to give it to them, the}' saw every liigli hill, and all the thick-branched trees, and they ottei'ed were injurious (to them), and ordinances through which they did not live; and 1 made them unclean through their gifts, when they set apart all that opened the womb," &c. : taking Ti^'n^ "as setting aside," not "as causing to pass (through the fire)," as given by Ilashi. But both constructions, though apparently so dift'ercnt, have at last tije same bearing, since to the pious the law of God lirings happiness and life, not evil and death. KZEKIEL XX. XXI. there their sacrifices, and [iresented there their provoking offerings, and they brought there their sweet savour, and poured out there their drink-offerings. 29 Then said I unto them, Wliat is this high-phice wliereuuto ye go? And its name was called "The height"" until this day. oU •[ Therefore say unto the house of Is- rael, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Ila! do you pollute yourselves after the manner of your fathers; and after their al)ominations do 3-e go astray? 31 And when ye offer up your gifts, when ye make your sons pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even until this dav': and I should allow nwself to be inquired of by you, house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord Eternal, I will not let myself l)e inquired of by 3'ou. 32 And that which cometh up into your mind shall not at all come to pass, (namely,) that ye say. We will be like the nations, like the families of the (other) countries, to serve wood and stone. 33 As I live, saith the Lord Eternal, surely, with a mighty hand, and with an outstretch- ed arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you : 34 And I Avill bring you out from the peo- ple, and I will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm. and with (my) fury poured out. 35 And I will bring you into the wilder- ness of the people, and I will hold judgment over you there, hice to face. 36 As I held judgment over your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I hold judgment over you, saith the Lord Eternal. 37 And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond*" of the covenant ; 38 And I will separate from you those that have rebelled, and those that have transgressed against me : out of the country where they * Rashi, " An expression of disgrace ; it is nothing but a high-place," ('. p. no regular altar. l*hilippson, " Wo to the high-place where ye stand together." " Rashi, " the covenant which I have delivered to you." Lit. "the delivery of the covenant." ° Meaning, if they will serve idols let them not come hypocritically to inquire after God's word, and set aside offerings and serve their abominations. sojourn will I cause them to go forth, hut into the land of Israel shall not one (of them) enter; and ye shall know that I am the Lord. 39 As for you, O house of Israel, thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Go ye, serve ye every one his idols, and hereafter (also), if ye will not hearken unto me; but my holy name do not profane any more with ^our gifts, and with your idols.'' 40 For on my holy mountain, on the moun- tain of the height of Israel, saith tlie Lord Eternal, there shall serve me all the house of Israel, altogether, in the land: there will I accept them in favour, and there will I re- quire your heave-offerings, and the first-fruits of your oblations, with all your holy things. 41 \ With your sweet savour will I accept you in favour, when I bring 30U out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered: and I will be sanctified through you before the eyes of the nations. 42 And ye shall know that I am the Loiui, when I bring you into the land of Israel, into the country for which I have lifted up m^' hand to give it to yowx iathers. 43 And ye shall remember there your ways, and all ^our doings, whereby ye have been defiled; and ye shall loathe yourselves, because of all your evil deeds that ye have committed. 44 And ye shall know that I am the Lokd, when I deal with j'ou for the sake of my name, not in accordance with your wicked ways, and in accordance with your corrupt doings, ye house of Israel, saith the Loi'd Eternal. CHAPTER XXL' 1 ]y And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, set thy face in the direction toward the south,'' and preach*^ toward the south, and prophesy against the forest" of the field in the south. ^ The English version commences chap. xxi. at verse (!. " Toward Judea, which lies to the south of ^Jesopota- mia, where the prophet then dwelt. ' Lit. " let drop," /. e. the prophecy or speech. * "Toward my sanctuary, which shall be hereafter like a forest and a tield for foxes to walk therein." — Rashi. Others, "Jerusalem." Philippson, "Palestine," because its mountains are in many places covered with forests. EZEKIEL XXi. 3 And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the Lord, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour in thee every green tree, and every dry tree: the glowing flame shall not be quenched, and there shall be burnt therein all faces" from the south to the north. 4 And all flesh shall see that I the Lord have kindled it: it shall not be quenched. 5 Then said I, Ah Lord Eternal! they say of me, Behold, he speaketh but in para- bles! 6 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 7 Son of man, direct thy fiice toward Jeru- salem, and preach toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel, 8 And say to the land of Israel, Thus hath said the Lord, Behold, I will be against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of its sheath : and I will cut off from thee the right- eous and the wicked. 9 But because I shall have cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked: therefore shall my sword go forth out of its sheath against all flesh from the south to the north ; 10 That all flesh may know that I the Lord have drawn forth my sword out of its sheath; it shall not return any more. 11 ^ But thou, son of man, do thou sigh: as though with broken loins,'' and with bitter- ness (of grief) shalt thou sigh before their eyes. 12 And it shall be, when they say unto thee. Wherefore sighest thou ? that thou shalt say. For the report, because it cometh, when " Philippson, after Sohnurrer, "the whole surface." '' When a person is deeply grieved it is difficult for him to keep erect, as though his loins were broken. "After llabbi Jonah, who renders in "or," as TX "how." ^ Rashi. Lit. "despiseth," ('. c. disregards the blow of any wood or tree, it being harder than all. The sense is • — "How can we rejoice at the view of the coming sword, when the punishment which i.s to befall Israel shall be irresistible, overcoming all obstacles which can be brought to oppose it ?" lledak, " We cannot rejoice at the coming sword, which we hope will come against our ene- mies; for it is gone forth to cut down the staff of my son, and disregardeth every tree to fell the same." Philipp- son takes the whole of this apostrophe, as also verse 18, as a parenthesis, or soliloquy of the prophet, in view of the coming evil. ' ]{asl)i, "(he assembly of nations coMir to tlie sword." an every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be made feeble, and every spirit shall become faint, and all knees shall be changed into wa- ter: behold, it cometh, and sliall be brought to pass, saith the Lord Eternal. 13 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 14 Son of man, prophesy, and say. Thus hath said the Lord, Say, The sword, the sword is sharpened, and also polished ; 15 In order to make a thorough slaughter is it sharpened; in order that it may glitter is it polished : how'" can we now rejoice, (when) the rod which reacheth my son excelleth in hardness'' every tree ? 16 And he hath given it to Ije polished, to make it fit to grasp it in the hand : it is the sword which is sharpened, and it is polished, to place it into the hand of the slayer. 17 Cry aloud and wail, son of man; for it cometh against my people, it cometh against all the princes of Israel; brought together" for the sword are they with my people : there- fore strike (thy hand) upon thy thigh. 18 For a purification taketh place: and what if the irresistible rod will also come? (my son) would not be able to exist,' saith the Lord Eternal. 19 ^ But thou, son of man, prophesy, and strike thy hands together, and let " The sword" be repeated the third" time, the sword of the slain : it is the sword of the great that are slain, which lieth in wait for them every- where."" 20 In order to make timid the heart, and to multiply the stumbling-blocks, do I bring the howling' of the sword against all their gates : Zunz, "assembled together for the sword;" and in this sense have we translated. Philippson, after Rabbi Jonah, "struck down with," &e. ' After Rashi, who applies nTl" N^ " he shall not be" or "remain in existence" to "my son," spoken of in verse 15. Philippson, however, "For a purification (must take place), and what, if even the irresistible rod were not to be ?" meaning, the people must be tried and puri- fied, if even the present threatened punishment should not be sent. The verso is exceedingly difficult in its con- struction. * It is already twice spoken of in verse 9, and now the third time. '' Rashi, "which pursueth you whithersoever you go forth, even in the most secret chambers. 'Others, "slaughter;" but Rashi makes it the eflfect of the slaughter, the complaining of the wounded and sur- vivors. EZEKIEL XXI. XXir. ah ! it is made bright, it is made thin-edged for the slaughter. 21 Gather up thy strength," go to the right hand, direct thyself, go to the left, whither- soever thy edge is turned. 22 And I also. — I will strike my hands togetlier, and I will cause m\' fury to be assuaged : I the Lord have spoken it. 23 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 24 But thou, son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Baljy- lon may come; out of one land shall both of them come forth: and select a place: at the head of the way to a cit>' do thou se- lect it. 25 A way shalt thou appoint, that the sword may come against Eabbah of the chil- dren of 'Amnion, and (the other) against Judah (dwelling) in Jerusalem the forti- fied. 2G For the king of Babylon hath halted at the parting of the way, at the commence- ment of the two ways, to use divination : he shaketh the** arrows, he consulteth with images, he looketh at the liver. 27 At his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem, to erect battering-rams, to open the mouth with the (crj- for) murder, to lift up the voice with shouting, to place battering-rams against the gates, to east up a mound, and to build works of attack. 28 And it will appear unto them as a false divination in their eyes, to those that had sworn" oaths ; but he will bring to remem- brance their inicjuity, that they may be cau"ht. 29 ][ Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Because ye have brought your ini- quity to remembrance, as your transgressions are discovered, so that your sins do appear in all your doings: because ye are thus brought to remembrance, ye shall be caught by (his) hand. 30 T[ And thou, death-deserving wicked one, prince of Israel, wdiose day is come, at the time of the iniquity of the'' end, — 31 ][ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Remove the mitre, and take off the crown : * Address to the sword. ' ?'. e. Emploj's various means of divination. ° Jonathan, "forty-nine times hath he divined." '' Uashi, "when the measure is full and the last iniquity this shall not be always so; exalt hiiii that is low, and make him low that is high. 32 Overthrown, overthrown, overthrown will I render it:" also this shall not belong (tc any one), until he come whose right it is, and I will give it him. 33 ^[ And thou, son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal con- cerning the children of 'Amnion, and concern- ing their reproach : even say thou, The sword, the sword is drawn; for the slaughter is it polished, to destroy, that it may continue to glitter; 34 While they foresee unto thee falsehood, while they divine unto thee lies, to lay thee by the necks of the slain wicked, whose day is come, at the time of the iniquity of the end. 35 Put back (the sword) into its sheath ! in the place where thou wast created, in the land of thv origin, will I iudge thee. 36 And I will pour out over thee my in- dignation, with the fire of my wrath will I blow against thee, and I will give thee up into the hand of bruti.^h men, skilful in de- stroying. 37 To the fire shalt thou be given to be devoured; thy blood shall be in the midst of the land: thou shalt nut l:)e rememliered (anymore); for I the Lord have spoken it. CHAPTER XXII. 1 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying. 2 And thou, son of man, wilt thou take to task, W'ilt thou take to task the city of blood? and wilt thou make her know all her abomi- nations? 3 Then say thou. Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, city that sheddeth blood in her midst, that her time (of sorrow) may come, and that hath made idols for herself to be- come unclean : 4 Through thy blood which thou hast shed, art thou become guilty; and through thy idols which thou hast made art thou become unclean ; and thou hast caused thy days (of destruction) to draw near, and thou art come even unto thy years; therefore do I make hath been perpetrated which lilleth it." Redak, " when the iniquity bringeth the end." Philippson, the punishment. ' The crown; but its future return is promised when the true son of David comes. EZEKIEL XXII thee a disgrace unto the nations, and a mock- ing to all the countries. 5 Those who are near, and those who are far from thee, shall mock thee, thou un- clean in name, and great in confusion ! Behold, the princes of Israel were each (ready) with his arm within thee, in order to shed blood. 7 Father and mother they esteemed lightly within thee, toward the stranger they acted with extortion in tlie midst of thee, the fa- therless and the widow they oppressed with- in thee. 8 My holy tilings thou didst despise, and my sabbaths thou didst prof^me. 9 Tale-bearers (also) were within thee, in order to shed l)lood; and upon the mountains did they eat within thee; incest did they commit in the midst of thee. 10 Their father's nakedness they uncover- ed within thee; her that was unclean in her separation did they violate within thee. 11 And one with his neighbour's wife did commit aliomination; and another did defile his dauiihter-in-law with incest ; and another did violate his sister, the daughter of his fa- ther, within thee. 12 Bribes they took within thee, in order to shed blood ; interest and increase didst thou take, and thou didst accpiire gain off thy neighbours by extortion : and me thou didst forget, saith the Lord Eternal. 13 And behold, I have struck my hands together at thy wrongful gain which thou hast acquired, and at thy blood-guilt which hath been in the midst of thee. 14 Will th}' courage* endure, or will thy liands remain strong, on the da^s that I will deal with thee? I the Lokd have spoken, and will do it. 15 And I will scatter thee among the na- tions, and disperse thee in the countries, and I will entirely remove thy uncleanness out of thee. 16 And thou slialt be degraded thi'ough thyself before the eyes of nations, and thou shalt know that I am the Lord. 17 T[ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 18 Son of man, the house of Israel are be- come to me dross : tliey all are copper, and en; • Lit. "Will thy heart stand." tin, and iron, and lead, in the midst of the furnace ; the dross of silver are they become. 19 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Because ye are all become dross, therefore, behold, 1 will gather you into the midst of Jerusalem. 20 As silver, and copper, and iron, and lead, and tin are gathered into the midst of the furnace, to blow the fire upon it, to melt it: so will I gather you in my anger and in my fury, and I will lay you down there, and melt you. 21 Yea, I will assemble you in a heap, and blow upon 30U with the fire of my wrath, and ye sluill be melted in the midst of it. 22 As silver is melted in the midst of the furnace, so shall ye be melted in the midst of it: and ye shall know that I am the Lord who have poured out my fury over you. 23 1[ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 24 Son of man, say unto her. Thou art a land that is not cleansed; (and) which is not rained upon on the day of indignation. 25 The banded troop of her prophets in the midst of her is like a roaring lion that teareth in pieces the prey : souls do they de- vour; wealth and precious things do they take away; the number of her widows do they increase in the midst of her. 20 Her priests violate my law, and j^rofane my holy things: between the holy and pro- fane do they make no distinction, and the difference between the unclean and the clean do they not make known, and from (the viola- tion of) my sabbaths do they turn away their eyes, so that I am profaned among them. 27 Her princes in her midst are like wolves that tear in pieces tlie prey, to shed blood, to destroy souls, in order to obtain selfish gain. 28 And her proi)hets plastered for them with unadhesive mortar, foreseeing falsehood, and divining unto them lies, saying. Thus hath said the Lord Eternal; when the Lord liad not spoken. 29 The people of the land are guilty of ex- tortion, and practise robbery, and the poor and the needy they defraud : and they ex- tort from the stranger with injustice. 30 And I seek now among them for a man, that could erect a fence, and stand in the breacli before me in behalf of the land. .'<o that I should not destroy it; but I find none. EZEKIEL XXII. XXIII. 31 And I therefore pour out over them my indignation ; with tlie lire of my wrath do" I make an end of them : their own way do I bring upon their head, saith the Lord Eternal. CHAPTER XXIII. 1 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother ; ;» And they played the harlot in Egypt; in their youth they played the harlot: there were their breasts pressed, and there thej' suffered their virgin bosoms to be touched. 4 And their names were Aholah the elder, and Aholibah her sister; but they became mine, and they bore sons and daughters: and their names are, Samaria is Aholah, and Je- rusalem. Aholibah. 5 And Aholah played the harlot while she was mine ; and she longed for her lovers, for the Assyrians that wei'e near'' (her), G Clothed (as they were) in blue, govern- ors, and rulers, attractive youths all of them, horsemen riding upon horses. 7 Thus she played the harlot with them, all of them the chosen ones of the sons of Asshur : and with all for whom she longed, — with all their idols did she defde herself. 8 But also her lewdness from Egypt forsook she not; for they had lain with her in her youth, and they had touched her virgin bosom, and liad lavished their lewd caresses on her. 9 Therefore did I give her up into the hand of her lovers, into the hand of the sons of Asshur, after whom she longed. 10 These were they that laid open her nakedness; her sons and her daughters did they take away, and her they slew with the sword : and she became infamous amouG; wo- men, when they inflicted the decreed punish- ments on her. 11 And when her sister Aholibah saw this, she became more corrupt in her longing than she, and in her lewd acts more than her sis- ter's lewdness. * In the original the whole of this passage, beginning with verse 25, is in the past tense, though the destruction spoken of was just to commence; but to the prophet, as noticed already before, the past and the future are alike, the one actually known and the other sure to happen; wherefore the whole is given here in the present tense. The prophet, it will be seen, first speaks of the prophets, 4C 12 For the sons of Asshur did she long, the governors and rulers that were near, clothed as they were most gorgeously, horse- men riding upon horses, attractive youths all of them. 13 Then saw I that she was defiled, that they followed both one way. 14 But she added still more to her acts of lewdness ; for when she saw men engraved upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with colour, 15 Bound with girdles on their loins, with hanging down coloured turbans on their heads, in appearance like commanders, all of them, in the likeness of the sons of Babylon of the Chaldeans, the land of their birth : 16 Then did she long for them as soon as she saw them with her eyes, and she sent messengers unto them to Chaldea. 17 And the sons of Babylon came to her unto the couch of love, and they defiled her with their lewd caresses ; and (yet) when she had been defiled with them, she tore her soul away from them. 18 And when she had laid open her lewd- ness, and had uncovered her nakedness: then my soul t(ire itself away from her, as my soul had torn itself away from her sister. 19 Yet she multiplied her deeds of lewd- ness, in calling to remembrance the days of her youth, when she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt. 20 And she longed for their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of asses, and whose lustfulness is like the lustfulness of horses. 21 And thou calledst to mind the incest of thy youth, when thy bosom was touched by the Egyptians for the sake of thy youthful breasts. 22 T[ Therefore, Aholibah, thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I will wake up thy lovers against thee, from whom thy soul hath torn itself away, and I will bring them against thee from every side ; 23 The sons of Babylon, and all the Chal- deans, Pekod,"' and Shoa, and Koa, and all the sons of Asshur with them, attractive youths. then the priests, nest the princes, again of the deceivers by divination, and at hist the common people, thus indi- cating the general corruption of manners, which is farther exhibited in the next chapter. '' Rashi. Zunz, "warriors." ° Rashi, "superintcudeiits, priests, and rulers." 017 EZEKIEL XXIII. governors and rulers all of them, commanders and chiels,'' riding upon horses all of them. 24 And they shall come over thee with weapons,'' chariots, and wheels, and with an assembly of people, buckler and shield and helmet shall they set up against thee round about : and I will give up before them the riglit to judge, and they shall judge thee ac- cording to their ordinances. 25 And I will set m^' zealousness against thee, and they shall deal with thee in fury ; thy nose and thy ears shall they cut oiF; and what is left of thee shall fall by the sword : thy sons and thy daughters shall they take away; and what is left of thee shall be de- voured by the fire. 26 And they shall strip thee of thy clothes, and take away thy ornamental attire. 27 Thus will I make thy incest to cease from thee, and thy lewdness brought from the land of Egypt: and thou shalt not lift up thy eyes unto them, and Egypt shalt thou not remember any more. 28 ]f For thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I will give thee up into the hand of those whom thou hatest, into the hand of those from whom thy soul hath torn itself away; 29 And they shall deal with thee in hate, and shall take away all (things acquired by) thy labour, and they shall leave thee naked and bare: and thus shall be uncovered the nakedness of thy lewdness, and thy incest and thy lewd deeds. 30 1 will do these things unto thee, be- cause thou hast gone witli vile lust after the nations, because thou hast defiled thyself with their idols. 31 On the way of thy sister hast thou walked ; therefore will I place her cup" into thy hand. 32 1[ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, The cup of thy sister shalt thou drink, the deep and wide one : thou shalt become to be * Lit. " those called," i. e. to public assemblies as popu- lar representatives. '' Kashi, "witli numerous hosts to hedge them in, as with a thorn-hedye." " i. e. The .same punishment shall befall both. ^ Rashi. Others refer the cud of the verse to tlie cup, and render it, "it containeth niueli." Zunz, "so us to hi Id much." " Zunz and l'hilipp.son connect this with "shalt thou drink" — the cup of astonisiiment; regarding the oom- 018 laughed to scorn and to be held in derision, more than thou canst bear."* 33 With drunkenness and sorrow shalt thou be filled, (out of)" the cup of astonish- ment and confusion, the cup of thy sister Sar niaria. 34 Thou shalt even drink it and drain it out, and thou shalt break in pieces its frag- ments, and tear thy own breasts; for I have spoken it, saith the Lord Eternal. 35 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Because thou hast forgotten me, and east me behind thy back: therefore bear thou also thy incest and thy acts of lewdness. 30 ^i The Lord said moreover unto me. Son of man, wilt thou call Aholah and Aholi- bah to account? then tell them of their abo- minations ; 37 That they have committed adultery, and there is blood on their hands, and with their idols have they committed adultery, and also their sons whom they had born unto me have they caused to pass for them through (the fire), to devour them. 38 Moreover this have they done unto me : they have defiled ray sanctuary on the same day, and my sabbaths have they proianed. 39 And when they had slain their children to their idols, then came they into my sanc- tuary on the same day to profane it: and, lo, thus have they done in the midst of my house. 40 And farthermore yet, because they sent for men who were to come from aftir, unto whom messengers were sent; and, lo, they came, for whom*^ thou didst bathe thyself, paint thy eyes, and deck thyself with ornaments; 41 And thou didst sit upon a stately bed, with a table spread before it, and my incense and my oil didst thou set upon it. 42 And the shout of a peaceful joyous mul- titude was (heard) within her; and with the men of the masses of the common people were brought Sabeans^ from the wilderness; and mencement of the verse as a mere parenthesis, describ- ing the effect of the drinking. ' Jonathan, "and they came to the place thou hadst assigned for them, while thou hadst," &c. * Jonathan, simply, "those who surrounded tliem." Others, "drunkards;" thus, "and with the men of the mas.ses of the common people came drunkards, brought from the wilderness," which description tits exactly to the orgies of the idolaters, where licentiousness was mingled in their mysteries and solemn festivities. EZEKTEL XXIII. XXIY these women placed bracelets on their hands, and crowns of f^lory upon their heads. 43 Then tliought I of her that was worn out in adulteries, Will they now (still) com- mit lewdness with her, when she (is thus)?" 44 But men went in unto her, as they go ill unto a taithless wife: thus went they in unto Aholah and unto Aholibah, the incestu- ous women. 45 Righteous men. however — these shall judge them as adulteresses are judged, and as women that shed l)lood are judged; be- cause adulteresses are they, and blood is on their hands. 46 For thus hath said the Lord Eternal, I will bring up against them an assemblage of men, and I will give tliem up to ill-usage and plunder. 47 And the assemblage shall stone them with stones, and cut them down with their swords: their sons and their daughters shall they slay, and their houses shall they burn with fire. 48 Thus will I cause incest to cease out of the land, that all women may be warned by example, and not do after your incestuous course. 49 And they shall lay your incest upon you, and the sins of your idols shall ye bear : and ye shall know that I am the Lord Eter- nal. CHAPTER XXIV. 1 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me in the ninth year, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, saying, 2 Son of man, write thee down the name of this day, of this same day: the king of Babylon hath advanced against Jerusalem on this same day. 3 And speak concerning the rebellious family a parable, and say unto them. Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Set on the pot, set it on, and also pour water into it; 4 Gather the proper pieces into it, every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill it up with the choice bones. 5 Take the choice of the flock, and make * Philippson. Rashi, "now will her lewdness cease; but she remaineth at her practices." ' Kashi. Jonathan, "filth." Septuagint, "rust." The word, however, is of uncertain derivation. ' i. c. Let one after the other portion of the people of also a fire for the bones under it: cause it to seethe well, that even the bones therein may be fully boiled through. 6 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Wo to the city of blood-guiltiness, to the pot the scum'' of which is' yet in it, and the scum of which is not gone out of it! one of its pieces' after the other take out from it : no lot is cast for it. 7 For her blood was in the midst of her; on the naked rock did she i)lace it : she poured it not upon the ground, to cover it over with dust. 8 To cause my fury to arise to take ven- geance, do I place her blood upon the naked rock, so that it shall not be covei'ed up. 9 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Wo to the city of blood-guiltiness! I also will myself build up a large burning pile, 10 Heaping on the wood, kindling the fire, thoroughly boiling the flesh, and stir- ring the mixture, that the bones may be scorched. 11 Then will I set it empty upon its coals, in order that it may become hot, and its copper l)e made to glow, and its unclean- ness may he molten in it, that its scum may be consumed. 12 With fraud hath she wearied (the poor); therefore shall not go forth from her the great- ness of her scum : through fire shall her scum (be removed).'' 13 In thy uncleanness is (thy) incest; be- cause I endeavoured to cleanse thee, and thou wouldst not be clean, thou shalt not be cleansed from thy uncleanness any more, until I have assuaged my fury on thee. 14 I the Lord have spoken it; it cometh to pass, and I will do it; I will not recall my decree, and I will not have pity, nor will I repent: according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall men judge thee, saith the Lord Eternal. 15 ^ And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 16 Son of man, behold, I will take away from thee the desire of thy eyes by a sudden Jerusalem (the pieces in the pot) be all carried away, without casting lot, as none shall be left. ^ This verse is given after Eashi. Others, "In vain is the labour; the multitude of its rust (or .-^oum) will not depart from it," &c. 619 EZEKIEL XXIV. XXV. death ; but thou shalt neither mourn nor weep, nor shalt thou shed a tear." 17 Sigh in silence,'' make no mourning for the deceased, thy bonnet bind around thy head, and thy shoes put on thy feet, and cover not thyself to thy upper lip, and eat not the bread of (other)" men. 18 And when I had spoken unto the peo- ple in the morning, my wife died at evening: and I did in the morning as I had been com- manded. 19 And the people said unto me, Wilt thou not tell us what these things mean for us, that thou doest so? 20 And I said unto them, The word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 21 Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus liath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I will protane my sanctuary, the pride of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and the darling'' of jour soul: and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left behind shall fall by the sword. 22 And ye shall do as I have done : ye shall not cover yourselves to your upper lip, and the bread of other men shall ye not eat. 23 And 3'Our bonnets shall be around your heads, and your shoes shall be on your feet : ye sliall not mourn nor shall ye weep; but ye sliall jiine away in your iniquities, and groan, looking one at the other. 24 Thus shall Ezekiel be unto you for a token ; in accordance with all that he hath done shall ye do : when this cometh, then shall ye know that I am the Lord Eternal. 25 ^ Also, thou son of man, behold, on the day when I take from them their strong- hold, the joy of their glory, the desire of their eyes, and the coveted object of their soul, their sons and their daughters, — 20 On that day there shall come one that hath escaped unto thee, and announce it to thy ears. 27 On that day shall thy mouth be open- ed tlirough him that hath escaped, and thou shalt speak, and thou shalt not be silenced " Lit. "nor sliall thy tear come." '' Raslii, "leave oif sighing." ° Alluding to the custcim that the niournor prepares not his own food, hut has it sent to him from (jtlicr houses; this verse also gives us indie;itions how uidurning was kept in the lime of Ezekiel. '' Ijit. "the sparing," or that whieh one would reserve C20 any more :' and thou shalt be a token unto them, and they shall know that I am the Lord. CHAPTER XXV. 1 Tl And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, set thy face against the sons of 'Amnion, and prophesy against them ; 3 And say unto the sons of 'Amnion, Hear ye the word of the Loi'd Eternal, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Because thou hast said. Aha, concerning my sanctuary, when it was profaned; and concerning the land of Is- rael, when it was made desolate; and con- cerning the house of Judah, when they went into exile : 4 Therefore, behold, I Avill give thee up to the children of the east for a possession, and they shall set up their towers^ in thee, and place in thee their dwellings; they shall in- deed eat thy fruit, and they shall surely drink thy milk. 5 And I will change Kabbah into a pasture for camels, and (the land of) the .sons of 'Am- mon into a resting-place for flocks : and ye shall know that I am the Lord. 6 ^ For thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Whereas thou didst clap thy hands, and stamp with thy feet, and rejoice with all thy derision in the soul over the land of Israel : 7 Therefore, behold, will I stretch out my hand over thee, and will give thee up for a spoil to the nations; and I will cut thee off from the people, and I will cause thee to perish out of the countries; I will destroy thee, and thou shalt know that I am the Lord. 8 Tl Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Be- cause Moab and Se'ir do say. Behold, the house of Judah is like all the nations: 9 Therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moilb from the cities, from his cities on his frontiers, the glory of the country, Beth-lia- yeshimoth, Ba'al-me'on, and Kiryathayim, 10 Unto the children of the east (coming) at every price — here the temple, which was so reverenced notwithstanding the people's sinning. " See chap. iii. 26; but now, when all the prophecy has been verified, then shall the prophet have no more occa- sion to keep silence, but speak and admonish without re- straint. ' Zun%, "sheej)folds," Eng. ver. "p.Tlnces." EZEKIEL XXV. XXVI. against the sons of 'Amnion, and I will give them in possession ; in order that the sons of 'Amnion may not be remembered among the nations. 11 And on Moab will I execute judgments: and they shall know that I am the Lord. 12 Tf" Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Because the Edomites have acted revengefully against the house of Judali, and have greatly offended, and have taken vengeance* on them : lo Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eter- nal, I will also stretch out my hand against Edom, and cut off from it man and beast; and I will make it a ruined land from The- man; and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword. 14 And I will display my vengeance on Edom by the hand of my people Israel ; and they shall do in Edom according to my anger and according to my fury: and they shall feel my vengeance, saith the Lord Eternal. 15 1j Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Because the Philistines have acted in revenge, and have taken vengeance with derision in their soul, to destroy out of ancient enmity : 16 Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I will stretch out my hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Kerethim, and destroy the remnant of the (dwellers) of the sea-coast. 17 And I will execute on them great ven- geances with furious chastisements: and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I dis- play my vengeance on them. CHAPTER XXVI. 1 ^ And it came to pass in the eleventh year, on the first day of the month,'^' that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, because Tyre hath said con- cerning Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken that was the gates of the people; she'' is turned unto me; I shall be made full, now she is laid in ruins: 3 Therefore tlius hath said the Lcjrd Eter- nal, Behold, I am against thee, Tyre, and ' Zunz, "and when they suffered for their guilt exe- cuted revenge against them." ^ The month is not given; hence, some think it the first, others the fourth, when Jerusalem was destroj-ed. ° Rashi, "now the commerce of nations will be turned to me." will bring up against thee many nations, as the sea causeth its Avaves to come up. 4 And they shall destroy the walls of Tyre, and pull down her towers: I Avill also flood away her earth from her, and I will change her into a naked rock. 5 A place for the spreading out of nets shall she be in the midst of the sea; for I liave spoken it, saith the Lord Eternal: and she shall become a spoil to the nations. 6 And her daughtei's that are in the field shall be slain with the sword: and thev shall know that I am the Lord. 7 ^ For thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I will bring against Tyre Nebuchad- rezzar the king of Babylon, from the north, the king of kings, with horses, and with cha- riots, and with horsemen, and an assemblage, and a numerous people. 8 Thy daughters in the field will he slay with the sword : and he shall place around thee works of attack, and cast up against thee a mound, and erect against thee a tar- get-fence.'^ 9 And his catapults shall he set against thy walls, and thy towers shall he break down with his axes. 10 By reason of the abundance of his horses shall the dust they raise cover thee: by reason of the noi.se of horsemen, and wheels, and chariots, shall thy walls quake, when he en- teretli into thy gates, as men' enter into a city that is liroken in. 11 With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets: thy people will he slay with the sword, and the statues'' of thy strength shall come down to the ground. 12 And they shall plunder thy riches, and make a spoil of thy merchandise; and they shall break down thy walls, and thy jjleasure- houses shall they pull down : and thy stones and thy timber and thy earth shall they throw into the midst of the water.^ 13 And I will cause the sound of thy songs to cease : and the tones of thy harj)s shall not be heard any more. 14 And I wall change thee into a naked "* A warlike mauceuvre, whore the soldiers interlocked their shields when they went to attack — testudo. ° Zunz, "as through the passages into," &c. ' i. c. Of the idols un which they relied as their strength. * Although this prophecy was not at once fulfilled, the present state of Tvre (Sur) is jii strict accordance. 631 EZEKIEL XXVI. XXVII. rock; a place to spread out nets upon shalt thou be; thou shalt not be rebuilt any more; for I the Lord have spoken it, saith the Lord Eternal. 15 ^ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal to Tyro, Truly at the noise of thy fall, when the deadly wounded whine, when the slaughter taketh place in the midst of thee, shall the islands quake. 10 Then shall all the princes of the sea come down from their thrones, and lay aside their robes, and their broidered garments shall they put oft': with trembling shall they clothe themselves; upon the ground shall they sit, and shall tremble at every moment,'' and be astonished concerning thee. 17 And they shall lift up over thee a la- mentation, and say to thee, How art thou lost, that wast inhabited (safely) by reason of the seas:'' renowned city, which was strong on the sea, she and her inhabitants, who caused their terror to be on all that dwelt around her!" 18 Now shall the isles tremble on the day of thy fall; yea, the isles that are in the sea shall be troubled at thy end.** 19 ^[ For thus hath said the Lord Eternal, When I render thee a ruined city, like the cities that are not inhabited; when I bring up over thee the deep, and when the great waters cover thee : 20 Then will I l)ring thee down with those that descend into the pit, unto the people of olden time, and I will cause thee to dwell in the land of the nether world, among ruins of ancient days, with those that go down to the pit, in order that thou mayest not he inhabited; but I will bestow glory in the land of life. 21 As though thou hadst not been" will I render thee, and thou shalt be no more: and thou shalt be sought for, but thou shalt never be found any more to eternity, saith the Lord Eternal. * Raslii, "they shall dread for their own downfall." Zunz, "shall tremble with affright." * Rashi. Others, "inhabited by men who navigate the seas." * Rashi ; butRedak, "all who dwell on (Eug. ver. htiniit) the sea." '' Lit. "going forth," i. c out of the world. 'Jonathan. Zuuz, "an unsubstantial thing will I make thee, and thou slialt pass away." Philippsou, "suddenly will 1 annihilate thee," &c. G22 CHAPTER XXVII. 1 ][ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 But thou, son of man, take up a lor mentation for Tyre; 3 And say unto Tyre, thou that art situated at the entrances of the sea, the mer- chant of the people unto many isles. Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Tyre, thou hast indeed said, I am perfect in Ijeauty. 4 In the heart of the seas were thy bounda- ries,*^ thy builders had perfected thy beauty. 5 Of the fir-trees from Senir had the}' built thee all thy wood-work : cedars from Lebanon had they taken to make masts for thee. 6 Of the oaks of Bashan had they made th}' oars; thy rudder^ had they made inlaid with ivory of boxwood, brought out of the isles of the Kittim. 7 Fine linen with broidered work from Egypt was thy flag'' to be unto thee a sign : of blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was thy cover.' 8 The inhabitants of Zidon and Arvad were thy oarsmen: thy wise men, Tjre, that were in thee, these were thy pilots. 9 The elders of Gebal and her wise men were in thee thy caulkers :'' all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to carry on thy commerce. 10 They of Persia' and of Lud and of Put were in thy army, thy men of war : the shield and the helmet did they hang up in thee; these gave thee thy elegance. 11 The men of Arvad with th}' aiiu\ were upon thy walls round iibout, and the Gamma- dim were in thy towers: their quivers'" they hung upon th}' walls round about; these made perfect thy beauty. 12 Tharshish was tl'iy the abundance of all kind through markets. tin, and lead, merchant of wealth: with sil- the^' supplied thy ' Alluding to new Tyre, which was built on an island. * Rashi. D'^K'^! n3 is given by Zunz with "Bath-ashu- rim;" thus, "of ivory of Bath-ashurim." '' Philippson, the flag being the distinguishing token of nationality. Rashi and others, "sails." ' A sort of tent over the ship. '' Lit. "the strengtheners of thy leak." ' Meaning, that as the rough sea labour was performed by foreigners, so were the soldiers also hired from abroad. ° Others, "shields." 13 Javan, Thubal, and Meshech, these were thy merchants : with the persons of men and vessels of copper they carried on thy com- merce. 14 They of the family of Thogarmah fur- nished thy supplies in horses and horsemen and mules. 15 The men of Dedan were thy merchants; many isles fetched the merchandise from thy place: chamois horns, ivory, and ebony" did they bring as presents for thee. 16 S^ria was thy trader b}' reason of the multitude of thy productions : with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and rubies they made deposits in thy treasuries.'' 17 Judah, and the land of Israel, these were thy merchants : in wheat of Minnith, and balsam," and honey, and oil, and balm they carried on thy commerce. 18 Damascus was thy trader in the mul- titude of thy productions, for the multitude of all wealth, with the wine of Chelbon, and white wool. 19 Dan also and Javan brought silken goods into thy warehouses: hardened iron, cassia, and calamus came among thy commerce. 20 Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for riding on. 21 Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, these were the traders of thy place in lambs, and wethers, and he-goats : in these were they thv traders. 22 The merchants of Sheba and Ra'mah, — these were thy merchants: in the best of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold, they furnished thy supplies. 2.3 Charan, and Canneh, and 'Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, (and) Kilmad, were thy merchants. 24 These were thy merchants in orna- mental wares, in cloaks of l)lue, and broid- ered work, and in chests of damask cloth, bound with cords, and packed in cedar, in thy market-])lace. 25 The ships of Thanshish were thy cara- vans in thy commerce: and tliou wast made full, and becamest very rich in the heart of the seas. ' Rashi, "peacocks." '' Jonathan. Others, " tliey traded in thy markets," or " fairs." EZEKIEL XXVII. XXVIII. 26 Into great ^atei-s lirought thee those that were thy rowers: the east wi)ul hath broken thee in the heart of the seas.'' 27 Thy wealth, and tliy warehouses, thy commerce, thy mariners, and thy pilots, thy caulkers, and the conductors of thy commerce, and all thy men of war that were in thee, and in all thy assemblage which was in the midst of thee, fell into the heart of the seas on the Any of thy downflill. 28 At the sound of the painful cry of thy pilots quake (thy) rural districts. 29 And all that handle the oar, the mari- ners, and all the pilots of the sea, come down from tlieir ships, the\' stand upon the land; 30 And cause their voice to be heard con- cerning thee, and cry bitterly, and cast up dust upon their heads, thej- wallow in the ashes ; 31 And they make themselves utterly bald for thee, and gird themselves with sackcloth, and they weep for thee with bitterness of heart in a bitter complaint. 32 And they take in their wailing a la- mentation for thee, and lament over thee, saying, Who is like Tyre, who is so utterly destroyed in the midst of the sea? 33 When thy supplies went forth out of the seas, thou didst satisty many people: with the multitude of thy wealth and of thy com- merce thou didst enrich the kings of the earth. 34 (Now) at the time thou art broken by the seas in the depths of the waters, thy com- merce and all thy assemblage fell in the midst of thee. 35 All the inhabitants of the isles ai'e as- tonished at thee, and the hair of their kings stand at an end, grieved are their counte- nances. 36 The traders among the people shall hiss concerning thee : thou wast rendered as though thou hadst not been, and thou shalt not be any more for ever. CHAPTER XXVIII. 1 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyre, ° Rashi. Jonathan, "sweet cakes." ^ The prophet describes Tyre as though she suffered shipwreck after being afloat on the water. 623 EZEKIEL XXVIII. Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Whereas thy heart was lifted up, and thou saidst, A god am I, on the seat of the gods do I dwell, in the heart of the seas ; yet thou art but a man, and not God, while thou esteemest* thy mind equal to the mind of God ; 3 Behold, thou wast** wiser than Daniel; no secret was obscure to thee; 4 With thy wisdom and with thy under- standing hadst thou gotten thee riches, and hadst gotten gold and silver into thy treasuries ; 5 By the abundance of thy wisdom in thy traffic hadst thou increased thy I'iches; and thy heart was lifted up because of thy riches : 6 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Because thou hast esteemed thy mind equal to the mind of God, 7 Therefore, behold, will I bring over thee strangers, the fiercest of nations; and they shall draw their swords against the beauty" of thy wisdom, and they shall pi'ofane thy elegance. 8 Down to the grave will they cast thee, and thou shalt die the deaths of the slain in the heart of the seas. 9 Wilt thou then say, I am God, before him that slayeth thee? when thou art but a man, and no God, in the hand of him that fatally woundeth thee. 10 The deaths of the uncircumcised shalt thou die by the hand of strangers ; for I have spoken it, saith the Lord Eternal. 11^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 12 Son of man, take up a lamentation con- cerning the king of Tyre, and say unto him, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Thou wast complete in outline,*^ full of wisdom, and per- fect in beauty. 13 In 'Eden the garden of God didst thou abide; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, the topaz, and the diamond, the chrysolite, the onyx, and the jasper, the sap- lihire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold; thy tabrets and thy flutes of artificial ° Lit. "settest thy heart as the heart of God." ' All this is ironical; the king of Tyre had thought himself wiser than all, even Daniel. " I. e. The works of art and elegance produced by Tyre's wisdom. '' Rashi, "Thou art full of wisdom to seal and engrave any picture and form." ° The prophet represents the king of Tyre as received at his birth with the sound of mu.tic, 624 workmanship were prepared in thee on the day that thou wast created." 14 Thou wast a cherub with outspread covering (wings); and I had set thee upon the holy mountain of God (as) thou wast;' in the midst of the stones of fire didst thou wander.^ 15 Perfect wast thou in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till wickedness was found in thee. 16 By the abundance of thy commerce thou wast filled to thy centre with violence, and thou didst sin: therefore I degraded thee out of the mountain of God; and I destroyed thee, covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17 Thy heart was lifted up through tby beauty, thou didst corrupt thy wisdom by- reason of thy elegance: (therefore) I cast thee down to the ground, before kings did I set thee that they might gaze on thee. 18 Through the abundance of thy iniquities, through the wickedness of thy commerce didst thou profane thy sanctuaries : therefore brought I forth fire from the midst of thee, this devoured thee, and I changed thee to ashes upon the earth before the eyes of all those that saw thee. 19 All that know thee among the people are astonished concerning thee: thou art as though thou hadst not been, and thou shalt not be any more for ever. 20 ][ And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 21 Son of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesy against it, 22 And thou shalt say. Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon, and I will Ije honoured in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I am the Lord, Avhen I execute judgments on her, and will be sanctified on her. 23 And I will send out against her pesti- lence, and blood (-shedding) into her streets; and the deadly wounded shall be felled'' in ' Alluding to Hiram aiding Solomon in the building of the temple. Philippsou renders n'Tl as nvnS "I set thee to be ou the mountain of God." So also llashi. The Tyrians also were at first friends of Israel. * Philippsou explains this, ''covered with a blaze nf precious stones." ' Jonathan. Rashi, "they shall cxpi'ct that there shall be men slain by the sword," or "adjudge themselves to be slain," &c. BAKL;CH Wlx'Il IX( V iHli 1 WOl-'HKC IKS t)K J KKK.MI^M I EZEKIEL XXVIII. XXIX. the midst of her by the sword (that is) against her from every side: and they shall know- that I am the Lokd. 24 And there shall be no more unto the house of Israel a pricking brier, nor painful thorn from all that are round about them, that despoil" them: and they shall know that I am the Lord Eternal. 25 T[ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, When I gather the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and*" shall be sanctified on them before the eyes of the nations : then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacol). 20 And they shall dwell thereupon in safe- ty, and they shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell in safety; when I execute judgments on all those that despoiled them from round about them: and they shall know that I am the Lord their God. CHAPTER XXIX. 1 ^f In the tenth year, in the tenth month, 0)1 the twelfth day of the month, came the word of the Lord unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, set thy face against Pha- raoh the king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt. 3 Speak and say. Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I will be against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great crocodile that lieth in the midst of his streams, who liath said. Mine is my stream, and I have made it for mjself 4 But I will put hooks in thy jaws, and I will fasten the fish of th}' streams on thy scales ; and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy streams, with all the fish of thy streams whicli .shall stick fast on thy scales. 5 And I will cast thee out into the wilder- ness, thee with all the fish of thy streams; upon the open field shalt thou tall; thou shalt not be brought in, nor gathered up: to the Othe 'that " llaslii. Zuiiz, "that assail them despise them." '' Zunz, "then will I be, &c.— and they shall dwell." *■ See also Isaiah xxxvi. 6. This means, as little sup- port as a common fragile reed would be if a man were to lean on it, as he would do on a stout oaken or other tirm staff. ■* i. e. Those who thought tliey could rest their feeble limbs upon this prop had, notwithstanding their weakness, 41) beasts of the Held and to the fowls of the heaven have I given thee for food. 6 And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the Lord; because they have been a reed-staff'^ to the house of Israel. 7 When they took hold of thee witli the hand, thou wast cracked, and didst rend for tliemTiTI the shoulder: and when they leaned upon thee, thou wast broken, and madest all their loins to be at a stand." 8 Tl Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I will Ijring a sword upon thee, and I will cut ofi" out t)f thee man and beast. 9 And the land of Egypt shall be changed into a waste and ruin, and tliey shall know that I am the Lord; because he hath said, The stream is mine, and I have made it. 10 Therefore, behold, I will be against thee, and against thy streams, and I will render the land of Egypt a mass of ruins, a waste, and a wilderness, from Migdol to Se- veneh'' even up to the l)order of Ethiojiia. 11 There shall not pass through it the foot of man, and the foot of beast shall not pass through it, and it shall not be inhabited forty years. 12 And I will render the land of Egypt ii desolate land in the midst of desolated coun- tries, and her cities among the cities thtit are ruined shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries. 13 Tf For thus hath said the Lord Eternal, (only) at the end of forty years will I gather the Egyptians from the people whither they shall have been scattered; 14 And I will bring back the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land t)f Pathi'os, into the land of their own origin: and tliey shall be there an unimport- ant kino'dom. 15 Among the kingdoms it shall be the lowest ;'^ neither shall it rai.se itself any more to strengthen themselves, to stand erect. ()thers read for rno;?ni "thou causedst to stand," rni'Om "thou eausedst to be out of joint." ° i. e. From Migdol, the northern, toSe^ei.jh, tlio south- ern boundary, called by the Greeks, Syene, now Assouan. ' The population of ancient Egypt ha.s entirely disap- peared, and those that rule there now arc aliens to the soil. The Copts themselves are scarcely tb.e u'imixed de- scendants of the former inhabitants. 1)25 EZEKIEL XXIX. XXX. above the nations : and I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the na- tions. l(j And it shall be no more unto the house of Israel for a dependence, bringing (their) iniquity to remembrance, when they turned' after them: and they shall know that I am the Lord Eternal. 17 ^[ And it came to pass in the seven and twentieth year, in the first month, on the first of the month, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 18 Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon hath caused his army to perform a great service* against Tyre; every head hath been made bald, and every shoulder hath been rubbed sore : yet no reward hath come to him or to his army from Tyre, for the ser- vice that he hath performed against it. 19 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I will give unto Nelmchad- rezzar the king of Babjdon the land of Egypt; and he shall carry away its multi- tude, and take its spoil, and plunder its prey: and this shall be the reward ibr his army. 20 As his recompense for that which he hath .served against it, have I "iven him the land of Egypt, ibr that which they had done against" me, saith the Lord Eternal. 21 On that day'' will I cause to grow a horn tor the house of Israel, and unto thee will 1 open the mouth" in the midst of them: and they shall know that I am the Lord. CHAPTER XXX. 1 Tf And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Wail ye. Wo unto the day! o For nigh is the day, yea nigh is the day of the Lord; a cloudy day; the time of the nations' (misfortune) shall it be. 4 And the sword shall come into Egypt, and there shall be trembling in Ethiopia, ' i. e. Seeking succnur from Egypt, as was often done in the later period of the kingdom of Judah. (Compare with Exod. xiv. 13; Deut. xvii. 16.) '' Tie besieged it thirteen years after eoiiqucring Jeru- .^aUnii, without taking it. ' Jonathan; i. e. the sin the Egyptians had committed. Otiiers, "bccanse tlicy ( Nebiichaiinc/.ziir and his army) have laboured for me;" /. c. in besieging Tyre. 626 when the slain fall in Egypt, aiii when tliey take away its multitude, and its foundations shall be broken down. 5 Ethiopia, and Put, and Lud, and all the confederates, and Cub, and all the men of the leagued land, shall lall with them l)y the sword. 6 T[ Thus hath said the Lord, Yea, there shall fall those that uphold Egypt; and there shall come down the pride of her strength: from Migdol to Seveneh shall they fall in her by the sword, saith the Lord Eternal. 7 And they shall be made desolate in the midst of the desolate countries, and its cities shall be counted in the midst of the cities that have been laid in ruins. 8 And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I set fire*^ to Egypt, and when all her helpers shall be broken. 9 On that day shall messengers go l()rth from my presence in ships to terrify the secure Ethiopians, and there shall be tremljling among them, as on the day of Egypt ; lor, lo, it Cometh. 10 TI Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, I will also cause the multitude of Egypt to cease through the hand of Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon. 11 He and his people with him, the fiercest of nations, shall be brought to destroy the land; and they shall draw their swords against Egypt, and they shall fill the land with the slain. 12 And I will render the streams dry, and sell the land into the hand of e\il men; and I will make the land desolate, and all that filleth it, by the hand of strangers: I the Lord have spoken it. 13 ]f Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause false gods to cease out of Noph ; and a prince out of the land of Egypt slndl there not be any more: and I will lay tear on the land of Egypt. 14 And I will make Pathros desolate, and '' Philippson supposes this to mean an indefinite fu- ture consolation of Israel. We may add, as sure as the humbling of Egypt took place, which was soon verified, so sure shall lie the restoration of Israel. ' Lit. "give the opening of the mouth;" meaning, the prophet shall be able to refer to the accomplishment as the verification of his mission. ' Fire signifies destruction through invading enemies. EZEKIEL XXX. XXXI. set fire to Zo'an; and I will execute judg- ments in No. 15 And I will pour my fury over Sin, the stronghold of Eg}pt; and I will cut oft" the multitude of No. 16 And I will set fire to Egypt : Sin .shall have great pain, and No shall Ije broken in, and (over) Noph shall the besiegers (prevail) by broad day." 17 The voung men of Aven and of Pi-bes- seth shall foil by the sword : and they them- selves shall go into captivity. 18 And at Thechaphneches the day shall be darkened, when I break there the yoke- bars of Egypt, and the pride of her strength ceaseth therein : as for her, a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity. 19 Thus will I execute judgments on Egypt: and they shall know that I am the Lord. 20 ^ And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first month, on the seventh day of the month, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 21 Son of man, the arm of Pharaoh the king of Egypt have I broken; and, lo, it shall not be bound up to apply remedies, to put on a bandage to bind it up, to make it strong that it may grasp the sword. 22 ][ Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I will be against Pliaroah the king of Egypt, and will break his arms, both the strong, and that which was already broken ; and 1 will cause the sword to foil out of his hand. 23 And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and I will disperse them through the countries. 24 And I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and I will put my sword in his hand; but I will break the arms of PIkv raoh, and he shall groan, with the groanings of a deadly wounded man before him. 25 Yea I will make strong'' the arms of the king of Babylon, but the arms of Pharaoh ° /. e. They shall not come by stratagem, but by open and daring assault. Rashi, "daily;" thus, the besiegers shall come against it day after day. *■ Meaning, the reuiaiuing inhabitants other than the young men who have fa.Uen in battle. ° Rashi renders this, "I will uphold." ^ Meaning, because Egypt is to be punished for wrong shall fall down : and they shall know that I am the Lord, when 1 place my sword'' into the hand of the king of Babylon, that he may stretch it out over the land of Egypt. 26 And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and disperse them among the covnitries : and they shall know that I am the Lord. CHAPTER XXXI. 1 ^ And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third month, on the first day of the month, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, say unto Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and to his multitude, Unto whom art thou like in thy arrogance? 3 Behold, Asshur was a cedar in Lebanon beautiful in its boughs, and a shadt)wing thicket, and high in stature; and among the thick-boughed trees was its highest branch. 4 The waters made it great, the deep made it high, with its rivers'" it wtis flowing round the place where it was planted, and its ditches it sent forth unto all the trees of the field. 5 Therefore became its stature higher than all the trees of the field, and its boughs were multiplied, and its branches became long be- cause of the multitude of waters, when it stretched itself forth. 6 In its boughs made all the fowls of hetv ven their nest, and under its branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young, and under its shade dwelt all great nations. 7 And it was Ix'autiful in its greatness, in the length of its light branches; for its root was by many waters. 8 The cedars could not obscure it in the garden of God; the firs were not like its boughs, and the chestnut-trees were not like its branches: not any tree in the garden of God was like luito it in its beauty. 9 Beautiful had I made it by the multitude of its light branches : so that all the trees of 'Eden that were in the garden of God, en- vied it. done against God's people, Nebuchadnezzar wields in his wars the sword of God, not his own; as indeed the Scriptures always represent the events they record as God's acts. " i. e. The deep, with the ri'-e-p it produced, flowed around this cedar, and the ditv^nos thence derived for ir- rigation extended the superabund-'jicc. of the water to aU other trees near it. 627 EZEKIEL XXXI. XXXII. 10 ]| Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Because thou wast so high in sta- ture, and it had placed its highest branch be- tween the thick-boug.hed trees, and its heart was lifted up through its height: 11 Therefore do I give it up into the hand of the mighty one of the nations; he shall surely deal with it at his pleasure; for its wickedness do I drive it out. 12 And strangers, the fiercest of nations, cut it down, and cast it to the ground: on the mountains and in all the vallejs fall its light branches, and its boughs are (lying) broken in all the ravines of the land; and all the people of the earth are gone away from its shade, and have cast it to the gTOUud. 13 Upon its fallen fragments dwell all the fowls of the heaven, and on its branches are all the beasts of the field : 14 In oi'der that none of all the trees by the waters shall exalt themselves for their height, nor place their highest branch among the thick-boughcd trees, and that all those that are nourished" by Avater shall not place them- selves erect, because of their height ; for they are all given up unto death, to the land of the nether world, in the midst of the children of men, with those that go down to the pit. 15 ^ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, On the day when it went down to the grave I caused a mourning; I covered the deep for its •sake, and I restrained its rivers, and the great waters were withheld : and I caused Lebanon to be clothed in black attire for its sake, and all the trees of the field were famished be- cause of it. 16 Through the noise of its downfall I caused nations to quake, when I cast it down into the tomb Avith the (others) that descend into the pit: and in the land of the nether world comforted themselves'' all the trees of 'Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that were nourished by water. 17 They also went down Avith it into the tomb unto those that were slain with the sword, and its helpers that had dwelt under its shade ni the midst of the nations. " Lit. "all the water-drinkers;" a uietaphoric expres- sion for trees which die without wator. '' Those which had ah-eady f':dlc'ii now rejoice at the downfall of the OeJn.T (As,syria) which had so terribly ruled over them. ^C. .■■pare with Isaiah xiii. and xiv., concerning Babylon.) 628 18 To whom art thou then like in glory and in greatness among the trees of 'Eden ? And thou too shalt be brought down Avith the trees of 'Eden unto the land of the nether Avorld : in the midst of the uncircumcised shalt thou lie Avitli those slain by the sAvord ; yes, he, Pharaoh, and all his multitude, saith the Lord Eternal. CHAPTER XXXII. 1 T[ And it came to pass in the tAvelfth year, in the twelfth month, on the first day of the month, that the Avord of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, take up a lamentation for Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and say unto him. Thou didst deem thyself like a young lion among the nations: Avhile thou art as a crocodile in the seas; and thou issuedst forth Avith thy rivers, and madest turbid the Avaters Avith thy feet, and didst stir up their rivers. 3 Tl Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, I Avill therefore spread out my net over thee through the assemblage of many people, and they shall draw thee up in my net. 4 Then Avill I cast thee upon the land, upon the open field Avill I hurl thee, and will cause all the foAvls of the heaven to dAvell upon thee, and I Avill satisfy- oflf thee the beasts of all the earth. 5 And I Avill lay thy flesh upon the moun- tains, and fill the valleys with thy carcass."' 6 I Avill also saturate the land Avherein thou swimmest Avith thy blood, CA'en to the mountains; and the ravines shall be full of thee. 7 And I will cover up the heavens. Avhen thou art quenched, and make their stars ob- scure: the sun AviU I cover up Avith a cloud, and the moon shall not let shine her light. 8 All tlie light-dispensing lights of the hea- vens — these will I make obscure because of thee, and I will lay darkness upon thy land, saith the Lord Eternal. 9 And I Avill aggrieve the heart of uuuiy people, Avhen I bring those Avho are broken'' oflf from thee among the nations, into counti'ies Avhich thou hast not knoAvn. ' Rashi, "those that are fiillen from thee." Others, cited by him, "thy worms;" ('. e. those that feed on the dead carcass. "Jonathan; meaning, the scattered remnants. Others, "when I bring the report of thy breach (downfall) among the nations." EZEKIEL XXXII. 10 Yea, I will make many people amazed at thee, and on their kings the hair shall stand on end because of thee, when I brand- ish my sword before their faces: and they sliall tremble at every moment," every man for his own life, on the day of thy down- I'all. 11 ][ For thus hath said the Lord Eternal, The swoi'd of the king of Babylon sliall come over thee. 12 By the swords of the mighty will I cause thy multitude to fall, the fiercest of na- ; tions are all of them : and they shall destroy the pride of Egypt, and all her multitude sliall be annihilated. 13 And I will cause to vanish all her Ijeasts from beside the great waters; and the foot of man shall not make them turbid any more, nor shall the hoofs of beasts make them turbid. 14 Then will I make clear their waters, and cause their rivers to flow like oil, saith the Lord Eternal; 15 When I render the land of Egypt deso- late and wasted, the country bereft of what now filleth it, when I smite all those that dwell therein: and they shall know that I am the Lord. 16 This is the lamentation wherewith they shall lament for her; the daugliters of the nations shall lament for her : for Egypt, and for all her multitude, shall they lament with it, saith the Lord Eternal. 17 ^ And it came to pass in the twelfth 3'ear, on the fifteenth day of the month, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 18 Son of man, moan for the multitude of Egypt, and say that it shall go down, yea, she, and the daughters of powerful nations, unto the land of the nether Avorld, with those that go down to the pit. 19 Whom dost thou surpass in loveliness? go down (then), and be thou laid with the (other) uncircumcised. 20 In the midst of those that are slain by " Others, "for their own dreaded misfortune." '' These are the words the other inhabitants of the lower world will speak concerning Pharaoh and his followers. "Uncircumcised," a term of reproach, as much "as the wicked," or "imperfect," "degraded." ° Or "dismay;" but Rashi, "who caused a breach in the land of Israel." the sword shall they fall : to the sword is siie given up; drag her away and all her multi- tudes. 21 Then will speak of him the strongest among the mighty out of the midst of the nether world with those that once helped him, They*" are gone down, there lie the uncircum- cised, — -slain by the sword. 22 There is Asshur and all his assemblage; round about him ai-e his graves; all of them the slain that are fallen liy the sword; 23 Whose graves are placed in the lowest depth of the pit, and his assemblage is roinid about his grave; all of them are slain, fallen by the sword, who once spread terror' in the land of the living. 24 There is 'P^lam and all her multitude round al)out her grave, all of them the slain, that are fallen by the sword, who are gone down uncirciuiicised into the land of the nether world, who once spread their terror in the land of the living; and they have borne their confusion with those that go down to the jjit. 25 In the midst of the slain have they .set a couch for her with all her multitude; all round about are her graves; all of them are uncircumcised, slain by the sword; because their terror was once spread in the land of the living; and they have borne their confu- sion with those that go down to the pit : in the midst of the slain was she placed. 26 There is Meshech, Tliubal, and all her multitude; all round about her are her graves : all of them are the uncircumcised, slain by the sword; because they once spread their terror in the land of the living. 27 And those who are fallen of the uncir- cumcised shall not lie with the mighty, who are gone down to the nether world with their weapons of war, while men laid their swords under their heads, and the (instruments* of) their iniquities were upon their bones ; for the terror of the mighty was in the land of the living. 28 But thou shalt be broken in the midst * Zunz, who supplies "instruments" as parallel with "swords;" but Rashi, "there was nothing wanting of their iniquities, because they had not been slain; and what was their iniquity? for their terror," &c. The Scythians, like other barbarou.s nations, buried the armour of their deceased chiefs in tlicir graves, and even their wife, cook, minister, and favnurite horse. 6-2i) EZEKIEL XXXII. XXXIII. of the uncircumcised, and shalt lie with those that are shiin by the sword. 29 There are Edom, her kings, and all her jDrinces, who are laid despite their prowess by those that are slain by the sword : they shall lie with the nncircuracised, and Avith those that go down to the pit. 30 There are the chieftains of the north, all of them, and all the Zidonians, who are gone down with the slain : despite the terror the\' excited through their prowess are they made ashamed; and they lie uncircumcised with those that are slain by the sword, and bear their confusion with those that go down to the pit. 31 These shall Pharaoh see, and he shall be comforted over all his multitude: slain by the sword are Pharaoh and all his army, saith the Lord Eternal. 32 For I spread my terror in the land of the livins;; and he shall be laid in the midst of the uncircumcised with those that are slain by the sword, — yea, Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord Eternal. CHAPTER XXXIII. 1 ][ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, If there be a land over which I bring the sword, and the people of the land take a man from anion 2; them- selves, and appoint him unto themselves for a watchman ; 3 And if he see the sword coming over the land, and blow the cornet, and warn the peo- ple; 4 And whosoever heareth the sound of the cornet, and taketh no warning; and the sword cometh, and taketh him away : his l)lood shall be upon his own head. 5 The sound of the cornet hath he heard, and he hath taken no warning; his blood shall be upon liim. But had he taken warn- ing he would have delivered his soul. 6 But if the watchman see the sword com- ing, and IjIow not the cornet, so that the peo- ple be not warned, and the sword cometh, and taketh away from among them some jier- son : this one is taken away for his iniquity ; but his blood will I require from the watch- man's hand. 7 *[[ But as for thee, son of man, I have appointed thee a watchman unto the house of Israel : so that when thou hearest a word from my mouth, thou shalt warn them from me. 8 When I say unto the wicked, wicked one, thou shalt surelj' die; and thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way : that wicked one shall die for his iniquity; l)ut his blood will I require from thy hand. 9 Nevertheless, if thou hast indeed warned the wicked of his way to turn away from it, and he do not turn from his wa}- : he shall certainly die for his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 10 ^ But thou, son of man, speak unto the house of Israel, Thus do ye speak, saying, Truly our transgressions and our sins are upon us, and through tliem do we pine away : how then shall we 1 ive ? 11 Sa^' unto them. As I live, saith the Lord Eternal, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked ; but in the return of the wick- ed from his way that he may live : return ye, return ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, house of Israel? 12 ^ But thou, son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him on the day of his transgression ; and as for the wick- edness of the wicked, he shall not stumble through it on the day that he returneth from his wickedness; nor shall the righteous be able to live through the other on the day that he sinneth. 13 When I say of the righteous, that he shall surely live, and he trusteth to his own righteousness, and committeth what is wrong: all his righteous deeds shall not be remember- ed, and for his wrong that he hath commit- ted, — through this shall he die. 14 Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and he turneth from his sin, and executeth justice and righteous- ness ; 15 If the wicked restore the pledge, make restitution for what he hath robbed, walk in the statutes of life, so as not to do nii\' winng: he shall surely live, he shall not die. 10 All his sins that he hath committed shall not be remembered unto him: justice and righteousness hath he executed, he shall surely live. 17 Yet say the children of thy people, EZEKIEL XXXIII. XXXIV TIiC ^^•ay of the Lord is not equitable: while, as to them, their way is not equitable. IS V/hen the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and ddtli what is wrong, he shall even die therefor. 19 And when the wicked returneth from his wickedness, and execute th justice and riaoL'-ousness, he shall surely live therefor. .'I" Vet ye say. The way of the Lord is not i-ouitable. Every one after his own ways will I judge you, O house of Israel. 21 ^1 And it came to pass in the twelftli year, in the tenth month, on the fifth day of the month after our exile, that there came unto me one that had escaped out of Jerusa- lem, saying, The city hath been smitten. 22 Now the inspiration of the Lord was come upon me in the evening, before the coming of the one who, had escaped; and he had opened my mouth, before he was come to me in the morning; and my mouth was opened and I was not kept dumb any more." 23 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 24 Son of man, they that dwell in these ruins in the land of Israel say as foUoweth, But one man was Abraham, and he obtained the land as an inheritance ; and as we are many, the laud must (surely) be given to us for an inheritance. 25 ^ Therefore say unto them. Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, By the blood do ye eat, and your eyes do you lift up toward your idols, and blood do ye shed : and ye expect to possess the land? 26 Ye depend upon your sword, ye commit abomination, and ye defile every one his neighbour's wife: and ye expect to possess the land? 27 Thus slialt thou say unto them, Thus liath said the Lord Eternal, As I live, surely those that are in the ruined'' places shall fall by the sword, and him that is in the open field will I give to the beasts that they may devour him, and those that are in the strong- holds and in the caves shall die through the pestilence. 28 And I will render the land desolate and * (See above, iii. 26, 27.) Now was the occasion come for the prophet to speak freely, as the aceomplishment had verified his previous predictions. "" Rashi, "the fortified cities, which shall ultimately be ruined." wasted, and the pn<le of her strengtli shall cease; and the mountains of Israel shall be desolate, with none to pass through them. 29 And they shall experience that I am the Lord, when I render the land desolate and wasted, becau.se of all their ai)ominations which they have commited. 30 ^] And thou, son of man, (there are) the children of thy people, who are talking about thee by the walls and in the entrances of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, sajing, Do come, and hear what the word is which cometli i()rtli from the Lord. 31 And then they come unto thee as the people come," and they sit before thee (as)'' my people, and they hear thy words, but do not execute them; for as meriy songs they carry them in their mouth, while their heart goeth after their unlawful gains. 32 And, lo, thou art unto them as a merry song of one" that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well: and (thus) they hear thy words, but execute them not. 33 But when it cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,) then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them. CHAPTER XXXIV. 1 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, prophesy concerning the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say unto them, unto the shepherds. Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Wo to the shepherds of Israel who do feed themselves ! should not the shep- herds feed the flocks? 3 The fat ye eat, and with the wool ye clothe yourselves, those that are well fed ye slaughter; but the flock ye feed not. 4 The diseased have ye not strengthened, and the sick have ye not healed, and that which had a limb broken have ye not bound up, and the strayed have ye not brought back again, and what was lost have ye not sought for; but with force have ye ruled them and with rigour. 5 And they were scattered for want of a ° i.e. As Jonathan explains, "as disciples come to hear." * Rashi ; meaning, they pretend outwardly to care for what the prophet tells them in God's name. • After Rcdak. 631 EZEKIEL XXXIV. shepherd; and thej became food unto all the beasts of the field, and they were scattered. 6 My sheep have to wander about on all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, over all the face of the land are my flock scattered, and there is none that inquireth and none that seeketh (after tliem). 7 Tlierefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord, 8 As I live, saith the Lord Eternal, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became food unto every beast of the field, be- cause there was no shepherd, and my shep- herds did not inquire for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and my flock they fed not: 9 Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord, 10 Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Be- hold, I will be against the shepherds, and I will require my flock from their hand, and I Avill stop them from feeding the flock ; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves anymore: and I will deliver my flock out of their mouth, that they may not serve them for food. 11 ^f For thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I am here, and I will both inquire for my flocks, and search for them. 12 As a shepherd searcheth for his flock on the day that he is among his flocks that are scattered : so will I search for my flocks ; and I will deliver them out of all places wlii- tlier they have been scattered on the day of clouds and (tempestuous) darkness. l-i And I will bring them out from the people, and gatlier them from the countries, and I will bring them to their own land ; and I will feed them upon the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all tlie inlial)ited places of the country. 14 On a good pasture will I feed them, and ujion the high mountains of Israel shall be their fold: there shall they lie in a good fbid, and in a fat pasture shall they feed on the'. ;r.ci:r-ains of Israel. 15 I mj'self will feed my flock, and I my- self will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord Eternal. 16 That which was lost will I seek for, and that which was gone astray will I bring " Meaning, the pruud anil jircsuniptunus, who injure tlic feeble, as the fat of the flock but against the weak. '' Zunz, "as it is proper." C32 back again, and that which had a limb broken will I bind up, and the sick will I strengthen; but the fat and the strong" will I destroy; I will feed them in justice.'' 17 And as for you, my flock, thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I will judge between lamb" and lamb, between the wethers and the he-goats. 18 Is it too little for you that ye can feed on the good ^jasture, that ye must tread down the residue of your pastures with your feet? and that ye can drink clear waters, that ye must render muddy with your feet what is left? 19 And as for my flock, what ye have trodden with your feet must they eat; and what ye have made muddy with jour feet must they drink. 20 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal unto them. Behold, I am here, and I will judge between the fat lamb and the lean lamb. 21 Because ye thrust with side and with shoulder, and push with your horns all the diseased, till ye have scattered them abroad : 22 Therefore w'ill I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between lamb and lamb. 23 And I will appoint over them one shep- herd, and he shall feed them, namely, my servant David: he it is that shall feed them, and he it is that shall be unto them for a shepherd. 24 And I the Lord — I will be unto them for a God, and my servant David shall be a prince in their midst: I the Lord have spoken it. 25 And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and I will cause the wild beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell in the wilderness in safety, and sleep in the forests. 26 And I will make them and the environs of my hill a blessing; and I will cause the rain to come down in its season; rains'* of blessing shall they be. 27 And the tree of the field shall yield its fruit, and the earth shall yield her products, and they shall be on their land in safety: and they shall know that I am the Lord, ° Rashi, "between the powerful and the weak." '' Meaning, " whatever rains there shall be, shall be rains of blessings." EZEKIEL XXXIV. XXXV. XXX VI. wlien I break the baiuls of their yoke, and deliver them out of the liand of those that had made them hibour for them. 28 And they shall be no more a prey to the nations, and the beasts of the land shall not devour them; but they shall dwell in safety, with none to make them afraid. 29 And I will raise up for them a planta- tion for a (perpetual) renown, and they shall be no more taken away by hunger in the land, neither bear the shameful reproach of the nations any more. 30 Thus shall they experience that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord Eternal. 31 And ye my flock, the flock of my pas- ture, are men," (and) I am your God, saith the Lord Eternal. CHAPTER XXXV. 1 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, set thy face against the mountain of Se'ir, and prophesy against it, 3 And say unto it. Thus liath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I will be against thee, O mountain of Se'ir, and I will stretch out m}' hand over thee, and I will render thee desolate and wasted. 4 Thy cities will I lay in ruins, and thou thyself shalt be desolate, and thou shalt know that I am the Lord. 5 Because thou hast had an undying hatred, and didst surrender the children of Israel to the power of the sword, at the time of their calamity, at the time of the'' iniquity of the end: G Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord Eter- nal, I will surely let thy blood flow," and blood shall pursue thee; since thou didst not hate blood-shedding,'' so shall blood pursue thee. 7 Thus will I change the mountain of Se'ir into a desolate land and a waste, and I will cut off' from it him that travelleth forward and backward. 8 And I will fill his mountains with his * Raslii, "you are men, uot like cattle, in my eyes." Philippson, "Ye men of Israel are the flocks of my pas- ture." Zunz, "the sheep of my pasture (among) men ure ye." '' See above, xxi. 30. • Lit. "Into blood will I make thee." 4 E slain : as regardeth thy hills, and thy valleys, and all thy ravines, in them shall fall those that are slain by the sword. 9 Into perpetual desolations will I change thee, and thy cities shall not be restored: and ye shall know that I am the Lord. 10 Because thou hast said. These two nar tions and these two countries shall indeed be mine, and we will take possession thereof; whereas the Lord was there : 11 Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord God, I will even do according to thy anger, and according to thy envy which thou didst use out of thy hatred against them; and I will make myself known among them, when I judge thee. 12 And thou shalt know that I am the Lord: I have heard all thy blasphemies which thou hast spoken against the moun- tains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate, they are given unto us to consume them. 13 And ye boasted" greatly against me with your mouth, and have multiplied against me your words : I have indeed heard them. 14 Tf Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, When the whole earth rejoiceth, I will make thee desolate. '^ 15 As thou didst rejoice over the inherits ance of the house of Israel, because it was made desolate: so will I do unto thee; deso- ' late shalt thou be, mountain of Se'ir, and all Idumea — altogether; and they shall know that I am the Lord. CHAPTER XXXVL 1 Tl But thou, son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, mountains of Israel, hear ye the word of the Lord. 2 Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Be- cause the enemy hath said regarding you, Aha, even the ancient high-places are become ours as a possession : 3 Tiierefore prophesy and say, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Because, even because men have made you 'desolate, and sought to swallow you up on every side, that ye might become a possession unto the residue of the ^ This is variously rendered by Rashi ; one opinion be- ing, "surely thou hast hated thy relations (thy own blood) and therefore," &c. ' Lit. "made great." ' Zunz, "When the whole land, now desolate, rejoiceth, then will I deal with thee." 633 EZEKIEL XXXVI. nations, and ye are taken up as a talk for tongues, and an evil report of the people : 4 Therefore, mountains of Israel, hear ye the word of the Lord Eternal, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal to the mountains, and to the hills, to the ravines, and to the valleys, to the desolate ruins, and to the cities that are forsaken, which are become a prey and derision to the residue of the nations that are round about: 5 ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the na- tion?., and against all Idumea, that have appropriated my land unto themselves as a possession with the joy of all their heart, with derision in their soul, in order to drive it out that it may be for a pre}'. 6 Therefore j^rophesy concerning the land of Israel, and say unto the mountains, and to the hills, to the ravines, and to the valle^ys, Tlius hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, in my zealousness and in my fury have I spoken, because ye have borne the reproach of the nations : 7 Tl Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, I have indeed lifted" up my hand, that the nations who are round about you — these shall bear their shame. 8 But ye, mountains of Israel, ye shall send forth your boughs, and your fruit shall ye bear for my people Israel; for they are near at hand to come. 9 For, behold, I will be for you, and I will turn unto you, and ye shall be tilled and ye shall be sown ; 10 And I will multiply upon you men, all the house of Israel — altogether; and the cities shall be inhabited again, and the ruins shall be rebuilt; 11 And I will multiply upon you man and beast, and they shall increase and be fruit- ful; and I will cause you to be inhabited after your old estates, and will do more good unto you than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I am the Lord. ' Meaning, " I have sworn." ^ Raslii, and after him, Zunz; but, Philippson takes the word dSdivS in its oripinal, but here figurative sense, '• iiialsO them no more chilrHess." ° /. c. First the Canaanites, next the Eninrites and other tribes, and then the Israelites, none of whom could remain perniaiu nth in Palestine. t):il 12 Yea, I will cause to walk upon you men, even my people Israel, and they shall possess thee, and thou shalt be unto them as an inherittxnce, and thou shalt not any more henceforth cast them out.'' 13 T[ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Because they say unto you, Thou land de- vourest up men, and hast been one that hath ever cast out thy nations :° 14 Tlierefore shalt thou not devour up men any more, and thy nations shalt thou not cast out any more, saith the Lord Eter- nal. 15 And I will not let be heard against thee any more the reproach of the nations, and the disgrace of the people shalt thou not bear any more, and thy nations shalt thou not cast out any more, saith the Lord Eter- nal. 16 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 17 Son of man, the house of Israel, when they dwelt in their own land, defiled it througli their way and through their doings: like the uncleanness of a woman in her sepa- ration was their way before me. 18 And I poured out my fury over them because of the blood that they had shed in the land, and because through their idols they had polluted it ; 19 And I scattered them among the na- tions, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and accord- ing fo their doings did I judge them. 20 And when they were come unto the nar tions, whither they were gone, they profaned my holy name; because they said of them,'' These are the people of the Lord, and out of his land are they gone forth. 21 But I had pity for my holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations, whither they were gone. 22 1[ Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Not for your sake do I this, house of Israel, but for the sake of my holy name, which ye have ^ Rashi, " they have lowered my glory ; and what is the profanation? when the enemies said of them. These are the people of the Lord, and they are gone forth out of his land, while he had not the power to deliver his peo- ple and his land." But when the redemption takes place, it will be acknowledged that for their sins against God were they punished by Him. EZEKIEL XXXVI. XXXVII. profaned among tlit- nations. wliitluT ye are gone. 23 And I will .sanctity ni\- great name, which was proftined among the nations, which ye have profaned in the midst of them: and the nations shall know that I am the Lord, saith the Lord Eternal, when I will be sancti- fied through you before your eyes. 24 And I will take you from among the nations, and I will gather you out of all the countries, and I will bring you unto youi" own land. 25 And I will sprinkle upon you clean water," and ye shall be clean: from all your impurities, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 And I will give you a new heart,'' and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will remove the heart of stone out of your body," and I will give you a heart of flesh. 27 And my spirit I will put within you, and I will cause that you shall walk in my statutes, and that my ordinances ye shall keep, and do them. 28 And ye shall dwell in the land which I gave to your f;ithers; and ye shall be unto me for a people, and I truly will be unto you as a God. 29 And I will save you from all kinds of your impurities; aud I will call unto the corn, and increase it, and I will not lay fa- mine upon you. 30 xind I will multiply the fruit of the trees, and the products of the field: in order that ye may receive no more reproach'^ on ac- count of famine among the nations. 31 Then shall ye remember your ways that they were evil, and your doings that were not good ; and ye shall loathe yourselves on account of your iniquities and on account of your abominations. 32 Not for your sake do I this, saith the Lord Eternal, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded because of your ways, house of Israel. 33 Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, On the day of my cleansing you from all your ' Ra.shi, "I will forgive you, and remove your impuri- ties witli the sprinkling of the waters of purification which remove tlie defilement of the dead." "" Bashi, "an inclination made new for doing good." Jonatha"a, "a heart that feareth and a spirit that feareth," — and so " the heart of stone," — "a wicked heart which is ! able to live?" iniquities, when I vMise the cities to be in- habited, and when the ruins are built up, 34: And when the desolate land is tilled, instead that it was a waste before the eyes of every passer by : 35 Then shall they say. This land, that was desolate, is become like the garden of 'Eden; and the cities that were ruined, and desolate, and broken down, are become forti- fied, and inhabited. 36 Aud the nations that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord have built up the broken-down (places), have planted the desolate (land): I the Lord have spoken this, and have done it. 37 ^[ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Also in this will I yet suffer myself to be en- treated'' of by the house of Israel, to do it for them, I will increase them with men like flocks (in multitude). 38 As the flocks of the holy things, as the flocks of Jerusalem on her appointed feasts, so shall the ruined cities be full of flocks of men : aud they shall know that I am the Lord. CHAPTER XXXVn. 1 ^ There came over me the inspiration of the Lord, and he carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones ; 2 And he caused me to pass by them all round about; and, behold, there were very many of them on the surface of the valley; and, lo, they were very dry. 3 And he said unto me. Son of man, can' these bones live? Aud I said, Lord Eternal, thou alone knowest this. 4 And he said unto me. Prophesy over these bones, and say unto them, ye dry bones, hear ye the word of the Lord. 5 ^ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal unto these bones, Behold, I will bring a spirit^ into you, and ye shall live; 6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and bring up flesh upon you, and draw over you a skin, and put a spirit in you, and ye shall hard as stone;" "a heart of flesh," — "a heart fearing me to do my will." ' Lit. "flesh." ^ Lit. "reproach of famine." ° Rashi, lit. "inquired " ' Rashi, " Doth it appear in thy eyes that they will bo 8 Eng. ver. "breath." 635 EZEKTEL XXXVII. live: and yc shall experience that I am the Lord. 7 And so I prophesied as I had been com- manded : and there was a sound, as I prophe- sied, and behold there was a rustling noise, and the bones came together, bone to its bone.* 8 And I looked, and beliold, there were sinews upon them, and the ilesh came nj), and the skin was drawn over them above; but no sjDirit was in them. 9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the spirit; ])rophesy, son of man, and say to the spirit. Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, From the four winds come, O spirit, and breathe into these slain ones, that they may live. 10 And I prophesied as he had command- ed me, and there came into them the spirit, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. 11 Then said he unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel : be- hold, they say, Dried are our bones, and lost is our hope; we are quite cut off. 12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I will open your graves, and I will cause you to come up out of your graves, O my peo- ple, and I will bring you into the land of Is- rael. 13 And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and when I cause you to come up out of your graves, my [leople. 14 And I will put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I will jilace you in your own land: and ye shall acknowledge that I the Lord have spoken it, and done it, saith the Lord. 15 ][ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 16 But thou, son of man, take unto thy- self one stick*" of wood, and write upon it, "For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions;" then take another stick, and write upon it, "For Joseph, — the stick ofEphraim, — and for all the house of Israel his companions:" 17 And join them one to the other unto thee as one stick; and they shall" become one in thy hand. * i. e. The bones arranged themselves in tbe proper order, as when they were in the body. 0.S6 I 18 And if the children of thy people should say unto thee, saying. Wilt thou not tell us what thou meanest by these? 19 (Then) speak unto them, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, — which is in the hand of Ephraim, — and the tribes of Israel his com- panions, and will lay them upon him, even the stick of Judah, and make them into one stick, and they shall be one in my hand. 20 And the sticks whereon thou shalt have written shall be in thy hand before their eyes. 21 And speak unto them. Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, whither they are gone, and I will gather them from every side, and bring them unto their own land; 22 And 1 will make them into one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel ; and one king shall be to them all for king; and they shall not be any more two nations, nor shall they at any time be divided into two kingdoms any more : 23 Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, and with their de- testable things, and with all their transgres- sions; but I will save them out of all their dwelling-places, wherein they have sinned, and I will cleanse them, and they shall be unto me for a people, and I will be to them for a God. 24 And my servant David shall be king over them; and one shepherd shall be for them all: and in my ordinances shall they walk, and my statutes shall they observe, and do them. 25 And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto my servant, unto Jacob, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and David my servant shall be prince unto them for ever. 20 And I will make with them a covenant of peace, an everlasting covenant shall it be with them : and I will preserve them, and I will nuiltiply them, and I will set my sanc- tuary in the midst of them for evermore. 27 My dwelling also shall be with them, '' Jonathan, "table" or "board." ° Jonathsn. Redak, "as though they were one. EZEKIEL XXXVII. XXXVIII. and I will be unto them for a God; and they shall be unto nie as a people. 28 And the nations shall know that I am the Lord who sanctify Israel, when my sanc- tuary will be in the midst of them for ever- more. CHAPTER XXXVIII. 1 ][ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, direct thy face against Gog of the land of Magog, the prince of Rush, Meshech and Thubal, and prophesy against him, 3 And say, Thus hath said the Lord Eter- nal, Behold, I will be against thee, Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Thubal; 4 And I will derange thee, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thy army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in elegant attire, a great assem- blage with bucklers and shields, all of them grasping Swords. 5 Persia, Cush, and Put (shall be) with them ; all of thein with shield and lielmet ; 6 Gomer and all of its armies; the house of Thogarmah out of the farthest north, and all its armies; many people shall be with thee. 7 Be thou ready, and prepare thyself, thou, and all thy assemblages that are assem- bled about thee, and be thou a guard'' unto them. 8 After many days shalt thou be ordered forward ;* in the end of years shalt thou come into the land that is recovering" from the sword, and is gathered together out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been ruined for a very long time : (to a people) that are brought forth out of the nar tions, and that now dwell in safety, all of them. 9 Thou wilt ascend and come like a tem- pest,'' like a cloud to cover the earth wilt * Rashi, "It is the custom of kings to take care of their armies, how they shall go fortii, and to set watchers, that no destroyer come over his army by night " Zunz, "Be thou a mark to them." Philippson, "a leader." *■ After Jouathcu; but Rashi, "shall thy sins be called to mind " ° " Whose inhabitants are i-eturned from exile, whither they have been driven by the sword of the enemy." Rashi. Philippson, "won from the sword." ^ Rashi, "dark cloud." Others, "storm," or "storm- cloud." thou be, thou, and all thy armies, and the many people with thee. 10 ^1 Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, It will also come to pass, at the same time, that things will come into thy mind, and thou wilt entertain an evil device; 11 And thou wilt say, I will go up over the land of open towns; I will come against those that are careless, that dwell in safety, all of whom dwell without walls, and have neitlu'i' I)ars nor gates, 12 To snatch up the spoil, and to take away the prey; to turn thy hand against the ruined places now inhabited, and against the people that are gathered out of the na- tions, that have gotten" cattle and goods, that dwell in the highest' part of the land. 13 Sheba, and Dedan, and the traders of Tharshish, with all her young lions,^ will say unto thee, Art thou come to plunder the spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to carry off the prey ? to bear away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to plun- der a great spoil? 14 Therefore, prophesy, son of man, and say unto Gog, Thus hath said the Lord Eter- nal, Behold, on the day when my people of Israel dwelleth in safety, shalt thou know (my power).'' 15 And thou wilt come from thy place out of the farthest ends of the north, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great assemblage, and a mighty army ; 16 And thou wilt come up against my people of Israel, like a cloud to cover the land;' in the latter days will this be, and I will bring thee over my land, in order that the nations may know me, when I am sanc- tified on thee, before their eyes, Gog. 17 T[ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Art thou (not) he of whom I have spoken in ancient days through means of my servants " Philippson, "taking care of," &c. ' Rashi. Zunz, "the middle." * Rashi, " Active merchants, who are in the habit of going out and roaming all countries like young lions, and know where riches can be obtained." Jonathan and Re- dak, "kings." ' Jonathan, " the puni.shment of my strength." Rashi adds, "meaning, thou shalt know and understand who was their refuge and protection." Redak, Zunz, and others, "know it." ' Philippson, "covering the earth." 637 EZEKIEL XXXVIII. XXXIX. the prophets' of Israel, who prophesied in those days (many) years, that I would bring thee against them? 18 And it shall come to pass at the same time, on the day of Gog's coming over the land of Israel, saith the Lord Eternal, that my fury shall be kindled in my nose.*" 19 And in my zealousness, in the fire of my wrath, have I spoken. Surely on that day there shall be a great earthquake in the country of Israel ; 20 And there shall quake at my presence | the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the clifis" shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. 21 And I will call against him throughout all my mountains for the sword, saith the Lord Eternal: every man's sword shall be against his brother. 22 And I will hold judgment over him with pestilence and with blood (-shedding); and an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and sulphur will I let rain over him and his armies, and over the many people that are with him. 23 Thus will I magnify myself, and sanc- tify myself, and make myself known before the eyes of many nations: and the}' shall know that I am the Lord. CHAPTER XXXIX. 1 ^ But thou, son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say. Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, I will be against thee, Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Thu- bal; 2 And I will derange thee, and lead thee • Rashi, "such as Ezekiel and Zechariah." ^ Figurative for excessive anger, when the nostrils ;ire distended, and a smoke, as it were, arises out of I hem. ° Rashi, after one opinion which he cites, preferring, however, Jonathan's view, "towers, round which mounds uf earth are heaped up and formed in terraces or steps;" taking nu"n:Dn in the sense of "steps" or "degrees." ^ Jonathan, after whom Eashi, Zunz, and others. • Rashi, "the debasement of Israel is a profanation of (lod's name, as nations say, They are the Lord's people, and he cannot deliver them." (See above, xx.xvi. 20.) ' Jonathan, "whose glory dwelleth in Israel." 638 astray,* and will cause thee to come up from the farthest ends of the north; and I will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel ; 3 And I will strike thy bow out of thy left hand, and thy arrows will I cause to fall out of thy right hand. 4 Upon the mouutanis of Israel shalt thou fall, thou, and all thy armies, and the people that are with thee: unto the ravenous birds, to every thing that hath wings, and to the beasts of the field, do I give thee for food. 5 Upon the open field shalt thou tail ; for I have spoken it, saith the Lord Eternal. 6 And I will send a fire against Magog, and against those that dwell in the isles in safety: and they shall know that I am the Lord. 7 And my holy name will I make known in the midst of my people Israel ; and I will not permit my holy name to he profaried' any more: and the nations shall know that I am the Lord, Holy in Israel. '^ 8 Behold, it cometh, and it taketh place, saith the Lord Eternal; this is the day where- of I have spoken. 9 And the inhabitants of the cities of Is- rael shall go forth, and shall burn and make fire for heating of the weapons, and shields and bucklers, of bows and of arrows, and of hand-staves,"^ and of spears; and they shall feed with them the fire for seven years ;'' 10 And they shall take no wood out of the field, nor cut down any out of the forests; for with weapons shall they feed the fire : and they shall spoil tho.se that spoiled them, and plunder those that plundered them, saith the Lord Eternal. 11 ]j And it shall come to pass on that day, that I will give unto Gog a place there for a grave in Israel, the valley where people pass over to the east of the sea;' and it shall ' Zunz, "clubs;" but Philippson, "the staff which the princes or leaders carry;" the marshal's baton. ' When the immense number and destruction of the in- vaders are considered, and also the little fuel comparative- ly which is necessary in warm climates, we may easily conceive of this being literally fuliilled. Mariana, in his History of Spain, (lib. si. chap. "24,) says, that after the Spaniards had given that signal overthrow to the Sara- cens, in the year 1212, they found such a vast quantity of lances, javelins, and such-like, as served them i'nr /mi i- i/ear.t for fuel. ' Jonathan, "the sea of Genossar," /. c. Kinnereth, ir Gennesareth. EZEKIEL XXXIX. XL. stop the passengers (from passing): and they shall bury there Gog and all his nmltitiide, and they shall call it The vallej- of the mul- titude of Gog." 12 And the house of Israel shall be bury- ing them, in order to cleanse'' the land, during seven months. 13 Yea, all the people of the land shall bury them ; and it shall be to them as a renown on the day that I glorify myself, saith the Lord Eternal. 14 And men constantly devoted to this'' shall they set apart to pass through the land, to bury with those that pass through those that remain upon the face of the earth, to cleanse it : at the end of seven months shall they make a search.. 15 And those that thus travel will pass through the land ; and when any one seeth a human bone, then will he set up a sign by it, till the buriers have buried it in the valley of the multitude of Gog. 16 And also the name of the city shall be Hamonah. Thus shall they cleanse the land. 17 Tj And thou, son of man, thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Say unto the birds, to every thing that hath wings, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves from every side to my sacrifice that I do slaughter for you, as a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat tlesh, and drink blood. IS The flesh of the mighty shall ^e eat, and the blood of the princes of the earth shall ye drink, — wethers,'' lambs, and he-goats, bullocks, fatlings of Bashan are they all of them. 19 And ye shall eat fat till ye be sated, and ye shall drink blood till ye be drunken, from my sacrifice which I have slaughtered for 3'ou. 20 And ye shall be .sated at my table on horses and chariot-teams, on mighty men, and on all men of war, saith the Lord Eter- nal. 21 And I will display m^^ glory among the nations: and all the nations shall see my " In Hebrew, " Gay hamonc Go;/. ^ See Num. xix. 16. ' Rashi. Philippson comments that it means, the peo- ple are to appoint two classes of men who are to pass through the land at the end of the first seven months, the punishment that I execute, and my hand that I lay on them. 22 And the hou.?e of Israel shall acknow- ledge that I am the Lord their God from that day and forward. 23 And the nations shall know that lor their iniquity did the house of Israel go into exile ; because they had trespassed against me, and I had hidden my face from them ; and I gave them up therefore into the hand of their oppressors, and they all fell by the sword. 24 According to their uncleanness, and ac- cording to their transgressions did I deal with them, and hid my face from them. 25 \ Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Now will I brim? back again the captivit}' of Jacob, and I will have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be zealous for ni}- holy name; 26 And they shall feel their disgrace, and all their trespass whereby they had tres- passed against me, when they dwelt in their land in safety, with none to make them afraid : 27 When I bring them back again from the people, and gather them out of the land of their enemies, and sanctify myself on them before the eyes of the many nations. 28 And they shall know that I am the Lord their God; because I had exiled them among the nations, but gather them now unto their owm land, and leave none of them any more there. 29 And I will not hide ni}' face any more from them; for I will have poured out my spirit over the house of Israel, saith the Lord Eternal. CHAPTER XL. 1 ][ In the five and twentieth year of our exile, in the beginning of the year, on the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after the city had been smitten, on the selfsame day came the inspiration of the Lord upon me, and brought me thither." 2 In the visions of God brought he me unto the land of Israel, and set me down one to mark the place where any one had fallen, and the other to remove the remains to the valley at first de- scribed. * Jonathan, "king.^, rulers, chiefs, mighty ones, the rich." ' Jerusalem, the smitten city. G39 EZEKIEL XL. upon a very high mount, on which there was built something like a city on the south. 3 And when he had brought me thither, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of copper, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring-rod: and he was standing in the gate. 4 And the man spoke unto me, Son of man, behold with thy eyes, and hear with thy ears, and direct thy heart unto all that I am about to show thee; for in order to show it unto thee art thou brought hither: tell all that thou seest to the house of Israel. 5 And behold there was a wall on the out- side of the house all round about, and in the man's hand was a measuring-rod of six cubits long by the cubit which was a hand's breadth longer than usual; and he measured the breadth' of the building, one rod, and the height, one rod. 6 Then came he unto the gate which look- ed in the direction toward the east, and went up its steps, and measured the threshold of the gate, one rod in breadth, and the other threshold one rod in breadth. 7 And every cell was one rod long, and one rod broad; and between the cells were five cubits: and the threshold of the gate near by the porch of the gate within was one rod. 8 He measured also the porch of the gate within, one rod. 9 Then measured he the porch of the gate, eight cubits, and its door-posts,'' two cubits: and the porch of the gate was inward. 10 And the cells of the gate in the eastern direction were three on this side, and three on that side, one measure was for all the three; and there was one measure for the door-posts on this side and on that side. 11 And he measured the breadth of the entrance of the gate, ten cubits, (and) the length of the gate, thirteen cubits. ' i. e. The thickness of the wall. * Rashi, "all the E/im (posts) mentioued in this de- scription are tree-shaped, round, made of hewn stone, and stand at the doors, one on the right, and the other on the left, ia place of the sills or door-posts." ° i. <;. The doors of the cells at each side of the gate- way faced each other. '' Zunz; but Rashi, "and so was it on all the door-posts I'f the court, which were on the porches of its gates round ibout." • Rashi, who takes -ji) S;' — literally, (what is) "before 12 And there was a space before the cellts of one cubit on this side, and one cubit space was there on that side : and every cell was of six cubits on this side, and of six cubits on that side. 13 And he measured the gate from the roof of (one) cell to the roof of (another), in breadth five and twenty cubits, one door be- ing against (the other) door." 14 And he made door-posts of sixty cubits, and around the door-posts the court and the gate all round about.'' 15 And the height' of the gate of the en- trance as also the height of the porch of the inner gate was fifty cubits. 16 And there were narro-w windows in the cells, and by their door-posts within the gate all round about, and likewise in the porches :' and windows were all round about inward; and on each door post were palm-shaped (capi- tals).*-' 17 Then brought he me into the outward court, and, lo, there were chambers, and a pavement made for the court all round about : thirty chambers were upon the pavement. 18 And the pavement by the side of the gates was all along the whole length of the gates : this was the lower pavement. 19 Then measured he the breadth from the front of the lower gate unto the front of the inner court, without, one hundred cubits, eastward and northward."" 20 And the gate of the outer court that looked in a northern direction, he measured after its length, and its breadth. 21 And its cells were three on this side and three on that side; and its door-posts and its porches were after the measure of the first gate : fifty cubits was its length,' and its breadth five and twenty cubits. 22 And its windows, and its porches,'' .and their palm-shaped capitals, were after the measure of the gate that looked in an eastern the face,"— as meaning "the height," L c. of the structure on the gate. ' Jonathan. Zunz, "arched passages." Philippson, "cornices." Rashi, " the tree-like pillars of every gate." 8 Rashi. Zunz, "palm-like ornaments." "■ Philipp.son, " the inner court was surrounded on three sides by the outer one, so that each gate of the last was opposite to one of the first, with an intervening space of one hundred cubits. There was no western gate." ' Rashi, "its height," as above, verse 15. ^ Philippson, "cornices." • EZEKIEL XL. direction : and by seven steps did they go up unto it, and to its porches which* were be- fore them. 23 And the gates of the inner court were opposite the gates on tlie north, and on the east: and he measured from gate to gate one hundred cubits. 24 After tliat he led me forth to the south side, and behold there was a gate on the south side: and he measured its door-posts and its porches after these measures. 25 And there were windows in it and in its porches all round about, like the other Avindows: it was fifty cubits in leligth, and in breadth five and twenty culjits. j 26 And bv seven steps was the ascent to I it, and to its porches whit'h were l)efore them ; and it had palm-shaped capitals, one on this side, and another on that side, upon its door- posts. 27 And there was a gate in the inner court on the south side: and he measured from ga^i to gate on the south side one hundred cubits. 28 And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate ; and he measured the south gate after these measures; 29 And its cells, and its door-posts, and its porches were after these measures; and there were windows in it and in its porches all round about: it was fifty cubits in length, and in breadth five and twenty cubits. 30 And arched passages'' were all round about, five and twenty cubits long, and five cubits broad. 31 And its porches were toward the outer court; and palm-shaped capitals were upon its door-posts : and its ascent was by eight steps. 32 And he brought me into the inner court on the east side; and he measured the gate after these measures; 33 And its cells and its door-posts, and its porches, were according to these measures; and there were windows in it and in its porches all round about : its length was fifty " Kashi, who comments, "and the porch of the gates before the steps, before entering in the main porch, was ascended by steps." '■ Kashi. ' Philippson, "of the gate," ;'. e. the northern one, near which the burnt-offering had to be killed. ■* Lit. "which belonged to the porch." • Jonathan ; and means, that iron hook.s, a hand long, were fixed in the chamber where the sacrifices were 4 F cubits, and its breadth five and twenty cubits. 34 And its porches were toward the out^ ward court; and palm-shaped capitals were upon its door-posts, on this side, and on that side : and by eight steps was the ascent to it. 35 And he brought me to the north gate, and he measured it after these measures; 30 Its cells, its door-posts, and its porches; and the windows in it were all round about: its length was fifty cubits, and its breadth five and twenty cubits. 37 And its door-posts were toward the outer court ; and palm-shaped capitals were upon its door-posts, on this side, and on that side : and hy eight steps was the ascent to it. 38 And there was a chamber with its door by the door-posts of the gates,"" where they washed oft' the burnt-ofierings. 39 And in the porch of the gate were two tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to slaughter thereon the burnt-ofierings and the sin-ofterings and the trespass-oft'er- ings. 40 And at the side without (the porch), as one went up to the entrance of the north gate, were two tables; and on the other side'' of the porch of the gate were two tables; 41 Four tables being on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate, — eight tables, whereupon they slaughtered (the sacrifices) . 42 And there were four tables of hewn stone for the burnt-ofierings, of a cubit and a half long, and a cubit and a half broad, and one cubit high : whereupon they laid the in- struments W'herewith they slaughtered the burnt-ofterings and the sacrifices. 43 And hooks, a hand long, were fastened within" all round about: and on the tables was placed the fiesh of the oflferings. 44 And without the inner gate were the chambers of the singers in the inner court, which was at the side of the north gate ; and their front*^ was toward the south side : one slaughtered, to hang them up by. But D'naty is explain- ed by some to mean gutters, perhaps to draw off the blood. Others, "lasts;" and Philippson translates, "and lasts, a hand broad, were fastened toward the inside, all around, as also on the table, for the fiesh of the offerings." Redak takes it to mean a sort of frame-work on which the 1 pots, in which the offerings were boiled, were placed. ' Philippson, after the Septuagint, "And without I lie inner gate were tiaj ruws of chambers in the inner cciurt; 0-11 EZEKIEL XL. XLI. was at the side of the east gate having the front toward the north side. 45 And he spoke unto me, This chamber, the front of wliich is toward the south, is for the priests who have the charge of the house. 46 And the clianiberjtho front of whicli is toward the north. is for the jjriests who have the charge of the altar: these are the sons of Zadolv, who come near, from among the sons of Levi, to the Lord to minister unto him. 47 So he measured the court, in length one hundred cubits, and in brcadtli one hun- dred cubits, foursquare: and the altar (stood) before the house. 48 And he brought me to the porch of the house, and measured each door-post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side: and the breadth of the gate was three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side. 40 The length of the porch was twenty cubits, and the breadth eleven cubits, to- gether with" the steps whereby they went up to it: and there were pillars by the door- posts, one on this side, and another on that side. CHAPTER XLL 1 And he brought me to the temple: and he measured the door-posts, six cubits broad (m the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, (as also)* the breadth of the taber- nacle. 2 And the bread tli of the door was ten cubits; and the sides of the door were five cubits on the one side, and five cubits on the other side : and he measured its length, forty cubits, and the breadth, twenty cubits. 3 Then went he inward, and measured the posts of the door, two cubits; and the door was six cubits high;'' and the breadth of the door, was sex en cubits. the one at the side of the north gate, witli its front to- ward the south, and the other at the aoutli gate, with its front to the north." The variations are marked iu italics. ■■' Philippson, after thi; .Se])tuagint, supplies ten; thus, "and by ten steps they ascended to it." '' Zuuz, meaning, after measuring the space between the side-posts, be measured the whole front. Rashi, "the breadth of the poreli, whicii was as the length of the temple;" taking briNH "the tent" for D^sn "the porch." The piira.se is very obscure. • Rashi. U42 4 And he measured its length, twenty cubits; and the breadth, twenty cubits, front- ing on the temple : and he said unto me, This is the most holy place. 'i After this he measured the wall of the house, six cubits; and the breadth of every side-chamber was four cubits, all round about the house on every side. 6 And the side-chambers were one over an- other, three and tliirty times;'' and they entered into the wall which was on the house for the side-chambers all round about, that they might be fastened on, but they were not fastened on the wall of the house. 7 And as one wound upward it became continuitlly wider for the side-chambers; lor the I'ow of chambers about the house went more and more upward round about the house; therefore was the breadth of the house greater upward: and so they ascended from the lowest chambers to the highest through the middle ones. 8 And I saw the height of the house all round about: the foundations of the side- chamljers were a full rod of six cubits under ground." 9 The thickness of the wall, Avhich was for the side-chambers without, was five cubits, as also the space which was left open by the row of the side-chambers that were on the house.' 10 And between the chambers there was a width of twenty cubits round about the house on every side. 11 And the doors of the side-chambers were on the open space, one door was in a northern direction, and another door on the south : and the breadth of the place that was left open was five cubits all round about. 12 Now the Iniilding that was before the main wing" on the west side was seventy cu- bits broad; and the wall of the building was * Others, "three rows of thirty each," or ninety. "Rashi. Tlunz, "to the wrist;" meaning, a cubit of an arm's length to the wrist. ' Rashi, "the chambers did not occupy the whole .space of the north and .south side, but at the east and west corners there was an open space for the doors of the chambers which communicated afterward one with the other, not having any doors opening outside." ^ iTitJ is here given after Zunz, aud is, according to Rashi, synonymous with the temple or main building itself Others, "upper rooms." Philippson, "off-cut," from ijj, EZf:KIEL XLl. XLII. five cubits thick round about, and its length, ninety cubits. 13 So he measured the house, in length one hundred cubits; and the main wing, and the building, with its walls, in length one hundred cubits; 14 Also the breadth in the Iront oi' the house, and of the main M'ing on the east, was one hundred cubits. 15 And lie measured the length of the l)uildin2; on the front side of the main wintf which was Ijehind it, and its corner-pillars on the one side and on the other side, one hun- dred cubits; and this included the inner tem- ple, and the porches of the court; 16 The thresholds, and the narrow win- dows, and the corner-pillai's were round about on their three sides: opposite the threshold there was a wainscoting of wood all round about, and so from the ground up to the win- dows: and the windows were covered." 17 On the part above the door, and as far as the iinier house, and the outer (house), was (a wainscoting), and on all the wall round about within and witliout, by (the same) measure ; 18 And it was ornamented with cherubim and palm-trees, a palm-tree being between two cherubim; and ever}- cherub had two faces ; 19 So that a human face was toward the palm-tree on the one side, and a 3oung lion's face toward the palm-tree on the other side : it was so made on all the house round about. 20 From the ground to the part above the door were the cherubim and the palm-trees made, and so on the wall of the temple. 21 The temple had four-cornered door- posts, and the front of the holy of holies had the (same) appearance as the appearance (of the other). 22 The altar was of wood,'' three cubits high, and its length was two cubits; and its corners, and its top-piece, and its walls, were of wood : and he spoke unto me, This is the table that is before the Lord. " to cut," and supposes it to be a vacant space, and also tliat seventij should be thirli/, as the whole temple-house was one hundred cubits square, leaving therefore only the last measure for this building back of the hol_v of holies. ' Redak, "were covered from above." Philippson, "were ,so covered by the wainscoting that they could not . be seen from below." 23 And the temple and the holy of holies had two doors. 24 And the doors had two leaves (apiece), two turning leaves, two (leaves) for the one door, and two leaves for the other. 2-3 And there were made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubim and palm-trees, as they were made upon the wtiUs; and (a covering' of) tliick wooden pianks was upon the front of the porch without. 2G And there were narrow windows and palm-trees on the one side and on the other side, on the sides of the jjorch, and on the side-chambers of the house, and the (covering of) thick planks. CHAPTER XLll. 1 And he led me forth into the outer court, on the way to the north side; and he brought me into the (row of) chambers that was opposite the maiii wing, and which was opposite the building toward the north ; 2 On the front side the length (of which) was it lunulred cubits, (up to) the north door, while the breadth was fifty cubits. 3 Opposite the twenty cubits which were for the inner court, and opposite the pave- ment Avhich was for the outer court, was corner-pillar before corner-pillar in the three stories. 4 And before the chambers was a walk ol' ten cubits in breadth toward the inner house, a way of one cubit (in width) ; and their doors were toward the north. 5 Now the upper chambei-s were shorter (for the corner-pillar took away part of the space from them) than the lowest and than the middle chambers of the building. G For they were in three stories, but had not pillars like the pillars of the courts: therefore was something taken oft" the lowest and the middle ones (as one ascended) from the ground. 7 And the wall that was without alongside the chambers, toward the outer court in '' Some suppose this to be the altar of incense ; but Rashi thinks it was a table, and takes "the corners" to mean the feet, &c. ° Zunz. Rashi, however, takes this to be heavy props of wood passing from the porch to the temple wall, to pre- vent this from bulging ciiitw;ird. I'liilippsou, ";i wooden staircase was on the porch without." U43 EZEKIEL XLII. XLIII. front of the chambers, was in its length fifty cubits. 8 For the length of tlie chambers that were in the outer court was fifty cubits; and lo, (the whole space) in front of the temple was one hundred cubits. 9 And beneath these chambers was the entrance from the east side, as one goeth into them from the outer court. 10 On the breadth of the wall of the court in an eastern direction, before the main wing, and before the l)uilding, were chambers. 11 And the way before tliem was of like appearance as that for the cliambers which were on the north side, of the same length and the same breadth : and all tlieir means of egress, and their arrangement, and their doors Avere of the like manner. 12 And so also were the doors of the chambers that were on the south side, a door being on the head of the way, of the way directly" before the wall on the east side, as one entereth into them. 13 And he said unto me. The north cham- bers and the south chambers which are in front of the main wing, — these are the holy chambers, where the priests that approach unto the Lord shall eat the most holy tilings: there shall they lay the most holy things, namely, the meat-offering, and the sin-oft'er- ing, and the trespas.s-oflrering; for the place is holy. 14 When the priests enter therein, then shall they not go out of the sanctuary into tlie outer court; but there sliall they lay down their garments wherein they may have ministered; for they are holy: and they shall put on other garments, and shall then approacli* to (the court) which is for the people. 15 Now when he had finished the mea- surings of the inner house, he led me tbrth by the way of the gate which looked in an east^ ern direction, and measvu-ed it all round about. 16 He measured the east side with the measvu'ing-rod, five hundred rods, with the measuring-rod round about. " Jonathan, "the way to the stand for the Levites," ('. ('. wlioro they stood when they sang the psalms. '' Jonathan, "and shall then mingle with the people." Rashi, ".sliall touch the people's garments." ° i. p. When he prophesied eonceruing the destruction. (See above, ix 4. ite.) 644 17 He measured the north side, five hun- dred rods, with the measuring-rod round about. 18 The south side he measured, five hun- dred rods, with the measuring-rod. 19 He turned about to the west side, and measured five hundred rods with the measur- ing-rod. 20 On the four sides did he measure it by the wall that was all round about, five hundred rods in length, and in breadth five hundred, to make a separation between the holy place and the profixne. CHAPTER XLHI. 1 Then did he lead me to the gate, even the gate that was turned in an eastern di- rection. 2 And, behold, the glory of the God of Is- rael came from the way of the east; and his voice was like a noise of many waters; and the earth gave light from his glory. 3 And it was like the appearance of the vision which I had seen, yea, like the vision that I had seen when I came to destroy the city;" and the visions were like the vision that I had seen by the river Kebar: and I fell upon my face. 4 And the glory of the Lord came into the house by the way of the gate which was turned in an eastern direction. 5 Then did the Spirit take me up, and bring me into the inner court: and, behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house. 6 And I heard him speaking unto me out of the house ; and a man was standing along- side of me. 7 And he said unto me. Son of man, (this) is the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of tlie children of Israel forever: and the house of Israel shall not defile any more my holy name, neither they, nor their kings, by their lewdness, nor by the carcasses'' of their kings on their high-places. 8 Inasmuch as they placed their tliresliold by my threshold, and their door-posts close by my door-posts, and the wall being only be- '' Some explain this that the kings had themselves buried near the temple. Zunz, "the carcasses (of the sacrifices) of their kings." Pbilippson, "the idol-abominations of their kings;" taking "ijij as expressive of the "inanimate," " soulless idols;" and it is well known that even near the temple tliey wor.shipped falseh(Jod. EZEKIEL XLIIi. tween me and them, and they defiled my holy name by their abominations which they committed; so that I made an end of them in my anger. 9 Now will they have to put away their lewdness, and the carcasses of their kings, far from me, and I will dwell in the midst of them for ever. 10 Tl Thou, son of man, tell the house of Israel of the house, that they may be con- founded because of their iniquities : and let them measure the outlines. 11 And if they be confounded because of all that they have done : then let them know the Ibrm of the house, and its arrangements, and its means of egress, and its entrances, and all its forms, and all its statutes, and all its forms, and all its laws, and write them down before their eyes; that they may o)> serve the whole of its foi'm. and all its sta- tutes, and carry them out. 12 This is the law for the house. Upon the top of the mount shall its whole limit all round about be most holy: behold, this is the law for the house. 13 And these are the measures of the altar in cubits, The cubit is a cubit and a hand- breadth;" and the bottom shalP be a cul>it high, and a cubit Itroad, and its border on its edge round about shall be a span : and this shall be the outside" of the altar. 14 And from thfe bottom upon the ground up to the lower projection shall be two cu- bits, and the breadth one cubit; and from the lesser j^i'ojection up to the greater projec- tion shall be four cubits, and the breadth one cubit. 15 And the upper portion of the altar shall be four cubits; and from the upper surface** of the altar and upward shall be the four horns. 16 And the upper surface of the altar shall be twelve cubits long, by twelve broad, square on its four sides. 17 And the projection shall be fourteen cubits in length, by fourteen in breadtli on its four sides; and the border round about it * ?'. e. Each cubit here mentioned is a hand longer than the usual measure. '' Zuuz, "was;" and so in all this passage, using the past where here the past is found. ■^ Lit. "back," ». < that which stands out the farthest. .shall be half a cubit; and its bottom shall be a cubit round al)Out; and its steps shall look toward the east. 18 And he said unto me, Son of man, thus hath said the Lord Eternal, These are the statutes of the altar on the day when it shall be finished, to ofl'er thereon burnt-offerings, and to sprinkle thereon blood. 11) And thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that are of the seed of Zadok, who approach unto me, saith the Lord Eternal, to minister unto me. a young bullock for a sin- oft'ering. 20 And thou shalt take of his blood, and put it on its four horns, and on the four corners of the projection, and upon the bor- der round about; and thou shalt cleanse it and make an atonement for it. 21 And thou shalt take the bullock of the sin-oftering, and some one shall burn him at an appointed place of the hou.se, without the sanctuary. 22 And on the second day shalt thou ofter a he-goat without blemish for a sin-ofi'ering: and they shall cleanse the altar, as they did cleanse it with the bullock. 23 When thou hast made an end of cleans- ing it, shalt thou offer a young bullock with- out blemish, and a ram out of the flock with- out blemish. 24 And thou shalt bring them near before the Lord, and the priests shall throw salt, upon them, and they shall ofter them up as a burnt-ofiering unto the Lord. 25 Seven days shalt thou prepare a goat for a sin-oftering every day; and a young l:)ullock, and a ram out of the flock, without blemish shall they prepare. 26 Seven days shall they atone for the altar and purity it; and they shall consecrate the same.'' 27 And when these days are expired, it shall be, that on the eighth day, and thence- forward, the priests shall prepare upon the altar your burnt-ofl'erings, and your peace- ofterings: and I will accept you in favour, saith the Lord Eternal. '' "The place of offering." — Arnhei.m. It properly means, " lion of God." The upper division, the whole con- sisting of four, the bottom two projections and top, is to be four cubits in height, and be a square of twelve by twelve. " Redak, " tlie priest .shall consecrate himsself." 64-5 EZEKIEL XLIV. CHAPTER XLIV. 1 ^ And he brought me back l^y the way of the outer gate of the sanctuary which look- ed toward the east: and it was locked. 2 Then said the LoRn unto me. This gate shall remain locked, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the Lord, the God of Israel, hath entered'' in by it, therefore shall it remain locked. 3 As for the prince, being the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the Lord: by the way of the porch of that gate shall he enter, and by the way of the same shall he go out. 4 Then brought he me by the way of the north gate before the house; and I looked, and, behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord : and I fell upon my face. •5 And the Lord said unto me, Son of man, direct thy mind, and see with thy eyes, and hear with thy ears all that I am speaking with thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the.LoRD, and of all its laws; and direct thy mind to the entrance of the house, with every place of egress of the sanctuary. 6 And thou shalt say to the rebellious, to the house of Israel, Thus hath said the Lord Eternal. Ye have done enough with all your abominations, house of Israel ! 7 In your having brought the sons of the stranger, uncircumcised in heart, and uncir- cumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pollute it, even my house, while you were offering my food, the fat aud the blood : so that they broke my covenant because of all your abominations. 8 And (because) ye have not kept the charge of my holy things; but ye have set (those unworthy ones) as keepers of my charge in my sanctuarv at your own pleasure.* 9 ^ Thus hatli said the Lord Eternal, No son of the stranger, uncircumcised in heart, or uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of all the sons of the stranger that are in the midst of the children of Israel. 10 But as respecteth the Levites that were gone away far from me, when Israel went • Zunz, "enteroth." ' Kashi, taking ddS literally "for you," as D^n^rnS "accorJing to your thought, will, option, or pleasure." ° The prophet indicates in the passage from verse 9 to 14 that the priests who had joined in the idolatry of the C46 astrav , who went astray away from me, after their idols, they shall surely bear their ini- quity; . 11 And they shall be in my sanctuary ser- vants, appointed to watch at the gates of the house, and to be servants for the house: these are they that shall slay the burnt-offerings and the sacrifices for the people, and they shall stand before them to do the service for them. 12 Because that they used to serve them be- fore their idols, and have been unto the house of Israel as a stumbling-block of iniquity; therefore have I lifted up my hand against them, saith the Lord Eternal, and they shall bear their iniquity; 13 And they shall not come near unto me, to officiate as priests unto me, nor to come near to any of my holy things, to the most holy things; but they shall bear their shame yea, for their abominations which they have committed. 14 And I will appoint them to be keepers of the charge of the house, for all the service thereof, and for all that shall be done therein." 15 T[ But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok, that kept the charge of my sanc- tuary when the children of Israel Avent astray from me, — these are they that shall come near unto me to minister unto me, and they shall stand before me to offer unto me the fat and the blood, saith the Lord Eternal : 16 Tliese are they that shall enter into my sanctuary, and these shall come near to my table, to minister unto me; and they shall keep my charge. 17 And it shall come to pass, that, when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall clothe themselves with linen gar- ments; and there shall no wool come upon them, when they minister in the gates of the inner court, and within the house. 18 Linen bonnets shall be upon their heads, and linen breeches shall be upon their loins: they shall not gird*^ themselves with any thing that causeth sweat. 19 And when they go forth into the outer court, into the outer court to the people: then people, and "had become the sons of the stranger," through their misdeeds should be degraded from the priesthood, and do only Levitical, but not priestly service. * Rashi, "the law hath forbidden the priests woollen garments, becau.se that causeth the body to sweat." EZEKIEL XLIV. XT,V. shall tliey put off their garments wherein they have ministered, and they shall lay them down in the holy chambers; and they shall put on other garments, and they shall not mingle" among the people with their gar- ments. 20 And tlieif heads shall they not shave close, nor suffer their hair to grow long: they shall only crop (the hair of) their heads. 21 And wine shall none of the priests drink, when they enter into the inner court. 22 And a widow, or one that is divorced from her husband shall they not take to themselves as wives; Init only vii'gins of the seed of the house of Israel ; but whatever Avidow it may l)e, the (common) priests*' may take. 2-3 And my people shall they teach the difference between the holy and profane, and that between the unclean and the clean shall they make known unto them. 24 And in a controversy shall they stand up to judge, according to my ordinances shall they decide it: and my laws and my statutes at all my festivals shall they observe, and my sabbaths shall they sanctify. 25 Anrl to a dead person shall they not come to defile themselves; lint on father, or on mother, or on son, or on daughter, on brother, or on sister that hath had no hus- band, may they defile themselves. 20 And after he is become" clean. — they shall reckon unto him seven days, — 27 Then shall he on the day that he com- eth into the sanctuary, into the inner court, to minister in the sanctuary, offer his sin- offering, saith the Lord Eternal. 28 And it shall be unto them as an in- heritance, I am their inheritance: and any possession shall you not give them in Israel, I am their possession. 29 The meat-offering, and the sin-offering, and the trespass-offering — these shall they eat; and every devoted thing in Israel shall belong to them. 30 'And the first of all kinds of first-fruits of all, and every kind of heave-offering of " Jonathan. Rashi comments, " Because profane gar- ments are not pure in comparison with the holy gar- ments." Lit. "and they shall not sanctify the people." '' Zunz, " And the widow who is a widow of a priest may they take." ' After Zunz, who regards this a parenthesis; but Rashi translates after the Talmud, " And after his sepa- every thing of all your heave-offerings, shall belong to the priests ; and the first of 3'our dough shall you give to the priest, to cause a blessing to rest on thy house. 31 Any thing that hath died of itself, or that is torn, jvhether it be fowl or beast, shall the priests not eat. CHAPTER XLV. 1 T[ And when ye divide the land b} lot for an inheritance, shall ye offer an oblation unto the Lord, as a holy portion of the land, five and twenty thousand rods in length, and in breadth ten thousand. This shall be holy in all its extent round about. 2 Of this there shall be for the sanctuary five hundred (rods) l)y five hundred, square round about; and fifty cubits as an open space for it round about. 3 And of this measure shaft thou measure, in length five and twenty thousand, and in lireadth ten thousand (rods): and in it shall be the sanctuar}^ (and) the holy of holies. 4 The holy portion of the land shall it be, for the priests the ministers of the sanctuary shall it be, who come near to minister unto tlie Lord ; and it shall be unto them a place for houses, and a holy place for the sanctuar}". 5 And five and twenty thousand (rods) in length, and ten thousand in breadth, shall also belong unto the Levites, the servants of the house, for themselves, as a possession, with twenty chambers.'' 6 And as the possession of the city shall ye assign five thousand rods broad, and five and twenty thousand long, alongside the holy ol> lation : unto the whole house of Israel sliall it belong. 7 And the prince shall have that on the one side and on the other side of the holy oblation, and of the possession of the city, in front of the holy olilation, and in front of the possession of the city, on the west side west- ward, and on the east side eastward; and in length alongside one of the portions, both on" the west border and on the east border. 8 As landed property shall it be his pos- ration from the dead shall they reckon for him seven days." (See Num. xis. 11.) "And on the day that he first entereth into the sanctuary," &c. '' Rashi, "twenty chambers shall belong to the Levites by the sanctuary to watch the house and for lodging, and the remainder of the district sliall fhey employ for their requirements." ' Zunz. 047 EZEKTKL XLV. XLVI. session in Israel: and my princes shall no more wrong my people ; but the land shall they give to the house of Israel according to their tribes. 9 T[ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Ye have done enough wrong, princes of Israel : remove violence and robbery, and execute justice and righteousness; take away your exactions" from my people, saith the Lord Eternal. 10 Just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath shall ye have. 11 The ephah and the bath shall contain the same quantity, that the bath may contain the tenth part of a chomer, and the ephah the tenth part of a chomer: after the chomer shall the measure of contents be. 12 And the shekel shall be twenty gerahs : (in pieces of) twenty shekels, five and twenty shekels, fifteen shekels, shall be your maneh.'' 13 Tf This is the heave-offering that ye shall offer: The sixth part of an ephah of a chomer of wheat; and ye shall give the sixth part of an ephah of a chomer of barley ; 14 And the fixed "portion of oil shall be after the bath of oil, the tenth part of a bath out of the coi", ten baths reckoned to the chomer; for ten baths are a chomer; 15 And one lamb out of the flock, out of two hundred, out of the fat pastures" of Is- rael, for meat-offerings, and for burnt^offer- ings, and for peace-offerings, to make an atonement for them, saith the Lord Eternal. 16 Tf All the people of the land shall be held bound for this heave-offering for the prince in Israel. 17 And upon the prince shall be the duty to furnish the burnt^offerings, the meat-offer- ings, and the drink-offerings, on the feasts, and on the new-moon days, and on the sab- baths, on all the festive seasons of the house of Israel: he himself shall prepare the sin- offering, and the meat-offering, and the burnt- offering, and the peace-offerings, to make an atonement in behalf of the hou.se of Israel. ' Lit. "expulsions," /'. c. the unjust dispossession of the people from their landed property. '' The nianeh was thus fixed at sixty shekels divided into fourths, five twelfths, and thirds of a maneh. 'Jonathan and Redak, "the fatted." Rashi, "what IS pf^rmitted to Israel." '' Kashi takes the fc^stival here mentioned as being merely that of the consecration, to endure seven days; 648 18 Tl Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, In the first month, on the first of the month, shalt thou take a young bullock without ble- mish, and make an exjjiation for the sanc- tuary. 19 And the priest shall take some of the blood of the sin-offering, and j^ut it upon the door-post of the house, and upon the four corners of the projection of the altar, and upon the door-post of the gate of the inner court. 20 And so shalt thou do on the seventh day** of the month for every one that erreth, and for him that hath sinned unawares:* so •shall ye atone for the house. 21 In the first month, on the fourteenth' day of the month, shall ye have the passover: a feast of seven days ; unleavened bread shall be eaten. 22 And the prince shall prepare on that day in behalf of himself and in behalf of all the people of the land a bullock for a sin- offering. 2.3 And on the seven days of the feast shall he prepare a burnt-offering to the Lord, seven bullocks and .seven rams without blemish on every day of the seven days; and for a sin- offering a he-goat on every day. 24 And as a meat-offering an ejjhah for a bullock, and an ephah for a ram shall he prepare, and a hin of oil for each ephah. 25 In the seventh month, on the fifteenth day of the month, on the feast, shall he pre- pare the like during the seven days, both the sin-offering, as also the burnt-oftering, and the meat-offering, and the oil. CHAPTER XLVI. 1 *\\ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, The gate of the inner court that looketh to- ward the east shall remain locked the six working days; but on the sabbath day shall it be opened, and on the new-moon day shall it be opened. 2 And the prince shall enter by the way but others suppose that the prophet here institutes a new annual celebration of the first and the seventh days of the first month, which are now only ordinary days. " Philippson, "through enticement." Zunz, "seduc- tion." ' This either means that on this day the Passover sacri- fice shall be slain, or that at its termination the festival is to begin at evening. EZEKIEL XLVl. of the porch of the gate, from without, and shall stand by the door-post of the gate, and the priests shall pi'cpare his burnt-ofiering and his peace-offerings, and he shall bow him- self down at the threshold of the gate, and he shall then go forth ; but the gate shall not be locked until.the evening. o And the people of the land shall bow themselves down at the door of this same gate on the sabbaths and on ^he new-moons before the Lord. . 4 And the burnt-oflering which the prince is to offer unto the Lord, shall be on the sab- bath-dav six sheep without blemish, and a ram without blemish ; 5 And as a meat-offering an eph ah for the ram, and for the sheep a meat-offering as his liand' may be able to give, and a hin of oil for every ephah. G And on the day of the new moon, a young bullock without blemish, and six .'<heep and a ram; without blemish shall they be. 7 And an ephah for the bullock, and an ephah for the ram, shall he prepare as a meatoffering, and for the sheep according as his means may reach, and a hin of oil for every ephah. 8 And when the prince doth enter, he shall go in by the way of the porch of the gate, and l^y the same way sliall he go forth. 9 But when the people of the land come before the Lord on the appointed feasts, he that entereth in by the way of the north gate to bow himself down shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go out by the way of the north gate : he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in ; but by that opposite'' to him shall he go out. 10 And as for the prince — in the midst of them, when they go in, shall he go in; and when they go out, shall they go out (to- gether). 11 And on the feasts and on the appoint- ed festivals shall the meat-offering be an ephah for each bullock, and an ephah for * Lit. "a meat-offering the gift of his band." ' Philippson, "straight forward .shall he go out." " Others, " to moisten ;" but we have followed one opinion quoted by Rashi. 40 each ram, and for the sheep as his hand may be able to give, and a hin of oil for every ephah. 12 And when the prince doth prepare as a voluntary gift a burnt-offering, or a peace- offering, as a voluntary gift unto the Lord: then shall be opened for him the gate that looketh toward the east, and he shall prepare his burnt-offering and his peace-offering, as he usually doth on the sabbath-day; and he shall go out, and the gate shall be locked after his going out. 13 And a sheep of the first year without blemish shalt thou prepare as a burnt-offering every day unto the Lord: morning by morn- ing shalt thou prepare it. 14 And as a meat-offering shalt thou pre- pare with it, morning by morning, the sixth part of an ephah, and the third of a hin of oil, to mingle" with the fine flour — a meat-offering unto the Lord, as ordinances for ever con- tinually. 15 Thus shall they prepare the sheep, and the meat-oflTering, and the oil, morning by morning, as a continual burnt-offering. 16 T[ Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, If the prince make a gift unto any one of his sons, it is his inheritance, it shall belong to his sons: it shall be their possession as their inheritance. 17 But if he make a gift of his inheritance to one of his servants: then shall it remain his to the year of freedom, when it shall re- turn to the prince; but his inheritance shall only remain for his sons.* 18 But the prince shall not take any thing from the inheritance of the people, to wrong" them out of tlieir possession : out of his own possession can he give an inheritance to his sons; in order that not one of my people be deprived "^ of his possession. 19 ][ And then he brought me through the entry, which was at the side of the gate, into the holy chambers for the priests, which looked toward the north : and, behold, there was a place by the back wall on the west side. 20 And he said unto me, This is the place ■* Zunz, "but his property (given to) his sons shall r? main theirs." ° Philippson, "to drive them off." ' Lit. "scattered." 649 EZEKIEL XLVI. XLVII. where the priests shall boil tlie trospass-ofter- ing and the sin-oft'ering, where (also) thej shall bake the ineat-offering ; so as not to carry the same out into the outer court, to mingle with the people. 21 Then did he lead me forth into the outer court, and caused me to pass along the four corners of the court; and, behold, in every corner of the court there was a court." 22 In the four corners of the court there were uncovered'' courts of forty cubits in length and thirty in l)readth: there was one measure for all these four in tlie corners. 23 And there was a shelf of masonry round about in them, round about all these four, and it was furnished with liearths for boiling under the shelves round about. 24 Then said he unto me, These are the places of those that boil, where the servants of the hou.se shall boil the sacrifice of the people. CHAPTER XLVII. 1 And he brought me back again unto the door of the house: and, behold, water was issuing out from under the threshold of the j house eastward ; for the front of the house stood toward the east ; and the water came i down from under (the threshold), from the right side of the house, to the south of the altar. 2 Then did he bring me out hy the wa^- of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the outer gate by the way that looked eastward : and, behold, the water was runaiing on tlie right side. 3 When the man went forth eastward, having the measuring-line in his hand, he measured a thousaml cubits, and he led me tlii'ough the water, the water reaching to the ankles. 4 Again he measured a thousand (cubits), and led me through the water, the water " Heb. "a court in a corner of a court; and a court in a corner of a court." '' After Mishnah Middoth, ii. §. 5; these small courts in tlie corners of the outer main court were spaced off with walls, and had no roofs; a row of hearths went all around them, on which the sacritices of a less degree of .sanctity were boiled. " Philippson; but Zunz, "into the sea of the destroy- ed (those taken out of life); i. f. the men of Sodom and C50 reaching to the knees. Again he measured a thousand (cubits), and led me through, the water reaching to the loins. 5 And he measured again a thousand (cu- bits), it being a stream that 1 could not wade tlirough ; for the water was increased, being water fit to swim in, a strean! that could not be waded through. G And he said unto me. Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then did he lead me. and caused me to return to the bank of the stream. 7 Now when I i^eturned, behold, there were at the banks of the stream very many trees, on the one side and on the other. S Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the eastern district, and go down into the plain, and fall into the sea, (the waters) being'' carried forth into the se.a, so that the waters shall be healed. 9 And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whither.soever the double-stream'' shall come, shall live: and the fish shall be (therein) in great abun- dance; for when this water shall have come thither, (the waters of the sea) shall be heal- ed, and every thing shall live whither the stream cometh. 10 And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand by it; from 'En-gedi even unto 'En-'eglayim, there shall be places for the spreading out of nets: after their various kinds shall the fish thereof be, like the fi.sli of the great sea, exceedingly many. 11 But its swamps and its lagoons shall not be healed, for (the production of) salt are they destined. 12 And by the stream upon its banks, on this side and on that side, shall grow up all kinds of trees for food, the leaves of which shall not fade, and the fruit of which shall not come to an end, every month shall they bring forth new ripe fruit; because its water is that which issueth out of the sanctuary; vicinity. Rashi, "into the ocean which is separated from the habitable land." '' Zunz, after llashi, who supposes that the stream will divide itself into many branches, one falling in the lake of Tiberias, one in the Dead Sea, and another in the Me- diterranean. Philippson, simply, "the strong stream." The healing of the water spoken of refers to the Dead Sea, where no animal can now live, as even fish carried down by the Jordan immediately perish. iind tlieii" tViiit shall sorvo for leaves for remedies. 13 Ti Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, This shall be the boundary, whereby ye shall divide out the land unto the twelve tribes of Israel : Joseph shall have two portions. 14 And ye shall inherit it, every one like the other, (the land) eoncerning which I lift- ed up my hand to aive it unto your fathers : and this land shall fall unto you for an in- heritance. 15 And this shall be the boundary of the land : On the north side, from the great sea, the road to Chethlon, as far as to Zedad; 16 Chamath, Berotliah. Sibrayim. which is between the boundary of Damascus and the boundary of Chamath ; Chazar-hattichon, which is by the bouiidaiv of Cliavran.'' 17 And the boundarj- shall be from the sea to Chazar-'enon, the boundary of Damas- cus, and the northern inirt" on the north, and the boundary of (Jhamath. And this is the north side. 18 And the east side shall _ve measure be- tween Chavran and Damascus (on the one side), and between Gil'ad and the land of Israel (on the other side) by the Jordan, from the (north) boundary unto the east sea. And this is the east side. 19 And the south side, on the south, from Thamar even to the waters of contention at Kadesh, toward the brook (flowing) into the Great Sea. And this is the south side on the south. 20 And the west side shall be the great sea from the (southern) boundary, as tar as straight up to Chamath. This is the west side. 21 And ye shall divide this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel. 22 And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance among your- selves, and to the strangers that sojourn in the mi<lst of you, who shall have begotten chil- dren in the midst of you; and they shall be unto you as the native born among the chil- dren of Israel: with you shall they obtain an in- heritance in the midst of the tribes of Israel. 23 And it shall come to pass, that in what- * /. ('. Hduran, a district in the north-east of Palestine, afterward Auranitis. '' Zunz renders jisv •■ Zaphoii," as tiiough it wore the EZEKIEL XLVII. XLVIII bod, and their ever tribe the stranger sojourneth, there shall ye give him his inheritance, saith the Lord Eternal. CHAPTER XLVIII. 1 ][ Now these ai-e the names of the tribes : At the edge, on the north side, along the road on the way to Chethlon, as far as Chamath, Chazar-'enan, the boundary of Dama.seus northward, alongside of Chamath, there shall be from the east side to the west for Dan one portion. 2 And Ij}' the boundary of Dan, from the east side unto the west side, for Asher one portion. 3 And by the boundary of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side, for Naph- tali one portion. 4 And by the boundary of Naphtali, from the east side unto the west side, for Menas- seh one portion. 5 And by the boundary of Menasseh, from the east side unto the west side, for Ephraim one portion. 6 And b}' the boundary of Ephraim, from the east side even unto the west side, for Reuben one portion. 7 And by the boundary of Retiben, from the east side unto the west side, for Judah one portion. 8 And by the boundary of Judah, from the east side unto the west side, shall be the oblation which ye shall set aside of five and twenty thousand rods in breadth, and in length as one of the other parts, from the east side unto the west side: and the sanc- tuary shall be in the midst of it. 9 The oblation that ye shall set aside unto the Lord shall be in length five and twenty thousand (rods), and in breadth ten thou- sand. 10 And to these shall belong the holy obla- tion, — namely to the priests, toward the north, five and twenty thousand rods (in length), and on the west ten thousand in breadth, and on the east ten thousand in breadth, and on the south five and twenty thousand in length : and the sanctuary of the Lord shall be in the midst of it. name of a place; but it may also, as rendered here, sim- ply denote the well-defined north boundary-line spoken of by Moses. 651 EZEKIEL XLVIII. 11 Unto the priests, that are sanctitied,'' of the sons of Zadok, who have kept my charge, who went not astray when the chil- dren of Israel went astraj-, as the Levites went astray. VI To them shall thus belong the portion set aside of the oblation of the land as a most holy thing by tlie boundary of the Levites. 13 And the Levites shall have alongside the boundary of the priests five and twenty thousand rods in length, and in breadth ten thousand; the whole in length five and twenty thousand, and in breadth ten thousand. 14 But they shall not sell aught thereof, or exchange, or alienate this first portion of the land ; for it is holy unto the Lord. 15 And the five thousand rods, that are left in the breadth, with a length*" of five and twenty thousand, shall be an unconsecrated land for the city, for dwelling, and for an open space: and the city shall be in the midst thereof.'' 16 And these shall be its measures: The north side four thousand and five hundred (rods), and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on the east side four thou- sand and five hundred, and the west side four thousand and five hundred. 17 And the open space of the city shall be toward the north two hundred and fifty (rods), and toward the south two hundred and fifty, and toward the east two hundred and fifty, and toward the west two hundred and fifty. 18 And the produce of the residue in length alongside the holy oblation ten thou- sand rods eastward, and ten thousand west- ward, that which is alongside the holy obla- tion, shall be for food unto the labourers'* of the city. ' Jonathan ; but Rashi supplies before tyipon the word pSn " the sanctified portion .shall belong to the priests of the sons of Zadok." " Rashi. Lit. " in front." ° The holy oblation of 25,000 square rods, or nearly fifty square miles, was divided into three parts from north to SDuth; a portion on the north of 10,000 rods in width, and "i.i.OOO ill length, for the priests, in the midst of which was tlie sanctuary or temple, surrounded by a wall 500 rods square; next to this another portion of the same dimensions for the Levites, (v. 13, 14.); and on the south another portion of the same length, but only 5000 rods in breadth, for the city, (v. 15). The city was situated in the midst of this portion, being 4500 rods, or about nine miles square, having an open space of 250 rods, or about half a mile, on each side, (v. 17,) e62 19 And the labourers of the city, men taken out of all the tribes of Israel, shall till" it. 20 All the oblation, five and twenty thou- sand (rods) by five and twenty thousand square, shall ye set apart as the holy obla- tion, with the possession' of the city. 21 And the residue shall belong to the prince, on the one side and on the other of the holy oblation, and of the pos.session of the city, alongside of the five and twenty thou- sand of the oblation toward the eastern boundary, and westward alongside the five and twenty thousand toward the western boundary, alongside the portions (of the tribes) ; for the prince (.shall it be) : and so shall be the holy oblation; and the sanctuary of the house shall be in the midst thereof ■ 22 And both the possession of the Levites, and the possession of the city, shalL be in the midst of that which belongeth to the prince: between the boundary of Judah and the boundary of Benjamin, shall be for the prince. 23 As for the rest of the tribes, from the east side unto the west side, shall be for Ben- jamin one portion. 24 And by the boundary of Benjamin, from the east side unto the west side, for Simeon one portion. 25 And by the boundary of Simeon, from the east side unto the west side, for Issachar one portion. 26 And by the boundary of Issachar, from the east side unto the west side, for Zebulun one portion. 27 And by the boundary of Zebulun, from the east side unto the west side, for Gad one portion. leaving 10,000 rods, or nearly 10 miles on the east side, and the same on the west side, for the profit of those who serve the city out of all the tribes, (v. 18, 19.) On the east and west sides of this square of 25,000 rods, is the portion of the prince; each of which, estimating the breadth of the land at 150 miles, would form a square of 50 miles. '' Who these labourers or servants are is not very appa- rent. Rashi thinks they are a sort of Gib'onites, hewers of wood and drawers of water; Rcdak, those who are in Jerusalem, as representatives of all the tribes; but Phi- lippson, soldiers, watchmen, and others connected with the public functions of government. ° Zunz, " And as labourers in the city shall people taken out of all the tribes of Israel perform service." ' Raslii, "circumference." EZEKIEL XLVIII. 28 And by the boundary of Gad, on the Koutliern side toward the south, shall be the boundary from Thaniar unto the waters of contention of Kadesh, unto the brook by the Great Sea. 29 This is the land which ^-e shall divide by lot for an inheritance to the tribes of Is- rael, and these are their allotted divisions, saitli the Lord Eternal. 30 ]f And these are the outlines" of the city: On the north side, four hundred and four thousand rods, by the measure. 31 And of the gates of the city, being after the names of the tribes of Israel, shall be three gates on the north: the gate of Reuben one, the gate of Jadah one, the gate of Levi one. '' Rashi, "gates," or the mean.s of egress; literally, "the goings out." '' An appellation signifying the constant presence of 32 And on tlie east side, five hundred and four thousand rods, with three gates: namely, the gate of Joseph one, the gate of Benjamin one, the gate of Dan one. 33 And the south side, five hundred and four thousand rods, by the measure, with three gates: the gate of Simeon one, the gate of Issachar one, the gate of Zebuluu one. 34 The west side, five hundred and four thousand rods, wath their three gates: the gate of Gad one, the gate of Asher one, the gate of Naphtali one. 35 All around it shall be eighteen thou- sand rods: and the name of the city shall be from that day " The Lord is there."'' God's glory in the renewed sanctuary in the never to be destroyed city ; so do Isaiah (Ix. 14) and Jeremiah (xxxiii. 16) apply new names to Jerusalem. 653 THE TWELVE MINOR PROPHETS, THE PROPHECY OF HOSEA, V^'\n riiXiDl CHAPTER I. 1 ^ The word of the Lord that came unto Hosea' the sou of Beeri, in the days of 'Uz- ziyah, Jotham, Achaz, (and) Hezekiah, the kings of Judah, and in the days of Jerobo'am tlie sou of JoJish the king of Israel. 2 The beginning of the word of the Lord by Hosea was, that the Lord said to Hosea, Go, take unto tliee a wife of prostitution*" and children of prostitution; for the (inhabitants of the) land go far astray, departing from the Lord. o So he went and took Gomer the daugh- ter of Diblayim, and she conceived and bore him a son. 4 And the Lord said unto him. Call his name Yizre'el;" for but yet a little while, when I will visit the blood of Yizre'el' upon the house of Jehu, and I will cau.se to cease the kingdom of the house of Israel. 5 And it shall come to pass on that day, that I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Yizre'el. * Correctly, IloxJica. ^ Jonathan explains this alU'gorieally, "prophesy against the inhabitants of the city which worshippeth iiJols who yet add to their sin." Aben Ezra and Rara- bam regard the whole as a vision. Others, however, take it literally. "The children of prostitution," however, iiniy indicates those born of a woman of bad reputation, although at the time they saw the light she was a law- ful wife, and they were boru in wedlock. But whether a vision or actual occurrence, the pmpliet was t(j prefigurate thereby first the rejection, and then the reespuusal of Is- rael to God. ° After the city of the name where some of the kings t)51 6 And she conceived again, and bore a daughter: and he said unto him, Call her name Lo-ruchamah [Not finding mercy] ; for I will not farther have any more mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will give them their full recompense." 7 But upon the house of Judah will I have mercy, and I will save them through the Lord their God, and I will not save them by the bow, or by the sword, or by battle, by horses, or by horsemen. 8 Now when she had weaned Lo-ruch;i- mah, she conceived, and bore a son. 9 Then said he, Call his name Lo-'ammi [Not my people] ; for ye are not my people, and I will indeed not be unto you (a God). CHAPTER II.' 1 ]| Yet shall the number of the children of Israel (once) be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that instead that people say of them, Ye are not my people of Israel resided and committed their crimes. Jonathan renders the name, "driving out," taking it literally, "God will scatter." ■^ Jonathan, "the blood of the hou.^c of Achab, whom Jehu ,'<lew at Yizre'el, because they had served IJa'al, where he afterward went and worshipped the calves in Beth-cl, wherefore I regard it as innocent blood against the hou.se of Jehu." ° Kashi. Jonathan, "but if they repent, I will forgive them." Aben Ezra, "I will carry them away." Ivedak, "I will brini; unto them the enemv" ' In the English version, verse 3. el Kiplcr ii. c-oiinnences at ROSEA II. [Lo-'animi], shall they call tliem, The sons of the living God. 2 Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and they will appoint for themselves one head, and they shall go up out of the land ; for great shall be the day of Yizre'el." 3 Call ye your brothers, 'Animi [my peo- ple] ; and your sisters, Ruchamah [That hath obtained mercy]. 4 Contend with your mother, contend; for she is not my wife, and I am not her hus- band; but let her put away her prostitution from her face, and her adulteries from be- tween her breasts : 5 Lest I strip her naked, and set her, as on the day that she was born, and make her as a wilderness, and render her like a dry land, and let her die with thirst. 6 And upon her children will I not have mercy; for they are children of prostitution; 7 For their mother hath played the har- lot ; she that conceived them hath done shamefully; for she said, I will go after my lovers, that give me my bread and my water, my wool and my tlax, m}- oil and my drink. 8 Therefore, behold, I w^ill hedge up th}- way with thorns, and I will close it up with a fence, that she shall not tind lier paths. 9 And she will make pursuit after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them ; and she will seek them, but shall not lind tliem : then will she say, I will go and return to my hrst husband; for it was better with me then than now. 10 But she indeed did not acknowledge, that it was I that had given her the corn, and the wine, and the oil, and multiplied for her silver and gold, which they devoted for Ba'al. 11 Therefore will I turn back,^ and take away my corn in its time, and my wine in its season, and I will snatch away my wool and my flax, (given) to cover her nakedness. 12 And now will I lay open her disgrace before the eyes of her lovers, and no man shall deliver her out of my hand. ' Johlson, "when God soweth." "■ .Toblson, " will I resume my corn," &e. ' llashi, "the depth of the exile, where they are now grieved, will 1 give her a.s a door for hope, the beginning of hope; bceause out of the midst of these troubles will she take to heart to return unto me." '' ivx ish. "husband," hy2 ba'al, "master," also allud- 13 And I will cause to cease all her mirth, her festival, her new-moon, and her sal>biitli, and all her appointed feasts. 14 And I will make desolate her vine tmd her fig-tree, whereof she hath said. These are my reward which my lovers have given me : and I will change them into a forest, and the beasts of the field shall devour them. 15 And I will visit upon her the days of the Be'alim, to which she used to burn in- cense, when she decked herself with her ear- rings and her jewels, and went after her lovers, and me she forgot, saith the Lord. 16 Therefore, behold, will I allure her, and lead her forth into the wilderness, and I will speak comfortingly unto her heart. 17 And I will give her (again) her vine- yards from there, and the valley of 'Achor [sorrow]" as an entrance for hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as on the day of her coming up out of the land of Egypt. 18 ^ And it shall happen at that day, saith the Lord, that thou shalt call me Ishi** [my husband], and shalt not call me any more Bti'ali [my lord]. 19 For I will remove the names of tlie Be'alim out of her mouth, and they shall no more l)e mentioned by their name. 20 And I will make for them a covenant on that day with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of the heaven, and with the creeping things of the groinid : and bow, and sword, and war I will lireak away out of the land, and I will cause them to lie down in safety. 21 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever: yea, I will l)etroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in justice, and in loving- kindness, and in mercy. 22 And I will betroth thee unto me in faithfulness; and thou shalt know the Lord. 23 ^ And it shall come to pass on that day, that I will answer prayer, saith the Lord, I will answer the heavens, and they shall answer" the earth; ing to the names of the various idols of the West Asiatics, which shall never be worshipped any more. " i. e. As though the heavens were to ask of God that they might give rain, in answer to the petition of the earth, &c. Rashi here explains Yizre'el " the children of the exile, who were scattered but are now re- turned." G55 HOSEA II. III. IV. 24 And the earth shall answer the corn, and the wine, and the oil; and they shall answer Yizre'el. 25 And I will sow her for me in the land; and I will have mercy upon " Her that had not obtained mercy" [Lo-ruchamah] ; and I will say to those who were " Not my people" [Lo-'ammi], Thou art my people: and they shall say, Thou art my God. CHAPTER III. 1 ][ Then said the Lokd unto me. Go once more, love a woman beloved of her husliand, yet committing adultery; like the love of the Lord toward the children of Israel, who turn themselves after other gods, and love flagons of wine." 2 So I bought me such a one for fifteen pieces of silver, and for a chomer of barle})-, and half a chomer'' of barley. 3 And I said unto her. Many days shalt thou abide (true) for me: thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not belong to any man, and so will I also be toward thee.° 4 For many days shall the children of Is- rael abide without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without a standing image, and without an ephod and theraphim.'' 5 After that will the children of Israel re- turn, and seek for the Lord their God and David their king; and fearing will they hasten to the Lord and to his goodness in the latter days. CHAPTER IV. 1 Tl Hear the word of the Lord, ye chil- dren of Israel; for the Lord hath a contro- versy with the inhabitants of the land; be- ' Philippson, after the Septuagint, "cakes of raisins," which are said U> have been frequently used at idolatrous ceremonies. "Heb. "lethech." " After Aben Ezra and Redak, taking x'?! as belonging also to the last part of the sentence ; but Jonathan, " And I also will in future have mercy upon you." * The prophet describes here exactly our present state, as it has also been for many centuries — neither altar of God nor idolatry, no consulting by the true priests nor by idols: while we still adhere to Jhe Lord notwithstanding our sins. ' t. c. The blood of one murdered person touches that cif another. Others, however, "they heap one blood- guiltiness on the other." cause there is no truth, nor kindness, nor knowledge of God in the land. 2 There is false swearing, and lying, and murdering, and stealing, and committing adultery: they break the bounds, and blood toucheth on blood. ' 3 Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall lan- guish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of the heaven: yea, also the fishes of the sea shall perish. 4 Yet let no man strive, let no man re- prove another: and thy people are conten- tious equally with the priest.' 5 Therefore shalt thou stumble in the day- time, and the prophet also shall stumble with^' thee in the night; and I will destroy thy mother.'' 6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because thou hast rejected know- ledge, so will I also reject thee, that thou shalt not be a priest to me ; and as thou hast for- gotten the law of thy God, so will I myself also forget thy children. 7 The more they increased, the more did they sin against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. 8 The sin-offering of my people do they eat, and for their iniquity doth the soul of each one of them long.' 9 Therefore shall the same befall Ijoth people and priest: and I will punish every one of them for his ways, and recompense every one for his doings. 10 And they will eat, and shall not be sa- tisfied; they will commit lewdness, and they shall not increase; because the Lord have they forsaken (not) keeping (his law). 11 Lewdness and wine and new wine take away the heart.'' ' Philippson, "both thy people and the priests are op ponents (of God)." Zunz, "for both thy people and the priest are deserving blame." llashi, and after him Johl- son, " thy people contend with the priests." Jonathan, "with their teacher." Redak, "and now thy people can reprove the priest, who is as bad as they are." Others, "like Korah, who contended about the priesthood." * Jonathan, "the prophets that are with thee." '' i. e. The entire people, as they shall be scattered. ' i. c. They care nothing how much wrong be done, so that they only get sacrifices brought to the temple as their perquisites. ' Meaning, idolatry and drunkenness, with the indul- gence of the passions, deprive Israel of their reason ; true wisdom being only found in obedienc-e to God. b:XKlvll-_l, )^\ "1 H K In' I \ !■: 1\' Kl-;il.AK IIOSKA IV. V. 12 My people ask counsel of their stick of wood, and their staft' shall tell them (the fu- lure); for the spirit of lewdness hath caused them to err, and they are gone astray unfaith- ful to their God. 13 Upon the tops of the mountains do they sacrifice, and upon the hills burn they in- cense, under oaks and poplars and terebinths, because their shadow is good: therefore will your daughters play the harlot, and your daughters-in-law will commit adultery. 14 I cannot inflict punishment on your daughters when they play the harlot, nor on your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery; for they themselves associate with lewd women, and with harlots do they sacri- fice: and so doth the people that doth not understand stumble." 15 Yet though thou play the harlot, Israel, let not Judah offend: and come not ye unto Gilgal,'' nor go ye up to Beth-aven, nor swear. As the Lord liveth. IG For like an untamable cow is Israel disobedient: now would the Lord have fed them as a sheep in a wide pasture." 17 Ephraim is bound to idols: let him alone. 1 8 Their drinking bout will come to an end : while they are so often guilty of lewdness, their rulers love, prepare themselves but shame. 19 The wind seizeth fast on them with its wings, and they shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices. CHAPTER V. 1 ^ Hear this, ye priests; and listen well, ye house of Israel ; and give ye ear, house of the king; for the punishment threateneth'' 3"ou; because ye have been a snare on Mizpah, and a net spread out upon Thabor. 2 And for murdering they who had re- belled (against God) concealed themselves" " Redak. Rashi, "shall falter and meet its punish- meut." Septuagint and Aben Ezra, "lose its rea- son." *■ (. e. The people of Judah are warned not to go to the places where the golden calves are worshipped. Bcfh- aivn, "the house of wickedness," instead oi Beth-d, "the house of God." And even to swear by the Lord with the idolaters is prohibited, because they swore falsely. (Jer. V. 2.) ° After Redak, meaning, had they been obedient, God would have shown them much goodness. Rashi, how- i H in deep places; but I will inflict correction on them all. 3 I well know Ephraim, and Israel is not hidden from me; for now, Ephraim, hast thou played the harlot, (and) Israel is defiled. 4 Their doings will not permit them to re- turn unto their God ; for the spirit of lewd- ness is in their bosom, and the Lord they have not known. 5 Therefore shall the pride of Israel be humbled before his face: and Israel and Ephraim shall stunil)le in their inirpiity; Judah also shall stumble with them. n With their flocks*^ and with their herds will they go to seek the Lord; but they shall not find him.: he hath withdrawn himself from them. 7 Against the Lord have they dealt treach- erously; for strange children have they be- gotten : now shall one month devour them together with their possessions. 8 ^ Blow ye the cornet in Gib'ah, the trumpet in Ramah : blow the alarm at Beth- aven, (The enemy is) after thee, Benja- min. 9 Ephraim shall be made desolate on the day of chastisement : among the tribes of Is- rael had I made known that which is true. 10 The princes of Judah were like those that remove the landmark : my wrath, there- fore, will I pour out upon them like water. 11 Oppres.sed is Ephraim, broken through punishment; because he willingly walked af- ter the commandment (of false prophets) .*-' 12 But like the moth became I unto Ephraim, and like rottenness to the house of Judah." 13 Then saw Ephraim his sickness, and Ju- dah his wound, and Ephraim went \o Asshur, and (the other) sent to the king that should contend [Jareli] ; but he will never be able to heal you, nor remove froni you your wound. 14 For I am as a lion imto Ephraim, and ever, "Now will the Lord feed them sparingly, like a sheep that hath to pick up its food in a large pasture where little groweth." •^ Rashi. Jonathan, "for yours it was to know the law, but," &c. ° Aben Ezra supplies, "their net.s," instead of "them- selves." ' Rashi explains, " with their sacrifices." 8 Rashi. '' "The worm that eateth the tree and grindeth it up." — R.^sni. 057 as a even away liver. ir, young lion to the house of Judah: I, I myself will tear in pieces and go ; I will bear away, and none shall de- I will go (from here, and) return to my place, till they acknowledge their guilt, and seek my presence : in their affliction will they seek" for me. HOSEA V. VI. VII. 10 On the house of Israel have I seen a horrible thing: there is lewdness in Ephrairn, Israel is become defiled. 11 Also for thee, Judah, will a harvest be prepared/ when I bring back the captivity of my people. CHAPTER VII. CHAPTER VI. 1 "Come, and let us return unto the Lord; for he hath torn, and he will heal us: he hath smitten, and he will l»ind up our wounds. 2 He will revive us after two days: on the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his presence. 3 And l^t us feel it, that we may strive to know the Lord; bright as the morning-dawn is his rising; and he will come as the rain v,nto us, as the latter rain that maketh fruits I'ul the earth." 4 What shall I do unto thee, Ephrairn? what .shall I do unto thee, Judah? for your piety is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew that passeth away. 5 Therefore did I hew (them) down by means of the prophets; I slew them by the words of Tny mouth : and thy punishments'' go forth like the light. 6 For piety I desired, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God, more than burnt- otferings. 7 But they, like an ordinary man, have transgressed the covenant: there'' have. they dealt treacherously again.st me. 8 Gil'ad is become a city of workers of wickedness, is full (if traces'' of blood. 9 And'as trooj)s that lie in wait for a man, so is the band of priests, they murder on the way in unison;" for they commit scandalous deeds. ' Jonathan, "will they desire my fear." '' Jdiiathaii, "my decree (!.<■. over thee) g(ieth forth like the light." Rashi, however, "how eould I favour you against the punishment?" ° i. e. In their good land given them by God. ■^ As though it were marked with the heels besmeared with the fresh blood through which they walked. Rashi, freely, "full of those who lie in wait to murder." " Others, "on the road to Shechem (a city of refuge) do thiy commit murder." ' I'iiilippsim. Rashi, "will a time of punishment be jireparcd, because T desired to bring them back by ad- nionisliing them from their baekslidintr" 6.5« 1 Tl Sliould I desire to heal Israel, then would the iniquity of Ephraim and the wick- edness of Samaria be laid open ; for they com- mit falsehood ; and the thief entereth (secret- ly), and the troop of roljbers is spread al)road without. 2 And they never think in their own heart that I remember all their wickedness: though now their own doings are all round about them ; before my face are they present. 3 With their wickedness they make the king glad, and with their lies the princes. 4 They are all adulterers, as an oven well heated by the baker: (when) he that stirreth (the fire") resteth awhile from kneading the dough, until it be leavened._ 5 On the day of our king's (entering on his rule) the princes are made sick with the fumes of wine: (the king)^ joineth his hand with scorners. 6 For they make ready their heart for their tricky deeds, like the oven, the baker whereof sleepeth all the night, while in the morning it gloweth as a flaming fire.'' 7 The}' are all hot as an oven, and they devour their judges; all their kings are fallen : there is none among them that calleth unto me. 8 Ephraim mixeth himself indeed among the nations: Ephraim is a cake not turned." 9 Strangers devour his strength, and he knoweth it not : yea, gray hairs are sprinkled about on his (head), yet he knoweth not. 10 And hum!)led was the pride of Israel ' Rashi, " he withdraweth his hand from the good to join the .scorners." I'hilippson makes "wine" the munitiative to the verb, and translates, "which through its power draw- eth forth the scorners;" /. e. when drunk with wine they will give utterance to their hitherto secret scornfulness. '' The fuel is placed in the oven, and when the time comes, it is ready for baking, though the baker have slept in the mean while; so is it with the people, during the night they reflect in secret on the crimes they are to commit during the day, and then they are ready to follow their evil inclinations. ' Redak, "burnt on one, and not done on the other side " Jonathan, "eaten up before it was turned." IIOSEA VII. VIII. before lii.s own face; but they did not return to the LoKD their God. and sought him not, notwithstanding all this. 11 And Ephraini is become like a silly dove without understanding: Egypt did they call hither, to Assyria did they go. 12 As they go, so will I spread out my net over them ; as the fowls of the heaven will I bring them down: I will chastise them, as it hath been announced to their congrega- tion. 13 Wo unto theml for they have fled from me; destruction shall come unto them, be- cause they have transgressed against me: though I desired to redeem them, they yet spoke lies against me. 14 And they cried not unto me with their heart, when they howled upon their beds: for corn and new wine they assemble" them- selves, and they rebel against me. 15 And I desired to instruct and to strength- en their arms ; yet would they devise evil against me. 10 They never return upward ;'' they are like a deceitful bow; by the sword shall their princes fall because of the rage of their tongue : this shall be their derision in the land of Egypt. CHAPTER VIII. 1 Set the cornet to thy mouth. (Let' the enemy come) like the eagle against the house of the Lord; because they have transgressed my covenant, and against my law have they trespassed. 2 To me will they then cry, My God, we, Israel, know thee. 3 (But) Israel did reject the good :'' st) let the enemy pursue him. 4 They set up kings, but not l)y my advice; they chose princes, and I knew it " Philippson, "they rave about corn and new wine." '■ Rashi, "they returned to Egypt without any benefit." Redak, "to the'Most High." ° Raslii; but Redak, "Let the cornet be blown, be- cause the enemy cometh." ■* i. e. Gcid who is good; so x\ben Ezra. Other.s, "Is- rael cast off his happiness." ° Redak; but Raslii, "that their wealth may be wasted." ' Rashi. ' i. c. The calves of Jerobo'am were Israel's handi- work, made by an artisan, cousefjueutly not able to help themselves nor their worshippers. "Philippson; meaning, Israel was destined to dwell not: of their silver and their gold have they made themselves idols, so that they" will be cut ofl". 5 Thy calf, Samaria, hath caused thy rejection ;'^ my anger is kindled against them: how long will it be that they cannot cleanse themselves ? G For from Israel did also that (idol) spring;*^ an artisan made it, and no God is it: so then shall it become broken in splinters — that calf of Samaria. 7 For the wind do they sow, and the whirl- wind shall they reap : (their seed) bringeth no standing corn; the jslant yieldeth no meal; but should it yield it, strangers would swal- low it up. 8 Swallowed up is Israel : now are they among the nations as a ves.sel without any value. 9 For they are needs gone up to Assyria, they who like a wild ass should dwell alone :'' Epliraim spendeth lovers' gifts. 10 But even though they should spend gifts among the nations, now will I gather them : and they shall be humbled' a little through the burden of the king of princes. 11 Because Ephraini hath multiplied altars to sin, the altars have been unto him the means of sinning. 12 I ever wrote down for him the great things of my law; but as a strange thing are they accounted. 13 My sacrificial ofierings they slay as common flesh that they may eat it;'' the Lord accepteth them not in favour: now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins; they shall indeed return to Egypt- 14 For Israel forgot his Maker, and built palaces; and Judah multiplied fortified cities; but I will .'<end a fire among hi^* cities, and it shall devour their fine edifices. alone and not mingle with the nations; and now they sent to Assyria for aid. But Rashi, " they are made like the wild ass that goeth alone, snuffing the wind, roaming from place to place." ' Rashi, from Shr\, "to profane," hence, "to lower;" but Aben Ezra, " they shall commence (to complain) be- cause of the burden of king and princes." 'Rashi, "the sacrifices of my burnt-offerings which they burn before me on the tire which is on my altar, what do I require this for? let them slay them for them- selves as flesh, that they may eat them; for I have no pleasure in them." The translation here adopted means, that they bring indeed sacrifices, but not from a pure mo- tive, only to have a merry-making and to eat the flesh. ' ■' -^669 HOSEA IX. X. CHAPTER IX. 1 ]1 Rejoice not, Israel, for gladness, as other people; for thou art gone astra}', un- laithful to thy God: thou hast loved the wages of sin upon every corn-filled threshing- floor. 2 The threshing-floor and tlie wine-press shall not feed them, and the new wine shall deceive them." 3 They shall not dwell in the land of the Lord; but Ephraim shall return to Egypt, and in Assyria will the}' eat unclean things. 4 They shall not pour out wine to the Lord, and (their offerings) shall not be pleas- ing unto him ; their sacrifices shall be unto them as the bread of mourners; all that eat thereof shall be polluted; for this their food can only be for themselves,*" it shall not come into the house of the Lord. 5 What will ye do on the day of the ap- pointed festival, and on the day of the feast of the Lord? G For, lo, they are gone forth because of the desolation; Egypt will gather them up, Moph will bury them: the pleasant chambers for their silver, — these shall nettles take pos- session of; thorns shall (grow) in their tents. 7 Come are the days of the visitation, come are the days of thy recompense ; this shall Israel experience : a fool was the prophet, mad the inspired man, because of the great- ness of thy iniquity, and the great hatefulness. 8 The watchman of Ephraim with my God," the prophet, was a snare of the fowler on all his ways, a hateful thing in the liouse of his god. 9 They are deeply corrupt, as in the days of Gib' ah: he will rememl)er their iniquity, he will visit their sins. 10 ^ Like grapes in the wilderness had I found Israel; as the first ripe fruit on the fig- tree in the first of the season had I seen your fathers ; but they too went to Ba'al-pe'or, and devoted themselves unto that shameful idol, "■ i. e. Not. yield what is ospccted. '' Zunz, "for their bread should bo for their hunger." " Zunz; but Rashi, "Ephraim set themselves up their own prophets, who draw them to their idols, and for the true prophets they lay a snare." Johlson, "Ephraim lookcth after oracle, near my God : the prophet is to him a fowler's snare on all his ways, an offence in the house of his god." 660 and becauie' abominations as those they loved. 11 As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird : there is no more birth, and no pregnancy, and no conception. 12 But though they were to bring up tlieir children, yet would I bereave them, that there should be no man : yea. wo also to themselves, when I depart from them! 13 Ephraim, as I have seen him like Tyre, planted in a pleasant meadow, — yet this Ephraim shall lead forth to the nnn'derer his children. 14 Give them, Lord, what thou wilt give! give them a miscarrying womb and dried-up breasts. 15 All their wickedness is in Gilgal; for there I (learnt to) hate them; for the wick- edness of their doings will I drive them out of my house: I will love them no farther; all their princes are rebels. 16 Smitten is Ephraim, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit; yea, though they should bring forth, yet would I slay the beloved fruit of their tody. 17 My God will reject them, because they did not hearken unto him : and they shall be Wanderers among the nations. CHAPTER X. 1 ^ An emptied vine is Israel ; how should" he bring forth fruit for himself? the more numerous was his fruit the more he increased the altars ; the more prosperous was his land, the more they made goodly statues. 2 Their heart is divided; now shall they bear their guilt: this will break down their altars, will devastate their statues. 3 For now will they say, We have' no king; because we fear not the Lord: and the king — what can he do for us? 4 They have spoken (vain) words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: therefore springeth up the punishment as poison in the furrows of the field. •* Rashi, "when they loved the daughters of Moab." " Redak. Others, "his fruit is deception like him self." Philippson, after the Septuagint, "A rank vine is Israel; it beareth fruit," &c. Rashi, "Israel is like the vine that droppeth all its good fruit." ' Philippson, "We will have no king;" but Rashi, "We have no king; for him whom we have appointed over us to fight our battles, &c., availeth us nothing." HOSEA X. XI. 5 For the calves of Beth-aven are terrified the inhabitants of Samaria: yea, the people thereof mourn over them, and also its false priests that (before) rejoiced over them, for its glory, because it is departed from it. G Also this" sliall be carried unto Assyria for a present to the contentious*" king: Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed because of his own counsel. 7 As for Samaria, her king shall vanish like the foam upon the surface of the water. 8 And destroyed shall be the high-places of Aven, (the cause of) the sin of Israel ; the thorn and the thistle shall grow upon their altars: and they sliall say to the mountains. Cover us; and to the hills, Fall upon us. 9 ^ More" than in the days of Gib' ah hast thou sinned, Israel! there they stood; and the battle in Gib'ah against the children of wickedness did not overtake them. 10 (But now) after my desire will I chas- tise them : and the people sliall be gathered against them, when they harness them (for labour) in their two furrows. 11 And Ephraim is as a well-taught' heifer that lovetli to tread out the corn; and I passed over^ her fair neck : now will I make Ephraim draw the wagon, Judali shall plough, and Jacob shall harrow the held for the enemy. 12 Sow then for yourselves after righteous- ness, that you may reap (the fruit) of kind- ness; cultivate your fallow field; for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness down for you. 13 (But) ye have ploughed wickedness, iiii(fuity have ye reaped, ye have eaten the fruit of lies; because thou didst trust in thy ^ The goltlen calf. '' Rashi, "this is Sennacherib." Others, "king Ja- reb." ° Aben Ezra; but Raishi, "From the time of Gib'ah," &c. — " the same course they always pursued, therefore they succeeded not in their battle at Gib'ah," &c. Zunz, "then they stood forward against the wicked whom the war in Gib'ah could not overtake." ^ Rashi, "Broken in by blows of the goad;" meaning, that notwithstanding much punishment the people still love to indulge their pleasure, like a cow that is willing to thresh out the corn that she may eat her fill at the same time. " Redak, "to put on a light yoke." Others, "now I come with force over her fair neck." ' Rashi, "I was always drawing them with soft cords own way, in the multitude of tliy mighty men : 14 Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be wasted, as Shalman devastated Beth-arbel on the day of battle, (when) the mother was dashed in pieces upon her children. 1-5 The like of this doth Beth-el procure unto you because of your great wickedness : in the early morning shall utterly pass away the king of Israel. CHAPTER XI. 1 When Israel was yet young, then I loved him, and out of Egypt did I call my son. 2 The (prophets) called them; but the more they went from them: unto the Be'alim would they sacrifice, and to the graven images would they burn incense. 3 Yet I myself appointed a leader for Ephraim, who took them up in his arms; but they would not acknowledge that I healed them. 4 With Imman*^ cords I ever drew them forward, with leading-strings of love : and I was to them as those that lift' off" the yoke from their jaws, and I held out unto them footl. 5 He should not return unto the land of Egypt: yet (now) is the Assyrian his king; because they refused to repent. 6 And the sword shall fall on his cities, and shall make an end of his bou"hs,'' and consume them, because of their (evil) coun- sels. 7 For my people are only bent on back- sliding' from me ; and though upward'' they call them, they altogether will not elevate themselves. (leading-strings) as those by which a man draweth his son." ' Aben Ezra, "like those men who make high tlie yoke of the heifer to lift it off from her jaws time after time." Rashi adds, "so was I with them in all troubles to make them lighter for them." " Zunz, "bolts," ('. e. of the cities. Jonathan, "his mighty ones;" but Aben Ezra, "the boughs," ('. e. the young people. ' Rashi, "My people hesitate about returning to me." ' Rashi, (as above, vii. 16,) "and to the good tiling to which the prophets call them they altogether will not elevate themselves, and will not do it :" and so Philipp- son; but Redak, "though to the Most High they call them back, there is no one that will extol him;" i. r. they refuse to follow the prophets to acknowledge God's power. HOSEA XI. XII. XIII. 8 How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I surrender thee, Israel ? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I change thee as Zeboyim? turned is my heart within me, all my compassion is enkindled together. 9 I will not execute the fierceness of my anger, I will not again" destroy Ephraim; for God am I, and not man, the Holy One in the midst of thee, and I will not come with an enemy's hatred. 10 They shall follow after the Lord, when he will roar like a lion ; for he will roar, and the children shall hasten together from the west; 11 They shall hasten together as birds out of Egypt, and as doves out of the land of As- syria: and I will cause them to dwell in their houses, saith the Lord. CHAPTER XII." 1 Tl With lies hath Ephraim encompassed me about, and with deceit, the hou,se of Is- rael ; but Judah yet ruleth" with God, and is faithful to the Holy One. 2 Ephraim feedeth on wind, and pursueth the east wind ; tlie whole day he increaseth deceit and corruption ; and a covenant do they make with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt. 3 But with Judah also hath the Lord (to hold) a controversy; and to punish Jacob ac- cording to his ways, according to his doings will he recompense him. 4 In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his strength he strove with an angel. 5 Yea, he strove with an angel, and pre- vailed; he wept, and made supplication unto him: in Beth-el'' he should lind him, and there he will speak with us. 6 And the Lokd God of hosts, the Eternal One is his memorial.'' 7 Therefore do thou return to thy God: * Zunz; but Raslii, " I will not withdraw from my word to," &c. "' In the English vcrnion, chap. xii. (•onimeiR-es at ver. 2. ° Others, "Judah also raiij^rth about nuar God ( /'. e. worshippeth God and iddl.s) and near the faithful Holy «ne." * No doubt alluding to the blessing Jacob obtained from the angel, (Gen. xxxii. 27,) which was afterward confirmed by God himself in the revelation at Betb-el. (i6('</. XXXV. 9.) " Rashi comments here that this means, as though God bim.«elf said, "a.s T was alway.s, so am 1 now, and if vmi 01)2 keep goodness and justice, and wait on thy God continually. 8 But like a merchant, who hath the ba- lances of deceit in his hand, loving to over- reach, 9 Did Ephraim say, I am certainly become rich, I have acquired substance unto myself: it is all through my labours; they will find no iniquity in me, that could be sin. 10 And I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt: I will yet make thee dwell in tents, as in the days of antiquity. "^ 11 And I have spoken through the pro- phets, and I myself have multiplied visions, and by the means of the prophets have I spoken in similitudes. 12 If in Gil'ad there was misfortune, (it is because) there was naught but idolatry;" in Gilgal they sacrificed bullocks (to idols) : their altars also are as stone-heaps on the furrows of the fields. 13 And Jacob fied into the fields of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept (the flocks). 14 And by a prophet did the Lord bring Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he guarded. 15 (Yet) Ephraim provoked (him^ to anger most bitterly: therefore will his Lord cast his blood-guiltiness ujjon him, and his re- proach will he recompense unto him. CHAPTER XIII. 1 T[ When once Ephraim spoke, (all) trem- bled, so high was lie exalted in Israel; but he offended through Ba'al, and he died. 2 And now they yet continue to sin. and have made themselves molten images of their silver, idols according to their own imagining, every one of them the work of the artisan : they say to'' them, They that sacrifice men may kiss the calves. 3 Therefore shall they be as the morning would walk with me in uprightness as Jacob your father, I would act toward you as T did to him " ' Jonathan. Kashi comments, that God would restore those who study the law as in Jacob's days, who was said to dwell in tents. Redak, "God would cause us to dwell in tents as in the wilderness, when we are redeem- ed from the nations to show us his power." Philiiijison, "as in the days of the feast" (of tabernacles) in joy and gladness. ^ Rashi; but Zunz, "If vanity and false gods were in Gil'ad, then they sacrificed steers in Gilgal." '' Rashi; /. i: to those who come to sacriGce IIOSEA XIII. XIV. cloud, and as tlie dew that early passeth away, as the chaff that is driven by the whirlwind out of the threshing-floor, and as smoke out of a window. 4 Yet I am the Lord thy God from the land of Eg\-pt: and no god but me shall thou know, and there is no saviour beside me. 5 I myself did provide for thee in the wil- derness, in the land of great drought. 6 When they came to their pasture, they became sated; they Avere sated, and their heart was lifted up: therefore have they for- gotten me. 7 And now will I be unto them as a lion : as a leopard will I lie in wait by the way. 8 I will meet them as a bear bereaved of her whelps, and I will rend their closed-up" heart; and I will devour them there like a lioness, the beasts of the field shall rend them. 9 Thou hast destroyed thyself, Israel; for against me, against thy helper*' (didst thou rebel.) 10 Where then is now thy king, that he may save thee in all thy cities ? and thy judges, since thou saidst, Give me a king, and princes ? 11 I give thee a king in my anger, and take him away in my wrath. 12 ]| Bound up is the iniquity of Ephraim, treasured up is his sin. • 1.8 The pains of a travailing woman shall come upon him; he is an unwise son; for he will not remain steadfast at the time of the breaking forth of the child. 14 From the power of the grave would I ransom them, from death AVould I redeem them; (but now) where are thy plagues, death, where is thy pestilence, grave? com- passion shall be hidden from my eyes. 15 Though he grow luxuriantly in green meadows, the east wind shall come, the wind of the Lord, rising up from the wil- derness, and his spring shall ])ecome dry, •and his fountain shall he dried up: the * Kashi. Eng. ver. "the caul (pericardium) of tlicir heart." Michlol Yophi, "the fat around their heart." ^ Rashi. JohlsoD, "for in me alone had.st thou help." ° In the English version, chap. xiv. commences at ver. 2. * Johlson, who also renders the first portion, ''Par- same shall plunder the treasure of all pre- cious vessels. CHAPTER Xiy.= • 1 Samaria shall meet her punishment; for she hath rebelled against her God: by the sword shall they iiiU; their iniants shall be dashed in pieces, and their pregnant women shall be ripped up. 2 ^ Return, Israel, even unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast stumbled through thy iniquity. 3 Take with you words, and return to the Lord: say unto him, ''Pardon all (our) ini- quity, and accept (our return'' to) good; and let us repay the steers (of sacrifice) with (the prayer of) our lips. 4 Asshur shall not help us; upon horses will we not ride: and we will no more say, Ye are our gods, to the work of our hands; for in thee alone the fatherless obtaineth mercy." 5 I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely; for my anger is turned away from them. 6 I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall bloom as the lily; and he shall strike his roots as (the forests of) Lebanon. 7 His suckers shall spread out, and his beauty shall be as that of the olive-tree, and his smell as that of the Lebanon. 8 They shall return that sat under his shade; they shall revive as corn, and bloor.i as the vine : the scenf of which shall he as that of the wine of Leljanon. 9 Ephraim'^ (shall .say), Wiiat have I to do any more with idols? I have answered, and w'ill oljserve him; I will be (to him) like a green fir-tree; through me is thy fruit found. 10 Who is wise, that he may understand these things? intelligent, that he may know them ? for righteous are the ways of the Lord ; and the just shall walk in them; but tlie transgressor; will stumble through them. doner of the iniquity of all." Rashi gives two versions, "Teach us the good wa_y," and "Accept the few good deeds which we have done." ' Others, "famous as the wine of Lebanon." ' Johlson, "AVli:it need hath Ephraim near me of idols?" THE PROPHECY OF JOEL, CHAPTER I. 1 T[ The word of the Lord that came to Joel the son of Pethuel. 2 Hear this, ye old men, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land. Did ever such a thing as this come to pass in your days, or ever in the days of your fathers? 3 Tell ye of it to your children, and let your cliildren tell it to their children, and their children to another generation. 4 What the caterpillar" left hath the lo- cust eaten; and what the locust left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the can- kerworm left hath the cricket eaten. 5 Wake up, ye drunkards, and weep; and wail, all ye drinkers of wine, because of the sweet new wine, tliat it is taken away*" from your mouth. 6 For a nation"" is come up over my land, strong, and without number; its teeth are the teeth of a lion, and it hath the cutting- teeth of the lioness. 7 It hath laid my vine waste, and barked'' my fig-tree: it hath peeled it clean bare, and cast it down; made white are its light branches. 8 Lament like a virgin girded with sack- cloth for the betrothed of her youth. 9 Cut off are the meat-offering and the drink-offering from the house of the Lord: now mourn the priests, the ministers of the Lord. 10 Wasted is the field, the land mourneth; " Rashi and other commentator.s regard all the names here given as indicative of various species of locusts. We have followed Johlsou, except with pb", which he render- ed "beetle." Philippson regards the words as indicating the locust in its various states of formation : thus, dij the perfect insect, "locust;" nniN "the young brood;" pS" "the grub;" and VdH "the new-winged insect;" in all of which states this plague of the East is very destructive. But the exact meaning of all the words except the second is difficult to determine. '' Lit. "cut off," i. e. as though the cup had l)oen cut awav from the lips after being presented to them. Cfi4 for wasted is the corn : dried up is the new wine, withered is the oil. 11 Be ashamed, ye husbandmen; wail, ye vinedressers, for the wheat and for the barley; because lost is the harvest of the field. 12 The vine is made ashamed, and the fig- tree is withered; the pomegranate-tiee, the palm-tree also, and the apple-tree, even all the trees of the field, are dried up; because joy hath ceased" from the children of men. 13 ^ Gird yourselves (with sackcloth),' and lament, ye priests; wail, ye ministers of the altar: come, remain all night in sack- cloth, ye ministers of my God ; for there are withholden from the house of your God the meat-offering and the drink-offering. 14 Sanctify ye a fast, proclaim a solemn assembly, gather the elders, all the inhabit- ants of the land, in*^o the house of the Lord your God, and cry aloud unto the Lord. 15 Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and like destruction from the Almighty will it come. IG Is not before our eyes the food cut off, from the house of our God joy and glad- ness ? 17 The grains of seed*^ are rotten under their clods, laid de.solate are the garners, pidled down are the barns ;'' for the corn is dried' up. 18 How do the beasts groan! how do the herds of cattle roam about; because there is no pastiu'e for them: yea, the flocks of sheep are made to perish.'' " The locust coming in multitudes is so called. ^ Rashi and Jonathan, "made it grievous to the soul." ' ' Jonathan. Lit. "dried up." ' Aben Ezra. ^Jonathan, "the casks rot under their bungholes." The translation in the text is after Aben Ezra. Philipp- son, "the grains are dried up," &c. '■ Philippson, " underground corn-chambers." ' Jcmathan ; others, (as also in v. 10,) " made ashamed." ' Lit. "brought into guilt," or its consequence, suffer- ing and punishment; since every evil which befalls a land is caused by the guilt of its inhabitants. JOEL T. II. 19 To thee Lord, will I cry; for the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and the Hame hath singed all the trees of the field. 20 Also the beasts of the field cry unto tiiee panting; for the brooks of waters are dried up, and a fire hath devoured the pas- tures of the wilderness. CHAPTER II. 1 ^ Blow ye the cornet in Zion, and sound an alarm on my holy mount; let all the in- hal)itants of the land tremble ; for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh ; 2 It is a day of darkness and of gloom, a day of clouds and of tempestuous obscurity, like the morning-dawn spread out upon the mountains: a people numerous and strong, the like of which hath never been and after it there will be none any more, even to the years of all coming generations." 3 Before it devoureth a fire ; and behind it singeth a flame : like the garden of 'Eden w\is the land before it (came), and after it is a de- solate wilderness ; yea, and nothing escapeth from it. 4 Like the appearance of horses is its ap- pearance; and like horsemen, so do they run. 5 Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains do they leap; they are like the noise of a flame of fire consuming the stubble, as a strong people arrayed for a l)attle. 6 At its presence the people are much pained : all the faces are covered with black- ness." 7 Like mighty men do they run ; like men of war they climb up a wall ; and they march every one on his own ways, and they turn not aside on their paths. 8 And they do not press one another; every one on his beaten track do they go for- ward : and they pass through between war- like weapons, arid change not their purpose.*^ 9 Into the city they hasten'' forward ; on j * Heb. "generation and generation."' ^ Lit. "gather blackness;" so Eashi and others, tak- ing inX3 as meaning "pot;" but Abcn Ezra and Mena- chem render it "brightness," "glory," from 1X3; hence, Philippson, "all faces lose their rodn,..vi." Zunz, "be- come shrunk up." Johlson combiner both, "every face draweth itself into dark folds," or "wrinkles." " Chiefly after Eashi, who takes I'^s" not as " they -I I the wall they run ; into the houses they climb up; through the windows they make their entrance like a thief 10 Before them trembleth the earth; the heavens quake: the sun and the moon are obscured, and the stars withdraw their bright- ness. 11 And the Lord uttereth his voice before his army; for very numerous is his camp; for strong is he that executeth his Avord ; for great is the day of the Lord and very terri- ble; and who is able to endure it? 12 But even now also, saith the Lord, re- turn ye fully to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning : 13 And rend your heart, and not your gar- ments, and return unto the Lord your God; for gracious and merciful is he, long-suffering, and of great kindness, and he bethinketh him- self of the evil. 14 He that is conscious" (of guilt), let him return and repent: when (the plague) may- leave behind it a blessing; even a meat-offering and a drink-offering unto the Lord your God. 15 ^ Blow the cornet in Zion, sanctify a fast, j^roclaim a solemn assembly ; 16 Gather the people, sanctity the congre- gation, assemble the elders, gather the chil- dren, and those that suck the breasts ; let the bridegroom go forth out of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. 17 Between the porch and the altar let the priests weep, the ministers of the Lord, and let them say, Spare, Lord, thy people, and give not up thy heritage to reproach, for nations to make a by-word of them: where- fore should they say among the people, Where is their God? 18 And the Lord was zealous for his land, and he had pity for his people. 19 And the Lord answered and said unto his people, "Behold, I will send you the corn, and the young wine, and the oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith; and I will not give fall," but as "encamp," — "the locusts are lying in camp opposite the weapons of those who would hinder them." l^'X^" from ;,'i'3 "gain," »'. e. they cannot be bribed to change their mind. Philippson, "and are not misled." ^ Eashi, " they make a noise." ' This verse is given after Eashi. Others, " Who knoweth ? but he may again bethink himself, and leave a blessing after him," &e. 665 JOEL II. III. IV. you up any more to be a reproach among the nations: 20 And the host of the north" will I re- mo%'e far away from you, and I will drive it oft' into a land barren and desolate, with its advance toward the eastern sea, and its rere- ward toward the western sea; and its stench shall ascend, and its ill savour shall come up, because it hath done great things." 21 Fear not, land; be glad and rejoice; for the Lord hath done great things. 22 Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field; for the pastures of the wilderness have become green; for the tree beareth its fruit, the fig- tree and the vine yield their strength.*" 23 And ye children of Zion, be glad, and rejoice in the Lord your God; for he hath given you the first rain in beneficence, and he hath caused to come down for you the rain, the first rain, and the latter rain in the first (month) .° 24 And the threshing-floors are full of corn, and the vats overflow with young wine and oil. 25 And I will repay to you the years (in) which the locust hath eaten (all), with the cankerworm, and the cricket, and the cater- pillar, my great army, which I had sent against you. 26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be sa- tisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall not be made ashamed unto eternity. 27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else; and my people shall not be made ashamed unto eternity. CHAPTER III." 1 ^ And it shall come to pass after this,' ° i'. e. The troop of locusts, which had probably come from the north, iu the time of Joel. The Arabian desert, the Dead Sea, and the Mediterranean are the points men- tioned where the locusts were to perish. ^ Philippson, "their wealth;" but it is the same as "strength," (. e. fruit. ' Others, "in one month." The prophet speaks of the unexpected return of plenty; as at first every thing had been dried up for want of rain, which now came down copiously to compensate for its past absence. In Pales- tine the first rain usually falls in November, and the lat- ter rain in April. '' Iu the English version, this chapter is a part of chap. ii. GCO that I will pour out my spirit over all flesh : and your sons and your daughters shall pro- phesy; your old men shall dream dreams: your young men shall see visions : 2 And also over the men-servants and over the inaid-servants in those days will I pour out my spirit. 3 And I will display wonderful tokens in the heavens and on the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 4 The sun shall be changed into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the day of the Lord, the great and the ter- rible. 5 And it shall come to pass, that whoso- ever shall call on the name of the Lord shall escape; for on mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and among the remnant whom the Lord calleth. CHAPTER IV. 1 For, behold, in those daj-s, and in that time, when I will cause to return the cap- tivity of Judah and Jerusalem, 2 Then will I assemble all the nations, and I will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat,*^ and I will hold judgment with them there because of my people and my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and for my land (which) they have divided out. 3 And for my people did they cast lots; and gave a boy for a harlot, and sold a girl for wine, and drank it. 4 And also ye, what have ye to do with me, Tyre, and Zidon, and all ye districts of Philistia? is this the recompense which ye repay me ? or do ye only commence to render me evil?^ — swiftly and speedily will I bring back your recompense upon your own head; 'The time is indefinite; the prophet sees the event near, (Num. xxiv. 17,) though in reality it is centuries be- fore it occurs. ' Rashi, allegorically, "I will descend with them into the depths of justice;" aumrv "the Lord's judgment;" the actual valley of this name is quite too small. ' After Ilcdak, who takes the word 'rnj as the first step in an act toward another, be it good or bad, here bad; SlOJ lh]a "to recompense," to do something out of a feeling of reciprocity, good or bad; but SlDJ Styn means to return the evil back upon the evil-doer. God takes the part of Israel, and he reproves the nations mentioned for their unprovoked assault on the Israelites. The rest explains itself. JOEL IV. 5 Because my silver and my gold Lave ye taken, and the handsomest of my pre- cious things have ye carried into your tem- ples; 6 And the children of Judah and the chil- dren of Jerusalem have ye sold unto the sons of the Jevanira,'' in order to remove them for from their borders. 7 Behold. I will awaken them out of the place whither ye have sold them, and I will bring back your recompense upon your own head ; 8 And I will deliver'' your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and the}' shall sell them to the Sa- belins, to a nation far oft'; for the Lord hath spoken it. 9 ^ Proclaim ye this among the nations, Prepare war, wake up the mighty men ; let them draw near; let them come up — all the men of war. 10 Beat your plough-shares into swords, and your pruning-knives into spears: let the weak say, I am a hero. 11 Assemble hastily together, and come, all ye nations from every side, and gather your- selves together: there doth the Lord strike down thy mighty ones. 12 Let the nations awake, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there will I sit to judge all the nations from every side. 13 Put forth the sickle; for the harvest is ripe : come, tread down (the grapes) ; for the * This is translated "Grecians" in tbe English version. " After Redak. " Juhlson, "crushing," the word ynn meaning both "decision," "judgment," "verdict," and also "a thresh- ing-machine;" hence, in this connection, "the crushing," the punishment consequent on the decision of the Great JuJgc " As Ezekiel also (xlvii. 1, Sec.) speaks of a river that is press is full; the vats overflow; for great is their wickedness. 14 Multitudes, multitudes are in the valley of decision ;" for near is the day of the Lord in tlie valley of decision. 15 Sun and moon are obscured, and stars withdraw tlieir brightness. 16 And the Lord will cry aloud out of Zion, and from Jerusalem will he send forth his voice; and the heavens and the earth shall quake; but the Lord will be a refuge for his people, and a stronghold for the chil- dren of Israel. 17 So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God, dwelling on Zion, my holy mount: and Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall not pass through her any more. 18 ]I And it shall come to pass on that day, that the mountains shall drop down sweet new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the ravines of Judah shall flow with water, and a spring shall come forth out of the house oi the Lord, and shall water the valley of Shittim'* 19 Egypt shaJ, become a desolate land, and Edoni shall bt:<"r.e a desolate wilderness ; because oi' the vIuAeuce against the children of Judah, in whose land they have shed inno- cent bl.cod. 20 But Judah shall be inhabited for ever, B-ri'i J-.rusalem from generation to generation. ".^1 Aixd I will avenge"" their blood that I h?7e not yet -n-vr-iired ; for the Lord dwelleth in Zion. to issue out of the temple and flow into the Dead Sea, Philippson supposes that Shitlim is meant to signify Sid- dim, or the plain near Sodom. (Gen. xiv. 8.) ° Zunz. Lit. " to render guiltless," i. e. through pu- nishment, or avenge. Rashi, "and though I might dc- quit them of their other sins, and of the evil deeds they have done against me, of the blood of the children of Judah will I not absolve them." 667 THE PROPHECY OF AMOS, Dior nN13J. CHAPTER I. 1 ^1 The words of 'Ainos, who was among tlie herdiiieu of Tekoa', which he foresaw concernhig Israel in the days of 'Uzziyah the king of Judah, and in the days of Jerobo'am the son of Joiish the king of Israel, two years befoi'e the earthquake. 2 And he said, Tlie Lord will cry alond out of Zion, and from Jerusalem will he cond forth his voice ; and then shall mourn the pastures of the shepherds, and tlien shall dry up the top of Carmel. 3 ][ Thus hath said the Lord, For three transgressions" of Damascus, and for four, will I not turn away their punishment; because they have threshed (the inhabitants of) Gd'ad with threshing instruments of iron; 4 And I will send a fire into the house of Chazael, which shall devour the palaces of Ben-hadad. 5 And I will break the bars of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitants from the valley of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of 'Eden: and the people of Syria shall be exiled unto Kir,'' saitli the Lord. 6 Tl Thus hath said the Lord, For three transgressions of Gazzah, and for four, will I not turn away their punishment; because they carried away exiles in full numbers, to deliver them up to Edora; 7 And I will send a fire against the wall of Gazzah, which shall devour her palaces ; 8 And I will cut off the inhabitants from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn my hand against 'Ekron : and the remnant of the Phi- listines shall perish, saith the Lord Eternal. * Riishi, "three t.ransgressinn.s have I forgiven them, but for the fourth will I not withhold the retribution." So also Aben Ezra, after Sa'aJyah ' See 2 Kings xvi. 9; Tiglath Pilosser actually car- ried the Syrians thither. "Jonathan, "violated his mercy." Philipp.son takes the word mercy to mean "love for relatives," and next G(;8 9 ^ Thus hath said the Lord, For three transgressions of Tyre, and for four, will I not turn away their punishment; because they delivered up the exiles in full numbers to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant ; 10 And I will send a fire against the walls of Tyre, which shall devour her palaces. 11 ][ Thus hath said the Lord, For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, will I not tv-:A away their punishment; because he pursued with ti>o sword his brother, and dis regarded hlo incrcy/ and his anger tore in pieces con ci". lolly, and he kept his wrath for ever ; 12 And I will send out a fire against The- man, which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah. 13 T[ Thus hath said the Lord, For three transgressions of the children of 'Amnion, and for four, will I not turn away their punish- ment; because they have ripped up the preg- nant women'" of Gil'ad, in order to enlarge their own territory; 14 And I will kindle a fire within the walls of Rabbah, which shall devour her pa- laces, with shouting on the day of battle, with a storm on the day of the tempest; 15 And their king" shall go into exile, he and his princes together, saith the Lord. CHAPTER II. 1 ^ Thus hath said the Lord, For three transgressions of MoJib, and for four, will I not turn away their punishment; Ijecause he burnt the bones of the king of Edom into lime; 2 And I will send a fire against MoJib, which shall devour the pahices of Keriyoth : to stand for relatives; hence he translates, "and destroy- ed his kinsmen." '' Some take nnn as a feminine form for D'"in " nioiin tains," and render, "they broke through the mountains of Gil'ad." " Perhaps, Maknm, the idol of the 'Ammonites; as it Jeremiah xlix 3. AMOS II. III. and MoJib ishall die in the tumult, in the shoutr- ing, amidst the sound of the cornet ; 3 And I will cut off the judges from her midst, and all her jDrinces will I slay, with him, saith the Lord. 4 ]f Thus hath said the Lord, For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, will I not turn away their punishment ; because they have despised the law of the Lord, and did not keep his statutes, and their lying idols caused them to err, after which their fathers had walked; ■5 And I will send out a fire against Judah, which shall devour the palaces of Jerusa- lem. 6 Tf Thus hath said the Lord, For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, will I not turn away their punishment; because they sold for silver the righteous," and the needy for a pair of shoes ; 7 That are eager after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor,'' and turn aside the way of the meek :' and a man and his lather will go in unto the same young woman, in order to profane my holy name. 8 And upon pledged garments'^ they stretch themselves out by every altai', and the wine of the condemned" do they drink in the house of their gods. 9 Yet have I destroyed the Emorite from before them, whose height was like the height of cedars, and who was strong as the oaks ; but I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath. 10 x\nd it was I who have brought you up from the laud of Egypt, and led you forty years through the wilderness,' to take pos- session of the land of the Emorite. 11 And I have raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for naza- rites : is it not even thus, ye children of Is- rael? saith the Lord. 12 But ye have given the nazarites wine to drink ; and concerning the prophets have ' This means one who is right in the cause. ' Philippson explains this to mean, the judges are eager that the poor might be so oppressed as to cast dust on his head, as a sign of sorrow. ° Rashi, "they cause the feeble to turn aside from the right path, out of fear for them." ^ Against the precept in Deut. x.xiv. 12, 13 that the pledge of the poor should not be kept over night. • "They punish them with the payment of fiue-^, and ye commanded, saying, Ye shall not pro- phesy. 13 Behold, I press down (the gmimdV un- der you, as tlie wagon presseth (it) down that is full of sheaves. 14 And I'efuge shall vanish from the swiit, and the strong shall not make u.se of his ibrce, neither shall the mighty man escape with his life. 15 And he that handleth the bow shall not be able to stand ; and he that is swift of foot shall not escape : neither shall he that rideth the horse escape with his life. 16 And he that is most courageous hearted among the mighty shall tlee away naked'-' on that day, saith the Lord. CHAPTER IIL 1 1[ Hear this word which the Lord hath spoken concerning yon, cliildren of Israel, concerning the whole family which I have brought up from the land of Egypt, say- ing, 2 Only you have I loved out of all the families of the earth : therefore will I visit upon you all yonr iniquities. 3 Will two walk together, except they had agreed (to do so) ?*" 4 Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey ? will a young lion send forth his voice out of his den, unless he have caught something? 5 Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, when there is no gin for him ? is ever a snare taken up from the ground, when it hath caught nothing at all ? 6 Shall a cornet be blown in a city, aiid the people not become afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the Lord have not done it ? 7 For the Lord Eternal will do nothing, unless he have revealed his secret unto his servants the prophets. 8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? purchase wine therewith" — Rashi; when no judge has, according to law, the right to take any thing for his own use. Lit. "of those punished." ' Philippson. Johlson, after Rabbi 'Azariyah de Rossi, "Behold, I will make the ground creak under you as the wagon creaketh which is full of sheaves." ^ Jonathan, "his weapons cast away." ^ Rashi, "unless they had fixed a time to go together lo a certain place." 069 AMOS III. IV. the Lord Eteriuil hath spoken, who will not prophesy ?* 9 Publish at the palaces in Ashdod, and at the palaces in the land of Egypt, and say, Assemble yourselves upon the mountains of Samaria, and behold the great confusions in her midst, and the oppressions (that are) within her. 10 For they know not how to act rightly, saith the Lord, who treasure up violence and rol)bery in their palaces. 11 'jy Therefore thus hath said the Lord Eternal, The adversary (is there) and sur- roundeth the land; and he shall bring down from thee thy strength, and thy palaces shall be plundered. 12 Thus hath said the Lord, As the shep- herd snatcheth^' out of the mouth of the lion (at most) two leg-bones, or a tip of the ear : so shall be delivered the children of Israel that sit in Samaria on the corner of a bed, and on Damascus couches. 13 Hear ye, and give warning in the house of Jacob, saith the Lord Eternal, the God of hosts. 14 For on the day when I visit the trans- gressions of Israel upon him, will I also inflict punishment on the altars of Beth-el: and then shall be hewn off the horns of the altar, and they shall fall to the ground. 15 And I will smite the winter-house to- gether with the summer-house: and the houses of ivory shall disappear, and the great houses shall be no more, saith the Lord. CHAPTER IV. 1 ^ Hear this word, ye cows" of Bashan, that are on the mount of Samaria, wlio op- press the poor, who crush the needy, who say to their lords. Bring, and let us drink. 2 Sworn hath the Lord Eternal by his holiness, that, lo, days are coming over you, • i. e. The prophet, cannot avoid delivering his message when God h;is spoken, as little as man can Jielp fearing when he hears the linn's roar. (See .Ter. xx. 7, &c.) " The one intrusted with the charge of cattle had to iiinke restitution if it was torn, unless he could bring of it a part, (see Exod. xxii. 1.3;) hence the effort of the shepherd to save some token. But so also shall the Israelites escape destruction, only few in number, al- I hough now living in luxury. ° t. e. The wives of the chiefs. As 'Amos was a herd- uian, he naturally took his images from his eiiiploynient. 670 ■ when men Avill carry you away with hooks and your postei'ity with fishhooks.'' 3 And through breaches in the wall shall ye go out, eveiy one through that before her : and ye shall cast off your proud greatness,' saith the Lord. 4 Go then to Beth-el, and transgress; to Gilgal, (and) multiply transgression ; and bring in the morning your sacrifices, after three days your tithes : 5 And burn of leaven*^ a sacrifice of thanlcs- giving, and proclaim and publish freewill- offerings; for so do you love (to do), ye children of Israel, saith the Lord Eternal. 6 But, I also had indeed given you clean- ness'^ of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: and yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. 7 And I also had indeed withholden fi'om you the rain, when it Avas yet three months to the harvest; and I caused it to rain upon one city, and upon another city I caused it not to rain; one jDiece of land was rained upon, and another piece whereupon it rained not became dried up; 8 And two or three cities wandered unto one city, to drink water; but they were not satisfied : and yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. 9 I had smitten you with blasting and mildew; the multitude of your gardens and your vineyards and your fig-trees and your olive-trees did the caterpillar devour: and yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. 10 I had sent out against you the pesti- lence after the manner of Egypt ; I slew your young men with the sword, together with your captive horses; and I had caused the stench of your camps to ascend even into your nostrils: and yet have ye not returned unto me. saith the Lord. 11 I had produced an overthrow among you, like the overthrow i)y God of Sodom '' Bashi and Jonathan, "on shields, and your children in fishing boats." ' Bashi ; but the word njirDtnn is variously explained ; but the version chosen here seems the simplest, although it is not found elsewhere in the Bible. ' Basin takes both these verses to contain an invitation of the false priests to the people to violate the laws of God, to eat the moat which is left on the morning instead of burning it; to sacrifice leaven on the altar, saying such a one is an acceptable gift when it is not. ^ Prom want of food, occasioned by severe famine. AMOS TV. V. aiid Gomorrali, and ye became like a fire- brand snatched out of the burning: and yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. 12 ^ Therefore thus will I do unto thee, Israel : because then I will do this unto thee, prepare" to meet thy God, Israel. 18 For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto nuxn what is his thought, that maketh the morning-dawn (and) darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, — The Lord, the God of hosts, is liis name. CHAPTER V. 1 ^ Hear ye this word which I take up against you, as a lamentation, house of Israel. 2 She is fallen, she will not rise again — the virgin of Israel: she is thrown down upon her land; there is none to raise her up. 3 ^ For thus hath said the Lord Eternal, The city that goeth forth with a thousand shall retain but a hundred, and she that goeth forth with a hundred shall retain but ten, (left) to the house of Israel. 4 ]| For thus hath said the Lord unto the house of Israel, Seek ye for me, and ye shall live; 5 But seek not for Beth-el, and into Gilgal enter not, and to Beer-sheba' do not pass over; for Gilgal shall surely go into exile, and Beth-el shall l)ecome naught. 6 Seek for the Lord, and ye shall live: so that he come not sudilenly like fire over the house of Joseph, and it devour, and there be none to quench it in Beth-el; 7 Ye who change justice into wormwood, and cast down righteousness to the earth ! 8 (But) he maketh the seven stars and Orion, and changeth into morning the sha- dow of death, and maketh the day dark into niglit; he it is that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out over the face of the earth: The Lord is his name; 9 That causeth wasting'' to prevail against the strong, so that wasting shall come against the fortress. ' Raahi aud Redak, "to repent;" but Aben Ezra re- gai-ds this a challenge : " Come, contend with God if you can;" wherefore the next verse contains a description of the Almighty's power; though it will bo equally suitable to prove that to rely upon him will be the best means of 10 They hate him that rebuketh in tl.^ gate, and him that speaketh uprightly they abhor. 11 Therefore forasmuch as you tread down upon the poor, and ye take from him onerous contributions of corn : if ye have built houses of hewn stone, ye shall not dwell in them ; il" ye have planted pleasant vineyards, ye shall not drink their wine. 12 For I know your manifold transgres- sions and your numerous sins: ye are those that are the adversaries of the just, that take a ransom, and that wrest (the cause of) the needy in the gate." 13 ^ Therefore will the intelligent keej) silence in that time ; for it is an evil time. 14 Seek for the good, and not the evil, in order that ye may live : and so will the Lord, the God of hosts, be with you, as ye have said. 15 Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish justice firmly in the gate : perhaps the Lord the God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph. 16 T[ Therefore thus hath said the Eter- nal, the God of hosts, the Lord, On all ])ublic places there is lamentation, and in all the streets they cry, Wo! wo! and they call the husbandman to mourning, and to lamentation those skilled in wailing. 17 And in all vineyards there is lamenta- tion ; for I will pass through thy midst, saith the Lord. 18 T[ Wo unto you that long for the day of the Lord ! for what do you wish the day of the Lord? it is (one of) darkness, and not of light. 19 As if a man were to flee from a lion, and a bear should meet him ; and he enter into the house, and lean his hand against the wall, and a serpent should bite him. 20 Behold the day of the Lord is (oue of) darkness, and not of light; yea, it is obscure, and hath no brightness. 21 I hate, I despise your feast-days, and I will not smell (the sacrifices) on your festive assemblies. 22 For though ye should offer me burnt- escaping the punishment; since he who is so powerful can protect his servants even in general distress. "^ Rashi, "he maketh the plundered stronger than the mighty." '' The usual place where the judircs met. 071 AMOS V. VI. oflbiings and your meat-offerings, I will not accept them in favour : and the j^eace-offer- ing.s of your fatted cattle will I not look at. 23 Remove thou from around me the noise of thy songs : and the pla3dng of thy psal- teries I will not hear. 24 But let justice roll along like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream. 25 Have" ye offered unto me sacrifices and meat-offerings in the wilderness (dui'ing) forty years, house of Israel ? 26 Bear*" then the canopy of your chief idol, and the figure of your images, the star of your god, which ye have made for your- selves. 27 And I will cause you to go into exile far beyond Damascus, saith the Lord, The God of hosts is his name. CHAPTER VI. 1 ^ Wo to those that are free from care in Zion, and that are in safety on the mount of Samaria, who are named' the chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel come ! 2 Pass ye over unto Calneh, and see ; and i:o from there to Chamath-rabbah f then go down to Gath of the Philistines: whether they be better than these kingdoms ? or whether their territory be greater than your territory? 3 (Ye) that deem far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near; 4 That lie upon teds of ivory, and are stretched out upon their couches, and eat lambs out of the flock, and calves out of the midst of the stall ; 5 That chant" to the sound of the psaltery, and like David's do they imagine*^ their in- strument of music to be ; * R;islii comments, tluit God had not demanded free- -.vill sacrifices. But Philippson takes the question as one to be answered affirmatively ; God commanded and the people obeyed in this respect: still they every now and then worshipped idols. Hence he translates the next verse, "Still you carried," &c. Might it not be given, "Are these the sacrifices — which you have," &c. * Kashi, " Ye shall therefore have to bear your idols which your enemies will place on your shoulders." We have followed generally Zunz in the rendering of this verse. Rashi, however, takes SiA-kiith and Kiyun and Cochah as the names of the idols. ' JohLsou renders '2p: "those who have a name," or ' the nobles." ■■ English version, "Chamath the great." * Rashi. Zun:!, "that jingle with the psaltery." ' Rashi, with the comment, "They fancy their playing, 672 6 That drink out of wine-bowls, and anoint themselves with the costliest of ointments; but who feel no pain for the wound of Joseph. 7 Therefore now shall they go into exile at the head of exiles, and the noisy banquet^ of those that were stretched out shall pass away. 8 T[ The Lord Eternal hath sworn by his own existence, saith the Lord the God of hosts, I abhor the pride of Jacol), and his palaces do I hate : therefore will I surrender up (to the enemy) the city with all that fill- eth it. 9 And it shall come to pass, that if there remain ten men in one house, they shall die. 10 And should a man's uncle or relative carry him forth, to bring out the bones out of the house, and say unto him that is in the recesses of the house. Is there yet any one with thee? he will sa^-, There is no one left. Then will he say. Be silent ; for we may not make mention of the name of the Lord '' 11 ][ For, behold, the Lord commandeth, and he will smite the great house with breaches, and the little house with clefts. 12 Do horses ever run upon the rock? or will one plough there with oxen ? that ye have turned justice into poison, and the fruit of righteousness into wormwood; 13 Ye who rejoice for a thing of naught, who say, Have we not through our own strength procured ourselves horns?' 14 For, behold, I will raise up against you a nation, house of Israel, saith the Lord the God of hosts, and they shall oppress you from the entrance of Chamath unto the brook of the wilderness. which is for their own pleasure, to be equal to David's, which was for God's sake." Jonathan and others, " Like David, they invent for themselves instiuments of music." * Rashi, "drinking-feasts." Others, "song," or "shout." In the text both ideas are combined. '' Jonathan, "Cast them forth; for this hath happened to them because they have not mentioned the name of the Lord." Philippson, "it is not now the time to entreat the name of the Lord;" /. e. the evil is too great to ex- pect relief by prayer. ^"lOO is explained by Redak to mean "a mother's brother." Rashi comments, "His relative and friend who saveth his bones out of the fire, by which the enemies had destroyed the house, will say to his associate who hath entered the house to search. Is there yet one alive out of those who had liidden them- selves?" &c. ' Horns are a symbol of strengtii, (Deut. xxxiii. 17.) AMOS VII. VIII. CHAPTER VII. 1 ^f Tliiiw did the Lord Eternal .show unto me : and, behold, he was forming locusts" in the beginuini-': of the sprouting up of the latter growth; and, lo, it was the latter growth after the king's mowings (was over). 2 And it came to pass, when they had made an end of eating up the herbs of the earth, that I said, Lord Eternal, forgive, I beseech thee : how (should Jacob be able to endure, since he is so small? 3 The Lord bethought himself of this: It shall not be, said the Lord. 4 ^ Thus did the Lord Eternal show unto me: and, behold, the Lord Eternal called forth the punishment" by fire, and it devoured the great deep, and consumed the ploughed field. 5 Then said I, Lord Eternal, forbear, I beseech thee: how should Jacob be al)le to endure, since he is so small? 6 The Lord bethought himself of this: Also this shall not be, said the Lord Eter- nal. 7 ^ Thus he showed unto me : and, bidiold, the Lord was standing upon a wall (made) by a plumbline, and in his hand was a plumljline. 8 And the Lord said unto me. What dost thou see, 'Amos? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel; I will not farther indulge them any more." 9 And the high places of Isaac shall be made desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid in ruins: and I will rise up against the house of Jerobo'am with the sword. 10 ^ Then sent Amazyah, the priest of Beth-el, to Jerobo'am the king of Israel, say- ing, 'Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words. ' Probably in their caterpillar state, in which they are most destructive. "• Johlson. Rashi, "he called (his council, i. /■. his angels or messengers ) to contend with you by the punish- ment of burning fire." ° Meaning, as the builder erects his wall straight by the plummet, so shall Israel be dealt with after the strict line of justice, with no longer indulgence for their crimes. 113J' "passing by," i. c. sin; hence, "indulging," or " jfardoning." '' /. c. Not a prophet by profession, in reply to Amaz- yah's advice to go to Judah and there live by his pro- 4 K 11 For thus Iiath 'Amos said, By the sword sliall Jerobo'am die, and Israel shall surely be led away into exile out of their own land. 12 ][ And Amazyah said unto 'Amos, Seer, go, flee thee away iiito the land of Judah, and eat there (thy) bread, and there prophesy ; 13 But at Beth-el prophesy not farther any more ; for it is the king's sanctuary, and it is a royal residence. 14 Then answered 'Amos, and said to Amazyah, I am'' no prophet, nor am I a pro- phet's son; but I am a herdman, and a gatherer' of wild figs; 15 But the Lord hath taken me away from behind the flocks, and the Lord said unto me, Go. prophesy unto my )X'ople Israel. 10 And now hear thou the word of the Lord, Thou sayest. Prophecy not against 'Is- rael, and ])reach not against the house of Isaac. 17 Therefore thus hath said the Lord, Thy wife will play the harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided out by the line; and thou shalt die in an unclean land ; and Israel shall surely be led forth into exile out of their land. CHAPTER VIII. 1 ^ Thus did the Lord Eternal show unto me: and, behold, there w^as a basket of sum- mer fruit.' 2 And he said. What dost thou see, 'Amos? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the Lord unto me. The end is come for my people Israel : I will not farther indulge them any more. 3 And the songs of the temple shall be- come a wailing on that day, saitli the Lord Eternal: many shall be the dead bodies; in every j)\ace shall men throw them down, (saying,) Be silent.^ phesying, as the false soothsayers did who were supported by the royal bounty. (1 Kings xviii. 19.) ' 0^713 is variously rendered "gathering," "cultivating," " mixing," i. e. with other provisions for the cattle, or " pinching," "scraping," to make the fruit come to ma- turity. Others use "sycamore" for "wild figs" Rashi and others conceive 'Amos's reply to mean that he was a rich herdman ; Philippson, that he was very poor, and 'lived of the simplest food. ' Rashi, " late figs, which are not good." Philippson, ripe figs." Zunz, " dried fruit." ^ Jonathan, (as above, vi. 10,) " iu every place they 673 AMOS VIII. IX. 4 Ti Hear this, ye that are greedy to swallow the needy, and to ruin the poor of the land, 5 Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell provision? and the sabbath, that we may open the corn-Avare- hoiises, making the epliah small, and inci'eas- ing the shekel, and cheating" with deceitful balances ? 6 That we nuiy buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; and even sell the refuse of the ciM-n ? 7 Sworn hath the Lord by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will not forget to eternity all their works. 8 Shall because of this the land not trem- ble, and mourn every one that dwelleth therein? and shall it not rise up like a stream wholly, and roll onward and sink again like the stream of Egypt ?'' 9 Tl And it shall come to pass on that day, saith the Lord Paternal, that I will cause the sun to set at noon, and I will bring dark- ness over the earth on a bright day ; 10 And I will change your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamenta- tions; and I will bring upon all loins sack- cloth, and upon every head baldness; and I will cause (the land)" to mourn as one doth for an only son, and its end to be as a day of bitter (complaint) . 11 ^f Behold, da3's are coming, saith the Lord Eternal, when I will send a famine in the land, not a famine for bread, nor a thirst for water, but to hear the words of the Lord : 12 And they will wander about from sea to sea, and from the north oven to the east, they will roam ahout to seek the word of the Lord; but they shall not lind it." 13 On that day sluiU the fair virgins and the young men faint for thirst; 14 Those that swear by the guilt of Sa- maria, and say. As thy god liveth, O Dan; and. As liveth the worshipped" idol of Beer- sheba', — yea, they shall fall, and never rise up again. CHAPTER IX. 1^1 saw the Loi'd standing upon the altar; and he said. Smite the capital,' that the sills may quake; and break them in pieces over the head of all of them; and their posterity will I slay with the sword: there shall not tit>e away from them one that lleetli, and there shall not escape from them one that is saved. 2 Though they Avere to creep doAvn into the nether world, thence Avould my hand letch them; and though they were to climb up to the heavens, thence Avould I bring them down ; 3 And though they Avere to hide them- selves on the top of Carmel, thence Avould I search and take them out; and thougli they were to conceal themselves from before my eyes in the bottom of the sea, thence Avould I command the serpent, that he should bite them ; 4 And though they Avere to go into cap- tivity before their enemies, thence Avould I command the SAVord, that it should slay them : and I Avill set my eye upon them for evil, and not for good. 5 And the Lord Eternal of hosts it is that toucheth the earth, and she melteth away, and all that d\A'ell thereon shall mourn ; and she riseth up like a stream Avholly; and she sinketh like the stream of Egypt; 6 That buildeth in the heaA'ens his steps, and hath founded his vault^ over the earth; that calleth tor the Avaters of the sea, and poureth them out over the face of the earth: The Lord is his name. 7 *[] Are ye not like the children of the will say, Cast out, remove thciii from here.'' But Aben Mzra aud Redak, as in the text; /. r. they throw down tlie dead without burial, saying to each other, '' Be silent." " Jonathan. ^ Descriptive ol' an earth(|uake, wliere the surface of the earth rises and falls, and l'rei|uently lamlslides take place, as though a river were rolling along, swelling and again receding from an accumulation of the water of the melted snow and copious rains. The prophet names the Nile, be- cause it is preeminently subject to periodical swelling. ° Aben Ezra and Kedak. Lit. '• 1 will render it as a mourning for," ^:e, ti74 '' iMoaning, in their distress they will seek for prophets, but they shall have ceased to be. Is not this Israel's present stater* since for so many centuries there has been no spirit of prophecy dispensed. ' Lit. "way," "custom," hence that to whom custom- arily homage is paid, or the idol of Beer-sheba'. ' Rashi, "the buttons on the top of the roof." Redak, "the lintel," so called from being ornamented with but- tons and flowers. * Rashi, "the assemblage of the righteous is the cause of the foundation of the earth for the vault of heaven; because for their sake all eudurelh." OBADIAH I. Ethiopians' unto me, () childroii of Israel? saitli the Lord: have I not hronght up Israel out of tlie land of Egypt? and the Philis- tines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir? 8 Behold, the eyes of the Lokd Eternal are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; save only that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the Lokd. 9 For, lo, I \yill gi\'e the command, and I will shake about among all the nations the house of Israel, as one shaketh things in a sieve, while not the least piece falleth down upon the earth. 10 By the sword shall die all the sinners of my people, who say. The evil will not come near (us), nor hasten along for our sake. 11 On that day will I raise up the taber- nacle of David which is fallen; and I will close up its breaches; and its ruins will I; raise up, and I will rebuild it as in days of old: 12 In order that they may take possession of the renniant of Edom, and of all the na- tions, which are called by my name, saith the Lord that doth this. 13 ^ Behold, days are coming, saith the Lord, when the plouglimau shall come close up to the harvester, and the treader of the grapes to the one that scattereth" the seed : and the mountains shall drop with sweet new wine, and all the hills shall melt awav." 14 And I will bi'ing liack the captivity of my people Israel, and they shall build the wasted cities, and dwell therein; and thev shall plant vineyards, and drink their wine;; and they shall lay out gardens, and eat their fruit. 15 And I will plant them upon their own soil, and they shall not be pulled up any more out of their land which I h;ne given unto them, saith the Lord thy God. THE PROPHECY OF OBADIAH, nnDi' HNiDJ. 1 II The vision of 'Obadiah: Thus hath said the Lord Eternal concerning Edom. A rumour have we heard from the Lord, and an ambassador is sent among the nations. Arise ye, and let us rise up against her to war. 2 Behold, I make thee small among the nations: thou shalt be greatly despised. 3 The presumption of thy heart hath be- guiled thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; tliat saith in his heart. Who shall bring me down to the ground? 4 Though thou wert to rise as high as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among 'the stars, thence will I brhig thee down, saith the Lord. 5 How? are thieves come to thee? or night-prowling robbers? how destroyed'^ ait thou ! would they not have stolen till they ihad enough? if grape-gatherers had come to thee, would they not have left some glean- ings ? 6 How are (the treasures) of Esau search- ed out ! how are his hidden things laid open ! 7 Up to the border have accom]ianied thee all the men of thy confederacy; Ijeguiled, overcome thee have the men that were at peace with thee : (they that eat) thy bread ' ?'. e. God is just to all, whether Israel or others. " Lit. " draweth forth." '■ Redak, " cut off." Zunz, according to the sense. "emptied out." Jonathan, " how didst thou sleep till Meaning, overflowing with the .abundance of all the j thov h.id stolen enoujrh ?" takini: nn"0"iJ equal to noilj, or products of the earth. as being silent thmuiih ili'owsiness 675 OBADIAH I. have struck thee secretly a wound.' There is no understanding in him.*" 8 Shall I not on that same day, saith the Lord, even destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau? 9 And thy mighty men, Themuu, shall be dismayed, in order that every one from the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaugh- ter. 10 Because of thy violence against thy brother Jacob shall shame cover thee, and thou shalt be cut oft" for ever. 11 On the day that thou stoodest on the other side, on the day that strangers carried away captive his army, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots over Jerusalem, also thou wast as any one of them. 12 But thou shouldst not have" looked on (pleased) at the day of thy brother, on the day that he was delivered up to strangers; neither shouldst thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah on the day of their de- struction; nor .shouldst thuu have spoken proudly on the day of distress. 13 Thou shouldst not have entered into the gate of my people on tlie day of their calamity; yea, thou too shouldst not have look- ed (pleased) on their affliction on the day of their calamity; nor have laid hands on their army on the day of their calamity ; 14 Neither shouldst thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off tho.se of liis that did escape; neither shouldst thou have delivered ' Zunz, "lay a snare under thee." '' i. e. Esau. " Rashi, referring all this passage to the past. Zunz, "thou shalt not again," &c.; and so up to end of ver. 14. '' For the meaning of SlO] see note to Joel iv. 4. Others give it here with " recompense." 676 up those of his that did remain on the day of distress. 15 For near is the day of the Lord over all the nations : as thou hast done, shall it be done unto thee ; thy deeds" shall return upon thy own head. 16 For as ye' have drunk upon my holy mount, so shall all the nations drink con- tinually; yea, tlie}^ shall drink, and they shall reeF about, and they shall be as though they had not been. 17 But upon mount Zion shall be deliver- ance, and it shall be holy: and the house of Jacob shall again possess their inherit- ances. 18 And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a tlame, and the house of Esau become stubble, and they shall set them on fire, and devour them; and there shall not be any one I'emaining of the house of Esau; for the Lord hath spoken it. 19 And they of the south shall possess the mount of Esau; and they of the lowland.s,the Philistines; and they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria: and Benjamin (shall possess) Gil'ad. 20 And the exiles of this host of the chil- dren of Israel that^ are (with) the Canaanites, as far as Zarephath, and the exiles of Jerusa- lem, who are in Sejjharad, shall possess the cities of the south. 21 And deliverers shall go up on mouni Zion to judge the mount of Esau: and the kingdom shall be the Lord's. * The prophet now addressed Israel; but Jonathan re- fers this to 'Edom: "As ye have rejoiced over the down- fall of my holy mount." ' Rashi. Others, " swallow." * Philippson, "shall ( possess) what the Cauaauites (iu- habit) as far as Zarephath." THE PROPHECY OF JONAH, njv riiSi^J. CHAPTER I. 1 ^ The word of the Lord also came unto Jonah the son of Amitthai, saving. 2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, the great city, and proclaim against her; for their wicked- ness is come up l)efore me. 3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Thar- shish from the presence of the Lord; and he went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tharsliish, and paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tharsliish, from the presence of the Lord. 4 But tlie Lord excited a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea; and it was thought" that the sliip would be broken in pieces. 5 And the mariners were afraid, and called every man unto his god; and they cast forth the articles which were in the ship into the sea, to be lightened of them. But Jonah was gone down into the hold of the ship, and lay down, and was fast asleep. 6 So the ship-master came near unto him, and said unto him. Why dost thou sleep ?'^' arise, call upon thy God: perhaps it be that God will think of us, that we may not be j lost. 7 And they said one to the other. Come, and let us cast lots; that we may know for whose cause this evil hath happened unto us. And they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah. S Then said they unto him. Tell us, we pray thee, thou for whose cause this evil hath happened unto us, What is thy business? and whence comest thou? what is thy coun- try? and of what people art thou? 9 And he said unto them, I am a Hebrew ; and I fear the Lord, tlie God of heaven, who hath made the sea and the dry land. * Tiit. "the ship thousrht to be broken.'' '' Kashi. Eng- ver. '■ What iiieriin-st thou, f-h'i'per?" " Heb. "silent from us." '' lu the Enslish versiou. chap. ii. coninieiices at ver. 2. 10 Then were the men exceedingly afiai<l and they said unto him. What is this thou hast done? for the men knew that he was flying from the presence of the Lord; because he had told them. 11 And they said unto liim. What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may become calm" around us? for the sea grew more and more tempestuous. 12 And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea : so shall the sea be calm aroinid you ; for I know well that because of me is this great tempest upon you. 13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring (the ship) Ijack to the land; but they could not; for the sea grew more and more tempestuous around them. 11 And they called unto the Lord, and said, We beseech thee, Lord, let us not be lost, we pray thee, for the life of this man, and lay not upon us (the guilt of) innocent blood; for thou art the Lord, as it pleaseth thee so dost thou do. 15 And they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from its raging. ! IG And the men feared the Lord very greatly; and they oftered a sacrifice unto the j Lord, and made vows. ! CHAPTER IL^ ! 1 And the Lord made ready a large fish to swallow up Jonah : and Jonah was in the I belly'' of the fish three days and three nights. i Then prayed Jonah unto the Lord his ' God out of the belly of the fish, 3 And he said, I called from the midst of !my distress unto the Lord, and he hath an- l^swered me: out of the depth' of the grave I have I cried, and thou hast heard my voice. l' » TIeb. "bowels." ' Kashi, "the belly of the fish, which is like the grate ' unto me." Philippson, " the bosom of the nether •world." I Zunz, 'of hell." 677 JONAH il. III. IV. I am driven out shall look again 4 For thou hast cast nie into the deep, in the heart of the seas; and the stream com- passeth me about: all thy billoAvs and thy waves have passed over me. 5 And I thought indeed, from before thy eyes : yet I toward thy holy temple. 6 The waters surrounded me, to the peril" of my life; the deep compassed me about: sea-weeds were bound about my head. 7 To the bottoms of the mountains did I go down; the earth (closed) her bars about me for ever: when thou broughtest up my life from the pit,*" Lord my God ! 8 When my soul fainted within me I re- membered the Lord: and my prayer came unto thee, unto thy holy temple. 9 They that guard talse vanities forsake (the source of) their kindness." 10 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; that which I have vowed will I pay ; (for) help is with the Lord. 11 And the Lord commanded'' the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land. CHAPTER HI. 1 Tl And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying, 2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, the great city, and proclaim unto it the proclamation which I shall speak unto thee. 3 And Jonah arose, and went unto Nine- veh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was a great city before God,° a three days' journey. 4 And Jonah began to go tlirough' the city one day's journey, and he called out, and said, Yet forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. 5 And the men of Nineveh believed in God ; and they proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. 6 For when the matter was come unto the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne, and put oft" his mantle from him, and covered ■ Heb. "even uuto the soul." '' Eiig. ver. "corruption." ° Riishi; i. e. God, from whom all the kindness men enjoy flows. Philippson, "their happiness." " Lit. "said unto," &c. • Lit. " great unto God." 678 himself with sackcloth, and sat down on ashes. 7 And he caused to be proclaimed and he published'^ through Nineveh, By the decree of the king and his chief men, It is said. Neither man nor beast, neither herds nor flocks, shall taste any thing ; they shall not feed, nor drink water; 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let (men) call unto God with might; and let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence which is in their hands. 9 Who knoweth,*" but God may turn and bethink himself, and turn away from the fierceness of his anger, that we perish not? 10 And God saw their works, that they had turned from their evil way : and God be- thought himself of the evil, which he had spoken that he would do unto them, and he did it not. CHAPTER IV. 1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly; and he was wroth. 2 And he prayed unto the Lord, and said, I pray thee, Lord, was not this my word, while I was yet in my own country? Tliere- fore made I haste' to fly unto Tharshish ; for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, long-suftering, and abundant in kind- ness, and repentant of the evil. 3 And now, Lord, take, I pray thee, my soul from me; because it is better for me to die, than to live. 4 And the Lord said. Art thou very wroth?'' 5 Now Jonah was gone out of the city, and dwelt on the east side of the city; and he had made himself there a booth, and sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city. 6 And the Lord God made ready a gourd, and it grew up over Jonah, to be a shade over his head, to relieve him from his af- fliction. And Jonah rejoiced because of the gourd exceedingly. 7 But God made ready a worm when the ' Lit. "to enter into." « Heb. "said." '' Rasbi, " Whoever is conscious of guilt let him return ; then God may repent, and," &c. ' Johlson. Philippson, "I fled before." ' Aben Ezra; but Philippson, "Is it right that it Ji.s- ]ili'asoth thee?" MICAH I. morning dawned on the morrow, and it smote tlie gourd that it withered. 8 And it came to pass, when the sun arose, that God made ready a hot east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he be- came faint; and he wished for himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live. 9 And God said unto Jonah, Art thou very wroth for the gourd? And he said, I am very wroth, even unto death. 10 And the Lord said. Thou wouldst have spared the gourd, for which thou hadst not laboured, neither hadst thou made it grow; which came up in one night, and perished in one night: 11 And shall i great city, wherein are more than twelve times ten thousand persons, who know not how to discern between their right hand and their left hand, and also much cattle? not spare Nineveh, that THE PROPHECY OF MICAH, CHAPTER 1. 1 ^ The word of the Lord that came to Micah" the Morashthite in the days of Jo- tham, Achaz, (and) Hezekiah, the kings of Judah, which he foresaw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem. 2 Hear, ye people, altogether; listen, earth, with 'all that fiUetli it: and let the Lord Eternal be witness ugainst you, the Lord from his holy temple. 3 For, Ijehold, the Lord cometh forth out of his residence;'' and he will come down, and will step along" upon the high places of the earth. 4 And the mountains shall melt Ijeneath him, and the valleys shall cleave in twain, like wax (melteth) before the fire, like water poured out on a declivity. 5 For the transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the house of Israel. Who'' caused the transgression of Jacob? is it not Samaria? and who caused the high-places of Judah ? is it not Jerusalem ? 6 Therefore will I change Samaria into ' Properly, Michah. Morashthite, a man of More- shah. " Lit. "place." ° Lit. "tread." '' Kedak. Jonathan, "Where is the transgression of Jacob, is it not at Samaria?" &e. • Rashi and Aben Ezra. Others, "stripped," or "bare " Zunz, "wild." stone-heaps on the field, into vineyard plant- ations : and I will liurl down into the valley her stones, and her foundations will I lay open. 7 And all her graven images shall be beaten to pieces, and all her wages of sin shall be burnt with the fire, and all her idols will I make desolate; for from harlot's wages she gathered them, and for harlot's wages shall they be used again. 8 For this will I lament and wail; I will go confused" and naked: I will make a la- ment like the crocodiles, and mourning like the ostriches. 9 For her wounds' are incurable; for (the evil) is come even unto Judah; (the enemy) hath reached as far as the gate of my people, even up to Jerusalem. 10 Tell it not at Gath. weep ye not loudly (there) : in Beth-le'aphrah roll thyself in the dust. 11 Pass ye away, ye inhabitants of Sha- phir, having your shauie laid bare: the in- habitress of Zaiinan cometh not forth (any more) ; the mourning of Beth-haezel taketii from you its halting place.^ ' Rashi, "she is sick of her wounds." 8 After Phllippsoi) ; meaning, Beth-haezel being cap- tured will prevent its becoming a place for making a stand against the enemy. Rashi takes Ssxn jT3 as meaning "bringing fields close together," /. <•. by robbing; and translates, "the mourning which ye caused those ye plun dered by depriving them of their inheritance to join it to 679 MICAH I. IT. 12 For the inhabitress of Maroth is grieved" for the (lost) good; because evil came down from the Lord unto the gate of Jerusalem. 13 Bind the chariot to the swift horses, inhabitress of Lachish : the beginning of sin was she to the daughter of Zion ; for in thee were found the transgressions of Israel. 14 Therefore shalt thou have to give pre- sents to Moresheth-gath : the houses of Ach- zib shall become a deception to the kings of Israel. 15 Yet will I bring an (enemy as) heir** unto thee, inhabitant of Mareshah : as fixr as 'Adullam shall withdraw" the glory of Israel. IG Make thyself bald, and cut off thy hair for the children of thy delight; enlarge thy baldness like the eagle; because they are gone into exile from thee. CHAPTJ]R II. 1 ^ Wo to those that devise wickedness, and resolve on evil upon their couches! by the first light of the morning they execute it, if'^ they have it in the power of their hand. 2 And they covet fields, and roli them; and houses, and take them away : so they defraud the master and his house, and the man and his heritage. ?> ^ Therefore thus hath said the Lord, Behold, I will devise against this family an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; nor shall ye go erect; for it is an evil time. 4 On that day shall one take up a paral;)le against you, and lament with a mournful lamentation, and say, " We are utterly wasted : yours, will cause your buildings erected thereon to have no permanence;" ;'.'■. they shall fall, not stand. Zunz, " the mourning procession of Beth-haezel taketh (already) its stand by you." It is a difficult verse. ° Aben Ezra; but Rashi, "she hoped for good." "■ Johlson, "conqueror;" and makes him the nomina- tive to the end of the verse. ° Rashi; /. c. the enemy shall drive the Israelites be- fore him up to 'Adullam, before they shall be able to halt. I'hilippson, "up to 'Adullam cometh he (the enemy) against the pride of Israel." '' Others, "because." ' Abtn Ezra; /. e. the enemy divides the land, which the Israelites hoped should return to them. So Rashi also, "The portion of my people is transferred to the enemy; how will he turn unto me again to restore to us our fields, which now that enemy divideth." Pliili)ip- ;;8(J the portion of my people hath he exchanged ; how hath he removed it from me! in.stead of restoring (them to us)'' he divideth our fields." 5 Therefore shalt thou hfive none that shall draw*^ the (measuring) cord in (his) lot in the congregation of the Lord. 6 "Preach not;" (but) they shall preach:" they shall not preach (indeed) to these, that reproach may not overtake them. 7 Shall it be said*" (in) the house of Jacob, Is the spirit of the LoHi) str.iightened ? are these his doings? Do not my wokIs do good to him that walketh uprightly? 8 But long since is my people risen up as an enemy: from the gannent do yea pull off the ornament;' of those that pass by securely (ye make) men returned from war.' 9 The wives of my people do you drive out of their delightful houses; from their children do ye take away my ornament for ever. 10 Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your resting-place; because it is polluted, it shall destroy (you), even with a grievous de- struction. 11 If a man that goeth after wind and lieth with falsehood (should say), "I will preach unto thee of wine and of strong drink :" he would be a preacher for this people. 12 I will (once) surely assemble. Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather up the rem- nant of Israel ; I will place them together as flocks in the fold,'' as droves in the midst of their pen : they shall be crowded' with men. 13 The wall-breaker cometh up before son, "depriving us of them they divide the fields." Johl- son, "to the enemy are our fields apportioned." ' Lit. "cast," (■. ('. on the ground; or draw it out to measure with it. s I'hilippson; but Rashi, "you prophi^fs, who always preach." '' Rashi. Zunz, "thou, called, House of Jacob, is the Lord quick to become wroth ?" &c. ' Rashi; i. e. the ornaments which are fast on the gar- ments they pull off by force, thus defacing them ; and make tho.se who walk along securely look as though they had returned in tatters from a battle. '' Jonathan and others, Buzrnh, a city of Edom, wliicli, it is alleged, had many flocks. ' Others, "shall make a noise," as in largo cities, while the population is about, there is always a peculiar nois* perceptible. MIC AH II. III. IV. them; they break in and pass through the gate, and go° out by it: and their king pass- eth on before them, and the Lord at their head. CHAPTER III. 1 ^ And I said, Hear, I pray you, ye heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel! Is it not for vou to know what is justice? 2 (But they are those) who hate the good, and love the evil; who tear their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones ; 3 Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off" them; and who crush their bones, and cliop them in pieces, as that to be put in a pot, and as flesh within a caldron. 4 Then will thej* cry unto the Lord, but he will not hear them; and he will hide his face from them at that tune, as they have coininittod their evil deeds. •J ^^ Thus hath said the Lord concerning the prophets that mislead my people, who, when they have something to bite with their teeth, cry, Peace; but wlio prepare war against him who putteth nothing in their mouth : 6 Therefore shall the night be unto you, without a vision; and it shall be dark unto you. without divining; and the sun shall go down around the prophets, and the day shall be obscured around them.'' 7 Thus shall the seers be made asliamed, and the diviners be put to the blush : yea, they shall all wrap themselves up to the upper lip;'' for there is no answer of God. 8 But truly I am indeed lull of strength by the spirit of the Lord, and (of power) of judging, and of might, to tell unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin. 9 ^ Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of tlie house of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel, that abhor justice, and make crooked all that is straight. " Zunz, "tbrough which the others went out." The prophet briefly describes the return of the dispersed of Israel at the restoration, when all ditfieulties shall vanish; ihc prince leads, but God prepares the way. ■■ The preceding verse says bow the prophets would t rnphesy for wages peace, or declare war if nut paid ; 4 L 10 They build up Zion with blood-guilti- ness, and Jerusalem with wrong. 11 Her heads judge for bribes, and her priests teach for reward, and her prophets divine for money: and yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say. Is not the Lord among us? evil cannot come over us. 12 Therefore for your sake shall Zion be ploughed up as a field, and Jerusalem shall become ruinous heaps, and the mount of the house, forest-covered high-places.* CHAPTER IV. 1 ^ And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be firmly established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and unto it shall people flow. 2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us of his ways, and we may walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth tiie law, and the word of the Lord out of Jerusalem. 3 And he shall judge between many peo- ple, and decide for strong nations even afar off"; and they shall beat their swords into plough-shares, and their spears into pruning- knives : nation shall not lift up sword against nation, and they shall not learn any more war. 4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig-tree, with none to make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it. 5 (But) though' all the peojjle should walk every one in the name of his god, yet Avill we walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever. 6 ^ On that day, saith the Lord, will I asseml)le her that halteth, and her that is driven out will I gather, and her to whom I have done evil) 7 And T will make of her that halted a remnant, and of her that was cast off" far away a strong nation : and the Lord Avill and now they are told that they shall be deprived of the means of deceiving, as the night shall be too dark to look at the stars and the sun be obscured in the day. ° Sign of mourning. (See Lev. xiii. 45; p]zek. xxiv. 17.) ■^ See Jer. xxvi. 18. " Johlson. Others, "For all the people, &c., and we," i^c. C81 MICAH IV. V. reign over them on monnt Zion. from this time and unto eternity. 8 Tl And thou, tower" of flocks, the strong-hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee sliall go,'' and sliall come, the former do- minion, the kingdom belonging to the daugh- ter of Jerusalem. 9 Now why dost thou cry aloud? is there no king in thee? is thy counsellor lost? that pangs have seized on thee as on a woman in travail? 10 Be in pain, and labour to bring forth,'" daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail; for now shalt thou go forth out of the town, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go as far as Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there will the Lord redeem thee from the grasp of thy enemies. 11 And now many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look with pleasure on Zion. 12 But they know not the thoughts of the Lord, and they understand not his counsel: that he will (once) gather them as the sheaves into the threshing-floor. 13 Arise and thresh, daughter of Zion; for T will render thy horn iron, and thy hoofs will I render copper, and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will devote unto the Lord their ill-gotten gain, and their sub- stance unto the Lord of the whole earth. ll"" Now gather thyself in troops, daugh- ter of troops ;' they lay siege against us: with the rod they smite upon the cheek the judge of Israel. CHAPTER V. 1 ][ But thou, Beth-lechem Ephratah, the least (though) thou be among the thousands of Judali, (yet) out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from olden times, from most ancient days. ° Not the tower of this uaiiic, MigJal-'eder, mentioned in Gen. .^xxv. 21, which is b>' Beth-lechem, but Mount Zion itself, the watchtower fur the flock spoken of in the preceJinf; vcr.ses. — After Redak. '' llashi, after the massoretic pause accent at nnNH. sup- plies "the remnant" spoken of above: "unto thee shall come all the renmant; and there shall comi' tiie former dominion," &c. ° lledak renders -njl witli ''and j;:ri)an." ^ In the English version tiiis is verse 1 of chap. v. " Hashi comments this to mean the (!h:ildeans, who (182 2 Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she'' who travaileth hath brought forth: then shall the remnant of his brethren return with the children of Israel. 3 And he shall stand forward and fiied (Israel) through the strength of the Lord, through the excellency of the name of the Lord his God : and they shall abide (safely) ; for now shall he be great even unto the ends of the earth. 4 And in this (manner) shall there be peace: If Asshur should come into our land; and if he should tread in our palaces, then will we raise up against him seven shepherds, and eight anointed^ men. 5 And they shall lay waste the land of Asshur with the sword, and the land of Nim- rod in the gates of its (cities) : thus will he deliver us from Asshur, if he should come into our land, and if he should tread within our borders. 6 Tf And the. remnant of Jacob sliall be in the midst of many people like dew from the Lord, like showers upon the herbs, that wait not for man, nor hope for the sons of man. 7 And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations, in the midst of many people, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep: who, if he break in,*" lioth treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, while none can deliver. 8 High shall thy hand be lifted up above thy adversaries, and all thy enemies shall be cut off. 9 ^1 And it shall come to pass on that day, saith the Lord, that I will cut off th}- horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots; 10 And I will cut ofi' the cities of tliy land, and 1 will throw down all thy strong- holds ; 11 And I will cut ofi" the arts of witch- may now prosper, though Israel will at length survive and prevail over all. Philippson, freely, ''troop of op- pressors." ' God will give them up to their enemy till the time of Jndah's regeneration, when their remnant shall join the other tribes and be no more two people. — After ll.\siii. * Zunz. Others, "principal." "These numbers are indefinite, and mean chiefs and generals with their proper armies." — Piiilippson. "" /. e. Pas.<eth through the enclosure where the cattle nre kejit. MicAH V. VI. VI r. craft out of thy hand ; and soothsayers shall thou have no more; 12 And I will cut off thy graven images, and thy statues out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more prostrate thyself to the work of thy h.mds; 13 And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee; and I will destroy thy enemies." 14 And I will in unger and in fury exe- cute vengeance upon the nations, upon those that have not hearkened. CHAPTER VI. 1 1] Do l)ut hear now what the Lord saith, Arise, contend thou hetbre'' the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice. 2 Hear ye. mountains, tlie controversy of the Lord, and ye strong foundations of the earth! for the Lord hath a controversy with his people, and with Israel will he [ilead. 3 my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherewith have I wearied thee? testify against me. 4 Although" I had brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of bond-men ; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. 5 my people, do but remember what Ba- lak thy king of Molib resohed, and what Bil'am the son of Be'or answered him, from Shittim'' unto Gilgal, in order that ye may know the gracious benefits of the Lord. G Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, bow myself before the God on high? shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves of a year old ? 7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with myriads of streams of oil? shall I give my first-born for my transgres- sion, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? ' Jonathan and Rashi. Others, "thy cities." What- ever is used for defence or attack, and all means of decep- tion, and outward disturbing causes, shall no longer break in upon the reign of peace hero foretold. *■ Meaning, that mountains and hills shall be the judges. ° tlashi. Others, "because." '' ivasii, "In Shittim you sinned, yet I withheld not the go^d nor my help from you, but brought you to Gil- gal to inherit the land." " Heb. Ephah, as a general term for measures. This is here represented as "scant " not up to the legal stand- 8 He hath told thee, man, what is good ; and what the Lord doth reqvtire of thee: (nothing) but to do justice, and to love kind- ness, and to walk humbly with thy God. 9 ^ The voice of the Lord calleth unto the city, — and (the man of) wisdom shall see thy name : — hear ye the rod (of punish- ment), and who hath ordained it. 10 Are there yet in the house of the wick- ed man the treasures of wickedness, and the scant accursed measure?" 11 Can I be pure with wicked balances, and with a bag (full) of deceptive weights? 12 For her rich men are full of violence, and her inhabitants have spoken falsehood, and their tongue is deceit (itself) in their mouth. 13 Therefore have I also smitten thee with sore wounds, making (thee) desolate be- cause of thy sins. 14 Thou wilt indeed eat, but not be satisfied; and what tlion hast eaten shall bend thee down ;^ and thou wilt overtake (the enemy),* but thou shalt not deliver; and that which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword. 15 Thou wilt indeed sow, but thou shalt not reap ; thou wilt indeed tread out olives, but thou shalt notanoint tlnself with oil; and the juice of the grapes, but thou shalt not drink wine. 16 For there are observed the statutes of 'Omri, and all the w^orks of the house of Achab, and ye walk in their counsels: in order that I should give thee up unto desola- tion, and thy inhabitants to derision ; and ^e shall bear the reproach of my** people. CHAPTER VII. 1 ^ Wo is me ! for I am as in the gather- ing' of the summer-fruits, as in the grape- gleanings of the vintage : there is no cluster to eat, no first-ripe fruit for which my soul longeth. 2 The pious hath disappeared out of the ard, hence, "accursed," or calling down the wrath of God. ' Rashi, 13ip3 " what is in thy bowels," ('. ''. the food after it is eaten, — this shall be undigested, and cause a cramp and contraction. Zunz, " unappea.sable hunger shall remain within thee." « Rashi. " Sept. "of the people." ' Rashi, "The prophet complains over himself that he was appointed prophet at a time when there were no righteous in the generation." 683 MICAH VII. hind ; and the upright among men there is none, all of them lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net. ?> For the evil of j-our hands you expect good? while the prince demandeth (bribes), and the judge acteth for pay ; and the great man is only speaking the wilful pleasure of his soul : and so do they make a network (of wrong) ." 4 The best of tliem is like a brier; the most upright is (sharper) than a thorn-hedge: the day of thy watcbmen,'' thy punishment, is come ; now shall be perplexity among them. 5 Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a confidant:" from her that lieth in thy bosom guard the doors of thy mouth. 6 For the son disgrace tli the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the dau'ihter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man s enemies are the men of his own house. 7 But I, — I will look unto the Lord ; I will wait for the God of my salvation : my God will hear me. 8 Eejoice not. my enemy,'* over me : though I am foUen, I rise again ; though I should sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light unto me. 9 *(\ The indignation of the Lord will I bear, because I have sinned against him ; until that he plead my cause, and execute jus- l| ness. 11 The day^ that thy fences are to be built — that same day, the ordained, is yet far removed.' 12 It is a day when men shall come to thee from Assyria, and the cities of Mazor,= and from Mazor even to the river, and from sea to sea, and (from) mountain to mountain. 13 While" the land (of the nations) shall be made desolate because of its inhabitants, for the fruit of their doings. 14 ][ Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thy heritage, which dwell in solitude in the wood, in the midst of Carmel : let them feed in Bashan and Gil'ad, as in the days of old. 15 As in the days of thy coming out of the land of Egypt will I let them see marvellous things. 16 Nations shall see and be ashamed of all their might : they shall lay their hand upon their mouth, their ears shall be deaf- ened. 17 They shall lick the dust like the ser- pent; like those that crawl on the earth, shall they come forth trembling out of their close places : unto the Lord our God shall they hasten in dread, and shall be afraid of thee. 18 Who is a god like unto thee, pardoning iniquity, and forgiving' transgression to the residue of his heritage ? he retaineth not his •iiiger for ever, because he delighteth in kind- tice for me: (when) he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall beliold his righteousness. 10 Then she that is my enemy will see it, and shame shall cover her, who said unto me, sea. Where is the Lord thy God ? My eyes shall complacently see her (suffer) : now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets. " This verse is rendered after Rashi; but Redak, "to ciinfirm the evil in their hands, the judge," &c. Philipp- son, "In order to pronounce the evil of the hands good, the judge," &c. — "and the great expresseth the longing of his soul," ('. e. for gifts. '' Rashi, "the day on which thou didst hope for happi- ness;" the watchmen are the prophets; the day they pre- dicted was the time of punisiiment. ° Others, "chief," or "guide." '' I'roperly, "female enemy," which cannot ho given vith an English word. (JHl 19 He v/jll again have mercy on us, he will suppress our iniquities : yea, thou wilt cast all their sins into the dej)ths of the 20 Thou wilt show faithfulness unto Jacob, and kindness unto Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers in the days of old. ' Rashi refers this verse to the enemy, and renders, "The day thou hopest for, to build thy fences — that day will remove afar its fixed time and will be delayed and never come." ' After Philippson, who refers the prophecy to Israel, the restoration of whom it is thus said will be after a long while, though certain. « Redak, "Egypt." Others, "fortified cities." '■ Rashi and Aben Ezi:i ; but Philippson, "Notwith- standing the land (of Israel) was made desolate." ' Lit "parsing by," i. e. not punishing. THE PROPHECY OF NAHUM, Dim HiXIDJ. CHAPTER I. 1 ^ The doom of Ninoveh. The book of the vision of Nahum" the Ell<;oshite. 2 A God watchful and avenging is the Lord ; an avenger is the Lord, and full of fury; the Lord taketh vengeance on his adversaries, j and keepeth in mind the deeds of his ene- mies. 3 The Lord is long-suflering, and great in , power, but he will by no means clear the | guilty : the Lord — in the whirlwind and in the storm is his way, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. 4 He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and all the rivers he drieth up : Bashan then withereth, with Carmel, and the flowers of Lebanon wither. 5 Mountains quake before him, and the hills melt away ; and the earth is lifted up*" at his presence, yea, the Avorld, and all that dwell therein. 6 Before his indignation Avho can stand? and who can subsist" before the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire,, and the rocks are broken down by him. j 7 The Lord is good, a strong-hold on the day of distress; and he knoweth'' those that trust in him. 8 But with an overflowing flood will he utterly destroy the place of (Nineveh), and his enemies will he pursue with darkness. 1 9 What will you devise against the Lord?, ' Properly, Narhxim, ] ' As is often the case in earth(|uakes, when hills sink and level land is upheaved. Rashi, Aben Ezra, &c. '•riseth up in smoke," or " is burnt." ° Pliilippson, literally, "who can rise up." ^ Basni, "(the wants of) those." &c. ' Philippson refers this and verse 12 to Israel, or Zion, meaning, that the wicked should be removed, and they should suflFer no more through them. Rashi and others apply this verse to Nineveh, as the destroyer of God's {leople had come from it. ' Jonathan, " though they set across the Tigris and passed over the Euphr.ites." he is bringing about, an utter destruction, the distress shall not rise up twice. 10 For they, like thorns interwoven, and as men made drunken in their drinking bout, shall be entirely consumed as dry stubble. 11 There is gone forth" out of thee he that devised evil against the Lord, the coun- sellor of infamous things. 12 T[ Thus hath said the Lord. Though they be complete, and ever so many, never- theless shall they be cut down,*' and it shall be over (with them) : and if even I have afflicted thee, I will afllict thee no more. 13 For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and th}- Ijonds will I tear asunder. 14 Buf-' against thee hath the Lord de- creed, that no heir'' of thy name shall be any more : out of the house of thy gods will I cut oft' the graven and the molten image; I will prepare thy grave (there) ;* for thou art made vile. CHAPTER IL'^ 1 Behold, upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that pul> lisheth peace, Celebrate thy feasts, Judah, fulfil thy vows; for never more shall the wicked' pass again through thee, he is ut- terly cut off. 2 The destroj'er is come up against thee" to enclose (thee) with Avorks of siege: look out on the way, make thy loins strong, strengthen (thyself) greatly with power. s Verse 13 evidently refers to Jerusalem or Israel, and this to the king of Assyria. ^ Lit. " there shall not be sown of thj- name any more." ' After Rashi, who comments, "like thy father who was slain in the house of Nissrach his god." (See 2 Kings six. 39.) ' In the English version, chap. ii. commences at ver. '2. ' Johlson and others, "destroyer." ^ Rashi conceives the land of Judah to be addressed here: "The destroyer that once came up against thee, is now himself besieged (by the king of Babylon); look out, thou man of Judah," <Sc. Aben Ezra thinks Nineveh is addressed. NAHUM II. 111. 3 For the Lord bringeth back again the excellency of Jacob, as also the excellency of Israel; for the plunderers" have plundered them, and have wasted the branches of their vines. 4 The rdiields of his mighty men are made red, the .aliant men are (clothed) in scarlet : with the fire of the steeP the chariots (glitr ter) CM the day when he prepareth himself (for battle), and the spears'' are shaken. 5 In the streets the chariots rush madly along, they rattle through the public places : their appearance is like torches, they run along like the lightnings. 6 He will summon his valiant men, they shall stumble iii their walk : they hasten to her walls, and the covering for defence is prepared. 7 The gates of the rivers are opened, and the palace is dissolved. 8 And the queen'' is carried away into exile stripped of her attire, and her maids moan as with the voice of doves, striking their hand upon their breast. 9 And Nineveh was like a pool of water from the days that she existed: yet now they flee. "Stand, stand," (shall they cry,) but none shall look back. 10 Plunder silver, plunder gold; for with- out end are the treasures, there is an aljund- ance" of all precious vessels. 11 She is void, and emptied out, and wast- ed; and the heart melteth, and the knees totter, and trembling is in all loins, and the tiices of them all are covered with blackness. 12 Where is (now) the dwelling of the lions, and Avhat was the feeding-place of the young lions, where the linn, the lioness, and the lion's whelp walked, and none made them al'raid ? 13 The lion tore in pieces (prey) enough for his whelps, and strangled for his lionesses, ' Lit. "the einpticrs have emptied them out." '' ^\^^^>2 is .supiiii.'^ed by Zuiiz and (ithers to mean "steel," hence the weapons made of it, with whieh the chariots were supplied when they went to battle. Sume (Rashi, Aben Ezra, and Uedak) suppose it means "flames," or the sparks stniLk by the iron wheels as they are driven swiftly over the grouud. "Lit. "Hie fi.- trees," hence, "spears" or "arrows" made of this wood. Redak, "the spears are poisoned." The sentence is of difficult ccr.c'iruction; and Jonathan renders it, "and thf, thiefe of ihr, 'rr^.ps are enveloped in e^iToured garmcatfi. 680 and filled with prey his holes, and his dens with what he had torn. 14 Behold, I will be against thee, saitfi the Lord of hosts, and I will burn into smoke thy' chariots, and thy young lions shall the sword devour: and I will cut off from the earth thy preying, and no more shall be heard the voice of thy messengers. CHAPTER in. 1 ][ Wo to the city of blood ! it is all full of lies and robbery; never ceaseth the prey- mo* • 2 The noise of a whip, and the noise of the rattling of wheels, and of prancing horses, and of the skipping chariots. o Horsemen mount, and there are the flaming sword and the glittering sjjear: and there is a multitude of slain, and heaps of carcasses; and without end are the corpses; they stumble on their corpses ; 4 Because of the multitude of the lewd deeds of the harlot, that is rich in graceful- ness, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her lewd deeds, and families through her witchcrafts. 5 Behold, I will be against thee, saith the Lord of hosts ; and I will lay thy skirts open over thy face, and I will let nations see thy nakedness, and kingdoms thy shame. 6 And I will cast abominable filth upon thee, and defile thee, and will render thee a dirt-heap." 7 And it shall come to pass, that all they that see thee shall flee from thee, and say, Laid waste is Nineveh : who will condole with her? whence shall I seek comforters for thee? 8 Art thou better than No-amon, that was situated on the rivers, that had water I'ound about her, the rampart of which was the ^*ea,'' and the walls of which rose out of the sea? ^ This verse is given after Rashi; but Redak takes 3Xni to stand by itself, as meaning, "the palace that stood in prosperity so many years is destroyed;" and Philipp- son, "And though he ( /. e. the king) placed himself (in battle), she (Nineveh) is carried away into exile," &e. '■ Johlson and others. Jonathan, "sweep it of all pre- cious vessels." ' Lit. "her;" but the change of persons, as from tb? second to the third, is very fre(|uent in the Bible. * Philippson, "a spectacle." '' Philippson, "river," /. r. the Nile; so also Isa. xi lb ; xix. 5, HABAKKUK I. 9 Ethiopia the mimerous," and Egypt that jvas without end, Put and Lubim were thy helper^;. 10 Yet also she was exiled, was carried away into captivity; also her young children were dashed in pieces at the corners of all streets; and for her honourable men they cast lots, and all her great ones were bound with chains. 11 Thou also shalt be made drunken, thou shalt be hidden from view: thou also shult seek refuge because of the enemy. 12 All thy strong-holds shall be like fig- trees with the first--ripe figs, which, if they l)e shaken, will fall into the mouth of the eater. 13 Behold, thy people ai-e become Avomen in the midst of thee: unto thy enemies are the gates of thy land set wide open; the fire hath devoured thy bars. 14 Water for the siege draAV for thyself, fortify thy strong-holds : go into the clay, and tread the mortar, make strong the brick- kiln. 15 There shall the tire devour thee; the sword shall cut thee oft', it shall devour thee up like the cankerworm : (though) thou make" thyself many as the cankerworm; make thyself many as the locusts. 16 (Though) thou hadst multiplied thy merchants more than the stars of heaven: the cankerworm spreadeth itself out, and flieth away. 17 Thy crowned ones are like the locusts, and thy leaders like the swarms of locusts, which camp in the hedges on a cold day, but when the sun ariseth they flee away, and their place is not known where they are. 18 Thy shepherds slumber, king of As- syria; thy valiant men are at rest : scattered are thy people upon the mountains, and there is none that gathereth them. 19 There is no healing for thy breach; fatal is thy wound : all that hear the report of thee will clap their hands over thee ; for over whom did not thy wickedness pass con- tinually ? THE PROPHECY OF HABAKKUK, pipnn nNi3J- CHAPTER I. 1 ^ The prophecy which Habakkuk" the prophet foresaw. 2 How long, Lord, have I entreated (thee), and thou wouldst not hear? (how long) shall I cry out unto thee (because of) vio- lence, and thou wilt not save? 3 Why wilt thou let me see wickedness, and wilt look on trouble, and the roljbery and violence (that are) before me : while" there is strife, and contention lifteth up (its head)? 4 Therefore is the law powerless, and justice Cometh not forth victorious; for the wicked encompasseth about the righteous; therefore doth justice come forth perverted. 5 Look ye about among the nations, and behold and be astonished and astounded; for (God) will fulfil a work in your days, ye would not l)elieve it, if it were only told you. 6 For. lo. I will raise up the Chaldeans, that l:)itter and impetuous nation, that march to the wide spaces of the earth to conquer dwelling-places that are not theirs. 7 Terrible and dreadful are they: from ° Zunz. Rashi, "Cush that was her strength." No-! " ProTperly, Chabakkuk. aman is addressed in this verse. ! " Zuiiz; but Rashi, "while the wicked who exciteth " Rashi, '-it shall sweep thee off like the cankerworm, i! strife and contention is allowed to exist and prosper;" so it shall sweep thee off like the loeu.sts." 1 also Jonathan: but it is a forced construction. HABAKKUK 1. II. tLemselves" go forth their judicial laws and their dignity. 8 And swifter than leopards are their horses, and fiercer than the evening wolves; and their horsemen spread themselves abroad : and their horsemen will come from afar ; they will Qy like the eagle hasteniui; to eat. 9 They all will come for violence: the front'' of their faces is like the east wind, and they gather captives as the sand. 10 And they will make sport with kings, and princes Avill l)e a play unto them: at every strong-hold will they laugh, and they Avill cast up earth-mounds and capture it. 11 Then'' doth their spirit become arrogant, and they are surpassingly proud, and offend, (imputing) this their power unto their god. 12 Art thou not from everlasting, Lord my God, my Holy One ? we shall not die. Lord, thou hast ordained them for judg- ment ; and, Protector,'' thou hast apjjointed them to correct (nations). 18 Thou, who art too pure of eyes to behold evil, and canst not look on trouble, wherefore wilt thou look upon those that deal treache- rously, be silent when the wicked swallow- eth up him that is more righteous than he ? 14 And (why) makest thou men' as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them? 15 All of them he*^ bringeth up with the angle, he draggeth them up in his net, and gathereth them in his drag: therefore he re- joiceth and is glad. 16 Therefore he sacrificeth unto his net, and burnetii^ incense unto his drag; because;; through them is his portion fat, and his food marrowy. ' i. e. They act in judicial matters without regard to right, only according to their will. So Jonathan; but Rashi, " they have judges and kings who impose their burdep and fear on all." '' Jonathan. Rashi, " the snorting of their faces is like that of the east wind." Zunz, "their faces snort eastward." Philippson, "the raging of their faces is turned forward." " This verse is given after Rashi and Redak, taking 13;?'l as "passing" — the bounds, here, in pride or as- sumption. Philippson, h(jwevcr, "They pass (into the conquered city), and it is wasted; and this their power is their god." Zunz, "then move they along as a storm, and it is passed, and thus is (all) wasted, (imputing)," &c. "Heb. "Rock." * Rashi comments, "before this wicked one free as the fishes of the sea, whom every one than pleascth may catch." 688 17 Shall he therefore (always) empty his net, and continually slay nations without sparmg ; CHAPTER II. 1 Tl Upon my watch will I stand, and place myself upon the tower,'' and will watch to see what he will speak with me, and whii.t I shall answer to my reproof' 2 And the Lord answered me, and said, Write down the vision, and make it plain upon the tables, that every one may read it fluently. 3 For there is yet a vision for the appoint- ed time, and it speaketh of the end, and [-. will not deceive: though it tarry, w;Ml for it; because it will surely come, it will not be de- layed. 4 Behold, disturbed,'' not at vest is the soul of (the wicked) in him; but the righteous ever liveth in his (trustful) il-xih. 5 And though the wine-(drutiken) traitor, the proud man,' whose house wiil not .stand, who enlargeth his desire as the .OT.tvc, and is like death, which cannot be satisfied,- — though he gather unto him all the nations, and assemble unto him all the people : 6 Will not all these take up a parable against him, and a proverb and a satire concerning him? and they will say. Wo to hiiu that increaseth what is not his! for how long? and to him that loadeth himself wI+L a burden of guilt !"" 7 Behold, suddenly will ri.se up those thai afflict" thee, and awake those that plague thee, and thou shalt become a booty unto them. 8 Because thou hast despoiled many na- ' Each one of the wicked. Eng. ver. " they," referring to the Chaldeans as a nation. ^ Philippson takes this figuratively, as meaning that thej- deify their own power, not the weapons themselves. ■■ Lit. "fortress." ' Aben Ezra, "to him who reproveth me." Reilak adds, "for I am not alone perplexed in this matter." '' After Rashi. nSiJ^r from hsy, "a hill," the opposite from "ny "level;" hence, figurative, "disturbed — i:|uiet;" the righteous is always inward, as it were, on a level, while the wicked has constant internal difiiculties to over- come. Zunz, "Behold, presumptuous is the soul of him who hath no pleasure in God." ' Meaning the king of the Chnldeans. ^ Rashi, deriving it from 3;' "thick mass," and o'O "clay." Others, from a2y "a pledge for debt." " Lit, "that bite thee " Others, "thy creditors." HABAKKUK II. III. his image trusteth therein, while making dumb idols? 19 ^ Wo unto him that saith to the wood. Awake! Rouse up to the dumb stone. Shall this teach? IJeliold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and no breath whatever is in its bosom. 20 i)ut the Lord is in his holy temple: be silent before him all the earth. CHAPTER III. 1 Tl A prayer of Ilabakkuk the prophet upon Shigyonoth. 2 () Lord, I have heard thy fame, (and) was ^ afraid : Lord, thy work — in the midst of ithe years (of sorrow)" revive thou it, in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy. I o (When) God from Themau came, and the Holy One from mount Paran, Selah : his glory covered the heavens, and of his pi-aise" the earth was full. 4 And (his) briglitness was like the sini- light; rays streained forth out of his hand unto them: and there" was the hiding of his power. 5 Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth in liis steps.' 6 He stood forward, and made the earth trendjle; he loiiked, and dispersed nations; and there burst asunder the everlasting mountains; there sunk the perpetual hills: the ways' of the w^orld are his. 7 In atUiction^ I. saw the tents of Cushan: they trendjled — the curtains of the land of Midiau. 8 Tl Was the Lord wroth against the rivers? yea, was against the rivers thy anger tlie town, and all that dwell therein. (kindled)? was against the sea thy wratli 18 What profiteth the graven image tliat \ that thou rodest upon thy horses, thy cha- its maker hath graven it? the molten imaue. riots of victory? tions, therefore will all the remnant of the people despoil thee; because of the blood of men. and the violence against the land, the town, and all that dwell therein. 9 T[ Wo to him that obtaineth an evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the grasp of the wicked ! 10 Thou hast coun.selled shame to thy house, by cutting off many people, and sin- ning (against) thy soul. 11 For the stone will cr}- out of the wall, and the beam out of the wood (-work) will answer it. 12 T[ Wo to him that buildeth a city with blood-guiltiness, and layeth the foundation of a town by wrong-doing. 13 Behold, is it not from the Lord of hosts that people shall labour for the very fire, and nations shall weary themselves for naught but vanity? 14 For the earth shall be filled with know- ledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. ^ 15 ][ Wo unto him that maketh his neigh- bours drink, (to thee) that pourest out thy poisonous (wine), and makest them also drunken, in order to look on their naked- ness ! 16 Thou art filled with shame instead of glory; drink thou also, and let thy naked- ness be uncovered: there shall be turned around unto thee the cup of the Lord'.s right hand, and filthy spittle shall be on thy glory. 17 For the violence against Lelianon shall cover thee, and the destruction of beasts, which he terrified away ;' because of the blood of men, and the vitilence against the land. and a teacher of falsehood? that tlie maker ol 'Zunz; but Raslii, "the destruction of thy cattle (armies) that wasted my people Israel, this shall break them." Philippson, "and the destruction of its beasts shall disgrace (thee)." " Kashi. « Redak, "brightness." "Jonathan, "there was revealed his glory which had been hidden from the children of men in the height of heaven." Aben Ezra, "the hiding-place," i.e. the ark where the tables of the covenant were kept. Heidenheim, "This is the cover of his power." 'Jonathan. Lit. "at his feet." Others render, "the fiery plague was in his train " \V. 9 Laid" quite bare is thy bow, like se- ' Rashi. Philippson, " tliis is his everlasting course." Zunz, "for him are paths from all eternity." ^ Rashi, "In punishment for the wickedness of Israel have I seen the tents of Cushan; (See Judges iii. 8;) but when they repented, then trembled," &c. '' Rashi translates, '' Thy strength was fully revealed, because of the oaths thou hadst sworn to the tribes, a word that will stand forever;" taking niiJ^ty for "oaths," moo 'tribes," and nSo (Selah) as '-eternity.". Heiden- heim and Johlson, boldly, "thy bow soattereth destruc- tion around— (rrv from -ii;' " to destroy," "to lay bare,") — destruction .sevenfold thy spenrs. by thy mighty com- tiS'J ZEPHANIAH I. vere rods of punishment (goeth forth) thy j rejoiced greatly as though they were to de- word, Selah : into rivers thou splittest the j vour the poor in secret.' earth. 1 15 (But) thou didst pass along over the 10 The mountains saw thee, they trem- ! sea with thy horses, over the piled up billows bled; the flowing waters passed along: the of great waters. deep issued forth its voice, the heightMifted ' 16 I heard it, and my inmost parts trem- up its hands. bled; at the report my lips quivered; rot- 11 The sun and moon stood still in their tenness entered into my boues, and I trem- dwelling: at the light of thy arrows they" j bled in my place, that I should rest till the walked along, at the shining of the flaming day of distress, till the withdrawing of the glitter of thy spear. 12 la indignation thou marchest through the earth, in anger thou treadest down nations. 13 Thou wentest forth to the assistance of tliy people, to the assistance of thy anointed: didst wound the head" out of the house people that will invade us with its troops 17 For the fig-tree doth not bud. and no fruit is on the vines ; the productiveness* of the olive deceiveth, and the fields yield no food; from the fold the flocks are cut oft", and there are no herds in the stalls. 18 Yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will thou ( of tlie wicked, destroy the foundation with j exult in the God of my salvation, the high-towering walls." Selah. '' 19 The Lord Eternal is my strength, and he 1-1 Thou didst strike through with his maketh my feet fleet as those of the hinds, own spears the chiefs of his villages, Avho and he will cause me to tread upon my high rushed out furiously to scatter me ; who ' places. To the chief musician of my songs." THE PROPHECY OF ZEPHANIAH, n^jQV nxiDj- CHAPTER L 1 *|y The word of the Lord which came unto Zephanyah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedalyah, the son of Amaryah. the son of ('liizkiyah, in the days of Josiah the son of Anion the king of Judah. 2 I will remove,' utterly remove all things from oft' the fixce of the earth, saith the Lord. 3 I will remove man and beast ; I will re- mand." We have f'ollowt'd Philippson as the simplest exposition of this passapje. " Rashi, who ooiimients, "the inhabitants of the earth praised him, the liosts of heaven thanked liim." Others translate, "and lifted up its hands on hijrh." ^ Rashi, and refers it to Israel. Ileidenheim, to the sun and moon. Philippson, " thy arrows fly instead of light, instead of brightness is the lightning of thy spears.'' ° Zunz, 'thou didst crush the gable end from the house of the wicked, laying bare the foundation up to the ueck." 690 move the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumbling blocks together with the wicked; and I will cut oft" man from oft" the face of the earth, saith the Lord. 4 And I will stretch out my hand over Judah, and over all the inhabitants of Jeru- salem; and I will cut oft" the remnant' of Ba'al from this place, the name of his minis- ters with his priests ; 5 And those that bow themselves down on " Rashi. Lit. "neck," or the highest points, towers, walls of a fortress. « Philippson, "the oppressed in their hiding-place." ' After Rashi. Philippson, "till the oppressor goeth up against my people." Heidenheim. wait "((uietly for the day of distres prosperity to my enemies"" ^J "fortune." i?" takinc how could I which bringeth 1J1U' as derived from « liit. "work." ' Heidenheim. Philippson, "on Neijinoth," which like Sli 11/(11/0)1, is a name descriptive of psalmody. ' Lit. "bring to un end," " Rashi, "the memory." ZEPHANIAH 1. II. tlie I'oois of houj^es to tlic host of heaven; and those that bow themselves down that are sworn (to be true)" to the Lord and still swear by Mallvoin; 6 And those that are turned away from follow- ing the Lord; and those that have not sought for the Lord, and have not in(|uired of him. 7 Be silent in the presence of the Loi'd Eternal; for nigh is the day of the Lord; for the Lord hath prepared a slaughter, he hath bidden" his invited guests. 8 ][ And it shall come to pass on the day of the Lord's slaughter, that I will inflict punishment on tlie princes, and on the king's sons, and on all such as are clothed in gax'- ments of a foreign land." 9 And I will inflict punishment on all those that leap over the threshold on that day,' who till the house of their master with violence and deceit. 10 ^ And it shall come to pass on that day, saith the Lord, that there shall be a loud cry of lamentation from the fish-gate, and a wailing from the secondhand (that of) a oreat breach from the hills. o I 11 Wail, ye inhabitants of the mortar- 1 street,' for destroyed are all the tradingpeople ; cut ofi" are all that were laden with silver." j 12 ^ And it shall come to pass at that! time, that I will search Jerusalem through Avith lights; and I will inflict punishment on the men that are at rest" on their lees, that say in their heart. The Lord will not do good, nor will he do evil. 13 And their wealth shall become a booty, and their houses shall be made desolate ; and they will build houses, but they shall not in- habit them; and they will plant vineyards, but they shall not drink their wine. ^ After Philippson, to distinguish between S D"i'3iyJ and 3 "uato" and "by;" meauing-, they associate the worship of the Most High, which they had sworn to adhere to, (see 2 Kings xssii. 3,) with that of the idols of Phoeni- cians and 'Ammonites. '' Philippson, literally, ''sanctified;" but Clp "to sanc- tify," means in Hebrew, "to set aside for a particular purpose, for good or evil;" and in this sense it is fre- (jueutly used,^" sanctify a battle," '' sanctify guests," &c. ' i. I'. Imitate with foreign dresses foreign fashions. Rashi. "with idol ornaments." "* Jonathan, "that follow the customs of the Philis- tines," (See 1 Sam. v. 5.) who at the same time, with those customs, oppressed the people. • Eaishi. Zunz, "the second city-quarter." Philipp- son, "the lower town." 14 Nigh is the givat da\- of the Lord, it is nigh, and hasteneth greatly, (there is) th'_^ noise of the day of the Lord: l)itterly crieth there the mighty man. 15 A day of wrath is that day, a day (if distress and anxiety, a day of wasting' and desolation, a day of darkness and obscurity, a day of clouds and tempestuous gloom, IG A day of the cornet and alarm, against the fenced cities, and against the high battle- ments." 17 And I will bring distress u])on men, that they shall walk about like the blind, Ix'- cause against the Lord have they sinned: and their blood shall be poured out like the dust, and their flesh' like the dung. 18 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them on the day of the Lord's wrath; through the fire of whose zeal the whole land shall be devoured; for dr- struction, yea. quite sudden, will he prepare for all the inhabitants of the land. CHAPTER II. 1 ]| Gather yourselves together, yea, ga- ther together, O nation without desire (for repentance) ;"" 2 Before the decree is brought forth — like the chaft' the day passeth away" — before yet there be come over you the fierce anger oi" the Lord, before yet there be come over yon the day of the anger of the Lord. 3 Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, who have fulfilled his ordinances; seek righteousness, seek meekness: perhaps ye will be protected on the day of the Lord's anger. ; 4 For Gazzah shall become forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolate place: Ashdod shall ' Kashi, "the valley of Kidron, which is deep like a mortar." « (■. <>. The rich. Aben Ezra, "the money-changers." " Meaning, that are like wine which has never been drawn off into another vessel. D-N£3p " being stiff like ice," ' Rashi, Philippson '-terror and fright," ' Redak, "towers." Aben Ezra, -'hills," ' DinS is an Arabic word, signifying "flesh ;" so Rashi and Aben Ezra, "" Jonathan. Philippson. '-Search yourselves through, yea, search, thou nation without desire." " Zunz. taking these words as a parenthesis; but Jona- than considers them as an elliptical expression, "like the chaff that passeth off before the wind, and like the mist that evaporateth before the day." Johlson, -'an<l your day pass off like chaff." 691 ZEPHANIAH TI. III. they drive out at the noon of day, and 'Ekron shall be rooted up. 5 ][ Wo unto the inhabitants of the dis- trict %• the sea, the nation of the Kerethites! the word of the Lord is against you, Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that no inhabitant shall remain. 6 And the district by the sea shall become ]jlaces for pens oP shepherds, and folds for Hocks. 7 And this district shall be for the rem- nant of the house of Judah; thereupon shall they feed their Hocks: in the houses of Ash- kelon shall they lie down in the evening; for the Lord their God will think of them, and bring back their captivity. 8 I have heard the reproach of MoJib, and the revilings of the children of 'Ammon, wherewith they have reproached my people, and made themselves great against their border. 9 Therefore as I live, saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall Ijecome like Sodom, and the childrei> of 'Am- nion like Gomorrah, overgrown" with nettljes, and (filled with) saltpits, and a desolation to eternity : the residue of my people shall ])hinder them, and the remnant of my nation shall possess them. 10 This shall they have in recompense for their pride; because they have reproached and made themselves great against the people of the Lord of hosts. 11 Terrible will the Lord (appear) over them; for he will cause to vanish all the gods of the earth ; and then shall prostrate them- selves before him, every one from its place, all the isles of the nations. 12 Also ye Ethiopians shall be those slain by my sword. 13 And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and he will make Nineveh a desolate place, dry, like the wilderness. "■ Zunz. Rashi, "huts where shepherds prepare their raoruing's meals." (Compare 2 Kings vi. 2.3.) Philipp- son, "places for shepherds' wells." Redak, ''ditches made by the .shepherds to keep their flocks together." ''Jonathan, who gives, '-left for nettles." Rashi, "rustling nettles." Philippson, "thorn-hedges." ' Philippson, "all the troops of wild beasts." '' After Rabbi Joshua, "tjuoted by Aben Ezra. Rashi, " filthy." 60i 14 And there shall lie down m the midst of her flocks, all the beasts" of the nations; both the pelican and the hedgehog shall lodge in the capitals of her columns; singing- birds shall sing in the windows; ruin shall be on the thresholds; for the cedar wainscot- ing shall be torn away 15 This is the joyful city that dwelt in security, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none else beside me: how is she be- come desolate, a resting-place for beasts! every one that passeth by her will liiss, and shake his hand. CHAPTER TIL 1 ^ Wo to her that is rebellious" and pol- luted, to the oppressing city! 2 She hearkened not to any voice ; she ac- cepted no correction ; in the Lord she did not trust ; to her God she drew not near. 3 Her princes in her midst are roaring lions: her judges are evening wolves, they leave not a bone for the morning.' 4 Her ^Ji'ophets are thoughtless, men of treachery : her priests have profaned the sanc- tuary, they have done violence to the law. 5 The just Lord is in her midst, he will not do wrong: morning after morning doth he bring his justice to the light (of day), it never faileth; but the unjust knoweth no shame. 6 I have cut off nations; destroyed are their battlements; I have laid in ruins their streets, so that none passeth through: their cities are wasted, without a man, without an inhabitant. 7 I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt accept correction; so that her dwelling should not be cut oft, all that I had decreed to bring over her;' but they rose up early, they acted^ corruptly in all their doings. 8 Therefore wait" but for me, saith the Lord, for the day that I rise \x^ to the prey;' for my judgment (cometli) to gather the na- tions, for me to assemble the kingdoms, to ' Rashi. Aben Ezra, ''like evening wolves who have broken no bones in the morning, and are therefore hun- gry at evening;" so greedy for bribes are the judges. ' Rashi. I'hilippson takes S^ as SziZ. and translates, "all just as I had ordained for her." * /. f. The people of the city — Jerusalem. '' Meaning, the wicked doubt the Lord's retribution ; but it will come, though delayed by his mercy. ' Jonathan, "that 1 will reveal myself to judge. ' ZEPHANIAH m. pour o\er them my indignation, all the fierce- ness of my anger; for through the fire of my jealousy shall all the earth he devoured. Yea then will I change unto the people a pure language," that they may all call on the name of the Lord, to serve him with one accord. 10 From beyond the rivers of Cush shall the_y bring my suppliants, even the assembly*" of my dispersed, as an offering unto me. 11 On that day shalt thou not be ashamed because of all thy doinc;s, wherebv thou hast transgressed against me; for then will I re- move out of the mid.st of thee those that i-ejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt never more be haughty again on my lioly mount. 12 And I will leave remaining in the midst of thee an humble and poor people, and they shall tr\ist in the name of the Lord. 13 The remnant of Israel shall not do in- justice, nor speak lies; and there shall not be found in their mouth a deceitful tongue; for they shall feed and lie down, with none to make them afraid. 14 ^ Sing, daughter of Zion; shout, Israel; rejoice and be glad with all thy heart, dauohter of Jerusalem ! •' Zuuz, "Yea, then will I transform for the people th«ir lip into a pure one." '' After Ra.shi. (See also Isa. xviii. 7; Ixvi. 19.) n3, literally, "daaghter," stands frequently for "assem- bly," "the daughter of Zion," "the daughters of the Pliili-stines." " Kashi, "he will cover up thy old transgressions." ' JohJson, only that ri'S;', referring to Jerusalem, is in tl.c third person, "her" is siven wifli "thee," tn amid lo The Lord hath removed thy punish- ment, he hath cleared away thy enemy : the king of Israel, the Lord, is in the midst of thee; thou shalt not .see evil any more. 10 On that day shall it be said to Jerusa- lem, Fear thou not: (to) Zion, Let not thy hands become weak. 17 The Lord thy God is in the midst of thee, the mighty one who will save; he will be glad over thee with rejoicing; he will l)e silenf in his love, he will exult over thee with song. 18 Those that mourn far away from the festive assembly do I gather, those that M'ere separated from thee/' (that have borne) for thee the burden of reproach. I 19 Behold, I will deal (.severely) with all ; that afflict thee at that time : and I will save [ her that halteth, and her that was driven off ; will I gather; and I will render them a praise and a famous name on all the earth where they have been put to shame. 20 At that time will I bring you back, even in the time that I gather you ; for I will make you for a name and for a praise among all people of the earth, when I bring back again your captives before ^-our eyes, saith the Lord. the change of persons which is so often found in the pro- I phets. Rashi, "those that kept themselves far from my festivals, who kept not sabbath and holy days, have I de- stroyed; they were of thy people, and for their guilt hadst thou a burden of rcprf>M.h." ]-'hilippson, "mourn- ers, far from the feast, do I reniuve from thee; they are no more in thee; to bear a burden for thy sake would be a shame," /. e. as no one will have to bear such any more, 693 THE PKOPHECY OF HAGGAI, 'jn iiNUJ CnAPTER I. 1 ^ In the second year of king Darius,* in the sixth nmnth, on the first day of the month, came the word of the Lord through means of Ilaggai'' the prophet unto Zerub- babel the son of Shealthiel, tlie governor'' of Jiidah,, and to Joshua the son of Jeliozadak, the high priest, sa3'ing, 2 Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, saying. This people have said, The time is not yet come, the time for the Lord's house to be bnilt. 3 ][ And the word of the Lord came by 1 means of Haggai the prophet, saying, 4 Is it time for you, ye, to dwell in your ceiled' houses, while this house lieth in ruins? 5 Now therefore, thus hath said the Lord of hosts. Direct your heart unto your ways. 6 Ye have sown much, and bring in little; yc eat, l)ut it doth not satisfy hunger; ye drink, but it doth not appease thii'st; ye clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he that earneth something earneth it for a bag with hiiles.' 7 Direct your heart to your Avays 8 Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house: that I may take plea^ sure in it, and be glorified, saitli the Lord. 9 (Till now) ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to be little; and when ye brought it home, I blew' upon it. For what cause? saith the Lord of hosts. Because of my | house that lieth in ruins, while ye run every man unto his own house. 10 Therefore do the heavens for your sake withhold the dew, and the earth withholdeth her products. " Darius is called iu Hebrew, Daryavesh, which Phi- lippsi.n supposi'S was in original Persian, Daryeiish, signi- fying '-royai," and that this king mentioned here was the one known as Darius Hystaspis, the fourth king of Pcr.siu, whose reign commenced about 522 or 521 before the common era. G94 ^[ Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, 11 And I called for a drought over the land, and over the mountains, and over the corn, and over the new wine, and over the oil, and over what the ground bringeth forth, and over men, and over cattle, and over all the labour of the hands. 12 ^ Then hearkened Zerubbaliel the son of Shealthiel, and Joshua the son of Jehoza- dak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, imto the voice of the IvOrd their God, and to the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LuKD their Go<l had sent him, and the people were afraid of the Lord. 13 ^ Then said IIa,u,Liai the messenger of the Lord by the Lord's message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the Lord. 14 And the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealthiel, the go- vernor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people, and they came and did work on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God, 15 Tl On the four and twentieth day of the sixth month, in the second year of king Dar rius. CHAPTER II. 1 In the seventh (month), on the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord l)y means of Haggai the prophet, saying, 2 Do say to Zerubbabel the son of Sheal- thiel, the governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, 3 Who is there yet left among you that hath seen this house in its first glory? and ^ Properly, Vlmgr/ay. ° Heb. Paclidlh, the pacha of modern times. '' Johlson and others, "wainscoted." ' i. e. Nothing remains of such gains. ' Rashi, "I made it rot." Others, "I blew it away.* It mciuis that the return w.is unafcountably small. HAGGAI II. how do ye see it now? is it not in comparison with it as nothing in your eyes? 4 Yet now be strong, Zerulibabel, saith the Lord, and be strong, Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the liigh priest, and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and do;" (for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts,) 5 (In accordance with) the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so (will) my spirit remain among you : fear nought. 6 ^ For thus hath said the Lord of hosts. Yet one thing n\ore (will T do),'' it is but little, when I will cause to (piake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; 7 And I will cause to quake all the na- tions, and the precious things of all the na- tions shall come {hither) : and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts. 8 Mine is tlie silver, and mine is the gold, saith the Lord of hosts. 9 Greater shall be the glory of this latter house than that of the former, saith the Lord of hosts : and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts. 10 ^ On the four and twentieth da}' of the ninth month, in the second year of Da- rius, came the word of the Lord by means of Haggai the prophet, saying, 11 Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, Do ask the priests concerning the law, saying, 12 Lo! if one should carry holy tlesh in the corner of his garment, and touch with his corner bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any food, shall it become holy? And the priests answered and said. No. 13 Then said Hasgai, If one that is un- clean by a dead body should touch any of these, will it become unclean? And the priests answered and said, It will become unclean. 14 Then answered Haggai, and said, So is ' The object is continued in the next verse, ";init do — in accordance with the word," &c. So Ivashi, Aben Ezra. Others, "labour, for I am with you, &c , ac- cording to the word (of the covenant) which I made," &c. "• So Redak; meaning, that in addition to the gmxl the Lord was then doing, he would do yet more, con- .siderinir it all but a little thinri;. Rashi. "ime more (kingdom) shall there be. (the Grecian,) which shall en- dure but a short time." Zunz, "in but a little while more." Some commentators refer the convulsion pre- this people, and so is this nation bciinc nie, saith the Lord; and so are all works of their hands; and what they oflt?r there' is unclean. 15 And now direct, I pray you, your heart from this day and upward, before the time that a stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the Lord : 16 Since those'' da3s were, when one came to a heap of sheaves of twenty (in number), and there were Init ten; when one came to tile winepress for to draw off fifty measvu'es out of the vat, and there were but twenty. 17 I smote you with blasting and witli mildew and with hail in all the labours ol' yoin- hands: yet ye (turned) not (back) to me, saith the Lord. 18 Direct, I ])ray you, your heart from this day and upward, from the four and twen- tieth (lay of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the Lord's temple was laid, direct your heart (to this). 1!) Is the seed yet in the barn? yes, as yet the vine, and the fig-tree, and the pome- granate, and the olive-tree, have not brought forth; (liut) from this day will I bless you. 20 ^ And the word of tlie Lord came the second time inito Haggai on the li)ur and twentieth day of the month, saying. 21 S[)eak to Zerubbabel the governor of Judali, saying. I will cause to quake the heavens and the earth ; 22 And I will overthrow the thron" of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations ; and I will over- throw chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one h\ the sword of his bro- ther. 23 On that day. saith the Lord of hosts, will I take thee, Zerubbabel, the son of Sliealthiel, my servant, saith the Lord, and I will place thee as a signet ;■■ for of thee have I made choice, saith the Lord of hosts. dieted to the overthrow of the Persians by Ale.^andt r of JLicedon, and verse 9 they expound to refer to tlio greater interest manifested by the gentiles in the temple service than before. ° i. e. At the altar. ''Redak, "before these things were." ' I. e. On the finger. This prophecy is, an Aben Ezra observes, an encouragement to Zerubbabel not to be dis- mayed in the wars which the Persian monarchy waged in those days, as he should be preserved amidst all of them, as a signet-rina on a man's finger. 695 THE PROPHECY OF ZECHARIAH. rT''):^^ nNMDj. CHAPTER I. 1 T[ In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the Lord unto Zechiiriah," the son of Berechyah, the son of 'Iddo the prophet, saying, 2 The Lord hath been greatly angry with your fathers. 3 And (now) say thou unto them. Thus hath said the Lord *of hosts, Return ye unto me, saith the Lord of liosts, and I will return unto you: so hath said the Lord of hosts. 4 Be ye not like your fathers, unto whom the former prophets proclaimed, saying. Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, Do return from your evil ways, and your evil doings; but they did not hear, nor listen unto me, saith the Lord. 5 Your fathers, — where are they? and the prophets, — could they live for ever? 6 But my words and my deci'ees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, be- hold, they did overtake your fixthers: and (then) they returned and said, Just as the Lord of hosts had purposed to do unto us, in accordance with our ways, and in accordance with our doings, so hath he dealt with us. 7 ^ On the four and twentietli day of the eleventh month, which is the month Shebat,'' in the second year of Darius, came the word of the Lord unto Zechariah, tlie son of Be- rechyahu, the son of 'Iddo the prophet, say- ing, 8 I saw this night, and behold there was * Pronounced Zecharyah. Rashi observes, that the prophecy of Zechariah is extremely obscure, and that, with the light he had then, it was not practicable to give a full elucidation of all the difficulties which it presents. The same may still be urged at the present day. '' This is the first time that we find the Chaldean names of the moiiths, which the Jews brought back from Baby- lon. In the older Scriptures the months have either other names, or are designated as the first, second, &c. I ° Zunz. Others, "sprinkled." Rashi says, he knowsj not what colour is meant. Philippson quotes an opinion,! that it is a reddish colour, paler than "red." ' I a man riding upon a red horse, and he was ! standing among the myrtle-trees that were in the deep valley; and behind him were red, pale," and white horses. 9 And I said, What are these, my lord? Then said unto me the angel that spoke with me, T will show thee what these are. 10 And the man that stood among the myrtle-trees answered and said, These are those whom tiie Lord hath sent to traverse the earth. 11 And they answered the angel of the Lord that* stood among the myrtle-treas, and said. We have traversed the earth, and, be- iiold, all the eai'th is inhabited quietly, and is at rest.' 12 Then commenced the angel of the Lord, and said, () Lord of hosts, how lon«; yet wilt thou not liave mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast been indignant these seventy years ?' IS And the Lord answered the angel that spoke \vith ute with good -words and comfort- ing words. 14 And the angel that spoke with me said unto me, Proclaim thou, saying, Thus hath said tlie Lord of hosts, I am jealous^ for Jeru- salem and lor Ziou with a great jealousy. 15 And with a great anger will I be angry with the nations that are at ease; for I was but a little angry (with Zion), and they helped forward the mischief IG iy Therefore thus hath said the Lord, I '' Philippson, " And they that halted among the myrtles answered the angel of the Lord and said." " The Persian empire, and the other nations connected with Judea, enjoyed peace at that time; but the state of the Jews was unsettled, which gave occasion to the fol- lowing intercession. ' This period, from the first captivity in the fourth year of Jehoyakim, expired when Cyrus issued his edict; but it was almost seventy years from the destruction of the city and temple, and just that period from the time that Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem. ' Jonathan, "I will esecnte punishment for," &c. 1SA.1A.H. THI£ fKUPHET. ZECHARIAH I.— III. am returned to Jerusalem in mercy: my house shall be rebuilt in it, saith the Lord of hosts, and the measuring-line shall be stretch- ed forth over Jerusalem. 17 Proclaim yet (farther), saying, Tiius hath said the Lord of hosts. My cities shall again overflow" with prosperity : and the Lord will again comfort Zion, and make choice again of Jerusalem. CHAPTER II." 1 T[ And I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, there were four horns. 2 And I said unto the angel who spoke with me, What are these? And he said unto me, These are the horns" that have dispersed Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. 3 \\ And the Lord showed me four car- penters.* 4 Then said I, What are these coming to do? And he said as followeth. These are the horns that have dispersed Judah, to the extent thaf no man could lift up his head; but these are come to terrify them, to cast off the horns of the nations, that have been lifting up their horn over the land of Judah to disperse it. 5 ][ And I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold, there was a man with a measure- cord in his hand. 6 Then said I, Whither art thou going? And he said unto me. To measure Jerusalem, to see what is her breadth, and what is }>er length. 7 And, behold, the angel that spoke with me went out, and another angel came out to meet him; 8 And he said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Without walls" shall Jerusalem be inhabited because of the multi- tude of men and cattle in her midst. 9 But I — I will be unto her, saith the Lord, a wall of fire round about, and for glory will I be in the midst of her. 10 ^ Up! up! and flee away from the land of the north, saith the Lord; for as the ' Aben Ezra, "shall be extended on all sides." ^ In the English version, chap. ii. commences at ver. 5. ' Rasbi, "These are the nations in the four cca-ners of the world that have butted with their horns Judah and Jerusalem till they have dispersed them." * Zunz, "smiths." • mna "country places," "open towns," hence, ad- verbially, "without walls." 4 N four winds of the heaven have I spread you abroad, saith the Lord. 11 Up, Zion, escape, thou that dwellest with the daughter of IBabylon. 12 ][ For thus hath said the Lord of hosts, For the sake of (your) glory hath he sent me unto the nations that have despoiled you; for whoever toucheth you, toucheth the apple of his eye. 13 For, behold, I will swing my hand over them, and they shall be a spoil to those that served them : and ye shall acknowledge that the Lord of hosts hath sent me. 14 ^ Sing, and rejoice, daughter of Zion ; for, lo, I am coming, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord. 15 And many nations will join themselves to the Lord on that day, and they shall be unto me for a people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto thee. 16 And the Lord will take Judah as his inheritance upon the holy land; and he will again make choice of Jerusalem. 17 Be silent, all flesh! before the Lord; for he is waked up out of his holy habitation. CHAPTER III. 1 ]| And he showed me Joshua' the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and the accuser standing at his right hand to accuse him. 2 And the Lord said unto the accuser, The Lord rebuke thee, Accuser; yea, the Lord rebuke thee that hath chosen Jerusa- lem : is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy gar- ments, and was standing before the angel. 4 And he commenced and said unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And he said unto him. Behold, I have caused thy iniquity to pass from off thee, and I clothe tliee with festive garments. 5 And I said. Let them place a clean mitre ' Philippson supposes that the prophet meant to indi- cate the pui'ification of the high-priest as the representa- tive of the whole people. "Filthy garments" were worn by persons criminally accused, and their friends, before trial, to excite sympathy, till he was acquitted, when they all dressed in white. As the priest is represented as ab- solved so is also an accuser introduced as conducting the charges of which he is declared released. C'J7 ZECHARIAH III. IV. V. upon his bead. So they placed tlie clean mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments; and the angel of the Lord stood by. 6 And the angel of the Lord forewarned Joshua, saying, 7 Thus hath said the Lord of hosts. If thou wilt walk in my wa^-s, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then shalt thou also judge mv house, and shalt also keep my courts: and I will give thee places" to walk among these that stand by. 8 Do but hear, Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee; for distinguished men are they; for, behold, I will bring my servant Zemach [the Sprout]. 9 For behold (here is) the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes : behold, I will engrave thereon its inscription, saith the Lord- of hosts, And*" I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. 10 On that day, saith the Lord of hasts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig-tree. CHAPTER IV. 1 And the angel that spoke with me came back again, and waked me up, as a man that is wakened up out of his sleep ; 2 And he said unto me. What art thou seeing? And I said, I have looked, and be- hold, there is a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon its top, and its seven lamps are thereupon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon its top: 3 And two olive-trees are by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof 4 And I commenced and said unto the angel that spoke with me, saying, What are these, my lord? 5 Then the angel that spoke with me an- swered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these are? And I said, No, my lord. " Philippson, "leaders from those standing here." "■ These are the words of the inscription. ° The key-stone of an arch, or the one placed on the top of a building the last, to complete it. Zcrubbabel is promised that he should see the completion of the temple. ■^ llashi, after Jouatlian, "seven rows (of stones) upon the first in the foundation;" but Aben Ezra, Redak, and others take "the seven" to be the seven eyes spoken of iii. 9, and explained in this verse to be the eyes of God. Pliilippson renders this verse so; "For who will despise 6 Then answered he and spoke unto me, saying. This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. 7 Who art thou, great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou wilt become a plain : and he shall bring forth the headstone" with shouts ingsof, Grace, grace unto it. 8 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands shall complete it: and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you. 10 For wiioever even despised the day of (its) small beginning: yet will they rejoice when they see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel, with those seven;'* they are the eyes of the Lord, which hold a survey through all the earth. 11 And 1 began, and said unto him. What are these two olive-trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon its left ? 12 And I began a .second time, and said unto him. What are these two olive-branches," which are close by the two golden pipes which empty out of themselves the gold- coloured oil? 13 And he said to me as followeth, Know- est thou not what these things are? And I said. No, my lord. 14 Then said he, These are the two sons of the clear oil,^ that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. CHAPTER V. 1 ^ And I again lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold there was a flying roli (-book). 2 And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll, its length is twenty cubits, and its breadth ten cubits. 3 Then said he unto me, This is the curse the drty when this was commenced in a small way? Truly those seven, the eyes of the Lord, which roam over all the earth, will see rejoicingly the plummet in the hapi-' of Zerubbabel." • Lit. "olive-ears," meaning, the olive-branch, around which the berries are clustered, like the grains of wheat in a wheat-ear. ' /. e. Those anointed. llashi adds, "the horn of priesthood and royally, in both of which anointing waa used, which ask of God to restore their greatnes.s." ZECHARIAH V. VI. that goeth forth over the face of all the earth ; for every one that stealeth as it is on this side shall he in an equal degree entirely destroyed," as also every one that sweareth (falsely) as it is on that side shall he likewise entirely destroyed. 4 I bi'ing it forth, saith the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by ray name : and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with its timber and its stones. 5 Then went forth the angel that spoke Avith me, and said unto me. Do but lift up thv eves, and see what is this that goeth forth. ■ 6 And I said. What is it? And he said. This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their appearance through all the earth. 7 And, behold, there was lifted up a heavy (cover) of lead: and there was a certain woman sitting in the midst of the ephah. 8 And he said, This is the wickedness. And he cast her into the midst of the ephah ; and he cast the weighty lead cover upon the mouth thereof 9 Then did I lift up my eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, having the wind in their wings, and they had wings like the wings of a stork : and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven. 10 Then said I to the angel that spoke with me, Whither are these bearing away the ephah? 11 And he said unto me, To build for it a house in the land of Shin'ar: and when this is erected, then will the other be set there upon its own base. CHAPTER VI. 1 And I again lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold, there came out four'' cha^ riots from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of copjjer. • Rashi, " Up to this time, whoever fjtole was not affected by the punishment stated here" — '•but now, .as their measure of sin is complete — I will bring it forth," &c. '' These are supposed to represent the Chaldean, Per- sian, Macedonian, and Roman kingdoms, which in turn held sway over Judea. "Others, "winds." Redak, "These are going to the fijur iliroetions (winds) of heaven." 2 In the first chariot were red horses ; and in the second chariot, black horses; 3 And in the third chariot, white horses; and in the fourth chariot, grizzled, ash-colour- ed horses. 4 And I began and said unto the angel that spoke with me, What are these, my lord ? 5 And the angel answered and said unto me. These are the four spirits'' of the heavens, which go forth after having stood before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The (chariot) on which are black horses — these go forth into the north country ; and the white go forth after them; and the griz- zled go forth toward the south country. 7 And the red-coloured'* were gone forth, and sought to traverse the earth: and he said. Go, traverse the earth. So they tra- versed tha eartli. 8 Then cried he loudly unto me, and spoke unto me, saying, Behold, these that are go- ing toward the north country have quieted (the indignation of) my spirit in the north country. 9 ^ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 10 Take from the exiles, from Cheldai, from Tobiyahu. and from Yeda'yah, and thou shalt come on the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephanyah. whither" they have arrived from Babylon; 11 Take also silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Jo- shua, the son of Jehozadak the high priest ; 12 And thou shalt say unto him as fol- loweth, Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold a man, Sprout is his name; since^ out of his own place shall he sprout up, even he shall build the temple of the Lord: 13 Yea, he shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne ; and a prie.st shall be upon his own throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between both of them. ■* Aben Ezra, who takes □•V2N in this verse as different turn that in ver. 3, and as identical with D'DlX in ver. 2. ' After Johlson. ' Aben Ezra. Rashi renders, "from the royal seed." Johlson, "for under him shall it sprout up." Philipp- son remarks that the building here spoken of means only the finishing of the temple, and translates, -'under whom it shall prosper," /. e. flie building. C99 ZECHARIAH VI. VII. VIII. 14 And the crowns shall be for Chelem, and for Tobijali, and for Yeda'yah, and for Chen the son of Zephanyah, as a memorial in the temple of the Lord. 15 And distant ones shall come and build on the temple of the Lord, and ye shall know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God. CHAPTER VII. 1 ][ And it came to pass in tlie fourth year of king Darius, that the word of the Lord came unto Zechariah on the fourth day of tlie ninth month, in Kislev ; 2 When they had sent unto Beth-e? Sherezer and Eegem-melech, and his men, to make entreaty before the Lord, 3 (And) to say unto the priests who were in the house of the Lord of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Shall I weep in the fifth month with abstinence, as I have done al- ready these many years? 4 ]| Then came the word of the Lord of hosts unto me, saying, 5 Say unto all the people f)f the land, and to the priests, as followeth, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and in the seventh (month), already these seventy years, did ye in anywise fast for me, yea, for me? 6 And if ye do eat, and if ye do drink, are ye not yourselves those that eat, and your- selves those that drink? 7 Are'' not these the words which the Lord hath proclaimed by means of the former pr<jphets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, with her cities round about her, when (men) inhabited the south, and the lowlands? 8 T[ And the word of the Lord came unto Zechariah, saying, 9 Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, say- ing, Execute true justice, and show kindness iind mercy every man to his brother; 10 And defraud not the widow, or the ° Jonath;in. Others render, "house of uod;" the per- sous 'vho seat this embassy are supposed to be the Jews of B.ibylon. '' Namely, that fasting without piety js not acceptable; but R;i-lii, "wliat CMUsod you to fast ami niouru, are they not the aduiouitious (unheeded) which the ijord pro- slaimed?" &.•:. 700 fatherless, the stranger, or the poor; and imagine not evil in your heart one against the other. 11 But they" refused to listen, and tiu'ned away rebelliously* the shoulder, and stopited their ears, so as not to hear; 12 And their heart they rendered as an adamant, so as not to hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent through his spirit by means of the former prophets : wherefore came a great anger from the Lord of hosts. 13 And it is come to pass, that as he pro- claimed, and they would not hear: so had they to call, and I would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts ; 14 And I resolved to scatter them with a storm-wind among all the nations that they had not known; and the land was left de.so- late after them, without any one to pass through it forward or backward; and the pleasant land have they changed into a desert CHAPTER VIII. 1 ^ And the word of the Lord of hosts came, saying, 2 Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, I am jealous for Zion with a great jealousy, and with great fury am I jealous for her. 3 Thus hath said the Lord, I return unto Zion, and I will dwell in the midst of Jerusa- lem : and Jerusalem shall be called. The city of truth ; and the mount of the Lord of hosts. The holy mount. 4 ^ Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, Again shall there sit old men and old women in the streets of Jerusalem, and every one with his staff in his hand because of their multitude of years. 5 And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in her streets. 6 "*[[ Thus hath said the Lord of hosts. If it should be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in those days, should" it also be marvellous in ray eyes? saith the Lord of hosts. " "They" refers to the forefathers of that generation. * Lit. "they made a rebellious shoulder." ° Aben Ezra, "it shall be marvellous also in my eyes;" meaning, that the marvel will be greater than ever was displayed before, or, in other words, an unheard of deed of grace, which would appear as though it were wonderful even to God from its being unprecedented. ZECHARIAH VIII. IX. 7 Tl Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, Be- hold, I will save my people from the east rountry and from the country of the setting of the sun ; 8 And I will bring them (back)., that they may dwell in the midst of Jerusalem : and they shall be unto me for a people, and I will be unto them for a God, in truth and in righteousness. 9 T[ Thus hath said the Lord of hosts. Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words out of the mouth of the prophets, who (spoke) on the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of hosts was laid, when the temple was to be built. 10 For before those days there was no re- ward" for man, nor any I'eward for beast; and for him that went out or came in there was no peace, because of the oppressor: and I let loose all men, every one against his neighbour. 11 But now I am no more as in the former days unto the residue of this people, saitli the Lord of hosts. 12 For the seed shall be undisturbed;'' the vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give her production, and the heavens shall give their dew : and I will bestow on the remnant of this people all these things. 1 3 And it shall come to pass, that, in the same degree as ye have been a curse among the nations, hou.se of Judah, and house of Israel, so will I save you and ye shall be a blessing: fear not; let your hands be strong. 14 ^ For thus hath said the Lord of hosts. As I had purposed to do you evil, when your lathers incensed me, saitli the Lord of hosts, and I bethought myself not : 15 So do I again purpose in these days to do well unto Jerusalem and to the house of Judah ; fear ye not. 16 These are the things that ye shall do, Speak ye the truth ever}' man to his neigh- " i e. Labour was unproductive. (See also Haggai i. 6,9,10; ii. 16,17.) *■ Lit. "the sped of peace." ° Rashi. after the Rabbins, "this is the system of cnni- promise," where disputes are settled without the exti-enie rigour of the law, each party yielding something which he considers his right. * Rabbi Joss^ states that Chadrach was a city near Da- mascus. bour; (with) truth and the judgment" of peace judge ye in your ga.tes; 17 And let none of you think evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love not a false oath; for all these are what I hate, saith the Lord. 18 ^ And the word of the Lord of hosts came unto me, saying, 19 Thus hath said the Lord of hosts. The fast of the fourth, and the fast of the fifth, and the fiist of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth (month), shall become to the house of Judah gladness and joy, and merry festi- vals: only love ye the truth and peace. 20 ^ Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, (A time) shall yet be when there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities ; 21 And the inhabitants of one (city) shall go to another, saying. Let us only go to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts : I too will likewise go. 22 And many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jeru- salem, and to pray before the Lord. 2.3 Tf Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, In those days (it shall happen), that ten men out of all the languages of the nations shall take hold — yea. they shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying. Let us go with 3'ou; lor we have heard that God is with you. CHAPTER IX. 1 Tl The prophecy of the word of the Lord concerning the land of Chadrach,'' and D;i- mascus his resting-jjlace ;" for unto the Lord (will look) the eye of men, and (that of) all the tribes of Israel;' 2 And also concerning Chamath that is bordering thereon. Tyre, and Zidon, though it be very wise. 3 And though Tyre have built herself a strong-hold, and heaped up silver as the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets : "Jewish commentators explain, "that Damascus also shall become a resting-place for Gnd's glory; because unto the Lord shall look the eyes of all tuen, as also those of all the tribes of Israel." ' Rashi and Aben Ezra. Redak, one opinion, "and to all the tribes of Israel." Jonathan, "for before the Lord are revealed the deeds of men;" hence, Zunz, "for the Lord hath his eye upon men and al-o upon all the tribes of Israel." 701 ZECHARIAH IX. X. 4 Behold, the Lord will drive'' her out, and he will strike down her power*" into the sea; and she herself shall be devoured with fire. 5 Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gazzah also, and tremble greatly; and 'Ekron, for her trust will be made ashamed: and the king shall vanish from Gazzah, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited. 6 And aliens"" shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines. 7 And I will remove their bloody (-sacri- fices)'' out of their mouth, and their abomina- tions from between their teeth ; and their land" also shall be left ibr our God, and it shall be as a prince's (dwelling) in Judah, and 'Ekron shall be like Jebusi. 8 And I will encamp about my house against armies, against those that pass to and fro, and there shall not pass over them any more an oppressor; for now do I look (on them) with my eyes. 9 ^ Be greatly glad, daughter of Zion ; shout, daughter of Jerusalem ! behold, thy King will come unto thee, righteous and vic- torious is he, lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of a she-ass.' 10 And I will cut off chariots from Ephraim, and horses from Jerusalem, and there shall be cut off the battle-bow, and he shall speak peace unto the nations; and his dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. 11 As for thee also, because of the blood of thy covenant, do I send forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein there is no water. 12 Return you to the strong-hold, ye hope- ful prisoners: even to-day do I declare, that 1 will recompense twofold (good)''' unto thee. 13 For I do bend Judah for me, grasp Ephraim (as) a bow; and I will stir up thy • Michlol Yoplii. Rushi, "impoverish her." Zudz, "let her be captureJ." '' Johlson, "her wall." ° Rashi. ■> Philippson, after Rashi. " Jonathan, "the proselytes that are left of them shall be added to the people of our God." The version here is after Philippson, who refers xin to the land of Phi- listia, which should, when purged of idolatry, become united to the holy land, devoted to God, and become like Jehudah and Jerusalem (Jebusi). ' As war is to cease at the coming of the Hope of the world, he is to appear nut mounted upon the warlike horse, but on the bumble, laborious ass. ■ Jonathan; but Rashi, "even this day I announce to thee a twofold happy message." 703 sons, Zion, against thy sons, Javan, and I will render thee as the sword of a mighty man. 14 And the Lord will appear ov^er them, and then will go forth like the lightning his arrow : and the Lord Eternal will blow on the cornet, and lie will go along in the tem- pests of the south. 15 The Lord of hosts will be a shield over them; and they shall devour (the pre}-), and subdue the sling-stones ; and they shall drink, make a noise as one (drunken with) wine ; and they shall be filled like the offer- ing-bowls, like the corners of the altar. 16 And the Lord their God will save them on that day as the flock of his people; for (like) the stones of a crown, will they elevate themselves over his land. 17 For how gi-eat will be (that generation's) happiness, and how great its beauty! corn shall make the young men sing joyfully, and new wine the virgins."" CHAPTER X. 1 Ask from the Lord rain at the time of the latter rain, (from) the Lord who maketh lightning-clouds: and he will give unto them showers of rain, to every herb in the field.' 2 For the Theraphim speak vanity, and the diviners foresee a lie, and those that have dreams speak what is false, with nought do they comfort: therefore do they move about like a flock, they bleat,'' because (they have) no shepherd. 3 Tl Against the shepherds is my anger kindled, and on the he-goats will I inflict punishment; for the Lord of hosts thinketh of his flock, the house of Judah, and maketh them as his elegant horse in the battle. 4 Out of him cometh forth the corner (-stone),' out of him the tent^nail, out of him '' After Rashi; but Zunz, "how lovely is it there, how beautiful is it, (like) corn will he cause young men to spring up, and like new wine virgins. ' Rashi, " for the sake of every one, and for the sake of every herb," &c. '' Zunz; but Rashi, "they are humbled." ' "Corner-stone" signifies the principal leaders, "tent- nail," the chieftain, who, so to say, sustains the whole structure; "the battle-bow," the brave in war; "the ruler," (lit. "taskmaster,") the one that hath command over others; and it is here thus promised that Israelites shall be no longer subject to others, but have among themselves all the elements of independent sovereignty, and rule over their former oppressors. ZECPIARIAH X. XI. the battle-bow, out of him every ruler (of others) together. 5 And they shall be like mighty men, treading down (their enemies) in the mire of the streets in the battle, and they sliall fight, because the Lord is with them: and the riders on horses shall be made ashamed. 6 And I will strengthen the house of Ju- dah, and the house of Joseph will I save, and I will bring them ag^in to their own homes; for I have mercy upon them, and they shall be as though I had never cast them ofl'; for I am the Lord their God, and I will answer their prayer. 7 And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as though from wine: and their children shall see it, and be rejoiced; their heart shall be glad in the Lord. 8 I will call'' for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as tliey have increased (formerly'). 9 And when I shall have scattered them among the people, they will remember me in the far-oft" countries : therefore shall they live with their children, and return again. 10 And I will bring them back again out of the land of Egypt, and out of Assyria will I gather them; and into the land of Gil'ad and Lebanon will I bring them, and it shall not be sufficient lor them. 11 And he will pass through the sea (with) distress,*" and he will smite in the sea the waves, and there shall dry up all the deeps of the stream : and there shall be brought down the pride of Assyria, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart away. 1;^ And I will strengthen them in the Lord, and in his name shall they ever walk, saith the Lord. 'Lit. "whistle." (See Isa. v. 26.) ^ i. e. God will come to distress the enemies of his people. Philippson, "as the drying up of the Nile is pre- dicted, as prefiguring the fall of Egypt, G-od passes through the lied Sea, renders tliis shallow, and then causes the Nile to dry up." Rashi, however, "Distress shall pass (over Tyre), which is situated <m the sea, and the Lord, that sniiteth, will smite in t'he sea the waves to cause Tyre to sink." Aben Ezra, "(A wind of) dis- tress will pass through the sea;" referring to the drying up of the sea and river of P]gypt. (Isa. xix. 5, 6.) ' Jewish commentators suppose this prophecy to pre- dict the destruction of the second temple; but Jonathan, CHAPTER XI. 1 ^ Open thy doors. Lebanon,'" ;ind the fire shall eat on thy cedars. 2 Wail, fir-tree; for fallen is the cedar; those that were miglity are despoiled: wail, ye oaks of Bashan; for the impervious'' forest is come down. 3 (There is) the noise of the wailing of the shepherds; for wasted is their glory: (there is) the noise of the roaring of young lions; for wasted is the pride" of the Jordan. 4 ][ Thus hath said the Lord my God, Feed the flocks (that are destined for) the slaughter; 5 Whom their buyers slay, and hold them- selves guiltless; and whose sellers say. Bless- ed be the Lord, for I am rich: and none of whose shepherds have pity on them. 6 For I will no more have pity on the in- habitants of the land, saith the Lord; but, lo, I will deliver the men every one into the hand of his neighbour, and into the hand of his king: and they shall beat down the land, and I will not deliver out of their hand. 7 And I had fed the flocks (that were destined for) the slaughter, — indeed, the poorest of the flocks; and I had taken unto me two staves; the one I called Mildness [No'am], and the other I called Concord*^ [Choblim] : and I fed the flocks. 8 And I removed the^ three shepherds in one month; and my soul was tired of them, and also their soul abhorred me. 9 Then said I, I will not feed you: what is dying may die; and what is to be lost may be lost; and those that are left may eat every one the flesh of the other. 10 And I took my stafl', namely, Mildness, and cut it to pieces, to annul my covenant which I had made with all the tribes. "Open your gates, ye nations." Lebanon stands generally for all the land of Israel. •^ Lit. "fortified," t. e. by its intricacies and under- growth. ° Zunz, "the pride of the flood." Philippson, "the overflow," &c. ' Others, "Severity," in which view Rashi agrees; but Joseph Kimchi, "companionship," "union," or as in the text, "concord." Redak, "wounding," as opposed to "mildness." ' ('. e. Under-shepherds, who arfe to look out each for his portion of the flock. Various opinions are given as to wlio these three were : Redak, " the three sons of Josiah," &o 70-J ZECHARIAH XL XII. 11 And when it was annulled on that day, then knew they well, truly the poorest of the flocks that waited for me, that it was the word of the Lord. 12 And I said unto them, If it be good in your eyes, give me my reward; and if not, forbear. So they weighed out as my reward thirty pieces of silver. 13 And the Lord said vmto me. Cast it unto the treasurer,"' the precious price which I am prized at by them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them in the house of the Lord unto the treasurer. 14 Then I cut in pieces my second staff, namely. Concord, to annul the brotherhood between Judali and Israel. 15 •[[ And the Lord said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd. 16 For, lo, I raise up a shepherd in the land, who will not think of those that are lost, nor seek for that which is gone astray, nor heal that which hath (a limb) broken; who will not care for that which hath stood still; but who will eat the flesh of the fat, and devour all even to'' their claws. 17 Wo to the worthless shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye : his arm shall utterly wither, and his right eye shall be completely blinded." CHAPTER XII. 1 ^ The prophecy of the word of the Lord concerning Israel, Saitli the Lord, who stretch- eth forth the heavens, and layeth the founda- tion of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him : " After Jolilson. Pbilippson comments, that thirty shekels was the price of a slave .slain by an ox, (see Exod. xxi. 42;) the prophet demanded in the name of God the reward for his keeping the people, and they gave the mean sum of thirty pieces; tliis, ironically called "the precious price" at which the Divine care was valued, was to be cast carelessly to the keeper of temple treasure, nut of which the daily sacrifices were purchased. This may be viewed as an allegorical condemnation of the idea that sacrifices without piety can be in the least pleasing to God. Rashi, after Jonathan, conceives the thirty pieces to signify those who do the will of God; and would then render: "And the Lord said to me, cast the same to the treasurer, (). c lay up these righteous and their good deeds, that they may be kept for the end of the seventy years of the Babylonian exile, in order that the temple may be built for their sake; and what is 704 2 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of confusion unto all the people round about; and also against Judali, who will have to be at the siege" against Jerusalem. 3 And it shall come to pass on that day that I will make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all the people ; all that burden them- selves with it shall be severely cut : yet then will be gathered together against it all the nations of the earth. 4 On that day, saith the Lord, will I smite every horse with dizziness, and his rider with madness; but over the hou.se of Judah will I open my eyes, while I will smite every horse of the people with blindness. 5 And the chiefs of Judah Avill say in their heart, A strong support" for me are the inhabitants of Jerusalem through the Lord of hosts their God. 6 On that day will I make the chiefs of Judah like a fire-hearth among the wood, and like a torch of fire among sheaves; and they shall devour on the right hand and on the left all the people round about: and Jerusa- lem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem. 7 The Lord also will save the tents of Judah first-/ in order that the glory^ of the house of David and the glory of the inha- bitants of Jerusalem shall not become boast- fuP over Judah. 8 On that day will the Lord lae a shield around the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and the feeblest among them shall be on that day like David; and the house of David sludl be like divine beings,' like an angel of the Lord before them. 9 And it shall come to pass on that day, the treasury?) the precious glory of my sanctuary, which I have stripped from them," taking a 'nip' as "having deprived — of the glory." " Johlson, after Rashi. Redak, "aad brcakcth their feet (claws)." Philippson, "and only teareth ofi' their claws." ° Lit. "become dark." '' Philippson, "and also on Judah will it bo obligatory to be at the siege," &c. ' /. e. They will acknowledge that Jerusalem is the seat of the Divine glory. Rashi and Aben Ezra, " through their prayer, because they know that we are come against our will." ' Rashi. Zunz, "will help them to the former state." ' Zunz, " boastfulness." ^ Philippson. Lit. "become great." ' Jonathan and Rashi, "chiefs," "angels." ZECHARIAH XII. XIII. XIV. that I will seek to destro}' all the nations that are come against Jerusalem. 10 But I will pour out over the liouse of David, and over tlie inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications:* and they will look up toward me (for every one)*" whom the_y have thrust through, and they will lament for him, as one lameuteth for an only son, and weep bitterly for him. as one weepeth bitterly for the first-born. 11 On that day Avill the lamentation be great in Jerusalem, like the lamentation at Hadadrimuion" in the valley of Megiddon. 12 And the land will mourn, ever)- family apart by itself: the laniily of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart; 13 The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shim'i apart, and their wives apart; 14 All the families that remain, every family apart by itself, and their wives apart. CHAPTER XIII. 1 *i\ On that day shall there be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the in- habitants of Jerusalem, for cleansing from sin and for purification.'" 2 And it shall come to pass on that day, saitli the Lord of hosts, that I will cut oft' the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall not be remembered any more : and also the prophets and the unclean spirit will I remove out of tlie land. 3 And it shall come to pass, if any one should yet prophesy, that his father and his mother who have begotten him shall say unto him. Thou shalt not live; for falsely hast thou spoken in the name of the Lord: ' Rashi, "that it shall come into their mind to make supplication before me, and they shall tind grace in my eyes." '' The objective case is omitted in the original: "whom they have pierced" cannot be in apposition "to me," be- cause the next clause is, " they will lament for him," not "me;" hence it is clear that the objective, "every one," must be supplied, as has been done here. ' Rashi and Jonathan conceive that the pmphet speaks iif two lamentations, and take " Hadadrimmon" to mean "the slaughter made by him [Hadad] in killing Achab;" and "Megiddon" to relate to Josiah, for whom Jeremiah lamented. (2 Chron. sxxv. "25.) Others assert that Ha- dadrimmon was a place in the valley of Megiddo, after- ward called Alaximiauopolis, wliere then perhaps a siTrat 40 and his father and his mother who have be gotten him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth. 4 And it shall come to pass on that dtiy, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one because of his vision, when he prophesieth; and they shall not clothe themselves with a hairy cloak in order to deceive. 5 But he will say, I am no prophet, a man that tilleth the ground am I; for some one hath taught" me to keep cattle from my youth. 6 And should some one say unto him. What are these wounds between thy hands? Then will he say. Those with which I have been wounded in the house of my (vicious) friends. 7 ^1 Awake, O sword, against my shep- herd, and against the man whom I have as- sociated with me/ saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered; but I will turn my hand toward the feeble ones.^ 8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts (of those) therein shtill be cut off", shall perish; but the third part shall be left therein. 9 And I will bring the third part into the fire, and I will refine them as one refineth silver, and will probe them as gold is probed : they will call on my name, and I will answer their prayer; I will say. The}' are my peo- ple; and they will say. The Lord is my God. CHAPTER XIV. 1 ]f Behold, a day is coming unto the Lord, when thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. 2 And I will assemble all the nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city lamentation was made for the last good king of David's line. '' See Num. xix. ° Rashi, after Menaohem. Philippson and Zuuz, "hath purchased me as a serf:'' he denies even being a freeman, but wishes to pass for a bondman, compelled to labour daily in the humblest vocation, so as to avoid the suspicion of belonging to the band of false prophets, of whom were so many during the first temple. The same is to be ob- served of the next ver.se, where wounds arc spoken of, for which see 1 Kings xviii. 28. ' Rashi, with the addition, "to keep my flocks," /. c. the prince or chief who was to be a true shepherd, but has failed iu his duty. ^ Meaning, protect the young or weak; but Rashi, "and T will ri'jirat the bhiw against tiie mimir chiefs." 7urj ZECHARIAH XIV. shall be captured, and the houses plundered, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into exile, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then will the Lord go forth, and fight against the.«e nations, as on the day when he fought on the day of battle. 4 And his feet will stand on that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusa- lem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall be split in twain in its middle eastward and westward, making a very great valley; and half of the mount shall remove north- ward, and half of it southward. 5 And ye shall flee (from) the valley of my mountains; for the valley of the moun- tains shall reach unto Azal; and ye shall flee, just as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of 'Uzziyah the king of Judah : and then will come the Lord my God, and all the saints with thee. 6 ]| And it shall come to pass on that day, that there shall be no light, but fleeting light and thick darkness;" 7 But it shall be one particular day which shall indeed be known as the Lord's, neither day nor night; but it shall come to pass, that at evening-time there shall be light. 8 And it shall happen on that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem, the half of them toward the eastern sea, and the other half of them toward the western sea: in summer and in winter shall it be so.'' 9 And the Lord will be king over all the earth: on that day shall the Lord be (ac- knowledged) one, and his name be one. 10 All the land shall be changed as it were into a plain from Geba' to Eimmon to the south of Jerusalem; and she herself shall be elevated, and be inhabited on her former site, from the gate of Benjamin unto the place of the first gate, up to the corner gate, ' Raslii. Pliilippsoii, "but frost and snow." Zunz, "pressure and congelation." In the first instance nnp' is signifying "brightness," as iu Job xxxi. 21; in the second, as from "\p "cold," and in the third, "weighty," as in 1 Kings v. 81. The meaning of the verse, how- ever, is, that there shall be no distinct light, as farther explained. " )'. '■. It shall bo a perpetual river, not drying up iu summer. ° Rashi; but Jonathan and Redak, "and his hand shall become feeble with the hand of his neighbour." 706 and from the tower of Chananel unto tlie king's wine-presses. 11 And men shall dwell in it, and no de- struction shall any more take place; but Je- rusalem shall be inhabited in safety. 12 ^ And this shall be the plague where- with the Lord will afliict all the people that shall have come to battle against Jerusalem: The flesh of every one shall consume away while he standeth upon his feet, and his eyes shall consume away in their holes, and the tongue of every one shall consume away in his mouth. 13 And it shall come to pass on that day, that a great confusion from the Lord shall be among them: and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour." 14 And also Judah will have to fight against Jerusalem: and there shall be gathered to- gether the wealth of all the nations round about, gold, and silver, and garments, in great abundance. 15 And thus shall be the plague of the horses, of the mules, of the camels, and of the asses, and of all the beasts that will be in these camps, just like this plague. 16 T[ And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left out of all the nations who will have come against Jerusalem, yea, these shall go up year by year to bow down before the King, the Lord of hosts, and to celebrate the feast of tabernacles.'' 17 And it shall hapjjen, that whoso will not come up out of the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to bow down before the King, the Lord of hosts, — even upon these there shall be no rain. 18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, then shall not (any rain fall)" upon them also: this shall be the plague, wherewith the Lord will afliict the ^ As this is an ordinance of the Mosaic Law, (Lev. xxiii. 41,) it proves that even then the code of Israel will not be abrogated. ' Egypt requires no rain near the Nile, which over- flows it banks annually and fertilizes the land; Jonathan therefore renders, "the Nile shall not overflow for them." But Zunz, as in text, " the rain shall not^all on them ;" which, falling in the upper course of the river, causes it to swell. Redak, "on which falleth no rain: on them shall be the plague," &c., ('. e. that though the want of rain would not injure them, they shall not escape the plague. MALACHI I. nations that will not come up to celebrate the feast of tabernacles. 19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the nations that will not come up to celebrate the feast of ta- bernacles. 20 On that day shall (every thing), even to" the bells of the horses, be holy unto the Lord; and the pots in the Lord's house shall be like the bowls before the altar. 21 And every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holj' unto the Lord of hosts; and all those that sacrifice will come and take some of them, and seethe therein : and on that day there shall be no more any trader'' in the house of the Lord of hosts. THE rROPHECY OF MALACHI, ON'70 nN*131 CHAPTER L 1 ^ The prophecy of the word of the Lord to Israel by means of Malachi. 2 I have loved you, so hath said the Lord : yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Is not Esau brother to Jacob? saith the Lord: yet I loved Jacob ; 3 And Esau I hated; and I rendered his mountains a desert, and his heritage a dwell- ing for the monsters" of the wilderness. 4 Should Edom even saj'. We are impove- rished;* but we will return and build the ruined places: thus hath said the Lord of hosts. They may indeed build, but I will surely throw down ; and men shall call them. The territory of wickedness, and, The people against whom the Lord hath indignation to eternity. • 5 And your eyes shall see it; and ye shall then say, The Lord will be magnified beyond the territory of Israel. 6 A son honoureth his father, and a ser- \'ant his master : if then I be a father, where is my honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the Lord of hosts unto you, ' Zunz, after Rashi. Others, "there shall be engraved upon the be-lls of the horses, Holy to the Lord." '' Rashi, "they will require no trading," i. c to purchase vessels for the sacrifice, since every thing will be holy. Philippson, "an unclean," taking Canaanite as signifying one not believing in God. (Ezek. xli. 9.) ° Others, " dwellings of the wilderness." * Others, "we have been destroyed." priests, that despise my name; and ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? 7 Ye ofier upon my altar polluted bread; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say. The table of the Lord is con- temptible. 8 And if ye bring near the blind to sacri- fice it, is this not evil? and if ve bring near the lame and the sick, is this not evil? do but present it unto thy governor, will he be pleased with thee, or receive thee with fa- vour? saith the Lord of hosts. 9 And now, I pray you, beseech the pre- sence of God that he may l)e gracious unto us; from your hand hath this thing come: will he receive one of you with favour? saith the Lord of hosts. 10 Oh that there were some one" among you that would lock up the doors (of the sanc- tuary), that ye might not light up my altar for nought: I have no pleasure in you, saith the Lord of hosts, neither will I accept in favour an offering from your hand. 11 For from the rising of the sun even unto his going down my name is great among the nations; and in every place incense is " This version is according to Rashi. Arnheim refers this to "pi'esent it unto thy governor;" translating the last part of the preceding verse : " Who of you would receive in favour the giver of such a present?" And then continues, "Each of you would even lock up the doors" against such an intrusion; and then he adds, "So then light not up," &c. But Rashi's exposition of thia difficult text appears to be the best. MALACHI I. II. burnt and there is offered unto my name, even a pure offeruig; for great is my name among the nations, saith the Lord of hosts. 12 But ye profane it, in that ye say, The table of the Lord is polluted, and by the as- sertion," Its food is contemptil)le. 13 And ye have said, Behold, what a wearisome task is it! and ye have left it to famish,* saith the Lord of hosts ; and ye have brought what was robl>ed, and the lame, and the sick, and thus ye have brought an offer- ing: should I accept this in favour from your hand? saith the Lord. 14 But cursed be the deceiver, who hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacri- fice th a corrupt" thing unto the Lord; for I am a great king, saith the Lord of hosts, and my name is feared among the nations. CHAPTER II. 1 And now, this commandment is for you, ye priests. 2 If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the Lord of hosts: I will even send out against you a curse, and I will curse your blessings; yea, I will curse the same,'' because ye do not lay it to heart. 3 Behold, I will destroy unto you the seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your festive offerings; and one shall take" you away with it. 4 And ye shall thereby know that I have sent out unto you this commandment, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the Lord of hosts. 5 My covenant was with him life and peace ; and I gave them to him for the fear*^ wherewith he feared me, and because of my name he had dread. *^ 6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and " Eedak, giving it with, "the assertion of the priest." Others, "its incMime, its food {i.e. of the table of God, the altar,) is contemptible." " Arnhrini and Rashi. Otlicr.s, "let it grieve." Phi- lippson, simply, "despised it." ° I. c. An animal with a bodily defect. '' Arnheim ingeniously refers rrnnx to the elliptical VTSn "the earth," — "the very earth will I curse." 'This difficult phrase is given by Hashi, "this dung will carry you up to it.sclf," /. c make you as contempti- ble as it is. Aben Ezra, "the enemy earrieth you along with bini." Philippson, "and this is to honour you." ' Rashi, " that lie should fear, and so he did fear me." ' Johlson, "he bent himself before my name." 708 fixlsehood was not found on his lips: in peace and equity he walked with me, and many did he turn away from iniquity. 7 For the priest's lips are ever to keep knowledge, and the law are they to seek from his mouth ; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. 8 But ye are indeed departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble in the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of the Levite, saith the Lord of hosts. 9 Therefore have I also made you con- temptible and low before all the people, in the same measure as ye do not keep my ways, but act with partiality'' in the law. 10 Ha-\'e we not all one fother? hath not one God created us? (then) why shall we deal treacherously every man against his brother, to profane the covenant of oin- fa- thers? 11 Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an aljomination hath been committed in Is- rael and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath pro- faned the sanctuary of the Lord which he loveth, and hath married the daughter of a strange god. 12 The Lord will cut off unto the man that doth this, son and grandson,' out of the tents of Jacob, and liim that bringeth near an offering unto the Lord of hosts. 13 And this do ye secondly, covering the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping and with loud complaint, so that he turneth not any more his regard to the offerings, nor receiveth it with favour at your hand. 14 Yet ye say. Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast indeed dealt treacherously : yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. 15 And not one doth so who hath'' a rem- ' / c. Favour the great so as not to reprove them. Philippson deems the negative of the first part of the sentence to be omitted before the last, and renders, hence, "and honour not the law." ' Jonathan. The Talmudists, "teacher and scholar." '' Verses 15 and 10 are rendered after Zunz and Phi- lippson, who chiefly have followed Aben Ezra; but pjona- than, "Behold, Abraham (nns the eminent one, or the first father of our people, ) was an only one, from whom the world (Israel) was created; and what did this one re- quire? nothing but that a child be preserved to him from befire the Loiin; therefore, &c. For if he hate her, let hira dismiss her, — and not cover over violence with a gar- ment," &c. The last clause is explained, " treating a wife MALACHI II. III. iiiint of a (good) spirit; for what desiretli ruch a one? he seeketh (to possess) a godly [josterit}- : therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none of you deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. 16 For he hateth putting away (the wife), so hath said the Lord the God of Israel, and him who covereth his garment witli violence, so hath said the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, and deal not treacherously. 17 ^ Ye have wearied the Lord with your words: yet ye say. Wherein have we wearied him? By your saying. Every one that doth evil is good in the ey^es of the Lord, and in them he lindeth delight; or else, Where is the God of justice? CHAPTER III. 1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall clear out the way before me : and suddenly will come to his temple the Lord, whom ye seek; and the messenger of the covenant, whom ye desire for, behold, he is coming, saith the Lord of hosts. 2 But who can sustain the day of his com- ing? and who can stand when he appeareth? for he is like the fire of the melter. and like the lye of the washers : 3 And he will sit as a melter and purifier of silver; and he will purifv the sons of Levi, and refine them as gold and silver, that they"' may^ offer unto the Lord an offering in right- eousness. 4 And then shall be pleasant unto the Lord the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem, as in the days of old, and as in former years. •5 And I will come near unto you to (hold) judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adul- terers, and against those that swear fiilsely, and against those that withhold the wages of the hired laboui'er, (oppress) the widow, and the fatherless, and that do injustice to the stranger, and fear me not, saith the Lord of hosts. cruelly while keeping her bound to him, as a garment is to the body. Other Rabbins explain this verse as a con- versation between those married to strange women and the prophet : " Did not the one (Abraham) do so by espousing Hagar? and was he not endowed with a divine spirit of prophecy? Yes, but what did this one want? he only sought to have a godly posterity; so be you careful of your own spirit, and act not foithlessly against the wffe G For I the Lord, — I have not changed: and ye sons of Jacol) — ye have not ceased to be. 7 From the days of your fathers did ye de- part from my statutes, and did not keep them: return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts; but ye siiy, Wherein shall we return? 8 Can a man rob God, that ye will rol) me? But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and in heave-offerings. 9 With the curse are ye cursed, and y-et me do ye rob, ye entire nation ! 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the store- house, that there may be provision in my house, and prove me but lierewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I Avill not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you a blessing, until it be more tlian enough. 11 And I will rebuke for you the devourer.'' and he shall not destroy for you the fruit of the ground: and the vine shall not cast its fruit for y-ou before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. 12 And all the nations shall call you blessed; for ye shall be a land of delight," saith the Lord of hosts. 13 ^ Your words have been strong against me, saith the Lord; but ye say, What have we spoken among us against thee? 14 Ye have said. It is vain to serve God : and what profit is it that we have kept his charge, and that we have walked contritely before the Lord of hosts? 15 And now we call the presumptuous happy: yea, built up are those that practise wickedness; yea, they have even tempted God and are (yet) suffered to escape. 16 Then conversed they that fear the Lord one with the otlier: and the Lord listened and heard it, and there was written a boolc of remembrance before him for those who fear the Lord, and for those who respect his name. 17 And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of your youth to seek the embrace of strangers." (See Ezra is. and x., and Nehemiah xiii. 23 — 30.) " Johlson, " that those only may be consecrated to the Lord, who sacrifice the offering in righteousness." "" Meaning the locusts and kindred insects which de- stroy the harvest. ' Rashi comments, "a land in which I take delight." Red.ik, " the productiveness of vhich is ^reat." MALACHI ill. of hosts, on that day wliich I create" as a special treasure : and I will spare them, as a man spareth his son that serveth him. 13 And ye shall return, and see the differ- ence between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that hath not served him. lO*" For, behold, the day is coming, which shall burn as an oven ; and all the presump- tuous, yea, and all who practise wickedness shall be stubble : and the day that is coming shall set them on fire, saith the Lord of hosts, who will not leave them root or bough. 20 Bui there shall rise unto you that fear my name the sun of righteousness with heal- ing in h.\ii wings: and ye will go forth, and grow fat" till calves of the stall. ' Lit. "male;" so also in ver. 21. '' The Englip'i version commences here chap, iv., which is not found in "ur text. ° Zunz, "■ I about." 710 21 And ye will tread down the wicked ; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day that I create, saith the Lord of hosts. 22 Remember ye the law of Moses my ser- vant, whom I commanded on Horeb for all Israel, statutes and ordinances. 23 Behold, I send unto you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the day of the Lord, the great and the dreadful. 24 And he shall turn back the heart of the fathers* to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers: lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. [2.3 Behold, I send unto you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the day of the Lord, the great and the dreadful.] * Rashi, "he will turn back the heart of the fathers (to God) through the children, saying in a loving and pleasing way, 'Go speak to your fathers to lay hold of the way of the Lord,' " &c D^mnm D^N'3J nmn THE HOLY SCRIPTURES PART TIIIIU), CONTAINING THE HOLY WRITINGS, OR HAGIOGRAPHA. PSALMS, D'Snn provp:rbs, 'Sb'O JOB, DVN SONG OF SONGS, On'B'n TtJ' RUTH, mi LAMENTATIONS, HJ'N ECCLESIASTES, n'^Hp ESTHER, -inDN' DANIEL, ^N'n EZRA, Niri* NEHEMIAH, H'Onj FIRST CHRONICLES, N D'O'H 'IDT SECOND CHRONICLES, 2 D'^'H 'IDl THE BOOK OF TSALMS, BOOK FIEST. PSALM I. 1 Happy is the man who walketh not in the council of the wicked, and standeth not in the way of sinners, and sitteth not in the seat of scorners; 2 But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who doth meditate in his law by day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by rivulets of water, that yieldeth its fruit in its season, and the leaf of which doth not wither; and all that he may do shall prosper. 4 Not so the wicked; but they are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore shall the wicked not be able to stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the Lord regardeth the way of the righteous ; but the way of the wicked lead- eth to perdition. PSALM IL 1 ][ Wherefore do nations rage, and peo- ple meditate a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth raise themselves up, and rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed: 3 "Let us break asunder their bands, and cast away from us their cords." 4 He who dwelleth in the heavens will laugh : the Lord will hold them in derision. 5 Then will ke speak unto them in his an- ger, and in his displeasure will he terrify them. • Lit. "I will relate of the decree." '' Israel is called "my first-born son," in Exod. iv. 22; "children unto the Lord," in Deut. xiv. 1; hence, the king of Israel is preeminently, as representative of the people, called here, "thou art my son." ° Aben Ezra. Lit. "kiss," as the giving of a kiss was considered a sign of appointing to royalty, as with Samuel to Saul, (1 Sara. x. 1.) Rashi, "Arm yourselves with purity of heart." Jonathan, "Accept instruction." Most commentators apply "lest he be angry," to God. 4P 6 (Saying,) Yet have I appointed my king upon Zion my holy mount. 7 I will announce the" decree, the Lord hath said unto me, " My son*" art thou : I have indeed this day begotten thee. 8 Ask it of me, and I will give thee na- tions for an inheritance, and for thy possession the uttermost ends of the earth. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; like a j^otters vessel shalt thou dash them in pieces." 10 And now, ye kings, be wise : take warning, ye judges of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Do homage" to the son, lest he be angry, and ye be lost on the way; for his wrath is so speedily kindled. Happy** are all they that put their trust in him. PSALM III. 1° ^ A psalm of David, when he fled from before Abshalom his son. 2 Lord, how numerous are my assailants! how many, that rise up against me ! 3 Many say of my soul. There is no help' for him with God. Selah." 4 But thou, Lord, art a shield around me, my glory, and he that lifteth up my head. 5 With my voice I call unto the Lord, and he answereth me out of his holy mountain. Selah. 6 I laid myself down and slept: I awoke; for the Lord sustaineth me. ■" This Psalm concludes, like so many others, with the expression of confidence in God/s goodness. ' In the Massoretic text the superscriptions to the Psalms are regarded as separate verses when of any length. ' Philippson, "salvation," or "happiness." ' Selah was probably a musical term ; but it is now impossible to ascertain what it precisely meant. Some explain it as meaning "eternally;" hence the phrase, Amen Sf/aJi- n^>i dSd "for ever and ave." 713 PSALMS III.— VI. 7 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have jjlaced" themselves round about against me. 8 Arise, Lord, help me, my God; for thou smitest all my enemies upon the cheek bone: the teeth of the wicked dost thou break. 9 Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: tliy blessing be upon thy people.'' Selah. PSALM IV. 1 ^ To the chief musician on Neginoth, a psalm of David. 2 When I call, answer me, God of my righteousness : amidst distress thou hast (ever) granted me enlargement; be gracious unto me, and hear my prayer. 3 ye sons of men, how long shall my glory be put to shame? (how long) will ye love vanity, will ye seek for lies? Selah. 4 But know that the Lord hath set apart the pious for himself: the Lord will hear when I call on him. 5 Tremble, and sin not: commune with your heart upon your bed, and be still.'' Se- lah. 6 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. 7 Many say, "Who wnW show us happi- ness? Let shine* brightly over us the light of thy countenance, Lord." 8 (But) thou hast placed more joy in my heart than at the time when their corn and their wine were increased. 9 In peace, altogether, Avill I lay me down and sleep; for thou. Lord, alone," causest me to dwell in safety. PSALM V. 1 T[ To the chief musician upon Nechiloth,^ a psalm of David. 2 To my words give ear, Lord, have re- gard to my meditation.'' 3 Listen unto the voice of my loud cry, ' Roilak, "attack me." Junatlian, "of the quarrel of the people who have gathered all around me." *■ Rashi, "thy people are bound to praise thee for ever." ' Rftdak, "rebel no more," referring to the rebellion nf Abshalom, conceiving this Psalm to have been written on that occa.sion. '' Rashi. Redak, simply, " lift up," taking HDJ for N^fJ. ' So is this given by Rrdak ; but the Massorah would require it so: "for thou, O Lord! art alone; in safety wilt thou cause me to dwell." 714 my King, and my God, when unto thee I pray. 4 Lord! in the morning do thou hear my voice: in the morning will I set in order (my prayer) before thee, and look up with hope. 5 For thou art not a God that hath plea- sure in wickedness: evil cannot abide with thee. 6 The arrogant*" cannot stand up before thy eyes: thou hatest all workers of wickedness. 7 Thou wilt destroy those that speak lies: tlie man of blood and deceit the Lord ab- horreth . 8 But as for me, — in the abundance of thy kindness will I enter thy house: I will bow myself down before thy holy temple in the fear of thee. 9 Lord, lead me in thy righteousness because of those that regard me enviously; make straight before me thy way. 10 For there is not in their mouth any sincerity; their inward part is full of decep- tion; an open sepulchre is their throat: they flatter with their tongue.' 11 Condemn them, God: let them fall through their own counsels; for the multi- tude of their transgressions cast them down; for they have rebelled against thee. 12 Then will rejoice all those that put their trust in thee ; for ever will they shout for joy, when thou protectest them: and then will exult in thee those that love thy name. 13 For thou wilt bless the righteous, Lord; as with a shield wilt thou encompass him with favour. PSALM VI. 1 ^ To the chief musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith,'' a psalm of David. 2 Lord, correct me not in thy anger, and chastise me not in thy wrath. 3 Be gracious unto me, Lord; for I am ' niS'nj from SSn rJinJal, to perforate, (whence S'Sn chain, a pipe, or flute,) probably denotes wind instru- ments in general; such as the horn, trumpet, pipe, &c. * Others, "complaint," or "sighing." ^ Rashi, "the foolish." Jonathan, "scorners." Sachs, "boasters." ' Lit. "they make smooth their tongue." ' Shrmmiih, "the eighth," which Rashi explains, "a harp with eight strings." Philippson, "in the eighth measure." Others, "on the base." Mendelssohn, "on neginoth with eight strings." PSALMS YI— VIII. withering away: heal me, Lord; for my bones are terrified. 4 And my soul is greatly terrified; but thou, Lord, how long yet — ? 5 Return, Lord, deliver my soul: help me for the sake of thy kindness. 6 For in death men do not remember* thee : in the nether world, who shall give thee thanks? 7 I am weary with my sighing; I flood every night my bed ; with my tears I moisten my couch. 8 My eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all my assailants. 9 Depart from me, all ye workers of wick- edness; for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. 10 The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will accept my prayer. 11 Ashamed and greatly terrified shall be- come all my enemies : they will turn round, and be made ashamed in a moment. PSALM VII. 1 ^ A Shiggayon of David, which he sang unto the Lord, concerning the affairs of Cush the Benjamite. 2 Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust; save me from every one of my perse- cutors, and deliver me : 3 Lest he tear like a lion my soul, rending it in pieces, with none to deliver. 4 Lord my God, if I have done this ; if there be injustice in my hands; 5 If I have recompensed him that was at peace*" with me with evil; if I have taken aughf from my assailants without cause: 6 May the enemy hotly pursue my soul, and overtake it; and tread down upon the earth my life, and cause my honour to lie in the dust. Selah. 7 Arise, Lord, in thy anger, lift up thy- self because of the rage of my enemies : and * Lit. "for not in death is thy memorial." '' Aben Ezra, "who hath done me good." ° Rashi, "taken oif the garment of him who hated me to cause him to be naked;" taking, as he does, Cush to mean Saul, the corner of whose cloak David cut off in the cave. (1 Sam. xxiv. 5.) Others conceive this to be a pa- renthesis, thus, "If I have recompensed him at peace with me with evil, when I delivered him who hated me without cause." The version in the text is after Philipp- son, who adopts Rashi's idea, that ySn here means, "to take awav." "to unclothe." awake for me (to) the judgment'' that thou hast commanded. 8 So shall the congregation of nations compass thee about : and for their sakes re- turn thou to the height." 9 The Lord will judge the people: judge me, Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to my integrity (grant) me (recompense) . 10 Oh let the evil of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just, thou, who triest the hearts and reins, righteous God. 11 My protection is by God, who saveth the upright in heart. 12 God is a righteous judge, and a God who is indignant (with the wicked) every day. 13 K he turn not, He will whet his sword; he bendeth his bow, and maketh it ready. 14 Also for him he prepareth the instru- ments of death; he fashioneth his arrows against the persecutors.*^ 15 Behold, he travaileth with wrong do- ing; but he hath conceived mischief, and bringeth forth falsehood. 16 He hath hollowed out a pit, and dug it, and is fallen into the ditch which he hath wrought. 1 7 His mischief will return upon his own head, and upon his own skull will his vio- lence come down. 18 I will thank the Lord according to his righteousness; and I will sing praises to the name of the Lord the Most High. PSALM VIII. 1 T[ To the chief musician upon Gittith, a psalm of David. 2 Eternal One our Lord, how excellent is thy name on all the earth ! thou who hast set thy majesty above the heavens. 3 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou founded (thy) might,'-' because of ^ Rashi, "and awake for me, (that) I may execute the judgment," &c. Sachs, "be wakeful for me; a judgment hast thou commanded, and the congregation," &c. Aben Ezra, "and awaken for me." ' Redak, "to hold judgment;" David asks that God may sit upon his judgment seat to decide justly for all. ' So Rashi; but the moderns take D'p^T to mean "burning darts," which the Asiatics often shot off against their enemies; hence, "he fashioneth his arrows to be- come burning darts." * Sachs, "victory;" the word is usuallv given "strength." 716 PSALMS viri. IX. (liv <>ii|iiiiu'iits, that thou inightost bring to •silence the enemy and him that seeketh ven- geance. 4 Wlien I behold thy heavens, the work ol' thy lingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast established : — 5 What is the mortal, that thou remem- l)erest him? and the son of man, that thou thinkest of him? 6 Yet thou hast made him but a little less than angels," and hast crowned him with honour and glor^-. 7 Thou hast given him dominion over the works of thy hands; every thing hast thou placed beneath his feet: 8 Flocks and herds altogether, and also the beasts of the field; 9 The birds of heaven, and the fishes of the sea, whatsoever'' passeth through the paths of the seas. 10 Eternal One our Lord, how excellent is thy name on all the earth ! PSALM IX. 1 ^ To the chief musician upon Muth- labben, a psalm of David. 2 I will thank the Loud with all my heart: I will relate all thy marvellous deeds. 3 I will rejoice and exult in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, thou Most High: 4 When my enemies are turned backward, (when) they fall and perish at thy presence. 5 For thou hast conducted my dispute and my cause ; thou hast sat on the throne as a righteous judge. 6 Thou hast rebuked nations, thou hast caused the wicked to perish, their name hast thou blotted out for ever and ever. 7 thou" enemy, the ruins are passed away for ever, and the cities which thou hast destroyed, — lost is their memorial, yea, theirs. ' Sachs and other moderns, "thou madest him but little less than God;" referring to Gen. i. 26, where God said he would create man in his image. ^ Redak and Aben Ezra, and after them Mendelssohn, "he (man) passeth through the paths of the seas." ° Aben Ezra. Philippson, however, takes this ver.se as a continuation of the preceding, and tran.slatcs, "the enemies — complete arc the ruins for ever, and cities hast thou destroyed — perished is their memory, yea, tiicirs;" /'. f. the memorial of the enemies first spoken cif Joseph Kimclii, "thy d<'Stroyings, O enemy, are at an end." llasiii, "the enemy, the swords (of whoso hate) have been on us, hath come to his end." 7IU S But the LoKD will sit enthi'oned for ever: he hath established for giving judgment his throne. 9 And he will judge the world with right- eousness, he shall decide for the people with equity. 10 The Lord also will be a strong-hold for the oppressed, a strong-hold in times of ilis- tress. 11 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee; for thou hast not forsaken those that seek thee, Lord. 12 Sing praises to the Lord, wdio dwelleth in Zion : announce among the people his deeds. 13 For he, that inquireth after acts of blood, hath remembered them : he hath not forgotten the cry of the afflicted. 14 Be gracious unto me, Lord; have re- gard to my affliction (coming) from those that hate me, thou who liftest me up from the gates of death : 15 In order that I may relate all thy praises in the gates of the daughters of Zion : I will be glad in thy salvation. 16 Sunk are nations in the ditch that they have prepared : in this net which the}' had laid in secret is their own foot caught. 17 The Lord is made known; he executed justice: through the doing of his own hand? is the wicked ensnared. Higgayon,'' Selah. IS The wicked shall return into hell," all the nations that are forgetful of God. 19 For not everlastingly shall the needy be forgotten : the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever. 20 Arise, Lord; let not the mortal boast of his strength; let nations be judged before thy face. 21 Place, Lord, fear^ over them: let na- tions know, that they are but mortals. Selah. ^ Mendelssohn translates, "0 the great thought;" but Sachs and other moderns regard lliijijajjoH as a musical term, or instrument. (Psa. xcii. 4.) Jonathan, "the righteous shall rejoice for ever." Aben Ezra, "I declare this in truth." Rashi, "this occurreth always," — Selah, as "eternally." ' Aben Ezra explains, "because man was created from the earth;" this would then mean, that " the wicked should become nothing, or dust again, as they were originally." The Talmudists, "to the lowest degree of hell" (juinish- ment) after they have been judged in "God's" tribunal. ' Aben Ezra, Sforno, and others. Raslii, "master;" "put a master over them." PSALMS X— XII. PSALM X. 1 ^ Wherefore, Lord, standest thou afar oft'? hidest th3'self in tunes of distress? 2 In the pride of the wicked doth he hotly pursue the poor: they" are seized through the plans tliat those have devised. 3 For the wicked boasteth of the longing of his soul, and the robber blesseth himself when he hath despised"" the Lord. 4 The wicked, according to the pride of liis wrathfulness, (saith,) He will not require: There is no God (in) all his plans. 5 Prosperous are his ways at all times; far in the height (remain) th}' punishments away from him : all his assailants — he pufteth at them. 6 He saith in his heart, I shall not be moved; I shall be for many generations, and without adversity. 7 Of folse oaths is his mouth full, and de- ceit and fraud : under his tongue is mischief and wickedness. 8 He sitteth in the lurking-places of the \illages ; in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes search for the unfor- tunate." 9 He lieth in wait in a secret place like a lion in his den; he lieth in wait to snatch up the poor: he snatcheth up the poor, as he draweth him'' into his net. 10 He croucheth, he Ijendeth himself, and the unfortunate fall through his might. 11 He saith in his heart, God hath forgot- ten; he hath hidden his face; he will never see it. 12 Arise, Lord; God, lift up thy hand: forget not the afllicted. 13 For what doth the wicked despise God? (why) doth he say in his heart, Thou wilt not require it ? 14 Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and despiteful acts, to requite it with thy hand : unto thee the unfoi'tunate commit- teth himself; unto the fatherless hast thou (ever) been a helper. " Raslii; "they" are the poor; "those," the wicked. "After Rashi. Sachs, "the robber blasphemeth, soorneth the Lord." So also Philippson and Herxhoimer. ° Meuachera. Philippson, "the weak." Mendelssohn, "the poor wanderer." '' Sachs, "as he draweth in his net." "■philippson and Sachs; Rashi "that tlicv niii\- iint 15 Break thou the arm of the wicked; and of the bad man — thou wilt inquire for his wickedness (till) thou find none. 16 The Lord is King for ever and ever: nations are perished out of his land. 17 The longing of the afflicted dost thou hear, Lord! thou wilt strengthen their heart, thou wilt cause thy ear to listen: 18 To judge the fatherless and the op- pressed, that not farther more shall be arro- gant" the mortal from the earth. PSALM XL 1 Tl To the chief musician, by David. In the Lord have I put my trust: how can ye say to my soul, Flee to \ouy mountain as a bird? 2 For lo, the wicked bend their bow, they arrange their arrow upon tlie string, to shoot in the dark at the upright in hetirt. 3 For (if) the foundations be torn down, what can the righteous do? 4 The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord hath his throne in the lieavens, his ej^es be- hold, his eyelids prove, the children of men. 5 The Lord proveth the righteous; but tlie wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. 6 He letteth rain upon the wicked burning coals, fire and brimstone; and a glowing wind is the portion of their cup.' 7 For righteous is the Lord, he loveth righteousness: his coinitenance doth behold the upright. PSALM XII. 1 ^ To the chief musician upon Sheminith, a psalm of David. 2 Help, Lord; for the pious have ceased to be; for the truthful" have failed from among the children of men. 3 Deceptively do they speak every one with his neighbour, with flattering lips, with a double'' heart do they speak. 4 May the Lord cut oft' all flattering lips, the tongue that speaketh boastful things: oppress (break in pieces) any more man .sprung from the earth." ' This verse is given after Rashi : " the portion of their cup" is a proverbial expression, often met with in Scrip- ture; "the cup of confusion," ■' my portion and cup," /. f. "fate," "lot," "portion." « S.-u-hs, '-truthfulness." '' Heb. "a heart and n lieart." Tir PSALMS XII.— XVI. 5 Who have said, With our tongue will we be mighty; our lips are with us; who is lord over us? 6 Because of the oppression of the poor, because of the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord : I will grant safety to him for whom the other lajeth a snare.'' 7 The words of the Lord are pure words, as silver refined in the crucible'' of earth, purified seven times. 8 Thou, Lord, wilt preserve them ; thou wilt guard them from this generation for ever. 9 On every side do the wicked walk about, when the vile are exalted over the sons of man. PSALM XIII. 1 ][ To the chief musician, a psalm of David. 2 How long, Lord, wilt thou forget me continually? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? 3 How long shall I have to devise resolves in my soul, with grief in my heart daily ? how long shall my enemy exalt himself over me? 4 Look down, answer me, Lord my God ! enlighten my eyes, that I may not sleep the sleep of death ; 5 That my enemy may not say, I have overcome him ; that my assailants may not Ije glad when I am moved.'-" 6 But I trust in thy kindness, let my heart l)e glad because of thy salvation: I will sing unto tlie Lord, because he hath dealt bounti- fully with me. PSALM XIV. 1 ^ To the chief musician, by David. The worthless fool saith in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they are abominable (in their) doings, there is none that doth good. 2 The Lord looketh down from heaven ' Menaclicm. Other.?, "puffetb at him." Philippson, after Ewald, "who longcth for it," (the divine help.) '' Rashi, Aben Ezra, &o. take '-)'h}}2 to mean " the Lord;" "as silver refined by the Lord of the earth." Philippson, "as refined silver freed from earth." The version here given is after an opinion cited by llashi. " Jonathan, "when I depart from thy path." '' Address to the enemies; and means, "Let them de- spise the cause of the poor, it matters not, because they are protected by the Loitu." 718 upon the children of men, to see if there be one intelligent, one who seeketh for God. 3 The}^ are all gone aside, they are alto- gether become corrupt: there is none that doth good, no, not even one. 4 Is there no knowledge in all the workers of wickedness? wlio eat up my people as they eat bread; (while) they do not call on the Lord. 5 There are they terrified in terror; for God is with the righteous generation: 6 The counsel of the poor (though)'' you put to shame; because the Lord is his pro- tection. 7 Oh that some one miarht brine; the salva^ tion of Israel out of Zion! When the Lord bringeth back the captivity of his people, then will Jacob be glad, and Israel will rejoice. PSALM XV. 1 Tl A psalm of David. Lord, who may sojourn in thy tent? who may dwell on thy holy mount? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart ; 3 That uttereth no calumny with his tongue, that doth no evil to his neighbour, and bringeth" no reproach on his fellow-man; 4 In whose eyes the despicable is desjjised ; but that honoureth tho.se who fear the Lord; that sweareth to his own injury, and changeth not; 5 That putteth not out his money for in- terest, and taketh no bribe against the inno- cent. He that doth tliese things shall not be moved to eternity. PSALxAI XVI. 1 ^ A Michtham*^ of David. Preserve me, God ; for I have placed my trust in thee. 2 (0 my soul,) thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my happiness is not without''' thee ; ' Lit. "bearetb," which Kedak explains as, "borne on the tongue," or, "thou shalt not bear the name of the Lord thy Gml in vain;" hence, "to spread reproachful reports." f This word derived from Kelhcm , " pure gold," is render- ed by Mendols.sohn with "an ornament" i.e. elegant song. « Jonathan. Septuagint, "thou requirest not my good- ness." Others, "my goodness cannot benefit tlicc." Rashi, "the goodness thou dost for me is not obligatory on thee." ()thers, "I have uo happiness beyond thee." PSALMS XVI.— XVIII. 3 (But) in the saints who are on the earth, and in the excellent, — in them is all my de- light. 4 Multiplied shall be the sorrows of those who give presents to another god : I will not pour out their drink-oflierings of blood, nor bear their names upon my lips. 5 Thou, Lord, art the jwrtion of my in- heritance, and my cup : thou hast drawn my lot. 6 My possessions' ai'e fallen in agreeable places: yea, my heritage is jileasant to me. 7 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: also in the night seasons my reins admonish ine. 8 I have always set the Lord before me, that,'' being at my right hand, I might not be moved. 9 Therefore is rejoiced my heai't, and my spirit" is glad: also my flesh shall rest in safety. 10 For thou wilt not abandon my soul to the grave: thou wilt not suffer thy pious (servant) to see corruption.'' 11 Thou wilt let me know the path of life:" fulness of joy is in thy presence; plea- sures are at thy right hand for evermore. PSALM XVII. 1 ^ A prayer of David. Hear, Lord, (the cause of) righteousness, attend unto my entreaty, give ear unto my prayer, coming from lips without deceit.^ 2 Let from thy presence my sentence come forth ; let thy eyes behold what is right. 3 Thou hast proved my heart; thou hast thought of me in the night; thou hast reflned me — thou couldst find nothing: my purjwse doth not pass beyond (the words of) my mouth .8 ' Lit. "the Hues," i. e. of measuring; hence, that which is measured with them, the land possessed by any one. ^ Sforno; but Rashi and lledak, "because he is — I shall not be moved." 'Lit. "honour," "glory;" and is explained by the commentators, "the soul, as she is the glory of man." ■' Sixty is, as has been remarked to Isaiah xiv. 9, the "nether world," the receptacle of all the dead; not so much "hell," a place of punishment, (though even in its original derivation from the Saxon or German, " hell" should denote a place of concealment — Saxon, hillan or hdan; German, liehlen, "to hide," or hohlc ; Saxon, hoU, "a cavern,") as "hades," where the good no less than the bad go; though in Psalm ix. 18, it means the first. Here David speaks, that his soul will not meet the same 4 Among the deeds of men did I observe, by the word of th}' lips, the paths of the dissolute. 5 My steps held firmly to thy tracks, (and) my footsteps did not slip. 6 I call on thee, for thou wilt answer me, O God : incline thy ear unto me, hear my speech. 7 Show marvellously thy loving-kindnesses, thou that savest those who put their trust (in thee) from those that rise up (against them) by thy right hand. 8 Keep me as the apple of the eye; con- ceal me under the shadow of thy wings, 9 From the wicked that despoil me, my enemies, who, to take my life,'' compass me about. 10 They are inclosed in their own fat:' with their mouth they speak proudly. 11 On our steps they now encompass us: they direct their eyes to turn aside in the land. 12 Every man is just like a lion that is greedy to tear his prey, and like a young lion lurking in a covert. 13 Arise, Lord, prevent him, cast him down ; deliver my soul from the wicked, who" is thy sword, — 14 From these men — thy hand — Lord, from the men of this world, whose portion is in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hidden treasure : they have children in plent}-, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes. 15 As for me. in righteousness shall I be- hold thy tace : I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with contemplating thy likeness. PSALM XVIII. 1 ][ To the chief musician, by the servant of the Lord, by David, who spoke unto the Lord the words of this song on the day that fate, to end in the grave, and not become corrupt hy de- composition. The Kctih has yTon "thy pious ones; the Ki^rl, however, the singular, nnt!' is rendered by Sachs and others, "pit;" by Sforno, gehiunam, "hell;" but in either case it is the same. " Abcn Ezra, "for after the death of the body thou wilt theu let me know the path of life," &c. Philippson, "not mere existence, but a perfect happiness." ' Heb. "without lips of deceit." * This is explained, that the thoughts of the Psalmist cor- responded with his words, all within the limits of justice. '■ Jonathan, "who with wantonness encompass me." ' Rashi, "through their fat they close their heart." Philippson, "their fiit increaseth." " Others, "by the sword:" next verse "by thy hand/' PSALM XVIII. the Lord had delivered him out of the power of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saiil ; 2 And he said, I ever love thee, Lord, my strength. 3 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer ; my God, my rock, in whom I trust; my shield, and the horn of my sal- vation, and my high tower. 4 Praised, I cried, be the Lord, and from my enemies was I saved. 5 The bonds of death encompassed me, and the floods of destruction made me afraid. 6 The bonds of hell encircled me: the snares of death seized on me. 7 (When) in my distress I called upon the Lord, and unto my God I cried: he heaixl from his temple my voice, and my complaint , came before him, even into his ears. 8 Then shook and trembled the earth ; and the foundations of tlie mountains were moved ; and they were shaken, because he was wroth. 9 Smoke went up in his anger and con- suming fire out of his mouth: coals flamed forth from him. 10 And he bent the heavens, and came down : and thick darkness was under his feet. 11 And he rode upon a cherub, and flew along, and he flitted'' by upon the wings of the Avind. 12 He made darkness his hiding-place, round about him as his pavilion, dark waters, thick clouds of the skies. 13 From the brightness before him his thick clouds passed away, (with) hail-stones and coals of fire. 14 And the Lord thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered forth his voice, (with) hail-stones and coals of fire. 15 And he sent out his arrows, and scat- tered them; and he shot forth'' lightnings, and discomfited them. 16 And then were seen the channels of the waters, and there were laid open the ibundations of the world, through thy re- buke, Lord, through the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. 17 He stretched out from above (his hand), he took me; he drew me out from mighty waters. * Here NT1 "he flitted;" in 2 Sam. xxii. nti "he was seen," or "appeared." There are other variations which will be apparent bj comparing this Psahn with the chap- ter quoted. 720 18 He delivered me from my enemy, the strong, and from those that hated me, when they were too mighty for me. 19 They overcame me on the day of my calamity ; but tlie Lord became my stay. 20 And he brought me forth into a large space; he delivered me, because he had de- light in me. 21 The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the purity of my hands did he recompense me. 22 For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. 23 For all his ordinances were before me, and his statutes had I not put away from me. 24 I was also upright with him, and I guarded myself against my iniquity. 25 Therefore did the Lord recompense me according to my righteousness, according to the purity of my hands before his eyes. 20 With the kind thou wilt show thyself kind ; with the upright man thou wilt show thyself upright ; 27 With the pure thou wilt sliow thyself pure; and with the perverse thou wilt wage a contest. 28 For thou wilt indeed save the afilicted people; but haughty eyes wilt thou bring down. 29 For thou wilt cause my light to shine : the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. 30 For (aided) by thee I run through a troop; and (helped) by my God I leap over a wall. 31 As for God, — his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried : he is a shield to all those that trust in him. 32 For who is god save the Lord? or who is a rock beside our God? 33 He is the God that girdeth me with strength, and rendereth my way unobstructed. 34 He maketh my feet like those of the hinds, and upon my high-places he causeth me to stand. 35 He teacheth my hands for the war, so that a brazen bow is bent by my arms. 36 And thou gavest me the shield of thy salvation, and thy right hand supported me: and thy meekness" hath made me great. ' Aben Ezra. Jonathan, "lightnings in multitude." "Jonathan, "thy word." (See note to 2 Sam. xxil. 36.) We have followed Rashi here, because the word is spelled differently from what it is in Samuel. 'f-^:^^ f- ki;th am<)X(; thk oleameks. PSALMS XVIII.— XX. 37 Thou enlargest ray steps under me, so that my joints do not slip. 38 I pursue my enemies, and overtake them; and I return not again till I have made an end of them. 39 I crush them that they are not able to rise : they fall under my feet. 40 For thou hast girded me with strength for the war: thou subduest my opponents under me. 41 And my enemies thou causest to turn their back to me; and those that hate me, — that I may destroy them. 42 They cry, but there is none to help; unto the Lord, — but he answereth them not. 43 And I beat them small as the dust be- Ibre the wind: like tlie dirt in the streets do I cast them out. 44 Thou deliverest me from the contests of the people; thou appointest me to be the head of nations : a people that I know not shall serve me. 45 As soon as their ear heareth'' they shall be obedient to me: the children of the stranger shall utter tlattery unto me. 46 The children of the stranger shall fade away, and come forth trembling out of their close places. 47 The Lord liveth, and blessed be my Rock ; and exalted be the God of my salva- tion ; 48 The God that granteth me vengeance, and subdueth nations under me; 49 That delivereth me from my enemies: also above my opponents thou liftest me up; thou deliverest me from the man of violence. 50 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee among the nations, Lord, and unto thy name will I sing praises, — 51 (To him) that maketh great the salva- tion of his king, and who sheweth kindness to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for ever. PSALM XIX. 1 T[ To the chief musician, a psalm of David. ° Philippson, "Those of wboin I have only heard with my ear, the strangers, flatter me." '' Aben Ezra and Redak; meaning, their admonition is without audible words. So also Sachs. Others, "There is no speech — without their voice being heard," t'. e. in all that is said the voice of the heavens mingles. 4Q 2 The heavens relate the glory of God; and the expanse telleth of the works of his hands. 3 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. 4 There is no speech, there are no words, their voice is not heard.* 5 (But) their melody extendeth through all the earth, and to the end of the world their words. For the sun hath he set a taber- nacle among them; 6 And he goeth out tis a Ijridegroom from his chamber, he is glad like a strong man to run his course; 7 From tlie end of the heavens is his going forth, and his circuit is unto their ends: and there is nothing hidilen I'lom his heat" 8 The law of the Lord is perfect, quieting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 9 The precepts of the Lord are upright, re- joicing the heart : the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes. 10 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring for ever : the ordinances of the Lord are the truth, they are just altogether. 11 They are those which are to l)e desired more than gold, and much fine gold; and they are sweeter than honey and the drop- ping of honeycomb. 12 Moreover thy servant is admonished by them: in keeping them there is great reward. 13 Who can guard" against errors? IVnui secret* (faults) do thou cleanse me. 14 Also from presumptuous (sins) with- hold thy servant; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be blameless, and I shall be clear from any great transgression. 15 May the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable liefore thee, Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer. PSALM XX. 1 ^ To the chief musician, a psalm of David. ° Rashi and Aben Ezra. Lit. "who can understand errors?" Sachs, "who can remark?" i. e. with all man's striving, errors will bo committed unperceived by him. * ('. r. Those unknown, as they were committed unper- ceived, 721 PSALMS XX.— XXTI. 2 May the Lord answer thee on the day of distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect thee; 3 May he send thee help from the sanc- tuary, and support tliee from Zion ; 4 May he remember all thy meat-oflerings, and accept" in favour thy burnt-sacrifice. Selah. 5 May he grant thee according to thy own heart, and fulfil all thy resolves. 6 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God will we upraise our ban- ners : may the Lord fulfil all thy petitions. 7 Now I know that the Lord saveth his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heavens, with the saving strength of his right hand. 8 Some (trust) in chariots, and some in horses; but we will invoke'' the name of the Lord our God. 9 They are prostrate and fallen ; but we are risen up and stand erect." 10 Lord, save (us) : may the king*" an- swer us on the day when we call (on him). PSALM XXL the chief musician, a psalm of The longing of his heart hast thou given IJ To David. 2 O Lord, because of thy strength will the king rejoice ; and through thy salvation how greatly will he be glad ! o him, and the request of his lips hast thou not withholden. Selah. 4 For thou meetest him unasked" with the blessings of happiness: thou settest on his head a crown of pure gold. 5 Life hath he asked of thee, thou gavest it to him, length of days for ever and ever. G Great is his honour through thy help: glory and majesty thou layest upon him. 7 For thou appointest him to be a bless- " njB'T from jtyT "fat;" hence, "worthy of accept- ance," as a leau, sickly gift is unworthy God's acceptance. "^ llashi, "tdij means, bringing incense and prayer; as in Isa. Ixvi. 3;" hence, it has been rendered elsewhere, "coufido in." Lit. "make mention." ° Rashi, "we shall prevail over them." Aben Ezra, " we shall be exalted, or lifted up." '' Septuagint and others translate, " Lord ! .save the king; may he hear us, &c.;" but the above is according to the Mas.soretic text, Jonathan, "O powerful King, Wfcept our prayer," &c, and their seed from among ing for ever : thou makest him glad with joy from"^ thy presence. 8 For the king trusteth in the Lord; and through the kindness of the Most High shall he not be moved. 9 Thy hand will reach all thy enemies: thy right hand will reach those that hate thee. 10 Thou wilt render them as a fiery oven at the time of thy anger: the Lord in his wrath will destroy them, and a fire will de- vour them. 11 Their fruit wilt thou cause to perish from the earth the children of men 12 For they directed against thee evil: they devised a mischievous purpose, which they were not able to perform. 13 For thou wilt make them turn their back;^ upon thy bow-strings thou wilt make ready (thy arrows) against their face.*" 14 Exalt thyself, O Lord, in thy strength; (and) we will sing and praise thy power. PSALM XXII. 1 To the chief musician upon Ayeleth- hashachar,' a psalm of David. 2 My God, my God, why hast thou for- saken me? why art thou so far from saving me, and from the words of my loud com- plaint? 3 my God! I call in the day-time, but thou answerest not; and in the night I find no rest.* 4 But thou art holy, thou that dwellest amidst the praises of Israel. 5 In thee did our fathers trust: they trustr ed, and thou didst deliver them. 6 Unto thee they cried, and were deliver- ed : in thee they trusted, and were not put to shame. 7 But I am a worm, and not a man, a re- proach of men, and despised of people. ° Rashi. ' Jonathan. Others, "before thy face." ' Rashi, "thou wilt give them as a portion (to thy peo- ple)." Redak, "thou wilt set them up as a mark on one side." '■ Sachs, "thou wilt take aim with thy bow-strings against their face." ' This is supposed by some to mean a particular well- known tune, commencing "The hind of the morning- dawn ;" others, an instrument, &c. "Lit. "there is no silence to me." Jlendelssobn, "nothing allajfoth my grief," or "paiu." PSALMS XXII. XXIII. 8 All those who see me laugh me to scorn : they draw open their lips, they shake their head, (saying.) 9 "Let him throw* himself on the Lord, that he may deliver him : he will save him, for he delighteth in him." 10 Yea, thou art he that took me from the womb : thou hast been my trust when I hung on my mother's breasts. 11 Upon thee was I cast from my birth: from my mother's womb art thou my God. 12 Oh be not far from me (now) ; for dis- tress is near; for there is none to help. 13 Many steers have encompassed me: the strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. 14 They have opened wide against me their mouth, (as) a ravenous and roaring lion. 15 Like water am I poured out, and all my bones are disjointed : my heart is become like wax, it is melted in the midst of my entrails. 16 Like a potsherd is my strength dried up; and my tongue cleaveth to my palate ;■" and into the dust of death hast thou laid me down. 17 For dogs have encompassed me; the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: like lions (they threaten) my hands and my feet." 18 I may number all my bones: (while) they stare and look upon me. 19 They divide my clothes among them- selves, and for my garment do they cast lots. 20 But thou, Lord, be not far from me : (thou who art) my strength, hasten to my aid. 21 Deliver from the sword my life, from the power of the dog my solitary soul. 22 Save me from the lion's mouth; as thou hast answered me from the horns of the reem.'' 2.3 I will relate thy name unto my bre- ren : in the 1 praise thee. ~ — - — . i • Lit. "roll," meaning, as Kashi comments, "his bur- den." Aben Ezra, "his words." Redak, " hi.s prayer." But the sense is all the same as in the text. " Rashi, "teeth." ° Aben Ezra, "the hands with which a man fighteth, and the feet with which he escapeth." Philippson es- thren : in the midst of the congregation will 24 Ye that tear the Lord, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him ; and be in dread of him. all ye the seed of Israel. 25 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the poor; neither hath he hidden his face from him ; but when he cried unto him, he heard. 26 Of thee shall be my praise. in a great assembly : my vows will I pay in the pre- sence of those who fear him. 27 The meek shall eat and be satisfied; they who seek him shall praise the Lord : may your heart live tor ever. 28 All the ends of the world shall remem- ber and return unto the Lord: and all the families of the nations shall bow themselves down before thee. 29 For the kingdom is the Lord's, and he goverueth the nations. 30 All they that eat the fat of the earth shall bow themselves down ; before him shall bend the knee all that are going down into !?he dust ; for none can keep alive his own soul." 31 Distant ages shall serve him; there shall be related of the Lord unto future gene- rations. 32 They will come, and will tell his right- eousness unto a people yet unborn, that*^ he hath done this. PSALM XXIII. 1 T[ A psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 In pastures of tender grass he cau.seth me to lie down : beside still Avaters he lead- eth me. 3 My soul he refresheth : he guideth me in the tracks of righteousness for the sake of his name. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear evil ; for thou art with me : thy rod and thy staff — they indeed comfort me. 5 Thou preparest before me a table in the presence of my assailants ; thou anointest with oil my head: my cup overfloweth. plains, "Like the lions they enclose him that he canuut escape farther nor contend against them." ^ It is not possible to determine what animal is meant. Philippson, "buffalo." ° Sachs, "and he that cannot keep himself alive." ' Philippson, "for" 723 PSALMS XXIII.— XXV. 6 Surely, only goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life : and I shall dwell"' in the house of the Lord to the utmost length of days. PSALM XXIV. 1 ^ Of David a psalm. Unto the Lord belongeth the earth with what filleth it, the world and they that dwell therein ; 2 For upon seas hath he founded it, and upon rivers hath he established it. 3 Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord ? and who shall be able to stand in his holy place? 4 He that is clean of hands, and pure of heart; who hath not lifted up his souP unto f;ilsehood, and hath not sworn deceitfully : 5 He shall bear away blessing from the Lord, and (the reward of) righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is the generation of those that adore him, that seek thy presence, (the sons of)" Jacob. Selah. 7 Kaise your heads, ye gates; and be raised wide, ye everlasting doors: and let the King of glory enter! 8 Who is* this King of glory ? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. 9 Raise your heads, ye gates; and raise (them) up, ye everlasting doors: and let the King of glory enter! 10 Who is then this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Se- lah. PSALM XXV.'' 1 T[ Of David. Unto thee, Lord, do I lift up my soul. 2 my God, in thee do I trust, let me not be ashamed, let not my enemies triumph over me. .3 Yea, none that wait on thee will be put to shame: let those be put to shame who deal treacherously without cause. ' Mendelssohn, "I shall once have rest to eternity in the house of the Eterniil ;" hope of immortality. ' I have followed all the modern versions in translating according to the Ketih, which Redak also notices, and likewise Jonathan, iBf-jj "his soul." But the Keri is ■tyijj "my soul," and this would require to he rendered, " and pronounceth not falsely my own self," i. e. God. The phrase of "swearing by God's soul," or "himself," is found in 'Amos vi. S, (which see). 'Lit. ".Inciib." Some supply "God of," "who seek 4 Show me, Lord, thy ways; teach me thy paths. 5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me; for thou art the God of my salvation : on thee do I wait all the day. 6 Remember thy mercies, Lord, and thy kindnesses; for they are from everlast- ing. 7 The sins of my youth and my transgres- sions do not remember: according to thy kindness bear thou me in remembrance, for the sake of thy goodness, Lord. 8 Good and upright is the Lord : therefore he pointeth out to sinners the right way. 9 He guideth the meek in justice, and he teacheth the meek his way. 10 All the paths of the Lord are kindness and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. 11 For the sake of thy name, Lord, par- don my iniquity : although it is great. 12 Who is that man who feareth the Lord? to him will he point out the way which he is to choose? 13 His soul shall abide*' in happiness; and his seed shall inherit the land. 14 The secret counsel of the Lord is for those that fear him, and his covenant — to make it known to them. 15 My eyes are ever (directed) toward the Lord; for lie will draw out of the net my feet. 16 Turn unto me, and be gracious unto me; for I am solitary and afflicted. 17 The distresses of my heart are enlarged : l)ring thou me out of my afflictions. 18 I^ook on my misery and my trouble ; and forgive all my sins. 19 Look at my enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with the hatred of violence.^ 20 Oh guard my soul, and deliver me : let me not be put to shame; for I put my trust in thee. thy presence, God of Jacob." But Aben Ezra and Redak take Jacob as standing for the entire people; meaning, the true Israelites are those who are true seekers of God. ^ This Psalm is alphabetically arranged, only that a, 1 and p are omitted. " Rashi, "his soul abideth in happiness when he resteth in the grave;" because pS means "to lodge," "to spend the night." i ' (', <". Unjustly; it is sprung from wmng causes, PSALMS XXV.— XXVIII. 21 Let integrity- and uprightness guard iiic; for 1 wait on thee. 22 Redeem, God, Israel out of all his distresses. PSALM XXVL 1 ^1 Of David. Judge me, Lord; for I have indeed walked in my integrity : and in the Lord have I trusted; I shall not slip. 2 Try me, O Lord, and prove me; purify my reins and nn' heart. 3 For thy kindness is before my eyes ; and I have walked in thy truth. 4 I have not sat with men of falsehood, and with dissemblers will I not enter (in communion). 5 I have hated the assemblage of evil- doers; and with the wicked will I not sit. 6 I will wash in innocency my hands, and I will compass thy altar, Lord: 7 That I may publish with a loud voice (my) thanksgiving, and relate all thy won- drous deeds. 8 Lord, I love the site of thy house, and the place where thy glory dwelleth. 9 Take not away with sinners my soul, nor with men of blood my life ; 10 In whose hands are wicked devices, and whose right hand is full of bribes. 11 But as for me, I will walk in my in- tegrity : redeem me, and be gracious unto me. 12 My foot standeth on an even place: in assemblies will I bless the Lord. PSALM XXVII. 1 ^ Of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation; of whom shall I be afraid? the Lord is the fortress of my life; of whom shall I have dread? 2 When evil-doers come near against me to eat up my flesh, my assailants and my enemies at me : then do they stumble and fall. 3 If an army should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear : if war should arise against me, even then" will I have trust. 4 One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek for : that I may dwell in the ' Rashi, "in this," meaning what is said above, "the Lord is ray strength," &c. " Diinash, quoted by Rashi, and Aben Ezra. Me- nachem, "to make inquiry;" hence, Sachs, "to inquire (for him) in his temple." Herxheimer, "to contem- plate." Philippson, "to look about in," &c. house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the loveliness of the Lord, and to be every morning early*" in his temple. 5 For he will hide me in his pavilion on the day of evil ; he will conceal me in the secret of his tabernacle; upon a rock will he place me high. 6 And now will my head be lifted up above my enemies all round about me; and I will sacrifice in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy :'■ I will sing, and I will triumphantly play unto the Lord. 7 Hear, Lord, my voice, (when) I call, and be gracious unto me, and answer me. 8 Of thee,'' said my heart, " Seek ye my presence:" thy presence. Lord, will I seek. 9 Hide (then) nut thy fiice from me; re- ject not in anger thy servant, thou (who) hast been my help: cast me not off, nor for- sake me, God of my salvation. 10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me; but the Lord will take me up. 11 Point me out thy way, Lord! and guide me on a level path, because of those that regard me enviously. 12 Give me not up to the (revengeful) de- sire of my assailants; for there are risen up against me false witnesses, and such as utter violence. 13 Unless I had believed to see the good- ness of the Lord in the land of life — " 14 Wait on the Lord; be strong, and let thy heart be of good courage ; and only wait on the Lord. PSALM XXVIII. 1 Tl Of David. Unto thee, Lord, will I call; my rock, turn not unheeding from me: lest thou turn away silent from me, and I become like those that go down into the pit. 2 Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward the most holy place of thy sanc- tuary. 3 Snatch me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of injustice, who speak ° Heb. "shouting." Rashi, "whereby they sing hymns." '' Rashi, "By thy message said my heart to me, Seek ye, all Israel, ray presence, and I obey it, and I seek thy presence, Lord " ' We must supply, " then had I perished." But the P.salmist speaks as though he feared to utter all he felt. 725 PSALMS XXVIIT— XXX. peace with their neighbours, with mischief in their heart. 4 Give unto them according to their doing, and according to tlie evil of their deeds; ac- cording to the work of their hands do thou give unto them: bestow their (just) recoin- jjense on them. 5 Because they have no regard for the do- ings of the Lord, nor the works of liis hands : may he pull them down, and not build them up. 6 Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. 7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him hath my heart trusted, and I am help- ed, and my heart exulteth; and with my song will I thank him. 8 The Lord is strength unto them," and he is the fortress of victory'' of his anointed. 9 Help thy people, and bless thy heritage : and feed them, and exalt them unto all eter- nity. PSALM XXIX. 1 ^ A psalm of David. Ascribe unto the Lord, ye sons of the mighty,'' ascribe unto the Lord glory and strength. 2 Ascribe unto the Lord the glory of his name; bow down to the Lord in the beauty of holiness.* 3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; the God of glory thundereth, the Lord — upon mighty waters. 4 The voice of the Lord (resoundeth) with power; the voice of the Lord (resoundeth) with majesty. 5 The voice of the Lord breaketh in pieces the cedars; yea, the Lord shivereth the cedars of Lebanon ; 6 And he maketh them skip like a calf; Lebanon and Siryon like young reems. 7 The voice of the Lord heweth out flames of fire. 8 The voice of the Lord shaketh the wil- derness; the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh. * i. e. All the people of God who trust in him. '' Sachs. ^^•J^VI^ is frequently found as meaning victory, or the overcoming of difficulties; and salvation is in effect the same, the ultimate release from the evil. " Rashi. /. c. chiefs, or princes. Sforno, "sons of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." Jonathan, "angels." ■^ Others, "in holy ornament;" or the priestly gar- ments. 7-'J 9 The voice of the Lord causeth the hinds to start,' and maketh bare forests : and in his temple every thing speaketh (of his) glory. 10 The Lord sat (enthroned) at the flood; and the Lord will sit as King for ever. 11 The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. PSALM XXX. 1 T[ A psalm, a song at the dedication of the temple,*^ of David. 2 I will extol thee, Lord; for thou hast lifted*^ me up, and hast not suffered my ene- mies to rejoice over me. .3 Lord my God, I cried loudly unto thee, and thou hast healed me. 4 Lord, thou hast brought up from the nether world my soul: thou hast kept me alive, that F should not go down to the pit. 5 Sing unto the Lord, ye his pious ones, and give thanks to the memorial' of his holi- ness. 6 For his anger is momentary, (but) life is in his fixvour: in the evening (cometh) weep- ing to stay for a night, but in the morning there is joyful song. 7 And I had said indeed in my prosperity, I shall never be moved. 8 Lord, by thy favour hadst thou caused my mountain to stand in strength : thou didst hide thy face, (and) I was terrified. 9 Unto thee, Lord, Avill I call; and unto the Lord will I make supplication. 10 What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the grave? Shall the dust thank thee? shall it announce thy truth? 11 Hear, Lord, and be gracious unto me : Lord, be thou a helper unto me. 12 Thou hast changed my mourning into dancing for me; thou hast loosened my sack- cloth, and girded me witli joy: 13 To the end that my glorious souP may sing praise to thee, and never be silent. Lord my God, for ever will I give thanks unto thee. " Mendelssohn. Aben Ezra, "causeth the hinds to calve," or "to be in pain." ' Rashi. * Lit. "drawn me up," i. e. from trouble. '' The iTe^'i would require, "thou hast given me lite from among those who go down to the pit." So Philipp- son and Sforno. ' Mendelssohn, "his holy name." '' Redak. Others, "th:it honourable praise may sing PSALMS XXXI. XXXII. PSALM XXXI. 1 ^ To the chief musician, a psalm of David. 2 In thee, Lord, do I put my trust; Oh that I may never be put to shame : through thy righteousness do thou release me. 3 Bend unto me thy ear; speedily deliver me: be thou unto me as a rock of protection, as a mountain strong-hold" to save me. 4 For my rock and my strong-hold art thou; and for the sake of thy name lead me, and guide me. 5 Draw me out of the net which they have laid secretly for me; for thou art ni}' pro- tection. 6 Into thy hand do I commit my spirit: thou redeemest me, Lord, the God of truth. 7 I hate those that depend on laying vani- ties; but I trust indeed in the Lord. 8 I will be glad and rejoice in thy kind- ness; because thou hast seen my misery; thou hast taken cognizance of the distresses of my soul ; 9 And thou hast not suri'endered me into the hand of the enemy : thou hast caused my feet to stand on an ample space. 10 Be gracious unto me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is consumed through vexation — my soul (too) and my body. 11 For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of my iniquity, and my bones are consumed. 12 Because of all my assailants am I be- come a reproach, and unto my neighbours greatly so, and a terror to my acquaintance, those that see me abroad flee away from me. 13 I am forgotten <as a dead man out of the heart: I am become like a perishable vessel. 14 For I have heard the slandering of many; terror was on every side, while they took counsel together against me: to take away my life did they purpose. unto thee." Jonathan, "that the honourable of the world," &c. ('. e. the princes. So also Aben Ezra. ' Sachs, after Aben Ezra, &c. Lit. "a house of strong- hold." '' Lit. "times;" here, what occurs in them. Rashi, "the times that pass are through thy will and decrees." ' Others, "fortified city." Herxheimcr, "as in," &c. •* Lit. "in my haste," ;'. e. " that brought about by trou- ble." 15 But I trusted well in thee, Lord: I said, Thou art my God. 16 In thy hand are my destinies:'' deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from my persecutors. 17 Let thy face shine upon thy servant: save me through thy kindness. 18 Lord, let me not be put to shame; for I have called on thee : let the wicked be put to shame, let them be silent, (passing) to the nether world. 19 Let the lying lips be made dumb, which speak hard things against the right- eous, with pride and contempt. 20 Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast treasured up for those that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for those that trust in thee before the .sons of men I 21 Thou wilt conceal them in the secret of thy presence from the conspiracy of men : thou wilt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. 22 Blessed be the Lord; for he hath shown me his kindness wonderfully in a beleaguered" city. 23 And yet had I said in my despondency,'' I am cut off from before thy eyes : neverthe- less thou didst hear the voice of my supplica^ tions when I cried loudly unto thee. 24 Oh love the Lord, all ye his pious ones: the Lord prcserveth the faithful, and recom- penses the presumption' of him that acteth proudly. 25 Be strong, and let your heart be of good courage, all ye that hope in the Lord. . PSALM XXXIL 1 ][ Of David: a Maskil.'' Happy is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered (by repentance) .'' 2 Happy is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. 3 When I kept silence,** my bones wasted away through my crying all th% day. ' Rashi. Philippson, "the Lord prcservcth faithful- ness and recompenseth abundantly the proud." ' Philippson, " a didactic poem ;" a psalm in which something is taught. But all the superscriptions of the Psalms are rather uncertain in their meaning, wherefore they are left untranslated. * Joel Briel. Philippson and Herxheimer, "par- doned." '' Rashi, "when I eonfes.sed not my transgression." PSALMS XXXTi— XXXTT. 4 For by d.ay and night lay thy hand lieavily upon me: my (life's) moisture hath been changed througli the droughts of sum- mer. Sehah. 5 My sin do I ever acknowledge unto thee, and my iniquity have I not covered up. I said, I will make confession because of my transgressions unto the Lord: and thou truly forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. 6 For this shall every pious one pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely (then) when great waters overflow, they shall never reach unto him. 7 Thou art my liiding-place ; from distress wilt thou preserve me; with songs of de- liverance wilt thou encompass me. Selah. 8 I will instruct thee and I will teach thee concerning the way which thou oughtest to go: I will counsel" thee with my eye. 9 Be ye not like the horse, or like the mule, who hath no understanding; who must be held in with bit and bridle, his orna- ment,'' lest he come near unto thee. 10 Man}- are the pains of the wicked; but him that trusteth in the Lord will he en- compass with kindness. 11 Rejoice in the Lord, and be glad, ye righteous : and shout for joy, all 3'e that are upright in heart. PSALM XXXIII. 1 ^ Be joyful, ye righteous, in the Lord; (for) unto the righteous praise is comely. 2 Give thanks unto the Lord with the harp: with the ten-stringed psaltery do ye sing (praises) unto him. 3 Sing unto him a new song; play beauti- fully amidst a triumphant shout. 4 For the word of the Lord is upright; and all his works (are done) in truth. T) He loveth righteousness and justice : the earth is full of the kindness of the Lord. 6 By the word of the Lord were the hea- vens made; asud by the breath of his mouth all their host. 7 He gathereth together like heaps the " Rashi. lledak, "concerning what I have seen with my eyes." Jonathan, " I will counsel thee and direct my eye upon thee." '' Ahen fjzra understands vip to moan "the jaws," or " mouth," " those whose mouth must be held iu." The last part of till" verse is given by Philippson, "else he cometh 7:i8 waters of the sea: he layeth up in store- houses the depths (of the sea). 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord : of him stand in awe all the inhabitants of the world. 9 For he spoke, and it came into being: he commanded, and it stood fast. 10 The Lord frustrateth the resolves of the nations: he bringeth to nought the thoughts of the people. 11 The counsel of the Lord will stand for ever, the thoughts of his heart from genera- tion to generation. 12 Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he hath chosen for himself as a heritage 13 The Lord looketh from heaven; he seeth all the sons of men. 14 From the place of his habitation he directeth his view upon all the inhabitants of the earth ; 15 He fashioneth their hearts altogether; he hath regard to all their works. 16 The king is not saved by the multitude of an army : a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. 17 Vain is the horse for victory: nor shall he deliver any by the greatness of his strength. 18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those that fear him, upon those that hope for his kindness, 19 To deliver from death their soul, and to keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waiteth for the Lord: our help and our shield is he. 21 For in him shall our heart rejoice; be- cause in his holy name have we trusted. 22 Let thy kindness, Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in thee. PSALM XXXIV. 1 ][ By David, when he disguised his reason before Abimelech," who drove him away, and he departed. 2 I will bless the Lord at all times: con- tinually shall his praise be in my mouth. 3 My soul shall make her boast in the not nigh," &c., meaning only through restraint are the horse and mule subjected to man. " In 1 Sam. xxi. 14, this king is called Achtsh; no doubt but that Abimelech (King's Father) was the usual appella- tion of all Philistine kings, as those of Egypt were called IViaraoh. PSALMS XXXIV. XXXV. Lord: the hmnble shall hear it, and be re- joiced. 4 Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. 5 I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and from all that T dreaded did he deliver me. 6 Thej' (who) looked unto him, were in- deed enlightened, and their faces were not put to the blush. 7 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and out of all his distresses did he save him. 8 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about those who fear him, and delivereth them. 9 Experience" and see that the Lord is good : happy is the man tliat trusteth in him. 10 Oh fear the Lord, ye his saints; for there is no want to those who fear him. 11 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not want any good. 12 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: the fear of the Lord will I teach you. 13 Who is the man that desireth life, loveth (many) days, that he may see happiness? 14 Guard thy tongue fi'om evil, and thy lips from speaking deceit. 15 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 16 The eyes of the Lord are directed unto the righteous, and his ears unto their cry. 17 (But) the anger of the Lord is against those that do evil, to cut off from the earth their remembrance. 18 Those cry, and the Lord heareth, and from all their distresses he delivereth them. 19 The Lord is nigh unto those that are broken-hearted; and he saveth those that are of a contrite spirit. '* 20 Many are the afflictions of the right- eous; but out of them all the Lord ever de- livereth him. * Lit. " taste," i. e. tn know by experiment. ^ Sforno, "one evil that overcometh hira will be enough to slay the wicked." Rashi, "the evil the wicked doth will slay him." Redak, "the evil lie deviseth against the righteous," &c. Others, simply, "misfortune" or " evil" in general. "Rashi. Lit. "lock against;" some give, "stop the way." 4 R 21 He watcheth all his bones: not one of them is broken. 22 The eviP will slay the wicked : and they who hate the righteous shall incur guiltiness. 23 The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants : and all that trust in him shall not incur guiltiness. PSALM XXXV. 1 ][ Of David. Contend, Lord, with those that contend with me: fight against those that fight against me. 2 Take hold of shield and buckler, and rise up for my help. 3 And draw out the spear, and step in against" my pursuers : say unto my soul, I am thy salvation. 4 Let those be put to shame and be con- founded that seek after my life:'' let those be turned backward and be made to blush, that devise unhappiness for me. 5 Let them be as chaff before the wind ; and may the angel of the Lord cast them forth. 6 May their way be dark and slippery; and may the angel of the Lord pursue them. 7 For without cause have they hidden for me their net"' in a pit, without cause have they dug (pit-falls) against my life. 8 May then destruction come upon each of them at unawares ; and may his net that he hath hidden catch himself: in (utter) de- struction let him fall therein. 9 But my soul shall exult in the Lord : she shall be glad through his salvation. 10 All my bones will say. Lord, who is like unto thee, who deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that robbeth him? 11 There rise up witnesses of violence; concerning what I know not they question me.' 12 They recompense me with evil in place of good, (bringing) bereavement^ on my soul. 13 But as for me, when they were sick, " Lit. "soul." ' Philippson, "nets of destruction." Herxheimer, "net-pits," ( e. pits covered over with a net, as used by hunters to catch wild animals. ' When confronted with him, they put questions to him, as though he were guilty and they spoke the truth. » Meaning, causing him to be forsaken by all by their slanders. 729 PSALMS XXXV. XXXVI. my clothing was sackcloth : I afflicted with [ fasting mj soul, and my prayer returned ' into my own bosom." 14 As though he had been to me a friend or a brother did I walk about: as one that mourneth for a mother did I sorrowfully bend down my head. ' 15 But in my downfall they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together; there gathered themselves together against me abject wretches, whom I knew not; they did tear me, and ceased not : 16 With hypocritical bal^bling'' mockers, they gnashed upon me with their teeth. 17 Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, from the young lions my .solitary spirit. 18 I will thank thee in the great as.sembly : among a mighty people will I praise thee. 19 Let not rejoice over me those that are my enemies wrongfully : (nor) let those who hate me without cause wink with the eye. 20 For they speak not peace; but against the quiet in the land they dexise deceitful words. 21 Yea, they opened wide against me their mouth; they said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it. 22 Thou hast seen it, Lord! remain not silent: Lord, be not far from me. 2-3 Arouse thyself, and awake to do me justice, my God and my Lord, unto my cause. 24 Judge me according to thy righteous- ness, Lord my God; and let them not re- joice over me. 25 Let them not say in their heart. Aha, (this is the wish of) our soul : let them not say. We have swallowed liim up. 26 Let those be made ashamed and put to the blush together that rejoice at my mishap : let them be clothed with shame and confusion that magnify themselves above me. 27 Let those shout, and rejoice, that desire my righteousness:" yea, let them say con- tiiiually, Great is the Lord, who desireth the welfare of his servant. 28 And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness, all the day of thy praise. PSALM XXXVI. 1 ^ To the chief musician, by the servant of the Lord, by David. 2 Saith vice itself'' to the wicked — so I feel it within my heart — that he should have no dread of God before his eyes. 3 For he flattereth himself in his own eyes (too much) to find out' his iniquity to hate it. 4 The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit : he hath left off to be wise, to do good. 5 He deviseth wickedness upon his couch ; he placeth himself on a way that is not good; evil he despiseth not. 6 Lord, into the heavens reacheth thy kindness, thy faithfulness even into the skies. 7 Thy righteousness is like the mountains of God; thy acts of justice like the great deep: man and beast dost thou ever help, Lord. 8 How precious is thy kindness, God! And the children of men that seek shelter under the shadow of thy wings, — 9 These will be abundantly satisfied Avith the fatness of thy house; and of the stream of thy delights wilt thou give them to drink. 10 For with thee is the source of life: in thy light shall we see light. 11 Draw down continuously thy kindness unto those that acknowledge thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. 12 Let not come against me the foot of pride, and let not the hand of the wicked chase me off. 13 There are fallen the workers of wick- ° Sforno, "and my prayer for thi>in retunicd to my bi som, because it was without deceit." Aben Ezra, " May God give me according to ni}- prayer what I have asked for them." '' Redak, taking :ii'a as "babbling, heedless talk." Philippson, "cake," or "broad," (1 Kings xvii. 12,) "mockers for bread;" those wretches who will do any thing to get a bit of bread, even to insult the great and innocent when in trouble. ° i. e. That he be delivered, and proved just. '' -Mendelssohn, after Rashi. ;'t5'3, not here transgres- 730 sion or a single act, but the habit, vice. Philippson divides the verse, the first applying to the thoughts of the wicked, the other to David : thus, "The words of vice to the wicked are within my heart," so says the wicked, as explaining his act, as vice is his principle and mo- tive; and then adds David, "no dread of the Lord is be- fore his eyes." ' Philippson. Jonathan, nearly so, "to find ini(|uity, to hate instruction." Rashi, "so that God may find his iniquity to hate him." Ilcrxheimer, "to accomplish his iniquity, to hate." PSALMS xxxvi. xxxvn. edness: they are thrust down, and shall not be able to rise. PSALM XXXVIL 1 T[ Of David. Do not fret" thyself be- cause of the evil-doers, neither be thou en- vious'' against the workers of iniquity. 2 For like the grass they shall soon be mowed down, and like the green herb shall they wither. .3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed (thyself) with truthful- ness. 4 And delight thyself in the Lord, and he will give thee the wishes of thy heart. 5 Commit thy way unto the Lord, and trust in him: and he will accomplish it. 6 And he will bring forth as the light thy righteousness, and the justice of thy (cause) as the noonday. 7 Be silent before the Lord, and wait par tiently for him: fret not thyself because of him A\ho prospereth in his way, because of the man who practises wicked devices. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. 9 For evil-doers shall be cut off; but those that wait upon the Lord, these — shall truly inherit the land. 10 For yet but for a little while, and the wicked shall be no more: yea, thou wilt look carefully at his place, and he shall not be there. 11 But the meek shall inherit the land, and shall delight themselves because of the abundance of peace. 12 The wicked purpose th evil against the just, and gnasheth against him with his teeth. 13 The Lord will laugh at him; for he seeth that his day is coming. 14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cause the poor and needy to fall, and to slaughter such as are of an upright course (of life). 15 (But) their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. ' Raslii, "enter into a contest," as in a race. ^ SacliF, "be not excited to zeal," or "overzealous." " A 1)011 Ezra; meaning, the herbs and flowers of the meadow land, or pasture, which are at times suddenly swept away in a wreath of smoke by the fii'e which seizes on them in the dry seasons; id a plain, meadow; hence, 16 Better is the little that the righteous hath, than the great riches of many wicked. 17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken ; but the upholder of the righteous is the Lord. 18 The Lord regardeth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall endure for ever. 19 They shall not be made ashamed in the time of unhappiness; and in the days of famine shall they be satisfied. 20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the beauty" of the meadow : they pass away ; in smoke they pass away. 21 The wicked borroweth, and repayeth not; but the righteous is beneficent,'' and giveth. 22 For those blessed of him'' shall inherit the land; and those cursed of him shall be cut oft". 23 By the Lord are the steps of the right- eous man established; and he flndeth plea- sure in his course (of life). 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth his hand. 25 I have been young, and I am also grown old: yet have I never seen the right- eous forsaken, nor his seed seeking for bread. 26 He is all the time beneficent, and lend- eth ; and his seed will be for a blessing. 27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwelF for evermore. 28 For the Lord lovetli justice, and never forsaketh his pious servants: they are for ever preserved; but the seed of the wicked will be cut off". 29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell for ever therein. 30 The mouth of the righteous uttereth wisdom, .and his tongue speaketh what is just. 31 The law of his God is in his heart: none of his steps shall slip. 32 The wicked looketh out for the right- eous, and seeketh to slay him. 33 The Lord will not leave him in his Rashi, "like morning clouds in the sky," in the heavenly plain. Others, "the fat of lambs," which was burnt on the altar. ■* Lit. "gracious." * /. e. God. ' Aben Ezra, "then shall thou dwell for ever." 731 hand, and will not condemn him when he is judged. 34 Wait on the Lord, and keep his wav, and he will exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, shalt thou look on. 35 I have seen the wicked terrible* in ])ower, and striking root like a green tree in its native soil. 36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was no more : and I sought him, but he could not be found. 37 Observe the perfect man, and behold the upright; for there is a (happy) future for the man of peace.'' 38 But the transgressors are destroyed to- gether : the future of the wicked is cut off. 39 And the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord: he is their strong-hold in the time of distress. 40 And the Lord helpeth them, and de- livereth them; he will deliver them from the wicked, and save them; because they have put their trust in him. PSALM XXXVIIL 1 ^ A psalm of David, to bring to remem- brance." 2 Lord, correct me not in thy wrath, nor chastise me in thy fury. 3 For thy arrows have penetrated into me, and thy hand presseth down upon me. 4 There is no soundness in my flesh be- cause of thy indignation : there is no peace in my bones because of my sin. 5 For my iniquities are passed over my head, as a heavy burden are they too heavy for me. 6 Foul, corrupt are my bruises because of my folly. 7 I am bent double; I am bowed down to the utmost; all the day long T go about full of grief 8 For my loins are filled with a burning disease, and there is no soundness in my flesh. ' Abcn Ezra. Mendelssohn, "a wicked man who was mighty." ^ Sachs, affer Rashi, who comments, "if he have no (happy) commencement he hath still an end." Jona- tliiin, "for the end of man is peace." Eng. ver. "of tluit man ;" but there is no particular person spoken of in the text, wherefore it must be taken generally. ' I'ashi, "to bring to remembrance the troubles of 732 PSALMS XXXVIL— XXXIX. 9 I am made faint and crushed to the ut- most; I cry aloud because of the groaning of my heart. 10 Lord, before thee is all my longing; and my sighing is from thee not hidden. 11 My heart is restless, my strength hath left me; and the light of my eyes — that also is no more with me. 12 My lovers and my friends stand'' aloof from my plague ; and my kinsmen stand afar off. 13 They also that seek after my life lay snares; and they that wish for my mishap speak wicked falsehoods; and deceits do they devise all the day long. 14 But I, as a deaf man, hear not; and I am as a dumb man that cannot open his mouth. 15 Thus am I as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no words of de- fence." 16 For in thee, Lord, do I hope: thou wilt answer, Lord my God. 17 For I said. Perhaps they might rejoice over me: Avhen my foot slippeth, they might magnifj' themselves over me. 18 For I am prepared for (my) downfall, and my pain is continually before me. 19 For I will tell of my iniquity; I will be grieved because of my sin. 20 But my enemies are strong in life; and numerous are those that hate me wrongfully; 21 They also that repay (me) evil in lieu of good; they hate me bitterly because I pur- sue what is good. 22 Forsake me not, Lord: my God, be not far from me. 23 Make haste to help me, Lord, my salvation. PSALM XXXIX. 1 ][ To the chief musician, to Jeduthun,' a psalm of David. 2 I said, I will guard my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, while the wicked is before me. Israel before God." Herxheimer, "or to call sufferings to mind." Mendelssohn, "at sacrificing." ^ Jonathan, "opposite to," i. e. they see, but come not near. ° Redak. Others, "rejoinder." Eng. ver. "reproofs." ' Some suppose that Jeduthun was the composer of the melody of this Psalm written by David; some, that it signifies a particular instrument nnmed after him. PSALMS XXXIX. XL. 3 I was dumb in deep silence, I was quite still, even from (speaking) good; but my pain was greatly excited ; 4 My heart was hot within me, in my self- communing there burnt a fire : (tlien) spoke I with my tongue, 5 Let me know, Lord, my end, and the measure of my days, what it is: I wish to know when I shall cease to be. 6 Behold, measured out with the span hast thou made mj- days; and my whole duration is notliing before thee: yea, as nothing but vanity doth every man stand here.* Selah. 7 As nothing but a shadowy image doth man walk about, yea, for vanity only do all make a noise : he heapeth up his gains, and knoweth not who shall gather them. 8 And now, what shall I wait for, Lord? my hope is in thee. 9 From all my transgressions deliver thou me : render me not the object of reproach of the worthless. 10 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou hadst done it. 11 Remove thou thy plague away from me: from the blows of" thy hand am I con- sumed. 12 When thou with corrections chastisest man for iniquity, thou causest his excellence to melt away as (if eaten by) the moth : yea, nothing but vanity is every man. Selah. 13 Hear my prayer, Lord, and give ear unto my cry; be not silent at rny tears; for a stranger am I with thee, a sojourner, like all my fathers. 14 Leave off from me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and am no more. PSALM XL. 1 ][ To the chief musician, a psalm of David. 2 I had waited patiently for the Lord, when he inclined himself unto me, and heard my cry. 3 And he brought me up out of the noise- * Redak, with the addition, "the greatest vanity." Rashi, "every man's position and life are vanity." '' Rashi; but Meuachem, "from the dread of thy pu- nishment." ° Philippson; meaning, "the sea which is tumultuous in it.s roaring;" hence, not literally "pit," as others have. " I'iiilipp.siiUj after the M:is.'^orotic punctuation. Others ful deep," out of the miry clay, and he set up my feet upon a rock, making firm my steps. 4 And he placed in my mouth a new song, a praise unto our God : many will see it, and fear; and they will trust in the Lord. 5 Happy is the man that maketh the Lord his trust, and turneth not unto the proud, nor such as stray aside unto lies. 6 Many things hast thou done, Lord mv God; th}' wonderful deeds and thy thoughts toward us — there is none to be com- pared unto thee — will I tell and speak of, (though) they are too numerous to be counted.'' 7 Sacrifice and meat-oflering thou desirest not — ears" hast thou hollowed out unto me — burnt-offering and sin-offering thou demandest not. 8 Then said I, Lo, I come : in the roll of the book it is written down for me; 9 To fulfil thy will, my God, do I desire ; and thy law is within my heart. 10 I announce (thy) righteousness in the great assembly : lo, 1 will not refrain my lips, Lord, thou well knowest it. 11 Thy righteousness have I never hidden within my heart; thy faithfulness and thy salvation have I spoken of openly: I have not concealed thy kindness and thy truth before the great as.sembly. 12 Do thou, Lord, not withhold thy mercies from me : let thy kindness and tliy truth continuall}^ watch over*^ me. 13 For evils without number have com- passed me about; my iniquities have over- taken me, so that I am not able to see : they are more numerous than the hairs of my head ; and my courage" hath forsaken me. 14 Be pleased, Lord, to deliver me; Lord, hasten to my help. 15 May those be made ashamed and put to the blush together that seek after my soul to take her away: let them be driven back- ward and be confounded, that wish for my mishap. 16 May they be astonished in consequence of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha! divide the verse off differently, but with the same general meaning. ° Meaning, though he cannot bring sacrifices away from the temple, still can he worship God ; obedience is de- manded; he has ears to listen to instruction; and this sacrifice of obedience will be bring to be accepted. ' Rashi, ' bit "heart" (83 PSALMS XL.— XLII. 17 (But) may all those that seek thee be glad and rejoice in thee : may they say con- tinually, The Lord be magnified, — those that love thy salvation. 18 But though I be poor and needy, the Lord will think of me: my help and my de- liverer art thou ; my God, delay not. PSALM XLI. 1 T[ To the chief musician, a psalm of David. 2 Happy is he that careth for the poor: on the day of evil will the Lord deliver him. 3 The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; he shall be made happy on the earth : and thou wilt not deliver him unto the revengeful desire of his enemies. 4 The Lord will sustain him upon the bed of painful disease: thou changest" all his couch in his sickness. 5 I said, Lord, be gracious unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee. 6 My enemies speak evil of me, When will he die, and his name perish? 7 And if he come to see (me) , he speaketh falselj": his heart gathereth wickedness'' to itself; he goeth abroad (and) speaketh it. 8 Altogether whisper against me all that hate me : against me do they devise my in- jury- 9 "His godless deed (say they) is poured out over him : as he lieth there he will never more rise up again." 10 Yea, even the man that sliould have sought my welfare, in whom I trusted, who eateth my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. 11 But thou, Lord, be gracious unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite it unto them. 1 2 By this do I know that thou art pleased with me, that my enemy doth not triumph over me. 13 But as for me, thou upholdest me in my integrity, and placest me before thy pre- sence for ever. 14 Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen. BOOK SECOND. PSALM XLH. 1 ][ To the chief musician, a Maskil, for the sons of Korach. 2 As a hart panteth after brooks of water, so panteth my soul after thee, God. 3 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God : when shall I go (again)" and be seen in the jjresence of God? 4 My tears have been my food day and night; because'' men say unto me all the day. Where is thy God? 5 These things will I remember, and pour * Rashi, "also at that time when his di.sease is severe upon him, and all his rest and quiet are changed." Jo- nathan, "thou hast changed his bed and cured him." tjur translation simply means, changing bis sick-bed into one of recovery. '' llashi, "ho pretendeth to feel regret, and while he sittctli he deviseth wicked thoughts to himself — what evil to speak when he goeth out." ° Mendelssohn. '' Others, "while they say." ' This difficidt verse is variously rendered. Mendels- 734 out my soul in me : how I was wont to pass along amidst the multitude, journeying with them as a pilgrim to the house of God, with the voice of joyful song and thanksgiving) among the festive tlii'ong. 6 Why art thou cast down, my soul, and disquieted in me? Hope thou in God; for 1 shall yet thank him. because of the salvation of his countenance. 7 my God, my soul is cast down within me : therefore will I remember thee from the land of the Jordan, and from the jseaks of Chermon, from the low"' mount. sohn, "When I remember thee (here) in the land of Jor- dan and the mountains of Chermon, mountains of little import," i. e. compared to Zion, although much higher. Others take li'i'O to be an otherwise not named peak, " Miz'ar." Philippson takes D'JlOin to he derived from Din "destruction;" hence, "therefore will I think of thee once worshipped in the land of the Jordan and the ruins on the degraded mount," meaning, "mount Zion," now degraded by triumphant enemies, conceiving this psalrc to be written by an exile who was among the heathen.s. PSALMS XLII— XLIV. 8 Deep cfilleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterfalls:* all thy waves and thy bil- lows have passed over me. 9 In the daytime the Lord will command his kindness, and in the night his song shall be with me, as a prayer unto the God of my life. 10 I will say unto God, My rock, why- hast thou forgotten me? why must I walk grieved, under the oppression of the enem}-? 11 It is as death'' in my bones, when my assailants reproach me; when they say unto me all the day. Where is thy God ? 12 Why art thou cast down, 0-my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God ; for I shall yet thank him, the salvation of my countenance, and my God. PSALM XLIII. 1 ^ Judge me, God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: from the deceit- ful and unjust man do thou deliver me. 2 For thou art the God of my fortress: why hast thou abandoned me? why must I walk about grieved, under the oppression of the enemy? 3 Send thou thy light and thy truth, these shall guide me ; they shall bring me unto thy holy mountain, and to thy dwellings : 4 That I may go unto the altar of God, unto God the joy of nu- gladness; and that I may thank thee upon the harp, O God, my God. 5 Why art thou cast down, my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet thank him, the salvation of my countenance, and my God. PSALM XLIV. 1 ^ To the chief musician, for the sons of Korach, a Maskil. 2 God, with our ears have we heard, our fathers have told us, deeds which thou hadst done in their days, in times of old. 3 Thou, with thy hand, didst indeed drive out nations, and plant them; thou didst ill- treat people, and cause them to spread out.' 4 For not by their sword did the}^ obtain ' 1US is explained to mean properly a pipe by which water runs down from a roof; hence, "waterfalls," as ap- plied to the great works of God, here denoting the severe distress which overwhelms the Psalmist. possession of the land, and their own arm brought them no victory; but t'hy right hand, and thy arm, and the light of th}- countenance, because thou hadst given them th}- favour. 5 Thou art my King, O God: ordain sal- vation for Jacol). 6 Through thee will we butt down oui- assailants: through thy name will we tread under foot our ojtponents. 7 For not in my bow wall I trust, and my sword shall not help me. 8 But thou helpest us against our assail- ants, and those that hate us thou puttest to shame. 9 Of God we boast" all tlie day, and to thy name will we give thanks for ever. Selah. 10 But (now) thou hast cast off, and put us to the blush, and goest not forth with our armies. 11 Thou causest us to turn back from be- fore our assailant: and they who hate us take spoil for themselves. 12 Thou givest us up like sheep for food, and among the nations hast thou dispersed us. 13 Thou sellest thy people for no value, and acquirest no gain by their price. 14 Thou renderest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to those that are round about us. 15 Thou renderest us a by-word among the nations, a shaking of the head among the people. 16 All the day is my disgrace before me, and the shame of my face covereth me; 17 Because of tlie voice of him that re- proacheth and blasphemeth ; by reason of the enemy and him that seeketh vengeance. 18 All this is come over us, yet have we not forgotten thee ; nor have Ave dealt falsely by thy covenant ; 19 Our heart is not moved backward, nor hath our step turned aside from thy path : 20 Even when thou didst crush us in the abode of monsters, and cover us with the shadow of death. 21 If we had forgotten the name of our God, or spread forth our hands to a strange god : " After Aben Ezra. Lit. "murder." " Mendelssohn; /. e. Israel. Jonathan, "cast out," /. e. the Canaanites. . '' Aben Ezra. "CJod we praise," (V'- PSALMS XLIV.— XLVI. 22 Would not God search out this? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart. 23 But for thy sake are we slain all the day; we are counted as flocks (destined) for slaughter. 24 Awake, wherefore wilt thou sleep, Lord? arise, abandon us not for ever. 25 Wherefore wilt thou hide thy face, wilt thou forget our misery and our oppression? 26 For our soul is bowed down to the dust; our body cleaveth unto the earth. 27 Arise unto our help, and redeem us for the sake of thy kindness. PSALM XLV. 1 ^ To the chief musician upon Shoshan- nim, by the sons of Korach, a Maskil, a song of love.* 2 My heart swelleth*" with a good speech ; I say," "My works shall be for the king:" my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. 3 Thou art more fair than the children of men; grace is poured out over thy lips: therefore hath God blessed thee for ever. 4 Gird thy sword ujion the thigh, mighty one, (it is) thy glory and thy ma- jesty; 5 Yea, it is thy majesty: be prosperous, ride along for the cause of ti'uth and meek- ness* and righteousness; and fearful things shall thy right hand teach thee. 6 Thy sharpened arrows — people will fall down beneath thee — (will enter) into the heart of the king's enemies. 7 Thy throne, given of God,' endureth for ever and ever: the sceptre of equity is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 8 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore hath God, thy God, anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy associates. ' Rashi conceives this Psalm to have been endited in praise of those who study the law of God ; and explains the whole allegnrically in tliis sense. Others give it a Messianic interpretation. Sforno comments, "to excite the love of Israel for their Father in heaven." The mo- derns deem it a poem by one of the sons of Korach at the nuptials of some king whose name is not mentioned. '' Lit. " bubbleth," or " boileth," /. e. overflows, is full of. ° Rashi, "This song which I have composed and made, I say it for him who is worthy to be a king," i. e. the student of the divine law. '' iMendelssohn, "the oppressed innocence." Zunz, "right." Philippson, "the meekness of justice." ' Rashi, "Thy throne, judge and i-liicf, is tor evci." 736 9 Of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia are (fra- grant) all th}^ garments: out of palaces of ivory have they made thee joyfid with the sound of music.*^ 10 Kings' daughters are among those dear to thee:= the queen standeth on thy right hand in fine gold of Ophir. 11 Hearken, daughter, and look, and in- cline th}' ear, and forget thy own people, and thy father's house : 12 Then will the king long for thy beauty; for he is thy lord ; and bow thyself to him. 13 And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift: the rich among the people shall entreat thy favour. 14 All gloriously attired awaiteth the king's daughter in the inner chamber; of wrought gold is her oarment. CO o 15 In embroidered clothes will she be brought unto the king: virgins that follow her, Iter companions, are brought unto thee. 16 They are led forth witli rejoicings and gladness, they enter into the ptilace of the king. 17 Instead of thy fathers shall be thy chil- dren: thou wilt appoint them as princes in all the land. 18 I will make thy"" name to be remember- ed in all generations : therefore shall the peo- ple praise thee for ever and ever. PSALM XLVI. 1 ^ To the chief musician: by the sons of Korach, upon 'Alamoth, a song. 2 God is our protection and strength, a help in distres.ses, very readily found.' 3 Therefore will we not fear, even when the earth is transformed, and when moun- tains are moved into the heart of the .seas ; 4 (When) the waters thereof roar and foam,"" when mountains quake before his ma- jesty.' Selah. ' 'JD, after Sachs, who takes it as an abbreviation for D'JD "instruments of music." Rashi and Aben Ezra as "frou)," thus, "from which they have made thee re- joice." * Mendelssohn, "those that grace thy feast." Sachs, "that adorn thy hou.se." "■ Both Rashi and Aben Ezra refer this to God, in the manner of the Psalmists, who generally conclude with a thanksgiving to the Lord. We should then render, "people shall thank thee," &c. ' Others, "present greatly." Eng. ver. "very pre- sent." Philipp.son, "approved greatly." ' Redak, "rise as billows." ' itaslii, Jdunthnn, .\bpn Ezra, Ikf. Others, "when PSALMS XLVL— XLVIII. 5 (There) is a river, its rivulets cause to rejoice the city of God, the sanctuary of the dwellings of the Most High. 6 God is in her midst; she shall not be moved : God will ever help her, at the dawn- ing of (her) morning. 7 Nations rage, kingdoms are mo^'ed : he letteth his voice be heard, the earth melteth away. 8 The Lord of hosts is with us; a defence unto us is the God of Jacob. Selah. 9 Come, look at the deeds of the Lord, who hath made desolations on the earth. 10 He cause th wars to cease unto the end of the earth ; he breaketh the bow, and cut- teth the spear in pieces; he burnetii wagons in the fire. 11 Leave off," and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth. 12 The Lord of hosts is with us; a defence unto us is the God of Jacob. Selah. PSALM XLVII. 1 T[ To the chief musician, a psalm for the sons of Korach. 2 All ye people, clap** your hands; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. 3 For the Lord is most high, fear-inspir- ing; he is a great king over all the earth. 4 He will subdue people under us, and na- tions under our feet. 5 He will choose for us our inheritance, the excellency of Jacob which he loveth. Selah. 6 God ascendeth amid a triumphal shout, the Lord, amid the sound of the cornet. 7 Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. 8 For God is King of all the earth : .sing ye praises with understanding." 9 God reigneth over the nations; .God sit- teth upon his holy throne. the mountains quake through the pride of the sea," /. e. "through the breaking of the waves against them." ' Words of God — -"Leave off war and contest." ' Rashi, "strike each other on the hand," or "join hands." "Jonathan. Redak, "a song giving instruction;" so has it been rendered by the modern translators. Aben Ezra, "every intelligent man." ^ Aben Ezra. Others render this as apposition, as, "yea, the people," &c. ; hence, Rashi gives '3'IJ as, " those who have voluntarily yielded themselves to slaugh- lur, the people," &c. i S 10 The nobles of the people are gathered together, (to be with)** the people of the God of Abraham; for unto God belong the shields of the earth : he is greatly exalted. PSALM XLVIII. 1 ^[ A song and psalm by the sons of Ko- rach. 2 Great is the Lord, and highly praised in the city of our God, (in) his holy mountain. 3 A beautiful disti-ict, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, the farthest' north, the city of the great King. 4 God is become known in her palaces as a defence. 5 For, lo, the kings were assembled, they are passed away together. C They indeed saw — (and) so they were astonished ; they were terrified, they were confounded.' 7 Trembling seized on them there, pain, as on a woman in travail. 8 With the east wind thou breakest the ships of Tharshish. 9 As we have^ heard, so have we seen (it) in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God : God will establish it for ever. Selah. 10 We have refiected on thy kindness, God, in the midst of thy temple. 11 As thy name is, God, so is thy prai,se over the ends of the earth : of righteousness is thy right hand full. 12 Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daugh- ters of Judah be glad, because of thy judg- ments. 13 Compass Zion about, and walk I'ound about her; numjjer her towers. 14 Direct your mind to her outer wall, mark carefully'' her palaces : in order that ye may tell it to the latest generation. 15 For' this One is God, our God for ever ' "At the north of it is the city of the Great King;" so Mendelssohn, since Zion is south of Jerusalem. Others take the "ferthest north" to be, as in Isa. xiv. 13, the seat of the heathen gods; hence, the Psalmist says here, that Zion is as the farthest north, the residence of our great King. ' Eashi ; but Aben Ezra, " they fled hastily away." * ('. e. What has been related from father to son is es- tablished by what is witnessed at the moment. ' Rashi, "build high." ' 8achs, "so that ye may tell tn the latest generation, I that this God is," A;c. 737 PSALMS XLVIIL— L. and ever: he Avill be our guide even unto death. PSALM XLIX. 1 ^ To the chief musician, by the sons of Korach, a psalm. 2 Hear this, all ye people ; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the perishable world: 3 Both the sons of the low and the sons of the high, rich and needy, altogether. 4 My mouth shall speak wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of under- standing. 5 I will incline my ear to a parable : I will open with the harp my riddle. *■ 6 Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my oppressors en- compasseth me? — 7 Of those that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves of the multitude of their riches ? 8 No one can in any wise redeem his bro- ther, nor can he give to God redemption money for himself; 9 For the ransom of their soul is too costly, and it is omitted for ever. 10 And should he still live for ever? not see the pit?" 11 For he must see that wise men die, that together the fool and the brutish per.son perish, and leave to others their wealth. 12 Their inward thought is, that their houses are to be for ever, their dwelling- places, from generation to generation; they call them by their own names in (various) countries.'" lo Nevertheless man in (his) splendour endureth not: he is like the beasts (that) ])erish. ' Menachem takes nio Si' for dSij;S "for ever." Phi- lippson, "even in danger of death," Lit. "over death." '' The Psalmist calls his proposition "a riddle," some- thing to the world unknown ; and as he propounds it, he plays on his harp, to aceompany his song. ° So does Aben Ezra connect these verses. Redak, " and , he must let it pass by for ever, that he is to live," &c. '' llashi. Others, " men praise their names in the countries." Sachs, "they apply their names to their lands." ■■ ]jit. "Mouth;" Mendelssohn, and so partly Rashi : "if but posterity praise them." ' The "morning" when the righteous are to rule, (si'C Malachi iii. 21,) the time of the divine judgment, or resurrection. Philippson explains "ovev thenj" to 7as 14 This is their way, their folly : yet their posterity will take pleasure in their sayings." Selah. 15 Like flocks are they thrust into the nether world; death will feed them; but the upright shall have dominion over them in that morning;^ and their form wasteth away in the nether world, (taken away) from their own dwelling."^ 16 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the nether world ; for he will take me away. Selah. 17 Be not thou afraid when a man be- cometh rich, when the glory of his house is increased; 18 For when he dieth he can take nothing away ; his glory will not descend after him. 19 For though he bless his soul during his life, and men praise*" thee, when thou doest well to thyself: 20 She' shall go to the generation of his fathers, unto eternity will these never see light. 21 Man, though in splendour, who under- standeth not, is like tlie beasts that perish. PSALM L. 1 Tf A psalm of Assaph. The God of gods, the Lord, speaketh, and calleth the earth, from the rising of the sun unto his setting. 2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shineth forth. 3 Our God is coming, and will not keep silence: a fire devoureth before him, and round him there rageth a mighty storm. 4 He will call to the heavens above, and to the earth, to judge his people. 5 '' Gather together unto me my pious ser- vants, who make a covenant with me by sa- crifice." mean what they leave, and "the morning," simply, as speedily. s Redak. Ra.shi, "the form of the wicked will outlast hell; this shall cease, but not they; so that it is not to be a dwelling for them." Philippson, "the nether world is an unreal dwelling for them." *' Rasbi, "They will praise thee, if thou actest right- eously; and when thou diest thou wilt see the generation of the sinners' fathers," &c. Philippson conceives the end of ver. 19 and 20 to be an ironical address to the rich, and renders "his," "thy fathers." ' Redak, taking NUn to be the third feminine singular, referring to " soul" in ver. 10 ; and comments, " She goeth to the generation of his fathers who were wicked like himself" (See Ksod- .x.x. T).) PSALMS L. LI. 6 And the heavons tell of his righteous- ness; for God is judge himself. Selah. 7 "Hear, my people, and I will speak; Israel, and I will testify against thee : God, thy God, am I. 8 Not because of thy sacrifices will I re- prove thee; and thy burnt-offerings are con- tinually before me.' 9 I will not take a bullock out of thy house, nor he-goats out of thy folds. 10 For mine are all the beasts of the forest, the cattle upon a thousand'' moun- tains. 11 I know all the fowls of the moun- tains: whatever moveth" on the fields is with me. 12 If I were hungry, I would not say it to thee; for mine is the world, and what filleth it. 13 Do I eat the flesh of fatted bulls, or drink the blood of he-goats? 1-4 Offer unto God thanksgiving;'' and pay unto the Most High thy vows ; 15 And call on me on the da}' of distress : 1 will deliver thee, — and so wilt thou glorify me. 16 But unto the Avicked God saith, '^ What hast thou to do to relate my statutes, and why bearest thou my covenant upon thy mouth ? 17 And yet thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee. 18 When thou seest a thief, then art thou pleased with him, and with adulterers hast thou thy portion. 19 Thou lettest loose thy mouth with evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. 20 Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; against thy owai mother's son thou utterest slander. 21 These things hast thou done, and I kept silence: thou didst ween that I am like thyself; (but) I will reprove thee, and set it in order before thy eyes." ' Jonathan explains this verse, that God does not re- prove the people for the sacrifices not brought in the cap- tivity, and that those brought during the temple are still present. Rashi, Redak, &c. supply "not" in the second part, "which are not before me." Mendelssohn takes it, as here given: "The altar is full of burnt-ofierings; yet this is not what is needed, but obedience." ' Rashi, "the cattle on the mountains covered with herds," 22 Do but reflect on this, ye that forget God, lest I tear (you) in pieces, with none to deliver. 23 Whoso offereth thanksgivinsr' glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his course aright, will I show the salvation of God. PSALM LI. 1 ^ To the chief musician, a psalm of David, 2 When Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in unto Bath-sheba'. 3 Be gracious unto me, God, according to thy kindness: according to the greatness of thy mercies blot out my transgressions. 4 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. ") For of my transgressions I have full knowledge; and my sin is before me con- tinually. 6 To thee, thee'^ only, have I sinned, and what is evil in thy eyes have I done: — in order that thou mightest be righteous when thou speakest, be justified'^ when thou judgest. 7 Behold, in iniquity was I brought forth ; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 8 Behold, thou desirest truth in the in- ward parts: therefore do thou cause me to know wisdom in the recesses (of the heart). 9 Cleanse me from sin with hyssop, and I shall be clean : wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 10 Cause me to hear gladness and joy; that the bones which thou hast crushed may rejoice. 11 Hide thy face from my sins, and all my iniquities do thou blot out. 12 Create unto me a clean heart, God; and a firm spirit renew thou within me. 13 Cast me not away from thy pi'esence; and thy holy spirit do not take from me. 14 Restore unto me the gladness of thy salvation; and with a liberal spirit do thou support me. — " Rashi. Others, "wild beasts — are known to me." * Rashi comments, " make a confession of thy sins, re- pent, and then pay thy vows." " Philippson, " Who, offering thanksgiving, honoureth me, and guideth his course (aright), him will I show," &c. ' Wesseli and Mendelssohn, "who art God alone;" hut all injuries to man, are ai/is to God alone. ^ Others, "clear," "pure;" but purity is justification as applied to the Judge. 739 PSALMS LT.— LTV. 15 I will teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall return unto thee. 16 Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, God, thou God of my salvation ; (that) ni}^ tongue" may sing aloud of thy righteous- ness. 17 Lord, open thou my lips, and my mouth shall declare thy praise. 18 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: in burnt-offering hast thou no delight. 19 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, God, wilt thou not despise. 20 Do good in thy favour unto Zion ; build thou the walls of Jerusalem. 21 Then wilt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt-offering and entire offering: then shall bullocks be offered upon thy altar. PSALM LII. 1 ^f To the chief musician, a Maskil of David. 2 When Doeg the Edomite came and told Saiil, and said unto him, David is come to the liouse of Achimelech. 3 What vauntest thou thyself of wicked- ness, mighty man? the kindness of God endureth all the time. 4 Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs, like a shai'pened razor, thou worker of" deceit. 5 Thou lovest evil more than good ; false- hood more than speaking righteousness. Se- lah. 6 Thou lovest all words of destruction, the tongue of deceit. 7 (Therefore) God will also destroy thee for ever: he will take" thee away, and pluck thee out of his tent, and root thee out of the land of life. Selah. — 8 And the righteous shall see it, and they will ])e afraid, and laugh concerning him : 9 "Lo, this is the man that made not God his fortress; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, relied proudly on his mischievous wickedness." 10 But I am like a green olive-tree in the " Only wlien sin.s are forgiven can praise be acceptable. '' Uasbi refers "working deceit," to tbe razor; com- menting, "cutting tbe flesb witb tbe bair." Similarly Kedak. " llashi, "break line in pieces." Otbers, from nnn 740 house of God : I trust in the kindness of God for ever and ever. 11 I will thank thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name, for (it* is) good, before thy pious ones. PSALM LIII. 1 ]| To the chief musician upon Macha- lath, a Maskil of David. 2 The worthless fool saith in his heart. There is no God. They are corrupt, and they are abominable (in their) injustice: there is none that doth good. 3 God looketh down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there be one in- telligent, one who seeketh for God. 4 Every one (of them) hath departed (from righteousness) ; altogether are they become corrupt: there is none that doth good, no, not one. 5 Is there no knowledge in the workers of wickedness? who eat up my people as they eat bread: (while) they do not call on God. 6 There were they terrified with terror where there was no terror; for God had scattered the bones of those that encamped against thee: thou didst put them to shame, because God had rejected them. 7 Oh that some one might bring the salva- tion of Israel out of Zion ! When God bring- eth back the captivity of his people, (then) will Jacob be glad, (and) Israel will rejoice. PSALM LIV. 1 *ff To the chief musician on Neginoth, a Maskil of David, 2 When the Ziphim came and said to Saiil, Behold, David is hiding himself with us. 3 God, by thy name save me, and by thy strength grant me justice. 4 God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth. 5 For strangers (to goodness)" are risen up against me, and powerful oppressors seek after my soul : they have not set God before them. Selah. "to gather up," as coals arc taken out of the fire by a shovel. '' Philippson supplies, "tbou art," &c. " Strangers here does scarcely mean foreigners, thous^h Aben Ezra takes it so; but those strangers to justice ami godliness, Jonathan reads Q-ii "the presumptuous." PSALMS LIV.— LVI. 6 Behold, God is a helper unto me: the Lord is among those that uphold my soul. 7 He will cause the evil to return upon those that regard me with envy : in thy truth cut them oft'. 8 I will liberally sacrifice unto thee: I will give thanks unto thy name, Lord ; for it is good. 9 For out of all distress hath he delivered me : and my eye hath seen (its desire) on my enemies. PSALM LV. 1 ^ To the chief musician on Neginoth, a Maskil of David. 2 Give ear, God, to my prayer, and hide not thyself from my supplication. 3 Listen unto me, and answer me: I mourn" in my grief, and moan; 4 Because of the voice of the enemy, be- cause of the oppression of the wicked; for they cast wrong upon me, and in wrath they attack me. 5 My heart is soi'ely pained'' within me, and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. 6 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and shuddering hath covered me. 7 And I said. Oh that some one would give me wings like a dove ! I would fly away and dwell (quietly). 8 Lo, I would flee far away, I would spend ' my night in the wilderness. Selah. ' 9 I would prepare hastily a refuge for me I from the sweeping wind (and) from storm. 10 Desti'oy, Lord, divide" their tongue; for I have seen violence and strife in the city; 11 Day and night do these encompass it upon her walls : and wrong and trouble are in her midst. 12 Mischief is in her midst: guile and de-i ceit depart not from her streets. ! 13 For it is not an enemy that reproached I me; then I could bear it: not he that hateth me hath magnified himself against me; then I would have hidden myself from him ; * Rasbi. The moderns, Sachs, &c., " I roam about." " Rasbi, "full of care." Sachs, "trembletb." ° That is, " distract their counsels, and let their de- vices be confounded." ^ Rashi, " this he hid because of the many who assisted me with their prayers." But though no;; is generally found in a good sense "with me," still it is also met with in the opposite sense in Gen. xxxi. 7. • Rashi. Jonathan and Sachs, "who (.iiauge not their 14 But it is thou, a man my equid, my guide, and my acquaintance; 15 So that we took sweet secret counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in tumultuous company. 16 Let him dispense death over them; let them go down alive into the nether world ; for evil is in their dwelling, in the midst of them. 17 I, however, will call on God: and the Lord will save me. 18 At evening and morning and noon will I make my complaint and moan : and he heareth my voice. — 19 He delivereth my soul in peace from the battle against me; for in multitudes are they (contending) with me.* 20 God will hear, and humble them — yea, he that sitteth enthroned from the oldest time — Selah — tliose who dread" no changes, and fear not God. 21 He^ stretcheth out his hands against those at peace with him : he violateth his covenant. 22 The creamy words'^ of his mouth are smooth, yet there is war (in) his heart: his words are softer than oil, yet are they dra^Nii swords. 23 Cast thy burden'' upon the Lord, and he will sustain thee : he will never suffer the righteous to be moved. 24 But thou, God, thou wilt bring them down into the pit of destruction : let not the men of blood and deceit live out half their days; but I will indeed trust in thee. PSALM LVI. 1 Tl To the chief musician upon Jonath- elem-rechokim,' by David, a Michtham, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. 2 Be gracious unto me, God; for man longeth to swallow me up; all the time he oppresseth me fighting. 3 Those that regard me with envy long to swallow (me) up all the time; for many are ways." Aben Ezra, "who have had no changes of for- tune." ' A calumniator, a rebel, of whom David complains. » Similar to the English expression, " honeyed phrases." '' "lin" is explained by others, "what God hath be- stowed," or "fortune." Sachs, "desire." Jonathan, "hope." ' Lit. "the dumb dove of the distance;" probably the name of a particular tune or melody. 7J1 fight against me, - PSALMS LVI thou Most -LVIit. thev that IJigh." 4 The day (when) I am afraid, I will still trust in thee. 5 In God will I praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid: what can flesh do unto me? 6 All the day they wrest my words: against me ai'e all their thoughts for evil. 7 They come together in troops, they hide themselves, they are those that watch my heels, as though they hoped (to take) my soul. 8 Because of their wrong-doing let me escape from them:'' in anger cast down the j^eople, God. 9 My wanderings hast thou well number- ed: put thou my tears into thy bottle; be- hold, they are numbered by thee. 10 Then shall my enemies retire backward on the day when I call (on thee) : this I know — that God is for me. 11 In God'' will I praise the word: in the Lord will T praise the word. 12 In God have I put my trust; I will not be afraid : what can man do unto me ? 13 Upon me, God, (rest) thy vows: I will pay thanksgiving offerings unto thee. 14 For thou hast delivered my soul from death — yea, behold, my feet from slipping, that I may walk before God in the light of the life. PSALM LVn. 1 ^ To the chief musician, Al-tashcheth,'' ])y David, a Michtham, when he fled from Saiil, in the cave. 2 Be gracious unto me, God, be gracious unto me; for in thee my soul seeketh pro- tection, and under the shadow of thy wings will I seek protection, until the mischief be passed away. 3 I will call unto God, the Most High; unto God that accomplisheth'' (his kindness) on me. * Jonathan. Philippson, " many are the proud fighters against nie." ^ Ilashi and Abon Ezra. Jonathan, "for the falsehood in their hands let them have want." Saehs, "in vain be their escaping." Philippson, " through wickedness they obtain an escape," meaning, that singly they escape through cunning: he therefore prays for collective punish- ment — on tlip people — who compose tlie evil-doers. 4 He will send from heaven, and save me, though he that longeth to swallow me up utter reproach. Selah. God will send forth his kindness and his truth. 5 My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down (in the midst of) those that send out flames,*^ (those) sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and whose tongue is a sharpened sword. 6 Be thou exalted above the heavens, God : above all the earth let thy glory be. 7 A net have they prepai'ed for my steps; my soul hath been bent down; they have dug before me a pit; they are fallen into the midst thereof Selah. 8 Firm is my heart, God, firm is my heart: I will sing and play. 9 Awake, my spirit; awake, psaltery and harp: I will wake up the morning-dawn.'' 10 I will thank thee among the people, Lord : I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. 1 1 For great, even unto the heavens, is thy kindness, and even unto the skies (extendeth) thy truth. 12 Be thou exalted above the heavens, God : above all the earth let thy glory be. PSALM LVIII. 1 ^ To the chief musician Al-tashcheth, by David, a Michtham. 2 Do you indeed, who are dumb, speak righteously? do ye judge in uprightness,'' ye sons of men ? 3 Even in (your) heart ye work injustice: on the earth do ye weigh out the violence of your hands. 4 The wicked are estranged (from good- ness) from the womb : those who speak lies go astray from their very birth. 5 They have poison like the poison of a serpent: (they are) like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear; 6 Which will not hearken to the voice of conj urers, yea, tli at of the wisest of all charmers. " Jonathan, "I will praise God's word of justice, I will praise the Lord's word of mercy." '' Lit. "destroy not;" probably also a melody. ' Mendelssohn, "who decreoth over me." ' Figurative for tho.se that speak calumnies. So Rashi. ' A beautiful image : the Psalmist rises before day, and impatiently calls for the morning to appear. '' Sachs, "judge righteously the sons of man." PSALMS LVIII. LIX. 7 God, break out their teeth in their mouth: tlie jaw-teeth of the young Hons tear thou out, Lord. 1 8 Let them melt away as water (which) runneth oft':" when each one bendeth (his bow to shoot) his arrows, let them be as if cut' in pieces.*" 9 As a snail which melteth, let him pass away; like the untimely birth'' of a woman which hath not seen the sun. 10 Before your pots can feel the thorns, will lie take them away with a whirlwind, both the green** and the burning. 11 The righteous will rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he will bathe his steps in the blood of the wicked. 12 So that a man shall say. Verily fruit will come for the righteous: verily there is a God that judgeth on the earth. PSALM LIX. 1 ^ To the chief musician, Al-tashcheth, by David, a Michtham, when Saiil sent, and they watched the house to put him to death. 2 Deliver me from my enemies, my God: defend me from them that rise up against me. 3 Deliver me from the workers of wicked- ness, and from men of blood do thou save me. 4 For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul, the mighty are gathered in troops against me: not for my transgression, nor for my sin, Lord. 5 Without guilt (in me) they run and make themselves ready: awake, (come) to- ward me, and behold. (3 And thou, Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to punish all tlie nations : be not gracious to any treacherous wicked ones. Selah. ' Others, "Let them (the wicked) pass away." * Rashi, " God bendeth his arrows that they may be de- stroyed." Redak, however, explains as in the text, and it means, that their arrows should be rendered harmless, as though the points were cut away. " Jonathan, "like the untimely born and the mole, which are blind and have not seen the sun." nii/H like the Chaldean Nnityx "the mole." Philippson, "let them not see," &c. ^ Herxheimer, who comments, that the simile is taken from a caravan, which prepares its food with the thorns of the desert, which are whirled away by a sudden gale, whether yet green or already burning. Philippson, partly after Redak, "Whether the flesh in the pot be raw or already cooked;" and says, "that so the counsel of 7 They will return at evening; they will howl like dogs, and go round about the city. 8 Behold, they sputter with their mouth : swords are in their lips; for who, (say they.) doth hear?" 9 But thou, Lord, wilt laugh at them: thou wilt liold in derision all the nations. 10 Because of (the enemy's) strength will I wait upon thee; for God is my defence. 11 The God who showeth me kindness will go before me: God will let me see (my desire) upon those who regard me with envy. 12 Slay them not, that my people may not forget: drive them about by thy power; and bring them down, thou our shield. Lord. 13 The sin of their mouth is the word of their lips: let them be caught through their pride, because of the cursing and lying which they relate. 14 Make an end in fury, make an end (of them), that they may be no more, and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob, as far as the ends of the eai'th. Selah. 15 And they will return in the evening; they will howl like dogs, and go round about the city. 10 They will indeed roam about after .some- thing to eat, if they be not satisfied, so that they can be at rest.' 17 But I will truly sing of thy strength; yea, I will sing joyfully in the morning of thy kindness; for thou hast been a defence imto me and a refuge on the day when I was distressed. 18 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing; for God is my defence, the God of my kind- ness. the wicked shall be frustrated." Rashi, "Before your briers become thorns, (ere the children of the wicked grow up,) the Lord will sweep them ofiF with might en like S'n) and in wrath." Mendelssohn, "When yet raw, scarcely warmed," &o. ' Rashi, Aben Ezra, and Redak. Mendelssohn, simply, "for who heareth." Philippson, "but who hearotii I them?" ' Rashi. Aben Ezra, "if they be not satisfied they will (not) rest." Philippson, "if they be not satisfied they will roam about all night;" which gives the same sense as the text, meaning, that the houseless dogs roam about all night unless they find enough to still their hunger, after which alone they will seek rest; and so the wicked roam about to commit injustice against the just. PSALMS LX.— LXIt. PSALM LX. 1 ^ To the chief musician upon Shushan- 'eduth, a Michtham of David, to teach, 2 "When he fought with Aram-naharayim, and with Aram-zobah, and Joab returned, and sniot« of Edom in the Salt Valley twelve thousand (men). 3 God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast made a breach in us, thou hast been dis- pleased: restore now unto us (thy favour). 4 Thou hast caused the earth to quake; thou hast split it: heal her breaches; for she is moved. 5 Thou hast caused thy people to see hard things : thou hast made us to drink the wine of confusion. 6 Thou hast given to those that fear thee a banner," to elevate themselves, because of the truth. Selah. 7 In order that thy beloved may be de- livered: help with thy right hand, and an- swer me. 8 God hath spoken in his holiness: I will exult, I will divide Shechem, and the valley of Succoth will I measure out. 9 Mine is Gil'ad, and mine is Menasseh ; Ephraim also is the strong-hold of my head; of Judah are my chiefs ;'' 10 Moiib is my wash pot; upon Edom will I cast my shoe : Philistia, triumph thou but over me. 11 Who will bring me into the fortitied city? who will lead me as far as Edom? 12 Behold, it is thou, God, who hast cast us off; and thou, God, goest not forth with our armies. 13 Give us help against the assailant; for vain is the help of man. 14 Through God shall we do valiantly: and he it is that will tread down our as- sailants. PSALM LXI. 1 ^ To the chief mu.sician vipon Neginah, by David. 2 Hear, God, my entreaty; listen to my prayer. " As God's vassals a banner is given them, under which they are to inarch to victory, that truth may pre- vail. ' Ilashi. Lit. "lawgiver," or "dispenser." Saehs ;ind others, "sceptre," or "ruler's st:ift'." 744 3 Fi'om the end of the earth will I call unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is too high for me. 4 For thou hast been a shelter unto me, a strong tower against the enemy. 5 Let me sojourn in th}- tent to all eter- nity; let me be sheltered under the covert of thy wings. Selah. 6 For thou, God, hast truly listened to my vows : thou hast given back" the heritage of those that fear thy name. 7 Oh, add days unto the king's days: may his years be as of many generations. 8 May he abide for ever before God : or- dain that kindness and truth may guard him. 9 So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may pay my vows day«by day. PSALM LXIL 1 ^ To the chief musician, upon Jeduthun, a psalm of David. 2 Only in God my soul trusted in silence: from him coraeth my salvation. 3 Only he is my rock and my salvation; (he is) my defence: I shall not be greatly moved. 4 How long will ye devise mischief against a man? will ye all assault him murderously, as though he were a falling wall, a tottering fence ? 5 Yea, from his height do they take coun- sel to cast (him) down ; they delight in lies : with their mouth do they bless, but inwardly do they curse. Selah. 6 Yea, in God hope in silence, my soul; for from him is my expectation. 7 Only he is my rock and my salvation; (he is) my defence: I shall not be moved. 8 With God are my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength (and) my protection are in God. 9 Trust in him at all times, ye people ; pour out before him your heart: God is a protection for us. Selah. 10 Verily nought are the sons of common men, a lie the sons of the great; they must rise in the balance; they are altogether (lighter) than nought.'^ ° Rashi. Others, "thou hast given (me) the lierit- age," &c. ^ Sforno. Others render San with "a breath," hence, Mendelssohn, "ou the scale a breath will outweigh them all." PSALMS LXII.— LXV. 11 Do not put your trust in defrauding, and be not rendered vain through robbeiy: if riches flourish, set not your heart (upon them) . 12 Once hatli God spoken; (yea,) twice (what) I have lieard : that strength belongeth unto God. 13 And unto thee, Loi'd, belongeth kind- ness; for thou wilt recompense every man according to his works. PSALM LXIII. 1 ^ A psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judali. 2 God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry land, and it is faint without water. 3 As" I have beheld thee in the sanctuary, seeing thy strength and thy glory; 4 Because thy kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee: 5 Thus will I bless thee while 1 live; in thy name will I lift up my hands. 6 As with fat and marrow will my soul be satisfied; and with tuneful lips shall my mouth praise thee. 7 When I rememljer thee upon my couch, 1 meditate on thee in the night- watches. 8 Because thou hast been a help unto me; and in the shadow of thy wings will 1 sing rejoicingly. 9 My soul cleaveth unto following thee: me thy right hand uplioldeth. 10 But those that seek my soul, to destroy || it, shall go down into the lowest deeps of the ] earth. " !j 11 They shall be delivered up to the power of the sword : they shall become a prey for jackals. 12 But the king shall rejoice in God: every one that sweareth by him shall glorify himself; for the mouth of those that speak falsehood shall be stopped. | ° Philippson. Rashi connects this with the preceding verse, " my soul thirsteth — to see thy might and thy glory as I have beheld thee in the tabernacle at Shiloh." " Lit. "who bend their arrow." i " Aben Ezra; lit. "word." Jon.-tthan, "they fortify for themselves the evil word." '' After Philippson, who takes the sentence commenc- ing uon as indicating the words of the wicked ; notwith- i standing which device being resolved ou, each one keeps 4 T PSALM LXIV. 1 T[ To the chief musician, a psalm of David. 2 Hear my voice, God, in my complaint : preserve my life from the dread of the enemy. 3 Hide me from the secret counsel of evil- doers, from the tumultuous assault of the Avorkers of wickedness ; 4 Who whet their tongue like a sword, who aim with'' their arrow, the bitter word : 5 To shoot in secret at the innocent; sud- denly do they shoot at him, and fear not. 6 They encourage themselves in an evil plan;" they tell secretly of laying snares: they say, Who will see them? 7 They search out iniquities; "We are ready with the carefully searched out de- vice:" and the inward thought and heart of each is deeply (hidden).'' 8 But God shooteth at them suddenly (his) aiTOw; — (thence) are come their wounds. 9 And their own tongues will stumble over themselves : all that look on them will shake their head. 10 All men shall fear, and shall declare the deeds of God, and understand his works. 11 The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord. and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glorify themselves. PSALM LXV. 1 ^ To the chief musician, a psalm (and) song of David. 2 For thee prai.se is waiting,'" God. in Zion : and unto thee shall vow^s be paid. 3 thou that hearest prayer, unto thee all flesh shall come. 4 The iniquitous things have become too mighty for me: our transgressions — these wilt thou wipe away. 5 Happy is he whom thou choosest, and causest to approach, that he may dwell in thy courts: let us be satisfied with the happiness of thy house, the holiness*^ of thy temple. his thoughts hidden within his heart. E.ashi reads uaD "they have hidden — the well-considered device," &c. Others render, "they have accomplished." " Aben Ezra and Redak. Jonathan and Rashi, "Si- lence is praise to thee." Philippson, "unto thee gentle praise is due." Herxheinier combines both these views, "unto thee is due silence and praise." ' Ra.shi, Mendelssohn, Sachs, ko. — The holiness will tlien be felt by man, when he is at peace with God. 745 PSALMS LXV.— LXVII. G With terrific deeds in righteousness wilt thou answer us, God of our salvation, who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of the sea, that are far away ; 7 Who setteth firmly the mountains by his power, who is girded with might; 8 Who assuageth the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the tumult of nations. 9 And they that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid of thy wondrous signs: the outgoings" of the morning and evening thou causest to rejoice. 10 Thou hast thought of the earth, and waterest her abundantly ; thou greatly en- richest her ; the brook of God is'' full of water : thou preparest their corn, when thou hast thus prepared her.'^ 11 Watering her furrows abundantly, smoothing down her ridges, thou softenest her with showers: thou blessest her growth. 12 Thou hast crowned the year of thy goodness; and thy tracks drop ftitness. 13 The pastures of the wilderness are drop- ping (with plenty) : and the hills are girt with gladness. 14 The meadows are clothed with flocks, and the valleys are enveloped with corn: men shout for joy, (yea,) they also sing. PSALM LXVI. 1 ^ To the chief musician, a song or 'psalm. Shout joyfully unto God, all ye lands : 2 Sing forth the glory of his name ; make glorious his praise. 3 Say unto God, How fear-inspiring is every one of thy works ! through the great- ness of thy strength will thy enemies yield feigned obedience unto thee. 4 All the lands shall bow themselves down unto thee, and shall sing praises unto thee; they shall sing praises to thy name. Selah. 5 Come and see the deeds of God : fear-in- spiring is his doing toward the children of men. 6 He changed the sea into dry land; ° Philippson supplies, "the inhabitants of," /. e. those who live east and west. Others regard "the outgoing" as the stars that rise at the end of day, and the animals that go forth at the end of night, llashi, "men thank him for the ending of the day and night." 7»0 through the river they went on foot: there did we rejoice in him. 7 He ruleth by his might for ever; his eyes look upon the nations: the rebellious — these shall not be exalted. Selah. 8 Bles.s, ye people, our God, and cause the voice of his praise to be heard : 9 Who hath appointed our soul to life, and hath not suffered our foot to slip. 10 For thou hast proved us, God: thou hast refined us, as silver is refined. 11 Thou hast brought us into the net; thou hast placed fetters ujjon our loins. 12 Thou hast caused men to ride on our head: we entered into fire and into water; but thou broughtest us out to (the enjoy- ment) of overflowing plenty. 13 I will enter thy house with burnt-offer- ings : I will pay unto thee my vows, 14 Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in distress. 1-5 Burnt-offerings of fatlings will I offer up unto thee, with the incense of rams; I will prepare steers with he-goats. Selah. 16 Come, hear, and I will relate, all ye that fear God, what he hath done for my soul. 17 Unto him I cried with my mouth, and a song of extolling was on my tongue. 18 If I had looked on wickedness with my heart, the Lord would not have heard; 19 But verily God hath heard; he hath listened to the A'oice of my prayer. 20 Blessed be God, who hath not removed my prayer (from him), nor his kindness from me. PSALM LXVIL 1 ^ To the chief musician on Neginoth, a psalm or song. 2 May God be gracious unto us, and bless us; may he cause his face to shine upon*" us. Selali. 3 That upon e.arth men may know thy way, among all nations thy salvation. 4 The people will thank thee, God ; the people, all of them together, will thank thee. 5 Nations will rejoice and sing for joy: '■ God's rain — his overflowing brook — is abundant for all. ° i. c. The earth : moistened by rain, she is prepared to prepare corn for man. ■^ Hob. "with us" PSALMS LXVII. LXVlTi. when thou judgest the people righteously, and guidest the nations upon earth. Selah. 6 The people will thank thee, God; the people, all of them together, will thank thee. 7 The earth yieldeth her products: (yea,) God, our own God, will bless us. 8 God will bless us: and all the ends of the earth shall fear him. PSALM LXVIIL 1 ^ To the chief musician, by David, a Psalm or song. 2 Oh that God would arise, that his ene- mies might be scattered, and those that hate him might tlee before him. 3 As smoke is driven off, so drive them away : as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. 4 But the righteous shall rejoice; tliey shall exult jjefore God : yea, they shall be exceedingly joyful." 5 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name; extol him who rideth upon the heavens: the Everlasting is his name, and rejoice before him. 6 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. 7 God places those who are solitary in the midst of their families : he bringeth out those who are bound unto happiness ; but the rebellious dwell in a dry land. 8 God, when thou didst go forth before thy people, when thou didst tread along through the wilderness — Selah — 9 The earth quaked, also the heavens dropped at the presence of God: yea, this Sinai, at the presence of God, the God of Lsrael. 10 Rain of beneficence'' didst thou pour down, () God, whereby thou didst trul)' strengthen thy heritage, when it was weary. 11 Thy asseml)ly dwelt therein : thou didst prepare it with thy goodness for the afflicted (people), God, " Lit. "they shall be glad in joy." •^ Philippson, "a rain of gifts," .such as the manna and the quails bestowed in the wilderness — not actual rain. But Rashi and others take it literally as rain, destructive to God's enemies — blessing to his people, nmj is lite- rally, " of liberalities," what is cheerfully, willingly given ; hence, "beneficence." ' The Israelites, living in peace among their sheepfolds, shall resemble in their loveliness the dove, whose wings present a beautiful play of colours, silver and gold. 12 The Lord gave (happy) tidings; they are publislied by the female messengers, a numerous host. 13 The kings of the armies flee away — flee away : yet she that tarried at home divideth the spoil. 14 When ye lie still between the folds" (of your cattle), (ye will be like) the Avings of the dove covered with silver, and her pinions shimng with flaming gold. 16 When the Almighty scattered kings in the midst of her, then even in darkness shone light (as pure) as snow.'' 16 A mountain of God is the mount of Ba- shan ; many peaks hath the mount of Bashan 17 Why watch ye enviou.sly, ye many peaked mountains, yonder mountain which God hath chosen for his residence? yea, the Lord will also dwell (there) for ever. 18 The chariots of God are two myriads; thousands of angels (follow him) : the Lord is among them; so is Sinai holy (among mountains)." 19 Thou didst ascend on high, lead away cap- tives, receive gifts among men, yea, even the rebellious, to dwell among them, Lord God. 20 Blessed be the Lord ; day by day he loadeth us (with benefits) f our God is our salvation. Sel>ah. 21 Our God is to us the God of salvation; and by the Eternal the Lord are the escapes from death. 22 But God will crush the head of his enemies, the hairy skull of him who walketh in his guiltiness. 23 The Lord hath said. From Bashan will I bring liack, I will bring back from the depths of the sea : 24 In order that thou mayest^ wade with thy feet in blood, feeding the tongue of thy dogs from the enemies' blood. 25 Men see thy goings forth, O God! the goings forth of my God, my King, into the sanctuary. "■ Sforno. When God's retribution falls on the op- pressors, then even the oppressed feel joy and ea.se. "In her," is the land of Israel. '-After Mendelssohn. Lit. "Sinai (is) in the sanc- tuary." Sachs, Philippson, and others render literally, and explain, "the glory of God is transferred from Sinai into the sanctuary on Zion." ' Kashi, Iledak, &c. Philippson, " if man lay burdens on us, God is our help." ^ Rashi, "crush the enemy and wade in blood." 747 PSALMS LXVIII. LXIX. 26 First come singers, then follow players on . instruments, in the midst of maidens playing on timbrels. 27 In assemblies bless ye God, (praise) the Lord, ye sprung from Israel's fountain. 28 There Benjamin the youngest leadeth them on, the princes of Jiulah in purple roljes," the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali. 29 Thy God hath ordained the rule to thee : strengthen, God, what thou hast wrought for us. 00 Because of thy temple over Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee. :^)1 Rebuke the wild beasts hiding among the reeds, the troop of steers among the calves of nations, that hasten along with pre- sents of silver. He scattereth nations that are eager for the fight. 32 Nobles will come out of Egypt: Ethi- opia will stretch forth eagerlv her hands unto God. 33 Kingdoms of the earth, sing unto God; sing praises unto the Lord; Selah; 34 To him who rideth over the highest heavens, of ancient days: hear! he sendeth forth his voice, the voice of might. 35 Ascribe ye strength unto God: his ex- cellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the skies. 36 Thou art tremendous, O (iod, from thy holy residences: God of Israel, (thou art) he that givest strength and power unto (thy) people. Blessed be God. PSALM LXIX. 1 T[ To the chief musician upon Shoshan- uim, by David. 2 Save me, God; for the waters are come even to threaten my life.'' 3 I am sunk in the mire of the deep, where there is no standing: I am come into the depths of the waters, and the flood overfloweth me. 4 I am weary of my (railing; my throat is hoarse; my eyes fail, while I hope for my God. 5 More than the hairs of my head are those that hate me without a cause; nume- rous are those that would destroy m(\ that are my enemies wrongfully: what I have not robbed shall I now" restore. 6 God, thou art well aware of m}' folly, and my guilty deeds are from thee not hid- den. 7 Let not those that wait on thee, Lord Eternal of hosts, be made ashamed through me : let not those that seek thee be confounded through me, God of Israel. 8 Because for thy sake have I borne re- proach, hath confusion covered my face. 9 A stranger am I become unto my bro- thers, and an alien unto my mother's chil- dren. 10 Because the zeal for thy house hath de- voured me; and the reproaches of those that reproached thee are fallen upon me. 11 When I wept at the fasting of my soul, it became a reproach to me. 12 And when I made sackcloth my gar- ment, I became a proverb to them. 13 Those that sit in the gate talk against me; and (about me make) songs the drinkers of strong drink. 14 But as for me, I direct my prayer unto thee, Lord, in a time of favour; God, in the multitude of thy kindness: answer me in the truth of thy salvation. 15 Deliver me out of the mire, that I may not sink : let me be delivered from those that hate me, and out of the depths of the waters. 10 Let not the flood of waters overflow me, and let not the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit close its mouth upon me. 17 Answer me, Lord; tor thy kindness is good: according to the multitude of thy mercies turn thou unto me. 18 And hide not thy face from thy ser- vant; for I am in distress: make haste and answer me. 19 Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: because of my enemies do tliou ransom me. 20 Thou well knowest my reproach, and my shame, and my confusion : before thee are all my assailants. 21 Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am sick: and I waited for jiity, but there was none; and for comforters, hut I found none. 22 And they put into my food gall; and in my thirst they give me vinegar to drink. 23 May (then) their table become a snare Mlmi; 7J8 clu'iii. Others, "with tlieiv fronps " ,it "up to tlu' soul. " Pliilippson. PSALMS LXIX.— LXXT. before them : and to those that are at peace, a trap. 24 May their ejes become dark, that they cannot see; and make their loins continually to waver. 25 Pour out over them thy indignation, and let the heat of thy anger overtake them. 26 May their palace become desolate: in their tents let no one dwell. 27 For whom thou hast smitten they per- secute; and of the pain of those whom thou hast wounded do they converse. 28 Lay guilt upon their guilt; and let them not come into thy rigiiteousness. 29 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; and with the righteous let them not be written down. 30 But I am poor and suffering: let thy salvation, God, set me up on high. 31 I will praise the name of God with song, and Avill magnify him with thanksgiv- ing. 32 And this will please the Lord better than an ox or bullock having horns and cloven hoofs. 33 The meek will see this, and be rejoiced : ye that seek God, and your heart shall revive. 34 For the Lord listeneth unto the needy, and his prisoners he despiseth not. 35 Let heaven mid earth praise him, the seas, and every tiling that moveth therein. 36 For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah : that tliey may abide there, and have it in possession; 37 And the seed of his servants shall in- herit it; and they tli;it love his name shall dwell therein. PSALM LXX. 1 ^ To the chief musician, by David, to bring to remembrance." 2 God, (ari.se) to deliver me; Lord, make haste to help me. 3 Let those that seek after my life be made ashamed and put to the blush : let those that desire m_y unhappiness be turned backward and put to confusion. 4 Let them be turned backwai'd in conse- quence of their shame, that say, Aha, aha.'' " Rashi explains this here to be a species of prayer. '' Either a term of rejoicing at his distress, or one of contempt aud insult. 5 Let all those that seek thee be glad and rejoice in thee ; and let such as love thy sal- vation say continually, God is great. 6 But I am poor and needy, God; conic hastily unto me; my help and my deliverer art thou : Lord, do not delay. PSALM LXXL 1 ][ In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be made ashamed. 2 In thy righteousness do thou deliver me and release me: incline thy ear unto me. and save me. 3 Be thou unto me a rocky haljitation, whereunto I may continually resort, which thou hast ordained to save me; for m}- rock and my strong-hold art thou. 4 my God, release me out of the hand of the wicked, out of the grasp of the unright- eous and violent man. 5 For thou art my hope, Lord Eternal: thou art my trust from my youth. 6 By thee have I been supported from my birth; thou art he that took" me out of my mother's womb: of thee is my praise con- tinually. 7 As a wonderful token have I been unto many ; but thou art my strong refuge. 8 My mouth shall be tilled with thy praise, and with thy glory all the day. 9 Cast me not off in the time of old age: when my strength laileth, forsake me not. 1(1 For my enemies speak of me; and they that watch for my soul take counsel together, 11 Saying, '-God hath forsaken him: pur- sue and seize him; for there is none to de- liver." 12 God, be not far from me: my God, hasten to my help. 13 Let those be made ashamed, let them perish, that are adversaries to my soul: let those be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my unhappiness. 14 But I will continually hope, and will add yet more to all thy praise. 15 My mouth shall relate thy righteous- ness, all the day thy salvation; for I know not their numbers. 16 I will come to praise the mighty deeds "Jonathan. Others take "tj as "my refuge;" thus, "thou art my refuge since I escaped from my mother's WOUili." 749 PSALMS LXXI. LXXII. of the Lord Eternal : I will make mention of thy righteousness, yea, thine only. 17 God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto I ever tell of thy won- drous deeds. 18 Therefore also even in old age, and when I am grayheaded, God, forsake me not: until I have told of thy strength unto (this) generation, to every one that may come of thy might. 19 And thy righteousness, God, reach- etli even to the height, thou, w^ho hast done great things : God, w^ho is like thee I 20 Thou, who hast showai me great dis- tresses and misfortunes, wilt again revive me; and from the depths of the earth wilt thou bring me up again. 21 Thou wilt increase my greatness, and wilt turn round and comfort me. 22 Also I, I will thank thee with the psaltery, (for) thy truth, my God: I will sing unto thee with the harp, thou Holy One of Israel. 23 My lips shall shout joyfully when I sing unto thee; and my soul (too), which thou hast redeemed. 24 Also my tongue shall speak all the day of thy righteousness; for ashamed, for put to the blush are those that seek my un- ha2:)piness. PSALM LXXII. 1 •[[ By* Solomon. God, give unto the king thy decisions,*" and thy righteousness unto the king's son. 2 He shall decide for thy people with right- sousness, and for thy afflicted with justice. 3 The mountains shall bear peace for the people, and the hills (the same), through righteousness. 4 He shall judge the afflicted of the peo- ple, he shall give help to the children of tlie needy ; but he shall crush the oppressor. 5 They shall fear thee as long as the sun shineth, and in the presence of the moon, throughout all generations. " llasbi and others, "for," as though it were composed by David or some other poet iu reference to Solomon. *• This is explained by Rashi, "the wisdom of thy de- ejsions according to the law." 750 6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass, as showers which are dropping on the earth. 7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace (shall be) till the moon shall be no more. 8 And he shall have dominion from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. 9 Before him shall bend down those that dwell in the wilderness; and his enemies shall lick the dust. 10 The kings of Tharshish and of the isles shall bring presents : the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. 11 Yea, there shall l^ow down before him all kings : all nations shall serve him. 12 For he will deliver the needy when he crieth; the afflicted also, who hath no helper. 13 He will spare the poor and needy; and the souls of the needy will he assist. 14 From wrong and violence will he de- liver their soul; and precious shall their blood be in his eyes. 15 And he shall live; and he" Avill give him of the gold of Sheba : and he will pray in his behalf continually; all the time will he bless him. 16 There shall be an abundance of corn in the land; upon the top of the mountains its fruit shall shake like (the trees of) Lebanon : and (men) shall blossom out of the city like herbs of the earth. 17 His name will endure for ever; in the presence of the sun his name shall tlouri.sh; and men shall bless themselves with him : all nations shall call him happy. 18 Blessed be the Lord the God, the God of Israel, who alone doth wondrous things. 19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever; and with his glory may the whole earth be filled: Amen, and Amen. 20 Here are ended the prayers of David the son of Jesse. " Philippson comments, " The poor shall live, and give presents to the king (after the custom of the East) from the property which he has recovered for him from those who had withheld it from him, and pray also for his welfare." PSALMS LXXIII. LXXIV. BOOK TIimD. PSALM LXXIIL 1 ^ A Psalm of Assaph. Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure of heart. 2 But as for me, it lacked but little that my feet had been moved : almost nothing was needed that my steps had slipped. 3 For I was envious at the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For there are no deadly fetters for them ;" but their strength is firm.*' 5 They share not in the trouble of mortals, and with men are they not afflicted. 6 Therefore is pride their neck-chain: violence envelopeth them as a garment." 7 Their eyes start out from fatness: they have exceeded their heart's imaginings.'' 8 They scorn, and speak wickedly of op- pression : loftily do they speak. 9 They set their mouth in the heavens, and their tongue walketh busily on the earth. 10 Therefore do his people turn away hither: and waters of a full cup are drained by" them. 11 And they say, How should God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High? 12 Behold, these are the wicked; and yet prospering continually they increase in wealth. 13 Verily in vain have I thus cleansed my heart, and have washed in innocency my hands : 14 While I was afflicted all the day, and my chastisement (came) every morning. 15 But if I were to say, I will speak thus: behold, I would be treacherous*' against the generation of thy children. 16 And when I should think to know this, it would be trouble in my eyes: " Lit. "there are no fetters to tbeir death." "Lit. "fat." ' Redak and Jonathan, " the crown they put on their head is obtained by violence." llashi and iSiorno render n'ly with "shame:" "their violently obtained wealth covercth their shame." " Rashi, "they have obtained more than their heart's desire." Philippson, "the imaginings of their heart swclleth over." " Jonathan takes the first part of the verse as saying that the wicked fall upon the people of God, "and many tears are wrung from tUem." 17 Until I enter into the sanctuary of God; and understand what their future will be. 18 Surely thou placest them on slippery spots: thou lettest them fall down into de- struction. 19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they perish, they come to their end with terrific events.^ 20 As a dream after awaking, Lord, re- ject thou in wrath'' their image. 21 For it fermented in my heart, and in my reins I felt sharp thrusts; 22 But I was indeed foolish, and I knew it not : I was as a (thoughtless) beast witli thee. 23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast seized hold of me by my right hand. 24 With thy counsel wilt thou guide me, and afterward take me on to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven? and beside thee I desire nothing upon earth. 26 Though my tlesh and my heart should fail: yet the rock of my heart, and my por- tion will be God for ever. 27 For, lo, those that are far from thee shall perish : thou destroyest every one that strayeth away from thee. 28 But as regardeth me, to draw near to God is good for me: I have put in the Lord Eternal my trust, that I may relate all thy works.' PSALM LXXIV. 1 ][ A Maskil of Assaph. Why, God, hast thou cast us off" for ever? why will thy anger smoke against the flock of thy pasture ? 2 Remember thy congregation, which thou ' Rashi, "I would make them all traitors;" but Phi- lippson, "Speaking thus would bring him in contradiction to the pious — the sons of God, preeminently so called." ^ Sachs, "as a shadowy image." Mendelssohn, "ter- rific vision." '' Jonathan. Rashi, Redak, and Aben Ezra, "in the city," either Jerusalem where they have done much evil, or any other whore they were honoured. Moderns render I'iO as -I'i'nn "in awaking;" and Philippson, "Thou re- jectest their vain plans when thou wakest them up." Sachs, "when they awake." ' Jonathan, "all the ordinances of thy messages." 751 PSALMS LXXIV. LXXV. didst acquire of old ; which thou didst redeem as the tribe of thy inheritance : this mount Zion, whereon thou hast dwelt. 3 Lift up th}' steps" unto the perjietual heaps of ruins: the enemy hath ill-used every thing in the sanctuary. 4 Thy adversaries have roared in the midst of thy places of assembly: they have set up their signs for signs. 5 (The enemy) is known as one that lifteth up high axes against the thickets of a forest. 6 And now they hew in pieces the carved work thereof altogether with hatchets and hammers. 7 They have set on fire thy sanctuary : to the ground have they profimed the dwelling- place of thy name. 8 They have said in their heart, We will oppress* them altogether: they have burnt up all tiie places of assembly of God in the land. 9 Our signs do we not see; there is no more any prophet: and there is no one among us that knoweth how long. 10 How long, God, shall the adversary utter defiance? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever? 11 Why withdrawest thou thy hand, and thy riglit hand? (draw it) out of thy bosom — exterminate (them) ; 12 Since (thou) God art my King from olden days, working salvation in the midst of the earth. 13 It was thou that didst divide by thy strength the sea: thou brokest in pieces the heads of the crocodiles" on the waters. 14 Thou didst crush the heads of levia- than, and gavest them as food to the people inhabiting the wilderness. 15 Thou didst cleave fountain and stream : thou didst dry up ever-flowing* rivers. ' Redak; but Rashi, "thy blows and terrors that they be to the enemy as perpetual destructions, because of the evil, &c." '■ Jonathan, "Tlicir children (or: from p 'child') alto- frether said iu their heart, whose fathers have," &c. Rashi, "their rulers;" but Redak and others, from T\y "to op- press," "to overreach." ° D'y:n is rendered by Philippson here "crocodile," by others, "dragons;" and jn'lS "leviathan" in next verse with "dragon." But the words are like many proper and generic names in Scripture, nut certain in their pre- cise signification. ' Lit. "mighty," or those the water of which has a con- stant flow and does not dry up in the hottest summer. 752 16 Thine is the day and thine is the night : it is thou who hast prepared the lumi- nary and the sun. 1 7 It is thou who hast set up all the bound-' aries of the earth : sununer and winter — thou thyself hast formed them. 18 Remember this, that the enemy hatli defied the Lord, and that a worthless foolish people have blasphemed thj' name. 19 Oh give not up unto the multitude of enemies the soul of tliy turtle-dove : the con- gregation" of thy afflicted do not thou forget for ever. 20 Look unto the covenant; for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of violence. 21 Oh let not the oppressed return confounded: let the poor and needy praise thy name. 22 Arise, God, plead thy own cause : remember thy defiance from the worthless fool all tlie day. 23 Forget not the voice of thy adversaries: the tumult of those that rise up against thee ascendeth continually. PSALM LXXV. 1 T[ To the chief musician, Al-tashclieth, a psalm or song of Assaph. 2 We give thanks unto thee, God, we give thanks, and nigh is thy name:' men re- late thy wondrous deeds. 3 " For- I will take up a fixed time when I will judge uprightly. 4 The earth and all her inhabitants are melting away: I myself establish firmly lier pillars." Selah. 5 I said unto the arrogant. Deal not arro- gantly: and to the wicked, Lit\ not up the horn. ' The 1"jj» n-n is given by Rashi, " the life of thy," &c. Others render n'nS "to beast of prey," as though it were written mKTl irnS "to the beasts of the field." I'iiilipp- son connects tysj n'vh and renders, "Give not up to the savage soul thy dove, the soul of tliy afflicted do not for- get for ever." Jonathan renders •p\r\ with "the teachers of thy law." ' Rashi, "it is in our mouth continually." ^ Rashi regards this and the next verse as ap]ilied to Israel, who at their appointed festivals act according to the ordinances of God, and not riotously like the nations at their feasts, and who sustained the world by their re- ceiving the Law. Others take these verses as .spoken by God, who will judge the world at the time fixed by him. PSALMS LXXV.— LXXVII. 6 Lift not up on high your horn, speak not with a stiftl}' erect neck. 7 For neither from the rising (of the sun), nor from (his) setting-, nor fi'om the wilder- ness of mountains (cometh this) f 8 But God is the judge: he lowereth one, and lifteth up another. 9 For there is a cup in the hand of tlie Lord, and the wine foameth, it is full of mix- ture; and he poureth out of the same; hut its lees they drain, they drink — all the wick- ed of the earth. 10 But I will declare for ever, I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. 11 And all the horns of the wicked will I hew off; l)ut the horns of the righteous shall be exalted. PSALM LXXVI. 1 ^ To the chief musician on Neginoth, a psalm or song of Assaph. 2 In Judah hath God been made known : in Israel is his name gi'eat. 3 And in Salem was his tabernacle made, and his dwelling-place in Zion. 4 There broke he the shining'' arrows of the bow. shield, and sword, and battle. Selah. 5 Thou art more brilliant, more excellent than the mountains (full) of prey.'' G Bereft of reason'' are the stouthearted, they slumber their sleep : and none of the men of might have found (the use of)" their hands. 7 From thy rebuke, God of Jacob, lie in deep sleep both chariot and horse. 8 Thou — thou art to be feared : and who may stand in thy sight when once thy anger (is kindled) ? 9 From heaven hast thou caused (thy) sentence to be heard: the earth feared, and became still. ' This verse is given after Rashi. '' Redak. Rashi, " the winged messengers of the bow." .Jonathan, "arrows and bows." Sachs and others, "the sparkling bow." ° i. e. Those inaccessible mountains where prey is placed for safety ; but all of these avail nothing against the power of God, before whom their security is nought. '' Rashi. Redak, " plundered," or " despoiled." ' Lit. " they have not found their hands," /. c. when they wanted to strike, their hands were powerless. ' Rashi, " When the wicked are punished, mankind see that against God their fury is nothing;" hence they con- fess and praise his power. The fury of men is the weapon 4U 10 When God rose to judgment, to save all the lowly of the earth. Selah. 11 For the fury of man shall praise^ thee: the remainder of the fury wilt thou gird about thee. 12 Make vows, and pay (them) unto the Lord your God, all ye that are round about hira : let men bring presents unto him that exciteth fear. 13 He wall cut down the spirit of the powerful : he is terrible to the kings of the earth. PSALM LXXVII. 1 ^ To the chief musician on Jeduthun, by Assaph a psalm. 2 (I lift up) my voice unto God, and I cry; (I lift up) my voice unto God: do then give ear unto me. 3 On the day of my distress I sought the Lord; in the night my hand was stretched out, and did not cease: my soul refused to be comforted. 4 I think of God, and moan : I reflect, and my spirit is overwhelmed. Selah. 5 Thou boldest my eyes awake : I am troubled and I cannot speak. 6 I think over the days of old, the years of ancient times. 7 I call to remembrance my song in the night ; with my own heart I reflect : and my spirit maketh diligent search. 8 Will the Lord cast me oft' for ever? and will he never more give his favour again? 9 Is his kindness spent for ever? is his promise come to an end for all generations? 10 Hath God forgotten to be gracious? or hath he shut up in anger his mercies? Selah. 11 And I said, This shall be my entreaty, (for) the years of the right hand^' of the Most High. of God (girt about him) with which they are punished, while they retain but a remnant of their rebellion against their Maker. Others render the last part of the verse, "the remainder of the fury thou wilt restrain." ^ ?'. e. That time when God will again vindicate the cause of his people; the ri'jht Itaitd, metaphorical for power. So do Philippsou and Sachs translate after an ancient Chaldean paraphrase inserted in .Jonathan. Rashi, " My thoughts tell me, This is not so ; but only to afflict me and to influence me with fear to return unto him, is the right hand of God changed, (niw not "years," then, but "changes,") which, formerly prevailing with might crushed the enemy, hath now withdrawn itself." PSALMS LXXVII. LXXVIII. 12 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; for I will remember out of ancient times thy wonders. 13 I will meditate also of all thy work, and on thy deeds will I reflect. 14 God, in holiness is thy way : where is there a god so great <as God? 15 Thou art the God that dost wonders: thou hast made known among the people thy strength. 16 Thou hast redeemed with (a mighty) arm thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. 17 The waters saw thee, God, the waters saw thee; they shook: also the depths trembled. 18 The clouds poured out water; the skies sent forth thunder: also thy arrows sped along. 19 The voice of thy thunder was in the whirlwind;" lightnings gave light to the world; the earth trembled and quaked. '20 Through the sea led thy way, and thy path was through mighty waters, and thy footsteps could not be known. 21 Thou didst lead like a flock thy people by means of Moses and Aaron. PSALM LXXVIII. 1 ^ A Maskil of Assaph. Give ear, my people, to my instruction : incline your ear to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open with a parable my mouth ; I will utter riddles out of ancient times ; 3 Which we have heard and know, and which our fathers have related unto us. 4 We will not conceal them from their children, relating to the latest genei'ation the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful deeds which he hath done. 5 Yea, he established a testimony in Jacob, and instituted a law in Israel, which he com- manded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: 6 In order that the latest generation might know tliem, even the children that are to be born ; that they may arise and relate them to their children; 7 That they may place in God their hope, and not forget the doings of God, but observe his commandments; • Mendelssohn. Rashi, "by the rattling (jf the voice of thy thunder." 764 8 And that they may not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that had not directed their heart firmly, and whose spirit was not faithful to God. 9 The children of Ephraim, like well- armed archers, that turn round on the day of battle, 10 Kept not the covenant of God, and in his law they refused to walk; 11 And they forgot his deeds, as also his w^onders which he had permitted them to see. 12 In the presence of their fathers did he do wonders, in the land of Egypt, in the fields of Zo'an. 13 He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters stand upright as a wall. 14 And he led them with the cloud by day, and all the night with a light of fire. 15 He split rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the mighty deep. 10 And he brought forth running streams out of the rock, and caused water to run down like rivers. 17 But they repeated to sin yet more against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert. 18 And they tempted God in their heart, by asking food for their desire. 19 Yea, they spoke against God: they said, Will God be able to set in order a table in the wilderness? 20 Behold, he smote the rock, so that waters gushed out, and streams overflowed : shall he also be able to give bread ? or can he provide flesh lor his people ? 21 Therefore, when the Lord heard this, he became wroth : and a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also ascended against Israel; 22 Because they had not believed in God, and had not trusted in his salvation. 23 Then he ordained the skies from above, and the doors of heaven he opened ; 24 And he let rain down upon them manna to eat, and the corn of heaven gave he unto them. 25 Angels' bread did man eat: he sent them provision to satisfaction. 2G He caused an east wind to pass along the heavens : and he led forth by his strength the south wind. PSALM LXXVIII. 27 And he let rain upon them flesh (as plentiful) as the dust, and winged birds like the sand of the sea; 28 And he let them fall in the midst of their eamp, round about their habitations. 29 And they ate, and were greatly satisfied, and what they longed for he brought unto them. 30 They were not estranged from their longing, yet was their food in their mouth : 31 when the wrath of God ascended against them, and he slew some of the fattest of them, and the young men of Israel did he strike down. 32 With all this they sinned again, and believed not in his wonders. 33 Therefore he caused tlieir days to come to an end in nought, and their years in dread. 34 When he slew them, then did they seek him, and they retui-ned and inquired earnestly after God. 35 And they remembered that God was their rock, and the most high God their re- deemer. 36 Nevertheless they prayed insincerely to him with their mouth, and with tlieir tongue they lied unto him. 37 For their heart was not firm with him, and they were not faithful in his covenant. 38 But he, being merciful, forgave" the iniquity, and destroyed (them) not: yea. many a time turned he his anger away, and did not awaken all his fury. 39 And he remembered that they are but flesh, a spii'it'' that passeth away, and re- turneth not again. •iU How oft did they rebel against him in the wilderness, grieve him in the desert! 41 Yea, they once more tempted God, and set'' limits to the Holy One of Israel. 42 They remembered not his hand, the day when he ransomed them from the adversary ; 43 When he displayed in Egypt his signs, and his wonderful tokens in the flelds of Zo'an. 44 And he changed their rivers into blood : " The coustruction of the verse is in the future tense in the text, giving it thus a general sense, that God is al- ways merciful and acts up to the same measure of good- ness he showed the Israelites in the desert. '' When death takes place, the spirit leaves the body nnd returns not to it in the course of nature; and death would be final unless the Creator himself gave new life. and their rumiing streams, that they could not drink (of them). 45 He sent out among them various wild beasts, which devoiu'ed them; and frogs, which destroyed tliem. 46 And he gave unto the cricket their pro- ducts, and their labour unto the locust. 47 He slew with hail their vines, and their sycamore-trees with ice-l)olts.'* 48 And he surrendered to the hail their cattle, and their herds to the lightning's flashes. 49 He let loose against them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and dis- tress, a host of angels of misfortune. 50 He levelled a path for his anger; he withheld not from death their soul, and their life he surrendered to the pestilence ; 51 And he smote all the first-born in Egypt; the first of their strength in the tents of Ham ; 52 But he caused his own people to depart like flocks, and guided them like a drove in the wilderness. 53 And he led them in safety, so tiiat tliey felt no dread; but the sea covered over their enemies. 54 And he brought them to his holy terri- tory, even to this mount, which his right hand had acquired. 55 And he drove out from before them na- tions, and divided them by the measuring- line as an inheritance, and he caused to dwell in their tents the tribes of Israel. 56 Yet they tempted and rebelled against the most high God, and his testimonies they kept not; 57 But swerved aside, and dealt unfaith- fully like their fathers; they turned about like a deceitfid bow. 58 And they provoked him to anger Avith their high-jjlaces, and with tlieir graven images they moved him to jealous}'. 59 God heard this, and he became wroth, and felt greatly disgusted with Israel ; 60 And he cast oft' the dwelling at Shiloh," " So Aben Ezra and Eedak ; meaning, they pretended that his power was exhausted by what he had done. Rashi, "they prescribed signs to God," wanted proof that he was with them. (Exod. svii. 7.) Sachs, "they pained." * Philippson. Rashi, "a species of locusts." " The place where Joshua erected the tabernacle. 756 PSALMS LXXVIII.— LXXX. the tabernacle where he had dwelt' among men ; 61 And he gave up his strength unto cap- tivity, and his glory into the adversary's hand. 62 And he surrendered his people unto the sword; and with his inheritance was he wroth. 63 His young men the fire devoured; and his virgins were not demanded in marriage. 64 His priests fell b}- the sword; and his Avidows did not weep. 65 Then awoke the Lord as one that sleep- eth, like a mighty man that shouteth by rea- son of wine. 66 And he smote his enemies backward: a perpetual disgrace laid he on them. 67 Yet was he disgusted with the tent of Joseph, and of the tribe of Ephraim lie made not choice; 68 But he chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved. 69 And he built like high (mountains)'' his sanctuary, like the earth which he hath ibunded for ever. 70 And he made choice of David his ser- vant, and took him from the sheep-folds : 71 From following the ewes with young he brought him, to feed Jacob his peoj^le, and Israel his inheritance. 72 And he fed them according to the in- tegrity of his heart; and by the skilfulness of his hands did he lead them. PSALM LXXIX. 1 Tl A psalm of Assapli. God! nations have entered into thy heritage; they have profaned thy hol\' temple ; they have render- ed Jerusalem heaps of ruins. 2 They have given the dead bodies of thy servants as food unto the fowls of the heaven, the Hesh of thy pious ones unto the beasts of the earth. o They Inive shed their blood like water all round about Jerusalem : and there is no one to bury them. 4 We are become a reproach to our neigh- Ijours, a scorn and derision to those that are round about us. ° .(uiiatliiin. Philippson, " which ho had placed among men ." ^ Rashi, "like the heavens." ' Heb. "arm." " Rashi, "und< 75U tlic fetters nf tjjd.se," fit:. 5 How long. Lord? wilt thou be indignant for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire? 6 Pour out thy fury over the nations that acknowledge thee not, and over the kingdoius that have not called on thy name. 7 For they have devoured Jacob, tmd Inid waste his dwelling-place. 8 Oh remember not against us the iniqui- ties of oiu' f\ithers: make haste, let thy mer- cies come to our aid ; for we are very miserti- ble. 9 Help us, God of our salvation, because of the glory of thy name ; and deliver us, and atone for our sins, for the sake of thy name. 16 Wherefore shall the nations say. Where is their God? let there be made known among the nations before our eyes, the vengeance for the blood of thy servants which hath been shed. 11 Let the sighing of the prisoner cotne before thee : according to the greatness of thy almighty power" pi-eserve'* thou those that are doomed to death ; 12 And recompense unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their defiance wherewith they have defied thee, Lord. 13 But we thy people and the flock of thy pasture will give thanks unto thee for ever: from generation to generation will we relate thy praise. PSALM LXXX. 1 Tf To tlie chief musician upon Shoshan- nim; an 'Eduth° by Assaph; a psalm. 2 Shepherd of Israel, give ear, thou that leadest Jo.seph like a flock ; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth. 3 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Me- nasseh awaken thy might, and come to our help. 4 God, cause us to return, and let thy countenance shine, that we may be saved. 5 Lord of hosts, how long shall thy anger smoke against the prayer of tliv jieo- ple? 6 Thou feedest them with the bread of tears, and givest them tears to drink in great measure. 7 Thou renderest us a contest unto our ° Probably a species of psalm, like Maskil, for "in- struction;" so'Edii/h, "a testimony." So renders Rashi, who conceives that the Psalmist indicates and prays for three eaptivities. PSALMi^ LXXX. LXXXi. neighbours: and our enemies hold derision among themselves. 8 God of hosts, cause us to return, and let thy countenance shine, that we may be saved. 9 A vine didst thou remove out of Egypt : thou drovest out nations, and plantedst it. 10 Thou didst clear out a place before it, and it struck its root deeply, and it filled the land. 11 Mountains v?ere covered with its sha^ dow, and with its boughs the cedars of God. 12 It sent out its tendrils as for as the sea, and unto the river its suckers. 13 Wherefore hast thou now broken down its fences, so that all who pass by the way pluck the fruit from it? 14 The boar out of the forest doth gnaw at it, and what moveth on the field feedeth on it. 15 God of hosts, return; I pray thee, look down from heaven, and behold, and think of this vine; IG And of the sprout" which thy right hand hath planted, and of the branch that thou hast made strong for thyself 17 It is burnt with fire, it is hewn down: because of the rebuke of thy countenance do they perish. 18 Let thy hand be over the man of thy right hand, over the son of man whom thou hast made strong for thyself 19 Then will we not swerve from thee: revive us again, and we will call on thy name. 20 Lord God of hosts, cause us to re- turn: let thy countenance shine, that we may be saved. PSALM LXXXI. 1 Tl To the chief musician upon Gittith ; by Assaph. 2 Sing aloud unto God our strength : shout joyfully unto the God of Jacob. " Rashi, Jonathan, and other Jewish interpreters. Others, after the Septuagint, take it as an imperative, from nj : " and establish what thy right hand hath planted and the son whom thou hast made strong fur thyself" ^ Some suppose these to be the words of the Psalmist, referring to God, whom he had not known, and whom he now heard. Philippson takes them as the words of God, who says that he heard the prayer of a people (Israel) that had not known him, and redeemed them, as farther! deseribed. Aben Ezra, "Then I (Israel) liad to hearjl the language of a peoplv I did not understand " n 3 Lif\ up psalm, and bring hither tlie (iin- at of (Mil' brel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery. 4 Blow on the new moon the cornet the time appointed, on the day of feast. 5 For this is a statute for Israel, an ordi- nance by the God of Jacol). 6 As a testimony in Jo.seph did he ordain it, when he went out over the land of Egypt. The language of one I had not known did I hear." 7 1 removed from the burden his shoulder : his hands left behind the burden-basket.'' 8 In distress thou didst call, and 1 deliver- ed thee; I answered thee in the secret'' of the thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Me- ribah. Selah. 9 Hear, O my people, and I will give warn- ing unto thee; Israel, if thou wouldst but hearken unto me! 10 There shall not be among thee a foreign god; nor shalt thou bow thyself down to any strange god. am thee 11 I brought the Lord thy God, who have up out of the land of Egypt: open wide thy mouth, and I will fill it. 12 But my people did not hearken to my voice; and Israel was not willing (to Ibllow) me. 13 So I let them go in the stubbornness of their own hearts: and they walked in their own counsels. 14 Oh that my people would hearken unto me, that Israel would walk in my ways! 15 In a little while would I subdue their enemies, and against their adversaries would I turn my hand. 16 The haters of the Lord should offer flattery unto him ; but their" time should en- dure for ever. 17 And he would feed him with the best' of wheat : and out of the rock would I satisfy thee with honey. " After Aben Ezra; ;'. e. the basket in which the newly made bricks were carried to the kiln. Rashi, however, "the cauldron," or "pot," as the Israelites had to per- form all domestic labour besides that of brickmaking. '' Rashi, "thou calledst me in secret, between me and thee, and I answered thee publicly with the voice of thunder." " 3Iost commentators explain, "the pro.sperity of Is- rael;" but Rashi, "the punishment of the enemies." ' Lit. "the fat of wheat." A similar description is found in Deut. xxxii, 13, 14. PSALMS LXXXII.— LXXXIT. PSALM LXXXn. 1 \ A psalm of Assaph. God standeth in the c( ngregation of God, in the midst of judges doth he judge. 2 How long will ye judge unjustly, and treat with fiivour the face of the wicked? Selah. 3 Judge uprightly the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and indigent. 4 Eelease the poor and needy: deliver them out of the power of the wicked. 5 They know not, nor will they under- stand; in darkness do they walk on: all the foundations of the earth are moved. 6 I have indeed said, Ye are gods; and children of the most High are all of you. 7 But verily like men shall ye die, and like one of the princes shall ye tall. 8 Arise, God, judge the earth; for thou wilt possess'' all the nations. PSALM LXXXIIL 1 ^ A song or psalm of Assaph. 2 God, take no rest for thyself: be not silent and keep not still, God! 3 For, lo, thy enemies make a tumult, and they that hate thee have lifted up their head. 4 Against thy people they take crafty secret device, and they consult against those whom thou protectest. 5 They have said. Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; and the name of Israel shall be remembered no more. 6 For they have consulted cordially toge- ther; against thee they make a covenant: 7 The tents of Edom, and the Ishmaelites ; Moiib, and the Hagarenes; 8 Gebal, and 'Amnion, and 'Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; 9 Also Asshur is joined with them; they have become an arm'' unto the children of Lot. Selah. 10 Do unto them as (unto) Midian; as to Sissera, as to Jabin, at the brook Kishon: • All nations shall once acknowledge God. Sforno, "tlidii po8.sessest the righteous among all nations." Aben f]zra, "thou wilt be tlic portion of those who call on thee among all the nations." '' (■. (?. Assistants. " lliishi conceives this Psalm to be a prophecy of the captivity, and says that even theu Israel desires to be in the courts of (Jod. So also Sforno. I'hilipjjson takes 768 11 Who were annihilated at 'En-dor; they became as dung for the ground. 12 Render them, their nobles, like 'Oreb, and like Zeeb ; yea, like Zebach and like Ziil- munna' all their princes; 13 Who said. Let us conquer for ourselves the dwellings of God. 14 my God, render them like the this- tle-down, like stubble before the wind. 15 As the fire burneth up a forest, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire : 16 So pursue them with thy storm, and with thy whirlwind do thou terrify them. 17 Fill their faces with suame, that they may seek thy name, Lord! 18 Let them be made ashamed and terri- fied for ever and aye; yea, let them be put to the blush and perish : 19 That they may know that thou, whose name is the Eternal, art by thyself alone, the Most High over all the earth. PSALM LXXXIV. 1 ^ To the chief musician upon Gittith, by the sons of Korach, a psalm. 2 How lovely are thy dwelling-places, Lord of hosts ! 3 My soul desired," yea, it also longed for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh shout with joy unto the living God. 4 Even as the sparrow hath found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young: — (have I found)'' thy altars, Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. 5 Happy are they who dwell in thy house : they will be continually praising thee. Se- lah. G Happy is the man whose strong confi- dence is in thee, (all) whose heart reflecteth on the paths" (of righteousness). 7 Passing through the valley of weeping, they will change it into a spring: also the early rain covereth it with blessings.*^ 8 They go from strength to strength, each of them appeareth before God in Zion. it to be a hymn of one who had been compulsorily ab- sent, and had just returned to the temple precincts. ■" Rashi, "at thy altars, which are ruined and are a resting-place for birds:" the version in the text is partly after K. Judah Ibn Bil'ani, followed by Mendelssohn, Sachs, anil Philipp.son. " After Rashi. ' Philippsnn. Jonathan, "the wicked who pass tiirough the depth of hell, these make it a spring with their tears; Lord God of hosts, he.ir my jirayer: give ear, God of Jacob. Selali. 10 (Thou,) our shield," behold, God, and look upon the face of thy anointed. 11 For better is a day in thy courts than a thousand (elsewhere) : I would rather choose to wait at the threshold of the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. 12 For a sun and shield is the Lord God; grace and glory Avill the Lord give; he will not withhold any good from those that walk with integrity. 13 Lord of hosts, happy is the man that trusteth in thee. PSALM LXXXV. 1 ^ To the chief musician, by the sons of Korach, a psalm. 2 Thou hast"" been favourable, Lord, unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. 3 Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people: thou hast covered over all their sin. Selah. 4 Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast relinquished the fierceness of thy anger. 5 Return unto us, God of our salvation, and cause thy ill-will toward us to cease. 6 Wilt thou be wroth with us for ever? wilt thou extend thy anger from generation to generation ? 7 Wilt thou not (now) revive us again, that thy people may rejoice in thee? 8 Show us thy kindness, Lord, and grant us thy salvation. 9 I will hear what God the Lord will speak; for he will speak peace unto his peo- ple, and to his pious ones : only let them not turn again to folly. 10 Surely, nigh is his salvation unto those but blessings will cover those who return to the teach- ing of the law." Kashi, "they will confess his justice, and will invoke blessings on those who have taught them righteousness." But these are merely alle- gorical versions, mio, as in Joel ii. 23, means "the first rain," which falls in November. The ver.se then means, " Those who trust in God will regard even the parched valley through which they have to pass, as it were, as one supplied with springs; and then indeed will all be- come bright for them, as the land dried up by the long summer heats suddenly is wrapt in a mantle of green when tiic early rain falls in Palestine; and so will they I PSALMS LXXXIV.— LXXXVL that fear him: that glory may dwell in our land. 11 Kindness and truth are met together: righteousness and peace kiss each other. 12 Truth will grow up out of the earth, and righteousness will look down from heaven. 13 Yea, the Lord will also give the good, and our land will yield its produc"^. 14 Righteousness will walk firmly before him, and will make (level) the way by its steps. PSALM LXXXVL 1 ^ A prayer of David. Incline, Lord, thy ear, answer me ; for poor and needy am I. 2 Preserve my soul ; for I am pious : help thy servant, thou my God, that trusteth in thee. 3 Be gracious unto me, Lord; for unto thee I call all the time. 4 Cause to rejoice the soul of thy servant; for unto thee, Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5 For thou, Lord, art good and forgiv- nig, and abundant in kindness unto all that call on thee. 6 Give ear, Lord, unto my prayer, and attend to the voice of my supplications. 7 On the day of my distress will I call on thee; for thou wilt answer me. 8 There is none like unto thee among the gods, Lord; and there is nothing like thy works. 9 All the nations whom thou hast made shall come and bow themselves down before thee, Lord; and they shall ascribe honour unto thy name. 10 For great art thou, and doing wondrous things : thou art God by thyself alone. 11 Teach me, Lord, thy way; I will walk firmly in thy truth : unite" my heart to fear thy name. overcome difficulty after difficulty till they appear duly before God at his residence. " Redak. Others make "shield" the object, and ren- der then, "Behold our shield, (the chief or kinir,) God." " Philippson, "thou hadst," and so in all the con- struction to ver. 4. Jlcndelssohn, "Formerly thou didst love thy land." The Psalm is either a prophecy for those returned from the Babylonian exile, or written by a son of Korach soon after that event. " Meaning, "let all the desires of the heart be directed •solely to the fear of God." 759 PSALMS LXXXVI— LXXXVIII. 12 I will thank thee, Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will honour thy name for evermore. 13 For thy kindness is great toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the grave' of the lower world. 14 God, the presumptuous are risen up against me, and the assembly of the powerful wicked have sought after my life, and have not set thee before them. 15 But thou, Lord, art God, full of mercy, and gracious, long-suflering, and abun- dant in kindness and truth. 16 Oh turn unto me, and be gracious unto me: give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thy handmaid. 17 Display on me a sign for good, that those who hate me may see it, and be ashamed; because thou, Lord, hast helped me. and comforted me. PSALM LXXXVII. 1 ^ By the sons of Korach; a psalm or song. It is founded'' by him on holy moun- tains. 2 The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are spoken of thee, city of God. Selah. 4 I will make mention of Rahab'' and Babylon as those that know me; behold, here is Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia:" "This man was ])orn there." 5 But of Zion will it be said, "This and that man were Ijorn in her:" and the Most High himself doth establish her. 6 The Lord will number when he writeth down nations, " This man was horn there." Selah. 7 And the singers" as well as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs (of joy) are in thee. " Redak. Rashi, "from the lowermost hell," and com- ments, " for the sin with Bath-sheba', when Nathan said to liim, 'The Lord hath let thy sin pass away, thou shalt not die.' " '' Mendelssohn and Sachs, "his foundation," i.e. Jerusa- lem and Zion. Our version is after I'hilippson. Herx- heimer, "The mountains are the various hills on which thy holy city is built." Rashi and other ancients take this as a part of the title, and render, "The Psalmist hath founded it (the song) in behalf of the holy mountains." '' Meaning, but few, here and there one, are aequninted PSALM LXXXVIII. 1 ][ A song or psalm of the sons of Ko- rach, to the chief musician upon Machalath- le'annoth, a Maskil of Heman the Ezrachite. 2 Lord the God of my salvation, by day do I cry, (and) at night I am before thee. 3 Let uiy prayer come unto thy presence ; incline thy ear unto my entreaty. 4 For my soul is sated with troubles ; and my life draweth nigh unto the nether world. 5 I am counted with those that descend into the pit; I am become as a man without vigour : 6 Free^ among the dead, like the slain that dwell in the grave, whom thou remera- berest no more; and those that are cut oif by*^ thy hand. 7 Thou hast laid nie in the pit of the lower world, in darkness, in the depths. 8 Upon me lieth heavily thy fury, and with all thy billows hast thou afllicted me. Selah. 9 Thou hast removed my acquaintances far from me; thou hast rendered me an abo- mination unto them : I am imprisoned, and I cannot go forth. 10 My eye languisheth by reason of aifliction: I call on thee, Lord, every day, I stretch out unto thee my hands. 11 Wilt thou display wonders to the dead? shall the departed arise (and) thank thee? Selah. 12 Shall thy kindness be related in the grave? thy faithfulness in the place of cor- ruption ? 13 Shall thy wonders be acknowledged in the darkness? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness ? 14 Yet I cry indeed aloud unto thee, Lord; and in the morning shall my prayer come before thee. with God's mercy and worship him ; hence they will have to be recorded by the Lord himself when he reviews the world; but in Zion all are God-fearing, every man born there is holy to the most High. ' Rashi, "All my thoughts shall sing of the salvation like those who play festive music." In our version, "in thee" refers to Zion. ' {. e. Having no farther concern with life, either to enjoy or to act; whereas the living are bound to be duti- ful in the observance of charity and goodness. 8 Rashi. Others, "from tliy hand," (. e. protection, incapable of happine«s. PSALMS LXXXYIII. LXXXIX. 15 Why, Lord, wilt thou cast off my soul? (why) wilt thou hide thy face from me? 16 1 am afflicted aud perishing from" my youth up: I bear thy terrors, 1 am distracted. 17 Over me have the fires of thy wrath passed; thy terrors have destroyed nie; 18 They encompass me like water all the time; they have closed in round about me together. 19 Thou hast removed far from me lover and friend, my acquaintances (are in)*" dark- ness. PSALM LXXXIX. 1 T[ A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrachite. 2 The kindnesses of the Lord will I for ever sing: from generation to generation will I make known thy fiith fulness with my mouth. 3 For I have said. To eternity will kind- ness be built up: the heavens — ^yea, in these wilt thou establish thy faithfulness. 4 " P have made a covenant with my elect, I have sworn unto David my sei'vant, 5 Unto eternity will I establish thy seed, and 1 will build up thy throne from genera- tion to generation." Selah. 6 And the heavens praise thy wonder, Lord : also thy faithfulness in the assembly of holy ones. 7 For who in the sky can be compared unto the Lord? who can be likeiaed unto the Lord among the sons of the mighty ?'' 8 God is greatly terrific in the secret coun- cil of the holy ones, and fear-inspiring over all that are about him. 9 Lord God of hosts, who is powerful, like thee. Eternal! and thy faithfulness is round about thee. 10 Thou rulest over the pride of the sea: when its waves are lifted up, thou assuagest them. " Rashi, "from being shaken," as one shaketh oflF the dust; hence, "tremour," "anxiety." '' Redak. R.ashi, "by niy acquaintances I am con- sidered in the dark, and I am withdrawn from them." Philippson, "my confidants are — the place of darkness," /'. (=. the grave alone is his friend. " The words of God in 2 Sam. vii. 1'2, referred to, not exactly quoted, in regard to David and his iamily, which must have been in great danger when this psalm was composed. * Aben Ezra, "the stars;" Redak, "angels;" aud Philippson, Sachs, &c., "sous of God." 4 V 11 Thou didst crush Eahab as one that is slain : with thy strong arm* didst thou scat- ter thy enemies. 12 Thine are the heavens, also thine is the earth : as for the world and what iilleth it, thou hast founded them. 13 The north and the south*^ — these hast thou created: Tabor and Chermon shall re- joice in thy name. 14 Thine is the powerful arm, with might: strong is thy hand, and exalted is thy right hand. 15 Righteousness and justice are the prop of thy throne: kindness and truth precede thy presence. 16 Happy is the people that know the cornet's sound :'^ Lord, in the light of thy countenance will they ever walk firmly. 17 In thy name will they be glad all the day, and in thy righteousness will they be exalted. 18 For thou art the glory of their strength ; and through thy favour will our horn be exalted. 19 For of" the Lord is our shield; and of the Holy One of Israel is our king. 20 Then spokest thou in a vision to th}- pious (servant), and saidst, " t have bestowed help to one that is mighty ; I have exalted a youth' out of the people ; 21 I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him ; 22 With whom my hand shall be firndy established ; also my arm shall strengthen him; 23 The enemy shall not exact from him like a lender; and the son of injustice shall not afflict him; 24 And I will beat down before his face his assailants, and those that hate him will I plague. 25 But my faithfulness and my kindness ' Heb. "the arm of thy strength." ' Lit. "the right hand," which is the south when the face is turned to the east; so is Tabor on the west of Palestine, Chermon on the east. ^ The peculiar sounds which are known to Israel, which they blow at their festivals at the sacrifices, and the day of Memorial in particular. (See Lev. xxiii. 24; Num. x. 10.) '' i. e. By God is the shield, the king, appointed. The elevation of the family of David was not a mere matter of chance, but a display of the divine will, and to be fur the future also. ' Jonathan. Redak, "a chosen one." 761 PSALM LXXXIX. sliiill be with liim : and thTOUgh my name shall his horn be exalted. 26 And I will place on the sea his hand, and on the rivers his right hand. 27 Hi will call unto me. Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salva- tion. 28 Also I will appoint him my first-born, the highest among the kings of the earth. 29 For evermore will I keep for him my kindness, and my covenant shall stand fiiith- fully with him. 30 And I appoint for ever his seed, and his throne as the days of heaven. 31 If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my ordinances; 32 If they profane my statutes, and keep not mv commandments: 33 "Then will I visit with the rod their transgressions, and with plagues their ini- quity. 34 Nevertheless my kindness will I not make utterly void from him, and I will not act falsely against my faithfulness. 35 I will not profane my covenant, and what is gone out of my lips will I not alter. 36 One thing have I sworn by my holiness, that I will not lie^ unto David. 37 His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne shall be like the sun before me. 38 Like the moon shall it be firmly esta- blished for ever, and as this faithful witness in the sky." Selah. 39 And yet thou hast cast off and de- spised, thou hast become wroth with thy anointed. 40 Thou hast made void the covenant of ' Jonathan, "ruin," or "breach." ' Redak explains this to mean the time of the Davidian rule, which lasted but a short time compared with the length of the captivity. ' Heb. "for ever." Sachs, "so entirely." ^ Aben Ezra comments, "They that utter the defiance 762 thy servant: thou hast profaned, down to the ground, his crown. 41 Thou hast broken down all his fences: thou hast brought his strong-holds to terror." 42 All that jjass by the way plunder him: he is become a reproach to his neighbours. 43 Thou hast raised up the right hand of his assailants: thou hast caused all his ene- mies to rejoice. 44 Thou hast also turned the edge of his sword, and hast not let him stand erect in the battle. 45 Thou hast made his brilliancy cease; and his throne hast thou thrown down to the ground. 46 Thou hast shortened the days of his youth :'' thou hast enshrouded him with shame. Selah. 47 IIow long. Lord, wilt thou hide thyself, continually?" how long shall thy fury burn like fire? 48 Remember (what) I am, what my du- ration is (here), for what nothingness thou hast created all sons of men ! 49 What man is there that can live, and shall not see death? that can deliver his soul from the power of the nether world? Selah. 50 Where are thy former kindnesses, Lord, which thou hast sworn unto David by thy truth? 51 Remember, Lord, the disgrace of thy servants; that I bear in my bosom the (bur- den) of all the many nations; 52 That thy enemies have defied, Lord; that they have defied the footsteps'^ of thy anointed. 53 Blessed" be the Lord for evermore. Amen, and Amen. are the enemies of the Lord, and they say his heels are broken, (meaning, he — the redeemer — cannot,) wherefore he is not come as yet." ' In this manner end all the various books of the Psalms, such as xli. Ixxii. Ixxxix. cvii. and cl., which see. Philippson regards their terminations as doxologies. PSALMS XC. XCi. BOOK FOURTH. PSALM XC. 1 ^ A PRAYER of Moses the man of God. Lord, a place of refuge' hast thou been unto us in all generations. 2 Before yet the mountains were brought forth, or thou liadst ever produced the earth and the world, even from everlasting to ever- lasting, thou art God. 3 Thou turnest man to contrition,'' and sajest, Return }e children of men. 4 For a thousand years are in tliy eyes but as the yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. 5 Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning" (they grow) like the grass which changeth. 6 In the morning it blossometh, and is changed : in the evening it is mowed off, and withereth. 7 For (thus) are we consumed by thy anger, and by thy fury are we terrified."* 8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our concealed sins before the light of thy countenance. 9 For all our days are passed away in thy wrath : we consume our years like a word that is spoken.*^ 10 The days of our years in this life' are seventy years; and if by uncommon vigour they be eighty, yet is their greatness" trouble * Rashi. Lit. "dwelling," or "place of abiding" against danger; hence, "refuge." '' Rashi and Joseph Kimchi, who conceive that suffer- ings brought on man are the means alluded to, to efiect this contrition ; they arc followed by Mendelssohn and Sachs. NOT stand for "contrite," in Isaiah Ivii. 15. But Aben Ezra, "Thou bringest man hack (in his old age) to dissolution, and sayest, Return ye (to the dust), children of men;" and so translate Philippson and Horxheimer. ° Rashi and Aben Ezra, ^^hn " to change." Sachs and others, "In the morning he groweth up like grass — in the morning he blossometh and groweth up," &c. Redak, tiSni in ver. 6, "he is renovated," as though it were in tlic Iliphil from n'bnn, which has this meaning. Phi- lippson insists that this is the right sense, or rather, "growing constantly larger," and then "in the evening it is cut off," &c. But the Psalmist seems to say, that no sooner has man produced his flower, reached his best, than he changes like the grass; he remains but a moment in his glory; and evening speedily following, he is then mowed down and left to wither. * Sachs, "we decay." (See Isaiah Ixv. 'IH.) and mishap; for it soon hasteneth off, and we fly away. 11 Who knoweth the strength of thy an- ger, and thy wrath which is like the fear of thee? 12 Let us then know how to number our days, that we may obtain a heart endowed with wisdom. 13 Return, Lord, how long yet?'' and bethink thee concerning thy servants. 14 Oh satisfy us in the morning with thy kindness, that we may be glad and rtyoice throughout all our days. 15 Cause us to rejoice as many days as those wherein thou hast alUieted us, the years wherein we have seen unhappiness. 16 Let thy act be visible on thy servants, and thy majesty over their children. 17 And may the beauty' of the Lord our God be upon us; and the work of our hands do thou firmly establish upon us: yea, the work of our hands — firmly establish thou it. PSALM XCL 1 ^ He'' who sitteth under the secret pro- tection of the Most High, shall rest under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, who is my refuge and my stronghold, my God, in wlioni I ever trust, 3 That he will surely deliver thee from = Rashi. Philippson, "sigh;" (Isaiah xvi. 7; Jcr. xlviii. 31; Ezek. ii. 10.) Mendelssohn, "idle talk." Herxheimer, "thought." ' Jonathan. Rashi refers onn to "our iniquities;" thus, "through these sins are the days, &c. but seventy years." Sachs, " the years of our life — yea, these are seventy years." 8 Rashi. Aben Ezra, "strength," or "youth," "for it is soon cut off." Mendelssohn, "pride." Philippson, " storm," /. e. the uneasy, stormy, excited state of exist- ence; but I know not whence this meaning is derived. The word 3m (A'oAai) is found but here; hence the un- certainty of its derivation, and comiuentators therefore expound as they believe the context warrants. The same is the case with other words of the kind. '' i. e. Shall the punishment or evil endure'/ ' Sachs, "grace." MendeLssohn, "kindliness." Phi- lippson, "favour," or "lovingncss." " Philippson, "He who sitteth under the prcitection of the Most High, lodgeth under the Ahuighty's shadow: I say unto the Lord, My refuge, &c. — for he, he will de- liver," &o. 7G3 PSALMS XCl.— XCIII. the snare of the fowler, and from the pesti- lence of destruction." 4 With his pinions will he cover thee, and under his wings shalt thou find shelter: shield and buckler is his truth. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid of the terror of the night; nor of the arrow that flieth by day ; 6 Nor of the pestilence that stalketh in darkness; nor of the deadly disease that wasteth at noonday. 7 There shall fall at thy side a thousand, and ten thousand at thy right hand; unto thee (however) shall it not come nigh. 8 Only with thy eyes shalt thou behold it, and see the recompense of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast (said),*" The Lord is my protection ; the Most High hast thou made thy refuge: 10 No evil shall befall thee, nor shall any plague come nigh unto thy tent. 11 For his angels will he give charge con- cerning thee, to guard thee on all thy ways. 12 Upon (their) hands shall they bear thee, that thou mayest not dash against a stone thy foot. 13 Upon the fierce lion and asp shalt thou tread : thou shalt trample under foot the young lion and serpent." 14 Because he hath fixed his desire upon me, therefore will I release him: I will set him on high, because he knoweth my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him: with him will I be in distress; Twill deliver him, and grant him honour. 16 With length of dajs will I satisfy him, and T will let him see my salvation. PSALM xcn. 1 Tl A psalm or song for the sabbath day. 2 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, Most High : 3 To tell in the morning of thy kindness, and of thy faithfulness in the nights, 4 Upon a ten-stringed instrument, and " I'hilippson renders nun "wickedness;" metaphorical, " the phigue of wickedness;" not the actual pestilence which is spoken of in v. 6. '' llashi, who supplies "said." Others take these as the words of the Psalmist, "Because thou, Lord, art luj refuge." " KlsewlxM-c rendered "dragon," " monster," Ac. 7t;i upon the psaltery; and with the sweet* sound of the harp. 5 For thou hast caused me to rejoice, Lord, through thy doing: because of the works of thy hands will I triumph. 6 How great are thy works, Lord! ex- ceedingly profound are thy thoughts. 7 A brutish man knoweth it not, and a fool cannot understand this. 8 When the wicked spring up like herbs, and when all the workers of wickedness do flourish: it is that they may be destroyed evermore. 9 But thou art exalted to eternity, Lord ! 10 For, lo, thy enemies, Lord, for, lo, thy enemies shall perish: all the workers of wickedness shall be scattered. 11 But thou exaltest my horn like that of a reem : T am anointed with fresh oil. 12 And my eye looketh on (the punish- ment of) those that regard me with envy: of the evildoers that rise up against me my ears shall hear it. 13 The righteous shall spring up like the palm-tree: like a cedar in Lebanon shall he grow high. 14 Planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of our God shall they spring up. 15 They shall still flourish in high old age; they shall be vigorous and covered with foliage; 16 To declare that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no faultiness in him. PSALM xcin. 1 ^ The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with excellency; the Lord is clothed, he hath girded himself with strength : (therefore) also the world is firmly established, that it cannot be moved. 2 Firmly established is thy throne from the beginning: from everlasting art thou (God). 3 The rivers have lifted up, Loud, the rivers have lifted up their voice; the rivers lift up their waves. ■• One opinion cited by Aben Ezra; another referred to by him would make Hujgaymi an instrument, perhaps a guitar. So also Philippson. But if we derive [VJD from Djn "to meditate," the meaning would justly be the meditating-, soothing, or sweet sound elicited from the strings of the harp. Hence, Mendelssohn, "waked tc thinking by the hnrp " PSALMS XCIII— XCV. 4 (But) more than the noise of great wa- ters, than the mighty billows of the sea, is the Lord excellent on high. 5 Thy testimonies are exceedingly stead- fast: in thy house abideth holiness," Lord! to the utmost length of days. PSALM XCIV. 1^0 God, of vengeance,'' Lord! God of vengeance, shine forth. 2 Lift up thyself, Judge of the earth! bring a recompense upon the proud. 3 How long shall the wicked, Lord — how long shall the wicked exult? 4 They sputter, they speak hard things: all the workers of wickedness boast them- selves. 5 Thy people, Lord! they crush, and thy heritage they afflict. 6 The widow and the stranger they slay, and the fatherless thev murder. 7 And they say, The Lord will not see, and the God of Jacob will not take notice of it. 8 Understand, ye brutish among the peo- ple : and ye fools, when will ye become intel- ligent? 9 He that hath planted the ear, shall he not hear? or he that hath formed the eye, shall he not see? 10 He that admonisheth" nations, shall he not correct? is it not he that teacheth man knowledge?* 11 The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man. that they are nought. 12 Happy is the man whom thou admo- nishest, Lord, and teachest him out of thy law : 13 That thou mayest grant him repose from the days of evil, until the pit be dug for the wicked. 14 For the Lord will not cast off his peo- ple, and his inheritance will he not forsake. " Rashi. Redak, " lioliness graceth thy house." Others, "beconieth thy house." "■ Vengeance in man may be the result of malevolence, because he is subject to passion, and may punish unjustly; hence we are prohibited (Lev. xix. 18) from taking re- venge on those who have injured us; but to the Omni- scient belongs properly the prerogative of vengeance; be- cause retribution is the highest prerogative of justice, and this the more in Him who knows all secrets, and is not liable to forgetfulness, and whose very chastisement is mercy. ° ID' generally means "to chastise;" and so do Aben 15 For unto righteousness will justice re- turn; and it shall be followed by all the up- right in heart. 16 Who will rise up for me against e\il- doers? or who will stand forward for me against the workers of wickedness ? 17 Unless the Lord had ])een a help unto me, but a little would have been wanting that my soul had dwelt in the silence of death. 18 When I said, My foot hath slipped: tliy kindness, Lord, sustained me. 19 In the multitude of my (painful) thoughts within me, thy consolations delight my soul. 20 Can there be associated with thee the throne of destructive wickedness, which fram- eth mischief as'' a law ? 21 They band themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and innocent i^lood do they condemn. 22 But the Lord is become ni}^ defence, and my God, the rock of my refuge. 23 And he will bring back upon them their own injustice, and in their own wicked- ness will he destroy them: (yea,) he will de- stroy them — the Lord our God. PSALM XCV. 1 ^ Oh come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salva- tion. 2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and shout joyfully unto him with psalms. 3 For a great God is the Lord, and a great King above all gods; 4 In whose hand are the deep places of the earth; and wdiose are the heights of moun- tains ; 5 Whose is the sea, and who hath made it ; and whose hands have formed the dry land. 6 Oh come, let us prostrate ourselves and Ezra and Redak explain it, as having reference to great national calamities like the flood, &c. ; but Jonathan ren- ders, "is it possible that he who gave to his people the law should not chastise them when they are guilty?" and hence Philippson, generally, as in our version, " who warneth." '' Jonathan, Mendelssohn, and others connect this part of verse 10 with verse 11 : "he who teacheth man know- ledge — the Lord, knoweth," &c. ° Rashi. Others, "against the law," i. <". of God. The mischief this confederacy of the ungodly do is contrary to the divine commands. 760 PSALMS XCV.— XCVIII. bow down : let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. 7 For be is our God ; and we are the peo- ple of his pasture, and the flock of his hand : yea, this day, if ye will hearken to his voice. 8 Harden not your heart, as at Meribah, as on the day of the temptation in the wil- derness : 9 When your fothers tempted me, proved me, although they had seen my doing. 10 Forty years long did I feel loathing on that generation, and I said, It is a people of an erring heart; and they truly acknowledged not my ways: 11 So that I swore in my wrath, tliat they should not enter into my rest. PSALM XCVI. 1 ^ Oh sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the lands. 2 Sing unto the Lord, bless his name: an- nounce from day to day his salvation. 3 Relate among the nations his honour, among all the j^eople his wonders. 4 For the Lord is great, and greatly praised : he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are idols; but the Lord hath made the heavens. 6 Glory and majesty are before him : strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7 Ascribe unto the Lord, ye families of the people, ascribe unto the Lord honour and strength. 8 Ascribe unto the Lord the honour (due unto) his name: bear hither a present, and come unto his courts. 9 Bow down unto the Lord in the beauty of holiness: tremble before him, all ye lands. 10 Say among the nations, "The Lord reigneth;" (therelbre) also the world is ever firmly established that it shall not be moved : he will judge the people in equity. 11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad: let the sea roar, with all that filleth it. 12 Let the field exult, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the ftjrest sing for joy, 13 Befoi'e the Lord; for he cometh, for he comcth to judge the earth; he will judge the world with righteousness, and people in his truth. 70G PSALM XCVII. 1 ][ The Lord reigneth: let the earth be glad ; let the multitude of isles rejoice. 2 Clouds and thick darkness are round about him : righteousness and justice are the support of his throne. 3 A fire goeth before him, and burnetii up round about his adversaries. 4 His lightnings give light to the world : the earth seeth it, and trembleth. 5 The mountains melt away like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of all the earth. 6 The heavens tell of his righteousness, and all the j^eople see his glory. 7 Made ashamed shall be all that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols : unto him bow down all the gods. 8 Zion heareth it, and rejoiceth; and glad are the daughters of Judah, because of thy decrees, Lord. 9 For thou, Lord, art the most high above all the earth: thou art greatly exalted above all gods. 10 Ye that love the Lord, hate ye the evil : he preserveth the souls of his pious ones; out of the hand of the wicked he ever delivereth them. 11 Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart, 12 Rejoice, ye righteous, in the Lord, and give thanks to his holy memorial. PSALM XCVIII. 1 ^ A psalm. Oh sing unto the Lord a new song ; for he hath done wonderful things : his right hand and his holy arm have gotten him the victory. 2 The Lord hath made known his salva- tion: before the eyes of the nations hath he revealed his righteousness. 3 He hath remembered his kindness and his truth toward the house of Israel : all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 4 Shout joyfully unto the Lord, all the lands: break forth, and rtyoicc, and sing praises. 5 Sing praises unto the Lord with the hai"p, — with the harp, and the voice of psalmody. 6 With trunipets and the sound of cornet shout joyfully before the King, the Lord. 7 Lot tlie sea roar, with all that filleth it; the world, with thase that dwell therein. 8 Let the rivers clap their hands; let the mountains be joyful together, 9 Before the Lord; for he cometh to judge the earth : he will judge the world with right- eousness, and people with equity. PSALMS XCVIIL— CIL 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise : give thanks unto him, bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; to eternity en- dureth his kindness; and unto the latest ge- neration his truth. PSALM XCIX. 1 Ti The Lord reigneth ; people tremble : he sitteth enthroned over the cherubim; the earth is moved. '2 The Lord is great in Zion; and he is exalted above all the people. 3 The}' will give thanks to thy name, great, and terrible, (and) holy it is ; 4 And" to the power of the king who loveth justice ; thou hast established equity ; justice and righteousness hast thou truly executed in Jacob. 5 Exalt ye the Lord our God, and bow yourselves down before his footstool : he is holy.— 6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, and Samuel among tliose that call on his name; they called on the Lord, and he an- swered them. 7 In the pillar of cloud he used to speak unto them: they kept his testimonies, and the statutes which he had given unto them. 8 Lord, our God, thou didst answer them : thou wast a forgiving God unto them, yet also an avenger for their wrong doings.'' 9 Exalt the Lord our God, and bow your- selves down before his holy mount; for holy is the Lord our God. PSALM C. 1 ^ A psalm of thanksgiving. Shout joy- fully unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve the Lord with joy; come before his presence with triumphal song. 3 Know, that the Lord is God indeed : it is he that hath made us, and his are we" — his people and the dock of his pasture. ' So Rnslii and other coinniontators, who conceive " they will "live thanks" is to be understood before this verse also ; thus: "And they will praise the power of the king," &c. ; but Aben Ezra, "And the power is the king's, who lov- eth justice." ■• So Jonathan, Rashi, &c. ; but Aben Ezra and Redak refer it to the rebellion of Koraeh, and we should then render, "and thou didst avenge the false accusations against them." But it more probably means, that oven PSALM CI. 1 ^ By David, a psalm. Of kindness and justice will I sing: unto thee, Lord, will I sing praises. 2 I will carefully regard the way of the perfect: oh when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk in the integrity of my heart in the midst of my house.'' 3 I will not set before my eyes a godless thing; to commit a departure (from righteous- ness) do I hate; it shall not cleave to me. 4 A perverse heart shall depart from me: evil will I not know. 5 Whoso slandereth in secret his neigh- bour, him will I destroy : whoso hath proud eves and a haughtv heart, him will I not sutler. 6 My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may ahide with me: he that walketh in the way of the perfect, he it is that shall serve me. • 7 He that practiseth deceit shall not dwell within my house : he that speaketh falsehoods shall not succeed before my eyes. 8 Every morning will I destroy all tlie wicked of the land, cutting off from the city of the Lord all the wrong-doers. PSALM CIL 1 ^ A prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out before the Lord his complaint. 2 Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come unto thee. 3 Hide not thy face from me on the day when I am distressed; incline unto me thy ear; on the d.ay when I call, answer me speedily. the beloved of God do not escape the punishijiont due to their transgressions, so even-handed is divi le justice. Philippson regards this verse as applied to all Israel, not to Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. ° So is the Kcii iSi; but the Kitih is xSl "not we our- selves," we are not the architects of our own fortune. Or might it not be thus rendered as a question, "and are we not his people?" &e. '' Rashi explains, "no less in secret than in public." 767 PSALMS cii. cm. 4 For my days vanish in smoke, and my bones are burning like a hearth. * 5 Struck (by heat) like the herb and dried up is my heart ; for I forget to eat my bread. 6 Because of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my flesh. 7 I am like the pelican of the wilderness: I am become like the owl amid ruins. 8 I watch, and I am become like a (night-) bird sitting alone upon the housetop. 9 All the day my enemies repi-oach me: they that mock*" me swear by me. 10 For ashes do I eat like bread, and my drink I mingle with weeping ; 11 Because of thy indignation and thy wrath ; for thou hadst lifted me up, and hast cast me down. 12 My days are like a shadow that de- clineth ;" and like the herb I wither. 13 But thou, Lord, wilt sit enthroned for evpr ; and thy memorial is unto all genera- tions. 14 Thou wilt indeed arise; thou wilt have mer;cy upon Zion ; for it is time to favour her, for the appointed time is coming. 15 For thy servants hold dear her stones, and her very dust they cherish. 16 Then shall nations fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory: 17 When the Lord shall have built up Zion, he appeareth in his glory ; 18 (When) he hath regarded the prayer of the forsaken, and doth not despise their prayer. 19 This shall be written down for the latest generation; and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord. 20 For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; the Lord hath cast from heaven his view to the earth; 21 To hear the sighing of the prisoner; to loosen those that are doomed to death: 22 That men may proclaim in Zion the name of the Lord, and his praise in Jerusa- lem; " Mendelssohn, "are consumed as a firebrand." '' Rashi. Redak, "who rave about me." Philippson, "who would make me a fool." "Swear by me" means that they say, " May I become like him, if I have done so." "Others, "lengthened," /. c. toward night; but it is the same as declining — toward oxtiuctiou by the coming darkness. 768 23 When people, are gathered together, and kingdoms, to serve the Lord. — 24 He hath weakened on the way my strength; he hath shortened my days. 25 I will say, my God ! take me not away in the midst of my days: throughout all generations are thy years. 26 In olden times didst thou la}' the found- ations of the earth ; and the heavens are the work of thy hands. 27 These will indeed perish, but thou wilt ever exist: yea, all of them will Avear out like a garment; as a vesture wilt thou change them, and they will be changed; 28 But thou art ever the same, and thy years will have no end. 29 The children of thy servants will dwell (securely), and their seed will be firmly established before thee. PSALM cm. 1 •([ Of David. Bless, my soul, the Lord, and all that is within me, his holy name. 2 Bless, my soul, the Lord, and forget not all his benefits: 8 Who forgiveth all thy iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth from the pit* thy life; who crowneth thee with kindness and mer- cies; 5 Who satisfieth with happiness thy spi- rit," so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's (plumage) .*^ 6 The Lord executeth righteousness, and justice for all that are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways unto Moses, unto the children of Israel his acts. 8 Merciful and gracious is the Lord, long- suffering and abundant in kindness. 9 Not for all eternity will he contend ; nor will he for ever retain his anger. 10 Not in accordance with our sins hath he dealt with us; nor according to our iniquities hath he requited us. 11 For as high as heaven is above the " Others, "destruction." " Aben Ezra. Jonathan, "old age." Lit. "ornament," ■ which old age is to the good, and the spirit to the chief of God's creation. Redak, "mouth." (See Ps. sxxii. 9.) ' Rashi ; but Philippson conceives that it merely means tliat the youth spoken of should be renewed to be as vigorous as the eagle is, PSALM8 cm. CIV. earth, so mighty is his kindness toAvard those tliat fear liim. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed from us our transgres- sions. 13 As a father hath mercy on his children, so hath the Lord mercy on those that fear him. 14 For he knovveth our frame;" he remem- bereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, Hke the grass are his days: as the blossom of the field, so doth he bloom. 16 When a wind but passeth over it,*" it is gone, and its place will recognise it no more. 17 But the kindness of the Lord is ironi everlasting to everlasting over those that fear him, and his righteousness unto chil- dren's children, 18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those who remember his precepts to execute them. 19 The Lord hath established in the hea- vens his throne; and his kingdom ruleth over all. 20 Bless the Lord, ^-e his angels, mighty in strength, that execute his word, hearken- ing unto the voice of his word. 21 Bless ye the Lord, all his hosts, ye his ministers, that execute his will. 22 Bless the Lord, all his works, in all the places of his dominion : bless, my soul, the Lord. PSALM CIV. 1 ^j Bless, my soul, the Lord. Lord my God, thou art very great; with glory and majesty art thou clothed. 2 (Thou art he) who wrappeth himself in light as with a garment; who stretcheth out the heavens like a curtain ; 3 Who frameth of the waters tlie beams of his upper-chambers; who maketh the clouds ' /. e. The manner we were made, our mind wavering, our body perishable. Others think li" is used to repre- sent the dhposition, either good or bad, of man. Phi- lippson renders," our framing," 4. e. what we do. '' Philippson, after Rashi, "over him," "he is," &c. Redak, "so will his (man's) place," &c. Rashi explains "wind" to mean "the sickness preceding death." ° The Psalmist represents the first appearance of the earth after the creation, perfect in its mountains and val- leys, but all covered over with the sea, (deep, or abyss,) 4 W his chariot; who walketh along upon the wings of the wind; 4 Who maketh the winds his messengers; the flaming fire his ministers ; 5 Who hath founded the earth upon her bases, that she should not be moved to all eternity. 6 Thou' hadst covered the deep as with a garment : above the mountains stood the waters. 7 At ihy rebuke they fled, at the voice of thy thunder they hastened away. 8 They ascended mountains; they went down valleys, unto the place which thou hadst founded for them. 9 Bounds hast thou set which they cannot pass over, that they return not again to cover the earth. 10 (Thou art he) who sendeth springs into the valleys,'* between mountains they run along. 11 They give drink to all the beasts of the field: the wild asses quench (thereon) their thirst. 12 By them have the fowls of the heaven ever their habitation, from between the branches they send forth their voice. 13 Who watereth the mountains from his upper-chambers : from the fruit of thy works is the earth satisfied. 14 (Thou art he) who causeth grass to grow for the cattle, and herbs by" the service of man, that he may bring forth bread out of the earth ; 15 And wine that maketh joyful the heart of man. (and)*^ oil to brighten his face, and bread which strengtheneth the heart of man. IG Full of sap are the trees of the Lord, the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath plants ed; 17 Where the birds make their nests: the stork — fir-trees are her house. 18 The high mountains are for the wild goats: the rocks are a shelter for the conies. which has to retire into its proper receptable at God's re- buke, unwilling in a measure to lose its dominions, but obeying at length the will of the Creator. '' Redak. Jonathan, "sendeth out springs to become streams." ' Aben Ezra, &c. Philippson, "for the use of man." ' Rashi. Sachs, "that his countenance may shine more than oil." Philippson, "than from oil." Herx- heimer, "as it (the wine) maketh the face more shining than oil." 7t)9 PSALMS CIV. CV. 1 He hath made the moon for seasons : the sun knovveth his going down. 20 Thou causest darkness, and it becometh night, wherein creep forth all the beasts of the forest. 21 The young lions roar after their ]}Yey, and ask from God their food. 22 The sun ariseth, they withdraw (to their lairs), and lie down in their dens. 23 Man goeth (then) forth unto his work, and to his labour until the evening. 24 How manifo'd are thy works, Lord! in wisdom hast thou made them all : the earth is full of thy riches." 25 Here is this great and wide-extended sea; therein are moving things without num- ber, living creatures both small and great. 26 There the ships make their way: (there also) is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to sport therein. 37 All of these wait upon thee, to give them their food in its due season. 28 What thou givest them they gather : thou openest thy hand, they are satisfied with good. 29 Thou hidest thy face, they suddenly vanish :'' thou takest away their spirit," they perish, and to their dust they return. 30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created; and thou renewest the face of the earth. 31 The glory of the Lord will endure for ever; the Lord will rejoice in his works: 32 He who looketh down on the earth, and she treuibletli; who toucheth the moun- tains, and they smoke. 33 I will sing unto the Lord while I live: I will sing praises to my God while I exist. 34 May my speech be agreeable to him : I will indeed rejoice in the Lord. 35 May the sinners cease from oft" the earth, and the wicked be no more. Bless, my soul, the Lord. Hallelujah.'^ PSALM CV. 1 ^[ give thanks unto the Lord; call on ' Lit. "acquisitions." '' Mendelssohn, aa in Isaiab Ixv. 23, the sudden or speedy transition from life to death ; here the effect of God's hiding his countenance. Jonathan and others .simply, "they are terrified." Sachs, "they become a prey to terror." '• Others, "breath;" and so in next verse. '' 'J'liis is a conipiiiuid word from iSSn Imllihi, "praise 770 his name : make known among the people his deeds. 2 Sing unto him, sing praises unto him: speak of all his wonderful works. 3 Glorify yourselves in his holy name : let the heart of those rejoice that seek the Lord. 4 Liquire after the Lord and his strength : seek his presence evermore. 5 Remember his wonderful works which he hath done; his tokens, and the decrees of his mouth; 6 ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob, his elect. 7 He is the Lord our God: over all the earth are his decrees. 8 He remembereth his covenant for evei", the word wliich he hath commanded, to the thousandth generation, 9 Which he covenanted with Abraham; and his oath unto Isaac; 10 And which he established unto Jacob as a statute, unto Israel as an everlasting covenant : 11 Saying, "Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, as the portion'' of your in- heritance." 12 When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it; 13 And when they wandered from one na- tion to another, from one kingdom to another people : 14 He suffered no man to oppress them; yea, he reproved kings for their sake ; 15 (Saying,) "Touch not my anointed, and do my prophets no harm." — 10 And he called for a famine over the land; every staff of bread he broke. 17 He sent a man before them; for a ser- vant was Joseph sold; 18 They forced into fetters his feet; in iron was his body put: 19 Until the time that his word came' to pass, (when) the saying of the Lord had purified iiim. ye," and TV Jali, {yah,) "the Lord." We shall leave it untranslated, as it has passed into the modern languages as a familiar word. ' Lit. "cord," or that which is measured by a survey- or's cord or line. Others, "lot." ' llashi refers "his word" to God; Aben Ezra, to Joseph, i. c. whose projiliecy or interpretation was ful- lillrd, wliii-li was the cause of bis being .sent for. PSALMS CV. CVI. 20 The king* sent and unfettered him; the ruler of people, and let him go free. 21 He appointed him lord of his house, and ruler of all his jxissession : 22 That he might bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his ancients wisdom. 23 Then came Israel into Egypt, and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham. 24 And he increased his people greatly, and made them stronger than their adver- saries. 25 He turned their heart to hate his peo- ple, to deal subtilely with his servants. 26 He sent Moses his servant, Aaron also whom he had made choice of 27 The}' displayed among them his effectixe signs, and wondex's in the land of Ham. 28 He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word. 29 He changed their waters into blood, and slew their fish. 30 Their land brought forth frogs in ahun- dance, in the very chambers of their kings. 31 He spoke, and there came various wild beasts, lice also within all their boundary. 32 He gave them as their rain hail, and flames of fire in their land. 33 And he smote their vines and their fig- trees, and broke the trees within their bound- ary. 3-1 He spoke, and the locusts came, and crickets,^ and that without number; 35 And they ate up all the herbs in their land, and ate up the fruit of their ground. 36 And he smote all the first-born in their laud, the first of all their strength. 37 And he brought them forth with silver and gold : and there was not one that stum- bled among his tribes. 38 Egypt rejoiced when they departed; for the dread of them was tallen upon them. 39 He spread out a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light in the night. 40 The people asked, and he brought quails, and with heavenly bread he satisfied them. 41 He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out: they ran in the dry places like a river. * So Rashi. Aben Ezra, however, "God seut a king who unfettered him." 42 For he remembered his holy word given to Abraham his servant. 43 And he Ijrought forth his people with gladness, Avith joyful song his elect. 44 And he gave them the lands of nations; and the labour of people they obtained as an inheritance : 45 So that they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Hallelujah. PSALM CVI. 1 ^ Hallelujah. Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good ; for to eternity endureth his kindness. 2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? who can publish all his praise? 3 Happy are those that observe justice, that execute righteousness at all times. 4 Remember me, Lord, when thou fa- vourest thy people : oh visit me with thy sal- vation; 5 That I may look on the happiness of thy elect, that I may rejoice in the joy of thy na- tion, that I may glorify myself with thy in- heritance. 6 We have sinned'' together with our fa- thers, we have committed iniquity, Ave have done wickedly. 7 Our fathers did not reflect on thy won- ders in Egypt: they remembered not the multitude of thy kindnes.ses; but rebelled at the sea, even at the Red Sea. 8 Nevertheless he saved them for the sake of his name, to make known his might. 9 He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it was dried np; and he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. 10 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the liand of the enemy. 11 And the waters covered their adversa- ries : not one of them was left. 12 Then believed they in his words, they sang his praise. 13 Speedily they forgot his work.s, they waited not for his counsel ; 14 And they felt a lustful longing in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. 15 And he gave them what they had asked; but sent dryness into their soul. Philippson, as in Joel, pS' with "gruh." The uational sius since the exodus arc here recounted. 771 PSALM CVI. 16 Moreover they envied' Moses in the camp, and Aaron the holy one of the Lord. 17 The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered over the company of Abiram. 18 And a fire was kindled in their com- jjany: the flame burnt up the wicked. 19 They made a calf in Horeb, and bowed themselves down to a molten image. 20 And they exchanged their glory for the similitude of an ox that eateth herbs. 21 They foi'got God their savioui', who had done great things in Egypt, 22 Wonders in the land of Ham, terrible things by the Red Sea. 23 He therefore spoke of destroying them: had not Moses his elect stood in the breach before him, to turn away his fury, that he might not destroy. 24 And they despised the pleasant land, they believed not in his word; 25 But they murmured in their tents, they hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord. 26 He therefore lifted up his hand against them, to cause them to fall in the wilder- ness; 27 And to let their seed fall among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands. 28 And they joined themselves unto Ba'al- pe'or, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.'' 29 And they provoked him to anger with their deeds : and there broke in among them the plague. 30 Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment:" and the plague was stayed. 31 And it was accounted unto him for righteousness, unto all generations for ever- more. 32 They angered him also at the waters of Meribah, and evil happened to Moses for their sake ; 33 Because they had imbittered his spirit, and so he spoke thoughtlessly with his lips. ' Rashi, "they made Moses angry." " I. e. The idols which are inanimate, in opposition to "the living God" of Israel. 772 34 They did not exterminate the nations, that the Lord had indicated to them; 35 But they mingled themselves among the nations, and learned their doings. 36 And they served their idols, and these became unto them a snare. 37 Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto the evil spirits; 38 And they shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Ca- naan: and the land was polluted with blood- guiltiness. 39 Thus were they made unclean through their own doings, and went astray with their own deeds. 40 Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people, and he felt dis- gust for his own inheritance. 41 And he gave them up into the hand of the nations: and there ruled over them those that hated them. 42 And their enemies also oppressed them : and they were subdued under their hand. 43 Many times did he deliver them; but they rebelled with their counsel, and they were brought low through their iniquity. 44 Nevertheless he looked on when they were in distress, when he heard their en- treaty. 45 And he remembered unto them his covenant, and he bethought him.self accord- ing to the abundance of his kindnesses ; 46 And he caused them to find mercy** be- fore all those that had carried them away captive. 47 Save us, Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, to give thanks unto thy holy name, to triumph in thy praise. 48 Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel from everlasting even to everlasting: and let all the people say. Amen, Hallelujah. ° Aben Ezra; but Jonathan, as though it were SSiin'i "and he prayed." * Lit. "And he gave them unto mercy." PSALM r\ II. BOOK FIFTH. PSALM CVIL 1 Tl Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for unto eternity enchn'eth his kind- ness. 2 Thus let the Lord's redeemed say, even those whoni he hath redeemed from the hand of the adversary ;' 3 And whom he hath gathered out of the (various) lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the sea.*" 4 They wandered about in the wilderness, in the desert path;" they coidd not tind an inhabited'^ city : 5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul within them fainted. G Then they cried unto the Lord when they were in distress, (and) out of their af- flictions he delivered them. 7 And he led them forth on the right way, that they might go to an inhabited city. 8 They (therefore) shall give thanks unto the Lord for his kindness, and (proclaim)" his wonders to the children of men ! 9 For he satisfied the longing soul, and the hungry soul he filled with good. — 10 Such as sit in darkness and in the sha- dow of death, bound in misery and (fetters of)*^ iron; — 11 Because they have rebelled against the words of God, and have contemned the coun- sel of the Most High ; 12 And he humbled with trouble their heart; they stumbled, and there was none to help; 13 But when they ci'y unto the Lord when they are in distress, he saveth them out of their afflictions; 14 He bringeth them out of darkness aij^ ' Aben Ezra, Redak and others, the same as my "dis- tress." " Sforno, " the Red Sea," which is to the south of Pa- lestine. Redak remarks, the south is not mentioned be- cause, from its heat, it is not much travelled. • Sforno, "trackless desert;" but thus is precisely the way through the sea or desert, immediately obliterated. "^ Eug. ver. and Philippson, "a city to dwell in." [ • Aben Ezra and Redak. Others supply ntyj; "MyN i "and for his wonders (which he hath done) to," &c. j ' Lit. "prisoners of misery and iron." i the shadow of death, and teareth their bands asunder. 15 The}' (therefore) shall give thanks unto the Lord for his kindness, and (proclaim) his wonders to the children of men ! 16 For he hath broken the doors of cop- per, and the bolts of iron hath he hewn asun- der. — 17 Fools, because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. 18 All manner of food their soul abhor- reth; and they draw near unto the gates of^ death ; 19 But when they cry unto the Lord when they are in distress, he saveth them out of their afflictions. 20 He sendeth his word and healeth them, and delivereth them from their graves.^ 21 They (therefore) shall give thanks unto the Lord for his kindness, and (proclaim) his wonders to the children of men ! 22 They shall also sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and relate his deeds with joyful song. — 23 They who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters; — 24 These have seen the works of the Lord, and his wonders on the deep. 25 For lie spoke, and he raised the stormy wind, which lifteth up its waves. 26 They would mount up to heaven, they would go down to the depths : their soul was melted because of their danger.'' 27' They would reel to and fro, and stag- ger like a drunken man, and all their wisdom was exhausted.' 28 And they cried unto the Lord when they were in distress, and he brought them out of their afflictions. * So Redak. Others, "their destruction." In the whole construction of this Psalm the future alternates rapidly with the past; wherefore cither teuse may be adopted in the translation. "" Redak. Lit. "evil," <• <"• misfortune, or the conse- quence of it; here evidently the danger awaiting the crew from shipwreck. ' Lit. "was swallowed." Aben Ezra, "was hidden as though it were not." Eug. ver., "they are at their wit's end." Philippson, "all tiieir wisdom was at an end." (. c. as regards devising means of escape 773 PSALMS CVIL— CIX. 29 He calmed the storm into a whisper, and stilled were the waves of the sea. 30 And they were rejoiced because they were silent: and then he guided them unto their desired haven." •31 They (therefore) shall give thanks unto the Lord for his kindness, and (proclaim) his wonders to the children of men !'' 32 And they must exalt him in the con- gregation of the people, and in the assembly" of the elders must they praise him. — 33 He changeth rivers into a wilderness, and water-springs into parched ground; 34 A fruitful land into a salty waste, for the wickedness of those that dwell therein. 35 He changeth the wilderness into a pool of water, and desert land into water-springs. 36 And there he causeth to dwell the hungry, that they may found an inhabited city; 37 And they sow fields, and plant vine- yards, that they may j'ield the fruits of the (annual) product.'' 38 He also blesseth them, and they multi- ply greatly, and he suflfereth not their cattle to diminish. 39 They*" were also diminished and bowed low through oppression, misfortune, and sor- row: 40 He (then) poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in a pathless wilderness. 41 And he exalte th the needy from misery, and maketh (his) families like flocks. 42 The righteous shall see it, and rejoice; but all wickedness shall stop her mouth. 43 Whoever is wise, let him observe these things, and let (all) understand the kindness of the Lord. PSALM CYUV 1 ^ A song or psalm of David. 2 My heart is firm, God; I will sing and give praise, even with my spirit. ° Rashi, "boundary." ^ The Rabbins say that four classes are bound to re- turn public thanks: those who have returned from a journey through the wilderness, who have been impri- .soned, been sick, and lastly, who have returned from sea. Moderns interpret this Psalm as referring to those re- turned from the Babylonian exile, and explain it meta- phorically for all Israel, who had undergone various mis- hap'; from the destruction of the temple. 77J . 3 Awake, psaltery and harp : I will wake up the morning-dawn. 4 I will give thee thanks among the jjeo- ple, Lord : and I will sing praises unto thee ainong the nations. 5 For great alcove the heavens is thy kind- ness, and thy truth reacheth even unto the skies. 6 Exalt thyself above the heavens, God ; and alcove all the earth thy glory. 7 In oi'der that thy beloved may be de- livered: help with thy riglit hand, and an- swer me. 8 God. hath spoken in his holiness: I will exult, I will divide Shechem, and the valley of Succoth will I measure out. U Mine is Gil'ad, and mine is Menasseh; Ephraim also is the strong-hold of my head; of Judah are my chiefs. 10 Moab is my washpot; upon Edom will I cast my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph. 11 Who wuU bring me into the fortified city? who will lead me as far as Edom? 12 Behold, it is thou, God, who hast cast us off; and thou, God, goest not forth with our armies. 13 Give us help against the assailant; for vain is the help of man. 14 Through God shall we do valiantly ; for he it is that will tread down our adversaries. PSALM CIX. 1 ^ To the chief musician, by David, a psalm. God of my praise, do not keep silence. 2 For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of deceit are opened against me: they have spoken with me with the tongue of falsehood. 3 Also with words of hatred have they en- compassed me, and they fight against me without a cause. 4 In recompense for my love^ are they my accusers, while I have nothing but prayer. ° Lit. "seat," where the elders sit together. '' Redak, "fruit and products." " Mendelssohn connects the verses in this way: "If they are diminished, &c. — then doth he pour out contempt upon princes — and delivcreth the needy from oppres- sion," &c. ' This Psalm is from 1 to 6 the same as Ps. Ivii. 6, 8- 12; and from 7 to 11 nearly as Ix. 7-14. * Rashi, "my love to tliee." PSALMS CIX. ex. 5 And they impose evil on me in recom- pense for good, and hatred in lieu of my love. G Appoint" thou a wicked man over him. and let an accuser stand at his right hand. 7 When he is to be judged, let him go forth guilty, and let his prayer become sin. 8 Let his days be few, and let another take his office.'' 9 Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow. 10 Let his children be continually moving about, and beg, and let them seek (their bread) out of their ruined places. 11 Let the creditor lay snares after all that he hath, and let strangers plunder his labour. 12 Let him have none that extendeth kindness, and let there be none that is gra- cious to his fatherless children. 13 Let his posterity be cut off: in another generation let their name be blotted out. 14 Let the iniquity of his fathers be re- membered by the Lord, and let the sin of his mother not be blotted out. 15 Let them" be before the Lord continu- ally, that he may cut off from the earth their memory. 16 For the reason that he remembered not to show kindness; but persecuted the poor and needy man, and the grieved in heart to put him to death. 17 As he loved cursing, so let it come over him : and as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him. 18 And he clothed himself with cursing as with his garment: and it cometh like water within him, and like oil into his bones.'* 19 Let it be unto him as a garment in which he wrappeth himself, and for a girdle let him be continually girded with it. 20 Let this be the reward of my accusers from the Lord, and of those that speak evil against my soul. ' Mendelssohn and others take all from ver. 6 to 19 as the curse of David's enemies against him ; while the greater part of the commentators regard it as the outbreak of feeling of the Psalmist against the chief of those who persecuted him relentlessly without the least regard to justice. Redak conceives this one to be Doeg, who be- trayed his staying with Aehimelech to the enraged Saiil. •■ Rashi. Redak, "his property," or "his wife." ° i. e. The iniquity and sin just spoken of. '' Philippson, "as water and oil penetrate substances, so may the inner part of the wicked be penetrated by the curse." 21 But thou, Eternal Lord, deal with me for the s.ake of thy name : because thy kindness is good, deliver thou me. 22 For poor and needy am I, and my heart is deeply wounded within me. 23 Like the sliadow when it declineth do I hasten away: I am driven suddenly off like the locusts." 24 My knees stuml^le through fasting, and my flesh faileth of fatness.' 25 And I am become a reproach unto them : when they see me, they shake their head. 26 Help me, Lord my God : save me according to thy kindness: 27 That they may know that this is thy hand; that thou, Lord, hast truly done it. 28 Let them then curse, but do thou bless: when they arise, let them be made ashamed ; but let thy .servant rejoice. 29 Let my accusers be clothed with confu- sion, and let them wrap them,selves, as with a mantle, in their own shame. 30 I will thank the Lord greatly with my mouth, and in the midst of many will I praise him. 31 For he ever standeth at the right hand of the needy, to save him from those that judge^ his soul. PSALM ex. 1 ^ By David, a psalm. The Eternal saith unto my lord. Sit thou at my right hand, until I pliice thy enemies as a stool for thy feet. 2 The staff of thy strength will the Eter- nal stretch forth out of Zion : rule thou in the midst of thy enemies. 3 Thy people will Ijring freewill-gifts on the day of thy power, in the ornaments of ho- liness : as out of the bosom of the morning- dawn, so is thine the dew of thy youth.*" 4 The Lord hath sworn, and will not re- * (■. e. Which are suddenly destroyed at times by rain or carried away by a storm. (See Exod. x. 19.) ' Philippson, "my flesh deceiveth, because there is no oil," ('. e. to anoint therewith, anointing being omitted during a fast. * Sacha, "that condemn his soul." '' i. e. The dew, the emblem of blessing, which he had so long deserved, shall now come to him as the actual dew drops on the earth, so to say, out of the bosom of the morning-dawn. This ver.se is rendered after Philippson. Rashi, interpreting this Psalm as applied to Abraham, PSALMS CXI— cxnr. for ever pent of it, Thou slialt be a priest' after the order of Mall<i-zeclek. 5 The Lord at thy right hand crusheth kings on the day of his wrath. 6 He will judge among the nations — there shall be a fulness of corpses — he crusheth heads on a wide-spread land. 7 From the brook will he drink on the way:'' therefore will he lift up the head. PSALM CXI. 1 T[ Hallelujah. I will thank the Lord with all (my) heart, in the council of the up- right, and in the congregation. 2 Great are the works of the Lord, they are sought for (by them) in all their desires.'' 3 Glorious and majestic is his doing, and his righteousness endureth for ever. 4 He hath made a memorial for his won- derful works: gracious and merciful is the Lord. 5 He hath given sustenance unto those that fear him: he will for ever be mindful of his covenant. 6 The power of his works hath he told unto his people, that he might give them the heritage of nations. 7 The works of his hands are truth and justice: faultless** are all his precepts. 8 They are well supported for ever and eternally: they are framed in truth and up- rightness. 9 Eedemption hath he sent unto his peo- ple; he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and to be feared is his name. 10 The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord; a good" understandino; have all renders, "Thy people will come voluntarily vinto thee on the day of thy gathering an army; this shall be thine be- cause of the beauties of holiness which thou hadst from thy earliest age, soon after thou didst leave thy mother's womb ; to thee shall be accounted the way of righteousness which thou didst follow in thy youth, to be as pleasant as the dew." Sachs, accordingly, "Thy people, volunta- rily coming on the day of the gathering of thy army, is in holy ornament; out of the bosom of the morning-dawn (fiowcth) unto thee the dew of thy youth." * Aben Ezra, "minister," or "servant," to serve the LoRlJ. Malki-zedek was king and priest at Salem, after- ward Jerusalem ; and so the king it is said here shall be both temporal chief and a priest in the general sense, not sacrificial, or servant of (xod. So also, "you shall be unto me a kingdom of priests." (Exod. xix. 6.) This precisely was David, as in- superintended and organized the temple worship, without infringing on the oflfice of 77C that fuUil (his commandments) : his praise' endureth for ever. PSALxM CXII. 1 ^ Hallelujah. Happy is the man that feareth the Lord, that greatly delighteth in his commandments. 2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth : the generation of the upright shall be bles.sed. 3 Plenty and riches shall be in his house, and his righteousness shall endure for ever. 4 There ariseth in the darkness a light to the upright: he is gracious, and merciful, and righteous. 5 Well'' will it be with the man who is kind, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with justice. 6 Surely unto eternity shall he not be moved : in everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be held. 7 Of an evil report shall he not be afraid : his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. 8 Well supported is his heart, he shall not be afraid, until he looketh on (the punish- ment of) his assailants. 9 He distributeth, he giveth to the needy : his I'ighteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted in honour. 10 The wicked shall see it, and be vexed; he will gnash with his teeth, and melt away : the longing of the wicked shall perish. PSALM CXIII." 1 ^ Hallelujah. Praise, ye servants of the Lord, praise ye the name of the Lord. 2 Let the name of the Lord be blessed from this time forth and for evermore. the Aaronitic priesthood, in which a stranger, though king of Israel, could not mingle. '' "In the haste of pursuit the king will not stop to have the water brought, but drink it as he finds it on his way." — Herxheimer. But Philippson, "Wherever he goes God provides him the brook to quench his thirst, and so to acquire a complete victory." ° Sforno and Rabbi Moreuus; meaning, the righteous seek for the works of the Lord, to satisfy themselves in all their desires. ■^ Iledak. Lit "faithful," "approved," or "found true." ' Others, "good success," &c. ' /. e. God's praise. Aben Ezra and Redak, "the praise of the man that observcth the precepts," &c. ' Redak; but .Jonathan, "the good man hath pity on the poor and lendeth." *■ This and Rsalms exiv. cxvii. are called "the (Egyp- tian) TTallcl." PSALMS CXTII— CXV. 3 From the rising of tlio sun unto his go- ing down the name of the Lord is" }3raised. 4 High above all nations is tlie Lord, above the heavens is his glory. 5 Who is like the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high? 6 Who condescendeth'' to view what is done in the heavens, and on the earth? 7 He raiseth up out of the dust the poor, fi'om the dunghill he liftetli up the needy: 8 That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. 9 He causeth the barren Avoman to dwell in the midst of (her) household,'' the joyful mother of children. PLallelujah. PSALM CXIV. 1 ][ When Israel went forth out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of a strange language : 2 Judah became his sanctuary, (and) Is- rael his dominion. 3 The sea beheld it, and fled : the Jordan was driven backward. 4 The mountains skipped like wethers, the hills like lambs. 5 What aileth thee, sea, that thou fleest? thou, Jordan, that thou art driven backward ? 6 Ye mountains, that ye skip like wethers ? ye hills, like lambs? 7 At the presence of the Lord tremble,'' earth, at the pi-esence of the God of Jacob; 8 Who changeth the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a fountain of water. PSALM CXV. 1 ^ Not for our sake, Lord, not for our sake,* but unto thy name give glory, for the sake of thy kindness, for the sake of thy truth. ' Redak. Others, "let the name of the Lord he praised." '■ Redak, who also quotes a version by others, "who dwelleth so high in heaven, and seeth so deep on the earth." Rashi, who is followed by Sachs, &e. : "Who looketh down so deeply, (who is) in heaven and on earth." " Redak and Aben Ezra. Rashi, allegorically, " Zion, who is like a barren woman, will he cause to be inha- bited as the joyful mother of children." Philippson, "the barren one of the house he causeth to dwell, as," &c. ''Aben Ezra, one opinion, "the earth trembleth ;" •bin as infinitive absolute, not imperative. But Rashi, 4 X 2 Wherefore should the nations say, Where now is their God? 3 Whereas our God is in the heavens: whatsoever he desireth hath he done.^ 4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of the hands of man. 5 A mouth they have, but speak jiot; eyes they have, but see not; 6 Ears they have, but hear not; a nose they have, but smell not. 7 They have hands," but they touch not; they have feet, but they walk not: nor do they give any utterance by their throat. 8 Like them are those that make them, every one that trusteth in them. 9 Israel, trust thou in the Lord — he is their help and their shield. 10 house of Aaron, trust ye in the Lord — he is their help and their shield. 11 Ye that fear*" the Lord, trust ye in the Lord — he is their lielp and their shield. 12 The Lord hath even been mindful of us, he wall bless (us) ; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron ; 13 He Avill bless those that fear the Lord, the small together with the great. 14 May the Lord increase you more and more, you and your children. 15 Blessed are ye of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 16 The heavens are the heavens of the Lord; but the earth hath he given to the children of men. 17 Not the dead can praise the Lord, nor all those that go down into the silence (of death).' 18 But as for us, we will bless the Lord fi'om this time forth and for evermore. Hal- lelujah. "before the Lord who produceth the earth," as though it were b'7innn. ° Rashi, with the comment, "deal with us." Others, "Not to us give glory, but to thy name." ' Others, "whatsoever he desireth that he doeth." * There is a change of construction in the text, and might be rendered, "as regardeth their feet these do not walk," &c. ^ Rashi here, "the proselytes;" in csviii. 4, "the Levites." Aben Ezra, "those that fear God among all nations." ' Lit. "silence," i. e. death where there is no speech." (See Ps. xciv. 17.) 777 PSALMS CXVI.— CXVIII. PSALM CXVL 1 ^ It is lovely to me* that the Lord heareth my voice, my supplications. 2 For he hath inclined his ear unto me: therefore throughout all my days will I call on him. 3 The bands of death had compassed me, and the pangs of the nether world had over- taken me; I had met with distress and sor- row: 4 I then called on the name of the Lord, I beseech thee, Lord, release my soul. 5 Grncious is the Lord, and righteous; and oui- God is merciful. 6 Tlie Lord preserveth the simple: I was m miser}^, and he helped me. 7 Return, my soul, unto thy rest; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. 8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from falling. 9 I will walk before the Lord in the lands of life. 10 I believe, therefore will I speak: I was greatly aflilicted; 11 I indeed said in my despondency. Every man is a liar.'' 12 What shall I give in return unto the Lord for all his bounties toward me? 13 The cup of salvation will I lift ujd, and on the name of the Lord will I call. 14 My vows will I pay unto the Lord, yea, in the presence of all his people. 15 Grievous in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his pious ones. 16 Lord, truly am I thy servant; I am thy servant, — the son of thy handmaid : thou hast loosened my fetters. 17 Unto thee will I offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and on the name of the Lord will I call. 18 My vows will I pay unto the Lord, yea, in the presence of all his people, * Kashi and Abcn Ezra. Redak supplies, "the Lord;" llius, "I love (the Lord), because the Lord heareth." '' liashi, one opinion, " I said in my haste to escape from Saiil, Every man, even Samuel who had anointed mc as king, is a liar." The verses thus mean, "At pre- sent, seeing the fulfilment of God's truth, he would speak confidently — in times past he was greatly afflicted; in the despondency (or hastiness) thence occurring he had doubted both men and Providence; all words, all pro- phecy was deemed a deception." ° Jonathan, " In the name of the Lord (I trust), 19 Li the courts of the house of the TjORD, in thy midst, Jerusalem. Hallelujah. PSALM CXVIL 1 T[ Praise the Lord, all ye nations : praise him, all ye people. 2 For mighty is his kindness over us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Hallelujah. PSALM cxvin. 1 Tl give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good ; because unto eternity endureth his kindness. 2 Let Israel then say so; because to eter- nity endureth his kindness. 3 Let the house of Aaron then say so; be- cause to eternity enduretli his kindness. 4 Let those who fear the Lord then say so; because to eternity endureth his kindness. 5 From the midst of distress I called on the Lord: the Lord answered me with en- largement. 6 The Lord is for me; I will not fear: what can a man do unto me? 7 The Lord is for me, among those that help me: therefore shall I indeed look on (the punishment of) those that hate me. 8 It is better to seek shelter with the Lord than to trust in man. 9 It is better to seek shelter with the Lord than to tfust in princes. 10 All nations encompassed me about; but in the name of the Lord I will surely" cut them off. 11 They encompassed me about; yea, they compassed about; but in the name of the Lord I will surely cut them of!'. 12 They encompassed me about like bees; they blazed** up like the fire of thorns; but in the name of the Lord I will surely cut tliem off. 13 Thou hast thrust violently at me that I might fall; but the Lord assisted me. therefore will I destroy them;" supplying "I trusts," and rendering o as " because." Philippsou deems it useless to supply this, and translates, " — in the name of the Lord; for I destroy them." So also in verses 11 and 12. ^ Jonathan and Kashi, the latter commenting that the root "^yi signifies a sudden starting from a spot, such as water and fire, which leave their starting-point rapidly, especially the flame when it is quenched; hence also the sudden blazing up of a fire of dry bushes, which is there- upon speedily quenched. Aben Ezra, however, renders it with "queuclied" here also. PSALMS CXV'III. CXIX. 14 My strength and 8ong is the Lokd, and he is become my salvation. 15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous: the right hand of the LdUD doth valiantly. 16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Loud dotli valiantly. 17 1 shall not die, bub- 1 shall live, and re- late the works of the Lord. 18 Severely hath the Lord chastised me; Ijut unto death hath lie not given me up. 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I ■will enter into them, I will give thanks unto the Lord. 20 This is the gate which belongeth unto the Lord, the righteous shall enter thereljy. 21 I will thank thee; for thou hast an- swered" me, and art become my salvation. 22 The stone'' which the builders rejected is become the chief corner-stone. 23 From the Lord is this come to pass, it is marvellous in our eyes. 24 This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will be glad and rejoice thei'eon. 25 We beseech thee, Lord, save (us) now: we beseech thee, Lord, send (us) now prosperity. 26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord : we bless you out of the house of the Lord. 27 God is the Lord, and he giveth us light: bind the festive sacritice with cords, (leading it)" up to the horns of the altar. 28 Thou art my God, and I will thank thee : my God, I will exalt thee. 29 Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; because to eternity endureth his kindness. PSALM CXTX.* X ALEI'H. 1 ^ Happy are they whose way is perfect, who walk in the law of the Lord. 2 Happy are they who keep his testimo- nies, that seek him with all their heart. ' Jonathan. Sachs, Mendelssohn, and others, "for thou hast afflicted me." " Rashi comments, "the people which has been so low among idolaters." ° Redak. Mendelssohn renders D^ry^j.'^ "wound about with myrtles." Philippson understands the closing words, "till the blood be sprinkled on the horns of the altar." 3 They also commit no injustice: in his ways do they walk. 4 Thou thyself hast commanded us thy pre- cepts, that we might keep (them) diligently. 5 Oh that my ways were firmly directed to observe thy statutes! 6 Then would I not be made ashamed, while I look at all thy commandments. 7 I will thank thee with uprightness of heart, when I learn thy righteous ordinances. 8 Thy statutes will I observe: oh forsake me not too greatly. 2 BET EI. 9 Wherewithal shall a youth keep his way pure ? by guarding it according to thy word. 10 With all my heart have I sought thee: oh let me not wander astray from thy com- mandments. 11 In my heart have I treasured up thy say- ing, in order that I may not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, Lord: teach me thy statutes. 13 With my lips have I related all the ordinances of thy mouth. 14 On the way of th}^ testimonies have I been glad, as over all wealth. 15 On thy precepts will I meditate, and direct my look unto thy paths. 16 In thy statutes will I seek" my delight: I will not forget thy word. J GIMEL. 17 ^ Deal bountifully with thy servant: let me live, that I may observe thy word. 18 Open thou my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. 19 A stranger am I on the earth : hide not from me thy commandments. 20 My soul is broken from longing for thy ordinances at all times. 21 Thou hast rebuked the accursed proud, who go erringly astray from thy command- ments. 22 Roll away from me reproach and con- tempt; for thy testimonies have I kept. '' This Psalm consists of 176 verses, and is divided into 22 sections, each one consisting of 8 verses, all of which commence with the same letter of the alphabet, which is thus contained eight times in this Psalm. Each verse contains a sentence praising the law of God. ' Rashi, "I will turn my attention to," or "busy my- self with." 779 PSALM CXTX. 23 Although even princes should sit and speak against me, thy servant would still meditate on thy statutes. 24 Also thy testimonies are my delight, my counsellors." "1 DALETH. 25 ][ My soul cleaveth unto the dust: re- vive thou me according to thy word. 26 My ways do I relate (to thee), and thou ansAverest me: teach me thy statutes. 27 Cause me to understand the way of thy precepts, that I may meditate on thy wonders. 28 My soul droppeth away from grief: sus- tain mo according to thy word. 29 The way of falsehood do thou remove from me, and grant me graciously thy law. 30 The Avay of truth have I chosen : thy ordinances have I set (before me). 31 I have adhered unto thy testimonies: Lord, put me not to shame. 32 The way of thy commandments will I run ; for thou wilt enlarge my heart. n HE. 33 Tf Teach me, Lord, the way of thy sta- tutes, and I shall keep it in all its windings.** 34 Give me understanding, that I may keep thy law, and I will observe it with all (my) heart. o5 Guide me on the path of thy command- ments ; for therein do I find my delight. 36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, jind not to desire for gain. 37 Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity: on thy way do thou give me life. 38 Fulfil unto thy servant thy promise" for those who are devoted to thy fear. 39 Cause to pass away my disgrace of which I have dread; for thy ordinances are good. 40 Behold, I have longed after thy pre- cepts : through thy righteousness do thou give my life. 1 VAV. 41 ^[ And let thy kindness come unto me, Lord, thy salvation, according to thy promise. 42 Then shall I have a word to answer * Heb. "men of my counsel." ^ Rashi. Aben Ezra, after whom Sachs, "and if I keep it, (then followcth) its reward." Eng. ver. and I'hilippson, "to the end." 780 the one that reproacheth me; for I trust in thy word. 43 And snatch not the word of truth out of my mouth too greatly; for I wait for thy ordinances. 44 So shall I observe thy law continually for ever and ever. 45 And I will walk in an open space; foi thy precepts have I sought. 46 And I will speak of thy testimonies be- fore kings, and will not be ashamed. 47 And I will delight myself in thy com- mandments, wliich I love. 48 And so will I lift up my hands unto thy commandments, whicli I love, and I will meditate on thy statutes. r ZAYIN. 49 ]| Remember thy word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to wait. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that thy promise hath revived me. 51 The presumptuous have held me too greatly in derision : yet have I not departed away from thy law. 52 I remembered thy decrees (which were) from olden times, Lord, and thus comforted myself. 53 Horror seized on me because of the wicked that forsake thy law. 54 Songs have thy statutes been unto me in the house of my pilgrimage. 55 I rememljered in the night thy name, Lord, and observed tliy law. 56 This came to pass unto me, because I had kept thy precepts. n CHETH. 57 Tl My portion is the Lord, have I said, that I might observe thy words. 58 I make entreaty before thee Avith all my heart : be gracious unto me according to thy promise. 59 I have thought over my ways, and made my feet return unto thy testimonies. 60 I hastened, and delayed not to observe thy commandments. 61 Companies of wicked men have sur- rounded'' me; but I have not forgotten thy law. ° 1DN "the saying" of God, )'. e. his promise through the prophets. "" Jonathan. Menachem, "robbed," from "ip "booty," "plunder." PSALM CXIX. 62 At midnights do I constantly rise to give thanks unto thee, because of thy right- eous decrees. 63 An associate am I unto all that fear thee, and unto those that keep thy precepts. 64 Of thy kindness, Lord, is the earth full : teach me thy statutes. to TETH. 65 T[ Thou hast shown goodness on thy servant, Lord, according to thy word. 66 The best of discernment and knowledge do thou teach me; for in thy commandments do I believe. 67 Before I was afflicted" I was in error; but now I observe thy saying. 68 Thou art good, and doing good: teach me thy statutes. 69 The presumptuous have invented false- hoods against me; but I will with all my heart indeed keep thy precepts. 70 Gross as fat is their heart; but I take truly delight in thy law. 71 It is well for me that I have been af- flicted, in order that I might learn thy sta- tutes. 72 Better is unto me the law of thy mouth than tliousands of gold and silver. ' YOD. 73 ^ Thy hands have made me and esta- blished me : give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. 74 Those that fear thee will see me and be rejoiced; Tbecause I have waited for thy tvord. 75 I know, Lord, that thy decrees are righteous, and that in faithfulness thou hast atflicted me. 76 Let, I pray thee, thy kindness come to comfort me, according to thy promise unto thy servant. 77 Let thy mercies come unto me, that I may live; for thy law is my delight. 78 Let the presumptuous be made ashamed ; because they have without a cause dealt per- versely with me; but I will indeed meditate on thy precepts. * Rashi, "before I had studied them;" but others, as in the text, that affliction taught the Psalmist the value of religion. ' i. e. Shrivelled up like a leathern water-bottle hung up to dry in the smoke. 79 Let those that fear thee return unto me, and those that know thy testimonies. 80 Let my heart be entire in thy statutes, in order that I may not be put to shame. D CAPH. 81 ^ My soul ardently desii'eth for thy salvation : for thy word do I wait. 82 My eyes look eagerly for thy promise, saying. When wilt thou comfort me? 83 For I am become like a bottle'' in the smoke: (yet) do I not forget thy statutes. 84 How many are the days df thy ser- vant? when wilt thou execute ju/tice on my persecutors ? 85 The presumptuous have dug pit.s° for me, which is not in accordance with thy law. 86 All thy commandments are founded on truth : without cause they persecute me ; help thou me. 87 But little was wanting that they had consumed me upon earth; but I have truly not forsaken thy precepts. 88 According to thy kindness give me life, that I may observe the testimony of thy mouth. s LAiMED. 89 ^ To eternity, Lord, standeth firm thy word with the heavens.** 90 Unto all generations endureth thy faithfulness: thou hast established the earth, and she standeth. 91 According" to thy ordinances they exist this day; for all are thy servants. 92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should long since have been lost in my af- fliction. 93 Never will I forget thy precepts; for with them thou hast kept me alive. 94 Thine am I, save me; for thy precepts have I sought. 95 Wicked men have waited for me to de- stroy me; (but) I will reflect on thy testimo- nies. 96 Of all perfection have I seen the end; (but) thy commandment is exceedingly ex- tended. ° As wild beasts are taken in pits slightly covered over. * Redak, who comments, "that God having said the heavens should exist, they will endure for over." ' Redak, "to obey thy ordinances." 781 PSALM CXIX. MEM. 97 Tl Oh how do I love thy law ! all the day is it my meditation. 98 Wiser than my enemy doth th}' com- mandment" make me; for it is perpetually with me. 99 Above all my teachers have I obtained intelligence ; for thy testimonies are my medi- tation. 100 More than the elders do I possess un- derstanding; because thy precepts do I keep. 101 From every evil path have I with- holden mj' feet, in order that I might observe thy word. 102 From thy ordinances have I not de- parted; for thou hast instructed me. 103 How much sweeter are to my palate thy sayings than honey to my mouth ! 104 Through thy precepts shall I obtain understanding: therefore do I hate every path of falsehood. J NUN. 105 ^ A lamp unto my feet is thy word, and a light unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, to observe thy righteous ordinances. 107 I am afflicted exceedingly much: Lord, revive me, according to thy word. 108 Eeceive in fevour the freewill-offer- ings of my mouth, I beseech thee, Lord, and teach me thy ordinances. 109 My life is in my hand'' continually: yet thy law do I not forget. 110 The wacked have laid a snare for me: yet have I not erred from thy precepts. 111 I have taken thy testimonies as a heritage to eternity; for they are the joy of my heart. 112 I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes always, in all their ways. D SAMECH. 113 ][ Those of divided thoughts I hate; but thy law do I love. 114 My shelter and my shield art thou: for thy woi'd do I wait. * Aben Ezra explains the plunil in the. original as, "every one of thy comnianilmcnts." *■ /. c. Is in constant danger. ° Rashi, "protect," or "deliver." Lit. "to guarantee," {. e. against evil. Redak, "give delight to." 782 115 Depart from me, ye evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of God. 116 Ujjhold me according to thy promise, that I may live, and let me not be made ashamed of my hope. 117 Support me that I may be placed in safety, and I will direct my regard unto thy statutes continually. 118 Thou hast trodden down all that err- ingly stray from thy statutes; for falsehood is their deceit. 119 Like dross dost thou put away all the wicked of the earth: therefore do I love thy testimonies. 120 My flesh trembleth shudderingly from dread of thee, and of thy decrees am I afraid. V 'AYIN. 121 ^ I have executed justice and rightr eousness : leave me not to those who oppress me. 122 Protect" thy servant for good: let not the presumptuous oppress me. 123 My eyes look eagerly for thy salva- tion, and for thy righteous promise. 124 Deal with thy servant according to thy kindness, and thy statutes do thou teacli me. 125 I am thy servant: give me under- standing, that I may know thy testimonies. 126 It is time to act'' for the Lord: they have broken" thy law. 127 Therefore do I love thy command- ments more than gold, and more than fine gold. 128 Therefore do I esteem all thy precepts in all things as right : every path of falsehood do I hate. 5 PE. 129 ][ Wonderful are thy testimonies: therefore doth my soul keep them. 130 The opening-*^ of thy words givetli light, it giveth understanding unto the simple. 131 I opened my mouth, and panted for breath; because for tliy comnuuKluients did I long. * Jonathan. Redak, "It is time for the Lord to act," i. e. that he might dispense punishment. " "Broken," as in Gen. xvii. 14. Eng. ver., "made void," which man cannot do except by transgressing. ' rhilippson, " The exposition," ('. e. what they teach PSALM CXTX. 132 Turn thou unto nie, and be gracious unto nie, as is thy wont" unto those that love thy name. 133 My steps estabUsh thou through thy promise, and sulTer not an}' wrong to have " dominion over me. 134; Deliver me from the oppression of man, and I will observe thy precepts. 135 Let thy face shine upon thy servant, and teach me thy statutes. 136 Streams of water have run down my eyes; because they* had not observed thy law. V TZADDE. 137 *[[ Righteous art thou, Lord, and upright are thy decrees. 138 Thou hast commanded thy testimo- nies, as righteous and f\iithful exceedingly. 139 My zeal destroyeth me; because my assailants have forgotten thy words. 140 Thy promise is greatly refined, and thy servant loveth it. 141 I am little and despised: yet thy pre- cepts have I not forgotten. 142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth. 143 Distress and trouble have overtaken me: (yet) are thy commandments my de- lights. 144 Righteous are thy testimonies for ever- lasting: give me understanding, that I may live. p KOPH. 145 T[ I have called with all my heart: answer me, Lord: thy statutes will I keep. 140 I have called on thee, save me, and I will observe thy testimonies. 147 I come before thee in the dawn of morning, and cry : for thy word do I wait. 148 My eyes are awake before the night- watches, tliat I may meditate in thy saying. 149 Hear my voice according to thy kind- ness : Lord, according to thy decree do thou grant me life. 150 They that pursue mischievous devices draw nigh : from thy law are they far. 151 Near art thou, Lord; and all thy connnandments are the truth. ■ Sachs, "as is proper for," &c. ^ Aben Ezra refers this to the eyes; or rentiers )t " ipen." 152 Of old already I knew of thy testimo- nies; because for eternity hast tliou founded them. n llESH. 153 Look on my affliction, and release me; for thy law have I not forgotten. 154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: ac- cording to thy promise do thou revive me. 155 Far from the wicked is salvation; be- cause thy statutes have they not sought for. 156 Thy mercies are abundant, Lord; according to thy decrees do thou revive me. 157 Many are my persecutors and my as- sailants: yet from thy testimonies do 1 not turn away. 158 I beheld the treacherous, and felt dis- gust; because they observed not thy saying. 159 Behold that I love thy precepts: 'O Lord, accoi'ding to thy kindness do thou re- vive me. 160 The summif of thy word is truth: and the whole of thy righteous judgment en- dureth for ever. C SHIN. 161 ][ Princes have persecuted me with- out a cause; but of thy word standeth my heart in dread. 162 I am rejoiced over thy promise, as one that iindeth great spoil. 163 Falsehood I hate and abhor; but thy law do I love. 164 Seven times in the day do I praise thee because of thy righteous decrees. 165 Abundant peace have they who love thy law; and there is nothing that causeth them to stumble. 166 I have hoped for thy salvation, Lord, and thy commandments have I fulfilled. 167 My soul hath observed thy testimo- nies, and I love them exceedingly. 168 I have observed thy precepts and thy testimonies; because all my ways are before thee. n TAV. 169 ^ Let my entreaty come near before thee, Lord: according to thy word grant me understandinii'. ° Sachs. Ilerxheimer, "the sum." (Esod. xxx. 12.) ReJak, " Fropi the begiiiniiii' is thy word true." 783 PSALMS CXIX.— CXXIII. 170 Let my supplication come before thee: according to thy promise do thou deliver me. 171 My lips shall utter" praise ; because'' thou wilt teach me thy statutes. 172 My tongue shall speak loudly of thy promise ; for all thy commandments are right- eous. 173 Let thy hand be (ready) to help me; for thy precepts have I chosen. 174 I have longed for thy salvation, Lord; and thy law is my delights. 175 Let my'soul live, and it shall praise thee : and let thy decrees help me. 176 I have gone erringly astray like a lost sheep: seek thy servant; for thy command- ments have I not forgotten. PSALM CXX. 1 TJ A song of the degrees.'^ Unto the Lord, when I was in distress, did I call, and he hath answered me. 2 Lord, deliver my soul from lips of falsehood, and from a tongue of deceit. 3 What will (God)" give unto thee? or what will he add unto thee, thou tongue of deceit? 4 Sharpened arrows of the mighty, with coals of the broom-bush. 5 Wo is me, that I sojourn in Meshech," that I dwell in the tents of Kedar! 6 Too long for herself hath my soul dwelt with him that hateth peace. 7 I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war. PSALM CXXL 1 ^ A song for the degrees. I lift up my eyes unto the mountains: whence shall come my help? 2 My help is from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not suffer thy foot to slip: thy keeper doth not slumber. * Rashi. Mendelssohn, "flow with." ^ Aben Ezra, "when thou wilt teach," &c. ° The most reasonable signification of the term seems to be that these Psalms were sung by the people on their pilgrimages to Jerusalem at the festivals; hence Philipp- son, "A song for the pilgrimages." '' So does Rashi, after one opinion, translate and con- nect these two verses; and they mean, that deceit will at length meet with the heaviest retribution, as the arrow shot unfailingly liy the arm of a hero, and the unquenrli- able coals of the llulliem (bru(ini-bush). 784 4 Behold, he slumbereth not, and he sleep- eth not — the keeper of Israel. 5 The Lord is thy keeper : the Lord is thy shade, he is on thy right hand. 6 By day the sun shall not strike thee, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord will guard thee against all evil: he will guard thy soul. 8 The Lord will guard thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth and for evermore. PSALM CXXIL 1 T[ A song of the degrees by David. I was rejoiced when they said unto me. Unto the house of the Lord let us go. 2 Our feet are now standing within thy gates, Jerusalem ! 3 Jerusalem, which art built as a city wherein all associate together.' 4 For thither go up the tribes of the Lord, as a testimoiiy^ for Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. 5 For there are placed chairs for (giving) judgment, the chairs for the house of Da- vid. — 6 Pray ye for the peace of Jerusalem : may those that love thee prosper. 7 May there be peace within thy walls, prosperity'' within thy palaces. 8 For the sake of my brethren and my friends, let me now speak, Peace be within thee. 9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, will I seek thy good. PSALM CXXIII. 1 11 A song of the degrees. Unto thee do I lift up my eyes, thou that dwellest in the heavens. 2 Behold, as the eyes of servants are directed luito tlie luind of their masters, as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her " Rashi, "This is the complaint of the congregation of Israel, who have dwelt in many banishments." Mcshecli, in Armenia, is the north; Kedar, in Arabia, the south. ' Redak, meaning, where all the tribes of Israel meet. Sachs, "like an entirely compact city." Philippson, " which is all closed in together," i. e. with walls, and yet full of beautiful structures. * To acknowledge that they are God's people their God. Philippson, "as an institution," a ' Israel." ^ Philippson, "(jiiiet." Sachs, "security." iiiid he law for PSALMS CXXIIL— CXXVII. mistress: thus are our eyes directed unto the Lord our God, until he be gracious unto us. 3 Be gracious unto us, Lord ! be gracious unto us; lor we are overburdened with con- tempt." 4 Our soul is overburdened with the scorn of those who are at ease, with the contempt of the proud oppressors. PSALM CXXIV. 1 ^ A song of the degrees by David. If it had not been the Lord who was for us, so should Israel say; 2 If it had not been the Lord who was for us, when men rose up against us : 3 Then would they have swallowed us up alive, when their wrath was kindled against us; 4 Then would the waters have overwhelm- ed us, the stream would have passed over our soul ; 5 Tlien would have passed over our soul the presumptuous waters. 6 Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us up as a prey to their teeth. 7 Our soul is esca2Ded like a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. 8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. PSALM CXXV. 1 T[ A song of the degrees. Those who trust in the Lord are like mount Zion, which will not be moved, which endureth for ever. 2 Jerusalem hath mountains round about her: and (so) is the Lord round about his people, from this time forth and for ever- more. 3 For the sceptre of wickedness shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous: in order^ that the righteous may not stretch forth their hands unto wrong-doing. " Lit. "for much are we satisfied of contempt." * Rashi, "because the righteous do not," &c. "Jonathan. Others, "them, the workers of wicked- ness, will the Lord drive away." ' Rashi conceives, and after him Philippson, this Psalm to be a petition for the return of the captives; and so it is here translated. " Jonathan. Philippson, r\Tti> as "those who return." ' Rashi. Lit. "in the south;" some explain this to mean that the exiles are to return just as the southern tor- 4 Y 4 Do good, Lord, unto the good, and to those that are upright in their hearts. 5 But as for those who turn aside unto their crooked ways, them will the Lord drive away with" the workers of wickedness; but peace shall be upon Israel. PSALM CXXVI. 1 ][ A song of the degrees. When the Lord bringeth'' back again the captivity" of Zion, then shall we be like dreamers. 2 Then shall our mouth be filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then shall they say among the nations. Great things hath the Lord done for these. 3 Great things would the Lord have done for us, (whereat) we sliould be joyful. 4 Bring back again, Lord, our captivity, like rivulets in arid land.*^ 5 Those that sow in tears shall reap with joyful song. 6 He goeth forth indeed and weepeth, that beareth the seed for sowing; but he will surely come with joyful song when he bear- eth (home) his sheaves. PSALM CXXVII. 1 T[ A song of the degrees for Solomon. Unless the Lord do build the house, in vain ' labour they that build it on it : unless the Lord guard the city, in vain is the watch- man wakeful. 2 It is in vain for you to be early in rising, to be late in sitting up, eating the bread of painful toils; (for) so doth he give unto his beloved during sleep.*"' 3 Lo, children are an inheritance from the Lord : a reward is the fruit of the body. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of vouth.*" 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver filled with them: they shall not be put to shame, when they do speak with the enemies in the gate.' rents are filled with the winter's rain. Philippson more ge- nerally, that the dry land might obtain water, the want of which makes it barren; similar to which will the return of the exiles be in their effect on the world. ' i. c. While the worldly toil early and late, God gives his blessing to the righteous while they yet sleep; hence the folly of too much toil with nothing but self-reliance ' i. e. Children born while the parents are yet in vi- gorous age. ' i. e. When they defend their parents before the judges. 785 PSALMS CXXVIII— CXXXII. PSALM CXXVIIL 1 T[ A song of the degrees. Happy is every one that feareth the Lord, that walk- eth in his ways. 2 When thou eatest the Lihour of thy hands: (then) wilt thou be happy, and it shall be well with thee. 3 Thy wife is (then) as a fruitful vine in the recesses of thy house : thy children, like olive-plants round about thy table. 4 Behold, truly thus shall be blessed the man that feareth the Lord. 5 May the Lord bless thee out of Zion: and see thou the haj^piness of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. 6 And see thou thy children's children: may" there be peace upon Israel. PSALM CXXIX. 1 ^ A song of the degrees. Many a time have they assailed me from my youth, so should Israel say; 2 Many a time have they assailed me from my youth : yet have they not prevailed against me. 3 Upon my back have ploughmen plough- ed; they have drawn long their furrows: 4 (Yet) the Lord is righteous; he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked. 5 May all be put to shame and turned backward tliat hate Zion; 6 May they become like the grass of the roofs, which withereth before it is pulled* up; 7 Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor his arm" he that bindeth sheaves. 8 Nor do they who pass by say, The bless- ing of the Lord be with you : we bless you in the name of the Lord. PSALM CXXX. 1 ^ A song of the degrees. Out of the depths have I called thee, Lord. ° Jonathan. Retlak, " (and see) peace over Israel." '' Raslii. Others, "before it groweth." ° Rashi, "the upper arm," wherein sheaves are carried. ■^ Sforno. Others simply, "than watchers for the morning, watchers for the morning;" the repetition is then to denote the ardency of the waiting for the morn- ing after watching sleeplessly the whole night. " Rashi, and after him Mendelssohn and Philippson. Redak and others take Siaj in the sense of "weaned," wid say, "As the child just weaned is fearful of walking 780 2 Lord, listen to my voice : let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. 3 If thou. Lord, shouldst treasure up iniquities, Lord, who would be able to stand ? 4 But with thee there is forgiveness, in order that thou mayest be feared. 5 I hope for the Lord, my soul doth hope, and for his word do I wait. 6 My soul (waitetli) for the Lord, more than they that watch for the morning ex- pect* the morning. 7 Let Israel wait for the Lord; for with the Lord there is kindness, and with him is redemption in abundance ; 8 And he will surely redeem Israel from all his inicpiities. PSALM CXXXI. 1 ^ A song of the degrees by David. Lord, my heart was not haughty, nor were my eyes lofty : neither have I walked after mat- ters too great, or those too wonderful for me. 2 Surely I have j^acified and stilled my soul, like the suckling" on its mother's breast : like a suckling is in me my soul. 3 Let Israel wait for the Lord from this time forth and for ever more. PSALM CXXXIL 1 ^ A song of the degrees. Remember, Lord, unto David all his afflictions; 2 How he swore unto the Lord; how he vowed unto the mighty One of Jacob : 3 Surely, I will not enter into the tent of my house, nor ascend the couch of my re- pose ; 4 I will not grant any sleep to my eyes, nor to my eyelids any slumber: 5 Until I shall have found out a place for the Lord, a dwelling-place for the mighty One of Jacob. 6 "Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we met with it in the fields of the forest :'^ . without its mother's support, so does the Psalmist lean on God for help." ' Verses 6 and 7 are regarded as the saying of the peo- ple in reply to the first verses, containing the words of David which are continued in 8-10. "The fields of the forest" are the highlands of Lebanon. The ver.se then means, the people declare they heard of the selection of Zion at Bcthlcchem-Ephratah in tlio south and on Leba- non on the north ; hence, they wish to go tliither to see the s;iuilii;irv. PSALMS CXXXIL— (JXXXV. 7 Let us then go into his dwelling; let us prostrate ourselves before his footstool." 8 Arise, Lord, unto thy resting-place: thou, and the ark of thy strength. 9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteous- ness; and let thy pious servants shout for joy. 10 For the sake of David thy servant turn ! not away the face" of thy anointed. 11 The LoKD hath sworn mi to David in truth; he will not turn from it: "From the fruit of thy body will I set (some one) on the tlirone to succeed thee. 12 If thy children will observe my cove- nant and this my testimony which I teach them: then also shall their children sit for evermore upon the throne to succeed thee." 13 For the Lord hath made choice of Zion : he hath desired it as a habitation for himself. 14 This is my x-esting-place for evermore: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. 15 Her provision will I bless abundantly: her needy ones will I satisfy with liread. 16 And her priests will I clothe with sal- vation : and her pious ones shall shout aloud for joy. 17 There Avill I cause to grow a horn unto David: I arrange a lamp for my anointed. 18 His enemies will I clothe witli shame; but upon himself shall his crown shine bril- liantly.'' PSALM CXXXIII. 1 T[ A song of the degrees by David. Be- hold, how good and how ^^leasant it is when brethren'' dwell closely together (in union) ! 2 (It is) like the precious oiP upon the head, running down upon the beard, yea, Aaron's beard, which runneth down upon the upper border of his garments; 3 Like the dew of Cherraon/ running down upon the mountains (jf Zion ; for there hath the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. " ('. e. Refuse not the prayer of Solomon who built the temple. '' Rashi. Others, " shall blossom." • ° i. e. The Lsraelites, who are brothers in faith. Jona- than, "Zion and Jerusalem." Aben Ezra, "the priests," the chief of whom is next mentioned. ^ Aaron, symbolical for all the high-priests, was anoint- ed by having oil poured upon his head : this ran down naturally upon his beard, which the Asiatics perfume, and thence to the upper hem of his garments; thus mak- ing all penetrated with the sweet odour. The compari- son cxj)hiiiis itself, PSALM CXXXIV. 1 ^ A song of the degrees. Arise !'' bless ye the Lord, ;dl ye servants of the Lord that stand in the house of the Lord in the niglits. 2 Lift up your hands toward the sanc- tuary, and bless the Lord. 3 May the Lord bless thee out of Zion, lie that is the maker of heaven and earth. PSALM CXXXV. 1 T[ Hallelujah. Praise ye the name of the Lord; praise him, ye servants of the Lord; 2 Ye that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. 3 Hallelujah; for the Lord is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is lovely. 4 For Jacob hath the Lord chosen unto himself, Israel, as his peculiar treasure. 5 For I well know that the Lord is gretit, and that our Lord is above all gods. 6 Whatsoever the Lord willeth, hath he done in the heavens, and on the earth, in the seas, and in all the deeps. 7 He causeth clouds to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with the rain; he bringeth forth the wind out of his treasuries. 8 (He it is) who smote the first-born of Egypt, botli of man and of cattle ; 9 Who sent signs and wonderful tokens into the midst of thee, Fgypt, against Pha- raoh, and against all his servants; 10 Who smote many nations, and slew mighty kings; 11 Sichon the king of the Emorites, and 'Og the king of Bashan, and all the kingdonis of Canaan; 12 And gave their land as an inheritance, an inheritance unto Israel his people. 13 Lord,- thy name (enduretli) for ever: Lord, thy memorial is throughout all gene- rations. ' Some wish to read [N'E' Sioj>, a branch of ChcrnKin, instead of IVS Zion. Redak, "And as the dew that de- scendeth," &c. Others, " the clouds that are gathered at Chermon let out their 3ew on the mountains of Zion," which appears to be the best exposition. The abundance of dew in summer compensates for the want of rain in Palestine. ' run generally rendered with "behold," or "lo," is a sign of exclamation ; here, a call to praise; hence, "arise." ' Philippson, "The Eternal is thy name for ever; the Eternal is tliv memorial," &c. PSALMS CXXXV.— CXXXVII. 14 For the Loed will espouse the cause of his people, and concerning his servants will he bethink himself. 10 The idols of the nations ai-e silver and gold, the work of the hands of men. 10 Mouths they have, but they speak not; eyes they have, but they see not ; 17 Ears they have, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouth. 18 Like them are those that make them, every one that trusteth in them. 19 house of Israel, bless ye the Lord; house of Aaron, bless ye the Lord; 20 house of Levi, bless ye the Lord; ye that fear the Lord, bless the Lord. 21 Blessed be the Lord out of Zion, even he that resideth at Jerusalem. Hallelujah. PSALM CXXXVI. 1^0 give thanks unto the Lord: for he is good; for to eternity endureth his kind- ness. 2 give thanks unto the God of gods; for to eternity endureth his kindness. 3 give thanks to the Lord of lords; for to eternity endureth his kindness. 4 To him who doth great wonders alone; for to eternity endureth his kindness. 5 To him that made the heavens with un- derstanding; for to eternity endureth his ]<indness. 6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters; for to eternity endureth his kindness. 7 To him that made great lights; for to eternity endureth his kindness; 8 The sun for the rule by day ; for to eter- nity endureth his kindness; f) The moon and stars for the rule by night; for to eternity endureth his kindness. 10 To him that smote Egypt in their first-born; for to eternity endureth his kind- ness ; 1 1 And brought out Israel from the midst of them; for to eternity endureth his kind- ness ; 12 With a strong hand, and with an out^ stretched arm; for to eternity endureth his kindness. ' |{;ishi, moaning those heartless conquerors who asked the captives for one of their joyous national hymns. Jona- than, " that robbed us." Sachs and others, "oppressors." 788 13 To him who divided the Red Sea into 2)arts; for to eternity endureth his kindness; 14 And caused Israel to pass through the midst of it; for to eternity endureth his kind- ness ; 15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea; for to eternity endureth his kindness. 16 To him who led his people through the wilderness; for to eternity endureth his kind- ness. 17 To him who smote great kings; for to eternity endureth his kindness; 18 And slew mighty kings; for to eternity endureth his kindness; 19 Even Sichon the king of the Emorites; for to eternity endureth his kindness; 20 And 'Og the king of Bashan; for to eternity endureth his kindness; 21 And gave their land as an inheritance; for to eternity endureth his kindness; 22 As an inheritance unto Israel his ser vant; for to eternity endureth his kindness; 23 Who hath in our low estate remem- bered us; for to eternity endureth his kind- ness ; 24 And hath freed us from our assailants; for to eternity endureth his kindness ; 25 Who givetli food unto all flesh; for to eternity endureth his kindness. 26 give thanks unto the God of the heavens; for to eternity endureth his kind- ness. PSALM CXXXVII. 1 ^ By the rivers of Bal)ylon, there we sat, and we also wept when we remembered Zion. 2 Upon the willows in her midst had we hung up our harps. 3 For there our captors demanded of us the words of song; and those tliat mocked* us, joy, (saying,) Sing for us one of the songs of Zion. 4 How should we sing the song of the Lord on the soil of the stranger? 5 If I forget thee, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget — .*" 6 May my tongue cleave to my palate if I ' i. e. After lledak, how to play on the harp. One opinion quoted by Aben Ezra, " may ray right hand wither," or "forget" to render its service. PSALMS CXXXVII— CXXXIX. do not remember thee : if I recall" not Jeru- salem at the head of my joy. 7 Eemember, Lord, unto the children of Edom the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to her veiy foundation. 8 daughter of Babylon, who art wasted j*" happy he, that repayeth thee thy recompense for what thou hast done to us. 9 Happy he, that seizeth and dasheth thy babes against the rock. PSALM CXXXVIIL 1 ^ By David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before (thee),0 God," will I sing praise unto thee. 2 I wnll bow myself down before thy holy temple, and I will thank thy name for thy kindness and for thy truth; for thou hast magnified above all thy name thy pro- mise.'* ?j On the day when I called didst thou an- swer me, and raise" me up with strength in my soul. 4 All the kings of the earth will give thanks unto thee, Lord, when they hear the promises of thy mouth. 5 And they will sing on tlie ways of the Lord; for great is the glory of the Lord. 6 For exalted is the Lord, yet doth he re- gard the lowly; but the proud he punisheth*^ from afar. 7 If I should walk in the midst of distress, thou wilt revive me: against the wrath of my enemies wilt thou stretch forth thy hand, and thy right hand will save me. 8 The Lord will accomplish (all) in my behalf; Lord, thy kindness endureth for ever: the works of thy own hands do not abandon. PSALM CXXXIX. 1 ^ To the chief musician, by David, a * Rashi. Philippson, "if I let not Jerusalem trans- cend the summit of my jny." '' Jonathan understands the word mniy as an active participle, " plunderer." Redak, " that is to be de- stroyed," or "doomed." ° Mendelssohn. Rashi, "before the chiefs will I sing praises unto thee." ^ The fulfilment of the promises then witnessed exceed- ed, in the eyes of the Psalmist, all what had been told of God before: "name," equal to "fame." Aben Ezra, " thou hast magnified over all (things) thy name (and) thy promise." psalm. LdRn! thou hast .searched me through, and thou knowest (me). 2 Thou indeed knowest my sitting down and my rising up, thou understandest my thinking while yet^ afar off. 3 My walking and my lying down hast thou limited, and with all my ways art thou acquainted. 4 For, while there is not a word on my tongue, lo, thou, () Lord, knowest it entirely. 5 Behind aiid before hast thou hedged me in, and thou placest upon me thy hand. 6 Too wonderful is such knowledge for me: it is too exalted, I cannot attain unto it. 7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee away from thy presence? 8 If I should ascend into lieaveu, thou art there; and if I should make my lied in the nether world, behold, thou art there. 9 If I sliould lift up the wings of the morning-daAvn, if I should dwell in the utter- most parts of the sea : 10 Even there would thy hand lead me, and thy right hand would seize hold of me. 11 If I said. Surely darkness shall en- shroud me, and into night (be turned) the light about me : 12 Yet even darkness can obscure nothing from thee; but the night will shine like the day; both the darkness and the light are alike (to thee). 1-3 For thou possessest my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. 14 I will thank thee therefor, that I am (so) fearfully (and) wonderfully made: won- derful are thy works ; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My being was not concealed from thee, when I was made in secret, when I was (so to say) embroidered in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 My undeveloped substance did thy eyes ' Rashi; or, "madest me great." Aben Ezra, "strengthenedst." Sachs, "gavest me courage, power of victory to my soul." ' Jonathan, with the addition, "from (the heavens) afar oif." Redak, "and being high, he maketh (his greatness) known from afar." Others, "the proud he knoweth afar oflF." ^ Redak: t. e. before the thought was yet framed. Rashi and Jonathan, "thou understandest from afar how to draw me into companionship with thee." "I'T from i'l "friend," "companion." Others, as [r;?T "think- ing." 789 PSALMS CXXXIX — CXLI. see; and in thy book were all of them writ- ten down — the days' which have been form- ed, while yet not one of them was here. 17 And how precious are unto me thy thoughts, God.! how mightily great is tlieir sum! 18 Should I count them, they would be more numerous than the sand : I awake,*" and I am still with thee. 19 If thou wouldst but slay the wicked, God ! and ye men of blood, dfejjart from me. 20 Who speak of thee for a wicked end, thy enemies, that bear (thy name) for a vain purpose. 21 Behold, those that hate thee I ever hate, Lord; and for those that rise up against thee do I feel loathing. 22 With the utmost hatred do I hate them : enemies are they become unto me. 23 Search me through, God, and know my heart; probe me, and know my thoughts : 24 And see if there be a way of perverse- ness" in me, and lead me on the way of eter- nity. PSALM CXL. 1 ^ To the chief musician, a psalm of David. 2 Deliver me, Lord, from an evil man; from a man of violence do thou keep me ; 3 Who think over evil (resolves) in their heart, (who) every day are gathered together for war. 4 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent: the poison of the adder is under their lips. Selah. 5 Preserve me, Lord, from the hands of the wicked; from the man of violence do thou keep me, who think of overthrowing my steps. 6 The proud Iiave hidden a snare for me, and cords; they have s^jread a net Isy the side of (my) track; traps have they set for me. Selah. * Raslii, who explains, "All the acts of man and the end of all days are known though not one of them hath yet existed." But Redak supplies "limb:" "all my limbs wore written down, coming as they should in later times, while not one of them yet existed." '' Abcn Ezra; but Rashi, "I come to the end yp of generations, and this one is still with thee." ° Rashi and Redak. Others, " the way of pain," trou- ble. ■* Lit. "arms," i. e. when arms arc wielded — the battle. 700 7 I have said unto the Lord, Thou art my God : give ear, Lord, to the voice of my supplications. 8 thou Eternal Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head on the day of battle."* 9 Grant not, Lord, the longings of the wicked ; suffer not his Avicked device to suc- ceed: lest they exalt themselves. Selah. 10 (As for) the heads'' of those that encom- pass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. 11 Let bupiing coals be cast upon them: let them be thrown into the fire; into deep pits,*^ that they rise not up again. 12 Let not the man of an (evil) tongue be established on the earth: may evil hunt down the violent man to his downfall. 13 I know that the Lord will procure right for the afflicted, (and) justice for the needy. 14 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name : the upright shall dwell be- fore thy presence. PSALM CXLI. 1 ]J A psalm of David. Lord, I call thee, hasten unto me : give ear unto my voice, when I call unto thee. 2 May my prayer be valued as incense be- fore thee, the lifting up^ of my hands, as the evening offering. 3 Set, Lord, a watch unto my mouth : keep a guard at the door of my lips. 4 Permit not my heart to incline after any evil thing, to practise deeds in wickedness with men that are doers of wrong: and let me not eat of their dainties. 5 If the righteous strike me, it is a kind- ness; and if he reprove me, it is (as) oil poured on the head,*" my head shall not re- fuse it; for yet my prayer also (is offered) in their sufferings.' 6 Are their judges fallen down through ' Rashi, "The troop of those who endeavour to turn me away from thee." B'SI as "the sum," or "the collective body." ' Sachs, after an Arabic root, "floods." Rashi, "bat- tles." * Philippson, "the gift of my hands." '' /. i: With which the head is anointed. (See Ps. cxxxiii. 2.) ' This verse is rendered after Philippson, who nearly fillnws Jonathan, who, however, joins, "and let him re- PSALMS CXLI.— CXLIV. means of a rock :" then will they listen to my words ; for they are pleasant. 7 As when one cutteth in and splitteth ojien the earth :'' so are our bones scattered for the mouth of the grave. 8 For unto thee, Eternal Lord, are my eyes directed; in thee do I trust: pour not out my life. 9 Guard me from the power of the snare which they luive laid for me, and the traps of the wrong-doers. 10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, altogether — while I pass safely by. PSALM CXLIL 1 ^ A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A j^'ayer. 2 With my voice I cry unto the Lord : with my voice I make supplication unto the Lokd. 3 I pour out before him my grief: my dis- tress I recite before him. 4 When my spirit was overwhelmed with- in me — and thou knowest well my path — on the way whereon I desired to walk they had secretly laid a snare for me. 5 Look" to the right, and behold, yea, there is no man that recogniseth me : (every) refuge is lost to me ; there is no one that careth* for my soul. G I cried unto thee, Lord: I said. Thou art my refuge, my portion in the land of life. 7 Listen unto my entreaty; for I am very miserable: deliver me from my pursuers; for they are too mighty for me. 8 Bring forth out of prison my soul, that I may thank th}^ name : with me sliall the righteous crown themselves," when thou wilt deal bountifully with me. PSALM CXLin. 1 ^ A psalm of David. Lord, hear my prayer, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, in thy righteous- ness. 2 And enter not into judgment with thy prove me," to the first part of the verse, and continues, "the oil of the holy greatness shall not quit my head." Rashi renders the conclusion of the verse, " for I yet pray against their evil deeds — that I may not stumble through them." " Philippson, after Rashi; the latter says "rock" means, the evil inclination, which is as hard as stone. ^ Jonathan. Rashi, " As one cutteth (wood) and split- toth open the earth, so are our bones .scattered to reach ! servant; for no living man can be regarded righteous before thee. 3 For the enemy hath pursued my soul ; he hath crushed to the ground my life; he hath made mo dwell in darkness, as those that are dead eternally.'' 4 And my spirit within me is overwhelm- ed: in my bosom is my heart astounded. 5 I remember the days of olden times; I meditate on all thy doings: on the work of thy hands do I retlect. 6 I spread forth my hands unto thee: my soul (longeth) for thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. 7 Hasten, answer me, Lord, m}- spirit faileth : hide not thy face from me, tliat I may not become like those that go down into the pit. 8 Cause me to hear in the morning tliy Idndness; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way whereon I should walk; for unto thee do I lift up my soul. 9 Deliver me, Lord, from my enemies: by thee do I seek shelter. 10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good;= guide me on a level land. 11 For thy sake, Lord, revive me: in thy righteousness bring forth out of distress my soul. 12 And in thy kindness destroy my ene- mies, and annihilate all the adversaries of my soul; for I am thy servant. PSALM CXLIV. 1 T[ By David. Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who exerciseth my hands for tlie bat- tle, my fingers for the war : 2 My kindness, and my strong-hold; my high tower, and my deliverer ; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my peo- ple under me. 3 Lord, what is man, that thou takest cog- nizance of him ! the son of a mortal, that thou regardest him ! the door of death through the wickedness of the sinner." In this sense is also this verse rendered here. " Redak, "I look— I behold." '' Lit. "inquireth for." " Redak. Rashi and Jonathan, "for my sake will the righteous oifer a crown to thee." ' Sforno, who comments, "as those who have no share in eternal life." Aben Ezra and Redak, "dead a long time." * Sachs and others, " thy gocjd spirit guide me," &c. 7'.il PSALMS CXLIV.— CXLVI. 4 Man is like the breath : his da} s are like a passing shadow. 5 Lord, bend thy heavens, and come down : touch the mountains, that they may smoke. (i Cast forth lightning, and scatter them : send out tliy arrows, and conibund them. 7 Stretch out thy hands from above: rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of the children of the stranger. 8 Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and whose right hand is the right hand of falsehood. 9 God, a new song will I sing unto thee : upon the ten-stringed psaltery will I sing praises unto thee. 10 (Thou art he) that giveth victory unto kings: who riddeth David his servant from the evil-bringing sword. 11 Kid me, and deliver me from the hand of the children of the stranger, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and whose right hand is the right hand of falsehood. 12 So" that our sons may be like plants, grown up in their youth: our daughters, like corner-pillars, sculptured in the modeP of a palace. 13 May our garners be full, furnishing all manner of store:" our sheep bringing forth thousands and ten thousands in our open pastui'es. 14 May our oxen be strong to labour: may there be no breach, nor migration, nor loud complaint in our streets. 15 Happy the people, that fare thus: hap- py the people, whose God is the Lord. PSALM CXLV. 1 ^ A hymn of praise by David. I will extol thee, my God, king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. 2 Every day will I bless thee, and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. 3 Great is the Lord, and greatly praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. 4 One generation shall praise thy works to the other, and thy mighty acts shall they de- clare. 5 On the majestic glory of thy excellence, and on thy wondrous deeds will I meditate.* " Others, " Truly our sons are," &c. '' Meudelssohn, "nur daughters, like pillars, sculptured !in iirnamont for a temple." 702 G And of the might of thy terrible acts shall men converse: and thy greatness will I relate. 7 The memorial of thy abundant goodness shall they loudly proclaim, and they shall sing joyfully of thy righteousness. 8 Gracious and merciful is the Lord, long- suffering, and great in kindness. 9 The Lord is good to all, and his mercies are over all his works. 10 All thy works shall thank thee, Lord; and thy pious servants shall bless thee. 1 1 Of the glory of thy kingdom shall they converse, and of thy might shall they speak: 12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. 13 Thy kingdom is a kingdom of all eter- nities, and thy dominion (subsisteth) through- out all generations. 14 The Lord upholdeth all who are falling, and raiseth up all those who are bowed down. 15 The eyes of all wait hopefully upon thee, and thou givest them their food in its due season. 16 Thou openest thy hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. 17 Righteous is the Lord in all his ways, and beneficent in all his works. 18 The Lord is nigh unto all those who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19 The desire of those who fear him will he fulfil, and their cry will he hear, and save them. 20 The Lord preserveth all those who love him ; but all the wicked will he destroy. 21 The praise of the Lord shall my mouth speak: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever. PSALM CXLVL 1 ^ Hallelujah. Praise, my soul, the Lord. 2 I will praise the Lord throughout my life : I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. 3 Put not your trust in princes, in the son of man, in whom there is no salvation. ° Heb. "from kind to kind." ■^ Aben Ezra. Jonathan and Kodak, drous acts will I speak." 'of thy PSALMS CXLVI.— CXLVIII. 4 When his spu'it g(X'th fortli, he retiirn- eth to his (native) earth: on that very day perish his thoughts.' 5 (But) liappy is he wlio hath the God of Jacob lor his lielp, whose ho|)e is on tlie Lord his God; G Who hatli made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that is therein; who keepeth truth for ever; 7 Who executeth justice for tlie oppressed; who giveth Ijread to the hungry: the Lord looseneth the prisoners; 8 The Lord causeth the blind to see;'' the Lord raiseth up those who are bowed down; the Lord loveth the righteous; 9 The Lord guardeth tlie strangers; the fatherless and widow he lielpetli up; but the way of the wicked he maketh crooked. 10 The Lord will reign for ever, even thy God, Zion, unto all generations. Hallelu- jah. PSALM CXLVn. 1 ^ Hallelujah; for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is comel}-;" (him) becoraeth praise. 2 The Lord buildeth up Jerusalem: the outcasts of Israel will he gather together; 3 He that healeth the broken-hearted, and bindeth up their hurts; 4 Who counteth'' the number of the stars ; who calleth them all by (their) names. 5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power: his understanding is immeasurable. 6 The Lord helpeth up the meek: he bringeth down the wicked to the ground. 7 Lift up a song unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praises unto our God with the harp; 8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who caus- eth grass to grow upon the mountains; 9 Who giveth to the beast its food, to the young ravens which cry." 10 Not in the strength of the horse hath ' Rashi. Mendelssohn, "wisest resolves." " Lit. "openeth the blind." ° Philippson, "because he (God) is lovely, praise be- cometh him." Sforno, "because he delighteth in kind- ness, therefore," &c. ■^ Mendelssohn, "fixeth," 'determineth.' " The ravens are said to throw their young out of the nest before they can fly; hence God's care for them. 4Z he delight: nor in tlie (swiftness' of the) legs of man taketh he pleasure. 11 The Lord taketh pleasure in those that fear him, tliat wait for his kindness. 12 Glorify, Jerusalem, the Lord: praise thy God, Zion. 13 For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children in the midst of thee; 14 He who bestoweth peace in thy borders, who satisfieth thee with the best of wheat; 15 He who sendeth forth his decree unto the earth: how swiftly speedeth his word along ! 16 He who dispenseth snow like wool; who streweth about the hoarfrost like ashes; 17 He who casteth down his ice" like pieces: before his cold who can stand? 18 He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and wa- ters run along."" 19 He declareth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his ordinances unto Israel. 20 He hath not done so unto any nation : and (his) ordinances' — these they know not. Hallelujah. PSALM CXLYIIL 1 Tl Hallelujah. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights. 2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. 3 Praise ye him, sun and moon : praise him, all ye stars of light. 4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that are above the heavens. 5 Let them praise the name of the Lord ; for he commanded and they were created. G And he established them for ever and to eternity: he gave a decree which none shall transgress."^ 7 Praise the Lord from the earth, ye sea- monsters, and all deeps; 8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; thou storm-wind that fulfillest his word; ' Jonatlfan, "not in the legs of running men hath he pleasure." ' Some, " hail," which comes down in pieces. Eng. ver., "morsels," i. c. of bread. '' Sachs, after Eedak, " they run off in water." ' Philippson after Hengstenberg, " and laws of justice ;" because heathen laws are a sad mixture of right and wrong. ■* Rashi. Redak, "which shall not pass away." 793 PROVERBS 1. 9 Ye mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars; 10 Ye beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and winged birds; 11 Ye kings of the earth, and all nations; ye princes, and all judges of the earth ; 12 Young men and also virgins; old men, together with boys: — 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord; for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven. 14 He also exalteth the horn of his people, a 2^ raise unto all his pious servants, (even) unto the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Hallelujah. PSALM CXLTX. 1 ^ Hallelujah. Sing unto the Lord a new song, his praise in the congregation of the pious. 2 Let Israel rejoice in his Maker: let the children of Zion exult in their King. 3 Let them praise his name in the dance : with the timbrel and harp let them sing praises unto him. 4 For the Lord taketh pleasure in his peo- ple: he will adorn the meek with salvation. 5 Let the pious be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their couches. 6 The exalted praises of God are in their mouth, and a two-edged sword is in their hand ; 7 To execute vengeance on the nations, and chastisements on the people; 8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron ; 9 To execute upon them the judgment (which is) written : this is an honour" for all his pious servants. Hallelujah. PSALM CL. 1 T[ Hallelujah. Praise ye God in his sanctuary: praise him in the expansion'' of his power. 2 Praise him for his acts of might: jiraise him according to the abundance of his greats ness. 3 Praise him with the blowing of the cornet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. 4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and pipe. 5 Praise him upon the clear-ringing cym- bals: praise him upon the high-sounding cymbals. 6 Let every thing that hath breath" praise the Lord. Hallelujah. THE BOOK OF PROVERBS. CHAPTER I 1 T[ Tjie proverbs of Solomon the son of David, the king of Israel : 2 To know wisdom and instruction f to comprehend the sayings of understand- ing; ' Sachs, " He (God) is an ornament to all," Ac. ^ Eng. ver., "firmament;" more correctly, "the ex- pansion," i. e. of the atmosphere. ° Not alone by means of instruments made by men, but the creatures endowed with a soul themselves shall continually praise the Lord, to whom praise is ilue fnmi 794 3 To accept the instruction of intelligence, righteousness, and justice, and equity; 4 To give to the simple prudence, to the youth knowledge and discretion. 5 The wise will hear, and will increase (his) information; and the man of under- standing will obtain wise counsels :° all, for his mercy and goodness, which are without end or measure. ^ 1D1D is that species of knowledge proceeding from ex- perience; lit. "correction," as it is often translated. "From Slin "the pilot" of a ship; heuce, Jonathan, X>"iU~'I!TD "guidance," or such counsels as it is safe to PROVERBS I.. II. 6 To uiulerstand a proverb, and a sage sentence ;" the words of the wise, and their riddles. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge : wisdoni and instru^ction fools (alone) despise. 8 ^ Hear, my son, the instruction of thy father, and cast not ofi' the teaching of thy mother; 9 For a wreath of grace are they unto thy liead, and chains for thy throat. 10 My son, if sinnei's wish to entice thee, consent thou not. 11 If they should say. Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood,'' let us Watch in con- cealment for the uselessly" innocent; 12 We will swallow them up like the grave alive; and the men of integrity,'' as those that go down into the pit; 13 We shall find all (kinds of) precious wealth, we will fill our houses with booty ; 14 Thy lot must thou cast in our midst; one purse shall be for us all : 15 My son, walk not thou on the way with them; withhold thy foot from their path ; 16 For their feet run after evil, and they make haste to shed blood. 17 For uselessly is the net spread' out be- fore the eyes of every winged bird : 18 While they lie in wait for their (own) blood; they watch in concealment for their (own) lives. 19 So are the paths of every one that is greedy after (unlawful) gain; it taketh away the life of those that own it 20 Wisdom crieth loudly without; in the public places she uttereth her voice ; 21 At the corner of noisy streets she call- eth, at the entrances of gates; in the city she sayeth her speeches: 22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love follow. So also Philippson, fiihrung. There is no single word in PJnglish to convey this idea; hence we have re- tained the "wise counsels" of the English version. ' Herxheimer. Arnheim, as the English version, "in- terpretation." " Rashi, " to shed blood." ° i. e. Whose innocence cannot save him. So renders Philippson. Ralbag, "although he has not sinned against us." Herxheimer, "without danger," ;. e. we need ap- prehend no danger in assailing him unawares. ^ Aben Ezra; but Ivashi, "we will swallow them while they are entire." simfjlicity? and the scorners take their de- light in scorning, and fools hate know- ledge ? 23 Turn back to my admonition : behold, I will pour*' out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. 24 Whereas I called, and ye refused ; I stretched out my hand, and no man was attentive ; 25 And ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would not accept my admoni- tion: 26 (Therefore) I also will truly laugh at your calamity; I will deride (you) when your terror cometh ; 27 When your terror cometh like the tempest-cloud, and your calamity hasteneth like a whirlwind; when there come upon you distress and affliction. 28 Then will they call me, but I will not answer; they will seek me earnestly, but they shall not find me ; 29 For the reason that they hated know- ledge, and the fear of the Lord they did not choose ; 30 (That) they would not attend to my counsel; (that) they rejected all my admoni- tion. 31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and from their own counsels shall they be satisfied. 32 For the defection of the simple will slay them, and the prosperity of fools will cause them to be lost. 33 But he that hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be at rest from the dread of evil. CHAPTER IL 1 ^ My son, if thou wouldst but accept my woi'ds, and treasure up my command- ments with thee ; ' Arnheim, "strewed with .seed." Rashi would con- nect the verses so : the birds conceive the seed strewed in the net is there for no purpose; hence, they will snatch at it, while the hunters draw in the cords, as they are waiting and are concealed to take the life of their prey. According to this view the word own must not be supplied. Others, however, iuterpret, "The bird seeing the net will escape, it is useless to catch him, and so will the innocent be delivered from the wicked, while the persecutors themselves are caught in their own toils." ' True wisdom, the fear and knowledge of God, is al- 1 ways accessible, like a stream of water. (Deut. xss. 1-i.) 795 PROVERBS n. III. 2 To let thy ear listen unto wisdom: (if) thou would.st incline thy heart to understand- ing- o For if thou wilt call after intelligence ; if after understanding thou wilt lift up thy voice ; 4 If thou wilt seek lier as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures: 5 Then wilt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and the knowledge of God wilt thou find. 6 For the Lord giveth wisdom : out of his mouth (come) knowledge and understanding. 7 He treasureth up sound wisdom* for the righteous, as a shield to those that walk in integrity : 8 That men'' may keep the paths of justice; and the way of his pious servants doth he guard. 9 Then wilt thou understand righteous- ness, and justice, and equity: yea, every track of goodness. 10 For" wisdom will enter thy heart, and knowledge will be pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion will watch over thee, under- standing will keep thee; 12 To deliver thee from the way of the bad, from the man that speaketh perverse things ; 13 (From those) who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of dark- ness ; 14 Who rejoice to do evil, who are delight- ed in the perverseness of the bad ; 15 Who as regardeth their paths are crook- ed, and froward in their tracks. 16 To deliver thee from the adulteress,'' from the alien woman that useth flattering speeches ; 17 That forsaketh the friend of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. 18 For she" sinketh unto death — her house, and unto the departed (lead) her tracks. ° Aben Ezra. Rashi takes it as equivalent for the divine law. Piiilipp.son, "happiness." '' llashi, Alien P]zra, &c. Philippson, "Watching (/. e. on the part of God) the paths of justice." 'Jonathan. Aben Ezra, "when wisdom entereth — then will discretion," &c. '^ So llashi; but he understands by the term, not the adultrcss proper, but idolatry, which is, as it wore, a breach of the marriage tie between God and Israel. (See Hosea ii. 21.) The "alien" spoken of in the latter part of the verse is also one "alien to virtue." 'I'M 19 All that come unto her return not aoain, and they will not reach the paths of life. 20 In order that thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and observe the paths of the righteous. 21 For the upright will dwell on the earth, and the perfect will be left remaining on it. 22 But the wicked will be cut ofi' from the earth, and the treacherous shall be plucked up therefrom. CHAPTER III. 1 T[ My son, forget not my teaching, and let thy heart keep my commandments; 2 For length of days, and years of life, and peace, will they increase unto thee. 3 Let kindness and truth not forsake thee; bind them about thy throat; write them upon the table of thy heart: 4 So shalt thou find grace and g(jod fa- vour' in the eyes of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all thy heart: and upon thy own understanding do not rely. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will make level thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thy own eyes : fear the Lord, and depart from evil. 8 It will be healing to thy body,^ and marrow to thy bones. 9 Honour "the Lord with thy wealth, and with tlie first-fruits of all thy products: 10 So shall thy storehouses be filled with plenty, and with new wine shall thy presses overflow. 11 The correction"* of the Lord, my son, do not despise; and feel no loathing for his admonition; 12 Becau.se whomever the Lord loveth he admonisheth ; and as a father who delighteth in (his) son. 13 Happy the man that hath found wis- " Aben Ezra; i. e. death is her proper dwelling, whi- ther her conduct leads her. llashi, "Who entereth her house is on the declivity leading down to death." Phi- lippson, "For her house sinketh unto hell;" but n'^ house is masculine, and cannot therefore agree with nnty the third person feminine. ' Lit. "intelligence." Others, "success." ' Lit. " navel," the soft portion of the body against /utiles. ■" The sorrows and trials of life are the means God em- ploys to correct man's faults and to admonisli iiim to amend. PROVERBS III. IV. (loin, and the man tliat acquireth" under- standing. 14 For the obtaining*' of hor is better than the obtaining of silver, and better than fine gold is hor product. 15 She is more precious than pearls ; and all the things thou valuest are not equal unto her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand: in her left are riches and honour. 1 7 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 A tree of life is she to those that lay hold on her: and every one that firmly grasp- eth her will be made happy. 19 ^ The Lord hath through wisdom founded the earth: he hath established the heavens through underst.anding. 20 By his knowledge were the depths split open, and the skies drop down the dew. 21 My son, let them not be removed from thy eyes; keep (before thee) sound wisdom and discretion: 22 And they will be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy throat. 23 Then wilt thou walk in safety on thy way, and thy foot will not strike (against aught) : 24 When thou layest thyself down, thou shalt feel no dread; and as thou liest down, thy sleep shall be pleasant. 25 Thou needest not to be afraid of sud- den dread, neither of the (unlooked-for) tem- pest over the wicked, when it cometh. 26 For the Lord will be thy confidence, and he will guard thy foot from being caught. 27 Withhold not a benefit'' from him who is deserving it, when it is in the power of thy hand to do it. 28 Say not unto thy neighbour. Go, and return, and to-morrow will I give: when thou hast it by thee. 29 Contrive not against thy neighbour any evil, when he dwelleth in safety with thee. ' Rashi, "to be so ready with it, that he can spread it abroad to others." '' Ralbag; but Rashi, literally, "exchanges," or "mer- chandise." ° Ralbag. Zunz and Eng. ver., "to whom is it due." Rashi, one opinion, "Hinder not thy friend to do good to the poor who meritcth it, wlicn thou hast even the power to do so." 30 Quarrel not with any man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. 31 Envy not the man of violence, and choose none of his ways. 32 For the froward is an abomination to the Lord; but with the upright is his good-will." 33 The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked; but the habitation of the righteous will he bless. 34 If (it concern) the scornful he will him- self render them a scorn ; but unto the lowly doth he give grace. 35 The wise shall inherit glory; but fools shall obtain disgrace as their portion." • CHAPTER IV. 1 Tl Hear, ye children, the correction of a father, and attend to know understanding. 2 For good information do I give you: my teaching must ye not forsake. 3 For I was a son unto my father, a tender and an only child before my mother. 4 And he instructed me, and said unto me. Let thy heart grasp firmly my words: ob- serve my commandments and live. 5 Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding: forget not, and depart not from the sayings of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she will watch over thee : love her, and she will keep thee. 7 The beginning of wisdom is. Acquire wisdom: and with all thy acquisition acquire understanding. 8 Hold her in high esteem,'^ and she will exalt thee : she will bring thee to honour, when thou embracest her. 9 She will give to thy head a wreath of grace : a crown of ornament will she deliver" to thee. 10 Hear, my son, and accept my say- ings: and they will increase unto thee the years of life. 11 In the way of wisdom have I instructed thee: I have led thee in the tracks of upright- ness. ** Lit. "secret;" hence, Arnheim, "confidence," or "good-will;" because those, to whom we impart our se- crets, must have first our friendship. ° Rashi. Ralbag, one opinion, "shall be removed by disgrace." ' Aben Ezra. Rashi, "Glean for her," *. c. seek for her with ardour wherever she may bo found. * Abcii Ezra. Others, "will eni'iiiupass thee." TP7 PROVERBS IV. V. 12 When thou walkest, thy step shall not be narrowed ; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. 13 Lay fast hold of correction ; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. 14 Enter not into' the path of the wicked, and step not on the way of the bad. 15 Avoid it, pass not through by it, turn off from it, and pass away. 16 For they sleep not, except they have done evil; and their sleep is robbed away, unless they cause some to stumble. 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness; and the wine of violence do they drink. 18 But the path of tlie righteous is as the early morning" lig^it? that shineth more and more brightly until the height of noonday.* 19 The way of the wicked is like dark- ness : they know not against what they stum- ble. 20 T[ My son, attend to my words, unto my sayings incline thy ear. 21 Let them not slip away from thy eyes: guard them in the midst of thy heart. 22 For they are life unto every one of those that find them, and to all his body a healing. 23 Above all that is to be guarded, keep thy heart; for out of it are the issues of life. 24 Remove from thee frowardness" of mouth; and perverseness of lips put away far from thee. 25 Let thy eyes look right forward, and let thy eyelids see straight out before thee. 26 Balance well the track of thy foot, and let all thy ways be firmly right. 27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left : remove thy foot from evil. CHAPTER V. 1 Tl My son, attend unto my wisdom; to my understanding incline thou thy ear: • Kalbag. Philippson, "a.s the upward-beaming light," i. e. of the sua. " Rashi. Lit. "the establishment of day." ° Arnheira, "Remove from thyself crookedness [Phi- lippson, "obliquity"] of the mouth; and distortion [Phi- lippson, " croukiiig"] of the lips put away far from thee;" which Rashi explains, that we sliould take care not to be ill spoken of by others; Philippson, that we should be so full of truth as nut to use distortions when we speak, whicli betoken falsehood. But that, as is said in the next verse, we should be straightforward and look men in the face, conscious of our tiuthfuluess. 7U8 2 Tliat thou mayest observe discretion, and that thy lips maj' keep knowledge. 3 For as of fine honey drop the lips of an adulterous woman, and smoother than oil is her jialate; 4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, it is sharp as a two-edged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death, her steps take firm hold on the nether world : 6 So that she cannot balance the'' path of life ; her tracks are unsteady, and she know- eth it not. 7 ][ And now, ye children, hearken unto me, and depart not from the sayings of my mouth. 8 Remove far from her thy way, and come not nigh to the door of her house; 9 That thou mayest not give up unto others thy vigour," and thy years unto the cruel ; 10 That strangers may not satisfy them- selves with thy strength, and with thy exer- tions, in the house of an alien : 11 While thou moanest at thy end, when thy flesh and thy body are coming to their end, 12 And thou sayest, How have I hated correction, and how hath my heart rejected reproof; 13 While I hearkened not to the voice of my instructors, and to my teacliers I inclined not my ear ; 14 But little more*^ was wanting, and I had been in all (kinds of) unhappiness in the midst of the congregation and assembly. 15 Drink water out of thy own cistern, and running waters out of thy own well. 16 So will thy springs overflow abroad; and in the open streets will be thy rivulets of water f 17 They will be thy own only, and not those of strangers with tliee. '' Philippson, after Jonathan ; but Rashi, " Weigh not near her the path of life, choosing to do one thing or the other; for the tracks of a harlot are unsteady and they lead to perdition, and thou wilt not be able to take heed till thou stumblest and fallest." " Lit. "glory," or "respectability," here what makes the j'outh respected, viz. his manly vigour. ' Ralbag; but Rashi, "for a trifle have I been brought unto all manner of evil." Philippson conceives tliis to mean the arraignment on trial for adultery, wliicii would have caused the speaker's death. ' After Aben Ezrii, who understands herewith a multi- PROVERBS V. VI. 18 Thy fountain will be blessed; and re- joice with the wife of thy youth, — 19 The lovely gazelle and the graceful chamois: let her bosom satisfy thee abun- dantly at all times; with her love be thou ravished continually. 20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravish- ed with an adulteress, and embrace the bosom of an alien woman ? 21 For before the eyes of the Lord are the ways of man, and all his tracks doth he weigh in the balance. 22 His own iniquities will truly catch the wicked, and with the cords of his sin will he be held firmly. 23 He will indeed die for want of correc- tion; and through the abundance of his folly will he sink into error. CHAPTER VI. 1 My son, if thou hast become surety for thy friend, if thou hast struck thy hand" for a stranger; 2 If thou art ensnared through the words of thy mouth, if thou art caught through the words of thy mouth : 3 (Then) do this, by all means, my son, and deliver thyself, because thou art come into the power*" of thy friend, Go hasten to him, and urge" thy friend. 4 Grant not any sleep to thy eyes, nor slumber to thy eyelids. 5 Deliver thyself as a roebuck from the hand (of the hunter), and as a bird from the hand of the fowler. 6 ^ Go to the ant, thou sluggard ; look on her ways, and become wise. 7 She, that hath no prince, officer, or ruler, 8 Provideth in the summer her provision, gathereth in harvest-time her tbod. 9 How long, sluggard, wilt thou lie tude of children springing from a happy and faithful married life. Others apply it all metaphorically to wis- dom. " i. e. Giving a pledge, by striking in the hand of the person who is to receive assurance of payment. ' Lit. "hand," metaphorical for "grasp," or "power." ° Rashi, who explains 3m "multiply friends,'' upon him that he maj' forgive thco if thou canst not pay; and DSinn " open him thy hand to pay if thou hast the means." Arnheim, after Aben f]zra, "cast thyself at his feet, then canst thou defy the friend," ('. r. the one who does not pay his debt. down? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep ? 10 "A little (more) sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands in lying down;" 11 But then will thy poverty come like a rover,* and thy want as a man armed with a shield. 12 A Godless per.son is a man of in- justice, who walketh with a distorted mouth. 13 He blinketh with his eyes, he scrap- eth" with his feet, he pointeth with his fin- gere; 14 Perverseness is in his heart, he con- triveth evil at all times ; Jie scattereth abroad discord.' 15 Therefore shall suddenly come his cala- mity: miawares shall he be broken without a remedy. 16 Six things there are which the Lord hateth ; and seven are an abomination unto his spirit : 17 Haughty eyes, a tongue of falsehood, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that contriveth plans of in- justice, feet that hasten to run after evil, 19 A false witness that eagerly uttereth lies, and him that scattereth abroad discord among brethren. 20 j[ Keep, my son, the commandment of thy father, and reject not the teaching of thy mother: 21 Bind them upon thy heart continually, tie them about thy throat. 22 When thou walkest, it shall lead thee; when thou best down, it shall watch over thee; and when thou art awake it shall con- verse with thee. 23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light; and the way of life are the admonitions of correction : 24 To guard thee against a bad woman, from the flattery of an alien tongue.^ * Septuagint, "xaxoj o^oirtopos;" hence, Herxheimer, "vagabond." Philippson, "robber;" but the word "rover" expresses perfectly the Hebrew iSna and all the other ideas of these commentators. — A man supplied with a shield makes an attack and at the same time wards off the blows of the other; or the same as "irresistible." 'Philippson and Eng. vcr., "he speaketh," i. e. ht does not speak out, but by distortion of the mouth, by scraping with the foot and pointing with the finger, he in- fers a falsehood which he dares not to utter. ' Lit. "quarrels," "disputes." ^ Jonathan, "the tongue of an alien woman." PROVERBS VI. VII. 25 Covet not her beauty in thy heart, and let her not conquer thee with her eyelids. 26 For by means of a harlot" (one' is Ijrought down) to the last loaf of bread : and an adulterous woman will even hunt for the precious life. 27 Can a man gather up fire in his lap, and shall his clothes not be burnt ? 28 Can a man walk along upon hot coals, and shall his feet not be burnt ? 29 So it is with him that goeth in to his neighbour's wife: no one that toucheth her shall remain unpunished. 30 Men do not despise the thief, if he steal, to gratify his craving when he is hungry: 31 And if he be found, he must pay seven- fold; all the wealth of his house must he give. 32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh sense: he that is the de- stroyer of his soul, will alone do this. 33 Plague and disgrace will he meet with; and his reproach will not be blotted out. 34 For jealousy is the fury of a husband, and he will not spai'e on the day of ven- geance. 35 He will not regard the appearance of any ransom; and he will not be content, though thou give ever so many bribes. CHAPTER VII. 1 Tf My son, observe my saynigs, and my commandments nuist thou treasure up with thee. 2 Observe my commandments, and live: and my teaching as the apple of thy eyes. 3 Bind them around thy fingers, write them upon the table of thy heart. 4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman : 5 That they may keep thee from an adul- terous woman, from an alien that useth tiat- tering speeches. G For through the window of my house, tlirough my lattice did I (once) look out, * i. e. The company with dis.sohitc women iu general will ruin even the wealthiest and lead to penury; but :i'lultory will endanger life even. '' Meaning, he was first observed loitering about at dusk, and he continued till it was quite dark. ° Arnheini. Philippson, "of a deceitful tongue." ![cr.xlu<inier, "concealed intention." ■' Lit. "She hnnlciM'd licr face and saiil," &c. goo 7 And I beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the jouths, a lad void of sense ; 8 He was passing through the market- place near her corner; and he stepped along on the way to her house, 9 In the twilight,'' in the evening of the day, in the depth of the night and when it was dark: 10 And, behold, a woman came to meet him with the attire of a harlot, and obdurate" of heart. 11 (She is noisy and ungovernable; in her house her feet never rest; 12 At one time she is in the street, at an- other in the open places, and near every corner doth she lurk,) 13 And she caught hold of him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face'" she said to him, 14 "I had bound myself to bring peace- oflferings; this day have I paid my vows: 15 Therefore am I come forth to meet thee, to seek thy presence diligently, and I have found thee. 16 With tapestry coverings have I decked my bed, with embroidered coverlids'" of the fine linen of Egyijt. 17 I have sprinkled my couch with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us indulge in love until the morning: let us delight ourselves with dalli- ances. 19 For the man is not in his house, he is gone on a journey a great way ofi': 20 The bag of money hath he taken with him,*^ by the day of the new-moon festival only will he come home." 21 She seduced him l)y the aljundance of her reasoning:''' by the flattery of her lips she misguided him. 22 He followed after her suddenly, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, and as in fetters'" to his correction, the fool : 23 Till an arrow cleaveth throuoh his ' Jonathan, Abcn Ezra, and I'hilippson. Halbag, tak- ing Dn^in as chains or gold ornaments, supposes riUDn to be "cords." ' Heb. "in his hand." s Lit. "information," or "doctrine;" here the voliibility of false reasoning. '' Arnheim. Jonathan takes DDj' to nuan dni:, and renders as "the dog to coirection," and takes ViN fur PROVERBS VII. VIII. liver; as a bird hasteneth into tlio snare, and knoweth not that it is done to take bis life. 24 T[ And now, cbildron, bcarken unto me, and listen to the sayings of my mouth. 25 Let not thy heart turn aside to her ways, do not go astray on her patlis. 26 For many deadly wounded hath she caused to fall: yea, very numerous are all those slain by her. 27 The wa^s to the nether world is her house, leading down to the chambers of death. CHAPTER VIII. 1 Behold. wij<doni ralleth, and understand- ing sendeth forth her voice. 2 On the top of high places, l)y the way- side, at the house where there are (many) paths doth she place herself 3 Alongside of gates, at the opening of the city, at the entrance of the town (-doors) doth she call loudlv, 4 Unto you, men, I call, and my voice (goeth forth) to the sons of men. 5 Learn, ye simple, to understand pru- dence : and, ye fools, be ye of an understand- ing heart. G Hear! for of noble things will I speak; and the opening of my lips shall be of what is equitable. 7 For truth uttereth my palate ever, and the abomination of my lips is wickedness. 8 In righteousness are all the sayings of my mouth, there is in them nothing crooked or perverse. U They are all evident to the man of un- derstanding, and correct to those that have obtained knowledge. 10 Accept my correction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. 11 For wisdom is better than pearls; and all the things that men wish for are not equal to her. S'N " the Jeer," and connects it with the next verse : " And like the deer who receiveth the flying arrow in his liver." Philippson, after Rosenmiiller, and others, "as a deer springeth in the net," taking IDIO as synonymous with "net." ' Philippson, "and nobly all the judges of the earth." '' Aben Ezra. Eashi, "I have a great inheritance to give to my friends." "Jonathan. Lit. "acquired." | & A 12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and the knowledge of discreet thoughts do I discover. 13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil, pride and arrogance, and the evil way: and the mouth of perverseness do I hate. 14 Mine are counsel and sound wisdom : I am understanding; nn'ne is nnght. 15 Through me do kings reign, and chief- tains give decrees (in) righteousness. IG Through me do princes rule, and the nobles," even all the judges of the earth. 17 I indeed love those that love me; and those that seek me earnestly shall find me. 18 Riches and honour are with me, yea, enduring wealth and righteousness. 19 My fruit is better than gold, and than fine gold; and my products, than choice sil- ver. 20 On the road of righteousness do I walk firmly, in the midst of the paths of justice: 21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit a lasting possession ;*" and their treasures will I fill. 22 ^ The Lord created'' me as the begin- ning of his way, the firsf* of his works from the commencement. 23 From eternity was I appointed chief, from the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth. 24 When there were yet no depths, was I brought forth ; when there were yet no springs laden heavily with water. 25 Before the mountains were yet sunk down,"" before the hills was I Ijrought forth : 26 While as yet he had not made the land and open fields, nor the chief^ of the dust of the world. 27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle'^ over the face of the deep ; 28 When he fastened the skies above; when the springs of the deep became strong; 29 When he assigned to the sea his decree, that the waters should not transoress his ^ Aben Ezra and Arnheim. Philippson, DID as a pre- position, '■'■hifure his works, long ago." " As though the mountains were dropped down on their bases by the hands of the Creator. ' Kashi; meaning, "the first man, Adam." Philipp- son, "the total of the unfruitful dust of the world." Others, "the highest." Arnheim, after Aben Ezra, "the beginning." * Jialbag, "the globe of the earth." 801 PROVERBS VIII. IX. X. order;" when he established firmly the found- ations of the earth : 30 Then was I near him, as a nursling; and I was day by day (his) delights, playing before him at all times; 31 Playing in the world, his earth ;*" and having my delights with the sons of men. 32 ^ And now, children (of men), hearken unto me ! for hapjjy are those that observe my ways. 33 Hear correction, and be wise, and reject it not. 34 Happy is the man that hearkeneth unto me, watching day by day at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For he who findeth me findeth life, and he obtaineth favour from the Lord. 36 But he that sinneth against me doth violence to his own soul : all those that hate me love death. CHAPTER IX. 1 ]f Wisdom hath built her house; she hath hewn out her seven pillars ; 2 She hath killed her cattle; she hath mingled her wine ; she hath also set in order her table. 3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she inviteth (her guests) ujion the top" of the highest places of the town. 4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that is void of sense, she saith to him, 5 "Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. 6 Forsake simplicity, and live ; and go on- ward on the way of understanding. 7 He that correcteth a scorner acquireth for himself abuse ; and he that reproveth the wicked getteth himself a blemish. 8 Do not correct a scorner, lest he hate thee : reprove a wise man, and he will love thee. 9 Give to the wise (instruction), and he will become yet wiser: impart knowledge to the righteous, and he will increase his infor- mation. 10 The commencement of wisdom is the • Arnheim, "that the water should not pass beyond its shore," V3 the mouth of the sea; but others, "the nrder of God." •' Abcn E/,r:i,. Olli. rs, "on tlie globe of liis earth." 801i fear of the Lord; and the knowledge of the Most Holy One"* is understanding. 11 For through me shall thy days be mul- tiplied, and the years of thy life shall be in- creased unto thee. 12 If thou art become wise, thou art wise for thyself; but if thou art a scorner, thou alone wilt have to bear it." 13 The woman of folly is noisy: she is simple, and knoweth not what (to do). 14 And she sitteth at the door of her house, upon a chair in the high places of the town. 15 To call the wayfarers who go straight forward on their jjaths. Ki Who.so is simple, let him turn in hi ther; and as for him that is void of sense, she saith to him, 17 "Stolen waters are sweet, and bread of secrecy is pleasant." 18 But he knoweth not that the departed are there ; that in the depths of the nether world are her guests. CHAPTER X. 1 ^ The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son causeth (his) father to rejoice; but a foolish son is the grief of his mother. 2 Treasures of wickedness will not profit aught; but righteousness will deliver from death. 3 The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish; but the sinful desires of the wicked will he cast away. 4 He becometh poor that laboureth with an indolent hand; but the hand of the dili- gent maketli rich. 5 He that gathereth in summer is an in- telligent son; (but) he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. 6 Blessings come upon the head of the righteous; but the mouth of the wicked covereth violence. 7 The memory of the just is (destined) to be blessed; but the name of the wicked shall rot. 8 The wise in heart will accept command- ments; but he that is a fool in his speaking" will stumble. " Lit " Ab 'and the • Ileb backs." en Ezra, as though it were D'tyip D'nSx. he knowledge of holy men," &c. ~ ■ flips." Othe fool PROVERBS X. XT. 9 He that walkctli uprightly ever wallteth securely; but he that perverteth his ways will be punished. 10 He that winketh with the eye causeth vexation; and he that is a fool in his speak- ing will stumble. 11 A source of life is the mouth of the righteous; but the luouth of the wicked cover- eth violence. 12 Hatred stirreth up strifes; but love throweth a cover over all transgressions. 13 On the lips of the man of understand- ing there is found wisdom; but a rod is for the back of him that is void of sense. 14 Wise men treasure up knowledge; but the mouth of the foolish is an approaching teiTor." 15 The wealth of the rich man is his strong town : the terror of the poor is their poverty. 16 The labour of the righteous (tendeth) to life: the product of the wicked is for sin. 17 On the way unto life is he that ob- serveth correction ; but he that forsaketh re- proof is in error. 18 He that hideth hatred hath lips of ftilsehood ; and he that spreadeth abroad an evil report, is a fool. 19 In a multitude of words transgression cannot be avoided; but he that refraineth his lips is intelligent. 20 (Like) choice silver is the tongue of the righteous: the heart of the wicked is worth but very little. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many; but fools die through lack of sense.*" 22 The blessing of the Lord it is which maketh rich, and painful labour addeth no- thing thereto. 23 It is as sport to a fool to do wicked deeds; but a man of understanding hath wis- dom." 24 What the wicked dreadeth, that will come upon him; but the longing of the right- eous will God grant. 25 As the whirlwind passeth by, the wick- ' Aruht'im. Jonathan, "destruction;" and so wher- ever the word nnrrs occurs. ^ Aben Ezra, "fools die through means of one void of sense, who misleadcth them." ' Rashi, "As it is sport to the fool to do wicked deeds, BO is wisdom (sport) to the man of understanding." '' Arnheim, "but it is a terror to the workers," &c. ed is no more; but the righteous is an ever- lasting foundation. 26 As vinegar is to the teeth, and as smoke is to the eyes: so is the sluggard to those that send him. 27 The fear of the Lord increaseth (man's) days; but the years of the wicked will l)e shortened. 28 The expectation of the righteous is joy ; but the hope of the wicked shall perish. 29 The way of the Lord is a strong-hold to the upright; but terror'' is destined to the workers of injustice. 30 The righteous shall never be removed; but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth. 31 The mouth of the just uttereth" Avis- dom; but the tongue of perverseness shall be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know (how to obtain) favour; but the mouth of the wicked (speaketh) perverseness. CHAPTER XL 1 Balances of deceit are an abomination of the Lord; but a full weight (obtaineth) his favour. 2 When pride cometh, then cometh dis- grace; but with the modest there is Avisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright guideth them; but the cunning of the treacherous destroyeth them. 4 Wealth cannot profit on the day of wrath ;*^ but righteousness will deliver from death. 5 The righteousness of the perfect maketh even his way; but by his own wickedness will the wicked fall. 6 The righteousness of the upright will de- liver them ; but through their own sinful de- sires are the treacherous caught. 7 When a wicked man dieth, (his) hope vanisheth ; and the expectation of (his) chil- dren'' is lost. 8 The righteous is delivered out of dis- tress, and the wicked cometh in his stead. 9 With his mouth doth the hypocrite de- ' Rashi. Others, "produceth." ' When God punishes. s Rashi, taking d'JIN as "strength," in the sense it is found in Gen. xlix. 3. Philippson, " his expectation of power," as apposition to "the hopes" first spoken of. Jonathan, "of the men who do unjustly," as though its singular were spelled avcii instead of on. 803 PROVERBS XI. XII. strov his neighbour; but througli knowledge arc the righteous delivered. 10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the town rejoiceth loudly: and when the wicked perish, there is joyful shouting. 11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted; but through the mouth of the wicked it is pulled down. 12 He that despiseth his neighbour is void of sense; but a man of understanding main- taiueth silence. 13 He that walketh about as talebearer re- vealeth secrets; but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. 14 Where there is no wise guidance, a people must fall; but (it will obtain) help through the nuiltitude of counsellors. 15 With evil will he be overwhelmed that is surety for a stranger; but he that hateth giving the hand as pledge is safe. 16 A woman endowed with grace will surely obtain honour; and the powerful" will obtain riches. 17 The man of kindness doth good to his own soul; but he that troubleth his own flesh is cruel. 18 The wicked practiseth a work of false- hood;'' but he that soweth righteousness (ob- taineth) the reward of truth. 19 He who is firm in righteousness at- ta'meth to life: and he that pursueth evil (dotli it) to his own death. 20 An abomination of the Loud are those of a perverse heart; but his favour is for those who are unblemished in their way. 21 The hand (of God) being against (Ids) hand,'" the bad num shall not go unpunished; but the seed of the righteous shall escape. 22 As a golden ring in a swine's snout, so is a handsome woman that hath thrown off discretion.** 23 The desire of the righteous is only good ; but the hope of the wicked is the wrath (of God). 24: There is a man that scattereth gifts, and yet his wealth is increased : and there ii? ' llashi, and so Philippson, gives D'y'">i', a bad sense, "those who are tyrannical or unjustly exacting;" but Ilcrxhcinicr thinks it merely intended to represent here the "industrious," "hardy labourers." "' Arnheim, "the wicked ac(|uire a worthless gain." ° So llashi and Aben Ezra. .Jonathan, " FIc that stretcheth out his Iiand against his neighbour." Some, one that withholdeth more than is proj)er, and still cometli only to want. 25 A beneficent soul will be abundantly gratified;" and he that refresheth (others) will be also refi'eshed himself. 26 Him that withholdeth corn, the people will denounce; but blessing Avill be heaped upon the head of the one that selleth it. 27 He that diligently searcheth after good seeketh favour; but if one inquireth after evil, it will come unto liim. 28 He that trusteth in his riches will surely fall; but the righteous shall grow like the leaves (of a tree). 29 He that troubleth his own house will inherit the wind; and the fool will become the servant to the wise of heart. 30 The fruit of the righteous is of the tree of life; and the wise draweth souls to him- self 31 Behold, the righteous is recompensed on the earth: how much more the wicked and the sinuer."^ CHAPTER XII. 1 Whoso loveth correction loveth know- ledge; but he that hateth reproof is brutish. 2 The gn(xl obtaineth favour of the Loud; but a man of wicked devices will he con- demn. 3 A num cainiot be firmly established by wickedness; but the root of the righteous will not be moved. 4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband ; but as rottenness in his bones is one that bringeth shame (on him). 5 The thoughts of the righteous are jus- tice : the best counsels of the wicked are deceit. 6 The woi'ds of the wicked are of lying in wait for blood; but the mouth of the upright will deliver them. 7 The wicked are suddenly overthrown, and are no more ; but the hoflse of the right- eous will endure. 8 In accordance with his intelligence is a "from hand to iiaiid," i. e. though the evil pass from one generation to another. Philippson, after Ewald, "The hand I pledge," or " is pledged that," &c., /. c it is certain. . '' I'hilippson, " that is without morals." Others, "grace." '' Ijit. "made fat," — "watered." ' llashi comments, "How much more must the wicked be ultimately punished, either iu life or in dcalii," PROVERBS XII. XIII. man praised; hut he that is perverse of heart will eoiiie to be despised. 9 Better is he that is lightly esteemed who hatli a servant, than he that aimeth after honour, ;iud lacketh bread. 10 A righteous man careth for the life of his Ijeast; but the mercies of the wicked are cruelty. 11 He that tilleth his ground will be satis- fied with bread; but he that runneth after idle persons is void of sense. 12 The wicked is covetous for the net of evil men ; but (God) giveth root" to the righteous. 13 In the transgression of his lips is the snare of the wicked; but the righteous com- eth out of distress. 14 From the fruit of his mouth will a man be satisfied with what is good ; and the recompense of a man's hands will be brought back unto him. 15 The way of a fool is straight in his own eyes; but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. IG The wrath of the fool is known on the very day; but he that concealeth the disgrace is prudent. 17 He that uttereth truth announce th righteousness ; but a ttxlse witness, deceit. IS There is some one that useth words (which are) like the thrusts of a sword; but the tongue of the wise is healing. 19 The lip of truth will stand firm for ever; but only for a moment the tongue of falsehood. 20 Deceit is in the heart of those that con- trive evil; but for the counsellors of peace there is joy. 21 No wrong can come unawares to the righteous; but the wicked are full of evil. 22 An abomination of the Lord are lips of fiilsehood; but they that deal in fiiithfulness (obtain) his favour. • So Arnlieim and others, after Jonathan, who, how- ever, merely gives, "the root of the righteous shall en- dure." Eashi, however, "the root of the righteous shall yield fruit." Aben Ezra, "shall strike into the ground," i. e. become deeply rooted. ^ Rashi and Ralbag, who conceive that Solomon says it is unfit for men to entertain care either for the present or future, but he should remove it by relying on God. In this view is njNT "care," a feminine noun, the object. Others, for this once, make :h "the heart," generally masculine, a feminine, and the object of the verse, and 23 A prudent man concealeth (his) know- ledge; but the heart of fools proclaimeth (their) folly. 24 The hand of the diligent will bear rule; but the indolent must become tribu- tary^ 25 If there be care in the heart of man let him suppress it; and a good word will change it into joy.** 26 The righteous is more excellent" than his neighbour; but the way of the wicked leadeth them astray. 27 The indolent roasteth not that which he hath caught in hunting; but the most pre- cious wealth of man is diligence.'* 28 On the path of righteousness there is life ; and on her pathway there is immor- tality. CHAPTER XIII. 1 ^ A wise son (becometh so) by the cor- rection of his father; but a scorner hearken- eth not to rebuke. 2 From the fruit of a man's mouth doth he eat what is good ; but the longing of tlie treacherous is for violence. 3 He that watcheth his mouth guardeth his soul; but he that openeth wide his lips (prepareth) himself destruction." 4 The sluggard longeth (in) his soul, and there (cometh) nothing; but the soul of the diligent will be abundantly gratified. 5 The righteous hateth tlie word of false- hood; but the wicked bringeth shame and dishonour. 6 Righteousness keepeth (him that is) u]> right on his way; but wickedness pervertetli' the (man of) sin. 7 There is some one that pretendeth to be rich without having any thing: another that pretendeth to be poor while having abundant wealth. 8 As the ransom of a man's life (hath he translate, " Care in a man's heart will bend it down ; but a good word will cause it to rejoice." Philippson adopts both constructions, the first for the beginning, and the other for the conclusion of the verse. ° Rashi, " the righteous yieldeth (his wrath) to his neighbour." Arnheira, "warneth his neighbour," i. c. to make him do right. ^ Arnheim. Rashi, "the wealth of a man who is dili- gent is precious." • Others, "terror." ' Philippson, "produoeth the sinners downfall." 80.5 PROVERBS XIII. XIV. often to give)" liis I'iches; but the poor hear- eth no threat. 9 The light of the righteous burneth joy- fully;'' but the lamp of the wicked will be quenched. 10 Only through presumptuous conduct doth man produce contention; but with the well-advised is wisdom. 11 Wealth (gotten) by vain deeds will" be diminished; but he that gathereth by close labour"^ will increase it. 12 Expectation long deferred maketh the heai-t sick; but a tree of life is a desire which is fulfilled. 13 Whoso despiseth the word shall fall in debt to it ;" but he that feareth the command- ment will be rewarded. 14 The instruction of the wise is a source of life, (teaching) to avoid the snares of death. 15 Good intelligence giveth grace; but the way of the treacherous is hard.*^ 16 Every prudent man acteth with know- ledge; but a fool spreadeth abroad his folly. 17 A wicked messenger falleth into un- happiness; but a faitliful ambassador (bring- eth) healing. "~ 18 Poverty and disgrace will overtake him that rejecteth correction; but he that observeth admonition will be honoured. 19 A desire accomplished is pleasant to the soul ; but it is abomination to fools to de- part from evil. 20 He that walketh with wise men will become wise; but he that associateth with fools will be destroyed.^ 21 Evil pursueth the sinners; but the righteous will (God) repay with happiness. 22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children; but the wealth of the sinner is treasured up for the righteous 23 Much food Ijringeth the new-tilled ■ Arnheim, Pliilippson, &c., after Ralbag and Aben Ezra; i. e. wealth often becomes dangerous because of the cupidity of rulers and malice of iuforraers; but the poor escape this danger. '' Lit. "rejoiceth," i. e. it shines as though it felt joy. ° Aben Ezra. Herxheimer, " Wealth is diminished through vanity." " Heb. "upon the hand." ' Rashi. By despising the word of God we incur Tuilt — as it were, fall in debt for the good neglected. ' Rashi comments, "grievous to him and other,^." J'hilippsoti, " destructive. " 800 ground*" of the poor; but there are many others that are taken away through injustice. 24 He that withholdeth his rod hateth his son; but he that loveth him chastiseth him betimes. 25 The righteous eateth to satisfy his de- sire (to eat) ; but the belly of the wicked always suffereth want. CHAPTER XIV. 1 The wise among women buildeth her house; but the foolish pulleth it down witli her own hands. 2 In his uprightness walketh he that fear- eth the Lord; but perverse in his ways is he that despiseth him. 3 In the mouth of the foolish is a stick (for his) pride; but the lips of the wise will preserve them. 4 Where no oxen are, is the crib clean ; but the abundance of harvests is (onl^) through the strength of the ox. 5 A faithful witness will not lie; but a false witness constantly uttereth lies. 6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and there is none; but knowledge is easy to the man of understanding. 7 Go far away from a foolish man, else thou wilt (never) know' the lips of know- ledge. 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to under- stand his way; but the folly of fools is de- ceit.'' 9 The fool maketh a mockery' of guilt; but among the upright there is good-will. 10 The heart knoweth its own bitterness; and with its joy can no stranger intermed- dle. 11 The house of the wicked will be de- stroyed; but the tent of the upright will flourish. 12 There is many a way which seemeth * Heb. "broken in pieces." '' Philippson; meaning, a piece of ground laboriously reclaimed by the poor brings an abundant return, whereas others perish for the injustice they practise. Others render the verse, "Abundance of food giveth the field to the poor, while wealth is dissipated through improper acting." Ralbag, " Much food is obtained through the tillage of the poor." ' Rashi. " Both self-deception and deceiving others. ' Aben Ezra. Arnheim, "(between) the fools is guilt the interpreter, but benevolence between the upright." PROVEEBS XIV. XV. oven before a man ; but its end are ways unto death. 13 Even in laughter the heart feeleth pain ; and at its end joy is sorrow. 14 The backslider in heart will have enough of his own ways; and from liini (de- parteth) the good men.* 15 The simple believeth every word; but the prudent man understandeth his steps. 16 A wise man is fearful, and departeth from evil; but the fool exciteth hiinself, and is confident. 17 He that is soon angry committeth folly; and a man of wicked devices is hated. 18 The simple inherit folly; but the pru- dent crown themselves with knowledge. 19 The bad sink down before the good; and the wicked are at the gates of the righl> eous. 20 Even to his own neighbour is the poor man hateful; but the friends of the rich are many. 21 He that despiseth his neighbour is a sinner; but he that is gracious to the poor — happiness attend him ! 22 Behold, those who contrive evil are in error; but kindness and truth attend on those who contrive what is good. 23 In all painful labour there is profit; but mere words of the lips (lead) only to want 24 The crown of the wise is their riches; but the folly of fools is (only) folly. 25 A deliverer of souls is the true witness; but a witness of deceit uttereth lies. 26 In the fear of the Lord is the strong confidence (of man), and unto his children will it be a place of shelter. 27 The fear of the Lord is the source of life, (teaching) to avoid the snares of death. 28 In the multitude of people is the king's glory ; but in the want of a population is the downfall of the prince. 29 He that is slow to anger is of great un- derstanding; but he that is hasty of spirit holdeth up (to view) his folly. 30 A sound heart is the life of the body; but jealousy is the I'ottenness of the bones. 31 He that oppresseth the poor blasphem- ' Ralbag. Aben Ezra, vh}>0 "from his leaves," mean- ing the lightest good deeds, "will the good man be satis- fied." Philippson, "from his deeds," &c. Others, eth his Maker; Init he that is gracious to the needy honoureth him. 32 Through his own evil is the wicked thrust down; but even in his death doth the righteous have confidence. 33 In the heart of the man of understand- ing restoth wisdom ; ])ut (the little which is) in the bosom of tools is nuide known. 34 Righteousness exalteth a people; Init the disgrace of nations is sin. 35 The king's favour is bestowed on an in- telligent servant; but his wrath is against him that deserveth shame. CHAPTER XV. 1 A soft answer turneth away fury; but a mortifying word stirreth up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise maketh know- ledge acceptable; but the mouth of fools sput- tereth out folly. 3 In every jilace are the eyes of the IxtRi), looking on the bad and the good. 4 A healing (word) of the tongue is a tree of life; but perverseness therein is a breach to the spirit. 5 A fool contemneth the correction of his father; but he that observeth admonition will become prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure; but in the income of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the wise scatter knowledge ; but the heart of fools is not reliable. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomi- nation of the Lord; but the prayer of the upright (obtaineth) his favour. 9 An abomination of the Lord is the way of the wicked; but him that pursueth right- eousness will he love. 10 An evil correction'' is (destined) for him that forsaketh the (right) path : he that hateth admonition will die. 11 The nether world and corruption are open before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men ! 12 A scorner loveth not that one should admonish him: unto the wise doth he not go. 13 A merry heart cheereth up the counte- "from what is in him." Jonathan, "from his piety.'- Rashi, "above the wicked will be the good man." '' Rashi. Aben Ezra, "Correction is evil to," &c. 807 PROVERBS XV. XVI. nance; but when the heart feeleth pain the spirit is depressed. 14 Tlie heart of the man of understanding seeketh knowledge; but the mouth of fools feedeth on folly. 15 All the days of the afllicted are evil; but he that is of a cheerful heart hath a con- tinual feast. IG Better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and confusion there- with. 17 Better is an allowance of herbs when love is there, than a stall-fed ox and hatred therewith. 18 A man of fury stirreth up strife; but he that is slow to anger assuageth conten- tion . 19 The way of the slothful man is like a hedge of tliorns; but the path of the upright is a levelled (road). 20 A wise son causeth his father to re- joice ; but a foolish man despiseth his mother. 21 Folly is joy to him that is void of sense; but a man of understanding walketh straight forward. 22 Plans are frustrated without consulta- tion ; but through a multitude of counsellors canst thou maintain thyself 23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth; and a word (spoken) at the proper time, how good is it! 24 The path of life (leadeth) upward for the intelligent, in order that he may avoid the nether world beneath. 25 The Lord will tear down the house of the proud; but he will set up firmly the boundary (-stone) of the widow. 26 An abomination of the Lord are the thoughts of the bad man ; but pleasant speeches are pure (before him). 27 lie that is greedy after gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts will live. 28 The heart of the righteous reflecteth to answer; but the month of the wicked sput^ tereth out evil things. * i. e. Such admonitions as lead to life eternal. " Rashi, who explains, "he puttcth in order his counsel and his words in his heart." Lit. "orderiugs," or "ar- rangings." ° Philippson, " the answering (of (lie prayer") of the tongue." " ITeb. "roll." 808 29 The Lord is far from the wicked; but the prayer of the righteous doth he hear. 30 (What is pleasant to) the light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart : a good report giveth marrow to the bones. 31 The ear that heareth the admonition of" life will ever abide in the midst of the wise. 32 He that rejecteth correction despiseth his own soul ; but he that heareth admoni- tion acquireth intelligence. 33 The fear of the Lord is the correction for wisdom; and before honour there must come humility. CHAPTER XVI. 1 Unto man belong the resolves'" of the heart; but from the Lord cometh the expres- sion" of the tongue. 2 Every one of the ways of a man is pure in his own eyes; but the Lord measureth the spirits. 3 Commit^ unto the Lord thy works, and thy plans will be firmly established. 4 Every thing hath the Lord wrought for its destined end :" yea, even the wicked for the day of unhappiness. 5 An abomination of the Lord is every one that is proud of heart : the hand (of God) being against (his) hand,'^ he shall not go un- punished. Through kindness and truth is iniquity atoned for; and by the fear of the Lord (men) depart from evil. 7 When the Lord receiveth in favour a man's ways, he inaketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little with righteousness, than great incomes through injustice. 9 A man's heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth firmly his steps. 10 There should be a wise sentence on the lips of the king: his mouth should never commit a trespass in judging. 11 A just balance and scales belong to the Lord : his work are all the weights in the bag.'' " Ralbag; i. e. every thing is adapted to the end for which it was made, and even wickedness meets its end in the punishment which it naturally produces. Rashi, "Every thing hath the Lord made for his own glorifica- tion." ' See note to xi. 2L " (Joiiipare with xi. 1. PROVERBS xvi. xvii. 12 It should 1)0 an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; for through righteous- ness (alone) can a throne be established. 13 Righteous lips (should obtain) the fa- vour of kings; and him that speaketh up- rightly should they" love. 14 The fury of a king is like the messen- gers of death; but a wise man will appease it. 15 In the light of the king's countenance there is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain. 16 How much better is it to obtain wisdom than gold ! and to obtain understanding is l)referable to silver ! 17 The highway of the upright is to de- part from evil: he preserveth his soul that vvatcheth his way. 18 Before downfall (goeth) pride, and be- fore stumbling, haughtiness of spirit. 19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide spoil with the proud. 20 He that reflecteth on a matter wisely will find happiness; and whoso trusteth in the Lord — happiness attend him! 21 The wise in heart is called a man of understanding; and the sweetness of the lips increaseth information. 22 Intelligence is a source of life unto its possessor; but the correction of fools is folly. 2.3 The heart of the wise maketli his mouth intelligent, and upon his lips he in- creaseth information. 21 (Like) the droppings of honey are pletv sant sayings, sweet to the soul, and healing to the bones. 25 There is many a way which seemeth even before a man, but its end are the ways unto death. 26 The desire of the laljourer laboureth for him; for his mouth imposeth it on him. 27 An ungodly man diggeth up mischief, and on his lips there is as it were a scathing fire. 28 A perverse man scattereth strife; and a whisperer separateth confident friends. 29 The man of violence misleadeth his neighbour, and maketh him go on a way which is not good. " Lit. "he," or every one that is king. " Rashi, "words of pride." Others, "excellent;" but " high-toned" embraces both shades of meaning. ° So Jonathan. Others render rS>'3 "the one who 5 B 30 lie shutteth his eyes to devise perverse things: when he compresseth his lips then hath he fully resolved on evil. 31 An ornamental crown is the hoary head, on the way of righteousness can it be found. 32 One that is slow to anger is better than a hero; and he that ruleth his spirit, than the conqueror of a city. 33 In the lap the lot is cast; but from the Lord cometh the whole of its decision. CHAPTER XVII. 1 Better is a piece of dry bread, and (juiet therewith, than a house full of the sacrifices of contention. 2 An intelligent servant will have rule over a son that bringeth shame, and ainong the brothers will he have part of the inherit- ance. 3 The crucible is for silver, and the fur- nace for gold; but the Lord probeth the hearts. ' 4 An evil-doer listeneth to unjust lips: falsehood giveth ear to a tongue that bringeth destruction. 5 Whoso mocketh the poor blasphemeth his Maker: he that is glad at calamities will not remain unpunished. 6 The crown of old men are children's children; and the ornament of children are their fathers. 7 High-toned language" is not seemly to a worthless i'ool : and yet much less the lan- guage of falsehood to a noble. 8 As a precious stone appeai'eth a bribe in the eyes of him that obtaiueth" it: whither- soever it turneth, it prospereth. 9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter sepa- rateth confident friends. 10 A reproof peuetratcth more deeply into a wise man, than a hundred stripes into a fool. 11 Only rebellion' doth a bad man seek: therefore a cruel messenger will be sent out against him. 12 A man may meet a slie-])oar robbed of her whelps, but not a fool in his folly. hath it to give." But the verse is a warning, as in Dout. xvi. 19, against the taking of bribes, as else justice will be perverted. '' Philippson, "Only evil doth the rebel seek." 809 PROVERBS XVlI. XVIII. 13 Whoso bestoweth evil in return for good — evil shall not depart from his house. 14 As one letteth loose (a sti-eam) of wa- ter, so is the beginning of strife : therefore be- fore it be enkindled," leave oif the contest. 15 He that declareth the wicked innocent, and he that condemneth the righteous, yea, both of them are equally an aljomination to the Lord. IG Wherefore is the purchase-money in the hand of a fool to acquire wisdom, seeing he hath no sense? 17 A friend loveth at all times, and as a brother is he born for (the time of) distress. 18 A man void of sense pledgeth his hand, and becometh surety for his friend. 19 He loveth transgression that loveth quarrel; and he that maketh high his door'' seeketh destruction. 20 He that hath a froward heart will not find happiness; and he that hath a perverse tongue will fall into evil. 21 He that begetteth a fool (doth it) to his sorrow; and the father of a worthless fool cannot have any joy. 22 A merry heart causeth a healthy ap- pearance of the countenance f but a depressed spirit drieth up the bones. 23 A wicked man taketh a bribe out of the bosom, to pervert the paths of justice. 24 Wisdom is before him that hath under- standing; but the eyes of a fool are at the ends of the earth.'' 25 A foolish son is a vexation to his father, and bitterness to her that hath born him. 26 To punish the just with a fine even is not good, nor to strike the noble (-hearted) for (their) equity.' ' Philippson, after Jonathan. Rashi, ;?Sji-\n like n'7Jnn, "before it be laid open," and adds, "thy shame." Abcn Ezra, "mingled," "intermeddled with." Arnheim, "it breaketh forth." '' •/. c. According to Rashi, "speaking proudly," as though it read, "opening the door of his mouth." Ac- cording to Ralbag, "who exalteth himself above and de- spiseth others." ° llashi. Jonathan, "maketh the body healthy." Aben Ezra, "doth good like medicine." '' /. e. Wisdom is easily found by the intelligent; the fool looks too far, and does not find her. ° Ralbag. Philippson, IB'' Si' "and to strike the noble cxceedcth all equity." Arnheim, "Punish the righteous when he doth wrong, and smite tlie noble fir the sake of equity." 8J0 27 He that holdeth back his speeches hath knowledge; and he that is sparing*^ of his spirit is a man of understanding. 28 Even a fool, when he keepeth silence, is counted wi.se : he that shutteth his lips (is esteemed) a man of understanding. CHAPTER XVIII. 1 He that separateth himself (from God) seeketh his own desires : at evei'y sound wis- dom is he enraged.^ 2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but in laying open what is in his heart. 3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with dishonouraljle acts, disgrace. 4 Like deep waters are the words of a (wise) man's mouth, and a bubbling brook is the well-spring of wisdom. 5 It is not good to favour the person of the wicked, to wrest (the cause of the) right- eous in judgment. 6 The lips of the fool come with conten- tion, and his mouth calleth for blows. 7 The mouth of the fool is a destruction to himself, and his lips are the snare of his soul. 8 The words of a whisperer are as wounds,*" and they go down indeed into the innermost parts of the body. 9 He also' that showeth himself slothful in his work is a brother to the destroyer. 10 Tf The name of the Lord is a strong tower, whereunto the righteous runneth, and is placed in safety. 11 The rich man's wealth is his strong town, and as a towering wall in his own conceit. 12 Before downfoU the heart of man be- cometh haughty, and before honour goeth humility. ' i. e. He does not say all he knows. Philippson, "the cool-spirited," after the Ketih. * Rashi and Philippson. Rashi, however, renders as in xvii. 14, "among the men his shame will be laid open." And Philippson, after Sa'adyah, "from mankind." Aben Ezra, " He that separateth him.self (from his kindred) to seek wisdom which he longeth for, will mingle with all the men of sound wisdom." '' Arnheim and others render the word D'DnSno with "dainty food;" meaning the words of a man who slily conveys slanderous information arc pleasant to one who hears them, if he be fond of them, while they at the same time penetrate the very heart of man and leave their effects there. ' Philippson explains "also" as saying, "though the judgment against the slothful is severe, it is still true." PROVERBS XVIII. XTX. 13 When one returneth an answer before he understandeth (the question), it i.s folly imto him and shame. 14 The spirit of a man will readily bear his disease; but a depressed spirit who can bear ? 1;") The heart of the man of understanding will obtain knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. 16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and before great men will it lead him. 17 He that is first in his cause seemeth just; but when his neighbour cometh, then will it be investigated." 18 The lot causeth disputes to cease, and it decideth'' between the mighty. 19 A brother offended is harder (to be won) than a strong town ; and quarrels (among brothers) are like the Ijars of a castle. 20 From the fruit of a man's mouth Ls his body satisfied: with the product of his lips doth he satisfy himself 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it will eat its fruit. 22 Whoso hath found a wife hath found happiness, and hath obtained favour from the Lord. 23 The poor speaketh entreatmgly ; but the rich answereth roughly. 24 A man's many companions are hurtful" to him; but there is many a friend that cleaveth closer than a 1)rother. CHAPTER XIX. 1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than one of perverse lips, who is a fool. 2 Also in the want of knowledge in the soul there is nothing good; and he that hasteneth with his feet misseth the right path. 3 The folly of a man perverteth his way, and against the Lord will his heart rage. ' Meaning, when a man relates his cause to a judge he can make his own side appear just; but when his oppo- nent comes, then can the matter be properly investigated. Hence, no judge should listen to an accusation till both parties are before him, that he may be impartial. " Lit. " separateth." ° Ralbag, Arnheim, &c. * So is the Kerih; but Philippson, and so Jonathan and others, render the Kftib x'?, "should he pui'sue pro- 4 Wealth bringeth many friends; Init the poor becometh separated from his (only) friend. 5 A false witness shall not remain unpu- nished, and he that uttereth lies shall not escape. 6 Many will entreat the favour of the liberal man; and every one is the friend to him that bestoweth gilts. 7 All the brothers of the poor hate him: how much more do his friends go far away from him! he pursueth (their) promises; but these are (all) that he hath.'' 8 He that getteth intelligence lovetli his own soul: he that guardeth understanding will find happiness. 9 A false witness shall not remain unpu- nished, and he that uttereth lies shall perish. 10 Delicacy is not seemly for a fool: much less for a servant to have rule over princes. 11 It is intelligence in man to be slow in his anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. 12 Like the roaring of a young lion is the wrath of a king: as dew upon the hei'bs is his favour. 13 A calamity unto his father is a foolish son; and a continual dropping are the quar- rels of a wife. 14 House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers; but from the Lord (cometh) an intelligent wife. 15 Slothfulness casteth (man) into a deep sleep; and an indolent soul will suffer hunger. 16 He that observeth the commandment guardeth his own soul; but he that disre- gardeth (directing) his ways (aright) shall die. 17 He lendeth unto the Lord that is libe- ral to the poor, and his good deed will he repay unto him. 18 Chastise thy son, for there is hope; and let not thy soul spare (him) tor his crying." 19 A man of great fury must suffer punish- mises, (i. e. those frequently made him,) he cannot find them any more." ' Ralbag, in'an hamitho for hcim/ntho. Raslii, "but do not let thy passion rise to smite him so that he die." Arnheim, " Chastise thy son while there is yet hope ; and thou wilt then not desire to slay him." Philippson, nearly like Rashi, "and do not let thy soul crave to slay him." Thus advising moderate but not cruel punish- ment. 811 meiit ; for if thou deliver him, thou must still do it again." 20 Hearcounsel, and accept correction, in or- der tliat thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. 21 There are many thoughts in a man's heart; but the counsel of the Lord alone will stand firm. 22 The longing of a m.an is (to exercise)'' his kindness; and a poor man is better than a liar. 2.3 The fear of the Lord leadeth unto life: and he (that hath it) shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. 24 When a slothful man hath hidden his hand in the dish," then will he not even bring it back to his mouth. 25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will become prudent; and if one that hath under- standing be admonished, he will understand knowledge. 20 He that plundereth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that bring- eth shame and dishonour. 27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth (thee) to err from the sayings of knowledge.'' 28 An ungodly witness scorneth at justice, and the mouth of the wicked swalloweth mischief. 29 Punishments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools. CHAPTER XX. 1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is noisy; and whosoever indulgeth therein will never be wise. 2 Like the roaring of a young lion is the dread of a king: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul. 3 It is an honour for a man to cease from ■,v contest; but every fool enrageth himself 4 Because it is winter's cold, will the slug- gard not plough: when he therefore seeketh in the harvest time, there will be nothing. PROVERBS XIX. XX. 5 Like deep water is counsel in the heart " Aben Ezra. Raslii renders, " if thou save thy enemy when thou seest evil coming to him, thou wilt prolong thy years." '' Aben Ezra. Rashi, "the good-will of the world for a man is his kindness." Philippson, "In accordance with a man's desire is what he lovcth." ° Rashi; meaning, when, as thi^y do in the East, they Bit round the dish to take out tlie meat with their fingers, the slntlifiil lias put his hand iu it, he is too lazy to 812 of man ; but the man of understanding will draw it out. 6 Most men will proclaim every one his own kindness f but who can find a faithful man ? 7 The righteous walketh in his integrity: happy will be his children after him. 8 A king that sitteth on the throne of justice scattereth away with his eyes all evil. 9 Who can say, I have made my heart pure, I am cleansed from my sin? 10 Divers weights, and divers measures, are both of them alike an abomination of the Lord. 11 Even a child maketh himself known by his doings, whether his work will be pure, and whether it will be upright. 12 The ear that heareth, and the eye that seeth, the Lord hath made both of them alike. 13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to po- verty : open thy eyes, so wilt thou be satisfied with bread. 14 It is bad, it is bad, saith the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then doth he boast. 15 There is gold, and a multitude of pearls; but a precious vessel are the lips of knowledge. 16 Take away his garment, because he hath become surety for a stranger; and on account of a strange woman take a pledge from him. 17 Bread of fixlsehood is pleasant to a man; but afterward his mouth will be fdled with gravel-stones. 18 Plans are established by counsel; and with wise reflection conduct war. 19 He that goeth about as a talebearer re- vealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that enticeth with his lips. 20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother — his lamp shall be quenched in obscure darkness. 0th. 'bo- bring it back to his mouth with the food. som." ^ Aben Ezra. Rashi, "Cease, my son, to go astray from the sayings of knowledge to hear correction." Phi- lippson, "Cease but once, my son, to hear correction, thou wilt soon go astray," &c. " Ralbag and Aben Ezra; but Rashi, "Most men will rely on their friends who promise them kindness in their necessity," &c. PROVERBS XX. XXT. 21 An inheritance hastily gotten" at the beginning will at its end not be blessed. 22 Do not say, I will recompense evil; (but) wait on the Lord, and he will help thee. 23 Divers weights are an abomination of the Lord; and a deceitful l)alance is not good. 24 From the Lord are the steps of man (ordained) ; but man — how can he under- stand his own way? 25 It is a snare to a man to sanctify things hastily,'' and to make inquiry only after hav- ing made vows. 2G A wise king scattereth the wicked, and turneth over them the threshing-wheel.'' 27 A lamp of the Lord is the soul of man, searching all the inner chambers of the body. 28 Kindness and truth will watch over a king, and he will prop up through kindness his throne. 29 The ornament of young men is their strength ; and the glory of old men is a hoary head. 30 The bruises of a wound are cleansing means for the bad, and stripes (will reach) the inner chambers of the Ijody. CHAPTER XXL 1 Like brooks of water is a king's heart in the hand of the Lord : whithersoever it pleas- eth him doth he turn it. 2 Every way of a man is straight in his own eyes ; but the Lord weigheth the hearts. 3 To exercise righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 4 Haughtiness of the eyes, and an immo- derate heart, are the sinful field' of the wicked. 5 The plans of the diligent tend only to plenty; but every hasty man is (destined) only to want. 6 The getting of treasures by a tongue of falsehood is like the fleeting breath of those that seek death. 7 The robbery of the wicked will drag them away; because they refuse to execute justice. " So the Kcii; but the Ketib, "accursed at the begin- ' Arnheim, Herxheimer, and Philippson. Aben Ezra, "tn devour what is holy." ° He threshes them in his anger, as the wheel does the grain on the threshing-floor. 8 Perverse is the way of the man that is estranged (from goodness) ; but as fur the pure, his work is upright. 9 It is better to dwell in a corner of a roof, than with a quarrelsome woman in a roomy" house. 10 The soul of the wicked longeth for evil : his neighbour fiudeth no grace in his e3es. 11 When the scorner is punished, the sim- ple is made wise : and when the wise is taught intelligence, he I'eceiveth knowledge. 12 The righteous*^ regardeth attentively the house of the wicked; (but God) over- turneth the wicked into unhappiness. 13 Whoso stoppeth his ears against the cry of the poor, he also will cry himself, but shall not be answered. 14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger, and a bribe in the bosom,'^ strong fury. 15 It is joy to the righteous to execute justice; but it is a terror to wrong-doers. 16 The man that wandereth astray out of the way of intelligence shall rest in the as- sembly of the departed. 17 He that loveth pleasure'' will be a man of want: he that loveth wine and oil will not become rich. 18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the treacherous shall be put in the stead of the npriglit. 19 It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a quarrelsome and vexatious wo- man. 20 There are a desirable treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man will swallow it up. 21 He that pursueth righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and ho- nour. 22 A wise man scaloth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength in which they trusted. 23 Whoso guardeth his mouth and his tongue guardeth his soul against distresses. 24 The presumptuous and proud, scorner is his name, dealeth in the wi-ath of presump- tion. ^ Jonathan, "and the light of the wicked is sin;" i: ni'er as nair. " Lit. "a house of society," ('. c where many can dwell ' Rashi refers "Righteous" also to God. « I. e. Privately conveyed, unseen by men. ■■ Lit. "joy." 813 PROVERBS XXII. XXIII. 25 The longing of the slothful will kill him; for his hands refuse to labour. 26 All the day he feeleth a great longing; but the righteous giveth and withholdeth not. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abo- mination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a sinful purpose?" 28 A lying witness shall perish; but the man that is obedient* (to the law) can speak for ever. 29 A Avicked man showeth impudence in his face; but as for the upright, he will con- sider well his way. 30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but with the Lord is the victory. CHAPTER XXII. 1 A good name is preferable to abundant riches, and good grace, to silver and to gold. 2 The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all. 3 The prudent foreseeth the evil, and hid- eth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. 4 The reward of humility (and)" the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life. 5 Thorns and snares are on the way of a perverse man: he that doth guard his soul will keep far from them. 6 Train up the lad in accordance with his course:'' even when he groweth old, will he not depart from it. 7 A rich man ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the man that lendeth. 8 He that soweth injustice will reap wrong- doing; and the rod of God's wrath will not fail." ' Jonathan, "in sin." Philippson, "with a scandalous act." ' Rashi, who refers this obedience specially to the prohibition of false testimony. Rosenmuller, "who saith what he hath heard." ° Rashi and other commentators do not supply anr?, but give : " the reward of humil'ity are the fear of the Lord," &c. ■^ ?'. e. According to his peculiar character and capacity; ilirccting thus the parent to watch over the early deve- bipmcnt of the mind, and to correct any vicious propen- sity. Eng. ver., "Train up a child in the way he should 8H 9 A man of a benevolent eye will indeed be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. 10 Drive away the scorner, and strife will go off; and then will cease contention and dishonour. 11 He that loveth wath a pure heart, and hath grace on his lips, will have the king as his friend. 12 The eyes of the Lord guard knowledge,'' and he overturneth the words of the treach- erous. 13 The slothful saith. There is a lion with- out, in the midst of the streets shall I be murdered. 14 A deejj pit is the mouth of adulterous women: he that hath obtained the indignar tion of the Lord will foil thereinto. 15 When folly is bound fost to the heart of a lad, the rod of correction must remove it for from him. 16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, (must at length)" give to the rich, and come only to want. 17 Incline thy ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thy heart unto my know- ledge. 18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thy bosom, if they be altogether firmly seated upon thy lips. 19 That thy trust may he in the Lord, have I made them known to thee this day, yea, even to thee. 20 Have not I written for thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 That I might make thee know recti- tude, the sayings of truth ; that thou mightest bring back answers of truth to those that send thee? 22 ^ Rob not the poor, because he is poor, neither crush the afflicted in the gate ;'' 23 For the Lord will plead their cause, "Philippson; lit. " will be complete." Arnheim, "he completeth the rod of his own punishment." Rashi, "the rod with which he exerciscth his wrathful rule shall fail," /. e. come to an end. The difficulty is in the word hSd which is generally intransitive. ' Arnheim, "the wise," as though it road n;n ty'X "the man of knowledge." ^ Rashi. Jonathan, " He that oppresseth the poor heapeth upon himself shame; he that giveth to the rich, will procure himself want." Ralbag, "He that oppre.-is- eth the poor niaketh him rich, (i. e escitcth him to more labour;) he that giveth to the rich bringeth him to want," ' i- e. In the court of justice, PROVERBS XXII. XXIII. and despoil the life of those that despoil them. 24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger; and with a man of fury thou must have no intercourse: 25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare for thy own soul. 2(3 Be not one of those that pledge their hand, or of those that are sureties for debts. 27 If thou have nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee? 28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which tliy fathers have established. 29 Seest thou a man that is diligent in his work? before kings may he place himself: let him not place himself before obscure men. CHAPTER XXIII. 1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee; 2 For thou puttest a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man of a craving desire. 3 Do not long for his savoury meats; for they are deceitful food. 4 Fatigue thyself not to become rich : be- cause thoxi hast understanding, forljear." 5 When thou lettest merely thy eyes fly over it, it is no more; for it will ever make itself wings: like an eagle will it fly toward heaven. 6 Tl Eat not the bread of a man with an evil eye, and do not long for his savoury meats ; 7 For as though there were a division'' in his soul, so doth he act: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. 8 Thy morsel which thou hast eaten must thou spit out, and thou hast wasted thy plea- sant words. 9 Speak not before the ears of a fool; for he will despise the intelligence of thy words. 10 Remove not the ancient landmark, and into the fields of the fatherless must thou not enter ; "Jonathan. Others, "leave off thy resolves." Eng. ver., "cease from thine own wisdom." ^ Herxheimer. Jonathan, " As though there were a high gate, so is it in his soul." Arnheim, "For like one who weigheth something which may cost his life, so is he." Rashi, "As though one were to pour bitterness in his soul." All these opinions are founJed upou the supposed meaning of the word ^y& found here alone as a verb. 11 For their redeemer is strong; he will indeed plead their cause with thee. 12 Apply thy heart unto instruction, and thy ears to the sayings of knowledge. 13 Withhold not from a lad correction; for if thou beat him with the rod, he will not die. 14 Thou wilt indeed beat him with the rod; but thou wilt deliver his soul from per- dition." 15 My son, if thy heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. 16 And my reins shall exult when thy lips speak what is equitable. 17 Let not thy heart be envious'^ against sinners; but (remain) in the fear of the Lord all the time. 18 For surely there is a future, and thy hope will not be cut oIF. 19 Hear thou, my son, and become wise, and guide thy heart on the right way. 20 Be not among those that drink wine immoderately, among those that over-indulge in eating flesh ; 21 For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty; and drowsiness clotheth a man in rags. 22 Hearken unto thy fiither that hath be- gotten thee, and despise not thy mother al- though" she be old. 23 Buy the truth and sell it not; (also) wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. 24 The fiither of the righteous will be greatly glad, and he that Ijegetteth a wise child will have joy through him. 25 Let (then) thy father and thy mother rejoice, and let her that hath born thee be glad. 26 Give, my son, thy heart unto me, and let thy eyes watch' my ways. 27 For a harlot is a deep ditch, and a strange woman is a narrow well. 28 She also lieth in wait like a robber, and she increaseth the treacherous^ among men. ° Rendered elsewhere "grave," "nether world," or "hell." * Philippson, "Do not excite thyself about sinners, but rather about the fear," &c. " Aben Ezra. Arnheim and Eng. ver., "when she is." Philippson, "because." ' The Kefib would require, " have pleasure on my ways." 8 Philippson, "who act treacherously against men." 81§ PROVERBS XXIII. XXIV. 29 Who liath wo? who hath sorrow? who hath quarrels? who hath complaints? who hath wounds without cause? who hath red- ness of eyes ? 30 They that tarry late over the wine: they that come to seek for mixed drink. 31 Do not look on the wine when it look- etli red, when it giveth its colour" in the cuj), when it glideth down so readily. 32 At the last it will bite like a serpent, and like a basilisk will it sting. 33 Thy eyes will see strange forms, and thy heart will speak perverse things. 34 And thou wilt be like one that lieth down in the heart of tlie sea, or as he that lieth on the top of a mast.'' 35 "They smote me, (but) I suffered no pain; they struck me hard, (but) I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will continue to seek it again." CHAPTER XXIV. 1 Be thou not envious of bad men, and do not long to be with them 2 For their heart meditate th destruction, and of mischief do their lips speak. 3 Through wisdom is a house built; and through understanding is it firmly established ; 4 And through knowledge are chambers filled with all manner of precious and plea- sant wealth. 5 A wise man is (always) in power; and a man of knowledge fortifieth (his) strength. 6 For by wise counsel canst thou conduct thy war; and there is help'' in a multitude of counsellors. 7 Wisdom is too high for a fool : in the gate can he not open his mouth. 8 Him that deviseth to do evil, men call a master of wicked devices. 9 The counsel'' of folly is sin; and an abo- mination to men is the seorner. 10 If tliou despond" on the day of dis- tress, thy strength is small. ' Others, "as it castotli its beads in the cup." •• Jonathan, "like the pilot that sloepcth at the helm." Thilippson, "like one that sicepoth in front of the rud- der." ° Comp. xi. 14; xx. 18. * Rashi. Others, "the thought." ' liaslii, "If thou liast let thy friend sink," &c. ' Jonathan, taking DX not as usual for "if," but as an unusual affirmative. Some, however, connect this verse 810 11 Deliver those that are taken unto death, and those that are moved away to the slaugh- ter hold back.*^ 12 If thou shouldst say. Behold, we know not this man : lo, he that weigheth hearts will truly regard it, and he that keepeth thy soul will surely know it; and he will give a recompense to man according to his doing. 13 Eat honey, my son, because it is good; and the fine honey, which is sweet to thy palate : 14 So obtain the knowledge of wisdom for thy soul; when thou hast found her, then shall there be a (hapj^y) future,- and thy hope shall not be cut off. 15 Lie not in wait, wicked man! against the dwelling of the righteous ; waste not his resting-place ; IG For though tlie righteous were to fall seven times, he will rise up again; but the wicked shall stumble into misfortune.^ 17 At the fall of thy enemy do not rejoice; and at his stumbling let not thy heart be glad : 18 Lest the Lord see it, and it be displeas- ing in his eyes, and he turn away from him his wrath. 19 Fret not thyself because of evil-doers, neither be thou envious of the wicked ; 20 For there will be no (happy) future for the bad man: tlie lamp of the wicked will be quenched. 21 My son, fear the Lord and the king: with those that are desirous to change do not mingle thyself; 22 For suddenly will their calamity arise ; and who knoweth the ruin of both of them ? 23 These things also are for the wise.*" To have respect of persons in judgment is not good. 24 Him that saith unto the wicked. Thou art righteous, will the people denounce, him will nations hold accursed; with the preceding, "thy strength is small if thou for- bearest," &c. Arnheiui eonnects the end of this with the next verse, thus: "if thou shouldest forbear, sayiftg, behold," &c. ^ Ralbag, "will stumble through one mishap." ^ So the ancient commentators: "These sentences which follow are to be regarded by the wise." But the moderns take this as a heading for a small collection of proverbs, and render, "Also these are from the wise." ARTA>;EK'>:E;iS I-ROCLAIMING KKEEDOM to the JEVvS. PROVERBS XXIV. XXV. 25 But to those that punish" deli-ht shall be .given, and upon them shall come the blessing of the good. 26 Men will kiss the lips of him that giv- eth a proper answer. 27 Prepare without thy work, and make it fit in the field for thyself:'' and afterward build thy house. 28 Be not without cause a witness against thy neighbour; for wouldst thou beguile with thy lips? 29 Say not, As he hath done to me so will I do to him: I will recompense every man according to his doing. 30 By the field of a slothful man I once pas.sed along, and by the vineyard of a man void of sense : 31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, nettles had covered its surface, and its stone-wall was broken down. 32 And when I had indeed beheld (this) I took it to my heart: I saw it, and received a warning. 83 "A little (more) sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands in lying down;" 34 But then will thy povert_y come like a rover; and thy wants as a man armed with a shield. CHAPTER XXV. 1 ][ Also these are the proverbs of Solo- mon, which the men of Hezekiah the king of Judali have collected. 2 It is the honour of God to conceal a thing; but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. 3 As are the heavens for height, and the earth is for depth, so should the heart of kings be unsearchable. 4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there will come forth a vessel for the melter."^ 5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be firmly established in righteousness. 6 Do not glorify thyself in tlie presence of the king, and force' thyself not into the place of great men ; 7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, ' «. e. Who punish the wicked. Others, "who admo- nish, in general." Arnheim, "who decide (correctly)." ■i I'hilippson, "cultivate well thy field." ' Others, "goldsmith," or "worker in gold and silver." 5C "Come up hither," than that thou shouldst be put lower in the presence of the prince, w^hich" thy own eyes have (often) seen. 8 Do not proceed to a contest hastily, lest (thou know not) what thou wilt Itave to do at its end, when thy neighbour hath put thee to confusion. 9 Carry on thy cause with thy neighbour; but lay not open the secret of another: 10 Lest lie that heareth it put thee to shame, and thy infani}- never be removed.' 11 Like apples of gold among figures of' silver is a word spoken in a proper manner. 12 As an ear-ring of gold, and a pendant of fine gold, so is a wise reprover toward an ear that listeneth. 13 As the cooling of snow on a harvest- day, so is a fiiithful messenger to those that send him; for he refresheth the soul of his master. 14 Like clouds and wind without rain, so is a man that vaunteth falsely of a gift. 15 By long Ibrbearing is a prince persuad- ed, and a soft tongue breaketh bones. 16 Hast thou found hone}? eat so much as is sulficient lor thee: lest thou consume too much of it, and have to vomit it forth. 17 Make thy foot scarce in the house of thy friend : lest he have too much of thee, and so hate thee. 18 A Ijattle-axe, and a sword, and a sharp- ened arrow is a man that testifieth as a false witness against his neighbour. 19 Like a broken tooth and a foot out of joint, is confidence in a treacherous nuui in a time of distress. 20 (As) he that taketh off his garment on a cold day, (as) vinegar is upon natron: so is he that singeth songs before an unhappy heart. 21 If thy enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink; 22 For though thou gatherest coals of fire upon his head, yet will the Lord repay it unto thee. 23 The north wind bringeth forth rain : so doth secret talking,^ 'iiigry countenances. 24 It is better to dwell in the corner of a " Lit. "stand." ' Rashi. Jonathan, "wlmra thy eyes have seen. ' Lit. "return." * Lit. "a tongue of secrecy." 817 PROVERBS XXV. XXVI. roof, than with a quarrelsome woman even in a roomy house. 25 As cold water is to a fainting soul, so are good news from a far-off country. 26 Like a turbid spring and a corrupt fountain, is a righteous man that giveth way before the wicked. 27 To eat too much honey is not good: so is it honour to set a limit to men's honour. 28 Like a city that is broken in, and is without walls: so is the man that hath no control over his spirit. CHAPTER XXVI. 1 As snow is in summer, and as rain in harvest : so is honour not seemly to a fool. 2 As the bird (cometh) to flit away, as the swallow, to fly off: so will an undeserved curse not come (to fulfilment). 3 A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's liack. 4 Do not answer a fool accoi'ding to his folly, lest thou also become equal unto him. •J Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes." 6 He choppeth off the feet, and drinketh vexation,*' that sendeth important messages by the hand of a fool. 7 Too feebly hang down" the thighs on a lame man : so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 8 As is the one that bindeth a stone fast* in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. 9 (As) a thorn that is come into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 10 A master injureth all things when he hireth a fool or hireth mere rovers." 11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so doth a fool repeat to act in his folly. 12 When thou seest a man wise in his " Herxheimer simply explains, that we arc told not to answer a fool after his own manner, for that would make us his ecjuals; but to reply, in case our silence would in- duce him to become more confirmed in his conceit. '' Arnheim, lit. "violence." " Abcn Ezra. Rashi, "Too high appear the thighs of other men to the lame; and so is a parable difficult of attainment in the mouth of a fool." Philippson, "as when the lame lifteth up his thigh." '' Kashi, meaning, as it is useless to tie a stone which you mean to hurl away. Aben Ezra, "As when one tieth a stone in a fine garmcntj" nojl": like jOJIN, &c. »18 own eyes, then is there more hope for*^ a fool than for him. 13 The slothful saith. There is a leopard in the way : a lion is between the streets. 14 As a door turneth upon its hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. 15 Hath the slothful hidden his hand in the dish, it wearieth him to bring it back again to his mouth. 16 The slothful is wiser in his own eyes, than seven^ men that can give wise answers. 17 As is one that taketh hold of a dog by the ears, so is he that passing by becometh excited about a dispute which concerneth him not. 18 As one fatigueth'' himself shooting off firebrands, arrows, and death: 19 So is the man that hath cheated his neighbour, and saith. Behold, I am only jest- ing. 20 Where there is no wood, the fire goeth out: so where there is no whisperer, strife is silenced. 21 As char-coals are added to burning coals, and wood to fire: so is a contentious man fitted to enkindle a dispute. 22 The words of a whisperer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost cham- bers of the body. 23 Like silver dross laid over an earthen vessel, so are burning lips with a bad heart. 24 With his lips dissembleth he that hat- eth, and within himself layetli he up deceit: 25 Though he make his voice sound ever so graciously, believe him not; for there are seven abominations in his heart. 26 If one's liatred be covered by deception, then shall be laid bare his wickedness before a (whole) assembly. 27 Whoso diggeth a pit will fall therein; and upon him that rolleth a stone, will it return. Ralbag, " As one putteth a precious stone amid common pebbles," from Djl "to cast stones." " Philippson. But the verse is variously rendered. Rashi takes 31 as "the Master of the world," SSino "produceth," "bringeth forth," "God who hath brought forth all, employeth both the fool and idlers." Others, "As an archer who woundeth all, is," &c. ' Philippson, " to be hoped for from a fool than from him." *= Arnheim, "the seven wise counsellors," i. e. of state. '' Rashi, as in Gen. xlvii. 13. Others, "As a madman shootclh uff, " PROVERBS XXVI. XXVII. XXVIII. 28 A lying tongue hatoth those that are crushed by it; and a flattering mouth pre- pareth (others') downfall. CHAPTER XXVII. 1 Make no boast for tli3self of the coming day;' for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. 2 Let another man praise thee, and not thy own mouth ; a stranger, and not thy own lips. 3 A stone hath heaviness, and the sand, Aveight; but a fool's wrath is heavier than both of them. 4 Fury hath its cruelty, and anger its overwhelming j^ower; but who is able to stand before jealousy ? 5 Better is open reproof than concealed love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend ; but deceptive'' are the kisses of an enemj-. 7 The satisfied soul treadeth under foot fine honey; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. 8 As a bird that wandereth away from her nest, so is a man that wandereth away from his place. 9 Oil and perfume cause the heart to re- joice, and so do the sweet words of a friend more than one's own counsel." 10 Thy own friend, and thy father's friend, thou must not forsake ; but'' into thy bro- ther's house enter not on the day of thy cala- mitv : better is a near neighbour than a dis- tant brother. 11 Become wise, my son, and cause my heart to rejoice, that I may give an answer to him that reproacheth me. 12 The prudent foreseeth the evil, and hid- eth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. 13 Take his garment, for he became surety for a stranger; and on account of an alien w^o- nian take a pledge of him. 14 When one saluteth his friend with a loud voice, when rising early in the morn- ing, it will be counted a curse to him." " Hcb. "tlac day of to-morrow." •• Jonathan, "evil." Rashi, "large," /. f. burdensome. ° Rashi. Others, "so is the friend sweet through hearty counsel." ^ Aroheim, " then wilt thou not have need to enter," etc. 15 A continual dropping on a very rainy day and a t'.ontentious woman are alike. 16 He that would conceal her might con- ceal the wind, and as (fragrant) oil on his right hand, which would jjetray itseU7 17 Iron is sharpened by iron: so doth a man shar})en himself on the countenance of his friend. 18 Whoso guardeth the fig-tree will eat its fruit : so he that watcheth over his master will be honoured. 19 As the water (showeth) to the face the (reflected) face : so doth the heart of man show itself to man. 20 The nether world and the ^^lace of cor- ruption are never satisfied: so are the e^es of man never .satisfied. 21 (As) the fining-pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold : so is a man (proved) ac- cording to his praise. 22 Though thou shouldst pound the fool in a mortar, in the midst of grains of wheat with a pestle: still would his folly not depart from him. 23 Endeavour to know well the appearance of thy flocks, direct thy attention'^ to thy herds ; 24 For property endureth not for ever, nor doth the crown remain for all genera- tions. 25 When the grass is past, young verdure showeth itself, and then are gathered the herbs of the mountains. 26 The sheep are for thy clothing, and he- goats are the purchase-price of a field. 27 And thou wilt have enough of goats' milk for thy food, for the food of thy house- hold, and the support for thy maidens. CHAPTER XXVIII. 1 Every wicked fleeth when no man pur- sueth; but the righteous are like the confi- dent young lion. 2 When there is transgression in a land, it hath many for its princes; but under a man of understanding and knowledge (its) prosperity will long continue. ^ Obtrusivcncss being not rarely a token of insincerity. ' Wind cannot bo held fast, nor can the scent or nmrk of oil bo concealed when poured on the hand. I'hilijjp- son, "and his right hand holdeth oil fast." « Heb. "set thy heart." 819 PROVERBS XXVITI. XXIX. 3 A poor mnn'' that oppresseth the indi- gent is like a .sweeping rain which bringeth no bread. 4 The)' that forsake the law praise the wicked; Ijut such as observe the law contend with them. 5 Bad men understand not justice; but they tliat seek the Lord understand all things. 6 Better is the poor that walketh in his intesirity, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. 7 Wiioso keepeth the law is an intelligent son ; Ijut he that is a companion of gluttons bringeth dishonour on his fixther. 8 lie that increaseth his wealth by interest and usury will gather it for him that will be kind to the poor. 9 When one turneth away his ear so as not to listen to the law, even his prayer be- cometh an abomination. 10 Whoso causeth the upriglit to go astray on an evil way, will surely fall into his own ditch ; but the men of integrity will inherit what is good. 11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the indigent that hath understanding can search him through. 12 When the righteous exult, there is great splendour; but when the wicked rise up, a man hath to be sought for. 13 lie that concealeth his transgressions will not prosper; l)ut whoso confesseth and forsaketh them will obtain mercy. 14 Happy is the man that always dread- eth (to do evil); but he that hardeneth his heart will fall into unhappiness. 15 As a roaring lion, and a greedy bear, so is a wicked ruler over an indigent people. 16 The'' prince that is void of understand- ing is also a great oppressor; (i)ut) he that hateth unjust gain will prolong his days. 17 Tf A man oppressed by the load of hav- ing shed human l)lo()d will Hee even to the pit: let no man hold him. 18 Whoso walketh in integrity will be saved; but he that walketh j^erversely on two paths, will fall on one.° ' Ra.slii, "an ignorant, judge." '' Otliprs, as an address, "0 prince, void of understand- ing, }iut rich in oppression! he that," &e. " Others, "at once." '' Arniieini, " nor tliat n man sliould transgress for," ite. • Abcn Ezra, and so is liie Massorctic punctuation. 820 19 He that tilleth his ground will have plenty of bread; but he that runneth after idle persons will have enough of poverty. 20 A faithful man will abound with bless- ings; but he tliat maketh haste to be rich will not go unpunished. 21 To have respect to persons is not good; because** even for a piece of bread will a man transgress 22 He that is eager for wealth is a man of an evil eye, and he knoweth not that want will come upon him. 23 He that reproveth a man after (my ex- ample)" will obtain more grace than he that flattereth with the tongue. 24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mo- ther, and saith. It is no transgression, — the same is a companion of a destroyer.' 25 He that hath an insatiable desire^ stir- reth up strife; but he that putteth his trust in the Lord will l)e al)undantly gratified. 20 He that trusteth in his own sense is a fool; but whoso walketh in wisdom, will ever escape. 27 He that giveth unto the poor will not have any want ; but he that hideth his eyes will have an abundance of curses. 28 When the wicked rise, men conceal themselves; but when they perish, the right- eous increase. CHAPTER XXIX. 1 A man that, having received many ad- monitions, still hardeneth his neck, will sud- denly be broken, and this without remedy. 2 When the righteous are in authority,'' the people will rejoice; but wdien the wicked beareth rule, the people groan. 3 The man that loveth wisdom causeth his ftxther to rejoice; but he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth (his) wealth. 4 A king will through the exercise of jus- tice establish (the welfare of) a land; but one that loveth gifts' overthroweth it. 5 A man that flattereth his neighljour sjireadeth a net for his steps. ; 6 In the transscression of a man there is But Rashi takes 'inx adverbially, "will ultimately find." ' Ileb. "a destroying man." ^ Rashi. Philippson, "the conceited arrogant." ^ Ralbag. Jonathan, "when the righteous increase." ' Others, "that inipo.seth many taxes." PROVERBS XXIX. XXX. an evil" snare; but the righteous ever singeth and rejoiceth. 7 The righteous considereth the cause of the indigent ; hut the wicked will not un- derstand the knowledge (of justice). 8 Scornful me\\ will kindle (confusion) in a town; but the wise turn away wrath. 9 If a wise man contend with a foolish man, whether he be angry or whether he laugh, (he will have) no rest. 10 Men of blood hate the guiltless one; but the upright seek (to preserve) his life. 11 A fool uttereth all his mind; but the wise holdeth it back. 12 If a ruler listen to the word of false- hood, all his servants become wicked. 13 The poor and the man of exactions meet tou;ether : the Lord enli"hteneth the eyes of both of them. 14 When a king judgeth in truth the indigent, his throne shall stand firiidy for ever. 15 The rod and reproof impart wisdom; but a lad abandoned to himself bringeth shame on his mother. IG With tlie increase of the wicked'' trans- gression increaseth; but the righteous shall yet look on their downfall. 17 Correct thy son, and he will procure thee rest: yea, he will give delight unto thy soul. 18 Without a prophetic vision a people jjc- come unruly; but when it observeth the law, then will it be happy. 19 Not with words (alone) can a servant be connected ; for though he understand, there will be no response. 20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hoj^e for a fool than for him. 21 If one rear his servant delicately from * After the Mas.soretic punctuation, llaslii and others, "of the bad man is (his) snare." *■ Ainheim, "When the wicked obtain authority." ° Aben Ezra, llashi, "he will be at length a ruler." '' See Lev. v. i. ; he is summoned to testify, and his own guilt seals his lips, and thus he incurs the punishment of offending Heaven by his silence. " Rashi, "The snare of sin causeth terror unto man." ' Rashi considers all these words as merely allegorical names applied to Solomon : Ayur, " the gatherer;" YoJcdi, "the dispenser," i. e. of wisdom; Ithiel, "Uod with me," because he had trusted in his wisdom; Itlilel and VkknJ, "God is with me and I shall prevail; though I multiply horses, wives and gold, I shall not stumble;" and "to" is to be taken as concerning, and as applied to himself. his youth, then will he at length JHToine ns (his) son." 22 A man of anger stirreth up strife; and a man of fury aboundeth in transgression. 23 The pride of a man will humble him; but the humble in spirit will attain to honour. 24 Whoso divideth with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth tlie adjuration'' and dareth not to tell. 25 The dread of man jjringeth a snare;'' but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord will be upheld in safety. 26 Many seek the fiiA'oiu- of a ruler; Init from the Lord cometh justice for man. 27 An abomination of the righteous is an unjust man: and an al)omination of the wick- ed is one who is upiight in (his) way. CHAPTER XXX. 1 ^1 The words of Agur the son of Yakeh, even the prophecy : the man said unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ukkal,' 2 " Surely I am more brutish tluin any man, and have not the understanding of a common man. 3 Nor have I learned wisdom, so that I should have knowledge of the Holy One. 4 Who was it that ascended into heaven, and came down again? who gathered the wind in his fists? who bound the waters in a garment? who set up all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou knowest it?" 5 Every saying of God is purified: he is a shield unto those that put tlieir trust in him. 6 Do not add aught unto his words: lest he reprove thee, iind thou Ije found a liar. 7 ^f Two things do I request of thee : deny them not to me before I die. Aben Ezra considers Ithiel and TJkkal as scholars of the wise man Agur named here, otherwise unknown. Phi- lippson believes Ithiel and Ukkal to be mere ideal names, like Rashi, though regarding Agur ben Yakeh as an actual being. He conceives the.se words to represent two classes of persons, the believer, " God with me," and the doubter, "who is to be consumed," not as Rashi, from by "to be able," but as from Sdx (Pual participle,) "The to-be- consumed." Verses 2 to 4 are then the words of the doubter; 5 and 7 the reply of the pious; and it is the same whether we take it as a self-communing or the an- swer of Agur to his scholars. Otherwise, they are the reflection of a sage who professes his inability to account for all things on natural ground, wherefore reliance on God's word becomes both duty and the best of wisdom. 821 PROVERBS XXX. XXXI. Vanity" and l^iiig words do tliou remove far from me; neither poverty nor riches give thou unto me ; let me eat the bread apjoointed unto me : 9 Lest I become over-full, and deny thee, and say, "Who is the Lord? or lest I become poor, and steal, and trespass against the name of my God. 10 T[ Do not calumniate a servant unto his master: lest he curse thee, and thou incur guilt. 11 There is a generation that curseth its Aitlier, and doth not bless its mother. 12 There is a generation tliat is pure in its own eyes, and yet is not washed (clean) of its filthiness. 13 There is a generation — how lofty are its eyes! and its eyelids are so lifted up. 14 Thei'e is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and whose cutting teeth are as knives, to devour the jjoor from off the earth, and the needy from among men. 15 ][ Insatiability'' hath two daughters, (crying,) Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things which never say. Enough : 16 The netherworld; and a barren womlj; the earth which is not satisfied with water; and the fire which never saith. Enough. 17 The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, this shall the ravens of the valley pick out, and the young eagles shall eat it. 18 ^ Three things there are which are too wonderful for me ; and four, which I know not: 19 The way of the eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock ; the way of a ship in the heart of the sea; and the way of a man with a young woman. 20 Such is the way of an adulterous wo- man: she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wrong. 21 T[ Under three things the earth trem- * In the sense of false, unreal things. '' Philippson. nplS;> is variously explained ; some take it as "leech," hence "the insatiable." Rashi, "the nether world." Others, "fate," "vainpyre." Aben Ezra, nSlp;> 'Akidah "injustice." Arnhcim, as the name of the author "Of 'Alukah: Two daughters say, Give, give." Philippson takes "give, give" as the name of the daughters of insatiability. - Others, "The lizard takcth hold (cjf walls) with her hands." 822 bloth, and under four which she cannot bear : 22 Under a servant when he becometh king, and a worthless fool when he hath eaten enough bread; 23 Under an odious wonfan when she is married, and a bondwoman when she dis- possesseth her mistress. 24 ^ There are four which are the little ones of the earth, and they are nevertheless exceedingly wise : 25 The ants are a people not strong, there- fore do they prepare in the summer their food ; 26 The conies are but a feeble people, therefore do they place on the rocks their houses ; 27 The locusts have no king, and yet they go forth in troops altogether; 28 The spider*" thou canst catch with (thy) hands, and yet she is in the palaces of a king. 29 ^ Three there are that have a stately step, and four, that are stately in going: 30 The lion, the mightiest among beasts, who turneth not round from before any one; 31 The light-legged greyhound,'' and the he-goat;" and a king, against whom there is no rising up.*^ 32 If thou hast become degraded by lifting up thj'self, or if thou hast devi.sed evil, put thy hand to thy mouth ; 33 For the pressure^ of milk bringeth forth butter, and the pressure of the nose bringeth forth blood : so the pressure of wrath bring- eth forth strife. CHAPTER XXXL 1 T[ The words of king Lemuel,"" the pro- phecy with which his mother instructed him. 2 What (hast thou done),' my son? and what, son of my body? and what, son of my vows ? * Others, "the horse girded around the loins." ° Others, "the leading-wether," who goes before the flock. ' Dlp'^N. Others, "people," with whom the people are. ^ Butter is said to be produced in the East by pressing cream in a goat's skin. ' Lcmnel, or as more correctly in ver. 4, LemoeJ, "given," or "devoted to God." ' Rashi. Others, "what ("shall T say)?" PROVERBS XXXI. 3 Give not unto women tliy vigour, nor thy ways to those that ruin kings. 4 Not for Icings, O Lenioel, not for kings (is it fitting) to drink wine, nor" for princes, strong drinlv : 5 Lest either might drink, and forget what is written in the Law, and pervert the cause of all the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink unto him tliat is ready to perish, and wine unto those wlio have an embittered soul. 7 Let such a one drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his trouble no more. 8 Open thy mouth for the dumb, for the cause of all fiitherless children.'' 9 Open thy moutli, judge righteously, and decide the cause of the poor and needy. 10 Tl Who can find a virtuous woman? for far above pearls is her value. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, and he will not see his gain" diminish. 12 She treateth him well and not ill, all the days of her life. 1.3 She seeketh for w^ool and flax, and worketh with her willing hands. 14 She is become like the merchant's ships: from afar doth she bring her food. 15 And she riseth while it is yet night, and giveth provision to her household, and a task to her maidens. 16 She thinketh of a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth with sti-ength her loins, and giveth vigour to her arms. ° Rashi. Ralbag taking 'X as "where," gives, "It is not for princes to say, ' Where is strong drink?'" '' Rashi, r|Sn "to change," whcse help hath passed away. Aben Ezra, "who are destined to death." ' Aruheim. Lit. "booty," or "t>poil." 18 She perceiveth that her profit' is good: (therefore) her lamp goeth not out by night. 19 She stretcheth out her hands to the spindle, and her palms hold fast the distaff. 20 She spreadeth out wide her open palm to the poor : yea, her hands she stretcheth forth to the nt'edy. 21 She hath no fear for her ln)usehold of the snow; for all her household are clothed in scarlet." 22 Tapestry-covering she maketh for her- self: of linen and purple is her attire. 23 Well known is in the gates her hus- band, when he sitteth with the elders of the land. 24 Fine tunics she maketh, and selleth them, and girdles she furnisheth unto the merchant. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing: and she smileth at the coming of the last day.f 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and the law of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and the bread of idleness she doth not eat. 28- Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband, also, and he praiseth her: 29 " Many daughters have done virtuously; but thou excellest them all." 30 False is grace, and vain is beauty: a woman only that feareth the Lord shall in- deed be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates. " Eng. ver., "merchandise," i. e. what the merchant obtains, "profit." " i. e. Woollen garments, which were coloured; in op- position to the linen uncoloured summer clothes. ' Rashi. 823 THE BOOK OF JOB, 3VK -li3D. CHAPTER T. 1 ^1 There was a man in the land of 'Uz, Job" was bis name; and this man was per- fect and upright, and fearing God, and eschewing eviL 2 And tliere were born unto hitn seven sons and three daughters. 3 And his cattle consisted of seven thou- sand sheej), and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she-asses, and he had a very great store of servants I*" .so that this num was greater than all the sons of the east. 4 And his sons used to go and prepare a feast in the house of every one on his day; and they sent and invited their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 And it happened, when the days of the feast were .gone round, that Job sent and sanctified them, and he then rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt^offerings ac- cording to the number of all of them; for Job said. It may be that my sons have sinned, and have renounced" God in their heart. In this maimer used Job to do all the time. G Now it happened on a certain day, when tlie sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, that the Accuser also came in the midst of them. 7 Then said the Lord unto the Accuser, Whence comest thou? And the Accuser an- swered the Lord, and said. From roaming over the earth, and from wandering through it. 8 Then said the Lord unto the Accuser, Hast thou directed thy attention'' toward my servant Job; for there is none like him on the earth, a man perfect and upright, who fear- eth God, and escheweth evil? " Properly, Tyt/olj. " Others, "agriculture." (See Gon. xxvi. 14.) ' 113 certainly can mean "blaspheme," as in 1 Kings x.xi. 10; but it means also to bless at parting, to say, "farewell;" heuce, "renounce," and afterward to "blas- 9 Then answered the Accuser the Lord, and said, Is it for nought that Job feareth God? 10 Behold, thou hast indeed placed a fence about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath, on every side: the work of his hands hast thou Ijlessed, and his cattle are far spread out in the land. H But stretch only forth thy hand and touch all that he hath, and (see) whether he will not renounce thee to thy face. 12 Then said the Lord unto the Accuser, Behold, all that is his be in thy power;" only against Iiimself slialt thou not stretch forth thy hand. The Accuser went thereupon away from the presence of the Lord. 13 And it happened on a certain day, when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their first-born brother, 14 That a messenger came unto Job, and said. The oxen were ploughing, and the she- asses were feeding beside them : 15 When the Sabeans made an incursion, and took them away, and the young men they slew with the edge of the sword ; and I am escaped, none but my.self alone, to tell it unto thee. IG This one was yet speaking, when an- other came, and said, A fire of God fell from heaven, and burnt among the sheep and the young men, and consumed them; and I am I escaped, none but myself alone, to tell it unto thee. 17 This one was yet speaking, when an- other came, and said. The Chaldeans posted themselves in three divisions, and made an inroad against the camels, and took them away, and the young men they slew with the edge of the sword; and 1 am escaped, pheme," to ".speak disrespectfully," or "bidding farewell to allegiance" to God or the civil government. Rashi and Aben Ezra give "blasphemed." Jonathan, "made ^"SO' " ' Lit. "Ilast thou set thy iieart upon." « Hcb "liMud " JOB I. II. III. none luit iiivsclf mIuhc. fo tdl it unto tlico. 18 While thi.s one was yet speaking, there came also another, and sai<l. Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their (irst-born brother : 19 When, behold, a violent wind came from the direction of the wilderness, and Ktruek against the four corners of the house, so that it fell upon the _yonng men, and they died ; and I am escaped, none but myself alone, to tell it unto thee. 20 Then arose Job, and rent his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down upon tlie ground, and prostrated himself, 21 And he said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither:" the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; may the name of the Lord be blessed. 22 With all this did Job not sin, and at- tributed no injustice to God.'' CHAPTER n. 1 ^ And it happened (again) on a certain day, when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, that the Accuser also came in the midst of them to present himself before the Lord. 2 Then said the Lord unto the Accuser, Whence comest thou now? And the Accuser answered the Lord, and said, From roaming over the earth, and from wandering through it. 3 Then said the Lord unto the Accuser, Hast thou directed thy attention toward my servant Job; for there is none like him on the earth, a man perfect and upright, who feareth God, and escheweth evil? and he is still holding fast to his integrity, and thou hast incited me against him, to destroy him without cause. 4 Then answered the Accuser the Lord, " The general mother — the earth. ^ Rashi. Others, " he uttered nothing offensive to God." " Rashi comments, "Limb for limb; this is the way of man when he sees a sword extended over his head, he will ward it off with his arm; how much more will he be likely to yield all his wealth to save his life; and this one well knoweth within himself that he is guilty, there- fore ho grieveth not for his money;" and we may add, "for his children, as nothing is so dear to a man as his own life." 5 D and said. Skin for .skin:" yea, all that a man hath will he give in behalf of his life. 5 But stretch only forth thy hand, and touch his bone and his ilesh, and (see) whe- ther he will not renounce thee to thy face. 6 Then said the Lord unto the Accuser, Behold, he is in thy hand: only take care of his life. 7 Thereupon went the Accuser forth from the presence of the Lord, and he smote Job with a sore inflammation,'' from the sole of his foot unto the crown of his head. 8 And (Job) took himself a potsherd to scrape himself therewith, while he was sit- ting down among the ashes. 9 Then said his wife unto him. Art thou still holding i^ist to thy integrity? renounce" God, and die. 10 But he said unto her. Thou speakest as one of the worthless women would speak. What? should we accept the good alone from God, and the evil we should not accept? With all this did Job not sin with his lips. 11 ^f When now the three friends of Job had heard of all this evil that was come over him. they came every one from his own place, Eliphaz the Themanite. and Bildad the Shu- chite, and Zophar the Na'amathite; and they met*^ toirether to come to condole w^ith him and to comfort him. 12 And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and they recognised him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his robe, and strewed dust upon their heads toward heaven. 13 They likewise sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights; but no one spoke a word unto him ; for they saw that his pain was very great. CHAPTER III. 1 After this time Job opened his mouth, and cursed his day. ^ JTHy a disease which produces a discoloration of the skin, inflammation of any kind; here supposed to be elephantiasis. ° Some would render this verse, "praise God," fur what he has done. Others again, "say farewell;" again, "thank him for past favours and then die by thy own hand." Rashi agrees with this version of the end of the verse, as he says mi "is imperative." With this view agrees well the answer of .Job, stating it to be our duty to submit to the evil as well as to accept the good. ' Eng. ver., "they had made an appointment," &c. 825 JOB ITT. IV. 2 ^ And Jol) commenced, and said, 3 Oh that the day whereon I was born might perish, and the night" Avhen it was said, There hath been a male child conceived. 4 May that day be (covered witli) dark- ness; may not God from above inqnire for it, and may no light beam upon it. 5 Oh that darkness and tlie shadow of death might defile'' it; may a cloud rest upon it; may the blackness*" of the dny ter- I'ify it. 6 Yon night — let darkness seize upon it; let it not be united'' to the days of the year; let it not come into the number of the (pe- riods lighted by the) moon. 7 Lo, may that night be solitary, let no song of joy occur thereon. 8 Let those denounce it that curse the day, who are ready to raise up their mourning cry." 9 Let the stars of its twilight be darkened ; let it hope for light, and there be none ; and let it not behold the eyelids of the morning- dawn; 10 Because God closed not against me the doors of the womb, and thus concealed trou- l:)le from my eyes. 11 Why did I not die (the moment I is- sued) from the womb ? (why) was I not born merely to perish at once? 12 Wherefore were knees ready to receive me? and for what purpose were breasts there that I might suck? 13 For now should I be lying still and be quiet; I should sleep: then would I be at rest, 14 With kings and counsellors of the earth, who build up ruined places for them- selves ; 15 Or with princes possessing gold, who fill their houses with silver; 16 Or as an untimely birth, hidden (from view) I should not exist; as infants that never have seen the light; ' Jonathan, "and the night which said." '■ Hashi and Abon Ezra. Others, "Maj' darkness, &c. olaiiii it back as their own ;" Snj as " to redeem from those who liave no equitable right of permanent possession." " llalbag. Rashi and Aben Ezra, "pestilential va- pours," &c. '' Others, "Let it not be glad among," &c. ' Ralbag. Aben Ezra and others take m''l'7 to mean, as elsewhere, Tjevialhnn, a sea-mon.ster; and we should 820 17 There (wTierej the wicked cease from troubling; and where the exhausted weary are at rest; 18 (Where) the prisoners repose together, (and) they hear no more the taskmaster's voice. 19 The small with the great is there, and the servant free from his master. 20 Wherefore givetli He now light to the labour-laden, and life unto the bitter in soul? 21 Who Avait for death, which (cometh) not; and who dig for it sooner than for hid- den treasures; 22 Who would rejoice even to exulting, who would be glad could they but find a grave ? 23 (Why is light given) to a man whose way is hidden, and around whom God hatli placed a fence ?'^ 24 For before my food cometh my groan- ing, and like the water are poured forth my loud complaints. 25 Because what I greatly dreaded is come upon me, and what I apprehended is come unto me. 26 I have had no safety, and no quiet, and no rest; and (now) harrowing trouble is come. CHAPTER IV. 1 ][ Then answered Eliphaz the Thema- nite, and said, 2 If we essay^ to address a word to thee, wilt thou be wearied? yet who is able to re- frain from speaking?'' 3 Behold, thou hast (ere this) corrected many, and weak hands thou wast wont to strengthen. 4 Him that stumbled thy words used to uphold, and to sinking knees thou gavest vigour. 5 Yet now, when it cometh to thee, thou art wearied: it toucheth even thee, and thou art terrified. 6 Is not then thy fear of God still thy con- then translate, "who are prepared to raise up the sea- monster," ?■. e. by their enchantments. ' Meaning, barred the egress from evil; first, by hiding the path which he should travel, and then keeping him locked up within the bounds of misery. ^Jonathan. Rashi, "Art thou wearied because one temptation hath come to thee?" Aben Ezra, no: for Ntyj " if we lift up our word?" '' Tjit. "who is able to reprove with words?" JOB IV. r. fidence," tliy hope equal to tlie integrity of thy ways? 7 Remember, I pray thee, who ever perish- ed, being- innocent? .or where were the right- eous destroyed? 8 Even as I have seen, that those who plough wrong-doing, and sow trouble, have to reap the same. 9 Before the breathing of God they perish, and before the breath of his nostrils they come to their end. 10 The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken. 1 1 The old lion perisheth for lack of prey, and the whelps of the lioness have to scatter themselves abroad. 12 But to me a word came by stealth, and my ear took in a scarcely perceptible whisper thereof, 13 In intense thoughts out of visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men : 14 Dread came over me, with trembling, and it caused all my bones to shudder. 15 Then flitted a spirit past before my face ; the hair of my body stood up : 16 It stood still, but I could not recognise its form ; a iigure was before my eyes, a slight whisper, then a (louder) voice I heard, say- 17 Can a mortal be more righteous'' than God? or can a man be more pure than his xMaker? IS Behold, in his servants he putteth no trust, and his angels he chargeth with folly : 19 How much less in those that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed till they come to be eaten by" the moth? 20 From morning to evening are they broken to pieces: without laying it (to heart) they perish for ever. 21 Behold, their excellency which is in " Raslii, ■jnboD "thy folly," "was then thy fear, thy hope, the integrity of thy ways but sheer folly in thee?" ' LiJwenthal and Philippson, " Is a mortal righteous be- fore Grod," &c. ° So doth Rashi explain ■'ja'? "before." ^ Arnheim and others, "the babbler." ' Jonathan. Rashi makes D'DS equal to □'Nns " the thirsty," and translates: "some one of the thirsty will snatch at," &c. Philippson, " whether he fetch it out of thornhedges or snatch up his wealth with snares." ' Aben Ezra; so also Philippson, who renders, lite- them is torn away: the^' die, and this with- out wisdom. CHAPTER V. 1 Do but call : is there one that will an- swer thee? and to whom of the saints wilt thou turn thyself? 2 For vexation will prove death to a fool- ish man, and jealousy will slay the simple.'' 3 I have myself seen the foolish taking root; but I suddenly held his habitation as accursed. 4 His children are far from help, and men crush them in the gate, with no one to deliver them. 5 (He it is) whose harvest the hungry eateth up. and taketh it even out of the thorns, and the robber* snatcheth eagerly after their substance. 6 For wrong doth not come forth out of the dust, neither doth trouble grow up out of the ground; 7 But man is born unto trouble, as young birds*^ take up their flight. 8 I, however, would^ have besought God, and unto God would I have committed my cause ; 9 Who doth great things which are un- searchable, marvellous things till they are without number; 10 Who giveth rain upon the surface of the earth, and sendeth out waters over the face of the fields ; 11 To set up the lowly on high, that those who mourn may rise high to happi- ness ;'' 12 (But) who frustrate th the plans of the crafty, so that their hands cannot execute their well-devised counsel ; 13 Who catcheth the wise in their own craftiness; and the advice of the perverse is hastened on headlong; 14 By day they meet with darkness, and rally, "as the children of the lightning (that fly with lightning speed) fly up high." Others, "the children of the flame," »'. e. the sparks. The meaning is, wrong- doing brings evil; men are prone to sin; hence, they prepare themselves trouble, just as sure as sparks, or birds, fly upward; but all is in strict justice. * Rashi, who comments, " Had afliiction seized on me, I would have entreated God with prayer and supplica- tion." '' Rendered elsewhere, "salvation;" here the opposite to mouvninff. ^ b27 JOB V. vr. n,s though it wore night they grope about in the noon of day ; 15 But who saveth from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty, the needy one : iG And so Cometh to the indigent hope, and iniquity stoppeth lier mouth. 17 Behold, happy is the man whom God admonisheth : despise then not the correction of the Ahnighty. 18 For he it is that woundeth, and bind- eth up: he smiteth, and his hands do heaL 19 In six distresses will he deliver thee; and in seven there shall no evil touch thee. 20 In famine he redeemeth thee from death; and in war from the power of the sword. 21 Against the scourge of the tongue shalt thou be hidden; and thou needest not be afraid of destruction when it cometh. 22 At destruction and famine canst thou laugh; and thou needest not to have any fear of the beasts of the earth. 23 For with the stones of the field shalt thou have thy covenant; and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee. 24 And thou shalt know that there is peace in thy tent; and thou wilt look over thy habitation," and shalt miss nothing. 25 And thou shalt know that thy seed is numerous, and thy oflspring as the herbage of the earth. 26 Thou wilt go in a ripe age'' unto the grave, as a shock"^ of corn is carried home in its season. 27 Behold this, we have searched it out, so it is : hear it, and do thou note it well for thyself CHAPTER VI. 1 ^ Then answered Job, and said, 2 Oh that my vexation could be truly ' Arnheim, "thy pasture." '' Rashi. Philippson, after Ram bam, "full of vigour." ° Philippson, " when the grave's hillock is raised in its sea- son." ty'lJ, after Sa'adyah, not "shock," but the "grave's hillock." '' Aben Ezra, "the juiec of the mallow." " Philippson, who comments: "as unwillingly as a man tastes unsalted food, so little can the sufferer bear disease without complaining; Job saying this to justify his complaint, as being iji the nature of things, and not rcbellicm." Herxheimer and Eng. ver., "What ray soul refused to touch are now the food of my sickness." ' Rashi, "I would entreat his forgiveness that he should not spare me." Jonathan, "thoni;h T burn in 828 weighed, and my calamity — oh that men might lift it up in the balances at once I 3 For now it is already heavier than the sand of the sea : therefore are my words con- fused. 4 For the arrows of the Almighty ai'c within me, the poison whereof my si)irit drinketh in : the terrors of God set them- selves in array against me. 5 Doth the wild ass bray over the grass? or loweth the ox over his fodder? 6 Is ever tasteless food eaten without salt? or is there any flavour in the white of an po-o*?^ 7 My soul refuseth to touch them: they are unto me like disgusting" food. 8 Oh that some one would grant the ac- complishment of my request; and that God would grant me the fulfilment of my hope! 9 Yea, that it would please God that he might crush me: that he would let loose his hand, and make an end of me! 10 Then would this be still my comfort; yea, I would rejoice*^ in my pain while he would not spare : that I have not gainsaid the commands of the Holy One. — 11 What is my strength, that I should wait? and what my end, that I should yet longer retain my patience ?* 12 Is the strength of stones my strength? or is my flesh brazen? 13 Truly, am I not without my help in me ? and is not wise counsel driven far away from me? 14 As*" though I were one who refuseth kindness to his friend, and forsaketh the fear of the Almighty : 15 My brothers are treacherous as a brook, like flowing brooks they pass along;' 16 Which are made turbid'' by reason of the ice, wherein the snow hideth itself; pain and he will not spare." The various versions, "en- treat," "burn," and "rejoice," are given by different coni- ^mentators of the word "no, only found in this verse. * After Rashi, taking b'SJ as "will," "desire," "plea- sure." "■ Rashi and Jonathan. Ralbag, "Shall the man that suffereth have di.sgrace from his friend, saying he hath for.saken," &o. Philippson and others, "To the sufferer kindness is due from his friend, even though he forsake the fear of the Almighty." ' Philippson, "which overflow." Arnheim, "like the brooks of valleys." " Rashi would render, "which become ice by rea.son of JOB VI. VII. 17 At the time when they feel the warmth, they vanish ; wlien it is hot, they are quench- ed out of their phxee. 18 The paths of their course wind them- selves along;* they go up in the wilderness and are lost. 19 The caravans of Thema look hither, the travelling companies of Sheba hope for them ; 20 But they stand ashamed because they had trusted; thej- come thither and are made to blush. 21 For truly now ye are like such a one: ye see my terrible state, and are afraid. 22 Have I then ever said, Give me some- thing, and out of your property offer a l)ribe in ray behalf? 23 And deliver me from the hand of the adversary? and redeem me from the hand of tyrants? 21 Teach me, and I will indeed remain silent; and wherein I have erred give me to understand . 25 How pleasant are straightforward words! but what doth your arguing prove? 26 Do ye think to reprove'' words, and (to regard) as wind the speeches of one that is despairing? 27 Yea, ye would cast any thing upon the fatherless, and ye would dig a pit against your frientl. 28 But now, if it please you, turn your- selves toward me, and (say) whether I would lie before your f\ice. 29 Reflect again, I pray you, there will be no wrong: yea, reflect once more, my right- eousness (will be found) therein. 30 Is there any wrong on my tongue? or should my palate not understand (if I spoke) what is iniquitous?" CHAPTER VII. 1 Is there not a limited time of service to the cold, which are hidden by means of the snow," which covers the course of the stream, so that no one can obtain water from it to quench his thirst. " Meaning, these brooks, being at first nearly empty, glide along iu the deep ravines, and at length meet the sands of the desert where they disappear. Philippson applies niniN, as in ver. 19, to caravans: "The caravans bend thither their way, they get into the wilderness and perish." Ver. 20 completes the picture : the guide as- sures the travellers that a stream can be found at a cer- tain place ; they reach it, but find it empty. a mortal upon earth ? are not his days also like the days of a hired labourer? 2 As a servant ea2;erlv louiieth for the shadow, and as a hired labourer hopetli lor his reward: 3 '■So was I compelled to possess months of vanity, and nights of trouble were counted' out unto me. 4 When I lie down, I say, When shall I arise, and the nighf be gone? and I am wearied with tossings about till the dawn of day. 5 My flesh is covered with worms and clods of dust : my skin is burst open, and be- come loathsome. 6 My diiys hasten away more swiftly than a weaver's shuttle, and they come to an end in the absence of hope. 7 Oh remember that nothing but a breath is my life; that my eye will not again see happiness; 8 The eye of him that seeth me now will not behold me again : (thou fixest) thy eyes upon me, and I am no more. 9 As the cloud vanisheth and passeth away: so will he that goeth down to the nether world not come up again. 10 He will return no more to his house, and his place will not recognise him any more. 11 Therefore will 1 also not restrain my mouth; I wiW speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. 12 Am I a sea, or a monster, that thou settest a watch over me? 13 For should I say. My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall help me bear my com- plaint: 14 Then wouldst thou frighten me with dreams, and with visions wouldst thou ter- rify me; 15 ,So that my soul would choose stran- gling, death rather than these limbs' of mine. '' Rashi, "Will you prove your words, which are at last mere words and valueless speeches?" ° These two verses are given after Rashi. Philippson renders the last clause, "should my palate not feel suifer- ings? '' Or "ordained for." " Rashi, taking ^^J,' "evening," for nVS "night," the beginning for the whole; but Philippson, "the evening extendcth itself out." ' After Rashi, literally, "liones," (', e, the framework of the bodj'. ^ P39 JOB VII. VIII. IX. 16 I loathe' it; I cannot live for ever: let nie alone; for my days are but nought. 17 What is the mortal, that thou shouldst make hiin great? and that thou shouldst direct thy heart toward him ? 18 And that thou shouldst visit him eveiy morning, probe him every moment? 19 How long wilt thou not turn thy re- gard from me, nor let me loose till I swallow down my spittle ?•" 20 If I have sinned, what (injury) can I cause unto thee, thou Guardian of men? why hast thou set me as an object for thee to strike at, so that I am become a burden to myself? 21 And why wilt thou not forgive my transgression, and let my iniquity pass away? for soon" must I lie down in the dust; and thou wilt seek for me, but I shall be no more. CHAPTER VIII. 1 T[ Then answered Bildad the Shuchite, and said, 2 How long wilt thou speak these things? and (let) like a mighty wind be the words of thy mouth? 3 Should God pervert justice? or should the Almighty pervert righteousness? 4 If thy children have sinned against him, then did he send them ofi" through the means of* their transgression. 5 If thou wilt earnestly seek for God, and make thy supplication to the Almighty; 6 If thou become pure and upright : surely then will he watch over thee, and restore thy righteous habitation. 7 And thy beginning will have been small; because thy latter end will grow up greatly. 8 For ask, I pray thee, of an earlier gene- ration, and prepare thyself to (stand b}') the research of their fathers ; — 9 For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because a (mere) shadow are our days upon earth ; — 10 Behold, these will truly teach thee, * PhilippsoD, "I melt away." ^ This is a proverbial expression among the Arabs to the present day, signifying the same as, "Let me draw my breath." "Anonymous. Lit. "now." Arnheiui, "for now would I lie," &c, 830 they will speak unto thee, and out of their very heart will they bring forth words : 11 Can the bulrush shoot upward without mire? can the meadow-grass grow up without water? 12 It is yet in its greenness, not yet cut down, when it withereth before any other grass. 13 So are tlie paths of all that forget God; and the hope of the hypocrite will perish : 14 (It is he) whose trust will be cut off, and but a spider's web is that in which he confideth. 15 He leaneth against his house, but it' shall not stand: he layetli fast hold on it, but it shall not remain erect. 16 He is in full vigour before the sun, and over his garden his shoots go forth. 17 His roots are twisted about a stone- heajD, he selecteth (for himself) a jjlace of stones. 18 But when men destroy him from his place, then will it deny him, saying, I have never seen thee. 19 Behold, this is the joy of his way, and out of the (same)*^ dust others will grow up. 20 Behold, God will not reject a perfect man, and will not hold fast by their hand the evil-doers : 21 Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with joyful shouting. 22 they that hate thee shall be clothed with shame ; and the tent of the wicked shall be no more. CHAPTER IX. 1 ^ Then answered Job, and said, 2 Truly I know that it is so: and how could a mortal be righteous before God? 3 If he were desirous to enter into a con- test with him, he could not give him one an- swer out of a thousand. 4 He is wise of heart, and mighty in strength : who hath hardened himself against him, and escaped unscathed? 5 (He it is) who removeth mountains, and '' Rashi. Their own sins are become the means of their punishment. " Arnheim, " but he tihall not stand," &c. ' Arnheim. Rashi, "And from those who were as low as the dust another will grow up (to receive his greatness)," JOB TX. X. they know it not, yea, wlion ho overturneth thorn in his anger; 6 Who shaketh the earth loose out of her place, that her pillars tremlile; 7 Who speakoth to the sun, and he shineth not, and around the stars he placeth a seal ; 8 Who spread out the heavens by himself alone, and treadeth upon the hillocks of the sea ; 9 Who made the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, and the chambers of the south ; 10 Who dotli great things which are quite unsearchable, and wonders which are quite without number. 11 Lo, were he to go past by me, I should not see him ; and were he to pass along, I should not perceive him. 12 Behold, were he to snatch aught away, who could hold him back? who would say unto him. What dost thou ? 13 God will not withdraw his anger: be- neath him sink down the helpers of the proud." 14 How much less then could I answer him, and select my words (to contend) with him ? 15 Whom, were I even righteous, I could not answer? to him that condemneth me I could (only) make supplication. 16 Or were I to call, and he would answer me, I could yet not believe that he would give ear unto my voice — 17 He that bruiseth me with (his) tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without a cause. 18 He suffereth me not to recover my breath; but feedeth me overmuch with bitter tilings. 19 If it regard strength, lo, he is the power- ful; and if justice, who will cite him for me to appear? 20 If I were righteous'' even, my own month would condemn me: were I innocent, it would still prove me perverse. 21 I am innocent;" I will not have regard for myself; I will despise my life. 22 One thing is (certain),'' therefore have ' Philippson, "resistance." Arnheim, "the proud props." Kashi, "of Rahab," /. r, Egypt. '■Arnheim, "(But) if I be righteous, shall my own mouth condemn me? if I be innocent, shall it convict me of wicliod devices?" and so also v. 21. ° Job repeats, he is guiltless, and avers, that he cares I said it. The innocent and the wicked he bringeth to their end. 23 If a scourge should slay suddenly, he will mock at the trial of the guiltless. 24 Is a land given up into the hand of the wicked? he covereth the faces of its judges: if this be not the truth, who is it then? 25 And my days pass swifter than a run- ner: they flee away, they see no happiness, 26 They hasten along like pirate" ships : like the eagle that stoopeth down upon his food. 27 If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave oft" my sorrowful countenance, and recover my cheerfulness : 28 then would I be in dread of all my jjains; I know that thou wilt not declare me innocent. 29 I must ever be guilty: why then should I fotigue myself for nought? 30 If I were to wash myself in snow-water, to cleanse myself in the purity of my hands : 31 Even then wouldst thou plunge me in the ditch, that my own clothes would render me abhorred. 32 For he is not a man, like me, that I could answer him, that we should enter toge- ther into a contest. 33 There is no one who can decide be- tween us, who could lay his hand upon us both. 34 Let him but remove from me his rod, and let not his dread terrify me: 35 Then would I speak, and not fear him ; for the like I feel not within me. CHAPTER X. 1 My soul is disgusted with my life; I will give free vent to my complaint over mj-self; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. 2 I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; let me know for what cause thoii con- tendest against me. 3 Is it well for thee that thou shouldst oppress, that thou shouldst reject the labour of thy hands, and shed light upon the coun- sel of the wicked? not for himself, (lit. "my soul,") whether death ensue this avowal or not. ■" Rashi; Arnheim, &c. "It is all the same." ' Ralbag. Rashi, Ehdi, as the name of a river which flows rapidly. Aben Ezra, "Ebch, a city." Others, "papyrus ships." 831 JOB X. XI. 4 Hast thou eyes of flesh ? or wilt thou see as a mortal seeth ? 5 Are thy days as the days of a mortal, or are thy years as the days of a man, 6 That thou inquirest after my iniquity, and searchest after my sin ? 7 Still it is within thy knowledge that I -am not wicked, and there is none that can deliver me out of thy hand. 8 Thy hands have carefully fashioned me and made me; every thing is in harmony all round about ; and yet thou dost destroy me ! 9 Remember, I beseech thee, that as though I were clay hast thou made me; and wilt thou cause me to return again unto the dust ?^ 10 Behold, like milk didst thou pour me out, and like cheese didst thou curdle me. 11 With skin and flesh didst thou clothe me, and with bones and sinews didst thou cover me.*" 12 Life and kindness didst thou grant me, and thy providence watched over my spirit. 13 And yet these things hadst thou trenr sured up in thy heart: I know that this was (resolved) within thee. 14 If I have sinned, then dost thou watch me, and from my iniquity thou wilt not de- clare me guiltless. 15 If I be wicked, wo unto me; and if I be righteous, I can still not lift up my head ; I am sated with disgrace, and ever seeing my aflliction; 16 And it" constantly increascth ; like a fierce lion dost thou hunt for me; and again thou showest thyself continually wonderful on me ; 17 Thou ever renewest thy witnesses against me, and causest thy indignation to grow strong against me; changes and multi- tudes (of sufferings) are around me. 18 Wherefore then didst thou bring me forth- out of the womb? Oh that I had perished, and that no eye had seen me ! ' Rashi, affiruiativcly, "and (at last) thou wilt cause me to return unto dust." ^ Ralbag. Others, "And thou didst branch out within nie bones and sinews." Arnheim, " wovest within me," &c. ° Aben Ezra. Ralbag, " Oh that it might grow strong, so that thou niightcst hunt me up like a lion, (who slay- cth at once;) but thou," Ac. Rashi, "It is sufficiently great in thy estimation to liuut for me as though I were a lion." Arnheim, "Is my head lifted up — like one huuteth a lion thou wouldst hunt me." '' Rashi. Lit. "where it shineth like gloom." I'hi- 832 19 That I were as though I had not been, — had been borne from the womb to the grave. 20 Lo! my days are but few: cease, then, withdraw from me (thy hand), that I may recover my cheerfulness a little, 21 Before I go, and return not, to the land of darkness and the shadow of death, 22 A land of utter gloom, as of the darkness of the shadow of death, without any order, and the light of which'' is like utter gloom. CHAPTER XL 1 ^ Then answered Zophar the Na'ama- thite, and said, 2 Shall a nudtitude of words not be an- swered? and is it so that a man full of talk shall be deemed in the right? 3 Thy inventions are to bring men to si- lence; and when thuu utterest thy mucking no one is to cause thee to feel abashed ! 4 For thou bust said (to God), My doctrine is pure, tmd I am become clean in thy eyes. 5 But oh that God would but speak, and open his lips against thee; 6 And that he would declare unto thee the secrets of wisdom; for it is double to that which is really in our possession : and thou wouldst experience tliat God overlooketh" unto thee much of thy iniquity. 7 Canst thou find out the experience of God? or canst thou find (the way) unto the utmost limit of the Almighty ? 8 It is as high as heaven ; what canst thou effect? it is decjjer than the nether world; what canst thou know ? 9 Longer than the earth is its measure, and broader than the sea. 10 If he j^ass b}', and surrender (one to suffering), and call together an assembly,' who can hinder him? 11 For he knoweth the men of vanity: he seeth the wrong-doer and him''' who con- sidereth not; lippson, " where the light is uncertain, like the twilight gloom." SaN would then mean, not perfect darkness, but that gray, uncertain glimmer before perfect night sets in. * Lit. "forgettcth," i. e. ho acts as though he had for- gotten. Rashi, "that thou art indebted to God for thy iniquity." ' i. c. To hold a trial. Abcn Ezra renders obrr with "If he destroy." * Phili]ipson, "Though men should not notice it." Rashi, "although he appcarcth not to notice it," i. e. by delaying the punishment. JOB XII. XIII. 12 And the licartless who" acquireth iii- telligt'uce, and him who is (like) the colt of tlie wild ass who is transtbrmed into a man. 13 If thou truly direct (aright) thy heart, and spread out thy hands toward him: — 14 If wrong be in thy hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tents. 15 For then canst thou lift up thy face free from blemish: yea, thou wilt stand steadfast, and needest not to fear; 16 Because thou wilt truly forget thy trou- ble, and as a waterllood that is passed away wilt thou remember it; 17 And brighter than the noon of day will thy earthly existence arise; and thy obscurity will be like thy morning. 18 And thou wilt feel trust, because there is hope : yea, thou wilt search about carefully, and thou wilt lie down in safety. 19 Also thou wilt stretch thyself out (to rest), with none to make thee afraid; and many will entreat thy favour. 20 But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and the means of escape will vanish from them, and their (sole) hope shall be the breathing out of their soul.*" CHAPTER XII. 1 T[ Then answered Job, and said, 2 Truly ye are indeed the (right kind of)" people, and with you wisdom must die out. 3 I also have sense like you; I do not fell short conii)ared with you : and who possesseth not such things as these? 4 I am as one laughed at by his friend,'' who calleth upon God, while he answereth him : (yea,) a laughing-stock though right- eous and innocent. 5 To the unfortunate there is given con- tempt — according to the thoughts of him * Rashi would render this verse, " And so will the heart- less acquire a heart, to return unto God; and he who was like the colt of the wild ass will teach himself to become a new man, to watch over his course of life-" '■ )■. ('. Death. Ralbag renders n-ja "grief," "care." ° Philippson and others, merely, "you are the people," i. e. every one. '' Wolfson, "I, the laughing-stock of my friend, would, were God to answer my prayer, become a joy of the righteous and innocent." " Ralbag. Philippson, " For misfortune there is con- tempt; ease to the cunning; a push for those who slip;" 5£ that is at ease — prepared (also) for those whose foot slippeth." 6 Prosperous are the tents of robbers, and security is given to those that provoke God, to him who carrieth his god' in his hand. 7 Yet, do only ask of the beasts, and they will instruct tliee; and the fowls of the hea- vens, and they will tell it thee; 8 Or speak to the earth, and she will instruct thee ; and the fishes of the sea will inform thee: 9 Who knoweth not through all these that the hand of the Lokd hath wrought this? 10 (He) in whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the spirit of all the Ijodie.s of men ? 11 Doth not the ear try words, as the pa- late tasteth food for itself? 12 So* is with the ancients wisdom, and with (those of) length of days understand- 1 n o' 13 That with Jiim are wisdom and strength, his are counsel and understanding. 14 Behold, he pulleth down, and there can be no rebuilding: he locketh (the prison) upon a man, and there can be no opening. 15 Behold, he restraineth the waters, and they dry up; or he suflereth them to flow, and they overturn the earth. 16 With him are strength and counsel: his are'' the deceived and the deceiver. 17 He leadeth counsellors away bereft of sense, and maketh the judges fools. 18 He looseth the bond of kings, and bind- eth a girdle' around their loins. 19 He leadeth priests away bereft of sense, and the powerful he causeth to walk on crook- ed paths. 20 He removeth the speech from trusty speakers, and taketli away the intelligence of the aged. taking ninty;>S as " one who dealeth in cunning thoughts ;" and |Oj from nDi "to be laiuc;" hence a thrust or push which makes the slipping lameness. ' Aben Ezra and Ralbag; but Rashi, "to whom God hath bestowed it into his hand." Philippson, "who rely on their own hand as God." ' Rashi ; Aruheim, "is there wisdom in ancients?" &c. '' Aben Ezra, "to him (are known) the deceived," &e. ' Rashi explains, "At first when they please him he gives them strength and power to rule." Others, "He putteth the girdle with wliicli slaves tie up their garments to labour around tlieir loins." 833 JOB XIII. XIV. 21 He poureth contempt upon princes, and the belt of the mighty he looseneth.* 22 He layeth open deep things from the midst of darkness, and bringeth out unto light the shadow of death. 23 He permitteth the nations to become great, and destroyeth them: he spreadeth out the nations, and leadeth them away. 24 He taketh away the sense of the chiefs of the people of the land, and causeth them to wander astray in a wilderness Avhere there is no way. 25 They grope in the dark without light, and he causeth them to wander astray like a drunken man. CHAPTER XIII. 1 Lo, all (this) hath my eye seen, my ear hath heard and noted it for itself; 2 As much as ye know, do I .also know : I do not tall short compared with you. 3 However, I would gladly speak to the Almighty; and to argue with God do I de- sire. 4 But ye are inventors of falsehood,'' phy- sicians of no value are all of you. 5 Oh, who would grant that ye might keep a profound silence ! and it would be accounted unto you as wisdom. 6 Do hearken but to my reasoning, and listen to the pleadings of my lips. 7 Will ye speak wrong things for God? and will ye speak for him deceitfully? 8 Will ye show liim undue favour, when _\e contend for God? 9 Will it be well if he should search you out? or as one ovei'reacheth another mortal, do ye expect to overreach him ? 10 He will surely reprove you, if in secret you show him undue favour. 11 Doth not his excellency terrify you? and his dread fall upon you? 12 The things you remember are mere pro- verbs of ashes, your high-places are high-places' of clay. 13 Keep silence toward me, that I may ' Meaning, takinj: away their strength; the belt being the receptacle of the swnrJ and other light arms. '' Arnheim, "false quacks." ° Meaning, their wisely remembered ,«aying.s are wortli- less as though composed of ashes; their lofty reasoning as weak as fortitications of clay. Others, 'Sb'O "arc like," "Your menjorials are like ashes," &«. indeed speak, and let pass over me what will. 14 Whatever it may cost, I will* take my Hesh in my teeth, and my life will I put in my hand. 15 Lo, though he slay me, yet will I trust in him :" only I will argue my own ways be- tbre him. 16 Even he will come to my assistance; for a hypocrite cannot come before him. 17 Listen well to my word, and to my demonstration with your ears. 18 Behold now, I have arrayed my cause: I know that I shall be indeed justified. 19 Who is he that will contend with me? for now, if I keep silence, I must perish.*^ 20 Only two things do not unto me : then will I not hide myself from thy presence. 21 Remove thy hand far from me; and let not thy dread terrify me. 22 Then call thou, and I will answer; or let me speak, and do thou reply to me. 23 How many are my iniquities and sins? my transgression and my sin let me know. 24 Wherefore wilt thou hide thy face, and regard me as an enemy unto thee? 25 Wilt thou terrify a leaf driven about (by the wind) ? and wilt thou pursue dry stubble? 26 That thou writest bitter decrees against me, and assignest unto me the iniquities of my youth ; 27 And (that) thou puttest my feet in the stocks, and watchest narrowly all my paths; (and) settest for thyself a mark upon the soles'' of my feet ? 28 And yet the body decayeth like a rot^ ten thing, as a garment that the moth hath eaten. CHAPTER XIV. 1 Man born of a woman is short of days, and sated Avith harrowing trouble. 2 Like a flower he cometh forth, and is cut down : and he fleeth like a shadow, and remaineth not. 3 And yet on such a one dost thou open '' i. e. Will brave every danger. 'Arnheim, "Lo, were he to .slay me, it would only be what I expect." ' Ralbag. Fhilippson, "for then I would be silent," kc * Heb. "roots;" meaning, man is so circum.scribed, having, .so to say, a mark on his soles, that be cannot take a step unpcrccived by God JOB XIV. XV. thy eyes, and me thou bringest into judg- ment with thee? 4 Who can make a clean thing out of an unclean? not one (thing). 5 Seeing that his days are determined, the number of his months are (fixed) with thee, that thou hast set his bounds which he can- not pass : G Turn thyself from him that he may re- cover from his pain, and l)e able to enjoy like a hired labourer his day. 7 For there is hope for the tree: if it be cut down, it ma}' still sprout again, while its 3()ung shoot will not cease. 8 If even its root become old in the earth, and its stock die in the dust: 9 Yet tlirough the scent of water will it flourish (again), and produce boughs as though it were newly planted. 10 But man dieth, and lieth powerless: yea, the son of earth departeth — and where is he? 11 The waters run oflt' from the sea, and the river faileth and drieth up: 12 So doth man lie down, and riseth not; till the heavens be no more, they will not awake, and will not be roused out of their sleep. 13 Oh who would grant that thou mightest hide me in the nether world, that thou might- est conceal me, until thy wrath be appeased, that thou mightest set for me a fixed time, and remember me then ! 14 Or, when a man dieth, will he live again? all the days of my time (if service would I then wait, till (the hour of) my release were come. 15 Do thou call, and I will trul}' answer thee : have a desire for the work of thy hands. 16 Yet now thou numberest my ste])s; and thou waitest" not with (the punishment of) my sin. 17 Sealed up in a bag is my transgression, and thou yet addest to my iniquity. 18 But truly a falling mountain will crum- ' Kashi. Others, interrogatively, "dust tlmu not ■watch over my iniquity ? and thou iniaginest yet addi- tions to my iniquities." "■Rashi; but he translates, "thou sweepost away its fragments to become dust," &c. I'hilippson, "its frag- ments is swept off by the dust of the earth." Ralbag, rrrrilD like H'-jtid " their flood (of the water) sweepeth away the dust," &e. ° Rashi, referring, as in the text, to the state after ble, and (even) a rock is moved out of its place. 19 The water weareth out stones; thou swee^jest away their fragments'' (like) the dust of the earth : and so thou destroyest the hope of man. 20 Thou assailest Inm with might witliout ceasing, till he passetli away : thou changest his countenance, and sendest him off. 21 His children acquire honour, but he knoweth it not: and they are esteemed little, but he perceiveth nothing of them. 22 But his body,'' on him, feeleth pain, and his soul will mourn for him. CHAPTER XV. 1 ^ Then answered Eliphaz the Thema- nite, and said, 2 Should a wise man utter windy know- ledge, and fill his inward parts with the east wind ? 3 Should he reason with a speech wliicli availetli nothing? and with words in which there is no profit? 4 Yea, thou truly niakest void the fear (of God), and diminishest devotion before God. 5 For thy iniquity teacheth thy mouth, so that thou choosest the language of the crafty. 6 Thy own mouth must condemn thee, but not I: yea, thy own lips will testify against thee. 7 Wast thou born as the first man? or wast thou brouglit forth before the hills? 8 Hast thou listened to the secret counsel of God? and is wisdom therefore of little esteem with thee ?'' 9 What knowest thou, that we do not know? what understandest thou, which is not with us? 10 Both the grayheaded and the very aged are among us, — richer than thy father in days. 11 Are the divine consolations too little for thee? and the word that was so mild'' with thee? death. Ralbag refers it to the state of sickness before death, and renders, "his soul in. him mourneth." '' Wolfson, after Aben p]zra. Others, "Hast thou taken away," "made it less where it was," i. e. with God, and render, "and hast thou abstracted for thyself wis- dom?" " Rashi, t3xS as "pleasant," "soft," "imperceptible al- most," "gentle to the touch." Aben Ezra, "in secret." Aruheim, "was the word too indistinct for theer' 835 JOB XV. XVI. 12 Whither cloth tli}' heart carry thee away? and what do thy eyes gaze at? 13 That thou shouldst turn against God tliy spirit, and utter (such) words out of thy mouth? 14 What is man, that he should be pure? and that he who is born of woman should be declared righteous ? 15 Behold, in his holy ones he putteth no trust; and the heavens are not pure in his eyes : 16 How much more then the abominable and corrupt, the man who drinketh like water wi'ong-doing? 17 I will instruct" thee, hear me; and what I have seen will I relate; 18 Which wise men have ever told, and have not concealed, as they obtained'' it from their fathers; 19 Unto whom alone the earth was given, and into whose midst no stranger ever entered. 2U All his days is the wicked plagued with pain, and the number of years which are laid by for the tyrant. 21 A sound of terrors is in his ears : du- ring peace will the waster come over him. 22 He beheveth not that he shall return out of darkness, and he is looked for by the sword. 23 He wandereth abroad for bread, (say- ing,) Where is it? he knoweth that there is ready at his hand the day of darkness. 24 Distress and anguish terrify him: assail him with might, as a king prepared for the battle." 25 Because he had stretched out against God his hand, and strengthened himself against the Almighty; 20 (And) he liad run against him, with an (extended) neck, with the thick round- ings of his bucklers; 27 Because he had covered his face with his fat, and had made thick folds of fat on his flanks; 28 And he had dwelt in abandoned cities, they " Lit. "show." '' Kalbag; ('. e. the wisddiii derived from their prede- cessors; but Rashi, literally, "and eoncealcd it not from their fathers." ° Kalbag and Abcn Kzra. Kashi, "as on a king des- tined to bell." ^ Jonathan. Others, literally, "his mouth," as though his own breath were enough to destroy the wicked. ' llalb:if.', "my limb.s," the company forming the body. in houses which none inhabited, which were destined to be ruinous heaps. 29 (Yet) will he not remain rich, neither will his wealth endure, nor will he attain their perfection on earth. 30 He will never depart out of darkness : the flame shall dry up his shoots, and he will depart by the breath of God's mouth.'' 31 Let him that goeth astray not trust in vanity; for vanity will be what he obtaineth thereby. 32 Even before his time will it be overfull, and his branches will not be green. 33 He will .shake off like the vine his un- ripe grapes, and cast ofl" like the olive his blossoms. 34 For the assembly of hypocrites will re- main desolate, and iirv will consume the tents of bribery. 35 They conceive trouble, and bring forth wrong-doing, and their body prepareth de- ceit. CHAPTER XVI. 1 T[ Then answered Job, and said, 2 I have heard many things such as these: troublesome comforters are ye all. 3 Shall there be any end to words of wind? or what compelleth thee that thou shouldst answer ? 4 I also could well speak as ye do: if your soul were but in my soul's stead, I could overwhelm you with words, and could shake my head at you. 5 But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the condolence of my lips should restrain (your grief). 6 Though I were to speak, my pain would not be restrained ; and though I should for- bear, what will go away from me? 7 But now he hath made me weary: thou hast made desolate all my company.'" 8 And thou hast filled me with wrinkles,' they are my witnesses;, and my leanness riseth up for me, giveth its testimony to my face. ' Ealbag. I'hilippson and others refer tlio verses 7 to 10, not to God, but to .Job's friends, eliiefly Eliphaz; and render: "But now he liatli wearied me — thou hast de- stroyed all my friendship, and bast presM'd me hard — be beeame a witness, rose up against me with lies, be testi- fied against me in my own presence; his wrath teareth me in pieces; ha! he persceuteth me, he gnasbeth bis teeth against me, my adversary looketh at me with fiery looks," &c. JOB XVI. xvn. 9 In his wnith he tearetli me to pieces, and assaileth me; he gnasheth over me with his teeth ; my adversary sendeth threatening" looks at me. 10 They now open wide against nio their month; reproachlnlly they smite my cheek: altogetlier do tliey assemble against me. 11 God hath surrendered me to the unjust, and cast me down into the hands of the \\icked. 12 1 was at ease, but he hath crushed me; he hath also grasped me by the neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up unto himself as a mark; 1?) His archers encompass me round about; he cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth not pity; he poureth out upon the ground my gall; 14 He breaketh me down with breach upon breach; he runneth against me like a mighty man. 15 Sackcloth have I sewed upon my skin, and my horn I roll in the dust.'' 16 My face" gloweth from weeping, and on my eyelids resteth the shadow of death : 17 Not because any violence is in my hands, and while my prayer is pure. 18 Earth! do thou not cover up my blood, and let no place restrain"* my cry. 19 Even now, behold, my witness is in the heavens, and one that testifieth for me is on high. 20 Are my friends my defenders? unto God my eye poureth out (its tears). 21 And oh that a man might plead"" with God, as one son of earth with the other ! 22 For when the numbered years are passed, then must I travel a path whence I cannot return. CHAPTER XVII. 1 My spirit is broken, my days are cut short, the grave is ready for me. ' Lit. "he sharpeneth his eyes at me." "' Rashi, "Upon my cicatrizeJ wound have I sewed sackcloth, and defiled in the dust my s^plendour;" pp being often, "ray of light." But horn is the emblem of power here no less than elsewhere. " Rashi, "is shrivelled." ■• Rashi, "let no place swallow up my cry, but let it ascend to heaven." Philippson, "let no space limit my cry." Lit. "let there be no place for," &c. ' Rashi and Ralbag. Philippson, "that he may plead for a man before God, (('. e. him,self,) and judge the son of earth for his friend." Aruheim, "that he may argue 2 Yet truly tlio.sc that mock are \\ith me, and on their oflendings nnist my eye rest. 3 And thou, (Creator!) attend, I pray thee, be my surety with thyself: who else is there that would strike hands with me? 4 For thou hast concealed their Jieart against intelligence: therelbre art thou not exalted (through them).*^ T) Everyone of them s})eaketh deceptively*'' to his friends: may also the eyes of his chil- dren tail. G And he hath placed me here as a by- word unto nations; and I become openly as a place of abomination.'' 7 Therefore is my eye dim from vexation, and my limbs are .all of them like a sha- dow. 8 Upright men must be astonished at this, and the innocent must arouse liimself against the hypocrite. 9 Yet will the righteous hold finnly on to his way; and he that is clean of hands will acquire additional strength. 10 But all of you, do only return, and come but (to me) : and yet I shall not find among you one wise man. 11 My days are j^ast, my resolves are broken otf, (even the thoughts) — the po.s- sessions of my heart. 12 These would change the night into day, the light as near' in the presence of darkness, — 13 When I hope for the netlier world as my house; in the darkness have I spread my couch ; 14 When I call to corruption. Thou art my father: Thou art my mother, and my sister, to the worms. 15 Ay, where is then my hope? as for my hope, who will see it (fulfilled) ? 16 Let then my limbs sink down to the with a man who hath a contest with God, as one .s(m of earth with the other." ' Rashi. Aben Ezra, "thou wilt not exalt (them)." * Rashi, &c. Philippson, "As my portion hath he as- signed me friends." The difficulty is in the word phnh which is of uncertain derivation, being either "part," or "flattery — smoothness of tongue." ^ Jonathan, the same as Tlwpeth, near Jerusalem, where the idols were worshipped. So also Aben Ezra, "as the place of Thopeth before the children of men." Others, "as one who is to be spit in the face." ' Rashi, "as newly come." 837 JOB XVII. XVI IT. XIX. nether world: truly in the dust al(Mie there is rest for all." CHAPTER XVIII. 1 ^ Then answered Bildad the Shucliite, and said, 2 When will ye at length put an end to words? Come to an understanding, and after- ward let us speak. 3 For what cause are we counted as beasts, reputed stupid in your eyes? 4 Thou, the one that teareth himself to pieces in his anger — shall for thy sake the earth be forsaken, and the rock*" be moved away out of its place? 5 Ah, truly the light of the wicked will be quenched, and the spark" of his fire shall not give light. ' 6 The light becometh dark in his tent, and his lamp will be quenched above him. 7 His powerful steps will be narrowed, and his own counsel will cast him down. 8 For he is driven into the net by his own feet, and he taketh his walk upon a snare. 9 The trap wall seize him by the heel, and the robber* will jjrevail over him. 10 The cord is hidden for him in the ground, and a trap is set for him on tlie pathway. 11 All around do terrors scare him, and cha.se him as he walketh along.'' 12 His first-born*^ will suffer hunger, and calamity will be ready for his wife." 13 It will devour the limbs of his body: yea, the first-born'' of death will devour his limljs. 14 Then will be plucked up out of his tent his confidence, and (the evil) will urge him forward to the king of terrors. 15 It will dwell in his tent, because it is no more his: there will be strewed sulphur on his habitation. IG Beneath, his roots will be dried uj), and above will his boughs be cut away. 17 His remembrance vanisheth from the ' Rashi. Philippson, "In the solitude of the grave all ilescend, when we rest together in the dust." Arnheini, "To the bars of the nether world they descend, when we ^^0 down to the dust altogether." The difBculty here is in the word n3, which the first interprets as " limbs," the other as "solitude," and the last as "bars." " Ilashi, "the Creator be moved from his knowledge and wont." ° Others, "flame." ' The one who has laid the .snare. 838 earth, and no name remainetli lor him in the streets. 18 Men will thrust him out from light into darkness, and out of the world will they drive him. 19 He will have neither son nor grandson among his people, nor any that escapeth in the places of his sojourning. 20 Because of his (calamitous) day are they that come after him astonished, and they that went before are seized with shuddering. 21 Yea, such are the dwellings of the un- just, and this is the place of one that knew not God. CHAPTER XIX. 1 T[ Then answered Job, and said, 2 How long will ye grieve my soul, and crush me with words? 3 These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not a.^hamed when ye show yourselves as strangers to me." 4 Yea, if it be indeed that I have erred, let my error remain with myself 5 But if indeed ye wish to magnify your- selves above me, and to prove against me my disgrace : 6 Then know for certain that God hath bent me down, and hath laid his net all around me. 7 Behold, I cry out concerning the vio- lence (done me), but I am not answered: I entreat aloud, but there is no justice. 8 My road hath he fenced up, so that I cannot pass out; and on my paths he placeth darkness. 9 My glory hath he stripped from me, and removed the crown of my head. 10 He hath jJuUed me down on every side, and I am going hence; and he hath rooted up like a tree my hope. 11 He hath also kindled against m.e his wrath, and he counteth me with himself as one of his adversaries. " Lit. "at his feet." ' Jonathan; lit. "his strength." 8 Jonathan. Lit. ^'Sv "rib." Gen. i. 21. Others, "His strength wasteth from hunger, and calamity is ready at his side." '' A trusty servant of death, such as hunger, war, pesti- lence. ' Jonathan. Furst, "ye condemn me." Others, "ye show yourselves insolent to nie." JOB XIX. XX. 12 Altosiether come on his tr make level anaiiist me tlieir oops way, an and d en- camp round about my tent. 13 My brothers hatli he removed far from me, and my acquaintance are entirely es- tranoed from me. 14 My near of kin have withdrawn, and those befriended by me have forgotten me. 15 Ye that sojourn in my house, and my maid-servants, regard me as a stranger: an alien am I become in their eyes. 16 I call for my servant, but he will not answer, though I were to entreat him with my mouth. 17 My breath is become nauseous to my wife, and my caressing, to the children of my own body. 18 Yea, children even despise me: I rise up, but they speak against me. 19 All that have had my confidence abo- minate me; and those whom I have loved are turned against me. 20 To my skin and to my flesh my bones do cleave, and I must sustain myself with the gum.s" of my teeth. 21 Spare me, spare me, ye, my friends; f(jr the hand of God hath touched me. 22 Why will ye persecute me as God (hath done), and will never be satisfied with my flesh? 2-3 Oh who would but grant, that my words might be written down ! oh who would grant that they were entered in a book ! 24 That they were hewn with an iron pen and (blackened with)*' lead for eternity in the hard rock ! 25 And well I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he will remain as the last after the creatures'" of the dust (are passed away) ; 26 And after my skin is cut to pieces will this"* be: and then freed from my body shall I behold God; ' After Rambain. Lit. "and I make my escape with the skin of my teeth." The meaning is, that the teeth having fallen out, he just contrives to chew enough with the gums to sustain life. '' So doth Rashi explain this verse. Philippson, "with an iron style in lead." ° Rashi, taking -\2j; "the dust," as "those formed of the dust." Philippsou, "over my dust." ^ After Jonathan. Rashi, however, " in my flesh shall I see the judging God." ° Lbwenthal, taking 'S "for me" as tididS "for my hiippiness " • After Philippson, ii "a stranger" or "an enemy." 27 Whom I shall my.self behold to mV happiness," and whom my eyes will see, and not as a stranger,' (when even) my reins are consumed within my bosom. 28 But if ye should say, Ilow will we pursue him? seeing the root^ of the matter is Ibund in me : 29 Then have dread for yourselves of the sword; for the wrath (which ye excite) is an iniquity that bringeth the sword ; in order that ye may know there is one that judgcth (in the world). CHAPTP]R XX. 1 ^ Then answered Zophar the Na'ama- thite, and said, 2 Even therefore do mv iinnost thoughts give me an answer, and for this reason do I feel a strong excitement within me. 3 Reproof which casteth shame on me must 1 hear: yet out of my understanding will the spirit give me an answer. 4 Dost thou know this? from the very be- ginning of things, from the very time when man was placed upon earth it was, 5 That the triumphal shouting of the wicked is ever of but a recent date, and the joy of the hypocrite endureth only for a nh>- ment. 6 Though his exaltation should mount up to the heavens, and his head should reacli unto the clouds : 7 Yet when he but turneth round will he vanish for ever; those who have seen him will say. Where is he? 8 Like a dream will he fly away, and nieit will find him no more : yea, he will be cha.sed away like a vision of the night. 9 If an eye have surveyed him, it will not do so again, and it will not behold him any more in his place. 10 Ills children will sufier oppression*" Others render, "My own eyes shall see him, and no stranger," /. *■. he will not need to take the assertion of another, as he himself will obtain correct and unequivocal knowledge of the Almighty. * /. e. The cause of his suffering was his own conduct. Rashi, however, "And if ye should say, Why should we persecute him, and what is the root of the matter on which he dependeth ? (you will never comprehend all this happiness)." '' Rashi, from Vi*i, "to crush, oppress." Aben p]zra, "seek the favour of the poor," from nvi "to please," "to receive in favour;" here in the Pie/ form, "to seek for favour." 839 JOB XX. XXT. from the indigont, and Lis Imnds will have to restore his (ill-gotten) wealth. 11 (Now) his bones are full of his youth- ful vigour;" but it will (suddenly) lie down with him in the dust. 11^ If the evil be sweet in his mouth, he will conceal it under his tongue; . 18 He will cherish it, and not forsake it; and hold it back witliin his palate: 14 His food is thus changed within his bowels, and becometh the venom of asps witliin him. 10 The wealth which he hath swallowed, will he have to vomit uj) again : God will drive it out of his belly. 16 The poison of asps will he have to suck : the viper's tongue will slay him. 17 He shall not look with pleasure on streams, on flowing brooks of lioney and cream. 18 He restoreth what he hath laboured for, and wall not swallow it down: however much he may have obtained*" by toil, he will not have any joy of it. 19 Because he oppressed and forsook the indigent; because he took violently away a house, shall he not rebuild it ; 20 Because he knew not quietness in his bosom, shall he not escape through what is the most precious to him. 21 Nothing was spared from his craving to eat : therefore shall his wealth not pros- per.*^ 22 In the fulness of his abundance will distress assail him : every hand of (those he) troubled will come against him. 23 In order to fill his belly, (God) will send out'' against him the fury of his wrath, and will rain it upon him for his eating. 24 If he flee from the iron weapon, the brazen bow Avill strike him through. 25 He draweth it, and" it cometh out of the body; yea, out of his gall the glittering (arrow) cometh forth : over him come the ter- rors (of death) . "Jonathan and Kaslii. Al)eu Ezra, "bis secret sins, which will lie," &c. ; but the singular "it" of 3Jtyn must refer to that possessed by VOlSj», i. e. the strength or vigour. " llashi, " When that which lie hath exchanged is great wealth, then will he come to want, and have no joy of it." minn must be understood here, " the exchanee for toil." ^ 8:n 20 Entire darkness is laid by for his treor sures: a fire not urged by blowing will con sume him ; it will destroy any one that is left in his tent. 27 The heavens will lay open his iniquity; and the earth will raise herself up against him. 28 The product of liis house will be ba- nished, flowing away on the day of his wrath. 29 This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and his decreed heritage from God. CHAPTER XXL 1 *\\ Then answered Job, and said, 2 Hear, hear my speech, and let this be wherewith you give consolations. 3 Bear with me that I may indeed speak: and after my speaking, then canst thou mock. 4 As for me, — is against man my com- plaint? and if this be so, why should my spirit not be impatient? 5 Turn yourselves unto me, and be as- tounded, and lay your hand upon your mouth. 6 Yea, when I think of it, I am terrified, and shuddering seizeth hold of my flesh. 7 Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, grow strong in power? 8 Their seed is firmly established in their presence with them, and their offs^iring are before their eyes. 9 Their houses are at peace without any dread, and no rod of God (cometh) over them. 10 The bull of each one gendereth, and disappointeth not: the cow of each one calv- eth, and castetli not her young. 11 They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children skip about (with joy)- 12 They sing to the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the pipe. 13 They wear out their days in happiness. ° Arnheim. Rashi renders the first part of the verse, "He loft nothing of his food to divide among the poor." '' Rashi. Others, "When he is about — then will Grod, &c. — while he is eating." ° Arnheim, after Rashi, "He draweth (it) and it cometh forth out of its scabbard, (niJ, not "body," but "the scabbard of a sword;") and the glittering arrow passcth nut of its pnisnn over him (with) terrors." JOB XXT. XXII. and ill a nioiiK'nt they go down to the nether world. 14 And yet they say unto God, "De- part from us; and the knowledge of thy "ways we desire not. 15 What is the Almighty, that we should: serve him? and what profit shall we have, if we entreat him urgently?" IG Lo, not in their hand" doth their hap- piness rest! The counsel of the wicked be (still) far from me. 17 IIow often is the lamp of the wicked quenched?'' and how often cometli over them their calamity ? and doth (God) distribute their lot in his anger ? 18 Are they as straw before the wind, and as chaff which the storm stealeth away?" 19 Should God lay up for his children his wrong-doing? it were better that he reward him, that he might know it himself. 20 His own eyes ought to see his downfall, and from the wrath of the Almighty ought he to drink. 21 For what cai'e"* hath he for his house- hold after him, when the number of his months is all apportioned to him? 22 Is this fitting God," who teacheth know- ledge? him who judgeth tliose that are high- est? 23 That this one dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet; 24 His vessels being full of healthy tluid, and the marrow of his bones being well moist- ened : 25 While this other dieth with an embit- tered soul, and hath never partaken of any happiness;' 26 (And yet) together they must lie down in the dust, and the worms will cover them ? 27 Behold, I know your thoughts, and the opinions which ye wrongfully devise against me. 28 For ye say. Where is the house of the noble-minded ? and where is the tent of the dwelHng-places of the wicked? ' Rashi, "Is not their happiness in their hand?" '' Philippson conceives thut Job quotes the assertions of his friends, and shows their defects. (See xviii. 5, &c. ; XX. 10, 28.) ' Others, affirmatively, " they are as straw," and so also the end of verse 17. " Rashi. Lit. "desire." ' Philippson. Rashi, "Is one of you in God's place, who will teach knowledge liow this is?" 6 F 29 Have ye not asked the wayfarers? surely their token ye cannot disregard, 30 That the bad man is reserved for the day of calamity, (that the wicked) are car- ried forward to the day of wrath. 31 (But) who will tell him to his face of his wa}? and who will repay him wluit he hath done? 32 Yea he will indeed Ije carried to the grave, and men will quickly think of his monument: 33 Sweet are to liiin the clods of the val- ley; and after him succeedeth every man, as those that were before him are without num- ber. 34 How then will ye comfort me with vanity? and of your answers there remain- eth only deception. CHAPTER XXII. 1 *(\ Then answered Eliphaz the Thema- iiite, and said, 2 Can a man be serviceable^ unto God? Truly the intelligent is serviceable unto him- self 3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that thou art righteous? or is it any gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect? 4 Is it out of fear of thee that he will re- proach thee? or go with thee into judgment? 5 Is not thy evil great ? and no end to thy iniquities ? 6 For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brothers for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing. 7 Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and from the hungry thou hast with- holden bread. 8 But as for the man of a sti'ong arm, he obtained*" the land, and the highly honoured could dwell therein. 9 Widows hast thou sent away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken. 10 Therefore are snares round about thee, and sudden dread terrifieth thee. ' Lit. " hath not eaten of." * Rashi would translate, " Can a man teach God, when he, the intelligent, teacheth men knowledge?" or "Can man labour for the benefit of God?" &c. ID'S;? is referred by Rashi to "mankind;" others, to "himself," although it is a plural form. ' Rashi, "Shalt thou, because thou art of a strong arm, obtain the land, and shall the highly honoured dwell i therein?" 841 JOB XXII. xxin. 11 Or seest thou not the (hirkness? and the abundance of water which covereth thee? 12 Is not God in the height of heaven? and beholding* the highest elevation of the stars, however high they are? 13 But thou sayest, "What doth God know? can he judge behind the darkness? 14 Tliick clouds are a covering for him, so that he will not see; and he walketh along on the c rcle of lieaven." 15 Wilt thou (thus) observe the path of ancient times which the men of injustice have trodden? 16 Who were shrivelled up before their time, wliose foundation was flooded'' away like a river ; 17 Who said unto God, "Depart from us:' and what wrought tlie Almighty for them? 18 And yet it was he that filled their houses with good things; but the counsel of the wicked be (still) far from me. 19 The righteous will see it, and be glad; and the innocent will laugh them to scorn. 20 "Is not he destroyed that I'ose up against us, and hath not the fire consumed what they had left?'"" 21 Do but become acquainted with him, and be at peace: thereby will happiness eome unto thee. 22 Do but accept instruction from his mouth, and lay up his sayings in thy heart. 23 If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be Ijuilt up, so thou wilt l)ut remove wrong-doing tar away from thy tents. 24 And throw'" down in the dust precious metals, and (the gold of) Opliir to the stones of the brooks : 25 Then will the Almighty be thy precious metal, and brightly-shining silver unto thee. 26 For then wilt thou have in the Al- mighty thy delight, and thou canst lift up unto God thy face. 27 Thou wilt make entreaty unto him. ' Kashi, as in x. 15. Others, "Look at the head of the stars, how high they are." " Rashi, "over whose foundation a river was poured forth." ° After Arnheim. Rashi, however, ijo'p "the high estate;" dIiT "the excellence" of that generation. ^ Lowenthal and others, after llalbag, nxn " as gold ore." But Jonathan, "And plaee on the dust a strong fortress, and as the rocks of brooks the gold of Ophir: then will the Almighty be to thee a strong fortress, and more than silver be the strength of thy exaltation." 842 and he will hear thee, and thy vows wilt thou pay. 28 And if thou decree a thing, it will be fulfilled unto thee; and upon thy ways the light will shine. 29 For when men are brought low/ thou wilt say. Pride (hath done it) ; but those of lowly eyes (God) will help. 30 He will even deliver him who is not guiltless : and thou wilt be' delivered by the purity of thy hands. CHAPTER XXIII. 1 ^ Then answered Job, and said, 2 Even now is my complaint bitter: my suffering is heavier than my groans. 3 Oh who would grant that I knew where I might find him! tliat I might attain to his judgment throne! 4 I would put in order before him my cause, and my mouth would I fill with arguments. 5 I should know the words which he might answer me, and understand what he might say unto me. 6 Would he with his power contend against me? he would truly not lay such doings to my charge.^ 7 There would an upright one*" argue with him ; and I should be allowed to escape for ever by my judge. 8 But, lo, I go eastward — and he is not there; and to the west — and I cannot per- ceive him ; 9 When he doth great things at the north, I behold him not; he hideth himself in the south — and I see him not. 10 But he' knoweth the way that I take: were he to probe me, I should come forth as gold. 11 On his steps my foot hath held fast: his way have I kept, and swerved not. 12 From the commandment of his lips have I also not moved awaj- : as a fixed sta- ' A ben Ezra. Rashi, "When men are brought low, tliou canst say, they shall be lifted up, and it will be." ' Aben Ezra supplying nnx "thou wilt be delivered." lie also renders 'pj 'N "the isle of the iunocent." 8 Rashi; meaning, "only justice, not false charges, would he obtain from God." Aben Ezra, "No, he would have regard for me." R^ilbag, "he would put (strength) in me." '' Rashi, "My righteousness would be clear before him." ' Though God is unseen, he knows the deeds of man. JOB XXIII. XXIV. tute' for me have I treasured up the sayings of his mouth. lo But he is unchangeably one,* and who can turn hina? and what his will desireth, even that he doth. 14 For he will bring to completion what hath been destined for me: and like these hath he many other things with him. 15 Therefore am I terrified at his pre- sence: I Avill reflect, and be in dread of him. 16 Still God hath made timid my heart, and the Almighty hath terrified me; 17 Because I was not destroyed before this darkness, and because he hath not hid- den from my face (this) gloom. CHAPTER XXIV. 1 Why are not times (of punishment) treasured up'' by the Almighty, and why do his adorers not see his days (of retribu- tion) ? 2 (The wicked) remove landmarks: they rob flocks, and feed them.'' 3 They drive away the ass of the father- less, they take in pledge the widow's ox. 4 They chase the needy out of the high- way: altogether hide themselves the poor of the earth. 5 Behold," as wild asses in the wilderness go they forth to their work, rising betimes after (their) ]3rey: the desert yieldeth food for them and for their young men. 6 In the field they reap their food ■,^ and in the vineyard of the wicked they gather the fruit. 7 The}- cause (the poor) to spend the night naked, without clothing and without any covering in the cold. 8 Through the sweeping rain of the moun- * Rashi, "more than my apportioned food have I," &c. ' Others, " He persevereth in one thing, and who can gainsay him ?" ° Liiweuthal, Herxheimer, and Philippson. Arnheim and Eng. ver., "Why — since from the Almighty, destinies are not hidden — do not those who know him see his days (of punishment)?" '' ('. e. They have no fear nor shame in exhibiting their wrongfully obtained pcssessions. ' Rashi and others conceive verses 5 and 6 to represent the rubbers; Philippson, the state of the poor, who have to seek for means to sustain life : he renders also verse 7, "They (the poor) spend their nights," &c. Others, again, imagine this and verse 8 also to refer to the rob- bers, especially the Bedouins, who are often in the greatest want, notwithstanding their dishonest mode of life. But tains are they made wet, and for want of a shelter do they embrace the rock. 9 The others pluck from the breast the fatherless, and the garment^ of the poor they take in pledge. 10 They cause him'' to go naked without clothing, and from the hungry they take away the sheaf: 11 Within their wiills do they make oil, they tread their winepresses, and suffer thirst. 12 Out of a populous city is groaning heard, and the soul of the deadly wounded crieth out: yet God regardeth it not as an offence. 13 Yon men are of those that rebel against the light: they know not its ways, nor abide in its paths. 14 With the earliest light riseth the mur- derer, he slayeth the poor and needy, and in the night he becometh like the thief 15 And the eye of the adulterer watcheth for the twilight, saying. No eye will see me; and placeth a covering on his face. 16 They break into houses in the dark, in "the daytime they lock themselves in:' they know not the light. 17 For to all of these alike is the morning as the shadow of death ; for they are familiar with the terrors of the shadow of death. 18 Swift'' are such men (to flee) on the face of the water; accursed is their field on the land; none of them turneth himself to the way of the vineyards. 19 Drought and heat speedily consume the snow-waters: so doth the grave those who have sinned. 20 The mother that bore such a one will forget him; the worm will feed sweetly on him; he will be no more remembered; and like a tree will wickedness be broken. we must then assume that, as early as Job, Arabia was in the same condition it is now. ' Aben Ezra, -h'b^, not "his food," lit. "fodder," but iS "hi "not his," — "they hold harvest in a field not theirs." « Ralbag. '' Rashi and Aben Ezra. Arnheim, "These (the poor) go about naked without clothes, and hungering do they carry sheaves." ' Others, — " the houses which in the daytime they had marked for themselves." ' Ralbag and Aben Ezra. Philippson, "Swift is he on the face of the waters; if his portion be accursed on the land, he turneth no more the way to the vineyards. In the desert and in the heat they plunder, in the snow-wa- ter of the deep they sin." Arnheim and Herxheimer nearly so, with some variations. 813 JOB XXIV.— XXVII. 21 lie ill-treateth the barren that beareth not; and to tlie widow he actetli not well. 22 But he'' also draweth down the mighty with his power: when he riseth up, no one is sure of life. 23 To such (God) granteth to be in safety, that he may find su23port; and His eyes are upon their ways. 24 They are exalted; in but a little while they are no more; and tliey are brought down low : like all others are they gathered in, and like the top of the ear of corn are they cut off.'' 25 But if it be not so, who will prove me a liar, and render as nought my word? CHAPTER XXV. 1 ^ Then answered Bildad the Shuchite, and said, 2 Dominion and dread are with him: he maketh peace in his high places. 3 Can the number of his hosts be given? and over whom riseth not his light? 4 How then can man be justified with God? or how can be pure one that is born of woman ? 5 Behold, even as regardeth the moon, that is not bright: yea, the stars are not pure in his eyes. 6 How much less the mortal, the mere worm? and the son of earth, the mere mag- got? CHAPTER XXVI. 1 If Then answered Job, and said, 2 What assistance hast thou given to the powerless? (how) hast thou helped the arm without strength? 3 How hast thou counselled the unwise? and what sound wisdom hast thou made known so i^lentifully? 4 To whom hast thou told words? and whose spirit came from thee? " Rashi supplies here also "God" — "God draweth down these mighty ones to punishment : their day Com- eth, and they trust not their life." But the whole of thi.s chapter is exceedingly difficult to render, as the imagery is so rapid, and every one of the commentators forms his own opinion. " i. e. The wicked die often without pain ; they sin and depart hence like the good. ° When God surveys the world, tlie dead are again pre- sent (born) under his view. "• After l'inlip|ison ; /. r. (ind expanded the essence of Si I 5 The departed are called into being" be- neath the waters, and their inhabitants. 6 Naked is the nether world before him, and there is no covering for the place of cor- ruption. 7 He stretched out the north over empty space; he suspended tlie earth on nothing; 8 He bound up the waters in his clouds; and the cloud bursteth not under tlieir weight; 9 He closed up the surface of his throne, spreading over it his cloud ; 10 A fixed limit he compassed off over*" the face of the waters, for the division of the light and darkness. 11 The pillars of heaven tremble greatly, and are astounded at his rebuke. 12 By his power he split" in pieces the sea, and by his understanding he crushed (its) pride: 13 By his breath the heavens (acquired) beauty; his hand hath created the flj'ing ser- pent. 14 Lo, these are ends of his ways; for how slight a whisper is heard (by us) of him ! but the thunder of his mighty deeds who can understand ? CHAPTER XXVII. 1 ^ And Job continued taking up his pa- rable, and said, 2 As God liveth, who hath removed justice from me; and by the Almighty, who hath embittered my soul : 3 All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils, 4 Shall my lips not speak any wrong, nor shall my tongue utter deceit. 5 Far be it from me that I should justify you : till I depart hence will I not allow (any one) to take my integrity away from me. 6 I have laid fast hold on my righteous- ness, and I will not let it go : my heart shall light over the deep. (Gen. i. 2, 3.) Rashi, "God drew a circle over the water to last till light and darkness be no more." Wolfson, "His law limitoth the water, and fixeth the ends of light and darkness." Arnheim, " He drew a circle on the face of the water to the limit of light and darkness." Aben Ezra explains, "to where light and darkness are separated." ° Rashi, after whom Arnheim, referring to the creation. But Philippson, "he stirreth up the sea — breaketh the storm — the heavens become clear — and the flying serpent (constellation Ophhifhtis) appeareth in the sky " JOB XXVII. XXVIIT. not reproach me (for my conduct) during all inv* life. 7 Like the wicked is'' (therefore) ni}- ene- my, and he that riseth up against me like a wrong-doer. 8 For what is the hope of the hypocrite, when- he hath gained unjust wealth, when God casteth forth his soul? 9 Will God hear his cry, when distress Cometh upon him? 10 Or can he find delight in the Ahnighty? can he call on God at all times? 11 I will instruct you concerning what is in the hand of God : (the way) which is with the Almighty- will I not conceal. 12 Lo! ye yourselves have all beheld it: why is it then that ye deal in such vanities? 13 This'' is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the portion of tyrants, which they shall receive from the Almighty. 14 If his children be multiplied, it is only for the sword ; and his offspring will not be satisfied with bread. 15 Those of his that are left to escape will be buried by death ; and his widows will not be able to weep. 16 Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare garments (as plentifully) as the clayj 17 He may prepare, but the righteous will clothe himself (therewith), and the silver the innocent will divide. 18 He buildeth his house like the moth, and like a hut that a keeper hath made. 19 Rich will he lie down, but will not be gathered (into the grave) f one openeth his eyes, and he is no more. 20 Like a flood will terror overtake him, in the night a tempest will steal him away. ' Rashi. Others, " my heart shall not cast blame on one of in_y days." , •' After Rashi, who regards 'rr •' he will be," as the cnnsec|iienec of the preceding verse. So also Philippson and Liiwcnthal; not "Let my enemy be." " Jonathan. Philipp.son, "For what is the hope of the ungodly? that God should cut off, that he should take away his soul." '' Philippson considers verses 13 to 23 as containing a recapitulation of the arguments of Job's friends, which he had already refuted, and called them hence "vanities." Rashi, however, views this passage as meaning: Job says, " Ye have seen all I relate ; why then will ye be hypo- crites, in saying vain things of God?" 'Rashi. Others, "He layeth himself down being rich; but he will not be (so) buried; if he were to open |iis eyes-^it would bo gone." 21 The east \viiid will lift him up, and he must be gone; and it hurk^th liim like a storm out of his place. 22 And (Godif will cast (evil) upon him. and have no pity : out of his hand (his wealth)" will surely escape. 23 Men will clap their liands over him, and will hiss after him out of his place. CHAPTER XXVin. 1 For truly there is a source for the silver, and a place for the gold which men refine. 2 Iron is taken out of the dust, and the stone is melted into copper. 3 x\n end doth he set to darkness, and the very utmost limit doth he search out, the stones of darkness, and ot the shadow of death. 4 He breaketh a channel'' far from the in- habited place; those of unsteady foot,* the poorest of men move (there alwut). 5 The earth, out of which cometh forth bread, is under its surfice turned up as it were with fire. 6 Her stones are the place whence the sapphire cometh; and golden dust is also there ; 7 (On the) path which no bird of prey knoweth, and whicli the vulture's eye hath not surveyed; 8 (Which) ravenous beasts have never trodden, over which the lion hath never passed. 9 To the flinty rock he stretcheth forth his"" hand; he overtumeth the mountains from the root. 10 Amid rocks he heweth out canals; and every precious thing doth his eye be- hold. ' Rashi. Philippson refers it to the storm. s Aben Ezra. Rashi, "his friend will flee far away." Herxheimer, "He casteth away all that is on him, and spareth not; he only desireth to flee from its power (of the storm);" so also Philippson, the last clause of the verse. '■ The simplest explanation of this difficult verse is to assume, with Herxheimer and others, that it refers to mining, where channels and galleries are broken, wherein the most miserable of men, often slaves and criminals, have to take out the ore at the peril of life. ' Lit. "who are forgotten by the foot;" explained by Philippson as "those who from their confinement in mines are un.steady in their walk." '' Rashi and Aben l'>,ra refer verses fl to 11 to God, as having done so at the creation; but other commenta- tors think they refer to man in his mining operations. S46 JOB XXVIII. XXIX. 11 The various dropijings" of water he aniteth into streams, and what is hidden he bringeth forth to light. 12 ^ But wisdom — where shall she be found? and where is the place of understand- ing? 13 Man knoweth not her value; and she is not to be found in the land of the liv- ing. 14 The deep saith, Not in me is she : and the sea saith, She is not with me. 15 No fine gold can be given in lieu of her, and silver cannot be weighed out as her price. 16 She cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sa]^- phire. 17 She cannot be estimated after gold and glass; and not in exchange for her (can) ves- sels of refined gold (be taken.) 18 Coral and crystal will not be thought of; and the value of wisdom is above pearls. 19 She cannot be estimated after the topaz of Ethiopia, nor can she be valued with pure gold. 20 ^ But wisdom — wlience cometh she? and where is the place of understanding? 21 Yea, she is hidden from the eyes of all living, and from the fowls of the heavens is she concealed. 22 Perdition and death say. With our ears have we heard a report of her. 23 God (alone) understandeth her way, and he knoweth her place; 24 For he looketh to the ends of the earth, (whatever is) under the whole heaven doth he see. 25 When he imparted weight unto the wind ; and (when) the waters he established by measure; 26 When he made a law for the rain, and a way for the lightning of (his) thunders : 27 Then did he see her, and make her known ; he established her, and also searched her out. 28 And he said unto man, Behold, the fear of the Loid, that is wisdom; and to eschew evil is understanding. ' Philippson; i. e. the various rills wliicli issue forth in the mine are united into large canals, thnt the work may go forward. '' Lit. "autumn," /. e. the season when all is ripe. Others, "youth." 846 CHAPTER XXIX. 1 ^ And Job continued to take up his pa- rable, and said, 2 Who will give me back months like those which are past, days like those when God guarded me ; 3 When his lamp shone over my head, when by his light I could walk in dark- ness; 4 As I was in the days of my abundance,'' when the confidence"' of God was upon my tent; 5 When the Almighty was 3'et with me, when my servants stood round about me; 6 When I bathed my steps in cream, and the rock poured out near me streamlets of oil! 7 When I went out to the gate close by the city, when in the open place I established my seat: 8 Young men saw me, and hid themselves; and the aged rose up, and remained stand- ing; 9 Princes stopped in the midst of (their) words, and laid their hand on their mouth; 10 The voice of nobles was ari-ested, and their tongue cleaved to their palate. 11 For the ear that heard me called me happy ; and the eye that saw me bore witness for me ; 12 Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, yea, that had none to help him. 13 The blessing of him that was ready to perish'^ came upon me ; and the heart of the widow I caused to sing for joy. 14 I took righteousness as my garment, and it clothed me: as a robe and a mitre was justice unto me. 15 Eyes was I to the blind; and feet to the lame was I. 16 A father was I to the needy; and the cause of him I knew not I used to investi- gate. 17 And I broke the cutting-teeth of the wrong-doer, and out of his teeth I cast down his prey. ° Lit. "secret," or "secret counsel." So Rashi, "When the pious of the generation came to my tent to be fortified in God's law." Others, "friendship." * Others, "that had to roam about," or "the unliap- V7-" JOB XXIX. XXX. 18 And I said then, "In the midst of my nest shall I depart hence, and like the sand" shall I have many days. 19 I\Iy root will stand open for the water, and the dew will lodge on my boughs. 20 My glory will ever be new with me, and my bow will acquire fresh strength in my hand." 21 Unto me men listened, and waited, and watched in silence for my counsel. 22 After nn' words they made no reply, and my speech dropped on them (like dew) . 2.S And they waited for me as for the rain, and they opened wide their mouth as for the latter rain. 24 I smiled on those that had lost their confidence;'' and the light of my countenance they never cast down. 25 I chose"" their way for them, and I sat as chief, and dwelt as a king in his army, as one that comforteth mourners. CHAPTER XXX. 1 But now thev who are vounger than I in years laugh at me, whose fathers I scoi'n- ed to put as equals with the dogs of my ilocks. 2 Yea, what possible use can the strength of their hands be unto me, over whom old age hath passed fruitlessly ? 3 Who suffer of want and famine in soli- tude; who tlee'" into the wilderness (where all is) darkness, ruin, and desolation; 4 Who crop oft" mallows'" by the- liushes, and have broom-bush roots as their bread; 5 Who are driven forth from among (men), who are shouted after as though they were thieves, 6 To dwell in the caverns*^ of the valleys, in holes of the earth, and on naked clifts. 7 Among the bushes they shriek: under briers'^ they are huddled together, 8 The children of the worthless, yea, the ' Easlii, after Talmud Sanliedriii, 108 h. "^in as the name nf a bird, "the phoenix;" so also Arnhcim. '' Lowenthal and Philippsnn, i:t3N' kS " those who have no confidence;" but Aben Ezra, ""When I smiled on them, they would not believe it," &c. ° Philippson, "^A'hen I chose to be among them, I sat at the head." * Philippson, "who gnaw the growth of the desert, which is long since desolate and waste." ' Arnheim and others, "salty herbs." ' Rashi. Aben Ezra, "in frightful valleys." children of the nameless, who were outcasts from the land. 9 But now I am become their song, and I am become a byword unto them. 10 They loathe me, they keep themselves far from me, and frt)m my face they withhold not their spittle. 11 Because he hath loosened the cord of my bow,'' and afllicted me, they have also cast oft' the bridle before me. 12 Against my right hand rise up this swarm of worthless youths : they push away my feet, and they level against me their cala- mity-bringing paths. ! 13 They destroy my footpath, they help forward my downfall, without any one to aid them. 14 As (through) a broad breach they come: amidst a loud noise they rolled themselves along. 15 Terror's have turned their face against me; they chase like the wind my glory; and like a cloud is my happiness passed away. 16 And now my soul is poured out over me; the days of affliction have seized on me; 17 All night it holloweth out my bones out of my body; and my pursuers' take no ' rest. 18 Through the Almighty's power'' is my garment made unknown: like the opening of my coat hath he enclosed' me. 19 He hath cast me into the mire, and I am become like dust and ashes. 20 I cry aloud unto thee, but thou answer- est me not : I stand up, and thou fixest thy regard against me. 21 Thou art changed into a cruel master toward me : with the strength of thy hand thou assailest me. 22 Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to pass away, and dissolvcst in mo all wise counsel."" 23 For I know that thou wilt bring mo ^ Eashi, "nettles," and so rendered elsewhere; here, however, evidently something higher, which they could hide among. '' Rashi. ' Jonathan and Rashi, as in ver. 3. Ralbag, "my pulses." Philippson and others, " those that gnaw at me." " Herxheiriier and others refer riD 2"»3 to God, who be- comes the subject in ver. 20. ' /. e. As tightly as the upper edge of the undcr-eoat fits round the neck, so hath God hemmed him in with pain. " Ralbag, taking rrtSTi in the sense it is found in Pro- 847 JOB XXX. XXXI. back to death, and to the house of assembly for all the living. 24 But doth not a man stretch out his hand among ruins? or doth one not cry out therefrom (for help) when he meeteth his downfall ?'^ 25 Did not I weep for him that was hard pressed by misfortune? was not my soul grieved for the needy? 26 That I hoped for good, but there came evil; and I waited for light, and there came darkness ! 27 My bowels heave, and rest not: the days of affliction have overcome me. 28 I walk about mournfull}' without sun- light: when I rise up, in the assembly, I cry M'ith pain. 29 I am become a brother to (howling) monsters, and a companion to ostriches. 30 My skin hangeth down black from me, and my bones are burnt from heat. 31 And thus is changed to mourning my harp, and my pipe to the sound of weeping. CHAPTER XXXI. 1 A covenant had I made with my ejes: how then should I fix my look on a virgin? 2 And what would then have been my portion of God from al)ove ? and what lot of the Almighty from on high ? 3 Is not calamity (ready) for the unjust? and misfortime for the wrong-doers? 4 Behold, he truly seeth my ways, and numbereth all my steps; 5 (And knoweth) whether I have walked with vain desires, or if my foot hath hastened after deceit. 6 Let him weigh me then in a righteous balance, and let God acknowledge my integ- rity. 7 If my step have turned aside from the (proper) way, and my heart have walked after my eyes, and if any blemish have cleaved to my hands: 8 Then let me sow, and let another eat; and let what I have growing be roolsd out. verbs. Rashi, "thou dissolve.'it me by weakness." Phi- lippson and Lowcnthal, as riNHyn " amidst -a loud noise," I. r. of the .storm. " Lowenthal and Philippson. Jonathan, "But lie (God) will not lay violent hand in wrath on men when they pray to him in time of affliction." Horxhcimor, "But may ho not stretch out his hand against ruins; 848 9 If my heart have been beguiled toward a woman, or if I have lain in wait at my neighbour's door: 10 Then may my wife labour at the mill for another, and may strangers ill-use her; 11 For this would be incest; yea, it would be an iniquity (to be punished by) the judges; 12 For it would be a fire that consumeth doAvn to the place of corruption, and would root out all my products. 13 If ever I cast aside the justice due to my man-servant and my maid-servant, when they contended with me : 14 What then could I do when God should rise up? and Avhen he should investigate, what could I answer him ? 15 Did not he that made me make him born of a woman ? and did not the same one fashion us in the womb? 16 If ever I denied the wish of the indi- gent, or ever allowed the eyes of the widow to fail (in vain hopes); 17 Or if ever I ate my bread by myself alone, and the fatherless did not eat thereof; 18 (For from my youth he was brought up with me, as though we were of one'' father, and I have guided her (as though she was sprung) from my mother's womb;) 19 If ever I saw any one perishing for want of clothing, or the needy without cover- ing; 20 If his loins have not blessed me, and if he have not been warmed w'ith the fleece of my sheep; 21 If I have swung my hand against the fatherless, because I saw in the gate those that would help me : 22 Tlien may my shoulder fall from my shoulder-blade, and my arm be broken from the channel-bone ; 23 For dreaded I)y me was the calamitous punishment of God, and against his highness I can" accomplish nothing. 24 If I have made gold my confidence, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my trust; 25 If ever I rejoiced because my wealth or do they (death and the grave) find help in their de- struction?" Others, "He will not lay his hand on the grave ; surely in the downfall (of death) there is help fur all." The verse is very diificult and obscure. '' Wolfson; but Rashi, "this virtue raised me like a father," &c. ° J'hilippson, "could." JOB XXXT. XXXIT. was abuiidant. and because my hand had gotten much; 26 If ever I looked at the hght (of the sun) when he shone brightly and on the moon walking in splendour; 27 And my heart became misled in secret, and my hand kissed my mouth:" 28 This also were an iniquity to be pu- nished by the judge; for thus would I have denied the God that is above. 29 If ever I rejoiced at the downfall of him that hated me, or was elated when evil befell him; — 30 But I sufiered not my mouth to sin by denouncing with a curse his soul; — 31 If the men of my tent said not, Oh is there one that is not satisfied of his tlesh; — 32 In the street a stranger had not to lodge; my doors I held open to the road- side ; 33 If I covered up my transgressions like a common man, by hiding in my bosom my ini(iuity; 34 Because I dreaded the great multitude, or because the contempt of families did ter- rify me, so that I kept silence, and dared not to go out of the door;*" — 35 Oh who will bring me one that would hear me! behold, here is my plea; may the Almighty answer me ; and any record" which my opponent may have written, — 36 Surely upon my shoulder would I carry it:'' I would bind it as a crown unto me. 37 The number of my steps would I tell him: as (to) a prince would I go near unto him. — 38 If my land ever cried out because of me, or if its furrows wept together; 39 If I ever consumed its strength with- out payment, or caused the soul of its owners'" to grieve : 40 Then may instead of wheat, thorns come forth, and instead of barley, cockle. (Here end the words of Job.) * i'. e. Offering the sligbtest token of homage, by touch- ing the mouth with the hand, as was probably the cus- tom of idolaters of the Zabean kind. ^ The conclusion of the sentence is in verse 40. ° TDD docs not mean necessarily "book," but any con- nected writing. Others, " lot my opponent write," &c. * Eashi, and so Arnheim, "I would carry him (the opponent) on my shoulder, I would bind crowns on him for my sake." 60 CHAPTER XXXII. 1 Tf So had these three men abstained from answering Job; because he was right- eous in his own eyes. 2 ll Thereupon was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the fiimil}' of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he had declai'ed himself more righteous than God. 3 And against his three friends was his wrath kindled; because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. 4 Now Elihu had held back toward Job (his) words; because the others were older in days than he. 5 But when Elihu saw tliat there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then was his wrath kindled. 6 Tl And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite commenced, and said, Young am I in days, and ye are very old: therefore I hesitated and feared to show you what I know. 7 I had said. Days shall speak, and multi- tude of years shall make wisdom known. 8 But it is the spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty which giveth them understanding.^ 9 Not those rich in years must be always wise : neither do the aged constantly under- stand what is just. 10 Therefore do I say. Hearken to me: I also will show forth what I know myself. 11 Behold, I waited for your words: I gave an attentive ear to your reasonings, till you might have searched out the (proper) words. 12 And now I understand you fully, and, behold, there is none that convinceth Job, or, that answereth his speeches among you. 13 Say then not. We have found wisdom: God will thrust him down, not man.^ 14 But he hath not directed anv words ' Rashi, "those who occupied it as tillers on half pro- fit." Others render, "caused its owners to breathe out their soul." ' Jonathan, "In truth the spirit of prophecy is in man, and the word of God giveth them understanding." * Wolfson, "the one who is no man." The text as here given is simple, " God will convince him, not a man ;" and this was the wisdom they had discovered, that (iod would ultimately prove that Job had sinned. 849 JOB XXXII. XXXIII. against me: and with your speeches will 1 not answei' him. 15 They are dismayed, they answer no more: words have escaped away from them. 16 And should I wait (longer), because they cannot speak, because they stand still and answer no moi'e? 17 (But) I also will surely answer my part, I myself also will show lijrth what I know ; 18 For I am full of words, the spirit in my bosom urgeth me hard. 19 Behold, my bosom is like (fresh) wine which hath not been opened: like new" bot- tles it is ready to burst. 20 I will speak, that I may breathe freer: I will open my lips and answer. 21 On no account wall I show undue fa- vour to any man, and to no son of earth will I give flattering titles. 22 For I know not to give flattering titles; (for else) my Maker would speedily carry me away. CHAPTER XXXIII. 1 Therefore do thou but hear, Job, my speeches, and give ear to all my words. 2 Behold now, I have opened my mouth, my tongue speaketh in my mouth.'' 3 Out of my straightforward heart (come) my sayings; and my lips utter kuowdedge clearly. 4 The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty giveth me life. 5 If thou canst, answer me, array thyself before me, stand forward. G Behold, I am in the same relation as thyself toward God:'' I myself also am cut out of the clay. 7 Behold, dread of me cannot terrify thee, and my pressure* will not be too heavy upon thee. 8 But thou hast said before my ears, and the sound of the words I still hear, ' ?'. e.. Bottles containing new wine, the fermentation of wliich bursts them. " Hob. "pahite." " Aben Ezra. Rashi, "I am here, as thou hast asked, in God's place, and for him do I speak his words." '' Jonathan and Rashi. '-JOX from tj^x "to force," "to urge;" h(mce the noun, "that which presscth hard" — "tiie burden." Abcn Ezra, "my hand," like '£3:3 with paragogic N. • Rashi, "pretexts." 860 9 " I am pure without transgression, I am cpiite clean; and there is no iniquity in me: 10 Yet, behold, he findeth hateful back- sliding*" on me, he regardeth me as an enemy unto him; 11 He putteth my feet in the stocks, he watcheth all my paths." 12 Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee ; for God is far greater than a mortal. 13 Why dost thou contend against him? for with*^ all his words will he not give an answer. 14 For God speaketh once, yea twice: (yet man) regardeth it not. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slum- bers upon the couch: 16 Then doth he lay open the ear of men, and sealeth it with their warning;^ 17 To remove the son of earth (from his intended) deed ; and he covereth up pride from man ; 18 He withholdeth his soul from the pit, and his life from passing away by the sword. 19 And so is he admonished by pain upon his couch, and all his bones with violent (aches)." 20 So that his inclination' abhorreth bread, and his soul, the most agreeable food. 21 His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out. 22 Yea, his soul draweth near unto the pit, and his life to those that slay. 23 If there be now about him one single angel, as defender, one out of a thousand, to tell for man his uprightness :'' 24 Then is he gracious unto him, and saith. Release him from going down to the pit, I have found an atonement. 25 His flesh becometh full again as in youth: he returneth to the days of his boy- hood. ' i. c. Only partially he reveals his acts to man. Herx- hcimer, "concerning." Liiwenthal, " that he giveth no answer concerning all his doings," ^ Rashi, "Ho sealeth and bindeth them with sufFeringa for their iniquity." ^ Ralbag. Rashi, "all his bones that were so strong." Loweiithal and others, " with violent contest in his limbs." ' Lit. "life;" here the appetite necessary to .sustain life. " Philippson: "If there come to him one angel aa interpreter — to tell man what is just fur him." JOB XXXITT. XXXIY. 26 lie will offer his entreaty unto Cod, and he will receive him in favour, that he may see his face with joy : so doth He re- compense unto the mortal his i-i^hteousness. 27 He then should assemble" men around, and say, "I had sinned, and perverted what is right, yet have I not received a like return."'' 28 Thus he redeemetli his- soul from pass- ing into the pit, and his life will look joy- ously on the light. 29 Lo, all these things doth God two or three times with man; 30 To bring back his soul from the pit, that she may shine in the light of life. 31 Listen well, Job, hearken unto me: keep silence, and I will truly speak. 32 If thou hast any words, answer me: speak, for I wish to justify thee. 33 If not, hearken thou unto nie : keep silence, and I will teach thee wisdom. CHAPTER XXXIV. 1 ^ And Elihu commenced, and said, 2 Hear, ye wise men, my words; and ye that have knowledge, give ear unto me. 3 For the ear prol^eth words, as tlie palate tasteth the food.'* 4 Let us choose for ourselves what is just: let us acknowledge between ourselves what is good. 5 For Job hath said, "I am righteous; and Cod hath taken away justice from me. 6 Should I lie concerning the justice due me? incurable is (my wound from) the ai'- row I bear in me without any ti'ansgres- sion." 7 What man is there like Job, who drink- eth scorning like water, 8 And is on the road to keep company with the wrong-doers, and to walk M'ith men of wickedness? 9 For he hath said, "It profiteth a man nothing when he acteth according to the pleasure of Cod." 10 Therefore ye men of sense hearken * Kasbi, from rrilty "a row." Lowentlial and others, "he will sing aloud among men." * Rashi. Others, "which profited me nothing," as in Esther vi. 13. ° So the Keri. Philippson and LiJwenthal, after the Kelib, make this a continuation of verse 27, and render, " he hath delivered my soul," &c. ^ Lit. "to eat." unto me: far is it from Cod to practise wick- edness; and from the Almighty to do wrong! 11 For the work of a son of earth doth he re- compense unto him, and according to the path of man doth he permit things to occur to him. 12 Yea, surely Cod will not condemn un- jftstly, nor will the Almighty pervert justice. 13 Who hath given him a charge concern- ing the earth? or who hath intrusted (him)' the whole woi'ld? 14 If he were to set his heart upon man, he would gather unto himself his spirit and his breath ; 15 All flesh would perish together, and the son of cartli would return again unto dust. 16 If then thou wishest to understand, hear this: give ear to the sound of my words. 17 Is it possible that he who liateth justice should govern? or wilt thou condemn the righteous mighty One? 18 (Is it fit) to say*^ to a king. Thou art worthless? and to princes, Ye are wicked? 19 Whereas he is one that showeth no fa- vour to chieftains, and distinguisheth not the rich before the indigent; for all of them are the work of his hands. 20 In a moment will they die, and in the midst of the night, people are moved, and pass away: and the mighty wall be removed without a human hand. 21 For liis eyes are upon the ways of man, and all his steps doth he see. 22 There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the evil-doers can hide them selves. 23 For he need not direct/^ (his attention) a long time upon man, that he should enter into judgment before God. 24 He breaketh down mighty men without (long) searching, and placeth otliers in their stead. 25 For the reason that he knoweth their deeds: therefore he overturneth them in the night, and they are crushed. " Aben Ezra, " who created the whole world ?" Lb- wenthal, " who watcheth," &c. ' Rashi, Jonathan, Aben Ezra, kc. Others, after the Septuagint, "Who saith to a king, Thou art worthless, and to princes, Ye are wicked ?" * Rashi, "For be will not lay undue charges on man, that he should have to enter into a trial before God." The text here means, God's knowledge is always sure. 851 JOB XXXIV. XXXV. 2C Among wicked men" doth he strike them, in the pLice where (many) see them; 27 Because they have departed from follow- ing him, and have not considered all his ways, 28 Bringing before them the cry of the indigent, and the cry of the afflicted which he had to hear. 29 When he now granteth rest, who will condemn (him) ? and when he hideth his face, who can behold him? whether it be against a nation, or against one man, it is the same : 30 That no hypocritical man may reign, that such shall not be a snare to the people.'' 31 For truly it is only fitting to say unto God, "I bear (cheerfully), I will not do any wrong ; 32 What I cannot see myself, do thou truly teach me; if I have done what is unjust, I will do so no more." 33 Should he then according to thy view send a recompense, because thou hast rejected him? "Because thou must choose, and not I?"° and what thou knowest, do speak. 34 Men of sense will say unto me, and every wise man who heareth me, 35 That Job hath not spoken with know- ledge, and that his words are without intel- ligence. 36 Oh that Job"* may therefore be probed continually, in order to give answers against sinful men." 37 For he addeth unto his sin transgres- sion: among us he uttereth too many loud words,*^ and multiplieth his speeches against God. CHAPTER XXXV. 1 ^ Then commenced Elihu, and said. * Raslii, "In their own place dotli he strike the wick- ed." Others, "because they are wicked." Others, "in lieu of the (/. e. as though they were) wicked." The difficulty is in the word nnn, literally, "under." '' Lowcnthal and Hcrxheinier. Philippson, "That there may not reign a hypocrite, one of those who mis- lead the people." Arnheim, gives the last part, "nor a people be a snare." ° Arnheim, after Rashi, who refer "rejected" to Job's words: "I despise it, I wish to live always." The words, "thou must choose," are regarded as Elihu's speaking in the name of God. Philippson, "Behold, on thee too will he accomplish it. For thou must reject it, thou must accept it, not I; and what thou hast now discovered as true, that do thou speak;" /. r. he calls on Job to ac- eept or reject his theory of the divint' gcivcniiueiit. a52 2 Dost thou deem this to be just, that thou hast said, "My righteousness is more than God's?" 3 For thou sayest, " What benefit will it be unto thee? what more profit shall I have, than if I had sinned ?" 4 I will truly reply unto thee with words, and unto thy friends with thee. 5 Look unto the heavens, and see; and gaze on the skies which are higher than thou. 6 If thou sin, what dost thou effect against him ? and if thy transgressions be multiplied, what canst thou do unto him ? 7 If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what doth he accept out of thy hand? 8 A man like thyself thy wickedness may reach, and a son of earth thy righteousness. 9 By reason of the multitude of oppres- sions (the wicked) cause men to cry: these complain aloud because of the arm of the mighty. 10 But (man)- saith not, Where is God my maker, Avho bestoweth joyful songs even in the night; 11 Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of the heavens? 12 There do they cry, but he answereth not; because of the pride of evil men. 13 Only what is false'' will God not hear, nor will the Almighty regard it. 14 Although thou sayest, thou canst not see him : yet the decision is before him ; and do thou wait for him.' 15 But now, because his anger hath pu- nished nothing,'' shall he not greatly take cognizance of the multitude of sins? 16 But Job openeth wide his mouth for '' Jonathan, "^N from n3N, "to desire," "it is my wish." Others, from 3N, " ftither," "O my heavenly Father!" " Rashi. Aben Ezra, "because of his answer after the manner of sinful men." ' Rashi and Aben p]zra. Others, "he elappcth (his) hands;" hence, Philippson, "he scorneth." * /. e. The sufferers cry, but think not on God. Rashi, however, "The wicked saith not, &c. who cutteth down the evil in the night," referring to Amraphel, tlie fjgyptians and other sinners. '' /. f. The crying of those spoken of in verse 9 is deceit- ful, they think not of God. ' Arnheim, "it," i. c. the decision. ' Jjowenthal. Rashi, "And now know that his ])resent visitation on thee is nothing, and he hath not fully re garded the multitude (of thy sins)." JOB XXXV. XXXVI. noni:lit: witliout knowle(l,i;v he iR'apeth up words, CHAPTER XXXVI. 1 T[ Then continued Elihii,anil said, 2 Wait for me a little, and I will instruct thee; for (I have) still some words on God's behalf 3 I will lift up my knowledge for him" who is afxr, and for my jNIaker will I obtain- righteousness. 4 For truly no falsehood is (in) my words: one that is upright in (his) opinions (dealeth now) with thee. 5 Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any : he is mighty in strengtli oi' intel- 'lect.'' 6 He permitteth not the wicked to live; but he procureth justice for the afflicted. 7 He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous; but (he placeth them) with kings'" on the throne: 3-ea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted. 8 And if they be bound in fetters, and if they be entangled'' in the cords of affliction : 9 Then doth he tell them of their work, and of their transgressions, when they had become strong. 10 And he openeth thus their ear to cor- rection, and saith that they should return from wrong-doing. 11 If they hearken and serv-e (him)," they will spend their days in happiness, and their years in pleasures. 12 But if they hearken not, they will pass away through the sword, and they will perish in want of knowledge. 13 But the hypocrites in heart persevere'' in wrath; they will not offer entreaty when he bindeth them: " God ; as in the end of the verse. "Heb. "heart." ■= Philippson, "And kings on the throne, he letteth •hem sit continually, and maketh them still higher." nxi m this manner, not "with," but merely as the sign of the objective case. " Lit. "caught." ' Rashi. Others, "subject themselves." ' Rashi; literally, "lay up anger," i. e. they utter their blasphemy, as though they suffered wrong at the hands of God. ^ Lit. "their." | " Herxheimer. Philippson, "Also thee hath excited, not distress, but abundance, there was nothing firm under ! it; and what was set on thy table so full of fatness. | 14 Their .soul will die in youth, and tlieir life, among the incestuous. 15 He delivereth the afflicted through his affliction, and openeth through oppression his° ear. IG And also thee hath he incited away from the'' jaws of distress into a wide space, on the site of which there is no straitness; and what is set on thy table is full of fa1> ness. 17 But if thou art full of the judgment of the wicked: (divine) judgment and decree will support each other. 18 For tliere would be fury, if aught were to incite thee to utter an abundance (of re- bellious words);' and the greatness of the infliction must not mislead thee. 19 Will he esteem thy riches?'' no, not gold ore, nor all the highest forces of strength. 20 Desire then not eagerly the night, when nations pass away in their place. 21 Take heed, turn not thyself to wrong- doing, so that thou wouldst choose this because of (thy) affliction. 22 Behold, God is exalted by his power: who is an instructer like him? 23 Who hath given him a charge concern- ing his way? or who hath ever said. Thou hast acted unjustly? 24 Reflect, that thou shouldst magnify his work, which (other) men have beheld.' 25 All men have looked at it (with as- tonishment) ; the mortal gazeth at it from afar. 26 Behold, God is great, and we compre- hend him not, the number of his years can truly not be searched out. 27 For he taketh away" drops of w'ater, which are purified into rain in his mist; Therefore thou art full of the guilt of the wicked, and decree and justice follow thereupon. But the fury — let not this incite thee against the chastisement, (p21i/, not abundance, but a blow with the hand,) and let the great- ness of the atonement not mislead thee." ' Rashi; Herxheimer, "The abundance of the fury must not," &c. ■^ Arnheim, "Would this be equal to thy prayer? No gold, and nothing gained through exertions." Herx- ■ heimer, "Should he ordain help for thee without distress, and without any exertion of strength?" ' Lbwenthal, "praise," or "sing." " The vapours arise from the water on the surface of the earth, and though the sea is salt and briny, the rain conies down pure aud swert after being held in the atmosphere. 8.53 JOB XXXVI. XXXVII. 28 These drop down out of the skies ; they distil upon the multitude of men. 29 But (what man) can understand the outspreadings of the clouds? the tumult of his" tabernacle? 30 Behold, he spreadeth out over it his light, and covereth up the roots* of the sea. 31 For by means of them he judgeth na- tions, he giveth food in superfluity. 32 (His) hands'' he covereth with light; and he commandeth it to strike the one who striveth against him. 33 The noise of his storm telleth of it, yea, the cattle also, of the rising tempest.'' CHAPTER XXXVII. 1 At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved upward out of its place. 2 Hear, hear, the rattling of his thunder, and the storm's roar that goeth out of his moutli. 3 Under the whole heavens he letteth it loose, and his lightning over the ends of the earth. 4 Behind it roareth the thunder; he thun- dereth with his majestic voice; and lie hold- eth them not back when his voice is heard. 5 God thundereth with his marvellous voice : he doth great things, which we cannot comprehend. G For to the snow he saith, Be thou on the earth: likewise to the pouring rain, and to the pouring rains of his strength. 7 He sealeth it on'' the hand of every man, tliat all men whom he hath made may know it. 8 Then retire the beasts into (their) dens, and rest in their lairs. 9 Out of (his) chamber cometh the whirl- wind, and out of the north' the cold. ' Figurative for "the thunder," the noise (or "crash- ing" — Herxheimer) in God's tabernacle, the overhanging sky. " /. e. The bottom. ° Herxheimer; meaning, God's hands are, so to say, covered with his lightnings, and he hurls them against tho'st who rise up against him; ;?'j3a "who meeteth;" or, ;i3 Li.wenthal, "who is to be met," or "struck." llashi, in the light of "one who prayeth," and translates, "The (violence of) hands covereth up the light (for, the rain which is to enlighten, refresh the earth); but he or- daineth it to come in answer to him who meeteth him with prayer." '' This verse is mainly given after Aben Ezra. 'Jonathan. Aben Ezra, "It (the rain) keepeth all 10 From the breathing of God ice is given, and the broad waters become solid.^ 11 Also with moisture'' he loadeth the cloud; (and) he scattereth the cloud of his lightning; 12 And it is turned round about by his guidance, to execute what he commandeth it upon the face of the world, the earth. 13 Whether it be as a chastising rod — if this be destined for his earth — or for kind- ness, doth he cause it come. 14 Give ear unto this, Job : stand still, and consider well the wonders of God. 15 Dost thou know how God hath imposed (a law) on them, and (how) he hath caused the light of his cloud to shine? IG Dost tliou know aught about the ba- lancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge? 17 (Thou) who clothest thyself with warm garments, when He giveth the earth rest from the south wind? IS Hast thou with him spread out the skies, which are strong even as a molten mirror? 19 Let us know what we shall say unto him: we cannot set aught in order (before him) because of darkness. 20 Can (all) be related of him, when I speak (ever so much) ? or if a man talk (of him) even till he be swallowed up (in death) ? 21 Yet now men see not the light which is bright in the skies, when the wind hath passed along, and purified them, 22 The golden (light) that cometh out of the north: around God is terrible majesty. 23 The Almighty, whom we cannot find out, excellent in power, and in justice, and abounding in righteousness, will not afflict: men within their houses." But it means here, that God impresses this deeply on man, that all may recognise his power. ' Kalbag; but Philippson, iu the sense this word is found in the Mishnah, renders it with "bottles," as though the cold were tied up in wine-skins, to be let loose when needed. 8 I'hilippsou, pxin "hard like metal." Others, "strait- ened." '' n "moisture," after one opinion cited by Aben Ezra; another is to take n3 as "brightness:" ".\lso when a bright sky chaseth away the cloud," &c. ' Philippson ; meaning, man, when the south (summer) wind ceases to blow, must uecds clothe himself warmly j so weak is he; and he will know the ways of God? JOR XXXVII. XXXVIII. 24 Therefore do men fear him;" lie specteth not any that are Avise of heart. re- CHAPTER XXXVIII. 1 ][ Then did the Lord address Job out of the storm-wind, and said, 2 Who is this that casteth darkness (on my) counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Do but gird uy) like a mighty man thy loins: and I will ask thee, and do thou in- form me. 4 Where wast thou when I laid the founda- tions of the earth? tell it, if thou hast'' any understanding (of it). 5 Who fixed her measurements, if thou knowest it? or who stretched the measuring- line over her? 6 Upon what are her foundation-pillars placed at rest?" or who laid her corner-stone: 7 When altogether sang the morning stars in gladness, and shouted for joy all the sons of God? 8 And who closed up with doors the sea, when, issuing forth, it came out of the deep bosom of the earth ? 9 When I made the clouds its garment, and thick tog its swaddling-cloth, 10 And when I decreed for it my law,* and set (for it) bars and doors, 11 And said. Thus far mayest thou come, but no farther; and here shall be stayed (thy strength)" in the pride of thy waves? 12 Didst thou ever, in all thy days,*^ com- mand the morning; didst thou ever assign the morning-dawn its place: 13 That it might lay hold of the ends of the earth, so that the wicked might be shaken out therefrom? 14 She is changed as the sealing-clay :^ and (all things) stand as though newly clad.*" 15 And from the wicked is their light withdrawn, and the high-raised arm is broken. 16 Didst thou ever penetrate as far as the ' Arnbeim, "Therefore fear ye him, mortals!" Phi- lippson, "yet do not see him the wise in spirit." " Heb. "knowest understanding." ° Lit. "made to sink." ^ Jonathan. Rashi, "I have set for it broken-in shores (to restrain it), and these are its law, which it cannot pass." ° Aben Ezra. ' Aruheim, " Uast thou commanded during all," &c. ' During the dark, nothing is prominent on earth; but springs of the sea? or wander through the bottom of the deep ? 17 Were the gates of death ever laid open unto thee ? or canst thou see the doors of the shadow of death ? 1 8 Hast thou a clear understanding of the breadth of the earth? Tell it, if thou know- est it all. 19 Where is the way (to the spot where) the light dwelleth ? and the darkness — where is its place, 20 That thou mightest take each to its l)oundarv, and that thou miditest mark the pathways to its house? 21 Thou (surely) knowest it; because thou wast then born, and the number of thy days is great ! 22 Didst thou ever enter into the trea- tl le suries of the snow? or canst thou see treasuries of the hail, 23 Which I have reserved for the time of distress, for the day of fight and battle? 24 Where is the way (to the spot where) the light divideth itself, (where) the east wind is scattered over the earth? 25 Who hath divided ofl' watercour,ses for the overflowing rain, and a way for the lightning (tliat is followed by) thunders, 26 To bring rain on a land, void of men; on a wilderness wherein no son of earth (is found) ; 27 To satisfy waste and desolate lands; and to promote the growth of the tender grass ? 28 Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of the dew ? 29 Out of whose womb cometh forth the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven — who giveth birth to it? 30 (When) like a stone the waters are congealed,' and the face of the deep is bound in fetters? 31 Canst thou bind together the chains of the Pleiades, or loosen the bands of Orion ? with the dawn of day, every thing appears in a new im- pression, as the clay is changed by the impression of the seal. Clay seals were appended to documents, as has been exhibited in the late discoveries of Layard in the ruins of Nineveh. '' Aben Ezra, who supplies "men." Philippson, "(the wicked) hide themselves as with a garment." ' Heb. "hide themselves," ('. e. to the eye the water is hidden by being ice. Others, "(.^s with) a stone the waters are hidden." »5j JOB XXXVIII. XXXIX. 32 Canst thou bring furtli the constella- tions of the zodiac, each in its season? or canst thou guide the Bear with its young?" 33 Knowest thou the laws of heaven? or dost thou aj^point its rule on tlie earth? 34 Canst tliou lift up to the clouds thy voice, that the abundance of waters may cover thee? 35 Canst tliou send out lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here are we? 36 Who hath put wisdom in the dark clouds?'' or who hath given understanding to the bright meteors? 37 Who ordaineth" the skies with wisdom? or who emptieth out the bottles of heaven, 38 Wlien tlie dust is poured out as molten metal, and the clods are made to cleave fast together? 39 Dost thou liunt i'or the lioness her prey? and suppliest thou the food for the young lions, 40 When they are couched in their lairs, rest in the thicket, lying in wait? 41 Who provideth for the raven his provi- sion? wdien his young ones cry unto God, and wander about for lack of food? CHAPTER XXXIX. 1 Knowest thou the time when the cha- mois" of the rock bring forth? or markest thou when the hinds do calve? 2 Numberest thou the montlis of gestation which they complete? and knowest thou the time when they bring forth ? 3 They bend themselves; they drop their young ones; they throw ofl" their pains. 4 Their littles ones become strong; they grow up in the open field; they go forth, and return not unto them. 5 Who sent out the wild ass free? or who loosened the bonds of tlie forest-ass? G To whom I assigned the wilderness as his house, and the salty land as his dwellings. ' This is said to signify the three stars called the tail of the Bear. '' Lowenthal, taking mna, rendered in Ps. li. 8 "in- ward parts," for what is not distinctly seen; so 'OB' (from nDty "to behold,") what is readily seen, here the brilliant meteors. Jonathan renders, " Who hath put wisdom in the reins, or who hath given understanding to the heart?" Philippson, "images of light — images of the dr." ' Rashi. Others, " Who numbereth the clouds ;" but their niiiribcring requires organization, hence "ordaJMcfh." 7 He laugheth at tlie noise of a town, and the shoutings of the driver he heareth not. 8 What he espieth on the mountains is his pasture, and after every green thing doth he search. 9 Will the forest'Ox'' be willing to serve thee, or will he stay over night at thy crib? 10 Canst thou bind the forest-ox with a rope (to labour) in the furrow ? or will he harrow valleys, following after thee ? 11 Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? and wilt thou leave to him thy labour? 12 Wilt thou confide in him, that he should bring home thy seed, and gather it into thy threshing- floor? — 13 The wing of the ostrich moveth joy- fully: hath she the pinions and plumage of the careful stork?" 14 (No,) for she intrusteth her eggs to the earth, and letteth them be hatched out on the dust; 15 And she forgetteth that a foot may crush thein, or that the beast of the field may stamp them down. IG He hath made her callous against her young, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vain, (but she feeleth) no dread; 17 Because God hath denied her wisdom, and he hath not imparted to her understand- ing. 18 At the time she raiseth herself up on high, she laugheth at the horse and his rider. 19 Dost thou give the horse strength? dost thou clothe his neck with the rolling mane?'^ 20 Canst thou make him jump like a lo- cust? his majestic snort is terrible. 21 Men spy about in the valley, and lie rejoiceth in his strength : he goeth forth to meet the armed array.*-' 22 He laugheth at fear, and is not dismay- ed; and turneth not back from before the sword. ■' Arnheim leaves on untranslated, "reem." Philipp- son, "buifalo." " Lowenthal. Philippson, m'Dn, not as the name, "stork," but a feminine adjective from TDn, and renders, "is therefore lovely her pinion and her plumage?" Wolfson, "See how pleasant is the wing of the singing birds, the flight and plumage of the stork; and there is one that leaveth her eggs," &c. ' Lowenthal and others. Kashi, no>n "terror," "shud- dering;" so Philippson. Others, " thunder." Jonathan, "power." * lieb. "armour." JOB XXXIX. XL. 23 Over him rattle the quiver, the glitter- ing spear and the lanee. 24 With impatient noise and rage he hol- loweth' (with his hoof) the ground, and keej)- eth not quiet when the cornet's voice (is heard) . 25 Midst the sound of the cornet be utter- eth his joylul neigh ;'' and from afar he per- ceiveth" the battle, the loud call'" of the cap- tains, and the battle-cry. — 2G Is it through tlij understanding that the havrk tiieth along, and spreadeth out his wings toward the south? 27 Or is it by thy order that the eagle doth mount upward, and buildeth high up his nest? 28 On a rock he dwelleth, and spendeth his nights, on a rocky crag and mountain fastness. 29 From there he espieth his food, from afar can his eyes behold. 30 His young ones, also, sip up blood : and where the slain lie, there is he. CHAPTER XL. 1 ^ And the Lord addressed Job, and said, 2 Will he that contendeth with the Al- mighty yet find fault? let him that reproveth God answer this. 3 *\\ Then answered Job the Lord, and said, 4 Behold, I am too vile: what shall I answer thee? my hand do I place on my mouth. 5 Once have I spoken; but I will not an- swer: yea, twice; but I will not repeat it again. 6 ^ Then answered the Lord unto Job out of the storm-wind, and said, 7 Do but gird up like a mighty man thy loins: I will ask thee, and do thou inform me. 8 Wilt thou indeed annul my decree? wilt * Rashi. Others, "he drinketh iu," he acts as though he could drink in the land between him and the enemy. " Lit. "he saith, Aha!" = Lit. "smelleth." " Lit. "thunder." ' This description is supposed to refer to the hippopo- tamus, or the river-horse, which lives on vegetables. ' Philippson, "sinews." • Lbwenthal and others. Ralbag, "are strong pieces of steel." Aben Ezra, "are strong like brass." 5 H thou condemn me, in order that thou mayest appear righteous? 9 But if thou hast an arm like God, or if thou canst thunder loudly like him: 1(1 Then do deck thyself with excellence and greatness, and clothe thyself in majesty and glory. 11 Scatter abroa.d the ragings of thy wrath, and look on every proud one, and humble him. 12 Look on every proud one, and bend him low ; and tread down the wicked in their place. 13 Hide them in the dust altogether: bind up their faces in concealment. 14 Then will I also myself praise thee, when thy own right hand hath helped thee. 15 Only behold Behemoth," which I made near thee : grass he eateth like the ox. IG Only see, (how great) is his strength in his loins, and his force, in the muscles*^ of his belly. 17 He stretcheth out his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his loins are closely wrapped together. 18 His bones are like pipes' of brass: hia frame is like bars of iron. 19 He is the first in rank of the works of God: he that made him can alone bring*' his sword near unto him. 20 But truly the mountains bear for him his food, and all tlie beasts of the field play there.' 21 Under shady trees he lieth down, in the covert of the reeds, and swamp. 22 Shady trees cover him as his shadow: willows of the brook encompa.ss him about. 23 Behold, a river sweepeth violently along, but he hasteneth not away: he re- maineth quiet, though a Jordan rusheth up to his mouth. 24 Can one catch him before his eyes? pierce his nose by means of snares ?'^ — '' Eashi. Others, "furni.sheth him with his sword," I. e. the two long teeth, twentj-six to thirty inches long, used to mow down the herbage and for formidable defence. ' Meaning, his great strength is not used to injure those around him. '' Philippson, giving this verse an interrogative sense. Herxheimer, " Yet do men catch him before his eye.?," &c. Aruheim, "With his eyes would he sweep away who would attempt to pierce his nose with snares." Rashi, "God taketh him by looking at Iiini." Sn7 JOB XL. XLI. tongue crocodile'' to sink 25'' Canst thou draw out the with a fishhook? or cause his into the baited rope? 26 Canst thou put a reed° through his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn? 27 Will he address many supplications unto thee? or will he speak submissively unto thee? 28 Will he make a covenant with thee? that thou couldst take him as a servant for ever? 29 Canst thou play with him as with a bird? and tie him up for thy maidens? 30 Can companions waylay"^ him? can they divide hira among merchants? 31 Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? and (pierce) with a fish-spear his head? 32 La\' thy hand upon him ; think of the battle: thou wilt never do it again. CHAPTER XLI. 1 Behold, his expectation was deceived: even at his mere sight is he cast down. 2 None is so daring that he would stir him up: and who is there that will stand up before me? 3 Who hath shown me favour," that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine. — 4 I will not conceal (the account of) his limbs, nor the relation of his might, nor the grace of his proportion.*^ 5 Who hath ever laid open the front of his garment? or who can penetrate into his double row of teeth ? 6 Who hath opened the doors of his face? all round about his teeth abideth terror. 7 What pride is there in (his) strong shields; he is locked up as with a close seal. ° Vilith tliis verse the English version commences chap, xli. '' Heb. Livyatlian, "Leviathan." " Rashi conceives this to be a species of strong hook. ' Rashi. Bensev, "sell him as merchandise." Aben Ezra, "make a banquet of him." " Philippson, "Who would assail me, that I should have to repay him?" ' Ralhag. Rashi, Aben Ezra, and others connect vcr. 4 with 3. Rashi renders, "I would not be silent to- ward his children (of the righteous) for the great deeds he hath done and the pleasant prayers he hath offered." If(!rxheimer renders the verse interrogatively, in accord- ance with the Krri, ^'n "to him," for nS "not:" "Shall I be silent concerning, &c. and his plea.sant worth ?" * Rashi, "the waves even of sea or river are diminish- 858 8 One is joined to another; and no breath can come between them. 9 They are fitted closely one to another: they are interlocked, that they cannot be severed. 10 From his sneezing there beameth forth a light, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning-dawn. 11 Out of his mouth issue burning torches, sparks of fire escape (therefrom). 12 Out of his nostrils cometh forth smoke, as out of a seething-pot or caldi'on. 13 His breath kindleth coals, and a flame cometh out of liis mouth. 14 In his neck abideth strength, and be- fore him danceth terror joyfully. 15 The flakes of his flesh are fitted closely together: they are as molten metal on him, immovable. 16 His heart is firm like a stone: yea, as firm as the nether millstone. 17 At his lifting himself up the mighty are terrified : the waves also are lessened.^ 18 If one overtake him with the sword, it cannot hold: nor the spear, the dart,*" and armour. 19 He esteemeth brass as rotten wood. 20 The child of the iron as straw, (and) bow' cannot make him flee: into stubble are slingstones changed unto him. 21 Clubs are esteemed as stubble, and he laugheth at the whirring of the lance. 22 Beneath him are sharp-pointed ^ot- sherds,"" he spreadeth out, (as' it were, a) thresh- ing-roller upon the mire. 23 He causeth the deep to boil like a pot : he rendereth the sea like an apothecary's mixture.' ed as he passes over them." Arnheim, "they are made dizzy because of the waves," i. e. the crocodile's course marked by the ripple deprives them of courage. Philipp- son, "they are made dizzy because of the wounds they expect." Ijiiwenthal, "because they fail to inflict wounds on him." '' Rashi, i'DD as an adjective, "the heavy spear and ar- mour." ' Rashi, "the archer." Others, "the arrow." ^ " Potsherds" means to express the scales which have the rough pointed appearance of a potsherd ; and when he lies down in the mire, he leaves an iujpression as though a pointed "threshing-roller" bad been spread out there. Rashi, "he spreadeth out shining scales upon," &c. ' i. e. Frothy. Philippson explains (as in Ezekiel xxiv. ]0) a mixture where all the ingredients are stirred up to- JOB XLT. XLir. 24 Behiml him he causeth his jxithway to shine, (so that) men esteem the deep to be hoary. 25 There is none ujjon earth that rnleth over him, who is made to be witliout dread. 26 He looketh upon all that is high : he is the king over all the ravenous beasts. CHAPTER XLH. 1 ][ Then answered Job unto the Lord, and said, 2 I acknowledge that thou art able to do every thing, and that no deep plan of thine can be restrained. .3 Who is he that dareth to conceal (thy) counsel without knowledge? Trulj' I have spoken of what I understood not, of things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. 4 Oh do ])ut hear (me), and I will indeed speak : I will ask of thee, and do thou inform me. 5 I had only heard of thee by the hearing of the ear;" but now my eye hath seen thee. 6 Therefore I reject (what I have said),^ and repent; because I am dust and ashes. 7 T[ And it came to pass, after the Lord had spoken these words unto Job, that the Lord said to Eliphaz the Themanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends; because 3'e have not spoken of me properly, like my servant Job. 8 And now take unto yourselves seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my ser- vant Job, and offer up a burnt-offering in your behalf; and my servant Job shall pray for you ; for him alone will I receive favourably, so as not to deal with you after your folly ; gether, here sand, mud, claj', all .appearing as though they were boiling. ' i. e. As report had represented God, not as he is, in- scrutably wise, as he now had revealed himself. "■ Aben Ezra, and so also the Massorah. Others, "I repent in dust and ashes." Rashi, "I despise my life. because ye have not spoken of me [Ji'opcrly, like my .servant Job. 9 Then went Eliphaz the Themanite and Bildad the Sliucliite and Zophar the Na'ama- thite, and did in accordance with what the Lord had spoken to them: and the Lord re- ceived Job in favour. 10 And the Lord brought back the capti- vity of Job, when he prayed in behalf of his friends; and the Lord increased all that Job had had twofold. 11 And then came unto him all his bro- thers, and all his. sisters, and all that had been of his acquaintance before, and ate bread with him in his house; and they con- doled with him, and comforted him for all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him; and they gave him, every one, a kessi- tah,° and every one an earring of gold. 12 And the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: and he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she-as.ses. 13 He had also seven sons and three daughters. 14 And he called the name of the first Jemimah ;'' and the name of the second, Ke- ziah; and the name of the third, Keren-hap- puch. 15 And there were not found such hand- some women as the daughters of Job in all the land; and their father gave them an in- heritance among their bi'others. 16 And Job lived after this one hundred and forty years; and he saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations. 17 Then died Job, being old and full of days. and I would comfort myself if I were dwelling in the grave to return to dust and ashes." ° A silver coin. (See Gen. xxxiii. 19.) ■* These names are explained, "Brightness of day," "The sweet-scented cassia," and "The painting-horn,'' used to ornament the eyes. 859 THE SONG OF SOLOMON, CHAPTER I. 1 ^ The song of songs, which is Solo- mon's. 2 Oh that he might kiss me with the kisses of his mouth; for thy caresses are more pleasant than wine. 3 To the smell are thy fragrant oils plea- sant, (like) precious oil poured forth is thy name (famous afar) :'' therefore do maidens love thee. 4 Oh draw me, after thee will we run : the king hath brought me into his chambers; we will be glad and rejoice in thee; we will recall thy caresses, more (pleasant) than wine; with- out deceit" (all) love thee. — 5 Black am I, yet comely, daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon. 6 Look not so at me, because I am some- what black, because the sun hath looked fiercely at me: my mother's children were angry with me; they ajjpointed me to be keeper of the vineyards; but my vineyard, which is my own, have I not kept. — 7 Tell me, thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest? where lettest thou thy flock rest at noon? for why should I appear like a vailed mourner'' by the flocks of thy companions? — 8 If thou knowest this not, thou fairest * This .=!ong, ascribed to the wise king of Israel, has al- ways been regarded as an exposition of the love of God for his people. It is represented under the image of a country maiden, Shulanimith, who is desirous of being reunited to her friend to whom she is betrothed, but from whom now separated at the court of King Solomon. The king, in addressing her, calls her " my beloved" 'n"j,n ; her betrothed calls her rhj "bride," or hSd Tinx "my sister bride;" the chorus of court ladies, D"tyj3 r[B"r\ "fairest of women." The poem consists of a nuinlicr of conversations : the speakers being readily distinguished, th(uigh not named. (After Ilerxheimer's Introduction; yet there appears at times some variation in the above modes of address.) '' Rashi: "When sweet oil is sealed up in a flask, its geent is not difTiisod: open it, and pour it into another VBHSel, its scent is carried far." 800 of women, go but forth in the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids around the shepherds' dwellings. — 9 Unto the horse in Pharaoh's chariot do I compare thee, my beloved. 10 Comel_y are thy cheeks between strings (of pearls), thy neck with rows (of jewels). 11 Chains of gold will we make for thee with studs of silver. — 12 While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard" sendeth lorth its (pleasant) smell. 13 A bundle of myrrh is my friend unto me, that resteth on my bosom. 14 A copher-cluster*^ is my friend unto me in the vineyards of 'En-gedi. — 15 Lo, thou art beautiful, my beloved: lo, thou art beautiful: tliy eyes are those of a dove. — 16 Lo, thou art beautiful, my friend, also pleasant: also our couch is (made in the) green (wood). 17 The beams of our house are cedar, and our wainscoting* of cypress-trees. CHAPTER XL 1 I am the rose*" of Sharon, the lily of the valleys. — 2 Like the lily among the thorns, so is my beloved among the young maidens. — 3 Like the aj^ple-tree among the trees of the forest, so is my friend among the young ° Rashi. Others, "the upright love thee." Sachs, "with justice men love thee." ^ Rashi. Others, "like a suspected person;" but Phi- lippson, referring to Jer. xliii. 12, where the shepherd is represented as wrapping his cloak around him against the storm, renders here T\^Oy, one who in wandering about has put on a cloak as a protection against au unexpected storm. ' This is said to be an extract from the root of an In- dian plant, Valeriana ja(am,ansi. ' Supposed to be the Lawsonia alba, with many ever- green leaves, and flowers of an agreeable scent which hang in clusters. « Aben Ezra, one opinion, "our wafer-troughs are of marble." '' Arnheim, " n.-ircissus." Sachs, "I he lily of Sharon, the rose of the valleys." SOLOMON'S SONG II. III. IV. men: under liis shadow do I ardently wish to sit, and his tVuit is sweet to mj' palate. 4 He brought me to the banqueting-house,* and his l^anner over me was love. 5 Strengthen me with llagons ol' wine,*" re- fresh me with apples; for sick of love am I. 6 Oh that his left liand might be under my head, and that his right might eml)race me. 7 I adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye awaken not, nor excite my love, till it please (to come of itself) ." — 8 The voice of my friend! behold, there he Cometh, leaping over the mountains, skip- ping over the hills. U My friend is like a roebuck or the fiiwn of the hinds: behold, there he standeth behind our wall, looking in at the windows, seeing through the lattice. 10 My friend commenced, and said unto rae. Rise thee up, my beloved, my fair one, and come along. 11 For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone its way. 12 The tlowers are seen in the land; the time of the (birds') singing is come, and the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land; 13 The fig-tree perfumeth its green figs, and the vines with young grapes'* give forth a (pleasant) smell. Arise thee, my beloved, my foir one, and come along. 14 my dove, who art in the clefts of the rock, in the recesses of the clifis, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for th}' voice is sweet, and thy countenance is comely. — 15 Seize for us the foxes, the little foxes, that injure the vineyards; for our vine^-ards have young grapes. 16 My friend is mine, and I am his — that feedeth among the lilies. 17 Until the day become cool, and the shadows flee away, turn about, my friend, and be thou like the roebuck or the fixwn of the hinds upon the mountains of separation. CHAPTER III. 1 ^ On my couch during the nights I ' Heb. "house of wine." A great entertainment is called "wine-drinking," as it takes place on such occasions. *■ Philippson, "cakes of raisins." ' Philippson. " Rashi, Abou Ezi' vines in blooiUj" &c. souiilit him whom m\ soul lovetli : I souulit him, but I found him not. 2 Oh, I must rise now, and go about in the city, in the streets, and in the open places; I will .seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 3 Then foiuid me the watchmen that walked about the city. "Have ye seen him whom my soul loveth?" 4 Scarcely had I passed away from them, when I found him whom my soul loveth : I laid fast hold of him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that had born me. 5 I adjure you, ye daughters of Jei'usalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye awaken not, nor excite my love, till it please (to come of it.self). — 6 Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all spicy powders of the merchant? 7 Behold, it is the bed," which is Solo- mon's, sixty valiant men are round about it, of the valiant ones of Israel. 8 All of them are girded with the sword, are expert in war; ever)' one hath his sword upon his thigh, because' of the terror in the nights. 9 A palanquin did king Solomon make for himself out of the wood of Lebanon. 10 The pillars thereof he made of silver, its coverlid of gold, its seat of purple: its inner part is arranged lovely,^ by the daugh- ters of Jerusalem. 11 Go forth, and look, ye daughters of Zion, on king Solomon, with the crown where- with his motlier hath crowned him on the day of his espousals, and on the day of the joy of his heart. — CHAPTER IV. 1 Behold, thou art beautiful, my beloved, behold, thou art beautiful: thy dovelike eyes (look forth) from behind thy vail; thy hair is like a flock of goats, that come quietly down from mount Gil'ad. ' Others, "litter," "palanquin," in which the king was carried, surrounded by his guards. ' Arnheim, "fearless," "without fear in the nights." « Philippson, after Herder, taking nans as an adverb not "love," but "lovely." ^§1 2 Thy teeth are like a flock of well-selected sheep, which are come up from the washing, all of which bear twins, and there is not one among them that is deprived of her 3'oung. 3 Like a thread of scarlet are thy lips, and thy mouth" is comely: like the half of a pomegranate is the upper part of thy cheek behind thy vail. 4 Thy neck is like the tower of Da- vid built on terraces,'' a thousand shields hang thereon, all the quivers of the mighty men. 5 Thy two breasts are like two fawns, the twins of the roe, that feed among the lilies. 6 Until the day become cool, and the sha- dows flee away, will I get me to the moun- tain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankin- cense. 7 Thou art altogether beautiful, my be- loved, and there is no blemish on thee. — 8 Come with me from Lebanon, bride, with me from Lebanon : look about from the top of Amanah, from the top of Senir and Chermon, from the lions' dens, from the leopards' mountains. 9 Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, (my) bride; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thy eyes, with one chain of thy neck. 10 How beautiful are thy caresses, my sister, (my) bride! how much more pleasant are thy caresses than wine ! and the smell of thy fragrant oils more than all spices. 11 Of sweet honey drop thy lips, bride: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the scent of thy garments is like the scent of Lebanon. 12 A locked-up garden is my sister, (my) bride; a locked-up spring, a sealed fountain. 13 Thy sprouts are an orchard of pome- granates, with precious fruits, copher and spikenard ; 14 Spikenard and saffi'on; calamus and cinnamon, with all the trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief of spices; 15 A garden-spring, a well of living waters, and flowing down from Lebanon. — 16 Awake, north wind; and come thou, south ; blow over my garden, that its spices SOLOMON'S SONG IV. V. may flow out. Let my friend come into his garden, and eat its precious fruits. — • Rashi, "thy speech;" but evidently here the means by which speech is uttered, "the mouth." 862 CHAPTER V. 1 I am come into my garden, my sister, (my) bride; I have plucked my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my sugar-cane" with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, ye companions; drink, yea, drink abundantly, ye friends. — 2 I slept, but my heart was awake : (there was) the voice of my beloved that knocked, "Open for me, my sister, my beloved, my dove, my guiltless one; for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night." 3 I have put off" my coat: how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet: how shall I defile them? 4 My friend stretched forth his hand through the opening, and my inmost parts were moved for him. 5 I rose up myself to open for my friend; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with fluid myrrh, upon the handler of the lock. 6 I indeed opened for my beloved ; but my beloved had vanished, and was gone: my soul had failed me while he was speaking; I sought him, but I could not find him ; I called him, but he answered me not. 7 Then found me the watchmen that walked about the city; they smote me, they wounded me : they took away my vail from me, they that watched the walls. 8 I adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, what will ye tell him? that I am sick of love. — 9 What is thy friend more than another's friend, thou fairest of women? what is thy friend more than another's friend, that thus thou adjurest us? — 10 My friend is white and ruddy, distin- guished among ten thousand. 11 His head is bright as the finest gold, his locks are like waving foliage, and black as a raven. 12 His eyes are like (those of) doves by streamlets of waters, bathed in milk, well fitted in their setting. ' Fiirst. armoury." Rashi, "for urnanient." Otliors, "as • Raslii. SOLOMON'S SONG, V. VI. VIT. 13 His cheeks are as a bod of spices, as turrets of sweet porfuincs:'' his lips, Hke lilies, dropping with fluid myrrh. 14 Ilis hands are like wheels of gold beset with the chrysolite: his body, an image made of ivory overlaid with sapphires. 15 His legs are like pillars of marble, rest- ing upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance 10 Who is this that shineth forth like the morning-dawn, beautiful as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as armies encamped round their banners? 11 Into the nut-garden was I gone down, to look about among the plants" of the valley, to see whether the vine had blossomed, wlie- tlier the pomegranates had budded. 12 1 knew not (how it was),*" my soul made is as Lebanon, excellent'' like the cedars. 16 His palate is full of sweets, and every me (like) the chariots of my noble people thing in him is agreeable. This is my friend, and this is my beloved, daughters of Jeru- salem. — CHAPTER VL 1 Whither is thy friend gone, fixirest of women? whither hath thy friend turned him- self? that we may seek him with thee?- CHAPTER YU." 1 Return, return, Shulammith; retum, return, that we may look upon thee. "What will ye see in the Shulammith?" As though it were the dance of a double company .'^ 2 How beautiful are thy steps in sandals, prince's daughter! the roundings of thy to feed in the gardens, 2 My beloved is gone down to his garden, thighs are like jewelled ornaments, the work of the hands of the artificer. 3 Thy navel is like a round goblet which lacketh not the mixed wine: thy body is like a heap of wheat fenced about with lilies. 4 Thy two breasts are like two fawns, the twins of the roe. 5 Thy neck is like a tower of ivory; thy eyes are like the pools in Cheshbon, by the gateof Bath-rabbim; thy nose is like the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus. 6 Thy head upon thee is like Carmel, and the 'hair of thy head like purple: a king is held bound in the tresses.*' 7 How beautiful and how pleasant art thou, love, in thy attractions ! 8 This thy stature is like a palm-tree, and thy breasts are like clusters of grapes. 9 I thought, I wish to climb up the palm- tree, I wish to take hold of its boughs; and, oh, that thy breasts might be like clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like ap- ples ; 10 And thy palate like the best wine, that glideth down for my friend gently, exciting'' the lips of those that are asleep. — to the beds of spicei and to gather lilies. 8 I am my friend's, and my friend is mine : he that feedeth among the lilies. — 4 Thou art beautiful, my beloved, like Thirzah, comely like Jerusalem, terrible as armies encamped round their banners. 5 Turn away thy eyes from me, for they have excited me : thy hair is like a flock of goats that come quietly down from mount Gil'ad. 6 Thy teeth ai-e like a flock of ewes which are come up from the washing, all of which bear twins, and there is not one among them that is deprived of her young. 7 Like the half of the pomegranate is the upper part of thy cheek behind thy vail. 8 Sixty are the queens, and eighty the concubines, and the young women without number; 9 But one alone is my dove, my guiltless one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the chosen of her that bore her: maidens see her, and call her happy; yea, queens and concubines, and praise her. " Lit. "mixtures of spices." Herxheimer, "towers of spices." *■ Others, "a growth like cedar-trees." ° Aben p]zra, "fruits." ^ Philippsou coranients, "Before I was aware, the feel- ing awakened within me made me like the chariots violently urged forward." (See also 2 Kings ii. 12, "Israel's chariot," applied to P]lijah.) Arnheim, "My desire placed me among the chariots of my noble peo- ple :" this version would take these words as spoken by the maiden ; in our text, as those of the king. ' In the English version, chap. vii. commences at ver. 2. ' Zunz. Philippson explains, the desire is to see her walk, which is as graceful as the steps taken in a dance where two rows of expert dancers exercise their skill. • Rashi. Aben Ezra, "water-troughs," which is ex- plained by Arnheim, "even a king would be held en- tranced by such charms at the water-troughs of the shep- herds." ^ Rashi. Aben Ezra, "causing to speak." I'iillijjp- son, "moistening." 863 RUTH 1. 11 I am my frieiidV, and toward me is his desire. 12 Come, my friend, let us go forth into the field; let us spend the night in the vil- lages; 13 Let us get up early to tlie vineyards; let us see if the vine have blossomed, whether the young grape have opened (to the view), whether the pomegranates have budded : there will I give my caresses unto thee. 14 The mandrakes give forth (their) smell, and at our doors are all manner of precious fruits, new and also old: my friend, these have I laid up for thee. CHAPTER VIII. 1 Oh that some one would make thee as my brother that hath sucked my mother's breasts! should I then find thee without, I would kiss thee; and yet, people would not despise me. 2 I would lead thee, I would bring thee into my mother's house, thou shouldst teach me:* I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine, of the sweet juice of my pomegranate. 3 Oh that his left hand might be under my head, and that his right hand might em- brace me. 4 I adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem, why will ye awaken, and why will ye excite my love, until it please (to come of itself)* — 5 Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her friend? — Under the apple-tree have I waked thee up; there thy mother brought thee forth; there brought thee forth she that bore thee. 6 Set me as a seal upon thy heart, as a seal upon thy arm; for strong as death is love; violent like the nether world is jeal- ousy; its heat is the heat of fire, a tlame of God. 7 Many waters are not able to quench love, nor can the rivers flood it away : if a man were to give all the wealth of his house for love, men would utterly despise him. — 8 We have a little sister, and she hath yet no breasts: what shall we do for our sister on the day when she shall be spoken for? 9 If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar. — 10 I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers: then was I in his eyes as one that found favour.'' 11 Solomon had a vineyard at Ba'al-ha- mon; he had given up the vineyard unto the keepers; every one was to bring for its fruit a thousand pieces of silver. 12 My vineyard, which was mine, was be- fore me : thine, Solomon, be the thousand, and let two hundred be for those that keep its fruit. — 13 "Tliou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions listen for thy voice: oh let me hear it." 14 Flee" away, my friend, and be thou like the roebuck, or the fawn of the hinds, upon the mountains of spices. THE BOOK OF RUTH, mn n h^D. CHAPTER I. 1 Tl And it came to pass in the days when the judges judged, that there was a famine in tlie land: and there went a certain man of ' Others, after Aben Ezra, making -noSn the third feminine, "who would tcacli iiie." Aiiiheini, "where she teacheth nic." Beth-lechem-judah to sojourn in the fields of Molib, he, and his wife, and his two sons. 2 And the name of the man M'as Elime- lech, and the name of his wife Na'omi/ and the name of his two sons Machlon and Kil- ' Heb. "peace." " Siie sings, with some variation, the words of ii 17. '' Arnheiiii and others .spell the name, No'omi. EUTH I. II. yon, Ephrathites of Beth-lcflieni-judali. And they came into the fields of Moiib, and re- mained there. 3 Thereupon died Ehmelooh Na'omi's hus- band; and she was left, with her two sons. 4 And they took themselves wives of the women of Moiib; the name of one was 'Or- pah, and the name of the other Ruth : and they dwelt there about ten years. 5 And then died also both of these. Mach- lon and Kilyon, and the woman was left (deprived) of her two children and her hus- band. 6 Then did she arise with hei' diuighters- in-law, and returned homeward I'rom the fields of Moab; for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the Lord had thouj^ht of his people in giving them bread. 7 Therefore she went forth out of the place where she had been, and her two daughters-in-law (were) with her; and they went on their way to return unto the land of Judah. 8 Then said Na'omi unto her two daugh- ters-in-law, Go, return each one to her mo- ther's hou.se : may the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. 9 May the Lord grant unto you that ye may find rest, each one in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voice, and wept. 10 And they said unto her, (No,) for truly we will return with thee unto thy people. 11 Then said Na'omi, Return back, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may become your husbands? 12 Return back, my daughters, go; for I am too old to become (the wife) of any man; yea, if I were even to think, I ha\e hope; shoiild I even obtain this night a husband. and should also bear sons: 13 Would ye wait in hopes for them till they were grown? would ye debar yourselves for them so as not to become the wives of any man? not so, my daughters; for I feel much more bitter pain than' yon ; because the hand of the Lord is gone out against me. 14 And they lifted up their voice and wept ' Others, " I feel a very bitter grief for your sake." Aiuheiiu, -'ffitliout you." 61 a long time; and 'Orpah kissed her mother- in-law ; but Ruth cleaved unto her. 15 And she said, Behold, thy sister-in-law is returned back unto her {people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister-in-law. 16 But Ruth said. Urge me not to leave thee, to return from following thee; for whi- ther thou goest, will I go; and where thou lodgest, will I lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. 17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will 1 be buried: may the Lord do so to me, and may he so continue, if aught but death shall part me from thee. 18 When she thus saw that she was per- sisting to go with her, she left off speaking unto her. 19 So these two went until they came to Beth-lechem. And it came to pass, when they entered Beth-lechem, that all the city was in a commotion about them, and people said. Is this Na'omi? 20 And she said unto them. Call me not Na'omi,'' call me Mara; for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterl^^ with me. 21 I went out full, but empty hath the Lord brought me home again : why then will ye call me Na'omi, seeing the Lord hath tes- tified'' against me, and the Almighty hath sent me affliction? 22 So did Na'omi return, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, with her, who had returned out of the fields of Moab: and they came to Beth-lechem at the begin- ning of the barley-harvest. CHAPTER II. 1 And Na'omi had a kinsman of her hus- band's, a mighty, valiant man, of the family of Eliiiielech, whose name was Bo'az. 2 And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Na'omi, Let me go, I pray thee, into the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose eyes I shall find grace. And she said unto her. Go, m}' daughter. 3 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and the accident happened to her, that it was a part of the field belonging unto Bo'az, who was of the family of Elimelech. '' Naomi, "pleasant;" Mara, "bitter." ° Rashi; i. e. showu his di.spleasure by his dispensatios- 865 RUTH II. III. 4 And, behold, Bo'az came from Beth- lechem, and he said unto the reajoers. The Lord be with you. And they said unto him, May the Lord bless thee. 5 Then said Bo'az unto his young man that was appointed over the reapers, Whose maiden is this? 6 And the young man that was appointed over the reapers answered and said, It is a Moabitish maiden that is returned with Na'omi out of the fields of MoJib; 7 And she said, Let me glean, I pray you, and gather among the sheaves after the reapers: so she came, and hath remained ever from the morning even until now; it is but a little while that she hath sat down in the house. 8 Then said Bo'az unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go away from this ; but keep close company with my own maidens. 9 Let thy eyes be on the field which they may reap, and go thou after them; behold, I have charged the young men that they shall not touch thee: and when thou art thirsty, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men may draw. 10 Thereupon she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thy eyes, that thou shouldst take cognizance of me, seeing I am but a stranger? 11 But Bo'az answered and said unto her, It hath fully been told me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother-in-law after the death of thy husband ; and how thou hast forsaken thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy birth, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not yesterday or the day be- fore. 12 May the Lord recompense thy work, and may thy reward be complete from the Lord the God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to seek shelter. 13 Then said she, Let me find grace in thy eyes, my lord; for thou hast comforted me, and because thou hast spoken (kindly) unto the heart of thy handmaid, though I be not like one of thy handmaids. 14 And Bo'az said unto her. At mealtime ' Philippson, "because he (Bo'az) hath not withdrawn his kindness." "" Lit. "one of our redeemers," /. e. whose business it come near hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she seated herself iDeside the reapers : and he reached her parched corn, and she ate, and was satisfied, and had some left. 15 Then did she arise to glean: and Bo'az commanded his young men, saying, Even be- tween the sheaves let her glean, and do not cause her to feel any shame; 16 And ye shall also draw out some lor her from the bundles on purpose, and leave it, tliat she may glean it, and ye shall not rebuke her. 17 So she gleaned in the field until the evening; and when she beat out what she had gleaned, it was about an ephah of barley. 18 And she took it up, and she went into the city ; and her mother-in-law saw what she hail gleaned; and she brought forth, and gave to her what she had left over after she was satisfied. 19 And her mother-in-law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to-day? and where hast thou wrought? may he that took cogni- zance of thee be blessed. And she told her mother-in-law with whom she had wrought, and said. The name of the man with whom I wrought to-day is Bo'az. 20 Then said Na'omi unto her daughter- in-law, Blessed be he unto the Lord, who" hath not withheld his kindness from the liv- ing and from the dead. And Na'omi said unto her, The man is nearly related unto us, he is one of our next kinsmen.'' 21 And Ruth the Moiibitess said, He hath also said unto me. Thou shalt keep close company with my young men, until they have ended all my harvest. 22 Then said Na'omi unto Ruth her daugh- ter-in-law. It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, and that men mav nof meet with thee in any other field. 23 So she kept close company with the maidens of Bo'az in gleaning until the end of the barley-harvest and of the wheat-harvest; and she dwelt with her mother-in-law. CHAPTER in. 1 Then said Na'omi her mother-in-law unto her. My daughter, behold I will seek is to redeem the property sold by a kinsman. (See Lev. XXV. 125.) ° Arnlieiui, "treat thee ill." RUTH III. IV. for tlioe a resting-phace, where it may be well with thee. 2 And now, behold, Bo'az is our kinsman, he with whose maidens thou hast been. Lo, he is winnowing the barley to-night in the threshing-floor. ?> Therefore bathe, and anoint th^-self and put thy garments upon thee, and go down to the threshing-floor; (but) make thyself not known unto the man, until he shall have finished eating and drinking. 4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt note the place where he will lie, and thou shalt then go in, and lift up the covei'ing that is on his feet, and lay thyself down : and he will tell thee what thou shalt do. 5 And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me will I do. 6 And she went down unto the threshing- floor, and did in accordance with all that her mother-in-law had commanded her. 7 And Bo'az ate and drank, and his heart became merry; and he then went in to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came in softly, and lifted up the covering that was on his feet, and laid herself down. 8 And it came to pass at midnigiit, that the man became terrified, and bent himself forward; and, behold, a woman was lying at his feet. 9 And he said. Who art tliou? And she said, I am Ruth thy handmaid : spread there- fore thy skirt over thy handmaid ; for thou art a near kinsman. 10 And he said. Blessed be thou unto the Lord, my daughter; for thou hast shown more kindness in the last instance than the first, by not going after the young men, whe- ther they be poor or rich. 11 And now, my daughter, fear not: all that thou mayest say will I do for thee; for all (the men in) the gate of my people know that thou art a virtuous woman. 12 And now. it is indeed true that I am thy near kinsman;" nevertheless, there is a kinsman nearer than I. 13 Remain liere this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will redeem thee, well, let him redeem; but if he be not will- • Lit. er," &c. 'that T am a redeemer, but there is a redeem- ing to redeem thee, then will I redeem thee, as the Lord liveth : lie still until the morning. 14 And she lay at his feet until the morn- ing; and she rose up before one could know another. And he said. It must not Ijc known that this woman came into the threshing-floor. 15 Also he said. Bring hither the cloak that tliou hast upon thee, and lay hold of it. And she laid hold of it, and he measured six (measures) of barley, and laid it on her, and went into the city. 16 And she came to her mother-in-law, and she said. How is it with thee, my daugh- ter? And she told her all that the man had done to her. 17 And she said. These six measures of barley gave he unto me; for he said to me, Thou shalt not come empty to thy motlier-in- law. 18 Then said she. Remain still, my daugh- ter, until thou know how the matter will fall out; for the man will not rest, until he have finished the matter this day. CHAPTER IV. 1 ^ But Bo'az went up to the gate,'' and sat down there; and, behold, the kinsman of whom Bo'az had spoken came passing by; and he said unto him, Turn aside hither, sit down here, such a one. And he turned aside, and sat down. 2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said. Sit ye down here. And they sat down. 3 And he said unto the kinsman, Na'omi, that is returned out of the field of Moal), hath to sell" a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's. 4 And I thought to inform thee of it, say- ing. Buy it before those sitting here, and be- fore the elders of my people. If thou wilt re- deem it, redeem it; but if thou wilt not re- deem it, then tell me, that I may know; for there is none beside thee to redeem it, and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it. 5 Then said Bo'az, On the day that thou buyest the field out of the hand of Na'omi, thou buyest it also from Ruth the Moiibitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance. *" The plaee for the mngistrntes to meet in. ' PhilippiBon; literally, "hath sold." 8G7 LAMENTATIONS T. 6 And the kinsman said, I am not able to redeem it for myself, lest I injure my" own inheritance: redeem thou what I should re- deem for thyself; for I am not able to redeem it. 7 Now this was formerly the custom in Is- rael at a redeeming and at an exchanging, to confirm any thing, that a man pulled off his shoe, and gave it to the other; and, this was the manner of testimony in Israel. ' 8 Thereupon said the kinsman unto Bo'az, Buy it for thee. And he pulled off his shoe. 9 And Bo'az said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnos.ses this day, that I have bought all that belonged to Elimelech, and all that belonged to Kilyon and Mach- lon, out of the hand of Na'omi. 10 And also Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Machlon, have I obtained for myself as my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead ma_v not be cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place : ye are wit- nesses this day. 11 And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, (We are) witnesses. The Lord grant that the woman that is com- ing into thy house be like Eachel and like Leah, who did both build up the house of Israel : and acquire thou wealth in Ephrathah, and let thy name become famous in Beth- lechem ; 12 And may thy house be like the house of Perez, whom Thamar bore unto Judah through the seed which the Lord will give thee of this young woman. 13 And Bo'az took Ruth, and she became his wile, and he went in unto her : and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. 14 And the women said unto Na'omi, Blessed be the Lord, who hath not allowed to be wanting unto thee a kinsman this day: and may his name become famous in Israel. 15 And may he be unto thee one who re- fresheth thy soul, and who nourisheth thy old age; for thy daughter-in-law, who loveth thee, hath born him, she who is better to thee than seven sons. 16 And Na'omi took the child, and laid it in her lap, and she became a nurse unto it. 17 And the neighbouring women gave him a name, saying. There hath been a son born unto Na'omi: and they called his name 'Obed, who is the father of Jess^, the father of David. 18 And these are the generations of Perez: Perez begat Chezron; 19 And Chezron begat Ram; and Ram. be- gat 'Amminadab; 20 And 'Amminadab begat Nachshon ; and Nachshon'' begat Salmah; 21 And Salmon begat Bo'aa; and Bo'az begat 'Obed; 22 And 'Obed begat Jess6, and Jess6 begat David. THE BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS, CHAPTER I. 1 ^ Oh how doth she sit solitary — the city that was full of people is become like a widow ! she that was so great among the na- » Rashi says, he feared to cast a reproach upon the pro- bable issue of the Eiarriago by taking a Moabitess; Jona- than, that ho feared to take another wife, being married already, not to destroy his domestic peace; Herxheimer, 858 tions, the princess among the provinces, is be- come tributary ! 2 She weepeth sorely in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks; she hath none to comfort her among all her lovers: all her that by purchasing the land, which must go to the child of Ruth, he would diminish his own mcan.^ by so much as he paid for the land. '' As Nachshon came out of Kgypt, and as it wa.^ about LAMENTATIONS I. friends liivve dealt treacherously toward her, they are become her enemies. 3 Exiled is Judah because of affliction, and because of the greatness of servitude; she dwelleth indeed among the nations, she find- eth no rest : all her pursuers have overtaken her between the narrow passes.' 4 The ways to Zion are in mourning, be- cause none come to the solemn feasts ; all her gates are desolate; her priests sigh; her vir- gins moan, and she suffereth herself from bitter grief 5 Her adversaries are become chiefs, her enemies prosper; for the Lord hath caused her to grieve because of the multitude of her transgressions: her babes are gone into capti- vity before the adversary. 6 And there is gone forth from the daugh- ter of Zion all her splendour: her princes are become like harts that have found no pasture, and they flee without strength before the pursuer. 7 Jerusalem remembereth in the days of her affliction and of her miseries all her mag- nificent things which have been in the days of old: when her people fell into the hand of the adversary, with none to help her, the adversaries looked at her, they laughed at the cessation (of her glory) . 8 A grievous sin did Jerusalem commit, therefore is she become a wanderer: all that honoured her hold her in contempt, because they have seen her nakedness; she also sigh- eth, and turneth (ashamed) backward. 9 (With) her uncleanness on her skirts, she thought not other latter end : therefore is she come down wonderfully, without one to com- fort her. Behold, O Lord, my affliction ; for the enemy hath become great (above me).'' 10 His hand hath the adversary spread out over all her magnificent things; for she hath seen nations entering into her sanctuary, of whom thou didst command that they should not enter into thy congregation. 11 All her people sigh, they are seeking 470 years between the Exodus and David's birth, it is supposed that several links are left out in the genealogy between him and Salmah or Salmon ; or between the latter and Bo'az. • Rashi ; /. e. places where escape is impossible. Jona- than, "the boundaries." Philippson and Eng. ver., "straits," or "distresses." '■ Jonathan. iVj-iiheini, "hath done terrible (great) things." bread; they have given their precious things for food to refresh their soul: see, Loud, and look, how I have been brought low. 12 "I adjure'' you, all that pass this way, behold, and see if there be any pain like unto my pain, which hath been inflicted on me, wherewith the Lord hath aggrieved me on the day of his fierce anger. 13 From on high hath he sent a fire into my bones, and breaketh'' (them) one by one: he hath spread a net lor my feet, he hath caused me to return backward ; he hath made me desolate, sick all the day. 14 Bound fast" is the yoke of my tran.s- gressions by his hand, — ^they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck; he hath made my strength to stumble: the Lord hath given me up into the hands of (those against whom) I am not able to rise up. 15 The Lord hath trodden under foot all my might}' men in the midst of me; he hath called an assembly against me to crush my young men : a winepress hath the Lord trod- den over the virgin, the daughter of Judah. 16 For these things do I weep; my eye, my eye runneth down with water; because far from me is the comforter that should refresh my soul: my children are in misery,^ becau.se the enemy hath j^revailed." 17 Zion spreadeth forth her hands, with- out one to comfort her; the Lord hath given a charge^ concernino; Jacob to all his ad- versaries round about him : Jerusalem is be- come as an unclean woman amonc; them. 18 "Righteous is the Lord; for against his orders have I rebelled : oh do hear, all ye people, and see my pain ! my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity. 19 I called for my lovers, but they deceived me : my priests and my elders perished in the city; for they sought food for themselves to refresh their soul. 20 See, Lord! how I am in distress; my bowels are heated ; my heart is tui'ned round within me; because I have grievously rebel- ' Jonathan, taking xiS as abridged for n'7N " to swea ;' hence, Philippson, "Mark well." Eng. ver., "Ts it no- thing to you?" Rashi, "May such (evil) not come on you," or "To you hath this not happened." ^ Rashi. Aben Ezra, "it ruleth in them." ' Rashi, npB': "marked," "pointed," that thoy m-iy not be forgotten. ' Lit. "desolate," ' i. c. They should come and destroy. sua LAMENTATIONS I. II. led : abroad bereavetli the sword, at home, like the pestilence.^ 21 They hear how greatly I sigh, (yet) there is none to comfort me; all my enemies have heard of my misfortune, they are glad that thou hast done it: oh that thou wouldst bring the day which thou hast proclaimed (against me) ," that they may become like me. 22 Let all their wickedness come before tliee, and do unto them as thou hast done unto me because of all my transgressions; for many are my sighs, and my heart is sick." CHAPTER II. 1 ]| Oh how hath the Lord covered in his anger the daughter of Zion with a cloud; he hath cast down from heaven unto the earth the ornament of Israel; and he hath not remembered his footstool on the day of his anger ! 2 The Lord hath destroyed and hath not pitied all the habitations of Jacob; he hath thrown down in his wrath the strong-holds of the daughter of Judah; he hath thrown them down to the ground: he hath defiled the kingdom and its princes. 3 He hath hewn away in his fierce anger the whole horn of Israel; he hath drawn back his right hand from before the enemy; and he burnt against Jacob like a tlaming fire, which devoureth round about. 4 He bent his bow like an enemy ; he held out his right hand as an adversary, and slew all that were pleasant to the e^e: in the tent of the daughter of Zion did he pour out like fire his fury. 5 The Lord became like an enemy; he de- stroyed Israel, he destroyed all her palaces, he ruined her strong-holds; and he increased in the midst of the daughter of Judah groan- ing and wailing. 6 And he violently wasted," as if it were a garden, his tabernacle; he destroyed his place of assembly : (yea,) the Lord hath caused to be forgotten in Zion the solemn feast and the day of rest, and hath despised in the indigna- tion of his anger both king and priest. ' Lit. "death." Others, "as death doth in the house." '' Rashi. Philipp.son, "ou which thou mayest proclaim that they shall be like me." ' Kaslii, taking o'DITl as "cutting away." Philippson, '•as on a p;arden cast he down his fences." S/0 7 The Lord hath cast off his altai, he hath made void his sanctuary, he hath snrrer.derc-<.l into the hand of the enemy the walls of Lc< palaces: they have made their voice to re- sound in the house of the Lord, as on a day of a solemn feast. 8 The Lord had resolved to destroy th^ wall of the daughter of Zion; he stretched out the measuring-line, he withdrew not his hand from destroying: and he caused the rampart and the wall to mourn; together they languish. 9 Sunk into the ground are her gates; he hath ruined and broken her bars: her king and her princes are among the nations with- out any law; her prophets also obtain no more any vision from the Lord. 10 The elders of the daughter of Zion sit upon the ground, they keep silence; they have thrown dust upon their head; they have girt themselves with sackcloth: the virgins of Jerusalem have brought down low their head to the ground. 11 My eyes do fail with tears, my bowels are heated, my liver is poured upon the earth, because of the breach of the daughter of my people; because babes and sucklings faint away in the streets of the town. 12 To their mothers they say. Where is corn and wine? when they faint away like the deadly wounded in the streets of the city, when their soul is poured out on the bo- som of their mother. 1.3 What shall I take to witness* for thee? what shall I compare unto thee, daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I find equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, virgin daughter of Zion ? for great like the sea is thy breach ; who can bring healing to thee? 14 Thy prophets foresaw for thee vain and deceptive things; and they did not lay open thy iniquity, to cause thy backsliders to re- turn ; but they foresaw for thee prophecies of falsehood and seduction." 15 All that pass by (this) way clap their hands on account of thee; they hiss and shake their head over the daughter of Jeru- salem : (saying,) Is this the city that men * Aben Ezra, "What witnesses, to whom the like hath happened?" Philippson, "How shall I admonish thee?" • Meaning, had the prophets but done their duty, had they spoken the truth, the Israelites might have repented; but they flattorod them; hence the ruin that came. LAMENTATIONS II. III. called The perfection of beauty, The joy for all the earth? 16 All thy enemies open wide their mouth against thee; they hiss and gnash their teeth; they say, We have swallowed her up: ah, truly this is the day that we hoped for; we have found, we have seen it. 17 The Lord hath done what he had re- solved ; he hath accomplished his word which he had ordained already in the days of old; he hath thrown down, and hath not pitied: and he hath caused to rejoice over thee thy enemy, he hath raised on high the horn of thy adversaries. 18 Their heart crieth unto the Lord. thou wall of the daughter of Zion, let tears run down like a stream day and night ; allow thyself no rest; let not the apple of thy eye be still. 19 Arise, complain aloud in the night, in the beginning of the watches; pour out like water thy heart before the face of the Lord : lift up toward him thy hands because of the life of thy babes, that faint away for hunger at the corner of all the streets. 20 See, Lord, and behold! to whom Iiast thou ever done the like? Shall women, then, eat their own fruit, the babes they have tenderly nursed? or shall there be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord the priest and the prophet ? 21 There lie down on tlie ground in the streets the lad and the ancient; my virgins and nry young men ai'e fiillen by the sword : thou hast slain on the day of thy anger ; thou hast slaughtered, thou hast not pitied. 22 Tliou hast called, as it were on a fes- tive day, my evil neighbours" from round about; and there was not on the day of the Lord's anger one that escaped or remained : those that I had tenderly nursed and reared up my enemy brought to their end. CHAPTER in. 1^1 am the man who hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. 2 Me hath he driven out, and led into darkness, but not into light. * Rashi. Aben Ezra, "terrors." Philippson, "riot- ous assemblages." " Rashi, miD as the verb of TD "thorn." Arnheini, "turneth upside down." Others, "turned aside." " /". '•. The arrows. 3 Surely against me doth he turn again and again his hand all the day. 4 He hath caused my flesh and my skin to wear out, he hath broken my bones. 5 He hath built around me, and encom- passed me with poison and hardship. 6 In dark places hath he set me to dwell, like the dead of olden times. 7 He hath placed a fence round about me, that I cannot get out : he hath made heavy my chain. 8 Also when I cry aloud and make en- treaty, he shutteth out my prayer. 9 He hath fenced up my ways with hewn stone, my paths hath he made crooked. 10 A bear lying in wait is he to me, a lion in secret places. 11 On my waj's hath he placed thorns^ and torn me in pieces : he hath made me de- solate. 12 He hath bent his bow, and placed me as a mark for the arrow. 13 He hath caused to enter into my reins the children" of his quiver. 14 1 am become a laughing-stock to all my people, their (jeering) song all the day. 15 He hath sated me with bitter things, he hath made me drunken with wormwood. 16 He hath also broken my teeth with gravel-stones, he hath covered me with ashes. 17 And my soul hath given up all thoughts of peace : I forget happiness. 18 And I said. Lost is my strength,'" my expectation also from the Lord. 19 Eemembering my affliction and (the cause of) my complaint, is wormwood and poison. 20 Remembering (this) continually my soul is bowed down deeply within me. 21 (Yet) this answer will I give to my heart: therefore will I wait (in confidence). 22 It is through the Lord's kindness that we are not consumed," because his mercies have no end; 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul, therefore will I wait for him. ^ Rashi, "my eternal portion." Arnheim, "victory." Jonathan, " My strength and the good I hoped for from the LoKD." ° Rashi, one opinion, "For the kindnesses of the Lord do not cease." 871 LAMENTATIONS III. 25 The Lord is good unto those that hope in him, to the soul that seeketh him. 26 It is good tliat one should wait and this in silence for the salvation of tlie Lord. 27 It is good for a man that lie bear the yoke in his youth ; 28 That he sit in solitude and he silent; because He hath laid it upon him; 29 That he put his mouth in the dust; perhaps there still is hope ; 30 That he offer his cheek to him that smiteth him; that he be satisfied with re- proach. 31 For tlie Lord will not cast off for ever; 32 But though he have caused grief, yet will he have mercy according to the abun- dance of his kindnesses. 33 For he doth not afflict of his own will, and aggrieve the children of men. 34 To crush under his feet all the prisoners of the earth, 35 To pervert tlie justice (due to man) before the face of the Most High, 36 To subvert a man in his contest — should the Lord not see this?" 37 Who is he tliat saitli aught, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord hath not ordained it? 38 Do not out of the mouth of the Most High come both good? 39 Wherefore should a livin"' man com- plain? let every man complain'' because of ins sins. 40 Let us search through and investigate our ways, and let us return to the Lord. 41 Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens. 42 We have indeed transgressed and re- belled: thou hast truly not pardoned. 43 Thou hast covered (us)' with thy an- ger, and made pursuit after us: thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied. 44 Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that no prayer should pass through. 45 As something loathsome and rejected ' Jonatlian. Verses 34-.3() state thus several cases of wrong-doing; and Jeremiah then asks himself, whether the Lord must not sec and condemn it; consequently it is not to be expected that (Ind would willingly and arbitrarily do himself injustice by afflicting the just. Rashi ren- ders, "The Lord doth not approve this, and it hath not entered his tlioughts to do so." "' Haslii. Others continue the question, "Why will iuan conii'lain while he liveth, every man over his sin.»?" the evil things and the hast thou rendered us in the midst of the people. 46 Wide have all our enemies opened against us their mouth. 47 Terror and a snare are come upon us, (with) desolation and breaches. 48 With streams of water runneth my eye down, because of the breach of the daughter of my people. 49 My eye trickleth down, and resteth not, without any intermission, 50 Till the Lord look down, and behold from heaven. 51 My eye afTecteth'' my soul because of all the daughters of my city. 52 Those who are my enemies, without a cause, have chased me about like a bird. 53 They have shut up" in the dungeon my life, and have cast stones u^ion me. 54 Waters streamed over my head : I said, I am cut off. 55 I called on thy name, Lord, out of the dungeon of the lowest depth. 56 Tliou didst hear my voice: hide not thy ear to give me enlargement' at my cry. 57 Thou wast ever near on the day that I called on thee : thou saidst. Fear not. 58 Thou didst plead, Lord, the causes of my soul: thou didst (before this) redeem my life. 59 Thou hast (now) seen, Lord, the wrong I suffer: judge thou my cause. 60 Thou hast seen all their vengeance, all their plans against me. 61 Thou hast heard their reviling, Lord, all their plans against me, 62 The speeches'^ of those that rise up against me, and their device against me all the day. 63 Oh look upon their sitting down, and their rising up: I am their (jeering) song. 64 Bender unto them a recompense, Lord, according to the work of their hands. 65 Give them confusion'' of heart, thy curse be upon them. " Jonathan, Rashi, and Aben Ezra. Arnheini, " thy- self." '' Jonathan, who supplies, " the weeping of." Rashi, "My eye is defaced because of myself more than all the," &c. " Rashi, "shut up," "bound." Others, "they have cut off." 'Jonathan, 'Lit. "lips." ■■ Philippson. Rashi, "breach." Zunz, "what their heart concealeth." Herxheimer, "obstinacy." LAMENTATIONS III. IV. V. on Pursue tlioiu in anger ami destroy from under the heavens of the Lokd. CHAPTER IV. 1 Tl Oh how is the gold become dim I how is the most fine gold changed ! how are the stones of the sanctuary poured out at the cor- ners of every street. 2 The precious sons of Zion, valued equal to pure gold, how are thej- now esteemed as earth- en pitchers, the work ol'the hands of the potter! o Even wild beasts offer the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is Ijecome cruel, lil^e the os- triches" in the wilderness. 4 The tongue of the suckling cleaveth to its palate by reason of thirst: Ijahes ask for bread, there is not one to break it for them. 5 Those that used to eat daint}' food are desolate in the streets: they that were reared up on scarlet now embrace dunghills. 6 For greater is the iniquity of the daugh- ter of my people than the sin of Sodom, tluit was overthrown as it were in a moment, and no human hands were laid on her. 7 lier crowned princes were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more brilliant in body than pearls, more than the sapphire, their countenance : 8 Darker than black is now their visaure; they are not to be recognised in the streets; their skin is shrivelled fast upon their bones; it is dry, it is become like wood. 9 Happier are those slain by the sword than those slain by hunger; for tho.se poured forth their blood, being pierced through, — (these perislied) without the fruits of the field.'' 10 The hands of merciful women cooked their own children : they became food unto them in tlie downfall of the daughter of my people. 11 The Lord hath let loose all his fury; he hath poured out the fierceness of his an- ger; and he hath kindled a fire in Zion, which hath devoured her foundations. 12 The kings of the earth, and all the in- habitants of the woi-ld, would not believe that an adversary or an enemy could ever onter within the gates of Jerusalem. ' Job sxxix. 14. " Partly after Jonathan, referring Druy to the first men- tioned, those actually slain ; and niy nuijj-io to the second, "without the fruits of the field." So also Aruheim. Phi- 5 K 13 (But it hath liM[)pened) because of the sins of her prophets, the iniquities of her priests, that had shed in the midst of her the blood of the righteous. 14 They wandered about blindly in the sti'eets, they became defiled with blood : so that men were not able to touch their garments. 15 Depart, ye unclean, they called out unto them; depart, depart, touch not. So they flee away and also wander about: men say among the nations. They shall no more so- journ there." 16 The anger of the Lord hath divided them ; he will no more look at them : the faces of the priests they respected not, and the elders they spared not. 17 Even now our eyes anxiously wait for our valueless help : in our waiting have we waited for a nation that cannot help. 18 They hunt our steps, that we cannot walk in our streets: our end is near, our days are full ; for our end is come. 19 Swifter were our pursuers than the eagles of heaven : upon the mountains did they hotly follow us, in the wilderness did they lie in wait for us. 20 The breath of our nostrils, the anoint- ed of the Lord, was caught in their pits, he, of whom we said. Under his shadow shall we live among the nations. 21 Be glad and rejoice, daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the laud of 'Uz: also unto thee shall the cup pass; thou wilt be drunken, and make thyself naked."* 22 Brought to an end is thy iniquity, daughter of Zion ; He will no more carry tliee away into exile: He visiteth thy ini- quity, daughter of Edom; He layeth open thy sins. CHAPTER V. 1 If Remember, Lord, what hath oc- curred to us, look down, ami behold our dis- grace. 2 Oiu- inheritance is turned over to stran- gers, our houses to aliens. 3 Orphans are we become, and (we are) without a father, our mothers are like wi- dows. lippson renders, "for these pour forth their blood, pierced through, not earing for the fruits of the field." ° /. e. In their land, made unclean by them. '' Rashi, "thou wilt vomit," or "empty thyself." 873 ECCLESIASTES I. 4 Our water have we drunk for money: our wood Cometh to us for a purchase price. 5 Up to our necks are we pursued : we are fatigued, and no rest is allowed us. 6 To Egypt do we stretch out our hand, to Asshur, to be satisfied with bread. 7 Our fathers have sinned, and are no more ; but we have indeed to bear their ini- quities. 8 Servants rule over us: no one delivereth us out of their hand. 9 At the peril of our life must we bring- home our bread, because of the sword of the wilderness. 10 Our skin gloweth like an oven, because of the heat of famine. 11 Women have they ravished in Zion, virgins, in the cities of Judah. 12 Princes were hanged up by their hand: the faces of elders were not honoured. 13 Young men they bore to the mill, and boys stumbled under the wood." 14 The elders have ceased from the gate, young men, from their singing. 15 Ceased hath the joy of our heart: our dance is changed into mourning. IG Fallen is the crown of our head: wo to us, for we have sinned. 17 Because of this is our heart made sick; for these things are our eyes dimmed; 18 Because of the mount of Zion which is wasted, foxes walk about on it. 19 thou. Lord, wilt truly abide for ever, thy throne existeth throughout all genera- tions. 20 Wherefore wilt thou forget us for ever? wilt thou forsake us for so long a time? 21 Cause us to return, Lord, unto thee, and we will return : renew our days as of old. 22 For wunldsf' thou entirely reject us, be wroth with us to the uttermost? [21 Cause us to return, Lord, unto thee, and we will I'eturn: renew our days as of old.] THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES, CHAPTER L 1 T[ The words of Koheleth,'' the son of David, the king in Jerusalem. 2 Vanity* of vanities, saith Koheleth, va- nity of vanities: all is vanity. 3 What profit hath a man of ail his toil which he toileth under the sun? 4 One generation passeth away, and an- other generation cometh ; but the earth endur- eth for ever. ' i. r. While carrying heavy loads of wood. '' Herxheimer. Philippson and Sachs, " Wouklst thou have rejected us?" Rashi, "Thou shouldst not have rejected us (for our sins) nor been angry with us too much, as thou hast been wrotli ;" but the sense is in all the same. Amheim, "For truly thou hast rejected us, been angry with us exceedingly niucli " ° n'7np Koh.i'lith, is rendered "the prcMcher;" the root ') Snp Kiihdl, "to assemble;" hence it signifies either, »7i 5 The sun also riseth, and the sun goeth down, and striving to reach his place he riseth again there. G Going- toward the south, and turning round toward the north, the wind moveth roinid al)out continually; and around its cir- cles doth the wind return again. 7 All the i-ivers run into the sea; yet the sea is never full: unto the place whi- ther' the rivers go, thither will they continue to go. as Rashi states, "who had gathered up much wisdom," or "who spoke in public assemblies," — "the preacher," or "orator." •^ Philippson, "Nothingness," and so throughout. * Some, and among them Rashi, refer the first part of verse 6 to the sun: "in the day he goeth to the south, at night lie goeth round to the north." ' liashi, "whence the rivers c(ime, tiiither will llii'y re- turn." ECCLESTASTES I. II. 8 AW tliii\gs weary themselves" (constants ly) ; man cannot utter tliem : the eye is never satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. 9 That which hath been, is tiie same which will be; and that which hath been done, is the same which will be done; and there is nothing new under the sun. 10 If there be any thing whereof it is said, See, this is new: it hath already been in olden times which were before us.'' 11 (Only) there is no recollection of former (generations) ; and also of the later ones, that are to be — of these (likewise) there will be no recollection with those that will be still later. 12 I Koheleth was king over Israel in Je- rusalem. 13 And I directed my heart to inquire and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the heavens : this is an evil em- ployment which God hath given to the sons of man to bu.'^y themselves therewith. 14 I saw all the deeds that are done under the sun: and, behold, all is vanity and a tor- ture of the spirit." .15 What is crooked cannot be made straight ; and that which is defective cannot be numbered. IG I spoke with my own heart, saying, Lo, I have truly obtained greater and more wisdom than all those who have been before me over Jerusalem : yea, my lieart had seen much wis- dom and knowledge. 17 And I directed my heart to know wis- dom, and to know madness and folly; (but) I have perceived that this also is a torture of the spirit. 18 For where there is much wisdom there is much vexation ; and he tliat increaseth knowledge increaseth pain. CHAPTER II. 1 Come, then, I said in my heart, I will have a taste of joy, and thou shalt see what is good; but, behold, this also was vanity. ' Aben Ezra; i. r. are acting ceaselessly. Rashi, "cause fatigue." ' Philippson, after Ewald, "that which happeneth in owT presence happened already long since in olden times." "Jonathan. Aben Ezra, ''feeding the wind." (Hosea sii. 2.) Philippson, "striving for wind." '' R.ashi. Lit. "draw." Philippson, "to guide." ' Kashi. Jonathan, ''warm and hot baths." Aben 2 Of laughter I said. It maketli one mad : and of joy, What doth this do? 3 I resolved in my heart to indulge* my \H)dy with wine, while my heart guideth it- self with wisdom; and to lay last hold on folly, till I might see what it is that is good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heavens during tlie number of the days of their life. 4 I made great works: I built myself houses ; I planted myself vineyards ; 5 I made myself gardens and orchards, and I planted therein trees of all kinds of fruit ; G I made myself pools of water, to water therewith the forest overgrown with trees; 7 I bought men-servants and maid-ser- vants, and I had likewise those born in my house; I had also great pos.sessions of cattle and Hocks above all that had been before me in Jerusalem. 8 I gathered unto myself also silver and gold, and the choice treasures of kings and of the provinces : I procured myself male singers and female singers, and the delights of the sons of men, wagons and chariots." 9 So was I great, and obtained more than all that had been before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained*^ with me. 10 And whatsoever my eyes desired I re- fused them not; I withheld not my heart from any joy ; for my heart was rejoiced witli all my toil, and this was my portion of all my toil. 11 But when I turned myself (to look) on all my works that my hands had wrought, and on the toil that I had toiled to accom- plish : then, behold, all was vanity and a torture of the spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. 12 And then I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly; for what (can) the man (do) that cometh after the king? (only) that which (others) have done already." 13 But I saw indeed that wisdom hath the Ezra, "female captives as concubines." With the latter Arnheim agi-ees. Philippson and Herxheimer, '-many wives." The word mw occurs but here, and is of uncer- tain derivation. ' Jonathan, "and a.ssisted nie." ^ Aben Ezra; meaning, the experience of those inferior in rank to the king cannot be any more happy than hia own ; he can only do as others have done, and find no satisfaction in the pursuit of mere carnal pleasures. 875 ECCLESIASTES II. III. advtmtage over folly, as great as the advan- tage of light over darkness. 14 Tl e wine man Jiath his eyes in his head, while the fool walketh in darkness; but I myself perceived then also that one occur- rence will befixU all of tliem. 15 Then said I in my heart, The same that befalleth the fool will also befall even me: and why have I tlien l)een wiser? Then spoke I in my heart, that this is also vanity. 16 For there is no recollection of the wise any more than of the fool for ever: seeing that which hath long ago been will, in the days that are coming, all be forgotten. And how doth the wise die equally with the fool! 17 Therefore I hated life; because I felt displeased with the work that is wrought under the sun; for all is vanity and a torture of the spirit. 18 Yea, I hated also all my toil with which I had toiled under the sun ; because I should have to leave it unto the man that will be after me. 19 And who knoweth, whether he will be a wise man or a fool ? yet will he have full sway over all my toil wherein I have toiled, and wherein I have shown myself wise un- der the sun. Also this is vanity. 20 Therefore I turned about to cause my heart to give up thinking of all the toil wherewith I had toiled under the sun. 21 For there is many a man whose toil is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and with energy: yet to a man that hath not toiled therefor must he give it as his portion. Also this is vanity and a great evil. 22 For what doth a man obtain of all his toil, and of the torture" of his heart, where- with he toileth under the sun? 23 For all his days are fidl of pains, and vexation is (mingled with) his employment: yea, even in the night his heart taketh not rest. Also this is vanity. 24 It is not a good'' thing (inherent) in man that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy happiness for • Rashi. Eng. ver., "vexation." Philipp.son, ".striv- ing." Arnheim, "thinking." "Jonathan, "Nothing is good for man, but that he fihoiil.!," &c. ° Septuagint reail.s, ij03 "from him;" thu.s, "For who cau eat — unless it be from him?" i. e. God. 870 his toil. Also this have T seen, that it cometh out of the hand of God. 25 For who can well eat, or who can en- joy earthly things more than I?'' 26 For to a man who is good in his pre- sence (God) giveth wisdom, and knowledge, and joy ; but to the sinner he giveth employ- ment, to gather uja and to bring together, that he may give it to him that is good before God. Also this is vanity and a torture of the spirit. CHAPTER III. 1 For every thing there is a season ; and a (proper) time is for every pursuit under the heavens. 2 (There is) a time to be born, and a time to die ; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what hath been planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up ; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather up stones; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embracing; 6 A time to seek, and a time to let things be lost; a time to keep, and a time to throw away ; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. 9 What profit hath (now) he that worketh in that wherein he toileth? 10 I have seen the emploj'ment, which God hath given to the sons of men to busy themselves therewith. 11 Every thing hath he made beautiful in its (proper) time: he hath also placed the eternity'' in their heart, without a man's be- ing able to find out the work that God hath made from the beginning to the end. 12 1 know that there is nothins; good (in- herent) in them, but for every one to rejoice, and to do what is good during (all) his life. 13 For also that every man should eat ■' Aben Ezra, who explains, " Man acts as though he would live for ever; and because he is so occupied in worldly matters, he has no understanding of God's work- ing." Others render, "he hath also placed the world," i. I', worldly wisdom, according to Ra^hi; others, desire for worldly things. I'hilippson, "eternal duration." ECCLESIA8TE8 ITT. TV. ami drink, and enjo}- what is good for all his toil, is likewise a gift of God. l-l 1 know that whatsoever God doth, tlii.t will be for ever; to it nothing can be added, and from it there is nothing to be diminished: and God hath so made it, that men shoidd be afraid of him. 15 Tliat which hath been hath long since appeared (again)"; and what is to be hath already been; and God seeketh (again) that which is sped away.*" IG And moreover I have seen under the sun, (that in) the place of justice, even there was wickedness; and (that in) the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness. 17 I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked; ibr there is a time for every pursuit; and on account of every deed there (will he judge)." 18 1 said in m}- heart concerning the speak- in-g'' of the sons of men, that God might make it clear to them, and that they might see that they by themselves are but beasts. 19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even the same thing be- falleth them; as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one kind of spirit: so that the preeminence of man alx)ve the beast is nought; for all is vanity. 20 Every thing goeth unto one place: every thing came from the dust, and every thing returueth to the dust. 21 Who knoweth the spirit of the sons of man" that ascendeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that descendeth downward to the earth?' 22 And so did I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should re- joice in his own works; for that is his por- tion; for who can bring him to look with pleasure on what will be after him? CHAPTER IV. 1 And I turned about, and Ijeheld all the oppressed that are made so under the sun: ' Philippson, distinguishing between n'D "was," and Xin "is;" but Rashi, "what bath been is past, and we have seen it or beard of it " *" Jonathan and Rashi, "lookcth after the persecuted." ° Rashi. '■ Rashi, "aiTOganee." Abeu Ezra, "because of the 3ons of men whom God hath selected, I see that," &c. Philippson, "it is to prove God, and to see that," &c. and. behold, thei'e are the tears of the op- pressed, and they have no comforter; and from the hand of their oppressors they suf- fer violence;*^ and they have no comforter. 2 Thereu[)on praised I the dead tha'fc are already dead, more than the living who are still alive; 3 And as happier than both of them, him who hath not yet come into being, who hath not seen the evil-doing that is done under the sun. — 4 Again, I beheld all the toil, and all the energy in doing, that it is (from) the envy of one man of his neighbour. Also this is vanity and a torture of the spirit. 5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own ilesh. 6 Better is a handful of quiet, than both the hands full of toil and torture of the spirit. 7 Then I turned about, and I saw a vanity under the sun. 8 There is one alone, and he hath not a companion ; yea, he hath neither son nor bro- ther: yet is there no end to all his toil; his eye also is not satisfied with riches. Yet for whom do I toil, and deprive my soul of good? Also this is vanity, yea, it is a bad employment. 9 Two are better than one; because they will have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fiUl, the one will lift up his fellow; but wo to the single one that falleth; for he hath no companion to lift him up. 11 Also, if two lie together, then will they become wann ; but how can one person alone become warm? 12 And if a man could overpower him, the single one, two would stand up against him: and a threefold cord cannot quickly be torn asunder. 13 Better is a poor and a wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to be admonished any more. 14 For out of the prison cometh the one*" to reign: whereas also in his kinmlom the other becometh poor. ' So must it be rendered after the Massorah ; the mo- derns, however, render it, "whether it ascend," &c. ' Philippson regards verses 19-21 as the speaking of the worldly, which Knbeleth cites in verse 18; con- sequently, all contradiction to himself is thus avoided. ^ HD here the effect of "power," "wrong," "violence." '' Arnheim; but he renders the last part, "so is theotiier with his royal dignity one born poor." Tiash.i, giving ECCLESIASTES IV. V. 15 I have seen all the living who walk under the sun, being with the second child that is to stand up in his stead. 16 There was no end to all the people, (belonging) to all that have been before them : they also that come after will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a torture of the spirit. — 17° Watch thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be near to hearken (to his will), more than to give the sacrifice of fools; for they consider not that they do evil (to themselves) .** CHAPTER V. 1 Suffer not thy mouth to be rash, and let thy heart not be hasty to utter any word be- fore God; for God is in the heavens, and thou art upon the earth : therefore let thy words be few. 2 For a dream cometh through beinsi- much the matter; for one that is high watclieth over the high; and over them, the highest Power. 8 But the advantage of a land in all things is, a king who is subject to the country.*^ 9 He that loveth money will never be satisfied with money; nor he that loveth abundance, with any increase. Also this is vanity. 10 When prosperity increaseth, those that consume it (likewise) increase: and what ad- vantage is there to its owner, saving to see (it) with his ej-es? 11 Sweet is the sleep of the labouring man, whether he eat little or much; but the overabundance of the rich will not sutler him to sleeiD. 12 There is a sore evil wliich I have seen under the sun, (namely,) riches reserved for their owner to his own hurt. 13 And these riches are lost through an eraplojed (with something), and the voice ;; unfortunate event ;^ and he begetteth a son, of a fool cometh with a multitude of words. 3 When thou niakest a vow unto God, do not delay to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in such fools: that which thou hast vowed must thou pay. 4 It is better that thou shouldst not vow, than that thou shouldst vow and not pay. 5 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy body'' to sin; and say thou not before the messen- ger,'' that it was an error: wherefore should and hath not the least in his hand: 14 As he came forth out of his mother's womb, naked will he return to go as he came ; and not the least Avill he carry off for his toil, which he might take away with him.'' 15 And also this is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so must he go : and what profit hath he that hath toiled for the wind? 16 All his days also had he to eat in dark- ness, and hath had much vexation and wrath God be angry beceaise of thy voice, and de- with his sickness." stroy the work of thy hands ? ! 17 Behold, what I have truly seen as a 6 For in the multitude" of dreams and good thing, that it is fitting to eat and to vanities there are also many words; but drink, and to eujoy the good of all one's toil rather fear thou God. il that he taketli under the sun the number of 7 If thou see the oppression of the poor, i the days of his life, which God hath given and violence done to justice and righteous- ■' him; for this is his portion. ness in a province, do not feel astounded at | 18 Also every man to whom God hath the second part a good sense, "for even in his kingdom becometh he (unlike other rulers) humble to the wise;" hence he is worthy to rule. Philippson, "For out of prison can a man come to bo a ruler; so also can one be- ciime poor in his kingdom." ' In the English version this is the first verse of chap. v. ' So Rash i. Aniheim, "for they wish not to know, in order to do evil." Pliilippson, "then will men not uudorstaiid to do evil." ° Rashi, "thy children," on whom unfulfilled vows would be punished. ■* Rashi; /'. e. who is sent to demand payment. Others, "the angel," he who punishes the sinner by God's uiis- Biou. 878 ' Philippson. Rashi renders, "For despite a multi- tude of dreams, vanities, and many words (men may say to thee): do thou only fear God." ' Philippson. Rashi's explanation is somewhat para- phrastic. Aben Ezra, "a king who tilleth himself the field." Philippson ingeniously takes miy, not as a single field, but tiie whole country; like 2Nra nty "the fields — country of Moilb " * Arnheim, "striving;" rendered elsewhere, "employ- ment;" but we have followed Philippson. It might, per- haps, be given with "speculation." ^ Lit. "in his hand " ' Meaning, the constant wrathful anxiety was a disease which jiermitted him not the least enjoyment. ECCLESIASTES V. VI. VIT. given riches and property, and iiatli given him power to eat thereof, and to take his por- tion, and to rejoice in his toil — this is the gift of God. lU Let him then remember, that the dajs of his life are not many, that God hath an- swered" him with the jo}' of his heart. CHAPTER VI. 1 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is great on men ■} 2 (There is many) a man to whom God hatli given riches, property, and honour, and nothing is wanting for his soul of all that he longethfor: yet God empowereth him not to eat theieof, but a stranger will consume it. This is vanity, and it is an evil disease. 3 If a man were to beget a hundred chil- dren, and live many years, so that the days of his years were many, and his soul were not satisfied witli what is good, and he have not had even a burial : then do I say, that an untimely birth is better than he. 4 For in vaniiy it came, and in darkness it departeth, and with darkness will its name be covered. 5 Moreover it never saw the sun, and knew nothing: this hath more rest than the other. 6 Yea, though he were to live a thousand years twice told, and had not seen any good — doth not every one go to one place? 7 All the toil of a man is for his mouth ; and yet is his desire never filled. 8 For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk (properly) before the living? 9 Better is what one seeth with the eyes than the wandering'' of the desire. Also this is vanity and a torture of the spirit. 10 That which hath been is already called by its name, and it is known that'^ he is a man : and he is not able to contend with him that is mightier than he. 11 For there are many things that increase • Rashi, "God will testify for his joy of heart, that it was to do good." *■ Rashi, "it is frequent among men." ° Philippson, "than to let the desire have free scope;" OJplaining, "It is better to be satisfied with the attainable than to unbridle the passions and to be at enmity with mankind." * PbilippsoUj "what a man is." vanity: what advantage (cometh thence) fcr man ? 12 For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, the uumlter of the days of his vain life, that he should spend them as a shadow? for who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun? CHAPTER VII. 1 A good name is better than precious oil, and the day of death, better than the day of one's birth. 2 It is better to oo to the house of mourn- ing than to go to the house of feasting; inas- much as that is the end of all men: and let the living lay it to his heart. 3 Better is vexation than laughing; for through the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of joy. 5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than that a man should hear the song of fools. 6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. Also this is vanity. 7 For (exercising) oppression maketh a wise man mad; and bribery corrupteth the heart." 8 Better is the end of a thing than the be- ginning thereof: better is the patient in spirit than the proud in spirit. 9 Be not rash in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. 10 Thou must not say, How was it that the former days were better than these? for it is not out of wisdom that tliou askest con- cerning this. 11 Wisdom is better than' an inheritance, yea, preferable for those that see the sun;"^ 12 For under the shadow'' of wisdom (a man is equally well as) under the shadow of money; but the superior excellency of know- " Rashi, "For contending (with a fool) maketh a wise man mad, and causcth the intelligence given (by God) to be lost." ' Dj? "compared with," "more," as above ii. 16. Herx- heimer, "wisdom is as good as an inheritance." Aru- heim, "good with an," &c. * 1. e. Men who can look on the sun. "■ Meaning, "under the protcctiou," &.C. ECCLESIASTES VII. VIII. ledge is, that wisdom givetli life to him that possesseth it. 13 Consider (then) the work of God; for who can make straight what he hath made crooked ? 14 On the day of prosperity be happy, but on the day of adversity look on: also this ! perience the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and whose hands are bonds : he that is deemed good before God will escape from her; but the sinner will be caught by her. 27 Behold, this have I found, saith Kohe- leth, (adding) one to the other, to find ex- hath God made in equal measure with the | other, to the end that man should not find the least to censure" him. 15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is many a righteous man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is many a wicked man that liveth long in his wickedness. — 16 Be not righteous over much; neither show thyself over wise: why wouldst thou destroy thyself? 17 Be not wicked over much, and be no fool : why wouldst thou die before thy time ? 18 It is good that thou shouldst take hold of that, and that also from this thou with- draw not thy hand ; for he that feareth God will come forth out of them all.*' 19 Wisdom giveth more strength to the wise than ten rulers whicli were in the city. 20 For no man is so righteous upon earth, that he should do always good, and never sin. — 21 Also take no heed unto all the words that are spoken : lest tliou hear thy servant cursing thee. 22 For oftentimes also doth thy own heart know that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others. — 23 All this have I proved by wisdom : I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me. 24 Far is what formerly was so, and what was deep remaineth deep : who can find it out? 25 Then I turned myself about together Avith my heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and experience,'' and to know the wickedness of folly, and the foolish- ness" of madness. 26 And I find as more bitter than death * Rashi. Philippson, "nothing beyond this." ^ Koholeth recommends avoiding extremes; to obey God in all things, — not to be wiser and better than the law. " p^BTl "the account," "calculation," from iBTl "to think;" hence the result of all this — the experience in life. ' PhiliiJ|isnii. IIiT.xhi'inier, "wickedness, folly, foolish- ness, ami madness." regardeth the oath 28 What my soul constantly sought, but I found it not: one man among a thousand did I find; but a woman among all these did I not find. 29 Lo, this only did I find, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought for many (sinful) devices, CHAPTER VIII. 1 Who is like the wise? and who knoweth (as well) the explanation of a thing? a man's wisdom enlighteneth his face, and the bold- ness of his face will be lessened.'" 2 I (counsel thee), Keep the king's*^ com- mand, and that which (to him taken) by God. 3 Be not hasty to go out of his presence ; engage not in an evil thing; for whatsoever pleaseth him, can he do; 4 Because the word of a king is powerful ; and who may say unto him. What doest thou?— 5 Whoso keepeth the commandment will experience no evil thing: and a wise man's heart knoweth both time and the just conse- quence. C Because for every pursuit there is a time and a just consequence ; for the evil of man (resteth) hea\ily upon him.^ 7 For he knoweth not that which will be; for who can tell liim how it will be? 8 No man hath control over the spirit to detain the spirit; and tliere is no control over the day of death; and there is no representa- tive*" in that war; and wickedness will not deliver those that practise it. 9 All this have I seen, and directed my heart unto every work that is done under the ° Aben Ezra explains that the truly wise hi'ars humi lity, not arrogance, in his face. ' Rashi refers King to God, the sovereign of all; "and because of the oath we took at Horeb" (to God). * Philipp.soii ; but Rashi, "when the evil of man is great upon him;" for then the punishment folhiws. ^ Rashi, who explains, "It will not do to .say, I will send my son or servant." Philippson, "there is no escape." Aben Ezra, "no weapon availeth." ECCLESIASTES VIIT. TX. sun : there is a time when one man ruleth over another to his own injury. 10 Then also did I see the wicked buried, wlio had gone to their rest; but those who had acted correctl}" had to go away from the holy place, and were forgotten in the city. Also this is vanity. 11 Because the punishment against evil deeds is not executed speedily, therefore is the heart of the sons of men filled up in them to do evil. 12 But let a sinner do evil a hundred times, and (God) withhold long his punish- ment from him: still do I truly know for cer- tain that it will be well with those that fear God, because they are afraid of him; 13 And that it will not be well with the svicked, and that he will not endure many days, like the shadow ; because he is not afraid of God. 14 There is a vanity which is done upon the earth, that there are righteous men, unto Avhom it happeneth in accordance with the deeds of the wicked: again, there are wicked men, to whom it happeneth in accordance with the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity. 15 Therefore do I praise jo}iidness, that there is nothing better for man under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be joyful; for this will adhere to him in his toil, during the days of his life which God hath given him under the sun. — 16 When I applied my heart to know wis- dom, and to see the employment that is done upon the earth, how even neither by day nor by night sleep is seen in the eyes of some men : 17 Then did I see (in) the whole work of God, that a man is not able to find out the work that is done under the sun; inasmuch as tiiou^h a man were to toil to seek for it, he would yet not find it ; and even if the wise were to think to know it, he would yet not be able to find it. CHAPTER IX. 1 For all this did I reflect over'' in my heart and to explain all this, that the right- eous, and the wise, and their services, are in the hand of God: that man knoweth neither love nor hatred;" it is all (ordained) before them ; 2 Every thing as it is to happen to all; there is but one occurrence for the righteous, and for the wicked; for the good and for the clean, and for the unclean; and for him that sacrificeth, and for him that sacrificeth not ; as is the good, so is the sinner; he that swear- eth, as he that feareth an oath. 3 This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one occur- rence for all, and that also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and that madness is in their heart while they live, and after this they go to the dead. 4 For whoever is yet united* wdth all the living hath still hope; for a living dog fareth better than a dead lion. 5 For the living know that they will die; but the dead know not the least; nor have they longer any reward;'' for their memory is forgotten. 6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, are now already lost; and they will have never more a portion in all that is done under the sun. 7 Go, eat with joy thy bread, and drink with a merry heart thy wine, if God have' already received thy works in favour. 8 At all times let thy garments be white, and let oil not be wanting on thy head. 9 Enjoy life with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which God hath given thee under the sun, (yea,) all the days of thy vanity; for this is tiiy portion in this life, and in thy toil with which thou toilest under the sun. 10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do with thy might, that do; for there is no work, nor experience, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the nether world, whither thou goest." — 11 I turned about, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the bat- tle to the mighty; and that also the wase ' Alien Ezra; but Eashi, p with "so," "when they \ ' Kdheleth .speak.s here merely of earthly life, and the had thus acted." •■ Heb. "set to my heart." ii reward of this terminates with death. (See next verso.) ° ;■. c. Whether this will result from his labour. — Phi- \ ' That is, if a man have acted to please God, he may LiprsoN. I: freely enjoy life. Others, "for God hath," Ac. ■" The Ke'ih '\n2' would require this version: who is exempt? all the livinsj have hope." 6L 'For ^ As man knows not what may come, let him fulfil all duties accessible to him, regardless of the future. 881 ECCLESIASTES IX. X. .have no bread, nor yet the men of under- .stauding riches, nor yet men of knowledge fa- vour; but time and fate" will overtake them all. 12 For man al!>o knoweth not his time, like the fishes that are caught in an evil net, and like the birds that are caught in the snare : like the.se are the sons of men en- snared at an evil time, when it falleth upon them suddenly. 13 Also in this manner have I seen wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great unto me: 14 There was a little city, and the men therein were few; and tliere came against it a great king, who enclosed it, and built around it great works of siege; 15 But there was found in it a poor wise man, and he delivered the city by his wis- dom; yet no man had thought of that same poor man. l(j Then said I, Wisdom is better than might: although the poor man's wisdom is held in contempt, and his words are not heard. 17 The words of wise men heard in quiet are better than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one siiuier causeth much good to be lost. CHAPTER X. 1 Dead flies cause the precious oil of the apothecary to become stinking and foaming: so doth a little folly him that is valued for wisdom and honour.'' 2 Tlie heart of a wise man is at his right hand; but the heart of a fool is at his left. 3 Yea also, on whatever way the fool walketh, doth he lack proper sense," and he saith to idl that he is a fool. 4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for submissiveness cau.seth great offences to lie avoided.** 5 There is an evil which I have seen un- der the sun, like an error which proceedeth from the ruler: 6 Folly is set in great high places, and the rich sit in lowness. 7 I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking like servants upon the ground. — 8 He that diggeth a pit will fall into it; and him who breaketli down a fence — a ser- pent will bite hiui. 9 Whoso removeth stones will be hurt through them; and he that cleaveth wood will be endangered'" thereby. 10 If the iron be blunt, and man do not whet the (?dge, then must he exert more strength; but the advantage of making it properly sharp is wisdom. 11 If the serpent do bite because no one uttered a charm, then hath the man that can use his tongue (in charming) no preference. — 12 The Avords of a wise man's mouth (bring) grace; but the lips of a fool will de- stroy himself 13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the last that com- eth out of his mouth is evil-jjrimiins; madness. 14 The fool also multiplietli words; (but) a man cannot know what is to be; and what is to be after him, who can tell him? 15 The toil of the foolish will weary every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.*^ — 16 Wo to thee, land, when th}' king is lowminded,^ and when th}' princes eat in the mornino; !'' 17 Happy art thou, land, when thy king is noble-spirited, and thy princes eat in pro- per time, for strengthening, and not for glut- tony !' — 18 Through slothful hands^ the rafters will sink; and through idleness of the hands the house will become leaky. " i'J3 "that which is to happen," or "fate," as it is a divine decree, not "chauce." '' Ahcn Ezra; but Rashi, "so is a little folly weightier t ■.n wisdom and power," because it destroys both. ' Lit. "his heart." '' Lit. "to lie down." Jouathan, "cause to be forgot- ten." ' Aben Ezra; but Rashi, "will be made warm there- by;" because pD, in the sense of "endanger," is only found in the Aramaic, but not in the Hebrew, unless here. ' i. c. lie goes a roundabout way, and hence becomes wearied, while the wise finds out the shortest road in all pursuits of life. ^ Lit. "a lad;" here, one who is satisfied with low pur- suits. ^ "Eating and drinking in the morning is odious to the orientals, who eat little in the morning, and take their principal meal toward evening." (See Isa. v. H.) — PlIILII'PSON. ' Lit "drinking." '' .\ljcn Ezra, ECCLESIASTES X. XI. XII. 19 For gay pleasure they prepare a feast, and wine is to make the Hving joyful ; but nioTaey procureth' all things. 20 Even in thy tliought thou nuist not f;urse a king; and in thy bed-chambers do not curse the rich; for a bird of the air can carry the sound, and that which hath wings can tell the word. CHArTER XI. 1 Cast thy bread upon the face of the waters;^ for after many days wilt thou find it again. 2 Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil may come upon the earth. — o If the clouds be full of rain, the}- will empty it out upon the earth; and if the tree fall towai'd the south, or toward the north, on the place where the tree falleth, there will it remain. 4 He that watcheth the wind will not sow; and he that gazeth on the clouds will not reap. 5 As thou knowest not which is the way of the wind, as little as what is enclosed in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou canst not know the works of God who maketh all. 6 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening let not thy hand rest; for thou know- est not which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both of them will be alike good. 7 Truly the light is sweet, and it is a plea- sant thing for the eyes to see the sun ; 8 For if a man live (even) many years, let him rejoice in them all; and let him re- * Lit. "answereth." ' i. e. Do acts of kiudness, though there appears uo ad- vantage to thj-self ; be kind also to many — literally, seveii and eight, an indefinite number. " Both Rashi and Aben Ezra interpret this verse in this way: "See what the end will be, if thou follow the incli- nation of the heart; since punishment will thence result." (otherwise it may mean, that man should well take heed to regulate his conduct by the divine will, and not follow blindly his heart and eyes, (Num. xv. oil;) as otherwise he will meet the punishment due to transgression. ■^ The keepers, "the watchmen," are supposed by some to signify the hands, — Jonathan, "the ribs;" "the men of m'.ght," "the legs;" "the gi-iuders," the "teeth;" "the lookers-out," "the eyes;" "the two doors," "the lips;" "the mill," "the mouth," — but Eashi, the "stomach:" "the daughters of song." c.xjiluins Kashi, "when all the member the days of darkness; for they will be man_y ; all that cometh is vanity. 9 Rejoice,'' young man, in thy childhood ; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youthl'ul vigour, and walk firmly in the ways of thy heart, and in (the direction which) thy eyes see; but know thou, that concerning all these things God will bring thee into judgment. 10 And remove vexation from thy heart, and cause evil to pass away from thy body; for childhood and the time when the head is black are vanity. CHAPTER XII. 1 But reniemlx'r also thy Creator in the days of thy youthful vigour, while the evil days are not yet come, nor those years draw nigh of which tliou wilt say. I have no plea- sure in them ; 2 While the sun, and the light, and the moon, and the stars, are not yet darkened, and the clouds return not again after the lain; 3 On the day when the watchmen' of the house will tremble, and the men of might will bend themselves, and the orinders stand idle, because they are become few, and those be darkened that look through the windows; 4 And when the two doors on the streets will be locked, while the sound of the mill becometh dull, and m;in risetli up" at tlie voice of the bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low ; 5 Also when men will he afraid of every elevation, and are terrified on every way, and the almond-tree will refuse (its blossom),' and the locust will drag itself slowly along, and the desire will gainsay compliance; because song of singers appears dull in his ears," — Philippson, " the several notes become unintelligible." ' Philippson, "and the voice of man rise to shrillness, like the voice of a bird." ' Aben Ezra. Rashi, "will blossom," which he ex- plains, "that old age will suddenly overtake him, as the almond-tree blos.someth before other trees." Others, as ex- pressing the whiteness of the head, like the almond-tree when covered with blossoms. Philippson takes it as an image of wakefulness, which is man's in the vigoiu- of life, as also the general activity' which characterizes the young man, which ceases when he gets old. "The lo- cust" is emblematic of the case and readiness with which the strong man labours; whereas in age this activity be- comes less and less, as though the locust, otherwise .so nimble, had to drag its light weight as a burden. Rocl.ui renders, "when the locust even becometh burdensome." b83 ESTHER I. and the man goelh to his eternal home, mourners go about the streets; 6 While the silver cord" is not yet torn loose, and the golden bowl is not crushed, and the pitcher is not broken at the fountain, and the wheel is not crushed at the cistern ; 7 When the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return unto God who gave it. — 8 Vanity of vanities, saith Koheleth: all is vanity. — 9 And in addition to this that Koheleth was wse, he continually also taught the peo- ple knowledge, and he probed, and searched out, and composed many proverbs. 10 Koheleth sought to find out accept- able words, and that which would be written down uprightl}', even words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, , of) man.] and like luvils fastened (are the words of) tiit; men of the assemblies,'' which are given by one shepherd. 12 But more than all these, my son, take warning for thyself:" the making of many books would have no end ; and much preach- ing is a weariness of the flesh. 13 The end of the matter is, let us hear tlie whole:'* Fear God, and keep his com- mandments; for this is the whole (duty of) man. 14 For every deed will God bring into the judgment concerning every thing that I hath been hidden, whetiier it be good, or i whether it be bad. [13 The end of the matter is, let us hear the whole : Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole (duty THE BOOK OF ESTHER, inDN* rhiD. CHAPTER I. 1 ^ And it came to pass in the days of Achashverosh, of the same Achashverosh who reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over a hundred and seven and twenty j^ro- vinces, 2 In those days, when this king Achash- verosh was sitting on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the capi- tal,'' 3 That, in the third year of his reign, he ' This is, as Philippson well observes, a description of the body in general, not necessarily, as some suppose, the spinal marrow, &c. '' /. '■■ The assemblies of the learned. (See Prov. xxv. 1.) ' Rashi; meaning, a man should be more on his guard t'ii'.Ji even is recommended directly in the words of the wise; for all cannot be written, and too much s/iu/^ (as he renders jn'?) would give more weariness than man "eultJ hear; but at the end it is requisite a man should obey God in all, (yrsV/} as "to be obeyed,") and observe the aommaiiduients. Aben Ezra, "take care not to make ir ^I'lichase many books." * Moaning, "Let us sum up all and hear what it is." S84 made a feast unto all his princes and his ser- vants, the army of Persia^ and Media, the nobles and the princes of the provinces who were near him : 4 When lie showed the riches and the glory of his kingdom, and the brilliance (and) the splendour of his greatness, during many days, a hundred and eighty days. 5 And when these days were completed, the king made unto all the people that were found in Shushan the capital, unto every one, from the great even to the small, a feast of Others, "All is understood (to be): Fear God," &c. I would merely remark, that though the sense of this chap- ter is nowi.se diiScuIt to ascertain, the particular phrases are full of difficulties. The whole book is a calm view of life; and Koheleth admonishes, that as all is so un.satisfac- tory, no pursuit certain of success, and as man is account- able, it becomes his duty to obey God unhesitatingly, for herein lies all our hope of happiness; "tiiis is the wlmle man," since the greatest success and the hmgest life will not exempt us from punishment. " Lit. "the palace" or "temple;" here, the city where the winter residence of the Persian kings was. ' Ileb. "Parass and Wadai. ESTHER I, If. seven days, in the court of tlie garden of the king's pahice; G (Where were) white," green, and blue (hangings), fastened with cords of fine linen and })urple, on rollers of silver and jjillars of marble; couches of gold and silver, upon a pavement of green, and white, and yellow, and black marble. 7 And they gave them to drink in vessels of gold, — the vessels being diverse one from the other, — and the royal wine was in abun- dance, according to the ability'' of the king. 8 And the drinking was, according to the (king's) order, without compulsion ; for so had the king enjoined on all the officers of his house, to do according to the pleasure of every man. 9 ]| Also Vashti the queen made a feast | for the women, in the royal house which be- longed to king Achashverosh. ] 10 On the seventh day. when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he ct)mmanded Mehuman, Biztha, Charbona, Bigtha, and 1 Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of king Achashverosh, 11 To bring Vashti the queen before the king (ornamented) with the royal crown, to show the people and the princes her beauty; for she was handsome in appearance. 12 But queen Vashti refused to come at the word of the king brought by the hand of the chamberlains; and the king was veiy wroth, and his fury burnt in him. 13 ^ Then said the king to the wise men, who knew (the occurrences of) the times; for so (came) every affair of the king before all acquainted with law and state institutions; 14 And tliose next unto him were Car- shena, Shethar, Admatha, Tharshish, Meress, Marsena, and Memuchan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who could see (at all times) the king's face, who sat in the first rank in the kingdom : 15 What should according to law be done with queen Vashti; because she had not ° Philippson, "Hangings of white linen, cotton, and blue woollen stuflFs were suspended with cords of byssus ;ind puiplo on silver rings and marble columns; divans I of gold and silver brocade, on a pavement of alabaster ' and marble and bright stone and black marble." Others, "mother of pearl and tortoise shell." fulfilled the oi-der of king Achashverosh by the hand of the chamberlains? I 16 ^ Then said Menuichan before the king and the princes. Not against the king alone hath Vashti the (jueen done wrong, but also ' against all the princes, and against all the people that are in all the provinces of king Achashverosh. 17 For the conduct of the queen will go abroad unto all the women, so that they will despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported,'' King Achashverosh ordered Vashti the queen to be brought into his pre- sence, but she came not. 18 And even this day will the ladies of Persia and Media, who have heard of the conduct of the queen, say this unto all the princes of the king; and there will arise too much contempt and quarrel.'' 19 If it please the king, let there go forth a royal order from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that no one transgress it,^ That Vashti come no more before king Achash- verosh: and let the king give her royal dignity unto another that is better than she. 20 And when the king's decree which he will make shall be published throughout all his kingdom, however great it is: all the wives will show respect to their husbands, unto every one, from the great even to the small. 21 And the speech was pleasing in the eyes of the king and of the princes ; and the king did according to the speech of Memu- chan. 22 And he sent letters unto all the pro- vinces of the king, unto every province ac- cording to its writing, and to eveiy people according to its language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, however' he may speak according to the language of his peai)le. CHAPTER II. 1 Tl After these events, when the fur^ of king Achashverosh was appeased, Ii« louieiii ^ Philippson, "manner;" (and so in ii. 18.) ° Others, "because they will say." '■ Lit. "wrath;" here, what excites it, doin>;:ldo <{U9r- rels. ' Abeu Ezra, "that it be not abolished." ' Rashi, "and make her speak in the language,' &c. 88i ESTHER II. bered Vashti, and what .she had done, and what had been decreed concerning her. 2 Then said the king's young men, his servants, Let there be sought for the king virgins handsome in appearance; 3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the young virgins, hand- some in appearance, unto Shushan the capital, into the house of the women, under the cus- tody of Ilege the king's chamberlain," the keeper of the women; and let them give them their customary anointings; 4 And let the maiden who may be pleas- ing in the eyes of the king become queen in- stead of Vashti: and the speech was pleasing in the eyes of the king, and he did so. 5 ^ There was a certain Jew in Shushan the capital, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Ya'ir, the son of Shim'i, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; G Who had been carried away into exile from Jerusalem with the exiles who had been exiled with Jeconyah, the king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried into exile. 7 And he had brought up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daught^er of his uncle; for she had neither father nor mother, and the maiden was beautiful in form and handsome in appearance; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai had taken her to himself as a daughter. 8 And it came to pass, when the king's order and his decree were heard, and when many maidens were brought together unto Shushan the capital, under tlie custody of Ilegai, that Esther also was l^rought unto the king's house, under the custody of Hegai, the keeper of the women. 9 And the maiden was pleasing in. his eyes, and she obtained favour Ijefore him ; ai;(l he made haste to give her her anoint- ings, with her presents, and the seven maid- ens, who were selected to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maidens with the best things in the house ol' the women. 10 P^sther told nothing of her people or of her descent ; for Mordecai had c arged her that she should not tell. 680 More properly, "eunuch." 11 And day by day did Mordecai walk be- fore the court of the house of women, to as- certain the well-being of Esther, and what would be done with her. 12 And when the turn of every maiden was come to go in unto king Achashve- rosh, at the expiration (of the time) that she had been treated according to the custom of the women, twelve months; for so were the days of their anointings accomplished, six months with the oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other ointments of the women ; 13 And thus came the maiden unto the king; (and) whatsoever she asked for was given her to go with her out of the house of the women as far as the house of the king. 14 In the evening she went, and in the morning she returned unto the second house of the women, to the custody of Sha'ashgas, the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the concubines: she used not to come again unto the king, except the king desired for her, and she was called by name. 15 And when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abichayil, the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her to himself as a daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamber- lain, the keeper of the women, said: and Esther obtained grace in the eyes of all those that beheld her. [ 16 And Esther was taken unto king Ach- ashverosh, unto his royal house, in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and i'avour before him more than all the virgins ; and he l)laced the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18 And the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, the feast of Esther; and he made a release of taxfs to the provinces, and gave presents, according to the ability of the king. I'J And when virgins were gathei'ed tosje- ther the second time, then was Mordecai sit- ting in the king's gate. 20 (But) Esther had not yet told of her descent nor her people; as Mordecai liad cliarged her; and Esther did (fulfil) the order ESTHER TI. III. of Mnnlcoai, equally as when she was under his guardianship. 21 T[ In those da3's, wliile Mordecai was sit- tino- in the kins-'s gate, Biuthan and Theresh, two chamberlains of the king, of those who kept the door, became wroth, and sought to lay (their) hand on king Aclia-shverosh. 22 And the thing became known to Mor- decai, and he told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther said it to the king in tlie name of Mordecai. 23 And the thing was inquired into and found true; and they were both of them hanged on a gallows ;" and it was written in the book of chronicles before the king. CHAPTER III. 1 \ After these events did king Achashve- rosh make great Haman the son of Hamme- datha the Agagite, and he advanced him; and he placed his seat above that of all the princes that were with him. 2 And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bent the knee and prostrated themselves to Haman; for so had the king commanded concerning him; but Mordecai bent not the knee nor prostrated himself 3 Then said the king's servants, who were in the king's gate, unto Mordecai. Why traiis- gressest thou the king's command? 4 Now it came to pass, when they spoke unto him day by day, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told it to Haman, to see whether the woi'ds of Mordecai would be able to stand; for he had told them tliat he was a Jew. 5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bent not the knee, nor prostrated himself to him, Haman became full of fury. G But it appeared too contemptible in his eyes to lay his hand on Mordecai alone; for they had told him of the people of Mordecai: therefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout all the kingdom of Achashverosh, the people of Mordecai. 7 In the first month, that is the month Nissan, in the twelfth year of king Achash- verosh, some one cast the Pur,'' that is, the * Lit. "tree," or "wood." Arnheim, "pole." ' According to heathen customs, he resorted to this method, as a species of divination, to discover the month and da}' when it would be most propitious to attempt the destruction of the hated people. lot, before Ilaman from day to day. and from month (to month), to the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. 8 \ Then .said Haman unto king AchaAiive- rosh. There is one people scattered yet .sepa- rate'' among the nations in all the provinces of thy kingdom ; and their laws are diiferent from those of evei\\' people; while they do not execute the laws of the king; and it is no profit for the king to tolerate them."* 9 If it be pleasing to the king, let (a de- cree) be written to destroy them; and ten thousand talents of silver will I weigh* out into the hands of those that have the charge of the busine.><s, to bring (the same) into the king's treasurie.s. 10 And the king drew his signet-ring from off his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the adver- sary- of the Jews. 11 And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, that people also, to do therewith as it seemeth good in thy eyes. 12 Then were called the king's scribes in the first month on the thirteenth day there- of, and there was written all just as Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenant>, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the princes of every people, to every province according to its writing, and to every people according to it.s language: in the name of king Achashverosh was it written, and it was sealed with the king's signet-ring. 13 And the letters were sent by the tww- ners unto all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to exterminate all the Jews, from young to old, little ones and women, on one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to plunder their property as spoil. 14 A copy of the writing, to be giv4-n out as a law in every province, was published unto all the nations, that they might be ready against that day. 15 The runners went out with all speed wdth the king's decree, and the law \va.-; gi\en out in Shushan the capital: and the king and ° Philippson. Others, "and dispersed." ■^ Philippson, "to leave them at rest." " This term is equivalent to "paying;" but as large sums are generally transferred by weight, it is preferred to the more minute expression of "counting out." 887 ESTHER III. IV. V. Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was perplexed. CHAPTER IV. 1 ^ When Mordecai ascertained all that had been done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and j)ut on sackcloth (strewed) with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry ; 2 And thus he came up to the front of the king's gate; for none dared to enter into the kino-'s oate clothed with sackcloth. 3 And in each and every province, m every place whither the king's decree and his law had reached, there was great mourning for the Jews, with fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and a sackcloth (strewed) with ashes Ijecame the bed of the great." 4 Then came the maidens of Esther with her chamberlains and told it her; and the queen was exceedingly terrified ; and she sent garments to clothe Mordecai, and to remove his sackcloth from him; but he accepted them not. 5 Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he had ap- pointed to attend upon her,'' and gave him a charge for Mordecai to know what this was, and why this was. 6 So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king's gate. 7 And Mordecai told him all that had hap- pened unto him, and of the fixed sum of money which Haman had promised to weigh out into the treasuries of the king for the Tews, to desti'oy them. 8 Also the copy of the writing of the law that had been given out in Shushan to destroy them he gave to him, to show it unto Esther, and to tell her (all), and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to present a request before him for her people. 9 And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai. 10 And Estlier said unto Hatach, and gave liim a charge unto Mordecai, 11 All the king's servants, and the people * Arnheim. Others, "mauy put on," or "laid them- selves ia sackcloth with ashes." '' Lit. "whom he had cau.sed to .stand before her." "Arnheim renders, "For I am lost in either case," HHH of the king's provinces, do know, that every one, whether man or woman, who should come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is but one law for him., to put him to death, except the one to whom the king .should hold out the golden sceptre, for he will be suffered to live; but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. 12 And they told Mordecai the words of Esther. 13 Then said Mordecai to bring this an- swer back to Esther, Imagine not in thy soul to be able to escape in the king's house out of all the Jews. 14 For if thou do indeed maintain silence at this time, enlargement and deliverance will arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house will perish : and who knoweth whether thou hast not for a time like this attained to the royal dignity ? 15 Then said Esther to bring this answer l)ack to Mordecai, 16 Go, as.semble together all the Jews who are now present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, so that ye neither eat nor drink three days, either night or day ; also I myself with my maidens will fast in like manner; and then will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law ; and if I then perish, I perish." 17 And Mordecai went about, and did in accordance with all that Esther had charged him. CHAPTER V. 1 And it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and placed herself in the inner court of the king's house, opposite the king's apartment;'^ and the king was sitting upon his royal throne in the royal apartment, opposite to the en- trance of the house. 2 And it happened, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained grace in his eyes; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand; and Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. and explains: "For if I pretermit the death-bringing ap- proach of the king, and the destruction overtakes my people, then will I also not live." ■* ,\rnhcim. Lit. "house." ESTHER V. Vi. B Tlien said the kiiijj;' unto hev, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? if it be equal to half" of the kingdom it shall still be given thee. 4 And Esther said. If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the b.anquet which I have prepared lor him. 5 Then said the king, Bring Haman quick- ly hither to fulfil the word of Esther: so came the king with Haman to the banquet Avhich Esther had jDrepared. 6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine. What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy re- quest? even if it be equal to half of the king- dom, it shall still be done. 7 Then answered Esther, and said. My petition and my request are, 8 If I have found grace in the eyes of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to fulfill my refjuest, that the king may come with Haman to the ):)anquet which I will prei^are for them, and to-morrow will I do according to the word of the king. 9 And Haman went forth on that day joy- ful and with a glad heart; but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, who did not rise up, nor move out of the way for him, then was Haman filled against Mordecai with fury. 10 Nevertheless Haman refrained liim- self, and went to his house: he then sent and had his friends brought in with Zeresh his wife. 11 And Haman recounted to them the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had made him great, and how he had ad- vanced him above the princes and the ser- vants of the king. 12 And Haman said (farther), Yea, Esther the queen did not let any one come in with the king unto the banquet that she had pre- pared but myself: and also for to-morrow am I invited nnto her with the king. 13 Yet all this profiteth me nothing, every'' " An assurance and eneourao;ement for hor to ask, since s'lie could scarcely think of demanding a favour which ' could at all equal the extent ofiFercd her by the king. The more admirable is the prudence of Esther, who said that only on the morrow would she make use of the gra- cious permission. M time that T see Mordecai the Jew sittin,T in the king's gate. 14 Then said unto him Zeresh his wife with all his friends. Let them make a gallows of lifty cubits high, and in the morning speak unto the king that they may hang Mordecai thereon; and then go thou in with the king unto the banquet joyfully. And the thing pleased Haman; and he had the gallows made. CHAPTER VI. 1 1| In that night sleep lied from the king, and he ordered to bring in the book of the memorable events of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. 2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Theresh, two cham- berlains of the king, of thase who kept the door, who had souglit to lay (their) hand on king Achashverosh. 3 And the king said. What honour and distinction have been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's young men, his ser- vants, Tliere hath nothing been done with him. 4 And the king said, W\\o is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outer court of the king's house, to say unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows which he had prepared for him. •5 And the king's young men said unto him. Behold, Haman is standing in the court. And the king said. Let him come in. 6 So Haman came in; and the king said unto him, What shall be done with the man whom the king desireth to honour? And Haman said in liis heart, To whom would the king desire to do lionour more than to myself? 7 Haman therefore said to the king, (For) the man whom the king desireth to honour, 8 Let them bring a royal apparel which the king hath worn,'' and a horse on which the king hath ridden, and let there be placed a royal crown on his head. 9 And let the apparel and the horse be '' Arnheim. Others, "so long as I see." ° Arnheim, after Jonathan, renders this: "The apnarcl which the king wore, and the horse on which he rode when the royal crown was placed on his head." Aben Ezra thinks that the crown was to be put on the horse's head. ESTHER VI. VIT. VIII. given into the hand of one of the king's princes, of the most noble, that thej may array the man whom the king desireth to honour, and let them cause him to ride on the horse through the streets of the city, and proclaim before him. Thus shall be done to the man whom the king desireth to honour. 10 Then said the king to Haman, Make haste, take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast spoken, and do thus to Mordecai the Jew, tiiat sitteth at the king's gate: leave out nothing of all that thou hast spoken. 11 And Haman then took the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and caused him to ride through the streets of the city, and proclaimed ])etbre him. Thus shall be done unto the man whom tlie king desireth to honour. 12 And Mordecai thereupon returned to the king's gate; but Haman hastened to his house, mourning, and having his head covered. 13 And Haman related to Zeresh his wife i'.nd to all his friends all that had befallen him : then said unto him his wise men and Zeresh his wife, If Mordecai, before whom thou hast begun to fall, be of the seed of the Jews, thou wilt not prevail against liim. but thou wilt surely fall before him. 14 They were yet speaking with him. when the king's chamberlains arrived, and they hastened to bring Haman unto the ban- quet which Esther had prepared. CHAPTER VII. 1 And the king came with Haman to drink with Esther the queen. 2 And the king said unto Esther also on the second day at the banquet of wine. What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even if it be equal to half the kingdom, it shall still be done. 3 Then answered Esther the queen and said, If I have found grace in thy eyes, king! a,nd if it be pleasing unto the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my j)eople at my request; 4 For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain and to be exter- minated; and if we had been only sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I would have re- llashi. Pliilipp.son, " maketli no compensation for," &c. S90 mained silent; for the adversary regardeth not the damage of the king. 5 ][ Then spoke king Achashverosh and said unto Esther the queen, Who is this, and where is he, whose heai-t hath emboldened him to do so? 6 And Esther said, An adversary, and ini- mical man, this wicked Haman. Then became Haman terrified before the king and the queen. 7 And the king arose hi his fury from the banquet of wine, and went into the palace- garden: and Haman remained* behind to make request for his life of Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil fully deter- mined against him by the king. 8 And when the king returned out of the palace-garden into the apartment of the ban- quet of wine, Haman was fallen upon the couch whereon Esther was: then said the king. Will he even do violence to the queen before me in the house? The word had just come out of the king's mouth, when they covered Haman's face. 9 Then said Charbonah, one of the cham- berlains, before the king, Behold, there is also the gallows, which Haman hath had made for Mordecai, who hath spoken well for the king, standing in the house of Haman, fifty culjits high. And the king said. Hang him thereon. 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows which he had prepared for Mordecai, and the fury of the king was appeased. CHAPTER VIII. 1 Tl On that day did king Achashverosh give the house of Haman the adversary of the Jews unto Esther the queen: and Mor- decai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her. 2 And the king took ofi' his signet^ring which he had taken away from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai: and J]sther appointed Mordecai over the house of Haman. 3 Tf And Esther spoke again before the king, and i'ell down at his feet, and wept, and besought liim to do away the evil of Haman the Agagite, and his device which he had de- vised against the Jews. 4 And the king held out toward Esther ^ Others, " stood up." ESTHER VITI. [X. signet-rill the golden sceptre; and Esthei' arose, and stood up before the king; 5 And she said, If it be pleasing to the king, and if I have found grace before him, and the thing seem proper before the king, and T be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to recall the letters, the device of Ilaman the son of Haminedatha the Agagite, which he hath written to exterminate the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king. 6 For how could I endure to look on the evil that is to befall my people? and how could I endure to look on the extermination of my kindred? 7 ^ Then said king Achashverosh unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, the house of Hamau have I given to Esther, and him have they hanged on the gallows, because he had stretched out his hand against the Jews. 8 But ye" write yourselves concerning the Jews, as it may be good in your eyes, in the king's name, and seal it with the kinii's sis- net-ring; for a writing which is written in the kiiiu's name, and sealed with the kint-'s a :, cannot be recalled. 9 Then were called the king's scribes at that time in the third month, tliat is, tlie month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written all just as Mor- decai commanded to the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the governors and the princes of the provinces who were from India unto Ethiopia, one hundred and twenty-seven pro- vinces, unto every province according to its writing, and unto every people according to its language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language. 10 And he wrote in the name of king Achashverosh, and sealed it with the king's signet-ring, and he sent letters through means of the swift'' messengers on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromeda- ries :" 11 That the king had granted to the Jews who were in every city to gather themselves ' In the commentary to the book of Esther, by Aaron Ilalle Wolfsohn, this is thus explained: "All that is in my power to do I have done; Haman has been punished, and I have thus shown my abhorrence of the crime which he meditated. But as the laws of Persia cannot be re- pealed, yon shall be authorized by a decree equal to the former to protect yourselves against the malignity of your together, and to stand forward for tiieir life, to destroy, to slay, and to exterminate all tlie military strength of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to plunder their property as spoil, 12 On one day in all the provinces of king Achashverosh, on the thirteenth day of the tweltth month, which is the month Adar. 13 A copy of the writing to be given out as a law in every province, was puljlished unto all nations, and that the Jews should be read)- against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. 1 i The swift messengers that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and hurried forward with the command of the king: and the law was given out at Shu- sh an tlie capital. 15 ^ And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in a royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a cloak of fine linen and pur- ple: and the city of Shushan was glad and joyful. 16 For the Jews there was light, with joy and gladness, and honour. 17 And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's command reached with his law, there were joy and gladness for the Jews, entertainments and a feast-day: and many of the people of the land became Jews ; for the dread of the Jews had fallen upon them. CHAPTER IX. 1 And in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day there- of, when the king's command with his law drew near to be put in execution, on the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to have j^ower over tliem, which had been changed nevertheless, so that the Jews had power over those that hated them, 2 The Jews assembled together in their cities, throughout all the provinces of king adversaries, by putting to death every one from whom you may apprehend any danger." This view will alsr account for the destruction of their enemies by the Jews, while they touched none of their property. '' Lit. "runners." " Arnbeim, "riders on dromedaries, (or swift horses,) mules, the children of mares." 891 ESTHER IX. Acliashveroph, to stretch out their hand against those that had sought their injury : and no man could keep standing before them; for the dread of them had fallen upon all the nations. 3 And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the governors, and the superintendents of the affairs of the king, elevated the Jews; because the dread of Mor- decai had fallen upon them. 4 For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame went throughout all the provinces; for the man Mordecai became greater and greater. 5 And the Jews smote all their enemies' with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and extermination; and they acted with those that hated them according to their pleasure. 6 And in Shushan the capital the Jews slew and exterminated five hundred men. 7 And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha, 8 And Poratha, and Adalya, and Aridatha, 9 And Parmashtha, and Arissai, and Ari- dai, and Vayzatha, 10 Tlie ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the adversary of the Jews, did they slay; but to the spoil did they not stretch forth their hand. 11 On that same day came the number of those that were slain in Shushan the capital before the king. i 12 Then said the king unto Esther the! queen, In Shushan the capital have the Jews slain and exterminated five hundred men, and the ten sorts of Haman : what have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? Now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request farther? and it shall be done. 13 Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it to-morrow also be gi-anted to the Jews who are in Shushan to do according to the law of this day, and let the ten sons of Ha- man be hanged on the gallows. ° It must not be supposed that this was indiscriminate slaughter of" all against whom the Jews had conceived ha- tred, but it only says that those perished who had actually been prepared to exterminate the Jew.s. See alsoiii 1 l,:iiid compare with ix. 16, where it says, "and stood forward tor their life." Phili[)pson correctly remarks, that though the number of the slaughtered enemies only is given, it is high- ly probable that many Jews also perished in this internal Warfare which thus occurred in the Persian kingdom. 892 14 And the king ordered that it should be done so; and the law was given out at Shu- shan; and the ten sons of Haman were hanged. 15 And the Jews tliatwere in Shushan as- sembled together also on the fourteenth day Of the month Adar, and slew at Shushan three hundred men; but to the spoil they did not stretch forth their hand. 16 And the remaining Jews that were in the king's provinces assembled together, and stood forward for their life, and procured rest from their enemies, and slew of those that hated them seventy and five thousand; but to the spoil did they not stretch forth their hand, 17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar, and they rested on the fourteenth day thereof, and made it a day of entertainment and joy. 18 But the Jews tliatwere at Shushan as- sembled together on the thirteenth day there- j of, and on the fourteenth thereof, and rested on the fifteenth thereof, and made it a day of entertainment tind joy. 19 Therefore do the Jews of the villages, that dwell in the unwalled towns, make the fourteenth day of the month Adar as one of joy and entertainment, and a feast-day, and of sending portions" one to another. 20 And Mordecai wrote down these events ; and he sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of king Achashve- rosh, those nigh and those far away, 21 To take it on themselves as a duty, that they should celebrate the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same in each and every year, 22 Like those days whereon the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month which was changed imto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a feast-day: to make them days of entertainment and joy, and of sending portions one to the other, and gifts to the needy." ' That is, portions of food : this custom is still exten- sively observed. " As in the decree of Haman there was no distinction made between rich and poor, as all were thereby doomed to destruction, it is proper that every one .should have cause to be joyful in all future generations; the poor should of right therefore be remembered on this day especially by their more wealthy neighbours, so that they too miiy bless the Loud iu joy and plenty DANIEL T. 23 And the Jews took upon themselves that wliich tliey had begun ah'eady to do. and that which Mordecai had written unto them. 24 Because Haman the son of Hammeda- tha, the Agagite, the adversary of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to exter- minate them, and had cast the Pur, that is, the lot. to destroy them, and to exterminate tiieni. 25 But %vhen (Esther) came before the king, he ordered by that letter that his wick- ed device, which he had devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head: and they hanged him and his sons on the gal- lows. 26 Therefore did they call these days Pu- rim, after the name of the Pur: therefore, be- cause of all the words of this letter, both for that which they had experienced thereby, and for that which had occurred unto them, 27 The Jews confirmed it as a duty, and took upon themselves, and upon their seed, and upon all such as join themselves unto them, so that no one should fail therein, tliat they would celebrate these two days accord- ing to their prescription, and at their ap- pointed time, in each and every year. 28 And these days are remembered and celebrated throughout each and every gene- ration, every family, every province, and every city ; and these days of Purim will not pass away from the midst of the Jews, nor will their memorial cease from their seed. 29 ^f Then wrote Esther the queen, the daughter of Abichayil, with Mordecai the Jew, with all due strength, to confirm this letter of Purim the second time. 30 And he sent letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred and twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Achashverosh, words of peace and truth, 31 To confirm these davs of Purim in their times, just as Mordecai the Jew and Estiier the queen had enjoined on them, and as they had confirmed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their prayers. 32 And the order of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the" book. CHAPTER X. 1 Tl And king Achashverosh imposed a tribute upon the land, and the isles of the sea. 2 And all the acts of his strength and of his might, and the exposition of the greatness of Mordecai, wherewith the king made him great, behold they are writtt-n in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia. 3 For Mordecai the Jew was the second in rank after king Achashverosh, and great among the Jews, and acceptable to the multi- tude of his brethren, a promoter of good to his people, and speaking peace to all its seed THE BOOK OF DANIEL, I 2 And the Lord gave up into his hand Ye- CHAPTER T. j hoyakim the kingof Judah, with part of the 1 T[ In the third year of the reign of vessels of the house of God: and he brought Jehoyakim the king of Judah came Nebu-| them into the land of Shin'ar into the house chadnezzar the king of Babylon unto Jerusa-'l of his god, namely, he brought the vessels lera, and besieged it.** " into the treasure-house of his god. '^ This no doubt refers to the biblical canon, and mean.s irruption of Nebuchadnezzar must have taken place while that the history of Esther was added thereto. ,! he was yet co-regent with his father, on his expeditiuii *■ Philippson^iu his notes to this verse, proves that tliisij against the Egyptians, whom be subdued in the following,' yy3 DANIEL I. II. 3 And the king said unto A.shpenas, tlie chief of his eunuchs, that he should bring out of the children of Israel, and of the royal seed, and of the nobles, 4 (Certain) lads in whom there should be no kind of blemish, but who should be hand- some in appearance, and intelligent in all wisdom, and acquainted with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as should have the ability to serve" in the king's pa- lace, and that these should be taught the learning and the language of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king ordered for them a daily provision for its day of the king's food, and of the wine which he drank, and to educate them three years, so that at the end thereof they should serve before the king. 6 Now there were among these of the chil- dren of Judah, Daniel, Chananyah, Mishael, and 'Azaryah. 7 And the chief of the eunuchs assigned them names; and he assigned to Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Chananyah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to 'Azaryah, of 'Abed-nego. 8 But Daniel resolved*" in his heart that lie would not defile himself with the food of the king, nor with the wine which he drank: and therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not need to defile himself. 9 And God gave Daniel kindness and mercy before the chief of the eunuchs. 10 And the chief of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath ordered your food and your drink; for why should he see your fiice sadder looking than that of the lads who are of your age?" and ye would thus endanger my head with the king. 11 Then said Daniel to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had given charge over Daniel, Chananyah, Mishael, and 'Azar- yah, 12 Prove, I beseech thee, thy servants, ten days; and let tliem give us vegetables to eat, and water to drink ; 13 And then let our countenances be look- ed at before thee, and the countenance of the year, when at the death of his father he became sole kinj; (if Babylon. Souk; llabbius suppose it refers to the third year of Jchoyakim's rebclliou. 891 lads that eat the food of the king : ar.d as thou mayestsee (fitting), so deal with thy servants. 14 And he hearkened unto them in this matter, and proved them ten daj'S. 15 And at the end of ten days their coun- tenances appeared better and fuller in flesh than (that of) all the lads who ate the food of the kinir. 16 And the steward took away their (a2> portioned) food, and the wine that they were to drink, and ga\'e them vegetables. 17 But as regardeth all these four lads, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 And at the end of the days (after) which the king had said that they should be presented, the chief of the eunuchs presented them before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king spoke with them; and there was not found among them all any one like Daniel, Chananyah, Mishael, and 'Azar- yah : and so they served before the king. 20 And in every matter of wise understand- ing, which the king required of them, he found them ten times superior above all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his kingdom. 21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus. CHAPTER II. 1 ][ And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, whereat his spirit was troubled, and his sleep that was upon hira was gone. 2 Then said the king to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, to solve for the king his dreams: and they came and placed them- selves before the king. 3 And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit is troubled to know the dream. 4 Then spoke the Chaldeans to the king in Araniic, king, live for ever : recite the dream to thy servants, and we will tell the interpretation. 5 The king answered and said to the Chal- ' Lit. "to stand," and so elsewhere, " Lit. "laid it on bis heart." ° Sa'adyah, " like you in height." DANIEL ir. cliiinged Jeans. Tno decree is firmly resolved on by 'lie: If ye do not make known unto me the dream with its interpretation, ye shall be cut m pieces, and ytmv houses shall be into a dunghill. 6 But if ye tell the dreaui and its inter- l-retation. then shall ye receive gifts and re- wards and great honour from me. Therefore tell nie tlie dream and its interpretation. 7 They answered the second time and said, Lot the king recite the dream to his servants, and we wi.ll tell its interpretation. S The king answered and said, I know of a certainty that 3'e wish to gain time, because ye see the decree is firmly resolved on by me : 9 That" if ye do not make known unto me thy dr-.5am, there is but one sentence for j'ou; fof ye have prepared hing and deceptive ■wer3>; to speak before me, till the time be changed. Therefore relate to me the dream, and I shall know that ye can tell me its in- terpretation. 10 The Chaldeans answered l)efore the kmg, and said, There is not a man upon the habitable earth that can tell the king's mat- ter: wherefore no mighty and powerful king ever hath asked such a thing of any magi- cian, or astrologer, or Chaldean. 11 And the matter which the king requii'- eth is difficult, and there is no other that can tell it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh. 12 For all this cause the king became an- gry, and very furious; and he commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. 13 And the law went forth and (some of) the wise men were slain: and they sought Daniel and his companions to slay them. 14 ][ Then made Daniel representations with intelligence and prudence to Ar^och the captain of the king's guard,'' who was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon. 15 He commenced and said to Arjoch the king's commander, Wherefore is the law so hasty"^ from the king? Tlieu made Aryoch the matter'' known to Daniel. 16 But Daniel went in, and requested of the king that he would give him time, that he might tell the interpretation to the king. ' Philippson, "For if ye do not make known to lue the dre;im, 'hs-p is this your .sole object, und you have agreed 50 speak^" ,\\. 17 ^ Then went Daniel to his house, and made the matter known to Chananyah, Mi- shael, and 'Azaryah, his companions. 18 In order that they might pray for mercy of the God of heaven concerning this secret: so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Thereupon was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a vision of the night. Then did Daniel bless the God of heaven. 20 Daniel commenced and said, Ma}' the name of God be blessed from eternitj' and to all eternity-; for wisdom and might are his; 21 And he changeth times and seasons; he removeth kings, and raiseth up kings : he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to those that possess understanding.* 22 He it is that revealeth what is deep and secret; he knoweth what is in the dark- ness, and the light dwelleth with him. 23 To thee, God of my father, do I give thanks, and I praise thee, who hast given me wisdom and might, and because thou hast made known unto me what we prayed for of thee; for thou hast made known unto us the king's matter. 24 Therefore did Daniel go in unto Aryoch, whom the king had ordered to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He went and said thus unto him. The wise men of Babylon must thou not destroy: bring me before the king, and I will tell luito the king the interpretar tion. 25 ]f Then did Aryoch bring Daniel before the king in haste, and thus he said unto him. Here have I found a man out of the children of the exiles of Judah, who will make known unto the king the interpreta- tion. 26 The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and its interpretation? 27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded no wise men, astrologers, ma- gicians, or soothsayers, can tell unto tht king; Rashi, "the eliicf of the executioners." Rashi and Abeu Ezra. Others, "severe." Philippson, all through, i(pho with "order." 894 DANIEL II. 2" Bui tliere is a God in heaven that re- vcaleth secrets, and he hath made known to king Nebuchadnezzar what is to be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy couch, were these. 29 Tf As for thee. king, thy thoughts, when thou wast on thy couch, rose (within thee) concerning what is to come to pass hereafter; and the Revea'ler of secrets hath made known to thee what is to come to pass. 30 But as for me, this secret hath not been revealed to me because of any wisdom that is in me more than in all other living; but for the sake that men might make known the in- terpretation to the king, and that thou might- est understand the thoughts of thy heart. 31 ^ Thou, king, sawest, and behold there was a large image; this image was mighty, and its brightness was excellent; it stood opposite to thee; and its form was fear- inspiring. 32 As regardeth this image, its head was of fine gold, its breast and its arms were of silver, its belly and its thighs of copper, 33 Its legs of iron, its feet part of them of iron and part of them of clay. 34 Thou didst look on till the moment that a stone tore itself loose, not through (human) hands, and it struck the image upon its feet that were of iron and clay, and ground them to pieces. 35 Then were the iron, the clay, the cop- per, the silver, and the gold ground up toge- ther, and became like the chaff of the sum- mer threshing-floors; and the wind carried them away, that no trace" was found of them ; and the stone that had stricken the image be- came a mighty mountain, and filled the whole earth. 36 This is the dream; and its interpretar tion will we relate before the king. 37 Thou, king, art a king of kings, to whom the God of heaven hath given king- dom, power, and strength, and honour: 38 And wheresoever the children of men ilwell, hath he given*" the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven into thy hand, and hath made tliee ruler over them all. Thou art the head of gold. ' Lit. "No place for them;" Rashi explains, "their for- mer place was not known, as it' they had never heen there." | ' Fiirst. Philippson and others, " — children of men! 8'J6 ' 39 And after thee there will arise another kmgdom inferior to thee; and another" third kingdom of copper, which will bear rule over all the earth. 40 And the fourth kingdom will be as strong as iron; forasmuch as iron grindeth up and beateth down all things, and as iron that breaketh (every thing), will it grhid up and break all these. 41 And that thou sawest the feet and toes, part of them of potter's clay, and part of them of iron, (signifieth) that it will be a divided kingdom, although there will be in it of the strength of the iron; forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mingled with mir}' clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were part of them of iron, and part of them of clay; so will the kingdom be partly strong and partly brittle. 43 And whereas thou sawest iron mingled with miry clay: so will they mingle them- selves among the seed of men ; but they will not cleave firmly one to another, even as iron cannot be mingled with claw 44 But in the days of these kings will the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall to eternity not be destroyed, and its rule shall not be transferred to any other people; (but) it will grind up and make an end of all these kingdoms, while it will itself endure for ever. 45 Whereas thou sawest that out of the mountain a stone tore itself loose, not through (human) hands, and that it ground up the iron, the copper, the clay, the silver, and the gold : the great God hath made known to the king what is to come to pass after this. And the dream is reliable, and its interpretation cer- tain. 46 ^ Then did king Nebuchadnezzar fall upon his face, and he bowed down to Daniel, and ordered that they should .ofter an obla- tion and sweet odours unto him. 47 The king answered unto Daniel, and said. Of a truth it is, that yonv God is the Gdd of gods, and the Lord of kings, and the revealer of secrets; because thou hast been able to reveal tliis secret. 48 Then did the king elevate Daniel, and gave him many great presents, and made him dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven, hatli he given (all) into thy hand." ' Fiirst, "and a third kinirdom thereafter." '^•ij ».i*.ft- ' ^"';i (" ^^i DANIEL IT. III. imUh' over the whole province of" Babylon, and (.Lief of the superintendents over all the wise men of Babylon. 40 Then requested Daniel of the king, that he might appoint Shadrach, Meshach, and 'Abed-nego, over the public service of the province of Balnion ; but Daniel remained in the gate of the king. CHAPTER III. 1 ^ King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold," the height of which was sixty cubits, and the breadth of which was six cubits: he .set it up in the valley of Dura, in the pro- vince of Babylon. 2 And king Xeljuchadnezzar sent to a.ssem- blt (his) lieutenants, the superintendents, and the governors, the j udges, the treasurers, the counsellors, those learned in the law. and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which king Nebu- chadnezzar had set up. o Thereupon were assembled the lieute- nants, the superintendents, and the govei'n- ors, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, those learned in the law, and all the rulers' of the provinces, unto the dedication of the image that king Nelniehadnezzar had .set up; and they stood opposite t(_) tlie image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 Then a herald called out with a loud'' voice, To 30U it is commanded, people, na- tions, and languages, 5 That at the time when ye do hear the sound of the cornet, flute, guitar, harp, psal- tery, bagpipe, and all kinds of music, ye shall fall down and bow yourselves to the golden image which king Nebuchadnezzar hath set up: 6 And whoso doth not fall down and bow himself shall in the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 7 Therefore at the same time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, guitar, harp, psaltery, and all kinds of music, all the people, the nations, and the languages fell down bowing them.selves to the golden image which king Nebuchadnez- zar had set up. 8 Therefore at the same time certain Chal- ' Philippson suggests that it was probably only overlaid. ' Lit. " with might." 5 N dean men came near, and nccused the Jews treacherously. 9 They commenced and said to king Ne buchadnezzar. king, live fur ever. 10 Thou, king, hadst made a decree. that every man that should hear the sound of the cornet, flute, guitar, harp, psaltery, and bagpipe, and all kinds of music, should fall down and bow himself to the golden image; 11 And that whoso should not fall down and bow himself should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jewish men whom thou hast appointed over the public service of the province of Balnlon, Shadrach, Me- shach, anil 'Abednego: tliese men, O king, have not paid any regard to thee; thy god they do not worship, and to the golden image wliich thou hast set up they do not bow themselves. 13 ^ Then ordered Nebuchadnezzar in rage and fuiy to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and 'Abed-nego. Then were these men brought before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar connnenced and said unto them, Is it out of disrespect," Shar drach, Meshach, and 'Al)cd-nego? My god ye do not worship, and to the golden image which I have set up ye do not bow your- selves? 15 Now then if ye be ready at the time when ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, guitar, psaltery, and bagpipe, and all kinds of music, to fall down and bow your- selves to the image which I have made, (well) ; but if ye bow yourselves not, ye shall be cast in the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace: and who is the God that can deliver you out of my hpaid? 16 Then answered Shadrach, Meshach, and 'Abed-nego, and said to the king, Ne- buchadnezzar, we have no need to answer thee a word in this matter. 17 Behold, there is our God whom we wor- ship, he is able to deliver us from the burn- ing fiery furnace: and out of thy hand, king, will he deliver us. 18 But if not, then be it known unto thee. king, that thy god will we not worship, = Rashi. ' Is it true'; Ilerxheinier, "on pmpos'j. Abe S'Jl DANIEL III. IV. ind to the golden image which thou hast set up will we not bow ourselves. 19 T[ Then was Nebuchadnezzar filled with f..r;> . and the form of his countenance was changed because of Shadrach, Mesliach, and 'Abed-nego ; (and) he commenced and ordered that they should heat the furnace thoroughly seven times more than it was wont" to be heated. 20 And lie ordered the mightiest men m strength that were in his army, to bind Sha- drach, Meshacli, and 'Abed-nego, (and) to cast tliem into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then were these men bound in their mantles, their under-garments, and their tur- bans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fierj' furnace. 22 Now, because the king's command was so urgent, and the furnace exceedingly heat- ed, the flame of the fire slew those men that carried up Shadracli, Mesliach, and 'Abed- nego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Me- sliach, and 'Alied-nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 24 ^ Then was king Nebuchadnezzar as- tonished, and he rose up in haste, (and) ccmi- menced, and said unto liis counsellors, Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, Certainly, king. 25 He answered and said, Lo, T see four riien unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and tliere is no injury on them; and tlie appearance of tlie fourth is like a son of the gods. 26 ^ Then came Nebuchadnezzar near to the door of the burning fiery furnace, com- menced, and said, Shadracli, Mesliach, and 'xibod-nego, ye servants of the most liigh God, step forth, and come hither. Then stepped vShadrach, Meshach, and 'Abed-nego forth out of the midst of the fire. 27 And the lieutenants, superintendents, and governors, and the king's counsellors, be- ing assembled together, saw these men, over whose bodies the fire liad had no power, and the hair of whose head was not singed, whose mantles were not changed, and on wlioin there was not come the smell of fire. * Philippson, "llian thoy s;iw if. was heated." llorx- liciiiicr, "llian (liey liiiiml it rfi|uisite," 8'J8 28 Then commenced Nebuchadnezzar, and said. Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Me- shach, and 'Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that had trusted in him, and had transgressed the king's word, and yielded up their bodies, that the}' might no' worship nor bow themselves to any god, except their own God. 29 Therefore do I make a decree. That every people, nation, and language, that may speak any thing disrespectful against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and 'Abed-nego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be changed into a dunghill; because there is no other God tliat can deliver like this one. 30 Then did the king promote Shadrach, Meshach, and 'Abed-nego, in the province of Babylon. 3P ^ Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell on all the earth. May your welfare increase. 32 The signs and wonders which the most high God hath wrought toward me I find it for good to make known. 33 His signs — liow great are tliey! and his wonders — how mighty are they ! his king- dom is an everlasting kingdom, and his rule is over every generation. CHAPTER IV. 1 Tl I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace. 2 I saw a dream which terrified me; and the thoughts upon my couch and the visions of my head troubled me. 3 Therefore made I a decree to bring be- fore me all the wise men of Babylon, that they might make known unto me the inter- pretation of the dream. 4 Then came up the magicians, the astro- logers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers; and the dream did I recite l)efore them ; but its interpretation did they not make known unto me. 5 But at the last came up before me Da- niel, who.se name was Belteshazzar, after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and the dream did I recite before him, (saying,) 6 Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, ■■ The English ver.sion commences here chapter iv., to which verses 31-33 are a son of iutroductiou. DANIEL IV. of whom I know that the spirit of the holy gods is ill thee, and that no secret is con- cealed* from thee, tell me the visions of my dream which I have seen, with its mterpreta- tion. 7 And the visions of my head on m\- couch 'A'eie, (that) I saw, and behold, theic was a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great. 8 The tree grew,'' and was strong, and its height reached unto heaven, and it was visi- ble" to the end of all the earth. 9 Its foliage was splendid, and its fruit large, and on it was food for all: under it sought the beasts of the field for shade, and in its boughs dwelt the fowls of heaven, and from it was fed all llesh. lU I saw in the visions of my head on my couch, and, behold, a watcher who was also a holy one came down from heaven. ) 11 He called with might, and thus he said, j Hew down the tree, and lop off' its branches, strip oft' its leaves, and scatter its fruit; let the beasts flee aw^ay from under it, and the fowls from among its branches: 12 Nevertheless leave the body of its roots in the earth, but (bound) with fetters of iron and copper, among the grass of the lield ; and let it be made wet with the dew of heaven, and let its portion be with the beasts on the j herbage of the earth ; 13 Let his heart be changed not to be hu- 1 man, and let a beast's heart be given mitol him; and let seven times elapse over him. 14 Through the resolve of the watchers is this decree, and by the order of the holy ones is this decision : to the intent that the living mav know that the Most High ruleth over the kingdom of men, and that he can give it to whom.soever he pleaseth, and can set up over it the lowest of men. 15 Tiiis dream have I, king Nebuchadnez- zar, seen ; but thou, Belteshazzar, relate its interpretation, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation; but thou art able: for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee. IG Then was Daniel, whose name was * Rashi. Aben Ezra, "can conquer thee." Philipp- 8Cn, "no secret is uncouquered by thee." ' Philip]..syi), "the tree was great and mighty." Belteshazzar, astounded for one hour,^ and his thoughts troubled him. The- king then commenced, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or its interpretation, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said. My lord, that the dream might be for those that hate thee, and its interpretation ibr thy enemies. 17 The tree that thou hast seen, which grew, and was strong, the height of which reached unto the heaven, and which was visi- ble to all the earth; 18 The foliage of which was splendid, and the fruit of which was large, and on which was food for all; under which dwelt the beasts of the field, and in the boughs of which nestled the lowls of the heaven : — 11) It is thou, king, that art grown and liecome strong; and thy greatness is grown apace, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion is to the end of the earth. 20 And whereas the king saw a watcher and a holy one coming down from heaven, who said. Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the body of its roots in the earth, but (bound) in fetters of iron and copper, among the grass of the field; and let it be made wet with the dew of heaven, and let its portion be with the beasts of the lield, till seven times elapse over it: — 21 This is the interpretation, king, and this is the resolve of the Most High, ^vliicli will come over my lord the king: 22 They will drive thee away from men, and with the beasts of the field "is thy dwell- ing to be, and they will suffer thee to eat herbs like oxen, and they will suffer thee to be made wet with the dew of heaven, and seven times will elapse over thee; until that thou wilt know that the Most High ruletli over the kingdom of men, and givetli it to whomsoever he pleaseth. 23 And whereas they ordered to leave the body of the roots of the tree: thy kingdom will remain unto thee, as soon as thou wilt know that the Heavens do rule. 24 Therefore, king, let my counsel be agreeable unto thee, and atone for thy sins by righteousness, and for thy miquities by ° Sa'adyah. Lit. "its appearance." Aben Ezra, "and its branches went," &.c. "^ Othersj not liteniUy, "for a while." 809 DANIEL IV. V. showing kindness to tlie poor: perhaps thy prosperity may (tliereby) endure k)ng. 25 All this came over king Nebuchadnez- zar. 26 Tf At the end of twelve months he was walking upon the royal palace at Babylon. 27 The king commenced, and said, Is not this Babjlon the great, tlutt I myself have built for a royal residence by the might of my power, and for the lionour of my ma- jesty? 28 The word was still in the king's mouth, when there tell a voice from heaven, (say- irig,) To thee it is said, king Nebucliad- nezzar, The kingdom departeth from thee. 29 And from men will they drive tliee away, and with the beasts of the field shall thy dwelling be; herbs like oxen will they suffer thee to eat, and seven times shall elapse over thee: until thou wilt know that the Most High ruleth over the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he pleaseth. 30 At the same liour the word was fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar; and from men was he driven away, and herbs like oxen had he to eat, and with the dew of heaven was his body made wet: till his hair was grown like eagles' (feathers), and his nails were like l)irds' (chiws). — 31 But at the end of the days I Nebuchad- nezzar lifted up my eyes unto heaven, and my understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and glorified the Ever-living, whose dominion is iin everlasting dominion, and whose kingdom is over every generation ; 32 And (by whom) all the inhabitants of the earth are regarded as nought ; and (who) according to his jilcasure doth with the host of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth: while there is none that can stay his hand, or say \mto him. What doest thou? 33 At the same time my understanding retm-ned unto me; and with" the glory of my kingdom, my honour and my splendour re- turned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought for me: and I was replaced in my kingdom, and additioiuil greatness was a( Ided unto me. " Salomon. Others do not translate the b at all. Herx- hcimer, "and for the jrlory of my kingdom, ray honour, and my .s|ilendour." " llaslii e-xiiiiiiiis, lli;il iiih Ijult iipened IVom tlic Midduli 9ijy 34 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and ex- tol and glorify the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and whose ways are justice; and who is able to bring low those that walk in pride. CHAPTER V. 1 ][ King Belshazzar prepared a great feast for a thousand of his lords, and before these thousand did he drink wine. 2 Btlshazzar ordered, tlirongh the counsel of the wine, to bring in the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken away out of the temple wliich was in Jerusalem: that the king, and his lords, his wives, and his concubines, might drink there- from. 3 Then they brought in the golden vessels that were taken away out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his lords, his wives, and his concubines, drank from them. 4 They drank wine, and praised tlieir gods of gold, and of silver, of copper, of iron, of wood, and of stone. 5 At that same hour came forth fingers of a inan's hand, and wrote opposite to the chandelier upon the plaster of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. 6 Then was the king's colour changed, and his thoughts troubled him: so that the bands'' of his loins were loosed, and his knees knock- ed one against the other. 7 Tiie king called with might to bring in the astrologers, tlie Chaldeans, and the sooth- sayers. The king commenced, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whatsoever man will read this writing, and tell me its inter- pretation, shall be clothed with purple," and liave a chain'' of gold about his neck, and shall rule as the third in the kingdom. 8 Then came in all the wise men of the king; but they were not able to read the writing, nor to make its interpretation known to the king. 9 Then was king Belshazzar greatly terri- fied, and his colour was changed on him, and his lords were confounded. fright as his hody shrank together; others, that his .spinal joints shrank together. ' Others, "scarlet." ' Otlu'i's, "an ornanient," like a crescent, Daniel v. jO (Now) the queen" in consequence of the word- of the king and of his lords came into the i);inquet-house; the queen commenced and i-aid, king, hve for ever; let thy thoughts not trouble thee, nor let thy. colour 1 e. clu\ng>i.'l : 11 There is a man in tin kingdom in \\honi is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father enlightenment and in- lelligeiice and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and king Nebuchad- nezzar thy father appointed him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and sooth- sayers: — yes, thy father, king. — 12 Forasmuch as a superior spirit, and knowled-ie, and intelliirence, interi)retini>' of dreams, and solving of riddles, and of untjing knotty (doubts), were found in him, in Da- niel, to whom the king assigned the name of Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will tell the interpretation. 13 ^ Then was Daniel brought in before the king: the king commenced and said unto 3aniel, A; t thou Daniel, who art of the chil- dren of the exiles of Judah,'' whom the king my father brought out of Judah? 14 And I have heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that en- lightenment and intelligence and superior wisdom are found in thee. 15 And now the wise men, the astrologers, had been brought before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me its interpretation; but they were not able to tell the interpretation of the matter. 16 But 1 have truly heard concerning thee, that thou art able to give interpretations, and untie knotty (doubts) : now if thou art able tj read the writing, and make known to me its interpretation, thou shall be clothed with purple, with a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt rule as the third in the kingdom. 17 ^1 Then answered Daniel and said be- fore the king, Let thy gifts remain in thy possession, and bestow thy bounty on an- other: nevertheless will I read the Avriting unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation. 18 O thou king I the most high God gave ' Said to be the queen-mother, Nitocris, who kuew Da- niel Well, though he was forgotten by her sou. '■' In 'he text, Yi'hiul, abridged fnni] Yiliiidali, "Judah." kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and lion >ui unto Nebuchadnezzar thy father; 19 And because of the greatness that he had given unto him, all people, nations, and languages trembled a.nd shook before him : whom he pleased he slew; and whom he pleased he kept alive; and whom he pleased he lifted up; and whom he pleased he brought low. 20 But. when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit hardened to deal presumptuously, he was cast down from the throne of his kingdom, and his dignity did thev take from him ; 21 And from tlie sons of men was he driven forth, and his heart became eipial with (that of) the beasts, and with the wild asses was his dwelling; they suflered liim to eat herbs like oxen, and with the dew of heaven wa^: his body made wet : till he ac- knowledged that the most higli God ruleth over the kingdom of men. and that he ap- pointeth over it whomsoever he pleaseth. 22 And thou his son, Belshazzar, hast not humbled thy heart, though thou knewest all this; 23 But against the Lord of heaven hast thou lifted thyself up; and the vessels of his house have they brought before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy con- cubines, have drunk wine from them ; and the gods of silver, and gold, of cojsper, iron, wood, and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor know, hast thou praised; and the God in whose hand thy soul is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified : 24 Thereupon was sent from before him the part of the hand, and this writing was noted down. 25 And this is the writing that was noted down, M'ne, M'ne, T'kel, Upharsin. 26 This the interpretation of the matter: M'xE, Gt)d hath numbered thy kingdom, and made an end of it. 27 T'kel, Thou hast been weighed in the balances, and been found wanting. 28 Press ;° Thy kingdom hath been di- vided, and is given to the Medes and Persians. 29 Then gave Belshazzar the order, and ' oni) These letters read both j/irsa, "divide," and J'n- i-ass, "Persia;" henee, Uji/iarsiii embraces the idea of "division/' and surrender to the "Persians." 901 DANIEL V. VT. they clothed Daniel with purple, with a chain of gold about his neck, and they made a proclamation concerning him, that he should rule as the third in the kingdom. 30 In that very nigiit was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain. CHAPTER VI. 1° ^ And Darius' the Median obtained the kingdom, when he was sixty and two years old. 2 Darius deemed it proper, and he set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty lieute- nants, who sliould be over all the kingdom ; 3 And over these, three presidents, of whom Daniel was one; that these lieutenants should give accounts unto them, so tliat the kina; miaht suffer no damage. 4 Then did this Daniel excel (all) the pre- sidents and lieutenants, because a superior spirit was in him : and the king thought to appoint him over the whole kingdom. 5 Then sought the presidents and lieu- tenants to find a pretext against Daniel on accomit of the management of the kingdom; but they were not able to find any pretext or fanlt, forasmuch as he was faithful, and no kind of error or fault was to be found on him. G Then said these men. We shall not find any pretext against this Daniel, except Ave find it against him in the law of his God. 7 Then came these presidents and lieuten- ants tumultuously to the king, and thus said they unto him. King Darius, live for ever. 8 All the presidents of the kingdom, the superintendents, and the lieutenants, the counsellors, and the governors, have con- sulted togetlier to establish a r<nal statute, and t^) make a firm prohiljition, that whoso- ever will ask any thing by prayer of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, king, shall be cast into the den of lions. 9 Now, king, establish the prohibition, and sign the writing, that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Modes and Persians, which is not to be i-epealed.° 10 In view of this king Darius signed the writing and the prohibition. * In the Ensjli.sh version, chapter vi. commences at Terse 2. '' This is supposcfl to he Cyaxarcs II., son of Astyages, king oi' IVIcdia, and maternal uncle to Cyrus, who allowed liim the title of his conquest, as long as he lived. Darius '.'02 11 Now when Daniel knew that the writ- ing was signed, he went up unto his house, where he had open windows in his upper chnin- ber in the direction of Jerusalem ; and three times every day he kneeled upon his knees, and prajed, and oftered thanks before his God, as he had been doing before that time. 12 Then came in these men tumultuously, and found Daniel praying and making sup- plication before his God. 13 Then came they near, and spoke before the king concerning the king's prohibition, Hast thou not signed a prohibition, that every man that will pray (for aught) of any God or man, within thirty days, save of thee, king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is certainly so, according to the law of the Medes and Per- sians, wliich cannot be repealed. 14 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, who is of the children of the exiles of Judah, hath paid no regard to thee, king, nor to the prohibition which thou hast signed ; but three times every day he offereth up his prayer. 15 Then the king, when he heard this matter, felt very much distressed within him- self, and on account of Daniel he sought an excuse** to deliver him; and till the going down of the sun he strove hard to rescue him. 16 Then came these men tumultuously unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, king, that it is the law of the Medes and Persians, That every prohiljition and statute which the king hath established is' not to be changed. 17 Then gave the king the order, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. The king commenced and said unto Daniel, May thy God whom thou worship- pest continually, truly deliver thee. 18 And a stone was brought, and placed upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet^ring, anil with the signet-ring of his lords, that nothing sliould be changed in the purpo.se concerning Daniel. 19 Then went the king to his palace, and in Hebrew, Darj/ave.th — in cuneiform writing, Dari/Qi). vus — is said to mean king, as Cyaxares II. called iiiiuself especially. — Philippson. ° Lit. "which will not depart." '' Rashi. Sa'adyah, Sd for 3^ "heart," 'set his lieart." DANIEL VI. VII. passed the night fasting; and no food" was brouglit before him ; antl his sleep iied I'rom him. 20 Then arose the king by the morning- dawn, as soon as it was light, and went m great haste mito the den of lions. 21 And wdien he came near to the den, he cried with a mournful voice unto Daniel: the king commenced and said to Daniel, Daniel, servant of the living God, hath th^'God, whom thou wovshippest continually, been able to de- liver thee from the lions? 22 Then spoke Daniel with the king, king, live for ever. 23 My God sent his angel, and locked up the mouths of the lions, and they have not hurt me; forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, had I done nothing injurious. 21 Then was the king exceedingly glad within himself, and concerning Daniel he or- dered to bring him up out of the den. So was Daniel brought up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he had trusted in his God. 25 And the king gave the order, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel treacherously, and they cast into the den of lions them, their children, and their wives; and they had not yet touched the bottom of the den when the lions had the mastery over them, and ground up all their bones. 26 Then wrote king Darius unto all peo- ple, nations, and languages, that dwell on all the eartli. May 3-our welfare increase. 27 From me is it decreed. That in all the dominion of my kingdom men shall tremble and have fear before the God of Daniel ; for he is the living God, and endureth for ever, and it is hi.s kingdom which will not be destroyed, and his dominion will be unto the end (of things) . 28 He delivereth and reseueth, and he dis- playeth signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, he who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. 29 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. CHAPTER VII. 1 T[ In the first year of Belshazzar the Eashi. Sa'adyah, "music." king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and the visions of his head while on his couch : afterward he wrote down the dream, relating the principal things. 2 Daniel commenced and said, 1 saw in luv vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of heaven blew fiercely on the great sea. 3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, differing one from another. 4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I looked till its wings were plucked out, and it was lifted up from the earth, and was placed upon its feet as a man. and a human heart was given to it. 5 And behold there was another, a second beast, like a bear, and on one side was it placed, with three ribs in its mouth between its teeth : and thus they said unto it. Arise, eat much flesh. 6 After this I looked, and lo there was an other, like a leopard; and it had four wings of a bird on its back: the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given unto it. 7 After this I looked in the night visions, and behold there was a fourtli beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth : it devoured and ground up, and what was left it stamped with its feet; and it was diflerent from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. 8 I looked carefully at the horns, and, be- hold, another little horn came up between them, and three of the first horns were pluck- ed up by the roots before the same; and, be- hold, there were eyes like the eyes of man in this horn, with a mouth si^eaking presumptu- ous things. 9 I was looking until chairs were set down, and an Ancient of days seated himself, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of whose head was like clean wool; his chair was like flames of fire, and his wheels like fire that burnt ; 10 A stream of fire issued and came forth from before him; thousand times thousands ministered unto him, and myriad times my- riads stood betbre him : they sat down to hold judgment, and the books were opened. 11 I looked then, because of the sound of the presumptuous words which the horn had spoken, — I looked till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed, and given over to the burning fire. 903 DANIEL VII. VIII. 12 But concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion talven away : yet a longer duration of life was given unto them until the time and period." | 13 I looked in the nightly ^■isions, and, be- hold, with the clouds of heaven came one j like a son of man,'' and he attained as far as the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there were given him dominion, and dignity, and government, and all peo- ple, nations, and languages had to serve him : his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom is one which shall never be destrojed. 15 iy My spirit was deeply shaken within me, Daniel, in the midst of its tenement,'' and the visions of my head trouljled me. in I came near unto one of those that stood ijy, and asked him something certain concerning all this: and he spoke to me. 22 Until the Ancient of days came, and procured justice unto the saints of the Most High ; and the time came and the saints took possession of the kingdom. 23 Thus said he. The fourth beast (f-i^ni- fieth that) a fourth kingdom will be- upon earth, which is to be diflerent from all king- doms, and will devour all the earth, and will tread it down, and grind it up. 24 And the ten horns out of this kii!3,dom (signify) that ten kings will arise; and an- other will rise after them, and he will be diflerent from the first, and three kings -v.'i'il he bring low. 20 And he will speak words against the Most High, and the saints of the Most BigL will he oppress, and think to change the fes- tivals'' and the law: and they will be given up into his hand until a time and times and half a time.' 20 But they*^ will sit down to hold judi and made known unto me the interpretation i nient, and they will take away his dominion, to destroy and to annihilate it unto the end. 27 And the kingdom and the dominion, and the power over the kingdoms under the whole heaven, will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all governments are to worship and obey him. 28 Thus far is the end of the speech.'' As for me Daniel, my reflections troubled me greatly, and my colour was changed on me; but I kept the speech in my heart. of the things. 17 These great beasts, of which there are four, are four kings, who are to arise on' the earth. 18 But the saints of the Most High will ojjtain the kingdom, and possess the kingdom to eternity, even to all eternity for ever. 19 Then I desired what is certain concern- ing the fourth beast, which was diflerent from , all these others, exceedingly dreadful, whose j teeth were of iron, and whose nails of copper; j which devoured, ground up, and stamped with its feet what was left; 20 And concerning the ten horns that were in its head, and concerning the other which \ came up, and befon even and a mouth which Inch three fell down, — had eyes, spoke jjresumptuous thirigs, and whose appearance was wl concernnig that horn which greater than that of its companions, 21 I had seen how the same horn had made war with the saints, and had prevailed ; by the river Ulai. CHAPTER VIII. 1 ^ In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, to me Daniel, after that which had appeared unto me at the first. 2 And I saw in the vision — and it came to pass, in my seeing, that I was at Shushau the capital, which is in the province of 'Elam; — and I saw in the vision, as though I was against them : 3 And I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and, " /. c. The period until which they are to exist. " Rashi explains tLi.s to mean the Messiah ; Aben Ezra, the people of Israel. ° Lit. " .sheath," for a sword ; here, " tenement," or "body." " Lit. "out of the earth." * Whether the wicked king spoken of be Antiochus, Titus, or another yet to come, there can be no ddubt that the interpretation of Kashi is correct, tliat he would pur- pose to make them transgress the sabbaths, festivals, and the law; with what success the text teaches us. ' Rashi conceives these numbers to be indefinite; but if they refer to Antiochus (Epiphanes), they mean three and a half years, during which it is said he abolished ilic daily sacrifices. ' i. e. Those whose right it is to do so, — God's angeU. " i. e. 'What the angel had told him. Others, "tke matter." DANIEL VIII. behold, there was a ram standing before the river, and he had two horns; and tlie horns were high; but one was higlier than the other, and the higher one came up hast. 4 I saw the ram butting westward, and northward, and southward; so that all the beasts could not stand liefore him, and no one was there to deliv'er out of his hand: and he did according to his will, and became great." 5 And as I v/as looking attentiveh', be- hold, there came a shaggy lie-goat from the west over the face of the whole earth, with- out touching the ground ; and the goat had a sightly large'' hoi'n between his eyes. 6 And he came as far as the ram that had two horns, that I had seen standing before the river, and ran at him with his furious power. 7 And I saw him coming close unto the ram, and he became bitterly enraged against him, and he struck the ram, and broke his two horns; and there was no power in the ram to stand forward before him : and he casit him down to the ground, and stamped upon him; and there was no one to deliver the ram out of his hand. 8 And the shaggy he-goat became very great; but wdien he was grown strong, the great horn was broken ; and there came up \ four sightly large ones in its place toward ' the four winds of heaven. 9 And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which became exceedingly great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the glorious land." 10 And it became great, even up to'' the host of the heavens ; and it cast down to the ground some of the host and of the stai-s, and trod them under foot. 11 Yea, it magnified itself even up to the prince of the host, and by it" the conti- nual sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. 12 And the host is' given up together with " Philippson, "he became ovcrbeariDg." Fiirst, "did great things;" so also verse 8, &c. '' Lit. "of sight," which strilces the eye; as given here, after Rashi, "large." Aben Ezra, "twisted." " Palestine. ■^ Philippson, "against;" so also verse 11. " Herxhcimer, "and there was taken away from him (God) the continual sacrifice." Eashi again refers this to Titus; others, to Antiochus; Sa'adyah, to the Arabs who took Palestine from the Greco-Roman emperors, * 6 the continual sacrifice, by reason of transg;- iv- sion : and it casteth down the truth to the ground, and it doth (this), and is prosper- ous. 13 Then did I hear a certain holy one speaking, and a holy one said unto the un- known one who was speaking, For how long is the vision concerning the continual sacri- fice, and the wasting" transgression, to give up both the sanctuary and the host to ba trodden under foot? 14 And he said unto me. Until two thou- sand and three hundred evenings and morn- ings, when the sanctuary shall be justified.'' 15 And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, saw the vision, and sought for under- standing, tliat, behold, there was standing o}> posite to me something like the appearance of a man. 16 And I heard the voice of a man be- tween (the banks of) the Ulai, and it called, and said, Gabriel, cause this one to under- stand this appearance. 17 So he came close to where I stood; and when he came, I was terrified, and I fell upon ray face; but he said unto me, Mark it well, son of man; because for the time of the end is the vision. 18 Now as he was speaking with me, I fell down in amazement on my face to the ground ; but he touched me, and set me ujsright where 1 had been standing. 19 And he said. Behold, I will make known unto thee what is to be at the last end of the indignation ; for it is for the appointed time of the end. 20 The ram that thou hast seen, him with the two horns, (signifieth) the kings of Media and Persia. 21 And the shaggy he-goat is the king of Javan ; and the great horn which is between his eyes is the first king. 22 But that it was broken, and that foiu- sprung up in its stead, (signifieth that) four ' Herxheimer. Rashi, "Aud a period is set to the perpetual sacrifice," &c. Philippson, i'tysn "unto wick- edness," or "the wicked." Fiirst, "And a military watch was placed against tlie continual sacrifice in arro- gance." In the original there is a change in the con- struction, which has been preserved in this version. ^ Rashi, "the dumb transgression," ;'. f. idolatry. '' Rashi explains, "when the iniquity of Israel shall be atoned for." Fiirst, "then shall the sanctuary be victo rious." Eng. ver. "cleansed." DANIEL Vlir. IX. kingdoms will sprinp up out of the nation, but not with" his po^/er. 23 And in the latter time of their king- dom, when the transgressors have filled their measure of guilt,'' there will arise a king of an impudent iace, and understanding deep schemes. 24 And his power will be mighty, but not by his own power;'' and he will ilestroy won- derfully, and will prosper wliile he doth (this) ; and he will destroy very many and the people of the saints. 25 And through his intelligence, and be- cause he prospereth,'' is craftiness in his hand; and in his heart will he magnify himself, and in peace will he destroy many : he will also stand up against the Prince of princes; but without a human hand will he be broken. 26 And the appearance of the evening and the morning which was spoken of is true ; but do thou keep the vision closed up; for it will come to pass after many days. 27 And I Danie several days: afterward I rose np, and did the king's business; and I was depressed be- cause of the appearance ; but no one observed it.* CHAPTER IX. 1 ^ In the first 'year of Darius the son of Achashverosh, of the seed of the Medes, who was made king over the kingdom of the Chaldeans, 2 In the first year of his reign, I Daniel searched in the books for uiiderstandino- con- o cerning the number of the years whereof the word of the Lord had come to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would let i)ass full seventy years over the ruins of Jerusalem.' 3 And I directed my face unto the Lord God, to ask by prayer and supplications, with fa.sting, and in sackcloth, and ashes. 4 And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, Lord, the great and terrible God, who keepeth the covenant and kindness to those that love grieved, and was sick ' Meaning, "they shall be inferior." '' llasihi, refen-ing to the wicked of Israel. Sa'adyah, "when the transgressore (the four kings) are passed away." Philippson renders as we do, but refers it, like Siv'adyah, to the wicked kings of the Greeks. ° i. r. Strong through craft, not prowess. "And he will destroy very many," is rendered by others, "the mighty,'' referring to the powerful nations as conipured with Tsraoi. 'JOO him, and to those that kee}) his command ments : 5 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, and have departed from thy com- mandments and from thy ordinances; 6 Nor have we hearkened unto thy ser- vants the prophets, who spoke in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. 7 Thine, Lord, is the righteousness, but unto us belongeth the shame of face, as it i.>. this day, — to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, those that are near, and those that are far ofl:', through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass which they have trespassed against thee. 8 Lord, to us belongeth the shame of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fiithers; because we have sinned against thee. 9 To the Lord our God belong merci-'s and pardonings ; for we have rebelled against him ; 10 And we have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us through means of his ser- vants the prophets. 11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, and have departed so as not to obey thy voice: therefore was poured out over us the curse, with the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God ; because we had sinned against him. 12 And he hath accomplished his words, which he had spoken concerning us, and con- cerning our judges that judged us, by bring- ing upon us a great evil, which was never done under the whole heaven as it hath been done in Jerusalem. 13 As it is written in the law of Moses; all this evil came over us : yet offered we not any entreaty before the Lord our (!od, to re- turn from our iniquities, and to become intel- ligent in tliy truth. 14 Therefore did the Lord watch'^ over the ■ '' Rashi. Others, "and through his intelligence lie will cause craftiness to prosper in his hand." " Rashi. Others, "I was astonished (or depressed) at the appearance, but no one understood it." ' The seer was then in about the year 69 of this period, or one year before the reign of (lyrus, who gave the vr- mis.sion to rebuild the temple in his first year. ^ Rashi, Sa'adyah, &c., "hastened with," i^e. DANIEL IX. evil, aiiil lie brought it upon us; for the Lord our (!()(1 is righteous becaui!'e of all his deeds which he hath done; but we have not olieyed his voice. 1-5 And now, Lord our God, who hast brought forth thy people out of the land of Egypt witli a strong hand, and hast made thyself a (great) name, as it is this day : we have sinned, we have done wickedly. 16 Lord, according to all thy righteous- ness, I beseech thee, let thy anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain; because through our sins, and through the iniquities of our fathers, Je- rusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all who are round" about us. 17 And now listen, our God, to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplica- tions, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary which is desolate, for the sake*" of the Lord. 18 Incline, my God, thy ear, and hear; open thy eyes, and look on our desolations, and the city whereupon thy name is called; for not (relying) on our acts of righteousness do we present humbly our supplications be- fore thee, but (relying) on thy great mercies. 19 Lord, hear; Lord, forgive; Lord, hearken and do it ; delay it not ; for thy own sake, my God; for thy name is called upon' thy city and upon thy people. 20 And while I was yet speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my sup- plication humbly before the Lord my God be- cause of the holy mountain of my God: " Rrtshi; "our neighbours." "' Fiirst, "because thou art Lord." " /. e. Both are devoted to the acknowledgment of the Lord, and are the bearers of his law and worship. — Phi- LIPPSON. ^ Rashi, literally, "made to fly in flying.' • Others, "to finish," as though it were nSjS "to bring to an end." ' So the Kcrl; the K<;tiU, "to seal up." « Meaning, that prophecy and visions should be con- firmed throiTgh the glori'ius falfilment. Kashi conceives that the angel tells Daniel tiiat after the return of Israel to Palestine there should be another destruction by Titus, the captivity subsequent to which would be inflicted to re- move, through sufferings, the sins of Israel, after which the promised glory should be fully accomplished. An- cient Jewish writers thought that the second temple stood 120 years, which with the 70 years of the Babylonian cap- tivity, make 490. But the moderns suggest, and among them Dr. Philippson, that the temple stood 600 years, 21 Yea, wliile I was yet speaking in prayer, the man Galiriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, came, flying" swiftly, near me about the time of the evening obla- tion. 22 And he gave me understanding, and spoke with me, and said, Daniel, now am I come forth to make the intelligent with un- derstanding. 23 At the begining of thy supplications the woi'd went forth, and I am come to tell it; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore uiiilerstand the matter, and have understand- ing of the appearance. 1;'4 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to close up" the transgression, and to make' an end of sins, ixnd to atone ibr inicpiity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up* the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy thing. 25 Know therefore and comprehend, that from the going forth of the word to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the anointed" the prince will be seven weeks: and during sixty and two weeks will it be again built with streets and ditches (around it), even in the pressure of the times. 20 And after the sixty and two weeks will an anointed' one be cut off without ti successor to follow him: and the city and the sanctuary will the people of the prince that is coming destroy; but his end will come m a violent overthrow ; but until the end of the war devastations are decreed (against it)." 27 And he will make a strong covenant wherefore the number 490 lacks 180 for their completion to the destruction by Titus. So also must this chrono- logy destroy the assumption that it terminates with the vulgar era, since there is no conceivable period from which the 70 weeks are to be computed to deduct them from 5:^0 years which elapsed from the permission of Cy- rus to restore Jerusalem till then. Dr. Philippson ac- cordingly thinks the period terminates with the downfall of Antiochus. But we cannot in this note go over all his calculations. ^ Ra.-^hi and other commentators refer this to Cyrus, who after seven year-weeks and three years permitted Jerusalem to be built up, which afterward existed under all sorts of pressure from without, Persians, Greeks, and Romans. ' After Rashi is this anointed Agrippa the last of t lo Herodian princes; Philippson, however, SaleucusPhilopa- tor, who was poisoned by .\ntiochus, and who then usurp- ed his goverment. ' Rashi. explaining, "Jerusalem shall experience a de- 907 DANIEL IX. X. with tilt' many for oinr week; and in tlie half of the wtek will he cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and this because of the pre- valence* of the abominations Avhich bringeth devastation, and until destruction and what is decreed shall be poured out upon the waster. CHAPTER X. 1 ]f In the third'' year of Cyrus the king of Persia a word was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Beltcshazzar; and the word is the truth, but the time appointed is long off:'' and he"* noted the word, and took notice of it in the appearance. 2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. 3 Costly food did I not eat, and flesh and wine came not in my mouth, nor did I at all anoint myself, till three whole weeks were elapsed. 4 Tf And on the four and twentieth day of the first month, while I was by the side of the great river, which is Chiddekel, 5 I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and be- hold there was a certiiin man clothed in linen, and his loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz ;'■ 6 And his body also was like the chryso- lite, and his face, like the appearance of lightning, and his eyes were like torches of fire, and his arms and his feet, like the colour of polished copper, and the sound of his words was like the noise of a inultitiide. 7 And I Daniel saw alone this appearance; but the men that were with me did not see the appearance: nevei'theless a gi'eat terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8 And I was left Ijy myself alone, and I saw this great appearance, and there remain- ed no strength in me; and my healthy colour was changed on me into corruption, and I re- tained no strength. cree of desolation." Ftirst, "and till the end there is decreed war with desolation." Philippson, " and till the end there will be war, misery and wastings." " Ra.shi explains r|j3 "wing" with "what is high like the wing of a bird," lionee the prevalence or victory of idolatry. Philippson takes DOtyo as the nominative to ri'DK'' "the destroyer will cause to cease — because of the least touch of idol abominations," referring to tlie defiling rf the trinple by the idolatrous sacrifices of Anti.ichus. •" Jlashi remarks tli;;! this was the year when the ene- 908 9 Tlien heard I the sotmd of his word,-?; and as I heard the sound of his words, I tiank in amazement on my face, with my face t.'i ward the ground. 10 And, behold, a hand touched me, flu-l it moved me upon my knees and the palmr of my hands. 11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, the man greatly beloved, mark well the words that I speak unto thee, and stand on thy standing-place; for now have I been sent unto thee. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood up trembling. 12 And he said unto me. Fear not, Daniel; for from the first day that thou didst set tlij heart to obtain understanding, and to fast be- fore thy God, were thy words heard: and I am come in consequence of thy words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Per- sia stood up against me one and twenty daj?: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief prii;ces, came to help me; and I obtained the victory' there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now am I come to make thee undsr stand what is to befiill thy people in the lat- ter days; for the vision is yet for the (com- ing) days. 15 And when he spoke unto me such words, I directed my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. 16 And, behold, something like the form of the sons of men touched my lips; and I opened my mouth, and I spoke, and said unto him that stood opposite to me, my lord, because of the appearance my pains sudden- ly overcame me, and I have retainer: no strength. 17 And how shall the servantof this raj lord be able to speak with this my lord? And as for me, from that moment there remained no strength in me, and no breath was left in me. 18 Then there touched me again sorr.c- thing like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me; niies of Judah induced the king to stop the builJir.g of the temple, (Ezra iv.;) hence Daniel's grief. ' Kashi. Others, " it concerneth great trouble." ■^ Kashi, "to understand the word and to note it." Philippson, "understand thou the word and understand it well in the appearance," as an address to the reader. ' Rashi, "with a belt set with jewels." Fiirst, "juvi- fied gold." ' Philipp.son, as in Gen. xlix. 4 Others, "! va^ leli behind." DANIEL X. XI. 19 And he said. Fear not, man great!}' beloved : peace be unto thee, be strong, 3ea., be strong. And when lie spoke with nie. I felt myself strengthened, and said. Let ni}- lord speak ; for thou hast strengthened me. 20 Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I am come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia ; and as I am going forth, lo, the prince of Javan is coming. 21 Nevertheless will I tell thee what is noted down in the writing of truth : — and there is none tliat holdeth with me (to as- sist me) against tliose, except Michael jour prince. CHAPTER XI. 1 ^f And I in the first year of Darius the Mede had my station to assist and to protect him. 2 And now will I tell thee the truth. Be- hold, there will stand up yet three kings of Persia ; and the fourth will oljtain far greater riches tlian all (these) ; and when he is strong through liis riches will he stir up all, (name- ly,)" the kingdom of Javan.'' 3 And then will stand up a mighty king, who will rule with great dominion, and do according to his pleasure. 4 And when he shall have stood, his kin"- dom will be broken, and will be divided to- ward the four winds of the heavens, and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion vrhich he ruled; for his kingdom will be torn asunder, even for others beside tliose. 5 And the king of the south will become strong, yea, he who is one of his princes; but (another) will become strong against him, and will rule: a great dominion will his domi- nion be. 6 But at the end of (some) years will they associate themselves together; and the daugh- ter of the king of the south" will come to the king of the north to make a settlement of dif- ficulties; but she will not retain the power of the support;' neither will he stand, nci his support; but she will be given up, with those that had lirought her. and he tiiat l^e- gat her, and he that strengthened' her in those times. 7 But there will stand up a sprout of her roots in his place, and he will come to the army, and will enter into the stronghold of the king of the north, and will doal with them, and prevail ; 8 And also their gods with their molten images,' with their precious vessels of silver and of gold, will he carry into captivity to Egypt; and he will stand off^ some years from the king of the north. 9 But this one will then enter the kingdom of the king of the south, and then return into his own land. 10 But his sons will commence a war, and assemble a multitude of great armies; and one will certainly enter, and overflow, a?»-"" pass along: then will he return, and mafet war again, even to his strong-hold. 11 And the king of the south will be raov- ed with bitter wrath, and go forth .and fight with him, even with the king of the north : and he will set forth a great multitude; bat the multitude (of the other) will be gi-^i-n up into his hand. 12 And the multitude will be lifled up,'' and his heart will become pi-oud; and he Vvill Cia.st down myriads; liut he will not !x? strengthened by it. 13 And the king of the north will return, and set forth a multitude greater than the former ; and at the end of the times, of years, will he certainly come with a great army and with much riches. 14 And in those times many will stand up against the king of the south : also the re- bellious' sons of thy people will lift them- selves up to establish the vision; but they will stumble. 15 And the king of the north will come, and cast up a mound, and capture the citv ' Sa'adyah. Others, "he will stir up all against," &c. '■ Javan, Greece and its colonies. Alexander is de- scribed in the sequel. ' South and north, signify Egypt and Syria. ^ Lit. "arm," the symbol of strength. ■■ PhilippsoD, "had taken her" (as wife). Commcnta- ' Rashi, "princes." * /. e. Be at peace with him. Sa'adyah, "will coutinuo more years than," &c. '' Rashi. Abeii Ezra, "will be carried away," »'• e. the defeated Syrian army. ' Sa'adyah, explaining, " who have rehollcd acraiiist tors agree that these kings were Ptolemy Philadelphus [j God." Many Jews joined Antioehus as tuough thus they pf Egypt, and Autiochus Tbeos of Syria. could bring aboitt the fulfilment of the go-J -onhocies DANIEL XI. defended by fortifications: and the arms of the south will not withstand, and as regard- etli his cho.sen jioople, there will l^e no power (in them) to withstand. 16 But he that cometh against them will do according to his pleasure, and none will stand before him; and he will place him.self in the glorious land, which will be altogether'' in his hand. 17 He will also direct his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, hav- ing professions of peace'' with him ; and thus will he do it: and he will give him the daughter of his wife to destroy it;' but it will not stand, and it will not remain his. 18 And he will direct his face unto the isles, and capture many; but a chieftain will cause to cease his reproach against him; without his giving back to him his*^ own re- proach. 19 Then will he direct his face toward the strong-holds of his own land; but he will stumble and fall, and will no more be found. 20 And there will stand up in his place one who will cause the exactor (of taxes) to pass" through the glorious (land) of the kingdom; but within a few days will he be broken, but not in anger, nor in battle. 21 And there will stand up in his place a despicable*^ person, to whom they assigned not the honour of the kingdom; but he will come in quietly, and lay hold of the kingdom by Hatteries. 22 And the powers of the overflow will he swept away from before him, and will be broken: yea, so also the prince in covenant (with him). 2.3 And from the time of his as.sociating with him will he deal deceitfully; and he will come up, and obtain the victory with a small number of people. 24 In quiet and into the fattest portion of the province will he enter; and he will do what his fathers have not done, nor his fothers' fathers: the prey, and spoil, and riches will he divide iVeely to them, and • llashi, "he will destroy it by bis armies." ^ Abuu Ezra, as above, ver. 6. Ilasbi, "righteous ones with him." " i. e. The kingdom of the other; but he will have no success in this scheme. '' Fiirst, "that he will not repeat to him this reproach." ' Rashi, "who will drive out," &c., alluding to the As- 910 agamst the strong-holds will he devise his plans, but only till a certain time. 25 And he will then stir up his power and his courage^ against the king of the south with a great army: and the king of the south will prepare himself for the war with an ex- ceedingly great and mighty army; but he will not stand; for they will devise (evil) plans against him. 26 Yea, they that eat of his food will bring his downfall,*" and the army of the other will overflow; and many will fall down slain. 27 And as for both these kings, their heart is bent on mischief, and at one table will they speak lies ; but it shall not prosper ; for the end is jet for the time appointed. 28 Then will he return into his land with great riches, and his heart will be against the holy covenant : and he will do it, and re- turn to his own land. 29 At the time appointed will he return, and enter into the south; but not as in the former will it be in the latter time. 30 For there will come against him the ships of Kittim; and he will become faint- hearted, and return, and will rage against the holy covenant; and he will do it: and he will return, and have an undei'standing with those that forsake the holy covenant. 31 And army divisions will proceed from him, and they will defile the sanctuary, the fortress, and remove the continual sacrifice, and they will set up the desolating abomina- tion. 32 And such as act wickedly again.st the covenant will he corrupt by flatteries; but the people that do know their God will be strong, and deal (valiantly).' 33 And the intelligent among the people will impart understanding to many: yet they will stumble through the sword, and through flame, through captivity, and through being plundered for some time. 34 But in their stumbling will they be aided with a little help; but many will join moneans, and the end of the family wars by which they were overthrown. ' Antiochus Epiphanes, called also Epimanps, or mad- man, for his despicable conduct. 8 Lit. "heart." " Lit. "will break liini." ' llashi, "will lay hold of the fear of God, and act ac- cording to the law." DANIP]L XI. XII. tliemselves to tlicm witli deceptive flatte- ries. 35 And some of tlie intelligent Avill t^tumlde, to make a purilieation among them, and to se- lect and to cleanse" them, until the time of the end; because it is yet for the time appointed. 3G And the king will do according to his pleasure; and he will exalt and magnify him- self above every god, and against the God of gods will he speak incredible things, and he will prosper till the indignation be at an end; for that which is determined will be accom- pli.^hed.'' 37 And to the gods of his fathers will he pay no regard ; and to the desire of women.' or to any god whatever will he not pay an^- regard ; for above all will he magnify himself. 38 But in liis place will he pay honour to the god of the fortresses;** and to a god whom his fathers knew not will he pay honour with gold, and silver, and \vith precious stones, and costly things. 39 This will he do for the very strong for- tresses togetlier with the strange god: who- e\er will acknowledge him, him will he give much honour ; and he will cause such to rule over many, and he will divide out the land for a price. 40 And at the time of the end will the king of the south push against him ; and the king of the north will come against him like a storm-wind, with chariots, and with horse- men, and with many ships; and he will enter into some countries, and will overflow and pass along. 41 And he will enter into the glorious land, and much will be overthrown; but these will escape out of his hand, even Edom, and MoJib, and the first portion of the children of 'Amnion. 42 And he will stretch forth his hand against some countries, and the land of Egypt will not escape. 43 And he will have control over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all ' Lit. " make ■white," wash away impurities. ' Sa'adj'ah. "and God accomplish the evil determined on (against the enemies of Israel.") " This is explained by modern commentators to be a fe- male deity worshipped at Ely mais,who,';e temple Antioehus endeavoured to plunder. Rashi explains, in part allegori- cally, "The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; — the con- gregation of Israel, called, 'the beautiful of women.' "Ac. the costly things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethioi)ians will follow at his steps. 44 But reports out of the east and out of the north will terrify him; and he will go forth with great fury to destroy, and to ex- terminate many. 45 And he will pitch the tents'' of his pa- lace between seas and the glorious holy mountain; and he will come to his end, with- out one to help him. CHAPTER XII. 1 And at that time will Michael, the great prince who stiindeth for the children of thy people, stand forth; and there will be a time of distress, sueli as hath never been since the existence of any nation, until that same time; and at that time shall thy people be deli- vered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of those that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to ever- lasting life, and some to disgrace and e\'er- lasting abhorrence. 3 And the intelligent shall shine brilliantly like the brilliance of the expanse (of the sky) ; and they that bring many to righteous- ness shall be like the stars, for ever and ever. 4 -^ But thou, Daniel, close up the words, and seal the book, until the time of the end : many will roam about,*^ yet shall knowledge be increased. 5 Then I Daniel looked, and behold, there were two others standing, the one on this side of the bank of the stream, and the other on that side of the bank of the stream. 6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, IIow long shall it be to the end of these wonders? 7 Then heard I the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; and he lifted up his right hand and his left hand unto the heavens, and swore by the ^ This is said to refer to the Capitolian idol, to which Antioehus commenced a temple in Antioehia; but which he did not complete. " Meaning, the royal tent of state which oriental rulers carried with them in their campaigns. ' As in 'Amos viii. 12; they will seek, pcrhap.*, and not find divine knowledge; still will this gradually in- crease till it conquers the world. (Sec Isa. xi. 9, &c.} 911 EZRA I. Ererliving One that after a time, times, and a half, and when there shall be an end to the crushing of the power of the holy people, all these things shall be ended. 8 And I heai'd indeed, but I understood it not: then said I, my lord, what shall be the end'' of these things? 9 And he said, Go {thy way), Daniel; for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. 10 Many shall be selected and cleansed, and purified; but the wicked will deal wick- |] edly, and none of the wicked will under- I stand; but the intelligent will understand. |[ 11 And from the time that the continual I I sacrifice will be removed, even to set up the !' desolating abomination, there will be a thou- ;isand two hundred and ninety days."" 12 Happy is he that waiteth, and attain- eth to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. 13 But thou, go (thy way) toward the end; and thou shalt rest, and arise again for thy lot at the end of the days. THE BOOK OF EZRA, CHAPTER I. 1 ^ And in the first year of Cyrus the king of Persia, at the time'' the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah was accom- plished, the Lord awakened the spirit of Cyrus the king of Persia ; and he caused a proclamation to be made tlu'oughout all his kingdom, and also by means of writing, say- 2 Thus hath said Cyrus the king of Per- sia, All the kingdoms of the earth hatli the Lord the God of Eeaven given unto me ; and he hatli directed me to build for him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Whoever among you that is of all his ])eople, may his God be with him, and let liim go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord the God of Israel, he is the God who" is in Jerusalem. 4 And whosoever remiiineth" out of any place where he hath sojourned, him shall the men of his place assist with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside • Philippson, "consequence," or "result." '' This verse is supposed to refer to the time during which the temple was desecrated by Antiochus, till its re- ledication, and the next verse to the death of Antiochus. Though the chronologists are not very clear on the last point. 913 the freewill offering for the house of God which is in Jerusalem. 5 Then rose up the chiefs of the divisions of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all those whose sj^irit God had awakened, to go ujs to build the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem. 6 And all those that were round about them supplied them*^ with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was will- ingly oftered. 7 ^ Also king Cyrus brought forth the vessels of the house of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had Ijrought away out of Jerusalem, and had placed in the house of his god : 8 Even these did Cyrus the king of Persia bring forth through tlie liand of Mithredath the treasurer, and counted them out unto Sheshbazzar the prince tor Judah. 9 And tliis is their number : Thirty chargers^ of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives, ° Rashi. Others, "that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled." ■^ Aben Ezra, "which," referring to "house." " llashi and Aben Ezra explains, "out of poverty." ' Lit. "strengthened (them) by their hands." » !. e. Basins, to hold the blood of saci'iliceti, EZRA I. IT. 10 Thirty cups of gold, silver cups of a second degree four hundred and ten, other vessels a thousand. 11 All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar" bring up with the exiles that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem. CHAPTER II. 1 ^ Now these are the children of the province who went up out of the captivity of the exiles, whom, Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away into exile unto Babylon, and who returned unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city; 2 Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua', Nehemiah, Serayah, Re'elayah, Mordecai. Bil- shan,Misspar, Bigvai, Rechum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel was :'' 3 The children of Par'osh, two thousand one hundred seventy and two. 4 The children of Shephatyah, three hun- dred sevent}' and two. 5 The children of Arach, seven hundred seventy and five. 6 The children of Pachath-moab, of the children of Jeshua' and Joab, two tliousand eight hundred and twelve. 7 The children of 'P]lam, one thousand two hundred fifty and four. 8 The children of Zattbn. nine hundred and forty and five. 9 The children of Zaccai, seven liundred and sixty. 10 The children of Bani. six hundred forty and two. 11 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three. 12 The children of 'Azgad, one thousand two hundred twenty and two. 13 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six. 14 The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six. * Aben Ezra supposes this to be Zerubbabel's name in Chaldeau. ^ Pbilippson observes that Nehemiah (Heb. AWJicni- j/ah,) and Mordecai were evidently not the two cele- brated characters. Also that there is a di.-;crepancy be- tween the names here given and in Nehemiah vii. ; as also ip the numbers, which here are 29,818, there 31,089, 5 V 15 The children of 'Adin, lour hundred fifty and four. iC The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight. 17 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three. 18 The children of Jorah, one hundred and twelve. 19 The children of Chashum, two hundred twenty and three. 20 The children of Gibbar, ninety and five. 21 The people'' of Beth-lechem, one hun- dred twenty and three. 22 The men of Netophah, fifty and six. 23 The men of 'Anathoth, one hundred twenty and eight. 24 The people of 'Azmaveth, forty and two. 25 The people of Kiryath-'arim, Kephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three. 26 The people of Ramali and Geba', six hundred twenty and one. 27 The men of Michmass, one hundred twenty and two. 28 "The men of Beth-el and 'Ai, two hun- dred twentv and tliree. 29 The people of Nebo, fifty and two. 30 The children of Magbish, one hundred fifty and six. 31 The children of the other 'Elani, one thousand two hundred fifty and four. 32 The children of Charim, three liundred and twenty. 33 The people of Lod, Chadid. and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five. 34 The people of Jericho, three hundred forty and five. 35 The people of Senaiih, three thousand and six hundred and thirty. 36 The priests were: The children of Jeda'- yah, of the house of Jeshua', nine hundred seventy and three. 37 The children of Imnier, one thousand fifty and two. when added together, while the total number is given as 42,360. There must therefore be some omissions in the lists, and perhaps some minor families have been left out. " It will be observed that from this verse to 34 the towns are mostly mentioned instead of the parents; there- fore we have rendered "J3 with " people" instead of chil- dren, 913 EZRA II. 38 The children of Pashchur, one thousand two hundred forty and seven. 39 The children of Charini, one thousand and seventeen. 40 The Levites were: The children of Jesluia' and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodavyah, seventy and four. 4>1 The singers were: The children of As- saph, one hundred twenty and eight. 42 The children of the gate-keepers were: The children of Shallura, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of 'Ak- kub, the children of Chatita, the children of Shobai, in all one hundred thirty and nine. 43 The temple-servants" were: The children of Zicha, the children of Chassupha, the chil- dren of Tal)l»a'oth, 44 The children of Keross, the children of Si'aha, the children of Padon, 45 The children of Lebanah, the children of Chagabah, the children of 'Akkub, 46 The children of Chagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Chanan, 47 The children of Giddel, the children of Gachar, the children of Rea3ah, 48 The children of Eezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam, 49 The children of 'Uzza, the children of Paseiich, the children of Bessai, 50 The children of Assnah, the children of Me'unim, the children of Nephussim, 51 The children of Bakbuk, the children of Chakupha, the children of Charchur, 52 The children of Bazluth, the children of Mechida, the children of Charsha, 58 The children of Barkoss, the children of Sissera, the children of Thamach, 54 The children of Neziach, the children of Chatipha. 55 The children of Solomon's servants Avere: The children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda. 56 The children of Ja'alah, the children of Darkon, the children of (liddel, 57 The children of She})hatyah, the chil- dren of Chattil, the children of Pochereth- hazzebayim, the children of Ami. 58 All the temple-servants, and the chil- ' Heb Nethinim. ^ Tliis evidently Persian word is said to mean "ruler," or "governor," from lorsli, "the strong." Some su])[)ose it to be Nehemiiih; but was more probably Zerubbabel. 914 dren of Solomon's servants, were three luui- dred and ninety and two. 59 ^ And these are those who went up from Thel-melach, Thel-charsha, Kerub, Addan, and Immer; but they could not tell their family division, and their descent, whether they were of Israel : 60 The children of Delayah, the children of Tobiyah, the children of Nekoda, six hun- dred fifty and two. 61 And of the children of the priests: The children of Chabayah, the children of Ilakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who had taken a wife from the daughters of Bar- zillai the Gil'adite, and was called after their name. 62 These sought Inr their family-registers, but they were not found : wherefore they were excluded, as unfit, from the priesthood. 63 And the Thirshatha'' said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there should stand up a priest with the Urini and Thunnnim. 64 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and sixty." 65 Besides their men-servants and their maid-servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven : they had also two hundred singing men and singing women. 66 Their horses were -scA'cn hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five; 67 Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty. 68 ^ And some of the chiefs of the divi- sions, when they came to the house of the Lord which is at Jerusalem, oftered freewill gifts for the house of God to set it up in its place : 69 After their ability they gave unto the treasure for the woi'k sixty and one thousand drachms'" of gold, and five thousand manehs of silver, and one hundred coats for the priests. 70 Tl And the priests, and the Levites, " Philippson, deeming the men alnne enumerated, sup- poses the whole to amount to about '200,000 souls. '' The Persian Darike, from I)ara and Kaman, "tbg king's bow," either of gold or silver. Heb, Parkeiiion. EZRA II. III. IV. and some of the people, and the .singers, and tlie gate-keepers, and the temple-servants, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities. CHAPTER III. 1 And when the seventh month drew near, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. 2 Then arose Jeshua' the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubliabel the son of Sheiilthiel, and his brethren, and they built the altar of the God of Israel, to ofier thereon burnt-oflerings, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God. 3 And they erected the altar uyion its foundations; for there was fear" upon them because of the people of these countries; and they ofiered thereon burnt-ofierings unto the Lord, burnt-oflferings at morning and at even- ing. 4 And they celebrated the feast of taber- nacles, as it is written, and (offered) the daily burnt-ofierings by number, according to the prescribed manner, the offering of every day on its day; 5 And afterward the continual burnt-ofier- ing, and that for the new moons, and for all the feasts of the Lord that are hallowed, and that of every one who willingly offered a free- will offering unto the Lord. 6 From the first day of the seventh month began the^y to ofier JKirnt-offerings unto the Lord: although the foundation of the temple of the Lord had not yet been laid. 7 Then did the}' give money unto the ma- sons, and to the carpenters; and food, and drink, and oil, unto the Zidonians and Ty- rians, to bring cedar-trees from the Lebanon by sea to Joppa,'' according to the permission of Cj'rus the king of Persia for them. 8 ^ And in the second year of their com- ing unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, did Zerubbabel the son of SheiUthiel, and Jeshua' the son of Jozadak, and the remainder of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusa- * Kashi explains, that they built the altar before the temple, so that the non-lM-aelites should have no cause to calumniate them, as their whole intention was evidently merely to restore the worship. lem make a beginning; and they appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and up- wai'd, to superintend" the work of the liouse of the Lord. 9 Then stood forward Jeshua' with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiiil and his sons, the sons of Judah, as one man, to superintend the workmen in the house of God ; (also) the sons of Chenadad. their sons and their brethren the Levites. 10 And Avhen the builders laid the founda- tion of the temple of the Lord, they placed the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Assapli Avith cjinbals, to praise the Lord, after the manner of David the king of Israel. 11 And they sang responsively in praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord; Ijecause he is good, for unto everlasting endureth his kindness toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, while praising the Lord ; because the foundation of the house of the Lord had been laid. 12 But many of the priests and Levites and chiefs of the divisions, the aged, who had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice, while many, shouting for joy, raised aloud their voice: 13 So that the people could not distinguish the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people; for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard ever so far off'. CHAPTER IV. 1 ^ Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the exile w-ere building the temple unto the Lord the God of Israel : 2 Then came they near to Zerubbabel, and to the chiefs of the divisions, and said unto them, Let us build with you; for like 30U will we seek your God; and unto him'' do we sacrifice since the days of Essar-chaddon the king of Asshur, who hath brought us up hither. 3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua', and the rest of the chiefs of the divisions of Israel, " Heb. Yaplw. ' Eashi, as in Psalm, nsjoS "to chaunt at," fee. ^ So the Kcri; the Ki:lib nSi "and not" n.juld require "for we do not sacrifice." U16 EZRA IV. paid unto them, It is not obligator}^ on you and on us to build a house unto our God ; but we ourselves together must build unto the Lord the God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us. 4 Then did the people of the land weaken the hands of the people of Judah, and fright- ened them off from building ; 5 And they hired against them counsellors, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus the king of Persia, and even until the reio'u of Darius the kin"' of Persia. 6 ^ And in the reign of Achashverosh," in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an ac- cusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. 7 ][ And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes the king of Persia: and the writing of the letter was written in Aramic, and interpreted in Ara- mic. 8 ^ Rechum the counsellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a certain letter against Jeru- salem to Arta.xerxes the king, as folio weth : 9 Then (wrote) Rechum the counsellor, and Shimshai the sci'ibe, and the rest of their companions, from Din, and Apharsathach, Tarpel, Apharass, Erech, Babylon, Shushan, Dehav, and 'Elam, 10 And the rest of the nations whom the great and honoured Assuapper had Ijrought into exile, and settled in the cities of Sama- ria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and so forth.'' 11 ^ This is the copy of the letter which they sent unto him, even unto king Ar- taxerxes : Thy servants the men on this side the river, and so forth. 12 ^ Be it made known unto the king, that the Jews who removed away from thee are come up to us unto Jerusalem : they are building the rebellious and the bad city, and are completing the walls, and are joining toge- ther the foundations. 18 Be it now known unto the king, that, if this city be rebuilt, and the walls be com- pleted, they will not give tax, tribute, and ° Pliilippson suggests that Achaslivcnisli here spoken of i,s the I'seiido-Siiicrdis, who reigiK'd a short time after (^ainbyses, here called Ar/drJis/mxhlJi, Artaxerxes. Fiir.st, however, reverses this order. '' Fiirst. llashi, Kc'imtli, as ihe name of a plaee. 91G toll, and the royal revenues wiU suffer damage. 14 Now because we eat the salt" of the palace, and it is not jsroper for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and let the kijis; know this: 15 That search may be made in ihe book of the memorable events of thy fathers, and thou wilt find in the book of the memorable events, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have practised sedition within the same from the most ancient time; for which cause this city was destroyed. 16 We let the king know that, if this city be rebuilt, and its walls be completed, by this means thou wilt have no more any portion on this side of the river. 17 ][ Then sent the king a reply unto Rechum the counsellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest of those beyond the river. Peace,'' and so forth. 18 The letter which ye have sent unto us hath been plainly read before me. 19 And an order was given by me, and search was made, and it was found that this city from the most ancient time hath lifted itself up against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been practi.'^ed therein. 20 Arid that mighty kings have been over Jerusalem, who ruled over all the countries beyond the river; and that tax, tribute, and toll was given unto them. 21 Now give ye the order to stop these men, and this city shall not be built, until the order be given from me. 22 Take heed now that ye commit no error in this: that not any injury may grow (out of this) to the damage of the kings. 23 ^ Thereupon so soon as the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter Avas read before Re- chum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they did go up in haste to Jeru- salem unto the Jews, and stopped them by force and power. 24 Then was stopped the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem, and it ° This term signifies among the Persians and Hindoos to he in some one's semce, and to derive support from him. ^ Otiii'rs take ztiw not as peace, but as the name of ;v placi', iSlt'/ain. EZRA IV. V. VI. reinaiiu'd interrupted until the second year of the reiiiii of Darius tlie kin"' of Persia. CHAPTER V. 1 ^ Then prophesied Ilaggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son" of 'Iddo, the prophets, unto the Jews tliat were in Judah and Jeru- salem, in the name of the God of Israel, con- cerning them. 2 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealthiel, and Jeshua' the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and with them were the pro- phets of God helping them. 3 At the same time came to them Thath- nai, the governor on this side of the river, and Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, and thus they said unto them, " Wlio hath given you an order to build this house, and to complete these walls ?" 4 Then said we unto them after this man- ner, what are the names of the men that erect this building.* 5 But the e^e of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, so that the}- did not stop them, till the matter came to Darius; and they then returned an answer by letter con- cerning this. 6 A copy of the letter which Thathnai, the governor on this side of the river, and Shethar-bozenai, and his companions, the Apharsachites, who were on this side of the river, .sent unto king Darius. 7 They sent a report unto him, and thus was it wi'itten therein : Unto king Darius be all peace. 8 Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which they are building with heavy stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work is urged with speed, and it prospereth in their hands. 9 Then asked we these elders, and after this manner said we unto them. Who hath given you the order to build this house, and to complete these walls? 10 Also their names did we ask of them, to let thee know them, that we might write ' i". e. The grandson, his father being Berechyah. The father's name is often omitted in Bible genealogies. •■ Philippson. Fiirst, after ]{ashi, "They also spoke to them in the same manner, Who are these men," &c. " Ekbatana, the summer residence of the Persian kings; down the names of the men that aiv at their head. 11 ^ And in this manner did they retm-n us answer, sa3ing, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we build the house that was built before this many .years, and a great king of Israel built and com- pleted it. 12 But since our fiithers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them up into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, and he destroyed this house, and carried the })eople as exiles into Babylon. 13 However, in the tirst year of Cyrus the king of Babylon, king Cyrus gave an order to build this hou.se of God. 14 And also the vessels of gold and silver of the house of God, wliich Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple that was in Jeru- salem, and Ijrought into the temple of Baby- lon, these did king Cyrus take out of the temple of Babylon, and gave them unto one, Sheshbazzar by name, whom he had ap- pointed as governor; 15 And he said unto him, Take these ves- sels, go, carry them into the temple which is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be built on its site. 16 Tl Then came this same Sheshbazzar, (and) laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and from that time even until now they have been building it, but it is not yet finished. 17 And now, if it seem good to the king, let search be made in the king's treasure- house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that an t)rder was given by king Cyrus to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send to us his pleasure concern- ing this matter. CHAPTER VI. 1 ^ Then gave king Darius an order, that they should make search in the house of the books, Avhere the treasures were laid up there in Babylon. 2 And there was found at Achmetha," in the decree was found there, not in Babylon — -Cyrus hav- ing perhaps issued it from the former, or it was traii,s- ferred there when the records were removed. Rashi ren- ders Achnie/ha with "closet," or "vessel," in which records were preserved. 917 EZRA VI. the castle that is in the province of Media, a roll, and therein was thus written: A record." 3 Tl In the first year of king Cyrus, king Cyrus gave an order concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be built, the place where they used to oflTer sacrifices, and let its foundations he strongly laid: its height shall be sixty cubits, its breadth sixty cubits, 4 With three rows of heavy stones, and a row of new timber; and let the expenses be given out of the king's house. 5 And also let the golden and silver ves- sels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnez- zar took away out of the temple which is in Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be re- stored, and brought back unto the temple which is in Jerusalem, every one to its place, and let them be put in the house of God. 6 T[ Now Thathnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-bozenai, and your companions the Apharsacliites, who are beyond the river, be ye far from there : 7 Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God on its site. "==== 8 And by me is the order given what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God, that out of the king's property, arising out of the tax beyond the river, the expenses shall forthwith be given unto these men, that they be not hin- dered. 9 And what they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burn1> offerings unto the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the requirement of the priests who are at Jerusalem, shall be given unto them day by day, without fail: 10 That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and of his sons. 11 Also is by me the order given, that if any man should alter this command, timber shall be pulled down from his house, and be- ing set up, he shall be hanged thereon; and his house shall be made a dunghill for this. 12 And may the God that causeth his name to dwell there cast down every king ' So Fiirst; /. p. the record bore this inscription. Others, "wus written as a record." '' llerxheinier explains, " this decree." ° Chald. Arliichsliiixh.th, Artaxcrxos TjdiiirlniMnus, the 'JJ8 and people that will stretch forth their hand to alter,'' to destroy this house of God which is in Jerusalem. I Darius have given the order: let it be done speedily. 13 ^ Then did Thathnai the governor on this side of the river, Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, in accordance with what king Darius had sent, act in this manner speedily. 14 And the elders of the Jews built, and they prospered, through the proishesying of Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of 'Iddo. And they built, and completed it, according to the order of the God of Israel, and according to the order of Cj'rus, and Da- rius, and Artaxerxes" the king of Persia. 15 And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth 3ear of the reign of king Darius. 16 Then celebrated the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the exile, the dedication of this house of God with joy; 17 And they offered for the dedication of this house of God one hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin-offering for all Israel, twelve he-goats, ac- cording to the number of the tribes of Israel. 18 And they stationed the priests in their orders, and the Levites in their divisions, for the service of God, which is in Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses. 19 ^ And the children of the exile pre- pared the passover- (sacrifice) on the four- teenth day of the first month. 20 For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves, as one man were all of them clean; and they slaughtered the pass- over-sacrifice for all the children of the exile, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves. 21 And then did the children of Israel, who were returned out of the exile, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the uncleanness of the nations of the earth, to seek the Lord the God of Israel, eat thereof. 22 And they celebrated the feast of un- leavened bread seven days with joy; for the Lord had made them joyful, and had turned the heart of the king of Asshur toward them, second successor of Darius Hystaspis. Perhaps the king here named was Xerxes, as Longimanus became king about of) years after this time; consequently the temple WHS completed by Zernbbabcl before his accessiou. EZEA VI. VIT. to strengthen tlieir liaiuls in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel. CHAPTER VII. 1 •' And after tliese things, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king of Persia, 'Ezra" the son of Serajah, the son of 'Azaryah, the son of Chilkiyah, 2 The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Achitub, 3 The son of Amaryah, the son of 'Azar- yah, the son of Merayoth, 4 The son of Zeraehyah, the son of "Uzzi, the son of Bukki, 5 The son of Abishua', the son of Phine- has, the son of Elazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest : 6 This 'Ezra went up from Babylon ; and he was a practised expounder'' in the law of Moses, which the Lord the God of Israel hath given; and the king gave him, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him, all his request. 7 And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and tlie Levites, and the singers, and the gate-keepers, and the temple-servants, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of king Artaxerxes. 8 And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. 9 For on the first day of the first month was the commencement of the expedition from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. 10 For 'Ezra had directed his heart to in- quire in the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and ordi- nances. 11 ^ Now this is the copy of the letter wliich king Artaxerxes gave unto 'Ezra the priest, the expounder of the law, the ex- pounder of the words of the commandments of the Lord, and of his statutes for Israel. 12 Artaxerxes, the king of kings, unto 'Ezra the priest, the expounder of the law of the God of heaven, the perfect, and so forth. 13 By me is the order given, that every one who is freely willing in my kingdom out of the people of Israel, and their priests and Levites, to go up to Jerusalem, may go up with thee; 14 Forasmuch as tliou art sent on the part of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to make inquiry concerning Judah and Jeru- salem, according to the law of thy God which is in thy hand ; 15 And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offer- ed unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem, 16 And all (freewill offerings of) silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Baliylon, with the freewill ofl'erings which the people and the priests offer willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusa- lem. 17 Therefore mayest thou buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat-offerings and their drink-ofi'erinus, and ofier them upon the altar of the liouse of your God Avhich is in Jerusalem. 18 And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do ac- cording to the will of your God. 19 And the vessels which have been given unto thee for the service of the house of thy God, deliver thou before the God of Jerusa- lem. 20 And the remainder that will j-et be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to procure," procure out of the king's treasure-house. 21 And by me, me king Artaxerxes, is tlie order given unto all the treasurers who are beyond the river, that whatsoever 'Ezra the priest, the expounder of the law of the God of heaven, may demand of you, shall be done speedily, 22 Up to one hundred talents of silver, ° According to Zunz's chruuologieal tables, there elapsed '' Rashi. Lit. "scribe," but the word nijlD soj^ihcr, 58 years between the finishing of the temple under Zerub- I though often meaning secretary or scribe, signifies also babel and Zeehariah and their associates to the inmiigra- I, one learned in religion; the word frequently occurring in tion of 'Ezra under Arthachahasth, as he is called here. !' the Mishnah □''laiO "the learned," or "scholars;" but it But Kashi makes him identical with Darius — Arlhach- is also possible that 'Ezra was a state secretary to the shasth being taken as a general appellation of the Persian ' Persian king, wherefore he was sent to Judah. kings; and others deem 'Ezra identical with Malachi. ° Lit. "to give," " (o pay out." 919 EZRA VII. VIII. and up to one liundred cor.s of wheat, and up to one hundred baths of wine, and up to one hundred baths of oil, and salt without pre- scribing it. 23 Whatsoever is ordered by the God of heaven shall be carefully done for the house of the God of heaven ; for why should there be wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons? 24 And to you make we it known, that on any of the priests and Levites, singers, gate- keepers, and temple-servants, or ministers of this house of God, no one shall be empowered to impose any tax, tribute, or toll. 25 And thou, 'Ezra, according to the wis- dom of thy God which is in thy hand, ap- point judges and magistrates, who are to judge all tlie people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and make ye them known to those" that know them not. 26 And if there be an^y one wlio will not execute the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let justice be speedily executed upon him, whether it be unto death or to banishment,'' or to a fine on goods, or to imprisonment. 27 Tl Blessed be the Lokd the God of our fathers, who hath put the like of this in the heart of the king, to glorify the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem; 28 And who hath extended kindness unto me before the king and his counsellors, and Ijefore all the mighty princes of the king: and I strengthened myself according to the hand of the Lord my God upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel principal men to go up with me. CHAPTER VIII. 1 Tl Now these are the chiefs of their divi- sions, and this is the genealogy of those that went up with n)e, in the reign of king Ar- taxerxes, from Babylon. 2 Of the sons of Phinehas, Gershom; of the sons of Ithamar, Daniel; of the sons of David, Chattush; 3 Of the sons of .Shechanyah, (who was) of the sons of Par'osh, Zechariah; and with * Kashi explains this to refer to the judges. By this edict the Israelites were to be judged after the Jewish, not the Persian laws, and 'Ezra was to be the chief- justice, but not the civil governor. 920 him were recorded by genealogy of males one hundred and fifty. 4 Of the sons of Pachath-moab, El^elio- 'enai the son of Zerachyah, and with him were two hundred males. 5 Of the sons of Shechanyah, the son of Yachaziel, and with him were three hundred males. 6 And of the sons of 'Adin, 'Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him were fifty males. 7 And of the .sons of 'Elam, Jesha'yah the son of ' Athalyah, and with him were seventy males. 8 And of the sons of Shephatyah, Zebad- } ah the son of Michael, and with him were eighty males. 9 Of the sons of Joab, 'Obadiah the son of Jechiel, and with him were two hundred and eighteen males. 10 And of the sons of Shelomith, the son of Jossiphyah, and with him were one hun- dred and sixty males. 11 And of the sons of Bebai, Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him were twenty and eight males. 12 And of the sons of 'Azgad, Jochanaii the son of Hakkatan, and with him were one hundred and ten males. 13 And of the sons of Adonikam the last; and these are their names, Eliphelet, Je'iel, and Shema'yah, and with them were sixty males. 14 And of the sons of Bigvai, 'Uthai, and Zabbur, and with them were seventy males. 15 Tf And I gathered them together to the river that runneth into the Ahava, and we encamped there three days: and I looked about among the people, and the priests, but of the sons of Levi I found none there. 16 Then sent I for Eli'ezer, for Ariel, for Shema'yah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, the head men ; also for Joyarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.'' 17 And I sent them with a charge unto Iddo the chief at the place Cassiphia, and I laid the words in their mouth to speak unto Iddo, and to his brother,'' who were appoint- *• Eashi, "extermination." ° Rashi; but Fiirst, "teachers." * Eashi would translate this Achic, as a proper name, not "his brother." EZRA VIII. IX. efl" at the j^lace Cassiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God. 18 And they brought unto us according to the good hand of our God upon us a man of intelligence, of the sons of Machli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel, namely, Sherebyah, with his sons and his brothers, eighteen; 19 And Chashabyah, and with him Jesha'- yah of the sons of Merari, his brothers and their sons, twenty. 20 ^ Also of the temple-servants, whom David and the princes had assigned for the service of the Levites two hundred and twenty temple-servants, all of whom were expressed by names. 21 Then did I proclaim a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to request from him a pros- perous journey'' for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. 22 For I was ashamed to ask of the king an army and horsemen to assist us against an enemy on the way; because we had spoken unto the king, saying. The hand of our God is upon all those that seek him for good; but his power and his wrath are against all those that forsake him. 23 So we fasted and besought our God for this, and he suffered himself to be entreated by us. 24 Then set I apart of the chiefs of the priests twelve persons, Shei'ebyah, Chashab- yali, and with them ten of their brethren, 25 And I weighed out unto them the sil- ver, and the gold, and the vessels, the offer- ing for the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellors, and his princes, and all Israel there present, had offered. 26 And I weighed out into their hand of silver six hundred and fifty talents, and of silver vessels one hundred talents, of gold one hundred talents; 27 Also twenty cups of gold, of a thou- sand drachms ; and two vessels of fine polish- ed copper, valuable as gold. 28 And I said unto them. Ye are holy unto the Lord; and the ves.sels are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill • Rashi ; the Kctih is D'Jinjn, which gives the above version; the Keri, however, D'J'n:n ncthinim, the "tem- ple-servants." Ezra could only persuade, not command 5Q offering unto the Lord the God of your fathers. 29 Watch ye, and guard them, until ye weigh them out before the chiefs of the priests and the Levites, and the chiefs of the divisions of Israel, at Jerusalem, into the chambers of the house of the Lord. 30 And the priests and the Levites ac- cepted what was weighed out of the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, to bring the same to Jerusalem to the house of our God. 31 ][ And we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was over us, and he delivered us from the hand of any enemy, and of such as lie in wait on the way. 32 And we came to Jerusalem, and re- mained there three days. 33 And on the fourth day were the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed out in the house of our God into the hand of Mere- moth the son of Uriyah the priest; and with him was El'azar the son of Phinehas; and with them was Jozabad the son of Jeshua', and No'adyah the son of Binuui, the Levites; 34 By number and by weight of every- thing: and all the weight was written down at the same time. 35 II Those that came out of the captivity, the children of the exile, offered burnt-oflfer- ings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Isi-ael, ninety and ,six rams, seventy and seven sheep, twelve he-goats for a sin- offering: all as burnt-offerings unto the Lord. 36 And they delivered the king's com- mands unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side of the river: and these endowed the people, and the house of God. CHAPTER IX. 1 ^ Now when these things were accom- plished, the jirinces approached me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the nations of the lands, notwithstanding their abominations, from the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the any of those who remained in exile, to return; and nc doubt the greater part preferred to stay behind. ^ Rashi. Lit. "an iipriglit way." ^ -= ^ 921 EZRA IX. X. 'Ammonites, the Moiibites, the Egyptians, and the Emorites; 2 For they have taken of their daughters for themselves and for their sons; and the holy seed have mingled themselves with the nations of these lands; and the hand of the princes and rulers hath been the first in this trespass. 3 And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and I plucked out some of the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astounded. 4 And then asseml)led themselves unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the trespass of the exiles: and I sat astounded until the evening sacrifice. 5 And at the evening sacrifice I rose up from my fasting, and while rending* my gar- ment and my mantle, I knelt down upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the Lord my God. 6 And I said, my God, I am ashamed and confounded to lift up my face unto thee, my God! for our iniquities are increased above our head, and our guiltiness is grown up as far as the heavens. 7 From the days of our fathers have we been in a great guiltiness even until this day; and through our iniquities have we been de- livered, we, our kings, and our priests, into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivit}', and to a spoil, and to the shame of fiice, as it is this day. 8 And now for a little moment hath grace been extended from the Lord our God, to preserve us a remnant to escape, and to give us a stake*" in his holy place, that our God might enlighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage. 9 For we are bondmen : yet in our bond- age hath our God not forsaken us, but hath extended unto us kindness before the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to exalt the house of our God, and to erect again its ruins, and to give us a fence" in Judah and in Jeru- salem. 10 And now what shall we say, our " Fiirst, "and with my rent garment and mantle," &c. ' Lit. "nail," /. c the nail or .stake by whicli the ends nl' a tent are fastened to the ground, inctajihoric for some- thing not easily removed. ' As rniind a shnepfold; ('. e. protection. 922 God, after this? fur we have forsaken thy commandments, 11 Which thou hast commanded through means of thy servants the prophets, saying, The land, unto which ye go to take possession thereof, is a land defiled through the defile- ment of the nations of the lands, through their abominations, with which they have filled it from one end to another through their uncleanness. 12 And now 3'our daughters shall ye not give unto their sons, and their daughters shall ye not take for your sons, and ye shall not seek their peace and their welfare unto eternity : in order that ye may be strong, and eat the best of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children unto eternity. 13 And after all that is come over us for our evil deeds, and for our great guiltiness, seeing that thou our God hast spared us (punishing us) less than our iniquities (de- served), and hast given us such deliverance as this: 14 Should we again make void thy com- mandments, and make marriage with these people of abominations? wouldst thou not be angry with us even to make an end of us, so that there would not be anj' remnant or escape ? 15 ][ Lord, God of Israel, thou art right- eous; for we have been left a remnant that hath escaped, as it is this day : behold, we are before thee in our guiltinesses; for there is no standing'' before thee because of this. CHAPTER X. 1" Tj Now when 'Ezra prayed, and when he made his confession, wee^jing and casting himself down before the house of God, there gathered themselves unto him out of Israel a very large assembly of men and 'v\'omen and children; for the people wept exceedingly much. 2 ^ Thereupon conunenced Siiechanyah the son of Jechiel, of the sons of 'Elam, and said unto 'Ezra, We have indeed trespassed against our God, and have brought home strange wives of the nations of the land : yet ^ Meaning, it is sure that God's mercy permitted the people to escape total destruction; but this new transgres- sion would cause that the Lord would sweep off those who, notwithstanding the merciful chastisement, could so soon forget again tlieir God. EZRA X. now tlie're is hope in I.srael concerning this thing. 3 And now let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the direction of the Lord, and of those that tremlile at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law. 4 Arise; for this matter is obligatory upon thee; and we will be with thee: be strong, and do it. 5 ^ Then arose 'Ezra, and caused the princes of the priests, the Levites, and of all Israel, to swear to do according to this word. And they swore. 6 Then arose 'Ezra from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Jocha- nan the son of Elyashib; and he went thither without having eaten bread, or having drunk water; for he was mourning because of the trespass of the exiles. 7 And they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem unto all the children of the exile, to gather themselves together at Jerusalem ; 8 And that whosoever should not come within three days, according to the resolve of the princes and the elders, all his substance should be devoted, and himself separated from the congregation of the exiles. 9 ^ Then were all the men of Judah and i Benjamin gathered together unto Jerusalem within three dajs: it was in the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month ; and all l the people sat in the open place before the ' house of God, trembling because of this mat- 1 ter, and by reason of the showers of rain." ; 10 And 'Ezra the priest rose up, and said unto them. Ye have acted unfiiithfuU}-, and have brought home strange wives, to increase yet more the guiltiness of Israel. 11 Now therefoi'e make confession unto the Lord the God of your fathers, and do his will; and separate yourselves from the na- tions of the earth, and from the strange wives. 12 Then answered all the assembly and said with a loud voice, So belt: according to thy word it is our duty to do. 13 But the people are many, and it is the * Lit. "rains;" the ninth month, Kislev, (December,) IS the rainy season in Palestine. rainy season, and we have not the strengtii to remain in the street, nor is this a work for one day or for two days; for we are many that have transgressed in this matter. 14 Let however our princes stand forward for all the congregation, and let all those in our cities who have brought home strange wives come at appointed times, and with tliem the elders of each and every city, and its judges, until the fierce wrath of our God be turned away from us for this whole matter. 15 Only Jonathan the son of 'Assahel and Jachzeyah the son of Thikvah withstood this (proposal) :'' and MeshuUam and Shabbethai the Levite assisted them. 16 And the children of the exile did so. And then were set apart 'Ezra the priest, (and) certain chiefs of the divisions, for their family divisions, and all of them (designated) by their names; and they sat down on the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter. 17 And they made an end with all, with the men that had brought home strange wives, not before the first day of the first month. 18 ^ And there were found among the sons of the priests that had brought home strange wives, namely, of the sons of Jeshua' the son of Jozadak, and his brethren: Ma- 'asseyah, and Eli'ezer, and Jarib, and Gedal- yah. 19 And they gave their hand to put away their wives, and being guilty, (they offered) a ram of the flock for their trespass. 20 And of the sons of Immer: Chanani, and Zebadyah. 21 And of the sons of Charim: Ma'asseyah, and Elijah, and Shema'yah, and Jechiel, and 'Uzziyah. 22 And of the sons of Pashchur : Elyo'enai, Ma'asseyah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and El'assah. 23 Also of the Levites: Jozabad, and Shim'i, and Kelayah, the same is Kelita, Pethachyah, Judah, and Eli'ezer. 24 And of the singers, Elyashib; and of the gate-keepers, Shallum, and Telem, and Uri. 25 And of Israel: Of the sons of Par'osh, ' Rashi. Lit. "they stood upon this," i. e. insisted on the original proposition. Philippson, "And — insisted on." 923 NEIIEMIAH I. Eainyah, and Yiz/iyali. and Malkiyali, and Miyamin, and El'azar, and Malkiyali, and Ben ayah. 2G And of the sons of 'Elam : Matthanyah, Zecharyah, and Jechiel, and 'Abdi, and Jere- inoth, and FJiyali. 27 And of the sons of Zatthu : Elyo'enai, El^ashib, Matthanyah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and 'Aziza. 28 And of the sons of Bebai : Jehochanan, Chananyah, Zabbai, and 'Athlai. 29 And of the sons of Bani : MeshuUani, Malhich, and 'Adayah, Jashub, and Sheal, and Eamoth. 30 And of the sons of Pachath-inoab : 'Ad- na, and Kelal, Benayah, Ma'asseyah, Matthan- yah, Bezalel, and Binnui, and Menasseh. 31 And of the sons of Charini : Eli'ezer, Yishiyah, Malkiyali, Shema'yah, Shim'on, 32 Benjamin, Mallueh, and Shemaryah. 33 Of the sons of Chashum: Matthenai, Matthathah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Me- nasseh, and Shim'i. 34 Of the sons of Bani : Ma'adai, 'Aniram, and Uel, 35 Benayah, Bedeyah, Keluhn, 36 Vanyah, Merenioth, Elyashib, 37 Matthanyah, Matthenai, and Ja'assai, 38 And Bani, and Binnui, and Shim'i, 39 And Shelemyah, and Nathan, and Adayah, 40 Machnadbai, Shashai, Sliarai, 41 'Asar'el, and Shelemyahu, Shemaryah, 42 Shallum, Amaryah, and Joseph. 43 Of the sons of Nebo : Je'iel, Mattliith- jah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, and Joel, Bena- yah. 44 All these had taken strange wives; and some of them had wives by whom they had children. THE BOOK OF NEIIEMIAH. H'Onj IGD. CHAPTER I. 1 ^ The words of Nebemiah" the son of Chachalyah. And it came to pass in the month Kislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the capital, 2 That there came Chanani, one of my brethrenMiimself with certain men of Judah: and I asked them concerning the JeVrs that had escaped, who were left of the captivity, and concerning Jernsalem. .'! And they said unto me. The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the pro- vince are in great misery and in disgrace; and the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and her gates are burnt with fire. 4 And it (-ame to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and raourn- * Ileb. N/rhimyah. According to Zunz, his first journey to Palestine took place in tbe year of the world 3544, or 14 years after 'Ezra's expedition. 924 ed some days, and T was fasting, and praying before the God of heaven. 5 And I said, I beseech thee, Lord the God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth the covenant and kindness for those that love him and for those that keep his commandments : 6 Let thy ear now be attentive, and thy eyes be open, I entreat thee, to hearken unto the pi-ayer of thy servant, which I am jiray- ing this day before thee, by day and by night, in behalf of the children of Israel thy ser- vants, and (as) I confess for the sins of the childien of Israel, (with) which we have sinned against thee : yea, I also and my fa- ther's house have sinned. 7 We have dealt very corruptly toward thee; and we have not kept the command- '' Rashi, "one of my friends;" the word "brother" be- ing often used in this sense, as also tu denote any near ruiutive. NEHEMIAH I. II. ments. and the statutes, and the ordinances, which thou didst command Moses thy ser- vant. 8 Keinemher, I heseech tliee, the word with which thou didst charge Moses thj ser- vant, saying. If ye become truly uul'aithtul, I will indeed scatter you among the nations. 9 But if ye return unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them : (then) though your outcasts should be at the utmost parts of heaven, from there will I gather them, and I will bring them unto the place which I have chosen to let my name dwell there. 10 And they are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. 11 I beseech thee, Lord, do let thy ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who are desirous to fear thy name; and grant success, I pray thee, to thy servant this day, and let him find mercy in the sight of this man. — But I was butler" by the king. CHAPTER 11. 1 ^ And it came to pass in the month Nissan, in the twentieth year of king Ar- taxerxes, that wine (stood) before him ; and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. But I had never been sad in his pre- sence. 2 Then said the king unto me. Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing but an illness of heart.*" Then was I very greatly afraid. 3 And I said unto the king. May the king live for ever: why should not my counte- nance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth ruined, and her gates are consumed by fire? 4 Then said the king unto me. For what then dost thou make request? Then'' did I pray to the God of heaven. 5 And I said unto the king. If it seem good to the king, and if thy servant might be * Gen. xl. 2, &o. Eng. ver. "cupbearer." ^ Raslii conceives that the king thought Nehemiah har- boured some evil desijrn against him. "Illness of heart" may mean both "a bad" and "a sorrowful heart," where- fore we have chosen it to express the doubtful i'l. Arn- heim, "bad heart;" but the whole passage indirectly in- dicates that the king meant "sadness" or "grief." " Rashi explains, "I said before the king, May it be the will of the God of heaven that thou grant my re- ji pleasing in thy presence, (T desire) that thou wouldst send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it. 6 And the king said luito me, while (he queen was sitting beside him. When'' is thy journey to be undertaken? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to let me go; and I indicated to him a time. 7 And I said unto the king. If it seem good to the king, let letters be given unto me for the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till the thne that 1 come into Judah; 8 Also a letter mito Assaph the keeper of the king's forests, that he may give me tim- ber to make lieanis tor the gates of the fort- ress which appertaineth to the house, and lor the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall move into. And the king gave (them) to me, according to the good hand of my (lod upon me. 9 And (so) came I to the governors beyond the river, and I gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent with me captains of the army and horsemen. 10 ^ When Sanballat the Choronite, and Tobiyah the servant, the 'Ammonite, heard of it, it displeased them exceedingly, that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel. 11 So came I to Jerusalem, and remained there three days. 12 Then arose I in the night, I and some few men with me; but I had not told any man what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem; nor was there any beast with me, save the beast on wliich I rode. 13 And I went out through the gate of the valley by night, even toward the direction of the dragon-well, and to the dung-gate ; and I was viewing" the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates whereof were consumed by fire. 14 Then passed I on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king's pool; but there quest!" Aben Ezra, on the contrary, "I had already prayed;" but it may mean the silent prayer offered up in his heart just as he addressed the king. ^ Rashi. Others, " For how long is thy journey to last?" • Aben Ezra, reading -^2V! sober with a sin; but Rashi, slwher, with a shin, " made a breach in," as the stones ad- bered hut loosely, owing to the to'!? having been sub- jected to tire, * 025 NEHEMIAH II. III. was no space for the beast that was under me to pass through. 15 Then went I up through the valley in the night, and I was viewing the wall, and I returned and entered through the gate of the valk^y, and so returned home. 16 And the rulers knew not whither I was gone, or what I was doing: nor had I as yet told it to the Jews, and to the priests, and to the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the superintendents of the work. 17 Then said I unto them, Ye see the misery in which we are, how Jerusalem lieth in ruins, and its gates are burnt with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no more be for a reproach. 18 And I told them of the hand of my God, which was good upon me, as also the king's words which he had spoken unto me. And they said. We will rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for the good work. 19 ^ But when Sanballat the Choronite, and Tobiyah the servant, the 'Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye are doing? are ye rebelling against the king? 20 And I returned them an answer, and said unto them, The God of heaven will indeed give us prosperity, and we his servants will truly rise up and build; but ye have no por- tion, nor right, nor memorial," in Jeru.salem. CHAPTER III. 1 ^ Then rose up Elyashib the high priest with his brethren the priests, and they built the sheep-gate; they sanctified it, and set up its doors: even as far as the tower of Meah did they sanctify it, as far as the tower of Cha- nanel. 2 And by his side built the men of Je- richo. And by his (other) side built Zaccur the son of Imri. 3 But the fish-gate did the sons of Hasse- naiih build: they also laid its beams, and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars. * Arnheim," claim." Philippson, "merit nor memorial." ^ Hcrxlieimer, "built." Arnlicim, "laid hand on the work." Philippson, "fortified." " (■. e. The house where he re.sided; va'2 then, not WO ' • 4 And alongside of them repaired'' Mere- moth the son of Uriyali, the son of Kakkoz. And alongside of them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechyah, the son of Meshezabel. And alongside of them repaired Zadok the son of Ba'ana. 5 And alongside of them repaired the Te- ko'ites; but their principal men put not their necks to the work of their Lord. 6 Moreover the old gate repaired Yoyada' the son of Passeach, and Meshullam the son of Bessodeyah : they laid its beams, and set up its doors, and its locks, and its bars. 7 And alongside of them repaired Melat- yah the Gib'onite, and Jadon the Meronothite, men of Gib'on and of Mizpah, unto the seat" of the governor on this side of the river. 8 Alongside of him I'epaired 'Uzziel the son of Charhayah, of the goldsmiths. And alongside of him repaired Chan any ah the son of one of the apothecaries, and they fortified'* Jerusalem as far as the broad wall. 9 And alongside of them repaired Repha- yah the son of Chur, the chief of the half of the district of Jerusalem. 10 And alongside of them repaired Jeda- yah the son of Charumaph, and this opposite to his house. And alongside of him repaired Chattush the son of Chashabneyah. 11 Another division did Malkiyah the son of Cliarim, and Chashub the son of Pachath- moJib, repair, as also the tower of the ovens. 12 And alongside of him repaired Shal- lum the son of Hallochesh, the chief of the other half of the district of Jerusalem, he and his daughters. 13 The gate of the valley repaired Chanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoiich: they built it, and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars, and a thousand cubits of the wall as far as the dung-gate. 14 And the dung-gate repaired Malkiyah the son of Rechab, the chief of the distinct of Beth-hakkerem: he built it, and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars. 15 And the gate of the fountain repaired Shallum the son of Col-chozeh, the chief of the district of Mizpah : he built it and covered merely "chair" or "throne," but the "seat," or "house." Herxheimer, "belonging to the jurisdiction of the go- vernor." ^ Hasiii, "filled it with cartli," Ainli'^iiii, "plastered" NEIIKMIAl it, and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars, and the wall of the pool of Shelach" by the king's garden, and as far as the stairs that lead down from the city of David. 16 Next'' to him repaired Nehemiah the son of 'Azbuk, the chief of tlie half dis- trict of Beth-ziir. as far as the place oppo- site to the sepulchres of David, and as far as the pool that was (newly) made, and as for as the house of the mighty men. 17 Next to him repaired the Levites : Re- chum the son of Bani. Alongside of him re- paired Chashabyah, the chief of the half district of Ke'ilah, for his district. 18 Next to him repaired their brethren : Bavai the son of Chenadad. the chief of the (other) half district of Ke'ilah. 19 And there repaired alongside of him 'Ezer the son of Jeshua', the chief of Mizpah, another division, opposite to the ascent to the armoury at the angle. 20 Next to him did Baruch the son of Zaccai" earnestly repair another division, from the angle as far as the door of the house of Elyashib the high priest. 21 Next to him repaired Meremoth the son of Uriyah the son of Hakkoz another division, from the door of the house of Ely- ashib even as far as the end of the house of Elyashib. 22 And next to him repaired the priests, the men of the plain (of Jordan). 23 Next to him repaired Benjamin and Chashub opposite to their house. Ne.xt to him repaired 'Azaryah the son of Ma'ase- yah the son of 'Ananjah alongside of his house. 24 Next to him repaired Binnui the son of Chenadad another division, from the house of 'Azaryah as far as the angle, and as tar as the corner. 25 Palal the son of Uzai (repaired) from opposite to the angle, and the tower which standeth out from the king's upper house, that was by the court of the prison. Next to him Pedayah the son of Par'osh. 26 And tiie temple-servants dwelt on the hill fort, (and they built)* as far as opposite ' Elsewhere written Shiloiich. "" Arnheim. Lit. "after him." ' So the Keri ; the Kef lb reads Zah/jni. ° The English vei'sion comuienees hire and so also Buxdorf " Rashi. chapter iv to the water-gate toward the east, and th(> tower that standeth out. 27 Next to them repaired the Teko'ites another division from opposite the great tower that standeth out, and as for as the wall of the hill fort. 28 From above the horse-gate repaired the priests, every one opposite to liis house. 29 Next to this repaired Zadok the son of Immer opposite to his house. And next to him repaired Sliema'yah the son of Shechan- yah, the keeper of the east gate. 30 Next to him I'epaired Chananyah the son of Shelem3'ah, and Chanun the sixth son of Zalaph another division. Next to him repaired Meshullam the son of Bereehyali opposite to his chamber. 31 Next to him repaired Malkiyah the goldsmith's son as far as the house of the temple-servants, and of the merchants, oppo- site to the mustei'ing-gate, and to the upper chamber of the corner. 32 And between the upper chamber of the corner and the sheep-gate repaired the gold- smiths and the merchants. 33" ][ And it came to pass, when San- ballat heard that we were building the wall, that it displeased him, and he became very angry, and mocked at the Jews. 34 And he spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What are these feeble Jews doing? will people suffer them (to build)? will they sacrifice? will they complete it in one day? will they re- vive*^ the stones out of the heaps of the rub- bish, seeing that they have been burnt? 35 And Tobiyah the 'Ammonite was near him, and he said. Even what they are build- ing, if a fox were to run up, he would readily break through their stone wall. 36 Hear, our God ! how we are become a scorn; and bring their reproach back upon their own head, and give them up for a prey in the land of captivity. 37 And cover not np their iniquity, and let not tlieir sin be blotted out from before thee; for they have taunted (us)*^ in the pre- sence of the builders. ' Meaning, Will the Jews be able to give solidity again to the stones of the wall which had been subject to fire, so as to make them useful for building? ^ Arnheim. Herxheimer, after Pashi, "for the_y vexed the builders to tlicif faces " NEHEMIAH III. IV. V. 38 But we built the wall; and all the wall was joined together up to the half thereof; for the people had a heart* to work. CHAPTER IV. 1 ^ And it came to pass, when Sanballat and Tobijah, and the Arabians, and the 'Am- monites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were restored, and that the breaches began to be closed up, that it displeased them greatly. 2 And they conspired all of them together to come to fight against Jerusalem, and to do it*" an injury. 3 But we prayed unto our God, and set a watch over them" day and night, because of the others. 4 And Judah said. The strength of the bearers of the burden is failing, and there is much rubbish; and we are not able to build on the wall. 5 And our adversaries said. They shall not know, nor see, until we come in the midst of them, and slay them, and so stop the work." 6 And it came to pass, when the Jews who dwelt near them came, that they said unto us ten times, " From all places whence ye may return home (they intend to come)'* over us." 7 I placed therefore on the lower parts of the place on the naked rocks" behind the wall — there I placed the people after their fami- lies with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 8 And I looked (about), and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people. Be not afraid of them : think on the Lord, the great and ter- rible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses. 9 ][ And it came to pass, that, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, God frustrated their counsel : and we returned, all of us, to th(! wall, every one unto his work. 10 And it came to pass from that day forth, that the half of my young men wrought at the work, while the other half of them ' Othcr.s, "courage." ^ 1^7 "to him," Aben Ezra refers either to Nehemiah or to the people. ° The labourers. * Aben Ezra. Rashi, "on every plaee (where ye may he .seattered in building the walls) ye must be prepared to come to us (to tight)." 928 to were holding the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail ; and the princes stood behind all the house of Judah. 11 Those that built on the wall, and those that bore burdens, with those that loaded, — every one with one of his hands wrought on the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. 12 And the builders had every one his sword fastened around his loins while they were building; and he that blew the cornet stood alongside of me. 13 And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people. The work is great and extensive, and we are separated upon the wall, distant one from another. 14 In what place (then) ye hear the sound of the cornet, thither must ye assemble unto us : our God will fight for us. 15 So we laboured at the work, while the half of them were holding the spears from the rising of the morning-dawn till the stars apjDcared. 16 Likewise at the same time said I unto the people. Let every one with his young man lodge within Jerusalem, so that they may be in the night a guard to us, and dur- ing the day for the labour. 17 And neither I, nor my brothers, nor my young men, nor the men of the guard who followed me — none of us took off our clothes, no one leaving them off even for washing himself CHAPTER V. 1 Tf And there arose a great outcry of the people and of their wives against their bre- thren the Jews. 2 And there were some that said. Our sons, and our daughters, (and) ourselves are many ; and we must buy" corn, that we may eat, and live. 3 And others there were that said, We must jjledge our fields, our vineyards, and our houses, that we may buy corn, in the famine. 4 And others there were that said. We * Philippson, " on the fortified places." ' Ka.shi. Aben Ezra, "except when a man went to the water to bathe." ' Meaning, the building of the wall compelled them to leave their fields; and hence they had to purchase corn, which their means did not permit them. NEIIEMIAH V. VI. have borrowed money for the king's tax on our fields and vineyards. 5 Yet DOW our flesh is like the flesh of our brethren, our children are like their children : and, lo, we must force our sons and our daughters to become servants, and some of our daughters are forced (to become so), and our hand is powerless; and our lields and our vineyards belong to others. 6 And it displeased me greatly when I heard their complaint and these words. 7 Then did 1 consult with my heart, and I upbraided" the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, ''Ye exact usur}-, every one of his brother!" And I brought together a great assembly against them. 8 And I said unto them, We have indeed ransomed our brethren the Jews, who had been sold unto the various nations, as far as our means went: and will ye yourselves even sell your l:)rethren, so that they will he sold again'' unto us? And they remained silent, and found no answer. 9 Then said I, The thing is not good which ye are doing: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God, because of the taunting of the nations, our enemies? 10 And also I, my brothers, and my young men, have lent them money and corn : I pray you, let us relinquish this loan. 11 Give back to them, I pray 3'ou, even this day, their fields, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hun- dredth" part of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye have lent them. . 12 Then said they. We will give (all) back, and of them will we require nothing: so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and made them swear, that they would do in accordance with this promise. 13 Also my lap did I shake out, and said, So may God shake out every man that per- formeth not this promise, from his house and of his toil-gotten wealth, and so let him re- main shaken out, and empty. And all tlie assembly said. Amen, and they praised the Lord. And tlie people did according to this promise. 14 Moreover from the day that (the king) * Lit. "quarrelled with." ' Herxheimer after Rashi ; PLilippson, " and shall they be sold to us ?" 6B had enjoined on me to be governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year up to the two and thirtieth year of king Artaxer- xes, (full) twelve years, neither I nor my bro- thers ate the food of the governor. 15 But the former governors that had been before me had made it heavy for the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, be- side forty shekels of silver: yea, even their young men ruled over the people; but I my- self did not act so, because of the fear of God. 16 And in the work of this wall also did I labour actively; and we bought not any fields; and all my young men were assem- bled there by the Avork. 17 Moreover of the Jews and rulers, one hundred and fifty men, besides tliose that came unto us from the nations that are about us, (ate) at my table. 18 And that which was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep; also Ijirds were prepared for me, and once in ten days all sorts of wine in abundance: yet with all this I required not the food of the go- vernor; because the service lay heavily upon this people. 19 Remember for me, my God, for good, all that I have done for this people. CHAPTER VI. 1 T[ Now it came to pass, when it came to the hearing of Sanballat, and Tobiyah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, that I had built the wall, and that there was no breach left th.erein, although up to that time I had not yet set up the doors in the gates, 2 That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in Kephirim'' in the plain of Ono. But they were thinkinsj; of doins; me mischief 3 And I sent messengers unto them, say- ing, I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down : why should the work cease, while I leave it lying, and come down to you? 4 And they sent unto me after this manner four times; and I answered them after the same manner. ° That is, one per cent, every month. Rashi, "and the quantit}-, were it a hundred, of money." '' Probably the town Ke^hirah in Benjamin. 929 NEHEMIAH VI. VII. 5 Then sent Sanballat unto me in like manner the fifth time his young man with an open letter" in his hand: G Therein was written, It hath been heard among the nations, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think of rebelling; where- fore thou art building up the wall ; and that thou art to be king unto them, according to these reports.* 7 And that thou hast also set up projjhets to proclaim concerning thee at Jerusalem, saying, He is king in Judah: and now there may be reported to the king something like these words. Now therefore come, and let us take counsel together. 8 Then sent I unto him, saying, "There hath been done nothing like these reports of which thou speakest ; but out of thy own heart thou inventest them." 9 For they all wished to make us afraid, thinking. Their hands will be withdrawn'' from the work, so that it wall not be done. Now therefore, (0 God,) strengthen my hands. 10 And I came also into the house of Shema yah the son of Delayah the son of Me- hetabel, who had shut himself up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us lock the doors of the temple; for they are coming to slay thee: yea, in the night are they coming to slay thee, 11 And I said, Should a man like me flee? and who is there that is like me, that would go into the temple and live? I will not go in. 12 And I perceived that, lo, God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this pro- phecy over me, because Tobiyah and Sanbal- lat had hired him. 13 Therefore was he hired, in order that I should become afraid, and do so, and sin, and that it might serve them for an evil report, so that they might cast reproach upon me. 14 Tj Think, my God, of Tobiyah and Sanballat according to these their works, and also of No'adyah the prophetess, and the rest of the prophets, who wished to make me afraid. " An open letter, being only sent from superiors to in- feriors in the East, is regarded as an insult. *■ Lit. "words." Kashi would connect these last words with the beginning of the verso; thus: "and there was ivrittcn in it in accordance with these words, It hath," &e. ' Arnheim, "will boconic weak at the wurk." 930 15 And so was the wall finished on the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. 16 ^ And it came to pass, when our ene- mies heard this, and all the nations that were aljout us saw it, that they sank greatly in their own eyes; and they perceived that by the aid of our God had this work betn wrought. 17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah despatched frequently their letters unto Tobijah, and those of Tobiyah came unto them. 18 For many in Judah were sworn friends unto him ; because he was the son-in-law of Shechanyah the son of Arach, and Jehocha- nan his son had taken the daughter of Meshul- 1am the son of Bei-echyali. 19 Also his good deeds were they report- ing before me, and my words they used to carry out to him : also Tobiyah sent letters to make me afraid. CHAPTER VII. 1 ]y And it came to jiass, when the wall was built, that I set up the doors; and then were appointed the gatekeepers and the singers and the (other) Levites (to their offices). 2 And I gave my brother Chanani, and Chananyah the commander of the fortress, cliarge over Jerusalem; for he was esteemed a faithful man, and one that feared God these many days.* 3 And I said unto them, Tlie gates of Jerusalem must not be opened until the sun be hot; and while ye* stand by, let them shut the doors, and do ye bar them; and station watches of the inhabitants of Jerusa- lem, every one in his watch, and every one opposite to his house. 4 But the city was roomy in space and large : while the people therein were few, and the houses were not yet built. 5 Tlien did my God put it into my heart, and I assembled together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might give in '' llashi. Others, "by many." Kng. ver. "more than many." " Aben Ezra. Lit. "they," referring in the third per- son to Chanani and Chananyah. Rashi, "while the gates stand open they should not niove till they be chisei} and locked." NEHEMIAH VII. their genealogy; and I found a register of the genealogy of those who were come up at the first, and I found written therein : 6 ^ These are the children of the pro- vince, that came up out of the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of • Babylon had carried into exile, and who re- turned to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his own city; 7 Who came with Zerul)babel, Jeshua', Nehemiah, 'Azaryah, Ra'amyah, Nachamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Missjjereth, Bigvai, Ne- chum, Ba'anah. The number of the men of the people of Israel was : 8 The children of Par'osh, two thousand one hundred and seventy and two. 9 The children of Shephatyah, three hun- dred seventy and two. 10 The children of Arach, six hundred fifty and two. 11 The children of Pachath-moab, of the children of Jeshua' and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred and eighteen. 12 The children of 'Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty and four. 13 The children of Zatthu, eight hundred forty and five. 14 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and sixty. 15 The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight. 16 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight. 17 The children of 'Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two. 18 The children of Adonikam, six hun- dred sixty and seven. 19 The children of Bigvai, two thousand sixty and seven. 20 The children of 'Adin, six hundi-ed fifty aiid five. 21 The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight. 22 The children of Chashum, three hun- dred twenty and eight. 23 The children of Bezai, tiiree hundred twenty and four. 24 The children of Chariph, one hundred and twelve. 25 The children of Gib'on, ninety and five. 26 The men of Beth-lechem and Neto- phahj one hundred eighty and eight. 27 The men of 'Anathotli, one hundred twenty and eight. 28 The men of Beth-'azmaveth, foi ty ami two. 29 The men of Kiryath-ye'ariiii. Kephi- rah, and Beeroth, seven hundred fort}- and three. 30 The men of Ramah and Gaba', six hun- dred twenty and one. 31 The men of Michmass. one hundred twenty and two. 32 The men of Betli-el and 'Ai, one hun- dred twenty and three. 33 The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two. 34 The children of the other 'Elam. one thousand two hundred fifty and four. 35 The children of Cliarim, three hundred and twenty. 36 The people of Jericho, three hinidred forty and five. 37 The people of Lod. Chadid, and Quo, seven hundred and twenty" and one. 38 The people of Senaali. three thousand nine hundred and thirty. 39 The priests: The children of Jeda'yah, of the house of Jeshua', nine hundred seventy and three. 40 The children of Inmier. one thousand fifty and two. 41 The children of Pashchur, one thou- sand two hundred forty and seven. 42 The children of Charim. one thousand and seventeen. 43 The Levites : The children of Jeshua', of Kadmiel, of the children of Ilodevali, seventy and four. 44 The singers: The children of Assaph, one hundred forty and eight. 45 The gatekeepers: The children of Slial- lum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of 'Akkub, the children of Chatita, the children of Sliobai. one hun- dred thirty and eight. 46 The temple-servants: The children of Zicha, the children of Chassupha, the children of Tabba'oth, 47 The children of Keross, the children of Si'a, the children of Padon, 48 The children of Lebana, the children of Chagaba, the children of Salmai. 49 The children of ('hanan, the tliildren of Giddel, the children of Gachar. 931 NEHEMIAH VII. VIII. 50 The children of Reayah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, 51 The children of Gazzam, the children of 'Uzza, the children of Passeilch, 52 The cliildren of Bessai, the children of Me'unim, the children of Nephishessini, 53 The children of Bakbuk, the children of Chakupha, the children of Charchur, 54 The children of Bazlith, the children of Mechida, the children of Charsha, 55 The children of Barkoss, the children of Sissera, the children of Tliamach, 56 The children of Neziach, the children of Chatipha. 57 The children of Solomon's servants: The children of Sotai, the children of Sophe- reth, the children of Perida, 58 The children of Ya'ala, the children of Darken, the children of Giddel, 59 The children of Shephatyah, the chil- dren of Chattil, the children of Pochereth- hazzebayim, the children of Amon. 60 All the temple-servants, and the chil- dren of Solomon's servants, were three hun- dred ninety and two. 61 Tl And these v^'ere they who came up from Thel-melach, Thel-charsha, Kerub, Ad- don, and Immer; but they could not tell their family division and their descent, whe- ther they were of Israel : 62 The children of Delayah, the children of Tobiyah, the children of Nekoda, six hun- dred forty and two. 63 And of the priests: The children of Chobayah, the children of Hakkoz, the chil- dren of Barzillai who had taken a wife from the daughters of Barzillai the Gil'adite, and was called after their name. 64 These sought for tlieir family register, but it was not found: wherefore they were excluded, as unfit, from the priesthood. 65 And the Thirshatha said unto them, that they slv)uld not eat of the most holy things, till there should stand uji a priest with the Urim and Tliummim. 66 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and sixty : 67 Besides these were their man-servants and their maid-servants, nf whom there were ' Ainlioiii BWod." 9aa 'auil cxi)l:uiH'd all that it omild be undor- seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven ; and they had two hundred and forty and five singing men and singing women. 68 Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five; 69 (Their) camels, four hundred thirty and five; (their) asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty. 70 And a portion of the chiefs of the divi- sions gave unto the work. The Thirshatha gave to the treasure, of gold one th(jusand drachms, fifty bowls, five hundred and thirty coats for the priests. 71 ][ And some of the chiefs of the divi- sions gave to the treasury of the work, of gold twenty thousand drachms, and of silver two thousand and two liundred manehs. 72 And what the rest of the people gave was, of gold twenty thousand drachms, and of silver two thousand manehs, and priests' coats sixty and seven. 73 So the priests, and the Levites, and the gatekeepers, and the singers, and some of the people, and the temple-servants, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities: and so came round the seventh month, while the children of Israel were in their cities. CHAPTER VIII. 1 And all the people gathered them- selves together as one man into the open place which is before the water-gate; and they said unto 'Ezra the expounder that he should bring forward the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord commanded to Israel. 2 Then did 'Ezra the priest bring forward the law before the congregation both of men and women, and every one that had under- standing" to listen (attentively), on the first day of tlie seventh month; 3 And he read therein in the open place which is before the water-gate from the first daylight until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand :'' and the ears of all the people were directed unto the book of the law. 4 And 'Ezra the expounder stood upon an elevated stand of wood, which they had made '' Arnheiii), "teachers," i. e. that could explain; I'hi- li]i|isou, "and of thojse that explained." NEHEMIAH VIII. IX. for the purpose: and beside liini stood Mat' tliitliyali, and Sliema', and 'Anayah, and Uri- yali, and Chilkiyah, and Ma'asseyah, on his right liand; and on his left, Peda^yali, and Mishael, and Malkiyah, and Chashuni, and Chashbadanah, Zechariah, (and) MeshuHam. . 5 And 'Ezra opened tlie book before the eyes of all the people; for he was (standing) higher than all the people; and as he opened it, all the people became silent." 6 And 'Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God: and all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting uj) their hands; and they bowed their heads, and prostrated themselves before the Lord with their f\ices to the ground. 7 Also Jeshua', and Bani, and Sherebyah, Jamin, 'Akkub, Shabbethai, Ilodiyah, Ma- 'asseyah, Kelita, 'Azaryah, Jozabad, Chanan, Pelayah, and the Levites, explained to the people the law: while the people reniiiined where they stood. 8 So they read in the book, in the law of God distinctly, and exhibiting the sense: so that (the people) understood what was read. 9 ^ Then said Nehemiah, that is the Tliir- shatha,'' and 'Ezra the priest the expounder, and the Levites that explained to the people, unto all the people. This day is holy unto the Lord your God: mourn not, and weep not. For all the people were weeping, when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then said he unto them, Go your way, eat fat things, and drink sweet drinks, and send portions unto him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy unto our Lord : and do not grieve yourselves; but let the jo}- of the Lord be your stronghold. 11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, Be still ! for the day is holy ; and do not grieve yourselves. 12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send out portions, and to prepare for themselves great joy ; be- cause they had understood the words which (the others) had made known luito them. 13 ^ And on the second day there gathered themselves together the chiefs of the divisions ' Rashi and Aben Ezra. Arnhoim and others, literally, "stood up." ' Grovernor; as in vii. 65, it refers to Zerubbabel. ° Abeu Ezra, "or," and so all through. Arnheim of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto 'Ezra the expounder, to obtain again intelligence of the words of the law. 14 And they found written in the law that the Lord had commanded through means of Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths during the feast in the seventh month. 15 And (they ordered) that the\' should publish and have proclamation made through- out all their cities, and through Jerusalem, saying. Go forth unto the mountain and fetch olive-leaves, and" oleaster-leaves, and myrtle-leaves, and palm-leaves, and leaves of the three-leaved myrtle, to make booths, as it is written. 16 And the people went forth, and brought them ; and they made themselves booths, every one upon his roof, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the open place by the water-gate, and in the open place by the gate of Ephraim. 17 And all the congregation that were re- turned out of the captivity made booths, and dwelt in the booths; for since the days of Jeshua' the son of Nun until that day the children of Israel had not done so. And there was very great joy. 18 And he read in the book of the law of God, day by day, from the first day until the last day. And they celebrated the feast seven days, and on the eighth day the solemn assembly, after the prescribed manner. CHAPTER IX. 1 ^ And on the twenty and fourth day of this month were the children of Israel as- sendjled with fasting, and in sackclothes, and with earth upon them. 2 And the seed of Israel separated them- selves from all children of the stranger?;; and they stood forward and made confession for their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. 3 And they stood up in their standing- place, and read in the book of the law of the Lord their God the fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they made confes- renders 'S^r with "foliage," which would then be the branches with the leaves; otherwise, vh}f means lea/, not branch. Phili'ppson, "branches." n3;r |';7 is the well- known three-leaved myrtle, not "thick trees." 933 NEHEMIAH IX. sion, and prostrated themselves before the Loud their God. 4 ^ Then stood up upon the stairs of the Levites, Jeshua', and Bani, Kadmiel, She- banyah, Bunni, Sherebjah, Bani, and Ke- nani, and they cried with a loud voice unto the Lord their God. 5 Then said the Levites, Jeshua', and Kadmiel, Bani, Chashabne^ah, Sherebyah, Hodiyah, Shebanyah, and Pethachyah, Arise ! bless ye the Lord your God from eternity to eternity. And let men bless thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. 6 Thou indeed art the Eternal One alone: it is thou that hast made the heavens, the hea- vens of heavens, with all their liost, the earth, and all that is upon her, the seas, and all that is in them, and thou givest life to them all; and the host of the heavens bow down before thee. 7 Thou art indeed the Lord the (true) God, who didst choose Abram, and bring him forth out of Ur of the Chaldeans, and change his name to Abraham ; 8 And thou didst fnid his heart faithful before thee; and thou madest with him the covenant to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Emorites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, — to give it to his seed; and thou hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous. 9 And thou didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and their cry didst thou hear by the Red Sea; 10 And thou didst display signs and won- ders on Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land; for thou knewest that they had dealt presumptuously against them; and thou didst (thus) make thyself a ntime, as it is this day. 11 And the sea didst thou divide before them, so that they })assed through tlie midst of the sea on dry land ; and their pursuers didst thou throw into the deeps, like a stone in mighty waters. 12 And by a inUnv of cloud didst thou lead them in the day, and by a pillar of fire in the night, to give light unto them on the way whereon they should go. * Aben Ezra; meaning, the Canaanites were scattered BO that they flod buforo Lsrael. Ua.shi, "and thuu gavest them their possesijiou in a corner;" explaining, that they 934 ong-sufFering, and abundant in 13 Also on mount Sinai earnest thou down, and spokest with them from heaven ; and thou gavest them upright ordinances, and truthful laws, good statutes and commandments; 14 And thy holy sabbath madest thou known unto them, and commandments, sta- tutes, and a law didst thou enjoin on them, by the hand of Moses thy servant. 15 And bread from heaven didst thou give them for their hunger, and water out of the rock broughtest thou forth for them for their thirst ; and thou didst order them to go in to take possession of the land concerning which thou hadst lifted up thy hand to give it unto them. 16 And they and our fathers acted pre- sumptuously, and hardened their neck, and hearkened not to thy commandments. 17 And they refused to obey, and remem- bered not thy marvellous deeds which thou hadst done with them; but they hardened their neck, and (spoke of) appointing a chief to return to their bondage, in their rebellion ; but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful kindness, and forsookest them not. 18 Yea, although they had made for them- selves a molten calf, and said, 'This is thy god that hath brought thee up out of Egypt,' and had practised great provocations : 19 Yet in thy abundant mercies didst thou not forsake them in the wilderness ; the pillar of cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them on the way ; nor the pillar of fire by night, to give them light on the way whereon they should go. 20 And thy good spirit thou gavest to make them intelligent, and thy manna thou withheldest not from their mouth, and water thou gavest them for their thirst. 21 And forty years didst thou provide for them in the wilderness ; they lacked nothing ; tlieir clothes did not wear out, and their feet swelled not. 22 Thou gavest them also kingdoms and nations, which thou didst divide into various corners :" and they took possession of the land of Sichon, even the land of the king of Cheshbon, and the land of 'Og the king of Bash an. (the Israelites) should not mingle with the other nations. Herxhcimor, " thou gavest tliem possessions on ali sides." NE HEM I AH IX. X. 23 Ami their chiUlren didst thou multiply like the stars of heaven, and tlien broughtest : them into the land, concerning which thou hadst ordered their lathers to enter in to take jjossession of it. 24 And the children entered in and took possession of the land ; and thou didst hum- ble before them the inhabitants of the land, the Cana'anites, and gavest them up into their hands, with their kings, and tlie na- tions of the land, tliat they might do with them according to their pleasure. 25 And they captured fortified cities, and a fiit soil; and they took possession of houses full of all good things, hewn-out wells, vine- yards, and olive-yards, and fruit trees in abun- dance ; and they ate, and were satisfied, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness. 20 Then became they disobedient, and re- belled against thee, and cast th}- law behind their back, and they slew thy prophets who had warned them to bring them back unto thee, and they practised great provocations. 27 Thereupon thou gavest them up into the hand of their adversaries, wdio oppressed them : and in the time of their distress they used to cry unto thee, and thou ever heardest them from heaven ; and according to thy abundant mercies thou wast wont to give them helpers, who helped them out of the hand of their adversaries. 28 But when (once more) they had rest, they did again evil before thee : wherefore thou didst leave them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had dominion over them ; and when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou wast wont to hear them from heaven, and thou didst ever deliver them ac- cording to thy mercies many times. 29 And thou gavest them warning to bring them back unto thy law : yet they acted pre- sumptuously, and hearkened not unto thy conmiandments, and sinned against thy or- dinances, which a man is to do, that he may live through them ; and they rendered their shoulder rebellious, and hardened their neck, and would not hear. 30 Yet thou gavest them indulgence man^- years, and didst Avarn them through thy spirit by means of thy prophets ; but they gave * By being subject to foreign control. no ear : therefore didst thou give them u[) into the hand of the nations of the lands. 31 Yet in thy abundant mercies hast thou not made an entire end of them, and thou hast not forsaken tliem ; for a gracious and merciful God art thou. 32 And now, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest the cove- nant and kindness, let not be esteemed as little before thee all the hardship that hath befallen us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until this day. 33 Nevertheless thou art righteous in all that is come over us ; tor thou hast acted (according to) truth, but we have done wick- edly. 34 Also our kings, our priests, and our fathers have not executed thy law, and have not listened unto thy connnandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst warn them. 35 But they in their kingdom, and in thy abundant goodness which thou hadst given unto them, and in the ample and fat land which thou liadst given up before them, did indeed not serve thee, and they turned not away from their wicked deeds. 36 Behold, we are this day servants: and as regardeth the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat its fruit and its good things, behold, we are servants in it;" 37 And it yieldeth its products in abun- dance for the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins ; also over our bodies have they dominion, and over our cattle (also) at their pleasure, and we are in great dis- tress. CHAPTER X.^ 1 And because of all this, we make a faith- ful covenant, and write it down ; and on the sealed document are our princes, our Levites, and our priests. 2 And with those whose seal was affixed were, Nehemiah the Tirshatha the son of Chachal3ah, and Zidkiyah. 3 (Then) Serayah, 'Azaryah, Jeremiah, 4 Pashchur, Amaryah, Malkiyah, 5 Chattush, Shebanyah, Malluch, 6 Charim, Meremoth, 'Obadiah, * The English versiou commences chap. x. at verse 2. NEHEMIAH X. 7 Daniel, Ginnethon, Banich, 8 Meshullani, Abiyah, Mijamin, 9 Ma'azyah, Bilgai, Shema'yah : these were the priests. 1(3 And the Levites : Jeshiia' the son of Azanyah, Binnui, of the sons of Clienadad, Kadmiel ; 11 And their brethren, Shebanyah, Ho- diyah, Kelita, Palayah, Chanan, 12 Micha, Kechob, Chashabyah, 10 Zaccur, Sherebyah, Shebanjali, 14 Hodiyah, Bani, Beninu. 15 The chiefs of the people : Par'osh, Pa- chath-moab, 'Elam, Zattliu, Bani, IG Bunni, 'Azgad, Bobai, 17 Adoniyah, Bigvai, 'Adin, 18 Ater, Chizkiyah, 'Azzur, 19 Hodiyah, Chashuni, Bezai, 20 Chariph, 'Anathoth, Nebai, 21 Magpi'ash, Meshullam, Chezir, 22 Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua', 23 Pelatyah, Chanan, 'Anayah, 24 Hoshea', Chananvah. Chasshub, 25 Hallochesh, Pilclia, Shobek, 26 Rechum, Chashabnah, Ma'asseyah, 27 And Achiyah, Chanan, 'Anan, 28 Malluch, Cbarim, Ba'anah. 29 And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple-servants, and all those that had sepa- rated themselves from the nations of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding, 30 Held firmly with their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk i)i the law of God, which was given through means of Moses the servant of God, and to observe and to do all the com- mandments of the Eternal One, our Lord, and his ordinances and his statutes ; 31 And that we would not give our daugh- ters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons; 32 And that if the people of tlie land should bring wares or any provisions on the sabbatii ilay to sell, we would not buy of them on tlie sabbath, or on (another) holy day; and that we would leave (the fields without i'eai)ing in) the seventh year, and (give up) every loan of hand. 33 And we established for us as one of the commandments to impose on ourselves 930 (to give) the third part of a shekel in every year for the service of the house of our God ; 34 For the shew-jjread, and for the con- tinual meat-offering, and for the continual burnt-offering, (for those of) the sabbaths, of the new-moons, for the appointed feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin-offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and (for) all the work of the house of our God. 35 And we, the priests, the Levites, and the people, cast lots concerning the procuring of the wood, to bring it into the house of our God, unto the house of our fathers," at fixed times, year by year, to burn upon the altar of the Lord our God, as it is written in the law; 36 And'' to bring the first-fruits of our ground, and the first-fruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the Lord; 37 And also the first-born of our sons, and of our (unclean) cattle, as it is written in the law, and to bring the first-born of our herds and of our flocks to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God; 38 And that we would bring the first por- tion of our dough, and our heave-offerings, and this of the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, to the priests, unto the chambers of the house of our God, and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites; and that these same Levites should be the re- ceivers of the tithes in all the cities of our land-tillage ; 39 And that the priest the son of Aaron should l3e with the Levites, when the Levites receive the tithes; and that the Levites should bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure- house. 40 For into the chambers shall the chil- dren of Israel and the children of Levi bring the heave-ofi'ering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, and there shall be the ves- sels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the gatekeepers, and the sing- ers: and that we will not forsake the house of our God. ' Rashi takes this to be another term fur the temple, which was already isaiictificd in the time of Israel's fore- fathei's. '■ This connects- witli vcr.se 33. NEIIEMIAII XT. CHAPTER XL 1 And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem : and the rest of the people cast lots, to bring one of every ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and the nine parts to (remain) in the (other) cities. 2 And the people blessed all the men, that offered themselves voluntarily to dwell at Jerusalem. 3 *[[ Now these are the chiefs of the pro- vince that dwelt in Jerusalem; but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his posses- sion in their cities, (to wit,) Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the temple-servants, and the children of Solomon's servants. 4 And at Jerusalem dwelt certain of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah: 'Atha- yah the son of 'Uzziyah, the son of Zecha- ri;di, the son of Amaryah, the son of She- l)hatyah, the son of Mahalalel, of the chil- dren of Perez ; 5 And Ma'asseyah the son of Baruch, the son of Kol-chozeh, the son of Chazayah, the son of 'Adayah, the son of Joyai'ib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Hashiloni; 6 All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem w^ere four hundred sixty and eight valiant men. 7 Tf And these are the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Jo'ed, the son of Pedayah" the son of Kolayah, the son of Ma'asseyah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jessha'yah ; 8 And next to him Gabbai, Sallai; nine hundred twenty and eight. 9 And Joel the son of Zichri was overseer over them ; and Judah the son of Hassenuah was second over the city 10 ^ Of the priests: Jedayah the son of Joyarib, Jachin; 11 Serayah the son of Chilkiyah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Merayoth, the son of Achitub, the superin- tendent of the house of God ; j 12 And their brethren who did the work of the house, eight hundred twenty and two; and 'Adayah the son of Jerocham, the son of Pelalyah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zecha- riah, the son of Pashchur, the son of Malki- yah; 13 And his brethren, chiefs of the divi- 6S ' sions, two hundred forty and two; and'Amash- sal the son of 'Azarel, the son of Achsai, the son of Mt'shilleuioth, the son of Immer; 14 And tlieir brethren, mighty men of va- lour, one hundred twenty and eight; and the overseer over them was Zabdiel, the son of Haggedolim. 15 ^ Also of the Levites: Shema'yah the son of Chasshub, the son of 'Azrikam, the son of Chashabyah, the son of Bunni ; 16 And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chiefs of the Levites, had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God; 17 And Matthaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zal)di, the son of Assaph, the principal to begin the thanksgiving at prayer; and Bakbukyali the second among his brethren and 'Alxla the son of Shammua', the .son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun. 18 All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred eighty and four. 19 And the gatekeepers, Akkulj, Talmon and their brethren that watched at the gates, w'ere one hundred seventy and two. 20 And tlie residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance. 21 But the temple-servants dwelt in the hill-fort; and Ziclia and Gislipa were over the temple-servants. 22 And the overseer of the Levites at Jerusalem was 'Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Chashabyah, the son of Matthanyah, the son of Micha, one of the sons of Assaph, the singers, over the business of the house of God. 23 For the king's command was obligatory on them; and there was a fixed rate for the singers, the requirement of every day on its day. 24 And Pethachyah the son of Meshezal> el, of the children of Zerach the son of Ju- dah, was at the king's hand in every thing concerning the people. 25 And respecting the villages with their fields, some of the children of Judah dwelt at Kiryath-arba' and in its villages, and at Di- bon and in its villages, and at Jekabzeel and in its villages, 26 And at Jeshua', and at Moladah, and at Betli-phelet, 27 And at Chazar-shu'al, and at Beer-she- ba' and in its villages, ya7 NEHEMIAH XI. XII. 28 And at Ziklag, and at Mechonah and in its villages, 29 And at 'En-rimmon, and at Zor'ah, and at Yarrauth, 30 Zanoach, 'Adullam, and in their vil- lage.s, at Lachish and its fields, at 'Azekah and in its villages. And they dwelt from Beer-sheba' as far as the valley of Hinnom. 31 And the ehi'dren of Benjamin (dwelt), beginning from Geba', at Michmash, and 'Ay- ya, and Beth-el, and in their villages, 32 'Anathoth, Nob, 'Ananyah, 33 Chazor, Ramah, Gittayim, 34 Chadid, Zebo'im, Neballat, 35 Lod, and Ono, the valley of the carjjen- ters. 36 And of th? Levites dwelt certain divi- sions in Judah, and in Benjamin. CHAPTER XII. 1 Tf And these are the priests and the Le- vites that came up with Zerubbabel the son of Sheillthiel, and Jeshua' : Serayah, Jere- miah, 'Ezra, 2 Amaryah, Malluch, Chattush, 3 Shechanyah, Rechum, Meremoth, 4 'Iddo, Ginnethoy, Abiyah, 5 Miyamin, Ma'adyah, Bilgah, 6 Sliema'yah, and Joyarilj. Jed'ayah, 7 Sallu, 'Amok, Chilkiyah, Jed'ayah. These were the chiefs of the priests and of their brethren in the days of Jeshua'. 8 ^f And the Levites: Jeshua', Binnui, Kadraiel, Sherebyah, Judah, and Mattha- niah, who was over the songs of thanksgiv- ing, he and his l^rethVen ; 9 And Bakbukyah and 'Unni, their bre- thren, were opposite to them in the watches. 10 And Jeshua'" begat Joyakim, and Joya- kim begat Elyashib, and Elyashib begat Joya- da', 11 And Joyada' begat Jonathan, and Jona- than begat Jaddua'. 12 And in the days of Joyakim were priests, as chiefs of the divisions: Of Serayah, Merayah; of Jeremiah, Chananyah; 13 Of 'Ezra, Meshullam; of Amaryah, Je- hochanan; ' Rashi remarks that all these were high-priests; there- fore it is suppo.sod that those verses 10 and 11 were added by the elders after Nclioiiiiah, unless the Darius of verse 22 was Nothus, nut ("odomauus; as there can have heeu two Jadduas high priosts. '.t.m 14 Of Melichu, Jonathan; of Shebanyah, Joseph ; 15 Of Charim, 'Adna; of Merayoth, Chel- kai; 16 Of 'Iddo, Zechariah ; of Ginnethon, Me- shullam ; 17 Of Aljiyah, Zioliri; t)f Minyamin, of Mo'adyah, Piltai; 18 Of Bilgah, Shammua'; of Shem'ayah, Jehonatlian; 19 And of Joyarib, Matthenai; of Jeda'- yah, 'Uzzi; 20 Of Sallai, Kallai; of 'Amok, 'Eber; 21 Of Chilkiyah, Chashabyah ; of Jeda'yah, Net h an el. 22 Of the Levites in the days of Elyashib, Yoyada', and Yochanan, and Jaddua'. are written down tlie chiefs of the divisions : also those of the priests to the reign of Darius the Persian. 23 ^1 The sons of Levi, the chiefs of the divisions were written down in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Jocha- nan the son of Elyashib. 24 And the chiefs of the Levites were: Chashabyah, Shei-ebyah, and Jeshua' the son of Kadraiel, with their brethren opposite to them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the command of David the man of God, section by section. 25 Matthanyah, and Bakbukyali, 'Oba- diah, Meshullam, Talmon, 'Akkub, were watching gatekeepers on the watch at the thi'esholds" of the gates. 26 These were in the days of Joyakim, the son of Jeshua', the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of 'Ezra the priest, the expounder. 27 Tl And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to brmg them to Jerusalem, to celebrate the dedication with joy," with thanksgivings, and with singing, cymbals, psalteries, and with harps. 28 And there gathered themselves toge- ther the sons of the singers, both out of the district round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophah; "' Rashi, 'iJDXD as'i3D3. Others, "at the treasury cham- bers," from nox " to gather." ° Arnheim, "and a joyful festival with thanksgiv ing," &c. The same rendering is also adopted by Phi- lippsou here and elfiewhere. NEHEMIAH XII. XIII. 29 Also from Betli-liagilgal, and out of the fields of Geba' and Azniaveth ; for the singers had built themselves villages round about Jerusalem. 30 And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and then they purified the people, and the gates, and the wall. 31 Then brought I up the princes of Judali upon the wall, and stationed two great com- panies for thanksgiving, and trains to walk on the right hand upon the wall by the dung- gate ; 32 And after them walked Ilosha'yah, and half of the princes of Judah, 33 And 'Azaryah, 'Ezra, and MeshuUam, 34 Judah, and Benjamin, and Shema'yah, and Jeremiah ; 35 And of the sons of priests' with trum- pets, Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shema'yah, the son of Matthanyah, the son of Michayah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Assapli; 36 And his brethren, Shema'yah, and ' Azar- el, Milalai, Gilalai, Ma'ai, Nethanel, and Judah, Chanani, with the musical instru- ments of David the man of God; and 'Ezra the expounder walked before them. 37 And over the fountain-gate, and straight before them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, even as far as the watei'-gate, eastward. 38 And the other company for thanksgiv- ing that walked in the opposite direction to them, — this one did I follow, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the ovens even as far as the broad wall ; 39 And above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish-gate, and the tower of Chananel, and the tower of Meah, even as far as the sheep-gate; and they halted at the prison-gate." 40 So did the two companies for thanks- giving place themselves in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me. 41 And the priests, Elyakim, Ma'asseyah, Minyamin, Michayah, Elyo'enai, Zechariah, and Chananiah, with trumpets; 42 And Ma'asseyah, and Shema'3ah, and El'azar, and 'Uzzi, and Jehochanan, and Mal- kiyah, and 'Elam, and 'Ezer. And the singers sang aloud,"" with Yisrachyah as their over- seer. 43 And they sacrificed on that day great I sacrifices, and rejoiced; for God had caused them to rejoice with great joy ; and also the women and the children rejoiced: so that the (shout of) joy of Jerusalem was heard even at a great distance off. 44 And there were appointed at that day- certain men as superintendents over the cham- bers for the treasuries, for the heave-ofi'er- ings, for the first-fruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions according to the law for the priests and the Levites; for Judah had joy on the priests and on the Levites that stood there, 45 And° kept the charge of their God, and j the charge of the j^urification, and as singers ! and gatekeepers, according to the connnand of Da\dd, (and) of Solomon his son. 46 For in the days of David and Assaph of old there were chiefs of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God. I 47 And all Israel in the days of Zerubba- i bel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the gatekeeper, what was required for every day on its day ; and they sanctified things for the Levites; and the Levites sanctified (the portion due) for the children of Aaron. CHAPTER XIII. 1 ^ On that day there was read in the book of Moses before the ears of the people; and there was found written therein, that no 'Am- ' The princes and priests were divided into two compa- nies on the wall, 'Ezra going before one, and Nehemiah following the other. Thus they marched in a row oppo- site ways, in the circuit of the wall ; the Levites playing upon instruments and singing praises to God, and the people accompanying them on each side, part of them on the wall, and part, it may be supposed, by the side of it. When they met on the opposite side of the city, they marched in a body to the temple, and offered sacrifices and thanksgivings with rejoicings. '' Lit. " caused to be heard" (themselves). ° This veKe is a continuation of verse 44, " that stood there and kept the charge." &c. " As it would appear that Nehemiah had been absent for some time in Persia, whither he had returned after a residence in Palestine of about twelve years, the transac- tion in this chapter must have taken place on the second arrival in Palestine. Perhaps "that same day" refers to the day of the year, the first of the seventh month, as above, viii. 2. 939 NEHEMIAH XIII. monite or Moilbite should come into the con- gregation of God for ever; 2 Because they had not met the children of Israel with bread and with water, but had hh'ed Bil'am against them, that he should curse them; although our God had changed the curse into a blessing. 3 And it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they sejijarated all the alien mixture from Israel. 4 And before this, Elyashib the priest, ap- pointed" over the chambers of the house of our God, and a near (of kin) unto Tobiyah, 5 Had prepared for him a large chamber, where tliey had laid in former times the meat-offerings, the frankincense, and the ves- sels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was ordained for the Le- vites, and the singers, and the gatekeepers, and the heave-offering of the priests. 6 But during all this I was not at Jerusa- lem ; for in the two and thirtieth year of Ar- taxerxes the king of Babylon I went back unto the king, and after the lapse of some time I obtained jjy request (leave) of the king;" 7 And I came to Jerusalem, and perceived the evil that Elyashib had done tor Tobiyah, in preparing for him a chaml)er in the courts of the house of God. 8 And it displeased me greirtly: wherefore I cast forth all the household vessels of Tobi- yah away out of the chamber. 9 And I gave the order, whereupon tliey cleansed the chambers ; and I had bi-ought thither again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat^oftering and the frankincense. 10 And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given (them) : so tliat the Levites and the singers, that used to do tlie work, were fled every one to his field. 11 Then contended I with tlie rulers, and said, Why hath the house of God become for- saken? And I gathered them together, and placed them on their posts. 12 And all Jiulah Ijrouglit the trtlie of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries. 13 And I appointed receivers over the treasuries, Shelemyah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and Pedayah of the Levites; and with them acted" Chanan the son of Zaccui', I the son of Matthanyah; for they were ac- J counted as faithful, and it was their duty to make a distribution among their brethren. i 14 Tl Remember me, my God, concern- ing this, and wipe not out my pious deeds which I have done for tlie house of my God, ii and for those that had charge of it. 15 In those da3s I saw in Judah some treading wine-presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading Ijurdens on asses, as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they Ijrought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day; and I warned them on the day whereon they sold provi- sions.'* 16 Also the men of Tyre (that) dwelt therein Ijrought fish and all Ivinds of wares, and sold (them) on the sabbath unto the children of Judah and in Jerusalem. 17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them. What evil thing is this which ye are doing, and profaning (thereby) the sabbath day? 18 Did not your fathers act thus, where- fore our God brought over us all this evil, and over this city? and ye bring yet more wrath over Israel by profaning the sabbath. 19 And it came to pass, that, when the i shadows were lengthened' in the gates of Jerusalem before the sabbath, I gave the order, whereupon the gates ^^ere locked, and I ordered that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my young men did I place at the gates, that there j should be brought in no burden on the sab- I bath-day. 20 But the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares lodged outside of Jerusalem once or twice. 21 Thereupon did I warn them, and said unto them, Why do ye lodge along the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hanils on you. From that time forth they came no more on the sabbath. 22 ^ And I ordered the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they Arnheimand Philipp.son, "residing in " [ler.xlunincr a ciianiljer," &c '' Zuiii!,placesthijfsecondjourneyofNeheniiahin3564, eight years after his return. 940 " ]jit "And by their liaiid." '' Arnheim, "and I examined witnesses concerning- the day," &c I'hilippson, " I forbade on that day the sale," &c. • "Just by .sundown " 1 CHRONICLES T. should come and keep watch at the gates, to sanctify the sabljath-chiy. Also this remem- ber unto me, my (iod, and shield nie ac- cording to the abundance ot" thy kindness. 23 In those days also I saw certain Jews that had bi-ought home wives of Ashdod, of Amnion, and of Moilb: 24 And their children spoke partly- in the speech of Ashdod, and did not understand to speak in the Jewish language, but according to the language of one or the other people. 25 And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked out their hair, and made them swear by God, saying. Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters for your sons, nor for yourselves. 26 Did not Solomon the kingof Israel sin bv these things? and although among the many nations there was never a king like him, and j beloved as he was by his (Jod, and (iod had placed him as king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did the alien women mislead to sin. 27 Shall we then hear it said of you, that ye do all this great evil, to trespass against our Clod in Ijringiiig home alien wives? 28 And one of the sons of Joyada', the son of El^ashib the high priest, was son-in- law to Sanl)allat the Choronite: wherefore I chased him away from me. 29 Remember (this) unto them, O my God, because of the defilements of the i)riestliood, and of the covenant of the priesthootl, and of the Levites. 30 Thus cleansed I them from all aliens, and I appointed the watches of the priests and the Levites, every one in his work; 31 And for the procuring of the wood, at fixed times, and for the first-fruits. Remem- ber this unto me, my God, for good. THE FIRST BOOK OF CHRONICLES, 'X D'tD'H '-\21 1DD- CHAPTER L 1 ^ Adam. Sheth, Enosh, 2 Kenan, Mehalalel, Jered, 3 Enoch, Methushelah, Lemech. 4 Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 5 The sons of Japheth: Gomer, and Ma- gog, and Madai, and Javan, and Thubal, and keshech, and Thirass. 6 And the sons of Gomer : Ashkenas, and Diphatli, and Thogarmah. 7 And the sons of Javan : Elishah, and Tharshishah, Kittim, and Rodanim. 8 The sons of Ham : Cnsh, and Misrayim, Put, and Canaan. 9 And the sons of Cush : Seba, and Chavi- lah, and Sabta, and Ra'mah, and Salitecha. And the sons of Ra'mah : Sheba, and De- dan. 10 And Cush begat Nimrod: this one be- gan to be a mighty man upon the earth. 11 And Mizrayim begat the Ludim, and the 'Anamim, and the Lehabim, and the Naphtuchim. 12 And the Pathrussim. and the Casslu- chim, of whom came the Philistines, and the Caphthorim. 13 T[ And Canaan begat Zidon, his first- born, and Heth, 14 And the Jebusite, and the Emorite. and the Girgashite, 15 And the Hivite, and the Arkitc, and the Sinite, 16 And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Chamathite. 17 Tl The sons of Shem: 'Elam. and As- shur, and Arpachshad, and Lud, and Aram, and 'Uz, and Chul, and Gether, and Meshech. 18 ^ And Arpachshad begat Shelach, and Shelach begat 'Eber. 19 And unto 'Eber were born two- sons: the name of the one was Peleg; because in his days the earth was divided; and his bro- ther's name was Joktau, 941 1 CHRONICLES I. II. 20 And Joktan begat Almodad, and She- leph, and Chazarinaveth, and Jerach, 21 And Hadoram, and Uzal, and Diklah, 22 And 'Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba, 23 And Ophir, and Chavilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan. 24 ^ Shem, Arpachshad, Shelach, 25 'Eber, Peleg, Re'u, 26 Serug, Nachor, Terach, 27 Abram, the same is Abraham. 28 ^1 The sons of Abraham: Isaac, and Ishma'el. 29 ^ These are their generations: The first-born of Ishma'el, Nebayoth, then Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam, 30 Mishma', and Dumah, Massa, Chadad, and Thema, 31 Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael. 32 ^ And the sons of Keturah, the con- cubine of Abraham: she bore Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Yish- bak, and Shuach. And the sons Jokshan : Sheba, and Dedan. 33 And the sons of Midian : 'Ephah. and 'Epher, and Chanoch, and Abida', and Elda"- ah. All these are the sons of Keturah. 34 ^ And Abraham begat Isaac. The sons of Isaac: Esau and Israel. 35 T[ The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Re'uel, and Ye'ush, and Ya'lam, and Korach. 36 The sons of Eliphaz: Thenian. and Omar, Zephi, and Ga'tam, Kenas, and Thim- naV ;xnd 'Amalek. 37 Tl The sons of Re'uel: Nachath, Ze- rach, Shammah, and Mizzah. 38 And the sons of Se'ir: Lotan, and Sho- bal, and Zib'on, and 'Anah, and Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan. 39 T[ And the sons of Lotan : Chori, and Homam : and the sister of Lotan : Thimna'. 40 T[ The sous of Shobal: 'Alyan, and Manachath, and 'Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. And the sons of Zib'on : 'Ayah, and 'Anah. 41 ^ The sons of 'Anah: Dishon. And the sons of Dishon: Chamran, and Eshban, and Yithran, and Cheran. 42 1[ The sons of Ezer: Bilhan, and Za- 'avan, and Ja'akan. The sons of Dishan: 'Uz, ahd Aran. * In Gen. xxxviii., Thimna' is the concubine, not tlie son of Eliphaz. 94a 43 Tl And these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom before there reigned any king over the children of Israel : Bela' the son of Be'or; and the name of his city was Dinhabah. 44 And Bela' died, and there reigned in his stead Jobab the son of Zerach of Bozrali. 45 And Jobab died, and there reigned in his stead Chusham of the land of Theman. 46 And Chusham died, and there reigned in his stead Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab; and the name of his city was 'Avith. 47 And Hadad died, and there reigned in his stead Samlah of Massrekah. 48 And Samlah died, and there reigned in his stead Saiil of Rechoboth by the river. 49 And Saiil died, and there reigned in his stead Ba'al-chanan the son of 'Aclibor. 50 And Ba'al-chanan died, and there reign- ed in his stead Hadad ; and the name of his city was Pa'i; and the name of his wife was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab. 51 Hadad died also. And the dukes of Edom were: Duke Thimna', duke 'Alvah, duke Jetheth, 52 Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon, 53 Duke Kenas, duke Theman, duke Mib- zar, 54 Duke Magdiel. duke "Iram. These are the dukes of Edom. CHAPTER II. 1 TJ These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Ze- bulun, 2 Dan. Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. 3 ][ The sons of Judah : 'Er, and Onan, and Shelah, the three (who) were bom unto him of the daughter of Shua' the Canaanitess. And 'Er, the first-born of Judah, was evil in the eyes of the Lord : and he slew him. 4 And Thamar his daughter-in-law Ijore unto him Perez and Zerach. All the sons of Judah were five. 5 The sons of Perez : Chezron and Chamul. 6 T[ And the sons of Zerach : Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara'; all of them five. 7 And the sons of Carmi : 'Achar the 1 CHRONICLES II. tronbler of Israel, who trespassed against the 'lovoted things. 8 And the sons of Ethan : 'Azaryah. 9 And the sons of Chezron, that were born unto liini : Jerachraeel, and Ram, and Ke- Uibai. 10 And Ram begat 'Amminadab, and 'Amminadab begat Machshon, the prince of the cliildren of Judah; 1 1 And Nachslion begat Sahiia, and Sahna begat Bo'az, 12 And Bo'az begat 'Obed, and 'Obed be- gat Jesse, 13 And Isliai begat his first-born EHab, and Abinadab the second, and Shim'a the third, 14 Nathanel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, 15 Ozem the sixth. David the seventh; 16 And their sisters were Zeruyah, and AbigayiL And the sons of Zeruyah : Ab- shai, and Joiib. and 'Assahel. three. 17 And Abigayil bore 'Amassa: and the father of 'Amassa was Jether the Ishme'elite. 18 ^ And Caleb the son of Chezron begat (children) of 'Azubah his wife, and of Jeri'- oth; and these are her sons: Jesher, and Shobab, and Ardon. 1 9 And 'Azubah died, when Caleb took unto himself Ephrath, who bore unto him Chur. 20 And Chur begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezalel. 21 And afterward came Chezron to the daughter of Machir the father of Gii'ad, and he took her (for wife) when he was sixty years old; and she bore unto him Segub. 22 And Segub begat Ja'ir, who had three and twenty cities in the land of Gii'ad. 23 But Geshur and Aram took the small towns of Ja'ir from them, witli Kenath, and the villages thereof, even sixty cities. All these (belonged to) the sons of Machir the father of Gii'ad. 24 And after Chezron was dead in Caleb- ephratah, then bore Chezron's wife Abiyah unto him Ashchur the father of Thekoa'. 25 And the sons of Jerachmeel the first- born of Chezron were, Ram the first-born, and Bunah, and Oren, and Ozem, and Achi- yah. 26 Yerachmeel had also another wife, whose name was 'Atarali : she was the mother of Onam. 27 And the sons of Ram the lirst-lxirn of Jerachmeel were, Ma'az, and Janiin, and :Eker. 28 And the sons of Onam were, Shammai, and Jada'. And the sons of Shammai : Na- dab, and Abishur. 29 And the name of the wife of Abisiiui- was Abichayil, and she bore unto him Acliljan. and Molid. 30 And the sons of Nadab: Seled, and Ap- payim; and Seled died without children. 31 And the sons of Appayim : Yish'i. And the sons of Yish'i: Sheshan. And the sons of Sheshan : Achlai." 32 And the sons of Jada the brother of Shammai : Jether, and Jonathan ; and Jether died without children. 33 And the sons of Jonathan •. Peleth, and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerachmeel. 34 Now Sheshan had no sons, but daugh'- ters. And Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, whose luime was Jarcha'. 35 And Sheshan gave his daughter unto Jarcha' his servant for wife: and she bore unto him 'Attai. 36 And 'Attai begat Nathan, and Nathan begat Zabad, 37 And Zabad begat Ephlal, and Ephlal begat 'Obed, 38 And 'Obed begat Jehu, and Jeliu Ijegat 'Azaryah, 39 And 'Azaryah begat Chelez, and Che- lez begat El'assah, 40 And El'assah begat Sissmai, and Siss- mai begat Shallum, 41 And Shallum begat Jekamyah, and Je- kamyah begat Elishama'. 42 Now the sons of Caleb the brother of Jerachmeel were, Mesha', his first-born, who was the iather of Ziph, and of the sons of Mareshah the father of Hebron. 43 And the sons of Hebron: Korach, and Thappuach, and Rekem, and Shema'. 44 And Shema' begat Racham, the father of Jorke'am; and Rekem begat Shammai. 45 And the son of Shammai was Ma'on; and Ma'on was the father of Beth-zur. 46 And 'Ephah, Caleb's concubine, bore Charan, and Moza, and Gazez; and Charan begat Gazez. 47 And the sons of Jahdai: Regem. and ' Rashi renders, " the sons of Shesban were sicklj^ (and died childless), 94S 1 CHRONICLES II. III. IV. Jotham, and Gesliam, and Pelet, and 'Ephah, and Siia'aph. 48 Ma'achah, Caleb's concubine, bore She-" ber, and Tirchanab. 49 She bore also Sha'apb the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father of Machbena, and the father of Gib'a: and the daughter of Caleb was 'Achsah. 50 These were the sons of CalelK Ben- chur, the first-born of Ephratah, Sliobal the father of Kiryath-ye'arim, 51 Salma the father of Beth-lechem, Cha- reph the father of Beth-gader. 52 And Shobal the father of Kir'yath-ye'a- rim had sons : Ilaroeh, and Chazi-hammenu- choth." 53 And the families of Kir'yath-ye'arim are the Yithrites, and the Puthites, and the Shu- mathites, and the Mishra'ites : from these came the Zor'athites, and the Eshthaiilites. 54 The sons of Salma : Beth-lechem, and the Netophathites, 'Ataroth'' of the house of Joab, and Chazi-hammanachthi, the Zoi-'ite. 55 And the families of the scribes" who dwelt at Jabez : the Thirathites, the Shim'a- thites, and Suchathites. These are the Ke- nites that came from Chammath, the father of the house of Rechab. CHAPTER TIL 1 ^ And these were the sons of David, who were born unto him in Hebron : The first- born, Amnon, of Achino'ara the Jizre'elitess; the second, Daniel, of Abigayil the Carmel- itess ; 2 The third, Alxshalom the son of Ma'achah the daughter of Thalmal the king of Geshur ; the fourth, Adoniyah the son of Chaggith; ?> The fifth, Shephatyah of Abltal ; the sixth. Yithre'am of 'Eglah his wife. 4 Six were Ijorn unto him in Hebron : and he reigned there seven years and six months; and thirty and three years he reigned in Jerusalem. 5 ^[ And theaa were born unto him in Jerusalem : Shim'a, aud Sliobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua' the daugh- ter of 'Ammiel ; 6 And Yibchar, and Elishama', and Eli- phelet, * Rashi, "the ruler over half the province of Menu- choth." •> Philipp.s(iii, "'Atrolh, Beth-joab." ° Others, So^ihcrim, uh a pnijicr imuu. 944 7 And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia', 8 And Elishama', and Elyada,' and Eli- phelet, nine. 9 (These were) all the sons of David, be- side the sons of the concubines, and Thamar their sister. 10 Tl And Solomon's son was Rehobo'am, Abiyah his son, Assa his son, Jehoshaphat his son, 11 Joram his son, Achazyahu his son, JoJish his son, 12 Amazyahu his son, 'Azaryah his son, Jotham his son, 13 Achaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Me- nasseh his son, 14 Anion his son, Josiah his son. 15 And the sons of Josiah were, the first- born Jochanan, the second Jehoyakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum. 16 And the sons of Jehoyakim : Jechon- yah his son, Zedekiah his son. 17 And the sons of Jechonyah : Assir. Shealthiel his son, 18 And Malkiram, and Pedayah, and Shen azzar, .Jekamyah, Hoshama', and Nedabyah. 19 And the sons of Pedayah* were, Zerub- babel, and Shim'i : and the sons of Zerub- babel were, Meshullam, and Chananyah, and Shelomith their sister ; 20 And Chashubah, and Ohel, and Berech- yah, and Chassad3^ah, Jushab-chessed, five. 21 And the sons of Chananyah : Pelatyah, and Jesha'yah ; the sons of Rephayah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of 'Obadiah, the sons of Shechanyah. 22 And the sons of Shechanyah : She- ma'yah ; and the sons of Shema'yah were, Chattush. and Yigal, and Bariach, and Ne'ar- yab, and Shaphat, six. 23 And the sons of Ne'aryah : Elyo'enai, and Hezekiah, and 'Azrikam, three. 24 And the sons of Elyo'enai were, Ho- davyahu, and Elyashib, and Pelayah, and 'Akkub, and Jochanan, and Delayah, and 'Anani, seven. CHAPTER IV. 1 Tl The sons of Judah: Perez, Chezron, and Carmi, and Chur, and Shobal. 2 And Reayah the son of Shobal begat * Eedak suggests that Pedayah may have been the son of Shoiilthiel, wherefore Zei'ubbabel is called elsewhere the son of Shealthiel. 1 CHRONICLES IV. Jachath ; and Jacliath begat Acluiiuai, and Laliad. These are the families of the Zor'ath- ites. 3 Tf Aiid these were (those of) the father of 'Etain, Jizre'el, and Yishnia, and Yidbash : and the name of their sister was Hazzelel})oni. 4 And Penuel the father of Gedor, and 'Ezer the father of Chushah. These are the sons of Cliur. the first-born of Ephratali, the father of Beth-lechem. 5 And Ashchur the father of Thekoa had two wives, Chehili and Na'arah. 6 And Na'arah bore him Achuzzam, and Chepher, and Themeni, and Halichashthari. These were the sons of Na'arah. 7 And the sons of Chehih were, Zereth, and Zochar, and Ethnan. 8 And Koz begat 'Anub and Hazzobebah, and the families of Acharchel the son ol' Ha- ruiu. 9 And Ja'bez was more honoural)le than his brothers; and his mother called his name Ja'bez, saying, Because I bore him in pain. 10 And Ja'bez called on the God of Israel, saying. Oh that thou wouldst bless me in- deed, and enlarge my boundary, and that thy hand might be with me, and that thou wouldst act for me against the evil, that it may not give me pain ! And God granted him what lie had asked for. 11 And Kelub the brother of Shuchah be- gat Mechir, who was the father of Eshthon. 12 And Eshthon begat Beth-rapha, and Passeiich, and Techinnah the father of 'Ir- nachash. These are the men of Rechah. 13 And the sons of Kenas : 'Othniel and Serayah. And the sons of 'Othniel : Cha- thath. 14 And Me'onothai begat 'Ophrah : and Serayah begat Joiib, the father" of tlie valley of the carpenters ; for they were carpenters. 15 And the sons of Caleb the son of Je- phunneh : 'Iru, Elah, and Na'am. And the sons of Elah : Ukenas. IG And the sons of Jehalelel : Ziph, and Ziphah, Thireya, and Assarel. 17 And the sons of 'Ezi'ah : Jether, and Mered, and 'Epher, and Jalon. And she ' The word "father" here used, as also frequently in these genealogies, means ancestor nf the people of the place lueutioued. T conceived (and bore)'' Miriam, and Shammal, and Yishbach the father of Eshtheinoa. 18 And his wife the Jewess bore Jered the father of Gedor, and Cheber the father of Socho, and Jekuthiel the father of ZanoUch. And these are the sons of Bithyah the daugh- ter of Pharaoh, whom Mered had ttiken (for wife) . 19 And the sons of the wife of Hodiyah the sister of Nacham: The lather of Kei'lah the Garmite, and Eshthemoa the Ma'achath- ite. 20 And the sons of Shimon : Annion, and Rinnah, Ben-chanan, and Thilon. And the sons of Yish'i were, Zocheth, and Ben-zoclietli. 21 The sons of Shelah the son of Judali: 'Er the father of Lechah, and La'dah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of those that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbeti', 22 And Jokim, and the men of Coze1)a, and Joilsh, and Saraph, who had dominion in Motib, and Jashulai-lechem. And these are ancient things. 23 There were the potters, and those that dwelt in plantations and sheepfolds : for the king's sake to do his work they dwelt there. 24 ^ The sons of Simeon : Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerach, and Saiil. 25 Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mish- ma' his son. 26 And the sons of Mishma' : Hamuel his son, Zaccur his son, Shim'i his son. 27 And Shim'i had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brethren had not many children, nor did all their famih' multiply, equal to the children of Judah. 28 And thej' dwelt at Beer-sheba', and Moladah, and Chazar-shu'al, 29 And at Bilhah, and at 'Ezem, and at Tholad, 30 And at Bethuel, and at Chormali, and at Ziklag, 31 And at Beth-marcaboth, and Chazar- sussim, and at Beth-biri, and at Sha'arayim. These were their cities until the reign of David. 32 And their villages were 'Etam, and 'Ayin, Rimmon, and Tochen, and 'Ashan, five cities ; '' It is probable that the latter part of verse 18 should be transposed before this passage, so that "she" spoken of here is Billi\ah. 945 1 CHRONICLES IV. V. 33 And all their villages that were round about these same cities, as far as Ba'al. These were their dwelling-places, and after them are thej recorded." 34 And Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Jo- shah the son of Amazyah, 35 And Joel, and Jehu the son of Joshib- yah, the son of Serayah, the son of 'Assiel, 36 And Elyo'enai and Ja'akobah, and Je- shochayah, and 'Assayah, and 'Adiel, and Jessimiel, and Benayah, 37 And Ziza the son of Shiph'i, the son of Allon, the son of Jedayah, the son of Shiniri, the son of Shema'yah : 38 These mentioned hy their names were princes in their families; and their family divisions spread themselves out greatly. 39 And they went to the entrance of Ge- dor, as far as the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks. 40 And they found a fat and good pas- ture, and the land was roomy, and quiet, and peaceable ; for descendants of Ham dwelt there before that time. 41 And then came these written down by- name in the days of Hezekiah the king of Judah, and smote their tents, and the ha- bitations^ that were found there, and de- stroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their stead; because there was pas- ture there for their flocks. 42 And some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to mount Se'ir having at their head Pelatyah, and Ne'aryah, and Rephayah, and 'Uzziel, the sons of Yish'i. 43 And they smote the rest of the 'Amalek- ites'' that were escaped, and dwelt there unto this day. CHAPTER V. 1 ^ And the sons of Reuben the first-born of Israel — for he was the first-born; but, when he defiled his father's l)ed, was his biithright given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel : so that the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the first-birth. 2 For Judah became the mightiest of his brothers, and the prince descended from • Znnz. '' Others, iiiit "the iiiliiibitaiits," but "Me'unim," tbc people of Ma'on. 946 him: while the first^birthright belonged to Joseph. — 3 ^ The sons of Reuben the first-born of Israel were, Chanoch, and Pallu, Chezron, and Carmi. 4 The sons of Joel : Shema'yah his son, Gog his son, Shim'i his son, 5 Michah his son, Reayah his son, Ba'al his son, 6 Beerah his son, whom Tilgath-pilneesser the king of Assyria carried into exile : he was the prince of the Reiibenites. 7 And his brethren by their families, ac- cording to their genealogy after their genera- tions, were, the chief, Je'iel, and Zecharyahu, 8 And Bela' the son of 'Azaz, the son of Shema', the son of Joel, who dwelt in 'Aro'er, and as far as Nebo and Ba'al-me'on; 9 And to the eastward he dwelt as fiir as the entrance of the wilderness from the river Euphrates;* because their cattle were nume- rous in the land of Gil'ad. 10 And in the days of Saiil they made war with the Hagarenes, who fell by their hand; and they dwelt in their tents in the whole front of the land to the east of Gil'ad. 11 T[ And the children of Gad dwelt along- side of them, in the land of Bashan as far as Salchah. 12 Joel the chief, and Shapham the next, and Ja'nai, and Shaphat in Bashan. 13 And their brethren according to their family divisions were, Michael, and Meshul- 1am, and Sheba', and Jorai, and Ya'kan, and Zia', and "Eber, seven. 14 ^ These are the children of Abichayil the son of Churi, the son of Jaroiich, the son of Gil'ad, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshi- shai, the son of Jachdo, the son of Buz : 15 Achi the son of Abdiel, the son of Guni, the chief of their family division. 16 And they dwelt in Gil'ad, in Bashan, and in its minor towns, and in all the open districts of Sliaron, as far as their terminations. 17 All these were recorded by their gene- alogies in the days of Jotham the king of Judah, and in the days of Jerobo'am the king of Israel. 18 ^ The sons of Reuben, and the Gad- ° t. e. From the defeat which they suflFered at the hriiuls of Saiil, the first king of Israel. '' i. c. The desert which commences there. 1 CHRONICLES V. VI. ites, and the half tribe of Menasseh, of valiant men, men able to beai- shield and sword, and to draw the bow, and practised in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and sixty, that went out to the ai-mj'. 19 And they made war with the Haga- renes, and Jetur, and Naphish, and Nodab. 20 And they obtained help against them, and the Hagarenes were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them; for to God the}- cried in the battle, and he was en- treated lay them; because they put their trust in him. 21 And they led away captive their cat- tle: of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of human Ijeings one hundred thousand. 22 For there fell down many slain ; because the war was of God. And they dwelt in their stead until the exile. 23 ^ And the children of the half tribe of Menasseh dwelt in the land: from Bashan unto Ba'al-chermon and Senir and mount Chermon were they numerous. 24 And these were the heads of their family divisions: namely, 'Epher, and Yish'i, and Eliel, and 'Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodavyah, and Jachdiel, mighty men of va- lour, famous men, (and) heads of their family- divisions. 25 ^ But they trespassed against the God of their fathers, and went astray after the gods of the people of the land, whom God had destroyed from before them. 26 And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul the king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgath-pilnesser the king of Assyria, and he carried them into exile, even the Relibenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Menasseh, and brought them unto Chalach, and Chabor. and Hara. and to the river Gozan, even until this day. 27' Tf The sons of Levi : Gershon, Kehat-h, and Merari. 28 ^[ And the sons of Kehath : 'Amrara, Yizhar, and Chebron, and 'Uzziel. 29 ^ And the children of 'Amram : Aa- ron, and Moses, and Miriam. And the sons of Aaron: Nadab, and Abihu, El'azar, and Ithamar. ' The English version conHneuce.< here ohapttr vi. 30 El'azar begat Phineluus. Phinehas l)egat Abishua', 31 And Abishua' begat Bukki, and Uiikki begat 'Uzzi, 32 And 'Uzzi begat Zerachyali. and Zcracli- yah begat Merayoth, 33 Merayoth begat Amaryah. anil Aiiiar- yah begat Achitub, 34 And Achitub begat Zadnk. and Zadok begat Achima'az, 35 And Achima'az begat 'Azaryah, and 'Azar^ah begat Jochanan, 36 And Jochanan begat 'Azaryah, he it is that officiated as priest in the house that Solomon had built in Jerusalem ; 37 And 'Azaryah begat Aiuaiyah, and Amaryah begat Achitub, 38 And Achitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Shallum, 39 And Shallum begat Chilkiyah, and Chilkiyah begat 'Azaryah, 40 And 'Azaryah begat Serayah, and Se- rayah begat Jehozadak, 41 And Jehozadak went away, wlien the Lord carried Judah and Jerusalem into exile through the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. CHAPTER VI. 1 T[ The sons of Levi : Gershom, Kehath, and Merari. 2 And these ai-e the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni, and Shim'i. 3 And the sons of Kehath were. 'Auiram, and Yizhar, and Chebron, and 'Uzziel. 4 The sons of Merari: Machli, and Muslii. And these are the families of the Levites ac- cording to their fathers. 5 Of Gershom : Liljni his son, Jachath his son, Zimmah his son, 6 Yoiich his son, 'Iddo his son, Zerach his son, Yeiitherai his son. 7 The sons of Kehath: 'Amminadab his son, Koracli his son. Assir his son, 8 Elkanah his son, and Ebyassaph his son, and Assir his son, 9 Tachath his son, Uriel his son, 'Uzziyah his son, and Saiil his son. 10 And the sons of Elkanah: 'Amassai, and Achimoth, 11 (And) Elkanah. The sons of Elkanah : Zophai his son, and Nachath his son. 12 Eliiib his son, Jerocham his son. Elka- „ nab his son. '■HI 1 CHRONICLES VI. 13 And the sons of Samuel : the first-born Vashni, and Abiyah. 14 The sons of Merari : Machli, Libni his son, Sliim'i liis son, 'Uzzali his son, 15 Shini'a his son, Chaggiyah his son, 'As- sayah his son. 16 ^ And these are those whom David appointed for the purpose of conducting the singing in the house of the Lord, after the ark had a resting-place. 17 And they ministered before the taber- nacle of the tent of the congregation with singing, until Solomon built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem ; and they acted" accord- ing to their prescribed manner in their ser- vice. 18 And these are those that so acted with their sons. Of the sons of the Kehathites : Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel, 19 The son of Elkanah, the son of Je- rocham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toach, 20 The son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Machath, the son of 'Amassai, 21 The son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of 'Azaryah, the son of Zephanyah, 22 The son of Tachath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebyassaph, the son of Korach, 23 The son of Yizhar, the son of Kehath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel. 24 ^ And his relative Assaph was he, who stood on his right hand, (even) Assaph the son of Berachyah, the son of Shim'a, 2-3 Tlie son of Michael, the son of Ba'as- seyah, the son of Malkiyah, 26 The son of Ethni, the son of Zerach, the son of 'Adayah, 27 The son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shim'i, 28 The son of Jachath, the son of Ger- shom, the son of Levi. 29 ^ And their brethren the sons of Me- rari (stood) on the left hand : Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of 'Abdi, the son of Mallucli, 30 The son of Chashabyah, the son of Amazyah, the son of Chilkiyah, 31 The son of Anizi, the son of Bani, the son of Shamer, 32 The son of Machli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi. 33 And their brethren the Levites were liit. "stouil." y48 superadded for all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God. 34 But Aaron and his sons oflfered upon the altar of the burnt-offering, and upon the altar of incense, (and were) for all the work of the most holy place, and to make an atone- ment for Israel, in accordance with all that Moses the servant of God had commanded. 35 T[ And these are the sons of Aaron : El'azar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua' his son, 36 Bukki his son, 'Uzzi his son, Zerachyah his son, 37 Merayoth his son, Amaryah his son, Achitub his son, 38 Zadok his son, Achima'az his son. 39 ^ And these are their dwelling-places with their castles'' in their boundaries : unto the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Ke- hathites ; for theirs was the (first) lot, — 40 And they gave unto them Hebron in the land of Judah, with its open spaces round about it. 41 But the fields of the city, and its vil- lages, they gave to Caleb the son Jephunneh. 42 11 And to the sons of Aaron they gave (of) the cities of refuge Hebron, and Libnah with its open spaces, and Jattir, and Eshthe- moa', with its open spaces, 43 And Chilen with its open spaces, Debir with its open spaces, 44 And 'Ashan with its open spaces, and Beth-shemesh with its open spaces. 45 11 And from the tribe of Benjamin, Geba' v/ith its open spaces, and 'Alemeth with its open spaces, and 'Anathoth with its open spaces. And all their cities were thir- teen cities after their families. 46 H And unto the sons of Kehath that were left of the family of tliat tribe, (were given) from the half tribe, the half tribe of Menasseh, by lot, ten cities. 47 U And to the sons of Gershom after their families, from the tribe of Issachar, and from the tribe of Asher, and from the tribe of Naphtali, and from the tribe of Menasseh in Bashan, (were given) thirteen cities. 48 H Unto the sons of Merari after their families, from the tribe of Eeiiben, and from the tribe of Gad, and from the tribe of Zebu- lun, (were given) by lot, twelve cities. ' '/tunz, " llirii>lu iJ'CmIiIj;."' I l(rs,lii ' ti'iit-villages. 1 CHRONICLES Vll. 49 And the children of Israel gave to the Levites these cities with their open spaces. 50 And they gave by lot from the tribe of the children of Judah, and from the tribe of the children of Simeon, and from tlie tribe of the children of Benjamin these cities, which they called by names. 51 ^[ And some of the families of the sons of Kehath had the cities of their territory from the tribe of Ephraim. 52 And they gave unto them, (of) the cities of refuge Sechem with its open spaces in the nrountain of Eiihraim, and Gezer with its open spaces, 53 And Jokme'am witli its open spaces, and Betli-chorou with its open spaces, 54 And Ayalon with its open spaces, and Gath-rimmon with its open spaces. 55 And from the half tribe of Menasseh : 'Aner with its open spaces, and Bil'am with its open spaces, for the family of the remain- ing portion of the sons of Kehath. 56 ]f Unto the sons of Gershom (were given) from the family of the half tribe of Menasseh, Golan in Bashan with its open spaces, and 'Ashtaroth with its open spaces. 57 Tf And from the tribe of Issachar : Ke- desh with its open spaces, Dobratli with its open spaces, 58 And Ramoth with its open spaces, and 'Anera with its open spaces. 59 ^ And from the tribe of Aslier : Mashal with its open spaces, and 'Abdon with its open spaces, 60 And Cliukok with its open spaces, and Rechob with its open spaces. 61 ][ And from the tribe of Naphtali : Ke- desh in Galilee with . its open spaces, and Chammon with its open spaces, and Kir- yathayim with its open spaces. 62 *i\ Unto the remaining portion of the children of Merari (were given) from the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmono with its open spaces, Tabor with its open spaces. 63 And on the other side the Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan, from the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with its open spaces, and Jahzah with its open spaces, 64 And Kedemoth with its open spaces, and Mepha'ath with its open spaces. 65 Tl And from the tribe of Gad : Ramoth in Gila'd with its open spaces, and MiU'liiu nayim with its open spaces, 06 And Cheshbon with its open spaces, and Ja'azer with its open spaces. CHAPTER VII. 1 ]| And the sons of Issachar were, Tola', and Puah, Yashub, and Shimron, tour. 2 And the sons of Tola' : 'Uzzi, and Re- phayah, and Jeriel, and Jachmai, and Yibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their family divisions, of Tola', being valiant men of might, after their descent. Their number in the days of David was two and twenty thousand and six hundred. 3 ^ And the sons of 'Uzzi: Yizrachyah. And the sons of Yizrachyah : Michael, and 'Obadiah, and Joel, Y^ishiyah, five, chief men all of them. 4 And with them according to their de- scent, after their family divisions, were bands of the army for war, six and thirty thousand men ; for they had many wives and sons. 5 And their bret.hren of all the families of Issachar were valiant men of might, eighty and seven thousand reckoned by their gene- alogies in all. 6 ^ Of Benjamin : Bela', and Becher, and Jedi'ael, three. 7 And the sons of Bela' : Ezbon, and 'Uzzi, and 'Uzziel, and Jerimoth, and 'Iri, five, heads of t\imily divisions, being mighty men of va^ lour; and they were reckoned by their gene- alogies twenty and two thousand and thirty and four. 8 ^ And the sons of Beclier : Zeniirali, and Jo'ash, and Eli'ezer, and Elyo'enai, and 'Omri, and Jeremoth, and Abiyah, and 'Anathoth, and 'Alemeth. All these are the sons of Becher. 9 And reckoned by their genealogy after their descent, heads of their family divisions, mighty men of valour, there were twenty thousand and two hundred. 10 ^1 And the sons of Jedi'ael : Bilhan. And the sons of Bilhan : Je'ush, and Benja- min, and Ehud, and Kenaanah, and Zetliau, and Tharshish, and Achishachar. 11 All these the sons of Jedi'ael, by the heads of their divisions, being mighty men of valour, were seventeen thousand and two hundred, fit to go out to the army lor war. 949 1 CHRONICLES VII. VIII. 12 And Sluippim, and Chuppiin, the chil- dren of 'Ir, and Chushim, the sons of Acher.* 13 ^ The sons of Naphtali: Jachziel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shallum, the sons of Bilhah. 14 ^ The sons of Menasseh: Assriel, whom (his wife)'' bore; his concubine the Aramitess bore Machir the father of Gil'ad. 15 And Machir took for wife (the" sister) of Chuppim and Shuppim, whose sister's name was Ma'achah. And the name of the second was Zelophchad : and Zelophchad had daugliters. 16 And Ma'achah the wife of Machir bore a son, and she called his name Peresh; and the name of his brother was Sheresh; and his sons were Ulam and Eekem. 17 And the sons of Ulam : Bedan. These were the sons of Gil'ad, the son of Machir, the son of Menasseh. 18 And his sister Hammolechetli bore Ishhod, and Abi'ezer, and Machlah. 19 And the sons of Shemida' were, Ach- yan, and Shechem, and Likchi, and Ani'am. 20 ^ And the sons of Ephraim: Shuthe- lach,and Bered his son, and Tachath his son, and El'adah his son, and Tachath his son, 21 And Zabad his son, and Shuthelach his son, and 'Ezer, and El'ad, whom the men of Gath that were born in that land slew, when they came down to take away their cattle. 22 And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brethren came to com- fort him. 23 And he went in to his wife, and she conceived, and bore a son, and he called his name Beri'ah, because misfortune* had come into his house. 24 And his daughter was Sheerah, who built Beth-choron the lower, and the upper, and Uzzen-sheerah. 25 And Rephach was his son, also Resheph, and Telach his son, and Tachan his son, 26 La'dan his son, 'Ammihud his son, Elishama' his son, 27 Non his son, Jehoshua' his son. 28 And their possessions and dwelling- places were, Beth-el and its vilhiges, and at ' Others render, "Chushim the son of another," namely, Dan, as otherwise no account is given of this tribe. Dr. Philippson and others suggest that Dan is not mentioned because thi.s tribe first introduced idolatry. (See Judges xviii.) 9.'>0 the east Na'aran, and at the west Gezer, with its villages, and Shechem with its vil- lages, as far as Gazzah and its villages. 29 Antl Ijy the borders of the children of Menasseh: Beth-shean and its villages, Ta'- nacli and its villages, Megiddo and its vil- lages, Dor and its villages. In these dwelt the children of Joseph the son of Israel. 30 ^ The sons of Asher: Yimnah, and Yishvah, and Yishvi, and Beri'ah, and Seracb their sister. 31 And the sons of Beri'ah: Cheber, and Malkiel, who is the fixther of Birzayith. 32 And Cheber begat Yaphlet, and Sho- mer, and Chotham, and Shu'a their sister. 33 And the sons of Yaphlet: Passach, and Bimhal, and 'Ashvath. These are the chil- dren of Yaphlet. 34 And the sons of Shemer: Achi, and Rohgah, and Chubbah, and Aram. 35 And the sons of his brother Helem : Zophacli, and Yimna', and Shelesh, and 'Amal. 36 The sons of Zophach: Suach, and Char- nepher, and Shu'al, and Beri, and Yimrah, 37 Bezer, and Hod, and Shamma, and Shilshali, and Yithran, and Beera. 38 And the sons of Jether: Jephunneh, and Pisspah, and Ara. 39 And the sons of 'Ulla: Arach, and Chaniel, and Rizya. 40 All these were the children of Asher, heads of their famil}- divisions, selected mighty men of valour, chiefs of the princes. And being recorded according to their gene- alogy for the army for the war, their number was of men twenty and six thousand. CHAPTER VIII. 1 ^ And Benjamin begat Bela' his firstr born, Ashbel the second, and Achrach the third, 2 Nochah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. 3 And Bela' had sons, Addar, and Gera, and Abihud, 4 And Abishua', and Na'aman, and Achotich, "• The words "his wife" are not in the text. ° These words too are not in the text, which is quite obscure. '' nj;n3 Beri'ah, derived from ritnj Bera'ah "evil," "misfortune," &c. 1 CHRONICLES VIII. IX. 5 And Gera, and Shepliuphan, and Cliu- ram. 6 And these are the sons of P]chud: these are the heads of the family divisions of the inhabitants of Geba', wlio were exiled to Manachath; 7 Both Na'aman, and Achijah; and Gera, — he exiled them, and begat 'Uzza, and Achi- chud. S And Shacharayim begat children in the fields of MoJib, after he had sent them away — Chushira and Ba'ara his wives. 9 And he begat of Chodesh his wife, Jobab, and Zibya, and Mesha, and Malkam, 10 And Je'uz, and Shabvah, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of tamily divi- sions. 11 And of Chushim he begat Abitnb, and Elpaal. 12 And the sons of Elpa'al: 'Eber, and Mish'am. and Shemer, who built Ono, and Lod, with its villages; 13 And Beri'ah, and Shema, who were the hetuls of the family divisions of the inha- bitants of Ayalon; these were those who drove away the inhabitants of Gath ; 14 And Achyo, Shashak, and Jeremoth, 15 And Zebadvah, and 'Arad, and 'Eder, 16 And Michael, and Yishpah, and Jocha, the sons of Beri'ah ; 17 And Zebadyah, and Meshullam, and Chiski, and Cheber, 18 And Yishmerai, and Yizliah, and Jolmb, the sons of Elpa'al ; 19 And Jakim, and Zichri, and Zal)di, 20 And Eli'enai, and Zillethai, and Eliel, 21 And 'Adayah, and Berayah, and Shim- rath, the sons of Shim'i ; 22 And Yishpan, and 'Eber, and Eliel, 23 And 'Abdon, and Zichri, and Chanan, 24 And Chananyah, and 'Elam, and 'An- thothiyah, 25 And Yiphdeyah, and Penuel, tlie sons of Shashak ; 26 And Shamsherai, and Shecharyali, and 'Athalyah, 27 And Ja'areshyah, and Eliyah, and Zichri, the sons of Jerocham. 28 These were the heads of the family divisions, by their generations, chief men. These dwelt in Jerusalem. 29 \ And at Gib'on dwelt the father of Gib'on, whose wife's name was Ma'achah ; 3(1 And his first-l)()in son Aluloii, lln-u Zur, and Kish, and lia'al, and Nadab, 31 And Gedor, and Achyo, and Zecher. 32 And Mikloth begat Shimah. And these also dwelt alongside of their brethren in Jerusalem, with their brethren. 33 ][ And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saiil, and Saiil begat Jehonathan and Malki- shua', and A])inadal), and Eshba'al. 34 And the son of Jehonathan was Meril> ba'al; and Merib-ba'al begat Michah. 35 And the sons of Michah were, Pithon, and Melech, and Tareil", and Achaz. 36 And Achaz begat Jeho'addah; andJeho- 'addah begat 'Alemeth, and 'Azmaveth. and Ziniri; and Ziniri begat Moza; 37 And Moza begat Bin'ah; Eapha was his son, El'assah his son, Azel his son. 38 And Azel had six sons, and these are their names, 'Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and She'aryah, and 'Obadiah, and Chanan. All these were the sons of Azel. 39 And the sons of 'Eshek his brother were, Ulam his first-born, Je'ush the second, and Eliphelet the third. 40 And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, who drew the bow, and liad man}' sons, and sons' sons, one hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of Benja- min. CHAPTER IX. 1 Tf So all Israel were recorded bj- their genealogies; and, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel; but (the men of) Judah were carried away into exile to Babylon for their unfaithfulness. 2 And the first inhabitants that (d^\elt again) in their possessions in their cities, were the Israelites, the priests, the Levites, and the temple-servants. 3 And in Jerusalem dwelt some of tlie children of Judah, and of the children of Ben- jamin, and of the children of Ephraim, and Menasseh. 4 'Uthai the son of 'Ammihud, the son of 'Onu'i, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, of the children of Perez the son of Judah. 5 And of the Shilonites : 'Assayah the first-born, and his sons. 6 And of the sons of Zerach : Je'uel, and their brethren, six hundred and ninety. 7 And of the sons of Benjamin : Sallu the 951 1 CHKONICLES IX. Bon of MeshuUam, the son of Ilodavjah, the son of Hassenuah, 8 And Yibnejah the son of Jerocham, and Ehih the son of 'Uzzi, the son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shephatj-ah, the son of Re'uel, the son of Yibnijah ; 9 And their brethren, according to their generations, nine hundred and fifty and six. All these men were chiefs of the divisions of tlieir family divisions. 10 *[] And of the priests : Jeda'yah, and Je- hoyarib, and Jachin, 11 And 'Azaryah the son of Chilkiyah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Merayoth, the son of Achitub, the ruler of the house of God. 12 ^ And 'Adayah the son of Jerocham, the son of Pashchur, the son of Malkiyah, and Ma'sai the son of 'Adiel, the son of Jachzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshille- mith, the son of Immor; lo And their bretln'en,chiefs of their family divisions, were one thousand and seven hundred and sixty, very able men^ for the work of the service of the house of God. 14 ][ And of the Levites : Shema'yah the son of Chasshub, the son of 'Azrikam, the son of Chashabyah, of the sons of Merari ; 15 And Bakbakkar, Cheresh, and Galal, and Matthanyah the son of Micha, the son of Zichri, the son of Assaph ; 16 And 'Obadiah the son of Shema'yah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun ; and Berechyah the son of Assa, the son of El- kanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites. 17 And the gatekeepers were, Shallum, and 'Akkub, and Talmon, and Achiman, and their brethren, Shallum being the chief; 18 And up to this time they are in the king's gate to the eastward : they are the gate- keepers for the camps of tiie children of Levi. 19 And Shallum the son of Kort', the son of Ebyassaph, the son of Korach, and his brethren, of tlie house of his father, the KoHihites, being over the work of the ser- vice, were the watchmen at the threshold of the tabernacle : and their fathers, being over * Lit. "mif^lity men of valour," which phrase is often used to oxpn'.sH a peculiar fitness for an employment. " During the juurueys in the wilderness the Kehathites had the; charge of the sacred vessels, the ark, &c. (Num. iv. ) the camp*" of the Lord, were the watchmen at the entrance (thereof). 20 And Phinehas the son of El'azar was the ruler over them in times past ; (and) the Lord was with him. 21 (And) Zechariah the son of Meshelem- yah was gatekeeper at the entrance of the tabernacle of the congregation. 22 All of these selected to be gatekeepers at the thresholds were two hundred and twelve. These were recorded according to their genealogy in their villages ; (and they were) those (whom) David and Samuel tlu} seer did ordain in their trust." 2-5 Both the}' and their children had the oversight over the gates of the house of the Lord, (namely,) the house of the tabernacle, as watches. 24 On four quarters were the gatekeepers, toward the east, the west, the north, and the south. 25 And their brethren, who were in their villages, had to come after every seven days from time to time in common with these. 20 For in (their) trust were these'' four chief gatekeepers — these Levites, and they were (appointed) over the chambers and trea- suries of the hou.se of God. 27 And they lodged round about the house of God ; because upon them rested the c^uty of watching, and they had the supervision of the opening thereof each and every morning. 28 And some of them had the charge of the vessels for the service ; for by number did they bring them in, and by number did they carry them out. 29 Some of them also were appointed over the vessels, and over all the vessels of the sanctuary, and over the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices. -30 And some of the sons of the priests pre- pared the mixture of the spices. .31 And Matthitli3ah, one of the Levites, who was the first-born of Shallum the Kor- chite, had the trust over the meat-offerings that were baked in the pans. 32 And others of their brethren, of the sons " Zunz after Redak, " for perpetuity." Herxhcimer, "for their fidelity." * The four nu'utioned in verso 17. Zunz, " for con- stantly were there only the four chief porters, these are the Levites;" meaning, the others were alternately absent. 1 CHRONICLES IX. X. XI. of the Keliatliites, were over tlie orders of the shew-bread, to prepare it every .sabbath. 33 Tf But these the singers, the chiefs of the divisions of the Levites, remained in the chambers free of service ; for day and night were they obliged to engage in that work. 34 These are the chiefs of the divisions of the Levite,s, being the chiefs for their genera- tions : these dwelt at Jerusalem. 35 ^ And in Gib'on dwelt the father of Gib'on, Je'iel ; and the name of his wife was Ma'achah ; 3G And his first-born son was 'Abdon, then Zur, and Kish, and Ba'al, and Ner, and Nadab, 37 And Gedor, and Achyo, and Zechariah, and Mikloth. 38 And Mikloth begat Shimam. And they also dwelt alon"side of their brethren at Je- riisalem, with their brethren. 39 Tl And Ner begat Kish ; and Kish be- gat Saiil ; and Saiil begat Jehonathan, and Malki-shua', and Abinadab, and Eshba'al. 40 And the /;on of Jehonathan was Merib- ba'al: and Merib-ba';ii begat Michah. 41 And the sons of Michah were, Pithon, and Melech, and Thachreii'. 42 And Achaz" begat Ja'rah ; and Ja'rah begat 'Alemeth, 'Azniaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza; 43 And Moza begat Bin'a; and Rephayah his son, El'assah his son, Azel his son. 44 And Azel had six sons, and these are their names, 'Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and She'aryah, and 'Obadiah, and Chanan : these were the sons of Azel. CHAPTER X. 1 ^ Now the Philistines fought against Is- rael : and the men of Israel tied from before the Philistines, and there fell down (many) slain on mount Gilboa . 2 And the Philistines pursuing them over- took Saul and his sons ; and the Philistines smote Jonathan, and 'Abinadab, and Malki- shua', the s(»n,. of Saiil. 3 And the battle was heavy against Saiil, and he was found Ijy the archei's, and he was greatly in dread of the archers. 4 And Saiil said to his armour-bearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through ■■' Another soa of Michah. (Seu viii. 'So.) 5U I therewith ; I'-st these unoirciimcised come and wantonly ill-use me. But his armour-bearer would not; for he was greatly afraid: where fore Saiil took the sword and fell upon it. 5 And when liis arnujur-bearer saw that Saiil was dead, then fell he likewise on the sword, and died. 6 Thus died Saiil and his three sons; and all his household died together. 7 And when all the m.:n of Israel that I were in the valley saw that they had tied, I and that Saiil and his sons were dead : they forsook their cities, and fled, and the Philis- tines came and dwelt in them. 8 ^ And it came to pass on the morrow, that the Philistines came to strip the slain; and they found Saiil and his sons fallen on mount Gilboa. 9 And they stripped him, and they carried away his head, and his armour, and sent them into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it to their idols, and to the people. 10 And they put his armour in the house of their gods, and his skull they fastened in the temple of Dagon. 11 ][ And when all Yabesh-girad heard all that the Philistines had done to Saiil: 12 Then arose all the valiant men, and carried away the body of Saiil and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Yabesh; and they buried their bones under the terebinth in Yabesh, and they fasted seven days. 13 And (so) died Saul for his unfaithful- ness which he had committed against the Lord, because of the word of the Lord which he had not kept, and also for asking one of a familiar spirit to inquire of the same; 14 And had not inquired of the Lord : therefore he slew him, and turned over the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse. CHAPTER XI. 1 *[[ Then did all Israel gather themselves unto David unto Hebron, saying. Behold, thy bone and tli}- flesh are we. 2 Already yesterday and even before, even when Saiil was king, thou wast he that led out and brought in Israel : and the Lord thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt indeed feed i my people Israel, and thou shalt be truly a I chief over my people Israel. I 3 Thus came all the elders of Israel to the 963 1 CHRONICLES XI. king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the Lord; and they anointed David as king over Israel, ac- cording to the word of the Lord through means of Samuel. 4 ^ And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; and there were the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land. 5 And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come in hither. Nevertheless David captured the strong-hold of Zion, the same is the City of David. 6 And David said, Whosoever doth smite the Jebusites at first shall be head and chief. Then did Joab the son of Zeruyah go up at first, and became head-man. 7 And David dwelt in the castle : there- fore they called it. "The City of David." 8 And he built the city round about, even from the Millo as far as the surrounding dis- trict, and Joab i epaired the rest of the city. 9 And David went on, and became greater and greater, and tlie Lord of hosts was with him. 10 ^ These also are the principals of the mighty men whom David had, who lield firndy with him in his kingdom, with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the Lord concerning Israel. 11 And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had: Jashob'am, the son of Chachmoni, the chief of the captains, who lilted up his dred slain at one time 12 And after him was Efazar the son of Dodo, the Achochite, who was one of the three mighty men. 13 He was with David at Pas.s-dammim, tuid the Philistines were gathered together there to battle, and there was a piece of ground full of barley; and the people had fled from before the Philit*tines. 14 And they placed themselves in the midst of that piece (of ground), and they de- livered it, and smote the Pliilistin<»s; and the Lord helped (them) with a great victory. 15 And these three, the chiefs of the thirty, went down to the rock to David, to the cave of 'Adullam; and the camp of tlie Philistines was pitched in the valley of KephaJini. 16 And David was then in the strong-hold, and an outpost of the Pliilistines was then at Beth-lechein. 9.54 spear against three hun- 17 And David longed, and said. Oh that some one would bring me water to drink out of the well of Beth-lechem, which is by the gate! 18 And the three broke through the camp of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Beth-lechem, which was by the gate, and carried it, and brought it to David ; but David would not drink thereof, and poured it out unto the Lord. 19 And he said. Far be it from me, before my God, that I should do this: shall I drink the blood of these men that went at the risk of their lives? for at the risk of their lives did they bring it; and thus he Mould not drink it. These things did the three mighty men. 20 And Abshai the brother of Joab was the chief of these three; and he lifted up his spear against three hundred slain, and had a name among the three. 21 Of the three, he was more honoured than the two, wherefore he became their cap- tain: he nevertheless attained not unto the three (in prowess). 22 Banayah the son of Jehoyada', the son of a valiant man, great in many acts, of Kab- zeel: he it was that smote the two lionlike heroes of Moab; he also went down and smote a lion in the midst of a pit on a day when it snowed. 23 And he smote an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam ; and he went down to him with a staff", and he snatched the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear. 24 The.-e things did Benayah the .son of Jehoyada'; and he had a name among the mighty men. 25 Behold, he was indeed moie honoured than the thirty; hut he attained not to the first three. And David appointed him over his private council. 2G And the mighty nii-n of tlie armies were,'Assahel the brother of Joiib. Elchanan the son of Dodo of Beth-lechem. 27 Sliammoth the Harorite, Clielez tlie Pelonite. 28 'Ira the son of 'Ikkesh the Theko'ite, Abi'ezer the 'Antothite, 29 Sibbechai the Chushathite, "Ilai the Achochite, 1 CHRONICLES XI. Xll. 30 Maharal the Netopliathite, Clieled the soil of Ba'anah the Netophatliite, 31 Ithai the son of Ribai of Gib'ah, of the children of Benjamin, Benayah the Pir'a- tlionite, 32 Churai of the Nachale-Ga'ash, Abiel the 'Arbathite, 33 'Azmaveth the Bacharumite, Elyachba the Sha'albonite, 34 Bnai-hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shage the Hararite, 35 Achiara the son of Sachar the Hararite, EHphal the son of Ur, 36 Chepher the Mecherathite, Achiyah the Pelonite, 37 Chezro the Carmelite, Na'arai the son of Ezbai, 38 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibcliar the son of Hagri, 39 Zelek the 'Ammonite, Nachrai the Be- rothite, the armour-bearer of Joab the son of Zeruyah, 40 'Ira the Yithrite, Gareb the Yithrite, 41 Uriyah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Achlai, 42 'Adina the son of Shiza the Reiibenite, a chief of the Reiibenites, and with him were tliirty (men), 43 Chanan the son of Ma'achah, and Josha- phat the Mithnite, 44 'Uzziya the 'Ashterathite, Shama' and Je'iel the sons of Chothan the 'Aro'erite, 4 -J Jedi'acl the son of Shimri, and Jocha his brother, the Thizite, 46 Eliel the Machavite, and Jeribai, and Joshavyah, the sons of Elna'am, and Yithmah the Moabite, 47 Eliel, and 'Obed, and Ja'assiel the Me- zol)ayite. CHAPTER XII. 1 ][ And these are those that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saiil the son of Kish : and they were among the mighty men, confede- rates* for the war, 2 Who were armed with bows, and could use both the right and the left hand in (hurl- ing) stones and shooting arrows with the bow, even of the brethren of Saiil out of Ben- jamin. * Lit. "helpers." " Kedak. Others, 'was over a hundred," &c. 3 The chiefs were Achi'ezer, then Joiish. the sons of Hashema'ah the Gib'athite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of 'Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the 'Anthothite, 4 And Yishma'yah the Gib'onite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty; and Jeremiah, and Jachaziel, and Jochanan, and Jozabad the Gederathite, 5 El'uzai, and Jerinioth, and Be'alyah, and Shemaryahu, and Shephatyahu the Chari- phite, 6 Elkanah, and Yishiyahu, and 'Azarel, and Jo'ezer, and Jashob'am, the Korchites, 7 And Jo'elah, and Zebadyah, the sons of Jerocham of Gedor. 8 And of the Gadites there separated them- selves unto David into the strong-hold in the wilderness mighty men of valour, and men of the army for the war, that could handle shield and lance, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as the roebucks upon the mountains in swiftness. 9 'Ezer was the chief, 'Obadiah the second, Eliab the third. 10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth, 11 'Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh, 12 Jochanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth, 13 Jirmi\aliu the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh, 14 ^ These were of the sons of Gad, the chiefs of the army: one of the least could fight'' with a hundred, and the greatest with a thousand. 15 These are those that passed over the Jordan in the first month, when it had over- flowed all its banks; and they put to flight all the men of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west. 16 And there came some of the children of Benjamin and of Judah as far as the strcrg-ho'd unto David. i I And David went out to meet them, and commenced and said unto them, If ye be come for peace unto me, to help me, my heart shall be inclined toward you to unite with you ; but if it be to betray me to my adver- saries while there is no violence in my hands, then may the God of our fitliers look on and decide it. 18 Then a spirit" invested 'Amassai, the ° Rashi and Rcdak pulse," not prophecy. explain it with "will," or "im- »ji 1 CHRONICLES XII. XIII. chief of the captains, (who said,) Thine are we, David, and with thee, son of Jesse ; peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to every one that helpeth thee ; for thy God lielpeth thee. Then David received them, and phiced them at the head of the troop. 19 ][ And some of Menasseh went over to David, when he came with the Pliilistincs against Saiil to battle; but he helped them not; for upon consultation did the lords of the Phihstines send him away, saying, With our heads will he go over to his master Saiil. 20 As he was going over to Ziklag, there went over to him of Menasseh, 'Adnach, and Jozabad, and Jedi'ael, and Michael, and Joza- Itad, and Elihu, and Zillethai, captains of the thousands that belonged to Menasseh. 21 And they were those that heljjed David against the band (of 'Amalekites) ; for they were all mighty men of valour, and they be- came officers in the army. 22 For all the time, day by day, people used to come to David to help him, until the camp became great, like the camp of God. 23 ^ And these are the numbers of the hea,ds of those ready armed for the host that came to David to Hebron, to turn over the kingdom of Saiil to him, according to the order of the Lord. 24 Tf The children of Judah that bore shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed for the ho.st. 25 ^ Of the children of Simeon, mighty men of valour for the host, seven thousand and one hundred. 20 ^1 Of the children of Levi four thou- sand and six hundred. 27 ^ And Jehoyada' was the leader of the family of Aaron, and with him were three tliousand and seven hundred. 28 ]| Also Zadf)k, a young man, mighty of valour, and his family division twenty and two chiefs. 29 ^ And of the children of Benjamin, the brethren of Saiil, three thousand ; tor till that time the greatest part of them had kept the charge of the house of Saiil. 00 ^1 And of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand and eight hundred, mighty men of valour, men of fjxme in their family divisions. 01 ^f And of the half tribe of Menasseh eighteen thousand, who had been expres.sed by name, to come to make David king. 32 ^ And of the children of Issachar, those who had understanding of the times,'' to know what Israel ought to do, — their lieads were two hundred; and all their brethren were ready at tlieir order. 33 Tl Of Zebulun, such as went forth to the host, arrayed for battle, with all manner of weajwns of war, fifty thousand ; and these were ready to place themselves in battle ar- ray with an undivided heart. 34 ^ And of Naphtali one thousand cap- tains, and with them were with sliield and spear thirty and seven thousand. 35 ^ And of the Danites arrayed for ])at^ tie twenty and eiglit thousand and six hun- dred. 36 ][ And of Asher, such as went forth to the host to put themselves in battle array, forty thousand. 37 ^ And from the other side of the Jor- dan, of the Reiibenites, and tlie Gadites, and the half tribe of Menasseh, with all manner of weapons of the host for war, one hundred and twenty thousand. 38 All these men of war, that placed them- selves in battle array, came with an entire heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel : and also all the rest of Israel were of one heart to make David king. 39 And they were there with David three days eating and drinking; for their brethren had prepared for them. 40 And also those that were nigh unto them, as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought in bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, food made of meal, cakes of tigs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep in abun- dance ; for there was joy in Israel. CHAPTER XIIL 1 ]| And David consulted with the officers of the thousands and hundreds, and with every leader. 2 And David said unto all the congrega tion of Israel, If it seem good unto you, and if it be of the Lord our God, let us send " R;islii explains, "who were capable to give advice." The Talmudists refer this to the knowledge of the caleu- dar, in which the men of Issachar are said to have excelled 1 CHEONICLES XIII. XIV. widely about unto our brethren who are left in all the lands of Israel, and with them unto the priests and Levites who are in their cities and open districts, that they may gather themselves together unto us. 3 And let us bring round the ark of our God to us ; for Ave have inquired not at it" in the days of Saiil. 4 And all the congregation said that this should be done ; for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people. 5 So David assembled all Israel together, from Shichor of Egypt even unto the entrance of Chenuith, to bring the ark of God from Kiry ath-ye'arim . 6 And David went up, with all Israel, to Ba'alah, (that is) to Kirjath-yearini, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the Lord, that dwelleth be- tween the cherubim, whose name is called (on it). 7 And they conveyed the ark of God in a new wagon out of the house of Abinadab : and 'Uzza and Achyo guided the wagon. 8 And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and on harps, and on psalteries, and on tam- bourines, and with cymbals, and with trum- pets. 9 And when they came as far as the thresh- ing-tloor of Kidon, 'Uzza put forth his hand to take hold of the ark ; for the oxen shook it. 10 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against 'Uzza, and he smote him, because he had put forth his hand toward the ark : and he died there before God. 11 And it was grievous to David, because the Lord had suddenly- taken away 'Uzza; and he called that place Perez-'uzza [Breach of 'Uzza] until this day. 12 And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring home to me the ark of God ? 13 So David removed not the ark unto himself into the city of David, but had it carried round into the house of 'Obed-edom the Gittite. 14 And the ark of God remained in the house of 'Obed-edom, in his house, three :nojiths. And the Lord blessed the house of 'Obed-edom, and all that belonged to him. " I^uuz, "have not sought him," i. r. God. CHAPTER XIV. 1 ][ And Churam the king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and trees of cedars, and masons and carjjenters, to build him a house. 2 And David felt conscious that the Lord had established him as king over Israel ; for his kingdom was exalted on high, because of his people Israel. 3 ^ And David took yet more wives at Jerusalem ; and David begat more sons and daughters. 4 And tlicse are the names of the children that he had in Jerusalem : Shammua', and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, 5 And Yiljchar, and Elisliua", and Elpalet, 6 And Nogali, and Nepheg, and Yaphia', 7 And Elishama', and Be'elyada', and Eli- phalet. 8 T[ But when the Philistines heard that David had been anointed as king over all Israel, all the Philistines came up to sei-k David: and David heard of it, and went out against them. 9 And the Philistines came and spread themselves out in the valley of Rephaim. 10 And David asked counsel of God, saying. Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into my hand ? And the Lord said unto him. Go ujj ; and I will deliver them into thy hand. 1 1 And the\' came up to Ba'al-perazim ; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken down my enemies through my hand as a breach (is made) l^y water : therefore they called the name of that place Ba'al-perazim.'' 12 And they left behind there their gods, and David gave the order, and they were burnt with fire. 13 Tl And the Philistines (came) once again, and spread themselves out in the valley.* 14 And David asked again counsel of God; and God said unto him. Thou shalt not go up after them : turn about from them, and come upon them opposite to the mulberry-trees, 15 And it shall be, when thou hearest the sound of walking on the tops of the mulberry- trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle; for God will be gone forth before thee to smite the camp of the Philistines. Tbi-' vallcv of breaches. 957 1 CHRONICLES XIV. XV. 16 And David did as God had commanded him ; and they smote the camp of the PhiHs- tines from Gib'on as far as Gezer. 17 And the fame of David went out into all the lands; and the Lord laid the dread of him upon all the nations. CHAPTER XV. 1 And (David) made himself houses in the city of David, and he prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent. 2 ^ Then said David, None shall carry the ark of God but the Levites; for of ihem hath the Lord made choice to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever. 3 ][ And David assembled all Israel to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the Lord unto its place, which he had prepared for it. 4 And David gathered together the chil- dren of Aaron, and the Levites. 5 ^ Of the sons of Kehath: Uriel the chief, and his brethren one hundred and twenty. 6 T[ Of the sons of Merari: 'Assayah the chief, and his brethren two hundred and twenty. 7 ^ Of the sons of Gershom: Joel the chief, and his brethren one hundred and thirty. 8 T[ Of the sons of Elizaphan : Shema'yah the chief, and his brethren two hundred. 9 TI Of the sons of Hebron: Eliel the chief, and his brethren eighty. 10 ^ Of the sons of 'Uzziel : 'Amminadab the chief, and his brethren one hundred and twelve. 11 ^ And David called for Zadok and Ebyathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, 'Assayah, and Joel, Shema'yah, and Eliel, and 'Amminadab, 12 And he said unto them. Ye are the chiefs of the family divisions of the Levites : sanctify yourselves, ye and your brethren, and bring up the ark of the Lord the God of Israel unto (the place which) I have prepared ibr it. 13 Tor, because ye (did) it not at the first, the Lord our God made a breach among us; because we had not sought him after the pre- scribed manner. 14 So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring uj) the ark of the Lord the God of Israel. 958 15 And the children of the Levites bore the ark of God, as Moses had commanded ac- cording to the word of the Lord, on their shoulders, by means of barrows placed upon them. 16 ^ And David said to the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brethren the singers with instruments of music, psalteries and harps and cymbals, to sing aloud, by lifting up the voice for J03'. 17 ^ So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel, and of his brethren, Assaph the son of Berech_yahu, and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the sou of Kushayahu; 18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zecharyahu, Ben, and Ja'aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jechiel, and 'Unni, Eliiib, and Benayahu, and Ma'asseyahu, and Matthithyahu, and Eliphelehu, and Mikne- yahu, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, the gate- keepers. 19 Namely, the singers, Heman, Assaph, and Ethan, to play aloud with cymbals of copper ; 20 And Zechariah, and 'Aziel, and Shemi- ramoth, and Jechiel, and 'Unni, and Eliiib, and Ma'asseyahu, and Benayahu, with psal- teries on 'Alaraoth; 21 And Matthithyahu, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneyahu, and 'Obed-edom, and Je'iel, and 'Azazyahu, with harps on the Sheminith to play as leaders." 22 And Kenanyahu was the chief of the Levites in conducting the singing: he in- structed in conducting the singing, because he was skilful. 23 And Berechyah and Elkanah were gatekeepers for the ark. 24 And Shebanyahu, and Joshaphat, and Nethanel, and 'Amassai, and Zecharyahu, and Benayahu, and Eli'ezer, the priests, did blow on the trumpets before the ark of God; and 'Obed-edom and Jechiyah were gatekeepei-s for the ark. 25 T[ And it was David, with the elders of Israel, and the officers over the thousands, who went to bring up the ark of the cove- nant of the Lord out of the house of 'Obed- edom with joy. 26 ]f And it came to pass, wlien (mkI ' Zunz. These were the leaders in the nrchcstnij the others, musicians. 1 CHRONICLES XV. XVI. liolped the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams. 27 And David was clothed with a rol)e of fine linen, and (so were) all the Levites that carried the ark, and the singers, and Kenan- jah the chief in conducting the singing of the singers; but David had also upon him an ephod of linen. 28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the cornet, and with trum- pets, and with cymbals, playing aloud on psal- teries and harps. 29 And it happened, as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came as far as the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looked through the window, and saw king David dancing and playing, and she despised him in her heart. CHAPTER XVI. 1 ^ And they brought in the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it; and they offered burnt- ofi'erings and peace-offerings before God. 2 And when David had made an end of offering the burnt-offerings and the peace- oflerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord. 3 And he dealt out to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. 4 Tl And he placed before the ark of the Lord several of the Levites as ministers, and to chaunt hynnis, and to give jiraise and thanks unto the Lord the God of Israel: 5 Assaph the chief, and next to him Ze- chariah ; Je'iel. and Shemiramoth, and Jechiel, and Matthithyah, and Eliiib, and Benayahu, and 'Obed-edom; and Je'iel witli psalteries and with harps; but Assaph played aloud with the cymbals. 6 And Benayahu and Jachaziel the priests were with the trumpets continually before tlie ark of the covenant of G(jd. 7 On that day — then did David appoint for the first time" to give thanks to the Lord through means of Assaph and his brethren. ' Zunz, BfNia "through the chief;" but Kedak would render it, "for Assaph to eommenee," so that the others '.-esponded, 8 ]| give thanks unto the Lord; call on his name; make known among the people his deeds. 9 Sing unto him. sing praises unto hini: speak of all his wonderful works. 10 Glorify yourselves in his holy name: let the heart of those rejoice that seek the Lord. 11 Inquire after the Lord and his strength : seek his presence evermore. 12 Remember his wonderful works which he hath done, his tokens, and the decrees of his mouth; 13 ye seed of Israel his servant, ye chil- dren of Jacob, his elect. 14 He is the Lord our God: over all the earth are his decrees. 15 Remember ye for ever his covenant, the word which he hath commanded to the thousandth generation, 16 Which he covenanted with Almdiain, and his oath unto Isaac: 17 And which he established unto Jacob as a statute, unto Israel as an everlasting covenant ; 18 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, as the portion of your inherit- ance ; 19 When ye were but few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it. 20 And when they wandered from one nation to another, and from one kingdom to another people: 21 He suffered no man to oppress them; yea, he reproved kings for their sake. 22 Saying, " Touch not my anointed, and do my prophets no harm." — 23 Sing unto the Lord all ye lands: an- nounce from day to day his salvation. 24 Relate among the nations his olorv: among all the people his wonderful deeds. 25 For great is the Lord, and greatly praised; and he is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the people are idols; but the Lord hath made the heavens. 27 Majesty and honour are in his presence strength and gladness are in his place. 28 Ascribe unto the Lord, ye families of people, ascribe unto the Lord glory and strength. 29 Ascribe unto the Lord the glorj- due unto his name; take up a'l offering, and conie 1 CHRONICLES XVI. XVII. into his presence ; bow down before the Lord in the beauty of holiness. 30 Tremble before him, all ye lands ! Also the world standeth firmly, that it be not moved. 31 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; and let men say among the nations, The Lord reigneth. 32 Let the sea roar, with all that filleth it : let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein. 33 Then shall the trees of the forest sing joyfully at the presence of the Lord ; because he cometh to judge the earth. 34 give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; because unto everlasting endureth his kindness. 35 And say ye, Save us, God of our sal- vation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, to glorify our.selves in thy praise. 36 Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel from everlasting even unto everlasting. And all the people said, Amen, and praise unto the Lord. 37 ^ And he left there in charge before the ark of the covenant of the Lord Assaph and his brethren, to minister before the ark continually, at the work of every day on its day, 38 And 'Obed-edom with their brethren, sixty and eight, and 'Obed-edom the son of Jeduthun and Cliossah to be gatekeepers; 30 And Zadok the priest, and his brethren tlie priests, before the tabernacle of the Lord, in the high-place that was at Gib'on, 40 To (ifler burnt-offerings unto the Lord upon the altar of the burnt^offering continual- ly at morning and at evening, and this in ac- cordance with all that is written in the law of the Lord, which he had commanded con- cerning Israel ; 41 And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were selected who were ex- [)ressed by name, to give thanks to the Lord, Ijeciiusc unto everlasting endureth his kind- ness ; 42 And with them, with Heman and Je- duthun, the trumpets and cymbals to })lay aloud, and the musical instruments of God; and the sons of Jeduthun to be lor the ser- vice at the gate. 43 And all the people went every man to DUO his house; and David turned about to bless his house. CHAPTER XVIL 1 Tf And it came to jjass, when David dwelt in his house, that David said unto Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in a iicu.se of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under curtains. 2 And Nathan said unto David, All that is in thy heart do; for God is with thee. 3 ^ And it came to 2J<iss during that night, that the woi'd of God came unto Nathan, say- ino' 4 Go and say unto David my servant, Thus hath said the Lord, Not thou shalt build for me the house to dwell in; 5 For I have not dwelt in a house since the day that I brought up Israel even until this day; but have been (moving) from tent to tent, and from (one) tabernacle (to an- other) . 6 In all the places where I moved about among all Israel, did I speak a word to any one of the judges of Israel, whom I had or- dained to feed my people, saying. Why have ye not built for me a house of cedar? 7 Now therefore, thus shalt thou say unto my servant, to David, Thus hath said the Lord of hosts, I took thee away from the sheepcote, from lieliind the ilocks, to be a ruler over my people Israel ; 8 And I have been with thee whitherso- ever thou didst go, and I have cut oft" all thy enemies from thy presence, and I have made thee a name, like the name of the great men who are on the earth ; 9 And I have procured a ])lace for my people Israel, and I have planted them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and be no more ti'oubled; and that the children of wickedness shall not waste them any more, as aforetimes, 10 And (as it was) since the time that I ordained judges to be over my people Israel; and I have humbled all thy enemies; and now I tell thee that the Lord will build for thee a house. 11 And it shall come to pass, that, when thy days will be completed that thou nuist go (to sleep) with thy lathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, who shall be of thy sons, and I will establish his kintrdom. 1 CHRONICLES XVII. XVIII. 12 lie it is that sliall build for ine a house, and I will staljlish hi.s throne for ever. 13 I too will be to him as a father, and he sIhUI indeed be unto me as a son : and my kindness will 1 not cause to depart from him, as I caused it to depart from him that was befoi'e thee; 14 But I will place him firmly in my house and in my kingdom for evermore ; and his throne shall be established for e^•er. 15 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David. 16 ^ Then went king Da\id in and sat down before the Lord, and he said. Who am I, Lord God, and what is m\- house, that thou hast brought me as far as liitherward? 17 And this was (yet) too small a thing in thy eyes, God; and thou hast spoken concerning thy servant's house for a distant time, and hast regarded me as though I be- longed to the rank of a man of high degree, O Lord God. 18 What can David add yet more (to speak) unto thee of the lionour of thy ser- vant? since thou knowest well thy servant. 19 Lord, for the sake of thy servant, and in accordance with thy own heart, hast thou done all this great thing, to make known all these great things. 20 Lord, there is none like thee, and there is no god beside thee, in accordance with all that we have heard with our ears. 21 And Avho is like thy people Israel, the only nation on the earth which God went to redeem for himself as a people, to acquii'e for thyself a name for great and terrible deeds, by driving out nations from before thy peo- ple, W'hich thou hadst redeemed out of Egypt? 22 And thou hast instituted thy people Israel unto thyself as a people for ever; and thou, Lord, art indeed become their God. 23 And now, Lord, let the thing that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant and concerning his house be verified forever, and do as thou hast spoken. 24 Yea, let it be vei'ified, and let thy name be magnified unto everlasting, that men may say, The Lord of hosts is the (Uk\ of Israel, even a God for Israel; and may tlie house of David thy servant be established before thee. 25 For thou, O my God, hast revealed to the ear of thy servant that thou wnlt build 5 V for him a house: therefore hath thy seivant found him.self able to pray before thee. 26 And now, Lord, thou art the (true) God, and thou hast spoken concerning tli\- servant this goodness: 27 And now hast thou Ijeen pleased to Ijless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee; for thou, O Lord, hast blessed, and (it will remain) bless- ed for ever. CHAPTER XVIII. 1 T[ And it came to pass after this, that David smote the Philistines, and humbled them ; and he took Gath and its dependent towns out of the hand of the Philistines. 2 And he smote Moilb, and the ALjJibites Ijecame David's servants, bringing presents. 3 David also .^mote Iladar'ezer the king of Zobah at Chamath. as he went to establish his dominion at the river Euphrates. 4 And David captured from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand men on foot; and Da^•id hamstringed all the chariot-teams, but re- served of them a hundred eliariot-teams. 5 And the Syrians of Damascus came to aid Hadar'ezer the king of Zobah, when David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men. 6 Then did David put (garrisons) in Syria of Damascus, and the Syrians became unto David seivants, bringing pi'esents. And the Lord helped David whithersoever he went. 7 And David took the quivers of gold that were on the servants of Hadar'ezer, and brought them to Jerusalem. 8 And from Tibchath, and from Kun, cities of Hadar'ezer, did David take exceed- ingly much copper; thereof made Solomon the copper sea. and the pillars, and the ves- sels of copper. 9 ^ And when To'u the king of Chamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadar'ezer the king of Zobah : 10 Then did he send Iladoram his son unto king David, to ask him after his well- being, and to bless him, because he had fought against Iladar'ezer, and smitten him; for Hadar'ezer had been engaged in wars with To'u; and (he had with him) all man- ner of vessels of gold and silver and copper. 11 Also these did king David sanctify 1 CHRONICLES XVIII. XIX. unto the Lord, Avith the silver and the gold that he had carried away from all the nations, from Edom, and from Moiib, and from the children of 'Amnioii, and from the Philistines, and from 'Amalek. 12 And Abshai the son of Zerujah smote of the Edoinites in the valley of salt eighteen thousand (men). 13 And he jjut garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became servants unto David. And the Lord helped David whithersoever he went. 14 And David reigned over all Israel, and he did what is just and right unto all his people. 15 And Joa1> the son of Zeruyah was over the arn\y, and Jehoshaphat the son of Achi- lud, recorder. 16 And Zadok the son of Achitub, and Abimelech the son of Ebyathar, were (the) priests; and Shavsha Avas scribe; 17 And Benayahu the son of Jehoyada' was over the Kerethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were the first at the side of the king. CHAPTER XIX. 1 ^ And it came to pass after tliis. that Nachash the king of the children of 'Amnion died, and his son became king in his stead. 2 And David said, I will show kindness unto Chanun the son of Nachash, because his father showed kindness unto me. And David sent messengers to comfort him con- cerning his lather. And the servants of David came unto the land of the children of 'Amnion to Clianun, to comfort him. 3 And the princes of the children of 'Am- mon said unto Chanun, Doth David honour thy father in thy eyes, tliat he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee in order to search out, and to overthrow, and to sju' out the land? 4 Chanun thereupon took Davids servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the middle as far as the hip-bone, and sent them awa3^ 5 And some people went and told David concerning these men. And he sent (per- sons) to meet them; liecause the men were greatly ashamed; and the king said, Tariy at Jericho until your beard Im' grown, and then return. 6 ^ And when the children of 'Amnion I saw that they were beconte in bad odour with David, Chanun and the children of ; 'Amnion sent a thousand talents of silver to hire for themselves from Mesopotamia, and from Syria-ma'achah, and from Zobr.h, cha- riots and horsemen. 7 And they hired for themselves thirty and two thousand (warriors in) chariots, and the king of Ma'acliah and his peo])le: and they came and encamped before Medeba. And the children of 'Amnion gathered them- selves together out of their cities, and came to the battle. 8 Tl And when David heard of it, lie sent Joiib, and all the army (and) the mighty men. 9 And the children of 'Amnion came out, and put themselves in battle array at the entrance of the city : and the kings that were come were liy themselves in the field. 10 When now Joab saw that the front of battle was against him before and Ijehind. he made a selection from all the chosen men of Israel, and arrayed himself against the Sy- rians. 11 And the rest of the people he delivered into the liand of Abshai his brother, and they arrayed themselves against the children of 'Amnion. 12 And he said. If the Syrians be too strong for nie, then shalt thou bring me help; but if the children of 'Amnion be too strong for thee, then will I help thee. 13 Be strong, and let us strengthen our- selves in behalf of our people, and in behalf of the cities of our God, and may the Lord do that which seemeth good in his eyes. 14 And Joab drew nigh and the people that were with him in front of the Syrians unto the battle, and they fled from before him. I 15 And when the children of 'Amnion saw that the Syrians were fled, then did they also fly before Abshai his brother, and entered into the city. And Joab went back to Jeru- salem. 10 Tl And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel, they sent messen- gers, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river; and Shophach the captain of the army of Hadar'ezer went before them. 17 .\nd when it was told to David, he iigatln'red all Israel together, and passed o^'er 1 CHRONICLES XIX. XX. XXT. the Jordan, and came up with them, and ar- rtiyed himself against them. So when Da\ad had arrayed himself against the Syrians (for) battle, they fought with him. 18 And the Syrians tied from before Israel: and David slew of the Syrians (the men of) seven thousand chariots, and forty thousand men on foot, and Shophach the captain of the army he put to death. 19 And when the vassals of Hadar'ezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with David, and served him; and the Syrians would not help the children of 'Ammon any more. CHAPTER XX. 1 ^ And it came to pass, at the time of the return of the same season of the year, at the time when kings go forth, that Joab led out the power of the army, and destroyed the country of the children of 'Annnon, and he came and besieged Rabbah. But David re- mained behind at Jerusalem. x\nd Joab smote Rabbah, and pulled it down. 2 And David took the crown of Malkam from ofl" his head, and tbund it to weigh a talent of gold, and thereon a precious stone ; and it was set on the head of David: and the Ijooty of the city he brought out in great abundance. 3 And the people that were therein he brought forward, and cut them with saws, and with iron threshing-wagons, and with axes; and thus did David unto all tlie cities of the children of 'Amnion; and David re- turned then with all the people unto Jerusa- lem. 4 ^ And it came to pass after this, that there arose a battle atGezer" with the Philis- tines: then smote Sibbechai tlie Chushathite Sippai, one of the children of the Rapha ; and they were humbled. 5 T[ And there was again a battle with the Philistines, when Elchanan the son of Yair smote Laclimi the brother of Goliath the (littite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. 6 ^ And there was again a battle at Gath, where was a man of (great) stature, whose fuigers and toes were six on each (hand and foot), four and twenty (in all); and he also was born to the Rapha. 7 And he defied Israel ; but Jonathan the son of Shim'a the brother of David smote him. 8 These were born unto the Rapha in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants. CHAPTER XXI. 1 ^ And the Accuser stood up against Is- rael, and incited David to count Israel. 2 And David said to Joab, and to the princes of the people. Go, number Israel from Beer-sheba' even to Dan. and bring their number to me, that I may know it. 3 Then said Joab, Ma}- the Loku add unto his people, how many soever they be, a hun- dred-fold more : are they not all, my lord the king, my lord's sei'vants? why then will my lord require this thing? why shall it be a cause of guiltiness for Israel? 4 Nevertheless the king's word remained firm against JoJib; and Joab went out, and moved about throughout all Israel, and came (back) to Jerusalem. 5 ^ And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the peojile unto David: and there were (in) all Israel a thousand times thou- sand and one hundred thousand men that drew the sword; and (of) Judah were four hundred and seventy thousand men that drew the sword. G But Levi and Benjamin did he not count among them ; for tlie king's word was abomi- nable to Joiib. 7 And this thing was displeasing in the eyes of (Jod, and he smote Israel. 8 ^ And David said unto God, 1 lune sinned greatly, because I have done this thing; but now, I Ijeseech thee, cause the iniquity of thy servant to pass away; for I have acted very foolishl}'. 9 T[ And the Lord spoke unto Gad. David's seer, saying, 10 Go and speak unto David, saying. Thus hath said the Lord, Three things do I (jfl^er thee: choose for thyself one of them, and I will do it unto thee. 11 So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thushath said the Lord, Select for thyself, * 2 Samuel xxi. 18, in the parallel passage it is Gob; ! either copied a different authority, or the place (or per- but in this, a.s in many other instances, the chronicler li son) was called by more than one name. 9G3 1 CHRONICLES XXI. XXII. 12 Whetlier there shall be three years famine ; or three months, to be destroyed be- fore thy adversaries, so that the sword of thy enemies overtake thee; or that during three days the sword of the Lord, even the pesti- 22 Then said David to Oman, "Grant me the site of this threshing-floor, that I may build thereon an altar unto the Lord : for the full jnnce shalt thou give it unto me, so that the plague may be stayed from the lence, shall be in the land, and an angel of 1' people." the Lord destroying throughout all the bound- 23 And Oman said unto David. Take it arifs of Israel? And now retiect what word for thyself, and let my lord the king do what I shall bring back to him that hath sent is good in his eyes: lo, I give the oxen for me. burnt-ofteriugs, and the threshing-rollers for 13 ]| And David said unto Gad, I am in. wood, and the wheat for the meat-ofiering; a great strait: let me fall then into the hand ^' the whole do I give (thee), of the Lord; for his mercies are very great; Ijut let me not fall into the hand of man. 24 And king David said to Oman, No: but I will surely buy it at the full value; for 14 So the Lord sent a pestilence in Israel, jj I will not take what is thine for the Lord, so and there fell of Israel seventy thousand | as to oiler burnt-offerings without paying men. 15 And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it; but as he was destroying, the Lord locjked on, and he bethought himself of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough: now stay thy hand. And the angel of the Lord was standing by the thresh- ing-floor of Oman the Jebusite. 16 ^ And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the Lord standing between the earth and tlie heavens, with liis sword drawn in his hand, stretched out over Jeru- salem. Then fell David, with the elders Avrapt in sackcloth, upon their fiices. 17 And David said unto God, Was it not I that ordered to count the people? and I am the one that have sinned and have done evil indeed; but these sheep, what have they done? Lord my God, let thy hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house, but not against thy people, that there should be a plague. 18 ^ And the angel of the Lord spoke to Gad to say to David, that David should go up, to erect an altar unto the Lord on the ''the Lord the (true) tJod, and this is the altar threshing-floor of Ornan the Jebusite. jjfor the burnt-oflering for Israel. 19 And David went up by the wcu'd ofjj 2 |[ And David ordered to gather together Gad, which he had spoken in the name of;ithe strangers that were in the land of Israel : theretbr. 25 So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight. 2G And David built there an altar unto the Lord, and oflered burnt^offerings and peace-ofi'erings, and he called on the Lord: and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt-ofi'ering. 27 Tl And the Lord spoke to the angel, and he put back his sword into its sheath. 28 At that time when David saw that the Lord had answered him on the threshing- floor of Ornan the Jebusite, then did he sacri- fice there. 29 But the tabernacle of the Lord, which Moses had made in the wilderness, and the altar of the burnt-offering, were at that time in the high-place at Gib'on. 30 But Da\'id was not able to go before it to incjuire of God; for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the Lord. CHAPTER XXII. 1 ^ And David said. This is the house of the Lord. 20 And when Ornan turned back, and saw ■• the angel, then did he and his foiu- sons with him hide themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat. and he appointed (them) to be masons to hew cut stones to build the house of God. 3 And iron in aljundance lor the nails i!)r the doors of the gates, and for the joinings, did David pr(']);n"e; and copper in aliundance. 21 And as David came up to Oman, Ornan! (which) could not be weighed; looked up and saw David; and he went out j 4 Also cedar-ti-ees (which) could not be of the threshing-floor, and bowed himself to 'counted; for the Zidonians and the Tvrians David with his face to the gioiuid. ,diadbroughtcedar-trees in abundance to David, '.104 1 CHRONICLES XXII. XXIII. 5 ^ And David said, Solomon my son is 3'oung and tender, and the house tliat is to be built (in honour) of the Lord must be exceedingly great, for fame and for glory throughout all the countries: 1 will therefore make preparation for it. So David made abundant preparation before his death. G And he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to Ijuild a house for the LorD; the God of Israel. 7 Tl And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build a house unto the name of the Lord my God; 8 But there came concerning me the word of the Lord, saying, Blood in abundance hast thou shed, and great wars hast thou made: thou shalt not build a house unto my name, because much blood hast thou shetl upon the earth before me. 9 Behold, a son will be born to thee, he it is who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies on e^'ery side; foi St)lomon [The Peaceful] shall be his name, and peace and quietness will 1 be- stow on Israel in his days. 10 He it is who shall build a house unto my name; and he shall be unto me as a son, and I will be unto him as a father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever. 11 Now, my son, may the Lord be with thee, that thou mayest prosjjcr, and build the house of the Lord thy God, as he hath spoken concerning thee. 12 Only may the Lord give thee intelli- gence and understanding, and a-ive thee charge over Israel, so that thou mayest ob- serve the law of the Lord thy God. 13 Then wilt thou prosper, if thou observe to practice the statutes and the ordinances which the Lord commanded Moses concern- ing Israel: be strong, and of good courage; be not afraid, nor be thou ilisinayed. 14 And, behold, during my allliction have I prepared for the house of the Lord one hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thou- sand times thousand talents of silver; and of copper and iron (as much as) cannot be weighed; for in (such) abundance was it: and wood and stone have I prepared; and thou must add thereto. 15 Moreover there are with thee in abun- dance workmen, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of skilful men tor ever}- kind of work. 16 The gold, the silver, and the copper, and the iron cannot be numbered: arise, (therefore,) and be doing, and may the Lord be with thee. 17 And David gave a charge to all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, (saying,) 18 Behold the Lord j'our God is with you ; and he hath given you rest on every side; for he hath given up into my hand the in- habitants of the land, and the land is sul)- dued before the Lord, and before his people. I 19 Now direct your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God; and arise, and build ye the sanctuary of the Lord the (true) God, (in order) to bring the ark of the cove- ' nant of the Lord, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built unto the name of the Lord. CHAPTER XXIII. 1 ^ And when David was old and full of clays, he niade Solomon his son king over Israel. I 2 And he gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites. I 3 And then were numbered the Levites from thirty years old and upwai'd : and their number by their polls, of men, was thirty j and eight thousand. 4 Of these were twenty and four thousand to superintend the work of the house of the Lord; and six thousand were officers and judges; 5 And four thousand were gatekeepers; and four thousand those who praised the Lord with the instruments which I" have made, to praise therewith. 6 ^ And David divided them into divi- sions after the sons of Levi, after Gershon, Kehath, and Merari. 7 ]| Of the Gershunites: La'dan, and Shim'i. 8 T[ The sons of La'dan: The chief was Jechiel, and Zetham, and Joel, three. 9 ^ The sons of Shim'i: Shelomith, and Chaziel, and Haran, three. These were the chiefs of the families of La'dan. i. e. David; an extract from a speech of bis. 900 1 CHRONICLES XXIII. XXIV. 10 ^ And the sons of Sliini'i were, Jacliath, Zina, and Je'usli, and Beri'ah. These four were the sons of Shim'i. 11 And Jachath was the chief, and Zizah the second; but Je'ush and Beri'ah had not many sons: therefore were they accounted as one family division in the numbering. 12 ]| The sons of Kehath : 'Amram, Yiz- har, Hebron, and 'Uzziel, four. 13 ^ The sons of 'Amram: Aaron and Moses; and Aaron was set apart, to sanctify Iiim as most holy, he with his sons for ever, to burn incense before the Lord, to minister unto him, and to l)less in his name for ever. 14 But as regardeth Moses' the man of God, his sons were named after the tribe of Levi. 15 ^ The .sons of Moses w^ere, Gershom, and Eli'ezer. 16 Of the sons of Gershom, Shebuel was the chief. 17 And the sons of Eli'ezer were, Rechab- yah the chief. And Eli'ezer had no other sons; but the sons of Rechabyah became ex- ceedingly numerous. 18 ]| Of the sons of Yizhar, was Shelomith the chief. 19 ^ The sons of Hebron : Jeriyahu the chief, Amaryah the second, Jachaziel the third, and Jekam'am the fourth. 20 Tl The sons of 'Uzziel: Michah the chief, and Yishiyah the second. 21 T[ The sons of Merari: Machli, and Mushi. The sons of Machli: El'azar, and Kish. 22 And El'azar died, and had no sons, but daughters; and the sons of Kish, their bre- thren, took them (for wives). 2.3 The sons of Mushi : Machli. and 'Eder, and Jeremoth, three. 24 These were the sons of Levi after their family divisions, even the chiefs of the fami- lies, as they were counted by numbering the names after their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the Lord, from twenty years old and upward. 2;") For David said, The Luun the God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, and he dwelleth in Jerusalem for evermore. 26 And also the Levites are no more bound to carry the tabernacle, and all its vessels for the service thereof. 966 27 Therefore by the last words of David were there numbered of the Levites those who were from twenty years old and above ; 28 Because their station was to be at the side of the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the Lord, in the courts, and in the chambers, and by the purification of all holy things, and the work of the sei'vice of the house of God; 29 And for the shew-bread, which was put in rows, and for the fine flour for meat-offer- ing, and for the unleavened cakes, and for that which is baked in the pan, and for that which is sodden, and for all manner of dry and wet measure; 30 And to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and so also at evening, 31 And at all the offering of burnt-offerings unto the Lord on the sabbaths, on the new moons, and on the appointed feasts, accord- ing to the number, and after the manner prescribed for them, continually before the Lord; 32 And that they should keep the charge of the tabernacle of the " congregration, and the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the sons of Aaron their brethren, in the service of the house of the Lord. CHAPTER XXIV. 1 ^ And the divisions of the sons of Aaron were : The sons of Aaron w-ere Nadab, and Abihu, El'azar, and Ithamar. 2 But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and they had no children: and El'azar and Ithamar became priests. 3 And David divided them off with Zadok of the sons of El'azar, and Achimelech" of the sons of Ithamar, to their office in their service. 4 And the sons of El'azar were found more numerous in the chiefs of males than the sons of Ithamar; and they divided them ac- cordingly. Of the sons of El'azar there were .sixteen chiefs of the family divisions, and of the sons of Ithamar, eight lor their fomily divisions. 5 And they divided them off by lot, both the first and the last; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors (of the house) * No doubt Abyathar, liore and elsewhere called after his father, instead of the ",scin of Aehinieleeh." 1 CHRONICLES XXIV. XXV. of God, were from tlie sons of EFaZcar, ;iii(i from the sons of Ithamar. G ^ And Shema'yah the son of Nethanel the scribe, one of the Levites, wrote them down before the king, and the princes, and Zadok the pi-iest. and Achimelecli the son of Ebvathar, and the chiefs of the famiUes of the priests and Levites: one family division being drawn of El'azar, and one being equally drawn of Ithamar. 7 ][ And there came out the first lot for Jehoyarib, for Jeda'yah the second, 8 For Charim the third, for Se'orim the fourth, 9. For Malkiyah the fifth, for Miyamin the sixth, 10 For riakkoz the seventh, for Abiyah the eiglith. 11 For Jeshua' the ainth, for Shechanjahu the tenth, 12 For Elyashih the eleventh, for Jakim the twelfth, 13 For Chuppah the thirteenth, for Je- shebab the fourteenth, 1-4 For Bilgah the tifteetith, for Iinnier the sixteenth, 15 For Chezir the seventeenth, lor Hap- pizzez the eighteenth. IG For Pethachyah the nineteenth, for Ezekiel the twentieth, 17 For Jachin the one and twentieth, for Gnmul the two and twentieth, 18 Fur Delayahu the three and twentieth, for Ma'azyahu the four and twentieth. 19 ^j This was their office in their service to come into the house of the Lord, according to the manner prescribed to them, under the supervision of Aaron their father, as the Lord the God of Israel had commanded him. 20 And of the rest of the sons of Levi there were, of the sons of 'Amram : Shubael. Of the sons of Shubael: Jechdeyahu. 21 Concerning Rechabyahu, of the sons of Rechabyahu the chief was Yishiyah. 22 Of the Yizharites was Shelomoth : of the sons of Shelomoth was Jachath. 23 And the sons (of Hebron) : Jeriyah, Amaryahu the second, Jachaziel the third, Jekam'am the fourth. ° Redak, '' Aboth" as a name, " Aboth the chief." •"This obscuro passage is explained by Rashi, " to exalt the horn of prophecy ;" Redak, " of Israel," — -neither of which gives a good sense. Herxheinier renders freely, 24 (Of) the sons of 'Uzziel, Michah : of the sons of Michah, Shamir. 25 The brother of Michah was Yishiyah: of the sons of Yishiyah, Zecharyahu. 26 The sons of Merari were Machli and Mushi: the sons of Ja'aziyahu, Beno. 27 The sons of Merari by Ja'aziyahu: Beno, and Shoham, iind Zaccur. and 'Ibri. 28 Of Machli: El'azar, who had no sons. 29 Of Kish : The son of Kish was Jerach- meel. 30 And the sons of Mushi were Machli, and 'Eder, and .Terimoth. These wei-e the sons of the Levites after their family divi- sions. 31 These likewise cast lots in the same mnmier as their brethren the sons of Aaron in tlie presence of king David, and Zadok, and Achimelech, and the chiefs of the fami- lies of the priests and Levites, even the prin- cipal of the families* equally with his youngest brother. CHAPTER XXV. 1 ^ David also divided off with the chiefs of the host for the service of the soiis of Assaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthuu, those who uttered praise (accompanied) with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: nnd their number was of the men (that did) the work in their service, 2 Of the sons of Assaph: Zaccur. aud Josejjh, and Nethanyah, and Asharelah, the sons of Assaph under the supervision of As- saph, who uttered praise under the supervi- sion of the king. 3 Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Ge- dalyahu, and Zeri, and Jesha'yahu, Chashab- yaliu, and Matthithyahu, six, under the super- vision of their father Jeduthun, who uttered praise with a harp, in order to give thanks and to utter praise unto the Lord. 4 Of Heman, the sons of Heman: Bukki- yahu, Matthanyahu, 'Uzziel, Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Chananyah, Chanani, Eliiithah, Giddalti, and Romamti-'ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Ilothir, and Machiz'oth; 5 All these sons of Heman the king's seer in the words of God, were to lift up the horn." "who praised with the words of God :" this is not accnr^- ' ing to the words. Zuiiz, "that according to the words of God (hi.s) horn mifjht be lifted up." It means, pro- ! bably, who instructed him in the word of God. 967 1 CHRONICLES XXV. XXVI. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. G All these were under the supervision of their father at the singing in the house of the Lord, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, under the supervision of the king, Assaph, Jeduthun, and He man. 7 And their number, with their brethren that were practised in singing unto the Lord, even all that were acquainted (therewith), was two hundred eighty and eight. 8 And they cast lots, division against (division)," the small as well as the great, the one acquainted with his business together with the scholar. 9 ^ And there came forth the first lot for Assaph for Joseph ; Gedalyahu was the second, he with his brethren and sous, being twelve; 10 Tf The third was Zaccur, his sons, and his brethren, being twelve; 11 ^ The fourth was for Yizri, his sons, and his bretliren, being twelve; 12 ^ The fifth was Nethanyahu, his sons, and his brethren, l)eing twelve; 13 Tl The sixth was Bukkiyahu, his sons, and his brethren, being twelve; 14 ^ The seventh was Jessarelah, his sous, and his brethren, being twelve; 15 Tl The eighth was Jesha'yahu, his sons, and his brethren, being twelve; 16 ^ The ninth was Matthanyahu, his sous, and his brethren, being twelve; 17 ^ The tenth was Shim'i, his sons, and his brethren, being twelve; 18 ^ The eleventh was 'Asarel, his sons, and his brethren, being twelve; 19 ^ The twelfth was for Chashabyah, his sons, and his breilu'en, being tvs'elva; 20 1[ The thirteenth was SLubael, his sons, and his bret'aren, being twelve; 21 ^[ The fourteenth w;is Matthithyahu, his sons, and his brethren, being twelve; 22 ']] The fifteenth was for Jeremoth, his sons, and his brethren, being twelve; 2o ^ The sixteenth was for Chauanyahu, his .sous, and his brethren, being twelve; 24 'W The seventeenth was for Joshbeka- shiJi, his sons, and his brethren, being twelve; • So Rashi, who supplies this word; but Zunz, " con- ccrDiug the dutl>» of thci? office, the losst eqvially with the great, the teacher with the scholar." 9U« 25 ][ Tlie eighteenth was for Chanani, his sons, and his brethren, being twelve ; 26 Tf The nineteenth was for Mallothi, his sons, and his brethren, being twelve; 27 ^ The twentieth was for Eliyathah, his sons, and his brethren, being twelve; 28 ^ The one and twentieth was for Ho- thir, his sons, and his brethren, being twelve; 29 ^ The tw^o and twentieth was for Gid- dalthi, his sons, and his brethren, being twelve ; 30 ^ The three and twentietli was for Machasioth, his sons, and his brethren, being twelve ; 31 ][ The four and twentieth Avas for Ro- mamthi-'eser, his sons, and his brethren, be- ing twelve. CHAPTER XXVI. 1 ^ Concerning the divisions of the gate- keepers (who were) of the Korchites : Me- shelemyahu the son of Kor^, of the sons of Assaph. 2 And Meshelem3ahu had sons: Zecliar- yahu the first-born, Jedi'ael the second, Zebad- yahu the third, Jathniel the fourth. 3 'Elam the fifth, Jehochanan the sixth, Elyeho'enai the seventh. 4 And 'Obed-edom had sons: Shema'yah the first-born, Jehosabad the second, Joiich the third, and Sachar the fourth, and Ne- thanel tlie fifth, 5 'Amniiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Pe'ulthai the eighth; for God had blessed him. 6 Also unto Shema'yah his son there were Ijorn sons, that were rulers for the house of their father; for they were mighty men of valour. 7 The sons of Shema'yah were 'Othni, and Rephael, and 'Obed, (and) Elsabad, his bro- thers (were) valiant men, Elihu, and Semiich- yahu. 8 All these were of the sons of 'Obed-edom : they and their sons and their bretliren were valiant men in strength for the service, l)eing sixty and two (descendants) of 'Obed-edom. 9 And Meshelemyahu had sons and bre- thren, valiant men, eighteen. 10 Also Chossah, of the children of Merari, had sons: Shimri the chief, for (though") he was not the first-born, yet his father made him the chief; 1 CHRONICLES XXV 1. XX\at. 11 (liiikisiilm the second, Tebalyahu tlu' third, Zecharyahu the fourth; all the sons and brethren of Chossah were thirteen. 12 These divisions of the gatekeepers, after the chief men, had the watch along with their brethren, to minister in the house of the Loiin. 13 And they cast lots, the small as well as the great, accordmg to their family divisions, for each and every gate. 14 And the lot at the east fell for Slielem- yahu. Anil for Zecharyahu his son, an intelli- gent counsellor, they cast lots, and his lot came out at the north. 15 For 'Obed-edom at the south; and to his sons (was assigned) the house of Assup- pini." 10 For Shuppim and for Chossah at the west, by the gate Shalleclieth, on the ascend- ing causeway, watch alongside of watch. 17 At the east were six Levites, at the north four for every day, at the south four for every day, and for (the house of) Assup- pim alwa3"S two. 18 At the Parbar on the west, four at the causeway, and two at the Parbar. 19 These are the divisions of the gate- keepers of the sons of the Korchites, and of the sons of Merari. 20 And of the Levites, Achiyah was over the treasuries of the house of God, and over the treasuries of the holy things. 21 (As concerning) the sons of La'dan, the sons of the Gershunites of La'dan, the chiefs of the families of La'dan the Gershunite, were the Jechielites. 22 The sons of Jechieli, Zetham, and Joel his brother, were over the treasuries of the house of the Lord. 23 Of the 'Amramites, of the Yizharites, of the Hebronites, and of the 'Uzzielites, 24 (Was) even Shebuel the son of Ger- shom, the son of Moses, superintendent of the treasuries. 25 And his brethren by Eli'ezer: Rechab- yahu his son, and Jesha'yahu his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and She- lomitli his son. 26 This Shelomoth and his brethren were over all the treasuries of the holy things, which king David had sanctified, together • Kashi regards this as a proper name; but Zunz, "of the guards." Herxheimer, "treasury." 5 W with the chiefs of the family divisions, the captains over the thousands and the huji- dreds, and the captains of the army. 27 Out of the wars, and out of the booty did they sanctify to maintain the house of the Lord. 28 And all that Samuel the seer, and Saiil the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joid) the son of Zeruyah, had sanctified, whatsoever (any one) had sanctified, was under the supervision of Shelomith and of his brethren. 29 Of the Yizharites were Kenanyahu and his sons for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges. 30 Of the Hebronites were Chashabyahu and his brethren, valiant men, a thousand and seven hundred (in number), appointed over the affairs of Israel on this side of the Jordan to the west, for all the business of the Lord, and for the service of the king. 31 Of the Hebronites was Jeriyah the chief, for the Hebronites, according to their generations by families. In the fortieth year of the reign of David were they inquired into, and there were found among them mighty men of valour at Ja'zer of Gil'ad. 32 And his brethren, valiant men, were two thousand and seven hundred chiefs of families: and king David appointed them over the Reiiljenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Menasseh, for every matter per- taining to God, and the affairs of the king. CHAPTER XXVII. 1 ^ And (these are) the children of Israel after their number, (to wit,) the chiefs of the family divisions and the captains of tlie thousands and the hundreds, and their officers that served the king in every matter of the divisions, that came in and went out month by month, throughout all the months of the year, every division being twenty and four thousand. 2 ]| Over the first division for the first month was Jashob'am the son of Zabdiel; and in his division were twenty and four thousand. 3 (He) of the children of Perez was the chief of all the captains of the armies for the first month. 4 T[ And over the division of the second month Avas Dodai the Achochite, and of his 909 1 CHRONICLES XXVII. division was Mikloth also the ruler; and in his division were twenty and four thousand. 5 Tl The third captain of the army for the third month was Benayahu the son of Jelio- yada', the priest, the chief; and in his divi- sion Avere twenty and four thousand. 6 This Benayahu was the mighty among, the thirty, and (set) over the thirty; and of his division was 'Ammizabad his son. 7 Tl The fourth for the fourth month was 'Assahel the brother of Joalj, with Zebadyah his son after him; and in his division were twenty and four thousand. 8 T[ The fifth for the fifth month was the captain iShamhuth the Yizrachite; and in his division were twenty and four thousand. 9 ^ The sixth for the sixth month was 'Ira the son of 'Ikkesh the Theko'ite ; and in his division were twenty and four thou- sand. 10 ]y The seventh for the seventh month was Chelez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim; and in his division were twenty and four thousand. 11 ][ The eighth for the eighth month was Sibbechai the Chushathite, of the Zar- chites; and in his division were twenty and four thousand. 12 ^ The ninth for the ninth month was Abi'ezer the 'Anthothite, of Benjamin; and in his division were twenty and four thou- sand. 13 ^ The tenth fn- the tenth month was Maliarai the Netophathite, of the Zarchites; and in his division were twenty and four thousand. 14 ^[ The eleventh for the eleventh month Avas Benayah the Pir'athonite, of the children of Ephraim; and in his division were twenty and four thousand. 15 T[ The twelfth for the twelfth month was Cheldai the Netophathite, of 'Othniel; and in his division were twenty and four thousand. 1() ^ Moreover over the tribes of Israel: Of the Reubenites was ruler Eli'ezer the son of Zichri ; of the Simeonites, Shephatyahu the son of Ma'achah ; 17 Of the Levites, Chashabyah the son of Kamuel ; of (the sons of) Aaron, Zadok ; 18 Of Judah, Eliliu, one of the brothers of David; of Issachar, 'Ouiri the son of Michael; 19 Of Zebulun. Yi.shma'yahu the son of 'Obadyahu; of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of 'Azriel ; 20 Of the children of Ephraim, Iloshea, the son of 'Azazyahu; of the half tribe of Me- nasseh, Joel the son of Pedayahu; 21 Of the half tribe of Menasseh in Gil'ad, Yiddo the son of Zecharyahu; of Benjamin, 'Ja'assiel the son of Abner; 22 Of Dan, 'Azarel tlie son of Jerocham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel. 23 But David took not their number from twenty years old and under; because the LoKU liad said he would multiply Israel like the stars of the heavens. 24 Joiib the son of Zeruyah l^egan to num- ber (them) ; but he finished not, and there came wrath because of it against Israel : and the numlier was not entered in the account of the chronicles of king David. 25 ^ And over the king's treasures was 'Azmaveth the son of 'Adiel; and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in tlie villages, and in the castles, was Jehona- than the son of 'Uzziyahu. 26 Tl And over those that did the work of the field, in the tillage of the ground, was 'Ezri the son of Kelub. 27 ^ And over the vineyards was Shim'i the Ramathite; and over what was in the vineyards, as regardeth the supplies of wine, was Zabdi the Shiphmite. 28 ^ And over the olive-trees and the sycamore-trees that were in the lowlands was Ba'al-chanan the Gederite; and over the supplies of oil was Jo'ash. 29 T[ And over the herds that fed in Sha- ron was Shitrai the Sharonite; and over the herds that were in the valleys was Shaphat the son of 'Adlai. 30 ^[ And over the camels was Obil the Ishma'elite; and over the she-asses was Yech- deyahu the Meronothite. ol Tl And over the Hocks was Jaziz the Ilagerene. All these were the rulers of the property which belonged to king David. 32 ^1 Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor, being a man of understanding and acrpiainted with law; and Jechiel the son of Chachmoni was with the king's sons; 33 And Achithophel was the king's coun- sellor; and (Jhushai the Arkite was the king's friend; 34 Andafter A(;hithophel (came) Jehoyada' 970 1 CHRONICLES XXVII. XXVIII. the son of Beuayahu and Ebyatliar; and tlie captain of the khig's array was Joab. CHAPTER XXVIII. 1 ^ And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the divisions that ministered to the king, and the captains of the thousands, and the captains of the hundreds, and the rulers of all the property and the cattle of the king and of his sons, with the courtrser- vants, and the mighty men, and with all the valiant men of the army, unto Jerusalem. 2 Then arose king David upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people! I had in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God, and I had made preparations to build; ." But Cod said unto me, Thou shalt not build a bouse unto my name; because thou art a man of war, and blood hast thou shed. 4 Yet the Lokd the God of Israel made choice of me out of all the house of my father to be king over Is-i'ael for ever; for of Judah had he made choice as ruler; and among the hou:e of Judah, of the house of my father; and among the sons of my fother had he pleasure in me to make (me) king over all Israel : 5 And of all my sons, — for the Lord hath given me many sons, — hath he made choice of Solomon my son, to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. 6 And he hath said unto me, Solomon thy son it is that shall build my house and my courts; for I have made choice of him to be as a son unto me, and I will be indeed to him as a father. 7 Moreover, I will firmly establish his kingdom for everlasting, if he be strong to execute my commandments and my ordi- nances as it is this day. 8 And now before tbe eyes of all Israel, the congregation of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, (I admonish you) ol)serve and seek for all the commandments of the Lord your God : in order tliat ye may keep possession of this good land, and leave it for an inheritance unto your children after you for ever. 9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with an entire heart and with a willing soul; for all hearts doth the Lord search, and every ima- gination of the thoughts doth he understand : if thou seek him, he will let himself be fomid by thee ; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. 10 See now that the Lord hath made choice of thee to build a house for the sanc- tuary: be strong and do it. 11 ^ Then gave David to Solomon his son the pattern of the poi'ch, and of its apart- ments, and of its treasuries, and of upper chambers, and of its inner chambers, and of the place of the cover of the ark, 12 And the pattern of all that he had in his spirit, concerning the courts of the house of the Lord, and concerning all the chambei-s round about, concernmg the treasuries of the house of God, and concerning the treasuries of the holy things ; 1.3 Also concerning the divisions of the priests and the Levites, and concerning all the work of the service of the house of the Lord, and concerning all the vessels of ser- vice of the house of the Lord; 14 Concerning the golden vessels, after the weight of tbe gold, for all the vessels of all manner of service ; concerning all the vessels of silver after the weight, for all the vessels of every kind of service ; 15 Also the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, after the weight for every candlestick, and for its lamps; and concerning the candlesticks of silver after the weight, for the candlestick, and for its lamps, according to the use of every candlestick ; 16 And the gold after the weight for the tables of the rows of shewbread, for every table; and the silver for the tables of silver; 17 Also (concerning) the forks, and the bowls, and the supporters of pure gold ; and concerning the golden cups after the weight for every cup ; and concerning the silver cups after the weight for every cup ; 18 And concerning the altar of incense the refined gold after the weight; and con- cerning the pattern of the chariot of the golden cherubim, which spread out (their wings), and cover the ark of the covenant of the Lord. 19 All (this, said David,) was put in writing from the hand of the Lord, who gave me in- 97] 1 CHRONICLES XXVIII. XXIX. titi'uction (respecting) all the works of the pattenr. 20 ^ And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong, and of good courage, and do (the work); fear not, and be not dismayed; for the Lord God, (yea,) my God, is with thee: he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou have finished all the work for the ser- vice of the house of the Lord. 21 And, behold, the divisions of the priests and the Levites are there for all the service of the house of God ; and with thee are in all manner of workmanship all kinds of men distinguished in wisdom, for every manner of service; and the princes and all the people are ready (to obey) all thy words. CHAPTER XXIX. 1 ^ And king David said unto all the assembly, Solomon, the only son of mine whom God hath made choice of, is yet young and tender, and the work is great; because not for man is the palace to be, but for the Lord God. 2 But with all my might have I made read} for the house of my God, the gold for the things of gold, and the silver for the things of silver, and the copper for the things of copper, the iron for the things of iron, and the wood for the things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, bright stones, and those of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance. 3 Moreover, because I have set my affec- tion on the house of my God, have I acquired as my own propert}- gold and silver; (and this) have I given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house: 4 Three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, co overlay the walls of the houses ; 5 All that is needed of gold and of silver, ' and for every n.anner of work (to be made) by the hands of artificers. And who (now) is willing to consecrate his hand this day unto the Lord? 6 Thereupon offered voluntarily the chiefs of the family divisions and the princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of the thou- sands and of the hundreds, with the super- visors of the king's work ; 7 And they gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drachms, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of copper eighteen thousand talents, and of iron one hundred thousand talents. 8 And those with whom stones were found gave them to the treasury of the house of the Lord, under the supervision of Jechiel tlie Gershunite. 9 Then did the people rejoice, because they had voluntarily offered ; for with an undivided heart did they offer to the Lord: and also king David rejoiced with great joy. 10 Tl And David blessed the Lord before the eyes of all the congregation; and David said. Blessed be thou, Lord the God of Israel our father, from everlasting even unto everlasting. 11 Thine, Lord, are the greatness, and the might, and the glory, and the victory," and the majesty, yea, all that is in the hear vens and on the earth: thine, Lord, is the kingdom, and thou art exalted as the head above all. 12 And riches and honour come from thee, and thou rulest over all ; and in thy hand are power and might; and it is in thy hand to make great, and to give strength unto all. 13 And now, our God, we give thanks unto thee, and praise thy glorious name. 14 For who am I, and what is my people, that we should possess the power to offer voluntarily after this sort? for from thee is every thing, and out of thy own have we given unto thee. 15 For strangers are we before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: like a shadow are our days on the earth, and there is no hope (of abiding) .'' IG Lord our God! all this abundant store which we have prepared to build for thee a house for thy holy name, is out of thy own hand, and thine is all. 17 And I know, my God, that thou probest the heart, and uprightness thou receivest in favour. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart have I voluntarily offered all these things; and now thy people, that are present Herxhei' tr, "exiellcn'O, I'Icriiity, anil s]il<iii|nii 972 Ziinz, "(in earth fast fli-etiii" 2 rnRoxirT>ES t. here, do I see witli joy offering' voluntarily unto thee. 18 Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, ^^I'oserve this for ever as the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and direct their heart firmly unto thee. 19 And unto Solomon my son do thou give an undivided heart, to keep thy com- mandments, thy testimonies, and thy sta- tutes, and to do all, and to build the palace, for which I have made pre^jaration. 20 ^ And David said to all the assembly. Bless now tlie Lord your God. And all the assembly blessed the Lord the God of their fathers, and bent down their heads, and prostrated themselves to the Lord, and to the king. 21 And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the Lord, and they oflei'ed burnt-ofterings unto the Lord, on the morrow after that day, one thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, a thou- sand sheep, with their drink-ofierings, and (other) sacrifices in abundance for all Israel; 22 And they ate and drank before the Lord on that day with great joy. And they declared the second time Solomon the son of David to be king, and they anointed him unto the Lord as chief ruler, and Zadok as priest. 23 Then sat Solomon on the throne of the Lord as king instead of David his fathei-. and he was prosperous; and all Israel obeyed him. 24 And all the princes, and the mighty men, and also all the sons of king David, submitted" themselves unto ving Solomon. 25 And the Lord made Solomon exceed- ingly great before the eyes of all Israel; and he bestowed u[)on liim a royal majesty such as liad not been on any king over Israel be- fore him. 26 ^ Thus did David the son of Jesse reign over all Israel. 27 And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years: in Hebron he reigned seven ^ears, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three (years). 28 And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour: and Solomon his son became king in his stead. 29 And the acts of kin^ David, the first and the last, behold, they are written in the history of Samuel the seer, and in the history of Nathan the prophet, and in the history of Gad the seer, I 30 Together with all his reign and his ' mighty deeds, and the times that passed over - him, and over Israel, and over all the king- jdoms of the (various) countries. THE SECOND BOOK OF CHRONICLES, '3 D'yn nm "lao- CHAPTER I. 1 *\\ And Solomon tlie son of David sti'engthened himself in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him, and caused him to become exceedingly great. 2 Then said Solomon unto all Israel, to the captains of the thousands and of the hun- dreds, and to the judges, and to every prince in all Israel, the chiefs of the family divi- sions (that they should go with him). 3 Thereupon went Solomon, and all the assembly with him. to the high-jDlace that was at Gib'on ; for there was the talx'rnacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the Lord had made in the wilder- ness. 4 Nevertheless the ark of God had David brought up from Kiryath-ye'arim to (the place which) David had prepared for it; for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem. 5 But the copper altar, which Bezalel the ' Heb. '• placed the liuud uuder kini:; Solomon," 973 2 CHRONICLES I. II. son of Uri, the son of Chur, had made, he placed before the tabernacle of the Lord: and Solomon and the assembly sought for it. 6 And Solomon sacrificed there on the copper altar before the Lord, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offer- ed upon it a thousand burnt-offerings. 7 ^ In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. 8 And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shown unto David my father great kindness, and hast made me king in his stead. 9 Now, Lord God, let thy word unto David my father be verified; for thou hast made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who could (otherwise) judge this thy great people? 11 ^ And God said unto Solomon, Where- as this hath been in thy heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thy enemies, and hast not even asked long life ; but hast asked for thyself wisdom and knowledge, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: 12 (Therefore) are the wisdom and the knowledge granted unto thee; and riches, and wealth, and honour, will I give thee, such as no kings that have been before thee have had, and the like of which after thee none shall have. 13 Then came Solomon from the high- place that was at Gib'on to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Israel. 14 ][ And Solomon brought together cha- riots and horsemen; and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thou- sand horsemen, and he placed them in the chariot^cities, and with the king at Jerusa- lem. 15 And the king rendered the silver and gold at Jerusalem like stones, and cedar-trees he rendered as the sycamore-trees that are in (he lowlands for abundance. 16 And Solomon had his horses brought (nit of Egypt; a company of the king's mer- chants bought a quantity at a price. 'The English version commences here chapter ii. 974 17 And they brought up, and fetched out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty : and so for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out by their means. 18" And Solomon ordered to build a house for the name of the Lord, and a house for his royal residence. CHAPTER II. 1 And Solomon numbered seventy thou- sand men to bear burdens, and eighty thou- sand stonecutters in the mountain, and as superintendents over them three thousand and six hundred. 2 ^ And Solomon sent to Churam the king of Tyre, saying. As thou hast dealt with David my father, and didst send him cedars to build him a house to dwell therein, (even so deal with me).*" 3 Behold, I am building a house to the name of the Lord my God, to sanctify it to him, to burn before him incense of spices^ and for the continual rows of show-ljread, and for the burnt-oflferings at morning and even- ing, on the sabbaths, and on the new-moons, and on the stated festivals of the Lord our God: this being for ever obligatory on Is- rael. 4 And the house which I am building is great; for greater is our God than all the gods. 5 But who possesseth the power to build him a house? for the heavens and the hea- vens of heavens cannot contain him: and who am I then, that I should build him a house, save only to burn incense before him? 6 And now send me a skilful man to work in gold, and in silver, and in copper, and in iron, and in pui'ple, and crimson, and blue, and that understandeth how to engrave with the skilful men that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father hath provided. 7 Send me also cedar-trees, fir-trees, and sandal-wood, from the Labanon; for I know well that thy servants have the skill to cut the trees of Lebanon : and, behold, my ser- vants shall be with thy servants, 8 Even to prejjare I'ov me timljer in abun- ^ These words are not in the tcjft. '1 CHRONICLES TI. TTT. dance; for the house wliieli T am building is to be wonderfull}' great. 9 And. behold, for the hewers that cut the timber -will I give unto thy servants twenty thousand coi's of threshed wheat, and twenty thousand cors of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil. 10 ^ Then answered Churam the king of Tyi'e in writing, and he sent it to Solomon. Out of the love of the Lord for his people hath he set tliee as king over them. 11 And Churam said. Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, that hath made the heavens and the earth, who hath given to king David a wise son, endowed with intelligence and un- derstanding, who is to build a house unto the Lord, and a house for a royal residence. 1:2 x'\ud now have I sent a skilful man, endowed with understanding, namely, Chu- ram-Abi, 13 The son of a woman from the daughters of Dan, while his father was a man of Tyre, skilful to woi'k in gold, and in silver, in cop- per, in iron, in stone, and in wood, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to execute any manner of engraving, and to devise every kind of woiiv of art which may be given to him, together with thy skil- ful men, and skilful men of my lord David thy father. 14 And now the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, of which my lord hath spoken, let him send unto his servants : 15 And we will truly cut down trees out of the Lebanon, as much as thou mayest need; and we will bring them to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry them up to Jerusalem. 16 T] And Solomon numbered all the strange men that were in the land of Israel, after the numbering wherewith David his father had numbered them; and they were found to be one hundred and fifty thousand and three thousand and six hundred. 17 And he made of them seventy thou- sand bearers of burdens, and eighty thousand stonecutters in the mountain, and three thou- sand and six hundred superintendents to set the people to work. CHAPTER III. 1 ^ And Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem on mount Moriah, where He had appeared unto David his father, on the place that David had prepared in the threshing-floor of Oman the Jebusite. 2 And he began to build cm the sec(md day of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign. 3 Now in this manner was the foundation laid of the house of God (at its) building (by) Solomon :" The length by cubits after the first measure'' wa-s sixty cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits. 4 And the porch that was in the front of the length was accordina' to the breadth of the house, twenty cul)its, and the height was a hundred and twenty: and he overlaid it within with pure gold. 5 And tlie great house he ceiled with lir- wood, which he overlaid with pure gold, and he wrought thereon palm-trees and chains. 6 And he overlaid the house with costly stones for ornament: and the gold was gold of Parvayim. 7 And he covered the house, the beams, the sills, and its walls, and its doors, w^ith gold : and he engraved cherubim on the walls. 8 ^ And he made the most holy house, its length being in front of the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and its breadth twenty cubits: and he covered it with fine gold, (amounting) to six hundred talents. 9 And the weight of the nails (amounted) to fifty shekels of gold. And the upper chambers he covered wnth gold. 10 TI And he made in the most holy house two cherubim of sculpture work, and they overlaid them with gold. 11 And regarding the wings of the cheru- bim their length was twenty cubits; the wing of the one amounting to five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house; and the other wing of five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub. 12 And the wing of the other cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house ; and the other wing of five cubits was joined closely to the wing of the other cherub. 13 The wings of these cherubim (as they • Zunz. Redak, "And these are the measurements by which Solomon was counselled to build tlie house of God." ' ;', €, The measure in use amons ancient Israel. ■ ' 975 2 CHRONICLES 111. IV. were) spread out were tvveutj cubits: and they were standing on their leet, and their faces were inward. 14 Tl And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought thereon cherubim. 15 •[ And he made before the house two pillars of thirty and five cubits in length, and the capital that was on the top of each of them was five cubits. 16 ^ And he made chains in the debir; and (others which)" he placed on the top of the pillars; and he made a hundred pome- granates, and placed them on the chains. 17 And he set up the pillars in front of the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and he called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Bo'az. CHAPTER IV. 1 He made also an altar of copper, twenty cubits being its length, and twenty cubits its breadth, and ten cubits its height. 2 ^ He made also the molten sea, being ten cubits from the one brim to the other, round- ed all about, and it was five cubits in lieight : and a line of thirty cubits did encompass it round about. 3 And likenesses of oxen*" were under it, encompassing it all round about, ten in a cubit, encircling the sea round about: the oxen were in two rows (and were) cast (with it), when it was cast. 4 It was standing upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east; and the sea was resting above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward. 5 And its thickness was a hand's breadth, and its brim like the brim of a cup, with lily- buds; and it could hold and contain three" thousand baths. 6 ^ He made also ten lavers; and he 1 (laced five on the right hand, and five on t he left, to wash in them : what belonged to the burnt-offering they rinsed oflT at'' them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in. * These words are supplied according to Redak. '' In 1 Kings vii. '24, we read, "colocjnths," perl]a|)s that "\p3 Bakiir is another name for the same. ' In 1 Kings vii. '2G, there is iiicDlioued 2000; perhaps »76 7 ^ And he made ten candlesticks of gold according to their prescribed manner; and he placed (them) in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. 8 ^ He made also ten tables, and he set them in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made a hun- dred bowls of gold. 9 ^ And he made the court of the priests, and the great out-court, and doors for the out-court, and their doors he overlaid \\ith copper. 10 And the sea he placed on the right side toward the east, opposite to the south. 11 ^ And Churam made the pots, and the shovels, and the basins. And Churam made an end of doing the work which he made for king Solomon in the house of God : 12 The two pillars, and the bowls, and ■ the capitals on the top of the two pillars, and the two networks to cover the two bowl- shaped capitals which were on the top of the j)illars ; 13 And the four hundred pomegranates for the two networks, two rows of pomegranates for each network, to cover the two bowl- shaped capitals which were upon the front of the pillars. 14 The bases also did he make, and the lavers made he upon the bases. 15 The one sea, and the twelve oxen under it, 16 And the pots also, and the shovels, and the forks, and all their instruments, did Churam-Abiv make for king Solomon for the house of the Lord, of polished copper. 17 In the plain of the Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay-ground between Suc- coth and Zeredathah." 18 ^ And Solomon made all these vessels in very great abLuidance ; for the weight of the copper was not inquired into. 19 And Solomon made all the vessels that pertained to the huu.se of God ; and the jiltar of gold also, and the tables whereon the show- bread (was set) ; 20 And the candlesticks with tlicir lamps, to light them after the prescribed manner be- fore the debir, of pure gold. in the Babylonian measure, usual afler the exile, three baths were only equal to lico in ancient IsraiO. '' Knshi. Others, "in them." " In 1 Kings vii. 40, "Zarethan." 2 CHRONICLES IV. V. VI. 21 And the floAvers, and the hinips, and the tongs, were of gold, the purest of gold ; 22 And the knives, and the basins, and the spoons, and the censers were of pure gold ; and the entrance of the house, its inner doors for the most holy place, and the doors oi' the house of the temple, were of gold. CHAPTER V. 1 T[ And so was ended all the work which Solomon made for the house of the Lord; and Solomon brought in the things sanctified by David his fixther; and the silver, and the gold, and all the vessels, he placed in the treasuries of the house of God. 2 Then did Solomon assemble the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the princes of the divisions of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. 3 And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king at the feast which is (in) the seventh month. 4 And all the elders of Israel came, and the Levites took up the ark. 5 And they brought up the ark, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle : these did the priests and the Levites bring up. 6 And king Solomon, and all the congre- gation of Israel that were assembled unto him were before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, which could not be numbered nor told for multitude. 7 And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the Lord unto its place, into the debir of the house, into the most holy place, under the wings of the cherubim. 8 And the cherubim spread forth their wings over the j^l^ce of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark and its staves from above. 9 And they had made the staves so long that the ends of the staves were seen (stand- ing out) from the ark in the front of the debir; but they were not seen without; and they have remained there until this day. 10 There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses had placed (therein) at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt. 6 X 11 ][ And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place ; for all the priests that were present had sanctified them- selves, the divisions not having been observ- ed; — 12 And the Levites the singers, all toge- ther, of Assaph, of Ileman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east side of the altar, and with them were one hundred and twenty priests blowing on trumpets; — 13 And it came thus to pass, as the trum- peters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice (accompanied) with trumpets and cym- bals and instruments of music, and in praising the Lord, For he is good ; because unto ever- lasting endureth his kindness: that the house, even the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud; 14 And the priests were not able to stand to minister because of the cloud; for the gloi'y of the Lord had filled the house of God. CHAPTER VL 1 ^[ Then said Solomon, The Lord said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. 2 And I have indeed built a dwelling- house for thee, and have settled a place for thy abode for ever." 3 And the king turned his face, and bless- ed the whole congregation of Israel, and all the congregation of Israel was standing. 4 And he said, Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who spoke with his mouth unto David my father, and hath with his hands fulfilled it, when he said, 5 Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt, I did not make choice of any city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house, that my name might be therein ; nor did I make choice of any man to be a ruler over my people Israel ; 6 But I have made choice of Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and I have made choice of David to be over my people Israel. 7 And it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the luinie of the Lord the God of Israel. 977 2 CHRONICLES VI. 8 But the Lord said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thy heart to build a house unto my name, thou didst well in that it was in thy heart: 9 IS^evertheless thou shalt nut thyself build the house; but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house unto m>' name. 10 And the Lord hath fulfilled his word that he hath spoken; and I am risen up in the stead of David my lather, and I sit on the throne of Israel, as the Lord hath spoken, and I have built the house unto the name of the Lord the God of Israel. 11 And I have placed there the ark, wherein is the covenant of the Lord which he hath made with the children of Israel. 12 And he now placed himself before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands ; 13 For Solomon had made a laver of cop- per, and had placed it in the midst of the out-court, five cubits being its length, five cubits its breadth, and three cubits its height; and he placed himself upon it, and kneeled down upon his knees in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven ; 14 And he said, Lord God of Israel, there is no god like thee in the heavens, or on the earth, thou who keepest the covenant, and the kindness for thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart; 15 Who hast kept for thy servant David my father that which thou hadst promised iiiia; and thou spokest with thy mouth, and xiast fulfilled it with thy hand, as it is this day. 16 And now, Lord, God of Israel, keep for thy servant David my father that which thou hast spoken concerning him, say- ing. There shall never fail thee a, man in my sight who sitteth on the throne of Israel; if thy children but take heed to their way to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before me. 17 And now, O Lord, the God of Israel, let thy word be verified, which thou hast spoken unto thy servant, unto David. 18 For, in truth, will God then dwell with men on the earth? behold, the heavens and the heavens of heavens cannot contain thee: 978 hoAv much less then this house that I have built ! 19 Yet wilt thou turn thy regard unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication. Lord my God, to listen unto the entreaty and the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee: 20 That thy eyes may be open toward this house day and night, toward the place of which thou hast said that thou wouldst put thy name there ; that thou mayest listen unto the prayer which thy servant will pray at this place. 21 And listen thou to the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they will i)ray at this place: and oh, do thou hear from thy dwelling-place, from heaven; and hear, and forgive. 22 If any man trespass against his neigh- bour, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thy altar in this house : 23 Then do thou hear from heaven, and act, and judge th}' servants, by requiting the wicked, to bring his way upon his own head; and by justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness. 24 *i\ And if thy people Israel be struck down before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee, and they return and con- fess thy name, and pray, and make supplica- tion before thee in this house : 25 Then do thou hear from heaven, and forgive the sin of th}' people Israel, and cause them to return unto the land which thou hast given to them and to their fathers. 26 ^1 When the heavens be shut up, and there be no rain, Ijecause they have sinned against thee, and they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, because thou hast afflicted them: 27 Then do thou hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel; for thou wilt direct them unto the good way, wherein they should walk; and give then rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people for an inheritance. 28 ^1 If there be fiunine in the land, if thei-e be pestilence, blasting, or mildew, if there be locusts, or caterpillars; if their enemies besiege them in their land, in their ' gates; at whatsoever plague, and at whut- 1 soever sickness j 2 CHRONICLES VI. VII. 29 What prayer and what supplication eoever be made by any man, or by all th}' people Israel, when they shall be conscious every man of his plague and his pain, and he then spread forth his hands toward this house : 30 Then do thou hear from heaven the place of thy dwelling, and forgive, and give to every man in accordance with all his ways, as thou mayest know his heart; for thou, thyself alone, knowest the heart of the chil- dren of men ; 31 In order that they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, all the days that they live on the face of the land which thou hast given unto our fathers. 32 ^ But also to the stranger, who is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far- off country for the sake of thy great name, and of thy mighty hand, and of thy out^ stretched arm, — if they come and pray in this house, — 33 Mayest thou likewise listen from hea- ven, from the place of thy dwelling, and do according to all that the stranger will call on thee for: in order that all people of the earth may know thy name, both to fear thee, as do th}^ people Israel, and to understand that this house, which I have built, is called by thy name. 34 ^ If thy people go out to battle against their enemies on the way on which thou mayest send them, and they do pray unto thee in the direction of this city which thou hast chosen, and of the house that I have built unto thy name: 35 Then hear thou from heaven their prayer and their supplication, and procure them justice. 36 If they sin against thee, — for there is no man that may not sin, — and thou be angry with them, and give them up before the ene- my, so that their captors carry them away captive unto a land far off or near; 37 And if they then take it to their heart in the land whither they have been carried captive, and repent and make supplication unto thee in the land of their captivity, say- iiig, We have sinned, we have committed ini- quity, and have acted wickedly ; 38 And they return unto thee with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, whither they have been carried captive, and they pray in the direction of their land, which thou hast given unto their lathers, and of the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house which I have built unto thy name : 39 Then hear thou from heaven, from the place of thy dwelling, tlieir prayer and their supplications, and procure them justice, and forgive thy people for what the_\- have sinned against thee. 40 Now, my God, let I beseech thee, thy eyes be open, and thy ears be attentive unto the prayer on this place. 41 And now arise, Lord God, unto thy resting-place, thou, and the ark of th\^ strength: let thy priests, Lord God, clothe themselves with salvation, and let thy pious servants rejoice in happiness. 42 Lord God, turn not away the face of thy anointed : remember the pious deeds of David thy servant. CHAPTER Vn. 1 ^ And when Solomon had made ai; end of praying, a fire came down from he.wen, and consumed the burnt-offering and tlie sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord fi.led the house. 2 And the priests were not able to enter into the house of the Lord ; because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord's house. 3 And all the children of Israel were look- ing on as the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord (was resting) upon the house ; and they kneeled down with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and prostrated themselves, and gave thanks unto the Lord, for he is good; because unto everlasting en- dureth his kindness. 4 And the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the Lord. 5 And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and a hun- dred and twenty thousand sheep: and so they dedicated the house of God, the king and all the people. 6 And the priests were standing on their stations, and the Levites with the instruments of the music of the Lord, which king David had made to give thanks unto the Lord, because unto everlasting endureth his kind- ness, with the song of praise of David in their han'I- md the priests blew the truiu- y79 2 CHRONICLES VII. VIII. pets opposite to them, and all Israel were Btandmg. 7 ^ And Solomon hallowed the interior of the court that was before the house of the Lord; for he prepared there the burnt-offer- ings, and the fat of the peace-offerings; be- cause the copper altar which Solomon had made was not able to contain the burnt-offer- ings, and the meat-offerings, and the fat. 8 And Solomon held the feast at that time seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great assembly, from the entrance of Chamath unto the river of Egypt. 9 And they held on the eighth day a solemn assembly; for the dedication of the altar they held seven days, and the feast seven days. 10 Tl And on the three-and-twentieth day of the seventh month he dismissed the people unto their tents, joyful and glad of heart be- cause of the good that the Lokd had done for David, and for Solomon, and for Israel his people. 11 Thus did Solomon con^lete the house of the Lord, and the king's house; and (in) all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of the Lord, and in his own house, he prospered. 12 ^f Then appeared the Lord to Solomon during the night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and I have made choice of this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. 13 If I shut up the heavens that there be no rain, or if I give a charge to the locusts to devour off the land, or if I send a pesti- lence among my people; 14 And if my people, over whom my name is called, do then humble themselves, and pray, and seek my presence, and turn away from their evil ways: then will I also hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15 Now, my eyes shall be open, and my ears attentive unto the prayer on this place. 16 And now I have chosen and hallowed this house, that my name may be there for ever; and my eyes and my heart shall be there at all times. 17 And as for thee, if thou wilt walk be- fore me, as David thy father hath walked, so as to do in accordance with all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my ordinances : 980 18 Then will I establish the throne of thy kingdom, just as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying. There shall nev>ir fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel. 19 But if ye will indeed turn away, and forsake ni}' statutes and my conmiandments, which I have set before 30U, and will go and serve other gods, and bow down to them : 20 Then will I pluck them up out of my land which I have given unto them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast away from my sight, and I will render it to be for a proverb and for a by-word among all the people. 21 And this house, which hath been so exalted, shall become an astonishment to every one that passeth by it: so that he will say. Why hath the Lord done thus unto this land, and unto this house? 22 And men shall then say. For the cause that they forsook the Lord the God of their fathers, who had brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and they took hold of other gods, and bowed down to them, and served them : therefore hath he brought upon them all this evil. CHAPTER VIII. 1 ^ And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, when Solomon had built the house of the Lord and his own house, 2 That (as regardeth) the cities which Churam had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there. 3 And Solomon went to Chamath-zobah, and prevailed against it. 4 And he built Thadmor in the wilder- ness, and aJl the treasure-cities, which he built in Chamath. 5 And he built the upper Beth-choron, and the lower Beth-choron, fortified cities^ witli walls, gates, and bars; 6 And Ba'alath, and all the trea^nre-citie.s that Solomon had, and all the cities for clia riots, and the cities for horsemen, and all the (other) desire of Solomon which he desii'ed to build in Jerusalem, and in the Lebanon, and throughout all the land of his dominion. 7 All the people that were left of the Hit- tites, and the Emorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, who were not of Israel, '2 CHRONICLES VIII. IX. S Out of their childroii, who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel had not destroyed — these did Solomon levy lis tributary (labourers) until this day. 9 Yet of the children of Israel did Solo- mon make no bondmen for his work; but tliey were men of war, and chiefs of his cap- tains, and officers of his chariots and of his horsemen. 10 And these were the chiefs of the super- intendents whom king Solomon had, (even) two hundred and fifty, who ruled over the people. 11 And the daughter of Pharaoh did Solo- mon bring up o'.:l of the city of David unto the house that he had built for her; for he said, No wife of mine shall dwell in a house of David the king of Israel, because they are holy, because there came (once) jnto them tlifc 3.rk g!" the Lord. 12 ^ Then did Solomon offer burnt-offer- ings unto the Lord on the altar of the Lord, which he had built before the porch, 13 Even according to what was the due of (every) day on its day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new-moons, and on the stated festivals, three times in the year, on the feast of unleavened bread, and on the feast of weeks, and on the feast of tabernacles. 14 And he stationed, according to the pre- scription of David his father, the divisions of the priests at their service, and the Levites at their stations, to praise and minister next to the priests, in the requirement of every day on its day, and the gatekeepers in their divisions at every gate; for so was the charge of David the man of God. 15 And they departed not from the charge of the king concerning the priests and Le- vites resptjcting every matter, and respecting the treasuries. 16 And (so) was all the work of Solomon successful from* the day of founding the house of the Lord, even until it was finished. (So) was perfected the house of the Lord. 17 ^ Then went Solomon to 'Ezyon-geber, and to Eloth, at the searshore in the land of Edom. 18 And Churam sent him by means of his * Kashi. Zunz, "from the day of founding — till he had quite fompleted the house of the LoRD " i servants ships, and servants that had know- ledge of the sea; and they went with tl'.e ser- vants of Solomon to Opliir, and they fetched away thence four luuub'ed and fifty talents of gold, and brought the same to king Solomon. CHAPTER IX. 1 ^ And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to j)rove Solomon with riddles at Jerusalem, witli a very great train, and with camels bearing spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she spoke with him of all that was on her heart. 2 And Solomon solved for her all her ques- tions: and there was nothing hidden from Solomon which he did not tell her. 3 And when the queen of Sheba saw the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built, 4 And the food of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cup- bearers, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the Lord: there was no more spirit in her. 5 And she said to the king, The truth (only) was the word that I heard in my own land of thy acts, and of thy wisdom. G And 1 believed not in their words, until I came, and my eyes saw (all); and, behold, the one-half of the greatness of thy wisdum hath not been told me : thou excellest the re- port which I have heard. 7 Happ3' are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, who stand before thee continually, and hear thy wisdom. 8 Blessed be the Lord thy God, who hath had delight in tliee to place thee on lii.s throne, as a king for the Lord thy God ; be- cause thy Goc^ loved Israel, to sustain them for ever, therefore hath he placed rhee om r them as knij;. to exercise justice and righte- ousness'?. 9 And she gave to the king one hundixd and twenty talents of gold, and spices in very great abundance, and precious stones; and there never were any such spif;es as those which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon. 10 And also the servants of Churam. :uid the .servants of Solomon, who brought gold '.)hi 2 CHRONICLES IX. X. from Gphir, brought sandal-tiees and precious stones. 11 And the king made of the .sandal-trees steps* for the house of the LoKD, and for the king's palace, and harps and psalteries for! singers : and there were never seen the like of them before in the land of Judah. 12 And king Solomon gave unto the queen | of Sheba all her pleasure, whatsoever she asked, beside (a return for) that which she had brought unto the king. And she turned about and went away to her own country, she and her servants. 13 ^ Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and sixty and six talents of gold ; 14 Besides what the travelling tradesmen and the merchants brought. And all the | kings of Arabia and the governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solo- mon. 15 And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of beaten gold he used for each one target. 16 And (he made) three hundred shields of beaten gold; three hundred shekels of gold he u.sed for each one shield. And the kuig put them in the house of the forest of Leba- non. 17 The king also made a great throne of ivory, ?iid overlaid it with pure gold. 18 And the throne had six steps, with a f'.'otstool of gold, fastened into the throne;! anl there were arms on either side, on the place of the ?ieat; and two lions stood beside! the arms; 19 And twfilve lions stood there upon the six steps on both sides: there waa not the like made in any kingdom. '^0 And all king Solomon's drinking ves- sels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: no silver was valued in the days of Solomon at the least. 21 For the king's ships went to Tharshish with the servants of (Jhurani : once in three years did the Tharsliish-ships u.se to come j home laden with gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and |jeacocks. 22 And king Solomon became greater than ' lu 1 Kings X. 12, we read "a railing," wlionce it is probable that it means here the .same on the .stairs. 982 all the kings of the earth for riches and wit»- dom. 23 And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wi.sdom which God liad put in his heart. 24 And they brought every man his pre- sent, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, aud gai'ments, armour, and spices, horses, and mules; (and) so year by year. 25 Tl And Solomon had four thousa;;i stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he quartered in the cities for chariots, and near the king at Jerusalem. 20 And he was ruling over all the king« from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and as far as the boundaty of Egypt. •27 And the king rendered silver in Jeru- salem like stones, and the cedar-trees he ren- dered like the sycamore-trees that are in the lowlands, for abundance. 28 And men were bringing out horses for Solomon from Egypt, and from all lands. 29 And the remainder of the acts of Solo- mon, the first and the last, behold, they are written in the history of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Achiyah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Ye'do the seer concern- ing Jerobo'am the son of Nebat. 30 And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. 31 And Solomon slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David his father: and Rehobo'am his .son became king in his stead. CHAPTER X. 1 ^[ And Rehobo'am went to Shechem; for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king. 2 And it came to pass, when Jerobo'am the son of Nebat heard of it, for he was in E^ of of Egypt. 3 And they sent and called him: and so came Jerobo'am with all Israel and spoke to Rehobo'am, saying, 4 Thy father made our yoke hard; but now do thou make lighter the hard service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, and we will serve thee. tiie son 01 rseoat nearu oi u, lor ue was m Egypt, whither he had tied from the presence of king Solomon, that Jerobo'am returned out 2 CHRONICLES X. XI. 5 And he said unto them. After but three days, then return unto me went avv.iy. 6 Then consulted king Rehobo'am with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying. How do yon advise that I should return an answer to this people? 7 And they spoke unto him, saying. If thou wilt be kind to this people, and please them, and speak to them good words: then will they be servants unto thee for all times. 8 But he forsook the counsel which the plu men had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and who stood before him. 9 And he said unto them, How do you counsel how we should give an answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, ed the king, aayir,^". What portion have we And the people in David? nor have we an inheritance in the son of Jess6: every man to your tents, Is- rael; now, sec to thy own house, David. So did all Israel go to their tents. 17 But as for the children of Israel who dwelt in the cities of Jndah, over them did Eehob(./um reign. 18 ^[ Then sent king Rehobo'am Hadoram who was over tlie tril)ute; but the children of Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehobo'am made speed with his might to get upon his chariot, to tiee to Jerusalem. 19 ^ So did Israel rebel against the house of David unto this day. CHAPTER XI. 1 And when Rehobo'am was come to Jeru- Make lighter the yoke which thy fother did I salem, he assembled the house of Judah and put upon us? 10 Then spoke with him the young men that Avere gi'own up Avith him, saying, Thus must thou say unto the people that have spoken unto tliee, saying. Thy father made our yoke heavy, but do thou make it lighter unto us: thus must thou say unto them, My little finger is thicker than my father's loins. Benjamin a hundred and eighty thousand chosen men, warriors, to figlit against Israel, ; to bring back the kingdom again to Reho- I bo'am. 2 ^ But the word of the Lord catne unto Shema'yahu the man of God, saying, 3 Say unto Rehobo'am the son of Solomon, the king of Judah, and unto all Isrnel in 11 And now (if) my father hath burdened t, Judah and Benjamin, sayin you witli a heavy yoke, I will add to youril 4 Thus hath said the Lord, Ye shall not yoke: (if) my father hath chastised you with j| go up, nor fight with your brethren: return whips, then will I (do it) with .scorpion- thorns. r.-' When now Jerobo'am and all the peo- j-le came to Rehobo'am on the third day, as the king had spoken, saying. Return to me on the third day : 13 The king answered them harshly; and king Rehobo'am forsook the counsel of the old men ; 14 And he spoke to them after the counsel of the young men, saying. My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add thereto; my father chastised 3'ou with whips, but I will (do it) with scorpion-thorns. 15 And the king hearkened not unto the l)eople; for it was so brought about from God, in order that the Lord might fulfil his word, which he had spoken by means of Achiyahu the Shilonite unto Jerobo'am the son of Nebat. 16 So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answer- every man to his house; for fi'om me hath this thing been brought about. And they hearkened to the words of the Lord, and re- turned from c:oino; against Jerobo'am. 5 T[ And Rehobo'am dwelt in JerusalfiT.^ and built cities as fortresses in Judnh. 6 He built, namely, Beth-lechem, and 'Etam, and Thekoii', 7 And Beth-zur, and Socho, and 'Adullam, 8 And Gatli, and Mareshah, and Ziph, 9 And Adorayim and Lachish, and Azc- kah, 10 And Zor'ah, and Ayalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah and in Benjamin, foi'tilitd cities. 11 And he strengthened the strong-holds, and put commandei's in them, and stores of food, and oil and wine; 12 And in each and every city (he placed) shields and spears, and made them exceed- ingly strong: and thus remained with him Judah and Benjamin. 988 2 CHRONICLES XI. XII. 13 ^ And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel presented themselves to him out of all their territory. 14 For the Levites left their open districts and their possession, and Avent to Judah and Jerusalem; because Jerobo'am and his sons cast them off from executing the priest's office unto the Lord, 15 And (because) he ordained for himself priests for the high-places, and for the evil spirits, and for the calves which he had made. 16 And after them (came) out of all the tribes of Israel such as directed their heart to seek the Lord the God of Israel: these came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the Lord, the God of their fiithers. 17 And they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and brought power to Rehobo'am, the son of Solomon, during three years; for they walked in the way of David and Solomon during three years. 18 ^ And Rehobo'am took himself as wife Machalath the daughter of Jerimoth the son of David, (and) AJjichayil the daughter of Eliilb the son of Jesse; 19 And she bore to him sons: Je'ush, and Shamaryah, and Zaham. 20 And after her did he take Ma'achah the daughter of Abshalom; and she bore to him Abiyah, and 'Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith. 21 And Rehobo'am loved Ma'achah the daughter of Abshalom more than all his wives and his concubines; for he had taken eighteen wives and sixty concubines; and he begat twenty and eight sons, and sixty daughters. 22 And Rehobo'am appointed Aljiyah the son of Ma'achah to be the chief, to be ruler among his brethren; because (he desired) to make him king. 23 And he dealt understandingly, and dis- persed all his children throughout all the countries of Judah nnd Benjamin, unto all the fortified cities ; and he gave them food in abundance and he recjuired (for them) a multitude of wives. CHAPTER XII. 1 And it came to ])i)ss. when Rehobo'am had established the kingdom, and when he had become strong, that he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him 081 2 ^ And it came to pass in the fifth year of king Rehobo'am, that Shishak the king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem. — because they had acted faithlessly against tlie Lord, — 3 With twelve hundred chariots and sixty thousand horsemen : and innumerable were the people that came with him out of Egypt — the Lubim, the Sukkiyim, and the Ethi- opians. 4 And he captured the fortified cities which pertained to Judah, and he came as far as Jerusalem. 5 *\\ And Shem'ayah the prophet came to Rehobo'am, and the princes of Judah, that were gatliered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them. Thus hath said the Lord, Ye have indeed forsaken me, and therefore have I also relinquished you into the hand of Shishak. G Thereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The Lord is righteous. 7 And when the Lord saw that they had humbled themselves, then came the word of the Lord to Shem'ayah, saying, " They have humbled themselves: I will not destroy them ; but I will permit some little to escape from them; and my wrath shall not be poured out over Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak." 8 However they shall be servants unto him, and they shall know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the (various) countries. 9 Tl And so came up Shishak the king of Egjpt against Jerusalem, and he took away the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king's house : every thing did he take away; and he took away the shields of gold which Solomon had made. 10 And king Rehobo'am made in their stead shields of copper, and committed them for keeping into the hand of the chiefs of the runners, who kept guard at the door of the king's house. 11 And it happened whenever the king went into the house of the Lord, tliat the runners came and bore them, and carried them back into the apartment of the runners. 12 And when he had humbled himself, the wrath of tlie Lord turned from him, so that he destroyed him not to make an end (of him) : and also in .Tudah were some good things (found). 2 CHRONICLES XII. XIII. 13 Ti And king ReholKKim strengthened :' titude; and with you are golden calves, which himself in Jerusalem, and reigned; for Reho- bo'am was one and forty years old when he became king, and seventeen years did he reign in Jerusalem, the city which the Lord had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother's name was Na'auuih the 'Amnion itess. 14 And he did the evil ; because he di- rected not his heart to seek the Lord. 15 ^[ And the acts of Rehobo'am, tlie first and the last, behold, they are written in the history of Shem'ayah the prophet, and of 'Iddo the seer concerning the genealogies. And the wars of Rehobo'am and Jerobo'am (lasted) all the days. 16 And Rehobo'am slept with his fatliers, and was buried in the city of David: and Abiyah his son became king in his stead. CHAPTER XIII. 1 ]| In the eighteenth year of king Jero- bo'am became Abiyah king over Judah. 2 Three years he reigned in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Michayahu the daughter of Uriel of Gib'ah. And there was war between Abijali and Jerobo'am. o And Abijah joined the battle with an army of valiant men of war, even of four hundred thousand chosen men: Jerobo'am also set the battle in array against him with eisrht hundred thousand chosen men, Ijeing mighty men of ^'alour. 4 ^j And Abigail stood up above mount Zemarayim, Avhich is in the mountain of Ephraim, and said, Hear me, Jei'obo'am, and all Israel; 5 Ought ye not to know that the Lord the God of Israel hath given the kingdom over Israel to David for eternity, }ea, to him and to his .sons by a covenant of salt? 6 But there rose up Jerobo'am the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, and rebelled against his lord. 7 T[ And there were gathered unto him idle men, worthless persons, and put themselves in violent resistance against Rehobo'am the son of Solomon: while Rehobo'am was young and tender hearted, and could not sustain himself before them. Jeroljo'am hath made for you as gods. 9 Have ye not cast out the priests of the Lord, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made yourselves priests like the people of the (various) lands? so that who- soever Cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams can become a priest to things that are no gods? 10 But as for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him ; and the priests, who minister unto tlie Lord, are the sons of Aaron; and the Levites are at their (appoint- ed) work; 11 And they bum unto the Lord burnt- offerings every morning and every e\'ening and incense of sweet spices; and the rows of the show-bread (do they place) upon the pure table; and there is the candlestick of gold with its lamps, to light the same every evening; for we keep the charge of the Lord our God, while ye ha^•e truly forsaken him. 12 And, behold, with us at our head is the (true) God, with his priests with trum- pets for blowing the alarm, to sound an alarm against you. children of Israel, do not fiiiht amiinst the Lord the God of your fathers ; ibr ye will not prosper. 13 But Jerobo'am caused an ambush to come around behind them: so they them- selves were before Judah, and the ambush was behind them. 14 And when Judah turned round, behold, they had the battle before and behind: and they cried unto the Lord, and the priests blew with the trumpets. 15 And then gave the men of Judah a shout: and it came to pass, as the men of Judah shouted, that God struck down Jero- Ijo'am and all Israel before Abiyah and Ju- dah. 16 And the children of Israel fled from before Judah, and God gave them up into their hand. 17 And Aljiyah and his people smote them with a great defeat, and there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men. 18 Thus were the children of Israel hum- bled at that time : and tlic children of Judah became powerful, because they relied upon 8 And now ye think to sustain yourselves ; the Lord the God of their fathers, before the kingdom of the Lord iii the hand J 19 And Abiyah made pursuit after Jero- of tlie sons of David; and ye are a great mul- Ibo'am, and captured cities from him. Bethel a V 985 2 OllRONlCLKS XIII. XIV. XV. with its villages, and Jeshanah with its vil- lages, and "Ephrayin with its villages. 20 And Jeroh(j'ani did iK^t recover strength again in-the days of Abiyahii: and the Lord struck him, and he died. 21 ^ But Abiyahu became strong, and he took himself fourteen wives, and begat twenty and two sons, and sixteen dauuhters. 22 And the rest of the acts of Abiyah, and his ways, and his speeches, are written in the writing of the prophet 'Iddo. 23" And Abiyah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Assa his son became king in his stead. In his days the land had repose ten years. (JFIAPTER XIV. 1 ^ And Assa did what is good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. 2 And he removed the .altars of the strange (gods), and the high-places, and l)roke up tlie statues, and cut down the groves ; 3 And he ordered Judah to seek the Lord the God of their fathei-s, and to execute the law and the coinmandment. 4 Also he removed out of all the cities of Judah the high-places and the sun-images: and the kingdom had repose before him. 5 And he built fortified cities in Judah; for the land had repose, and no one had war with him in those years; because the Lord had given him rest. 6 Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us Iniilil these cities, and surround them with walls, and towers, gates, and bars: the land is yet before us; because we have sought the Lord our God, — we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side." So they built and prospered. 7 T[ And Assa had an army that Itore tar- gets and spears, out of Judah three hundred tliousand; and out of Benjamin, that bore shields and drew the bow, two hundred and eighty thousand: all these were mighty men of valour. S And there came out against them Zerach the Ktliiopiaii with an army of a thousand times thousand, and three hundred chariots; and lu! came as far as Mareshah. 9 Then went Assa out against him, and The English version commeuces here chapter xiv. 'JHfi they set themselves in battle-array in the valley of Zephathah near Mareshah. 10 And Assa called unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord, nothing can hinder tlieo to help, whether it be the mighty, or those that have no power: help us, Lord our God; for on thee do we rely, and in thy name are we come against this multitude. Lord, thou art our God ! no mortal can place a re- straint against thee. 11 Tf Thereupon did the Lord strike down the Ethiopians before Assa, and before Ju- dah : and the Ethiopians fled. 12 And Assa and the people that were with him pursued them as far as Gerar: and there fell of the Ethiopians (so many), that they could not recover themselves; for they were broken down before the Lord, and before his camp; and they carried away exceedingly much booty. 13 And they smote all the cities I'ound about Gerar; foi' the dread of the Lord was upon them : and they plundered all the cities; for abundant spoil was in them. 14 And also the tents of (the owners of) cattle did they smite, and they carried away sheep in abundance, and camels, and returned to Jerusalem. CHAPTER XV. 1 And as for 'Azaryahu the son of Oded — on him came the spirit of God; 2 And he went out to meet Ass.a, and said unto him. Hear me, Assa, and all Judah and Benjamin, The Lord is with you, wliile ye renuiin with him; and if ye seek him, he will let himself be found by you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. 3 ^ And many days (had elapsed) for Israel, (they being) without the true God, and without a teacliing priest, and without law. 4 But they returned Avhen they were in distress unto the Lord, the God of Israel, and they sought him, and he let himself be found by them. 5 And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, and to him that came in; l)ut there were great confusions among all the inhabitants of the countries. (5 And nation was dashed to pieces against nation, and city against city; for God ilid confcMind them with all kind of distress. 2 CHRONICLES XV. XVI. 7 But as for 3011, be ye strong, and let not vour hands be weak; for there is a reward for your doing. 8 ^ And wlien Assa heard these words, and the prophecy of 'Oded the prophet, he was strengthened, and he put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities Avhich he liad captured from tlie mountain of Ephraim; and he renewed the altar of the Lord, that was before the porch of the Lord. 9 And he assembled all Judah and Benja- min, and those that sojourned with them out of Ephraim and Menasseh, and out of Simeon; for the}' had joined him out of Israel in abun- dance, when they saw that the Lord his God was with him. 10 ^ And so they assembled themselves at Jerusalem in the third month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Assa. 11 And they sacrificed unto the Lord on the same day, of the booty which they had brought, seven bundled oxen and seven thou- sand sheep. 12 And tliey entered into the covenant to seek the Lord the God of their fathers with all their heart and v/itli all their soul ; 13 So that whosoever would not seek the Lord the God of Israel should be put to death, from the small even up to the great, whether it be man or woman. 14 And the}- swore unto the Lord with a loud Miirc and with (joyful) shouting, and witli trumpets, and with cornets. 15 And all Judali rejoiced because of the oath; for with all their heart had they sworn, and with their whole desire did they seek him. and he let himself be found by them: and the Lord gave them rest on every side. 16 And also concerning Ma'achah the mother of king Assa, he removed her from being queen, because she had made a scan- dalous image for the gi'ove; and Assa cut down her scandalous image, and had it ground up, and burnt it by the brook Ki- dron. 17 But the high-places were not removed out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Assa was entii'e all his days. 18 And he brought the things which his father had sanctified, and his own sanctified things, into the house of God, — silver, and gold, and vessels. 19 And there tvas no war until the five- and-thirtieth year of the reign of A.ssa. CHAPTER XVI. 1 ^ In the six-and-thirtieth year of the reign of Assa, came up Ba'sha the king of Is- rael against Judah, and built Ramah, in order not to suffer any one to go out or come in to Assa the king of Judah. 2 Then did Assa bring out silver and gold out of the treasuries of the house of the Lord and of the king's house, and sent (them) to Ben-hadad tlie king of Syria, who dwelt at Damascus, saying, 3 A covenant is between me and thee, as between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent unto thee silver and gold; go, break thy covenant with Ba'sha the king of Israel, that he may withdraw from me. 4 And I3en-hadad hearkened unto king Assa, and sent the captains of the armies that he had against the cities of Israel, and they smote 'lyon, and Dan, and Abel-may im, and all the treasure-cities of Naphtali. •5 And it came to pass, when Ba'sha heard this, that he left off the building of Ramah, and stopped his work. 6 Ti And king Assa took then all Judah; and the}' caiiied away the stones of Ramah, and its timber, wherewith Ba'sha had built; and he built tlierewith Geba' and Mizpah. 7 ]| And at that time came Chanani the seer to Assa the king of Judah, and said unto him. Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and hast not relied on the Lord thy God: therefore is the army of the king of Syria escaped out of thy hands. 8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubim a numerous army, with chariots and horse- men in great abundance? yet, because thou didst rely on the Lord, he gave them up mto thy hand. 9 For as regardeth the Lord, his eyes roam throughout the whole earth, to hold strongly with those whose heart is entire toward him : thou hast done foolishly for this reason ; because from this time forth there will be wars with thee. 10 Then became Assa incensed toward tiie seer, and put him in a prison-house; for he was in a rage with him because of this. And Assa oppressed some of the people at the same time. 987 2 CHRONICLES XVI. XVII. XVIII. 11 And, behold, the acts of Assa, the first and the last, lo, they are written m the book of the kings of Jiidah and Israel. 12 ^ And Assa became sick in the thirty- and-ninth year of his reign in his feet, his disease being exceedingly severe : yet even in his disease he sought not to the Lord, but (applied) to the physicians. 13 And Assa slept with his fathers, and died in the one-and-fortieth year of his reign. 14 And they buried him in his own sepul- chres, which he had dug for himself in the city of David, and they laid him in the couch which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices mixed by the apothe- cary's art; and they made for him a burning uncommonly great. CHAPTER XVII. 1 ]| And Jehoshapliat his son became king in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. 2 And he placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah. and placed garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Assa his father had captured. 3 And the Lord was with Jehosliaphat; because he walked in the first ways of David his father, and sought not after the Be'alim; 4 On the contrary, after the God of his father did he seek, and iii his commandments did he walk, but not after the doings of Israel. 5 Therefore did the Lord establish the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah gave presents to Jehoshaphat ; and he had riches and honour in abundance. 6 And his heart raised itself up in the ways of the Lord, and he removed moreover the high-places and groves out of Judah. 7 T[ And in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Bon-chayil. and 'Oba- diah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Mi- chayahu, to teach in the cities of Judah. 8 And with them were the Levites, Shema'- yahu, and Nethanyaliu, and Zebadyahu, and 'Assahel, and Shemiramoth. and Jehonathan, and Adoniyahu, and T()])iyahu, and Tob- adoniyah, the Levites; and with them Eli- shama' and Jehoram, the priests. 9 And they tauglit in Judali, and with tliem was the book of the law of the Lord, and they moved about through all the cities of Judah, and tauglit tlie people. i»S8 10 And the dread of the Lord was upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war witli Jehoshaphat. 11 Also from the Philistines did people bring unto Jehoshapat presents and silver, as tribute: also the Arabians brought him small cattle, rams seven thousand and seven hundred, and he-goats seven thousand and seven hundred. 12 ][ And Jehoshaphat went on becoming exceedingly great, and he built in Judah castles and treasure-cities. 13 And he had great works in the cities of Judah, and men of war, mighty in valour, in Jerusalem. 14 ^ And these are their numbers accord- ing to their tamily divisions: Of Judah, of the captains of the thousands was 'Adnali the chief, anil with him were mighty men of j valour, three hundred thousand. r 15 Tl And next to him was Jehochanan i the chief, and with him were two hundred and eighty thousand. 16 And next to him was 'Amassyah the i son of Zicln-i, who voluntarily offered himself unto the Lord; and with him were two hun- dred thousand mighty men of valour. 17 And of Benjamin, the mighty valiant Elyada', and with him were those armed with bow and sliield two hundred thousand. 18 And next him was Jehozabad, and with him were one hundred and eighty thousand ready armed for the host. 19 Tl These were those that ministered l-o the king, besides those wliom the king had placed in the fortified cities throughout all Judah. CHAPTER XVIII. 1 ]f And Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundinice, and he intermarried with Achab. 2 And he went down after (some) years to Achab to Samaria. And Achab killed for him sheep and oxen in abundance, and for the people that were with him, and persuad- ed him to go up to Ramoth-gil'ad. 3 Then said Achab the king of Israel unto ; Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me against Eamoth-gil'ad? And he said to him, I (will be) like thee, and my people (shall be) as thy people; and we will be with thee in tlie 1 Kittle. 2 rilRONlCLES XVIIT. 4 And Jeliosliapliat said unto the king of Israel, Inquire, I pray thee, to-day (first) of the word of the Lord. 5 Then (hd the king of Israel assemble tlie prophets, four hundred men, and said unto them. Shall we go to Ramoth-gil'ad to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Co up, .and God will deliver (it) into the hand of tlie king. 6 And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Eternal Ijesides, that we might inquire of him? 7 And the king of Israel said unto Jeho- shaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may inquire of the Lord; but I hate him; for he never prophesieth any good concerning me, but at all times evil: it is Michayhu the son of Yimla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. 8 Then called the king of Israel a certain court-officer, and said, •' Hasten hither Mi- chayhu the son of Yinda." 9 And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah were sitting each on his throne, dressed in their ro^yal garments, and they were sitting in a threshing-floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria: and all the prophets prophesied l^efore them. 10 And Zedekiah the son of Kena'anah had made himself horns of iron ; and he said, Thus hath said the Lord, With these shalt thou push the Syrians until thou have niade an end of them. 11 And all the prophets prophesied so, saying. Go up against Ramoth-gil'ad, and pros- per, and the Lord will deliver it into the king's hand. 12 And the messenger that went to call Michayhu spoke to him, saying. Behold, the words of the prophets are with one voice good for the king: so do let thy word, I pray thee, be like (that of) any one of them, and speak something good. 13 And Michayhu said, As the Lord liveth, ( truly what my God may say, that will I speak. I 14 And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Michah, shall we go to Ramoth-girad to battle, or shall I forbear? j And he said. Go ye up, and prosper, and may they be delivered into your hand. 15 And the king said to him. How many times yet must I adjure thee that thou shalt not speak to me any thing but the truth in the name of the Lord? 16 Then said he, I saw all Israel scattered over the mountains, as Hocks that have not a shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master; let them return ever}^ man to his house in peace. 17 And the king of Israel said to Jehosha- phat, Did I not say unto thee that he would not prophesy concerning me any good, but (only) for evil? 18 T[ And he said. Therefore hear ye the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven stand- ing on his right and his left. 19 And the Lord said. Who will persuade Achab the king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-girad? And one said — one saying after this maimer, and another saying after that manner. 20 Then came there forth a spirit, and placed himself before the Lord, and said, I will persuade him. And the Lord said unto him. Wherewith? 21 And he said, I will go forth, and I will become a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said. Thou wilt persuade him, and also prevail: go forth, and do so. 22 And now, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy pro- phets; but the Lord hath spoken evil con- cerning thee. 23 And Zedekiali the son of Kena'anah went near, and struck Michayhu on the cheek, and said. Which is the way the Spirit of the Lord passed away from me to spealc with thee? 24 And Michayhu said. Behold, thou slialt see it on that day when thou shalt go into the innermost chamber to hide thyself 25 And the king of Israel said. Take ye Michayhu, and carry him back unto Anion the governor of the city, and to Jolish the king's son ; 26 And say ye, Thus hath said the king. Put this man in the prison, and feed him with sparing bread and with sparing water, until I return in peace. 27 And Michayhu said, If thou return at all in peace, then hath the Lord not spoken through me. And he said. Hear it, all ye nations ! 28 ^ And the king of Israel went up with Jehoshaphat the king of Judah to Ramoin- gil'ad. 2 CHRONICLES XVIII. XIX. XX. 29 And the king of Israel said unto Jeho- shaphat, I will disguise myself, and enter into the battle ; but do thou put on thy rojal gar- ments. And the king of Israel disguised him- self, and they went into the battle. 30 And the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that he had, saying. Fight ye not with the small or with the great, save only with the king of Israel alone. 31 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that the^- said, This is the king of Israel. And they encompassed him to fight; and Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lokd helped him; and God induced them to go a^ay Irom him. 32 And it came to pass, when the caji- tains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from following him. 33 But a certain man drew his bow at a venture, and struck the king of Israel between the joints and the armour : wherefore he said to the chariot-driver, Tin-n aljout, and carry ne out of the camp ; for I am wounded. 34 And the battle increased on that day: and the king of Israel stayed (himself) up in the chariot against the Syrians until the even- ing, and he died at the time of the sun's go- ing down. CHAPTER XIX. 1 11 And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace, to Jerusalem. 2 And there came out to meet him Jehu the son of Chanani the seer, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldst thou help the wicked, and love those that hate the Lord? and be- cause of this there is Avrath over thee from Ijefore the Lord. 3 Nevertheless there are good things found on thee; because thou hast removed the Asheroth out of the land, and hast directed thy heart firinly to seek God. 4 Tl And Jelioshaphat remained at Jerusa- lem; but he went out again through the peo- ple from Beer-sheba' as far as the mountain of Ephraim, and caused them to return unto the Lord the God of their fathers. 5 And" he appointed judges in the land in aU the fortified cities of Judah, in city by city. 6 And he said to the judges, Look (well) 990 at what ye are doing; because not for man are ye to judge, but for the Lord, who is with you in pronouncing judgment. 7 And now let the dread of the Lord be upon you: take heed and act; for with the Lord our God there is no injustice, nor re- spect for persons, nor taking of bribes. 8 But also in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat appoint some of the Levites, and the priests, and of the chiefs of the family divisions of Is- rael, for the (giving of) the judgment of the Lord, and for controversies, when they re- turned to Jerusalem. 9 And he charged on them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord, in faith- fulness, and with an undivided heart. 10 And whatsoever controversy may come to you from 3 our brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, ye shall truly warn them that they incur not guilt against the Lord, and so there come wrath over you, and over your brethren : so must ye do, and ye will not incur guilt. 11 And, behold, Amar\aliu the chief priest is over you for every matter of the Lord; and Zebadyahu the son of Yishma'el, the ruler for the house of Judah, for every matter of the king; and the Levites are officers before you. Be strong and act, and may the Lord be with the good. CHAPTER XX. 1 ^ And it came to pass after this, that the children of Moilb, and the children of 'Amnion, and with them some of the 'Am- monim,* came against Jehoshaphat to batr tie. 2 And there came some and told unto Jehoshapliat, saying. There is coming against thee a great multitude from beyond the sea, from Syria; and, behold, they are in Chaza- zon-thamar, which is 'En-gedi. 3 Tlien became Jehoshaphat afraid, and he directed his face to seek the Lord; and he proclaimed a fast over all Judah. 4 And (the people of) Judah gathered themselves together, to ask (help) of the Lord : also out of all the cities of Judah did they come to seek the Lord. ' Some suppose this to mean " the Me'uuiiu," Iho in- habitants nf Arabia Petraea. 2 CHRONICLES XX. 5 And Jc'lioKhapliat stood forward in the assembl}' of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before tlie new court, 6 And he said, Lord, the God of our fathers, behold, thou art God in the heavens, and thou rulest over all the kingdoms of the nations; and in thy hand are the power and might, aaid there is none that can withstand thee. 7 Behold, it is thou, our God, who hast driven out the inhabitants of this land from before th y people Israel ; and thou gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend to eternity. 8 And they have dwelt therein, and have built I'or thee therein a sanctuary for thy name, saying, 9 If there should come over us any evil, the sword, punishment, or pestilence, or famine, (tlien) will we stand before this house, and in thy presenile, for th}- name is in this house, and we will cry unto thee out of our .distress, and thou wilt hear and help. 10 And now, behold, the children of 'Am- nion and Moab and mount Se'ir, against whom thou wouldst not sutler Israel to come, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned aside from them, and desti\)>ed them not : — 11 And behold, they recompense us, by j comina' to drive us out of thv inheritance, ' which thou hast given us to possess. 12 our God, wilt thou not execute justice on themV lor there is no power in us against this great multitude that is coming against us; and we indeed know not what we are to do; but upon thee are our eyes (directed). 13 And all Judah were standing before the Lord, also their little ones, their wives, and their sons. 14 ^1 And upon Jacbaziel the son of Ze- charyahu, the son of Benayah, the son of Je'iel, the son of Matthanyah, the Levite, of the sons of Assaph, came the spirit of the Lord in the midst of the assembly ; 15 And he said, Listen ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus hath said the Lord unto you. Be 3'e not afraid and be not dismayed because of this great multitude ; for not unto you belongeth the battle, but unto God. 16 To-morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the ascent of ZIz; and ye will find them at the end of the val- ley, in front of the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 Ye shall not. need to fight in this ])lace: stand firndy, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, Judah and Jerusa- lem: fear not, and be not dismayed; to-mor- row go out to meet them, and the Lord will be with you. 18 And Jehosha[)liat bowed his head with his face to the ground : and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem I'ell down before the Lord, to prostrate themselves unto the Lord. 19 And then arose the Levites, of the chil- dren of the Kehathites, and of the cliildren of the Korcliites, to praise the Lord the G(xl of Israel with a very loud voice. 20 Arid the}- I'ose up early in the morning, and went Ibrth into the wilderness of Thekoli': and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood forward and said. Hear me, Judah, and } e inhabitants of Jerusalem; believe in the Lord }oui' God, and ye will have perma- nence; believe his jtrophets, and ye will prosper. 21 And he consulted with his people, and he appointed singers inito the Lord, and those that should praise in the holy ornaments, as the}- went out before the armed array, and I said, Give thanks unto the Lord; for unto everlasting endureth his kindness. j 22 And at the time when they began with j the song and the praise, the Lord set an ara- I bush against the cliildren of 'Amnion, Moab, [ and mount Se'ir, who were come against : Judah, and they were smitten. I 23 And the children of 'Amnion and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Se'ir, utterly to annihilate and to destroy them ; and when the}' had made an end of the inhabitants of Se'ir, they helped to de- stroy one another. 24 And when Judah came toward the watchtower in the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies ftxUen to the earth, and none had escaped. 25 And then came Jehoshaphat and his people to plunder their booty*, and they found among them in abundance both riches and dead bodies, and costly vessels, which they stript ofl' for themselves, more than they could carry away : and they were three 991 2 CHRONICLES XX. XXI. days in plundering the booty, for it was so much. 26 And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachali; for there they blessed the Lord: therefore did they call the name of this place, The valley of Berachah [Blessing], until this day. 27 Then returned all the men of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat at their head, to return to Jerusalem with joy; for the Lord had caused them to rejoice over their enemies. 28 And they came to Jerusalem with psal- teries and with harps and with trumpets unto the house of the Lord. 29 And a dread from God was on all the kingdoms of (those) countries, when the}' heard that the Lord had fought with the enemies of Israel. 30 So the kingdom of Jehoshaphat had repose, and he God gave him rest all round about. 31 ^ And (so) did Jehoshaphat reign over Judah: thirty and five years old was he when he became king, and twenty and five years did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was 'Azubah the daughter of Shilchi. 32 And he walked in tlie way of his father Assa, and turned not aside from it, doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord. 33 Nevertheless the high-places were not removed; for the people liad not yet directed their heart firmly unto the God of their fathers. 34 And the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, the first and the last, behold, they are written in the history of Jehu the son of Chanani, which was entered in the book of the kings of Israel. 35 And after this did Jehoshaphat the king of Judah connect liimself with Achaz- yah the king of Israel, the same who acted very Avickedly ; 36 And he connected liimself with him to make ships to go to Tharshish: and they made ships in 'Ezyon-geber. 37 Then prophesied Eli'ezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah against Jehosliaphat, saying, Becau.se tliou hast connected thyself with A(;hazyahu, the Lord hath broken down thy works. And the sliips were Avrecked, so that thev were not able to go to Tharshish. 992 CHAPTER XXI. 1 And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his t;ithers in the city of David. And Jehoram his son became king in his stead. 2 And he had brothers the sons of Jeho- shaphat: 'Azaryah, and Jechiel, and Zechar- yahu, and 'Azaryahu, and Michael, and She- phatyahu, all these being sons of Jehoshaphat the king of Israel. 3 And their father gave them many gifts (consisting) of silver, and of gold, and of pre- cious things, with fortified cities in Judah; but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; be- cause he was the first-born. 4 ^ Now when Jehoram was risen up over the kingdom of his fiither, and had strength- ened himself, he slew all his brothers with the sword, and also some of the princes of Israel. 5 Thirty and two years v/as Jehoram old when he ijecame king, and eight years did he reign in Jerusalem. 6 And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as had done the house of Achab; for the daughter of Achab had he for wife : and he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord. 7 Yet would the Lord not destroy the house of David, on account of the covenant which he h.ad made Avith David, and as he had said to give to him a government and to his sons at all times. 8 In his days Edom revolted from under the power of Judah, and they appointed a king over themselves. 9 Then did Jehoram go over with his princes, and all the chariots were with him; and he rose up by iiight, and smote the Edomites who compassed him about, and the captains of the chariots. 10 Yet Edom revolted from under the power of Judah even until this day: thi'u did Libnah revolt at the same time from under his power; because he had forsaken the Lord the God of his fathers. 11 He also made high-places in the moun- tains of Judah, and caused the inhal)itants of Jerusalem to go astray," and misled Judah. 12 ^ And there came unto him a writing " To commit, idolatry and the eousequcut immoralities 2 CHRONICLES XXT. XXTT. from Elijah" the prophet, s^ajiiig, Thus hntli said the Lord the God of David thy father, Inasmuch as thou hast not walked in tlie ways of Jehoshaphat thy father, and in tlie ways of Assa the king of Judah, 13 But hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and hast caused Judah and the inhabitiuits of Jerusalem to tio astray, as the house of Achab hath caused (others) to go astray, and hast also slain thy brothers of thy father's house, who were better than thy- self: 14 Behold, the Lord will inflict a great plague on thy people, and on thy children, and on thy wives, and on all thy posses- sions; 15 And thou shalt be (afllicted) with great diseases by a disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels pass out (froni thee) by reason of the disease days upon davs.'' 16 And the Lord stirred up against Jeho- ram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that are alongside of the Cushim: 17 And they went up against Judah, and made an incursion into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and also his sons, and liis wives; and there was not left unto him any son, save Jehoiichaz, the youngest of his sons. 18 And after all this did the Lord afflict him in his bowels with a disease which was incurable. 19 And it came to pass, from days to days, and when the (fixed) time was expired, after two years, that his bowels passed out (from him) b}' reason of his disease : so he died of evil diseases. And his people made no burn- ing for him, like the burning for his fathers. 20 Thirty and two years old was he when he became king, and eight years did he reign in Jerusalem, and departed without joy :"' and tliey Ijuried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulclires of the kings. CHAPTER XXII. 1 And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Aehazyahu his youngest son king in his stead; for the predatory band that was " Redak supposes that Elijah after his translation ap- peared to a disciple, and ordered him to write this letter. Others, that it was another prophet so called. Again, tlmt it wns written before Elijah's translatiiui. f> Z come with the Arabians to the camp Lv{\ slain all the eldest. So Ijecame Acha/yairu, the son of Jehoram the king of Judah, king. 2 ^ Forty and two'' years old was Aehaz- yahu when he became king, and one yec?v did he reign in Jerusalem: and liis mother's name was 'Athalyahu the (grand-)daughtcv of "Omri. 3 Also he walked in the ways of the house of Achab; for his mother was his counsellor to act wickedly. 4 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord like the house of Achab; for these wei'e his counsellors after the death of his father to his destruction. 5 He walked also after their counsel, and went with Jehoram the son of Achab the king of Israel to war against Chazaiil the king of Syria at Ramoth-girad: and tlic Syrians smote Joram. 6 And he returned to be healed in Yizre'el because of the wounds which had been given him at Ramali, when he fought with Chazacl the king of Syria. And 'Azaryahu the son of Jehoram the king of Judah went down to see Jehoi'am the son of Achab at Yizre'el, be- cause he was sick. 7 But from God was the confusion of Aehazyahu that he should come to Joram : and when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimslii, whom the Lord had anointed to cut oft' the house of Achab. 8 And it came to pass, when Jehu was exe- cuting judgment on the house of Achab, that he found the princes of Judah, and the sous of the brotliers of Aehazyahu, that ministered to Aehazyahu, and he slew them. 9 And he sought Achazvahu, and they was hiding Imnse If HI caught him while he Samaria, and they brought him to Jehu, a.ml i they slew him. and buried him; because they said. He is a son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the Lord with all his heart. And there was none of the house of Aehazyahu who had sullicient power (to obtain) the kingdom. 10 ^ And when 'Athalyahu the motliei of Aehazyahu saw that her son was dead, she ' This phrase is explained variously : Zunz, time to time." Herxheinier, "in two years." ° Rashi. Others, "without being regretted." " In 2 Kings viii. 26, "twenty-two." The date difficult to be reconciled. 99<i 'froii 2 CHKONICLES XXII. XXIII. arose and ext^niiinated all the rojal seed of had commanded, and they took every man the liouse of Judali. i his men that came in on the sabbath, with 11 ^ But Yehoshab'iith, the daughter of | those that were to be relieved on the sabbath; the king, took Joash the son of Achazyahu, lor Yehoyada' the priest had not dismissed and stole him away from the midst of the , the divisions. king's sons that were slain, and put him and l| 9 Tj And Yehoyada' the priest gave to the his nurse into the bed-chamber. So did Ye- | captains of the hundreds the spears, and the hoshab'ath, the d.aughter of king Jehoram_ the wife of Yehoyiida' the priest, — for she was the sister of Achaz_yahu, — hide him from 'Athalyahu, so that she slew him not. 12 And he was with them in the house of God hidden six years, while 'Athalyah was reigning over the land. CHAPTER XXIII. 1 Tf And in the seventh year Yehoyada' strengthened liimself, and took the captains of the hundreds, 'Azaryah the son of Jero- cham, and Yishma'el the son of Jehochanan, and 'Azaryahu the son of 'Obed, and Ma'asse- yahu the son of 'Adayahu, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, witli him into a covenant. 2 And they moved about in Judah, and gathered the Levites together out of all the cities of Judah, and the heads of the families of Israel; and they came to Jerusalem. 3 And all the congregation nuide a cove- nant in the house of God with the king. And he said unto them. Behold, the king's son shall be king, as the Lord hath spoken concerning the sons of David. 4 This is the thing that ye shall do, A third part of you that enter in on the sab- bath, of the priests and of the Levites, shall be gatekeepers at the thresholds; 5 And a third part shall be at the king's house; and a third ])art at the foundation- gate; and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the Lord. 6 But let none come into the house of the Lord, save the priests, and they that minister of the Levites: they shall enter, lor they are holy; but all the people shall keep the charge of the Lord. 7 And the Levites shall encompass the king j pie unto the Lord. round about, every man with his weapons;! 17 And then came all the people into the in his hand; and he who cometh into the ;I house of Ba'al, and pulled it down, and his house shall be put to death ; and be ye with i altars and his images did they break in the king when he cometh in, and when he ' pieces, and Matthan the priest of Baal they goeth out. j slew before the altars. 8 And tlie Levites and all Judah did in ac- j 18 And Yehoyada' placed the supervision cordancc with all llial Yiiioyada' the priest' over tlie house of the Lord into the hand 9U4 shields, and the quivers, that belonged to king David, which were in the house of God. 10 And he placed all the people, every man having his weapon in his hand, from the right side of the liouse to the left side of the house, along by the altar and the temple, all round about the king, 11 Then did they bring forth the king's son, and put upon him the crown, and (gave him) the testimony, and they made him king. And Yehoyada' and liis sons anointed him, and said. Long live the king. 12 Tj And when 'Athalyah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of the Lord. 13 And she looked, and behold, the kijig stood upon his stand at the entrance, and the jarinces and the trumpets were around the king; and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew on trumpets ; also the singers (were there) leading with instruments of music in the songs of praise ; and 'Athalyah rent her clothes, and said, "Treason, treason." 14 ^[ But Yehoyada' the priest ordered the captains of the hundreds, the commanders of the army, to go out, and said unto them, Lead her forth to witliin the ranges; and he that followeth her shall be put to death with the sword. For the priest had said. Ye shall not put her to death in the house of the Lord. 15 And they made way for her: and she went to the entrance of the horse-gate by the king's house, and they put her to death there. IG ^1 And Yehoyada' made a covenant be- tween him, and between all the jieople, and between the king, that they should be a peo- 2 CHRONICLES XXIII. XXIV. of the priests, the Levites, whom David had divided ofl" over the house of the Lord, to ofler the burnt-oflerings of the Lord, as it is written in the Law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, after the manner of David. 19 And he appointed the gatekeepers over the gates of the house of the Lord, that none unclean in any thing should enter therein. 20 And he took the captains of the hun- dreds, and the nobles, and the governors over the people, and all the people of the land, and he brought down the king from the house of the Lord, and they came through the midst of the upper gate into the king's house; and they caused the king to sit upon the throne of the kingdom. 21 And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet; but 'Athalyahu they had slain with the sword. CHAPTER XXIV. 1 ^ Seven years old was Joash when he became king, and forty years did he reign in Jerusalem: and the name of his mother was Zibyah of Beer-sheba'. 2 And Joiish did what is right in the eyes of the Lord, all the days of Yehoyada' the priest. 3 ^ And Yehoyada' took for liimself " two wives, and he begat sons' and daughters. 4 And it came to pass after this, that Yoash had it in his mind to renew the house of the Lord. 5 And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather from all IsraeP money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and ye shall make haste in this matter. But the Levites made no haste. 6 ][ Then called the king for Yehoyada' the chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required from the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the contribu- tion (fixed by) Moses the servant of the Lord, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of the testimony? 7 For the sons of the wicked 'Athalyahu have made breaches (in) the house of God; 'So Rashi. English version and others, "fur him, «■ e. the king. '' Meaning, those belonging to his guMTiiiiifiil. and also the holy things of the house of the Lord have they applied to the Be'alim. 8 And at the king's order they made a chest, and placed it at the gate of the house of the Lord on the outside. 9 And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to the Lord the contribution (fixed by) Moses the servant of God upon Israel in the wilderness. 10 And all the princes and all the people rejoiced, and they brought it in, and cast it into the chest, until it was full." 11 Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the king's office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there was much money, then came the king's scribe and the high-pi'iest's othcer and emptied the chest, and took it up, and brought it back to its place. Thus did they day by day, and gathered money in abun- dance. 12 And the king and Yehoyada' gave it to those who overlooked the service of the house of the Lord, and these hired masons and car- penters to renew the house of the Lord, and also to the workers in iron and copper to re- pair the house of the Lord. 13 So the workmen wrought, and the work was restored through their means, and they replaced the house of God in its (former) state, and strengthened it. 14 And when they had completed it, they brought before the king and Yehoyada' the rest of the money, and they made of it ves- sels for tlie house of the Lord, the vessels of the service and for the sacrificing,'^ and the spoons, and (other) vessels of gold and silver. And they ofi'ered burnt-oft'erings in the house of the Lord continually all the days of Yeho- yada'. 15 ^j And Yehoyada' became old, and was full of days, and died : he was old one hun- dred and thirty years when he died. 16 And they buried him in the city of David among the kings; because he had done a good thing in Israel, and toward God, and his house. 17 Ti But after the death of Yehoyada' came the princes of Judah, and bowed them- " Zunz. Lit. " until there wa.s an end." ' R:islii niid Redak, niSi'm "and pestles," for piiiid- iug the spices 2 CHRONICLES XXIV. XXV. .selves down* to the king. Then did the king- hearken unto them. 18 And they forsook the house of the Lord 1he God of their fathers, and served the Ashe- rim and the idols: and there came wrath over Judah and Jerusalem for this their guiltiness. 19 And he sent prophets among them, to bring them back again unto the Lord; and they gave them warning; but they did not give ear. 20 And the spirit of God endued Zecha- riah the son of Yehoyada' the priest, and he stood up above the people, and he said unto them, Thus hath said the (true) God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the Lord? ye cannot prosper so; because (as) ye have forsaken the Lord, he hath also forsaken you. 21 And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the command of the king in the court of the house of the Lord. 22 And king JoJish did not remember the kindness which Yehoyada' his father had shown to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said. The Lord will see (this), and require (my blood). 23 ^ And it came to pass at the expira- tion of the year, that the army of Syria came up against him : and they came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people, and all their spoil they sent ofl" unto the king of Da- nuiscus. 24 Indeed with a small company of men did the army of Syria come; but the Lord delivered'' into their hand an army exceed- ingly numerous; because they had forsaken the Lord the God of their fathers. And on Joiish they executed punishment. 25 And when these were gone away from him — for they left him (suffering) with great diseases — his own servants conspired against jiini because of the blood of the sons of Yeho- yada' the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died: and they buried him in the " Hoixheinier explains, "tlioy askcil in the moist siib- liiissive inauner for permission to practise idolatry" "' Aeconling to 2 Kings xii. IS, tlio Syrians did not light any battle; as Joiish bought them ofl'. Still the ■ilaughter of the principal men and indignity against the king may have also taken place, yyti city of David, but they buried him not in the sepulchres of the kings. 26 And these are those that conspired against him: Zabad" the son of Shim'ath the 'Ammonitess, and Yehozabad the son oi Shimrith the Moiibitess. 27 Now concerning his sons, and the great prophecy concerning him, and the founding of the house of God. behold, they are written in the story of the book of the kings. And Amazyahu his son became king in his stead. CHAPTER XXV. 1 ^ When twenty and five years old did Amazyahu become king, and twenty and nine years did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mother's niune was Yeho'addan of Jerusalem. 2 And he did what is right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not with an entire heart. 3 And it came to pass, when the kingdom was finnly established to him, that he slew his servants that had killed the king his fatlier. 4 But their children he put not to death; but (did) as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, that the Lord had commanded, saying, The fathers sliall not die for the chil- dren, nor shall the children die for the flithers, but every man shall die for his own sin. 5 ^ And Amazyahu gathered Judah toge- ther, and stationed them after their family divisions, after the captains over the thou- sands, and after the captains over the hun- dreds, of all Judah and Benjamin; and he numbered them from twenty years old and up- ward, and found theur (to be) three hundred thousand chosen men, able to go forth to the army, that could handle spear and shield. 6 He hired also out of Israel one hun- dred thousand mighty men of valour for one hundred talents of silver. 7 But a man of God came unto him, say- ing, king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the Lord is not with Israel, (with) all the children of Ephraim. 8 But if thou wilt go, (and be ever so) ac- tive"* (and) strong for the battle: God will ° In 2 Kings xii. 22, Yn:ticlinr, the son of Shim'ath, and Yehozabad, the son of S/ionur, a variation not un- usual in tiie books of Chronicles. '' After Zunz. Rashi, "For if thou wilt go, do wli:it thou intcndest, try to be strong for the battle: still will God," &c. L' CHRONICLES XXV. cause thee tc stuiuhle liefoiv the enemy; for there is poAvor with God to help, and to cause to stumhle. 9 Then said Amazyahu to the man of God, But wliat is to be done for the hundred talents which I have given to the hand of Israel? And the man of God said, Tlie Lord hath (enough in his power) to give tliee much more than this. 10 Then did Amazyahu separate them, (to wit,) the band that was come to him out of Ephraim, that they might go to their place: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned to their home in burning anger. 11 ^ And Amazyahu strengthened him- self, and led forth his people, and went to the Valley of Salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand (men). 12 And ten thousand did the children of Judah take captive alive, and brought them to the top of the rock, and cast them down fiom the top of the rock, so that they all were crushed. 13 But the men of the band whom Amaz- yahu had sent back, that they should not go with him to battle, spread themselves about in the cities of Judah, from Samaria even unto Beth-choron, and smote of them three thou- sand (persons), and plundered much spoil. 14 IT And it came to pass, after Amazyahu was come honie from smiting the Edomites, that he brought tlie gods of the children of Se'ir, and set them up unto himself as gods, and before them he used to prostrate himself, and unto them he used to Ijurn incense. 15 Wherefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against Amazyahu, and he sent unto him a prophet, who said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, that have not delivered their own people out of thy hand? 16 And it came to pass, as he was speak- ing unto him, that he said unto him. Have we ever appointed thee as a counsellor to the king? forbear this: why shouldst thou be smitten? Then did the prophet forbear; and he said, I know that God hath resolved to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel. 17 ^ Then held Amazyahu the king of Judah a council, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehnlichaz, the son of Jehu, the king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one luiotlier in the face. 18 And Joiish the king of Israel sent to Amazyahu the king of Judah, saying. The thornbush that was in the Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in the Lebanon, saving, Give: thy daughter to my son for wife. And there passed along the wild bea,st° that were in the Lebanon, and trod down the thorn-liush. 19 Thou hast thought, Lo, thou hast smit- ten Edom; and thy heart hath lifted thee up to acquire much glory:" now stay in thy house; why wilt thou meddle with misfor- tune, that thou mayest fall, thou, and Judah with thee? 20 But Amazyahu would not heai'; for it was (ordained) by God, in order to deliver them into the hand (of Joiish); because they had sought after the gods of Edom. 21 Thereupon did Joash the king of Israel go up: and they looked one another in the face, he and Amazyahu the king of Judah, at Beth-shemesh, which belongeth to Judah. 22 And Judah was defeated before Israel, and they tied every man to his tents. 23 And Joash the king of Israel caught Amazyahu the king of Judah, the son of Joiish, the son of Jehoachaz, at Beth-she- mesh ; and he brought him to Jerusalem, and made a breach in the wall of Jerusalem, from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner- gate, four hundred cubits. 24 And (taking) all the gold and the sil- ver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God with 'Obed-edora, and the treasures of the king's house, and the children of the chiefs as hostages, he returned to Sa- maria. 25 ^ And Amazyahu the son of Joiish the king of Judah lived after the death of Joiish the son of Jehoiichaz the king of Israel fifteen years. 26 And the rest of the acts of Amazyahu the first and the last, behold, they are fully written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 27 Now from the time tliat Amazyahu departed from following the Lord, they raised a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem : where- * Rasbi, from in:) "honour," or "glory-" Redak, "to make more wars," from ^^^ "heavy," "multifaxi ous." Zunz, "to the exte«t of'bccnming obdurate." y<J7 2 CHRONICLES XXV. XXVI. fore he fled to Laehish; but they sent after him to Laehish, and slew liim there. 28 And they carried him on horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah. CHAPTER XXVI. 1 And all the people of Judah took 'Uzzi- yahu, who was then sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaz- yahu. 2 He it was that built Eloth, and brought it back to Judah, after the king slept with his fathers. 3 ^ Sixteen years old was 'Uzziyahu when he became king, and fifty and two years did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Yecholyah of Jerusalem. 4 And he did what is right in the eyes of the Lord, in accordance with all that his father Amazyahu had done. 5 And he was (inclined) to seek God in the days of Zecharyahu, who had understanding in the visions of God ; and during the time that he sought the Lord, God caused him to prosper. 6 And he went forth and made war against the Philistines, and he broke down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod; and he built cities in (the country of) Ashdod, and among the Philis- tines. 7 And God helped him against the Philis- tines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gur-ba'al, and the Me'unim. 8 And the 'Ammonites gave presents to 'Uzziyahu: and his name extended even to the entrance of Egypt; for he became exceed- ingly Strong. n And 'Uzziyahu built towers in Jerusa- lem, above the corner-gate, and above the valley-gate, and at the angle, and made them strong. 10 He built also towers in the desert, and hewed out many wells; for he had much cat- tle, both in the lowlands and in the plain; (also) husbandmen, and vintners in the moun- tains, and in Carmel; for he loved husbandry. 11 ^f Moreover 'Uzziyah had an army of fighting men, that went out to the host by bands, according to the number of those mus- ttied of them through the hand of Je'iel the scribe and Ma'asseyahu the ovei'seer, under 998 the supervision of Chananyahu, one of the king's captains. 12 The whole number of the chiefs of the family divisions of the mighty men of valour was two thousand and six hundred. 13 And under their supervision was an efficient army, (of) three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy. 14 And 'Uzziyahu prepared for them, for all the host, shields, and spears, and helmets, and coats of mail, and bows, and stones for slinging. 15 And he made in Jerusalem artificial contrivances, contrived by a skilful man, to be (stationed) on the towers and upon the ramparts, to shoot ofl' arrows and great stones. And his' name extended ever so far abroad ; for he was marvellously assisted, till he be- came strong. 16 But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction; and he became unfaithful against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense. 17 And there went in after him 'Azaryahu the priest, and with him were priests of the Lord, valiant men, (to the number of) eighty; 18 And they stood forward against king 'Uzziyahu, and they said unto him, It is not for thee, 'Uzziyahu, to burn incense unto the Lord, but for the priests the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense : go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast tres- passed; and it will not be for thy honour from the Lord God. 19 But 'Uzziyahu became wroth, and in his hand was a censer to burn incense : and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even broke out on his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, above the altar of the incense. 20 And when "Azaryahu the chief priest, with all the priests, turned about toward him, behold, he was leprous on liis forehead, and they hurried him away from there: yea, he also made haste to go out, because the Lord had afflicted him. 21 And king 'Uzziyahu was a leper initil the day of his death, and dwelt in the leper- house, as a leper; for he was excluded from the house of the Lord: and Jotham liis son 2 CHRONICLES XXVI. XXVII. XXVIII. was over the king's house, people of the land. 22 And tlie rest of the acts of 'Uzziyahu, tte first and the hist, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write. 23 And 'Uzziyahu slept with his fathers, nnd they buried him with liis fathers in the burial-field which belonged to the kings; for they said. He is a leper: and Jotham his son tecanie king in his stead. CHAPTER XXVII. 1 ^ Twenty and five years old was Jotham when he became king, and sixteen years did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Yerushah, the daughter of Zadok. 2 And he did what is right in the eyes of the Lord, in accordance with all that his father 'Uzziyahu had done: only he entered not into the temple of the Lord. But the people acted still corruptly. 3 He it was that built tiie upper gate of the house of the Lord, and on the wall of the hill-fort he built much. 4 Moreover he built cities in the moun- tain of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers. 5 And he likewise fought with the king of the sons of 'Ammon, and prevailed against them. And the children of 'Ammon gave him in that same year one hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand kors of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much did the children of 'Amnion pay unto him again, both in the second year, and in the third. 6 So Jotham became strong; because he directed his ways' before the Lord his God. 7 And the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways, lo, they are writ- ten in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. 8 ^ Five and twenty years old was he when he became king, and sixteen years did he reign in Jerusalem. 9 And Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David : and Achaz his son became king in his stead. CHAPTER XXVIII. 1 T[ Twenty years old was Achaz when (iuid) judged the ]1 he became king, and sixteen years did Iii> reign in Jerusalem; and he did not what is right in the eyes of the Lord, like David his father ; 2 But he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for the Be'alim. 3 And he also burnt incense in the valley of the son of Ilinnom, and burnt'' his sons in the fire, after the abominable acts of the na- tions that the Lord had driven out from before the children of Israel. 4 And he sacrificed and burnt incense on the high-places, and on the hills, and under every green tree. 5 Wherefore the Lord his God gave him up into the hand of the king of Syria; and they defeated his people, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And also into the hand of the king of Israel was he given up, and he defeated his people with a great slaughter. 6 And Pekach the son of Remalyahu slew in Judah one hundred and twenty thousand in one day, all being valiant men; because they had Ibrsaken the Lord, the God of their fathers. 7 ^ And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Ma'asseyahu the king's son, and 'Azri- kam the governor of tlie house, and Elkanah the second in rank to the king. 8 And the children of Israel led away cap- tive from their brethren two hundred thou- sand, women, sons, and daughters, and also much booty did they plunder from them, and they brought the booty to Samaria. 9 But there was a prophet of the Lord, 'Oded was his name; and he went out to meet the host that was coming to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because of the fury of the Lord the God of your fathers against Judah, hath he given them up into your hand, and ye have slain among them in a rage that reacheth as far as the heavens. 10 And now ye think to force the children of Judah and Jerusalem to become bond-men and bond-women unto \ou; but surely are there not with you, even with you, trespasses against the Lord your God? 11 And now hear me, and restore the cap- * i'. e. His course of life was pleasing to God, by follow- ing the commandments. ' Zunz, as in 2 Kings xvi. 3, " he led his sons through the fire." 999 2 CHRONICLES XXVIII. XXIX. tives, whom ye have taken captive IVom jour brethren; for the fierce wrath of the LoKD is over you. 12 ^ Then arose certain men of the heads of the children of P]phraim, 'Azaryahu the son of Jehochanan, Berechyahu the son of Me- shillemoth, and Jechizkiyahu the son of Shal- lum, and 'Amassa the son of Chadlai, against those that were come from the army, 13 And they said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither; for in addition to the guiltiness against the Lord (resting) on us, ye think to add unto our sins and unto our guiltiness; for great is the guiltiness (resting) on us, and there is fierce wrath over Israel. 14 So the armed men abandoned the cap- tives and the spoil before the princes and all the assembly. 15 And then arose the men who have been expressed by name, and took hold of the captives, and all that were naked among them they clothed from the booty; and they gave them garments and shoes, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm-trees, near their brethren ; and then did they return to Samaria. 16 ^ At that time sent king Achaz unto the kings of Assyria to help him. 17 Moreover the Edomites came again and defeated (the men of) Judah, and carried away captives. 18 And the Philistines invaded the cities of the lowlands, and of the south of Judah, and captured Beth-shemesh, and A^alon, and Gederoth, and Socho with its villages, and Thimnah with its villages, and Gimzo with its villages; and they dwelt there. 19 For the IjOrd humbled Judah on ac- count of Achaz the king of Israel; for he made Judah unruly, and acted very faith- lessly against the Lord. 20 Then came against him Tilgath-pilnees- fcer the king of Assyria,, and distressed him, but strengthened him not. 21 Although Achaz took away a portion (out) of the house of the Lord, and (out) of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: he yet gave him no assistance. 22 And in the time that he distressed him, 1000 became he yet more faithless against the Lord, — yea, he, king Achaz; 23 And he sacrificed unto the gods of (the people of) Damascus, who had smitten him; and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria do help them, (therefore) will I sacri- fice unto them, that they may help me. But they only became to him a stumbling-block for him and for all Israel. 24 And Achaz gathered up the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the ves- sels of the house of God, and locked up the doors of the house of the Lord, and he made for himself altars in every corner of Jerusalem. 25 And in each and every city of Judah made he high-places to burn incense unto other gods; and he provoked to anger the Lord the God of his fathers. 26 And the rest of his acts and of all his ways, the first and the last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 27 And Achaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, in Jerusalem; for they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son became king in his stead. CHAPTER XXIX. 1 ^ Hezekiah became king when five and twenty years old, and twenty and nine years did he reign in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Abiyah, the daughter of Zecharyahu. 2 And he did what is right in the eyes of the Lord, in accordance with all that David his father had done. 3 He it was that in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the Lord, and repaired them. 4 And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the open Y>\ace at the east; 5 And he said unto them. Hear me, ye Le- vites, sanctify yovn-selves now, and sanctify the house of the Lord the God of your fathers, and carry forth tin- unclean tiling out of the sanctuary. 6 For our fathers have dealt faithlessly', and have done what is evil in the e^yes of the Lord our God, and have forsaken him ; and they have turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord, and turned their backs. 7 They had also locked up the doors of the 2 CHRONICLES XXIX. porch, and put out the lamps, and incense have they not burnt, and the burnt-offerings have they not oflfered in the sanctuary, unto the God of Israel. 8 Wherefore the wrath of the Lord is upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath rendered them to be a horror, an astonishment, and a hissing, as ye see with your eyes. 9 And, lo, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons, and our daughters, and our wives are in captivity because of this. 10 Now it is in my heart to make a cove- nant for the Lord the God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us. 11 My sons, be not negligent now; for of you hath tlie Lord made choice to stand be- fore him, to minister unto him, and that ye might be unto him ministers and those that burn incense. . 12 Then arose the Levites, Machath the son of 'Amassai, and Joel the son of 'Azar- yahu, of the sons of the Kehathites; and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of 'Abdi, and 'Azaryahu the son of Jehallelel ; and of the Gershunites, Joiich the son of Zimmah, and 'Eden the son of JoJich ; 13 And of the sons of Elizaphan, Shimri, and Je'iel ; and of the sous of Assapli, Zechar- yaliu and Matthanyahu; 14 ^ And of the sons of Heman, Jechiel and Shim'i; and of the sons of Jeduthun, Shema'yah and 'Uzziel; 15 And they gathered together their bre- thren, and they sanctified themselves, and came, according to the command of the king, by the words of the Lord, to cleanse the house of the Lord. 16 And the priests went into the inner part of the house of the Lord, to cleanse it; and they brought out every thing unclean which they found in the temple of the Lord into the court of the house of the Lord; and the Levites received it, to carry it out abroad unto the brook Kidron. 17 And they commenced on the first day of the first month to sanctify; and on the eighth day of the month they came to the porch of the Lord, and they sanctified the house of the Lord in eight days; and on the sixteenth day of the first month they made an end." * Their own purification lasted eight days, and that of the temple the .s-xme time. C A 18 ^ Then went they in the inner [»art (of the palace) to king Hezekiah, and said. We have cleansed all the house of the Lord, and the altar of burnt-offering, and all its vessels, and the table of show bread, and all its vessels. 19 Moreover all the vessels, which king Achaz had cast aside during his reign in his faithlessness, have we put in order and sanc- tified: and, behold, they are before the altar of the Lord. 20 ^ Then arose king Hezekiah early, and gathered together the princes of the city, and went up to the house of the Lord. 21 And they brought seven bullocks, and seven rams, and seven sheep, and seven he- goats, as a sin-ofiering for the kingdom, and for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And he ordered the sons of Aaron the priests to offer (them) on the altar of the Lord. 22 So they slaughtered the bullocks, and the priests received the blood, and sprinkled it on the altar; and they shaughtered the rams, and they sprinkled the blood upon the altar; they also slaughtered the sheep, and they sprinkled the blood upon the altar. 23 And they brought near the he-goats of the sin-offering before the king and the con- gregation; and they laid their hands upon them : 24 And the priests slaughtered them, and they made an expiation with their blood upon the altar, to make an atonement for all Israel; because for all the people, said the king, should be the burnt-offering and the sin-ofiering. 25 And he stationed the Levites in the house of the Lord with cymbals, Avith psal- teries, and with harps, according to the com- mand of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet; because from the Lord was this commandment by means of his prophets. 26 T[ And the Levites stood with the in- struments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. 27 And Hezekiah ordered to offer the burnt-offering on the altar. And when the burnt-offering began, the song of the Lord began (also) with the trumpets, and with the instruments of David the king of Israel. 28 And all the assembly prostrated them- selves, and the song sounded, and the trum- 1001 \ 2 CHRONIOLES XXIX. XXX. peters blew: all this (contimied) until the buint^oftering was completed. ^9 And when they had made an end of offering, the king and all that were present with him kneeled down and prostrated them- selves. 30 And king Hezekiah and the princes then said to the Levites to sing praises unto the Lord with the words of David, and of Assaph the seer. And they sang praises with great joy, and they bowed their heads and pros- trated themselves. 31 T[ Then commenced Hezekiah, and said, Now have ye consecrated yourselves unto the Lord: come near and bring sacrifices a'.;d thanksgiving-oflerings unto the house of the Lord. And the assembly brought in sacrifices and thanksgiving-oflerings, and every one who was liberal of heart, burntr offerings. 32 And the number of the burnt-offerings, which the assembly brought, was seventy bullocks, one hundred rams, (and) two hun- dred sheep : as a burnt-offering unto the Lord were all these. 33 And the hallowed sacrifices were six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep. .'!4 Only the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burut-oflerings : Avherefore their brethren the Levites assisted tliem, till the work was ended, and until the other })riests could sanctify themselves; for the Levites were of upright heart to sanctify themselves more than the priests. 35 But there were also burnt-offerings in abundance, with the fat of the peace-offer- ings, and the drink-offerings for the burnt- offei'ings. So was (again) established the ser- vice of the house of the Lord. 36 And Hezekiah rejoiced, with all the l)eople, over that which God had pi^epared for the people; because the thing occurred sud- denly. CHAPTER XXX. 1 ^ Then sent Hezekiah to all Israel and Judah, and he also wrote letters to Ephraim and Menasseh, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, to prepare the passover-sacrifice unto the Lord the God of Israel. 2 And the king held a consultation, as also his ]irinces, and all the assembly in Joru- n)()2 salem, to prepare the passover-sacrifice in the second month. 3 For they were not able to prepare it at that time ; because the priests had not sanc- tified themselves sufficientl}-, nor had the peo- ple gathered themselves together to Jerusa- lem. 4 And the thing seemed right in the eyes of the king and in the eyes of all the assem- bly. 5 So they established a decree to cause a pi'oclaination to be made throughout all Is- rael, from Beer-sheba' even as far as Dan, that they should come to prepare the pass- o\er-sacrifice unto the Lord the God of Israel at Jerusalem; because for a long time past they had not prepared it as it was written. 6 So the runners went with the letters from the hand of the king and liis princes throughout all Israel and Jiidah, and accord- ing to the command of the king, saying, ^children of Israel, return unto the Lord the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, and ke will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the power of the kings of Assyria. 7 And be not like your fathers, and like 3'our brethren, who acted faithlessly against the Lord the God of their fathers, wherefore he gave them up to become an (object of) astonishment, as ye see. 8 Now do ye not harden your necks, like your fathers; hold out your hand unto the LoKD, and come unto his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever, and serve the Lord your God, and so will he turn away from you the fierceness of his wrath. 9 For if ye return unto the Lord, your brethren and your children will find mercy in the presence of their captors, so that they may return to this land; for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his countenance from you, if ye return unto him. 10 ^ And as the runners were passing from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Menasseh and as far as Zebu- lun, they were laughing them to scorn, and mocking at them. 11 Nevertheless some men of Asher and Menasseh and of Zebulun humbled them- selves, and came to Jerusalem. 12 Also over Judah came the hand of God 2 rilROXK'LES XXX. XXXI. to give unto them one heart to do the com- mand of the king and of the princes, by the word of the Lord. 13 And there -was gathered together at Jerusalem a numerous people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great assembly. 14 And they arose and removed the altars which were in Jerusalem, and all the vessels for burning incense did they take away, and they threw them into the brook Kidron. 15 And they slaughtered the passovei'-sar crifice on the fourteenth day of the second mouth : and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought burnt-offerings unto the house of the Lord. 16 ^ And they stood on their station after their prescribed manner, according to the law of Moses the man of God, the priest sprinkling the blood, (which they received) out of the liand of the Levites. 17 For there were many in the assembly that had not sanctified Hiemselves: there- fore the Levites bad the charge of the slaugh- tering of the passover-sacrifices for every one that was not clean, to sanctify (the same) unto the Lord. 18 For a large portion of the people, even many out of Ephraim, and Menasseh, Issa- char, and Zebulun, had not cleansed them- selves, but ate the passover not as it is writ- ten. However Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The Lord who is good will grant par- don for this 19 To every one that hath directed his heart to seek God, the Lord the God of his fathers; though he be not (cleansed) accord- ing to the purification of the sanctuary. 20 And the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah, and he healed the people. 21 T[ And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem celebrated the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great joy ; and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day, with loud instruments be- fore the Lord. 22 And Hezekiah spoke comfortingly unto all the Levites that had good intelligence of the Lord: and they ate the festive-offerings during seven days, ofiering peace-offerings, and making confession to the Lord the God of their fathers. 23 And the whole assembly took counsel to celebrate other seven days: and they cele- brated (these) seven days with joy. 24 For Hezekiah king of Judah had provid- ed for the assemljl}' one thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep; and the princes had provided for the assembly one thousand bul- locks and ten thousand sheep : and the priests sanctified themselves in great numbers. 25 And thus rejoiced all the assembly of Judah, and the priests and the Levites, and all the assembly that was come out of Israel, and the strangers that were come out of the land of Israel, and those that dwelt in Judali. 26 And there was great joy in Jerusalem; for since the time of Solomon the son of David the king of Israel had the like not l)een in Jerusalem. 27 Tl Then arose the priests the Levites and blessed the people ; and their voice was listened to, and their prayer came to His holy dwelling-place, even unto heaven. CHAPTER XXXL 1 And when all this was finished, all Is- rael that were present went out to the cities of Judali, and broke in pieces the stp.tues, and cut down the groves, and pulled dc wn the high-places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, and in Ephraim and Menas- seh, until they had made an end of them all. Then returned all the children of Israel every man to his possession, to their own cities. 2 And Hezekiah stationed the divisions of the priests and the Levites after their divi- sions, every man according to his service, of the priests and the Levites, for burnt-oflerings and for peace-offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the camps of the Lord. 3 The king also gave a portion from his own property for the burnt-offerings, (name- ly,) for the morning and evening burnt-offer- ings, and the burnt-offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new-moons, and for the appointed feasts, a.s it is written in the law of the Lord. 4 Moreover he said to the people, to those who dwelt in Jerusalem, to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, in order that they might hold firmly to the law of the Lord. 5 And when the matter was spread abroad. the children of Israel brought in abundance 1003 2 CHRONICLES XXXI. XXXII. the first-fruits of corn, of the new wine, and of oil, and of honey, and of all the products of the field; and the tithe of all things did they bring (likewise) in abundance. 6 And ai? for the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were hal- lowed unto the Lord their God, and gave (them) by heaps. 7 ^ In the third month did they begin to lay the foundation of the heaps, and in the seventh month did they finish them. 8 And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the Lord, and his people Israel.- 9 ][ Then made Hezekiah inquiry of the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. 10 Then spoke to him 'Azaryahu the chief priest of the house of Zadok, and said. Since it was begun to bring the heave-offerings into the house of the Lord, there hath been enough to eat, and to leave in great abun- dance; for the Lord hath blessed his people: and that which is left is this great mass. 11 ^ Then ordered Hezekiah to prepare chambers in the house of the Lord: and they prepared them. 12 And they brought in the heave-offer- ings, and the tithes, and the sanctified things, in faithfulness : and over them were appoint- ed the ruler Conanyahu the Levite, and Shim'i his brother the second in rank. 13 And Jechiiil, and 'Azazyahu, and Na- chath, and 'Assahel, and Jerimoth, and Joza- bad, and Eliel, and Yissmachyahu, and Ma- chath, and Benayahu, were overseers under the supervision of Conanyahu and Shim'i his brother, by the appointment of king Heze- 'kiah, and 'Azaryahu the ruler of the house of God. 14 And Kor6 the son of Yimnah the Le- vite, the gatekeeper at the east side, was over the freewill-offerings of God, to give (to him) the heave-offerings of the Lord, and the most holy things. 15 And under his supervision were 'Eden, and Minyamin, and Jeshua', and Shema'yahu, Amaryahu, and Shechanyahu, in the cities of the priests, in faithfulness, to give to their brethren after the divisions, equally to the great as to the small; 16 Besides (these) to those recorded by 1004 their genealogies of males, from three years old and upward, of all that entered into the house of the Lord, the daily portion on its day, for their service in their charges accord- ing to their divisions; 17 And likewise to the priests recorded by their genealogies after their family divisions, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their divisions; 18 And to those recorded by their gene- alogies of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, of all the assembly; for in their faithfulness they de- voted themselves in the sanctuary. 19 Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, who were in the fields of the open districts of their cities, in each and every city, there were men, expressed by name, who had to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all that were recorded by their genealogies among the Levites. 20 And the like did Hezekiah in all Judah, and he did what is good and right and true before the Lord his God. 21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in ire law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he acted with all his heart, and pros- pered. CHAPTER XXXII. 1 ^ After these things and veritable events came Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and invaded Judah, and encamped against the fortified cities, and thought to break them open for himself 2 And when Hezekiah saw that Sennache- rib was coming, and that his face (was direct- ed) for war against Jerusalem, 3 He consulted with his princes and his mighty men to stop up the waters of the springs which were without the city: and they helped him. 4 And there were gathered together a very numerous body of people, and they stopped up all the springs, and the brook" that flowed through the midst of the land, saying. Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water? 5 Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall where it was broken down, and * The Shiloach or Gichon. 2 rilRONICLES XXXIT. hei<;;htened'' the towers, and (built) without another wall, and fortified the Millo of the city of David, and made weapons in abun- dance and shields. 6 And he appointed war-officers over the people, and gathered them together unto him in the open place at the gate of the citj', and spoke comfortingly to them, saying, 7 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear and be not dismayed because of the king of Assyria, and because of all the multitude that is with him ; for with us there is One^ greater than with him : 8 With him there is an arm of flesh ; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people relied upon the words of Hezekiah the king of Judah. 9 ]| After this did Sennacherib the king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem, while he was himself lying before Lachish, and all (the chief troops of) his dominion with him, against Hezekiah the king of Ju- dah, and against all Judah that were at Jeru- salem, saying, 10 Thus hath said Sennacherib the king of Assyria, On what do ye trust, that ye re- main besieged in Jerusalem? 11 Doth not Hezekiah mislead you to give you up to die by famine and by thirst, when he saith, The Lord our God will deliver us out of the grasp of the king of Assyria? 12 Is it not this Hezekiah that hath re- moved his high-places and his altars, when he said to Judah and to Jerusalem, saying. Before one altar shall ye prostrate yourselves, and upon it shall ye burn incense? 13 Know ye not what I have done, I and my fathers, unto all the people of (other) lands? were the gods of the nations of those lands at all able to deliver their land out of my hand? 14 Who among all the gods of those na- tions that my fathers utterly destroyed, was it, that was able to deliver his people out of my hand, that your God should be able to de- liver you out of my hand ? 15 And now let not Hezekiah deceive you, and let him not mislead you in this manner, • Herxheimer. Zunz, "erected towers." Eng. ver. 'and raised (it) up to the towers." ^ Zuuz; i. e. God. Others, "there are more with us." nor believe him ; for no god of any nation or kingdom whatever was able to delive;- his people out of my hand, and out of the liiuid of my fathers : how much less will you God.s, deliver you out of my hand! 16 And yet more did his servants speak against the Lord God, and against his servant Hezekiah. 17 He wrote also letters to blaspheme against the Lord the God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying. As the gods of the nations of (other) lands, who have not deliver- ed tlieir people out of my hand, so will the God of Hezekiah not deliver his people out of my hand. 18 Then did they call out with a loud voice in the Jewish language unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to frighten them, and to terrify them : in order that they might capture the city. 19 And they spoke of the God of Jerusa- lem, as concerning the gods of the nations of the earth, the work of the hands of man. 20 ^ And king Hezekiah and Isaiah the son of Amoz the prophet prayed for this cause, and they cried to heaven. 21 Tl And the Lord sent an angel, who cut off every mighty man of valour and leader and captain in the camp of the king of Assyria: and when he was returned with shame of face to his own land, he went into the house of his god, and (those) that were come forth from his own bowels felled him there with the sword. 22 Thus did the Lord save Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem out of the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and out of the hand of all, and guided them (safely) on every side. 23 And many brought presents unto the Lord to Jerusalem, and precious things to Hezekiah the king of Judah : so that he was exalted before the eyes of all the nations after that time. 24 Tl In those days fell Hezekiah sick to the death; and he prayed unto the Lord: and he spoke unto him, and he gave him a wonderful token. 25 But not according to the mercy shown unto him did Hezekiah act in return; for his heart was lifted up: wherefore there came wrath over him, and over Judah and Jeruss- lem. 1005 2 CHRONICLES XXXTI. XXXIII. 26 Then became Hezekiah humbled be- cause of the liftmg up of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah. 27 And Hezekiah had riches and honour in exceeding abundance; and he made him- self treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of costly vessels ; 28 And storehouses for the produce of corn, and new wine, and oil ; and stalls for all kinds of cattle, and sheepfolds for Hocks. 29 Moreover he erected for himself cities, j and (acquired) possessions of flocks and herds in multitude; for God had given him wealth in great abundance. 30 This same Hezekiah also stopped up the upper mouth of the waters of Gichon, and brought them straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah pros- pered in all his works. 31 And in the same manner in the busi- ness of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire con- cerning the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him, to prove him, to know all that was in his heart. 32 •[[ And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his pious deeds, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, the prophet, (and) in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 33 And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the highest place of the sepulchres of the sons of David : and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem showed him honour at his death. And Me- nasseh his son became king in his stead. CHAPTER XXXIII. 1 Tj Twelve years old was Menasseh when he became king, and fifty and five years did he reign in Jerusalem. 2 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, after the abominable acts of the nations whom the Lord had driven out from before the children of Isi-ael. 3 And he built again the high-places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he erected altars for the Be'alim, and made Asheroth, and bowed himself down to all the host of heaven, and served them. 1006 4 And he built altars in the house of the Lord, whereof the Lord had said, In Jerusa- lem shall my name be for ever. 5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. 6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of Ben-hin- nom; he also observed times, and employed enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with (those of) a familiar spirit, and with wizards : he did much that is evil in the eyes of the Lord, to provoke him to anger. 7 And he placed a carved image of the idol which he had made in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solo- mon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have made choice of out of all the tribes of Israel, will I place my name for ever. 8 11 Nor will I any more remove the foot of Israel from oft' the land which I have ap- pointed for your fathers; but only if the}' will take heed to do all that I have com- manded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses. 9 But Menasseh led Judah and the in- habitants of Jerusalem astray, to do worse than the nations whom the Lord had de- stroyed from before the children of Israel. 10 ^ And the Lord spoke to Menasseh, and to his people; but they listened not. 11 Wherefore the Lord brought over them the captains of the army belonging to the king of Assyria: and they took Menasseh prisoner with chains, and bound him with fetters, and led him off to Babylon. 12 And when he was in distress, lie be- sought the Lord his God, and humbled him- self greatly before the God of his fathers, 13 And he prayed unto him, and he per- mitted himself to be entreated by him, and heard his supplication, and brought him back to Jerusalem, unto his kingdom. Then did Menasseh feel conscious that the Lord is in- deed the (true) God. 14 And after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gichon, in the valley, even to the entrance of the fish-gate, and about the hill-fort, and raised it up to a very great height; and he place;! captains of the army in all the fortified cities of Judah. 2 CHRONirLES XXXIII. XXXIV. 15 And he removed the strange gods and the idol out of the house of the Lord, and all the altars that he had l)uilt on the mount of the house of the Lokd, and in Jerusa- lem, and he cast them forth to without the fit}'- 16 And he rebuilt the altar of the Lord, and sacrificed thereupon peace-ofterings and thanksgiving-offerings, and he ordered Judah to serve the Lord tlie God of Israel. 17 Nevertheless the people sacrificed on the high-places, but only unto the Lord their God. 18 And the rest of the acts of Menasseh, and his prater unto his God, and the words of the seers that spoke to him in the name of the Lord the God of Israel, behold, they are in the history of the kings of Israel. T^ His pra3er also, and (how God) was entreated of him, and all liis sins and his foithlessness, and the places whereon he built high-places, and set up tiie Asherim and the graven images, before he was humbled : behold, they are written in the history of Chozai. 20 And Menasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house. And Amon his son became king in his stead. 21 ^ Two and twenty years old was Amon when he became king, and two years did he reign in Jerusalem. \ 22 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord, as Menasseh his father had done; and unto all the carved images which Menas- seh his father had made did Amon sacrifice, and them he served; 23 But he did not humble himself before the Lord, as Menasseh his father had hum- bled himself; for he. Amon, made his guilti- ness great. 24 And his servants conspired against him, and put him to death in his own house. 25 But the people of the land slew all those that had conspired against king Amon ; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead. CHAPTER XXXIV. 1 ^ Eight years old was Josiah when he became king, and thirty and one years did he reign in Jerusalem. 2 And he did what is right in the eyes of t!ie TjORD, and walked in the wa3'S of David his father, and turned not aside to the rii;!it or to the left. 3 ^ And in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet a lad. he l)egan to seek after the God of David his fether; and in the twelfth 3ear he l)egan to purify Judah and Jerusalem from the high-places, and the Asherim. and the carved images, and the molten images. 4 And the}' broke down in his presence the altars of the Be'alim; and the sun-images, that were set above them, he cut down; and the Asherim, and the carved images, and the molten images, he broke in pieces, and ground down, and strewed (the same) upon the graves of those that had sacrificed unto them. 5 And the bones of priests did he burn upon their altars; and he purified Judah and Jerusalem. • 6 And (so did he) in the cities of Menas- seh. and Pjphraim. and Simeon, even as far as Naphtali. witli their mattocks." round about. 7 And when he had broken down the altars and had beaten the Asherim and the graven images into powder, and cut down all the sun-images throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem. 8 Tl And in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purified the land and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azal- yahu, and Ma'asseyahu the governor of the city, and Joach the son of Joachaz the re- corder, to repair the house of the Lord his God. 9 And the}' came to Chilkiyahu the high- priest, and gave up the money that had been brought into the house of God, which the Levites that watched at the threshold had gathered from the liand of Menasseh and Ephraim, and from all the remnant of Israel, and from all Judali and Benjamin, and were returned to Jerusalem, — 10 And they delivered it into the hand of those who overlooked the workmen that had been appointed as overseers of the house of the Lord: and those who overlooked the workmen, who did the work in the house of the Lord, gave it out, to repair and to restore the house; 11 And they gave it to the carpenters and to the builders, to buy hewn stone, and tim- * Zunz, "in their ruins." 1007 2 CHRONICLES XXXIV. ber tor joists, and to lay the beams in the houses which the kings of Judah had de- stroyed. 12 And the men acted faithfully in the work : and over them were appointed Jachath and 'Obadyahu, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kehathites, to supervise ; and every one of these Levites was skilful on in- struments of music. 13 They were also over the bearers of bur- dens, and supervisors over all that did the work in every manner of service : and from the Levites there were also scribes, and of- ficers, and gatekeepers. 14 And when they took out the money that had been brought into the hou,se of the Lokd, Chilkiyahu the priest found the book of the law of the Lord through the hand of Moses. 15 Then commenced Chilkiyahu and said to Shaphan the scribe, The book of the law have I found in the house of the Lord. And Chilkiyahu gave the book to Shaphan. 16 And Shaphan carried the book to the king, and brought the king also word back again, saying, All that was put in the hand of thy servants, have they truly done. 17 And they have taken out the money that was found in the house of the Lord, and have delivered it into the hand of the ap- pointed overseers, and into the hand of those who overlook the workmen. 18 Then told Shaphan the scribe the king, saying, A book hath Chilkiyahu the priest given me. And Shaphan read in it before the king. 19 And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes. 20 And the king commanded Qiilkiyahu, and Achikam the son of Shaphan, and 'Ab- don the son of Michah, and Shaphan the scribe, and 'Assayah a servant of the king's, saying, 21 Go ye, inquire of the Lord in my be- half, and in behalf of those that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that hath been found; for great is the fury of the Lord that is poured out against us, because our iathers did not keep the word of the Lord, to do in accordance with all that is written in this book. 22 ^ Then went Chilkiyahu with tho.se 1008 whom the king (had appointed), to Chuldah the prophetess, the wife of Shall um the son of Thokhath, the son of Chassrah, the keeper of the wardrobe ; — now she dwelt in Jerusa- lem in the suburb; — and they spoke to her in that wise. 23 And she said unto them. Thus hath said the Lord the God of Israel, Say unto the man that hath sent you to me, 24 ][ Thus hath said the Lord, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon its inhabitants, all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah ; 25 Because they have forsaken me, and have burnt incense unto other gods, in order to provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands: therefore is ray fury poured out upon this place, and it shall not be quenched. 26 And with respect to the king of Judah, who sendeth you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall ye say to him, Thus hath said the Lord the God of Israel, Concerning the words which thou hast heard; 27 Because thy heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardst his words against this place, and against its inhabitants, and didst humble thy- self before me, and rend thy clothes, and weep before me: I have also truly heard it, saith the Lord. 28 Behold, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy graves in peace, and thy eyes shall not look on all the evil which I am bringing over this place, and over its inhabitants. And they brought the king word again. 29 Tl And the king sent and gathered to- gether all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. 30 And the king went up into the house of the Lord, with all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, from the great to the small; and he read before their ears all the words of the book of the cove- nant which had been found in the house of the Lord. 31 And the king stood up on his stand, and he made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep his com- mandments, and his testimonies, and his sta- tutes, with all liis heart and with all hia 2 CHRONICLES XXXIV. XXXV. soul, to perforin the words of the covenant that are written in this book. 32 And he caused to accede to it every one that was present in Jerusalem and Benjar min. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem acted in accordance with the covenant of God, the God of their fathers. 33 And Josiah removed all the abomina- tions out of all the countries that belonged to the children of Israel, and caused all that were present in Israel to serve, even to serve the Lord their God. All his days did they not depart from following the Lord the God of their fiithers. CHAPTER XXXV. 1 ^ And Josiah kept in Jerusalem the passover unto the Lord: and they slaughter- ed the passover-sacrifice on the fourteenth day of the first month. 2 And he placed the priests in their charges, and strengthened them for the ser- vice of the house of the Lord. 3 And he said unto the Levites that in- structed all Israel, who were holy unto the Lord, Set the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David the king of Israel did build; you have not to carry it any more upon your shoulders: now serve the Lord your God, and his people Israel. 4 And prepare yourselves by 3'our family divisions, according to your courses, after the written order of David the king of Israel, and after the written order of Solomon his son ; 5 And stand in the holy place according to the divisions of the family divisions of your brethren the sons of the people, and after the division of the families of the Le- vites ; 6 And slaughter the passover-sacrifice, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare it for your brethren, to do according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses. 7 ^ And Josiah set apart for the sons of the people, of the flock, lambs and kids, all for the passover-sacrifices, for all that were present, to the number of thirty thousand, and of steers three thousand : these were of the king's property. 8 ^ And his princes set apart (much) as a freewill gift for the people, for the priests, and for the Levites : Chilkiyah, and Zechar- yahu, and Jechiel, the rulers of the house of «B God, gave unto the priests for the passover- sacrifices two thousand and six hundred (lambs and kids), and three hundred steers. 9 And Conanyahu, and Shenia'yahu and Nethanel, his brothers, and Chashabyahu and Je'iel and Jozabad, the chiefs of the Levites, set apart unto the Levites for passover-sacri- fices five thousand (lambs and kids), and li\e hundred steers. 10 |[ So the service was established, and the priests stood on their station, and the Le- vites in their divisions, according to the king's command. 11 And they slaughtered the passover- sacrifice, and the priests sprinkled (the blood received) from their hands, and the Levites did the flaying. 12 And they removed the burnt-offerings to give them to the divisions of the family divi- sions of the sons of the peo}: le, to off'er (them) unto the Lord, as it is written in the book of Moses. And so did they with the steers. 13 And they roasted the passover by the fire in accordance with the prescribed manner; but the holy off'erings they seethed in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided them speedily among all the sons of the people. 14 And afterward they prepared for them- selves, and for the priests ; because the priests the sons of Aaron (were busied) in offering the burnl>offerings and the fat until night : thei'efore the Levites prepared for themselves and for the priests the sons of Aaron. 15 And the singers the sons of Assaph were on their station, according to the com- mand of David, and Asgaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king's seer; and the gate- keepers were at every gate: they had no need to depart from their service; because their brethren the Levites prepared for them. 16 So was established all the service of the Lord on the same day, to prepare the passover-saci'ifice, and to offer burnt-offerings upon the altar of the Lord, according to the command of king Josiah. 17 And the children of Israel that were present prepared the passover-sacrifice at that time, and (kept) the feast of unleavened bread seven days. 18 And there was not holden any passover like this in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet ; and all the kings of Israel did not keep such a passover as Josiah kept, with :oo9 2 CHRONICLES XXXV. XXXVI. the priests, aud the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhar bitauts of Jerusalem. 19 T[ In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover holden. 20 After all this, when Josiah had restored the temple, came up Necho the king of Egypt to fight against Karkemish by the Euphrates, and Josiah went out against him. 21 But he sent ambassadors to him, say- ing, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house" wherewith I have war, and God hath commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God who is with me, that he may not destro}- thee. 22 Nevertheless did Josiah not turn his face away from him, but disguised'' himself, to fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God ; and he came to fight in the valley of Megiddo. 23 And the archers shot at king Josiah: and the king said to his servants. Carry me away; for I am sorely wounded. 24 And his servants carried him away out of that chariot, and conveyed him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. 25 ^ And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah ; and all the singing men and the singing Avomen spoke of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and they instituted them as a custom in Israel: and, behold, they are writ- ten in the lamentations. 26 And the I'est of the acts of Josiah, and his pious deeds, in accordance with what is Avritten in the law of the Lord, 27 And his acts, the first and the last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. CHAPTER XXXVL 1 Tl And the people of the land took Jehoachaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in his father's stead in Jerusalem. 2 Twenty and three years old was Jo- • i. e. The rojal house — that of Assyria, with whom the Egyptians had frequent wars. ' Zunz, "he persisted to fight." 1010 achaz when he became king, and three months did he reign in Jerusalem. 3 And the king of Egypt deposed him at Jerusalem, and imposed a fine on the land of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. 4 And the king of Egypt made Elyakim his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem, and changed his name to Jehoyakim. And Joachaz his brother did Necho take away, and bring him to Egypt. 5 ^ Twenty and five years old was Jehoya- kim when he became king, and eleven years did he reign in Jerusalem ; and he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord his God. 6 Against him came up Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and he bound him with fetters, to carry him away to Babylon. 7 And some of the vessels of the house of the Lord did Nebuchadnezzar carry to Baby- lon, and he placed them in his temple at Babylon. 8 And the rest of the acts of Jehoyakim, and his abominable deeds which he did, and that which was found concerning him, be- hold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. And Jehoyachin his son became king in his stead. 9 ^ Eight" years old was Jehoyachin when he became king, and three months and ten days did he reign in Jerusalem; and he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord. 10 And with the expiration of the year did king Nebuchadnezzar send, and had him brought to Babylon, with the costly vessels of the house of the Lord: and he made Zedekiah his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem. 11 *[[ Twenty and one years old was Zede- kiah when he became king, and eleven years did he reign in Jerusalem. 12 And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord his God: he humbled himself not before Jeremiah the prophet, according to the order of the Lord. 13 And also against king Nebuchadnezzar did he rebel, who had made him swear by God; but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart so as not to return unto the Lord the God of Israel. ° In 2 Kings xxiv. 8, we have "eighteen." R^dak suggests that perhaps his father made him assistant ruler when he was only eight years old. 2 CHRONICLES XXXVI. 14 Also all the chiefs of the priests and the people committed manifold trespasses, like all the abominable acts of the (foreign) nations; and they defiled the house of the Lord which he had hallowed in Jerusalem. 15 And the Loed the God of their fathers sent to them by means of his messengers, making (them) rise early, and sending (them) ; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling-place; 16 But they mocked at the messengers of God, and despised his words, and scorned his prophets, until the fury of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remed3^ 17 And he brought over them the king of the Chaldeans, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanc- tuary, and had no compassion upon young man or virgin, the old man, and the aged : all did he give into up into his hand. 18 T[ And all the vessels of the house of God, the great and the small, and the trea- sures of the house of the Lord, and the trea- sures of the king and of his princes, — all these did he carry to Babylon. 19 And they burnt the house of God, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem, and all her palaces they burnt with fire, and all her costly vessels they gave up to destruc- tion. 20 And those that had escaped from the sword did he carry into exile to Babylon ; and they were servants to him and to his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to the government: 21 To fulfil the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had satis- fied its sabbaths;" all the days of its desola- tion it rested, till seventy years wei'e com- pleted. 22 ^ And in the first year of Cyrus the king of Persia, at the completion of the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, did the Lord stir up the spirit of Cyrus the king of Persia, so that lie caused a proclamation to be made throughout all his kingdom, and also by means of writing, saying, 23 Thus hath said C3'rus the king of Per- sia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the Lord the God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you. of all his people, may the Lord his God be with him, and let him go up. • See Lev. xxvi. 34. lOU THE END. muij / i 73irtfi4. 7Jeatfi4, w^ %^s 7. f J