UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO 3 1822022105159 presented to the UNIVERSITY LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO by MRS ETHEL ROGERS UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORN A SAN D EG 3 1822022105159 Social Sciences & Humanities Library University of California, San Diego Please Note: This item is subject to recall. Date Due FEB 21 1998 Rfifi? CI39(2#5) UCSDLt). Li bra- y of Horace L.Leiter THE UNCANONICAL AND APOCRYPHAL SCRIPTURES. THE UNCANONICAL AND APOCRYPHAL SCRIPTURES BEING THE ADDITIONS TO THE OLD TESTAMENT CANON WHICH WERE INCLUDED IN THE ANCIENT GREEK AND LATIN VERSIONS THE ENGLISH TEXT OF THE AUTHORISED VERSION TOGETHER WITH THE ADDITIONAL MATTER FOUND IN THE VULGATE AND OTHER ANCIENT VERSIONS Introductions to the Several Books and Fragments Marginal Notes and References And a General Introduction to the Apocrypha BY THE REV. W. R. .CHURTON B.D. FELLOW OF KING'S COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE CANON OF THE CATHEDRAL OF S. ALBAN's AND EXAMINING CHAPLAIN TO THE BISHOP LONDON J. WHITAKER 12 WARWICK LANE PATERNOSTER ROW 1884 ifort: PRINTED BY Z. PICKARD HALL, M.A., AND HOEACE HART, PRINTERS TO THE UNIVERSITY. PREFACE. rpHE object of this little work is to combine in a convenient and *- concise form a few helps to the study of the Apocrypha, gathered from sources which have not been hitherto brought within the reach of English readers. With this view an attempt has been made, in the case of the books which shew the greatest variations, to construct a comprehensive text, which, without pretending to possess any critical value, may include all the more important matter contained in the Versions. It is sometimes remarked that the study of the Apocrypha has been strangely neglected in England. An interest is, however, being now awakened in the subject, especially as connected with Talmudic research, and other Jewish literature. The value of the Apocrypha is also being recognised in the testimony which it gives to the Canon of the Old Testament, and to the antiquity and authority of the Hebrew Books, at a time when the received tradition is assailed by so much destructive criticism. Apocryphal writers, who claim no inspiration for themselves, manifest the profoundest reverence and faith towards the Books of the Law and the Prophets as given by Divine inspiration. ' Their words shew forth their wise understand- ing, and their lips utter the purest knowledge, and yet they are 'fain sundry ways to excuse themselves; sometimes ending their ' talk, as doth the history of the Maccabees : " If we have done well, ' " and as the cause required, it is that we desire ; if we have spoken ' " slenderly and barely, we have done what we could " ' (Hooker). The study of the Apocrypha leads to the conclusion that it has for its foundation a strong belief in the Hebrew Scriptures, and thus it confirms the traditions recorded by Josephus concerning the com- pletion of the Canon. Others again may be drawn to the study of the Apocrypha by the important ecclesiastical authority attached to certain portions of it, especially by the use of it as Scripture in the Breviary Offices and elsewhere. The sublime passages in Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, and Baruch, will maintain them in that high rank among uninspired writings which many who hesitate to give them PREFACE. the title of Scripture have been accustomed to accord to them: whilst even the portions of the Apocrypha which seem to be least edifying will be found to have some use or value to the Biblical Student. The title ' Uncanonical and Apocryphal Scriptures' has been adopted after some hesitation, in order to describe the varied nature of the contents of the Books and Fragments commonly designated 'Apocrypha.' They are all ' Uncanonical,' as being inferior in au- thority to the Books in the Hebrew Canon. They are not all 'Apocryphal' in the stricter sense of the term. They may (though less properly) be termed 'Scriptures,' partly from the ecclesiastical use of them as Scripture, and partly from the high honour which some of them merit for the faith, piety, and patriotism which dis- tinguish their authors ; perhaps also from the fact that to so large an extent they consist of paraphrases upon portions of the Canonical Scriptures. But being written at a time when it was beh'eved that prophecy had ceased, they could not have originally claimed to be an integral part of the Old Testament. The division of the text into paragraphs follows in some instances the old English Bible, in others the Cambridge Paragraph Bible. A stichometrical arrangement has been adopted in some of the poetical portions, but not in the Books of Wisdom or Ecclesiasticus. Doubtful passages in the English text are marked with asterisks. These occur chiefly in Ecclesiasticus. The Authorised English Version has been retained throughout, with alternative renderings in the margin where it seems to be obscure or inaccurate. The version of the Third and Fourth Books of Maccabees is partly based upon Cotton's translation, and partly upon Bagster's Greek and English Septuagint. In the First and Second Books of Maccabees the reader will find references to the corresponding passages in Josephus, as well as to the parallels in the two narratives, which are in part histories of the same period. In the Fourth Book some of the additional matter in Erasmus's Latin Edition of the Martyrium is inserted in the margin. Students of the Apocrypha will probably not rest there, but will be led to carry their researches further into other Jewish literature, and kindred subjects of enquiry, which will ever furnish a rich treasury of illustration both to the Apocrypha and New Testament. TABLE OF CONTENTS. GENHBAL INTRODUCTION : the meaning of the title ' Apocrypha ' the Apocrypha in the Jewish Church the Apocrypha in the Early Christian Church Controversies of the Sixteenth Century later Controversies on the use of the Apocrypha recent Testi- monies to the value of the Apocrypha the chief features of the Apocrypha, and its relation to other Jewish Apocryphal Litera- tureText and Versions 932 FIRST BOOK OF ESDRAS . . . Introduction 33 34 . . . Text 35 66 SECOND BOOK OF ESDRAS . . Introduction 67 71 . . . Text 72130 TOBIT Introduction 131133 Text 134165 JUDITH Introduction 166168 Text 169-210 ADDITIONS TO ESTHER . . . Introduction 211 213 ... Text 214223 THB WISDOM OF SOLOMON . . Introduction 224 228 . . . Text 229261 The Wisdom of the Son of Sirach, commonly called ECCLBSIASTICUS Introduction 262 266 Text 267361 ADDITIONS TO JOB, PSALMS, PRO- VERBS, and LAMENTATIONS Text 362 368 BARUCH Introduction 369372 . Text .... 373-388 8 TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAOE3. ADDITIONS TO DANIEL .... Introduction 389392 . . . . Text : SONG OF THE THREE CHIL- DREN 393397 HISTORY OF SUSANNA . . 398 404 BEL AND THE DRAGON . . 405 408 PRATER OF MANASSES, king of Judah Introduction ....... 409410 ... Text 411412 FIRST BOOK OF MACCABEES . Introduction 413416 . . . Text 417480 SECOND BOOK OF MACCABEES . Introduction 481 486 . Text 487535 THIRD BOOK OF MACCABEES . Introduction 536 539 . Text 540562 FOURTH BOOK OF MACCABEES . Introduction 563 565 . Text 566-597 INDEX OF PASSAGES in the Canonical Scriptures quoted or para- phrased in the Apocrypha 599607 INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. 1. MEANING OF THE TITLE 'APOCRYPHA.' rFHE general title 'Apocrypha' has been used to describe those J_ books, or portions of books, which, though not in the Hebrew Canon, are found in the ancient Greek and Latin versions of the Old Testament. The origin of the title cannot be traced with certainty, and has been the subject of various conjectures. Ancient writers are, however, agreed in using it to denote some kind of inferiority to the Canonical Scriptures. Some ancient writers supposed that the term expressed doubtful authority, or concealed origin. So S. Augustine, on The City of God, Book XV., chap. 23, says, 'They are called Apocryphal books, be- ' cause their origin was not evident to the Fathers,' or because there was some secret concerning them, the evidence for their authority being not manifest, or resting upon conjecture. Unknown author- ship does not, however, appear to be the distinguishing mark of all the works called Apocryphal : for the Wisdom of the Son of Sirach is not anonymous, whilst some of the Canonical Scriptures have come down to us without the name of the author. Others, again, supposed that the word signified that the Apocryphal writings were kept apart from the Canonical Books, and not laid up or preserved with them in the sacred chest, or the Ark of the Cove- nant. This, it is conjectured, is the meaning of an obscure passage of Epiphanius, ' on Weights and Measures,' in which he distinguishes the Wisdom of Solomon and the Wisdom of the Son of Sirach from the books of the Hebrew Canon. Others, following the 47th Canon of the Council of Carthage, have taken the word to mean ' Books for secret or private study,' or un- fitted for that public recitation in the church which was the special honour of the Canonical Scriptures. Another theory, which was maintained in an article of considerable research in the Christian Remembrancer of April, 1866, traces the word to the mysteries or esoteric teaching of the Jews of Alexandria, which corresponded to the Kabbala of their brethren in Palestine and the East. There are traces of this ' hidden wisdom ' in some parts of the Apocrypha, especially in the Wisdom of Solomon, the Epistle or Prophecy of Baruch, and the Fourth Book of Maccabees. But the argument by which the writer pleads that all the books fall under this category, or were written with this object, falls short of 10 INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. conviction. It would be more correct to assert that the Alexandrian portions of the Apocrypha shew some traces of the rise of the system referred to ; that the Apocryphal writings are to some extent coloured by it, and not that they are expositions of it. Perhaps the definition of an Apocryphal writer which would include the largest portion of the writings so designated, is that of an author who uses some kind of disguise, either to conceal his own name and position, or, in the case of narratives, the persons and events which form the subject of his history. This may be taken as the chief distinctive feature of the 'Apocryphal style.' Thus Sal- vianus, Presbyter of Marseilles, A. D. 445, excused the assumption of the name of the Apostle Timothy by an author who wrote with a good and pious object, and illustrated it by the conduct of the angel Raphael in Tobit : ' In every book let the profit of reading be sought ' rather than the name of the author. If the author, whoever he is, 'has something for the good instruction of his readers, why should ' he concern himself about a name, which can but gratify curiosity ? ' Such an enquiry might be met by the reply of the angel, " Dost ' " thou seek my country, or a hired servant ? " (TOBIT v. 11). What 'profit is there in a name? The enquiry is superfluous.' So the author of an Apocryphal narrative may be regarded as deprecating an enquiry into his name, or even into the strict accuracy of his story. He is like the angel when he assumes the disguise of Azarias, and bids Tobit be content with the assurance that he is sent to do him good. This Apocryphal style is common to many of the books : to the story of Zorobabel in the Third Book of Esdras ; to the assumption of the name of Ezra by the author of the Fourth Book ; to the greater part of Tobit and Judith ; to the whole of the additions to Esther and Daniel ; to portions of the Second, Third, and Fourth Books of Mac- cabees. In Wisdom, it is found in the assumption by the author of the name and character of Solomon ; and in the Book of Baruch, so far as the writer connects himself with the events and circumstances of a former generation. The Epistle of Jeremy and the Prayer of Manasses are of the same character as the additions to Daniel. Two books must, however, be excepted from this category, and are only classed with the Apocrypha as being inferior in authority to the Canonical Scriptures: these are the Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, and the First Book of Maccabees. Kuffinus distinguished certain books as neither Canonical nor Apocryphal, but Ecclesiastical ; the reading of the Apocryphal writings being prohibited by the Church, whilst the Ecclesiastical Books were read, but not alleged as authorities in matters of faith. Though this distinction belongs originally to the works which were condemned as spurious, or as heretical perversions of Scripture, which were thus marked with a stigma which would not be applicable to the Apocryphal Scriptures of the Old Testament, it may rightly be applied to the Apocrypha itself, as containing two classes of writings, of which the two Wis- INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. 11 doms are examples amongst the poetical books, and First and Second of Maccabees amongst the narratives. The Wisdom of the Son of Sirach and the First Book of Maccabees cannot be said to correspond to S. Augustine's description of Apocryphal Books, 'wherein al- ' though some truth is found, yet because they contain much that is 'false, they possess no Canonical authority.' Nor has the Church ever judged that these books deserve to be buried in oblivion, but has ever regarded them as a valuable companion to the Sapiential and Prophetical Books of Scripture. Taking, then, the last definition of the Apocrypha, the additions to the Hebrew Canon may be said to be so described, because most of the books or fragments contain, in a greater or less degree, an Apocryphal element. The fact of the high estimation in which portions of them were held in the Christian Church, and that they were placed amongst the Scriptures of the Old Testament, dis- tinguishes them from other Jewish Apocryphal literature, as well as from those spurious Christian writings which the Church rejected as deliberate perversions of the truth. The term 'Apocrypha,' in whatever sense it is taken, is an inadequate description of the con- tents, which are of so varied a character that they can scarcely be brought within one category. 2. THE APOCRYPHA IN THE JEWISH CHURCH. The Apocrypha, as it consists, with a few exceptions, of Jewish writings composed before the Christian era, was received by the Christian Church from the Jews, together with a tradition which stamped the books thus received with some kind of Ecclesiastical authority. Upon this subject, however, there is little or no evidence to be found. The testimony of Josephus to the unique authority of the Hebrew Canon is clear and precise. In the Jewish synagogue the twenty-two books, answering to the letters of the Hebrew al- phabet, were reckoned as claiming a reverence and honour peculiar to themselves. The books written after the reign of Artaxerxes, down to the time of Josephus, never obtained the same authority as the preceding ones. It was believed that prophecy had ceased : the tone of subsequent writers was more modest, submitting their works to the judgment of their readers. Yet when the Septuagint was completed, which was probably in the second century before the Christian era, in the time of Ptolemy Euergetes II., as may be inferred from the Prologue to Ecclesiasticus, it appears that trans- lations were made from tile Hebrew or Chaldee of other sacred books besides the Canonical Scriptures. Such a tradition appears in Epiphanius' account of the origin of the Septuagint, in which it is said that besides the twenty-two Canonical Books, seventy-two Apocryphal Books were translated, which may be compared with the legend in 2 ESDKAS xiv. 45, 46. The story itself is an incredible one ; but a theory was at one time based upon it that there existed 12 INTKODUCTION TO THE APOCEYPHA. two Hebrew Canons : the first approved by the Great Synagogue in the time of Ezra, and a later one sanctioned or put forth by the Jerusalem Sanhedrim, which commissioned the translators of the Old Testament into Greek. If, however, the Jerusalem Sanhedrim gave its sanction to any of the books which were not in the Canon, this would hardly apply to a large part of the Apocrypha, which may be proved from internal evidence to have had its origin in Egypt or Alexandria. Grabe, in his Prolegomena to the Septuagittt, held that it was probable that the portions added by the Jews of Egypt would have received some sanction from the Alexandrian Sanhedrim : ' The Church received these books, not from the Jews 'of Jerusalem, or from those who spoke Hebrew, but from others 'whose abode was beyond Palestine, whose language was Greek. ' There was a Sanhedrim at Alexandria, in imitation of that of Jeru- ' salem. All Sacred and Ecclesiastical Books, of whatever class, would 'according to the Jewish custom be brought under the cognisance 'of the Great Sanhedrim. These books would therefore be sub- 'mitted to them for examination; and had these books been repu- ' diated or condemned, the Christian Church would not have received ' them ' (Proposition 24). There are, however, some important links wanting in the evidence which can be brought in support of this hypothesis : and inasmuch as there is no proof that any Jewish writers quoted these books with the respect and deference accorded to Scripture, controversialists who uphold the Apocrypha have generally relied upon the authority of the Christian Church, as distinct from that of the ' Synagogue.' In the writings of Philo, few if any traces can be found of the influence of the Apocrypha. Josephus, though asserting in one place that he made use of Canonical Scripture alone, at other times intro- duces matter from the Greek Esdras, the additions to Esther, and other doubtful sources ; whilst his history of the struggle of the Jews with their Macedonian oppressors follows apparently the narrative of 1 Maccabees. Quotations from Ecclesiasticus, and a reference to the story of Onias in 2 Maccabees, have also been noticed in some of his treatises : on the other hand, the reference to the history of Eleazar and the seven youths, as if it was reckoned by the Hebrews among the Holy Scriptures, is wrongly ascribed to Josephus, being found only in a corrupt Latin Version of a work ascribed to him. On the whole, his testimony to the inferiority of the Apocryphal Books is clear and decided. Beyond this he throws but little light on the estimation in which they were held. The connexion of the Apocrypha with the Septuagint appears not only in the way in which it is mingled with the books of the Hebrew Canon in ancient manuscripts and editions, but also from the evident iise of the Septuagint Version by the authors or translators of the books. The parallels between the Apocrypha and the New Testa- ment have been sometimes alleged as a proof of the authority of the former in the Jewish Church. Most of these are, however, to be INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCEYPHA. 13 traced to the Hebrew Scriptures as their common origin. It may also be observed, that there are many near approaches both in thought and language to New Testament teaching, both in Wisdom and Ecclesiasticus ; and the history of the martyrdoms in 2 MACC. vi. and vii. is evidently referred to in HEB. xi. The Apocrypha is thus proved to have a special value on account of the ancient records which it contains of the chosen people, and of their faith and constancy in maintaining the truth. On the other hand, it wants that contemporary testimony, of the times of the authors, or those which were nearest to them, which is necessary to uphold its Canonical authority. Hence those controversial writers who uphold the Apocrypha, abandon the argument from the supposed sanction of them by the Synagogue, maintaining that the Christian Church received with honour and reverence the books which the Synagogue had disparaged or even rejected. 3. THE APOCRYPHA IN THE EAELY CHRISTIAN CHURCH. The high estimation in which the Apocrypha, or at least a portion of it, was held in the early Christian Church, admits of no doubt. The use which early writers make of the Books of Wisdom, Eccle- siasticus, and Baruch shews that many of them were more familiar with these portions of the Apocrypha than with several of the Canonical Books of the New Testament, such as the Catholic Epistles, or the Apocalypse of S. John. There is reason to believe that these books obtained a wider reception in the early Christian Church than the ' disputed ' portions of the New Testament. In the controversy with the Jews, the second chapter of Wisdom was repeatedly alleged as an inspired prophecy of Christ's passion, and as a genuine work of Solomon. Baruch, chap, iii., was frequently quoted, together with portions of Hebrew prophecy, as one of the testimonies of the ancient Scriptures to the Divinity of Christ. In the controversies on the Doctrine of the Trinity and the Divine Logos, Word, or Wisdom, much use was made of the Book of Wisdom. Thus, besides the moral use of the precepts of the Son of Sirach, there was an ex- tensive doctrinal and controversial use of Wisdom and Baruch. On the other hand, evidence is not wanting to shew that when the question was examined more accurately, as by Melito, and the Coun- cil of Laodicea, it was admitted that there was an important differ- ence between these books and the books in the Hebrew Canon. If the ancient Church had discarded the Hebrew Canon and adopted another, we should have expected (1) that the Apologists would have accused the Jews of mutilating their Scriptures by the removal of these books; (2) that Christian authors, when enumerating the books of the Old Testament, would have included them. Since, then, we find a distinct recognition of the Hebrew Canon by Melito, the Council of Laodicea, and Athanasius, we infer that the regard shewn to the books outside the Canon was of a different kind, whether their 14 INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. contents were Apocryphal, or of such intrinsic value as to obtain for them a place amongst the highest class of human writings. The earliest controversy concerning the Apocrypha is found in Origen. In his Epistle to Africanm he defended the History of Susanna from those who considered it as fabulous or incredible. Some facts omitted in Scripture were, he argued, preserved in the Apocryphal writings. Such was the sawing asunder of Isaiah, and the persecution of the prophets, as referred to in the Gospel, the Acts, and the Epistle to the Thessalonians. The Jews, he supposed, had removed passages from the Scripture which tended to the dis- grace of their nation. But to this he adds that though the Churches made use of Tobit, 'both Tobit and Judith were rejected by the ' Jews, not being in Hebrew, as he had learned from them.' S. Augustine, whilst rejecting certain Apocryphal works on ac- count of the many fictions which they contained, spoke of others which the Church received, although not received by the Jews. At other times he speaks doubtfully of the authority of the latter. We find that books which were at one time quoted as Divine, were at other times questioned as of doubtful authority; their use in confirming doctrine being disputed in a manner which would have been impossible if an early tradition had existed that the Apostles had pronounced them to be Canonical Scripture. And it is to be observed, that doubts were thrown not only upon the Apocryphal narratives, but upon books of such high repute as the Wisdom of Solomon. According to Philastrius (Heresy 60, ' The Apocryphi '), it was supposed that the Apostles and their successors had decreed that only the Canonical Scriptures were to be read, and that other works were to be reserved for the use of those who were perfectly instructed. The Books of Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, and Maccabees are found to be quoted as Scripture by Clement of Alexandria and Cyprian. Of the former, the historian Eusebius wrote, that he used in his works testimonies from those Scriptures which are disputed, namely, the Wisdom that is called Solomon's, and the Book of Jesus Sirach, and others. The 59th Canon of Laodicea decreed that Psalms composed by private persons ought not to be said in churches; nor ought books to be read that are excluded from the Canon, but only the Canonical Books of the New and Old Testament. Then follows a catalogue, from which the Apocryphal Books are excluded, the list corresponding to that of the Hebrew Canon. The 47th Canon of the Third Council of Carthage, A.D. 428, adds to the above list five books of Solomon, Tobit and Judith, and two Books of Maccabees. The Council of Sardica, which excludes the Book of Wisdom from the Canon, has been quoted as an instance of the doctrinal use of works judged to be of inferior authority. To allege a book in argu- ment was not to claim for it a place in the Canon of Scripture. INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. 15 Thus the distinction drawn by Jerome and Epiphanius between books of Canonical Scripture and books received by the Church, and yet possessing an inferior Ecclesiastical authority, only added a greater precision to the tradition which was handed down by their predecessors. Many passages quoted from the Apocrypha might be regarded in a loose sense as Scripture, being paraphrases upon Scripture, as giving the sense, though not the exact words, of an inspired author. This is found to be the character of several of the passages alleged by S. Cyprian and others. The distinction drawn by Jerome and others was that the Canonical Scriptures were adapted for public recitation in the Church, the inferior Scriptures for private study only. In the Synopsis ascribed to Athanasius, they are especially recommended for the study of Catechumens: but on the other hand, S. Cyril of Jerusalem exhorted the Catechumens to read Canonical Books only, forbidding the study of Apocryphal works, though it is uncertain what writings were thus described by him. In the treatise of Dionysius On the Divine Names, "Wisdom was quoted as an 'intro- 'duction' to the Scriptures, as if the study of it had been a pre- paration for the reading of the Canonical Books. S. Isidore wrote, 'We place in a fourth rank those books of the 'Old Testament which are not in the Hebrew Canon, Wisdom, ' Ecclesiasticus, Tobit, Judith, and two Books of Maccabees : books ' which the Hebrews separate and place among the Apocrypha, but 'the Church of Christ honours and preaches them among those ' which are Divine.' So also S. Ambrose made a large use of the Apocryphal Books, and commented upon them as Scripture. Yet in the subsequent period, the definition of S. Jerome, that they were books read by the Church for moral instruction, and not to confirm doctrine, seems to have obtained a wide acceptance. The story of Eleazar slaying the elephant in 1 MACC. vi., was quoted by S. Gregory the Great (on JOB xvii.) as from a book which was not Canonical. In later times, S. Thomas Aquinas, in the first part of the Summa, Question 89, in discussing the question whether the spirits of the dead are acquainted with the events that happen in the world, quoted ECCLUS. xlvi., concerning Samuel's prophecy after death ; but he adds that the appearance might have been procured by demons, since the authority of Ecclesiasticus, which is not found in the Hebrew Canon, is disputed. Many more instances of similar doubts were alleged by Rainolds, in his learned work against Bel- larmine. Down to the time of the Council of Trent, there was a succession of commentators upon Scripture and Ecclesiastical au- thors who maintained the necessity of a distinction between the authority of the Canonical and Apocryphal Books, whatever respect and honour might be claimed for the latter. With respect to the public reading of the Apocrypha, there was a diversity of practice in different Churches : the Catechetical Lectures of S. Cyril, and the Council of Laodicea, indicating an entire pro- 16 INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCEYPHA. hibition of any books that were not Canonical ; whilst the testimony of Jerome and Ruffinus prove that they were so far received as to be read as books of piety and moral instruction. The latter estimate of them is shewn to have prevailed, by the extensive use of them in the Offices of the Church : portions of the didactic and narrative treatises occupying in the services of the Breviary the place which at other times is given to Holy Scripture. Thus, for the purposes of teach- ing, meditation, and devotion, the Church continued to use the Apocryphal Books after the time of Jerome, although his learned investigations had resulted in greater caution in the employment of them in controversy. 4. CONTROVERSIES OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY. The separate classification of the Apocryphal Books, and their removal from the position which they occupied in the old copies of the Septuagint and Vulgate, was the natural result of the distinction made by Jerome between them and the Canonical Scriptures. The new arrangement was first introduced into the Complutensian Polyglott, before the use or authority of the books had been brought directly into controversy by the reforming efforts of Luther. It appears that Luther was first led to disparage the Apocrypha when his opponents alleged it as an authority for the doctrine of Purgatory, and of the efficacy of Prayers and Masses for the Dead. When he denied the infallibility of Popes and Councils, and relied solely on Scripture, the other side resorted to the Second Book of Maccabees, and its commendation of Judas for making an atonement for the offences of the Hebrews who had fallen in battle. Luther replied to Fisher and others, that the book was not Canonical, and that even if it possessed authority to decide questions of doctrine, it was insufficient to prove the matter in dispute. At another time, however, in his disputation against John Ecke, he conceded that sins might be forgiven after death, and that it was a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead. The effect of the dispute was, how- ever, to bring the question of the Apocryphal Books into new prominence. In questioning their authority, Luther was much aided by the literary researches of Erasmus. The opinion of the latter was expressed in the following passage, given by Dr. Westcott (Bible in the Church, p. 252): 'It is not yet agreed in what spirit the 'Church now holds in public use books which the ancients with 'great consent reckoned among the Apocrypha. Whatever the 'authority of the Church has approved I embrace simply, as a ' Christian man ought to do. Yet it is of great moment to know in 'what spirit the Church approves anything. For allowing that 'it assigns equal authority to the Hebrew Canon and the Four 'Gospels, it assuredly does not wish Judith, Tobit, and Wisdom INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. 17 'to have the same weight as the Pentateuch.' In the same way Melancthon- observed, that because the Church received both the Maccabees and the Gospels, it did not follow that both were of the same authority. For the Church receives books in different ways ; and it is not a consequence to say, This book is in our Bibles; therefore it is an inspired Scripture. Luther's Bible of 1534 included the Apocrypha, although his opponents complained that he had neglected the Vulgate Version, which had been solemnly received and approved by the Church, and resorted to the Hebrew. In his German preface, he spoke in praise of some of the books; thus, he called Judith a holy and useful book, worthy to be read by us Christians, as containing the words of an inspired poet or prophet; of Tobit he said, if it be historical, it is an account of excellent and saintly doings. If it is a parable, it is a good, useful, and salutary tale, and the com- position of an inspired poet, and profitable for the study of Chris- tians. Wisdom, he says, was classed by many among the Canonical Books, and highly esteemed in the Roman Church, and many of the hymns of the Church were derived from it. On the other hand, in his Table Talk, much is said in disparagement of the Apocrypha, especially of Tobit and Judith. His opponents charged him with many inconsistencies in his handling of Scripture : and he exposed himself to their attacks by first removing Ecclesiasticus from its place, and then reinstating it in his Institution for the Saxon Church. His judgment of these and other portions of the Apocrypha will be found in Dr. Westcott's Bible in the Church, pp. 260262. The Council of Trent deliberated on the Canon of Scripture in its session of March, 1546. It was agreed that a catalogue should be made of the Canonical Books, which should include all which were read in the Roman Church, even the Books of the Old Tes- tament which were never received by the Hebrews. Some urged that they should be divided into two classes, on the ground that such a distinction had been made by S. Augustine and S. Gregory the Great, who in his Morals on Job had said, that the Second Book of Maccabees was good for edification, but not Canonical. This had also been the judgment of Cardinal Cajetan, following that of Jerome. Others advocated a threefold division, in which the additions to Daniel and Esther would have held the lowest rank. Some difficulty was felt as to Baruch, which had been omitted in former lists, being reckoned with Jeremiah. At length a catalogue was adopted from a Bull or Decree for the Jacobites, subscribed by Pope Eugenius and his Cardinals after the Council of Florence, A.D. 1441. This list included the titles of the books of the Old and New Testament ; Nehemiah being followed by Tobias and Judith; the Song of Solomon by Wisdom and Ecclesiasticus ; Jeremiah by Baruch, Malachi by two Books of Macca- bees. It differed from the old editions of the Vulgate by the omission of the Third and Fourth Books of Esdras and the Prayer of Manasses. It differed from the Septuagint Canon, by omitting the Third of B 18 INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. Esdras, the Prayer of Manasses, the Third and Fourth Books of Maccabees, and the smaller additions to Job and the Psalter; and further, by adopting Jerome's text and arrangement, where it differed from the Greek text. Thus, the Vulgate of the Council of Trent was a reformed Vulgate, differing both in the text and number of books from the Septuagint on the one hand, and from the older editions of the Vulgate on the other. The English Bibles retained the Apocrypha of the old unreformed Vulgate, but sub- stituted a version from the Greek text for the translation of the Vulgate, in the later editions. The Council of Trent decreed, that all the books thus received by the Church were to be esteemed by the faithful with equal piety and reverence, with the addition of an anathema against all who rejected its decisions. After the Council, the controversy was revived, and the learning of Bellarmine and eloquence of Edmund Campian was especially devoted to the defence of the Apocryphal Books against their assailants. In England they were answered by Whitaker and Humphreys, and afterwards by Dr. Rainolds in his learned and elaborate treatise, in two hundred and fifty lectures or theses. Campian pretended that Luther and his followers rejected the Apocrypha, in order to escape from the arguments which the books furnished for the freedom of the will, the protection of the angels, prayers for the departed, and intercession of saints. But it was easily shewn that these questions were imported into the con- troversy ; for the position of the Apocryphal Books is independent of them, and these writings add nothing to the teaching of the Canonical Scriptures, except the judgment of the writer of the Second of Maccabees upon the act of Judas, a judgment which he modestly submits to the criticism of his readers. With regard to the vision of Onias, and the intercession of the Prophet Jeremiah, Humphreys replied, 'None of us ever denied that Jeremiah and other ' departed saints may cry beneath the altar, and intercede for their 'brethren the afflicted members of the Universal Church. But ' they have never proved that it follows as a consequence from this, ' that we ought to invoke them as intercessors between us and God. ' Our controversy with them is not as to what the Church triumphant ' does, but on the duty of the Church militant towards the departed, ' concerning which not a word is found in this place.' As .the controversy proceeded, it became more evident that the question at Issue was, not the validity of the Apocrypha as an authority for certain doctrines and practices, but rather the claims of the Roman Church to alter or modify primitive traditions, and to impose new Articles of Faith. The Tridentine Divines appealed to the gradual formation of the Canon of the New Testament, by which books at first disputed were subsequently received as Scripture ; and this was the precedent for a similar Deutero-canon of the Old Testament : a Deutero-canon, not of inferior or secondary authority, but whose sanction by the Church followed at a later date. Thus the question INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. 19 which was disputed between the Tridentine Theologians and the Reformers was this: whether the Church has power or not to impart Canonical authority to certain books of Scripture, which they cannot be proved to possess by contemporary or ancient tes- timony. In short, the arguments were for and against the in- fallibility of the Church of Rome. Lastly, the Council of Jerusalem, in its proceedings against Cyril Lucar, A.D. 1672, followed the precedent of the Council of Trent, as may be seen from the decree on Holy Scripture : ' Proceeding by 'the rule of the Catholic Church, we call by the name of Holy ' Scripture all those books which Cyril enumerated as sanctioned by ' the Synod of Laodicea ; and, in addition to these, the books which ' he, imprudently and ignorantly, if not of deliberate malice, styled ' Apocryphal ; namely, the Wisdom of Solomon, Judith, Tobias, the ' History of the Dragon, the History of Susanna, the Maccabees, and 'the Wisdom of Sirach. For we judge these to be genuine parts ' of Scripture, and class them with the rest of the genuine books of ' the Divine Scripture.' In this list Baruch was probably omitted, because it was placed amongst the writings of Jeremiah. The number of Books of Maccabees accepted is left in doubt. The original draft of the 'Articles of Religion' contained no list of Canonical or Apocryphal Books. The 5th Article of 1552, with the title, ' The Doctrine of Holy Scripture is Sufficient to Salvation,' leaves the question undecided, whether all the books included in the old editions of the Vulgate were regarded as Holy Scripture or not. The contemporary Book of Homilies, by its frequent use of texts from the Apocrypha, seemed to answer this question in the affirmative*. In the Articles of 1562, the Canonical Books' were enumerated, with a separate classification of the Apocrypha, and a quotation from Jerome's Preface to the Books of Solomon, con- cerning their use and authority in the Church. This list of the Apocrypha has reference to the pre-Reformation Vulgate, and not to the Reformed Vulgate, which was based upon the decree of the Council of Trent. Neither the Church of Rome nor the Church of England retained the Old Testament .in its mediaeval form. The Church of Rome ejected the Prayer of Manasses, and the two Books of Esdras : the Church of England first classified the Apocryphal Books separately, as being outside the Hebrew Canon; and after- wards abandoned the text of the Vulgate in all the books for which a Greek original could be found. In the devotional use of the Apocrypha, the Church of England made no change of principle from the former practice of the Church, or from that which was continued by the Church of Rome. For the purpose of lessons in public worship, the Old Testament in its Canonical and Apocryphal portions was treated alike. In the * This view is also confirmed r>y the Primer of 1552, in which a large proportion of the Lessons is taken from Ecclesiasticus. B2 20 INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. Prayer Book of 1549, the whole of Tobit (according to the Vulgate) was appointed from October 3 to 11; Judith, from October 12 to 19; Wisdom, from October 20 to 29; Eccle- siasticus, from October 29 to November 24; Baruch, from Novem- ber 25 to 27. The additions to Daniel (chaps, xiii. and xiv.) were ap- pointed for September 3 ; and the Song of the Three was substituted for the Te Deum in Lent. A portion of Wisdom was also appointed for All Saints' Day. In the Marriage Service, the reference to the Vulgate edition of Tobit was made more prominent than in the later form, by the following passage in the Prayer of Benediction, beginning, ' O God of Abraham,' &c. : ' and as Thou didst send Thy ' angel Raphael to Thobie and Sara, the daughter of Kaguel, to their ' great comfort ; so vouchsafe to send Thy blessing upon these Thy ' servants.' In the Offertory, two out of the twenty sentences were taken from the Vulgate Tobit. The language of the Book of Wisdom was adopted in the services for Ash Wednesday, both in the Collect for the Day, and in the service afterwards called 'A ' Commination.' In the Church of Rome, some service-books contained ' A Mass ot ' the angel Raphael,' for the sick, and for travellers. The narrative portions of the Apocrypha, Tobit, Judith, and the Maccabees, occupy a considerable space in the Breviary. The influence of Tobit (ac- cording to the Vulgate) is found also in exhortations to the newly- married to remain two or three days in continence and prayer ; or, in the Acts of the Council of Trent, in which the couple is directed to seek the benefit of the Sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist three days before the wedding. Some further instances of the use of the -books will be found in the separate introductions, below. 5. LATER CONTROVERSIES ON THE USE OP THE APOCRYPHA. The use of the Apocrypha in the English Church, and the in- clusion of it in the published copies of the Bible, has been a fruitful source of controversy from the sixteenth century onwards. In the reign of Elizabeth, the Puritan faction vehemently assailed the public reading of the Apocrypha, pleading that there were many things in them that were very ' frivolous,' and even ' plainly contrary 'to the Holy Scripture.' There was an 'eager desire to rake to- 'gether whatsoever might prejudice or any way hinder the credit ' of the Apocryphal Books.' Some even described them as ' fraught 'with outrageous lies' (Hooker, Book V. 20). In reply to these invectives, Hooker and Whitgift pleaded that 'the whole Church of ' Christ had approved their fitness for the public information of life ' and manners,' quoting especially the testimony of Epiphanius, that they were useful and profitable, although they were not to be reckoned as Divine Scriptures. He argued, that even those who thought it would have been safer and better to omit the public INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. 21 reading of the Apocrypha, might yet defer in this matter to the authority of the Church, which had left these books ' as a marginal ' border to the Old Testament,' out of regard to ' the Divine ex- ' cellency ' of some of their contents. It should be enough for the vindication of the truth, that the Church had declared them to be outside the Canon of the Old Testament. Together with the attempt to exclude the Apocrypha from the Table of Lessons, an attempt was made to purge the Bibles of this additional matter. The more moderate Reformers maintained that a sufficient change was made when the books were re- arranged, and placed in a separate class after the Canonical Books. Thus, at the Synod of Dort, it was agreed that the Apocrypha should be translated anew from the Greek, and distinguished from the Canonical Books by a particular title. A warning against the errors which it was alleged they contained was also to be added. Some were in favour of removing them to the end of the Bible. The next step was to print the Bible without the Apocrypha. As early as 1549 an English Version of the Apocrypha was printed separately, including the Third Book of Maccabees. The Genevan Bible of 1559 was printed in England in 1576. It is said that some copies were issued without the Apocrypha. In the seventeenth century editions of the Bible according to the newly authorised version appeared, with the title, 'Holy Bible without the Apo- 'crypha.' This practice is observed with regret by Dr. Thomas Jackson, in commenting on the prophecies of Zechariah (Book VIII. 17) ; the First Book of Maccabees had a value as a help to the right understanding ' of sacred writings most Canonical ; ' and this book, though Apocryphal, did not deserve 'to be left out in the new 'impressions, or binding up of our Bibles.' The margin of the English Bible of 1611 contained a few references to Ecclesiasticus, which were expunged in the later editions. The attack upon the use of the Apocrypha was renewed at the time of the Savoy Conference, after the restoration of Charles II. ; but the changes then made in the Table of Lessons shew a slight extension of the Apocryphal lessons, and a return to the use of the History of Bel and the Dragon, which appears to have been especially offensive to the Puritan party. Later writers have censured this change*, as an 'unreasonable and cruel imposition in those who 'fixed the terms of conformity in 1661.' The controversy was renewed in 1689, when a Commission was appointed to consider the revision of the Prayer Book, in order to the comprehension of Non-conformists. The various alterations proposed are contained in an anonymous pamphlet, entitled, A Letter on the present CVnro- cation, probably by Bishop Kidder, though ascribed by Mr. "Wode- house to Dr. Humphrey Prideaux, in his reprint of it in 1834. The * The additional chapters had, however, been included in the Book of Daniel as read before 1604, when PBOV. xxx. was substituted for DAN. xiv. 22 INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. writer complains that the clergy are forced to read 'ridiculous ' things to the people, instead of the "Word of God,' instancing the 'story of Tobit and his dog, and that of Bel and the Dragon.' Another pamphlet, Remarks from the Country, was published in reply. In the course of this it is said, ' Is it for greater edification 'to astonish our people with reading all the hard names in the 'Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah, instead of the Books of Wisdom 'and Ecclesiasticus ? If the Canticles are omitted, because inter- 'preters of that mysterious song are not so easily to be found as ' readers, we have the practice of the Synagogue and the ancient 'Church to justify us.' Upon the story of Tobit and his dog, the writer observes, that since the Proper Lessons for Sundays had been prescribed, the dog had never troubled the Church except on a week day, when scrupulous brethren were absent. About half a century later, the attack was renewed in an Essay on the Books commonly called Apocrypha, by ' A Lover of Truth,' 1740. The writer says, ' The binding up the Apocryphal with the Sacred ' Books in the same volume (a practice which I heartily wish were ' forbidden by authority), and the public reading several parts of the 'former in the church, is a great grievance to several learned and 'pious persons, both of the clergy and laity.' These books are said to be 'stuffed with fictitious stories and putid fables, like the ' Talmud, and Koran,' such as are ' painful to read, especially before 'a lesson from the New Testament.' Such 'old wives' fables,' he argued, ought to be discarded. Tobit and Judith were ' dangerous ' books, teaching lying and hypocrisy.' But in spite of these attacks the lessons from the Apocrypha were retained, and the Commentary of Patrick and Lowth on the Scriptures was supplemented by the learned work of Arnald on the assailed books. The Prayer Book of the American Church shews a compromise : the portions of the Apocrypha were left in the Table for Holy-days, but removed from the Daily Lessons, and the interval was filled up by dividing many of the longer lessons from the Canonical Scriptures, and thus dis- tributing them over an extended period. In 1824 a vigorous dispute arose amongst the members of the British and Foreign Bible Society, upon the question whether it was contrary to the Society's principles to distribute the Canonical Scriptures together with the Apocrypha. In some parts of the Continent of Europe it was found that the addition of the Apo- cryphal Books facilitated the circulation of the Scriptures in the vernacular. In Scotland the practice was condemned, but a more moderate view was taken by the Rev. C. Simeon, of King's College, Cambridge, and other supporters of the Society. Mr. Simeon, in a letter to Lord Teignmouth, urged that there was nothing in the Society's rules about the Apocrypha which required expressly either the admission or exclusion of it. Mr. Venn went further, and maintained that the volume containing the Old and New Testament and the Apocrypha was the book commonly known INTEODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. 23 by the name of the Bible or Holy Scriptures ; therefore the letter of the Society's rules not only admitted but enjoined the circulation of the Apocrypha. Several other members of the Society in Cambridge signed a protest in this sense, urging that it would be an innovation upon the Catholic spirit in which the Society had acted hitherto to withdraw the circulation of Foreign Versions containing the Apocrypha in countries where no other version would be received. The dispute ended in a compromise, by which it was resolved not to print the Apocrypha, but yet to use endeavours to promote the circulation of the Scriptures, by grants of the Canonical Books, without interfering with the subsequent dis- tribution of the same, either with the Apocrypha or without it. Through the influence of the Bible Society, and other causes, the printing of the Bible with the Apocrypha has become the exception instead of the rule, as it was formerly. The Apocryphal Books have thus been lost sight of by a large proportion of Biblical Students, even of those who have given some attention to the Septuagint or Vulgate. The English Apocrypha continued to be printed in a cheap form by the Christian Knowledge Society, but there seems to have been little or no demand for copies of the Bible including the Apocrypha. In the Society's Family Bible there were a few scanty notes on the Apocryphal Books, derived chiefly from Arnald's larger work; but nothing was done to bring within the reach of English readers the large amount of illustration and research which is found in the Latin Commentaries of Lorinus, Serarius, A Lapide, Grotius, and others, upon the Apocrypha. Bishop Wordsworth, in his Lectures on the Canon, pleaded strongly for the retention of the Apocrypha, as a means of com- munion with other Churches: 'If you carry a Bible without the 'Apocryphal Books into Greece, Asia, and Palestine, that is, 'into those very countries whence the Gospel derived its origin 'and language, you would be told that you have not the Bible, ' but only a mutilated copy of it. The Greek Church, which agrees ' with our own and the ancient Church Catholic in venerating the ' Apocrypha, which is contained in its authorised Septuagint, would 'renounce you as guilty of neoteric and sectarian error, if you 'presented her with a Bible not containing the Apocryphal Books. 'If you pass over to Italy and France, or to Spain and Portugal, 'and endeavour to circulate such Bibles among persons who, as 'we all assert, are in great need of the Scriptures, they will im- ' mediately say to you, This may be an English Bible, but it is not 'the Bible of Christendom. It excludes books which the Eastern ' and Western Churches have never ceased to read, from the earliest ' times to this hour ' (pp. 104, 105). For a fuller account of the controversies among Protestants concerning the printing of the Apocrypha with the Canonical Scriptures, the reader is referred to the Introduction to Dr. Bissell's learned work (T. & T. Clark, Edinburgh). 24 INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCEYPHA. 6. RECENT TESTIMONIES TO THE VALUE OP THE APOCRYPHA. The Reformers, whilst they exalted the Canonical Scriptures to a position which no other writings could claim, were willing to admit that a very high degree of respect was due, either wholly or in part, to the Apocrypha. ' Is it not acknowledged,' says Hooker, with reference to the judgment of the Reformed Churches, 'that ' those books are holy, that they are Ecclesiastical and Sacred ; that 'to term them Divine, as being for their excellency next unto them ' which are properly so termed, is in no way to honour them above 'desert?' 'We should consider the Divine excellency of some ' things in all, and of all things in certain of those Apocrypha which ' we publicly read.' Arnald, in the Preface to his Commentary on the Apocrypha, applies to it, especially to the didactical portions, the following observation of Wake on the authority of the Apostolical Fathers : ' We cannot doubt but that what was universally approved of and 'allowed, not by a few learned men, but the whole Church in 'those days; what was permitted to be publicly read to the faith- 'ful for their comfort and instruction, must by this means have 'received the highest human approbation, and ought to be looked ' upon by us, though not of equal authority with those books which 'the same Church has delivered to us as strictly Canonical, yet as ' standing in the first rank of Ecclesiastical writings.' John Bunyan, in his work, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, 62, thus describes the effect produced upon his mind by a passage in the Apocrypha : 'For several days I was greatly perplexed, and was ready to 'sink with faintness in my mind: but one day, when I had been 'so many weeks oppressed, and was giving up all hopes of ever 'attaining life, that sentence fell with weight upon my spirit, '"Look at the generations of old, and see; did ever any trust in ' " the Lord, and was confounded ? " I looked in my Bible, and found ' it not. For above a year I searched in vain. But at last, casting 'my eye into the Apocryphal Books, I found it in ECCLTJS. ii. 10. ' This at first did somewhat daunt me ; but it troubled me less 'when I considered that, though it was not in those texts which 'we call holy and Canonical, yet, forasmuch as this sentence 'was the sum and substance of many of the promises, it was my 'duty to take the comfort of it; and I bless God for that word, 'for it was of God to me. That word doth still at times shine 'before my face.' Baxter, in his Cases of Conscience, Q. 150, proposed the thesis, 'Is it lawful to read the Apocrypha to the Church?' He replied, INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. 25 ' It is not lawful to read them as God's Word, or to pretend them 'to be the Holy Scripture. If any one of the books, as Tobit, 'Judith, Bel and the Dragon, &c., be as fabulous, false, and bad ' as our Protestant writers (Rainolds, Amesius, Whitaker, Chamier, ' and others) affirm them to be, it is not lawful ordinarily to read 'them in that honourable way as chapters called lessons are ' usually read in the assemblies. But it is lawful to read publicly 'Apocryphal and human writings, upon these conditions: (1) So 'be it they be indeed sound doctrine, holy and fitted to the 'people's edification. (2.) They should be read with sufficient 'distinction of them from God's book. (3.) The reading of them 'may not exclude or hinder the reading of the Scripture, or any ' other necessary Church duty.' Richard Cecil ( Works, Vol. HI., p. 538), in one of his aphorisms says, 'Because Papists have made too much of some things, Pro- ' testants have made too little of them. The Papist puts the Apo- ' crypha into his Canon. The Protestant will scarcely regard it as ' an ancient record.' Bishop Wordsworth (Lectures on the Canon, pp. 96, 97) argues that those who have disparaged the Apocryphal Books, have, without any regard to the general drift of them, involved them all in a sweeping condemnation, on the strength of certain insulated words and sen- tences occurring in some of them. Such persons ' have allowed them- ' selves to be carried away from the firm footing of reason and cha- ' rity, by their zeal against the Church of Rome, which treats the ' Apocrypha as inspired, and have thus forgotten the wise and beau- ' tiful instructions contained in many of these books. They have not ' duly remembered how they serve to fill a chasm in the history of ' God's Church, and to shew His goodness to her in the interval of ' time between the two Testaments ; and exhibit the holy and heroic ' graces which He was pleased to bestow upon her in that season of ' trial, when she had no prophetic voice to cheer her.' The following estimate of the Apocrypha is from Macarius, Rector of the Ecclesiastical Academy of S. Petersburg, in his In- troduction to Orthodox Theology (French translation, Paris, 1857) : ' The Christian Church has always held, and still holds, the non- ' canonical books in great esteem. In fact, since the time that ' she first received them till now, she has constantly preserved ' them in one sacred volume with the Canonical writings. She ' proposed them from the beginning for the edification of Catechu- ' mens and the faithful, who were to read them not only at home, ' but in places of public worship ; whence they obtained the name ' " Books of the Church." Sometimes in this point of view she ' ranked them, by her Constitution and Canons, among the Canoni- ' cal Books ; as for example, in the 85th Canon or Article of the 'Apostolic Constitutions, and in the 33rd Canon of the Coun- 'cil of Carthage. Let us add, that the ancient Doctors of 'the Church often mention these books in a general manner. 26 INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. ' S. Athanasius says, that they were designed by the Fathers to serve ' for the perusal of the new converts, and of those who were desir- ' ous of religious instruction. S. Epiphanius calls them useful and ' profitable ; S. John Damascene, good and instructive. Lastly, the ' Doctors of the Church themselves have made use of these books, ' and have cited them with the addition of these words, " according '"to Holy Scripture." Thus, Clement of Alexandria, S. Cyprian, ' Origen, S. Ambrose, S. Basil, S. Augustine, quote the Book of ' Tobias ; S. Clement of Rome, Tertullian, S. Jerome, S. Augustine, 'and others, that of Judith; Irenseus, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, ' S. Cyprian, S. Basil, and S. Epiphanius, that of the Wisdom of ' Solomon. To conclude : whatever esteem the Church has always ' professed for the non-canonical books, we must carefully remember ' that she has never ceased to distinguish them from the Canonical ' writings. This distinction consists, in her judgment, in this : that ' the latter were written by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and ' compose, in the most strict sense, the inspired writings ; while the ' former form only an appendix to those writings, though excellent, 'and instructive, and sacred books' (Christian Remembrancer, 1858, p. 190). To this may be added the testimony of the French Protestant, Ludovicus le Blanc, given by Bingham, French Church's Apology, chap. ix. : 'As the ancient Christian Church, though she did not ' equal these books to those that are Divine, yet had them in great ' honour and esteem, and judged them worthy to be read not only ' privately, but publicly, as exceedingly useful for edification in ' manners ; so we also at this day do not deny them an honourable ' place in the Church of God, but allow them a privilege above the ' common rank of other Ecclesiastical writings. A proof of which ' is, that we use to bind them up in the same volume with the ' sacred Canonical Books, and often think fit to allege them in our ' sermons.' There is, in short, a large consent of testimony to the high merits of the Books of Wisdom and Ecclesiasticus, and the First Book of Maccabees : the storm of controversy has rather raged around the narratives of Tobit and Judith, and the additions to Daniel. Had portions of the First Book of Maccabees been selected for lessons in the place of the latter, .it is probable that less offence would have been taken at the reading of the Apocrypha. The Book of Tobit has, however, had many advocates ; as the Rev. T. Hartwell Home, who said of it, ' The simplicity of its narrative, and the ' pious and moral lessons which it inculcates, have imparted to it ' an interest which has rendered it one of the most popular of the ' Apocryphal lessons.' INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. 27 7. ON THE CHIEF FEATUBES OF THE APOCBYPHA, AND ITS RELATION TO OTHEB JEWISH APOCBYPHAL LITEBATUBE. The contents of the Apocrypha are of a widely varied character, and being written at different times and periods of Jewish history, exhibit more than one form of sentiment and belief. The Son of Sirach represents the earlier developments of thought, his work being a collection of sayings and precepts of former generations, as well as those of his own time ; and though the translation was made in Egypt, the originals were gathered from Palestine and the East. Next in order of time, the Book of Baruch would seem to follow. These are such works as might have been produced in times of comparative peace and prosperity, before the faith of the nation was tried by the persecution of the heathen. The period of the Maccabsean struggles against the Macedonian oppressors of the Jews then followed, and was fruitful in works expressing that belief in immortality and a future resurrection which had lan- guished in the age preceding it. To this period belong especially the Books of Maccabees, Judith, and the "Wisdom of Solomon. The story of Tobit is found in so many versions, that it appears to have been committed to writing by different authors, the later ones expressing the hope of the 'better life' hereafter, which is not so conspicuous in the earlier forms of the narrative. The struggle with the heathen appears in the denunciations of idolatry in the Epistle of Jeremy, and the Story of Bel and the Dragon : the intel- lectual conflict with pagan culture and philosophy in Alexandria is prominent in the Book of Wisdom ; especially in the reply which it furnishes to objections to God's dealings with mankind, as instanced in the special favour shewn to the Jewish nation, and in the exter- mination of the Canaanites; the interpolated Esther seems to have been written with a similar object of meeting objections and diffi- culties which the book in its Hebrew form had suggested. The Greek Third Book of Esdras was composed, as it seems, to enshrine a philosophical maxim concerning the power of the truth ; and the author of the History of Susanna sought a remedy for the perversion of justice by Jewish elders and judges. The Fourth Book of Esdras is of a different character from the rest, and portions of the work as we have it are subsequent to the Christian era. The main part of the work is a Jewish speculative work expressed in the form of visions based upon those of Daniel, and full of profound thoughts on the fallen state of man, and the preponderance of evil in the world. It is the link between the Apocrypha and those other imitations of the Apocalypses or prophetic visions of Scripture which occupy so considerable a space in Jewish Apocryphal literature. Such was the spurious Book of Enoch, the Syriac Apocalypse of Baruch, the Ascension of Isaiah, and other later Jewish works, which bear some 28 INTKODUCTION TO THE APOCKYPHA. resemblance to the Fourth Book of Esdras in style, though widely differing from it in matter. It has been usual to connect these three branches of Apocryphal writings with the opinions of the Sadducees, Pharisees, and Thera- peutse respectively. The first class of writers drew their opinions chiefly from the Law, and its temporal promises ; the second from Job, Psalms, or Isaiah ; the third professed to seek revelations from God, after the manner of the prophet Daniel, by retirement from the world, fasting, prayer, and contemplation. But though in some respects the Book of Ecclesiasticus might correspond with the teach- ing of the Sadducees, there is no trace in it of that worldly form which it took in later times, denying spiritual existences and the resurrection; or, as Dollinger describes them, 'making religion easy ' to themselves, and holding as much as was needful for appearance- ' sake, and to maintain their position as Jewish citizens.' Such were the apostates so severely condemned in the Books of Maccabees, men who were impatient of the yoke of the Law, or of the tyranny of the scribes, and conformed to the practices of the Greeks. None of the authors of the Apocryphal Books were of this mind : all alike shew a zeal for the Law of Moses, and a patriotic devotion to their temple and the religious traditions of the nation. Even a relaxation of the Law in an extreme case of necessity, when sought by dispen- sation from the Sanhedrim, is only mentioned in Judith to be con- demned; and in the Maccabees we find that even in warfare the claims of the Sabbath were at first regarded as imperative. In Ecclesiasticus we find several traces of the influence of the teaching of the prophets, shewing the superior importance of the duties of the moral law to those of sacrifice and ritual worship ; and this answers to the dispersed condition of the nation, in which the temple was no longer that central place of resort to them which it had been formerly, and they sought the favour of God by that which was more acceptable to Him than 'the bullock with horns and hoofs.' An increased respect was paid to the Sopherim, or scribes, at a time when the office of high priest was brought into contempt through the treachery of Jason and others, who were intruded into it by foreign rulers. The scribes had their traditions, founded partly on the decisions of celebrated teachers, and partly on expositions of the Scriptures, by which, in accordance with a saying of the Great Syna- gogue, they 'formed a hedge about the Law.' The passage in ECCLUS. xxxiv. 26, concerning ' the man that fasts for his sins, and goes again ' and does the same,' may be quoted as an instance of these maxims, especially when it is compared with a similar one of Maimonides : ' He who confesses with words, without having resolved in his heart ' to forsake his sins, behold ! he is like one who dips in water to ' purify himself, whilst holding an unclean animal in his hand, when ' his dipping can avail him nothing, unless he throw away the un- ' clean animal ; and so it is said, " But whoso confesseth and for- ' " saketh them shall have mercy." ' INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. 29 The thought of immortality and the future state, of which there are few if any traces in Ecclesiasticus or Baruch, becomes more pro- minent in the later books of Wisdom and Maccabees. The author of Wisdom describes the state of the soul after death in language derived from the Psalms and Isaiah ; and his faith in the resurrection may be inferred from his expression in chap. xvi. 13, 14, contrasting the power of man, who can only kill, with that of God, who can bring again from the grave. The doctrine of the prophet Daniel concern- ing the awakening of those who sleep in the dust, is more clearly realized in the Books of Maccabees, where the mother and her de- voted sons are put to death with the confession of the resurrection on their lips. The author of the Second Book of Maccabees also shews his belief in the communion between the dead and the living, in the vision which exhibits Jeremiah interceding for the Jews, and in the motive which he assigns for the sacrifice offered by Judas for the Hebrews who had fallen in battle. The Second and Fourth Books of Maccabees, together with the hymn of Judith, testify to a belief in the future torments of the wicked, a doctrine which is found more fully expounded in the Apocalypse of Baruch, and the Fourth Book of Esdras, especially in the remarkable passage about the lake of fire, and the contrast between the seven joys of the righteous and the seven sorrows of the wicked. The Apocryphal Books add nothing to the teaching of Canonical Scripture on the subject of good and evil angels or demons. The office of Raphael in Tobit is founded upon that of the angel who guided the servant of Abraham to Padan-aram, or upon the charge given to the angels in the 91st Psalm. The demon has the same powers as the evil spirit who tormented Saul. The exorcism is such as the Jews practised, regarding it as a tradition from Solomon. The angels in the Fourth of Esdras are imitations of those of Daniel and Zechariah. The grosser ideas of the Book of Enoch find no place in the Apocrypha of the Vulgate or Septuagint. The Apocryphal Books, especially the historical or narrative por- tions, indicate the strong belief in the efficacy of prayer which was so important a feature in the religion of the Jewish nation. The greater the extremity to which they were reduced, the more earnest were their cries for help. Queen Esther's fasting with her maidens is expanded into a prayer of some length in the Greek additions; Judith's widowhood is spent continually in prayer in her oratory ; the deliverance which is effected through her instrumentality is described as the answer to the prayers of the priests, people, and little children ; every success of the Maccabaean brothers in war is similarly an answer to prayer. In the Book of Tobit, the simul- taneous prayers of Tobit and Sara obtain a gracious answer. In Esdras, the prophet prepares for each vision by a long continuance in prayer and fasting. One of the gems of the Apocrypha is the beautiful penitential prayer which is put into the mouth of Manasses, king of Judah, in his captivity. 30 INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. The testimony of the Book of Tobit to the principle of monogamy, and the sanctity of marriage, is another remarkable feature. Sara is exhorted to honour her husband's parents as her own ; and thus the Gospel teaching concerning man and wife is anticipated in all its chief points. The abhorrence of idolatry which was so strong in the nation after the captivity, appears in most parts of the Apocrypha. In the Book of "Wisdom the sayings of Isaiah and Jeremiah concerning idols are expanded, so as to treat successively of all the various phases of idol worship, tracing them to their origin in the deifying either of nature, or of man. This development was evidently Alexandrian, and was due to the influx of a mixture of Eastern and Western Polytheism, in addition to the peculiar worship of Egypt, into that great commercial centre. Alexandria was tolerant of all religions; and counted all the idols of the heathen to be gods. At the same time, the utter downfall and destruction of all idolatry was anticipated by the author (WiSD. xiv. 13; xvi. 15). Of the expectation of the coming of the Messiah the tokens in the Apocrypha are but few : in the Book of Tobit there are anticipations of the future glory of the nation and of the city of Jerusalem, which are manifestly derived from the prophet Isaiah. Similar language is found in Baruch. The visions of the lion and of the man rising out of the sea, in the Fourth Book of Esdras, appear to be of too late a date to be taken as expressions of the hopes of the nation, at the time when most of the other books were composed. Generally, the didactic portions of the Apocrypha may be regarded as a collection of paraphrases upon passages of Holy Scripture, or of reflections upon them, rather than as inculcating any new doctrines proper to itself. The Book of Ecclesiasticus in its sublimest passages follows the Book of Job or Proverbs, and adds an important testi- mony to the closing of the Canon of the Old Testament. The First Book of Maccabees is a record of the fulfilment of prophecy, and is important as a commentary upon the sayings of Daniel. It differs also from the other narratives in possessing a solid historical basis. But the other narratives have a more strictly Apocryphal character, and may be regarded as religious dramas, or moral tales, in which the author professedly departs from historical accuracy. In selecting passages for marginal references, parallels in the Old Testament have been preferred in this work to more obvious ones in the New ; on the ground that the passages required for illustration are those which the writer himself might be supposed to have in his mind ; taking them as the source of his teaching, or the basis of his reflections. INTKODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. 31 8. TEXT AND VERSIONS. The books and portions of books which form the Apocrypha were some of them written in Greek ; others were translated into Greek from the Hebrew, or some cognate Oriental language. To the former class belong the Third Book of Esdras, the additions to Daniel and Esther, the Wisdom of Solomon, and the Second, Third, and Fourth Books of Maccabees. The other books probably had a Hebrew or Aramaic origin, but in every case the original text has disappeared, such Oriental Versions as have come down to us being of later date. The Greek Version of the Fourth Book of Esdras has also been lost, only a few brief fragments remaining. It is found in the old manu- scripts and editions of the Vulgate, and in Arabic and other Oriental Versions. The books which are extant in Greek are found in the principal manuscripts and editions of the Septuagint. The Vulgate differs from these in including the Fourth Book of Esdras, and excluding the Third and Fourth Books of Maccabees. The text of a large part of the Apocrypha is in a very uncertain state. In some books there are two distinct Greek Versions, as in the additions to Daniel and Esther, where the differences are not only in the style and mode of expression, but in the matter also. The Vulgate shews numerous differences from the Greek in Ecclesiasticus; and in Tobit and Judith it exhibits an entirely distinct form of the narratives. The Oriental Versions shew great variations both from the Vulgate and Septuagint, in additions and omissions. In the Books of Wisdom, Baruch, and Maccabees, the text is much more uniform, the versions being appa- rently based upon the existing Greek text. On the whole, the Greek text of the Apocryphal Books seems to be the nearest to the original sources of those which we possess, and on this principle it was preferred to the Vulgate by the translators of our English Bible. But it is in the Latin form in which the books appear in the Vulgate that the Apocrypha has exercised the widest influence in the Christian Church. The wide variations in the dif- ferent versions indicate that the authors or translators either took great liberties with their subject, or else had no single authority to base their works upon, but simply expounded matter received by oral tradition from former generations. For an accurate knowledge of the text of the Apocrypha, it would be necessary to exhibit each version separately, as Mr. Neubauer has done in the Book of Tobit. An attempt has been made below to frame a comprehensive text, which may include all the additional matter which the versions pre- sent, without dislocating the present English Version in our Bibles, which, though rugged and obscure in parts, fairly represents the Greek of the most approved editions of the Septuagint. The addi- tions have been enclosed in brackets, the rest of the text following that of the English Bible. Such an arrangement can only shew the 32 INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHA. insertions, the omissions being too numerous and varied to mark in every case within the limits of the work. Of the more modern versions into the various European languages, the earlier ones are based upon the Vulgate ; some of the later ones follow the Greek. Some include those books only which were autho- rised by the Council of Trent :. others add the Fourth Book of Esdras and the Prayer of Manasses, from the old editions of the Vulgate ; or the Third Book of Maccabees from the Septuagint. In some, the books are separated from the Canonical Books; in others, they occupy their old position, as in the English Douay Bible. The old edition of the Vulgate was the basis of the English Ver- sions of the Reformation period. In 1535, Coverdale translated the Apocrypha out of the Latin and Dutch. Eleven of the books were classed separately, but Baruch retained its old place after the La- mentations. In 1537, the Bible which bears the name of Matthews appeared : the greater part of it was the work of Tyndal ; but John Rogers corrected it, and added a translation of the Apocrypha. In Cranmer's Bible of 1539, the Apocrypha was included in. a separate class ; but in the Great Bible of 1540, the books were interspersed among the Canonical Books as before. In the reign of Edward VI., one of the editions of the English Bible is said to have appeared without the Apocrypha: a separate version of the latter, including the Third Book of Maccabees, having been issued in 1549. Hitherto the Vulgate had been followed in most of the books ; but in the Genevan Version of 1559 it was abandoned for the Greek, in all the books for which a Greek text could be found. This precedent was followed in subsequent editions of the Bible. THE FIRST BOOK OF ESDRAS. INTRODUCTION. THE position of the First Book of Esdras in the old Greek and Latin editions of the Bible will be seen by the following table : Order in the Greek (Alexandrian Codex). 1 CHRONICLES. 2 CHRONICLES. ESTHER (with Apocry- phal additions). TOBIT. JUDITH. 1 ESDRAS (called 'the priest ') EZRA (called 'the 2nd book of Ezra the priest '). NEHEMIAH. Order in the Latin Vulgate. 1 CHRONICLES. 2 CHRONICLES. PRAYER of MANASSES. EZRA (called the 1st book of Esdras). NEHEMIAH (called the 2nd book of Esdras). 1 ESDRAS (called the 3rd book of Esdras). 2 ESDRAS (called the 4th book of Esdras). TOBIT. JUDITH. ESTHER. In the classification of the Apo- crypha in our English Bibles, the order of the Vulgate is followed, and hence (neglecting fragments, such as the 151st Psalm, and the Prayer of Manasses) the two books of Esdras stand first. But though first in order, these books have never held a high place in the estimation of the Christian Church, as compared with other portions of the books called Apocrypha. The Council of Trent, whilst it admitted other Jewish writings into the Old Tes- tament Canon, discarded the two books of Esdras and the Prayer of Manasses, as works of inferior value and doubtful authority. They were rejected by S. Jerome because they were not in Hebrew, and for the ' dreams ' which they contained. The later editions of the Vulgate, whilst retaining the greater part of the Apocryphal Books in their old position amongst the Canonical Books, separate the Esdrases, and place them at the end of the sacred volume. The First Book of Esdras has been more widely known and accepted than the second, as having a place in the Greek as well as the Latin versions, and as being used, apparently in preference to the Canonical Ezra, by the Jewish historian Josephus. The object of the writer seems to have been to preserve and hand down to posterity a tradition con- cerning the mission of Zorobabel from the Persian Court, to act as the prince of the returning captives to Jerusalem, and the chief pro- moter of the rebuilding of the city and temple. This tradition occupies chapters iii., iv., and v. 1 6. The rest of the book consists of extracts from the books of the Hebrew Canon. Thus chapter i., concerning Josiah and his successors, is taken from 2 CHB. xxxv. and xxxvi. ; chapter ii. 1 15, the decree of Cyrus, is taken from EZRA i. 1 12. Chapter ii. 16 30, concerning the opposition of the Samaritans and other enemies of the Jews, is taken from EZRA iv. 1724. The catalogues of names in chapter y. 6 73, are taken from EZRA ii., iii., and iv. 1 5 ; chapters vi. and vii., from EZRA v. and vi. ; chapter viii., from EZRA vii., viii., ix., x. 1 5 ; chapter ix. 136, from EZRA x. 644; and chapter ix. 37 55, from Neh. vii. 73 to viii. 12. C 34 INTRODUCTION. The Greek Esdras, whilst follow- ing the Hebrew Ezra in the general arrangement of names and events, varies from it both in the numbers and in the proper names. Most of these variations are carefully noted in the margin of our authorised version of the Apocrypha. Difficulty is also found in recon- ciling the story of Zorobabel, as related in chapters iii., iv., and v., with the history of the return from captivity, as inferred from more authentic sources. The Canonical Ezra speaks of Zerubbabel as the original leader of the captives who returned under Cyrus. T'he Apo- cryphal Esdras calls the first leader Sanabassar, and postpones the com- ing of Zorobabel until the reign of Darius Hystaspes. Josephus at- tempted to reconcile the two ac- counts by supposing that Zorobabel returned to JBabylon after his first mission, and that he then obtained the favour of Darius, and his pro- tection against the opposition 01 the Samaritans. But the result is only to involve the sequence of events, which is clear and intelligible in the Canonical Books, in inconsisten- cies and contradictions. It is therefore probable that, like other Apocryphal writers, the author of the Greek Esdras aimed, not at giving accurate history, but at in- culcating a moral lesson ; and thus the interest of the book centres in the story of the three wise sen- tences, in which Zorobabel obtained the palm for excellence, his sen- tence having passed into a proverb, 'Great is the truth, and it shall prevail.' This was cited by several of the Fathers, who compare it with the saying of the Gospel, ' I am the TRUTH.' The words were thus ap- plied by Cyprian, Augustine, Atha- nasius, and S. Gregory Nazianzen. When it was said that Truth was victorious over all things, this was a prophecy of Christ. If the Truth is that which all the earth invokes, and the heaven blesses, then He Who is the Truth is the Creator. Origin also applied the words to Christ, 'From Thee, Lord, cometh victory, and I am Thy servant.' Truth is regarded as the attribute of GOD, by which He is distinguish- ed from the false gods of the heathen : also as the law of the Creator, by which He works all things ; and as His might by which He prevails, fulfilling His promise, even when all things seem to conspire against it. Thus His truth conquers, and all other powers yield to it, and are found to be weak, variable, and in- constant. THE FIRST" BOOK OF ESDRAS. I! In the old Latin and English editions, The third Book of Esdras. CHAPTEE I. The destruction of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans, and the events preceding it. 1 A ND Josias held the feast of the passover a in Jeru- J\. salem unto his Lord, and offered II the passover the 2 fourteenth day of the first month ; having set the priests according to their daily courses, being arrayed in long garments in the temple of the Lord. 3 And he spake unto the Levites, the holy ministers of Israel, that they should hallow themselves unto the Lord, to set the holy ark of the Lord in the house that 4 king Solomon the son of David had built : and said, Ye shall no more bear the ark upon your shoulders : now therefore serve the Lord your God, and minister unto His people Israel, and prepare you after your families 5 and kindreds, according as David b the king of Israel prescribed ", and according to the magnificence of Solo- mon his son : and standing in the temple according to the several dignity II of the families of you the Levites, who minister in the presence of your brethren the chil- 6 dren of Israel, offer" the passover in order, and make ready the sacrifices for your brethren, and keep the passover according to the commandment of the Lord, which was given unto Moses. 7 And unto the people that was found there Josias gave thirty thousand lambs and kids, and three thou- sand calves: these things were given of the king's allowance 11 , according as he promised, to the people, 8 to the priests, and to the Levites. And Helkias, Zacha- rias, and Syelus", the governors of the temple, gave to the priests for the passover two thousand and six hun- 9 dred sheep, and three hundred calves. And Jeconias, 02 a 2 KIN. 23. 21. 2 CHR. 35. 1, Ac. 11 Or, killed, EXOD. 12. 21. In some copies, they slew, or of- fered. bl CHR. 24. 3. Ac. 2 CHR. 35. 4. 10. II Or, accord- ing to the writing of David the king. II Or, distri- bution of rank. II Or, kill. II Or, royal treasury. II Or, Jehiel, 2 CHR. 35. 8. 36 I. ESDEAS, I. II Or, five, 2 CHR. 35. 9 ; and so the Vulgate. II Or, and so did they with the oxen, as in the Hebrew, in 2 CUR. 35. 12. II Or, is fitting. II Or, and their work prospered, as in LXX. of 2 CHR. 35. 13. Compare ch. 7. 3, below. Or, with good- will, as in the Vulgate. II Or, until the time was expired, as in Vulgate. \\Or,appoint- ed by the king. See 1 CHR. 25. 1, Ac. c 1 CHR. 9. 17, 18. & 26. 14, EZRA 1. 5, Ac. llOr. awakened, or stirred up. c ISAM. 10. 26. 1 CllR. 5. 26. 40 I. ESDKAS, II. II Or, goods, as in EZRA 1. 6. II Or,freemll offerings. d 2 Km. 24. 13. 2 CHR. 36. 7. II Or, house of his god, DAN. 1. 2. II Or, Mithre- dath, EZRA 1. 8. II Some read Samanas- sar, and hence the Vulgate Salmana- sar. In EZRA 1. 8, Sheshbaz- zar, the Persian name of Ze- rubbabel. II In EZRA 1.9, knives, or changes, LXX. II In the Vul- gate, 5,860. In EZRA 1. 11, 5,400. 6 EZRA 4. 7. II Vulgate, Balsamus ; Hebr. Bish- lam, or in peace. II Vulgate, Sdbellius ; Hebr. Tabeel. II Hebr. He- hum the chancellor and Shim- shai the scribe, EZRA 4. 9. II Or, chronicler, one who keeps a record of incidents. them in all things with silver and gold, with horses 11 and cattle, and with very many free gifts " of a great number whose minds were stirred up thereto. King 10 Cyrus also brought forth the holy vessels, which Nebu- chodonosor d had carried away from Jerusalem, and had set up in his temple of idols 11 . Now when Cyrus king 11 of the Persians had brought them forth, he delivered them to Mithridates 1 ' his treasurer: and by him they 12 were delivered to Sanabassarll the governor of Judea. And this was the number of them ; a thousand golden 13 cups, and a thousand of silver, censers H of silver twenty- nine, vials of gold thirty, and of silver two thousand four hundred and ten, and a thousand other vessels. So all 14 the vessels of gold and of silver, which were carried away, were five thousand four hundred threescore and nine ". These were brought back by Sanabassar, to- 15 gether with them of the captivity, from Babylon to Jerusalem. But in the time of Artaxerxes king of the Persians 6 16 Belemus H, and Mithridates, and Tabellius ", and Bathu- mus, and Beeltethmus, and Semellius the secretary 11 , with others that were in commission with them, dwell- ing in Samaria and other places, wrote unto him against them that dwelt in Judea and Jerusalem these letters following ; To king Artaxerxes our lord, Thy servants, Bathumus 17 the storywriter H, and Semellius the scribe, and the rest of their council, and the judges that are in Celosyria and Phenice. Be it now known to the lord the king, 18 that the Jews that are come up from you to us, being come into Jerusalem, that rebellious and wicked city, do build the marketplaces, and repair the walls of it, and do lay the foundation of the temple. Now if this 19 city and the walls thereof be made up again, they will not only refuse to give tribute, but also rebel against kings. And forasmuch as the things pertaining to the 20 temple are now in hand, we think it meet not to neglect such a matter, but to speak unto our lord the king, to 21 the intent that, if it be thy pleasure, it may be sought out in the books of thy fathers : and thou shalt find in 22 the chronicles what is written concerning these things, I. ESDRAS, III. 41 II Or, were the cause of manyxieges therein from, old time. i EZRA 4. 16. II Or, chronicler. II Or, associ- ated. See EZRA 4. IT. and shalt understand that that city was rebellious, 23 troubling both kings and cities : and that the Jews were rebellious, and raised always wars therein H ; for the 24 which cause even this city was made desolate. Where- fore now we do declare unto thee, O lord the king, that if this city be built again, and the walls thereof set up anew, thou shalt from henceforth have no passage 1 into Celosyria and Phenice. 25 Then the king wrote back again to Kathumus the storywriter ", to Beeltethmus, to Semellius the scribe, and to the rest that were in commission ", and dwellers in Samaria and Syria and Phenice, after this manner ; 26 I have read the epistle which ye have sent unto me : therefore I commanded to make diligent search, and it hath been found that that city was from the begin- 27 ning practising against kings ; and the men therein were given to rebellion and war : and that mighty kings and fierce were in Jerusalem, who reigned 28 and exacted tributes in Celosyria and Phenice. Now therefore I have commanded to hinder those men from building the city, and heed to be taken that there be 29 no more done in it ; and that those wicked workers proceed no further to the annoyance H of longs. 30 Then king Artaxerxes his letters being read, Bathu- mus, and Semellius the scribe, and the rest that were in commission with them 11 , removing in haste toward Jerusalem with a troop of horsemen and a multitude of people in battle array H, began to hinder the builders ; and the building of the temple in Jerusalem ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of the Persians. II Or, the damage, as In EZRA 4. 22. II Or, their com- panions, EZRA 4. 23, 24. II Or, offerees. CHAPTEE HI. The three young men, and their sentences. 1 IVfOW when Darius reigned, he made a great feast -L i unto all his subjects, and unto all his household, 2 and unto all the princes of Media and Persia, and to all the governors and captains and lieutenants " that were under him, from India* unto Ethiopia, of an 3 hundred twenty and seven provinces. And when they had eaten and drunken, and being satisfied were gone Joseph us. Ant, Lib. XL, Cap. 3. II Or, satraps, or overseers ofprovinces. a ESTH. 1. 1. 8.9. 42 I. ESDRAS, HI. II Or, fell into a deep sleep. (So Schleus- ner and Steph. Thes.) II Or, Let each of us men- tion one thing that is strongest, and unto him whose sentence d.c. II Or, in ves- sels of gold. II Or, a bonnet of white silk. GBN. 41. 42, 43. ESTH. 6. 8, 9. DAN. 5. 7,29. II Or, kinsman. c DAN. 6. 1, 2. home, then Darius the king went into his bedchamber, and slept, and soon after awaked H. Then three young men, that were of the guard 4 that kept the king's body, spake one to another ; Let 5 every one of us speak a sentence : he that shall over- come H, and whose sentence shall seem wiser than the others, unto him shall the king Darius give great gifts, and great things in token of victory: as, to be 6 clothed in purple, to drink in gold H, and to sleep upon gold, and a chariot with bridles of gold, and an head- tire of fine linen ", and a chain about his neck : and he 7 shall sit next to Darius b because of his wisdom, and shall be called Darius his cousin H. And then every one wrote his sentence, sealed it, 8 and laid it under king Darius his pillow ; and .said 9 that, when the king is risen, some will give him the writings; and of whose side the king and the three princes of Persia shall judge that his sentence is the wisest, to him shall the victory be given, as was appointed. The first wrote, "Wine is the strong- 10 est. The second wrote, The king is strongest. The 11 third wrote, Women are strongest : but above all things 12 Truth beareth away the victory. Now when the king was risen up, they took their 13 writings, and delivered them unto him, and so he read them : and sending forth he called all the princes of 14 Persia and Media, and the governors, and the captains, and the lieutenants, and the chief officers ; and sat him 15 down in the royal seat of judgment ; and the writings were read before them. And he said, Call the young 1C men, and they shall declare their own sentences. So they were called, and came in. And he said unto 17 them, Declare unto us your mind concerning the writings 'I. Then began the first, who had spoken of the strength 18 of wine ; and he said thus, O ye men, how exceeding strong is wine ! It causeth all men to err d that drink it : it maketh the mind of the king and of the fatherless 19 child to be all one II ; of the bondman and of the free- man, of the poor man and of the rich : it turneth also 20 every thought into jollity and mirth , so that a man II Or, Tell us the mean- ing of the things that ye have written. See JUDO. 14. 12. d Is. 28. 7. Hos. 4. 11. II The reading of the Vul- gate, to be vain, is a corruption of the text. e ECCLUS. 31. 25, 27, 28. I. ESDRAS, IV. 43 II A man talks cut if he possessed talents, or great wealth. See PROV. 23. 29, Ac. f ECCLCS. 31. 29, 30. II Or, awake. So GEN. 9. 24. Paov. 23. 35. 21 remembereth neither sorrow nor debt : and it maketh every heart rich, so that a man remembereth neither king nor governor ; and it maketh to speak all things 22 by talents H : and when they are in their cups, they forget their love both to friends and brethren, and a 23 little after draw out swords f : but when they are H from the wine, they remember not what they have done. 24 O ye men, is not wine the strongest, that enforceth to do thus? And when he had so spoken, he held his peace. CHAPTER IV. Truth is mightier than all. 1 rriHEN the second, that had spoken of the strength of 2 JL the king, began to say, ye men, do not men excel in strength, that bear rule over H sea and land, and all 3 things in them ? But yet the king is more mighty : for he is lord of all these things, and hath dominion over them; and whatsoever he commandeth a them 4 they do. If he bid them make war the one against the other, they do it: if he send them out against the enemies b , they go, and break down mountains, walls, 5 and towers. They slay and are slain, and transgress not the king's commandment : if they get the victory, they bring all to the king, as well the spoil, as all 6 things else. Likewise for those that are no soldiers, and have not to do with wars, but use husbandry II, when they have reaped again that which they had sown, they bring it to the king , and compel one 7 another to pay tribute unto the king. And yet he is but one man : if he " command to kill, they kill ; if he 8 command to spare d , they spare ; if he command to smite, they smite ; if he command to make desolate, 9 they make desolate ; if he command to build, they build ; if he command to cut down e , they cut down ; 10 if he command to plant, they plant. So all his people and his armies II obey him : furthermore he lieth " down, 11 he eateth and drinketh, and taketh his rest : and these keep watch round about him, neither may any one depart, and do his own business f , neither disobey they 12 him in anything. O ye men, how should not the king II Or, conquer. SoGKSi.1.28. * ECCLKS. 8. 2, 3, 4. b ISAM. 8. 11, 12. 2 SAM. 11. 1. II Or, mi the ground. ISAM. 8. 15. II Or, if the king alone do but command. d DAN. 5. 19. o Is. S7. 24 26. II Or, princes. II Or, sitteth. f GKX. 4L44. 44 I. ESDEAS, IV. be mightiest, when in such sort he is obeyed ? And he held his tongue. Then the third, who had spoken of women, and of 13 the truth (this was Zorobabel), began to speak. O ye 14 men, it is not the great king, nor the multitude of men, neither is it wine, that excelleth ; who is it then that ruleth them, or hath the lordship over them? are they not women ? Women have borne the king g and all the 15 people that bear rule by sea and land. Even of them 16 came they : and they nourished them up that planted the vineyards, from whence the wine cometh. These 17 also make garments h for men ; these bring glory unto men; and without 1 ' women cannot men be. Yea, and 18 if men have gathered together gold and silver, or any other goodly thing, do they not love a woman 1 which is comely in favour and beauty ? And letting all those 19 things go, do they not gape, and even with open mouth fix their eyes fast on her ; and have not all men more desire J unto her than unto silver or gold, or any goodly thing whatsoever ? A man leaveth his own father k that 20 brought him up, and his own country, and cleaveth unto his wife. He sticketh not to spend II his life with 21 his wife, and remembereth neither father, nor mother, nor country. By this also ye must know that women have do- 22 minion over you : do ye not labour and toil, and give and bring all to the woman? Yea, a man taketh his 23 sword, and goeth his way l to rob and to steal, to sail upon the sea and upon rivers ; and looketh upon a 24 lion m , and goeth in the darkness ; and when he hath stolen, spoiled, and robbed, he bringeth it to his love. Wherefore a man loveth his wife better than father 25 or mother. Yea, many there be that have run out of 26 their wits for women, and become servants 11 for their sakes. Many also have perished, have erred, and 27 sinned, for women. And now do ye not believe me? 28 Is not the king great in his power ? Do not all regions fear to touch him? Yet did I see him and Apame the 29 king's concubine, the daughter of the admirable Bar- tacus H, sitting at the right hand of the king, and taking 30 the crown from the king's head, and setting it upon eWisn.7.4,5. h PROV. 31. 22, 24. ACTS 9. 39. II Or, apart from. i PROV. 31. 10. J ECCLUB. 36. 22. t GEN. 2. 24. II Or, jeopardeth : or, remains by her until death. See GEN. 35. 18. RUTH 1. 17. ' JUDO. 14. 19. m JUDO. 14. 2, 5,6. " JUDG. 16. 21. Hos. 12. 12. II Or, daughter of Rabezacus Themasius, as in Joscphus. I. ESDRAS, IV. 45 her own head ; she also struck the king with her left 31 hand. And yet for all this the king gaped and gazed upon her with open mouth : if she laughed upon him, he laughed also : but if she took any displeasure at him, the king was fain to flatter, that she might be 32 reconciled to him again. O ye men, how can it be but women should be strong, seeing they do thus ? 33 Then the king and the princes looked one upon 34 another : so he began to speak of the truth. O ye men, are not women strong? Great is the earth, high is the heaven, swift is the sun in his course, for he compasseth the heavens round about, and fetcheth his 35 course again to his own place in one day. Is He not great that maketh these things ? Therefore great is the 36 Truth p , and stronger than all things. All the earth calleth upon the Truth, and the heaven blesseth it: all works shake and tremble at it, and with it is no 37 unrighteous thing. Wine is wicked ", the king is wick- ed, women are wicked, all the children of men q are wicked, and such are all their wicked works ; and there is no truth in them; in their unrighteousness 38 also they shall perish. As for the Truth, it endureth, and is always strong; it liveth and conquereth for 39 evermore. With her there is no accepting of persons or rewards II ; but she doeth the things that are just, and refraineth from all unjust and wicked things ; and 40 all men do well like of her works. Neither in her judgment is any unrighteousness ; and she is the strength, kingdom, power, and majesty, of all ages. Blessed be the God r of truth. 41 And with that he held his peace. And all the people then shouted, and said, Great is Truth, and mighty above 42 all things 11 . Then said the king unto him, Ask what thou wilt more than is appointed in the writing, and we will give it thee, because thou art found wisest ; and thou shalt sit next me, and shalt be called my cousin". 43 Then said he unto the king, Remember thy vow, which thou hast vowed to build Jerusalem, in the day when 44 thou earnest to thy kingdom, and to send away all the vessels that were taken away out of Jerusalem, which Cyrus set apart, when he vowed to destroy Babylon, Ps. 19. 6. ECCLUS. 43. 2,5. P Quoted by S. Athana- sius, who compares PROV. 8. 30. JOHN 5. 17 ; 14. 6.' Truth,' in Hebrew letters, be- ing the first, middle, and last of the alphabet, answers to Alpha and Omega in Greek (Jer. Taylor). II Or, false, or treacherous. 1 Ps. 62. 9 ; 116. 11. ROM. 3. 4. II Or, making of distinc- tions. The Old English adds, ' be- tween rich or poor, mighty or simple.' See LBV. 19. 15. r DBUT. 32. 4. Ps. 31. 5. JER. 10. 10. JOHN 11 17; 15. 26; 16. 13. 1 JOHN 4. 6. II Or, prevaileth. II Or, kins- man. See GEN. 45. 8. 46 I. ESDKAS, IV. II Or,majesty. See DAN. 4. 30. * DAN. 4. 37. ToB.13.7,11. " EZRA 3. 7. and to send them again thither. Thou also hast vowed 45 to kuild U P *ke tem Pl e J which the Edomites 8 burned when Judea was made desolate by the Chaldees. And 46 now, O lord the king, this is that which I require, and which I desire of thee, and this is the princely libe- rality" proceeding from thyself: I desire therefore that thou make good the vow, the performance whereof with thine own mouth thou hast vowed to the King of heaven*. Then Darius the king stood up, and kissed him, and 47 wrote letters for him unto all the treasurers and lieu- tenants and captains and governors, that they should safely convey on their way both him, and all those that go up with him to build Jerusalem. He wrote letters 48 also unto the lieutenants that were in Celosyria and Phenice, and unto them u in Libanus, that they should bring cedar wood from Libanus unto Jerusalem, and that they should build the city with him. Moreover he 49 wrote for all the Jews that went out of his realm up into Jewry, concerning their freedom, that no officer, no ruler, no lieutenant, nor treasurer, should forcibly enter into their doors ; and that all the country which 50 they hold should be free v without tribute; and that the Edomites w should give over the villages of the Jews which then they held : yea, that there should be yearly 51 given twenty talents to the building of the temple, until the time that it were built ; and other ten talents 52 yearly, to maintain the burnt offerings x upon the altar every day, as they had a commandment to offer seventeen H : and that all they that went from Baby- 53 Ion to build the city should have free liberty, as well they as their posterity, and all the priests that went away. He wrote also concerning the chargesll, and the 54 priests' vestments wherein they minister ; and likewise 55 for the charges of the Levites, to be given them until the day that the house were finished, and Jerusalem builded up. And he commanded to give to all that kept 56 the city pensions and wages H. He sent away also all 57 the vessels from Babylon, that Cyrus had set apart; and all that Cyrus had given in commandment, the EZRA 7. 24. 'EzEK.35.10. EZRA 3. 4, 5. II The weekly number of burnt offer- ings, includ- ing that of the Sab- bath-eve preceding. See NUM. 28. II Or, expenses. II Or, allot- ments and rations. I. ESDKAS, V. 47 same charged he also to be done, and sent unto Jeru- salem. 58 Now when this young man was gone forth, he lifted up his face to heaven toward Jerusalem, and praised 59 the King of heaven, and said, From Thee cometh vic- tory, from Thee cometh wisdom, and Thine is the glory, 60 and I am Thy servant. Blessed art Thou, Who hast given y me wisdom : for to Thee I give thanks, O Lord y DAN. 2. 23. of our fathers. 61 And so he took the letters, and went out, and came 62 unto Babylon, and told it all his brethren. And they praised the God of their fathers, because he had given 63 them freedom and liberty to go up, and to build Jerusa- lem, and the temple which is called by His Name : and " O F > sat they feasted 'I with instruments of musick and gladness seven days. drink, ESTH. 3. 15. CHAPTER V. The rebuilding of the temple. 1 A FTEK this were the principal men of the families XJL chosen according to their tribes, to go up with their wives and sons and daughters, with their menser- 2 vants and maidservants, and their cattle. And Darius sent with them a a thousand horsemen, till they had brought them back to Jerusalem safely ", and with musical 3 [instruments] fabrets and flutes. And all their brethren played, and he made them go up together with them. 4 And these are the names of the men which went up, according to their families among their tribes, after 5 their several heads. The priests, the sons of Phinees the son of Aaron : Jesus the son of Josedec, the son of Saraias, and Joacim the son of Zorobabel' 1 , the son of Salathiel, of the house of David, out of the kindred of 6 Phares, of the tribe of Judah ; who spake wise sen- tences 1 * before Darius the king of Persia in the second year of his reign, in the month Nisan, which is the first month. 7 And these are they of Jewry that came up from the captivity, where they dwelt as strangers, whom Nebu- chodonosor the king of Babylon had carried away unto 8 Babylon. And they returned unto Jerusalem, and to BAR. 5. 5, 6. II Or, with peace, as in Is. 55. 12. II Or, Joa- chim, and Zorobdbel. See NKH. 12. 10. b ch. 4. 13. 48 I. ESDKAS, V. II Or, princes. 'I Or. Phares. The Ver- sions vary greatly in the proper names and numbers throughout this passage. Verses 15 to 39 are omit- ted in the Syriac. the other parts of Jewry, every man to his own city, c EZRA 2. 2, w ho came with Zorobabel , with Jesus, Nehemias, and tOr,Sarattu. Zacharias 11 , and Reesaias, Enenius, Mardocheus, Beelsa- rus, Aspharasus, Eeelius, Eoimus, and Baana, their guides 11 . The number of them of the nation, and their 9 governors, sons of Phoros 11 , two thousand an hundred seventy and two ; the sons of Saphat, four hundred seventy and two : the sons of Ares, seven hundred fifty 10 and six : the sons of Phaath Moab, two thousand eight 11 hundred and twelve : the sons of Elam, a thousand two 12 hundred fifty and four : the sons of Zathui, nine hun- dred forty and five : the sons of Corbe, seven hundred and five : the sons of Bani, six hundred forty and eight : the sons of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three : the 13 sons of Sadas, three thousand two hundred twenty and two : the sons of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and 14 seven : the sons of Bagoi, two thousand sixty and six : the sons of Adin, four hundred fifty and four : the sons 15 of Aterezias 11 , ninety and two: the sons of Ceilan and Azetas, threescore and seven : the sons of Azuran, four hundred thirty and two : the sons of Ananias, an hun- 16 dred and one : the sons of Arom, thirty two : and the sons of Bassa, three hundred twenty and three : the sons of Azephurith, an hundred and two : the sons of 17 MeterusH, three thousand and five: the sons of Bethlo- mon, an hundred twenty and three : they of Netophah, 18 fifty and five : they of Anathoth, an hundred fifty and eight : they of Bethsamos, forty and two : they of 19 Kiriathiarius, twenty and five: they of Caphira and Beroth, seven hundred forty and three : they of Pira, seven hundred : they of Chadias and Ammidoi, four 20 hundred twenty and two : they of Cirama and Gabdes ", six hundred twenty and one : they of Macalon, an hun- 21 dred twenty and two : they of Betolius, fifty and two : the sons of Nephis, an hundred fifty and six : the sons 22 of Calamolalus and Onus, seven hundred twenty and five : the sons of Jerechus, two hundred forty and five : the sons of Annaas 11 , three thousand three hundred and 23 thirty". The priests d : the sons of Jeddu, the son of Jesus, 24 among the sons of Sanasib, nine" hundred seventy and II Or, Ater, son of Eze- chias. II Or, Beterus. II Or, Gabbes. II Or, Sanaas. II Or, one. d EZRA 2. 36. Or, eight. I. ESDEAS, V. 49 two : the sons of Meruth, a thousand" fifty and two : 25 the sons of Phassaron, a thousand forty and seven : the sons of Carme, a thousand 1 ' and seventeen. 26 The Levites e : the sons of Jessue, and Cadmiel, and Banuas, and Sudias, seventy and four. 27 The holy singers f : the sons of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight. 28 The porters g : the sons of Salum, the sons of Jatal, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Dacobi, the sons of Teta, the sons of Sami ", in all an hundred thirty and nine. 29 The servants of the temple 11 : the sons of Esau, the II Or, two hundred. II Or, two hundred. 6 EZRA 2. 40. ' EZRA 2. 41. * EZRA 2. 42. II Or, Tobis. II Or, Sethi- nims, EZRA 2. 43, Ac. " r . sons of Asipha, the sons of Tabaoth, the sons of Ceras, the sons of Sud, the sons of Phaleas, the sons of La- 30 bana, the sons of Graba, the sons of Acua, the sons of Uta, the sons of Cetab, the sons of Agaba, the sons of Subai, the sons of Anan, the sons of Cathua, the sons 31 of Geddur, the sons of Airus'l, the sons of Daisan, the sons of Noeba, the sons of Chaseba, the sons of Gazera, the sons of Azia, the sons of Phinees, the sons of Azara, the sons of Bastai, the sons of Asana, the sons of Me- ani, the sons of Naphisi, the sons of Acub, the sons of Acipha, the sons of Assur, the sons of Pharacim, the 32 sons of Basaloth, the sons of Meeda, the sons of Coutha, the sons of Charea, the sons of Charcus", the sons of uo/r,Barcw. Aserer, the sons of Thomoi, the sons of Nasith, the sons of Atipha. 33 The sons of the servants of Solomon h : the sons of h EZRA 2. 65. Azaphion, the sons of Pharira, the sons of Jeeli, the sons of Lozon, the sons of Isdael, the sons of Sapheth, 34 the sons of Hagia, the sons of Phacareth, the sons of Sabi, the sons of Sarothie, the sons of Masias, the sons of Gar, the sons of Addus, the sons of Suba, the sons of Apherra, the sons of Barodis, the sons of Sabat", the " <*,Saphag. sons of Allom. 35 All the ministers of the temple, and the sons of the servants of Solomon, were three hundred seventy and two. 36 These II came up from Thermeleth and Thelersas, 37 Charaathalar leading them, and Aalar ; neither 1 could they shew their families, nor their stock, how they were II Or, These following. i EZRA 2. 59. 50 I. ESDKAS, Y. II Or, Phce- zeldceus. II Or, Nehe- mias, who was also the Tirshatha, or governor, NBH. 8. 9. II Or, Urim and Thum- mim, EZRA 2.63. II Or, asses, EZRA 2. 67. J EZRA 2. 68, k EZRA 3. 1. II Or, into the court which was before the east door. of Israel : the sons of Ladan, the son of Ban, the sons of Necodan, six hundred fifty and two. And of the 38 priests that usurped the office of the priesthood, and were not found : the sons of Obdia, the sons of Accoz, the sons of Addus, who married Augia, one of the daughters of Berzelus'l, and was named after his name. And when the description of the kindred of these men 39 was sought in the register, and was not found, they were removed from executing the office of the priest- hood : for unto them said Nehemias and Atharias " } 40 that they should not be partakers of the holy things, till there arose up an high priest clothed with doctrine and truth 1 !. So of Israel, from them of twelve years old and up- 41 ward, they were all in number forty thousand, beside menservants and womenservants two thousand three hundred and sixty. Their menservants and handmaids 42 were seven thousand three hundred forty and seven : the singing men and singing women, two hundred forty and five: four hundred thirty and five camels, seven 43 thousand thirty and six horses, two hundred forty and five mules, five thousand five hundred twenty and five beasts used to the yoke 11 . And certain of the chief of their families J, when they 44 came to the temple of God that is in Jerusalem, vowed to set up the house again in his own place according to their ability, and to give into the holy treasury of the 45 works a thousand pounds of gold, five thousand of sil- ver, and an hundred priestly vestments. And so dwelt 46 the priests and the Levites and the people in Jerusalem, and in the country, the singers also and the porters; and all Israel in their villages. But when the seventh 47 month k was at hand, and when the children of Israel were every man in his own place, they came all together with one consent into the open place of the first gate which is toward the east". Then stood up Jesus the 48 son of Josedec, and his brethren the priests, and Zoro- babel the son of Salathiel, and his brethren, and made ready the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt 49 sacrifices upon it, according as it is expressly com- manded in the book of Moses the man of God. And 50 I. ESDKAS, V. 51 there were gathered unto them out of the other nations of the land, and they erected the altar upon his own place, because all the nations of the land were at enmity with them, and oppressed them ; and they offered sacri- fices according to the time, and burnt offerings to the 51 Lord both morning and evening. Also they held the feast of tabernacles, as it is commanded in the law, and 52 offered sacrifices daily, as was meet: and after that, the continual oblations 11 , and the sacrifice of the sab- baths, and of the new moons, and of all holy feasts. 53 And all they that had made any vow to God began to offer sacrifices to God from the first day " of the seventh month, although the temple of the Lord was not yet 54 built. And they gave unto the masons and carpenters 55 money, meat, and drink, with cheerfulness. Unto them of Zidon also and Tyre they gave carrs", that they should bring cedar trees from Libanus, which should be brought by floats to the haven of Joppe, according as it was commanded them by Cyrus king of the Per- 56 sians. And in the second year and second month after his coming to the temple of God at Jerusalem began Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and Jesus the son of Josedec, and their brethren, and the priests, and the Levites, and all they that were come unto Jerusalem 57 out of the captivity : and they laid the foundation of the house of God in the first day" of the second month, in the second year after they were come to Jewry and 58 Jerusalem. And they appointed the Levites 1 from twenty years old over the works of the Lord. Then stood up Jesus, and his sons and brethren, and Cadmiel his brother, and the sons of Madiabun, with the sons of Joda the son of Eliadun, with their sons and brethren, all Levites, with one accord setters forward of the busi- ness 11 , labouring to advance the works in the house of God. So the workmen built the temple of the Lord. 59 And the priests stood arrayed in their vestments 111 with musical instruments and trumpets ; and the Le- 60 vites the sons of Asaph had cymbals, singing songs of thanksgiving, and praising the Lord, according as David 61 the king of Israel had ordained. And they sung with loud voices songs to the praise of the Lord, because D2 Or, the Or, at the ' nor, wins, ^^ t EzRA 3 - T - n Or, new .,. EZRA'S. 8, 9. no, as over- tobou,at- See EXOD. i. u - 52 I. ESDRAS, VI. II Or, elders, n EZRA 3. 12. II Or, with great sound of trumpets. EZRA4.1, . .,,,,, , , , the priests. 3 And so the holy works prospered, when Aggeus and 4 Zacharias the prophets b prophesied. And they finish- b EZRA 6. 14. ed these things by the commandment of the Lord God of Israel, and with the consent of Cyrus, Darius, and j| Or - 5 Artaxerxes c , kings of Persia. And thus was the holy 56 I. ESDEAS, VIII. d EZRA 6. 15, the third day. II Or, offered from the goods of the twelve chiefs of the tribes, Syr. See NUM. 7. 2,11. II Or, the priests and Levites were together with all the children of the cap- tivity. See EZRA 6. 20. house finished in the three and twentieth d day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of Darius king of the Persians. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and others that were of the captivity, that were added unto them, did according to the things written hi the book of Moses. And to the dedication of the temple of the Lord they offered an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs ; and twelve goats for the sin of all Israel, according to the number of the chief H of the tribes of Israel. The priests also and the Levites stood arrayed in their vestments, according to their kindreds, in the service of the Lord God of Israel, according to the book of Moses: and the porters at every gate. And the children of Israel that were of the captivity held the passover the fourteenth day of the first month, after that the priests and the Levites were sanctified. They that were of the captivity were not all sanctified together II : but the Levites were all sanctified together. And so they offered the passover for all them of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves. And the children of Israel that came out of the captivity did eat, even all they that had se- parated themselves from the abominations of the people of the land, and sought the Lord. And they kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days, making merry before the Lord, for that he had turned the counsel of the king of Assyria toward them, to strengthen their hands in the works of the Lord God of Israel. a EZRA7.1,&C. II Or, there went unto Mm. CHAPTER VIII. The coming of Esdras to Jerusalem. A ND after these things, when Artaxerxes a the king jLJL of the Persians reigned, came H Esdras the son of Saraias, the son of Ezerias, the son of Helchiah, the son of Salum, the son of Sadduc, the son of Achitob, the son of Amarias, the son of Ezias, the son of Meremoth, the son of Zaraias, the son of Savias, the son of Boc- cas, the son of Abisum, the son of Phinees, the son of I. ESDKAS, VIII. 57 II The Vul- gate adds, both to teach and to do it. See MATT. 5.19. II Or, Netkmims. II Or, new moon. II Or, fifth month. 3 Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest. This Esdras went up from Babylon, as a scribe, being very ready in the law of Moses, that was given by the God of Israeli!. 4 And the king did him honour : for he found grace in 5 his sight in all his requests. There went up with him also certain of the children of Israel, of the priests, of the Levites, of the holy singers, porters, and ministers 6 of the temple H, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerxes, in the fifth month, this was the king's seventh year ; for they went from Babylon in the first day H of the first month H, and came to Je- rusalem according to the prosperous journey which the 7 Lord gave them. For Esdras had very great skill, so that he omitted nothing of the law and com- mandments of the Lord, but taught all Israel the ordinances and judgments. [Then came the secretaries of king Artaxerxes and delivered the writings that were come from Artaxerxes the king 1 .] 8 Now the copy of the commission, which was written from Artaxerxes the king, and came to Esdras the priest and reader of the law of the Lord, is this that 9 followeth ; ' King Artaxerxes unto Esdrae the priest 10 ' and reader of the law of the Lord sendeth greeting : 'Having determined to deal graciously ", I have given ' order that such of the nation of the Jews, and of the 'priests and Levites, being within our realm, as are ' willing and desirous, should go with thee unto Jerusa- 11 'lem. As many therefore as have a mind thereunto, ' let them depart with thee, as it hath seemed good both 12 ' to me and my seven b friends the counsellors ; that ' they may look unto the affairs of Judea and Jerusalem, 13 ' agreeably to that which is in the law of the Lord ; and ' carry the gifts unto the Lord of Israel to Jerusalem, 'which I and my friends have vowed, and all the gold ' and silver that in the country of Babylon can be found, 14 ' to the Lord in Jerusalem, with that also which is given ' of the people for the temple of the Lord their God at ' Jerusalem : and that silver and gold may be collected 'for bullocks, rams, and lambs, and things thereunto 15 'appertaining 11 ; to the end that they may offer sacri- 1 Addition in Vulgate. II Or, made a beneficent decree. b EZRA 7. 14. ESTH. 1. 14. II Or, the additional oblations. 58 I. ESDKAS, VIII. ' fices unto the Lord upon the altar of the Lord their ' God, which is in Jerusalem. ' And whatsoever thou and thy brethren will do with 16 ' the silver and gold, that do, according to the will of ' thy God. And the holy vessels of the Lord, which are 17 ' given thee for the use of the temple of thy God, which ' is in Jerusalem, thou shalt set before thy God in Je- 'rusalem. And whatsoever tiling else thou shalt re- 18 ' member for the use of the temple of thy God, thou ' shalt give it out of the king's treasury. [' And look, what thou with thy brethren wilt do with ' the gold and silver, that do after the will of the Lord 2 .] ' And I king Artaxerxes have also commanded the 19 ' keepers of the treasures in Syria and Phenice, that 'whatsoever Esdras the priest and the reader of the ' law of the most high God shall send for, they should 'give it him with speed, to the sum of an hundred 20 'talents of silver 11 , likewise also of wheat even to an ' hundred cors H, and an hundred pieces H of wine, and 'other things in abundance. Let all things be per- 21 ' formed after the law of God diligently unto the most 'high God, that wrath come not upon the kingdom ' of the king and his sons. I command you also, that 22 'ye require no tax, nor any other imposition 1 !, of any of ' the priests, or Levites, or holy singers, or porters, or ' ministers of the temple, or of any that have doings in ' this temple, and that no man have authority to impose 'anything upon 11 them. And thou c , Esdras, according 23 ' to the wisdom of God, ordain judges and justices'!, that ' they may judge in all Syria and Phenice all those that ' know the law of thy God ; and those that know it not 'thou shalt teach. And whosoever shall transgress the 24 ' law of thy God, and of the king, shall be punished dili- ' gently, whether it be by death, or other punishment 11 , 'by penalty of money, or by 11 imprisonment.' Then said Esdras the scribe, 'Blessed be the only 25 ' Lord God of my fathers, who hath put these things ' into the heart of the king, to glorify His house that is ' in Jerusalem : and hath honoured me in the sight of 26 ' the king, and his counsellors, and all his friends and ' nobles.' Therefore " was I encouraged by the help of 27 2 Addition in Vulgate. See EZRA 7.18. II The Vul- gate adds, and of gold in like man- ner. II Or, mea- sures, EZRA 7.22. II Or, vessels. In 2 CHR. 4. 5, ' baths,' a measure defined in EZBK. 45. 11. The use of ' piece ' in the English here is al- most with- out parallel. II Gr. hostile device. II Or, to meddlewith them. c EZRA 7. 25, 26. II Or, um- pires, arbi- trators. II Such as stripes, or other tortures (Vulg.). II Or, banish- ment. II Note, that from here to ver. 90 the compiler speaks in the person of Esdras. I. ESDRAS, VIII. 59 d EZRA 8. 1, Ac. Both there and in the ver- sions the names and numbers differ in many in- stances. the Lord my God, and gathered together men of Israel to go up with me. 28 And these d are the chief according to their families and several dignities, that went up with me from Ba- 29 by Ion in the reign of king Artaxerxes : Of the sons of Phinees, Gerson : of the sons of Ithamar, Gamael : of 30 the sons of David, Lettus the son of Sechenias : of the sons of Pharez, Zacharias ; and with him were counted 31 an hundred and fifty men : of the sons of Pahath Moab, Eliaonias, the son of Zaraias, and with him two hun- 32 dred men : of the sons of Zathoe, Sechenias the son of Jezelus, and with him three hundred men : of the sons of A din, Obeth the son of Jonathan, and with him two 33 hundred and fifty men : of the sons of Elam, Josias son 34 of Gotholias, and with him seventy men : of the sons of Saphatias, Zaraias son of Michael, and with him 35 threescore and ten men : of the sons of Joab, Abadias son of Jezelus, and with him two hundred and twelve 36 men: of the sons of Banid, Assalimoth son of Josaphias, 37 and with him an hundred and threescore men : of the sons of Babi, Zacharias son of Bebai, and with him 38 twenty and eight men : of the sons of Astath, Johannes son of Acatan, and with him an hundred and ten men : 39 of the sons of Adonikam the last, and these are the names of them, Eliphalet, Jeuel, and Samaias, and with 40 them seventy men : of the sons of Bago, Uthi the son of Istalcurus, and with him seventy men. 41 And these I gathered together to the river called Theras 6 , where we pitched our tents three days : and 42 then I surveyed them. But when I had found there none 43 of the priests and Levites, then sent I unto Eleazar, and 44 Iduel, and Masman, and Alnathan, and Mamaias, and Joribas, and Nathan, Eunatan, Zacharias, and Mosolla- 45 mon, principal men and learned. And I bade them that they should go unto Saddeus 11 the captain, who was in 46 the place of the treasury : and commanded them that they should speak unto Daddeus 1 ', and to his brethren, and to the treasurers in that place, to send us such men as might execute the priests' office in the house of the 47 Lord. And by the mighty hand of our Lord they brought unto us skilful men of the sons of Moli the son of Levi, 6 EZRA 8. 15. II Or, Loddeus. II Or, Loddeus. See EZRA 8.17. 60 I. ESDRAS, VIII. the son of Israel, Asebebia, and his sons, and his bre- thren, who were eighteen. And Asebia, and Annuus, 48 and Osaias his brother, of the sons of Channuneus, and their sons, were twenty men. And of the servants of 49 the temple whom David had ordained, and the principal men for the service of the Levites, to wit, the servants of the temple, two hundred and twenty, the catalogue of whose names were shewed 11 . And there f I vowed a fast unto the young men before 50 our Lord, to desire of Him a prosperous journey both for us and them that were with us, for our children, and for the cattle H : for I was ashamed to ask the king foot- 51 men, and horsemen, and conduct II for safeguard against our adversaries. For we had said unto the king, that 52 the power of the Lord our God should be with them that seek Him, to support them in all waysll. And 53 again we besought our Lord as touching these things, and found Him favourable unto us. Then I separated g twelve of the chief H of the priests, 54 Esebrias, and Assanias, and ten men of their brethren with them: and I weighed them the gold, and the 55 silver, and the holy vessels of the house of our Lord, which the king, and his council, and the princes, and all Israel, had given. And when I had weighed it, I 56 delivered unto them six hundred and fifty" talents of silver, and silver vessels of an hundred talents, and an hundred talents of gold, and twenty H golden vessels, 57 and twelve vessels of brass, even of fine brass, glitter- ing like gold. And I said unto them h , Both ye are holy unto the 58 Lord, and the vessels are holy, and the gold and the silver is a vow unto the Lord, the Lord of our fathers. Watch ye, and keep them till ye deliver them to the 59 chief of the priests and Levites, and to the principal men of the families of Israel, in Jerusalem, into the chambers " of the house of our God. So the priests and the Levites, who had received the 60 silver and the gold and the vessels, brought them unto Jerusalem, into the temple of the Lord. And from the 61 river Theras we departed l the twelfth day of the first month, and came to Jerusalem by the mighty hand of II Or, recorded. f EZRA 8. 21. II The Vul- gate adds, because of our ene- mies' de- signs. II Or, an escort. II Or, to supply all their need. In Vulg., seek Him with their whole heart. Syr. with all integrity. EZRA 8. 24. H Gr. heads of families. II In Vulg. a hundred and fifty. II In Vulg. seven times twenty. i> EZRA 8. : JOSH. 7. 19. ' fessing give glory b unto the Lord God of our fathers, 'and do His will, and separate yourselves from the 9 'heathen of the land, and from the strange women.' Then cried the whole multitude, and said with a loud 10 voice, ' Like as thou hast spoken, so will we do. But 11 ' forasmuch as the people are many, and it is foul wea- ' ther H, so that we cannot stand without H, and this is not ' a work of a day or two, seeing our sin in these things ' is spread far : therefore let the rulers of the multitude 12 'stay 'I, and let all them of our habitations that have 'strange wives come at the time appointed, and with 13 'them the rulers' 1 and judges of every place, till we 'turn away the wrath of the Lord from us for this ' matter.' Then Jonathan the son of Azael and Ezechias the 14 son of Theocanus accordingly took this matter upon them : and Mosollam and Levis and Sabbatheus helped them. And they that were of the captivity did accord- 15 ing to all these things. And Esdras the priest chose 16 unto him the principal men of their families", all by name : and in the first day of the tenth month they sat together to examine the matter. So their cause that 17 held strange wives was brought to an end in the first day H of the first month. And of the priests that were 18 come together, and had strange wives, there were found; of the sons of Jesus the son of Josedec, and his brethren; 19 Matthelas, and Eleazar, and Joribus, and Joadanus. And they gave their hands" to put away their wives, 20 and to offer rams to make reconcilement for their errors d . And of the sons of Emmer 6 ; Ananias, and Zabdeus, 21 and Eanes, and Sameius, and Hiereel, and Azarias. And of the sons of Phaisur ; Elionas, Massias, Ismael, 22 and Nathanael, and Ocidelus, and Talsas. And of the 23 Levites; Jozabad, and Semis, and Colius, who was called Calitas, and Patheus, and Judas, and Jonas. Of 24 the holy singers ; Eleazurus, Bacchurus. Of the por- 25 ters ; Sallumus, and Tolbanes. Of them of Israel, of 26 II Or, the season of winter. II Or, in the open air ; ' or, without the house. II Or, stand, or arise. II Or, elders. c EZRA 10. 15, &c. II Or, fathers, Vufg. II Or, new moon. II Or, under- took. See DEUT. 15. 10. In the Old English, offered themselves. A ch. 8. 75. e EZRA 10. 20, I. ESDRAS, IX. 65 the sons of Phoros ; Hiermas, and Eddias, and Mel- chias, and Maelus, and Eleazar, and Asibias, and Baa- 27 nias. Of the sons o'f Ela ; Matthanias, Zacharias, and 28 Hierielus, and Hieremoth, and Aedias. And of the sons of Zamoth ; Eliadas, Elisimus, Othonias, Jarimoth, 29 and Sabatus, and Sardeus. Of the sons of Bebai ; Jo- 30 hannes, and Ananias, and Josabad, and Amatheis. Of the sons of Mani ; Olamus, Mamuchus, Jedeus, Jasubus, 31 Jasael, and Hieremoth. And of the sons of Addi ; Naathus, and Moosias, Lacunus, and Naidus, and Ma- 32 thanias, and Sesthel, Balnuus, and Manasseas. And of the sons of Annas ; Elionas, and Aseas, and Melchias, 33 and Sabbeus, and Simon Chosameus. And of the sons of Asom ; Altaneus, and Matthias, and Bannaia, Elipha- 34 lat, and Manasses, and Semei. And of the sons of Maani ; Jeremias, Momdis, Omaerus, Juel, Mabdai, and Pelias, and Anos, Carabasion, and Enasibus, and Mam- nitanaimus, Eliasis, Bannus, Eliali, Samis, Selemias, Nathanias : and of the sons of Ozora ; Sesis, Esril, Aza- 35 elus, Samatus, Zambis, Josephus. And of the sons of 36 Ethma; Mazitias, Zabadaias, Edes, Juel, Banaias. All these had taken strange wives, and they put them away with their children. 37 And the priests and Levites f , and they that were of f NEH. 7. 73. Israel, dwelt in Jerusalem, and in the country, in the first day " of the seventh month : so the children of Is- " Or, new rael were in their habitations. 38 And the whole multitude g came together with one e NEH. 8. i, accord into the broad place of the holy porch toward * c ' 39 the east: and they spake unto Esdras the priest " and \\or, chief reader, that he would bring the law of Moses, that 40 was given of the Lord God of Israel. So Esdras the chief priest brought the law unto the whole multitude from man to woman, and to all the priests, to hear the 41 law in the first day H of the seventh month. And he u Or, new read in the broad court before the holy porch H from no, morning unto midday, before both men and women; 42 and all the multitude gave heed unto the law. And Esdras the priest and reader of the law stood up upon a pulpit 'I of wood, which was made for that purpose, u Or, scaffold. 43 And there stood up by him Mattathias, Sammus, Ana- E 66 I. ESDKAS, IX. nias, Azarias, Unas, Ezecias, Balasamus, upon the right hand : and upon his left hand stood Phaldaius, Misael, 44 Melchias, Lothasubus, and Nabarias. Then took Esdras 45 the book of the law before the multitude : for he sat honourably in the first place 11 in the sight of them all. And when he opened 11 the law, they stood all straight 46 up. So Esdras blessed the Lord God Most High, the God of hosts, Almighty. And all the people answered, 47 Amen ; and lifting up their hands they fell to the ground h , and worshipped the Lord. Also'l Jesus, Anus, 48 Sarabias, Adinus, Jacubus, Sabateas, Auteas, Maianeas, and Calitas, Azarias, and Joazabdus, and Ananias, Bia- tas, the Levites, taught 1 the law of the Lord, making them withal to understand it. Then spake Attharates unto Esdras the chief priest 49 and reader, and to the Levites that taught the multi- tude, even to all, saying, ' ThisJ day is holy unto the 50 'Lord ;' (for they all wept when they heard the law:) 'Go then 11 , and eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and 51 'send part k to them that have nothing; for this day is 52 'holy unto the Lord: and be not sorrowful; for the ' Lord will bring you to honour.' So the Levites pub- 53 lished all things to the people, saying, ' This day is holy ' to the Lord ; be not sorrowful.' Then went they their 54 way, every one to eat and drink, and make merry, and to give part to them that had nothing, and to make great cheer ; because they understood H the words where- 55 in they were instructed, and for the which they had been assembled. [And so they were all gathered together at Jerusalem to hold the feast, according to the covenant of the Lord God of Israel l .] H Or, pre- sided illus- triously. II Or, had finished reading. h 2 CHR. 20. 18. II Or, as also did the Le- vites, &c., who taught the law (Vulg.). > LEV. 10. 11. DEUT. 33. 10. 2 CHR. 17. 7, 8,9. i NEH. 8. 9, Ac. II In the Vul- gate, So Es- dras said, Go your way, Ac. k ESTH. 9. 19, 22. ToBir2.1,2. II Or, were elated by the words. J Addition in the Vulgate. See NEH. 8. 13, Ac. ; and Josephus, Ant. Book XI., Chap. 5. THE SECOND BOOK OF ESDRAS. INTRODUCTION. npHE Second Book of Esdras is - more generally known as the ' Fourth Book of Esdras,' the title given to it in the Sixth Article of Religion, and in the old Latin Bibles, from which it was received into the Apocrypha of the English Bible. S. Clement of Alexandria and S. Ambrose referred to it as ' the Book of Esdras the Prophet,' and it is so described in the E- thiopic Version. It has also been called the 'Apocalypse of Esdras,' or the ' Prophecy of Esdras.' The form in which the book is given in the old Latin Bibles and the English Apocrypha is not the original one. The original 'Apo- calypse,' or ' Prophecy,' consisted of chapters iii. to xiv. inclusive ; chapters i. and ii., and chapters xv. and xvi., are additions or separate works by a later hand. In the manuscripts the Books of Esdras are variously arranged ; sometimes they are divided into Five Books, in the following order : the First Book consists of the Canonical Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, with the addition of chapters iii., iv., and v. 1 3 of the book entitled the ' First Book of Esdras ' in our Apocrypha ; the Second Book con- sists of chapters i. and ii. of the book now called 'the Second or Fourth Book of Esdras ;' the Third Book contains chapters i. and ii. 1 15 of the ' First Esdras ' of our Apocrypha ; the Fourth Book is the chief part of our ' Second Esdras,' from chapters iii. to xiv. inclusive ; whilst the concluding chapters, xv. and xvi., form the Fifth Book. This last division has the support of most of the manuscripts, which after the record of the assumption of Esdras at the end of chapter xiv. add, ' Here endeth the Fourth Book of Esdras, and beginneth the Fifth.' The contents of chapters i. and ii., and of chapters xv. and xvi., shew a wide divergence of thought and aim between the au- thor of these later additions and the writer of the main body of the treatise which forms the ' Prophecy or Apocalypse of Esdras.' The work, as we now have it, thus appears to be a compilation. Besides the additions above men- tioned, the text of ' the Apocalypse ' itself bears marks of interpolation by a Christian hand. The Divine rejection of the Jews in favour of the Gentiles, as set forth in chap- ters i. and ii., is out of harmony with the rest of the work. This part also contains traces of the writer's knowledge of the Revela- tion of S. John, and other books of the New Testament. In chapter vii. the name of ' Jesus ' is sub- stituted for the ' Messiah,' which the Oriental Versions prove to have been the original reading. In the same chapter a long passage re- lating to the future state was suppressed in the Latin editions of the book, although it was quoted by S. Ambrose in the fourth cen- tury. It is supposed that the sup- pression was for doctrinal reasons, E2 68 INTRODUCTION. on account of the testimony which it gave against the efficacy of prayers for the dead. It was al- leged by a Spanish author, Vigilan- tius, in opposition to Jerome, who replied, ' You propose to me an Apo- cryphal BOOK, which goes forth under the name of Esdras, and is read by you, and others of like views : in this it is written that after death no one may dare to pray for others. This book I have never read. For what need is there to take it in hand, since the Church has not received it?' Another omission in the Latin editions is the story of the assumption of Es- dras at the end of chapter xiv. It is supposed that one of the objects of the compiler in this omission was to make it appear that the two ad- ditional chapters formed part of the original work. The Second Book of Esdras is extant in Latin, Syriac, Arabic, Ethiopic. and Armenian. Of the Greek Version of it scarcely any- thing remains. But the Latin text shews evidence that it was a version from the Greek, as it contains many Greek idioms. In chapter xii. 8, ' interpretation and plain difference' are words which form a natural paronomasia in the Greek (a^yicpiais Kai Siaxptats) which is lost in the Latin. It was quoted by some early Christian authors, who were acquainted with it in the Greek ; but it is in the Latin form that it has been chiefly known and studied, the Oriental Versions having been brought to light in more recent times. The suppressed portion of chapter vii. was found in the other versions, but the Latin Version was supposed to have been lost, until it was discovered a few years ago by Mr. Bensly, Sub-librarian at Cam- bridge, in a manuscript of the ninth century at Amiens. The leaf con- taining this passage was cut out of the most ancient and important manuscript containing the Fourth Book of Esdras, from which the later Latin editions were made. The general aim of the writer of the 'Apocalypse' was to comfort the Jews in a time of calamity and oppression ; to encourage them to look for deliverance and restora- tion, and for the judgment of their heathen oppressors. The special mention of the ten tribes led Jahn to ascribe it to a Jew educated in Chaldea, converted to Christianity, but retaining a respect for the old traditions of iris people : his object beingto lead the Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, who had been con- verted on the day of Pentecost, to expect that the Messiah would shortly appear to gather them from their dispersions, and to restore them to their own land. The 'Apocalypse of Esdras' con- sists of seven visions which he is said to have seen in Babylon, thirty years after the ruin of the city ana temple of Jerusalem. In the first vision, chapter iii. 1 to v. 20, the angel Uriel appears to him, and tells him that, though God's ways were unsearchable, the tokens or signs of the end were open to his view. In the second vision, from chapter v. 21 to vi. 34, he is again informed that God's ways are in- scrutable, but His purposes were being gradually carried into effect, and that evil was ripening for de- struction. In the third vision, from chapter vi. 35 to ix. 25, there is the revelation of final judgment, and of the places prepared for the wicked and the just ; the seven woes of the one, and the seven joys of the other are expounded ; Esdras is also commanded to acquiesce in the justice of God, though the saved should be few in number, and not to imagine that he can love the world more than He Who ere- INTRODUCTION. 69 ated it. The fourth vision, chapter ix. 26 to x. 59, reveals the sorrow- ing woman, who is transformed into a city, thus exhibiting the desola- tion of Sion, and her hopes of future glory. The fifth vision, chapters xi. and xii., represents the Eoman Empire under the type of an eagle, who is overcome by the lion spring- ing from the wood, the type of the victorious Messiah. The sixth vision reveals a man rising from the sea, consuming his enemies by the fire proceeding out of his mouth, and then giving aid or comfort to a ' peaceable multitude,' afterwards identified with the dispersed ten tribes. The seventh vision contains Esdras' commission to restore the sacred books of the Law which had been burned, and the addition of the seventy secret books, which were to be shewn only to the wise. After this Esdras is taken up into heaven. The Second Book of Esdras con- tains much that is noble and sub- lime, and, apart from the more apocryphal and legendary portions, might seem to deserve more atten- tion than it has received from early or late Christian authors and theo- logians. The enquiries into the great problems of human existence, and the extensive propagation of moral evil, and the fewness of those who escape from it, are questions of much wider interest than many which have exercised the minds of theologians, and can by no means be regarded as the mere dreams of a recluse. At the same time, the contemplative life, such as was chosen by the early ascetics of E- gypt, would be expected to give birth to such enquiries and specu- lations. When Judaism and Chris- tianity were confronted by Pagan culture and philosophy, religious belief in the one God and Creator of all would naturally take an apologetic form, in order to meet the obvious objection that He, of Whom the creation of the world was asserted, and from Whom all souls proceed, should have restrict- ed His revelation to so small a portion of mankind. Hence the perplexing thought arises, that the Most High hath made this world (or age) for many, but the world to come for few (chapter viii. 1.). The reply in chapter viii. 47, ' Thou comest far short that thou should- est be able to love My creature more than I ; ' or in chapter v. 33, 'Lovest thou that people better than He that made them ? ' leaves the problem unsolved. Man is re- quired to acquiesce in his ignorance of God's ways, until the time of a fuller revelation shall arrive. In these visions the Apocalypse of Esdras has points of contact with Wisdom xi., xii., and the teaching of the Epistle to the Bomans on the relations of Jews and heathen to the one God of all. There is also great beauty in the vision of the Son of God rising out of the sea, and raising up a moun- tain, and calling to him a multitude in various conditions of joy, sorrow, and suffering, although somewhat marred by the fanciful legend at- tached to it concerning the ten tribes, and their recall from a re- mote district, a year and a half s journey beyond the Euphrates. It has been thought that this story may be traced to a desire on the part of Josephus and the Jewish writers to exalt their nation in the eyes of the Romans, by maintain- ing that the Jews who dwelt within the Eoman Empire were far out- numbered by their brethren in the remote East, in lands to which the legions of Rome had not pene- trated : and to hold out an expecta- tion that they might at some future time be reinforcea by these myriads, 70 INTRODUCTION. and avenge the wrongs which their nation had sustained. But it is possible that the author may have had a deeper meaning: being so full of thoughts of a world to come, and final judgment, may he not have intended, under the name of this remote land of Arsareth, to refer to that unseen region in which the souls of the dead have their ' secret chambers,' separated from their living brethren by the Eu- phrates of death, to be divided, like Jordan of old, for their return at the resurrection ? The 'Apocalypse' concludes with the story of Esdras's inspiration to restore and dictate the Books of Scripture, after they had been de- stroyed by fire. This and some other similar legends were known to early Christian writers, but it is not certain that they derived them from this book. Ezra's recension of the Law is thus mentioned by Clement of Alexandria, Irenaeus, and Tertullian. The story, toge- ther with the account of the pro- phet's translation to heaven, has no claim to be an authentic narrative of events, and must be regarded as a legend, or pious fancy of the author. The author was evidently a Jew, though probably imbued with some Christian ideas. This appears from the spirit in which he speaks of Is- rael on the one hand, and of Gentile nations on the other. The story of the creation of the two monsters, Behemoth (in the Latin text ' E- noch,' erroneously) and Leviathan, is a point of contact with Talmudic fables. The number of books which Esclras is said to have dictated, in chapter xiv. 44, is supposed to allude to the secret learning of the Jewish Cabbala. The general Jewish tone of the work offers a marked contrast to the Christian interpolations and additions. The question of the date is argued chiefly from the vision of the eagle in chapter xi., which in chapter xii. 11 is identified with the ' king- dom that was seen in the vision of Daniel.' It is agreed, therefore, that it is intended to denote the power of Imperial Eome. The twelve wings or feathers, which denote twelve kings, the second of whom should have more time than the rest, are more easily explained of the period beginning with Julius Caesar than of the earlier times. The three heads are then taken to be Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian ; and the author is supposed to have written in the time of the third, and to have expected his overthrow, and the appearance of the Messiah to avenge and restore Israel. The reference to the book in Clement of Alexandria is an objection to a later date ; whilst those who ad- vocate an earlier date rely upon the passage of the Epistle of Bar- nabas, which quotes chapter v. 5, ' Blood shall drop from wood,' as a prediction of the Crucifixion. The author of the Fifth Book of Esdras, or 2 Esdras, chapters xv., xvi., probably lived two centuries later. He dwells upon the calami- ties that should come upon Asia and the nations ; and the events of history which correspond to these are the invasion of Syria and Cilicia by Sapor, A.D. 260, and the successes of the Goths and Vandals, A.D. 270. It is supposed that the author of the ' Apocalypse ' lived in Egypt, but there is little or no evidence to determine this ; though it may be observed that the ascetic or con- templative life, which was especially favourable to the production of works of this kind, took early root in Egypt, and that Alexandria was the scene of the contact of Judaism with Pagan culture, which led to philosophical speculation on re- ligious matters. INTKODUCTION. 71 The book seems to have been but little known or valued in the early Christian Church. 8. Jerome, the most learned of the Fathers, reject- ed it with contempt, at the same time owning that he had never seen or read it. It was, however, quoted in the Clementine Liturgy in the Apostolical Constitutions, by Clement of Alexandria; and by S. Ambrose, both in his treatise on ' The Advan- tage of Death,' and his funeral ser- mon on his brother Satyrus. He seems to have thought it a Canoni- cal Book of Scripture. It was also quoted by Vigilantius, a Spanish author of the fifth century ; and chapter viii. 20 36 was extracted for use as a hymn or canticle, and is so found in the Mozarabic Liturgy. The Fifth Book, or chapters xv., xvi., was quoted by Gildas, a British author of the sixth century. The introductory chapters, which are a distinct work, are represented in ecclesiastical use by an extract from chapter ii. 36, 37, which is introduced into the Sarum Missal in the Introitfor Whitsun Tuesday, 'Feria tertia Pentecostes.' It is, perhaps, out of regard to this liturgical use of the book that it is stm appended to some editions of the Vulgate, although the Church of Eome has never received it into the Canon of Scripture. For a fuller examination and il- lustration of the subject, the reader is referred to the valuable notes of the Eev. E. P. Eddrup, in the volume of the Old Testament Com- mentary of the Christian Knowledge Society which 'Contains 'The Apo- crypha.' II In the old Latin and English editions, The Fourth Book of Esdras. THE SECOND II BOOK OF ESDRAS. * 1 CHR. 6. 69. EZRA 7. 1, 2. 1E8D.8. 1,2. II Or, Shallum. II Or, Azarias. b Is. 68. 1. c JER. 2. 32 ; 3. 13 ; 7. 9, 18. BAR. 1. 22. d MlC. 6. 3, 4. BAR. 1. 19. e EZRA 9. 3. 1 BSD. 8. 71. ESTH. 14. 2. II Or, unruly, or, unnur- tured, WISD. 17. 1 ; that \%,fool- ish,or,rude, JER. 5. 4. ECCLUS. 8. 4. ' AMOS 2. 9, 10. II That is, IKIX(. * la 23. 1, Ac. EZEK. 26. 1, Ac. CHAPTEE I. God's people threatened with His displeasure and rejection. THE second book of the prophet Esdras, (the son of 1 Saraias a , the son of Azarias, the son of Helchias, the son of Sadamias 11 , the son of Sadoc, the son of Achi- tob, the son of Achias, the son of Phinees, the son of 2 Heli, the son of Amarias, the son of Aziei 11 , the son of Marimoth, the son of Arna, the son of Ozias, the son of Borith, the son of Abisei, the son of Phinees, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi ;) which 3 was captive in the land of the Medes, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of the Persians. And the word of the Lord caine unto me, saying, 4 Go thy way, and shew b My people their sinful deeds, 5 and their children their wickedness which they have done against Me ; that they may tell their children's children : because the sins of their fathers are increased 6 in them : for they have forgotten Me , and have offered unto strange gods. Am not I even He that brought 7 them d out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bond- age ? But they have provoked Me unto wrath, and de- spised My counsels. 'Pull thou off then the hair of thy 8 head 6 , and cast all evil upon them, for they have not been obedient unto My law, but it is a rebellious 1 ! peo- ple. How long shall I forbear them, unto whom I have 9 done so much good ? Many kings have I destroyed for 10 their sakes f ; Pharaoh with his servants and all his power 'I have I smitten down. All the nations have I 11 destroyed before them, and in the east I have scattered the people of two provinces, even of Tyrus and Sidon g , and have slain all their enemies. H. ESDKAS, I. 73 12 Speak thou therefore unto them, saying, Thus saith 13 the Lord, I led you through the sea, and in the begin- ning 11 gave you a large and safe passage 11 ; I gave you 14 Moses for a leader, and Aaron for a priest h . I gave you light in a pillar of fire, and great wonders have I done among you ; yet have ye forgotten Me, saith the Lord. 15 Thus saith the Almighty Lord, The quails were as a token to you ; I gave you tents |! for your safeguard : 16 nevertheless ye murmured there, and triumphed not in My Name 1 for the destruction of your enemies, but ever to this day do ye yet murmur. 17 Where are the benefits that I have done for you? when ye were hungry and thirsty in the wilderness, 18 did ye not cry unto Me, saying, Why hast Thou brought us into this wilderness to kill us ? It had been betterJ for us to have served the Egyptians, than to die in this 19 wilderness. Then had I pity upon your mournings, and gave you manna to eat ; so ye did eat angels' bread k . 20 When ye were thirsty, did I not cleave the rock \ and waters flowed out to your fill ? For the heat I covered 21 you with the leaves of the trees m . I divided among you a fruitful land, I cast out the Canaanites, the Phe- rezites, and the Philistines n , before you : what shall I yet do more for you ? saith the Lord. 22 Thus saith the Almighty Lord, When ye were in the wilderness, in the river of the Amorites 11 , being athirst, 23 and blaspheming My Name, I gave you not fire for your blasphemies, but cast a tree p in the water, and 24 made the river sweet. What shall I do unto thee, O Jacob ? thou, Juda, wouldest not obey Me : I will turn Me to other nations' 1 , and unto those will I give My 25 Name, that they may keep My statutes. Seeing. ye have forsaken Me, I will forsake 1 you also; when ye de- sire Me to be gracious unto you, I shall have no mercy 26 upon you. Whensoever ye shall call upon Me, I will not hear you: for ye have defiled your hands with blood s , and your feet are swift to commit manslaugh- 27 ter 11 . Ye have not as it were forsaken Me, but your own selves *, saith the Lord. 28 Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Have I not prayed u you as a father his eons, as a mother her daughters, II Or, where there was no way. II Or, a high way, as in Is. 43. 16 ; 51. 10. h MIC. 6. 4. BOr, camping places, DEDT. 1. 33. DEUT. 8. 17 18. J Ex. 14. 12. NUM. 14. 3. k Ps. 78. 25. WISD. 16. 20. 1 Ps. 105. 41. WISD. 11. 4. m BAR. 5. 8. n 1 CHR. 18. 1. la 5. 4. Hos. 6. 4. II Latin, Amorrhaeo, perhaps a corruption of amaro, or, bitter. V Ex. 15. 25. ECCLUS. 38.5. 1 1s. 65. 1, 2. r 2 CHR. 15. 2; 24. 20. 8 Is. 1. 15 ; 59. 2, 3, 7. II Or, murder, 1 Jons 3. 15. 1 JONAH 2. 8. u 2 COR. 5. 20. II. ESDRAS, II. and a nurse her young babes, that ye would be My 29 people, and I should be your God ; that ye would be My children, and I should be your Father ? I gathered 30 you together, as a hen v gathereth her chickens under her wings: but now, what shall I do unto you? I will cast you out from My Face w . When ye offer unto Me, 31 I will turn My Face from you : for your solemn feast- days x , your neAV moons, and your circumcisions, have I forsaken. I sent unto you My servants the prophets, 32 whom ye have taken and slain y , and torn their bodies in pieces, whose blood I will require of your hands, saith the Lord. Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Your house is deso- 33 late z , I will cast you out, as the wind doth stubble a . And your children shall not be fruitful ; for they have 34 despised My commandment, and done the thing that is evil before Me. Your houses will I give to a people 35 that shall come ; which not having heard b of Me, yet shall believe Me ; to whom I have shewed no signs, yet they shall do that I have commanded them. They 36 have seen no prophets, yet they shall call their sins H to remembrance, and acknowledge them. I take to witness the grace of the people 11 to come, 37 whose little ones rejoice in gladness: and though they have not seen Me with bodily eyes, yet in spirit they believe the thing that I say. And now, brother c , 38 behold what glory; and see d the people that come from the east: unto whom I will give for leaders, 39 Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Oseas, Amos, and Micheas, Joel, Abdias 11 , and Jonas, Nahum, and Abacuc, Sopho- 40 nias, Aggeus, Zachary, and Malachy 11 , which is called also an angel of the Lord. " MATT. 23. 37. W DEUT. 32.20. JER. 7. 15. * Is. 1. 13, 14. y NRH. 9. 26. MATT. 23. 85, 36. ACTS 7. 52. z LUKE 13. 35. a JER. 13. 24 b Is. 55. 5. 1 PET. 1. 8. II Or, old ways, or, heathen traditions, JBR. 16. 19. II Or, the favour that I will shew to the peo- ple. See DBUT.32.21. MATT. 12. 41, 42. c HEB. 2. 11, 12. d BAR. 4. 36, 37 ; 5. 5, 6. II Or, Obadiah. 11 The name signifies ' my angel,' or, ' my messenger.' See MAL. 2. 7 ; 3. 1. " BAR. 4. 19, &c. CHAPTER II. Jerusalem's remonstrance with her children, THUS saith the Lord, I brought this people out of 1 bondage, and I gave them My commandments by My servants the prophets ; whom they would not hear, but despised My counsels. The mother that bare them 2 saith unto them a , Go your way, ye children ; for I am II. ESDRAS, II. 75 3 a widow b and forsaken. I brought you up with glad- ness ; but with sorrow and heaviness have I lost you : for ye have sinned before the Lord your God, and done 4 that thing that is evil before Him. But what shall I now do unto you? I am a widow and forsaken: go your way, O my children, and ask c mercy of the Lord. 5 As for me, O Father, I call upon Thee for a witness d over the mother of these children, which would not 6 keep my covenant, that Thou bring them to confusion, and their mother 6 to a spoil, that there may be no 7 offspring of them. Let them be scattered abroad among the heathen, let their names be put out f of the earth: for they have despised my covenant 11 . 8 Woe be unto thee, Assur, thou that hidest the un- righteous g in thee! O thou wicked people, remember 9 what I did unto Sodom and Gomorrha ; whose land lieth in clods of pitch and heaps of ashes h : even so also will I do unto them that hear JVIe not, saith the Almighty 10 Lord. Thus saith the Lord unto Esdras, Tell My peo- ple that I will give them the kingdom 1 of Jerusalem, 11 which I would have given unto Israel. Their glory also will I take unto Me, and give these the everlasting 12 tabernacles J, which I had prepared for them. They shall have the tree of life for an ointment of sweet 13 savour ; they shall neither labour nor be weary k . Go, and ye shall receive: pray for few days unto you, that they may be shortened 11 : the kingdom is already 14 prepared for you : watch. Take heaven and earth to witness ; for I have broken the evil in pieces, and cre- 15 ated the good : for I live, saith the Lord. Mother, embrace thy children, and bring them up with glad- ness, make their feet as fast as a pillar 11 : for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord. 16 And those that be dead will I raise up again from their places, and bring them out of the graves l : for I 17 have known My Name in Israel 11 . Fear not, thou mo- ther of the children : for I have chosen thee, saith the 18 Lord. For thy help will I send My servants Esay and Jeremy, after whose counsel I have sanctified and pre- pared for thee twelve trees laden with divers fruits m , 19 and as many fountains flowing with milk and honey, b LAM. 1. 1. BAR. 4. 11, 12. c BAR. 4. 17, 21. d JER. 42. 5. 'JBK..50. 12. f Ps. 109. 13, 15. II Or, oath. See NEH. 10. 29. 62 Km. 17. 6, 23 ; 18. 11. Is. 13. 19. JER. 49. 18 ; 50. 40. i MATT. 21. 43. ROM. 9. 25, 26. J LUKE 16. 9. kls. 65. 18,19. REV. 21. 4 ; 22. 2, 14. II Or, that they may dwell there- in. The Latin word rather sig- nifies, 'not be short- ened or hastened.' See ECCLUS. 36.8. II Or, bring them, up with glad- ness asa dove ; make their feet fast. See CANT. 2. 14. Is. 60. 8. 1 EZEK. 37. 12,13. \\Or,inthem. See ACTS 15. 17. m EZEK. 47. 12. RKV. 22.2. II. ESDKAS, II. n ENOCH, ch. 24. II Or, justify, or, execute justice for. Is. 1. 17. P Is. 29. 18. TOBIT 4. 17. ECCLUS. 38. 16. II Or, cpmmit them to the grave with a seal. See MATT. 27. 66. r BAR. 4. 8. 8 ver. 40, 41. Is. 65. 13, 14. n WISD. 5. 16. II Gehenna, or, the fire everlasting (Old Eng.). See REV. 2. 11. II Or. depths, Ps. 71. 20. v JER. 3. 12. w See ch. 14. 4, 5, 21, 22. "Is. 60. 19, 20. y WISD. 2. 5 ; 5.9. 1 JOHN 2. 17. z BAR. 4. 22. and seven mighty mountains 11 , whereupon there grow roses and lilies, whereby I will fill thy children with joy. Do right to 11 the widow, judge for the fatherless , 20 give to the poor, defend the orphan, clothe the naked, heal the broken and the weak, laugh not a lame man to 21 scorn, defend the maimed, and let the blind p man come into the sight of My clearness. Keep the old and young 22 within thy walls. Wheresoever thou findest the dead q , 23 take them and bury them 11 , and I will give thee the first place in My resurrection. Abide still, O My people, 24 and take thy rest, for thy quietness shall come. Nourish thy children, O thou good nurse 1 ; stablish 25 their feet. As for the servants whom I have given thee, 26 there shall not one of them perish ; for I will require them from among thy number 8 . Be not weary : for 27 when the day of trouble and heaviness cometh, others shall weep and be sorrowful, but thou shalt be merry and have abundance*. The heathen shall envy thee, 28 but they shall be able to do nothing against thee, saith the Lord. My hands shall cover u thee, so that thy 29 children shall not see hell 11 . Be joyful, O thou mother, 30 with thy children; for I will deliver thee, saith the Lord. Kemember thy children that sleep, for I shall 31 bring them out of the sides 11 of the earth, and shew mercy unto them : for I am merciful v , saith the Lord Almighty. Embrace thy children, until I come and shew mercy 32 unto them : for My wells run over, and My grace shall not fail. I Esdras received a charge of the Lord upon the 33 mount Oreb w , that I should go unto Israel ; but when I came unto them, they set me at nought, and despised the commandment of the Lord. And therefore I say 34 unto you, O ye heathen, that hear and understand, look for your Shepherd ; He shall give you everlasting rest ; for He is nigh at hand, that shall come in the end of the world. Be ready to the reward of the kingdom, 35 for the everlasting light x shall shine upon you for ever- more. Flee the shadow 7 of this world, receive the 36 joyfulness of your glory : I testify my Saviour z openly. receive the gift that is given you, and be glad, giv- 37 II. ESDRAS, III. 77 ing thanks unto Him that hath called you a to the heavenly kingdom. 38 Arise up and stand, behold the number of those that 39 be sealed b in the feast of the Lord ; which are departed from the shadow of the world, and have received 40 glorious garments c of the Lord. Take thy number, O Sion, and shut up 11 those of thine that are clothed in 41 white, which have fulfilled the law of the Lord. The number of thy children, whom thou longedst for, is ful- filled : beseech the power of the Lord, that thy people, which have been called from d the beginning, may be hallowed. 42 I Esdras saw upon the mount Sion e a great people, whom I could not number f , and they all praised the 43 Lord with songs. And in the midst of them there was a young man of a high stature, taller than all the rest, and upon every one of their heads he set crowns g , and 44 was more exalted ; which I marvelled at greatly. So 45 I asked the angel, and said, Sir, what h are these ? He answered and said unto me, These be they that have put off the mortal clothing, and put on the immortal ', and have confessed the Name of God: now are they crowned, and receive palms J. 46 Then said I unto the angel, What young person is it that crowneth them, and giveth them palms in their 47 hands ? So he answered and said unto me, It is the Son of God, Whom they have confessed k in the world. Then began I greatly to commend them that stood so stiffly II 48 for the Name of the Lord. Then the angel said unto me, Go thy way, and tell my people what manner of things, and how great wonders of the Lord thy God, thou hast seen. CHAPTEE HI H. The first vision. a COL. 1. 12. 1 THESS. 2. 12. b EZEK. 9. 4. REV. 7. 3. 4 : 19. 7, 9. c REV. 3. 4 ; 7.14. II Or, con- clude, finish the number- ing. See REV. 6. 11. d EPII. 1. 4. e REV. 14. Is 2,3. f REV. 7. 9. 1 COR, 9. 25. 2 TIM. 4. 8. JAMES 1. 12. REV. 2. 10. h REV. 7. 14. ' ENOCH 61. 18. 2 COR. 5. 4. i REV. 7. 9. * LUKE 12. 8. REV. 3. 5. II Or, cou- rageously. II In some manu- 1 TN the thirtieth year* after the ruin of the city I" JL was in Babylon, and lay troubled upon my bed, and ginneth the Fourth Book of Esdras.' 2 my thoughts came up b over my heart : for I saw the a EZEK. 1. 1. desolation of Sion, and the wealth of them that dwelt 3 at Babylon. And my spirit was sore moved, so that I II In the manu- scripts, 7 Salathiel, who am also called Esdras. b DAN. 2, 1 ; 4. 5. c Ps. 123. 4. ZECH. 1. 15. 78 II. ESDKAS, III. \\Or,thedust. II Or, a life- lens body, lit. dead. began to speak words full of fear to the Most High, and said, O Lord, Who bearest rule, Thou spakest at the 4 beginning, when Thou didst plant the earth, and that Thyself alone, and commandedst the people H, and gav- 5 est a body unto Adam without soul", which was the workmanship of Thine hands, and didst breathe into him the breath of life, and he was made living before Thee. And Thou leddest him into Paradise, which 6 Thy right hand had planted d , before ever the earth came forward. And unto him Thou gavest command- 7 ment to love Thy way e : which he transgressed f , and immediately Thou appointedst death in him and in his generations, of whom came nations, tribes, people, and kindreds, out of number. And every people walked 8 after their own will, and did wonderful 11 things before Thee, and despised Thy commandments, [and Thou didst not hinder them 1 .] And again in process of time Thou broughtest the 9 flood upon those that dwelt in the world, and destroy- edst them. And it came to pass in every of them ", that 10 as death was to Adam, so was the flood to these. Nevertheless one of them Thou leftest, namely, Noah 11 with his household, of whom came all righteous men 11 . And it happened, that when they that dwelt upon the 12 earth began to multiply, and had gotten them many children, and were a great people H, they began again to be more ungodly than the first. Now when they lived so wickedly before Thee, Thou 13 didst choose Thee a man from among them, whose name was Abraham. Him Thou lovedst, and unto him only 14 Thou shewedst 8 Thy will 11 : and madest an everlasting 15 covenant 11 with him, promising him that Thou wouldest never forsake his seed. And unto him Thou gavest 16 Isaac, and unto Isaac also Thou gavest Jacob and Esau. As for Jacob, Thou didst choose him to Thee, and put by " Esau : and so Jacob became a great multitude. And it came to pass, that when Thou leddest his seed 17 out of Egypt, Thou broughtest them up to the Mount Sinai. And bowing the heavens, Thou didst set fast 11 18 the earth, movedst the whole world, and madest the depths to tremble, and troubledst the men of that age 11 . 6 GEN. 2. 16, 17. f ch. 7. 11. \\ Or, evil. See GEN. 6. 12. I Addition in Syriac. II Or, a like judgment befell them ail. Or, since their trans- gression was one. II Or, and all that came from him were right- eous. II Or, their children multiplied, and became peoples and great na- tions. B GEN. 18. 17 -19. II Or, Thou shewedst him the end of the times secretly by night, GEN. 15. 12. h GEN. 17. 7. \\Ctr, put back, or, reject. See MAL. 1. 2, 3. KOM. 9. 13. II Or, shake. See 2 SAM. ' 22. 8, 10. II Or, trou- bledst the world. II. ESDEAS, III. 79 19 And thy glory went through four gates, of fire 1 , and of earthquake, and of wind, and of cold ; that Thou mightest give the law unto the seed of Jacob, and dili- 20 gence J unto the generation of Israel. And yet tookest Thou not away k from them a wicked heart, that Thy 21 law might bring forth fruit in them. For the first Adam bearing a wicked heart transgressed, and was overcome ; and so be all they that are born of him. 22 Thus infirmity was made permanent ; and the law (also) in the heart of the people with the malignity of the root l ; so that the good departed away, and the evil 23 abode still. So the times passed away, and the years were brought to an end : then didst Thou raise Thee 24 up a servant, called David : whom Thou commandedst to build a cityH unto Thy Name, and to offer incense 25 and oblations unto Thee therein. When this was done many years, then they that inhabited the city forsook 26 Thee, and in all things did even as Adam and all his generations had done : for they also had a wicked heart : 27 and so Thou gavest Thy city over into the hands of Thine enemies. 28 Are their deeds then any better m that inhabit Baby- lon, that they should therefore have the dominion over 29 Sion ? For when I came thither, and had seen impieties without number, then my soul saw many evildoers in 30 this thirtieth yearll, so that my heart failed me. For I have seen how Thou sufferest them sinning n , and hast spared wicked doers : and hast destroyed Thy people, and hast preserved Thine enemies, and hast not signi- 31 fied it. I do not remember how this way may be left 11 : 32 are they then of Babylon better than they of Sion ? Or is there any other people that knoweth Thee beside Israel ? or what generation hath so believed Thy cove- 33 nants as Jacob ? And yet their reward appeareth not, and their labour hath no fruit : for I have gone here and there through the heathen, and I see that they flow in wealth H, and think not upon Thy commandments. 24 Weigh p Thou therefore our wickedness now in the balance, and their's also that dwell in the world ; and so shall Thy Name nowhere be found but in Israeli'. 35 Or when was it that they which dwell upon the earth t 2 SAM. 22. 11-13. i Ex. 19. 9; 20. 20. kEzEK.11.19; 36. 26. Is. 63. 17. ROM. 7. 14. II Or, temple, 2 SAM. 7. 5, 13. m HAB. 1. 13, II Or, during these thirty years. n JER. 12. 1. II Or, hast not signified, at all to any one how this way may be left, or be understood. See ch. 4. 22, 23, 24. Is. 63. 18, 19. II Or, have abundance. See Ps. 73. 12. & 17. 14. P JOB 81. 6. II Or, so shall it be found which way the balance dothincline. 80 II. ESDKAS, IV. ii Or, men by have not sinned in Thy sight ? or what people have i name; i.e. a few who might be , named, in- dividuals, II Or, whole nations. II That is, ' Light of God,' KNOCK 9, 20, & 64, HAG. 1. 5, 6, &c. 1 DAN. 9. 3. ch. 6. 31, 35. J DAN. 10. 16, 17. ch. 10. 30 ; 12.5. k DAN. 10. 10, 11. ch. 6. 17. & 14. 2. II. ESDKAS, V. 85 m EZEK. 34. 5. ZECH. 11. 17. JOHN 10. 12. 16 And in the second night it came to pass, that Sala- thiel 'I the captain of the people came unto me, saying, n some read, Where 1 hast thou been? and why is thy countenance pj^ei r> 17 so heavy ? Knowest thou not that Israel is committed l ch. 12. 40- 18 unto thee in the land of their captivity ? Up then, and eat bread, and forsake us not, as the shepherd that 19 leaveth his flock m in the hands of cruel wolves. Then said I unto him, Go thy ways from me, and come not nigh me. And he heard what I said, and went from me. The second vision. 20 And so I fasted seven days, mourning and weeping, 21 like as Uriel the angel commanded me. And after seven days so it was, that the thoughts of my heart were very 22 grievous unto me again, and my soul recovered the spirit of understanding, and I began to talk with the 23 Most High again, and said, Lord that bearest rule, of every wood of the earth, and of all the trees thereof, 24 Thou hast chosen Thee one only vine n : and of all lands of the whole world Thou hast chosen Thee one pit": 25 and of all the flowers thereof one lily : and of all the depths of the sea Thou hast filled Thee one river : and of all builded cities Thou hast hallowed Sion unto Thy- 26 self: and of all the fowls that are created Thou hast named " Thee one dove p : and of all the cattle that are 27 made Thou hast provided Thee one sheep : and among all the multitudes of people Thou hast gotten Thee one people : and unto this people, whom Thou q lovedst, Thou gavest a law r that is approved of all. 28 And now, O Lord, why hast Thou given this one people over unto many? and upon the one root 3 hast Thou prepared others, and why hast Thou scattered 29 Thy only one* people among many ? And they which did gainsay Thy promises, and believed not Thy cove- 30 nants, have trodden" them down. If Thou didst so much hate Thy people, yet shouldest Thou punish them with Thine own hands y . 31 Now when I had spoken these words, the angel that 32 came to me the night afore was sent unto me, and said unto me, Hear me, and I will instruct thee ; hearken to the thing that I say, and I shall tell thee more. n Ps. 80. 811. JER. 2. 21. II Or, land. CAST. 2. 1, 2. II Or, called. P CAXT. 2. 14. Ps. 74. 19. 1 DECT. 7. 8. & 10. 15. & 33. 3, 4. r BAR. 3. 36. 8 ROM. 11. 17. ENOCH 92.11. CANT. 6. 9. . Ps. 35. 17. n Is. 5. 5. LAM. 1. 15. v 2 SAM. 24. 14. 2MACC.10.4. 86 II. ESDKAS, V. And I said, Speak on, my Lord. Then said he unto 33 me, Thou art sore troubled in mind" for Israel's sake: lovest thou that people better than He that w made them ? And I said, No, Lord : but of very grief have I 34 spoken: for my reins pain me every hour, while I labour to comprehend the way of the Most High, and to seek out part of His judgment. And he said unto 35 me, Thou canst not. And I said, Wherefore, Lord? Whereunto was I born then? or why was not my mother's womb then my grave x , that I might not have seen the travail of Jacob, and the wearisome toil of the stock of Israel ? And he said unto me, Number me the things that 36 are not yet come, gather me together the drops that are scattered abroad, make me the flowers green again that are withered, open me the places that are closed 11 , 37 and bring me forth the winds y that in them are shut up, shew me " the image of a voice : and then I will declare to thee the thing that thou labourest to know. And I said, O Lord that bearest rule, who may know 38 these things, but He that hath not His dwelling z with men ? As for me, I am unwise : how may I then speak 39 of these things whereof thou askest me ? Then said he unto me, Like as thou canst do none of 40 these things that I have spoken of, even so canst thou not find out My judgment, or in the end the love H that I have promised unto My people. And I said, Behold, 41 O Lord, yet art Thou nighll unto them that be re- served till the end : and what shall they do that have been before me, or we that be now, or they that shall come after us? And he said unto me, I will liken My judgment 42 unto a ring H ; like as there is no slackness of the last, even so there is no swiftness of the first a . So I 43 answered and said, Couldest Thou not make those that have been made, and be now, and that are for to come, at once ; that Thou mightest shew Thy judg- ment the sooner? Then answered he me, and said, The creature may 44 not haste b above the Maker ; neither may the world hold them at once" that shall be created therein. II Or, thou art beside thyselffor grief. w ch. 8. 47. WISD. 11. 24. 1 JER. 20. 17. II Or, secret chambers. y ENOCH 18. &59. JOB 38. 22. Ps. 135. 1. II The Ver- sions add, Shew me the faces of those whom thou hast not yet seen. ' DAN. 2. 11. II Or, or the end of the love. II Or, Lord, Thou hast made Thy promises unto them that con- tinue (alive) unto the end. See 1 TIIESS. 4. 15. ch. 13. 24. II Or, crown, or, circle. a ECCLES. 3. 11,14. b ch. 4. 34. & 6. 34. II Or, neither may the pre- sent world (or age) sus- tain at one time all that must be created therein. H. ESDRAS, VI. 87 45 And I said, As Thou hast said unto Thy servant, that Thou, which givest life to all, hast given life at once to the creature that Thou hast created, and the creature bare it " : even so it might now also bear them that now be present at once. 46 And he said unto me, Ask the womb of a woman, and say unto her, If thou bringest forth children H, why dost thou it not together, but one after another ? Pray 47 her therefore to bring forth ten children at once. And I said, She cannot : but must do it by distance of time. 48 Then said he unto me, Even so have I given the womb of the earth c to those that be sown in it in their times. 49 For like as a young child may not bring forth the things that belong to the aged 1 ', even so have I dis- posed the world which I created. 50 And I asked, and said, Seeing Thou hast now given me the way, I will proceed to speak before Thee : for our mother, of whom Thou hast told me that she is 51 young, draweth now nigh unto age 11 . He answered me, and said, Ask a woman that beareth children, and 52 she shall tell thee. Say unto her, Wherefore are not they whom thou hast now brought forth like those that 53 were before, but less of stature ? And she shall answer thee, They that be born in the strength of youth are of one fashion, and they that are born in the time of age, 54 when the womb faileth, are otherwise. Consider thou therefore also, how that ye are less of stature than those 55 that were before you. And so are they that come after you less than ye, as the creatures which now begin to be old, and have passed over the strength of youth. 56 Then said I, Lord, I beseech Thee, if I have found favour in Thy sight, shew Thy servant by whom Thou visitest d Thy creature. II Or. shall bear, or sustain, all whom Thou hast deter- mined to create. II Or, ten children. c ECOLUS. 40. 1. See GEN. 1. 29, 30. Ps. 186. 25. II Or, a young child may not bring forth, nor shethathath grown old. il Or, Is our mother . . . still young, or draweth she now nigh unto age? A ch. 6. 13. &9. 2. CHAPTER VI. The second vision, continued. II The Syriac and Arabic add. In the beginning by the Son of Man, and afterward* by Myself; for before the earth teas made, Ac. II Or, the gatherings of the winds. ND he said unto me, In the beginning ", when the earth was made, before the borders of the world 2 stood, or ever the winds " blew, before it thundered II. ESDRAS, VI. II * Or, before Sion teas established as God's footstool (See LAM. 2. 1); or, before Sion's foun- dations were laid. \\ c Or, reject- ed, or, alien- ated. a ch. 2. 38. and lightened, or ever the foundations of Paradise were laid, before the fair flowers were seen, or ever the 3 ii" Or, powers moveable powers 11 " were established, before the in- farthquake. numerable multitude of angels were gathered together, or ever the heights of the air were lifted up, before the 4 measures of the firmament were named, or ever the chimneys in Sion were hot ]| & , and ere the present years 5 were sought out, and or ever the inventions of them that now sin were turned H c , before they were sealed a that have gathered faith for a treasure : then did I 6 consider these things, and they all were made through Me alone, and through none other: by Me also they shall be ended, and by none other. Then answered I and said, What shall be the parting 7 asunder of the times ? or when shall be the end of the first, and the beginning of it that followeth ? And he 8 said unto me, From Abraham unto Isaac, when Jacob and Esau were born of him, Jacob's hand held first nd the heel b of Esau. For Esau is the end of the world, 9 and Jacob is the beginning of it that followeth. The 10 hand of man is betwixt the heel and the hand : other question, Esdras, ask thou not. I answered then and said, O Lord that bearest rule, 11 if I have found favour in Thy sight, I beseech Thee, 12 shew Thy servant the end of Thy tokens, whereof Thou shewedst me part the lastll e night. So he answered and said unto me, Stand up upon 13 thy feet, and hear a mighty sounding voice d . And it 14 shall be as it were a great motion ; but the place where thou standest shall not be moved H/. And therefore 15 when it speaketh, be not afraid : for the word is of the end, and the foundation of the earth is understood H0. And why? because the speech of these things trem- 16 bleth and is moved II*: for it knoweth that the end of these things must be e changed H*. And it happened, that when I had heard it I stood 17 up upon my feet, and hearkened, and, behold, there was a voice that spake, and the sound of it was like the sound of many waters f . And it said, Behold, the days 18 come, that I will begin to draw nigh, and to visit them that dwell upon the earth, and will begin to make in- 19 H Or, from the beginning. b GEN. 25. 26. Hos. 12. 3. 11 ' Or, pre- ceding. See ch. 5. 13. c EZBK. 2. 2. DAN. 8. 18. ch. 5. 15. a DAN. 10. 6. II/ In the Ver- sions, shall be greatly moved when I speak with thee. II "In the Ver- sions, shall understand the word. II* Or, the discourse is concerning them, and they shall tremble and be moved. e HER 1. 11, 12. \\ l Or, their form shall be clianged, and they shall have an end. f EZEK. 1. 24 ; 43.2. REV. 1.15; 14. 2; 19. 6. II. ESDKAS, VI. 89 quisition of them, what they be that have hurt unjustly with their unrighteousness, and when the affliction of 20 Sion shall be fulfilled g ; and when the world, that shall begin to vanish away, shall be finished l' a , then will I shew these tokens : the books shall be opened before 21 the firmament, and they shall see " & all together : and the children of a year old shall speak with their voices, the women with- child shall bring forth untimely chil- dren of three or four months old, and they shall live, 22 and be raised up. And suddenly shall the sown places appear unsown, the full storehouses shall suddenly be 23 found empty : and the trumpet shall give a sound, which when every man heareth, they shall be suddenly afraid b . 24 At that time shall friends fight one against another * like enemies, and the earth shall stand in fear with those that dwell therein, the springs l |c of the fountains shall stand still, and in three hours they shall not run. 25 Whosoever remainetb from all these that I have told thee shall escape, and see My salvation, and the end of 26 your world H d . And the men that are received shall see itH e , who have not tasted death from their birth: and the heart of the inhabitants shall be changed, and 27 turned into another meaning II /. For evil shall be put 28 out, and deceit shall be quenched. As for faith, it shall flourish, corruption shall be overcome, and the truth, which hath been so long without fruit, shall be declared. 29 And when he talked with me, behold, I looked by 30 little and little upon him before whom I stood HP. And these words said he unto me ; I am come to shew thee 31 the time of the night to comel' ft . If thou wilt pray yet more, and fast seven days again, I shall tell thee 32 greater things by day than I have heard H*. Fo* thy voice is heard before the Most High : for the Mighty hath seen thy righteous dealing, He hath seen also-" thy chastity, which thou hast had ever since thy youth. 33 And therefore hath He sent me to shew thee all these things, and to say unto thee, Be of good comfort, and 34 fear not. And hasten not k with the times that are past, to think vain things, that thou mayest not hasten from the latter times H fc . g is. 40. 2. 90 II. ESDRAS, VI. 1 DAN. 10. 2, 3. m Ps. 39. 3. n GBN. 1. 3. Ps. 33. 9. II "Some read, the Spirit was flying, or, moving. Bee Our. Li ch. 7. 30. P 2 COR. 4. 6. II b Or, air of heaven. See ENOCH 59. II "Some read, of inimita- ble colour, and trees manifold in kind. See MATT. 6. 28, 29. \\ d (ft,of scent which can- not be traced. II Or, vari- able (nmtata). H/ Or, Thou didst pre- serve two souls. II* Called Be- hemoth and Leviathan, in ENOCH, (ch.58.,)and the Talmud. The third vision. And it came to pass after this, that I wept again, 35 and fasted seven days in like manner, that I might fulfil the three weeks l which he told me. And in the 26 eighth night was my heart vexed within me again, and I began to speak before the Most High. For my spirit 37 was greatly set on fire m , and my soul was in distress. And I said, O Lord, Thou spakest from the begin- 38 ning of the creation, even the first day, and saidst thus : Let heaven and earth be made ; and Thy word was a perfect work n . And then was the spirit H*, and darkness 39 and silence were on every side ; the sound of man's voice was not yet formed. Then commandedst p Thou 40 a fair light to come forth of Thy treasures, that Thy work might appear. Upon the second day Thou 41 madest the spirit of the firmament 116 , and commanded st it to part asunder, and to make a division betwixt the waters, that the one part might go up, and the other remain beneath. Upon the third day Thou didst 42 command that the waters should be gathered in the seventh part of the earth : six parts hast Thou dried up, and kept them, to the intent that of these some being planted of God and tilled might serve Thee. For as soon as Thy word went forth the work was 43 made. For immediately there was great and innumer- 44 able fruit, and many and divers pleasures for the taste, and flowers of unchangeable colour II c , and odours of wonderful smell H d : and this was done the third day. Upon the fourth day Thou commandedst that the sun 45 should shine, and the moon give her light, and the stars, should be in order : and gavest them a charge to 46 do service unto man, that was to be made. Upon the 47 fifth day Thou saidst unto the seventh part, where the waters were gathered, that it should bring forth living creatures, fowls and fishes ; and so it came to pass. For the dumb H e water and without life brought forth 48 living things at the commandment of God, that all people might praise Thy wondrous works. Then didst 4!) Thou ordain two living creatures I'/, the one Thou calledst Enoch, and the other Leviathan H"; and didst 50 II. ESDRAS, VII. 91 separate the one from the other : for the seventh part, namely, where the water was gathered together, might 51 not hold them both. Unto Enoch Thou gavest one part, which was dried up q the third day, that he should dwell in the same part, wherein are a thousand hills : 52 but unto Leviathan Thou gavest the seventh part, namely, the moist ; and hast kept him II to be devoured 53 of whom Thou wilt, and when. Upon the sixth day Thou gavest commandment unto the earth, that before Thee it should bring forth beasts, cattle, and creeping 54 things : and after these, Adam also, whom Thou madest lord r of all Thy creatures : of him come we all, and the people also whom Thou hast chosen. 55 All this have I spoken before Thee, O Lord, because 56 Thou madest the world " for our sakes. As for the other people, which also come of Adam, Thou hast said that they are nothing, but be like unto spittle : and hast likened the abundance of them unto a drop s that 57 falleth from a vessel. And now, O Lord, behold, these heathen, which have ever been reputed as nothing*, 58 have begun to be lords over us, and to devour us. But we Thy people, whom Thou hast called Thy firstborn u , Thy only begotten v , and Thy fervent lover H, are given 59 into their hands. If the world now be made for our sakes, why do we not possess an inheritance with the world H ? how lone: shall this endure ? * ver. 42. Ps. 5(1. 10 ; 104. 6-9. II Some read, her, others, them. T WISD. 9. 2 ; 10. 2. II Or, age. 8 Is. 40. 15, 17. DAN. 4. 35. I ESTH. 14. 11. u Ex. 4. 22. ECCLUS. 36. 12. v Ps. 35. 17 ; 74. 19. CANT. 6. 9. JER. 11 7. Is. 5. 1. II Or, who is zealous for Thee. See 1MACC.2.27, 50. ROM. 10. 2. II Or, our in- heritance, the world. See ROM. 4. 13. CHAPTER VII. The third vision, continued. 1 4 ND when I had made an end of speaking these XJL words, there was sent unto me the angel which 2 had been sent unto me the nights a afore : and he said unto me, Up, Esdras, and hear the words that I am 3 come to tell thee. And I said, Speak on, my God". Then said he unto me, The sea is set in a wide place, 4 that it might be deep and great. But put the case the 5 entrance were narrow ", and like a river ; who then could go I' into the sea to look upon it, and to rule it ? if he went not through the narrow b , how could he come into the broad ? * oh. 5. 31 ; 6.12. II Or, my Lord. II Or, but the entrance is narrow and small. II Or, . who mould earnestly wish to go. b MATT. 7. 14. LUKE 18. 24. 92 II. ESDKAS, VII. There is also another thing: a city is builded, and 6 ii Or, level set upon a broad field II, and is full of all good things : the entrance thereof is narrow, and is set in a danger- 7 ous place to fallH, like as if there were a fire on the right hand, and on the left a deep water : and one 8 only path between them both, even between the fire and the water, so small that there could but one man go there at once. If this city now were given unto a 9 man for an inheritance, if he never shall pass the danger set before it, how shall he receive this inherit- ance ? And I said, It is so, Lord. 10 Then said he unto me, Even so also is Israel's por- tion d . Because for their sakes I made the world: and 11 when Adam transgressed My statutes, then was de- creed that now is done. Then were the entrances II of 12 this world made narrow, full of sorrow 6 and travail: they are but few and evil, full of perils, and very pain- ful. For the entrances of the elder H world were'l wide 13 and sure, and brought immortal f fruit. If then they 14 that live labour not to enter these strait and vain things, they can never receive those that are laid up for them.. Now therefore why disquietest thou thyself, 15 seeing thou art but a corruptible man? and why art thou moved, whereas thou art but mortal? "Why hast 16 thou not considered in thy mind this thing that is to come, rather than that which' is present ? Then answered I and said, O Lord that bearest rule, 17 Thou hast ordained in Thy law 8 , that the righteous should inherit these things, but that the ungodly should perish. Nevertheless the righteous h shall suffer strait 18 things, and hope for wide: for they that have done wickedly have suffered the strait things, and yet shall not see the wide. And he said unto me, There is no judge above God, 19 and none that hath understanding H above the Highest *. For there be many that perish in this life'l, because 20 they despise the law of God that is set before them. For God hath given strait commandment to such as 21 cameJ, what they should do to live, even as they came, and what they should observe to avoid punishment. Nevertheless they were not obedient unto Him ; but 22 II Or, is steep. In the Old Eng., sudden. c Ex. 14. 3. Is. 43. 2. GEN. 18. 23. i Ex. 32. 11. i Josn. 7. 6, 7. k 1 SAM. 7. 8 ; 12.23. I 2 Sam. 24. 17. II Or, pestilence. m 2 CHH, 6. 14, Ac. " 1 Kin. 17. 21; 18. 42, 45. 2 KIN. 19. 15. Is. 37. 15. II. ESDKAS, VII. 99 edness increased, and the righteous have prayed for the ungodly : wherefore shall it not be so now " also ? 42 He answered me, and said, This present life is not the end where much glory doth abide " ; therefore have 43 they prayed 1 ' for the weak. But the day of doom shall be the end of this time, and the beginning of the immor- 44 tality for to come, wherein corruption is past, intemper- ance is at an end, infidelity is cut off, righteousness p is 45 grown, and truth is sprung up. Then shall no man be able to save him that is destroyed H, nor to oppress him that hath gotten the victory. 46 I answered then and said, This is my first and last saying, that it had been better not to have given the earth unto Adam: or else, when it was given him, to 47 have restrained him from sinning 11 . For what profit is it for men now in this present time to live in heaviness, 48 and after death to look for punishment ? thou Adam, what hast thou done ? for though it was thou that sin- ned, thou art not fallen alone, but we all that come of 49 thee. For what profit is it unto us, if there be promised us an immortal time, whereas we have done the works 50 that bring death? And that there is promised us an everlasting 11 hope, whereas ourselves being most wicked 51 are made vain? And that there are laid up for us dwellings of health and safety 11 , whereas we have lived 52 wickedly? And that the glory of the Most High is kept to defend them which have led a wary' 1 life, whereas we have walked in the most wicked ways of 53 all ? And that there should be shewed a paradise, whose fruit endureth for ever, wherein is security 11 and medi- 54 cine, since we shall not enter into it? (For we have 55 walked in unpleasant places q .) And that the faces of them which have used abstinence shall shine above the stars, whereas our faces shall be blacker 1 " than dark- 56 ness? For while we lived and committed iniquity, we considered not that we should begin to suffer for it- after death 8 . 57 Then answered he me, and said, This is the condi- tion 11 of the battle, which man that is born upon the 58 earth shall fight; that, if he be overcome, he shall suffer as thou hast said : but if he get the victory he G2 II Or, then (in the day of judg- ment). II Or, there remaineth much ho- nour in it, that is, in this present world. II The Ver- sions add, the strong for the weak. P 2 PET. 3. 13. II Or, over- come in the judgment. II Or, It had been better for the earth not to have produced Adam, or when it had produced him, Ac. II Or, abiding. \\Or,freedom, or, security. 11 Or, chaste, or, patient. II Or, full satisfaction, or, delight. WISD. 5. 7. T JBR. 8. 21. LAM. 4. 8. JOEL 2. 6. 2 MACC. 6. 26. II Or idea. 100 II. ESDRAS, VIII. shall receive the thing that I say. For this is the life 59 whereof Moses spake unto the people while he lived, saying, Choose 1 thee life, that thou mayest live. Never- 60 theless they believed not him, nor yet the prophets after him, no nor me which have spoken unto them, that 61 there should not be, such heaviness in their destruc- tion II, as shall be joy over them that are persuaded to salvation. I answered then, and said, I know, Lord, that the 62 Most High is called merciful, in that He hath mercy upon them which are not yet come into the world U, and 63 upon those also that turn u to His law ; and that He is 64 patient, and long suffereth those that have sinned, as His T creatures ; and that He is bountiful, for He is 65 ready to give where it needeth ; and that He is of great 66 mercy, for He multiplieth more and more mercies to them that are present, and that are past, and also to them which are to come. For if He shall not multiply 67 His mercies, the world would not continue with them that inherit 1 ! therein. And He pardoneth 11 ; for if He 68 did not so of His goodness, that they which have com- mitted iniquities might be eased of them, the ten thou- sandth part of men should not remain living. And 69 being Judge, if He should not forgive them that are cured 11 with His word, and put out the multitude of contentions 11 , there should be very few left peradven- 70 ture in an innumerable multitude w . tDBUT.30.19. ECCLUS. 15. 16, 17. II Or, that sorrow should not reach unto them to their de- struction, like as joy is to come, &c. (Old Eng.) II Under- stand, in not permit- ting them to be born. See ECCLES. 4. 3. u ECCLUS. 17. 24-26. v Is. 57. 16. WISD. 11. 24-26. ECCLUS. 17. 21. II Or, dwell. II Or, giveth. See LUKE 6. 35. II Or, created. II Or, blot out a multitude of offences, or, con- tempts. w Ex. 34. 6, 7. Ps. 130. 3. * ch. 7. 20 ; 9. 15, 22. MATT. 20. 16. bch.7.55-57. II Or, work. II In the Syriac, thou earnest in without thine own wish, and thou de- partest when thou dost not choose. CHAPTER VIII. The third vision, continued. AND he answered me, saying, The Most High hath J\. made this world for many, but the world to come for few a . I will tell thee a similitude, Esdras ; As 2 when thou askest the earth, it shall say unto thee, that it giveth much mould whereof earthen vessels are made, but little dust that gold cometh of b : even so is the course H of this present world. There be many ere- 3 ated, but few shall be saved. So answered I and said, Swallow then down, O my 4 soul, understanding, and devour wisdom. For thou 5 hast agreed to give ear, and art willing to prophesy u : II. ESDEAS, VIII. 101 IIIntheMSS., if Thou suf- fer Thy ser- vant. See GEN. 18. 27, 30. II Or, to pray. c ch. 9. 31. II Or, form. d Ps. 139. 14, 15, 16. II Or, she whom Thou hast fashioned. II Or, members. II Or, and afterward Thou shalt 6 for thou hast no longer space than only to live. O Lord, if Thou suffer not" Thy servant, that we may pray 11 before Thee, and Thou give us seed unto our heart, and culture to our understanding, that there may come fruit of it; how shall each man live that is corrupt, who beareth the place H of a man ? For 7 Thou art alone, and we all one workmanship of Thine 8 hands, like as Thou hast said. For when the body is fashioned now in the mother's womb, and Thou givest d it members, Thy creature is preserved in fire and water, and nine months doth Thy workmanship H 9 endure Thy creature which is created in her. But that which keepeth and is kept shall both be preserved : and when the time cometh, the womb preserved de- 10 livereth up the things that grew in it. For Thou hast commanded out of the parts of the body ", that is to say, out of the breasts, milk to be given, which is the fruit 11 of the breasts, that the thing which is fashioned may be nourished for a time, till Thou disposest 11 it to Thy 12 mercy. Thou broughtest it up with Thy righteous- ness, and nurturedst it in Thy law, and reformedst it 13 with Thy judgment. And Thou shalt mortify it as 14 Thy creature e , and quicken it as Thy work. If there- fore Thou shalt destroy him which with so great labour f was fashioned, it is an easy thing to be ordained by Thy commandment, that the thing which was made 15 might be preserved ". Now therefore, Lord, I will speak; touching man in general, Thou knowest best; but touching Thy people, for whose sake I am sorry ; 16 and for Thine inheritance g , for whose cause I mourn ; and for Israel, for whom I am heavy ; and for Jacob, 17 for whose sake I am troubled ; therefore will I begin to pray before Thee for myself and for them : for I see 18 the falls of us that dwell in the land. But I have heard the swiftness of the Judge h which is to come. 19 Therefore hear my voice, and understand my words, and I shall speak before Thee. This is the beginning of the words of Esdras, before 20 he was taken up' : and I said, O Lord, Thou that dwell- est in everlastingnessJ, which beholdest from above 1 ' 21 things in the heaven and in the air ; Whose throne is 6 DEUT.32.39. 1 SAM. 2. 6. f JOB 10. 8. II In the Versions, Wherefore didst Thou give him life at all ? See Ps. 89. 47. e DEUT. 9. 29. 1 KIN. 8.51. JUDITH 13. 5. h MAL. 3. 5. i ch. 14. 9, 49. ) Is. 57. 15. II Or, whose eyes are lifted vp unto, Ac. 102 II. ESDRAS, VIII. H Or, exceed- ing high. k Ps. 89. 7. Or, to whom is commit- ted the keep- ing of wind and fire. See Ps. 104. 4. HEB. 1. 7. REV. 14. 18. & 16. 8. I NAH. 1. 4, 5. ECCLUS. 16. 18, 19. II Or, Whose truth testi- fies to Him, or, abideth for ever. ll.Or, regard not the in- ventions of them that do wickedly. II Or, have done deadly icorks, or, leorks of corruption. m PROV. 11. 18. ch. 9. 7. 11 Ps. 89. 46, 47. ECCLUS. 18. 8-12. 1 KIN. 8. 46. ECCLES. 7. 20. II Or, among those who have lived. II Or, founda- tion. See 1 TIM. 6. 19. HEB. 11. 1; and the LXXof Ps. 39. 7 ; 69.2. The Old Eng. has, which are not rich in good works. II Or, the creation. inestimable " ; Whose glory may not be comprehended ; before Whom the hosts of angels stand with trembling k , (even they) whose service is conversant 1 ! in wind and 22 fire ; Whose word is true, and sayings constant ; Whose commandment is strong, and ordinance fearful ; Whose 23 look drieth up the depths, and indignation maketh the mountains to melt away 1 ; which the truth witnesseth 11 : O hear the prayer of Thy servant, and give ear to 24 the petition of Thy creature. For while I live I will 25 speak, and so long as I have understanding I will an- swer. look not upon the sins of Thy people ; but on 26 them which serve Thee in truth. Eegard not the wick- 27 ed inventions of the heathen 11 , but the desire of those that keep Thy testimonies in afflictions. Think not 28 upon those that have walked feignedly before Thee: but remember them, which according to Thy will have known Thy fear. Let it not be Thy will to destroy 29 them which have lived like beasts ; but to look upon them that have clearly taught Thy law. Take Thou 30 no indignation at them which are deemed worse than beasts ; but love them that alway put their trust in Thy righteousness and glory. For we and our fathers 31 do languish of such diseases 11 : but because of us sinners Thou shalt be called merciful. For if Thou hast a 32 desire to have mercy upon us, Thou shalt be called merciful, to us namely, that have no works of righteous- ness. For the just, which have many good works laid 33 up with Thee, shall out of their own deeds receive reward m . For what is man, that Thou shouldest take 34 displeasure at him? or what is a corruptible gene- ration", that Thou shouldest be so bitter toward it? For in truth there is no man among them that be born, 35 but he hath dealt wickedly ; and among the faithful 1 ! there is none which hath not done amiss. For in this, 36 O Lord, Thy righteousness and Thy goodness shall be declared, if Thou be merciful unto them which have not the confidence H of good works. Then answered he me, and said, Some things hast 37 thou spoken aright, and according unto thy words it shall be. For indeed I will not think on the disposi- 88 tion'l of them which have sinned before death, before II. ESDRAS, VIII. 103 1 LUKE 8. 5, to. 39 judgment, before destruction : but I will rejoice over the disposition 11 of the righteous, and I will remember '' Or '.. , fashioning. also their pilgrimage p , and the salvation, and the re- p p s . 39 i 2 . 40 ward, that they shall have. Like as I have spoken now, ch - 16 - 40 - 41 so shall it come to pass. For as the husbandman sow- eth much seed upon the ground, and planteth many trees, and yet the thing that is sown good in his season cometh not up, neither doth all that is planted* 1 take root : even so is it of them that are sown in the world ; 42 they shall not all be saved. I answered then and said, 43 If I have found grace, let me speak. Like as the hus- bandman's seed perisheth, if it come not up, and receive not Thy rain in due season ; or if there come too much 44 rain, and corrupt it : even so perisheth man also, which is formed with Thy hands, and is called Thine own image, because Thou art like unto him 11 , for whose sake r Thou hast made all things, and likened him unto 45 the husbandman's seed 11 . Be not wroth with us 8 , but spare Thy people, and have mercy upon Thine own in- heritance : for Thou art merciful unto Thy creature *. 46 Then answered he me, and said, Things present are for the present, and things to come for such as be to 47 come. For thou comest far short that thou shouldest be able to love My creature more u than I : but I have ofttimes drawn nigh unto thee, and unto it, but never 48 to the unrighteous 11 . In this also thou art marvellous 49 before the Most High: in that thou hast humbled thyself, as it becometh thee, and hast not judged thy- self worthy to be much glorified among the righteous. 50 For many great miseries shall be done to them that in the latter time shall dwell in the world, because they 51 have walked in great pride. But understand thou for thyself, and seek out the glory for such as be like thee. 52 For unto you is paradise opened, the tree of life 7 is planted, the time to come is prepared, plenteousness is made ready, a city w is builded, and rest is allowed ", yea, 53 perfect goodness and wisdom 1 '. The root of evil x is sealed up from you, weakness and the moth is hid from you, and corruption is fled into hell to be forgotten": 54 sorrows are passed, and in the end is shewed the trea- 55 sure of immortality. And therefore ask thou no more II Or, he. is made like unto Thee. r ch.6.55,59; 9.13. II In one Ver- sion, Dost Thou com- pare and value him as the hus- bandman's seed) That be far from Thee. See MATT. 6. 26, 30 ; 12. 12. 8 Is. 64. 9. Ps. 74. 1, 2. * ch. T. 64, 69. n ch. 5. 33. II In the Ver- sions, thou hast often joined thy- self to the unright- eous, though thou art not unright- edus. See JER. T. 16 ; 14. 11. v ECCLUS. 19. 19. w HBB. 11. 10. II Or, prepared. II Or, good- ness and loisdom are perfected. I ch. 7. 48, 92. ENOCH ch. 90. II Or, hell is fled, and corruption is forgotten. REV. 21. 4. 104 II. ESDEAS, IX. y LUKE 13. 23, 24. II Or, received liberty, or, were en- dued mth freedom of choice. See ECCLUS. 15. 14-17. z WlSD. 1. 13. EZEK. 18. 32. " EZBK. 43. 7,8. b WlSD. 1. 16. II Or, tokens, as in ch. 4. 52 ; 5. 1, 13 ; 6. 12, 20. II Or, tokens, n ch. 6. 18, 19. LUKE 21. 28. II The MSS. and Ver- sions add, unrest of nations, in- constancy of leaders, overthrow of princes. See ch. 5. 5, 8; 6.24. MATT. 24. 7. JOEL 2. 30, 31. II In the Syriac, a manifest beginning. II Or, wonders and mira- cles. b JOEL 2. 32. ch. 8. 33. II Or, shall marvel, WISD. 5. 2. questions concerning the multitude of them that perish 3 ". For when they had taken liberty 11 , they despised the 56 Most High, thought scorn of His law, and forsook His ways. Moreover they have trodden down His right- 57 eous, and said in their heart that there is no God ; yea, 58 and that knowing they must die. For as the things 59 aforesaid shall receive you, so thirst and pain are pre- pared for them. For it was not His will 2 that men should come to nought: but they which be created 60 have defiled* the name of Him that made them, and were unthankful unto Him which b prepared life for them. And therefore is My judgment now at hand. 61 These things have I not shewed unto all men, but unto 62 thee, and a few like thee. Then answered I and said, Behold, O Lord, now hast Thou shewed me the multi- 63 tude of the wonders 11 , which Thou wilt begin to do in the last times: but at what time, Thou hast not shewed me. CHAPTEK IX. The third vision concluded ; the fourth vision. HE answered me then, and said, Measure thou the 1 time diligently in itself: and when thou seest part of the signs " past, which I have told thee before, then shalt thou understand that it is the very same 2 time, wherein the Highest will begin to visit the world a which He made. Therefore when there shall 3 be seen earthquakes and uproars of the people in the world 'I : then shalt thou well understand, that the 4 Most High spake of those things from the days that were before thee, even from the beginning. For like 5 as all that is made in the world hath a beginning 1 ! and an end, and the end is manifest : even so the times also 6 of the Highest have plain beginnings in wonders and powerful works II, and endings in effects and signs. And 7 every one that shall be saved, and shall be able to escape by his works, and by faith b , whereby ye have believed, shall be preserved from the said perils, and 8 shall see My salvation in My land, and within My borders: for I have sanctified them for Me from the beginning. Then shall they be in pitiful case 11 , which 9 II. ESDEAS, IX. 105 \\" Or, pervert- ed, or, for- saken, as ch. 8. 56. NBH. 9. 16. EZEK. 23. 35. - L 29 > now have abused"" My ways: and they that have cast 10 them away c despitefully shall dwell in torments. For such as in their life have received benefits, and have 11 not known Me; and they that have lothed" 6 My law, while they had yet liberty, and, when as yet place of repentance d was open unto them, understood not, but 12 despised it ; the same must know it after death by pain. dwisi>. 12.10. 13 And therefore be thou not curious how the ungodly Vi 23! 3 shall be punished, and when: but enquire how the righteous shall be saved, whose e the world is, and for whom the world is created H c . Then answered I and said, I have said before, and 15 c Or, exists, when it is, or, while it continues. \\ A Or, flood, as in ch. 4. 17. now do speak, and will speak it also hereafter, that fMATT 7 there be many more of them which perish, than of - 1! *- 16 them which shall be saved; like as a wave" d is greater ii'Fromh than a drop. 17 And he answered me, saying, Like as the field f is, so the passs is also the seed ; as the flowers be, such are the colours rendered also; such as the workman is, such also is the work; $!yS and as the husbandman is himself, so is his husbandry P^ od <9 18 also. I' e For it was the time of the world, and now when when it I prepared the world, which was not yet made, even ^th^mwh for them to dwell in that now live, no man spake now are 19 against Me. For then every one obeyed : but now the the woru manners of them which are created in this world that j^J^ ^ is made are corrupted by a perpetual seed, and by a law ^^ which is unsearchable rid themselves. andnon 20 So I considered H/ the world g , and, behold, there was ^.nlt'M peril because of the devices that were come into it. ^/J^* 21 And I saw, and spared it greatly " , and have kept at ail. j Me a grape of the cluster, and a plant of a great howei( people"*. SEft 22 Let the multitude perish then, which was born in thusprc^ vain ; and let My grape be kept, and My plant ; for \ad unf< with great labour have I made it perfect. l vests, an 23 Nevertheless, if thou wilt cease yet seven days more, j"^jj 24 (but thou shalt not fasti'* in them, but go into a field of able, am flowers, where no house is builded, and eat only the manneri flowers of the field ; taste no flesh, drink no wine, f. T 106 II. ESDRAS, IX. II Some read, Arphad, as in Is. 10. 9 ; 36. 19; 37. 13. JER. 49. 23. but eat flowers only ;) and pray unto the Highest con- 25 tinually, then will I come and talk with thee. The fourth vision. So I went my way into the field which is called 26 Ardath 11 , like as he commanded me; and there I sat among the flowers, and did eat of the herbs of the field, and the meat of the same satisfied me. After seven 27 days I sat upon the grass, and r my heart was vexed within me, like as before: and I opened my mouth, and 28 began to talk before the Most High, and said, O Lord, Thou that shewest Thyself unto us, Thou 29 wast shewed unto our fathers in the wilderness, in a place where no man h treadeth, in a barren place, when they came out of, Egypt. And Thou spakest, saying, 30 Hear Me \ O Israel ; and mark My words, thou seed of Jacob. For, behold, I sow My law in you, and it 31 shall bring fruit in you, and ye shall be honoured in it for ever. But our fathers, which received the law, 32 kept it not, and observed not Thy ordinances: and though the fruit of Thy law did not perish H, neither could it, for it was Thine ; yet they that received it 33 perished, because they kept not the thing that was sown in them. And, lo, it is a custom, when the ground 34 hath received seed, or the sea a ship, or any vessel meat or drink, that, that being perished wherein it was sown or cast into, that thing also which was sown, or cast 35 therein, or received, doth perish, and remaineth not with us : but with us it hath not happened so. For we 36 that have received the law perish by sin, and our heart also which received it. Notwithstanding the lawJ perish- 37 eth not, but remaineth in his force 11 . And when I spake these things in my heart, I looked 38 back with mine eyes, and upon the right side I saw a woman, and, behold, she mourned and wept with a loud voice, and was much grieved in heart, and her clothes were rent, and she had ashes k upon her head. Then let I my thoughts go that I was in, and turned 39 me unto her, and said unto her, Wherefore weepest 40 thou ? why art thou so grieved in thy mind ? And she 41 said unto me, Sir, let me alone, that I may bewail h JER. 2. 6. ' DEUT. 4. 1 ; 5. 1 ; 6. 3, 4 ; 9.1. II In the Old Eng., was not declar- ed, follow- ing a faulty Latin text. ) Is. 40. 8. MATT. 5. 18. II Or, honour. In the Old Eng., labour, following a faulty Latin text k 2 SAM. 1. 2. ESTH. 4. 1. JOB 2. 12. II. ESDRAS, X. 107 myself, and add unto my sorrow, for I am sore vexed 42 in my mind, and brought very low. And I said unto 43 her, What aileth thee H ? tell me. She said unto me, I thy servant have been barren, and had no child, 44 though I had an husband thirty years. And those thirty years I did nothing else day and night, and 45 every hour, but 11 make my prayer to the Highest. After thirty years God heard me thine" handmaid, looked upon my misery l , considered my trouble, and gave me a son : and I was very glad of him, so was my husband also, and all my neighbours : and we gave great honour 46 unto the Almighty 11 . And I nourished" 1 him with great 47 travail. So 'when he grew up, and came to the time that he should have a wife, I made a feast". II The Old Eng. adds, or who hath done any- thing to thee? II nothing else . . . but. These are not in the Latin text. II Or, His. 1 1 SAM. 1. 11. II Or, Mighty One. m WISD. 7. 4. n TOBIT 8. 19. CHAPTER X. The fourth vision continued. 1 A ND it so came to pass, that when my son was ./A. entered into his wedding chamber, he fell down, 2 and died. Then we all overthrew the lights, and all my neighbours rose up to comfort a me : so I took my 3 rest unto the second day at night. And it came to pass, when they had all left off to comfort me, to the end I might be quiet ; then rose I up by night, and fled, and 4 came hither into this field, as thou seest. And I do now purpose not to return into the city, but here to stay, and neither to eat nor drink, but continually to mourn and to fast until I die b . 5 Then left I the meditations wherein I was H, -and 6 spake to her in anger, saying, Thou foolish woman above all other, seest thou not our mourning, and 7 what happeneth unto us? How that Sion our mother H is full of all heaviness, and much humbled, mourning 8 very sore ? And now, seeing we all mourn and are sad, for we are all in heaviness, art thou grieved 9 for one son ? For ask the earth, and she shall tell d thee, that it is she which ought to mourn for the fall of 10 so many that grow upon her. For out of her came all at the first 6 , and out of her shall all others come, and, behold, they walk almost all into destruction, 11 and a multitude of them is utterly rooted out. Who a JER. 16. 7. EZEK. 24. IT, 22, 23. b Is. 38. 15. JUDITH 8. 5,6. II Or, / changed my mode of speaking. II Some MSS. and Versions have, the mother of its all, as in GAL. 4. 26. Ps. 87. 5, LXX. c Ps. 78. 64. JER. 45. 3 5. EZEK. 24. 2123. d ch. 8. 2. 6 ECCLUS. 40. 1. 108 II. ESDKAS, X. then should make more mourning than she, that hath lost so great a multitude f ; and not thou, which art sorry but for one? But if thou sayest unto me, My 12 lamentation is not like the earth's, because I have lost the fruit of my womb, which I brought forth with pains, and bare with sorrows ; but the earth not so H a : 13 for the multitude present in it according to the course of the earth is gone, as it came : then say I unto thee, 14 Like as thou hast brought forth with labour ; even so the earth also hath given her fruit, namely, man, ever since the beginning unto Him that made her II b . Now 15 therefore keep thy sorrow to thyself, and bear with a good courage that which hath befallen thee. For if 16 thou shalt acknowledge the determination of God to be just, thou shalt both receive B thy son in time, and shalt be commended among women H C . Go thy way then into 17 the city to thine husband. And she said unto me, That 18 will I not do : I will not go into the city, but here will I die. So I proceeded to speak further unto her, and 19 said, Do not so, but be counselled by me : for how many 20 are the adversities of Sion ? be comforted in regard of the sorrow of Jerusalem. For thou seest that our sane- 21 tuary is laid waste h , our altar broken down, our temple destroyed ; our psaltery is laid on the ground, our song 22 is put to silence *, our rejoicing is at an end, the light of our candlestick J is put out, the ark of our covenant is spoiled, our holy things are denied, and the Name that is called upon us is almost profaned : our children are put to shame k , our priests are burnt, our Levites are gone into captivity, our virgins are defiled, and our wives ravished; our righteous men carried away, our little ones destroyed, our young men are brought in bond- age, and our strong men are become weak ; and, which 23 is the greatest of all, the seal of Sion'l* hath now lost her honour H e ; for she is delivered into the hands of them that hate us. And therefore shake off thy great 24 heaviness, and put away the multitude of sorrows, that the Mighty may be merciful unto thee again, and the Highest shall give thee rest and ease from thy labour. And it came to pass, while I was talking with her, 25 behold, her face upon a sudden shined exceedingly, f GEN. 6. 13 ; 7. 22, 23. 11" This verse should be rendered thus : but the earth is according to the way of the earth; and the multitude present in it is gone as it came. \\<>Or,theearth also from the begin- ning giveth her fruit unto man for Him that made her (Old Eng.). K ch. 14. 35. 2 MACC. 7. 11, 29. 11 "The Latin text has, thou shalt receive His counsel in time, and shalt be commended therein. h LAM. 2. 7. 1 MACC. 1.39. i Is. 24. 8. LAM. 5. 15. EZEK. 26. 13. J 1 KIN. 11. 36 ; 15. 4. 2 KIN. 8. 19. k LAM. 5. 11, &c. ch. 12. 44, 48. IK Or, Sion, which seal is the great- est of all, having had greater as- surances of Divine favour and protection, Ps. 132. 1317. II 'Or, hath been vio- lated in her sanctity, LAM. 1. 10 ; 2.6, 7. II. ESDRAS, X. 109 1 ver. 44. REV. 21. 2. m ch. 4. 1. II Or, to come through a multitude of ideas in my trance. n DAN. 10. 8. DAN. 8. 27 ; 10. 16. II Or, was altered, IAS. 4.16. P DAN. 8. 18. and her countenance glistered, so that I was afraid of 26 her, and mused what it might be. And, behold, sud- denly she made a great cry very fearful: so that the 27 earth shook at the noise of the woman. And I looked, and, behold, the woman appeared unto me no more, but there was a city 1 builded, and a large place shewed itself from the foundations: then was I afraid, and 28 cried with a loud voice, and said, Where is Uriel m the angel, who came unto me at the first? for he hath caused me to fall into many trances U, and mine end is turned into corruption, and my prayer to rebuke n . 29 And as I was speaking these words, behold, he came 30 unto me, and looked upon me. And, lo, I lay as one that had been dead, and mine understanding was taken from me" : and he took me by the right hand, and com- forted me, and set me upon my feet p , andfsaid unto me, 31 What aileth thee ? and why art thou so disquieted? and why is thine understanding troubled, and the thoughts C2 of thine heart? And I said, Because thou hast forsaken me, and yet I did according to thy words q , and I went into the field, and, lo, I have seen, and yet see, that I 33 am not able to express. And he said unto me, Stand up manfully, and I will advise thee. 34 Then said I, Speak on, my Lord, in me ; only forsake 35 me not, lest I die frustrate of my hope 11 . For I have 3G seen that I knew not, and hear that I do not know. Or 37 is my sense deceived, or my soul in a dream? Now therefore I beseech thee that thou wilt shew thy ser- vant of this vision 11 . 38 He answered me then, and said, Hear me, and I shall inform thee, and tell thee wherefore thou art afraid: for the Highest will reveal many secret things unto 39 thee. He hath seen that thy way is right : for that thou sorrowest r continually for thy people, and makest 40 great lamentation for Sion. This therefore is the mean- 41 ing of the vision which thou lately sawest : Thou saw- est a woman mourning, and thou begannest to comfort 42 her : but now seest thou the likeness of the woman no more, but there appeared unto thee a city builded. 43 And whereas she told thee of the death of her son, this 44 is the solution : This woman, whom thou sawest, is II Or, lest I die in vain, or, unthout cause. II Or, trance, or, wonder. r ch.5.33,35; 8. 15, 16. ROM. 9. 13. 110 II. ESDKAS, XI. s 2 SAM. 5. 5. 1 KIN. 8. 1. II That is, no temple dedi- cated. II In the Ver- sions, three thousand, the period from the Creation, according to a com- mon reck- oning. 1 1 KIN. 7. 51. II Or, when my son was come, EZEK. 17. 3, JL from the sea a an eagle, which had twelve feathered JER. 49. 22. wings b , and three heads. And I saw, and, behold, she 2 II Or, no work of man's building could be suffered. u TOBIT 13. 1618 ; 14. 5. II Or, by the favour of. II Or, in visions of dreams the things which, &c. II. ESDRAS, XI. Ill II Or, and so they were put together again (Old Eng.). Or, and the clouds were gathered unto her. c ver. 23. & ch. 12. 19, 22,26. II Or, wings. II Or, gave a sound with herfeathers, See EZEK. 10. 5. d vta 1 29 ch. 12. 17. spread her wings over all the earth, and all the winds of the air blew on her, and were gathered together". 3 And I beheld, and out of her feathers there grew other contrary feathers c ; and they became little feathers and 4 small. But her heads were at rest : the head in the midst was greater than the other, yet rested it with the residue. 5 Moreover I beheld, and, lo, the eagle flew with her feathers 1 ', and reigned upon earth, and over them that 6 dwelt therein. And I saw that all things under heaven were subject unto her, and no man spake against her, 7 no, not one creature upon earth. And I beheld, and, lo, the eagle rose upon her talons, and spake to her 8 feathers", saying, Watch not all at once: sleep every 9 one in his own place, and watch by course : but let the 10 heads be preserved for the last. And I beheld, and, lo, the voice went not out of her heads d , but from the 11 midst of her body. And I numbered her contrary 12 feathers, and, behold, there were eight of them. And I looked, and, behold, on the right side there arose one 13 feather, and reigned over all the earth ; and so it was, that when it reigned, the end of it came, and the place thereof appeared no more : so the next following stood 14 up, and reigned, and had " a great time ; and it hap- pened, that when it reigned, the end of it came also, like as the first, so that it appeared no more. Then came there a voice unto it, and said, Hear thou that hast borne rule over the earth so long : this I say unto thee, before thou beginnest to appear no more, 17 there shall none after thee attain unto thy time, neither 18 unto the half thereof. Then, arose the third, and 19 reigned as the other before ", and appeared no more also. So went it with all the residue " one after another, as that every one reigned, and then appeared no more. 20 Then I beheld, and, lo, in process of time the fea- thers that followed stood up upon the right" side, that they might rule also ; and some of them ruled, but 21 within a while they appeared no more : for some of them were set up 11 , but ruled not. 22 After this I looked, and, behold, the twelve feathers 23 appeared no more, nor the two little feathers : and II Or, obtained. II Or, obtain- ed the do- minion as the former ones. II Some read, with all the wings ; others, all the birds. II Some read, the left. II Or, lifted up. 112 II. ESDRAS, XI. II Some read, two. "Seech. 12. 2. II Or, they tliat were under the wing, or, these under- wings. II Or, com- bined (lit. completed). II Or, the two under- wings, as in ver. 25. II Or, obtain- ed domi- nion over the world. II Or, rushing. In the Old Eng., running hastily. i JJSR. 4. 7 ; 5. 6 ; 25. 38. * DAN. 7. 3 7. ch. 12. 11. II Or, the times. See DAN. 7. 12. there was no more upon the eagle's body, but three H heads that rested, and six little wings. Then saw I 24 also that two little feathers divided themselves from the six, and remained 6 under the head that was upon the right side : for the four continued in their place. And I beheld, and, lo, the feathers that were under 25 the wing H thought to set up themselves, and to have the rule. And I beheld, and, lo, there was one set up, 26 but shortly it appeared no more. And the second was 27 sooner away than the first. And I beheld, and, lo, the 28 two that remained thought also in themselves to reign : and when they so thought, behold, there awaked one 29 of the heads that were at rest, namely, it that was in the midst; for that was greater than the two other heads. And then I saw that the two other heads were 30 joined H with it. And, behold, the head was turned 31 with them that were with it, and did eat up the two feathers under the wingH that would have reigned. But this head put the whole earth in fear, and bare 32 rule in it over all those that dwelt upon the earth with much oppression ; and it had the governance of the world II more than all the wings that had been. And 33 after this I beheld, and, lo, the head that was in the midst suddenly appeared no more, like as the wings. But there remained the two heads, which also in like 34 sort ruled upon the earth, and over those that dwelt therein. And I beheld, and, lo, the head upon the 35 right side devoured it that was upon the left side. Then I heard a voice, which said unto me, Look be- 36 fore thee, and consider the thing that thou seest. And 37 I beheld, and lo as it were a roaring lion chased H out of the wood f : and I saw that he sent out a man's voice unto the eagle, and said, Hear thou, I will talk with 38 thee, and the Highest shall say unto thee, Art not thou 39 it that remainest of the four beasts g , whom I made to reign in My world, that the end of their times H might come through them? And the fourth came, and over- 40 came all the beasts that were past, and had power over the world with great fearfulness, and over the whole compass of the earth with much wicked oppression; and so long time dwelt he upon the earth with deceit. II. ESDEAS, XII. 113 41 For the earth hast thou not judged with truth. For thou hast afflicted h the meek, thou hast hurt the peace- able, thou hast loved liars, and destroyed the dwellings of them that brought forth fruit, and hast cast down 43 the walls of such as did thee no harm. Therefore is thy wrongful dealing" come up unto the Highest, and 44 thy pride unto the Mighty. The 1 ' Highest also hath looked upon the proud times, and, behold, they are 45 ended, and his abominations are fulfilled. And there- fore appear no more, thou eagle, nor thy horrible wings, nor thy wicked feathers, nor thy malicious heads, nor 46 thy hurtful claws, nor all thy vain body : that all the earth may be refreshed 1 , and may return ", being de- livered from thy violence, and that she may hope for the judgment and mercy of Him that made her. CHAPTER XII. The fifth vision, and its interpretation. AND it came to pass, whiles the lion spake these XX words unto the eagle, I saw, and, behold, lithe head that remained and the four wings appeared no more, and the two went unto it, and set themselves up to reign, and their kingdom was small, and full of uproar. And I saw, and, behold, they appeared no more, and the whole body of the eagle was burnt a , so that the earth was in great fear. Then awaked I out of the trouble and trance of my mind, and from great fear, and said unto my spirit, Lo, this hast thou done'l unto me, in that thou search- est out the ways of the Highest. Lo, yet am I weary in my mind, and very weak in my spirit; and little strength b is there in me, for the great fear wherewith I was affrighted this night. Therefore will I now be- seech the Highest, that He will comfort " me unto the end. And I said, Lord that bearest rule, if I have found grace before Thy sight, and if I am justified with Thee before many others, and if my prayer indeed be come up before Thy face ; comfort me then, and shew me Thy servant the interpretation and plain difference 11 of this fearful vision, that Thou mayest perfectly com- h Is. 47. 6. ZECH. 1. 15. II Or, reproach. Is. 37. 23, 29. II This verse should be rendered, The Lord looked upon the times, and behold they are ended, and the ages are fulfilled. i Is. 14. 7, 8. EZEK. 31. 16. JER. 50. 34. II Or, come again to herself, as in the Old Eng. II This pas- sage should be rendered thus: the head that remained perished suddenly, and then those two wings which went unto it set them- selves up to reign. See above, ch. 11. 24. a DAN. 7. 11. II Or, given. b DAN. 10. 8, 16. II Or, strengthen. See Is. 41. 10. DAN. 10. 18, 19. c DAN. 9. 23 ; 10.12. ch, 4. 44. & 8. 12. II Or, distinct meaning. 114 II. ESDKAS, XII. II In the Versions, fourth king- dom. A DAN. 7. 7. II Or, in the i same way as I now declare it, Ac. fort my soul. For Thou hast judged me worthy to shew 9 me the last times. And he said unto me, This is the interpretation of 10 the vision : The eagle, whom thou sawest come up from 11 the sea, is the kingdom H which was seen in the vision of thy brother Daniel d . But it was not expounded 12 unto him, therefore now I declare it" unto thee. Behold, the days will come, that there shall rise up a 13 kingdom upon earth, and it shall be feared above all the kingdoms that were before it. In the same shall 14 twelve kings reign, one after another: whereof the 15 second shall begin to reign, and shall have more tune than any of the twelve. And this do the twelve wings 16 signify, which thou sawest. As for the voice which 17 thou heardest speak, and that thou sawest not to go out from the heads, but from the midst of the body thereof, this is the interpretation: that after II the time 18 of that kingdom there shall arise great strivings, and it shall stand in peril of falling : nevertheless it shall not then fall, but shall be restored again to his beginning H. And whereas thou sawest the eight small underfeathers 19 sticking to H her wings, this is the interpretation : that 20 in him there shall arise eight kings, whose times shall be but small, and their years swift. And two of them 21 shall perish, the middle time approaching: four shall be kept until their end" begin to approach: but two shall be kept unto the end. And whereas thou sawest three heads resting, this is 22 the interpretation : In his last days shall the Most High 23 raise up three kingdoms H, and renew many things there- in II, and they shall have the dominion of the earth, and 24 of those that dwell therein, with much oppression H, above all those that were before them: therefore are they called the heads of the eagle. For these are they 25 that shall accomplish " his wickedness, and that shall finish his last end. And whereas thou sawest that the 26 great head appeared no more, it signifieth that one of them shall die upon his bed, and yet with pain e . For 27 the two that remain shall be slain with the sword. For 28 the sword of the one shall devour the other : but at the last shall he fall through the sword himself. II Or, during. II Or, dominion. II Or, hang- ing from. II Or, the end of it, that is, of the king- dom. II Or, three kings. II In the Latin, shall recall many things unto them.Inthe other Ver- sions, they shall renew. II Or, labour. ilOr, consum- mate (so that under their rule it reaches its highest pitch). See JER. 51. 13. e 2 MACC. 9. 5,6. II. ESDRAS, XII. 115 29 And whereas thou sawest two feathers under the wings II passing over the head that is on the right side ; Or, under- 30 it signifieth that these are they, whom the Highest hath chju!'25, 31. kept unto their end : this is the small kingdom and full 31 of trouble, as thou sawest. And the lion f , whom thou sawest rising up out of the wood, and roaring, and speaking to the eagle, and rebuking her for her unright- eousness with all the words which thou hast heard; 32 this is the Anointed U, which the Highest hath kept for them and for their wickedness unto the end : he shall reprove them, and shall upbraid them with their 33 cruelty 'I. For he shall set them before him alive in judgment, and shall rebuke them, and correct H them. 34 For the rest of My people shall he deliver with mercy, those that have been preserved upon My bor- ders, and he shall make them joyful until the coming of the day of judgment H, whereof I have spoken g unto thee from the beginning. 35 This is the dream that thou sawest, and these are the 36 interpretations. Thou only hast been meet to know 37 this secret of the Highest. Therefore write h all these things that thou hast seen in a book, and hide them : 38 and teach them to the wise of the people, whose hearts thou knowest may comprehend and keep these secrets. 39 But wait thou here thyself yet seven * days more, that it may be shewed thee, whatsoever it pleaseth the Highest to declare unto thee. And with that he went his way. 40 And it came to pass, when all the people sawJ that the seven days were past, and I not come again into the city, they gathered them all together, from the least 41 unto the greatest, and came unto me, and said, What have we offended thee ? and what evil have we done against thee, that thou forsakest us, and sittest here 42 in this place? For of all the prophets H thou only art left us, as a cluster k of the vintage, and as a candle J in a dark place, and as a haven or shipH preserved from 43 the tempest. Are not the evils which are come to us 44 sufficient? If thou shalt forsake us, how much better had it been for us, if we also had been burned in the 45 midst of Sion? For we are not better than they that died there. And they wept with a loud voice. H2 t GEN. 49. 9. REV. 5. 5. II In the Latin text, the wind : but in the Versions, the Christ Whom the Highest hath kept to the end of the days, Who shall arise out of the seed of David, and shall come and reprove them. ' Ventus ' was a cor- ruption of ' Unctus,' Anointed. II Or, shall bring up the things recorded against them. II In the Ver- sions, de- stroy them, or, rend them asunder. II Or, of the end, the day of judg- ment. Sen. 7. 33, 38*, 47*, 66* ; 8.38. h DAN. 8. 26 ; 12. 4, 9. i ch. 5. 13, 20 ; 6. 31, 35. i ch. 5. 1619. II In the Latin, people. k Is. 17. 6. MIC. 7. 1. i ECCLCS. 48. 1. 2 PBT. 1. 19. II Or, to a ship. 116 II. ESDKAS, XIII. Then answered I them, and said, Be of good com- 46 fort m , O Israel ; and be not heavy, thou house of Jacob : for the Highest hath you in remembrance n , and 47 the Mighty hath not forgotten you in temptation. As 48 for me, I have not forsaken you, neither am I departed from you: but am come into this place, to pray for 1 ' the desolation of Sion, and that I might seek mercy for the low estate of yourll sanctuary. And now go 49 your way home every man, and after these days will I come unto you. So the people went their way into 50 the city, like as I commanded them: but I remained 51 still" in the field seven days, as the angel commanded me ; and did eat p only in those days of the flowers of the field, and had my meat of the herbs. m BAR. 4. 21, 27, 30. " la. 49. 13 15. U Or, because of. NEH. 1. 4. en. 3. 2. & 10. 2023. II Or, our. II OT,Isat. P ch. 9. 24. a DAX 7. 2. ch. 11. 1, 2. I Omitted, probably by an error, in the Latin text. II In the Versions, did fly with the clouds of heaven. See DAN. 7. 13. II In the Versions, all they melted that heard his voice, like as wax melteth, when itfeel- eth the fire. See Ps. 97. 5. MIC. 1. 4. EXOCH 1. 6 : 51.5. b REV. 20.8,9. EZBK. 38. 3, 4, 15, 16. II Or, hewn, DAN. 2. 45. c Is. 11. 4. Ps. 97. 3. 2 TIIESS. 2. 8. REV. 11.5; CHAPTER XIII. The sixth vision. A ND it came to pass after seven days, I dreamed a 1 XJL dream by night: and, lo, there arose a wind* 2 from the sea, that it moved all the waves thereof. [And, lo, that wind made to come up out of the heart of the sea as it were the likeness of a man 1 .] And I beheld, and, lo, that man waxed strong with 3 the thousands of heaven H: and when he turned his countenance to look, all the things trembled that were seen under him. And whensoever the voice went out 4 of his mouth, all they burned that heard his voice, like as the earth faileth when it feeleth the fire". And after this I beheld, and, lo, there was gathered 5 together a multitude of men, out of number, from the four winds of the heaven b , to subdue the man that came out of the sea. But I beheld, and, lo, he had graved" 6 himself a great mountain, and flew up upon it. But I 7 would have seen the region or place whereout the hill was graven U, and I could not. And after this I beheld, 8 and, lo, all they which were gathered together to sub- due him were sore afraid, and yet durst fight. And, lo, 9 as he saw the violence of the multitude that came, he neither lifted up his hand, nor held sword, nor any in- strument of war : but only I saw that he sent out of 10 his mouth as it had been a blast of fire, and out of his II. ESDRAS, XIII. 117 lips a flaming breath, and out of his tongue he cast out 11 sparks and tempests. And they were all mixed to- gether ; the blast of fire, the flaming breath, and the great tempest; and fell with violence upon the multi- tude which was prepared to fight, and burned them up every one, so that upon a sudden of an innumerable multitude nothing was to be perceived, but only dust'l" and smell of smoke : when I saw this I was afraid. 12 Afterward saw I the same man come down from the mountain, and call d unto him another peaceable e multi- 13 tude. And there came much people unto him, whereof some were glad, some were sorry, some of them were bound', and other some brought of them that were offered 116 : then was I sick through great fear, and I 14 awaked, and said, Thou hast shewed thy servant these wonders from the beginning, and hast counted me 15 worthy that thou shouldest receive my prayer: shew 16 me now yet the interpretation of this dream. For as I conceive in mine understanding, woe unto them that shall be left in those days ! and much more woe unto 17 them that are not left behind ! For they that were 18 not left were in heaviness. Now understand I the things that are laid up in the latter days, which shall happen unto them, and to those that are left behind. 19 Therefore are they come into great perils and many 20 necessities, like as these dreams declare 11 ". Yet is it easier II d for him that is in danger to come into these things, than to pass away as a cloud out of the world, and not to see the tilings that happen in the last days. 21 And he answered unto me, and said, The interpreta- tion of the vision shall I shew thee, and I will open 22 unto thee the thing that thou hast required. Whereas thou hast spoken of them that are left behind, this is 23 the interpretation : he that shall endure the peril in that time hath kept himself: they that be fallen into clanger are such as have works, and faith toward the 24 Almighty H e . Know this therefore, that they which be left behind are more blessed 8 than they that be dead. 25 This is the meaning of the vision : Whereas thou saw- such as have works, and faith toward the Almighty. REV. 3. 10. II "In the Ver- sions, dust and ashes. d GES. 49. 10. Is. 66. 18, 19. e Is. 2. 3, 4 ; 11. 9; below, ver. 33. t Is. 42. 6, 7 ; 61.1. II* Or, those things which were offered, as in Syriac. But see Is. 66. 20, 21. ll'vertUT 19 should pro- bably be rendered thus : for they who shall not be left to sur- vive unto those days, are in hea- viness, as under- standing those things which are laid up in the latter days, unto which they shall not attain. Woe also to those that are left, because they shall see great perils and many necessities, as these dreams shew. II < Or, better. See DAN. 12. 12. II' ver. 23 should pro- bably be rendered thus: He Who shall bring the danger in that time, will keep those that have fallen into danger, who are 8 ch. 5. 41. 118 II. ESDRAS, XIII. II Or, heart, or, deep. h 2 CHR. 15. 6. Is. 19. 2. ZBCH. 14. 13. MATT. 24. 7. i Is. 2. 3,4; above, ver. 12. k REV. 19. 19; 20.8. 1 Ps. 2. 6, 9. m ch. 7. 26 ; 8.52. II Some Ver- sions have nine and a half tribes, as in the Epistle or Apocalypse of Baruch. "2 KIN. 17. 6; 18. 11. II Called Ene- messar, in TOBIT 1. 2. II Or, river. est a man coming up from the midst H of the sea: the 26 same is he whom God the Highest hath kept a great season, which by his own self shall deliver his crea- ture: and he shall order them that are left behind. And whereas thou sawest, that out of his mouth there 27 came as a blast of wind, and fire, and storm ; and that 28 he held neither sword, nor any instrument of war, but that the rushing in of him destroyed the whole multi- tude that came to subdue him ; this is the interpreta- tion : behold, the days come, when the Most High will 29 begin to deliver them that are upon the earth. And 30 He shall come to the astonishment of them that dwell on the earth. And one shall undertake h to fight a- 31 gainst another, one city against another, one place against another, one people against another, and one realm against another. And the time shall be when 32 these things shall come to pass, and the signs shall hap- pen which I shewed thee before, and then shall My Son be declared \ whom thou sawest as a man ascend- ing. And when all the people hear his voice, every 33 man shall in their own land leaveJ the battle they have one against another. And an innumerable multi- 34 tude shall be gathered together, as thou sawest them, willing to come, and to overcome k him by fighting. But he shall stand 1 upon the top of the mount Sion. 35 And Sion shall come, and shall be shewed to all men, 36 being prepared and builded, like as thou sawest the hill graven without hands. And this My Son shall 37 rebuke the wicked inventions of those nations, which for their wicked life are fallen into the tempest ; and 38 shall lay before them their evil thoughts, and the tor- ments wherewith they shall begin to be tormented, which are like unto a flame : and he shall destroy them without labour by the law which is like unto fire. And whereas thou sawest that he gathered another 39 peaceable multitude unto him ; those are the ten" tribes, 40 which were carried away prisoners out of their own land n in the time of Osea the king, whom Salmanasarll the king of Assyria led away captive, and he carried them over the waters H, and so came they into another land. But they took this counsel among themselves, that 41 II. ESDKAS, XIII. 119 they would leave the multitude of the heathen, and go forth into a further country, where never mankind dwelt, 42 that they might there keep their statutes, which they See ch. 2. 8. 43 never kept in their own land. And they entered into 44 Euphrates by the narrow passages of the river. For the Most High then shewed signs for them, and held 45 still the flood p , till they were passed over. For through that country there was a great way to go, namely, of a year and a half: and the same region is called Arsa- 46 rethll. Then dwelt they there until the latter time; 47 and now when they shall begin to come, the Highest shall stay the springs H of the stream again q , that they may go through : therefore sawest thou the multitude 48 with peace. But those that be left behind of thy peo- 49 pie are II they that are found within my borders r . Now when he destroyeth the multitude of the nations that are gathered together, he shall defend his people that 50 remain. And then shall he shew them great wonders. 51 Then said I, Lord that bearest rule, shew me this : Wherefore have I seen the man coming up from the midst of the sea ? 52 And He said unto me, Like as thou canst neither II seek out nor know the things that are in the deep of the sea : even so can no man upon earth see My Son, 53 or those that be with him, but in the day timell. This is the interpretation of the dream which thou sawest, 54 and whereby thou only art here lightened s . For thou hast forsaken thine own way, and applied thy diligence 55 unto My law, and sought it. Thy life hast thou ordered in wisdom, and hast called understanding* thy mother. 56 And therefore have I shewed thee the treasures of the Highest: after other three days I will speak other things unto thee, and declare unto thee mighty 'I and wondrous things. 57 Then went I forth into the field, giving praise and thanks greatly unto the Most High because of His won- 58 ders, which He did in time ; and because He governeth the same ", and such things as fall in their seasons : and there I sat three days. Pis. 11. 15, 16. 443.2. II Or. a strange land. In DEUT. 29. 28, another land. II Or, cur- rents, as in ch. 4. 7. i REV. 16. 12. II In the Syriac, shall be saved, even they 4c. r ch. 9. 8. &12.34. II Or, Like as no man can, &c. SeePs.77.19. & 36. 6. II Or, in the time of his day. See LUKB 17. 22 24. Ps. 97. 11 ; 112.4. * PEOV. 7. 4. II Or, griev- ous, or, heavy. II Or, the seasons. See ACTS 1. 7. 120 II. ESDKAS, XIV. 11 Ex. 3. 2, Ac. b Ex. 24. 18 ; 25. 40. c DEUT. 29. 29 ; 30. 11. II Or, from men, as in the Versions. In the Latin text, thou shalt be re- ceived of all. II So the Ver- sions. The Latin text has, with my counsel. d Seech. 4. 36. & 8. 51. II Or, time. c ch.4.45 50. & 16. 37 39. ENOCH, ch. 92. II Or, this life of corrup- tion. f WISD. 9. 15. II Or, lay up in their place. * 1 COR. 7. 31, 32. 2 TIM. 2. 4. HBB. 12. 1. h ECCLES. 7. 10. i ch. 5. 1, 2. 3 1 JOHN 2. 18. II In the Ver- sions, the eagle,or,the times of the eagle. See ch. 11. 44 CHAPTER XIV. The seventh vision, and tJie writing of the law. A ND it came to pass upon the third day, I sat under 1 XA. an oak, and, behold, there came a voice out of a bush over against me, and said, Esdras, Esdras. And 2 I said, Here am I, Lord. And I stood up upon my feet. Then said he unto me, In the bush a I did manifestly 3 reveal Myself unto Moses, and talked with him, when My people served in Egypt : and I sent him, and led 4 My people out of Egypt, and brought him up to the mount of Sinai, where I held him by Me a long season, and told him b many wondrous things, and shewed him 5 the secrets of the times, and the end; and command- ed him, saying, These words shalt thou declare, and 6 these shalt thou hide. And now I say unto thee, 7 that thou lay up in thy heart the signs that I have shew- 8 ed, and the dreams that thou hast seen, and the interpre- tations which thou hast heard : for thou shalt be taken 9 away from all' 1 , and from henceforth thou shalt remain with My Son II, and with such as be like thee d , until the times be ended. For the world hath lost his youth, 10 and the times begin to wax old. For the world H is 11 divided into twelve parts, and the ten parts of it are gone e already, and half of a tenth part : and there re- 12 maineth that which is after the half of the tenth part. Now therefore set thine house in order, and reprove 13 thy people ; comfort such of them as be in trouble, and now renounce corruption H, let go from thee mortal 14 thoughts, cast away the burdens f of man, put oft' now the weak nature, and set aside II the thoughts that are 15 most heavy g unto thee, and haste thee to flee from tKese times. For yet greater evils than those which 16 thou hast seen happen shall be done hereafter. For 17 look how much the world shall be weaker h through age, so much the more shall evils increase upon them that dwell therein. For the truth 1 is fled far away, 18 and leasing J is hard at hand: for now hasteth the vision H to come, which thou hast seen. II. ESDKAS, XIV. ?,Q Then answered I before thee, and said, Behold, Lord, I will go, as Thou hast commanded me, and reprove the people which are present: but they that shall be born afterward, who shall admonish them? thus the world is set in darkness, and they that dwell 21 therein are without light. For Thy law k is burnt, therefore no man knoweth the things that are done of 22 Thee, or the works that shall begin. But if I have found grace before Thee, send the Holy Ghost 1 into me, and I shall write all that, hath been done in the world since the beginning, which were written in Thy law, that men may find Thy path, and that they which will live II in the latter days may live. 23 And he answered me, saying, Go thy way, gather the people together, and say unto them, that they seek thee 24 not for forty days. But look thou prepare thee many box trees 11 , and take with thee Sarea, Dabria, Selemia, Ecanus, and Asiel, these five which are ready to write 25 swiftly ; and come hither, and I shall light a candle m of understanding in thine heart, which shall not n be put out, till the things be performed which thou shalt begin 26 to write. And when thou hast done, some things shalt thou publish, and some things shalt thou shew secretly to the wise : to morrow this hour shalt thou begin to write. 27 Then went I forth, as he commanded, and gathered 28 all the people together, and said, Hear these words, O 29 Israel. Our fathers at the beginning were strangers p 30 in Egypt, from whence they were delivered : and re- ceived the law of life, which they q kept not, which ye 31 also have transgressed after them. Then was the land, even the land of Sion ", parted among you r by lot : but your fathers, and ye yourselves, have done unrighteous- ness, and have not kept the ways which the Highest 32 commanded you. And forasmuch as He is a righteous 8 Judge, He took from you in time the thing that He 33 had given you. And now are ye here, and your 34 brethren among you. Therefore if so be that ye will subdue your own understanding, and reform H your hearts, ye shall be kept alive, and after death 35 ye shall obtain mercy. For after death * shall the hSee LAM. 2. 9. EZRA 7. 6. NEH. 8. 1, 2. 1 BSD. 9. 39, 40. l 2 SAM. 23. 2. WISD. 9. IT. II Or, ivho would live. See NUM. 24. 33. DAN. 12. 13. 11 Or, tablets. See Is. 30. 8. HAB. 2. 2. LUKE 1. 63. m PROV. 20.- 27. "2CHR.21. 7. Ps. 132. 17. ch. 8. 62. MATT. 13. 11. 1 COR. 2. 6. P LEV. 19. 34. ACTS 13. 17. 1EZEK.20.13. ACTS 7. 53. II Some conjecture Sihon, DEUT. 4. 46. r JOSH. 14. 1,2. Ps. 78. 55. 8 NEH. 9. 33. DAN. 9. 14. II Or, instruct. 'Seech. 7. 38, 8798. 122 II. ESDEAS, XIV. 11 WISD. 5. is, judgment come, when we shall live u again : and then 2 MACC. 7. shall the names of the righteous v be manifest, and *fA^ vs i the works of the ungodly w shall be declared. Let no 6 UA.K. 1 -. 1. RBV. 20. 12, m an therefore come unto me now, nor seek after me w ECCLES. 12. these forty days. 1 ISZEK 289- ^ -^ *k *he ^ ve men as ne commanded me, and we 37 3. i. REV. ' went into the field, and remained there. And the next 38 10. 9, &C. - 111! 11 1 \\"Or,vMskept day, behold, a voice called me, saying, Esdras, open thy mouth x , and drink that I give thee to drink. Then 39 opened I my mouth, and, behold, he reached me a full fterthereve- cup, which was full as it were with water, but the colour of it was like fire. And I took it, and drank: 40 and when I had drunk of it, my heart uttered under- standing, and wisdom grew in my breast, for my spirit strengthened my memory H a : and my mouth 7 was opened, 41 and shut no more. The Highest gave understanding 42 unto the five men, and they wrote the wonderful visions of the night that were told, which they knew not H b : and they sat forty days, and they wrote in the day, and at night they ate bread. As for me, I spake in the day, 43 and I held not my tongue by night. In forty days they 44 wrote two hundred and fourll c books. And it came to pass, when the forty days were fill- 45 The number fiu e d, that the Highest spake, saying, The first that up by the thou hast written publish openly, that the worthy and unworthy may read it : but keep the seventy last, that 46 thou mayest deliver them only to such as be wise among the people : for in them is the .spring of understanding, 47 the fountain of wisdom, and the stream of knowledge. And I did so 48 [in the seventh year, in the sixth week, five thousand^ tween three years three months and twelve days after the creation thousand ^ tne wor ^d- And in these was Esdras snatched away 49 and received up z to the place of those like himself, after TiieSeptua- he had written all these things. And he is called the 50 Q " Scribe of the Wisdom of the Most High for II e ever and , 3. 27. & 24. 27. II Or, they wrote in order the things that were told unto them, in signs or characters which they knew not. II c In the Versions, ninety-four; in the Latin text, nine hundred andfmir. addition of 72 Apocry- phal books to the 22 of the Hebrew Canon. II rf According to the He- brew reck- 1246 years ever 1 .! to the alwve. z ch. 8. 19. II" In the Arabic, to Him be honour and power for ever and ever. i Addition in the Versions. II. ESDRAS, XV. 123 CHAPTEE XV". A prophecy of the judgment upon the enemies of God's people. 1 ~TT)EHOLD, speak thou in the ears of My people the _D words of prophecy, which a I will put in thy 2 mouth, saith the Lord : and cause them to be written 3 in paper II : for they are faithful and true. Fear not the imaginations against thee, let not the incredulity of 4 them trouble the, that speak against thee. For all the unfaithful shall die b in their unfaithfulness. 5 Behold, saith the Lord, I will bring plagues upon the world ; the sword c , famine, death H, and destruction. 6 For wickedness hath exceedingly polluted the whole 7 earth", and their hurtful works are fulfilled. Therefore 8 saith the Lord, I will hold My tongue .no more as touch- ing their wickedness, which they profanely commit, neither will I suffer them in those things, in which they wickedly exercise themselves d : behold, the inno- cent and righteous blood crieth unto Me, and the souls 9 of the just 6 complain continually. And therefore, saith the Lord, I will surely avenge them, and receive unto 10 Me all the innocent blood from among them. Behold, My people is led as a flock to the slaughter f : I will 11 not suffer them now to dwell in the land of Egypt : but I will bring them with a -mighty hand and a stretched out arm, and smite Egypt with plagues, as before g , and 12 will destroy all the land thereof. Egypt shall mourn, and the foundation of it shall be smitten with the plague and punishment that God shall bring upon it. 13 They that till the ground shall mourn: for their seeds shall fail through the blasting 11 and hail, and with a 14 fearful constellation 11 . Woe to the world 1 and them 15 that dwell therein ! For the sword and their destruc- tion draweth nigh, and one people J shall stand up to 16 fight against another, and swords in their hands. For there shall be sedition among men, and invading one another ; they shall not regard their kings nor princes, and the course of their actions shall stand in their 17 power II. A man shall desire to go into a city, and shall 18 not be able. For because of their pride the cities shall II These concluding chapters form a se- parate trea- tise, some- times called The Fifth Book of Esdras. " JER. 1. 9. II Or, in a book. In the Old Eng., in a letter. b EZKK. 3. 18, 19 ; 18. 18. c EZEK. 14. 21. MATT. 24. 7. REV. 6. 48. II Or, pestilence. II Or, hath the upper hand in all the- earth (Old Eng.). d Ps. 50. 21. HAB. 1. 13. e ch. 4. 35. f P8. 44. 22. s REV. 16. 1, Ac. Ex. 7. 1, Ac. hWiSD.16.16. ECCLUS. 39. 2830. II Or, a hor- rible star. See REV. 8. 9,10. i RBV. 8. 13 ; 12.12. i en. 13. 31. RBV. 6. 4. II Or, they shall not regard their kings, nor the chiff of their rulers in their power. See Is. 3. 5. HAB. 1. 10. 124 II. ESDBAS, XV, be troubled, the houses shall be destroyed, and men shall be afraid. A man shall have no pity upon his 19 neighbour, but shall destroy their houses with the sword, and spoil their goods, because of the lack of bread k , and for great tribulation. Behold, saith God, 20 I will call together all the kings of the earth l to reve- rence Me H, which are from the rising of the sun, from the south, from the east, and Libanus ; to turn them- selves one against another, and repay the things that they have done U to them. Like as they do yet this day 21 unto My chosen, so will I do also, and recompense in their bosom. Thus saith the Lord God ; My right hand 22 shall not spare m the sinners, and My sword shall not cease over them that shed innocent blood upon the earth. The fire n is gone forth from His wrath, and 23 hath consumed the foundations of the earth, and the sinners, like the straw that is kindled. Woe to them 24 that sin, and keep not My commandments ! saith the Lord. I will not spare them : go your way, ye chil- 25 dren, from the power II-, defile not My sanctuary. For 26 the Lord knoweth all them that sin against Him, and therefore delivereth He them unto death and destruc- tion. For now are the plagues come upon the whole 27 earth, and ye shall remain in them : for God shall not deliver you, because ye have sinned against Him. Behold an horrible vision, and the appearance there- 28 of from the east : where the nations of the dragons p of 29 Arabia shall come out with many chariots, and the multitude of them shall be carried as the wind upon earth, that all they which hear them may fear and tremble. Also the Carmanians 1 ' raging in wrath shall 30 go forth as the wild boars of the wood q , and with great power shall they come, and join battle with them, and shall waste a portion of the lan r l of the Assyrians. And 31 then shall the dragons have the upper hand, remem- bering their nature"; and if they shall turn themselves, conspiring together in great power to persecute them, then these shall be troubled, and keep silence II through 32 their power, and shall flee. And from the land of the 33 Assyrians shall the enemy besiege them, and consume some 11 of them, and in their host shall be fear and k DKUT. 28. 54, 55. I ZECH. 14. 2, 13. II Or, to move. II Or, restore the things that they have given. m DEUT. 32. 4143. "DEUT. 32. 32. II Or, go your way, ye rebellious children. Is. 30. 1. 1 BSD. 2. 23. NUM. 14. 9. Ps. 44. 20, 21. Is. 29. 15. Pis. 30.6; 51. 9. JER. 51. 34. EZEK. 29. 3. II In the Latin, Car- . monians. Carmania was a coun- try to the East of Persia, or Elaro. o Ps. 80. 13. H In the Old Eng. Ver- sion, not re- inetnbering their birth. II Or, submit themselves. See Ps. 37. 7. LXX. II Or, one. II. ESDHAS, XV. 125 34 dread, and strife among their kings. Behold clouds from the east and from the north unto the south, and they are very horrible to look upon, full of wrath and 3.5 storm r . They shall smite one upon another, and they shall smite clown a great multitude of stars s upon the earth, even their own star ; and blood shall be from EG the sword unto the belly 11 , and dung of men unto the 37 camel's hough II. And there shall be great fearfulness and trembling upon earth : and they that see the wrath shall be afraid, and trembling shall come upon them. 38 And then shall there come great storms 6 from the south, and from the north, and another part from the 39 west. And strong winds shall arise from the east, and shall open it" ; and the cloud which he raised up in wrath, and the star u stirred to cause fear toward the 40 east and west wind, shall be destroyed. The great and mighty clouds shall be lifted up full of wrath, and the star, that they may make. all the earth afraid, and them that dwell therein ; and .they shall pour out over 41 every high and eminent place an horrible star, fire, and hail, and flying swords 11 , and many waters, that all fields may be full, and all rivers, with the abundance 42 of great waters. And they shall break down the cities and walls, mountains and hills, trees of the wood, 43 and grass of the meadows, and their corn. And they shall go stedfastly unto Babylon, and make her afraid". 44 They shall come to her, and besiege her, the star and all wrath shall they pour out upon her: then shall the dust and smoke go up unto the heaven v , and all they 45 that be about her shall w bewail her. And they that remain under her shall do service unto them that have put her in fear'i. 46 And thou, Asia, that art partaker of the hope of 47 Babylon II, and art the glory of her person : woe be unto thee, thou wretch x , because thou hast made thy- self like unto her ; and hast decked thy daughters in whoredom, that they might please and glory in thy lovers, which have alway desired to commit whore- 48 dom y with thee ! Thou hast followed her that is hated in all her works and inventions : therefore saith God, 49 I will send plagues upon thee ; widowhood z , poverty, r DAN. 11. 40. s REV. 8. 10. "Or, horse' sbelly, REV. 14. 20. II Or, girth. In the Old Eng.,' litter.' * DAN. 7. 2. II Or, shall shut them up again. u REV. 8. 11 ; 9.1. II Perhaps, lightnings, compared to arrows in Pa. 18. 14 ; 144 6 WISD. 5. 21, 22, 23. II Or, destroy her. v Is. 34. 10. REV. 19. 3. W EZEK. 27.32. REV. 18. 15. II Or, de- stroyed her. II Or, that art joined in heart to the splendour of Babylon. 1 BAR. 4. 31 34 ; 6. 43. y REV. 17. 2, 5; 18. 7, 9. * Is. 47. 9. REV. 18. 7. 126 II. ESDKAS, XVI. i) JER. 50. 3T ; 51. 30. NAH. 3. 13. II Or, as a poor wife that is plagued and beaten of women. II Or, boasting. c REV. IT. 6 ; 18. 24. II Or, Adorn famine, sword, and pestilence, to waste thy houses with destruction and death. And the glory of thy power 50 a is. 28. i ; shall be dried up as a flower a , when the heat shall ' ' ' arise that is sent over thee. Thou shalt be weakened 51 as a poor woman b with stripes, and as one chastised with wounds H, so that the mighty and lovers shall not be able to receive thee. Would I with jealousy have 52 so proceeded against thee, saith the Lord, if thou hadst 53 not always slain My chosen, exalting the stroke of thine hands, and saying II over their dead, when thou wast drunken, Set forth II the beauty of thy counte- 54 nance? The reward of thy whoredom shall be in thy 55 bosom, therefore shalt thou receive recompense. Like 56 as thou hast done d unto My chosen, saith the Lord, even so shall God do unto thee, and shall deliver thee into mischief II. Thy children shall die of hunger, and 57 thou shalt fall through the sword : thy cities shall be broken down, and all thine shall perish with the sword in the field. They that be in the mountains shall die 58 of hunger, and eat their own flesh, and drink their own blood, for very hunger of bread, and thirst of water. Thou as unhappy shalt come through the seall, and 59 receive plagues again. And in the passage they shall 60 rush on the idle II city, and shall destroy some portion of thy land, and consume part of thy glory, and shall return to Babylon that was destroyed. And thou shalt 61 be cast down by them as stubble, and they shall be unto thee as fire e ; and shall consume thee, and thy 62 cities, thy land, and thy mountains; all thy woods and thy fruitful trees shall they burn up with fire. Thy 63 children shall they carry away captive, and, look, what thou hast, they shall spoil it H, and mar the beauty of thy face. to Asia), d JER. 50. 15, 29. II Or, the plague, or, calamity. II Or, Thou, the. first and chief of all unhappy ones, skalt come, &e. II Perhaps empty, or desolate. See EZEK. 26. 19, 20. The Latin text has, 'the slain city.' e Is. 47. 14. MAL. 4. 1. II Or, take thy goods for a prey. a JER. 4. 8. JoELi.8,13. CHAPTEK XVI. The desolation of Babylon, and the nations. WOE be unto thee, Babylon, and Asia! woe be 1 unto thee, Egypt, and Syria ! Gird up your- 2 selves a with cloths of sack and hair, bewail your chil- and be sorry ; for your destruction is at hand. II. ESDKAS, XVI. 127 3 A sword b is sent upon you, and who may turn it back ? 4 A fire is sent among you, and who may quench it? 5 Plagues are sent unto you, and what is he that may 6 drive them away ? May any man drive away an hungry lion d in the wood ? or may any one quench the fire in 7 stubble e , when it hath begun to burn ? May one turn 8 again the arrow that is shot of a strong archer? The mighty Lord sendeth the plagues, and who is he that 9 can drive them away? A fire shall go forth from His 10 wrath, and who is he that may quench it? He shall cast lightnings, and who shall not fear? He shall 11 thunder, and who shall not be afraid ? The Lord shall threaten, and who shall not be utterly beaten to powder II at His presence? 12 The earth quaketh, and the foundations thereof; the sea ariseth up with waves from the deep, and the waves of it are troubled, and the fishes 1 thereof also, before the Lord, and before the glory of His power : 13 for strong is His right hand that, bendeth the bow, His arrows that He shooteth are sharp, and shall not miss g , when they begin to be shot into the ends of the 14 world. Behold, the plagues are sent, and shall not 15 return again, until they come upon the earth. The fire is kindled, and shall not be put out, till it consume the h 16 foundation of the earth. Like as an arrow which is shot of a mighty archer returneth not backward : even so the plagues that shall be sent upon earth shall not return again. 17 Woe is me ! woe is me ! who will deliver ma in 18 those days ? The beginning of sorrows and great mournings ; the beginning of famine and great death H ; the beginning of wars, and the powers i shall stand in fear ; the beginning of evils I! ! what shall I do when 19 these evils shall come ? Behold, famine and plague, tribulation and anguish, are sent as scourges for amend- 20 ment. But for all these things they shall not turnJ from their wickedness, nor be alway mindful of the 21 scourges. Behold, victuals shall be so good cheap H upon earth, that they shall think themselves to be in good case ", and even then shall evils grow upon earth, sword, famine, and great confusion. 1>EZEK.14.17. c Is. 1. 31. JEK. 4. 4. d Is. 31. 4. 6 Is. 5. 24. II Or, broken, as in Ps. 37 17, and elsewhere. ' EZEK. 38. 20. * WISD. 5. 21. hDEUT.32.22. II Or, and many shall perish. i MATT. 24. 29. 11 The Latin text adds, and all shall tremble. i AMOS 4. 6 12. REV. 9. 20,21. II Or, there shall be a cheapness of provision. II Or, that peace is assured to them. See 1THE8S.5.3. 128 II. ESDKAS, XVI. k Ps. 83. 10. Is. 5. 25. JBR. 8. 2. i Is. 6. 11, 12. JER. 4. 26, 27. m Is. T. 23, 24. n Is. 24. 13. For many of them that dwell upon earth shall perish 22 of famine ; and the other, that escape the hunger, shall the sword destroy. And the dead shall be cast out as 23 dung k , and there shall be no man to comfort them : for the earth shall be wasted, and the cities l shall be cast down. There shall be no man m left to till the earth, 24 and to sow it. The trees shall give fruit, and who 25 shall gather them? The grapes shall ripen, and who 26 shall tread them? for all places shall be desolate of men: so that one man shall desire to see another, and to hear 27 his voice. For of a city there shall be ten left, and two 28 of the field, which shall hide themselves in the thick groves, and in the clefts of the rocks. As in an 29 orchard of olives upon every tree there are left three n or four olives ; or as when a vineyard is gathered, there 30 are left some clusters of them that diligently seek through the vineyard : even so in those days there 31 shall be three or four left by them that search their houses with the sword. And the earth shall be laid 2 waste, and the fields thereof shall wax old , and her ways and all her paths shall grow full ofll thorns, be- cause no man shall travel therethrough. The virgins S3 shall mourn, having no bridegrooms ; the women p shall mourn, having no husbands ; their daughters shall mourn, having no helpers. In the wars shall their 34 bridegrooms be destroyed, and their husbands shall perish of famine. Hear now these things, and under- 35 stand them, ye servants of the Lord. Behold the word 6 of the Lord, receive it : believe not the gods q of whom the Lord spake. Behold, the plagues draw nigh, and 37 are not slack. As when a woman r with child in the 38 ninth month bringeth forth her son, within two or three hours of her birth great pains compass her womb, which pains, when the child cometh forth, they slack not a moment II : even so shall not the plagues be slack 39 to come upon the earth, and the world shall mourn 8 , and sorrows shall come upon it on every side. O my people, hear my word : make you ready to the 40 battle, and in those evils be even as pilgrims * upon the earth. He that selleth", let him be as he that fleeth 41 away and he that buyeth, as one that will lose : he 42 Is. 51. 6. II. Or, be over- 'grown with, PROV. 24. 31. P JBR. 7. 34. BAR. 2. 23. i JER. 2. 28. r Is. 13. 8 ; 21.3. II Or, and when the child com- eth to the birth, they tarry not tliA twink- ling of an eve (Old 9 Is. 24. 4. JER. 4. 28. JOEL 1. 10. ' ch. 8. 39. u 1 COR. 7. 29, 30, 3L II. ESDRAS, XVI. 129 that occupieth merchandise, as he that hath no profit by it : and he that buildeth, as he that shall not dwell 43 therein : he that soweth, as if he should not reap : so also he that planteth'l the vineyard, as he that shall 44 not gather the grapes : they that marry, as they that shall get no children ; and they that marry not, as the 45 widowers. And therefore they that labour labour in 46 vain : for strangers v shall reap their fruits, and spoil their goods, overthrow their houses, and take their children captives, for inll captivity and famine shall 47 they get children w . And they that occupy their mer- chandise with robbery, the more they deck their cities, their houses, their possessions, and their own persons : 48 the more will I be angry II with them for their sin, saith 49 the Lord. Like as a whore envieth H a right honest 50 and virtuous woman : so shall righteousness hate " iniquity, when she decketh herself, and shall accuse her to her face, when he cometh that shall defend him that diligently searcheth outH every sin upon earth. 51 And therefore be ye not like thereunto, nor to the 52 works thereof. For yet a little, and iniquity shall be taken away x out of the earth, and righteousness shall 53 reign among you. Let not the sinner say that he hath y not sinned : for God shall burn coals of fire z upon his head, which saith before the Lord God and His glory, 54 I have not sinned. Behold, the Lord knoweth all the works of men, their imaginations, their thoughts, and 55 their hearts : which spake but the word a , Let the earth be made ; and it was made : Let the heaven be 56 made ; and it was created. In His word were the stars made, and He knoweth b the number of them. 57 He searcheth the deep, and the treasures thereof; He 58 hath measured the sea, and what it containeth. He hath shut the sea in the midst of the waters, and with His word hath He hanged the earth upon the waters. 59 He spreadeth out the heavens like a vault d ; upon the 60 waters hath He founded it. In the desert hath He made springs of water, and pools upon the tops of the mountains, that the floods might pour down from the 61 high rocks " to water the earth. He made man, and put his heart in the midst of the body, and gave him e i V DEUT.28.30, 39 Is! 1.7; 5. 17. ECCLES. 6. 2. II Or, to go into. "DEUT.28.41. II Or, provoked to jealousy. II Or, is envied by. II Or, be jealous of. II Perhaps it should be rendered thus: shall defend her and diligently search out, &c. 1 ZECH. 13. 2. y GHN. 4. 9. PROV. 30. 20. z Ps. 120. 4. JUDITH 16. 17. * ch. 6. 38 40. 6. 45,46. BAB. 3. 34. c ch. 6. 41, 42. JOB 38. fi- ll. d Is. 40. 22, LXX. II Or, .from on high. e ch. 6. 54. JOB 33. 4. 130 II. ESDKAS, XVI. breath, life, and understanding. Yea, and the Spirit of 62 Almighty God, which made all things, and searcheth out all hidden things in the secrets of the earth, surely He knoweth your inventions, and what ye 63 think in your hearts, even them that sin, and would hide f their sin. Therefore hath the Lord exactly 64 searched out g all your works, and He will put you all to shame. And when your sins h are brought forth, ye 65 shall be ashamed before men, and your own sins j shall be your accusers in that day. What will ye do? or 66 how will ye hide your sins before God and His angels ? Behold, God Himself is the judge : fear Him : leave 67 off from your sins, and forget your iniquities, to meddle no more with them for ever: so shall God lead you forth, and deliver you from all trouble. For, behold, 68 the burning wrath of a great multitude is kindled over you, and they shall take away certain of you, and feed you, being idle H, with things offered unto idols. And 69 they that consent unto them shall be had in derision and in reproach, and trodden under foot. For there 70 shall be in every place, and in the next cities, a great insurrection upon those that fear the Lord. They 71 shall be likeJ mad men, sparing none, but still spoiling and destroying those that fear the Lord. For they 72 shall waste and take away k their goods, and cast them out of their houses. Then shall they be known, who 73 are My chosen ; and they shall be tried as the gold l in the fire. Hear, O ye My beloved, saith the Lord : behold, the 74 days of trouble are at hand, but I will deliver you from the same. Be ye not afraid, neither doubt ; for 75 God is your guide, and the guide of them who keep 76 My commandments and precepts, saith the Lord God : let not your sins weigh you down, and let not your iniquities lift up themselves. Woe be unto them that 77 are bound with their sins, and covered with their iniquities, like as a field is covered over with bushes, and the path thereof covered with thorns, that no man may travel through ! It is left undressed, and is cast 78 into H the fire to be consumed therewith H. i PROV. 28. 13. * ECCLCS. 17. 15, 19, 20. n 1 COR. 4. 5. KoM.2.15,16. ECCLES. 12. 14. i PROV. 5. 22. Is. 3. 9. JER. 2. 19. Hos. 5. 5. II In the MSS. and Latin text, slain. The mean- ing may be, They shall slay you as food for idols. i ACTS 26. 11. * HER 10. 34. m PROV. 5. 22. II Or, is given over to, Ac. II Some MSS. add, Here endeth the Fifth Book of Esdras the prophet. TOBIT. INTRODUCTION. THE Book of Tobit, Tobiah, or Tobias, as it is variously de- scribed in the ancient versions, was placed next to the Books of Esdras in the old Greek and Latin editions of the Old Testament. It appears to have been held in high estima- tion by the Jews, though it was never classed amongst the Canon- ical Hebrew Scriptures. Origen states that it was received by them as a narrative of historical facts, and read either privately or in their synagogues. The book is extant in a variety of versions, shewing its wide accept- ance both by Jews and Christians. The story differs considerably in these versions in the details of the narrative ; and it is probable that the several versions are not based on any one original document, but rather on some oral tradition which the authors took as their common basis, but handled with some free- dom in their translations. In the early period of the Christian Church the book was known through the Greek version, and the old Latin, which was based upon it. In this form it was used by Origen and Ambrose, who commented upon it. Then a Chaldee edition was brought to light through the enquiries of S. Jerome. This copy was the basis of the Vulgate translation, which is the form in which the book has exercised the widest influence in the Christian Church, having been translated into most of the Euro- pean languages, and having in seve- ral instances maintained its position against the claims of the later ver- sions based upon the Greek. Most commentators on the book, from Bede onwards, take the Vulgate edition for their authority. The Chaldee copy of S. Jerome is lost ; but there is a Chaldee manuscript of the book in the Bodleian Library, which has been recently published by Mr. Neubauer, who conjectures that it is an abridgment or recen- sion of the copy used by S. Jerome. It may perhaps be inferred from a comparison of this version with the two Hebrew editions of the book and the Syriac version, which is nearest to the Greek, that the story of Tobit took two forms : the one being more concise, and the other more diffuse, interspersed with Scrip- ture quotations and allusions, and introducing Tobit as speaking in the first person. Mr. Neubauer's Chaldee edition represents the more concise form, and the two Hebrew editions are more diffuse : the Greek and Syriac are alternately concise and diffuse ; and the same may be said of the Vulgate, though it may be observed that where the Greek is diffuse, the Vulgate is often con- cise, and vice versd,. Mr. Neubauer holds, with other critics, that the original composition of the book was in Hebrew, although the He- brew texts which we possess are not the originals, but translations from the Chaldee. ' No books,' he says, 'are more subject to additions, al- ' terations, and various adaptations 12 132 INTRODUCTION. ' than popular histories ; the text 'is in the hands of a few, and ' the contents are related orally ' to the people ; hence the great ' variety of the texts, even of the ' early translations.' He mentions also a Persian translation of the Hebrew, of the date A.D. 1400, which, though of no great merit as a version, furnishes some evi- dence of the Hebrew text, and con- firms the Vulgate in two important The antiquity of the book is proved by the references to it in the Epistle of Polycarp, and the writings of Clement of Alexandria. It was, however, unknown to Jo- sephus, and this is urged for a late date of its composition, such as the time of Hadrian, and its connexion with some period of Jewish history when the burial of their dead was prohibited. Such a time may have Jed to a wider diffusion of the story in a written or oral form ; but the story itself may date from a much earlier period. The book was used by S. Cyprian in his books of Testimonies, and is quoted by a large number of early Christian writers. It formed a part of the services of the Breviary for the third week in September, and was formerly read in the daily les- sons of the English Church from September 27 to October 4. The in- fluence of the Vulgate edition of the book still survives in our Prayer- Book, the precepts concerning alms- giving being introduced into the Offertory sentences, and three or four remarkable features of our mar- riage service being derived from the same source. (See chap. vi. 15 ; vii. 13 ; viii. 4.) The Homilies on Almsgiving quote the saying in chap. iv. 10, and xii. 9, ' Alms doth ' deliver from death, and shall purge 'away all sin,' adding this com- ment : ' Merciful almsdealing is pro- ' fitable to purge the soul from the ' infection and filthy spots of sin. ' A great confidence may they have 'before the high God, that shew ' mercy and compassion to them ' that are afflicted. Deeds of mercy ' are as salves and remedies to heal ' the sores and grievous diseases of ' the soul.' Such exhortations were not in those days supposed to be incompatible with the doctrine of salvation only through the merits of Christ. The Book of Tobit must be re- garded rather as a moral and in- structive treatise, than as an ac- curate record of historical facts. It is apocryphal in style and cha- racter, and not merely as having no place in the Hebrew Canon. The character of the angel Raphael, at first declining to make himself known, and then assuming the name of one of Tobit's acquaintance (ch. v. lOr^-12), has been quoted in il- lustration of the ordinary style of an apocryphal author, adopting a feigned name, and seeking the moral benefit of his readers without satis- fying their curiosity about himself. The story may yet be founded on facts, handed down by tradition in some Jewish family in the East. Though the author speaks of the influence of good and evil angels, the events which he records are such as might be accounted for by natural causes. The guidance of Raphael in the journey of Tobias, might be suggested by the history of Abraham's servant in GEN. xxiv., proceeding to Mesopotamia, under the guidance of an angel. The fu- migation and exorcism are repre- sented as natural remedies for some physical evil, to the discovery of which Tobias was providentially directed. Sara's former partners had been suffocated by the evil spirit, who exercised some malig- nant influence over her: but she INTRODUCTION. 133 was healed by prayer, continence, and a natural remedy, whilst those who had ' given themselves to their ' last,' had met with the fate of Er and Onan. The Book of Tobit may also be quoted as an important Jewish tes- timony to the sanctity of marriage, and to monogamy as the original Divine institution. In this respect it affords a remarkable contrast to the corrupt and degenerate Juda- ism, which permitted 'divorce for 'any cause,' thus departing from the teaching of the prophet Ma- lachi. It recognises in a remark- able way the affinity by which the wife owns all her husband's rela- tions as her own kindred : as in chap. x. 12, ' Honour thy father 'and thy mother-in-law which are ' now thy parents ; ' whilst the Sy- riac supplies a similar sense of obli- gation on the part of the husband : ' My wife's parents shall be honour- ' ed by me like my own parents all ' the days of my life.' The book furnishes a near approach to the Christian notion of marriage, as ex- pressed by Tertullian, 'that union 'which the Church cements, the 'oblation strengthens, the benedic- ' tion seals, and angels declare : ' where they pray and fast together, 'teaching and exhorting one an- ' other.' In Mr. Neubauer's Chaldee edi- tion of the book, there is prefixed to chapter I. the following intro- duction : "It is written in the Midrash ' Eabbah of Eabbah, in the section ' beginning, ' And Jacob went out ' ' (GEN. xxviii. 10), in the seven- ' tieth section, on the passage, 'And ' ' of all that Thou shalt give me ' ' I will surely give the tenth unto ' ' Thee ' (GEN. xxviii. 22). ' Thou ' ' shalt truly tithe ' (DEUT. xiv. 22). ' Moses said to them, ' Ye shall re- ' ' ceive ten blessings if ye give the ' ' tenth.' And so Jacob said, 'And ' ' of all that Thou shalt give me I "will surely give the tenth unto ' ' Thee.' The ten blessings which ' Thou shalt give me according as 'my father hath blessed me, on 'what merit will it be? On the ' merit of ' I will surely give the ' ' tenth unto Thee.' " TOBIT. II In the Chaldee and other Versions, Tobiah, or Tobias. \\tQrJahzeel, as in GEN. 46. 24. NUM. 26.48. 1 CHR. 7. 13. II c In the Vul- gate, Shal- maneser, as in 2 KIN. 17.3. II <* In the Vulgate, Sephet, the town of Elijah the Tishbite. II ' Or, which ix called Kedesh. See JUDG. 4. 6, 9, 10. II /In the Vulgate, Naasson. a LBV. 25. 35. DEDT. 15. 7, 8. i Addition in the Vulgate. II In the Vulgate, to the golden calves which Jero- boam king of Israel had made. See Hos. 13. 1,2. b 2 CHR. 30. 11. 18. c DEUT. 12. 6 ; 15. 19. d DEUT. 14. 25, 26. CHAPTER I. Tobit a captive in Nineveh, under Shalmaneser and Sennacherib. THE book of the words of Tobit ", son of Tobiel, the 1 son of Ananiel, the son of Aduel, the son of Gabael, of the seed of Asael 1 ' 6 , of the tribe of Neph- thali ; who in the time of Enemessar II king of the 2 Assyrians was led captive out of Thisbe H d , which is at the right hand of that city, which is called properly II e Nephthali in Galilee above Aser"/. I Tobit have walked all the days of my life in the 3 way of truth and justice, and I did many almsdeeds a to my brethren, and my nation, who came with me to Nineve, into the land of the Assyrians. [And every day he gave all that he could get to his brethren, his fellow captives, that were of his kindred. And when he was younger than any of the tribe of Nephthali, yet did he no childish thing in his work 1 .] And when I was in mine own country, in the land 4 of Israel, being but young, all the tribe of Nephthali my father fell from the house of Jerusalem, which was chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, that all the tribes should sacrifice there, where the temple of the habita- tion of the Most High was consecrated and built for all ages. Now all the tribes which together revolted, and 5 the house of my father Nephthali, sacrificed unto the heifer Baal H o. But I alone went often to Jerusalem b 6 at the feasts, as it was ordained unto all the people of Israel by an everlasting decree, having the firstfruits and tenths of increase, with that which was first shorn ; and them gave I at the altar to the priests the children of Aaron. The first tenth part of all in- 7 crease I gave to the sons d of Aaron, who ministered at Jerusalem : another tenth part I sold away, and went, TOBIT, I. 135 8 and spent it every year at Jerusalem : and the third I gave unto them to whom it was meet ", as Debora my father's mother had commanded me, because I was left an orphan by my father. [These and such like things did he observe when but a boy, according to the law of God 2 .] 9 Furthermore, when I was come to the age of a man, I married Anna of mine own kindred 6 , and of her I begat Tobias. [He begat a son, whom he called after his own name ; and from his infancy he taught him to fear God, and to abstain from all sin 3 .] 10 And when we were carried away captives to Nineve, all my brethren and those that were of my kindred did 11 eat 'of the bread f of the Gentiles. But I kept myself 12 from eating ; because I remembered God with all my heart. 13 And the Most High gave me grace and favour before Enemessar, so that I was his purveyor g . [And Shalmaneser gave him leave to go whitherso- ever he would, with liberty to do whatever he had a mind. So he went to all that were in captivity, and gave them wholesome admonitions 4 .] 14 And I went into Media, and left in trust with Ga- bael, the brother of Gabrias, at Kages'l a city of Media ten talents of silver ; [a sum with which he had been honoured by the king ; for Gabael was in want h , being one of his tribe ; and taking a note of his hand, he gave him the aforesaid sum of money 5 .] 15 Now when Enemessar was dead, Sennacherib his son reigned in his stead; whose estate was troubled 11 , [and he had a hatred for the children of Israel, 6 ] that I 16 could not go into Media. And in the time of Ene- messar I gave many alms to my brethren 1 , and gave 17 my bread to the hungry, and my clothes to the naked : and if I saw any of my nation dead, or cast about the walls of Nineve, I buried J him. [And when the king Sennacherib was come back, fleeing from Judea, by reason of the slaughter k that God had made about him for his blasphemy, and being angry slew many of the 18 children of Israel, Tobias buried them 7 .] And if the U In the Vul- gate, to pro- selytes and strangers. * Addition in the Vulgate. 6 NUM. 36. 6, 7. en. 3. 15. s Addition in the Vulgate, f Hos. 9. 3. DAN. L 8. 2MACC.6. 7, 18. 81 KIN. 4. 22, 23, 27, 28. * Addition in the Vulgate. II Called Rayau in JUDITH 1. 5, 15. & DBUT. 15. 7, 8. Ps. 112. 5. 5 Addition in the Vulgate. II Or, whose ways were changed ; that is, 'for ' the worse.' s Addition in the Vulgate. 1 JOB 31. 17, 19, 20. EZKK. 18. 5, 7,9. J ECCLUS. 38. 16, 17. 2 BSD. 2. 23. Ps. 79. 3. k 2 KIN. 19. 35,36. Is. 37. 36, 37. ECCLUS. 48. 18 21. 1 MAOC. 7. 41. 2 MACC. 8. 19. i Addition in the Vulgate. 136 TOBIT, I. Addition in Vulgate. s Addition in the Hebrew. II Or, Eaar- haddon, as in 2 KIN. 19. 37. 2 CHR. 32. 21. II In the Hebrew, ' Aaron the son of Hananeel.' 10 Addition in Vulgate. 11 The Vul- gate adds, All his sub- stance was returned to him. king Sennacherib had slain any, when he was come, and fled from Judea, I buried them privily ; for in his wrath he killed many ; but the bodies were not found, when they were sought for of the king. And when 19 one of the Ninevites went and complained of me to the king, that I buried them, and hid myself; understand- ing that I was sought for to be put to death, I with- drew myself for fear. [So he fled away naked with his son and wife, and lay concealed, for many loved him 8 .] Then all my goods were forcibly taken away, neither 20 was there anything left me, beside my wife Anna and my son Tobias : [until the widows and orphans of Israel cried out for me in the bitterness of their soul with fasting and weeping, and his judgment reached unto heaven, and was lifted up even unto the skies, and the God of Israel delivered him into the hand of his two sons, and they slew him with the sword. For he asked his counsellors and his elders why the Holy and Blessed One had been jealous for Israel and Jerusalem, and the angel of the Lord destroyed the host of Pha- raoh and all the firstborn of Egypt, and the young men by whose hand the Lord always gave them salvation. And his wise men and his counsellors said to him, Abraham, the father of Israel, led forth his son to slay him, that he might thereby obtain the favour of the Lord his God ; therefore hath He been jealous for His children, and hath executed vengeance upon thy ser- vants. Then the king said, I will slay my two sons for the Lord's sake, that I may obtain by them the favour of God, and that He may help me. And the saying came to Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons, and they laid in wait for him at the hour when he went to pray before his idol Dagon 9 .] And there passed not five and fifty days, before two 21 of his sons killed him, and they fled into the moun- tains of Ararath; and Sarchedonus 11 his son reigned in his stead; who appointed over his father's accounts, and over all his affairs, Achiacharus my brother Anael's son"; [though the king Sennacherib in his wrath had commanded him also to be arrested 10 .] And Achia- 22 charus intreating for me, I returned to Nineve 11 . Now TOBIT, II. 137 Achiacharus was cupbearer, and keeper of the signet, and steward, and overseer of the accounts : and Sar- chedonus appointed him next unto him : and he was my brother's son. CHAPTEK II. Tobit's blindness. 1 IVfOW when I was come home again, and my wife -L 1 Anna was restored unto me, with my son Tobias, in the feast of Pentecost, which is the holy feast of the seven weeks, there was a good dinner a prepared me, 2 in the which I sat down to eat. And when I saw abundance of meat, I said to my son, Go and bring what poor man b soever thou shalt find out of our brethren, who is mindful of the Lord ; and, lo, I tarry 3 for thee. But he came again, and said, Father, one of our nation is strangled, and is cast out in the market- 4 place. Then before I had tasted of any meat, I started up, and took him up into a room until the going down 5 of the sun. Then I returned, and washed myself, and 6 ate my meat in heaviness, remembering that prophecy of Amos d , as he said, Your feasts shall be turned into 7 mourning, and all your mirth into lamentation. There- fore I wept : and after the going down of the sun I went 8 and made a grave, and buried him. But my neigh- bours mocked me, and said, This man is not yet afraid to be put to death for this matter : who fled away ; and yet, lo, he burieth the dead again. [Thus Tobias, fear ing God more than the king e , carried off the bodies of them that were slain, and hid them in his house, and at midnight buried them. Now it happened one day, that being wearied with burying, he came to his house 1 .] o The same night also I returned from the burial, and slept by the wall of my courtyard, being polluted f : [and I could not purify myself in an unclean land, as in 10 the land of Israel 2 ;1 and my face was uncovered ; and I knew not that there were sparrows in the wall, and mine eyes being open, the sparrows muted warm dung into mine eyes 1 ', and a whiteness came in mine eyes; a.nd I went to the physicians, but they helped me not. [Now this trial the Lord therefore permitted to hap- a NEH. 8. 10, l b DEUT. 16. J O ' B 3 j. 17 c i KIN. 17.19. ACTS bS?!* a AMOS 8. 3, ?'MA CC- i. JOB si. 34. Vulgate. 'NUM. 19. 2 Addition in tnc Hebrew. n i n the Vui- a swallow's into them. 138 TOBIT, III. s JOB 2. 11 ; 19. 15 ; JUDITHS. 20. I MACC. 13. 39. II Or, to deal with me ; as in the Hebrew, Thou hast dealt with me accord- ing to my iniquities, in depriv- ing me of sight. c NUM. 11. 14, 15. 1 KIN. 19. 4. JOB 3. 20, 21. JON AH 4. 2, 3. II Or, dismissed. See LUKE 2.29. d ECCLBS. 12. 5. II In the Hebrew, {father me to my fa- thers, to the house ap- pointed/or all living. See JOB 10. 21 ; 30. 23. II In the Vul- gate, Rages, in the pro- vince of Ecbatane. See ch. 1. 14. II In the Hebrew, her father's kindred. II In the He- brew.Satan, ichom they call Ashmo- dai, the destroyer. e Compare the fate of Er in GEN. 38, as de- scribed in the Testa- ment of Judah. 1 Addition in the Hebrew. 2 Addition in the Vulgate. f GBN. 42. 38 ; 44.31. f JUDITH 8, 5. 140 TOBIT, III. s Additions in the Vulgate. II Or, orifice, or hole in the watt towards Jerusalem, common to all the Jewish ora- tories. See JER. 22. 14. DAN. 6. 10. * Additions jn the Vulgate. s Addition in the Vulgate. hWiSD.11.24. Addition in the Vulgate. 1 Addition in the Hebrew. drink, but continuing in prayer with tears besought God, that He would deliver her from this reproach 3 .] Then [on the third day 3 ] she prayed toward the win- 11 dow 11 , and said, Blessed art Thou, O Lord my God, [the God of our fathers 4 ,] and Thine holy and glorious Name is blessed and honourable for ever : let all Thy works praise Thee for ever; [Who when Thou hast been angry, wilt shew mercy, and in the time of tribulation forgivest the sins of them that call upon Thee. 4 ] And now, O Lord, I set mine eyes and my 12 face toward Thee, and say, [Loose me from the bond 13 of this shame, or else 4 ] take me out of the earth, that I may hear no more the reproach. Thou knowest, Lord, 14 that I am pure from all sin with man, and that I never 15 polluted my name, nor the name of my father, in the land of my captivity. [I never coveted a husband, and have kept my soul clean from all lust. Never have I joined myself with them that play ; neither have I made myself partaker with them that walk in light- ness. But a husband I consented to take, with Thy fear, not with my lust. And either I was unworthy of them, or they perhaps were not worthy of me : because perhaps Thou hast kept me for another man 5 .] I am the only daughter of my father, neither hath he any child to be his heir, neither any near kinsman, nor any son of his alive, to whom I may keep myself for a wife : my seven husbands are already dead ; and why should I live? But if it please not Thee that I should die, command some regard to be had of me, and pity taken of me, that I hear no more reproach. [For Thy counsel is not in man's power. But this every one is sure of that worshippeth Thee, that his life, if it be under trial, shall be crowned; and if it be under tribulation, it shall be delivered ; and if it be under correction, it shall be allowed to come to Thy mercy. For Thou art not deh'ghted in our being lost h ; because after a storm Thou makest a calm, and after tears and weeping Thou pourest in Thy joyfulness. Be Thy Name, God of Israel, blessed for ever 6 .] [Are not the secrets of all hearts manifest before Thee ? Therefore Thou knowest my innocence 7 . TOBIT, IV. 141 8 Addition in the Hebrew. II The Vul- gate adds, at one time. II In the Hebrew, the angel who is the prince of healing. II In the Hebrew, to rebuke Sa- tan and to command him to de- part, as in ZECH.3. 2. * ch. 1. 14. II In the Vulgate, he prayed for death, and he thought that his So the one prayed on account of his blindness, and the other on account of the reproach of her parents 8 .] 16 So the prayers of them both were heard " before the majesty of the great God. 17 And Raphael 11 was sent to heal them both, that is, to scale away the whiteness of Tobit's eyes, and to give Sara the daughter of Raguel for a wife to Tobias the son of Tobit; and to bind 1 ' Asmodeus the evil spirit; because she belonged to Tobias by right of inheritance. The self-same time came Tobit home, and entered into his house, and Sara the daughter of Raguel came down from her upper chamber. CHAPTER IV. Tdbifs charge to his son Tobias. 1 TN that day Tobit remembered the money a which he 2 _L had committed to Gabael in Rages of Media, and said with himself, I have wished for death 11 ; wherefore do I not call for my son Tobias, that I may signify to 3 him of the money before I die ? And when he had called him, he said, My son b , when I am dead, bury me 11 ; and despise not thy mother, but honour her all the days of thy life, and do that which shall please her, 4 and grieve her not. Remember, my son, that she saw many dangers for thee, when thou wast in her womb ; and when she is dead, bury her by me inone grave 011 . 5 My son, be mindful d of the Lord our God all thy days, and let not thy will be set to sin, or to transgress His C O GEN. 2sJ9 ; commandments : do uprightly all thy life long, and fol- 6 low not the ways of unrighteousness. For if thou deal truly, thy doings shall prosperously succeed to thee, 7 and to all them that live justly e . Give alms of thy sub- stance 1 ; and when thou givest alms, let not thine eye be envious, neither turn thy face from any poor'', and the face of God shall not be turned g away from thee. [According to thy ability be merciful 1 . Cease not to give alms of that which is found in thine 8 hands 3 .] If thou hast abundance 11 , give alms accord- ingly : if thou have but a little, be not afraid to give d. b Ex. 20. 12, PROV. 1. 8, 9. ECCLUS. 3. 3 8; 7.27,28. II In the Vul- gate, When God shall take my soul, thou shall bury my body. See GEN. 47. 30; 49. 29, 30. not thine eyes from the poor of Israel. in the Vulgate, s Addition In the Hebr B Ps. 37. 25, 26. ECCLCS. 4. 4, 5. 35. 29 ; 49. 31 ; 50. 7, 8. Thou shall bury her by me honourably. A ECCLES. 12. L e Ps. 112. 4 6. fDBUT. 15.7,8. ECCLUS. 4. 1, 4,5. & 14. 813. II In the He- brew, turn Addition on in the Hebrew, b ECCLUS. 35. 10. 1 COR. 16. 2. 2 COR. 8. 12. 142 TOBIT, IV. > PROV. 11. 4. ch. 14. 11. & 12. 9. II In the Hebrew, from the judgment of hell. See MATT. 25. 4145. s Addition in Hebrew. See Ps. 17. 15. * Addition in the Vulgate, j MAL. 2. 14, 15. EccLUS.7.26. h GEN. 27. 46. II In the Vul- gate, from it all per- dition took its begin- ning. See PROV. 16. 18. II Or, sloth. Gr. unpro- fitableness. See PROV. 13.4. II Or, without delay. See LEV. 19. 13. II Or, take heed unto thyself. See DEDT. 12. 13, 19. II Or, chasten- ed, or, strict. I MATT. 7. 12. m EZEK. 18. 5, 7,9. ch. 1. 16, 17. n JER. 16. 7. ECCLUS. 12. 4,7. P PROV. 3. 5. ECCLUS. 6. 34; 8.8,9; 9. 14, 15. II Or, there is no counsel in the power of man, as in the Hebrew. according to that little : for thou layest up a good 9 treasure for thyself against the day of necessity. Be- 10 cause that alms do deliver 1 from death H, and suffereth not to come into darkness. For alms is a good gift 11 unto all that give it in the sight of the Most High. [And every one who occupieth himself in alms shall behold the face of God, as it is written, I will behold Thy face in righteousness 3 .] [Beside thy wife, never endure to know a crime 4 .] Beware of all whoredom J, my son, and chiefly take a 12 wife of the seed of thy fathers, and take not a strange woman to wife, which is not of thy father's tribe : for we are the children of the prophets, Noe, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob : remember, my son, that our fathers from the beginning, even that they all married wives of their own kindred k , and were blessed in their children, and their seed shall inherit the land. Now therefore, 13 my son, love thy brethren, and despise not in thy heart thy brethren, the sons and daughters of thy people, in not taking a wife of them: for in pride is destruction and much trouble", and in lewdness 11 is decay and great want : for lewdness is the mother of famine. Let not the wages of any man, which hath wrought 14 for thee, tarry with thee, but give him it out of hand H : for if thou serve God, He will also repay thee : be circumspect 1 ', my son, in all things thou doest, and be wise 11 in all thy conversation. Do that to no man ! which thou hatest : drink not 15 wine to make thee drunken : neither let drunkenness go with thee in thy journey. Give m of thy bread to 16 the hungry, and of thy garments to them that are naked ; and according to thine abundance give alms ; and let not thine eye be envious, when thou givest alms. Pour out thy bread on the burial n of the 17 just, but give nothing to the wicked. Ask counsel p of 18 all that are wise, and despise not any counsel that is profitable. Bless the Lord thy God alway, and desire 19 of Him that thy ways may be directed, and that all thy paths and counsels may prosper : for every nation hath not counsel H ; but the Lord Himself giveth all good TOBIT, V. 143 things, and He humbleth whom He will, as He will ; now therefore, my son, remember my commandments, neither let them be put out of thy mind. [Bind them about thy neck, write them upon the table of thine heart.- So shalt thou find favour, and good under- standing in the sight of God and man 8 . And be strong and of good courage, for the Lord will be with thee a help and profit, if thou seek Him with all thy heart and all thy soul 6 .] 20 And now I signify this to thee, that I committed ten talents to Gabael the son of Gabrias at Eages in Media, [and I have a note of his hand with me 7 .] 21 And fear not, my son, that we are made poor : for thou hast much wealth q , if thou fear God, and depart from all sin, and do that which is pleasing in His sight. 1 rn 2 _L 8 Addition in Hebrew,* from PROV. 3. 3, 4. 6 Addition in Hebrew. 7 Addition in the Vul- gate. See ch. 1. 17. 1 Ps. 3T. 16. PROV. 15. 16. CHAPTEE V. The departure of Tobias. then answered and said, Father, I will do all things which thou hast commanded me: but how can I receive the money, seeing I know him not ? [What token shall I give him? Nor did I ever know the way which leadeth thither 1 . And he said, I have a note of his hand with me, which when thou shalt shew him, he will presently pay it 3 . And the Lord God of Israel shall keep thee in all thy ways, and give 3 thee favour and mercy before the man 3 .] Then he gave him the handwriting, and said unto him, Seek thee a man which may go with thee, whiles I yet live, and I will give him wages: and go and receive the money. 4 Therefore when he went to seek a man, he found Raphael a that was an angel, [a beautiful young man standing girded, and as it were ready to walk. And not knowing that he was an angel of God, he saluted him, and said, From whence art thou, good young man? But he answered, Of the children of Israel 4 . And the angel said, Young man, whence art thou? And Tobias said, I am of the children of Israel 5 .] 1 Addition in Hebrew and Vulgate. 2 Addition in the Vulgate. 3 Addition in the Hebrew. See GEN. 28. 21 ; 43. 14. ch. 3. 16, IT. < Addition in Vulgate. * Addition in the Hebrew. 144 TOBIT, V. e. J Additions in Vulgate. s Addition in the Hebrew. b JUDO. 6. 12, 13. a Addition in Vulgate and He- brew. c GEN. 32. 29. JUDG. 13. 18. II In the He- brew, Dost thou still enquire, when thou hast a hired man to go with thy son according to thy wish 1 II In the Hebrew, Salmon, or, Selotnith. A ch. 1. 6, 7. But he knew not [that he was an angel 6 ] ; and he said 5 unto him, Canst thou go with me to Eages? and knowest thou those places well? To whom the angel 6 said, 1 will go with thee, and I know the way well : for I have lodged with our brother Gabael, [who dwell- eth at Eages, a city of the Medes, which is situate in the mount of Ecbatana 7 . It is two days' journey from Ecbatana to Eages ; and Eages is in the mountainous country, and Ecbatana in the plain 8 .] Then Tobias 7 said unto him, Tarry for me, till I tell my father. Then he said unto him, Go, and tarry not. So he went 8 in and said to his father, Behold, I have found one which will go with me. Then he said, Call him unto me, that I may know of what tribe he is, and whether he be a trusty man to go with thee. So he called him, 9 and he came in, and they saluted one another. [And the angel said, Joy be to thee, man of God. And Tobit said b , What manner of joy shall be to me, who sit in darkness, and see not the light of heaven ? And the angel said unto him, He that made thee blind, and deprived thee of the light of thine eyes, will heal thee, because thou art just. And Tobit answered and said, Let the Lord say so. Then Tobit said unto him, My brother, my son Tobias seeketh to go to Media: canst thou go with him, and I will give thee thy wages? And the angel said, Yea, I can, for I know all the ways, and have traversed all the boundaries, and know the mountains 9 .] Then Tobit said unto him, Brother, shew me of what 10 tribe and family thou art. To whom he said, Dost 11 thou seek c for a tribe or family, or an hired man to go with thy son H ? Then Tobit said unto him, I would know, brother, thy kindred and name. Then he said, 12 I am Azarias, the son of Ananias the great, and of thy brethren. Then Tobit said, Thou art welcome, bro- 13 ther ; be not now angry with me, because I have en- quired to know thy tribe and thy family ; for thou art my brother, of an honest and good stock : for I know Ananias and Jonathas, sons of that great Samaias ", as we went together to Jerusalem to worship, and oifered the firstborn, and the tenths of the fruits d ; and they TOBIT, VI. 145 e cb, 1. 4, 5. 10 Addition In the Hebrew. 11 In the He- brew, half a shekel of just weight. See GEN. 24. 22. Ex. 38. 26 (LXX.). 11 Addition in the He- brew and Vulgate. were not seduced with the error of our brethren e , [or the idols of this land 10 :] my brother, thou art of a good 14 stock. But tell me, what wages shall I give thee ? wilt thou a drachm II a day, and things necessary, as 15 to mine own son? Yea, moreover, if ye return safe, I will add something to thy wages. [And the angel said to him, I will lead thy son safe, and bring him to thee again safe 11 .] 16 So they were well pleased. Then said he to Tobias, Prepare thyself for the journey, and God send you a good journey. And when his son had prepared all things for the journey, his father said, Go thou with this man, and God, which dwelleth in heaven, prosper your journey, and the angel of God keep you com- pany". So they went forth both, and the young man's dog f with them. 17 But Anna his mother wept, and said to Tobit, Why hast thou sent away our son 1 ' ? Is he not the staff of our hand, in going in and out before us, [the son of our old age, to whom we entrusted our business, and the 18 provision for our household 13 ] ? Be not greedy to add money to money : but let it be as refuse in respect of our child. [I wish the money for which thou hast sent him had never been 13 ; for our God would have fed us without this money 14 ; our poverty was sufficient for us, that we might account it as riches that we saw our 19 son 15 .] For that which the Lord hath given us to live 20 with doth suffice us. Then said Tobit to her, Take no care, my sister ; he shall return in safety, and thine 21 eyes shall see him. For the good angel will keep him company, and his journey shall be prosperous, and he 22 shall return safe. Then she made an end of weeping. CHAPTER VL The angel's instructions to Tobias by the way. D as they went on their journey, they came in the evening to the river Tigris, and they lodged 2 there [in the city of Ledikia l .] And when the young 'i n the He- brew*. II In the Hebrew, May God Almighty send His angelbefore you, as in GKN. 24. 7. f ch. 1L 4, 5, 9. 11 In the He- brew and Vulgate, Thou hast taken the staff of our old age, and sent him away from us. 12 Addition in Hebrew* and Vul- gate. is Addition in Vulgate. u Addition in Hebrew. is Addition [in Vulgate. man went down to wash himself", a [monstrous 3 ] fish leaped out of the river, and would have devoured K II Or, to icash hisfeet. 146 TOBIT, VI. II In Hebrew and Chal- dee, and devoured the young man's bread. 3 4, 5, 6 Addi- tions in the Vulgate. i Addition in Hebrew and Vulgate. Addition in Vulgate. 9 Addition in Hebrew. II Or, plague, with bodily distemper. See JOB 2. 7. LUKE 13. 16. II Or,for anointing eyes in which there is a white speck. * NUM. 27. 8 ; 36.8. ch. 3. 17. M Addition in Vulgate. f HEB. 10. 28. him 11 . Then [Tobias being afraid of him, cried out with a loud voice, saying, Sir, he cometh upon me. And 3 ] the angel said unto him, [Be not afraid, Tobias ; be a brave man, and 4 ] take the fish [by the gill, and draw him unto thee 5 .] And the young man laid hold of the fish, and drew it to land, [and he began to pant before his feet 6 .] To whom the angel said, Open the fish, and take the heart and the liver and the gall, and put them up safely, [for these are necessary for useful medicines 7 .] So the young man did as the angel com- manded him ; and when they had roasted the fish, they did eat it : [and after eating a portion of the fish, the rest they salted, as much as might serve them until they came to Eages, a city of the Medes 8 .] Then they both went on their way, till they drew near to Ecba- tane. Then the young man said to the angel, Brother Azarias, to what use is the heart and the liver and the gall of the fish ? [What medicines wilt thou make out of them 9 ?] And he said unto him, Touching the heart and the liver, if a devil or an evil spirit trouble H any, we must make a smoke thereof before the man or the woman, and the party shall be no more vexed. As for the gall, it is good to anoint a man that hath white- ness in his eyes ", and he shall be healed. And when they were come near to Eages, the angel said to the young man, Brother, to-day we shall lodge with Eaguel, who is thy cousin ; he also hath one only daughter, named Sara; I will speak for her, that she may be given thee for a wife. For to thee doth the right of her appertain a , seeing thou only art of her kindred. [Therefore all his substance is due to thee, and thou must take her to wife 10 .] And the maid is fair and wise : now therefore hear me, and I will speak to her father ; and when we return from Eages we will cele- brate the marriage: for I know that Eaguel cannot marry her to another according to the law of Moses, but he shall be guilty b of death, because the right of inheritance doth rather appertain to thee than to any other. Then the young man answered the angel, I have heard, brother Azarias, that this maid hath been given to seven men, who all died in the marriage 7 11 TOBIT, VI. 147 chamber ; [moreover, I have heard that a devil killed 14 them 11 .] And now I am the only son of my father, and I am afraid, lest, if I go in unto her, I die, as the other before: for a wicked spirit loveth her'l, which hurteth nobody, but those which come unto her ; where- fore I also fear lest I die, and bring my father's and my mother's life because of me to the grave with sor- row : for they have no other son to bury them. 15 Then the angel said unto him, Dost thou not remem- ber the precepts which thy father gave thee, that thou shouldest marry a wife of thine own kindred ? where- fore hear me, O my brother; for she shall be given thee to wife ; and make thou no reckoning of the evil spirit; for this same night shall she be given thee in marriage. [Hear me, and I will shew thee who they are over whom the devil can prevail. For they, who in such manner receive matrimony as to shut out God from themselves and from their mind, and to give themselves to their lust, as the horse and mule which have not understanding, over them the devil hath power. But thou, when thou shalt take her, go into the chamber, and for three days keep thyself continent from her, and give thyself to nothing else but to 16 prayers with her. And on that night u ,] when thou shalt come into the marriage chamber, thou shalt take the ashes of perfume, and shalt lay upon them some of the heart and liver of the fish, and shalt make a smoke 17 with it: and the devil shall smell it, and flee away, and never come again any more : but when thou shalt come to her, rise up both of you, and pray to God which is merciful, Who will have pity on you, and save you. [But the second night thou 'shalt be admitted into the society of the holy patriarchs d . On the third night thou shalt obtain blessing that sound children may be born of you. And when the third night is passed, thou shalt take the virgin with the fear of the Lord, moved rather for love of children than for lust, that in the seed of Abraham thou mayest obtain a blessing in children 13 .] Fear not, for she is appointed unto thee from the beginning. [She was chosen for thee before the creation of the world, and by thy hand the Lord K 2 11 Addition in Vulgate. It In the He- brew, has power over Mr. See ch. 3. 8. ECCLUS. 13. 17. Erasmus, c ch. 3. 10. 12 Addition in the Vulgate. d 1 PET. 3. 5, 6,7. is Addition in the Vulgate. 148 TOBIT, VII. Addition shall deliver her from the demon 14 .] And thou shalt preserve her, and she shall go with thee. Moreover I suppose that she shall bear thee children. Now when Tobias had heard these things, he loved her, and his heart was effectually joined to her. i Additions in Syriac and He- brew *. II In the Vul- gate, Anna. II In the He- brew, my brother. 2 Addition in Vulgate. s Addition in Hebrew. II In the Greek, had lost his eyes. < Addition in Old Latin. II In the He- brew, Let thine heart be merry. CHAPTER VII. The marriage of Tobias and Sara. AND when they were come to Ecbatane, they came 1 -JL to the house of Eaguel, and Sara met them : [and she rejoiced and said, All hail ; thou art the man himself. And the angel said, This is the maiden 1 .] And after they had saluted one another, she brought them into the house. Then said Raguel to Edna 1 ' his 2 wife, How like is this young man to Tobit my cousin 11 ! And Eaguel asked them, From whence are ye, bre- 3 thren ? To whom they said, We are of the sons of Neph- thalim, which are captives in Nineve. Then he said 4 to them, Do ye know Tobit our kinsman? And they said, We know him. Then said he, Is he in good health? And they said, He is both alive, and in good 5 health. [And when he was speaking many good things of him, the angel said to Baguel, Tobias, con- cerning whom thou enquirest, is this young man's father 2 .] And Tobias said, He is my father. Then 6 Eaguel leaped up, and kissed him, and wept, and bless- 7 ed him, and said unto him, [Blessed be thou of the Lord, my son 3 ;] Thou art the son of an honest and good man. But when he had heard that Tobit was blind 11 , he was sorrowful, and wept. And likewise 8 Edna his wife and Sara his daughter wept. Moreover they entertained them cheerfully ; and after that they had killed a ram of the flock, they [commanded a feast to be prepared, and] set store of meat on the table. [And when they had washed, they sate down to eat 4 .] Then said Tobias to Raphael, Brother Azarias, speak of those things of which thou didst talk in the way, and let this business be dispatched. So he communi- 9 cated the matter with Raguel: and Raguel said to Tobias, Eat and drink, and make merry H; for [it is 10 TOBIT, VII. 149 better that I should give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man 6 ;] it is meet that thou should- est marry my daughter: nevertheless I will declare 11 unto thee the truth. I have given my daughter in marriage to seven men, who died that night they came in unto her : nevertheless for the present be merry. But Tobias said, I will eat nothing a here, till we agree and swear one to another. [But Raguel began to fear lest it might happen to him also in like manner. So he was in suspense, and gave no answer to his petition. But the angel said to him, Be not afraid to give her to this man, for to him who feareth God is thy daughter due to be his wife : therefore another could not have 12 her 6 .] Eaguel said, Then take her from henceforth according to the manner, for thou art her cousin, and she is thine, and the merciful God give you good suc- cess in all things b . [And I doubt not but God hath heard my prayers and tears in His sight. And I be- lieve He hath therefore made you come to me, that this maid might be married to one of her own kindred, according to the law of Moses 7 . The Lord God of heaven make you to dwell this night in peace, and bestow His mercy upon you 8 .] 13 Then he called his daughter Sara, and she came to her father : [and taking the right hand of his daughter, he gave it into the right hand of Tobias, saying, The God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, be with you : and may He join c you together, and fulfil His blessing in you 9 .] And he took her by the hand, and gave her to be wife to Tobias, saying, Behold, take her after the law of Moses, and lead her 14 away d to thy father. And he blessed them ; and called Edna his wife, and took paper, and did write an instru- ment of covenants", and sealed it [before witnesses 10 ]. 15 Then they began to eat. 16 After Eaguel called his wife Edna, and said unto her, Sister, prepare another 11 chamber, and bring her 17 in thither. Which when she had done as he had bidden her, she brought her thither : and [Edna embraced her daughter Sara, and 11 ] she wept [with her 12 ], and she received the tears of her daughter, and said unto her, 6 Addition in Hebrew. Compare GEN. 29. 19. a GEN. 24. 33. e Addition in Vulgate. b GEN. 24. 21, 40, 48. 7 Addition in Vulgate. 8 Addition in Hebrew and Syriac. c MATT. 19. 6. 'Addition in Vulgate. d GEN. 24. 5759. II In the He- brew, the document containing the amount of her dowry, 10 Addition in the Vulgate. 11 Hebrew, an inner chamber. 11, is Addi- tions in the Hebrew. 150 TOBIT, VIII. is Addition in the Hebrew. II In the He- brew, when they had, finished preparing the cham- ber and the bed. GEX. 29. 22, 23. 1,2 Additions in the Hebrew. b MATT. 14. 43. MARK 5. 10. c REV. 20. 1, 2. s Addition in the Hebrew. a ch. 2. 10. &4.12. < Addition in Vulgate. 6 PROV. 12. 4 ; 31. 11. ECCLUS 36. 24. f GJSN. 2. 18 (LXX.). Be of good comfort, my daughter ; the Lord of heaven 18 and earth give thee joy for this thy sorrow : be of good comfort, my daughter. [And when she began to weep in the bitterness of her soul, the Lord God accepted her tears 13 .] CHAPTER VIII. The expulsion of the evil spirit. ND when they had supped", they brought a Tobias 1 in unto her. And as he went, he remembered 2 the words of Raphael, [and he asked for an incense-pan with the burning embers in it *,] and took the ashes of the perfumes, and put the heart and the liver of the fish thereupon, and made a smoke therewith. [Then he fumigated Sara, her clothes, himself, and the whole house 2 .] The which smell when the evil spirit had 3 smelled, he fled into the utmost parts b of Egypt, and the angel bound c him. [And when the angel was gone out of the room, they shut the door upon them 3 .] And 4 after that they were both shut in together, Tobias rose out of the bed, and said, Sister, arise, and let us pray that God would have pity on us [to-day and to-morrow and the next day; because for these three nights we are joined to God ; and when the third night is over, we will be in our own wedlock. For we are the chil- dren of saints d , and we must not be joined together like heathens that know not God. So they both arose, and prayed earnestly both together, that health might be given them 4 .] Then began Tobias to say, Blessed art Thou, O God 5 of oui' fathers, and blessed is Thy holy and glorious Name for ever; let the heavens bless Thee, and all Thy creatures. Thou madest Adam, and gavest him 6 Eve his wife for an helper and stay 6 : of them came mankind: Thou hast said, It is not good that man should be alone ; let Us make unto him an aid like unto himself f . And now, O Lord, I take not this my 7 sister for lust, but uprightly, [according to the law of Moses and Israel ; to confirm Thy Word, which is true, and for the love of posterity, in which Thy Name may TOBIT, VIII. 151 be blessed for ever and ever. And Thou, Lord, have mercy upon us, and join us together in peace, and give us sons who may be a blessing, occupying themselves in Thy law. And 5 ] therefore mercifully ordain that we may become aged together. [Sara also said, Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, and let us grow old both together in 8 health 6 .] And she said with him, Amen. 9 So they slept both that night. And Kaguel arose [about the cock-crowing 7 ] and [his servants 8 ] went 10 [with him 9 ] and made a grave, saying, I fear lest [it may have happened to him in like manner as it hap- pened to the other seven, and 10 ] he also be dead. [Therefore he said to his servants, Go, dig a grave be- fore it is light : for he said, If it should happen that he should die, I will bury him this night, that no man may know it, and that it be not a reproach unto us u .] 11 But [when they had prepared the pit, Kaguel went 12 back to his wife. And 13 ] when Raguel was come into his house, he said unto his wife Edna, Send one of the maids, and let her see whether he be alive: if he be 13 not, that we may bury him, and no man know it. So the maid opened the door, and went in, and found them 14 both asleep 8 [in peace 13 ], and came forth, and told them that he was alive. 15 Then Eaguel praised God, and said, O God, Thou art worthy to be praised with all pure and holy praise ; therefore let Thy saints praise Thee with all Thy crea- tures ; and let all Thine angels and Thine elect praise 16 Thee for ever. Thou art to be praised, for Thou hast made me joyful ; [Thou hast shewn Thy mercy to us, and hast shut out from us the enemy which persecuted us 14 ;] and that is not come to me which I suspected ; but Thou hast dealt with us according to Thy great mercy : [verily, Thou art He that woundeth h and heal- 17 eth, that killeth and maketh alive 15 .] Thou art to be praised, because Thou hast had mercy of two that were the only-begotten children of their fathers : grant them mercy, O Lord, and finish their life in health with joy and mercy. [Make them, O Lord, bless Thee more fully ; and to offer up to Thee a sacrifice of Thy praise, s Additions in Hebrew and Vul- gate. Addition in Vulgate. 7, s, 9, 10 Addi- tions in Vulgate. 11 Addition in Syriac. 12 Addition In Vulgate. * Ps. 127. 1,2. PBOV. 3. 23, 24. w Addition in the Hebrew. u Addition in Vulgate. b 1 SAM. 2. 6. ch. 13. 2. " Addition in the Hebrew. 152 TOBIT, IX. i 2 KIN. 19. 19. > Addition in the Vulgate. Additions in Vulgate and He- brew. J GEN. 29. 27. JtJDG. 14. 12, 13, 17. ch. 11. 19. 3 kGBN.24.36; 25.5. is, is Addi- tions in the Vulgate. 1 Addition in Vulgate. II In the He- brew, four servants. 2 Addition in Hebrew. a Addition in Hebrew. 4 Addition in Hebrew. s Addition in Vulgate. and of their health, that all nations may know that Thou alone i art God in all the earth 16 .] Then Raguel bade his servants to fill the grave [be- 18 fore it was day, that it might not be known that he had made it 17 .] [Then he commanded his wife to pre- pare provisions for the journey ; and he caused two fat kine and four wethers to be killed, and a banquet to be prepared -for all his neighbours and all his friends; because the Lord had made them glad according to the multitude of His mercies 17 .] And he kept the 19 wedding feast fourteen J days. For before the days of 20 the marriage were finished, Eaguel had said unto him by an oath, that he should not depart till the fourteen days of the marriage were expired ; and then he should 21 take the half of his goods k , and go in safety to his father ; and [he made a writing that he 18 j should have the rest [after their decease ; the half that remains shall come also to Tobias 19 ] when I and my wife be dead. CHAPTER IX. The repayment of the loan by Gabael. THEN Tobias called Raphael, and said unto him, 1 Brother Azarias, [I pray thee, hearken to my 2 words. If I should give myself to be thy servant, I should not make a worthy return for thy care 1 ;] take with thee a servant 1 ', and two camels, and go to Rages of Media to Gabael, [and restore to him his note of hand, and receive of him the money 2 ,] and bring me the money, and bring him to the wedding. For Raguel 3 hath sworn that I shall not depart [or go forth from his house until the fourteenth day 3 .] But my father 4 counteth the days, [and my mother also ; and if one day pass beyond the appointed time 4 ,] and if I tarry long, he will be very sorry. So Raphael went out, [and he took four of Raguel's 5 servants and two camels and went to Rages 8 ,] and lodged with Gabael, and gave him the handwriting: who brought forth bags which were sealed up, and gave them to him. [And Raphael told him that Tobias TO^BIT, X. 153 had married Sara the daughter of Raguel, and invited 6 him to the wedding feast 6 .] And early in the morning they went forth both together, and came to the wed- ding: [and Gabael put the money upon camels, and came to Kaguel's house : and found Tobias sitting at the table. And he leaped up, and they kissed each other, and Gabael wept, and blessed God, saying, Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, Who hath joined thee in joy to this woman, and may He in His mercy give thee sons by her, who shall occupy themselves in the law of the Lord. And he blessed him, and said, The God of Israel bless thee, because a thou art the son of a very good and just man, and that feareth God and doth almsdeeds ; and may a blessing come upon thy wife, and upon your parents ; and may you see your children and your children's children unto the third and fourth generation.; and may your seed be blessed by the God of Israel, Who reigneth for ever and ever. And when all had said, Amen, they went to the feast; but the marriage feast they celebrated also with the fear of the Lord 7 .] And Tobias blessed his wife ". Addition in Hebrew. a Ps. 37. 25, 26 ; 112. 2. 7 Additions in Hebrew and Vul- gate. II Or, He blessed To- bias and his wife, as in Hebrew and Vul- gate. CHAPTER X. Tobias and Sara dismissed by Ragud. 1 "VTOW Tobit his father counted every day : and when 1 1 the days of the journey were expired, and they came not, [because the time was prolonged by fourteen 2 days upon occasion of the marriage 1 ,] then Tobit said, i Addition in Are they detained ? Or is Gabael dead, and there is no gate, see man to give him the money ? [And he thought within ch - 8 - 20 - himself, Perchance some accident has befallen him in the way, or Gabael is dead, and his heirs refuse to give 3 him the silver 2 .] Therefore he was very sorry. 4 Then his wife said unto him, My son is dead, seeing he stayeth long ; and she began to bewail him, and said, [Woe, woe is me, my son ! Why did we send thee to go to a strange country, the light of our eyes, the staff of our old age, the comfort of our life, the hope of our posterity. We, having all things together in thee alone, 3Addition 5 ought not to have let thee go from us 3 .] Now I care vuigate. 2 Addition in Hebrew *. 154 TOBIT, X. * Addition in Vulgate, s Addition in Hebrew. e Addition in Vulgate. 7 Addition in Hebrew. GBN. 30. 25, 26. Addition in Hebrew *. s Vulgate. The Greek has 'bodies,' which is used for ' slaves ' in theLXX. of GEN. 34. 29 ; 36. 6 ; and in 2 MACC. 8. 11. 10 Addition in Hebrew. 11 Addition in Vulgate. i" See GEN. 2. 28. RUTH 1. 14 18. MIC. T. 6. for nothing, my son, since I have let thee go, the light of mine eyes. To whom Tobit said, Hold thy peace, take no care, 6 for he is safe. [For that man with whom we sent him is very trusty 4 .] [They will return in joy and peace, safe -and sound 5 .] But ehe said, Hold thy peace, and deceive me not ; 7 my son is dead. And she went out every day into the way which they went, [and into all the ways by which there seemed any hope he might return, that she might, if possible, see him coming afar off' 6 .] And [her tears were her meat day and night, and she 7 ] did eat no meat on the daytime, and ceased not whole nights to bewail her son Tobias, until the fourteen days of the wedding were expired, which Eaguel had sworn that he should spend there. Then Tobias said to Eaguel, Let me go a , for my father and my mother look no more to see me. [They despair of my return, and think of nothing else 8 .] But his father-in-law said unto him, Tarry with me, 8 and I will send to thy father, and they shall declare unto him how things go with thee. But Tobias said, 9 No ; but let me go to my father. Then Kaguel arose, and gave him Sara his wife, and 10 half his goods, [menservants and womenservants 9 ] and cattle, and money, [both oxen and sheep, asses and camels, clothing of purple and linen, and vessels of gold and silver 10 :] and he blessed them, and sent them 11 away, saying, The God of heaven give you a prosperous journey, my children : [the holy angel of the Lord be with you in your journey, and bring you through safe ; and may you find all things well about your parents, and may my eyes see your children before I die 11 .] And he said to his daughter, Honour thy father and 12 thy mother-in-law, which are now thy parents b , that I may hear good report of thee. And he kissed her. Edna also said to Tobias, The Lord of heaven restore thee, my dear brother, and grant that I may see thy children of my daughter Sara before I die, that I may rejoice before the Lord : behold, I commit my daughter unto thee of special trust; wherefore do not entreat TOBIT, XI. 155 her evil c . [She is in thine hand ; do not afflict her all her days, nor do her shame, for she goeth into a foreign country, where she will be a stranger. And when she had said this, her heart was somewhat wounded within her 12 .] [And she charged Sara to love her husband, to take care of the family, to govern the house, and to behave herself irreprehensibly 13 .] [And Tobias re- joiced, and praised the God of heaven and earth, and said, My wife's parents shall be honoured by me like my own parents all the days of my hie 14 .] c GBN. 31. 49, so. w Addition in Hebrew*. w Addition in Vulgate. H Addition in Syriac. CHAPTER XI. The return of Tobias to his parents. 1 A FTER these things Tobias went his way, praising ./jL God that He had given him a prosperous journey 11 , and blessed Eaguel and Edna his wife ; [and they came to Charran, which is in the midway to Nineve, the eleventh day 1 ;] and [he] went on his way till they drew near unto Nineve, [and came to the city of Akrim 11 , which is over against Nineve *.] 2 Then Raphael said to Tobias, Thou knowest, brother, 3 how thou didst leave thy father: let us haste before thy wife, and prepare the house; [and let the family follow softly* after us, together with thy wife, and 4 with the beasts 3 .] And take in thine hand the gall of the fish. So they went their way, and the dog went after them. 5 Now Anna sat [beside the way daily on the top of a hill, from whence she might see afar off 4 ,] looking about toward the way for her son. [And she saw the dog coming at full speed 5 ;) [and she presently per- 6 ceived that it was her son coming 6 ;] and when she espied him coming, she [returned, and 7 ] said to his father, Behold thy son cometh, and the man that went with him. 7 Then said Raphael, I know, Tobias, that thy father [is blind, but by this gall his eyes shall be opened, and he shall be healed 8 . As soon therefore as thou shalt come into thine house, forthwith adore the Lord thy God; and giving thanks to Him, go to thy father, II Or, had prospered nig way, as in GEN. 24. 21. 1 Addition in Vulgate. II In the Syriac, Basri. 2 Addition in Hebrew. GEN. 33. 13, 14. s Addition in Vulgate. * Addition in Vulgate. 5 Addition in Syriac. . ? Additions in Vulgate. 8 Addition in Hebrew. 156 TOBIT, XL 9 Addition in Vulgate. II Or, squeeze this gall into them, as in Syriac. 10,11,12 Addi- tions in Syriac. is Addition in Vulgate. n Addition in Syriac. b GEN. 46. 30. is, 16, 17 Addi- tions in Vulgate. II In the He- brew*, he fell at his father'sfeet. , is Addition in Syriac. 19, 20, 21 Addi- tions in Syriac. 22 Addition in Vulgate. II Or, peeled. 23 Addition in Syriac. and kiss him 9 . Then he] will open his eyes. There- 8 fore anoint thou his eyes 11 [when they are open 10 ] with the gall ; [then he will shut them fast u ,] and [as he shuts them 12 ,] being pricked therewith, he shall rub, and the whiteness shall fall away, and he shall see thee. [Then thy father shall see the light of heaven, and shall rejoice in the sight of thee 13 .] Then Anna [put on a veil, and 14 ] ran forth, and fell 9 upon the neck of her son, and said unto him, Seeing I have seen thee, my son, from henceforth I am content to die b . And they wept both. [Then the dog, which had been with them in the way, ran before, and coming as if he had brought the news, shewed his joy by his fawning and wagging his tail 15 .] Tobit also, [his fa- 10 ther, that was blind, rising up, began to run, and 16 ] went forth toward the door, and stumbled ; [and giving a servant his hand, went to meet his son 17 :] but his son ran unto him, and took hold of his father II : [then his 11 father opened both his eyes, desiring to kiss his son 18 :] and he strake of the gall on his father's eyes. [And Tobit shut his eyes, and said, What hast thou done to me, my son? Tobias answered 19 ] saying, Be of good hope, my father. [This is a medicine, and will restore thy sight 20 .] And [he supported his father, and whilst 12 he held him up 21 ,] when his eyes began to smart, he rubbed them ; [and he stayed about half an hour, and a white skin began to come out of his eyes, like the skin of an egg. And Tobit took hold of it, and drew it from his eyes 22 ,] and the whiteness pilled " away 13 from the corners of his eyes : [and Tobit saw the light, and glorified God ^.J And when he saw his son, he fell upon his neck. And he wept, and said, Blessed art Thou, O God, and 14 blessed is Thy Name for ever; and blessed are all Thine holy angels : for Thou hast scourged, and hast 15 taken pity on me : for, behold, I see my son Tobias. And his son went in rejoicing, and told his father the great things that had happened to him in Media. [And after seven days Sara his son's wife, and all the family, arrived safe ; and the cattle, and the camels, and abundance of money of his wife's ; and that money TOBIT, XII. 157 16 also which he had received of Gabael **.] Then Tobit went out [with Anna *"] to meet his daughter-in-law at the gate of Nineve, rejoicing [with their friends and neighbours 26 ] and praising God: and they which saw him go marvelled, because he had received his sight, [and was able to walk without any one holding his 17 hand **.] But Tobit gave thanks before them, because God had mercy on him. And when he came near to Sara his daughter-in-law, he blessed her, saying, Thou art welcome, daughter: God be blessed, which hath brought thee unto us, and blessed be thy father and thy mother. And there was joy among all his bre- thren which were at Nineve ; [for all the Jews in Nineve rejoiced for the great mercy which the Lord had shewn to Tobit and his son, and they brought to 18 Tobit many valuable presents 28 .] And Achiacharus, 19 and Nasbasli his brother's son, came : and Tobias' wed- ding was kept seven days with great joy. CHAPTER XII. The angel Raphael revealed. 1 fTIHEN Tobit, [when the feast was ended, and the JL guests were gone *,] called his son Tobias, and said unto him, My son, see that the man have his wages 3 , which went with thee, and thou must give him more. 2 And Tobias said unto him, O father, it is no harm to me to give him half of those things which I have brought: for [he received the money of Gabael, he 3 caused me to have my wife 2 ;] he hath brought me again to thee in safety, and made whole my wife, [he chased from her the evil spirit, he gave joy to her parents ; myself he delivered from being devoured by the fish 3 ;] and brought me the money, and likewise healed thee, [and we are filled with all good things through him. What can we give him sufficient for these things 4 ? I have also enough wherewith to re- 4 compense him 5 .] Then the old man said, It is due un- 5 to him. So he called the angel, and he [took him aside, and 6 ] said unto him, [Brother Azarias 7 ,] take [for the reward of thy labour 8 ] half of all that ye have brought, and go away in safety. Addition in Vulgate. 25, -28, 27 Addi- tions in Syriac. Addition in Hebrew. See JOB 42. 11. II Or, Achior, who is also called Nas- bas. See ch. 1. 21, 22 i Addition in Syriac. ch. 5. 14, 15. 2. . * Addi- tions in Vulgate. s Addition in Syriac. Addition in Vulgate. 7. 8 Additions In Hebrew. 158 TOBIT, XII. * Ps. 92. 1 ; 147. 1. c PROV. 25. 2. 11 Or, the mystery of a king, or, secrets of the king- dom, as in the Hebrew. d Ps. 91. 9, 10. PROV. 12. 21. 1 PET. 3. 13. 6 PROV. 21. 13. MATT. 5. T. ACTS 10. 4. LURE 6. 38. f Ps. 37. 16. * PROV. 11. 24. ECCLES. 4. 8. ECCLUS. 29. 913. h PROV. 11. 4. Ps. 41. 1. PROV. 15. 27, LXX. i PROV. 16. 6 ; DAN. 4. 27. ECCLUS. 3. 30 ; 35. 3. ch.4. 10; 14. 11. 9 Addition in Vulgate. J HER. 13. 16. w Addition in Hebrew*, k PROV. 8. 36. WISD. 1. 12. I ch. 3. 16. " Addition in Hebrew. 12 Addition in Vulgate. is Addition in Vulgate. m ACTS 10. 3,4. KBV. 8. 3, 4. n ch. 2. 4. II Or, wrap in grave- clothes. See ECCLUS. 38. 16. n Addition in the Vul- gate. See WISD. 3. 5, 6. ECCLUS. 2. 5. is Addition in Syriac. ZKCH. 4. 10. REV. 8. 2. Then he took them both apart, and said unto them, 6 Bless God, praise Him, and magnify Him, and praise Him for the things which He hath done unto you in the sight of all that live. It is good b to praise God, and exalt His Name, and honourably to shew forth the works of God ; therefore be not slack to praise Him. It is good to keep close the secret of a king 1 ', but it is 7 honourable to reveal the works of God. Do that which is good, and no evil d shall touch you. Prayer is good 8 with fasting and alms 6 and righteousness. A little with righteousness f is better than much with unright- eousness. It is better to give alms than to lay up gold g : for alms doth deliver from death h , and shall 9 purge 1 away all sin; [and maketh to find mercy and life everlasting 9 .] Those that exercise alms and right- eousnessJ shall be filled with life, [and God shall satisfy them with length of days 10 ;] but they that sin are 10 enemies k to their own life. Surely I will keep close 11 nothing from you. For I said, It was good to keep close the secret of a king, but that it was honourable to reveal the works of God. Now therefore [call to 12 mind the hour in which thou didst pray. In that same hour thy daughter-in-law Sara was praying 1 n .] When thou didst pray [and pour out thy prayer to the holy and blessed Lord, thou 12 ] and Sara thy daughter-in- law [in the affliction of your souls, then 13 ] I did bring the remembrance 1 " of your prayers before the Holy One: and when thou didst bury the dead, I was with thee likewise. And when thou didst not 13 delay" to rise up, and leave thy dinner, to go and cover H the dead, thy good deed was not hid from me: but I was with thee. [Because thou wast ac- ceptable to God, it was necessary that temptation should prove thee 14 :] [but when the temptation came upon thee, God sent me to deliver thee 15 .] And 14 now God hath sent me to heal thee and Sara thy daughter-in-law. I am Kaphael, one of the seven 15 holy angels, which present the prayers of the saints, and which go in and out before the glory of the Holy One. Then they were both troubled, and fell upon their 16 TOBIT, XIII. 159 17 faces p : for they feared. But he said unto them, [Peace be unto you 16 ,] fear not ; [bless the Lord for the great and wonderful things which He hath done unto you 16 ;] for it shall go well with you ; praise God therefore, [for 18 ye have found favour in His eyes 17 .] For not of any favour of mine, but by the will of our God I came ; 19 wherefore praise Him for ever. All these days I did appear unto you ; but I did neither eat nor drink, but ye did see a vision q . [I seemed indeed to eat and to drink with you ; but I use an invisible meat and drink 20 which cannot be seen by men 18 .] Now therefore, [arise up from the earth, and 20 ] give God thanks, [and publish all His wonderful works 19 ;] for I go up to Him that sent me ; but write all things which are done in a book: [and it shall be a witness between you and your God all the days of your lives, and this thing shall be for a sign and a witness amongst all generations a .] [So they sent him away, and blessed the Lord for all this. And the angel of the Lord went up to heaven, 21 and appeared no more to Tobit and his son 22 .] And when they arose, [they sought him, but he was nowhere to be found. Thus he was taken from their sight, 22 and 23 ] they saw him no more. Then they [lying pros- trate for three hours upon their face, blessed God ; and rising up, they 24 ] confessed the great and wonderful works of God, and how the angel of the Lord had appeared unto them. PJUDG. 13.20. 1 CUR. 21. 20, 21, 30. m Additions in Hebrew. " Addition in Hebrew*. i GEN. 18. 8 ; 19.3. JUDO. 13. 16. M. Addi- tions in the Vulgate. Addition in Syriac. Addition in Hebrew. 22 Addition in Hebrew. Additions in Syriac and Vul- gate. M Addition in Vulgate. SeeJuDG.13. 20. 1 CHRON. 21. 16. CHAPTER XIII. ToUCs thanksgiving. 1 HHHEN Tobit [opening his mouth, blessed the Lord, -L and said, Thou art great, O Lord, for ever, and Thy kingdom is unto all ages. And he l ] wrote a prayer of rejoicing, and said, Blessed be God that liveth for ever, and blessed be His kingdom*. 2 For He doth scourge, and hath mercy : He leadeth down to hell b , and bringeth up again : i Addition in Vulgate. eh. 11. 14. WISD. 10. 10 t> 1 SAM. 2. 6. Hos. 6. 1. ch. 8. 16. WISD. 16. 13, 15. 160 TOBIT, XIII. 2 Addition in Vulgate. c ESTH. 8. IT. ROM. 11. 12. s Addition in Vulgate. d Pa. 105. 2, 4 (cited here in the Hebrew* edition). * Addition in Syriac. s Addition in Hebrew*. 6 DBUT. 30. 3. II In the Vulgate, how He Jiath dealt with you. Addition in the Vulgate. II In Vulgate, for He hath shewn. f JONAH 1. 2. NAH. 3. 1. * JONAH 3. 9. i Addition in Hebrew*, from Ps. 86. 15. 8 Addition in Hebrew*, from Ps. 96. 6. Neither is there any that can avoid His hand. [0 give thanks unto the Lord, and 2 ] confess Him be- 3 fore the Gentiles, ye children of Israel : For He hath scattered us among them, [even among the heathen that know Him not , To the intent that we should shew forth His marvel- lous works ; And cause them to know that there is none other God Almighty besides Him 3 .] There declare His greatness, 4 And extol Him before all the living d : For He is our Lord, And He is the God our Father for ever : [For there is none like Him, for the marvellous things which He hath done 4 .] And He will scourge us for our iniquities, 5 And will have mercy again [in the latter days 5 ,] and will gather us out of all nations 9 , Among whom He hath scattered us. If ye turn to Him with your whole heart, 6 And with your whole mind, and deal uprightly be- fore Him, Then will He turn unto you, And will not hide His face from you. Therefore see what He will do with you 11 , And confess Him with your whole mouth, [And with fear and trembling give ye glory to Him 6 ;] and praise the Lord of might, And extol the everlasting King. In the land of my captivity do I praise Him, And declare 11 His might and majesty to a sinful f nation. ye sinners, turn and do justice before Him : Who can tell g if He will accept you, And have mercy on you? [For God is full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth 7 .] 1 will extol my God, 7 And my soul shall praise the King of heaven, And shall rejoice in His greatness. [Honour and majesty are before Him ; Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary 8 .] TOBIT, XIII. 161 8 Let all men speak, and let all praise Him for His righteousness. [0 praise the Lord, all ye His chosen, Hold the days of gladness, and be thankful unto Him, And give thanks before Him in the holy city of Je- rusalem 9 .] 9 Jerusalem, the holy city, He will scourge thee for thy children's works, [But He will save them 10 ] and will have mercy h again on the sons of the righteous. [There is hope in thine end, saith the Lord, And thy children shall come again to their own border u .] 10 Give praise to the Lord, for He is good ; And praise the everlasting King, That His tabernacle may be builded in thee again with joy, And let Him make joyful there in thee those that are captives, And love in thee for ever those that are miserable. [For it shall come to pass, that He shall return unto thee, And shall cause His Name to dwell in the midst of thee. He will build up all thy waste places, and will gather unto thee with joy all thy captivity, And He will plant all thy sons in the midst of thee for ever 12 . Thou shalt shine with a glorious light, and all the ends of the world shall honour thee 13 .] 11 Many nations [shall pray for thy peace, And shall seek the Name of the Lord Most High ; They 14 ] shall come from far 1 with gifts in their hands, even gifts J to the King of heaven ; All generations shall praise thee with great joy. [They shall worship the Lord in thee, And thy land they shall have for a sanctuary, For they shall call upon the great Name in thee 15 . They that love thee shall rejoice and be glad in the midst of thee from generation to generation ; But they shall all be confounded and turned back that hate thee 16 .] 12 Cursed are all they which hate thee, L Additions in Vulgate and Sy riac. 10 Addition in Hebrew *. h BAR. 4. 27, 29. " Addition in Hebrew*, from JBR. 31. 17. tf Addition in Hebrew*. is Addition in Vulgate. u Addition in Hebrew*. i JER. 16. 19. i Ps. 72. 10, quoted here in the He- brew*. is Addition in the Vul- gate. w Addition in Hebrew*, from Ps. 129. 5. See also BAR. 4. 81, 32. 162 TOBIT, XIV. " Additions in Vulgate. II In the Vul- gate, they shall all be blessed, and gathered together unt.o the Lord. is Addition in the Vul- gate. k Is. 54. 11, 12. i Additions in the He- brew*. II In the Vulgate, witii wnite and clean stone, or, with white marble. 1 JER. 33. 10, 11. 20 Addition in Hebrew*. M Addition in Vulgate. 22 Addition in Hebrew*. [And all that blaspheme thee shall be condemned 17 ;] And blessed shall all be which [build thee up, and 17 ] love thee for ever. Rejoice and be glad for the children of the just : 13 For they shall be gathered together, and shall bless the Lord of the just 11 . O blessed are they which love thee, for they shall 14 rejoice in thy peace : Blessed are they which have been sorrowful for all thy scourges ; For they shall rejoice for thee, when they have seen all thy glory, And shall be glad for ever. Let my soul bless God the great King : 15 [Because He hath delivered Jerusalem His city from all her troubles. Happy shall I be, if there remain of my seed to see the glory of Jerusalem 18 .] For Jerusalem shall be built up with sapphires k , and 16 emeralds, and precious stone ; [All] thy walls [shall be of brilliant gems 19 ,] And towers and battlements [and palaces shall be built 19 ] with pure gold. And the streets of Jerusalem shall be paved with beryl 17 and carbuncle ", and stones of Ophir. And all her streets 1 shall [rejoice and 20 ] say, Alleluia ; 18 And they shall praise Him, saying, Blessed be God, Which hath [exalted the horn of His kingdom, And 20 ] extolled it [that He may reign over her 21 ] for ever. [Thus far is the prayer of Tobit 23 .] II In the Vul- gate, six and fifty : and he was sixty when he recovered it again. 11 In the Vul- gate, two and forty. CHAPTER XIV. Conclusion. Tobit made an end of praising God. And he was eight and fifty 11 years old when he lost his sight, which was restored to him after eight years: [thus he continued seven years in his blindness: and when God turned and granted him light, and his eyes were opened, he lived yet thirty-seven H years, doing s TOBIT, XIV. 163 mercy and righteousness all the days of his life, and he gave thanks before the Lord 1 :] and he gave alms, and he increased in the fear of the Lord God, and praised Him. [And the rest of his life was in joy, and with great increase of the fear of God he departed in peace 2 .] 3 And when he was very aged, [at the hour of his death 3 ] he called his son [Tobias 4 ] and [his children, the young men, his grandsons 4 ] the six" sons of his son, and said to him, My son, take thy children ; for, be- hold, I am aged, and am ready to depart out of this life. [When I am dead, and thou hast buried me, see that after my death thou continuest no longer in Nineve : 4 take thy children and all that thou hast and 5 ] go into Media, my son, for I surely believe those things which Jonas the prophet spake of a Nineve, that it shall be overthrown ; [the destruction of Nineve is at hand, for the word of the Lord must be fulfilled 6 ;] and that for a time peace shall rather be in Media [than in Nineve, and amongst the Assyrians, and in Babylon 7 :] and that [the rest of 8 ] our brethren [of Israel who dwell in Jerusalem 8 ] shall lie scattered in the [whole 8 ] earth from that good land: and Jerusalem shall be desolate, and the house of God in it shall be burned, 5 and shall be desolate for a time ; and that again God will have mercy on them, and bring them again into the land, [even the remnant of Israel 9 ,] and there they shall build [again the city and 10 ] a temple, but not like to the first b , [and they shall continue there many days 10 ,] until the time of that age be fulfilled. [After this they shall go away into a very grievous captivity. But the holy and blessed God shall be mindful of them, and shall gather them from the four quarters of the world 11 ;] and afterward they shall return from all places of their captivity, and build up Jerusalem glori- ously, and the house of God shall be built in it for ever with a glorious building ; [and all the land thereof that is desert shall be filled with people, and all that fear God shall return thither. And the temple shall be erected with an excellent building, which shall not be destroyed or overthrown for ever and ever 13 ,] as the L 2 i Addition in the Syriac. 2 Addition in the Vulgate. 3 Vulgate and Syriac. < Additions in the Vulgate. II In the Vul- gate, seven. SAdditionsin Syriac and Hebrew*. 8 JONAH 3. 4. NAH. 3. 7. 6 Addition in Vulgate. t Addition in Syriac. 8 Additions in the Syriac. 9 Addition in Syriac. i" Additions in the Hebrew*, b HAG. 2. 2, 3. 11 Addition in the Hebrew *. 12 Additions in Vulgate and He- brew*. 164 TOBIT, XIV. c Ps. 125. 1, 2. Is. 33. 20. EZEK. 43. 7-9. is Addition in Vulgate. i* Additions in Hebrew*. is Addition in Vulgate and Syriac. i Addition in Vulgate and Syriac. II In the Syriac, how A hob re- quited Ahi- kar who brought up Tobit. . is Addi- tions in the Syriac II In the Syriac, the earth. prophets have spoken thereof. And all nations shall 6 turn, and fear the Lord God truly, and [the Gentiles] shall bury their idols, [and shall come into Jerusalem and dwell in it, and all the kings of the earth shall rejoice in it, adoring the King of Israel 13 .] So shall 7 all nations praise the Lord, [and give thanks to His great Name 14 ;] and His people shall confess God, and the Lord shall exalt [the horn of 14 ] His people [before all nations; and they shall celebrate and glorify His great Name, even all the seed of Israel 14 :] and all those which love the Lord God [and serve Him 14 ] in truth and justice shall rejoice, [and all who do right- eousness 14 ] shewing mercy to our brethren. And now, 8 my son, depart out of Nineve, because that those things which the prophet Jonas spake shall surely come to pass. [Hearken therefore, my children, to your father : 9 serve the Lord in truth, and seek to do the things that please Him : and command your children that they do justice and almsdeeds, and that they be mindful of God, and bless Him at all times in truth, and with all their power 15 .] But keep thou the law and the com- mandments, and shew thyself merciful and just, that it may go well with thee. And bury me decently, and 10 thy mother with me ; but tarry no longer at Nineve : [but as soon as you shall bury your mother by me in one sepulchre, without delay direct your steps to de- part hence ; for I see that its iniquity will bring it to destruction. For in Nineve there are many evil doers 16 .] Remember, my son, how Aman handled Achiacharus that brought him up'l, how out of light he brought him into darkness, [and misguided him, that he should not possess the land 17 ,] and how he rewarded him again : yet Achiacharus was saved [for he escaped into the light out of the snare which Ahab had laid for him, and entered into possession of the land 18 ,] but the other had his reward: for he went down into darkness ". Manasses gave alms, and escaped the snares of death which they had set for him : but Aman fell into the snare, and perished. Wherefore now, my son, con- 11 sider what alms doeth, and how righteousness doth deliver. TOBIT, XIV. 165 When he had said these things, he gave up the ghost in the bed H, being an hundred and eight and fifty years old 11 ; and he buried him honourably [in Nineve 19 .] 12 And when Anna his mother was dead, he buried her with his father. But [it came to pass, that after the death of his mother 20 ] Tobias departed [out of Ni- neve 21 ] with his wife and children [and children's chil- dren, and returned 22 ] to Ecbatane to Kaguel his father- in-law [and to his mother-in-law; and he found them in health in a good old age : and he took care of them, 13 and he closed their eyes 23 ;] and there he became old with honour, and he buried his father and mother-in- law honourably [in Ecbatane 24 ,] and he inherited their substance, and his father Tobit's. And [he saw his 14 children's children to the fifth generation. And after he had lived many years in the fear of the Lord 25 ,] he died at Ecbatane in Media, being an hundred and seven and twenty " years old, [and with joy they buried him. And all his kindred, and all his generation, continued in good life, and in holy conversation, so that they were acceptable both to God and to men, and to all that 15 dwelt in the land 26 .] But before he died, he heard of the destruction of Nineve, which was taken by Nabu- chodonosor and Assuerus, [and of the captivity into which it was carried into Media ; and he praised the Lord for all the things that He had done 27 :] and before his death he [saw the vengeance, and 28 ] rejoiced over Nineve. II In the Syriac, he fell upon his bed, and his spirit departed. H In the Syriac and Vulgate, after he had lived an hundred and two years. w Addition in Syriac and Vul- gate. 20, 21, 22, 23 Ad- ditions in Vulgate. Addition in Syriac. 25 Addition in Vulgate. II In the Syriac, a hundred and seven ; in the Vul- gate.ru'uefy- nine. 26 Addition in Vulgate. , i Addi- tions in the Syriac. JUDITH. INTBODUCTION. TN the old Greek and Latin edi- J- tions of the Bible the Book of Judith was placed next to Tobit, and immediately before Esther. This place may have been assigned to it, partly from the supposed date of the occurrence^ which it relates, and partly from its resemblance to Esther, as a narrative of a deliver- ance of Israel worked by means of a pious and devoted woman. The Christian Church received the book in its Greek form from the Jews of Alexandria, and this Greek text was the basis of the older Latin and later Syriac Version. But in the Western Church it was super- seded by S. Jerome's free transla- tion of a Chaldee copy, which dif- fered considerably, both in the style and in the details of the narrative, from the Greek. According to Ori- gen, the Book of Judith possessed no authority with the Jews, being not even read by them as one of their apocryphal sacred writings. S. Jerome attached but little au- thority to it, but included it in his revision of the Latin Version of the Old Testament, on the ground that it was quoted in the Nicene Coun- cil, and that the object of it was good, to commend the virtues of chastity, patriotism, and devotion. It has been urged that he took so much liberty with the text, that his version can scarcely be accept- ed as in any way representing the Chaldee copy which ne used. But on a comparison of Judith with Tobit, it appears not improbable that each story was committed to writing in two distinct forms, of which the Greek represents the more diffuse, whilst the Chaldee was more concise : and that in each case the translator of the Chal- dee introduced some matter of his own. The Book of Judith up to the time of the Kefonnation was gene- rally regarded as an authentic re- cord, this opinion being common to those who upheld its canonical cha- racter, and those who denied it. It was in this belief that it was quoted in the Homilies, and inserted in the Table of Lessons for October 5 12 in the Prayer-Book of the Church of Englancl, as it still occupies a place in the Breviary for the fourth week in September. Luther, who included it in his German Bible, and placed it at the head of his Apocrypha, thus spoke of it in the Preface : ' It is a ' good, holy, and useful book, well ' worthy to be read by us Christians ; 'for the words which 'the characters ' in the story speak, are to be under- ' stood as the words of a sacred poet ' or prophet by the aid of the Holy ' Ghost,' &c. Thus he regarded it as an Epic or Tragedy, shewing the end of tyrants. His view was fur- ther developed by Grotius, who said in his commentary on the book : ' Many learned men have laboured 'to reconcile the contents of Ju- ' dith with the undoubted histories ' of sacred or Greek writers : but ' they will labour long before they 'will satisfy themselves or others. ' The contents of this book are alle- ' gorical. It was written when An- 'tiochus came into Judaea, before ' the temple was profaned, to con- ' firm the Jews in the hope of Di- INTRODUCTION. 167 ' vine deliverance. " Judith" is the ' Jewish nation. Bethulia is the house of God, or the temple. The ' sword proceeding from it is the power of prayer. Nabuchpdonosor ' signifies " Satan." Assyria means ' " pride." The instrument of Satan ' is Antiochus, disguised under the name of Holofernes, that is, Hil- ' phar Nachash, " the officer of the ; ' serpent." Judaea is a fair wo- ' man, a pleasant land, as in Daniel, ' but a widow, helpless, desolate, ' and forsaken, whom Holofernes ' would subjugate. The hope of the faithful, that God would arise, and ; defend His people, is expressed by ' the name Joacim (which the Vul- ' gate, except in chap. xv. 8, .reads ' ''Eliakim ), signifying, " The Lord ' "will arise." The rest of the story 1 is Episode, or such embellishment ' as is common in parables.' In op- position to Grotius, a number of authors undertook to uphold the authenticity of the main facts of the story, though some have been compelled to treat the more im- probable details (especially those which are peculiar to the Vulgate on the one side, or the Greek on the other), as interpolations. In at- tempting this defence, commenta- tors have assigned nine different dates to the story, three before, and six after the Babylonish captivity. Of these the reigns of Manasseh (2 CHRON. xxxiii. 1820), or that of Josiah (2 CHRON. xxxiv. 1, &c.), have found most favour, the first being defended by Dr. Prideaux in his Connexions of Old and New Testament History, and the second by the Rev* G. Williams in his work on The Holy City. The for- mer date is also adopted by the Douay Version of the Bible. Ac- cording to this hypothesis Arphax- ad king of the Meaes is either the Deioces or Phraortes mentioned by Herodotus, and Nabuchodonosor is identified with Saosducheo8,the suc- cessor of Esarhaddon, in the Canon, or ' list of kings with dates,' con- structed by the Greek author, Clau- dius Ptolemaeus. Both these re- cords are now found to be open to grave doubt. The reign of Eearhad- don was followed, not oy a defeat of the Medes, but by their triumph over his successor Sardanapalus : whilst ' the invasion of Assyria by 'Phraortes, which Herodotus re- ' lates, is held on good grounds to 'be a later history of a rebellion ' against Darius Hystaspes, adapted ' to times before the Medes became 'one nation.' (Pusey, Introduction to Nahum.) The dominance of As- syria and the subjugation of the Medes would, however, shew that the author of the Book of Judith must have had in his mind some early period of history, before the rise of the Chaldean monarchy. But in describing the state of Is- rael, he evidently has in view the later period : the recent return from captivity, the rebuilding of the tem- ple, which had been cast to the ground (ch. v. 18, 19, Greek text), the government by the High Priest and Sanhedrim, and the period of tranquillity which is saia to have followed the deliverance from Holo- fernes, are circumstances which be- long to the times of the Persian dynasty, and the restoration of the Jews to their land after the cap- tivity. Even the Vulgate, whilst omitting and modifying some of these circumstances, adds new dif- ficulties peculiar to itself. These difficulties have been admitted by some of the defenders of the book to be insuperable. The most probable conclusion is, that the BOOK of Judith makes no pretence to be an authentic histori- cal narrative, and that the author declares himself to be an Apocry- phal author in the stricter sense, 168 INTRODUCTION. disguising himself and his story by a large use of fictitious names and circumstances borrowed from dif- ferent epochs, his purpose being solely to inculcate moral precepts and lessons of piety. The narra- tive finds no place in the history ofJosephus. On the other hand, the parallels with the Books of Ma"c- cabees are so numerous, as to lead to the conclusion, that the Book of Judith was written with a spe- cial view to the times of Antiochus Epiphanes, and to the deliverance of the Jews by Judas Maccabeus. (Many of these parallels are de- noted in the marginal references, below.) The author probably wrote in Palestine, with the geography of which he shews an intimate ac- quaintance. It is conceivable, and not improbable, that he may have taken some Jewish tradition of a deliverance from Assyria as the basis of his story or allegory, but of this there is no external confir- mation. But his object must be deemed to have been the encou- ragement of the Jews to prayer and self-devotion and reliance on Divine help, for their deliverance from their Macedonian oppressors. The conclusion of the book in the Vulgate speaks of the institution of an annual festival or holy-day, which is most easily explained by its supposed reference to the En- caenia or Dedication described in 1 MACC. iv. 56, 59 ; 2 MACC. x. 57. This view is confirmed by the in- dications in the book of the belief in immortality, and future rewards and punishments, as in chap. xvi. 17 ; lor it was in the days of the sore affliction of the Jewish nation, and their apparent desertion in the present world, that this faith gain- ed a new power over them, and was more distinctly reflected in their writings. The chief feature in the book is the character of Judith. She is re- presented as a pattern of saintly widowhood, consecrating her life to God, rejecting earthly consolations, and choosing to share the afflic- tions of the people, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. She devotes herself to un- ceasing intercession for the people and sanctuary of God ; and for this purpose she makes a tent or oratory upon her house-top, and lives in strictest retirement. Thus she pre- pares herself for her great venture of faith. By pleading the example of the patriarch Simeon, she ex- presses the common opinion that such acts of retaliation were justi- fiable, and also her own persuasion that she was a Divinely appointed executioner of vengeance against the ungodly. The appeal to Si- meon as an example worthy of imi- tation is, however, without parallel, and may be contrasted with a very different application of the story in the Fourth Book of Maccabees. It has probably led some writers on the Apocrypha to dwell, in terms of exaggeration, upon the more un- favourable aspects of the act as- cribed to Judith. It is generally supposed that the Book of Judith was originally writ- ten in Hebrew, for the style of the Greek is more like that of a literal version from the Hebrew than in some other portions of the Apocry- pha. The Greek translator seems, however, to have taken some ex- pressions from the LXX. version of Exodus, and the Books of Samuel, and the Greek Psalter. For a fuller account of the va- rious conjectures of critics as to the date and position of the au- thor, the reader is referred to the full and careful introduction of Dr. Bissell, in the Commentary on the Apocrypha published recently by T. Clark, Edinburgh. THE BOOK OF JUDITH. CHAPTER I. Nabuchodonosor' s victory over the Medes. 1 TN the twelfth year of the reign of Nabuchodonosor, J- who reigned H in Nineve, the great city; in the days of Arphaxad, which [had brought many nations under his dominion, and 1 ] reigned over the Medes in 2 [a very strong city which he called 1 ] Ecbatane, and built in Ecbatane walls round about of stones [squared and a ] hewn, three H cubits broad, and six cubits long, and made the height of the wall seventy H cubits, and 3 the breadth thereof fifty cubits: and set the towers thereof upon the gates of it, an hundred cubits high, and the breadth thereof in the foundation H threescore cubits : [on the square of them each side was extended 4 the space of twenty feet 3 .] And he made the gates thereof, even gates that were raised to the height of seventy I' cubits, and the breadth of them was forty cubits, for the going forth of his mighty armies, and for the setting in array of his footmen ; [and he gloried as a mighty one in the force of his army and in the glory of his chariots 4 :] 5 Even in those days king Nabuchodonosor made war with king Arphaxad in the great plain, which is the 6 plain in the borders of Ragau". And there came unto him all they that dwelt in the hill country, and all that dwelt by Euphrates, and Tigris, and Hydaspes", and the plain of Arioch the king of the Elymeans, and very many nations of the sons of Chelod H, assembled them- 7 selves to the battle. Then [was the kingdom of Nabu- chodonosor exalted, and his heart was elevated : and 5 ] Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians sent unto all that dwelt in Persia, and to all that dwelt westward, II Some copies add, over the Assyrians. i Additions in Vulgate. 2 Addition in Vulgate. II In Vulgate, II In Vulgate, thirty. II In Syriac, gate. Addition in Vulgate. II In Syriac, sixty. < Addition in Vulgate. II In the Syriac, main of Dura, as in DAS. 3. 1. II Or, Jada- son, or, Vlceum. II Or, Chal- deans. s Addition in Vulgate. 170 JUDITH, I. II In Vulgate, Cedar. II Or, Goshen. Vulgate, Jesse. e Addition in Vulgate. i Additions in Vulgate. II In the Syriac, Bashan. Hos. 4. 7. and to those that dwelt in Cilicia, and Damascus, and Libanus, and Antilibanus, and to all that dwelt upon the sea coast, and to those among the nations that were 8 of Carmel, and GalaadH, and the higher Galilee, and the great plain of Esdrelom, and to all that were in 9 Samaria and the cities thereof, and beyond Jordan unto Jerusalem, and Betane, and Chellus, and Kades, and the river of Egypt, and Taphnes, and Eamesse, and all the land of Gesem 1 ', until ye come beyond Tanis 10 and Memphis, and to all the inhabitants of Egypt, until ye come to the borders of Ethiopia. [To all these Nabuchodonosor, king of the Assyrians, 11 sent messengers 6 :] but all the inhabitants of the land made light of the commandment of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians, neither went they with him to the battle ; for they were not afraid of him : yea, he was before them as one man, and they [all with one mind refused, and 7 ] sent away his ambassadors from them [empty 7 ] without effect, and [rejected them 7 ] with disgrace. Therefore Nabuchodonosor was very angry 12 with all this country, and sware by his throne and kingdom, that he would surely be avenged upon all those coasts of Cilicia, and Damascus, and Syria 11 , and that he would slay with the sword all the inhabitants of the land of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and all Judea, and all that were in Egypt, till ye come to the borders of the two seas. Then he marched in 13 battle array with his power against king Arphaxad in the seventeenth year, and he prevailed in his battle : for he overthrew all the power of Arphaxad, and all 14 his horsemen, and all his chariots, and became lord of his cities, and came unto Ecbatane, and took the towers, and spoiled the streets thereof, and turned the beauty thereof into shame 3 . He took also Arphaxad lo in the mountains of Kagau, and smote him through with his darts, and destroyed him utterly that day. So he returned afterward to Nineve, both he and all 16 his company of sundry nations, being a very great mul- titude of men of war, and there he took his ease, and banqueted, both he and his army, an hundred and twenty days. JUDITH, II. 171 CHAPTER H. The expedition of Holof ernes. 1 AND in the eighteenth H year, the two and twentieth" -L\. day of the first month, there was talk 1 ' in the house of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians, that he should, as he said, avenge himself on all the earth. 2 So he called unto him [all the ancients, and all the governors, and *] all his officers, and all his nobles, and communicated with them his secret counsel 11 , and con- cluded the afflicting of the whole earth out of his own 3 mouth. [And he said that his thoughts were to bring all the earth under his empire ; and this saying pleased them all, and 2 ] then they decreed to destroy all flesh, that did not obey the commandment of his mouth. 4 And when he had ended his counsel, Nabuchodo- nosor king of the Assyrians called Holofernes the chief captain of his army, which was next unto him, and said 5 unto him, Thus saith the great king, the lord of the whole earth, Behold, thou shalt go forth from my pre- sence, and take with thee men that trust in their own strength, of footmen an hundred and twenty thousand ; and the number of horses with their riders twelve 6 thousand. And thou shalt go against all [the king- doms of 3 ] the west country, because they disobeyed 1 ! 7 my commandment. And thou shalt declare unto them, that they prepare for me earth and water : for I will go forth in my wrath against them, and will cover the whole face of the earth with the feet of mine army, and 8 I will give them for a spoil unto them : so that their slain shall fill their valleys and brooks, and the river 9 shall be filled with their dead, till it overflow : and I will lead them captives to the utmost parts of all the 10 earth. Thou therefore shalt go forth, and take before- hand for me all their coasts: and if they will yield themselves a unto thee, thou shalt reserve them for me 11 till the day of their punishment. But concerning them that rebel, let not thine eye spare them ; but put them to the slaughter, and spoil them wheresoever thou goest. [Thine eye shall not spare any kingdom, and all the strong cities thou shalt bring under my yoke 4 .] II In the Vulgate, thirteenth ; Syriac, twenty- eighth. II In the Syriac, twelfth. \\Qr,rumour. In the Vul- gate, the word was given out. 1 Addition in the Vulgate. II In the Sy- riac, the secret of hits heart. 2 Addition in the Vulgate. 3 Addition in Vulgate. II Or, despised. DEIT. 20. 1015. Addition in Vulgate. 172 JUDITH, II. s Addition in Vulgate. II Or, baygage. li Or, corn. b NAH. 3. 15, 16. Addition in Vulgate. 7 Addition in Vulgate. C EZEK.27.10. s Additions in Syriac and Vul- gate. II In Syriac, Thiras and Rameses. 9 Additions in Vulgate. II In Syriac, Jabbok. For as I live, and by the power of my kingdom, what- 12 soever I have spoken, that will I do by mine hand. And take thou heed that thou transgress none of the 13 commandments of thy lord, but accomplish them fully, as I have commanded thee, and defer not to do them. Then Holofernes went forth from the presence of his 14 lord, and called all the governors and captains, and the officers of the army of Assur ; and he mustered the 15 chosen men for the battle, as his lord had commanded him, unto an hundred and twenty thousand, and twelve thousand archers on horseback ; and he ranged them, 16 as a great army is ordered for the war. And he took 17 [and sent before 5 ] camels and asses for their car- riages 11 , a very great number; and sheep and oxen and goats without number for their provision : and 18 plenty of victual 1 ! for every man of the army, and very much gold and silver out of the king's house. Then he 19 went forth and all his power to go before king Nabu- chodonosor in the voyage, and to cover all the face of the earth westward with their chariots, and horsemen, and their chosen footmen. A great number also of sundry 20 countries came with them like locusts b , and like the sand of the earth : for the multitude was without num- ber. And they went forth of Nineve three days' jour- 21 ney toward the plain of Bectileth, and pitched from Bectileth near the mountain which is at the left hand of the upper Cilicia. [And he came to the great moun- tains of Ange : and he went up to all their castles, and took all their strong places 6 .] Then he took all his 22 army, his footmen, and horsemen, and chariots, and went from thence into the hill country ; [and he took by assault the renowned city of Melothus 7 ,] and de- 23 stroyed Phud c and Lud, and spoiled [and took cap- tive 8 ] all the children [of Tharsis and 8 ] of Basses 11 , and the children of Ismael, which were toward the wilderness at the south of the land of the Chellians. Then he went over Euphrates, and went through 24 Mesopotamia [towards the south 9 ,] and destroyed all the high cities that were upon the river Arbonai 11 [from the torrent of Mambre 9 ] till ye come to the sea. And he took the borders of Cilicia, and killed all that 25 JUDITH, III. 173 resisted him, and came to the borders of Japheth, which were toward the south, over against Arabia. 26 He compassed also all the children of Madian, and burned up their tabernacles H, and spoiled their sheep- cotes, [and stripped them of all their riches, and all that resisted him he slew with the edge of the sword 10 .] 27 Then he went down into the plain of Damascus in the time of wheat harvest, [and he set all the corn on fire, and he caused all the trees and vineyards to be cut down,] and burnt up all their fields, and destroyed their flocks and herds, also he spoiled their cities, and utterly wasted their countries 11 , and smote all their 28 young men with the edge of the sword. Therefore the fear and dread d of him fell upon all the inhabitants of the sea coasts, which were in Sidon and Tyrus, and them that dwelt in Sur and Ocina, and all that dwelt in Jemnaan'l; and they that dwelt in Azotus and Ascalon feared him greatly. CHAPTER in. The victories of Holof ernes. 1 fTPHEN the kings and princes of all the cities and |_ JL provinces, of Syria, Mesopotamia, and Syria Sobal, and Libya, and Cilicia, sent their ambassadors, who coming to Holofernes, said : Let thy indignation to- wards us cease : for it is better for us to live and serve Nabuchodonosor the great king, and to be subject to thee, than to die and to perish, or suffer the miseries of 2 slavery *.] So they sent ambassadors unto him to treat of peace*, saying, Behold, we the servants of Nabu- chodonosor the great king lie before thee ; use us as 3 shall be good in thy sight. Behold, our houses, and all our places, [all our cities and possessions, all mountains and hills 2 ,] and all our fields of wheat, and flocks, and herds [of sheep, and goats, and horses, and camels, and all our goods and families 3 ,] and all the lodges 11 of our tents, lie before thy face ; [let all we have be subject to 4 thy law 4 ;] use them as it pleaseth thee. Behold, even our cities and the inhabitants thereof are thy servants ; come [to us as a peaceable lord, and use our service 5 ] 5 and deal with them as seemeth good unto thee. So the II Or, tents. 10 Additions in Vulgate. II In Greek and Syriac, winnowed out their valleys. d Is. 10. 13, 14. II Or, Libnah, 2 KIN. 8.22; 19.8. i Addition in Vulgate. 2 KIN. 18. 14. 2, 3 Additions in Vulgate. II Or, sheep- folds. .s Additions in Vulgate. 174 JUDITH, IV. 6, -, 8 Addi- tions in Vulgate. 9, 10, 11, 12 Ad- ditions in Vulgate. b 1 MACC. 10. 29 ; 11. 35 ; 13. 39. is Addition in Vulgate. ". i Addi- tions in Syriac. 16, 17, is Addi- tions in Vulgate. c Is. 36. 17 20 ; 37. 18, 19. 2 MACC. 9. 12. \\Or,Dothan, as in Syriac. See 2 KIN. 6. 13, and ch.4. 6; 8. 3. II Literally, saw, a 'Sierra,' or, ' serrated ' mountain.' is, 20 Addi- tions in Vulgate. II In Syriac, Bashan. II Or, baggage. II Or, coaste. men came to Holofernes, and declared unto him after this manner. Then came he down [from the moun- 6 tains 6 ] toward the sea coast, both he and his army, [with horsemen in great poAver, and made himself master of every city, and all the inhabitants of the land 7 ,] and set garrisons in the high cities, and took out of them [auxiliaries, valiant men, and 8 ] chosen men for aid. [And] so [great a fear lay upon all those 7 provinces, that the inhabitants of all the cities, both princes and nobles, as well as the people 9 ,] they and all the country round about, [went out to meet him at his coming, and 10 ] received them with garlands b [and lights u ,] with dances and with timbrels [and flutes 12 .] Yet, [though they did these things, they could not for 8 all that mitigate the fierceness of his heart, for he both destroyed their cities 13 , and all their temples, and 14 ] he did cast down their frontiers, [and brake all their idols 15 ] and cut down their groves : for [the king had commanded him and 16 ] he had decreed to destroy all the gods of the land, that all nations should worship Nabuchodonosor only, and that all tongues and tribes [which could be brought under him by the power of Holofernes 17 ] should call upon him [only 18 ] as god. Also he came over against Esdraelon near unto Judea 11 , 9 over against the great strait 11 of Judea. [And when 10 he had passed through all Syria Sobal, and all Apamea, and all Mesopotamia, he came to the Idumeans into the land of Gabaa, and he took possession of their cities 19 ,] and he pitched between Geba and Scythopolis U, and there he tarried a whole month, that he might gather together all the carriages H of his army. [And he com- manded all his troops to be united ^.J CHAPTER IV. The distress of the people in Judea. NOW the children of Israel, that dwelt in Judea, 1 heard all that Holofernes the chief captain of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians had done to the nations, and after what manner he had spoiled all their temples 11 , and brought them to nought, [and delivered JUDITH, IV. 175 2 their gods to destruction 1 .] Therefore they were ex- ceedingly afraid of him, and [dread and horror seized upon their minds, and they 3 ] were troubled for Jeru- salem, and for the temple a of the Lord their God, [lest he should do the same to them, that he had done to 3 other cities, and their temples 3 .] For they were newly returned from the captivity b , and all the people of Judea were lately gathered together : and the vessels, and the altar, and the house, were sanctified after the 4 profanation. Therefore they sent into all the coasts of Samaria, and the villages, and to Bethoron, and Bel- men, and Jericho, and to Choba, and Esora, and to the 5 valley of Salem : and possessed themselves beforehand II of all the tops of the high mountains, and fortified the villages that were in them, [and compassed their towns with walls 4 ,] and laid up victuals (| for the pro- vision of war : for their fields were of late reaped. 6 And Joacim H the high priest, which was in those days in Jerusalem, wrote to them that dwelt in Bethulia, and Betomestham, which is [upon the ridge H 5 ] over against Esdraelon toward the open country, [the great plain 6 ] near to Dothaim, [and to all by whom there might be passage of way, that they should take posses- 7 sion of the ascents of the mountains, and 7 ] charging them to keep the passages of the hill country : for by them there was an entrance into Judea, and it was easy tost op them that would come up, because the passage was strait, for two men at the most. 8 And the children of Israel did as Joacim the high priest had commanded them, with the ancients of all 9 the people of Israel, which dwelt at Jerusalem. Then every man of Israel cried to God with great fervency ", and with great vehemency did they humble " their 10 souls [in fastings and prayers 8 :] both they, and their wives, and their children, and their cattle, and every stranger and hireling, and their servants bought with money, put sackcloth H upon their loins. [And the priests put on haircloths, and they caused the little children to lie prostrate before the temple of the 11 Lord 9 .] Thus every man and woman, and the little children, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, fell before 1 Addition in Syriac. 2 > 3 Additions in Vulgate. a 2 MACC. 11. 2,3. b 2 CHR, 33. 1217. 1 MAOC. 4. 3660. See ch. 5. 18. II Or, occupied. 4 Addition in Vulgate. II Or, corn. II In Vulgate] and Syriac Eliakim, II Or, 'sierra,' ch. 3. 9. 6 Addition in Syriac. 6, "Additions in Vulgate. "Or, earnestness. II Or, afflict. s Addition in Vulgate and Syriac. II In the old English, haircloth, or, hairy clothes. c 2 CHR. 20. 13. JOEL 2. 16. 1 MACC. 4, 39, 40. 9 Addition in Vulgate. 176 JUDITH, V. a 2 SAM. 21. 10. e JOEL 2. 17. MIC. 7. 8, 10. II Or, to be a laughing- stock to the heathen. See ECCLUS. 6. 4 ; 18. 31. f Ex. 17. 12. 1 MACC. 4. 10, 11. 10 Addition in Vulgate. Addition in Vulgate. SESTH.4.1 3 ; 14 *. 1, 2. 1 MACC. 3. 4448. 12- is Addi- tions in Vulgate. h Ex. 28. 4, 36, 37. Addition in Vulgate. the temple, and cast ashes upon their heads, and spread out d the sackcloth before the face of the Lord : also 12 they put sackcloth about the altar, and cried to the God of Israel all with one consent earnestly, that He would not give their children for a prey, and their wives for a spoil, and the cities of their inheritance to destruction, and the sanctuary to profanation and re- proach, and for the nations 6 to rejoice at 11 . [Then the high priest of the Lord went about all 13 Israel, and spake unto them, saying, Be ye sure that the Lord will hear your petitions, if ye continue sted- fast in fastings and prayers in the sight of the Lord. Remember Moses the servant of the Lord, which over- threw*' the Amalekites, that trusted in their might and power, in their host, in their shields, in their chariots and horsemen, not with weapons, but with holy prayers. Even so shall all the enemies of Israel be, if ye continue in this work, that ye have begun 10 .] So God heard their prayers, and looked upon their afflictions : for the people [being moved by this exhor- tation, continued in prayer before the Lord, and 11 ] fasted g many days in all Judea and Jerusalem before the sanctuary of the Lord Almighty. And Joacim the 14 high priest, and all the priests that stood before the Lord, and they which ministered unto the Lord, had their loins girt with sackcloth ; and [even they who 1S ] offered the daily burnt offerings, with the vows and free gifts of the people, [offered the sacrifices to the 15 Lord girded with haircloths 13 ,] and had ashes on their mitres h , and cried unto the Lord with all their power, that He would [visit His people, and 14 ] look upon all the house of Israel graciously. CHAPTEE V. The testimony of Achior. was it declared to Holofernes, the chief cap- 1 -L tain of the army of Assur, that the children of Israel had prepared for war, and had shut up the pas- Uocks, such sages of the hill country, and had fortified all the tops PS. 57. 6. ' of the high hills, and had laid impediments !| in the .JUDITH, V. 177 2 champaign countries H : wherewith he was very angry, [and was transported with exceeding great fury and indignation 1 ,] and [he] called all the princes of Moab, and the captains of Ammon, and all the governors of 3 the sea coast 1 !, and he said unto them, Tell me now, ye sons of Chanaan, who this people is, that dwelleth in the hill country, [and besetteth the mountains 2 ,] and what are the cities that they inhabit, [of what sort, and how great 3 ,] and what is the multitude of their army, and wherein is their power and strength, and what 4 king is set over them, or captain of their army ; and why have they [despised us, and 4 ] determined 11 not to come and meet me, more than all the inhabitants of the West H, [that they might receive us in peace 5 ?] 5 Then said Achior, the captain of all the sons of Am- mon, Let my lord now hear a word from the mouth of thy servant, and I will declare unto thee the truth concerning this people, which dwelleth near thee, and inhabiteth the hill countries: and there shall no lie 6 come out of the mouth of thy servant. This people 7 are descended of the Chaldeans a : and they sojourned heretofore in Mesopotamia, because they would not follow the gods of their fathers, which were in the 8 Fand of Chaldea. For they left the way of their an- cestors, [and the ceremonies of their fathers, which consisted in the worship of many gods 6 ,] and worship- ped the God of heaven, the God Whom they knew : so they cast them out from the face of their gods, and they fled into Mesopotamia, and sojourned there many 9 days. Then their God commanded them to depart from the place where they sojourned, and to go into the land of Chanaan H: where they dwelt, and were increased with gold and silver b , and with very much 10 cattle. But when a famine covered all the land of Chanaan, they went down into Egypt, and sojourned there, while they were nourished, and [for four hun- dred years were so multiplied, that they 7 ] became there a great multitude, so that one could not number their 11 nation. Therefore the king of Egypt rose up against them, and dealt subtilly d with them, and brought them low with labouring in [clay and 8 ] brick [in the build- II Or, valleys, or, fields, ch.4.5. !. 2 Additions in Vulgate. II In the Sy- riac, mari- time cities. 3, 4, s Addi- tions in Vulgate. II lit., turned their backs. II In the Vul- gate, East. a GEN. 11. 26, 31. JOSH. 24. 2, 11 Addition in Vulgate. II In the Vulgate, Charan. b GEN. 13. 2 ; 24. 34, 36. c GEN. 41. 57. i Addition in Vulgate. d Ex. 1. 10. ACTS 7. 19. Addition in Vulgate. 178 JUDITH, V. ' WlSD. 19. 2,3. 9 Additions in Vulgate. ' Ps. 106. 11, 10 Addition in the Vulgate. 8 NUM. 21. 24, 25. " Addition in the Vulgate. 12 Addition in the Vulgate. ing of his cities 8 ,] and made them slaves. Then they 12 cried unto their God, and He smote all the land of Egypt with incurable plagues: so the Egyptians cast them out of their sight. [But when the plague had ceased from them, they had a mind to take them again, and bring them back to their service 9 .] And [then the 9 ] 13 God [of heaven 9 ] dried the Eed Sea before them, [and opened the sea to them in their flight, so that the waters were made to stand firm as a wall on either side, and they walked through the bottom of the sea, and passed it dry foot. And when an innumerable army of the Egyptians pursued after them in that place, they were so overwhelmed with the waters, that there was not one left f to tell what had happened to posterity. And after they came out of the Red Sea, they abode in the deserts of Mount Sina, in which never man could dwell, or son of man rested. There bitter fountains were made sweet for them to drink, and for forty years they received food from heaven 10 .] And [God] brought 14 them to Mount Sina, and Cades-Barne, and cast forth all that dwelt in the wilderness. So they dwelt in 15 the land of the Amorites, and they destroyed by their strength all them of Esebon g , and passing over Jordan they possessed all the hill country. [Wheresoever they went in, without bow and arrow, and without shield and sword, their God fought for them and overcame. And there was no one that triumphed over this people but when they departed from the worship of the Lord their God. But as often as beside their own God, they worshipped any other, they were given to spoil, and to the sword, and to reproach. And as often as they were penitent for having revolted from the worship of their God, the God of heaven gave them power to resist 11 .] And they cast forth before them the Cha- 16 naanite, the Pherezite, the Jebusite, and the Sychemite, and all the Gergesites, [and overthrew the king of the Hethites, and of the Hevites, and of the Amorites, and all the mighty ones in Esebon, and they possessed their lands and their cities 12 ,] and they dwelt in that coun- try many days. And whilst they sinned not before 17 their God, they prospered, because the God that hateth JUDITH, V. 179 18 iniquity was with them. But [even some years ago 13 ,] when they departed from the way which He appointed them [to walk therein 13 ,] they were destroyed in many battles very sore [by many nations 13 ] and [very many of them 13 ] were led captives into a land that was not theirs, and the temple of their God was cast to the ground, and their cities were taken by the enemies. 19 But now are they returned h to their God, and are come up from the places where they were scattered, and have possessed Jerusalem, where their sanctuary is : [they are come together and are gone up into all these mountains 14 ,] and are seated in the hill country ; 20 for it was desolate. Now therefore, my lord and governor, if there be any error in this people, and they sin against their God 1 , let us consider that this shall be their ruin 11 , and let us go up [to them, because their God will surely deliver them to thee, and they shall be brought under the yoke of thy power 15 ,] and we shall 21 overcome them. But if there be no iniquity J in their nation [hi the sight of their God 16 ,] let my lord now pass by, [for we cannot resist them 16 ,] lest their Lord defend them, and their God be for them, and we be- come a reproach before all the world. 22 And when Achior had finished these sayings, all the people standing round about the tent murmured, and the chief men of Holofernes, and all that dwelt by the sea side, and in Moab, spake that he should kill him. 23 For, say they, we will not be afraid of the face of the children of Israel. [Who is this that saith the chil- dren of Israel can resist king Nabuchodonosor, and his armies, men unarmed and without force, and without skill in the art of war 17 ?] For, lo, it is a people that 24 have no strength nor power for a strong battle k . Now therefore, lord Holofernes, we will go up, and they shall be a prey to be devoured of all thine army. [That Achior therefore may know that he deceiveth us, let us go up into the mountains ; and when the bravest of them shall be taken, then shall he with them be stabbed with the sword : that every nation may know that Nabuchodonosor is god of the earth, and besides him there is no other 18 .] M 2 is Additions In Vulgate. h ch. 4. 3 ; 8. 1820. " Additions in Vulgate. 1 2 CHRON. 15.2. II Or, ichat is this offence, or stum- bling-block in their midst. is, w Addi- tions in Vulgate. J ch. 11. 10. 2 MAOC. 8. 36 ; 12. 40. " Addition in Vulgate, k Is. 36. 5. is Addition in Vulgate. 180 JUDITH, VI. i Addition in Vulgate. tt Is. 28. 1, LXX. The Syriac here has ' hire- lings of Am- 111011,' as in ver. 5, II Greek, we will con- sume them, or, burn, them up. i) JER. 46. 10. Ps. 110. 6. II lit., heels. See ch. 2. 8,12. c 1 MACC. 6. 29. 2 Additions in Vulgate. a Addition in Vulgate. CHAPTER VI. Achior's expulsion from the Assyrian camp. ND when the tumult of men that were about 1 the council was ceased, Holofernes the chief captain of the army of Assur [took sore indignation, and 1 ] said unto Achior and all the Moabites before all the company of other nations, And who art thou, 2 Achior, and the hirelings of Ephraim a , that thou hast prophesied among us as to-day, and hast said, that we should not make war with the people of Israel, because their God will defend them? And who is God but Nabuchodonosor? He will send his power, and will 3 destroy them from the face of the earth, and their God shall not deliver them: but we his servants will de- stroy them as one man ; for they are not able to sus- tain the power of our horses. For with them we will 4 tread them under foot 11 , and their mountains shall be drunken b with their blood, and their fields shall be filled with their dead bodies, and their footsteps ]l shall not be able to stand before us, for they shall utterly perish, saith king Nabuchodonosor, lord of all the earth : for he said, None of my words shall be in vain. And thou, Achior, an hireling of Ammon, which hast 5 spoken these words in the day of thine iniquity, shalt see my face no more from this day, until I take vengeance of this nation that came out of Egypt. [And when we 6 shall slay them all as one man, then thou also shalt die with them by the sword of the Assyrians, and all Israel shall perish with thee : and thou shalt find that Nabuchodonosor is lord of the whole earth 2 :] and then shall the sword of mine army, and the multitude of them that serve me, pass through thy sides, and thou shalt [be stabbed and 2 ] fall among their slain [and the wounded of Israel 3 ] when I return ; [and thou shalt breathe no more, till thou be destroyed with them. And that thou mayest know that thou shalt experience 7 these things together with them, behold from this hour thou shalt be associated to their people, that when they shall receive the punishment they deserve from my sword, thou mayest fall under the same vengeance 3 .] JUDITH, VI. 181 Now therefore my servants shall bring thee back into the hill country, and shall set thee in one of the cities 8 of the passages : and thou shalt not perish, till thou 9 be destroyed with them. And if thou [think thy pro- phecy true, and] persuade thyself in thy mind that they shall not be taken, let not thy countenance fall, [and let the paleness that is in thy face depart from thee, if thou imaginest these my words cannot be ac- complished 4 :] I have spoken it, and none of my words shall be in vain. 10 Then Holofernes commanded his servants, that wait- ed in his tent, to take Achior, and bring him to Bethu- lia, and deliver him into the hands of the children 11 of Israel. So his servants took him, and brought him out of the camp into the plain, and they went from the midst of the plain into the hill country, and came unto 12 the fountains that were under Bethulia. And when the men of the city saw them, they took up their weapons, and went out of the city to the top of the hill : and every man that used a sling kept them from 13 coming up by casting of stones against them. Never- theless having gotten privily under the hill [and turn- ing out of the way by the side of the mountain 5 ,] they bound Achior [to a tree hand and foot 5 ] and cast him down, and left him, [bound with ropes 5 ] at the foot of the hill, and returned to their lord. 14 But the Israelites descended from their city, and came unto him, and loosed him, and brought him into Bethulia, and presented him to the governors of the 15 city : which were in those days Ozias the son of Micha, of the tribe of Simeon, and Chabris the son of Grotho- 16 niel, and Charmis 11 the son of Melchiel. And they called together all the ancients of the city, and all their youth ran together, and their women, to the assembly, and they set Achior in the midst of all their people. Then Ozias asked him of that which was done, [and what the matter was, that the Assyrians had left him bound 6 .] 17 And he answered and declared unto them the words of the council of Holofernes, and all the words that he had spoken in the midst of the princes of Assur : [he < Addition in Vulgate. * Additions in Vulgate. II In the Vul- gate, Char- mi, called also Gotho- niel. 182 JUDITH, VI. < Addition in Vulgate. s Addition in Vulgate. 9. > Addi- tions in Vulgate. II In Syriac, look upon Thy sanc- tuary. See ch. 4. 12 ; 9.8. il lit., pre- sume. 11 Addition In Vulgate. 12, is Addi- tions in Vulgate. . is Addi- tions in Vulgate. told them what answer he gave Holofernes to the thing that he asked him, and how Holofernes' people would have slain him for so saying 7 ,] and whatsoever Holofernes had spoken proudly against the house of Israel : [and how Holofernes himself was wroth, and commanded him for the same cause to be delivered unto the Israelites : that when he overcame the chil- dren of Israel, he might command Achior also to be put to death with divers torments, because he said, The God of heaven is their defender 8 .] [And when Achior had declared all these things 9 ,] 18 then the people fell down and worshipped God, [and all of them together mourning and weeping poured out their prayers with one accord 9 ,] and cried unto God, saying: O Lord God of heaven [and earth 10 ,] be- 19 hold their pride, and pity the low estate of our nation, and look upon the face of those that are sanctified 1 ! unto Thee this day: [and shew that Thou forsakest not them i/iilwir to acknowledge that Thou art the God of all power and might, [and there is no other beside Thee 10 ,] and that there is none other that protecteth the people of Israel but Thou. CHAPTER X. Judith in the Assyrian camp. i Additions in Vulgate. * ch. 8. 5. II lit., rolled up. See Is. 34. 4. b 2 SAM. 14. 2. I! Or, ar- ranged, or, parted. II Or, mitre. II Or, beauti- fied herself exceed- ingly. 2 Additions in Vulgate. II The Greek word de- notes a leathern jlaekof large size. c ch. 13. 10. s Addition in the Vulgate. of Israel, and had made an end of all these words, 2 she rose [from the place 1 ] where she had fallen down [and lay prostrate before the Lord 1 ] and called her maid, and went down into the house, in the which she 3 abode in the sabbath days % and in her feast days, and pulled off II the sackcloth which she had on, and put off the garments of her widowhood, and washed her body all over with water, and anointed herself with precious ointment b , and braided H the hair of her head, and put on a tire" upon it, and put on her garments of gladness, wherewith she was clad during the life of Manasses 4 her husband. And she took sandals upon her feet, and put about her her bracelets [and lilies 2 ] and her chains, and her rings, and her earrings, and all her or- naments, and decked herself bravely H, to alhire the eyes of all men that should see her. [And the Lord also gave her more beauty: because all this dressing up did not proceed from sensuality, but from virtue : and therefore the Lord increased this her beauty, so that she appeared to all men's eyes incomparably lovely s .] 5 Then she gave her maid a bottle " of wine, and a cruse of oil, and filled a bag with parched corn, and lumps of figs, and with fine bread [and cheese 3 ] ; so she folded all these things together, and laid them upon 6 her. Thus they went forth to the gate of the city of Bethulia, and found standing there Ozias, and the an- 194 JUDITH, X. 4 Addition in the Vulgate. s Addition in the Vulgate. II Or, She fell down and worship- ped God (Greek and Syriac). 6 Addition in Vulgate. ? Addition in Vulgate. II In Vulgate, daughter. s Addition in Vulgate. Addition in Vulgate. II literally, and there shall not fail of his men one flesh, or breath of life. cients of the city, Chabris and Charmis. And when 7 they saw her, that her countenance was altered, and her apparel was changed, they wondered at her beauty very greatly ; [but they asked her no question, only 8 they let her pass 4 ,] and said unto her, The God, the God of our fathers, give thee favour, and accomplish thine enterprizes to the glory of the children of Israel, and to the exaltation of Jerusalem: [and may He strengthen all the counsel of thy heart with His power, that Jerusalem may glory in thee, and thy name may be in the number of the holy and just. And they that were there said, all with one voice, So be it, so be it 5 .] Then they worshipped God 1 '. And she said unto them, 9 Command the gates of the city to be opened unto me, that I may go forth to accomplish the things whereof ye have spoken with me. So they commanded the young men to open unto her, as she had spoken. And 10 when they had done so, Judith [praying to the Lord, passed through the gates, and 6 ] went out, she, and her maid with her ; and the men of the city looked after her, until she was gone down the mountain, and till she had passed the valley, and [they] could see her no more. Thus they went straight forth in the valley : and 11 [it came to pass, when she went down the hill, about break of day, that 7 ] the first watch of the Assyrians met her, and took her, and asked her, Of what people 12 art thou ? and whence comest thou ? and whither goest thou? And she said, I am a woman 1 ! o f the Hebrews, and am fled from them ; for they shall be given you to be consumed, [because they despised you, and would not of their own accord yield themselves, that they might find mercy in your sight 8 .] [For this reason I 13 thought with myself, saying : I will go to the presence of the prince Holofernes, that I may tell him their secrets 9 :] and I am coming before Holofernes, the chief captain of your army, to declare words of truth ; and I will shew him a way, whereby he shall go, and win all the hill country, without losing the body or life of any one of his men H. Now when the men heard her words, and beheld 14 her countenance, they wondered greatly at her beauty, JUDITH, XI. 195 10 Additions in Vulgate. 15 and said unto her, Thou hast saved thy life, in that thou hast hasted to come down to the presence of our lord : now therefore come to his tent, and some of us shall conduct thee, until they have delivered thee to 16 his hands. And [be assured of this, that 10 ] when thou standest before him, [he will treat thee well, and thou wilt be most acceptable to his heart 10 .] Be not afraid in thine heart, but shew unto him according to thy 17 word ; and he will entreat thee well. Then they chose out of them an hundred men to accompany her and her maid ; and they brought her to the tent of Holofernes. 18 Then was there a concourse throughout all the camp : for her coming was noised among the tents, and they came about her, as she stood without the tent of Holo- 19 femes, till they told him of her. And they wondered at her beauty ", and admired the children of Israel be- cause of her, and every one said to his neighbour, Who would despise this people [of the Hebrews u ] that have among them such [beautiful u ] women, [that we should not by reason fight against them for their sakes 11 ?] Surely it is not good that one man of them be left, who 20 being let go might deceive II the whole earth. And they that lay near Holofernes went out, and all his servants, 21 and they brought her into the tent. Now Holofernes rested upon his bed under a canopy ", which was woven with purple, and gold, and emeralds, and precious 22 stones. So they shewed him of her ; and he came out before his tent with silver lamps going before him. 23 And when Judith was come before him and his ser- vants, [forthwith Holofernes was caught by his eyes, and 12 ] they all marvelled at the beauty of her counte- nance ; and [after she had looked on his face 12 ] she fell down upon her face, and did reverence unto him, [pros- trating herself to the ground 12 :] and his servants took [and lifted 13 ] her up, [by the command of their master 13 .] CHAPTEE XI. Judith in the tent of Holofernes. 1 r I THEN said Holofernes unto her, Woman, be of good -L comfort, fear not in thine heart : for I never a hurt ch. s. 7, 8. any that was willing to serve Nabuchodonosor, the king N 2 II The Syriac adds, and they listen- ed to her words, for they mere very good. u Additions in Vulgate. 11 Or, over- come by subtlety, ch. 5. 11. II That is, a curtain for protection from flies. See ESTH. 1. 6. CANT. 3. 7, 9,10. 12 Additions in Vulgate. 196 JUDITH, XI. II Or, will do ivith thee a perfect thing. 1 Addition in Syriac. 2 Additions in Vulgate. II Or, wise counsels, as in ECCLUS. L6. 3 Additions in Vulgate. c eh. 5. 5 ; 6. 7, 10. * Addition in Vulgate. d ch. 5. 20. of all the earth. Now therefore, if thy people that 2 dwelleth in the mountains had not set light by me, I would not have lifted up my spear against them : but they have done these things to themselves. But now 3 tell me wherefore thou art fled from them, and art come unto us : for thou art come for safeguard ; be of good comfort, thou shalt live this night, and hereafter : for none shall hurt thee, but entreat thee well, as they 4 do the servants of king Nabuchodonosor my lord. Then Judith said unto him, Receive the words of 5 thy servant, and suffer thine handmaid to speak in thy presence, and I will declare no lie to my lord this night. And if thou wilt follow the words of thine 6 handmaid, God will bring the thing perfectly to pass by thee H, and my lord shall not fail of his purposes [as long as he liveth 1 .] As Nabuchodonosor king of all 7 the earth liveth, and as his power liveth [which is in thee for chastising of all straying souls 2 ,] who hath sent thee for the upholding of every living thing : for not only men shall serve him by thee, but also the beasts of the field, and the cattle, and the fowls of the air, shall live by thy power under Nabuchodonosor and all his house, [and shall b obey him 3 .] For we have 8 heard of thy wisdom and thy policies ", [and it is spo- ken of among all nations 3 ,] and it is reported in all the earth, that thou only art excellent in all the kingdom, and mighty in knowledge, and wonderful in feats of war, [and thy discretion is commended in all the pro- vinces 3 ]. Now as concerning the matter, which Achior 9 did speak in thy council, we have heard his words ; [nor are we ignorant of what thou hast commanded to be done to him 4 ;] for the men of Bethulia saved him, and he declared unto them all that he had spoken unto thee. Therefore, lord and governor, reject not his 10 word ; but lay it up in thine heart, for it is true : for our nation shall not be punished, neither can the sword prevail against them, except they sin against their God d . [For it is certain that our God is so oifended with sins, that He hath sent word by His prophets to the people, that He will deliver them up for their sins. And because the children of Israel know they have JUDITH, XI. 197 11 offended their God, thy dread is upon them 5 .] Arid 'Addition in now, that my lord be not defeated and frustrate of his purpose, even death is now fallen upon them, and their sin hath overtaken them, wherewith they will provoke their God to anger, whensoever they shall do that which is not fit to be done " : [moreover also a famine Or, ami**, 12 hath come upon them 6 ,] for their victuals fail them, t! "i. U * and all their water is scant, [and for drought 6 of water 'Addition in they are already to be counted among the dead 7 ,] and e C h. V*i 2) i:<, they have determined to lay hands upon their cattle, 21 - 22 - [to kill them, and to drink the blood f of them 7 ,] and in Vulgate, purposed to consume all those things, that God hath f ^'j 4 17 - 13 forbidden them to eat by His laws: and are resolved ISAM.'II to spend 1 ' [the consecrated things of the Lord their H^T 84 God, which God forbade them to touch 8 ], the firstfruits consume. of the corn, and the tenths of wine and oil, which "vuigauT " they had sanctified, and reserved for the priests g that * MATT. 12. 3, serve in Jerusalem before the face of our God ; the *" which things it is not lawful for any of the people so 14 much as to touch with their hands. For they have sent some to Jerusalem, because they also that dwell there have done the like, to bring them a licence from 15 the senate. Now when they shall bring them word, they will forthwith do it, and they shall be given thee 16 to be destroyed the same day. Wherefore I thine handmaid, knowing all this, am fled from their pre- sence ; and God hath sent me [to tell thee these very things, and 9 ] to work things with thee, whereat all 9 Addition in the earth shall be astonished, and whosoever shall hear 17 it. For thy servant is religious, and serveth the God of heaven day and night: now therefore, my lord, I will remain with thee, and thy servant will go out by night into the valley, and I will pray unto God, and He will tell me when they have committed their sins, [and when He will recompense them for their evil deeds 10 ;] ' it f v ^a"e 18 and I will come and shew it unto thee : then thou shalt go forth with all thine army, and there shall be none 19 'of them that shall resist thee. And I will lead thee through the midst of Judea, until thou come before Jerusalem ; and I will set thy throne hi the midst h ^ m thereof; and thou shalt drive them as sheep h that have 17. 198 JUDITH, XII. * Ex. 11. 7. II lit., growl with his tongue. Additions in Vulgate. II In Syriac, that help may be given to us. In Vulgate, to give them into our hands. 11 Or, good. 12 Additions in Vulgate. II Gr. silver vessels. Vulgate, treasures. 1 Additions in Syriac and Vul- gate. * DAN. 1. 8. TOBIT 1. 11. 2 Addition in Vulgate. > ch. 11. 17. no shepherd, and a dog' shall not so much as open his mouth II at thee : for these things were told me accord- ing to my foreknowledge, and they were declared unto me [by the providence of God n ], and I am sent to tell thee [these very things, because God is angry with them ".] Then her words pleased Holofernes and all his ser- 20 vants ; and they marvelled at her wisdom, and said, There is not such a woman from one end of the earth 21 to the other, both for beauty of face, and wisdom of words. Likewise Holofernes said unto her, God hath 22 done well to send thee before the people, that strength might be in our hands H, and destruction upon them that lightly regard my lord. And now thou art both 23 beautiful in thy countenance, and witty H in thy words : surely if thou do as thou hast spoken, [and] thy God [shall do this for me, He 12 J shall be my God, and thou shalt [be great and 12 ] dwell in the house of king Nabu- chodonosor, and shalt be renowned through the whole earth. CHAPTER XIL Holofernes ensnared by Judith. THEN he commanded to bring her in where his 1 plate" was set; and bade [her tarry there, and that her bed be prepared, and appointed 1 ] that they should prepare for her of his own meats, and that she should drink of his own wine. And Judith said, I will 2 not eat thereof, lest a [sin come upon me, and 2 ] there be an offence : but provision shall be made for me of the things that I have brought. Then Holofernes said 3 unto her, If thy provision should fail, how should we give thee the like ? for there be none with us of thy nation. Then said Judith unto him, As thy soul liveth, 4 my lord, thine handmaid shall not spend those things that I have, before the Lord work by mine hand the things that He hath determined. Then the servants of Holofernes brought her into the 5 tent, [which he had commanded. And when she was going in, she desired b that she might have liberty to go JUDITH, XII. 199 out at night and before day to prayer, and to beseech the Lord. And he commanded his chamberlains, that she might go out and in, to adore her God as she pleas- ed, for three days 3 .] And she slept till midnight, and 3 Addition in she arose when it was toward the morning watch, and 6 sent to Holofernes, saying, Let my lord now command 7 that thine handmaid may go forth unto prayer. Then Holofernes commanded his guard that they should not stay her : thus she abode in the camp three days, and went out in the night into the valley of Bethulia, and washed herself in a fountain of water by the camp. 8 And when she came out, she besought the Lord God of Israel to direct her way to the raising up of the 9 children of her people. So she came in clean, and re- mained in the tent, until she did eat" her meat at IIOr > * constrain- evenrng. ed to take 10 And in the fourth day Holofernes made a feast to ^/^rd his own servants only, and called none of the officers ** in WlSD - 11 to the banquet. Then said he to Bagoas H the eunuch, n Tn vuigate, who had charge over all that he had, Go now, and per- Vfw*-. So Hegai in suade this Hebrew woman which is with thee, that she ESTH. 2. 3, 8. come unto us, and eat and drink with us, [and consent 12 of her own accord to dwell with me 4 .] For, lo, it will 4 Addition in be a shame for our person, if we shall let such a woman go, not having had her company ; for if we draw her not unto us, she will laugh us to scorn. [For among the Assyrians it is a disgrace, if a woman mock a man by doing so as to pass free from him 5 .] 5 Addition in 13 Then went Bagoas from the presence of Holofernes, and came to her, and he said, Let not this fair damsel fear to come to my lord, and to be honoured in his pre- sence, [that she may eat with him 6 ] and drink wine, 6 Addition in and be merry with us, and be made this day as one of the daughters of the Assyrians, which serve II in the "Or, dweU. 14 house of Nabuchodonosor. Then said Judith unto him, Who am I now, that I should gainsay my lord ? surely whatsoever pleaseth him I will do speedily, and it shall 15 be my joy unto the day of my death. So she arose, and decked herself with her apparel and all her wo- man's attire, and her maid went and laid soft [lamb 7 ] skins on the ground for her over against Holofernes, 200 JUDITH, XIII. ' Additions in Syriac. See above, ver. 1. II Or, smitten with admiration of her. c ECCLUS. 9. 8; 18.30,31. d 2 SAM. 13. 28. a Addition in Vulgate. II Or, days of my Life. II Or, was merry be- cause of her. II Some copies omit at any time in one day. which she had received of Bagoas for her daily use, that she might sit and eat [and sleep 7 ] upon them. Now when Judith came in and sat down, Holofernes 16 his heart was- ravished with herll, and his mind c was moved, and he desired greatly her company ; for he waited a time to deceive her, from the day that he had seen her. Then said Holofernes unto her, Drink now, 17 and be merry d with us, [for thou hast found favour be- fore me 8 .] So Judith said, I will drink now, my lord, 18 because my life is magnified in me this day more than all the days since I was bornH. Then she took and ate 19 and drank before him what her maid had prepared. And Holofernes took great delight in heril, and drank 20 much more wine than he had drunk at any time in one clay II since he was born. 1 ch. 12. 10. II Or, attendants. 1 Additions in Vulgate and Syriac. II In the Vulgate, chamber. 2 Addition in the Vulgate. b ECCLUS. 81. 20, 25. c ch. 12. 6, 7. 3 Additions in Syriac and Vul- gate. CHAPTER XIII. Holofernes slain by Judith. NOW when the evening was come, his servants 8 1 made haste to depart [to their lodgings 1 ,] and Bagoas shut [the chamber doors and 1 ] his tent with- out, and dismissed the waiters H from the presence of his lord ; and they went [each to his tent l ] to their beds : for they were all weary [and overcharged with wine 1 ,] because the feast had been long. And Judith was left alone in the tent", and Holo- 2 femes lying along upon his bed, [fast asleep in his drunkenness 2 ,] for he was filled b with wine. Now Judith had commanded her maid to stand with- 3 out her bedchamber, and to wait for her coming forth, as she did daily: for she said she would go forth to her prayers, and she spake to Bagoas according to the same purpose. So all went forth, and none was left in 4 the bedchamber, neither little nor great. Then Judith, standing by his bed, [near the head of Holofernes 3 ] said in her heart, [praying with tears, and the motion of her lips in silence 3 ,] Lord God of all power, [strengthen me and 3 ] look at this present upon the works of mine hands for the exaltation of Jerusalem. For now is the time to help Thine inheritance, [and to 5 JUDITH, XIII. 201 raise up Jerusalem Thy city 4 ] and to execute mine enterprizes to the destruction of the enemies H which are risen against us ; [that I may bring to pass that which I have purposed, having a belief that it might be done by Thee 4 .] 6 Then she came to the pillar of the bed, which was at Holof ernes' head, and took down his fauchion 1 ' 7 from thence, [his sword that hung tied upon it 5 ,] and [when she had drawn it out from the sheath, she 6 ] approached to Ms bed, and took hold of the hair of his head, and said, Strengthen me, O Lord God of Israel, 8 this day, [at this hour 6 .] And she smote twice upon his neck with all her might [with the dagger 7 ,]. and she 9 took away his head from him, and tumbled 1 ! his body down from the bed, and pulled down the canopy from the pillars ; and anonll after she went forth, and gave Holofernes his head to her maid ; and she put it in her 10 bag of meat 1 ' : so they twain went together according to their custom unto prayer: and when they passed the camp, they compassed the valley, and went up the mountain of Bethulia, and came to the gates thereof. 11 Then said Judith afar off to the watchmen at the gate, Open, open now the gate : God, even our God, is with us [to give strength to Israel 8 and] to shew His power yet in Jerusalem, and His forces against the enemy, as He hath even done this day. 12 Now when the men of her city heard her voice, they made haste to go down to the gate of their city, [to open 13 it to her 9 ,] and they called the elders of the city. And then they ran all together [to meet her 10 ] both small and great, for it was strange unto them that she was come II : so they opened the gate, and received them, and made a fire for a light, and stood round about 14 them. Then [she went up to a higher place, and com- manded silence to be made. And when all had held their peace 11 ,] she said to them with a loud voice, Praise, praise God, praise God, I say, for He hath not d taken away His mercy from the house of Israel, [nor forsaken them that hope in Him 12 ,] but hath destroyed our enemies by mine hands this night. 15 So she took the head out of the bag, and shewed it, * Additions in Vulgate. See ch. 15. 9 ; 16. 8. II Or, nations, as in ch. 16. 17. II Or, dagger, or, scimitar. s Addition in Vulgate. 6 Additions in Vulgate and Syriac. i Addition in Syriac. 11 Or, rolled away. II Or, soon. II Or, wallet. 8 Addition in Syriac. 9 Addition in Syriac. 10, 11 Addi- tions in Vulgate. II In the Vul- gate, they had no hope that she would come so soon. d 2 SAM. 7. 15. w Addition in Vulgate. 202 JUDITH, XIII. and said unto them, Behold the head of Holofernes, the chief captain of the army of Assur, and behold the canopy, wherein he did lie in his drunkenness ; and the Lord hath smitten him by the hand e of a woman. As 16 the Lord liveth, Who hath kept me in my way that I went, my countenance hath deceived him to his de- struction, and yet hath he not committed sin with me, to defile and shame me. [But as the same Lord liveth, His Angel hath been my keeper both going hence, and abiding there, and returning from thence hither: and the Lord hath not suffered me His handmaid to be de- nied, but hath brought me back to you without pollu- tion of sin, rejoicing for His victory, for my escape, and for your deliverance. Give all of you glory to Him, because He is good, because His mercy endureth for ever 13 .] Then all the people were wonderfully astonished, and 17 bowed themselves, and worshipped God, and said with one accord, Blessed be Thou, our GodH, which hast this day brought to nought the enemies of Thy people. Then said Ozias [the prince of the people of Is- 18 rael 14 ,] unto her, Blessed art thou [0 daughter 14 ] of the most high God above all the women upon the earth ; and blessed be the Lord God, which hath cre- ated the heavens and the earth, which hath directed thee to the cutting off of the head of the chief of our enemies. For [because He hath so magnified thy name 19 this day 15 ] this thy confidence II shall not depart from the heart of men, which remember the power of God for ever. And God turn these things to thee for a per- 20 petual praise H, to visit thee in good things, because thou hast not spared thy life for the affliction of our nation, but hast revenged H our ruin, walking a straight way before our God. And all the people f said, So be it, so be it. CHAPTEK XIV. Preparation for battle. THEN said Judith unto them [and to all the peo- 1 pie 1 ], Hear me now, my brethren, and take this head a , and hang it upon the highest place " of your is Addition, in Vulgate. II In Vulgate, The Lord hath blessed thee by His power. Additions in Vulgate. J5 Addition in Vulgate. II In Vulgate, praise. II Or, exalta- tion. See 1 MACC. 1. 40. II In Vulgate, prevented, or, suc- coured. riCnR.16.36. i Addition in Vulgate. a ISAM. 17. 54. 2MACC.15.35. II Or, tower, or, high fort, as in Is. 23. 13 ; 25.12. JUDITH, XIV. 203 2 Addition in Vulgate. 3 Additions in Vulgate. * Addition in Vulgate. 2 walls. And so soon as the morning shall appear, and the sun shall come forth upon the earth, take ye every one his weapons, and go forth every valiant man out of the city, and set ye a captain over them, as though ye would go down into the field toward the watch of the Assyrians ; but go not down, [but let it appear as 3 though ye were making an assault 3 .] Then they shall take their armour, and shall go into their camp, and raise up the captains of the army of Assur ; [for the watchmen must needs run to awake their prince for the battle 3 ;] and they shall run to the tent of Holo- fernes, but shall not find him, [or they shall see him without his head wallowing in his blood 3 ;] then fear shall fall upon them, and they shall flee before your 4 face. [And when you shall know that they are fleeing, go after them securely, for the Lord shall destroy them under your feet 4 .] So ye, and all that inhabit the coast of Israel, shall pursue them, and overthrow them 5 as they go. But before ye do these things, call me Achior the Ammonite, that he may see and know him that despised the house of Israel, and that sent him to us, as it were to his death. 6 Then they called Achior out of the house of Ozias; and when he was come, [Judith said unto him, The God of Israel, to Whom thou gavest testimony, that He revengeth Himself of His enemies, He hath cut off the head of all the unbelievers this night by my hand. And that thou mayest find that it is so, behold the head of Holofernes, who in the contempt of his pride despised the God of Israel : and threatened thee with death, saying: When the people of Israel shall be taken, I will command thy sides to be pierced with a sword 5 .] And [when Achior 5 ] saw the head of Holo- fernes in a man's hand in the assembly of the people, [being seized with a great fear 6 ] he fell down on his face [upon the earth 6 ] and his spirit failed [as in a 7 swoon 6 .] But when they had recovered him, he fell at Judith's feet, and reverenced her, and said, Blessed art thou in all the tabernacle H of Juda, and in all na- tions, which hearing thy name shall be astonished, [and shall magnify the God of Israel by reason of thee 7 .] s Additions in Vulgate. 6 Additions in Vulgate. II Or, in every tabernacle. See JUDO. 5. 24. i Addition in Vulgate. 204 JUDITH, XIV. Additions in Vulgate. I! Or, ascents. Additions in Vulgate. II Or, cap- tains of thousands. ^1 SAM. 14.11. 10 Addition in Vulgate. H Additions in Vulgate. II In the Greek, a stool, with four legs, like a tor- toise. Now therefore tell me all the things that thou hast 8 done in these days. Then Judith declared unto him in the midst of the people all that she had done, from the day that she went forth until that hour she spake unto them. And when she had left off speaking, the 9 people shouted with a loud voice, and made a joyful . noise in their city. And when Achior had seen all that the God of Israel 10 had done, [leaving the religion of the Gentiles 8 ] he believed in God greatly, and circumcised the flesh of his foreskin, and was joined unto the house of Israel [with all the succession of his kindred *] unto this day. And as soon as the morning arose, they hanged the 11 head of Holofernes upon the wall, and every man took his weapons, and they went forth by bands unto the straits H of the mountain [with a great noise and shout- ing. 9 ] But when [the watchmen of 9 ] the Assyrians saw 12 them, they sent to their leaders, which came to their captains and tribunes H, and to every one of their rulers. So they came to Holofernes' tent, and said to him that 13 had the charge of all his things, "Waken now our lord : for the slaves have been bold to come down against us to battle, that they may be utterly destroyed. [And they that were in the tent came, and made a noise before the door of the chamber to awake him, en- deavouring by art to break his rest, that Holofernes might awake, not by their calling him, but by their noise. For no man durst knock, or open, and go into the chamber of the general of the Assyrians. But when his captains and tribunes were come, and all the chiefs of the army of the Assyrians, they said to the chamberlains, Go hi and awake him ; for the mice coming out of their holes b have presumed to challenge us to fight 10 ]. Then went hi Bagoas, and knocked at 14 the door of the tent ; for he thought that he had slept with Judith. But because none answered, he opened 15 it, and went into the bedchamber, [and stood before the curtain, and made a clapping with his hands ; but when with hearkening he perceived no motion of one lying, he came near to the curtain, 11 ] and [lifting it up u ,] found him cast upon the floor " dead, and his head was JUDITH, XV. 205 16 taken from him. Therefore [seeing the body of Holofernes, lying upon the ground, without the head, weltering in his blood 13 ], he cried with a loud voice, with weeping, and sighing, and a mighty cry, and 17 rent his garments. After he went into the tent where Judith lodged : and when he found her not, he leaped 18 out to the people, and cried, These slaves have dealt treacherously c H ; one woman of the Hebrews hath brought shame [and confusion 13 ] upon the house of king Nabuchodonosor : for, behold, Holofernes lieth upon the ground without a head ". 19 When the captains of the Assyrians' army heard these words, they rent their coats, [and an intolerable fear and dread fell upon them 14 ,] and their minds were wonderfully troubled, and there was a cry and a very great noise throughout the camp. CHAPTER XV. The victory of the Hebrews. 1 AND when [all the army and 1 ] they that were in the j\_ tents heard [that Holofernes was beheaded *], they were astonished at the thing that was done, [and 2 courage a and counsel fled from them 1 ]. And [they thought only to save themselves by flight, for a ] fear and trembling fell upon them, so that there was no man that durst abide in the sight of his neighbour II, but [hanging down the head, leaving all things behind, they made haste to escape from the Hebrews, who, as they heard were coming armed upon them ; and 3 ] rushing out all together b , they fled into every way of the plain, and of the hill country. 3 They also that had camped in the mountains round about Bethulia fled away. Then the children of Israel, every one that was a warrior among them, [seeing them fleeing, followed after them. And they 4 ] rushed out upon them, [sounding with trumpets, and shouting after them. And because the Assyrians were not united together, they went d without order in their flight ; but the children of Israel pursuing in one body, 4 defeated all that they could find 4 ]. Then sent Ozias to Betomasthem, and to Bebai, and Chobai, and Cola 3 , i Addition in Vulgate. c 1 Sam. 13. 3, LXX. II Or, rebelled agatntt their lords. M Addition in Vulgate. II Or, and his head is not upon him. " Addition in Vulgate. i Additions In Vulgate. a lKix.22.17. 2 KIN. 7. 7 ; 19.7. 2 Addition in Vulgate. II In Vul- gate, ))O (ntC spoke to his neighbour. 3 Addition in Vulgate. b 2 MAOC. 12. 22. 4 Additions in Vulgate. c l MACC. 4.13. d 2 MACC. 12. 22. s These names are omitted in Syriac and Sy v Seech. 4. 6. 206 JUDITH, XV. Additions in Vulgate. 6 2 MACC. 8. 24. II Or, smote them. II Or, out- flanked. See 1 MACC. 7. 46. Ps. 44. 5, LXX. -< Addition in Vulgate. The Syriac adds, a. ml took cap- tives. f 1 MACC. 4. 23. s Addition in Vulgate. II Or, senate. 9 Addition in Vulgate. s 2 MACC. 4. 55. II In Vulgate and Syriac, When she was come out to them 10 Addition in Vulgate. and to all the coasts of Israel, such as should tell the things that were done, and that all should rush forth upon their enemies to destroy them. Now when the 5 children of Israel heard it, they all fell upon them with one consent: [and every country, and every city, sent their chosen young men armed after them 6 ], and e slew them II unto Chobai : likewise also they that came from Jerusalem, and from all the hill country, (for men had told them what things were done in the camp of their enemies), and they that were in Galaad, and in Galilee, [pursued them with the edge of the sword, and 6 ] chased 11 them with a great slaughter, until they were past Damascus and the borders thereof. And the 6 residue, that dwelt at Bethulia, fell upon the camp of Assur, and spoiled them, [and took away the things which the Assyrians in their flight had left behind them 7 ,] and were greatly f enriched. And the children 7 of Israel that returned from the slaughter had that which remained ; and the villages and the cities, that were in the mountains and in the plain, gat many spoils : for the multitude was very great, [so that there was no numbering their cattle and beasts and all their moveables, insomuch that from the least to the greatest all were made rich by their spoils 8 ]. Then Joacim the high priest, and the ancients " of 8 the children of Israel that dwelt in Jerusalem, came [to Bethulia 9 ] to behold the good things 8 that God had shewed to Israel, and to see Judith, and to salute her. And when they came unto her II, they blessed her 9 with one accord, and said unto her, Thou art the exaltation of Jerusalem, thou art the great glory of Israel, thou art the great rejoicing of our nation : thou 10 hast done all these things by thine hand: [and thy heart has been strengthened, because thou hast loved chastity, and after thy husband hast not known any other: therefore also the hand of the Lord hath strengthened thee, and therefore thou shalt be blessed for ever 10 .] Thou hast done much good to Israel, and God is pleased therewith: blessed be thou of the Al- mighty Lord for evermore. And all the people said, So be it. JUDITH, XVI. 207 11 And the people spoiled the camp the space of thirty days II : and they gave unto Judith [all those things that were proved to be the peculiar goods of 11 ] Holo- fernes, his tent, and all his plate, and beds, and vessels, [in gold and silver and garments and precious stones n ], and all his stuff H : and she took it, and laid it on her mule ; and made ready her carts h , and laid them thereon. 12 Then all the women of Israel ran together to see her, and blessed her, and made a dance among them for her II : and she took branches in her hand, and gave 13 also to the women that were with her. And they put a garland of olive upon her and her maid that was with her, and she went before all the people in the dance, leading all the women: and all the men of Israel followed in their armour with garlands, and with songs in their mouths. [And all the people rejoiced, with the women, and virgins, and young men, playing on instru- ments and harps 13 .] CHAPTER XVI. The nymn of Judith, and conclusion. 1 rpHEN Judith began to sing this thanksgiving in all -L Israel, and all the people sang after her this song 2 of praise. And Judith said, Begin a unto my .God with timbrels, Sing unto my Lord with cymbals : Tune H unto Him a new psalm : Exalt Him, and call upon His Name. 3 For God breaketh b the battles : For among the camps " in the midst of the people He hath delivered me out of the hands of them that persecuted me. 4 Assur came out of the mountains from the north, He came with ten thousands of his army, The multitude whereof stopped the torrents, And their horsemen have covered the [valleys and 1 ] hills. 5 He bragged " that he would d burn up my borders, And kill my young men with the sword, II In the Syriac, three whole days, as in 2 CUR. 20. 25. Additions in Vulgate. II Or, works of art, ECCLUS. 32.6. & ch. 8. 7. II In Syriac, she chose out of them a choir of singers. 12 Addition in Vulgate. * Ps. 147. 7, LXX. Ex. 15. 21. 1 SAM. 18. 7. 11 Or, adapt to a strain of music. b Ex. 15. 3, LXX. Ps. 76. 3. ch. 9. 7. 2 MACC. 12. 28. II In Vulgate, Who hath set His camp. c ch.2.5,19, 20. i Addition in Vulgate. II In the Greek, He said. d Ex. 15. 9. JUDO. 5. 30. ch. 2. 11, 12. 208 JUDITH, XVI. And dash the sucking children against the ground, And make mine infants as a prey, And my virgins as a spoil. But the Almighty Lord hath disappointed them by the 6 hand of a woman, [And hath delivered him into her hands, and hath slain him 3 .] For the mighty one did not fall by the young men, 7 Neither did the sons of the Titans II smite him, Nor high giants 6 set upon him: But Judith the daughter of Merari weakened H him with the beauty of her countenance. For she put off the garment of her widowhood 8 For the exaltation of those that were oppressed in Israel, And anointed her face with ointment, And bound her hair in a tire, [And put on her the garments of joy 3 ,] And took [a new robe 3 ,] a linen garment to deceive him. Her sandals ravished his eyes, 9 Her beauty took his mind prisoner, [With a sword she cut off his head 4 ,] And the fauchion passed through his neck. The Persians quaked at her boldness, 10 And the Medes were daunted at her hardiness. Then my afflicted shouted for joy, . 11 And my weak ones cried aloud H ; But [the camp of the Assyrians howled 5 ;] they were astonished, [When my lowly ones appeared, parched with thirst 5 :] These lifted up their voices, but they were overthrown. The sons of the damsels f have pierced them through, 12 And wounded them as fugitives' children H : They perished by the battle of the Lord. I will sing unto the Lord a new song : 13 O Lord, Thou art great and glorious g , Wonderful in strength, and invincible. Let all creatures serve Thee : 14 For Thou spakest, and they were made h , Thou didst send forth Thy spirit, and it created them ', 2 Additions in Vulgate and Syriac. II In Syriac, sons of the mighty and men of great stature. e WISD. 14. 6. ECCLUS. 16. 7 ; 47. 4. BAB. 3. 26. I! Or, ener- vated. In the Syriac, ensnared. s Additions in Vulgate. See ECCLES. 9.8. * Addition in Vulgate and Syriac. II Or, they that despise me were astonished. s Additions in Vulgate. f 1 SAM. 20. 30, LXX. II In Syriac, As maidens tfieypierced them, and as runa- ways they slew them. 6 Ex 15. 11. h Ps. 33. 9. i Ps. 104. 30. JUDITH, XVI. 209 And there is none that can resist Thy voice ". 15 For the mountains shall be moved from their foun- dations with the waters, The rocks shall melt as wax at Thy presence J : Yet Thou art merciful to them that fear Thee. 16 For all sacrifice k is too little for a sweet unto Thee, And all the fat is not sufficient for Thy burnt offering : But he that feareth the Lord is great l at all times. 17 Woe to the nations that rise up against my kindred ! The Lord Almighty will take vengeance of them in the day of judgment, In putting fire and worms m in their flesh : And they shall feel them, and weep for ever n . 18 [And it came to pass after these things, that all the people, after the victory, came to Jerusalem 6 ] ; now as soon as they entered into Jerusalem, they worshipped the Lord ; and as soon as the people were purified, they offered their burnt offerings, and their free offer- 19 ings , and their gifts. Judith also dedicated 1 ! all the stuff of Holofernes, which the people had given her, and gave the canopy, which she had taken out of his bed- chamber, for a gift unto the Lord. 20 So the people continued feasting p in Jerusalem be- fore the sanctuary for the space of three months ", and Judith remained with them. 21 After this time every one returned H to his own inherit- ance, and Judith went to Bethulia, and remained in her own possession, and was in her time honourable in all 22 the country. [And chastity was joined to her virtue 7 ], and many desired her, but none knew her all the days of her life, after that Manasses her husband was dead, and was gathered to his people. [And on festival days 23 she came forth with great glory 7 ]. But she increased more and more hi honour, and waxed old in her husband's house, being an hundred and five years old, and made her maid 11 free; so she died in Bethulia: and they buried her in the cave of her husband Ma- 24 nasses. And the house of Israel lamented her seven days q : and before she died, she did distribute her o II Or, Thy command- ment, NUM. 9.20. J Is. 64. 1, 2. savour k is. 40. 16. I ECCLUS. 10. 24 ; 25. 10. m Is. 66. 14 16,24. ZBCH. 14. 12. ECCLUS. 7. 17. n 2 BSD. 9. 9. 2 MACC. 6. 12-16. 4 MACC. 9. 9. Addition in Vulgate. NUM. 31. 25. Ps. 68. 12, LXX. 2 MACC. 8. 28-30. U In Vulgate, offered far an ana- thema of oblivion; that is, to prevent the oblivion of so great a benefit. II In Syriac, one month. P ESTH. 9. 22. 1 MACC. 4. 56. II literally, de- camped, as in 1 MACC. 11. 32. 1 Additions in Vulgate. II In Syriac, her hand- i GE.V. 50. 10. 210 JUDITH XVI. goods to all them that were nearest of kindred to Manasses her husband, and to them that were the nearest of her kindred. And there was none that made the children of Israel 25 any more afraid in the days of Judith, nor a long time * i MACC. 4. after her death. [But the day of the festivity of this 2 MACC. 10. victory is received by the Hebrews in the number of 8 Addition ^oty ^ ay8 ' an< * * s religiously observed r by the Jews in Vulgate, from that time until this day a .] ADDITIONS TO THE BOOK OF ESTHER. INTRODUCTION. IN the old Greek manuscripts and editions of the Septuagint, the Book of Judith is followed by the Canonical Book of Esther. The Greek copy of the book, however, when compared with the Hebrew, is found to contain a large amount of additional matter, occurring at the beginning and conclusion, and in five other places in the nar- rative. The character of these ad- ditions, both as to style and matter, renders it highly improbable that they could have formed part of the original work. They were, how- ever, known to Jpsephus, who fol- lowed them in his account of the deliverance of the Jews through the intervention of Esther. Origen, in his letter to Africanus, observed that there were additions to Daniel and Esther, which were not in the Hebrew copies of the Jews, but ar- gued that the Christian Church was justified in adhering to its own tra- dition, as opposed to the exclusive claim of the Jews to possess pure and genuine copies of the Scriptures : yet he seemed to make some dis- tinction between the Hebrew or Chaldee portions and the addition- al matter. S. Jerome went further than this, and asserted that it is evident that the Book of Esther was corrupted by various transla- tors. Therefore he had recourse to the Hebrew, upon which the Vulgate in chaps, i. x. 3 is based. After this he placed the interpre- tation of the dream of Mprdecai, and the statement concerning Do- sitheus, which formed the conclu- sion of the Greek Esther. Then followed the other additions, ex- tracted from the earlier chapters of the book : but before the addi- tional matter, S. Jerome prefixed an explanation, stating their ori- ginal places in the narrative of the book. But in the editions of the Vulgate this explanation has dis- appeared, and the additional mat- ter, though forming only fragments of the story, are divided into chap- ters, as if forming a continuation of the book. Our English Bibles have taken these chapters from the Vulgate, and hence we have them in the incoherent form in which they are presented in our Apo- crypha. The original position of the ad- ditions is as follows : Chapter x. 4 13 and xi. 1, In- terpretation of the Dream, &c., was the 7th Addition, and formed the conclusion of the book. Chapter xi. 2 12 and chapter xii., the Dream and the Con- spiracy of the two Eunuchs, was the 1st Addition, and formed the Introduction to the book. Chapter xiii. 1 7, the Royal Decree against the Jews, was the 2nd Addition, and was placed after chap. iii. 13. Chapter xiii. 8 18, the Prayer of Mordecai, was the 3rd Ad- dition, and was placed after chap. iv. 17. O 2 212 INTRODUCTION. Chapter xiv., the Prayer of Esther, was the 4th Addi- tion, and was placed after the Prayer of Mordecai. Chapter xv., Esther's Inter- view with the King, was the 5th Addition, and was placed before chap. v. 3. Chapter xvi., the Eoyal De- cree in favour of the Jews, was the 6th Addition, and was placed after chap. viii. 12. The 4th Addition was quoted as Scripture by S. Chrysostom and S. Augustine ; and the 5th Addi- tion was followed by Joseph us Antiq., Book XI., c. 6, 3 & 9), who added that men with axes stood round about the throne, in order to punish those who ap- proached without a summons from the king. The additional sections contain matter which is both improbable in itself, and difficult to reconcile with the contents of the Hebrew Esther. The conspiracy of the two eunuchs which is related in the Introduction, is said to take place in the second year of Ar- taxerxes, whilst the similar plot recorded in the Hebrew Esther, appears to have occurred in the seventh year, with slightly dif- ferent circumstances, Mordecai be- ing promoted on the first occasion, but receiving no reward after the discovery of the second. Mordecai is confounded with his ancestor Kish, who was carried into cap- tivity with Jeconiah by Nebuchad- nezzar (chap. xi. 4). The language of the edict in favour of the Jews in chap. xvi. is inconsistent with the statement elsewhere, that a law of the Medes and Persians could not be revoked. But the most suspicious feature is the de- scription of Haman as a Macedo- nian, who was engaged in a trea- sonable intrigue to overthrow the Persian dynasty, and to transfer the power to the Macedonians. The additions to Esther thus par- take of the character of other Apocryphal narratives, by the in- troduction of ideas taken from later times, and other improbable cir- cumstances. The author may have written at a time when the memory of the Macedonian oppressors of the Jews was fresh in the recol- lection of the nation. In identify- ing Ahasuerus with the Artaxerxes who was the patron of Ezra and Nehemiah, the author agrees with Josephus, and other ancient au- thorities. In enlarging the nar- rative of the Canonical Esther, he aimed at shewing that the deliver- ance of the Jews was a special in- terposition of Divine Providence, and an answer to prayer. Neither of these appear in the original book, in which the Name ot the Deity does not once occur: and the only sign of an appeal to Di- vine help is in the request of Es- ther that the Jews in Shushan should fast three days for her, in chap. iv. 16. To supply these ap- parent defects, he introduced the dream of Mordecai as the Intro- duction to the Book (chap, xi., Vulgate and English), and the two prayers of Mordecai and Esther in chap. iv. and before chap. v. His object may also have been ' to vin- 'dicate the character of Esther, 'who though a daughter of Israel, ' had been willing to become the ' consort or concubine of a heathen ' prince ' (Eddrup). S. Clement of Rome referred both to Judith and Esther, as examples of prayer with fasting and humiliation. The additions appear, like those in Daniel, to have oeen originally written in Greek. Of the Greek text there are two recensions, the later one containing some addi- INTEODUCTION. 213 tional matter, and differing in other respects from the earlier. Some of the additions are given below, as from Greek *. The Book of Esther, with its additions in the Greek, was translated into Syriac and Arabic, and other Oriental languages. The Vulgate, as in the case of Tobit and Judith, is a free translation, and can scarcely be said to follow any of the extant Greek texts of the book. The note in chapter xi. 1, is at the end of the Greek version of Esther. It gives as the date at which the book was brought into Egypt, the joint reign of Ptolemy Philometor-with his mother Cleo- patra, or about B.C. 177. In order to enhance its authority, it is as- serted that the 'Epistle of Phu- rim,' enjoining the observance of the festival, was interpreted in Je- rusalem. This subscription is re- garded by some as of later date than the rest of the work ; but the general inference is that the author was a Jew residing in Egypt, under the government of the Ptolemies, and skilled in the Greek language. THE BEST OF THE CHAPTERS or THE BOOK OF ESTHER, Which are found neither in the Hebrew, nor in the Chaldee. II Chapter 10. 411. 1 forms the conclusion of the Book of Esther In the Greek, though It is placed be- fore the other addi- tions in the Vulgate and Eng- lish. " ch. 11. 2, Ac. II In Vulgate, ichich grew into a river, and was turned into a light, and into the sun. II Some read, the little fountain is Esther and the river is the nations that -were assembled to destroy the Jews. i> Ps. 83. 4. c ESTH. 8. 16. i Addition in Greek *. d ESTH. 9. 24, 26. II In Vulgate, day de- creed, or appointed. Part of the Tenth Chapter after the Greek". The dream of Mardocheus expounded. fT^HEN Mardocheus said, God hath done these things. 4 _L For I remember a dream a which I saw concerning 5 these matters, and nothing thereof hath failed. A little 6 fountain became H a river, and there was light, and the sun, and much water : this river is Esther, whom the king married, and made queen : and the two dragons 7 are I and Aman. And the nations were those H that 8 were assembled to destroy the name b of the Jews : and 9 my nation is this Israel, which cried to God, and were saved : [the sun and light which appeared to the Jews are a manifestation of God. This was the judgment 1 :] for the Lord hath saved His people, and the Lord hath delivered us from all those evils, and God hath wrought signs and great wonders, which have not been done among the Gentiles. Therefore hath He made two 10 lots d , one for the people of God, and another for all the Gentiles. And these two lots came at the hour, 11 and time, and day of judgment 11 , before God among all nations. So God remembered His people, and justified 12 His inheritance. Therefore those days shall be unto 13 them in the month Adar, the fourteenth and fifteenth ESTHEK, XI. day of the same month, with an assembly, and joy, and with gladness before God, according to'l the genera- Or, tions for ever among His people. CHAPTER XIII. The dream of Mardocheus. N the fourth year of the reign of Ptolemeus and Cleopatra, Dositheus, who said he was a priest and Levite, and Ptolemeus his son, brought this epistle of Phurim a , which they said was the same, and that Lysi- machus the son of Ptolemeus, that was in Jerusalem, had interpreted it. 2 (Addition 1.) In the second year of the reign of Artaxerxesll the great, in the first day of the month Nisan'l, Mardocheus the son of Jairus, the son of Semei, the son of Cisai, of the tribe of Benjamin, had a dream ; 3 who was a Jew, and dwelt in the city of Susa, a great 4 man, being a servitor in the king's court. He b was also one of the captives, which Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon carried from Jerusalem with Jechonias king of Judea ; and this was his dream : 5 Behold a noise of a tumult, with thunder, and earth- 6 quakes, and uproar in the land : and, behold, two great dragons came forth ready to fight, and their cry was 7 great. And at their cry all nations c were prepared to battle, that they might fight against the righteous peo- 8 pie. And, lo, a day d of darkness and obscurity, tribu- lation and anguish, affliction and great uproar, upon 9 earth. And the whole righteous nation was troubled, fearing their own evils, and were ready to perish. 10 Then they cried unto God, and upon their cry, as it were from a little fountain, was made a great flood, 11 even much water. The light and the sun rose up, and the lowly e were exalted, and devoured the glorious. 12 Now when Mardocheus, who had seen this dream, and what God had determined to do, was awake, he bare this dream in mind, [and he hid his vision in his heart, and pondered it at every opportunity 1 ,J and until night by all means was desirous to know it. II In the Greek, ch. 11. 1 is the con- clusion of the book ; ch. 11. 212 and ch. 12 is placed at the beginning of the book. 8 ESTH. 9. 20. II In Greek*, Asuerua. II The Greek* a,dda,thatix, Dystrug- Xanthicus, b ESTH. 2. 6 (said of Kish, the ancestor of Mordecai). c JOEL 3. 2. ZECH. 14. 2. d JOEL 2. 2. ZKPH. 1. 15. i Addition in Greek*. 216 ESTHER, XII, XIII. i Addition in Greek * and Vulgate. II In Greek*, Astagus and The- deutus. II Or, porters, as in Vulgate. II In Greek *, Asuerus. - Additions in Greek*. s Addition in Greek*. II In Greek, were led away, that is, to execution. < Addition in Greek*. s Addition in Greek*. Addition in Vulgate and Greek*. i Additions in Greek*. II Or, Bugite, as in Greek and Vul- gate. s Addition in Greek* and Vulgate. CHAPTER XII. The conspiracy of the two eunuchs. A ND Mardocheus took his rest in the court [of 1 jL\- the king 1 ] with Gabatha and Tharrall, the two eunuchs of the king, and keepers H of the palace. And 2 he heard their devices, and searched out their pur- poses, and learned that they were about to lay hands upon Artaxerxes H the king [to slay him 2 ;] and so [hav- ing well considered it 2 ,] he certified the king of them. Then the king examined the two eunuchs, [and found 3 the words of Mardocheus true 3 ;] and after that they had confessed it, they were strangled 11 . And the king 4 made a record of these things ; [and Mardocheus' name was recorded in the book of the king, that the matter might not be forgotten 4 ;] and Mardocheus also wrote thereof. So the king commanded Mardocheus to serve 5 in the court, [and to watch every door 5 ;] and for this he rewarded him, [and made him presents 6 .] Howbeit Aman, [a Macedonian 7 ] the son of Ama- G dathus the AgagiteH, who was in great honour with the king, sought to molest Mardocheus and his people because of [his having spoken to the king about 7 ] the two eunuchs of the king, [because they had been put to death 8 .] II In the Greek, ESTH. 3. 14 21, and 4. 1829. The English follows the order of the Vulgate. II In Vulgate, ttendeth greeting. II Or, un- disturbed, The Vul- gate has, free from terror. CHAPTER XIII II. The royal decree. THE copy of the letters was this: The great king l Artaxerxes writeth these things H to the princes and governors that are under him from India unto Ethiopia, in an hundred and seven and twenty pro- vinces. After that I became lord over many nations, 2 and had dominion over the whole world, not lifted up with presumption of my authority, but carrying myself alway with equity and mildness, I purposed to settle my subjects continually in a quiet " life, and making my kingdom peaceable, and open for passage to the utmost coasts, to renew peace, which is desired of all men. ESTHER, XIII. 217 3 Now when I asked my counsellors how this might be brought to pass, Aman, that excelled in wisdom among us, and was approved for his constant good will and stedfast fidelity, and had the honour of the second 4 place in the kingdom, declared unto us, that in all na- tions throughout the world there was scattered a cer- tain malicious people, that had laws contrary* to all nations, and continually despised the commandments of kings, so as the uniting of our kingdoms 1 ', honourably 5 intended by us, cannot go forward. Seeing then we understand that this people alone is continually in op- position unto all men, differing in the strange manner of their laws, and evil affected to our state, [and going against our commandments, and disturbing the peace and concord of the provinces subject to us J ] working all the mischief they can, that our kingdom may not be 6 firmly established : Therefore have we commanded, that all they that are signified in writing unto you by Aman, who [is chief over all the provinces, and a ] is ordained over the affairs, and is next unto us, [second after the king, and whom we honour as a father 3 ] shall all, with their wives and children, be utterly destroyed II by the sword of their enemies, without all mercy and pity, the fourteenth day of the twelfth month Adar of this pre- sent year, [which is Dystrus, to kill all the Jews, and 7 to take their children for a prey 4 ;] that they, who of old and now also are malicious, may in one day with violence go into the grave, and so ever hereafter cause our affairs to be well settled, and without trouble. 8 Then " Mardocheus thought upon all the works of the 9 Lord, and made his prayer unto Hun, saying, O Lord, Lord, the King Almighty: for the whole world is in Thy power, and if Thou hast appointed to save Israel, 10 there is no man that can gainsay " Thee : for Thou hast made b heaven and earth, and all the wondrous things 11 under the heaven H. Thou art Lord of all things, and there is no man that can resist Thee, which art the Lord. 12 Thou knowest all things, and Thou knowest [the race of Israel 5 ], Lord, that it was neither in contempt nor pride, nor for any desire of glory, that I did not bow 13 down to proud [uncircumcised 5 ] Aman. For I could ESTH. 3. 8. 1 THES. 2. 15. II Or, system of govern- ment. i Addition in Vulgate. 2 Addition in Vulgate. s Addition in Greek* and Vulgate. See GEN. 45. 8. II Or, destroy- ed from the root, as in Greek *. * Addition in Greek*. II In the Greek, ESTH. 4. 18-29. 11 Or, retMt Thy trill, as in Vulgate. b 2 Kix. 19. 15. II In the Vul- gate, what- soever i-s contained by the circle of heaven. 5 Additions in Greek *. 218 ESTHEK, XIV. have been content with good will for the salvation of Israel to kiss the soles of his feet. But I did this, that 14 I might not prefer the glory of man above the glory of God: neither will I worship any but Thee, O God, neither will I do it in pride 11 . And now, O Lord God 15 and King [Who madest a covenant with Abraham 6 ,] spare Thy people : for their eyes are upon us to bring us to nought ; yea, they desire to destroy the inherit- ance, that hath been Thine from the beginning. De- 16 spise not the portion, which Thou hast delivered II out of Egypt for Thine own self. Hear my prayer, and be 17 merciful unto Thine inheritance : turn our sorrow into joy, that we may live, O Lord, and praise Thy Name : and destroy not 1 ' the mouths of them that praise Thee, O Lord. All Israel in like manner H cried most earnest- 18 ly unto the Lord, because their death was before their eyes. II In Greek*, in tempta- tion. 6 Addition in Greek* and Vulgate. c DEITT. 9. 29. II Or, redeemed. II Or, shut not. II In the Vul- gate, with, like mind and sup- plication. II In the Greek, ESTH. 4. 3049. II Or, being taken as it were in the agony of death. See 2 MACC. 3. 14, 16. II Or, the garments of her glory. R Is. 3. 24. MAL. 2. 3. II In Greek*, every token of delight on her braided hair she covered with humi- liation. II Or, life, as in 1 SAM. 28. 21. JOB 13. 14. i Additions in Greek * and Vul- gate. 2 Addition in Greek *. CHAPTER XI VII. The prayer of Esther. QUEEN Esther also, being in fear of death H, resort- 1 ed unto the Lord : and laid away her glorious ap- 2 parel H, and put on the garments of anguish and mourn- ing: and instead of precious ointments, she covered her head with ashes and dung a , .and she humbled her body greatly, and all the places of her joy she filled with her torn hair II. And she prayed unto the Lord God of Israel, saying, 3 my Lord, Thou only art our King ; help me, deso- late woman, which have no helper but Thee. For my 4 danger II is in mine hand. From my youth up I have 5 heard [from the book of my fathers, and 1 ] in the tribe of my family, that Thou, O Lord, tookest Israel from among all people, and our fathers from all their pre- decessors, for a perpetual inheritance, and Thou hast performed whatsoever Thou didst promise them, [and hast provided that which they desired of Thee 2 .] And 6 now we have sinned before Thee : therefore hast Thou given us into the hands of our enemies, because we 7 worshipped their gods: Lord, Thou art righteous. ESTHER, XIV. 219 8 Nevertheless it satisfieth them not, that we are in bitter captivity, [and oppressed with most hard bond- age 3 ;] but they have stricken hands with their idols, 9 [to whose power they ascribe their strength 4 ,] that they will [establish the decree of their mouth, and 3 ] abolish the thing that Thou with Thy mouth hast ordained, [and change Thy promises 6 ,] and destroy Thine inheritance, and stop the mouth of them that praise Thee, and quench the glory of Thy house, and 10 of Thine altar, and open the mouths of the heathen to set forth the praises of the idols, and to magnify a 11 fleshly king for ever. Lord, give not Thy sceptre unto them that be b nothing, [nor to them that hate Thee, Thy enemies 7 ;] and let them not laugh at our fall ; but turn their device upon themselves, and make him an example, that hath begun this [evil 8 ] against us. 12 Remember, O Lord, [manifest Thyself to us 9 ,] make Thyself known in time of our affliction, [and break us not in pieces 9 ;] and give me boldness, O King of 13 the nations ", and Lord of all power. Give me eloquent speech in my mouth [and make my words pleasing 10 ] be- fore the lion : turn his heart d to hate him that fighteth against us, that there may be an end of him, and of all 14 that are likeminded to him: but deliver us with Thine hand, and help me that am desolate, and which have no lo other help but Thee. Thou knowest all tilings, O Lord ; Thou knowest that I hate the glory of the unrighteous, and abhor the bed of the uncircumcised, and of all the 16 heathen 'I. Thou knowest my necessity : for I abhor the sign of my high estate, which is upon mine head in the days wherein I shew myself 11 , and that I abhor it as a menstruous rag, and that I wear it not [in the days of 17 my silence 11 ,] when I am private by myself, and that Thine handmaid hath not eaten at Aman's table, and that I have not greatly esteemed the king's feast, nor 18 drunk the wine of the drink offerings. Neither had Thine handmaid any joy since the day that I was brought hither" to this present, but in Thee, O Lord 19 God of Abraham. O Thou mighty God above all, hear the voice of the forlorn ", and deliver us out of the hands of the mischievous, and deliver me out of my fear. 3 Addition in Vulgate. 4 Addition in Vulgate. s Addition in Greek *. Addition in Vulgate. b 1 COR. 8. 4 ; 10. 19. r, s Additions in Greek *. , 10 Addi- tions in Greek*. II In Vulgate. King of gods. c PROV. 19. 12 ; 20. 2. d PROV. 21. 1. II Or, of ever i/ stranger. II In Greek*, I wear it not save on the day when I shew myself in public. See ESTII. 2. 17. 11 Addition in Vulgate. II Or, the day of my change, or, my promo- tion. II Or, despon- dent. See JITDITH 9. 11. 220 ESTHER, XV. II In the Greek, ESTH. 5. 1 16, inserted before ver. 3 in the Hebrew. i Addition in Vulgate. 2, s Additions in Vulgate, which agrees here with Jo- sephus. Ant. XI. 6.3. * Addition in Vulgate. 6 Addition in Greek*, which agrees with S. Augus- tine. e Addition in Vulgate. II In the Vul- gate, rested, lier weary head upon Iter hand- maid. " Additions in Vulgate. II That is, directed against our subjects in general, but not against the queen. So Jose- phus. CHAPTER XV". Esther's interview with the king. r A ND Mardocheus commanded her to go to the king, 1 J\. and petition for her people, and for her country. Remember, said he, the days of thy low estate, how thou wast brought up by my hand, because Aman, the second after the king, hath spoken against us unto death. And do thou call upon the Lord, and speak to the king for us, and deliver us from death 1 .] And upon the third day, when she had ended her prayer, she laid away her mourning garments, and put on her glorious apparel. And being gloriously adorned, after 2 she had called upon God, Who is the beholder and saviour of all things, she took two maids with her : and 3 upon the one she leaned, as carrying herself daintily, [as though for exceeding tenderness she were not able to bear up her own body 3 ,] and the other followed 4 [her mistress 3 ,] bearing up her train [flowing on the ground 3 .] And she was ruddy through the perfection 5 of her beauty, and her countenance was cheerful and very amiable: but her heart was in anguish for fear, [and with gracious and bright eyes she hid a mind that was sorrowful and shrinking through terror 4 .] Then 6 having passed through all the doors, she stood before the king, who sat upon his royal throne, and was cloth- ed with all his robes of majesty, all glittering with gold and precious stones ; and he was very dreadful. Then 7 lifting up his countenance that shone with majesty, he looked very fiercely upon her [like a bull in the height of his rage 5 ;] and [when with burning eyes he had shewn the wrath of his heart 6 ,] the queen fell down, and was pale, and fainted, and bowed herself upon the head of the maid II that went before her. Then God 8 changed the spirit of the king into mildness, who in a [haste and 7 ] fear leaped from his throne, and took her in his arms, [and held her up 7 ] till she came to herself again, and comforted her with loving words, and said 9 unto her, Esther, what is the matter ? I am thy brother, be of good cheer : thou shalt not die ; though our com- 10 mandment be general ", [it was not made for thee, but for ESTHER, XVI. 221 all others 8 ;] come near [then, and touch the sceptre 8 .] 11 And so, [as she held her peace 9 ,] he held up his golden 12 sceptre, and laid it upon her neck, and embraced H her, and said, [Why dost thou not 10 ] speak unto me ? 13 Then said she unto him, I saw thee, my lord, as an angel of God a , and my heart was troubled for fear of 14 thy majesty. For wonderful art thou, lord, and thy 15 countenance is full of grace. And as she was speaking, she fell down for faintness, [and her face was covered 16 with sweat 11 .] Then the king was troubled, and all his servants comforted her. 8 Additions in Vulgate. 9. 10 Addi- tions in Vulgate. II Or, saluted or, kissed, as in Vul- gate. a 2 SAM. 14. 17, 20 ; 19. 27. 11 Addition in Greek*. In Vulgate, she was almost deprived of breath. CHAPTER XVI". The edict in favour of the Jews. 1 f AND this was the decree which he wrote 1 .] The -L\- great king Artaxerxes |! unto the princes and governors of an hundred and seven and twenty pro- vinces from India unto Ethiopia, and unto all our 2 faithful subjects, greeting. Many, the more often they are honoured with the great bounty of their gracious 3 princes' 1 , the more proud they are waxen, and en- deavour to hurt not our subjects only, but not being able to bear abundance, do take in hand to practise also against those that [bestowed it upon them, and 2 ] 4 do them good : and take not only thankfulness away from among men, [whilst they are ungrateful for bene- fits received, and violate in themselves the laws of humanity 3 ,] but also lifted up with the [vain] glorious words of lewd persons, that were never good 11 , they think to escape the justice of God, that seeth all things, and hateth evil 11 . [And they break out into so great madness, as to endeavour to undermine by lies such as observe diligently the offices committed to them, and do all things in such manner as to be worthy 5 of all men's praise 4 .] Oftentimes also fair speech of those, that are put in trust to manage their friends' affairs, hath caused 11 many that are in authority to be partakers of innocent blood, and hath enwrapped them 6 in remediless calamities : beguiling with the falsehood II In the Greek, ESTH. 8. 1437. i Addition in the Greek *. II In the Greek *, Asuerus. II Or, their benefactors, as in verse 3, and LUKE 22. 25. 2, s Additions in Vulgate. II Or, of per- sons who have never received a favour. In Greek *, of person* unused to suffering. II In the Greek, the evil-hating justice. Addition in Vulgate. II In the Greek *, hath raised to authority those who have caused the shed- ding of innocent blood. 222 ESTHER XVI. and deceit of their lewd disposition the innocency and goodness of princes, [and judging of others by * Addition in their own nature 5 .] Now ye may see this, as we have 7 declared, not so much by ancient histories, as ye may, if ye search what hath been wickedly done of late, through the pestilent behaviour of them that are un- worthily placed in authority, [perceive by the things which are done daily, how the good designs of kings are depraved by the evil suggestions of certain men 6 .] And we must take care for the time to come, that our 8 kingdom may be quiet and peaceable for all men, [and provide for the peace of all provinces 7 ,] both by chang- 9 ing our purposes, and always judging things that are evident with more equal proceeding, [giving no heed to slanders, and dealing justly with the matters before us 8 .] [Neither must you think, if we command different things, that it cometh of the levity of our mind, but that we give sentence according to the quality and necessity of times, as the profit of the commonwealth requireth 9 .] For [that you may more plainly under- 10 stand what we say 10 ,] Aman, a Macedonian, [both in mind and country 10 ] the son of Amadatha, being indeed a stranger from the Persian blood, and far distant from our goodness [which he has stained with his cruelty 10 ,] and as a stranger received of us, had so far forth obtain- 11 ed the favour that we shew toward every nation, as that he was called our father, and was continually honoured of all men, as the next person unto the king. But he, not bearing his great dignity, [was so far puffed 12 up with arrogance that he u ] went about to deprive us of our kingdom and life: having by manifold and 13 cunning deceits sought of us the destruction, as well of Mardocheus, who [by his fidelity and good service 13 ] saved our life, and continually procured our good, as also of blameless Esther, partaker of our kingdom, with their whole nation. For by these means 14 he thought [that after they were slain he might work treason against us 13 ,] finding us destitute of friends, [and] to have translated the kingdom of the Persians to the Macedonians. But we find that the Jews, whom 15 this wicked wretch H hath delivered to utter destruction, s Addition in Vulgate. ' Addition in Vulgate. Addition in Greek. * a Addition in Vulgate. 10 Additions in Vulgate. Addition in Vulgate. 12 Addition in Vulgate. w Addition in Vulgate. II Or. thrice guilty. See 2 MACC. 8. 34; 15.8. ESTHER XVI. 223 16 are no evildoers, but live by most just laws: and that they be children of the most high and most mighty living God, who hath ordered the kingdom both unto us and to our progenitors in the most excellent man- 17 ner, [and is kept unto this day 14 .] Wherefore ye shall " Addition do well not to put in execution the letters sent unto you [in our name 15 ] by Aman the son of Amadatha, ^Additions 18 [but judge them to be void and of no effect 15 .] For he, that was the worker of these things, [and the de- viser of this crime 16 ] is hanged at the gates of Susa "Addition with all a his family: God, Who ruleth all things, JjJJfJJ speedily rendering vengeance to him according to his 19 deserts. Therefore ye shall publish the copy of this letter [which we now send 17 ] in all [cities and 17 ] 1 j^ di . tions places, that the Jews may freely live after their own b b EZRA. 7. 25^ 20 laws. And ye shall aid them, that even the same day, 26 - being the thirteenth day of the twelfth month Adar, they may be avenged on them, who in the time of 21 their affliction shall set upon them. For Almighty God hath turned to joy unto them the day, wherein 22 the chosen people should have perished. Ye shall therefore among your solemn feasts keep it " an high u in the day with all feasting, [and celebrate it with all joy, that it may be known also in times to come, that all they who faithfully obey the Persians receive a worthy keep the reward for their fidelity ; but they that are traitors f y$. to their kingdom are destroyed for their wickedness 18 :] Jf^jj-a/* 6 23 that both now and hereafter there may be safety to a festival us, and the well affected Persians ; but to those which 18 Addition ' do conspire against us a memorial of destruction, in Vulgate. 24 Therefore every city and country whatsoever, which shall not do according to these things, [nor be partaker of this solemnity 19 ,] shall be destroyed without mercy w Additions with fire and sword, and shall be made not only un- c in Vu te at - passable c for men, but also most hateful to wild beasts 33. 16. and fowls for ever, [for an example of contempt and iuifasi disobedience 19 .] 13 - THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON. INTRODUCTION. book is placed, in the -- Greek manuscripts and editions of the Old Testament, next after the Song of Solomon, with the title ' The Wisdom of Solomon,' which is also found in the other versions, except the Vulgate, where it is described as ' The Book of Wisdom,' indicating a doubt as to Solomon's authorship in the mind of the re- visers of the Latin Version. Many ancient writers quoted it as Solo- mon's, and on this supposition em- ployed it in the controversy with the Jews, as though it contained prophecies of Christ. Thus it is used in the Epistle of Barnabas, by S. Hippolytus, Justin Martyr, Cle- ment of Alexandria, Tertullian, Theophilus, Lactantius, S.Ambrose, and S. Augustine. Some testimonies, however, which have been alleged for the 'Wisdom of Solomon,' are found upon closer examination to refer to the Canonical Book of Pro- verb?, which was sometimes de- noted by the title 'Wisdom.' In the book ' On the Divine Names ' ascribed to Dionysius the Areopa- gite, the words in chap. viii. 2 are quoted as from 'the introductions ' to the Divine oracles,' as though it was regarded as the work of a theo- logian or sacred writer, but not as haying the authority of Scripture. This agrees with statements found elsewhere in early Christian writ- ers, recommending the Wisdom of Solomon and the Wisdom of Ben Sirach to the study of the young, or of those who had been newly con- verted to the faith. S. Chrysostom quotes Wisdom as the work of a certain wise man. S. Augustine ex- pres ed doubts as to its authorship : in the ' City of God,' Book 17. 20, he conjectures that Jesus the son of Sirach was the author of Wis- dom, as well as of the longer trea- tise which bears his name. S. Basil and S. Jerome mention that in the opinion of some Philo was the au- thor. In an obscure passage of the Muratorian Canon, it is said to have been written by the friends of So- lomon in his honour : it is conjec- tured that the original reading was, ' written by Philo.' Some Eabbini- cal authors ascribed it to Solomon. Grotius suggested that the author, though he wrote in Greek, might have compiled it from some tra- ditional sayings of Solomon. In the Syriac Version the title is as fol- lows : ' Here follows the Book of ' the great Wisdom of Solomon, the ' son of David, concerning which it ' is doubtful whether it was written ' by some other wise man of the He- ' brews endued with the prophetic ' spirit, the name of Solomon being ' added, and the book thus received ' as his work.' The opinion that the author was the great Alexandrian Jew, Philo, has nad many advocates. Some have suggested that Solomon, who was also called Jedidiah, the be- loved, might be an apocryphal dis- guise for Philo, and this view is found in some Jewish writers. Both Philo and the author of Wisdom shew an intimate acquaintance with the doctrines of Platonism, and the INTRODUCTION. 225 parallels between Wisdom and the writings of Philo are very numer- ous and remarkable. The reference in Wisdom to ' horrible tyrants, 'who should be overtaken by a ' speedy retribution,' points to a time when the Jews were oppressed by their heathen rulers ; such a time was the reign of Caligula, when there was an embassy, in which Philq shared, to deprecate the pro- fanation of the temple. The de- nunciation of idols, and the manner in which the tyranny of the ancient Egyptians is dwelt upon, might be designed to encourage the Jews by the hope of deliverance ; or if there was no interference on their behalf, the teaching concerning im- mortality might be given for their consolation in times of distress and calamity. On the other hand, an earlier date, nearer -to that of the Wisdom of Jesus the son of Sirach, is pre- ferred by many. If the great Philo had been the author, we should have expected some traces of the allegorical use of Scripture, which pervades his writings ; but in Wis- dom the literal and historical mean- ing is adhered to. The rites and ceremonies of the Law, which oc- cupy so much space in Philo, are barely alluded to in Wisdom. Some have therefore conjectured that the author was an earlier Philo, who was contemporary with Onias the high priest, about B.C. 160, men- tioned by Josephus and others, though it is not certain that this Philo was a Jew. The second century before Christ being adopted as the most probable date, the author was certainly a Jew of Alexandria, well versed in the Scriptures and in the philosophy of Plato. He was one of the earlier of those Jewish teachers who sought the aid of Greek learning and cul- ture, in order to bring out with greater fulness the hidden meaning of the Law and the Prophets. But as Philo devoted himself to the Law, the author of Wisdom dwelt more upon the Psalms, Proverbs, and the prophecies of Isaiah. Thus the book has been called, ' an excellent ' and most elegant paraphrase upon 'many Canonical Scriptures, con- ' tabling many excellent expressions 'of God's special providence and 'infinite wisdom in governing the ' world, and in overruling both the ' policy and the power of the great- ' est princes.' Thus, chapter ix., in which he assumes the name and character of Solomon, may be re- garded as a paraphrase on 2 CHB. i. 7 10, whilst the description of Wisdom and her properties is partly taken from Proverbs, and partly from the Platonic philosophy. The idea of the all-pervading Spirit in chapters i. and xii. is derived from Ps. cxxxix. ; that of the Di- vine hearing of the speech of men from Ps. xciv. ; that of the Spirit departing from the soul addicted to sin from Ps. li. Is. xxviii. fur- nishes the idea of the covenant with death in chapter i. ; Is. xxii. that of the Epicureans' notion of life in chapter ii. ; Is. iii. and liii. the conspiracy of the ungodly a- gainst the child of God in the same chapter. (The parallel pas- sage in Philo is based upon the history of Cain and Abel.) Is. Ivi. and Ivii. supplied the author with many of his sublime thoughts about the death of the righteous, and the immortality of the soul, in chapters iii., iv., and v. In chap- ter v., ' the armour of God ' is de- rived from Is. lix. ; whilst chapters xiv. and xv., on the vanity of idols, are plainly a paraphrase upon Is. xliv. and xlv. The Book of Wisdom is evidently the work of a devout and learned Jew, who desired to maintain the 226 INTRODUCTION. excellence and purity of his re- ligion in opposition to the heathen who attached or disparaged it. Hence he pleads that the Amorites and other nations of Canaan were objects of the Divine mercy and indulgence, in the long respite that was granted them before they were exterminated. Heathen philosophy had, even at that early date, used this portion of Jewish history as a handle of attack. Another objection was, that God had not been impar- tial in His dealings with men, but had favoured one nation to the ex- clusion of the rest. The mystery of God's universal care for mankind, which was fully unfolded in the Gospel, was foreshewn by the Pro- phets, and it is from this source that the author of Wisdom drew his materials for a reply. There was no withholding of the truth from those who sought it. On the contrary, God was found by those who sought Him not. (Is. Ixy. 1, 2); His Wisdom meets enquirers in every thought (chapter vi. 12 16). Thus the book prepares the way for the fuller teaching of the New Testament, as in ACTS xiv. 16, 17 ; xvii. 27 ; ROM. i. 20, 21. The author himself withholds no- thing from the sincere seekers after truth, lest he go in the way of ' consuming envy.' His Wisdom is ' communicated liberally :' he will not hide her riches (chap. vii. 13). It is a ' loving' spirit, philanthropic, or kind to man (chaps, i. 6 ; vii. 23). God, from Whom Wisdom proceeds, is a soul-lover (chap. xi. 26), Who abhors nothing which He has made. Israel is chosen as God's firstborn : not to keep the treasure of the Divine Law to themselves, but to impart it to others, to give the un- corrupt light of His law to the world (chap, xviii. 4). Their high- priest has sacred robes, symbolical of the world, being chosen to in- tercede for the world (chap, xviii. 24). Similar thoughts are found in ECCLUS. xx. 30, 31. But the aspect of heathenism most dwelt upon is its manifold .idolatry, and trie vices and abomi- nations connected with it. Even in its best aspect, in that of admira- tion of the stupendous works of God, it cannot be excused (chap, xiii. 1, &c.) ; but when it was multi- plied into all the various forms of idol worship and polytheism, it reached the extreme of folly. In Alexandria, as at a later period in Borne, where men of all nations resorted for commerce, idolatry manifested itself in all its forms. There were idols of gold, silver, wood, and earthenware : household gods, nautical idols, pictures and statues of dead men, and of princes. The result was, every kind of licen- tiousness and crime (chap. xiv. 25, 26, compared with BOM. i. 2931). With reference to the future state, the Book of Wisdom speaks in glowing terms of the future glory of the souls of the righteous, and the reward or benefit which they shall obtain in the day of visitation. It has been inferred that the doc- trine of the subsistence of the soul after death was the limit of his belief in immortality, and that it did not extend to a bodily resur- rection. In chapter xv. 8, 11, 16, he speaks of the soul as lent or borrowed, and required of man at death : in chapter xvi. 14, he speaks of man as having power to km, or to expel the spirit, but not to recall it : but it might be inferred that he also taught that God was able to recall it. There is nothing to prove that he was one of those who thought it incredible that God should raise the dead. The words sometimes alleged in chapter ix. 15, only refer to the infirmities of the mortal frame, as described similarly INTRODUCTION. 227 by S. Paul in 2 COR. v. 6. There is nothing to prove that he held the doctrines of the Essenes, as recorded by Josephus. Following the language of Is. Ivii. 6, he held that the soul of man proceeds from God, and is made by the God and Father of the spirits of all flesh ; and thus Solomon is represented as saying, 'Yea rather, being good, I came into a body undefiled' (chap, viii. 20). It has been therefore supposed that he held a doctrine of the pre-existence of souls. This being a widespread opinion among Jews and heathen, might have ap- peared to the author as having some support from such passages as ECCLES. xii. 7. Though there are many striking parallels to the Book of Wisdom in the New Testament, especially in the Epistles to the Romans and Hebrews, it cannot be said with any certainty that the New Testa- ment writers derived their thoughts or language directly from this source. But the whole argument concerning God's care for the hea- then, as given in WISD. xi. xiii., is important in its relation to the preparation of both Jews and Gen- tiles for the reception of the Gospel. The evidences of the author's ac- quaintance with the Platonic phi- losophy are found chiefly in his description of the Divine attributes in chap, i., and of the attributes ascribed to Wisdom in chap. yii. In chap. i. 7, ' That which contains all things,' resembles the language of Platonism concerning the soul of the world : and the same is ob- served of the phrase, ' going through all understanding, pure, and most subtil spirits,' in chap. yii. 23. His language is also Platonic concern- ing the origin of death and evil, in chap. i. 13, 14, especially in saying that ' there is no Kingdom of death (Hades) upon earth.' The descrip- tion of the ungodly and sensual in chap. ii. has many points of con- tact with the Dialogues of Plato, such as the sophism, 'Let our strength be the law of justice :' and the condemnation of the just man to a shameful death, has often been compared with a well-known pas- sage in Plato's 'Republic.' The conception of Wisdom in chap. yii. is Platonic, especially as embracing all kinds of science, the ' knowledge of things that are ' (verse 17). Wis- dom, being an 'influence flowing from the glory of the Almighty, answers exactly to the Platonic idea of the Divine mind or reason. In chap. viii. 7, the four cardinal virtues * of temperance, prudence, justice, and fortitude, are evidently derived from the same source. In these and other instances the au- thor shews an anxiety to find points of contact between the Hebrew re- ligion and Platonism, but there is no evidence of any serious depar- ture from the guidance of Scripture. The teaching of the book concern- ing God's peculiar favour to Israel, as contained in chaps, xi. 9., xvi., xviii., and xix., is more open to question. There is a constrained attempt throughput this part of the book to minimise the guilt and punishments of the chosen people, and to exaggerate that of their ene- mies. The sacred history relates that quails were sent in wrath : this is passed over or evaded, and the occurrence is treated as a pure instance of the Divine favour and benevolence. The plague of the seraphim or fiery serpents, and the 1 See Hooker's " Ecclesiastical Polity, " Book V. Chap. i. 2. The references to Wisdom in Hooker's great work are of special interest. . PS 228 INTRODUCTION. pestilence after the rebellion of Korah, receive a similar and inade- quate treatment. In the opinion of the author, ' the Jews, because they were the seed of Abraham, were the only righteous seed: and the Lord, though He corrected and chastised them, would never plague them as He did the unrighteous heathen, or punish them with blind- ness of heart.' Dr. Jackson observes that this forecast was not to be realised : the subsequent history of the Jews presenting a marked contrast to the things which had happened to them in the past. The argument of the author of Wisdom may have been intended to balance his sayings concerning God's care for the heathen world : but so far as his own people are concerned, it is a remarkable contrast to S. Paul's teaching in 1 COK. x., where, after referring to the same events, he adds, ' Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.' The English Version of the Book of Wisdom is in several passages extremely obscure and involved. This is especially true of the later chapters of the book, in which a free translation would have given a much better idea of the author's meaning. For a fuller elucidation of the book the reader is referred to a paraphrase in. the ' Commentary on the Apocrypha' published by the Christian Knowledge Society ; and to the full and exhaustive notes of the Eev. W. J. Deane in his ' Commentary on the Book of Wisdom.' THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON. II a CHAPTER I. Wisdom and immortality. 1 T OVE righteousness, ye that be judges* of the earth: I A think of the Lord with a good heart H&, and in sim- 2 plicity of heart b seek Him. For He will be found of them that tempt Him not ; and sheweth Himself unto such as do not distrust H c Hun. 3 For froward thoughts separate from God : and His 4 power, when it is tried d , reproveth the unwise. For into a malicious ll rf soul wisdom shall not enter; nor dwell in the body that is subject" e unto sin. 5 For the holy Spirit of discipline will flee e deceit, and remove from thoughts that are without understanding, and will not abide "''when unrighteousness cometh in. 6 For wisdom is a loving U Spirit ; and will not acquit a blasphemer of his words " A : for God is witness f of his reins, and a true beholder of his heart, and a hearer of his tongue. 7 For the Spirit of the Lord filleth 8 the world: and that which containeth all things hath knowledge of 8 the voice h . Therefore he that speaketh unrighteous things cannot be hid : neither shall vengeance *, when it punishethll *, pass by him. 9 For inquisition shall be made into the counsels '! of the ungodly: and the sound of his words shall come unto the Lord for the manifestation H* of his wicked deeds. 10 For the ear of jealousy hearethJ all things: and the noise of murmurings is not hid. 11" Or, The Book of Wisdom, as in the Vulgate. * Ps. 2. 10, 11. 2 SAM. 23. 2,3. ECCLUS. 1. 26. II * Or, with sincerity. b MATT. 6. 22. c Is. 29. 13 15. II "Or, disbelieve. a Ps. 95. 9. IMOr, a soul that devises evil. \\' Or, ad- dicted, or, enslaved. e ISAM. 16. 14. Pa 51. 11. II /Or, gu/er reproof? See GEN. 6. 3. Is. 63. 10. II "Or, bene- volent, or, kind to man, ch. 7. 23. \\>Or,ofthe sin of his lips. ' 1 Km. 8. 39. Ps. 139. 1, 4. JER. 12. 3. e Ps. 139. 7. JER. 23. 24. & Ps. 94. 9. MAL. 3. 16. Ps. 94. 7, 8,10. ll'Or, reproveth. IMOr, thoughts, Ps. 139. L II* Or, reprov- ing, as in ver. 8. J ECCLES. 10. 20. 230 WISDOM OF SOLOMON, II. II i Some ancient copies add, ' Envy not antichrists who are death.' (Synopsis in S. Chry- sostom.) k MATT. 12. 36, 37. l Ps. 5. 6. PROV. 19. 9. Therefore beware of murmuring, which is unprofit- 11 able I' l ; and refrain your tongue from backbiting : for there is no word so secret k , that shall go for nought : and the mouth that belieth slayeth l the soul. Seek not death in the error of your lifell: and pull 12 not upon yourselves destruction 111 with the works of your hands. For God made not death ; neither hath He plea- 13 sure n in the destruction of the living. For He created 14 a ii things, that they might have their being: and the generations of the world were healthful H n ; and there is no poison of destruction in them, nor the kingdom of death upon the earth : (for righteousness is immortal II :) 15 but ungodly men with their works and words called it 16 to them : for when they thought to have it their friend, they consumed to nought, and made a covenant p with it, because they are worthy to take part with it. amiss. See MATT. 16. 25. m ECCLES. 7. 16, 17. n EZEK. 18. 32 ; 33. 11. 2 BSD. 8. 59. See ECCLUS. 40. 810. II " That is, ordained for life, and its continuance. See GEN. 17. 3. PROV. '3. 8. ch.6. 18, 19. II " The old Latin and English Versions add, but unrighteousness bringeth death. P Is. 28. 14, 15, 18, 19. CHAPTEE II. Persecution of the righteous by the ungodly and carnal. II Or, pain- ful, full of labour and sorrow. See GEN. 47. 9. JOB 14. 1. ECCLUS. 40. 1,2. a ECCLES. 8. 8. b Ps. 89. 48. II Or, It was a mere chance that we were born. II " Or, our speech is a spark. See ch. 1. 811. JER. 5. 13. c ch. 5. 11. d JOB 18. 17. Is. 26. 14. e ch. 5. 14. Ps. 37. 20. f Is. 22. 12, 13. FOE the ungodly said, reasoning with themselves, 1 but not aright, Our life is short and tedious H a , and in the death of a man there is no remedy a : neither was there any man known to have returned b from the grave. For we are born at all adventure U & : and we 2 shall be hereafter as though we had never been: for the breath in our nostrils is as smoke, and a little spark H in the moving of our heart : which being ex- 3 tinguished, our body shall be turned into ashes, and our spirit shall vanish as the soft air c , and our name 4 shall be forgotten in time, and no man shall have our works in remembrance d , and our life shall pass away as the trace of a cloud, and shall be dispersed 6 as a mist, that is driven away with the beams of the sun, and overcome with the heat thereof. For our time is 5 a very shadow that passeth away; and after our end there is no returning : for it is fast sealed, so that no man cometh again. Come on therefore, let us enjoy f the good things that 6 WISDOM OF SOLOMON, II. 231 are present Hd: and let us speedily use the creatures 611 7 likp as in youth. Let us fill ourselves with costly wine and ointments: and let no flower of the spring H/ pass by 8 us : Let us crown ourselves with rosebuds, before they be withered : [let there be no meadow, but our luxury 9 shall pass through it l ;] Let none of us go without his part of our voluptuousness'^: let us leave tokens of mirth, or, II * Or, things that are realities (as distinct from things hoped for hereafter). II ' Or, the world. Some copies have, our our joyfulness H h in every place : for this is our portion g , \\fQ T *theair and our lot is this. in the Vui- . , gate, the 10 Let us oppress the poor righteous man, let us not season. spare the widow h , nor reverence the ancient gray hairs 11 of the aged. Let our strength be the law of justice : and"6id for that which is feeble is found to be nothing worth. iiin the 12 Therefore let us lie in wait ' for the righteous ; because Jj^*^ he is not for our turn I'*, and he is clean contrary J to our doings : he upbraideth us with our offending the law, and objecteth to our infamy M the transgressings of our education 'I*. 13 He professeth to have H l the knowledge of God, and 14 he calleth himself the child of the Lord. He was made 15 to reprove our thoughts. He is grievous unto us even k to behold : for his life is not like ! other men's, his ways 16 are of another fashion. We are esteemed of him as counterfeits H m : he abstaineth from our ways as from filthiness : he pronounceth the end of the just to be blessed, and maketh his boast m that God is his Father. 17 Let us see if his words n be true : and let us prove 18 what shall happen in the end of him. For if the just man be the son of GodH, He will help him, and deliver 19 him from the hand of his enemies. Let us examine him with despitefulness II and torture, that we may 20 know his meekness, and prove his patience. Let us condemn him with a shameful death: for by his own saying he shall be respected H P. 21 Such things they did imagine, and were deceived : 22 for their own wickedness hath blinded them. As for the mysteries of God, they knew them not: neither hoped they for the wages of righteousness H, nor dis- cerned a reward for blameless souls. in the Arabic, foolishness. Ps. 17. 14. h Ps. 37. 32 ; 94. 6, 7. LXX. II ' Or, unpro- fitable, or, displeasing to us. i GEN. 37. 2, 18, 19, 20. IIJ Or, publishes abroad. II* Or, the sins of our way of life. \\ l Or,declar- e.th that he hath. m JOHN 5. 18 ; 10. 33 ; 19. 7. n GBN. 37. 20. Ps. 22. 8. MATT. 27. 43. he be the true Son of God. II "Or, reproachful words. Is. S3. 7. II ' Or, judged ; lit., visited, ch. 3. 7. I* Or, holiness. Ex. 10. 28. l JOB 1. 8. ECCLCS. 44. 19. II m Or, base metal, JER. 6. 30. In the Vulgate, triflers. I "In Vulgate, If 1 PET. 2. 2123. 232 WISDOM OF SOLOMON, III. ii 'Or, for in- corruption. For God created man to be immortal H r , and made 23 ^ to be ^ image of His Qwn ete rnityK Neverthe- 24 l ess through envy of the devil p came death into the or, peculiar W0 rld ; and they that do hold of his side do find q it 11 '. nature, GEN. 5. 1. ECCLUS. IT. 3. P GEN. 3. 13. JOHN 8. 44. 1 JOHN 3. 12. Or, elect. 11 * Or, He will visit His saints [with His salvation.} 1 Ps. 5. 10. II * Or, righteousness. See PROV. 1. 2931. m ECCLUS. 16. 1, 2 ; 41. 6. Is. 57. 3, 4. n Is. 56. 4, 5. * DBUT. 33. 3. Ps. 49. 15. PROV. 14. 32. b Ps. 31. 5 ; 116. 15. II In the Vulgate, torment of death. c Is. 53. 4. a GBN. 15. 15, PHIL. 1. 23. e 2 KIN. 22. 20. Ps. 37. 37. Is. 57. 1, 2. DAN. 12. 13. gate, suffer torments. 1 1 COR. 4. 9. e 2 MACC. 7. 9. HBB. 11. 35. II " In the Vulgate, afflicted in few things. ll<*lit., bene- fited. In the Syrlac, they shall possess an abundant inherit- ance. See Ps. 116. 7, LXX. J JOB 23. 10. Is. 48. 10. EZBK. 22. 1822. WISDOM OF SOLOMON, IV. 233 defiled, which hath not known the sinful bed : she shall 14 have fruit in the visitation of souls'^. And blessed is the eunuch , which with his hands hath wrought no iniquity, nor imagined wicked things against God : for unto him shall be given the special giftli ft of faith, and an inheritance in the temple of the Lord more accept- 15 able to his mind. For glorious is the fruit of good la- bours : and the root of wisdom p shall never fall away. 16 As for the children* 1 of adulterers, they shall not come to their perfection, and the seed of an unrighteous H 17 bed shall be rooted out. For though they live long, yet shall they be nothing regarded : and their last age 18 shall be without honour. Or, if they die quickly r , they 19 have no hope, neither comfort in the day of trial. For horrible is the end of the unrighteous generation. II ' In the Vulgate, of holy souls. Is. 56. 3. DAN. 6. 22 ; 12. 13. II* Or, reward. See HAB. 2. 4. P Ps. 112. 6, 7. ECCLUS. 1. 6. Ps. 16. 9. Is. 57. 2.' ch. 3. 3. e LBV. 19. 32. 1, 2. detached the ground. 234 WISDOM OF SOLOMON, V. that which standeth in length of time, nor that is mea- sured by number of years. But wisdom is the gray 9 PROV. 20. 29. hair unto men, and an unspotted life f is old age. He pleased God g , and was beloved of Him : so that 10 living among sinners he was translated. Yea, speedily 11 was he taken away, lest that wickedness should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul. For the 12 bewitching of naughtiness H" doth obscure things that are honest; and the wandering of concupiscence doth undermine "/ the simple mind. He being made perfect in a short time, fulfilled a 13 long time : for his soul pleased the Lord : therefore 14 hasted He to take him away h from among the wicked \\ g . This the people saw, and understood it not, neither laid 15 they up this in their minds, That His grace and mercy is with His saints, and that He hath respect unto His chosen 1 . Thus the righteous that is dead shall con- 16 demnJ the ungodly which are living ; and youth that is soon perfected the many years and old age of the unrighteous. For they shall see the end of the wise, 17 and shall not understand what God in His counsel hath decreed of him H h , and to what end the Lord hath set him in safety. They shall see him, and despise 18 him; but God shall laugh them to scorn k : and they shall hereafter be a vile carcase H *, and a reproach a- mong the dead for evermore. For He shall rend 1 them, 19 and cast them down headlong, that they shall be speech- less; and He shall shake them from the foundation" 1 ; and they shall be utterly laid waste, and be in sorrow ; and their memorial shall perish. And when they cast 20 up the accounts of their sins, they shall come with fear : and their own iniquities shall convince n them to their face. e GEN. 5. 24. Is. 57. 1. Ecci/us. 44. 16 ; 49. 14. II ' Or, the en- vious spirit oftncked- ness. II /Or, alter, so that it is impaired, or changed, like the metal in the hands of the craftsman. h Is. 57. 1. II In the Greek, it hastedfrom the midst of wicked- ness. ' ch. 3. 9. i GEN. 4. 10. HEB. 12. 24. ed for him. k PS. 37. 13. II * Or, be in- volved in a disgraceful ruin. See ECCLUS. 81. 6 ; 34. 16. i 1 MACC. 6. 813. m PS. 73. 18. n Ps. 50. 21. JKR. 2. 19. PROV. 11. 5. CHAPTEK V. The reward of the just . ''" HHHEN a shall the righteous man stand b in great 1 DAN. 12! is. JL boldness before the face c of such as have afflict- TcKE 12 i3 9> 28'. e ^ ^ m ' ^^ made no account of II a his labours. II * In Vulgate, have taken away. Syriac, teronged, or, defrauded. See JOB 1. 9, 10. WISDOM OF SOLOMON, V. 235 2 When they see it, they shall be troubled* 1 with ter- rible fear, and shall be amazed at the strangeness of his salvation, so far beyond e all that they looked for. 3 And they repenting and groaning for anguish of spirit shall say within themselves, This was he, whom we had sometimes in derision, and a proverb 116 of reproach: 4 we fools accounted his life madness f , and his end to be 5 without honour g : how is he numbered among the chil- dren of God, and his lot " c is among the saints ! 6 Therefore have we erred from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness hath not shined h unto us, and the sun of righteousness rose not upon us"**. 7 We wearied ourselves in the way of wickedness and destruction 1 : yea, we have gone through deserts, where there lay no wayJ ||e : but as for the way of the Lord, we have not known it. 8 What hath pride profited us? Or what good hath 9 riches with our vaunting brought us ? All those things are passed away like a shadow, and as a post "/ that 10 hasted by ; and as a ship that passeth over the waves of the water, which when it is gone by, the trace thereof cannot be found, neither the pathway of the 11 keel in the waves ; or as when a bird hath flown through the air, there is no token of her way to be found, but the light air being beaten with the stroke of her wings, and parted with the violent noise and motion of them, is passed through, and therein after- 12 wards no sign where she went is to be found ; or like as when an arrow is shot at a mark, it parteth the air, which immediately cometh together again, so that a 13 man cannot know where it went through : even so k we in like manner, as soon as we were born, began to draw to our end " o, and had no sign of virtue to shew ; but were consumed in our own wickedness. [Such 14 tilings as these the sinners said in hell *.] For the hope of the ungodly is like dust 1 ' * that is blown away with the wind ; like a thin froth " * that is driven away with the storm ; like as the smoke l which is dispersed here and there with a tempest, and passeth away as the remembrance of a guest m that tarrieth but a day. d GBN. 45. 3. Is. 65. 13, 14. 6 HAB. 1. 5. II* Or, by- word, as in 2 CHR. 7. 20. Ps. 44. 14 ; 69. 11. EzBK.16.44. f ch. 2. 15. JOHN 7. 20 ; 10. 20. ACTS 26. 24. * ch. 2. 20. Is. 53. 3, 4. II c Or, in- heritance, COL. 1. 12. &PROV.2.13; 4.19. II * In the Greek, the sunrose not upon us. In Vulgate, sun of un- derstand- ing. i Is. 59. 7, 8. JjRR.2.23,24. U'lnVulgate, through hard, or, difficult ways. 9fOr,mes- sage, or, courier. See JOB 9. 25, 26. k JOB 20. 4,5, 8,9. Ps. 103. 15, 16. II > In Vul- gate, forth- with ceased to be; Ut., failed, as In < : K s . 15. 8, LXX. i Addition in Vulgate. See LUKE 16. 23. II* Or, thistle- down. See Ps. 1. 4. H< Some read, hoar-frost. l Ps. 18. 42 ; 37. 20; 68. 2. m JKE. 14. 8. 236 WISDOM OF SOLOMON, VI. n PS. 112. 6. But the righteous live for evermore ; their reward 15 ECCLUS. 41. a ] go j g with the Lord, and the care p of them is with Xo. GEN. 15. i. the Most High. Therefore shall they receive a glorious 16 P PROV' 14 32 kingdom, and a beautiful crown M from the Lord's hand : i Or, diadem for with His right hand q shall He cover them, and with His arm shall He protect them. He shall take 17 to Him His jealousy for complete armour r , and make the creature His weapon"* for the revenge of His enemies. He shall put on righteousness as a breastplate, and 18 of beauty. See Is. 28. 5 ; 62. 3. 2 BSD. 2. 45. The Syriac of good works. q DEUT 33 27 PS. 5. '12.' ' true judgment instead of an helmet. He shall take 19 r i7 S 'it 9 ' 16> hoi" 1688 f r an invincible shield. His severe wrath 20 ii* br, a way shall He sharpen for a sword, and the world 8 shall imwce asin ^ nt ^tk ^ m against the unwise. Then shall the 21 PS. 78/50. right aiming thunderbolts* go abroad; and from the 24 ; 19! 6. ' clouds, as from a well drawn bow, shall they fly to the 8 JUDO. 5. 20. mark. And hailstones u full of wrath shall be cast as 22 28,29,30. ' out of a stone bow 1 '*, and the water of the sea v shall rage against them, and the floods 11 shall cruelly drown them. Yea, a mighty wind shall stand up against 23 them, and like a storm shall blow them away"* 1 : thus E'ZEK. 13. 11. iniquity shall lay waste the whole earth, and ill dealing iiPthe^vui- shall overthrow the thrones of the mighty w . gate, from the stone-casting wrath. v Ex. 14. 27. II m Or, rivers. II " lit., winnow them, as in JUDITH 2. 27. w ch. 1. 1 ; 6. 1. * Ps. 18. 13, 14,15; 144. 6. u ECCLUS. 46. 5,6. a ECCLES. 9. 16, 18. bPnov.16.32. i Addition in the Vulgate. c Ps. 2. 10. ch. 1. L Is. 1. 10. d DAN. 2. 21. ECCLUS.10.4. CHAPTER VI. Exhortation to princes. TTTTISDOM is better* than strength, and a wise 1 "- YY man b is better than a strong man 1 .] Hear therefore, O ye kings c , and understand ; learn, ye that be judges of the ends of the earth. Give ear, ye that 2 rule the people, and glory in the multitude of nations. For power is given d you of the Lord, and sovereignty 3 from the Highest, Who shall try your works, and search out your counsels. Because, being ministers of 4 His kingdom, ye have not judged aright, nor kept the law, nor walked after the counsel of God ; horribly 5 and speedily shall He come upon you: for a sharp judgment shall be to them that be in high places. WISDOM OF SOLOMON, VI. 237 6 For mercy will soon pardon the meanest : but mighty men shall be mightily e tormented. e LUKE 12. 7 For He which is Lord over all shall fear no man's person, neither shall He stand in awe of any man's greatness : for He hath made the small and great, and 8 careth f for all alike. But a sore trial shall come upon the mighty. 9 Unto you therefore, O kings, do I speak, that ye may 10 learn wisdom, and not fall away. For they that keep holiness"' 1 holily shall be judged holy" 6 : and they that have learned such things shall find what to answer. 11 Wherefore set your affection upon my words ; desire them, and ye shall be instructed. 12 Wisdom is glorious, and never fadeth away : yea, she is easily seen of them that love her, and found of 13 such as seek her. She preventeth them that desire her, 14 in making herself first known g unto them. Whoso seeketh her early shall have no great travail : for he 15 shall find her sitting at his doors. To think therefore upon her is perfection of wisdom : and whoso watcheth 16 for her shall quickly be without care. For she goeth about H c seeking such as are worthy of her, sheweth herself favourably unto them in the ways, and meeteth them in every thought II <*. 17 For the very true beginning of her is the desire U of 18 discipline ; and the care of discipline is love ; and love is the keeping h of her laws ; and the giving heed unto her 19 laws is the assurance of incorruption ; and incorrup- 20 tion maketh us near unto God : therefore the desire 21 of wisdom bringeth to a kingdom. If your delight be then in thrones and sceptres, O ye kings "/ of the people, honour wisdom, that ye may reign 1 for ever- more. [Love the light of wisdom, all ye that bear rule over the people 8 !] 22 As for wisdom, what she is, and how she came up 11 c, I will tell you, and will not hide mysteries from you : but will seek her out from the beginning of her na- tivity J, and bring the knowledge of her into light, and 23 will not pass over the truth 1 ' *. Neither will I go with consuming envy ; for such a man shall have no fellow- 24 ship with wisdom. But the multitude of the wise k is i ch. 11. 26. II "Or, the holy lawn. II Or, justi- fied, as In Vulgate. * DEUT. 30. 1114. Is. 65. 1. Acre 17. 27, 28. II" That te, she sur- rounds or encompass- es them. Syriac, visits them. II <* Or, pur- pose. In the Vul- gate, with all dili- gence. II 'Or, the be- ginning of her is the most true desire, as in Vulgate. & Ex. 20. 6. JOHN 14. 15. II /Or, tyrants. 1 PROV. 9. 6, LXX. 2 Addition in Vulgate. II 'Or, what washer origin. ) See PROV. 8. 22, 23. II* The Greek expresses that the way which passes over the truth is the way of consuming envy. See ch. 7. 17. ACTS 20. 20, 27. k PROV. 11. 14; 24.6. ECCLBS. 9. 18. 238 WISDOM OF SOLOMON, VII. the welfare of the world : and a wise king is the up- holding of the people. Receive therefore instruction 25 through my words, and it shall do you good. * GEN. 2. 7. ch. 10. 1. EccLUS.17.1. 1 COR. 15. 47. II "lit., the earth-born protoplast. b JOB 10. 8. Ps. 119. 73 ; 139. 1416. \\ lit., of like passions or feelings, as a mother to alL See ECCLUB.40.1. c Ex. 2. 6. d EZEK. 16. 4. e JOB 1. 21. EccLBS.5.15. 1 TIM. 6. 7. II c Or, depar- ture, as in ch.3. 2. II <* In the Vulgate, I desired. t IKiN. 3.9; 4. 29, 34. s JOB 28. 13 19. PROV. 3. 14, 15 ; 8. 11, 19. II ' lit., slum- bers not. h 2 CHR. 1. 12. \\fOr,without guile, or, selfish mo- tive. i MAT. 10. 8. 1 PET. 4. 10. ECCLUS. 20. 30, 31 ; 41. 14, 15. llOr, with- out envy, as in ch. 6. 23. J Is. 41. 8. II* Or, which they im- part. II Or, thoughts that are worthy of, Ac. CHAPTER VII. The excellence of wisdom. I MYSELF also am a mortal man, like to all, and the 1 offspring of him that was first made a of the earth H, and in my mother's womb was fashioned 13 to be flesh 2 in the tune of ten months, being compacted in blood, of the seed of man, and the pleasure that came with sleep. And when I was born, I drew in the common 3 air, and fell upon the earth, which is of like nature " & , and the first voice which I uttered was crying c , as all others do. I was nursed in swaddling clothes d , and 4 that with cares. For there is no king that had any 5 other beginning 6 of birth. For all men have one 6 entrance into life, and the like going out H c . Wherefore I prayed H <*, and understanding was given 7 me : I called upon God f , and the spirit of wisdom came to me. I preferred her before sceptres and 8 thrones, and esteemed riches nothing 8 in comparison of her. Neither compared I unto her any precious stone, 9 because all gold in respect of her is as a little sand, and silver shall be counted as clay before her. I loved her 10 above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead of light: for the light that cometh from her never goeth out He. All good things' 1 together came to me with her, 11 and innumerable riches in her hands. And I rejoiced in 12 them all, because wisdom goeth before them : and I knew not that she was the mother of them. I learned 13 diligently 11 -^, and do communicate her 1 liberally llflr : I do not hide her riches. For she is a treasure unto men that 14 never faileth : which they that use become the friends J of God, being commended for the gifts that come 1 '* from learning. God hath granted me to speak as I 15 would, and to conceive as is meet for"* the things that are given me: because it is He that leadeth unto wisdom, and directeth the wise. For in His hand are 16 WISDOM OF SOLOMON, VII. 239 both we and our words k ; all wisdom also, and know- ledge l of workmanship. 17 For He hath given me certain 1 " knowledge of the things that are 11 -?, namely, to know how the world was 18 made H fc , and the operation of the elements: the begin- ning, ending, and midst of the times : the alterations of the turning of the sun, and the change of seasons : 19 the circuits of years, and the positions of stars : 20 the natures n of living creatures, and the furies of wild beasts : the violence of winds, and the reasonings of 21 men : the diversities of plants, and the virtues of roots : and all such things as are either secret or mani- fest, them I know. 22 For wisdom, which is the worker of all things, taught me: for in her is an understanding spirit, holy, one only II l , manifold, subtil p , lively, clear, undefiled, plain " m , not subject to hurt, loving the thing that is good, quick H", which cannot be letted H, ready to do good, 23 kind to man HP, stedfast, sure, free from care " 1, having all power, overseeing all things, and going through* 1 all understanding, pure, and most subtil, spirits. 24 For wisdom is more moving than any motion H r : she passeth and goeth through all things r by reason of her 25 pureness. For she is the breath s of the power of God, and a pure* influence flowing from the glory of the Almighty : therefore can no defiled thing fall into her. 26 For she is the brightness u of the everlasting light, the unspotted mirror of the power of God, and the image v 27 of His goodness. And being but one, she can do all things : and remaining in herself, she maketh all things new w : and in all ages'l* entering into holy souls 1 , she 28 maketh them friends of God, and prophets y . For God 29 loveth none but him that dwelleth with wisdom. For she is more beautiful than the sun, and above all the order of stars: being compared with the light 2 , she 30 is found before it. For after this cometh night : but vice shall not prevail against wisdom. II' Gr. generati on*. Vulgate, nations. X ch.l0. 1, Ac. HEB. 11. 2, 4, Ac. Ex. 33. 11. * Ps, 19. 8 ; 119. 105, 130. t Ex. 4. 11. JER. 1. 9. I Ex. 31. 3, 4,5. m 1 KIN. 4. 29, 33. II j A phrase in Plato, which some render essential truths, or, principles. II* Or, A sys- tem of the universe. c See PROV. 6.5-8; 7.22; 26. 2; 28. 15; 30. 1531. ECCLUS. 38. 48. II 'That is, alone, with- out equal or rival. Pi COR. 2. 14. II Or, sure, as in Vul- gate. II * Perhaps, severe in detecting and reprov- ing evil. II" Or, irre- sistible. \\ p ^benevo- lent, as in ch. 1. 6. \\iQr,u>ithout carefulness, 1 COR. 7. 32. ich. 1.7; 12.1. H r Or, more active than all active things. r ch.8. 1. 8 EccLU8.24.3. t JAMES 3. 15. HER 1. 3. T 2COR.4.4. COL. 1. 15. w EZEK. 11. 19,20. 2 COR. 5. 17. 7GBN. 20. 9. 240 WISDOM OF SOLOMON, VIII. 8 ch. 11. 20. ECCLUS. 42. 2325. i) PBOV. 7. 4. EccLua 6. 18. II a Or, she is initiated into, or, a teacher of, the know- ledge of God. A PROV. 3. 16 ; 8. 18, 19. e PROV. 8. 12. II Or, who is a more art- ful worker than she of those things that are ? ch. 8. 17. t TIT. 2. 11, 12; 3.8. II ' The four cardinal virtues, especially commended by the Greek philoso- phers. B 1 KIN. 10. 1. ECCLUS. 47. 15, 17. h 1 KIN. 3. 28. ECCLUS. 47. 14. i JOB 29. 8, 9, 10, 2123. i 1 KIN. 4 21,24. ECCLUS. 47. 16. MOr, in the CHAPTER VIII. Further praises of wisdom. WISDOM reacheth from one end to another 1 mightily: and sweetly a doth she order all things. I loved b her, and sought her out from my 2 youth, I desired to make her my spouse, and I was a lover of her beauty. In that she is conversant with 3 God, she magnifieth her nobility : yea, the Lord of all things Himself loved her. For she is privy to the 4 mysteries " a of the knowledge of God, and a lover of His works. If riches be a possession to be- desired in 5 this life ; what is richer than wisdom d , that worketh all things? And if prudence work; who, of all that are, 6 is a more cunning 6 workman H fe than she? And if a man l love righteousness, her labours are virtues: for she teacheth temperance and prudence, justice f and forti- tude U c : which are such things, as men can have nothing more profitable in their life. If a man desire much 8 experience, she knoweth things of old, and conjectureth aright what is to come : she knoweth the subtilties of speeches, and can expound hard sentences 81 : she fore- seeth signs and wonders, and the events of seasons and times. Therefore I purposed to take her to me to live with 9 me, knowing that she would be a counsellor of good things, and a comfort in cares and grief. For her sake 10 I shall have estimation among the multitude, and ho- nour with the elders, though I be young. I shall be 11 found of a quick conceit in judgment 11 , and shall be admired in the sight of great men. When I hold my 12 tongue, they shall bide my leisure, and when I speak, they shall give good ear unto me : if I talk much, they shall lay their hands' upon their mouth. Moreover by the means of her I shall obtain immor- 13 tality, and leave behind me an everlasting memorial to them that come after me. I shall set the people in 14 order, and the nationsJ shall be subject unto me. Hor- 15 rible tyrants shall be afraid, when they do but hear of me; I shall be found good among the multitude H d , and WISDOM OF SOLOMON, IX. 241 16 valiant in war. After I am come into mine house, I will repose myself with her : for her conversation hath no bitterness ; and to live with her hath no sorrow k , but mirth and joy. 17 Now when I considered these things m myself, and pondered them in my heart, how that to be allied unto 18 wisdom is immortality 1 ; and great pleasure it is to have her friendship ; and in the works of her hands are infinite riches; and hi the exercise H of confer- ence with her, prudence ; and in talking with her, a good report 11 -''; I went about seeking how to take 19 her to me. For I was a witty child, and had a 20 good spirit 11 ". Yea rather, being good, I came m into a body undefiled. 21 Nevertheless, when I perceived that I could not otherwise obtain her"*, except God gave her me ; and that was a point of wisdom also to know Whose gift n she was : I prayed unto the Lord, and besought Him, and with my whole heart I said, confirmed by ECCLUS. 6. 27 ; 15. 1. n JAMBS 1. 5, 17. PROV. 2. 6. CHAPTER LX, Solomon's prayer. 1 /~\ GOD of my fathers*, and Lord of mercy, Who hast 2 \J made all things with Thy word, and ordained man through Thy wisdom, that he should have dominion 6 3 over the creatures which Thou hast made, and order the world according to equity H and righteousness, and 4 execute judgment with an upright heart: give me wisdom, that sitteth by Thy throne " b ; and reject me 5 not from among Thy children : for I Thy servant and son of Thine handmaid c am a feeble person, and of a short time, and too young d for the understanding of 6 judgment and laws. For though a man be never so perfect among the children of men, yet if Thy wisdom 7 be not with him, he shall be nothing regarded. Thou hast chosen me 6 to be a king of Thy people, and a judge 8 of Thy sons and daughters f : Thou hast commanded me to build a temple g upon Thy holy mount, and an altar in the city wherein Thou dwellest, a resemblance Q k PROV. 3. 17. i PROV. 3. 18. 11* The word implies effort, and exertion. See Ps. 37. 30, 31. 1 TIM. 4. 7, 8. nsOr.gloryin the commu- nication of her words. U Or, 7 was a child of comely parts, and nad obtain- ed a good soul. m Is. 57. 16. JER. 1. 5. ZECH. 12. 1. Compare ROM. 9.11,12. II* Or, be con- tinent, or, temperate. But the other ren- dering is ECCLUS. 1. 1. * 2 CHR. L 710. b GBN. 1. 26. Ps. 8. 7 ; 115. 16. H"Or, holiness. II Hit., 'the assessor of Thy thrones.' See 2 CHR. 19. 5, 6. Ps. 122. 5. c Ps. 86. 16 ; 116. 16. d 1 KIN. 3. 7. 1 CHR. 29. 1 1 CHR. 22. 9. f Is. 43. 6, 7. * 1 CHR. 21. 18 ; 22. 10. ECCLUS. 47. 13. 242 WISDOM OF SOLOMON, X. h Ex. 25. 40. 1 KIN. 7. 48 50. 1 PROV. 8. 22 30. 11 The Greek adds, send her, or, cause her to come. j Ps. 143. 10. ll<*Or, inker glory, or, brightness. * PROV. 3. 4. II ' In Greek, worthy of my father's thrones. See ver. 4, above. I Is. 40. 13. ECCLUS. 1. 6,7. ROM. 11. 33, 34. II / Or, waver- ing: lit., 'fearful.' II* Or, inse- cure, un- safe. See ch. 4. 4. m 2 COR. 5. 1, 4. ECCLES. 12. 12. n JOB 37. 19. Is. 55. 8, 9. 2 BSD. 4. 21. JOHN 3. 12, 31. PROV. 2. 6. ECCLHS. 24.3. 1 COR. 2. 10. P JOEL 2. 28. 1 Addition in Vulg. See HEB.I 1.2,5,6. II lit., proto- plast, as in ch. 7. 1. a GEN. 2. 18 ; 3.22. Ecci/us. 17. 3,4. II * Or, trans- gression, as in ROM. 5. 15, 17, 18. b GEN. 2. 20 ; 9. 2. ch. 9. 3. c GEN. 6. 12, 13, of the holy tabernacle 11 , which Thou hast prepared from the beginning. And wisdom 1 was with Thee : 9 which knoweth Thy works, and was present when Thou madest the world, and knew what was accept- able in Thy* sight, and right in Thy commandments. O send her out of Thy holy heavens, and H c from the 10 throne of Thy glory, that being present she may labour with me, that I may knowJ what is pleasing unto Thee. For she knoweth and understandeth all things, and she 11 shall lead me soberly in my doings, and preserve me in her power H^. So shall my works be acceptable k , and 12 then shall I judge Thy people righteously, and be worthy to sit in my father's seat He. For what man is he that can know 1 the counsel of 13 God ? Or who can think what the will of the Lord is ? For the thoughts of mortal men are miserable 11 -^, and 14 our devices are but uncertain H 0. For the corruptible 15 body presseth down the soul, and the earthy taber- nacle 1 " weigheth down the mind that museth upon many things. And hardly do we guess aright at things 16 that are upon earth, and with labour do we find the things that are before us : but the things 11 that are in heaven who hath searched out? And Thy counsel 17 who hath known, except Thou give wisdom, and send Thy Holy Spirit p from above? For so the ways of 18 them which lived on the earth were reformed, and men were taught the things that are pleasing unto Thee, and were saved through wisdom ; [even all they that have pleased Thee, O Lord, from the beginning 1 .] CHAPTER X. Wisdom exemplified in the history of man. O HE preserved the first formed " a father of the world, 1 O that was created alone a , and brought him out of his fall ||& , and gave him power to rule b all things. 2 But when the unrighteous went away from her in 3 his anger, he perished also in the fury wherewith he murdered his brother N c : For whose cause the earth being drowned with the 4 II c lit., he perished together with his fratricidal fury, GEN. 4. 13, 14. WISDOM OF SOLOMON, X. 243 flood, wisdom again preserved it, and directed the course of the righteous d in a piece of wood 6 of small value. 5 Moreover, the nations f in their wicked conspiracy 110 being confounded, she found out"** the righteous g , and preserved him blameless unto God, and kept him strong against his tender compassion toward his son h . 6 When the ungodly perished, she delivered the right- eous 1 man, who fled from the fire which fell down 7 upon the five cities 'I e . Of whose wickedness even to this day the waste land thatJ smoketh is a testimony, and plants bearing fruit that never come to ripeness : and a standing pillar of salt k is a monument of an 8 unbelieving soul. For regarding not wisdom, they gat not only this hurt, that they knew not the things which were good ; but also left behind them to the world U/ a memorial of their foolishness : so that in the things wherein they offended they could not so much as be 9 hid. But wisdom delivered from pain those that at- tended upon her. 10 When the righteous fled from his brother's wrath, she guided him in right paths, shewed him the king- dom l of God, and gave him knowledge of holy things, made him rich in his travels l! o, and multiplied the fruit 11 of his labours. In the covetousness of such as op- pressed him she stood by him, and made him rich. 12 She defended him from his enemies, and kept him safe from those that lay in wait, and in a sore conflict she gave him the victory 11 ; that he might know that godli- ness is stronger than all. 13 When the righteous was sold, she forsook him not, but delivered him from sin : she went down with him 14 into the pit p , and left him not in bonds, till she brought him the sceptre of the kingdom, and power q against those that oppressed him : as for them that had ac- cused him, she shewed them to be liars, and gave him perpetual glory r . 15 She delivered the righteous people 8 and blameless 16 seed from the nation that oppressed them. She en- tered into the soul of the servant of the Lord, and withstood dreadful kings * in wonders and signs u ; Q2 a GEN. 6. 9. ECCLUS. 44. 17. HBB. 11. 7. 6 ch. 14. 6, 7. f GEN. 11. 9. II' 'Or, consent to do evil II * Most copies read, she knew (with the Vulgate). See GEN. 18. 19. Ps. 1. 6. e GEN. 12. 1. Is. 41. 2. h GEN. 22. 10. ECCLUS. 44. 20. 4 MACC. 13. 12 ; 14. 20. i GEN. 19. 2, 3. 2 PET. 2. 7. II ' In the Greek, the fire of Pen- tapolig. JDEUT.29.23. Is. 13. 19, 20; 28.4. k GEN. 19. 36. LUKE 17. 32. II /Or, to the living; lit., life. i GEN. 28. 12, 17. II ' Or, hard- ships, GEN. 30. 30, 43. m GEN. 31. 14 16. n GEN. 32. 11, 28 ; 33. 4. Hos. 12. 3, 4. 4MACC.2.2.3. GEN. 39. 9, 10. P GEN. 39. 20 ; 40. 15. Ps. 64. 9. CHAPTER XI. The mercy of God to all. SHE prospered their works in the hand a of the holy 1 prophet. They went through the wilderness that 2 was not inhabited 13 , and pitched tents in places where there lay no way. They stood against their enemies, 3 and were avenged of their adversaries. When they 4 were thirsty, they called upon Thee, and water was given them out of the flinty H a rock, and their thirst was quenched out of the hard stone. For by what things 5 their enemies were punished, by the same they in their need were benefited H &. For instead of a fountain of a 6 perpetual running river troubled with foul blood d , for 7 a manifest reproof of that commandment 6 , whereby the infants f were slain, Thou gavest unto them abundance of water by a means which they hoped not for : declar- 8 ing by that thirst then how Thou hadst punished their adversaries U c . For when they were tried, albeit but in 9 mercy chastised, they knew how the ungodly were judged in wrath and tormented, thirsting in another man- ner than the just*. For these Thou didst admonish and 10 try 8 , as a father : but the other, as a severe king, Thou didst condemn and punish. Whether they were absent 11 or present, they were vexed alike. For a double grief 12 came upon them, and a groaning for the remembrance of things past. For when they heard by their own 13 punishments the other to be benefited, they had some feeling h of the Lord, [wondering at the end of what WISDOM OF SOLOMON, XI. 245 14 was come to pass 1 .] For whom they rejected with Addition in scorn, when he was long before thrown out at the cast- ing forth of the infants, him in the end, when they saw what came to pass, they admired 1 , [their thirsting being unlike to that of the just 2 ]. 15 But for the foolish devices of their wickedness, wherewith being deceived they worshipped serpents void of reason II d , and vile beasts, Thou didst send a ij multitude of unreasonable beasts l|e upon them for ven- 16 geance ; that they might know, that wherewithal a man sinneth, by the same also shall he be punishedJ. 17 For Thy Almighty hand, that made the world of matter without form, wanted not means to send among 18 them a multitude of bears, or fierce lions k , or unknown wild beasts, full of rage, newly created, breathing out either a fiery vapour 1 , or filthy scents of scattered smoke, or shooting horrible sparkles out of their eyes : 19 whereof not only the harm might dispatch them at once, but also the terrible sight utterly destroy them. 20 Yea, and without these might they have fallen down with one blast, being persecuted of vengeance [by their own deeds 3 ,] and scattered abroad through the breath of Thy power m : but Thou hast ordered all things in 21 measure and number and weight n . [For great power always belonged to Thee alone 4 ;] for Thou canst shew Thy great strength at all times when Thou Avilt ; and * KlN - J 7 - 22 who may withstand the power of Thine arm ? For the whole world before Thee is as a little grain of the balance, yea, as a drop of the morning dew that falleth 8 Addition in 23 down upon the earth. But Thou hast mercy p upon all; for Thou canst do all things, and winkest at "''the 24 sins of men, because they q should amend. For Thou lovest all the things that are, and abhorrest nothing which Thou hast made r : for never wouldest Thou the Vulgate. The Syriac has, they knew not the Lord, and mocked at the thing which had happened unto them. Greek and Vulgate here instead of verse 9. The Svriac has, their cry prevail- ed not ac- cording to their de- sire*, for they were without un- derstand- ing : per- haps from Ps. 18. 41. II* In Vul- gate, dumb. II 'That is, liv- ing things, such as frogs, rep- tiles, and insects. See ch. 16. 9. i ch. 12. 33. This verse is obscure : but the meaning seems ra- ther to be struck with dread of that sight which was not to be gazed up- on, they thought the things a- worse. See EZEK. 32. 7,8. s Addition in Syriac. See Ex. 9. 11. II * That is, alarm. *, s Addi- tions in Syriac. II* The Syriac has, they fled from the air, WISDOM OF SOLOMON, XVIII. 257 and endured that necessity, which could not be a- voided : for they were all bound with one chain of 18 darkness. Whether it were a whistling wind f , or a melodious noise of birds among the spreading branches, 19 or a pleasing fall HP of water running violently, or a ter- rible sound I' of stones cast down, or a running that could not be seen of skipping beasts H r , or a roaring voice of most savage wild beasts, or a rebounding echo from the hollow mountains H s ; these things made them 20 to swoon for fear. For the whole world shined with clear light, and none were hindered in their labour H*: 21 over them only was spread an heavy night, an image of that darkness g which should afterward receive them : but yet were they unto themselves more grievous than the darkness. CHAPTER XVIII. The plague that slew the firstborn, and the plague that was stayed in the wilderness. 1 "lyTEVEETHELESS Thy saints had a very _L i great light a , whose voice they hearing, and not seeing their shape, because they also had not suffer- 2 ed the same things H a , they counted them happy. But for that they did not hurt them now, of whom they had been wronged before, they thanked them, and besought them pardon for that they had been enemies H 6 . 3 Instead whereof Thou gavest them a burning pillar of fire b , both to be a guide of the unknown journey, and a harmless sun to entertain them honourably H". 4 For they were worthy to be deprived of light, and imprisoned in darkness, who had kept Thy sons shut up, by whom the uncorrupt light of the law was to be given d unto the world. 5 And when they had determined to slay the babes of the saints, one child 6 being cast forth, and saved, to reprove them, Thou tookest away the multitude of their children f , and destroy edst them altogether in a c Ps. 121. 5, 6. Is. 4. 5, 6. BAR. 5. 8, 9. II c Or, for their glorious emigration. 23. JOHN 4. 22. ROM. 3. 1,2. e Ex. 2. 3. ch. 11. 4. f Ex. 12. 29. I GEN. 3. 8. LEV. 26. 36. II * Or, even flow. II Or, harsh noise. See verse 4. II' Cfr,playful animals. II ' Or, from a cavity in the moun- tains. II ( In the Greek, pur- sued its labours without in- terruption. See Ps. 104. 23. * JOB 18. 18. a Ex. 10. 23. II The Eng- lish here follows the Vulgate. The Greek has, since they also had suffer- ed. The Syriac : they also were chastened, but they were count- ed happy because they were mercifully chastened. II s Or, desired to be recon- ciled to them. See Ex. 12. 33, 36. b Ex. 13. 21 ; 14.24. NUM. 9. 15 18. Ps. 78. 14 ; 105. 39. ch. 10. 17. dZKGH.8.22, 258 WISDOM OF SOLOMON, XVIII. 8 Ex. 14. 27. ch. 10. 19. n GEN. 15. 13, 14, 18, 19. i GEN. 22. 16. Ps. 105. 9, 10. IN Or, expected. i Ex. 12. 8, 27. II ' Or, cove- nanted to law of the Deity. II /Or, whilst they sang the praises of their fa- thers. See 2 CHR. 30. 21 ; 35. 15, 18. k Ex. 12. 20. lEx. 11. 5; 12. 29. m NUM. 33. 4. n Ps. 105. 36. II Or, son, as in Ex. 4. 22, 23. Hos. 11. 1. Ps. 147. 15. ECCLUS. 43. 26. HEB. 4. 12. 11* Or, irre- versible. . NUM. 23. 19. P REV. 10. 1, 2,5. 1 1 SAM. 6. 9. II 'Or, the pestilence. T NUM. 16. 46, Ac. 1 COR. 10. 10. mighty water g . Of that night were our fathers certi- 6 fied afore h , that assuredly knowing unto what oaths 1 they had given credence, they might afterwards be of good cheer. So of Thy people was accepted 111 * both the 7 salvation of the righteous, and destruction of the ene- mies. For wherewith Thou didst punish our adver- 8 saries, by the same Thou didst glorify us, whom Thou hadst called. For the righteous children of good men did sacri- 9 ficeJ secretly, and with one consent made a holy law'l*, that the saints should be like partakers of the same good and evil, the fathers now singing out the songs of praise H/. But on the other side there sounded k an ill accord- 10 ing cry of the enemies, and a lamentable noise was carried abroad for children that were bewailed. The 11 master and the servant 1 were punished after one manner ; and like as the king, so suffered the common person. So they all together had innumerable dead with one 12 kind of death ; neither were the Irving sufficient to bury m them : for in one moment the noblest n offspring of them was destroyed. For whereas they would not 13 believe anything by reason of the enchantments ; upon the destruction of the firstborn, they acknowledged this people to be the sons H o of God. For while all things 14 were in quiet silence, and that night was in the midst of her swift course, Thine Almighty Word leaped 15 down from heaven out of Thy royal throne, as a fierce man of war into the midst of a land of destruction, and 16 brought Thine unfeigned H ft commandment as a sharp sword, and standing up filled all things with death ; and it touched the heaven, but it stood upon the earth p . Then suddenly visions of horrible dreams 17 troubled them sore, and terrors came upon them un- locked for. And one thrown here, and another there, 18 half dead, shewed the cause of his death. For the 19 dreams that troubled them did foreshew this, lest they should perish, and not know q why they were afflicted. Yea, the tasting of death H* touched the righteous also, 20 and there was a destruction 1 of the multitude in the WISDOM OF SOLOMON, XIX. 259 8 NUM. 16. 5. Ps. 99. 68. 2 TIM. 2. 19. II * Or, the multitude, as in the Old Eng- lish, and in most copies and ver- sions. Or, the disturb- 21 wilderness: but the wrath endured not long. For then the blameless man made haste, and stood forth to defend them ; and bringing the shield of his proper ministry, even prayer, and the propitiation of incense, set himself against the wrath, and so brought the calamity to an end, declaring that he was Thy 8 22 servant. So he overcame the destroyer II h , not with strength of body, nor force of arms, but with a word subdued he him that punished, alleging the oaths and 23 covenants * made with the fathers. For when the dead were now fallen down by heaps' 1 one upon another, standing between, he stayed the wrath, and parted the way II * to the living. 24 For in the long garment was the whole world "j, and in the four rows of the stones was the glory of the fathers graven 7 , and Thy Majesty upon the diadem 25 of his head. Unto these the destroyer gave place, and the world. was afraid of themll*: for it was enough that they only ^f^fgf 9 ' tasted of the wrath. e^i^-Vii II* Some copies read, they were afraid ; and so the Syriac and Arabic. ^ 13 DEUT. 9. 27. u NuM.i6.48. Intercepted iMThatis,*A was the ap- CHAPTEE XIX. God's people and their enemies. A recapitulation. 1 AS for the ungodly, wrath came upon them without *L\. mercy unto the end : for He knew before a what 2 they would do ; how that having given them leave to depart b , and sent them hastily away, they would re- 3 pent c and pursue them. For whilst they were yet mourning, and making lamentation at the graves of the dead d they added another foolish device, and pursued them as fugitives, whom they had intreated to be gone. 4 For the destiny II a , whereof they were worthy, drew them unto this end, and made them forget the things that had already happened, that they might fulfil e the 5 punishment which was wanting to their torments : and that Thy people might pass a wonderful way : but they might find a strange death. 6 For the whole creature in his proper kind was fashioned again anew'' 6 , serving the peculiar command- R2 a Ex. 14. 3, 4. b Ex. 12. 33. c Ex. 14. 5. d NUM. 33. 4. ch. 18. 12. II "Or, a necessity. See ROM. 9. IT, 22. e Pa 75. 8. Is. 51. 17. 2 MACC. 6. 14. IIThatis,/ie course of nature was changed. See NUM. 16. 30. JER. 31. 22. 260 WISDOM OF SOLOMON, XIX. ' Ps. 147. 15 18 ; 148. 8. II < lit., dry land emerging. * Is. 63. 13. Ps. 106. 9. II ''Or, wave. \\'OrJlowery. his. 63. 13, 14. Ps. 114. 3, 4. II /Or, instead of the natural breeding of animals, or, insects. 1 ch. 16. 2. II 'That is, production, produced in an unusual way. II* Or, com- fort. i Ps. 77. 16 18. ch. 5. 21, 22. IN In the Vul- gate, others. k GEN. 19. 4, Ac. ; 46. 5, 6, 11. W Or, what- ever visita- tion of judgment shall be decreed for those, Ac. II* In Vulgate, received strangers imwill- ingly. i GEN. 19. 11. ch. 17. 2. m ch. 10. 6. II ' Or, yawn- ing; or, a gloom that deprived them of speech. n ch. 16. 25. II m Or, the elements were re- modelled among themselves. Ps. 66. 6. P ch. 16. 16. ments f that were given unto them, that Thy children might be kept without hurt: as namely, a cloud 7 shadowing the camp; and where water stood before, dry land II c appeared ; and out of the Eed Sea a way without impediment g ; and out of the violent stream H d a green II e field : wherethrough all the people went that 8 were defended with Thy hand, seeing Thy marvellous strange wonders. For they went at large like horses h , 9 and leaped like lambs, praising Thee, O Lord, Who hadst delivered them. For they were yet mindful of 10 the things that were done while they sojourned hi the strange land, how the ground brought forth flies in- stead of cattle 11-^, and how the river cast up a multitude of frogs instead of fishes. But afterwards' they saw a new generation 'Iff of 11 fowls, when, being led with their appetite, they asked delicate meats. For quails came up unto them from 12 the sea for their contentment H*. And punishments 13 came upon the sinners not without former signs by the force of thunders J : for they suffered justly according to their own wickedness, insomuch as they used a more hard and hateful behaviour toward strangers. For the 14 Sodomites H* did not receive those, whom they knew k not when they came: but these brought friends into bondage, that had well deserved of them. And not 15 only so, but peradventure some respect shall be had of those HJ, because they used strangers not friendly"*: but 1C these very grievously afflicted them, whom they had received with feastings, and were already made par- takers of the same laws with them. Therefore even 17 with blindness ! were these stricken, as those were at the doors of the righteous man: when, being com- passed about with horrible great Hl darkness, every one sought the passage of his own doors. For the elements were changed" in themselves by a 18 kind of harmony II m , like as hi a psaltery notes change the name of the tune, and ye.t are always sounds; which may well be perceived by the sight of the things that have been done. For earthly things were turned into 19 watery, and the things, that before swam in the water, now went upon the ground. The fire p had power in 20 WISDOM OF SOLOMON, XIX. 261 the water, forgetting his own virtue: and the water 21 forgat his own quenching nature. On the other side, the flames' 1 wasted not the flesh of the corruptible living things, though they walked therein ; neither melted r they the icy kind of heavenly N meat, that was of nature apt to melt. 22 For in all things, O Lord, Thou didst magnify Thy people, and glorify them, neither didst Thou lightly regard them : but didst assist them in every time and place. I ch. 16. 17, 18. T ch. 16. 22 24. II "In the Greek, ambrosial, a term bor- rowed from heathen poets. THE WISDOM OF JESUS THE SON OF SIEACH, OB ECCLESIASTICUS. INTRODUCTION. HMHE book called Ecclesiasticus -*- is usually placed next to the Wisdom of Solomon in the ancient Greek and Latin editions and manu- scripts of the Old Testament, and in the catalogues of sacred books which are found in early Christian writings and documents. In the Greek it bears the title, 'Wisdom ' of Jesus the Son of Sirach ; ' in the Vulgate and Old Latin it is en- titled ' Ecclesiasticus.' Upon this Euffinus wrote as follows : ' There ' is another Book of Wisdom, which ' is said to be the work of the Son ' of Sirach ; but amongst the Latins ' it is distinguished by this very ' word, " Ecclesiasticus ; " a word ' not denoting the author of the ' book, but defining the quality of ' the Scripture." It was therefore understood as defining the book to possess ' Ecclesiastical authority, as distinct from Canonical ; being re- commended as useful and instruc- tive, but of no authority in questions of doctrine. By others it was called the 'all-virtuous wisdom,' or the 'in- ' structqr.' According to S. Jerome, and a single Jewish authority, the title of ' Proverbs ' was given to it in an ancient Hebrew copy. The Hebrew original of the book has been lost, but there are traces of a Hebrew edition in some of the Eabbinical writings. The author describes himself as Jesus the Son of Sirach, of Jerusa- lem : with the variations, Sira, and Astro, in the Eabbinical writings, and the Syriac and Arabic Ver- sions. He speaks of himself as a wanderer or traveller in pursuit of knowledge and experience : during his rovings he was oft-times in danger of death (chap, xxxiv. 9 12). He had experience of the good and evil amongst men (chaps. xxxix. 4, and li. 13). He suffered especially from slander and false accusation, which exposed bim to the suspicions of the king (chap. li. 6), and endangered his life. He describes his work as a gleaning from the wisdom of those who had gone before him, rather than an original production of his own mind : or as that of a collector of the frag- ments of his predecessors. By the blessing of the Lord he profited, and filled his winepress like a ga- therer of grapes (chap, xxxiii. 16). As he proceeded, he accumulated more and more, ' his brook became 'a river, and his river became a 'sea' (chap. xxiv. 31). The book INTRODUCTION. 263 answers to this description, shew- ing a great variety of style and matter, with but little attempt at systematic order or arrangement (chaps, xxxix. 32, and 1. 27). The description of Simon the High Priest, the son of Onias, in chapter 1., renders it probable that the writer was a contemporary of Simon the Just, who was high priest from B.C. 310 to 290. The account of the temple worship bears the marks of an eye-witness. It has been objected that it was a time of peace and prosperity, and that the author speaks of his nation as suf- fering from the oppression of the heathen (chaps, xxxv. 18 ; xxxvi. 1 17). But these expressions may only refer to the hopes of the na- tion to regain their ancient inde- pendence and sovereignty. The ' Prologue by an uncertain ' Author ' is found in the Synopsis of Scripture which was inserted a- mong the works of Athanasius, but it is Ibelieved to be of late date, of the eighth or ninth century after Christ. The Prologue by the Greek translator is found in all the copies and versions of the book, and gives as the date of the translation the reign of Ptolemy Euergetes, and the thirty-eighth year, which is di- versely interpreted as the thirty- eighth year of the reign of Ptolemy, or of the age of the translator. The common opinion is that the king referred to is Ptolemy Euergetes II., surnamed Physcon, about B.C. 132 : the translation of the Hebrew Scrip- tures into Greek being a work that was accomplished gradually, be- tween the reign of Philadelphus and that of Physcon. There are numerous points of contact between the Greek Version of the Wisdom of the Son of Sirach and the Sep- tuagint, such as chap. xlvi. 19 ; and some have inferred that the trans- lator was acquainted with the Old Testament Scriptures in their Greek form, rather than the Hebrew ori- ginal, but this is doubtful. It is believed that the other ver- sions, Latin, Syriac, Arabic, uEthio- pic, and Armenian, were all found- ed on the Greek translation of the grandson of Jesus the Son of Sirach. But the numerous variations in matter, arrangement, and 'details which these versions shew, prove that the Greek text must have un- dergone several recensions, and like the text of many parts of the Sep- tuagint, it has suffered from the insertion of glosses, duplicate ren- derings, and parallel passages. The Vulgate is the same as the Old Latin Version, which was not re- vised by S. Jerome. The Syriac appears to be defective in the latter part, and the Arabic (though gene- rally following the Syriac) even more so. The teaching of the Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach is partly doctrinal, and partly moral. The doctrinal teaching appears to be based on the Books of Job and Ec- clesiastes ; the moral portions are chiefly expansions of passages in the Proverbs of Solomon. The doctrinal parts consist of contemplations of God's works in creation and Providence, His mercy, justice, and severity, and His other attributes. On the creation we find meditations in chaps, xvi. 2530 ; xviii. 1 ; xlii. 15 25 ; and chap, xliii. The last passage is to some extent a paraphrase on the conclu- sion of Elihu's discourse in JOB xxxvi., xxxvii. God's works can- not be studied too much ; and yet they are unsearchable ; there is no end to the investigation of them (chaps, xvi., xvii., xviii., xlii., xliii.). Here we find traces of the influence of the Book of Ecclesiastes, espe- cially in relation to the ordering of things in adaptation to one another, 264 INTRODUCTION. and the balancing of good and evil, life and death, prosperity and ad- versity (chaps, xvi. 28 ; xxxiii. 15 ; xlii.23 25). In chap. xl. 1, &c., the sorrows of human life are dwelt upon, after the pattern of the same book. In common with the author of Wisdom, he asserts the Divine mercy to be extended to all flesh (chap, xviii. 9 14) ; whilst, unlike that author, he makes no attempt to explain away the instances of God's severity in punishing His people Israel (chap. xvi. 10 14). Like the author of Wisdom, he also asserts continually the Divine om- niscience as seeing and hearing all things in the world, so that no guilt of man escapes His observa- tion (chaps, xv. 19 ; xxiii. 18 20. Compare WISD. i. 6 11). On the other hand, the book shews few, if any, traces of the hope of immor- tality, and in this respect presents a contrast to the ' Wisdom of Solo- 'mon.' The thoughts connected with the prophecy of Samuel after death, the translation of Enoch and Blias, and the expectation of the reappearance of the latter upon earth, must have been inconsistent with a denial of the future state ; and the expressions concerning the bones of the prophets in chaps, xlvi. 12 ; xlix. 10, have been quoted as indicating a hope of the resurrec- tion : but the general language of the book concerning 'death' and ' the end ' of man is not that of a teacher of the doctrine of immor- tality. The dead leave 'a name' or a ' memorial ' behind them, their life and work is continued in their children, and their children reap the fruits of their doings, whether good or evil. After death there is no more thanksgiving (chap. xvii. 27, 28), no more doing good (chap. xiv. 12, 13) ; and the end of the righteous is blessed, because they have finished their work, and have left a good name behind them, or are happy in their children (chap, xi. 28). The exhortation to re- member the end (chaps, vii. 30 ; xxviii. 6) is continually an allusion to man's mortality, not his immor- tality : and the portion of the wick- ed after death is an evil name and a wicked posterity, whose life is worse than death, so that the lot of one who dies childless is to be pre- ferred to it (chaps, xvi. 1 3 ; xli. 6, 7, 8. Compare Wisp. iii. 13, 14 ; iv. 1). In chap. xli. the remedy for the fear of death is the happi- ness of leaving a good name behind, ' A good life hath but few days : ' but a good name endureth for ever.' On the other hand, the words in chap. vii. 17, ' the vengeance of the 'ungodly is tire and worms,' are parallel to passages in other writ- ings which appear to refer to the future state, such as JUDITH xvi. 17 ; 4 MACC. xii. 11, 12. The Book of Ecclesiasticus con- tains some strong assertions of man's free will, chap. xv. 14 17, which were referred to in the Pelagian and Predestinarian controversies : and the teaching of chap, xviii. 1, that God's creation of all things was general or simultaneous, was also alleged in support of a view of the origin of the universe ; but with these exceptions the use of the book in the Christian Church has been mostly moral and didac- tic ; it has been sparingly, if ever, used to support points of faith. There are faint traces of the doc- trine of angels, as in chap. xvii. 17 ; and of the expectation of the Mes- siah, in chap. li. 10; but both of these are open to question, as also some insertions in the Vulgate, which point the same way. It is then as a moral treatise that the book has exercised the widest in- fluence, and the quotations in early Christian writings are almost ex- INTRODUCTION. 265 clusively from the moral precepts of the book. Here also we find the nearest approaches to the teaching of the New Testament. Thus, the doctrine that obedience to the moral law is better than material sacri- fices and ritual worship finds ex- pression in chap. xxxv. 1, &c. In connexion with this there is the high commendation of almsgiving as more acceptable to God than any sin-offering, and as taking the place of the sin-offering, so far as it was a reparation for wrong done. In this point the book has suffered, in common with Tobit, the charge of unscriptural teaching (chaps, iii. 30 ; xvii. 22 ; xxix. 12, 13 ; xxxv. 2). But this charge is probably due to a misuse of the book in con- troversy, rather than to any neces- sary inference from the author's words ; and accordingly we find these exhortations quoted without reserve in the Homilies of the six- teenth century Reformers. With respect to prayer, and the making of vows, great caution and prepara- tion is inculcated ; and there is a precept against babbling, or itera- tion of words, which may be com- pared with the precept of the Ser- mon on the Mount (chaps, vii. 14 ; xviii. 23). In chap, xxxii. 13, the duty of thanksgiving after meat is enjoined, as in the New Testament. The forgiveness of injuries is de- clared to be the condition of find- ing mercy from the Lord (chap, xxviii. 27). Amongst the duties inculcated are those of resignation (chap. xi. 1, 5) ; the observance of holy days (chap, xxxiii. 7 9) ; reverence to God s priests (vii. 29, 31) ; parental and filial piety (chaps, iii. 1 11 ; vii. 23, 27, 28; xxx. 17); con- stancy in friendship (chaps, vi 14 17; ix. 10 ; xxii. 23 ; xxv. 1) ; humi- lity (chaps, iii. 1821 ; x. 7, 9, 12 15) ; modesty (chap, xxxii. 712) ; self-restraint (chap, xviii. 30, 31). On the other hand, there are many forcible cautions against sin : ge- neral maxims, in chaps, xxi. 1 3 ; xxvi. 28 ; xxxiv. 25, 26 ; against delay of repentance, in chap. v. 7 9 ; against pride, in chaps, vii. 4 6 ; x. 12, 13 ; xi. 4 ; against envy and melancholy in chap. xxx. 21 25 ; especially exclusiveness in impart- ing instruction, chaps, xx. 30, 31 ; xli. 15 ; against anger, chaps, i. 22 ; xxviii. 8 12 ; against gluttony and drunkenness, chaps, yxxi. 1230 ; xxxviii. 29, 30 ; against lust and impurity, chaps, ix. 8, 9 ; xxiii. 18, 19, 22, 23; xxv. 21 ; xli. 21, 22; xlii. 12 ; against avarice, chaps, iv. 31 ; v. 8 ; x. 9 ; xiv. 112 ; xxix. 1 13; xxxi. 8 11 ; against sloth, chap. xxii. 1,2; against false shame, chaps, iv. 21 ; xx. 22 ; xlii. 1 ; a- gainst profane swearing, chap, xxiii. 9 13; against tale-bearing and breach of confidence, chaps, xix. 7 12 ; xli. 23 ; against other sins of the tongue, chap, xxviii. 12 26 ; against dishonest dealing in trade, chaps, xxvi. 29 ; xxyii. 2. Wo- man's wickedness is especially dwelt upon, chaps, xxv. 21 26 ; xxvi. 6 12, 2327 ; xlii. 1114. Several of the sayings of the book have passed into familiar proverbs, such as, ' He that toucheth pitch shall ' be defiled therewith,' chap. xiii. 1 ; ' He that contemneth small things ' shall fall by little and little,' chap, xix. 1. Most of the moral sayings of the book are based on the higher wisdom of the fear of God, and the sense of His all-seeing eye : there is, however, a mixture of maxims of a more homely kind, commending worldly prudence, or even subtilty. Thus the words rendered ' seal of ' wisdom ' in chap. xxii. 27, denote the selfish prudence of the serpent in not exposing itself to danger, rather than the wisdom which com- eth from above. Instances of such 260 INTRODUCTION. defects in his moral teaching are alleged from chaps, vii. 24, 26 ; viii. 12; ix. 2 ; xii. 2, 4; xxii. 23 ; xxv. 7; xxvi. 1618; xxxviii. 1719. In some of these instances the au- thor corrects these statements by others of a different tendency else- where : but the general conclusion must be that the superstructure which he builds upon the founda- tion of the Divine Law is not with- out some elements of wood, hay, and stubble, although the gold and silver prevail. In chap, xxxviii. 24 34, his denunciation of trades and mechanical employments as in- compatible with the pursuit of wis- dom, appears at first sight like an echo of the Pharisees' contempt for the Galilseans, ' This people that ' knoweth not the law are accurs- ' ed.' (Compare Dr. Edersheim on Jewish Social Life, p. 31.) But the thought seems to be rather, that persons wholly engrossed in lucra- tive employments, with no leisure for thought, lose the appetite for in- tellectual pursuits, and must leave the investigation of difficult pro- blems to those who, in the midst of their other occupations, secure time for study. Lastly, the book, in common with the Wisdom of Solomon, insists up- on the duty of imparting to others the treasure of knowledge which has been acquired by prayer and study and Divine help. The say- ing is twice repeated, 'Wisdom that ' is hid, and treasure that is hoarded ' up, what profit is in them both 1 ' Better is he that hideth his folly, ' than a man that hideth his wis- ' dom.' (Compare WISD. vi. 22, 23 ; vii. 13.) Thus the way was being prepared for a wider diSusion of revealed truth, according to the charge given by our Lord to His disciples, ' Freely ye have received, 'freely give.' Their light was not to be hidden under a bushel, but to be set upon a candlestick to give light to all that were in the house. The whole of Ecclesiasticus was formerly read in the Daily Lessons of the Church of England, from Oct. 24 to Nov. 19, omitting a few short passages, such as the one re- commending divorce, and that con- cerning Samuel's prophecy after death. Twenty-seven sections of chapters are retained in the new Table of Lessons. The Commentary of Dionysius Carthusianus is full of Scriptural illustration ; that of Cornelius a Lapide is very rich in illustration and research, especially on the con- cluding chapters ; whilst Lorinus is even more diffuse. There is at present no commentary in English which will bear comparison with any of these ; and considering the great increase of accessible sources of information, it must be gene- rally admitted that a great deal remains yet to be said in illustra- tion of the book. THE WISDOM OF JESUS THE SON OF SIEACH, OB ECCLESIASTICUS. A Prologue made by an uncertain Author^. THIS Jesus was the son of Sirach, and grandchild to Jesus of the same name with him : this man there- fore lived in the latter times, after the people had been led away captive, and called home again, and almost after all the prophets. Now his grandfather Jesus, as he him- self witnesseth, was a man of great diligence and wisdom among the Hebrews, who did not only gather the grave and short sentences of wise men, that had been before him, but himself also uttered some of his own, full of much understanding and wisdom. When as therefore the first Jesus died, leaving this book almost perfected 11 , Sirach his son receiving it after him left it to his own son Jesus, who, having gotten it into his hands, compiled it all orderly into one volume, and called it Wisdom, intituling it both by his own name, his father's name, and his grandfather's ; alluring the hearer by the very name of Wisdom to have a greater love to the study of this book. It containeth therefore wise sayings, dark sen- tences, and parables, and certain particular ancient godly stories of men that pleased God ; also his prayer and song; moreover, what benefits God had vouchsafed His people, and what plagues He had heaped upon their enemies. This Jesus did imitate Solomon, and was no less famous for wisdom and learning, both being indeed a man of great learning, and so reputed also. II This Pro- logue is not in the Sep- tuagint, Vulgate, or Old English Bibles. II Or, collected. 268 ECCLESIASTICUS. II " Or, given to the study things. i Addition In Vulgate. II 'Greek, pro- phecies. II c Or, no small dif- ference of learning. In the Vulgate / found there books left, of no small nor con- temptible learning. II <* In the Greek, in- terval of time. II ' Or, in this foreign land, i.e. Egypt. ll/ Or, given to study. II "Or, direct- ing their conduct ac- cording to the law of the Lord. The Prologue of the Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach. WHEEEAS many and great things have been de- livered unto us by the law and the prophets, and by others that have followed their steps, for the which things Israel ought to be commended for learn- ing and wisdom ; and whereof not only the readers must needs become skilful themselves, but also they that desire to learn be able to profit them which are with- out, both by speaking and writing: my grandfather Jesus, when he had much given himself to the reading of the law, and the prophets, and other books of our fathers, and had gotten therein good judgment, was drawn on also himself to write something pertaining to learning and wisdom ; to the intent that those which are desirous to learn, and are addicted to these things 11 ", might profit much more in living according to the law. Wherefore let me intreat you to read it with favour and attention, and to pardon us, wherein we may seem to come short of some words, which we have laboured to interpret, [while we follow the image of wisdom 1 ]. For the same things uttered in Hebrew, and translated into another tongue, have not the same force in them : and not only these things, but the law itself, and the prophets U 6 , and the rest of the books, have no small difference, when they are spoken in their own language. For in the eight and thirtieth year coming into Egypt, when Euergetes was king, and continuing there some time, I found a book of no small learning H c : there- fore I thought it most necessary for me to bestow some diligence and travail to interpret it ; using great watch- fulness and skill in that space H d to bring the book to an end, and set it forth for them also, which in a strange country H e are willing to learn H/, being prepared before in manners ll" to live after the law. ECCLESIASTICUS, I. 269 CHAPTER I. Wisdom and the fear of the Lord. 1 ALL wisdom cometh a from the Lord, and is with 2 1\. Him for ever. Who can number the sand b of the sea, and the drops of rain, and the days of eter- 3 nity? Who can find out the height of heaven, and the breadth of the earth, and the deep, [of the abyss 1 ] and wisdom? [Who hath searched out the wisdom of 4 God that goeth before all things 1 ?] Wisdom hath been created before all things, and the understanding of 5 prudence from everlasting. * The word of God Most * High is the fountain of wisdom ; and her ways are 6 * everlasting commandments *. To whom hath the root of wisdom d been revealed? or who hath known her 7 wise counsels'! ? *Unto whom hath the knowledge of * wisdom been made manifest? and who hath under- * stood her great experience H & * ? 8 There is One [Most High Creator Almighty, and a powerful King 2 ,] wise and greatly to be feared, the Lord sitting upon His throne, [being a God of domi- 9 nion 3 :] He created her [in the Holy Ghost 2 ,] and saw her, and numbered 6 her, [and measured her 2 ,] 10 and poured her out upon all His works. She is with all flesh according to His gift, and He hath given her to them f that love Him. 11 The fear of the Lord is honour, and glory, and glad- 12 ness, and a crown of rejoicing. The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy, and gladness, 13 and a long life g . Whoso feareth the Lord, it shall go well with him at the last, and he shall find favour in the day of his death. [The love of God is honour- able wisdom. And they to whom she shall shew her- self, love her by the sight, and by the knowledge of 14 her great works 3 .] To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and it was created with the faithful h in the womb ; [it walketh with chosen women, and is known with the just and faithful. The fear of the Lord is the religiousness of knowledge. Religiousness shall keep and justify the heart, it shall give joy and gladness. It shall go well with him that feareth the PROV. 2. 6 ; 8.22. Wise. 7. 25 ; 9.4. ch. 24. 1, 3, 9. b Ps. 139. 17, 18. ch. 18. 10. 1 Additions in Vulgate. PROV. 3. 19; 8.27. * Omitted in .Syriac, and most Greek copies. d WISD. 9. 13. II" Or, cun- ning inven- tions, PROV. 8. 12. II* In Vulgate, the multi- plicity of tier steps. * Omitted in most Greek copies. 2 Additions in Vulgate. 6 JOB 28. 27, margin. fEcCLES.2.26. f PROV. 3. 2. 16 ; 9. 10, 11. ver. 20. 3 Addition in Vulgate, and in some Greek copies, h JER. 1. 5. LUKE 1. 15. GAL. 1. 15, 16. 270 ECCLESIASTICUS, I. * Addition in Vulgate. 11 c lit., hath made her nest with men, even an everlast- ing founda- tion. ^ d lit., inebri- ates, or, cheers, Ps. 23. 5. i PROV. 3. 10. "DEUT.29.29. II /Or, Be not busy, or, meddle not. See 2THB8S. 3.11. Addition in Vulgate. So also the Syriac. * Omitted in Vulgate and most Greek copies. In Syriac and Arabic after ver. 27. ich.5.5;7.8. II "The Vul- gate has, In the congre- gation of the proud there is no health. Addition in Vulgate. 274 ECCLESIASTICUS, IV. ' Addition in O f righteousness shall have success 7 .] Water will 30 ii* in Vulgate, quench a flaming fire ; and alms maketh an atonement resisteOi. f or ii h S i n8 j. [And God provideth for him k that sheweth LXX? ' favour 8 :] and he that requiteth good turns is mindful 31 f *^ a * which n^y come hereafter ; and when he fall- eth 1 , he shall find a stay. 27 12.9. k Ps. 37. 25. s Addition in Vulgate. 1 Ps. 37. 24. a LEV. 19. 13. JER. 22. 13. MAL. 3. 5. JAMES 5. 4. TOBIT 4. 14. ch. 34. 22. \\Ut., life. In Vulg., alms. b TOBIT 4. 7. ver. 4. 1 Addition in Vulgate. c PROV. 3. 27, 28. d PROV. 21. 13. TCBIT 4. 7. II Or, from him that asketh thee. 2 Additions in Vulgate. e Ex. 22. 22, 23. DEUT. 15. 9; 24. 14, 15. PROV. 28. 27. Addition in Vulgate. ' LEV. 19. 32. 1 PET. 5. 5. * Omitted in some Greek copies, i Addition in Vulgate, e Is. 1. 17. JER. 22. 3. s Additions in Vulgate, h JER. 5. 28. ZECH.7.9,10. I PROV. 8. 35, 36. Additions in Vulgate. J PROV. 8. 17. WISD. 6. 14. II Or, He entereth. CHAPTEE IV. An exhortation to works of mercy, and to the pursuit of wisdom. MY son, defraud not a the poor of his living II, [turn l not away thy eyes b from the poor 1 ,] and make not the needy eyes to wait long. Make not an hungry 2 soul sorrowful ; neither provoke a man in his distress. Add not more trouble to an heart that is vexed ; and 3 defer not to give to him that is in need. Reject not 4 the supplication d of the afflicted ; neither turn away thy face from a poor man. Turn not away thine eye 5 from the needy H [for fear of anger 2 ,] and give him none occasion to curse thee [behind thy back 3 .] For if he 6 curse thee 6 in the bitterness of his soul, his prayer shall be heard of Him that made him. Get thyself 7 the love of the congregation, [and humble thy soul to the ancient 3 ,] and bow thy head to a great f man. *Let 8 *it not grieve thee to* bow down thine ear to the poor, [and pay what thou owest 4 ,] and give him a friendly answer with meekness. Deliver g him that suffereth 9 wrong from the hand of the oppressor; and be not fainthearted [in thy soul s ] when thou sittest in judg- ment. Be as a father h unto the fatherless, and instead 10 of an husband unto their mother : so shalt thou be as the [obedient 5 ] son of the Most High, and He shall love thee more than thy mother doth. Wisdom exalteth her children, [and inspireth life 11 into them 6 ,] and layeth hold of them that seek her, [and will go before them in the way of righteousness 6 .] He that loveth her, loveth life 1 ; and they that seek 12 to her early shall [embrace her sweetness and 6 ] be filled with joy. He that holdeth her fast shall inherit 13 glory; and wheresoever she entereth H, the Lord will ECCLESIASTICUS, IV. 275 14 bless. They that serve her shall minister to the Holy One: and them that love her, the Lord doth love. 15 Whoso giveth ear unto her shall judge k the nations : and he that attendeth unto her shall dwell securely. 16 If a man commit himself unto her, he shall inherit her ; 17 and his generation ||d shall hold her in possession. For at the first [when she chooseth him 7 ] she will walk with him [in temptation and 7 ] by crooked ways, and bring fear and dread upon him, and torment him with her discipline 1 , until she may trust his soul, and try 18 him by her laws. Then will she return the straight way unto him, and comfort him, [and give him joy 8 ,] and shew him her secrets, [and will heap upon him treasures of knowledge, and understanding of right- 19 eousness 8 .] But if he go wrong, she will forsake him, and give him over to his own ruin [and to the hands of his enemy 8 .] 20 Observe the opportunity, and beware of evil ; and be not ashamed m [to say the truth 9 ] when it concerneth 21 thy soul. For there is a shame that bringeth sin ; and 22 there is a shame which is glory and grace. Accept no person n against [thy own person, nor against 9 ] thy soul [a lie 9 :] and let not the reverence of any man cause 23 thee to fall ||e . And refrain not to speak, when there is occasion to do good 11 '', *and hide not thy wisdom in her 24 * beauty*. For by speech wisdom shall be known : and learning by the word of the tongue, [and stedfastness 25 in the works of righteousness 10 .] In no wise speak against the truth ; but be abashed of the error of thine 26 ignorance. Be not ashamed to confess thy sins ; and 27 force not the course of the river. Make not thyself an underling to a foolish man ; neither accept the person of the mighty 11 ". 28 Strive for the truth " ft unto death, and the Lord shall 29 fight for thee, [and will overthrow thy enemies 11 .] Be not hasty I'* in thy tongue, and in thy deeds slack and remiss. 30 Be not as a lion p in thy house, nor frantick 11 -' among thy servants, [oppressing them that are under thee 13 .] 31 Let not thine hand be stretched out to receive, and shut q when thou shouldest repay. 82 k WISD. 3. 8. II * Greek, ge- nerations. 1 Additions in Vulgate. I DBUT. 8. 2, 5. MATT. 7. 14. REV. 3. 19. 8 Additions in Vulgate. m ch. 42. 1, 8. MARK 8. 88. 2 TIM. L 8. 9 Additions in Vulgate. II LEV. 19. 15. PROV. 24. 23. & 28. 21. JUDB 16. H 'In the Vul- gate, reve- rence not (or, be not ashamed of) thy neigh- bour in his fall. of salva- tion, or. when there is oppor- tunity to save. See LEV. 19. 17. 2 TIM. 4. 2. * Omitted in some Greek copies. w Addition in Vulgate. JOB 31. 33. PROV. 28. 13. II In the Vul- gate, Sub- mit not thy- self to every man for sin, and re- gist not the face of the mighty. \\ h Or, justice, as in Vul- gate. n Addition in Vulgate. 11 ' Or, rough, PROV. 18.23. P PROV. 28. 15. lUOr, suspici- ous .-lit., one who hag dreams or deluxions. 12 Addition in Vulgate. ch. 29. 4 . 276 ECCLESIASTICUS, V. a Ps. 49. 6 ; 62. 10. TOBIT 5. 18, 19. 1 TIM. 6. 17. II" In the Vul- gate, unjust possessions, as in ver. 8. * Omitted in most Greek copies. See LUKE 12. 19. 1.2 Additions in Vulgate. * Omitted in most copies of Greek. II* In most copies, will surely punish thee. l> ECCLES.8.11. 2 PET. 3. 9. ch. 7. 16. II" Or Because, thy sins are forgiven thee. See above, ch. 3. 27. &7. 8. c ch. 16. 11, 12, 13 ; 21. 1. * Omitted in most Greek copies. dPnov.10.2; 11.4. 3 Addition in Vulgate. IW In Syriac, Sail not with every wind. In Arabic, Be not carried away, as in HEB. 13. 9. * Additions in Vulgate. 6 JAMES 1. 19. 1 PET. 3. 15. * Omitted in most Greek copies. II' In Vulgate, return a true an- swer. f JDDO. 18. 19. JOB 21. 5. PROV. 30. 32. 6 Addition in Vulgate. CHAPTER V. Against presumption and inconstancy. SET not thy heart a upon thy goods "a ; and say not, 1 I have enough *for my life*; [for it shall be of no service in the time of vengeance and darkness 1 .] Follow not thine own mind and thy strength, to walk 2 in the ways of thy heart : and say not, [How mighty 3 am I! and 2 ] who shall controul me *for my works?* for the Lord will surely revenge thy pride H&. Say not, I have sinned, and what harm hath hap- 4 pened unto me? For the Lord b is longsuffering, He will in no wise let thee go. Concerning propitiation H C , 5 be not without fear to add sin unto sin : and say not c , 6 His mercy is great ; He will be pacified for the multi- tude of my sins : for mercy and wrath come from Him, and His indignation resteth upon sinners. Make no 7 tarrying to turn to the Lord, and put not off from day to day : for suddenly shall the wrath of the Lord come forth, *and in thy security thou shalt be destroyed*, and perish in the day of vengeance. Set not thine heart d upon goods unjustly gotten; for 8 they shall not profit thee in the day of calamity [and revenge 3 .] Winnow not with every wind ||d , and go not into every 9 way : for so doth the sinner that hath a double tongue. Be stedfast in thy understanding ; and let thy word be 10 the same. [Be constant in the way of the Lord, and in the truth of thy judgment, and in knowledge, and let the word of peace and righteousness keep with thee 4 .] Be swift to hear 6 [the word, that thou mayest un- 11 derstand 4 :] *and let thy life be sincere*; and with patience give answer H*. If thou hast understanding, an- 12 swer thy neighbour ; if not, lay f thy hand upon thy mouth, [lest thou be surprised in an unskilful word, and be confounded 5 .] Honour and shame is in talk : and the 13 tongue of man H/ is his fall. Be not called a whisperer g , 14 and lie not in wait with thy tongue : for a foul shame [confusion and repentance 6 ] is upon the thief, and an evil condemnation upon the double tongue, [but to the ll/ In Vulgate, of the fool. e p RO v. 16. 28 ; 17. 9. Addition in Vulgate. ECCLESIASTICUS, VI. 277 15 whisperer hatred, and enmity, and reproach 6 .] Be not Addition ignorant of anything 1 ^ in a great matter or a small. n/rhat !ls 6 commit no error, or sin of ignorance, or heedlessness. CHAPTEE VI. Friendship, and the fruits of wisdom. 1 TNSTEAD of a friend become not an enemy H a ; for JL [thereby 1 ] thou shalt inherit an ill name l|b , shame, and reproach: even so shall a sinner that hath a 2 double tongue. Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart ; that thy soul be not torn in pieces as a bull II c straying alone 1 , [and thy strength be quashed 3 by folly *.] Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave thyself as a dry tree [in the wilder- 4 ness 2 .] A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make him to be laughed to scorn H rf of his ene- mies, [and shall lead him into the lot of the wicked 3 .] 5 Sweet language 3 will multiply friends : and a fairspeak- 6 ing tongue will increase kind greetings. Be in peace with many : nevertheless have but one counsellor of a 7 thousand 1 *. If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him joi^sVfs 8 first 1 ^, and be not hasty to credit him. For some man ECCLES! 7.' is a friend for his own occasion, and will not abide CANT. 5. 10. 9 in the day of thy trouble. And there is a friend, who *$$$* being turned to enmity and strife, will discover thy 10 reproach H/. Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not continue in the day of thy affliction . 11 But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself l|fll , and will 12 be bold over thy servants. If thou be brought low" ft , he will be against thee, and will hide himself from thy 13 face 11 *. Separate thyself from thine enemies, and take 14 heed of thy friends. A faithful friend is a strong de- fence d ; and he that hath found such an one hath found 15 a treasure. Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend: [no weight of gold and silver can equal the goodness 16 of his fidelity 4 ,] and his excellency is invaluable. A faithful friend is the medicine of life [and immor- tality 4 ;] and they that fear the Lord shall find him. ^ umbie himself before thee. II 'The Vulgate adds, thou shalt have unanimous friendship for good. d 1 SAM. 19. 4, Ac. ; 20. 17. PROV. 18. 24. * Additions In Vulgate. ""InOldEng- lish, Be not thy neigh- bour's ene- my for thy friend's sake. 1.2, 3 Addi- tions In Vulgate. See Hos. 8.9. l*0r,m<0 name shall inherit shame, &c. II' Or, as a palm.. But in Arable, weakened like a bull seeking fod- der. \\ d Qr,alaugh- ing stock, ch. 18. 31. trial. See PROV. 17. 17. MIC. 7. 5. ch. 12. 8, 9. Il/Or, being turned to enmity will disclose hatred and strife and reproaches. c PROV. 14. 20 ; 19. 4, 7. ch.37. 4, 5.; 11" In the Vulgate, A friend if he continue stedfastwill be to thee as thyself. II* In the Vul- gate, If he nun 278 ECCLESIASTICUS, VI. WISD. 6. 14. r PROV. 1. 7, 22 ; 17. 16. z ZBCH. 12. 3. s Addition in Vulgate. lUOr, collar. Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship 17 aright : for as he is, so shall his neighbour be also. My son, gather instruction from thy youth up: so 18 shalt thou find wisdom till thine old age. Come unto 19 her as one that ploweth and soweth, and wait for her good fruits : for thou shalt not toil much e in labouring about her, but thou shalt eat of her fruits right soon. She is very unpleasant f to the unlearned : he that is 20 without understanding will not remain with her. She 21 will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial g ; and he will cast her from him ere it be long. For wisdom is 22 according to her name, and she is not manifest unto many, [but to them to whom she is known, she con- tinueth even to the sight of God 5 .] Give ear, my son, 23 receive my advice, and refuse not my counsel, and 24 put thy feet into her fetters, and thy neck into her chain llJ. Bow down thy shoulder, and bear her, and 25 be not grieved with her bonds. Come unto her with 26 thy whole heart, and keep her ways with all thy power. Search, and seek, and she shall be made known unto 27 thee : and when thou hast got hold h of her, let her not go. For at the last thou shalt find her rest, and that 28 shall be turned to thy joy. Then shall her fetters be 29 a strong defence for thee, [and a firm foundation 6 ] and her chains a robe of glory. For there is a golden orna- 30 ment ' upon her, [and in her is the beauty of life, and her chains are a healing bandage 7 .] and her bands are purple lace H*. Thou shalt put her on as a robe of ho- 31 nour, and shalt put her about thee as a crown of joy. My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be taught : and if thou 32 wilt apply thy mind, thou shalt be prudent. If thou 33 love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding : and if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise. Stand in the 34 multitude of the elders J ; and cleave unto him that is wise. Be willing to hear every godly discourse ' |J ; and 35 let not the parables of understanding H OT escape thee. And 36 if thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes unto him k , and let thy foot wear the steps of his door. Let 37 thy mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord, and medi- tate continually in His commandments : He shall establish thine heart, and give thee wisdom at thine own desire. e Addition in Vulgate. ' PROV. 1.9; 4.9. ? Addition in Vulgate. II* Or, a rib- band of blue. See NUM. 15. 38. J PROV. 11. 14 ; 15. 22 ; 24.6. ch. 8. 9. II' Or, dis- course of God, or, Di- vine teach- ing. H'"InVulgate, sayings of praise. k PROV. 8. 34. TOBIT 4. 18. ch. 8. 8, 9, 14 ; 37. 12. ECCLESIASTICUS, VII. 279 CHAPTER VII. Sundry moral and religious duties. 1 IPiO no evil, so shall no harm come unto thee IK 2 JLs Depart from the unjust II 6 , and iniquity shall turn 3 away from thee. My son, sow not upon the lurrows of unrighteousness a , and thou shalt not reap them seven- 4 fold. Seek not of the Lord preeminence, neither of 5 the king the seat of honour. Justify not thyself before the Lord, [for He knoweth the heart x ;] and boast not 6 of thy wisdom before the king. Seek not to be judge, being not able to take away iniquity H C ; lest at any time thou fearl^ the person of the mighty, and lay a 7 stumblingblock in the way of thy uprightness. Offend not against the multitude of a city, and then thou shalt 8 not cast thyself down among the people. Bind not one sin upon another H e ; for in one thou shalt not be un- 9 punished. Say not b , God will look upon the multitude of my oblations, and when I offer to the most high God, He will accept it. 10 Be not fainthearted when thou makest thy prayer, 11 and neglect not to give alms. Laugh no man to scorn in the bitterness of his soul : for there is One which 12 humbleth and exalteth, [God Who seeth all 2 .] Devise not H/ a lie against thy brother ; neither do the like to 13 thy friend. Use not II " to make any manner of lie : for 14 the custom thereof is not good. Use not many words HA in a multitude of elders, and make not much bab- 15 blingH* when thou prayest. Hate not laborious work, neither husbandry, which d the Most High hath or- 16 dained. Number not thyself among the multitude of sinners, but remember that wrath will not tarry e long. 17 Humble thy soul greatly : for the vengeance [on the flesh 3 ] of the ungodly f is fire and worms. 18 [Do not transgress against thy friend deferring money 4 ;] change not a friend g for any good by no means H J; neither [despise 4 ] a faithful brother for the gold of Ophir. 19 Forego not"* a wise and good woman, [or a wife II "Or, no evil overtake . thee. llOr, iniquity. * JOB 4. 8. PROV. 22. 8. Hos. 8. 7; 10. 13. GAL. 6. 7. 1 Addition in Vulgate. II" In Vulgate, unless thou have strength enough to extirpate iniquities. II ''Or, reve- rence. See LEV. 19. 15. II' Or, bind not thyself to a sin twice. ch.3.27;5.5. b PROV. 21. 27. ch. 5. 5, 6. c LUKE 18. 1. 2 Addition In Vulgate. H/Gr. Plow not. See PROV. 3. 29 : 14.22. II * Or, Be not willing, or, Delight not. II* Or, Speak not idly. 11* Or, repeat not the word. See ECCLES. 5. 2. d GEN. 2. 15 ; 3. 19. ECCLES. 1.13. 2 THESS. 3. 10. ch. 38. 25, Ac. e ECCLES.8.11. ch. 5. 7. Addition in Vulgate. I Is. 66. 24. JUDITH 16. 17. SPROV.18.24. * Additions In Vulgate. \\jGr.for a thing indifferent. II* Or, neglect not. 280 ECCLESIAST1CUS, VII. s Addition in Vulgate. II' In Vulgate, the grace of her modesty. h GEN. 31. 39, 40. II" 1 In Vulgate, Let a wise servant be dear to thee as thy own soul. i Ex. 21. 2. DEUT. 15. 12. ch. 33. 30, 31. Addition in Vulgate. See DEUT. 15. 13, 14. J PROV. 27. 2327. II" In Syriac, take wives for them in their youth. 11 Or, shew not thy counte- nance gay. See ch. 26. 10 ; 42. 11. \\fOr,Betroth. See TOBIT 10. 12. * Omitted in some Greek copies, k MAL. 2. 15. TOBIT 4. 12. ll Or, to her that is hateful. 1 TOBIT 4. 3. ch. 3. 2, &c. m DEUT. 6. 5. H r That is, the Levites, DEUT. 12. 19. n LEV. 6. 16 ; 7. 7, 9, 32. NUM. 5. 9. 'Addition in Vulgate. "LEV. 2. 3,10. P DEUT. 15. 8, 10. TOBIT 4. 16. II' Or, from the dead. See TOBIT 4. ROM. 12. 15. 18. Is. 47. 7, whom thou hast gotten in the fear of the Lord 5 :] for her grace^ is above gold. Whereas thy servant worketh truly, entreat him not 20 evil, nor the hireling that bestoweth himself 1 wholly for thee. Let thy soul love a good servant H" 1 , and de- 21 fraud him not of liberty 1 , [nor leave him needy 6 .] Hast thou cattle? have an eyeJ to them : and if they 22 be for thy profit, keep them with thee. Hast thou children? instruct them, and bow down 23 their neck from their youth II. Hast thou daughters ? 24 have a care of their body, and shew not thyself cheer- ful H toward them. Marry II* thy daughter, and so shalt 25 thou have performed a weighty matter: but give her to a man of understanding. Hast thou a wife after thy mind ? forsake her not : 26 *but give not thyself over to a light k woman Ha*. Honour thy father 1 with thy whole heart, and forget 27 not the sorrows of thy mother. Remember that thou 28 wast begotten of them; and how canst thou recom- pense them the things that they have done for thee ? Fear the Lord with all thy soul, and reverence His 29 priests. Love Him that made thee with all m thy 30 strength, and forsake not His ministers H r . Fear the 31 Lord, and honour the priest ; and give him his portion, as it is commanded n thee ; the firstfruits, and the trespass offering, and [the purifications: and for thy negligences purify thyself with a few. Offer to the Lord 7 ] the gift of the shoulders, and the sacrifice of sanctification , and the firstfruits of the holy things. And stretch thine hand unto the poor, that thy bless- 32 ing p may be perfected. A gift hath grace in the 33 sight of every man living; and for the dead II s detain it not. Fail not to be with them that weep, and mourn " 34 with them that mourn q . Be not slow to visit the sick'l": for that shall make 35 thee to be beloved r . Whatsoever thou takest in hand, remember the end s , 36 and thou shalt never do amiss. 17. II* In the Vulgate, walk. See ECCLES. 12. 5. AMOS 5. 16. 1 ECCLES. 7. 2, 4. II" Or, o sick man. r MATT. 25. 36. JAMES 1. 27. " DBUT. 32. 29. PROV. 23. eh. 28. 6. ECCLESIASTICUS, VIII. 281 CHAPTEE VIII. Other lessons of wisdom and virtue. 1 C1TRIVE not with a mighty man, lest thou fall into 2 O his hands. Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh a thee : for gold [and silver x ] hath destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings. 3 Strive not with a man that is full of tongue H a , and heap 4 not wood upon his fire. Jest not with a rude ||b man, 5 lest thy ancestors be disgraced. Reproach not a man b that turneth from sin, but remember that we are all 6 worthy of punishment. Dishonour not a man in his 7 old age c : for even some of us wax old. Eejoice not over thy greatest enemy being deadll", but remember that we die all, [and are not willing that others should 8 rejoice at our death 2 .] Despise not the discourse of the wise d , but acquaint thyself with their proverbs : for of them thou shalt learn instruction, and how to 9 serve great men with ease. Miss not the discourse of the elders : for they also learned of their fathers, and of them thou shalt learn understanding, and to give 10 answer as need requireth. Kindle not the coals of a sinner H**, lest thou be burnt with the flame of his fire. 11 Rise not up in anger at the presence of an injurious H person, lest he lie in wait H/ to entrap thee in thy words. 12 Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself; for if 13 thou lendest him, count it but lost. Be not surety 6 above thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to 14 pay it. Go not to law with a judge ; for they will judge for him according to his honour H^. 15 Travel not by the way with a bold f fellow, lest he become grievous unto thee [and burden thee with his evils 3 ;] for he will do according to his own will, and 16 thou shalt perish with him through his folly. Strive not g with an angry man, and go not with him into a solitary place : for blood is as nothing in his sight ; and 17 where there is no help, he will overthrow thee. Con- sult not with a fool ; for he cannot keep counsel I |A , [and 18 fools cannot love but such things as please them 4 .] Do no secret thing before a stranger; for thou knowest * PROV. 10. 15 ; 14. 20 ; 18. 11. 1 Addition in Vulgate. \\" Or, of an ill tongue, as in ch. 9. 18. ECCLES.10.14. ll> Or, ignorant. b 2 COR, 2. 6, 7. GAL. 6. 1. c LBV. 19. 32. ch. 3. 13. II" In most copies, Rejoice not over the dead. 2 Addition in Vulgate. dch.6.35; 9. 14 ; 37. 12. II* The Vul- gate adds, by rebuking him. II' Or, insolent. Il/Or, sit down, op- posing calm malice to the other's hasty pas- sion. See ISAM. 20. 34. e PROV. 11. 15 ; 20. 16. II" Or, dignity. But in Vulgate, he judgeth ac- cording to that which is just. i PROV. 1. 10, 11, 15, 18 ; 22. 24, 25. ch. 9. 13. Addition in Vulgate. g ver. 1. ch. 28. 8. llOr,A shall not be able to conceal the matter. See PROV. 29. 11. ch. 19. 11, 12 ; 21. 26. * Addition in the Vulgate. 282 ECCLESIASTICTJS, IX. not what he will bring forth. Open not thine heart to 19 every man, lest he requite thee with a shrewd turn, s Addition in r , J , , ,. ,, ,, , ., Vulgate. [and speak reproachfully to thee 5 .] CHAPTER IX. Cautions with regard to women, and persons in authority. BE not jealous* over the wife of thy bosom, and 1 teach her not an evil lesson against thyself. Give 2 not thy soul unto a woman to set her foot upon thy substance 11, [lest she enter upon thy strength, and thou be confounded 1 .] Meet not with an harlot H 6 , lest thou 3 fall into her snares. Use not much the company of a 4 woman that is a singer, [and hearken not to her 2 ,] lest thou be taken with her attempts. Gaze not b on a 5 maid, that [her beauty be not a stumblingblock to thee, and 3 ] thou fall not by those things that are precious in her'l c . Give not thy soul unto harlots, [that 6 thou destroy not thyself, and 4 ] that thou lose not thine inheritance. Look not round about thee in the streets d 7 of the city, neither wander thou in the solitary places thereof. Turn away thine eye from a beautiful woman, 8 and look not upon another's beauty; for many 6 have been deceived by the beauty of a woman ; for herewith ^ ove ^ k* 11 ^ 60 * ^ a ^ re> [Every woman that is a a NUM. 5. 12, 14, Ac. II "lit., strength. But in Syriac and Arabic, the things which thou possessest. 1 Addition in Vulgate. See JUDGES 16. 5, 6, 17, 18. PROV. 31.3. InVulgate, a woman that hath many lovers, Hos. 2. S. 2. 3,4, s Addi- tions in Vulgate, b JOB 31. 1. II c Or, incur penalties on her account. See Ex. 22. 16, 17. DBUT. 22. 29. PROV. 5.8 harlot, shall be trodden upon as dung in the way. Many by admiring the beauty of another man's wife, have become reprobate, for her conversation burneth as fire 5 .] Sit not at all with another man's wife"**, *nor 9 *sit down with her in thine arms*, and spend not thy money H* with her at the wine ; lest thine heart incline unto her, and so through thy desire H/ thou fall into destruction. Forsake not an old friend ; for the new is not com- 10 * Omitted in parable to him : a new friend is as new wine ; when it copies. is old, thou shalt drink it with pleasure. Envy not the 11 nor ^repose' gl or y f a sinner : for thou knowest not what shall be upon the his en( j. Delight not in the thing that the ungodly 12 her. II* Or, revel not. So DBUT. 21. 20, LXX., ' a reveller and a drunkard.' The Syriac here has, prolong not conversation with her. \\f In Greek, thy spirit. In Vulgate, thy blood. * PROV. 5. 5 ; 7. 27. * PROV. 27. 10. 10 ; 6. 26 ; 29.3. d PROV. 7. 8, e GEN. 34. 2. 2 SAM. 11. 2. ch. 25. 21. MATT. 5. 28. \W lit., a wo- man that hath a husband, as in ROM. 7. 2. ECCLESIASTICUS, X. 283 have pleasure in ; but remember they shall not go un- punished 11 unto their grave, [and that even to hell the 13 wicked shall not please 6 .] Keep thee far 1 from the man that hath power to kill ; so shalt thou not doubt the fear of death : and if thou come unto him, make no fault, lest he take away thy life presently : [know it to be a communication with death, and 7 ] remember that thou goest in the midst of snares, and that thou walk- est upon the battlements of the city, [and upon the 14 arms of them that are grieved 8 .] As near as thou canst, guess at thy neighbour, and consult J with the 15 wise [and prudent 8 .] Let thy talk be with the wise, [and let the thought of God be in thy mind 10 ,] and all 16 thy communication in the law of the Most High. And let just men eat and drink with thee; and let thy 17 glorying be in the fear of the Lord. For the hand of the artificer the work shall be commended: and the wise ruler of the people for his speech, [but the word 18 of the ancients for the sense 11 .] A man of an ill tongue'l^ is dangerous in his city ; and he that is rash k in his talk shall be hated. h ch. 7. 8. 6 Addition in Vulgate, i ch. 8. 16. 7,8 Additions in Vulgate. J TOBIT 4. 18. ch. 6. 36 ; 8. 8 ; 3T. 22. 9, 10 Addi- tions in Vulgate. " Addition in Vulgate. II "Or, a man of tongue, as in Ps. 140. 11. ch. 8. 3. k PROV. 12. 16 ; 18. 7. ECCLES. 10. 1115. CHAPTER X. Virtues and vices of men in power. 1 A WISE judge will instruct his people; and the ~L\- government of a prudent man is well ordered. 2 As the judge of the people is himself, so are his officers' 1 ; and what manner of man the ruler of the city is, such 3 are all they that dwell therein. An unwise king b de- stroyeth his people ; but through the prudence of them which are in authority the city shall be inhabited. 4 The power of the earth is in the hand of the Lord, and in due time He will set over it one c that is profitable. 5 In the hand of God is the prosperity of man : and upon the person of the scribe shall He lay His honour. 6 Bear not hatred to thy neighbour for every H wrong ; 7 and do nothing at all by injurious practices. [Avoid all sins, and lying, and walk not with a proud spirit: for 1 ] pride is hateful before God and man: and by 8 both doth one commit iniquity " & . Because of unright- Ps. 101. 6. PROV. 29. 12. b 1 KIN. 12. 13, Ac. ECCLES. 10. 16. ch. 47. 23. c NUM. 27. 16, 17. WISD. 9. 7. II "Or, any. See LBV. 19. 17. i Addition in Syriac. II* In the Vul- gate, a 'I iniquity of nations is execrable. 284 ECCLESIASTICUS, X. II " In Syriac, mammon. d DAN. 4. 17, 31, 32. JER. 17. 11. e ch. IT. 32. * Omitted in most Greek copies. II d In Syriac and Arabic, his inward parts are full of worms. See 2 CHR, 21. 18, 19. 2 Addition in Vulgate. II* Or, makes light of. f 1 MACC. 6. 8, Ac. 2 MACC. 9. 9, Ac. g Is. 14. 11. hPROV.18.12. II /Or, the of pride is sin. 3, 4 Additions in Vulgate. H'Or, wn- expected. i Ex. 18. 11. DAN. 5. 20. s Addition in Vulgate. II* Or, /or the generations of women. 6 ver. 19, ac- cording to the Greek text in most copies. * ver. 19, as in the Ver- sions, and in a few Greek copies. eous dealings, injuries, and riches got by deceit ||c , the kingdom d is translated from one people to another. Why is earth and ashes e proud ? * There is not a more 9 * wicked thing than a covetous man : for such an one * setteth his own soul to sale * ; because while he liveth he casteth away his bowels!!**. [All power is of short 10 life. A long sickness is troublesome to the physician 3 .] The physician cutteth offll e a long disease ; and he that is to-day a king f to-morrow shall die. For when a 11 man is dead, he shall inherit creeping things, beasts, and worms g . The beginning of pride is when one departeth from 12 God, and his heart is turned away from his Maker. For pride h is the beginning of sin'^, and he that hath it 13 shall pour out abomination: .[he shall be filled with maledictions, and it shall ruin him in the end 3 ;] and therefore the Lord [disgraced the assemblies of the wicked, and 4 ] brought upon them strange H? calamities, and overthrew them utterly. The Lord hath cast down 14 the thrones of proud * princes, and set up the meek in their stead. The Lord hath plucked up the roots of 15 the proud nations, and planted the lowly in their place. The Lord overthrew countries of the heathen, and 16 destroyed them to the foundations of the earth. He 17 took some of them away, and destroyed them, and hath made their memorial to cease from the earth. [God hath abolished the memory of the proud, and hath preserved the memory of them that are humble in mind 5 .] Pride was not made for men, nor furious 18 anger for them that are born of a woman H ft . [What 19 generation is honoured ? The seed of man. What gene- ration is honoured? They that fear the Lord. What generation is unhonoured? The seed of man. What ge- neration is unhonoured ? They that transgress the com- mandments 6 .] *They that fear the Lord are a sure *seed, and they that love Him an honourable plant: * they that regard not the law are a dishonourable seed; * they that transgress the commandments are a deceiv- *able seed*. Among brethren he that is chief is honourable ; so 20 are they that fear the Lord in His eyes. The fear of 21 ECCLESIASTICUS, XI. 285 the Lord goeth before the obtaining of authority : but J i KIN. 12. 22 roughness > and pride is the losing thereof. Whether ^^^ s 9 he be rich, noble, or poor, their glory is the fear of the H is. ch 13 22 23 23 Lord. It is not meet to despise the poor man k that 7 Addition in hath understanding ; neither is it convenient to mag- Vulgate, 24 nify a sinful man [that is rich 7 .] Great men, and Arabic. judges, and potentates, shall be honoured ; yet is there none of them greater l than he that feareth the Lord. u< That is, 25 Unto the servant that is wise shall they that are free m %%%% do service: and he that hath knowledge will not proved. See grudge H' *when he is reformed*: [and he that is PROV.' 15. 31, ignorant shall not be honoured 8 .] * 3 Omitted in 26 Be not overwise "-' in doing thy business ; and boast some Greek 27 not thyself in the time of thy distress. Better is he that laboureth, and aboundeth in all things, than he Vulgate. that boasteth himself I'*, and wanteth bread n . Versions, 28 My son, glorify thy soul in meekness, and give it 29 honour according to the dignity thereof. Who will copies, te justify him that sinneth against his own soul ? and who 30 will honour him that dishonoured his own life? The poor man is honoured for his skill, and the rich man waiketh 31 is honoured for his riches. He that is honoured in hethat r poverty, how much more in riches ? and he that is dis- ^fns r honourable in riches, how much more in poverty H'? '*"">: . (Arabic). n PROV. 12. 9. II' In Vulgate, he that glories in riches let Mm fear poverty. CHAPTER XI. Lessons of humility and moderation. 1 "TTTISDOM lifteth up the head of him that is of low V V degree, and maketh a him to sit among great a GEN. 41. 4. 2 men. Commend not a man b for his beauty; neither 3 abhor a man for his outward appearance. The bee is little among such as fly; but her fruit is the chief of C PROV. 6. 8, 4 sweet things. Boast not of thy clothing and raiment, and exalt not thyself d in the day of honour : for the a DAS. 4. so. works of the Lord [only 1 ] are wonderful 6 , and His A 3 CT812 - 22 - works among men are [glorious and secret and 1 ] 1 Additions 5 hidden. Many kings have sat down upon the ground ; e ^ A ^, 6 2 g and one that was never thought of hath worn the w - 286 ECCLESIASTICUS, XI. f ISAM. 15. 28. ESTH. 7. 10. e DEUT. 13. 14 ; 17. 6, 7. 2 SAM. 16. 4. PROV. 18. 13. h PROV. 26. 17. II" Or, if thou be rich, as in Vulgate. ' Ex. 2. 11, 12. 2 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. II*- In Vulgate, There is an ungodly man. i PROV. 20. 21 ; 28. 20. 1 TIM. 6. 9. k JOB 42. 10. 3 Addition in Vulgate. 1 1 SAM. 2. 7. JOB 1. 21 ; 2.10. * Omitted in most Greek copies, but in the Vul- gate, Syriac, and Arabic Versions. m 2 BSD. 3. 21, 22. n ECCLES. 4. 8 ; 5. 1316. II " This word is omitted in some Greek copies. The Vulgate has alone; the Syriac and Arabic, henceforth. ECCLF.S. 9. 12. * Addition in Vulgate. P Ps. 49. 10. ch. 14. 4, 15. LUKE 12. 19. 1 Ps. 37. 1, 7. PROV. 23. 17. N In Vulgate, hanteth to reward the just. The verses which fol- low are omitted in the Syriac and Arabic. crown. Many mighty men f have been greatly dis- 6 graced ; and the honourable delivered into other men's hands. Blame not before thou hast examined the 7 truth g : understand first, and then rebuke. Answer 8 not before thou hast heard the cause: neither inter- rupt men in the midst of their talk. Strive not in a 9 matter that concerneth thee not h ; and sit not in judg- ment with sinners. My son, meddle not with many 10 matters : for if thou meddle much U a , thou shalt not be innocent; and if thou follow after, thou shalt not obtain, neither shalt thou escape by fleeing. [If thou art strong, strive not in the greatness of thy strength ', lest thou multiply wrong and oppression 2 .] There is 11 one I' 6 that laboureth and taketh pains, and maketh haste J, and is so much the more behind. Again, there 12 is another that is slow, and hath need of help, wanting ability, and full of poverty ; yet the eye of the Lord looked upon him for good, and set him up from his low estate, and lifted up k his head from misery ; so that 13 many that saw it marvelled at him, [and glorified God 3 .] Prosperity and adversity 1 , life and death, 14 poverty and riches, come of the Lord. * Wisdom, 15 * knowledge, and understanding of the law, are of the * Lord : love, and the way of good works, are from Him. * Error and darkness had their beginning 111 together with 16 * sinners : and evil shall wax old with them that glory * therein*. The gift of the Lord remaineth with the 17 godly, and His favour bringeth prosperity for ever. There is that waxeth rich by his wariness and 18 pinching 11 , and this is the portion of his reward: Whereas he saith, I have found rest, and now will 19 eat continually 110 of my goods; and yet he knoweth not what time shall come upon him, [and that death approacheth 4 ,] and that he must leave those things to others p , and die. Be stedfast in thy covenant, and be conversant 20 therein, and wax old in thy work. Marvel not at 21 the works of sinners q ; but trust in the Lord, and abide in thy labour: for it is an easy thing in the sight of the Lord on the sudden to make a poor man rich. The blessing of the Lord is in the reward 1|d of 22 ECCLESIASTICUS, XII. 287 the godly, and suddenly He maketh His blessing to 23 flourish. Say not, What profit is there of my service ? 24 and what good things shall I have r hereafter ? Again, say not, I have enough, and possess many things, and 25 what evil can come to me hereafter? In the day of prosperity there is a forgetfulnessll" of affliction 8 : and in the day of affliction there is no more remembrance * 26 of prosperity. For it is an easy thing unto the Lord in the day of death to reward a man according to his 27 ways. The affliction of an hour maketh a man forget u pleasure : and in his end his deeds shall be discovered. 28 Judge none blessed before his death 7 : for a man shall be known in his children. 29 Bring not every man into thine house: for the deceit- 30 ful man hath many trains \\f. [For as the corrupted bowels send forth stinking breath, and 5 ] like as a par- tridge ||? taken and kept in a cage, [and as the roe is brought into the snare 6 ,] so is the heart of the proud ; 31 and like as a spy, watcheth he for thy fall : for he lieth in wait, and turneth good into evil, and in things 32 worthy praise I' A will lay blame upon thee. Of a spark of fire a heap of coals is kindled w , [and of one deceitful man cometh much blood 7 :] and a sinful man layeth 23 wait for blood. Take heed of a mischievous man, for he worketh wickedness ; lest he bring upon thee a per- 34 petual blot. Receive a stranger into thine house, and [he shall overthrow thee with a whirlwind;] he will disturb thee, and turn thee out of thine own 1 '*. r MATT. 19. 27. II' In Vulgate, be not forgetful. B ECCLBS. 5. 20 ; 11. 8. ch. 18. 25. * GEN. 41. 81. n LUKE 16. 25. T ECCLBS. 7. 1. Il/Or, snares, or, lurking- places, Ps. 10. 8. s, Additions in Vulgate. II* In Syriac and Arabic, As a dog that enters a house and plunders. II* Some read in choice things ; some, in different things. w JAMES 3. 5. 1 Addition in Vulgate. II 'In Syriac and Arabic, thy cove- nant, un- derstanding the stran- ger to be an ungodly man, or aii idolater, 2 JOHN 10, 11. CHAPTER XII. On discernment in doing good. 1 TTTHEN thou wilt do good, know to whom thou W doest it; so shalt thou be thanked for thy 2 benefits. Do good to the godly man, and thou shalt find a recompence ; and if not from him, yet from the 3 Most High*. There can no good come to him that is always occupied in evil, nor to him that giveth no alms. [For the Highest hateth sinners, and hath 4 mercy on the penitent *.] Give to the godly man, and 5 help not a sinner b . Do well unto him that is lowly, GEN. 12. 3. MATT. 10. 41. i Addition in Vulgate. See ver. 6, below, b TOBJT 4. 17. 2 THESS. 3. 6, 10 li 288 ECCLESIASTICUS, XII. a Addition in Syriac and Arabic. c MATT. 7. 6. a Ps. 11. 5 ; 139. 21, 22. * Omitted in some Greek copies. II In the Greek, mil not be punished. See ch. 6. 7,8. e PROV. 19. 7. s Addition in Syriac arid Arabic. but give not to the ungodly : hold back thy bread, and give it not unto him, lest he overmaster thee thereby : [give him not of thy own weapons of war, lest he fight with them against thee 2 :] for else thou shalt receive twice as much evil c for all the good thou shalt have done unto him. For the Most High hateth sinners' 1 , 6 and will repay vengeance unto the ungodly, * and keep- * eth them against the mighty day of their punishment *. Give unto the good, and help not the sinner. 7 A friend cannot be known H in prosperity: and an 8 enemy 6 cannot be hidden in adversity. In the pros- 9 perity of a man enemies will be grieved: but in his adversity even a friend will depart. Never trust thine 10 enemy: for like as iron rusteth, so is his wickedness. Though he humble himself, and go crouching, yet take 11 good heed and beware of him, and thou shalt be unto him [as revealing his secret, and thus thou shalt escape his designs, and perceive the end of his malice; or 3 ] as if thou hadst wiped a lookingglass, and thou shalt know that his rust hath not been altogether wiped away. Set him not by thee, lest, when he hath over- 12 thrown thee, he stand up in thy place ; neither let him sit at thy right hand, lest he seek to take thy seat, and thou at the last remember my words, and be pricked therewith. [Bind not thyself to a sin twice: for in one thou shalt not be unpunished 4 .] "Who will pity a 13 charmer that is bitten with a serpent, or any such as come nigh wild beasts ? So one that goeth f to a sinner, 14 and is defiled with him in his sins, who will pity ? For 15 a while he will abide with thee, [and his secret will not be manifest 5 ,] but if thou begin to fall, he will not tarry, [and thou shalt have no strength to resist him 6 .] An enemy speaketh sweetly with his lips, but in his 16 heart he imagineth how to throw thee into a pit : [he will whisper much and speak thee fair 7 ;] he will weep with his eyes g , but if he find opportunity, he will not be satisfied with blood. If adversity come upon thee, 17 thou shalt find him there first ; and though he pretend to help thee, yet shall he undermine II thee. He will 18 shake h his head, and clap his hands 11 , and whisper much, and change his countenance! 1 . * Addition in some copies, from ch. 7. 8. ' ch. 21. 2. 5, Additions in Syriac and Arabic. 7 Addition in some copies. See ver. 18. * JER. 41. 6. II Or, trip thee up by the heel. h ch. 13. 7. II In the Syriac, gesticulate. II Or, distort hisfeatures, as in Arabic. ECCLESIASTICUS, XIII. 289 CHAPTER XIII. Against fellowship with the wicked. E that toucheth a pitch shall be defiled therewith ; and he that hath fellowship 15 with a proud man 2 shall be like unto him. Burden not thyself above thy power * while thou livest * ; and have no fellowship with one that is mightier and richer than thyself: for how agree the kettle and the earthen pot together? for if the one be smitten against the other, it shall be 3 broken. The rich man hath done wrong, and yet he threateneth withal: the poor is wronged, and he 4 must intreat also". If thou be for his profit, he will use thee: but if thou have nothing, he will forsake 5 thee. If thou have anything, he will live with thee : yea, he will make thee bare ", and will not be sorry for 6 it. If he have need of thee, he will deceive thee, and smile upon thee, and put thee in hope ; he will speak 7 thee fair, and say, What wantest thou? And he will shame thee by his meats, until he have drawn thee dry twice or thrice, and at the last he will laugh thee to scorn: afterward, when he seeth thee, he will forsake 8 thee, and shake his head at thee. Beware that thou be not deceived, and brought down in thy jollity". 9 [Humble thyself to God, and wait for His hands. Be not lowly in thy wisdom, lest being humbled, thou be deceived into folly a .] If thou be invited of a mighty man, withdraw thyself \ and so much the more will he 10 invite thee. Press thou not upon him d , lest thou be put back; stand not far off, lest thou be forgotten. 11 Affect not to be made equal 6 unto him in talk||, and believe not his many words : for with much communi- cation will he tempt thee, and smiling upon thee will 12 get out thy secrets ": but cruelly he will lay up thy words, and will not spare to do thee hurt, and to put 13 thee in prison. Observe, and take good heed, for thou walkest in peril f of thy overthrowing: *when thou 14 *hearest these things, awake in thy sleep 11 . Love the *Lord all thy life, and call upon Hun for thy salvation *. 15 Every beast loveth his like, and every man loveth T "NUM. 16.26. Is. 52. 11. 2 COR. 6. 17. b DEUT. 7. 2. 1 COR. 15. 33. * Omitted In some Greek copies. c PROV. 19. 4. 7. II In Vulgate, hold his peace. II Or, impo- verish thee. II Some read, simplicity, or, folly. i Additions in Vulgate. II Or, be modegt, or, retiring. d PROV. 25. 6, 7. 6 ch. 32. 9. II Or, to con- verge with him as an equal. II Or, will search thee out. Most copies omit ' thy secrets." ' PROV. 23. 13. * Omitted in most Greek copies. II In Vulgate, see as it were in thy sleep, and thou shalt awake. 290 ECCLESIASTICUS, XIV. II Or, his-like. See ch. 18. 13; 27.9. II In the Vulgate, a saint. e Ps. 104. 11. JBR.2. 24; 14.6. h Is. 3. 14, 15. MIC. 3. 13. PROV. 30. 14. AMOS 8. 4. II Or, no hearing (in his defence). ' JOB 29. 9. PROV. 19. 4. J PROV. 19. 7. ECCLES. 9. 14, 15. ch. 10. 23. k PROV. 12. 25. * Omitted in some copies : probably in- serted from PROV. 15. 13. See also PROV. 17. 22. II In Syriac and Arabic, the mul- titude of parables proceeds from, medi- tations upon wick- edness. See ECCLES. 1. 17, 18. a ch. 19. 16 ; 25.8. JAMES 3. 2. i Addition in Syriac and Arabic, b ROM. 14. 22. 1 JOHN 3. 21. 2. 3 Additions in Vulgate. c Ps. 49. 10. PROV. 28. 8. ch. 11. 19. II Or, t hat shall live daintily upon his goods. his neighbour II. All flesh consorteth according to kind, 16 and a man will cleave to his like. What fellowship 17 hath the wolf with the lamb? so the sinner with the godly. What agreement is there between the hyena 11 18 and a dog? and what peace between the rich and the poor? As the wild ass g is the lion's prey in the wilder- 19 ness : so the rich eat up h the poor. As the proud hate 20 humility: so doth the rich abhor the poor. A rich 21 man beginning to fall is held up of his friends : but a poor man being down is thrust also away by his friends. When a rich man is fallen, he hath many helpers : he 22 speaketh things not to be spoken, and yet men justify him ; the poor man slipped, and yet they rebuked him too ; he spake wisely, and could have no place' 1 . When 23 a rich man speaketh, every man holdeth his tongue 1 , and look, what he saith, they extol it to the clouds : but if the poor manJ speak, they say, What fellow is this? and if he stumble, they will help to overthrow him. Eiches are good unto him that hath no sin, and 24 poverty is evil in the mouth of the ungodly. The heart 25 of a man changeth his countenance, whether it be for good or evil k : * and a merry heart maketh a cheerful * countenance *. A cheerful countenance is a token of 26 a heart that is in prosperity ; and the finding out of parables is a wearisome labour of the mind". CHAPTER XIV. Tlie evil of covetousness, and the blessedness of works of mercy. BLESSED is the man that hath not slipped with his 1 mouth a , and is not pricked with the multitude of sins, [and from whose eyes judgment is not hid 1 .] Blessed is he whose conscience 1 * hath not condemned 2 him, [and who hath had no sadness in his mind 3 ,] and who is not fallen from his hope in the Lord. Riches 3 are not comely for a [covetous man and a 3 ] niggard : and what should an envious man do with money ? He 4 that gathereth by defrauding his own soul gathereth c for others, that shall spend his goods riotously " . He 5 that is evil to himself, to whom will he be good ? he shall not take pleasure in his goods. There is none 6 ECCLESIASTICUS, XIV. 291 worse than he d that envieth himself; and this is a dPnov.ii.i7. 7 recompence of his wickedness. And if he doeth good, he doeth it [ignorantly and 4 ] unwillingly "; and at the 8 last he will declare his wickedness. The envious man hath a wicked eye ; he turneth away his face, and de- 9 spiseth men II 6 . A covetous man's eye is not 6 satisfied with his portion ; and the iniquity of the wicked drieth 10 up his soul II c . A wicked eye [is toward evil things ; he 5 ] envieth his bread, [and shall not have his fill 5 ,] 11 and he is a niggard f [and dismal 5 ] at his table. My son, according to thy ability do good to thyself, and 12 give the Lord His due offering. Remember that death will not be long in coming, and that the covenant of i PROV! 23. e' the grave is not shewed unto thee ; [for the covenant g TOBIT 4. 7. 13 of this world shall surely die 6 .] Do good unto thy LUKE 14.13; friend g before thou die, and according to thy ability 14 stretch out thy hand and give to himl' d . Defraud not thyself 11 of the good day|| e , and let not the part of a 15 good desire overpass thee. Shalt thou not leave thy 1 travails unto another? and thy labours to be divided "' Or, day of 16 by lot? Give, and takeJ, and sanctify / thy soul. [Be- ^i SAM. fore thy death work righteousness 7 ' 1 ":] for there is no 17 seeking of dainties in the grave. All flesh waxeth old k as a garment : for the covenant from the beginning is, ' Ps - 39 - 6- 18 Thou shalt die the death '. As of the green leaves on a thick tree, some fall, and some grow ; so is the gene- ration of flesh and blood, one cometh to an end m , and 19 another is born. Every work rotteth " h and consumeth away, and the worker thereof shall go withal. [And every excellent work shall be justified : and the worker 20 thereof shall be honoured therein 8 .] Blessed is the man that doth meditate good things in wisdom H*, and that reasoneth of holy things by his understanding "J, [and in his mind shall think of the all-seeing eye of * PS. 102. 26. 21 God 9 ]. He that considereth her ways in his heart JA'MWSI'.IO. 22 shall also have understanding in her secrets. Go after l PET - L 24 - ... ... , i GKS. 2. 17. her as one that traceth, and he in wait in her ways. m ECCLES. i. 23 He that prieth in at her windows shall also hearken 24 at her doors 11 . He that doth lodge near her house work. II* In the Greek, shall die in wisdom. UJ Or, discourse about it with prudence. n PROV. 8. 34. ch. 6. 36. T2 ditions in Vulgate. II Some Greek copies have inforget- fulness. V'Or.despig- eth souls. In the Vul- gate, his own soul. e PROV. 27. 20- quitu drieth up the soul. 16.9. II < In the Vulgate, to the poor. h ECCLES. 5. 18 ; 6. 1. f g 10 ESTH. 9. 19. ll/ Some read, beguile, or, love thy soul. In Syriac and Arabic, nourish, or, cherish thy soul. II ' There is a similar clause in the Syriac and Arabic. 292 ECCLESIASTICUS, XV. shall also fasten a pin in her walls. He shall pitch his 25 tent nigh unto her, and shall lodge in a lodging where good things are. He shall set his children under her 26 shelter, and shall lodge under her branches. By her 27 "WisD.io.ie. he shall be covered from heat , and in her glory shall he dwell. CHAPTER XV. The delights of urisdom. \\ a Or,wildo TTE that feareth the Lord will do good""; and he 1 tag*iosome -" that hath the knowtedg 6 of " 6 the law 8na11 obtain copies. her. And as a mother a shall she meet him, and re- 2 n fa/t'to! deth ceive him as a wife b married of a virgin. With the 3 a is. 66. is. bread of understanding shall she feed him, and give D. 8. 2. him the water c of wisdom to drink. He shall be stayed 4 c is. 44. 3. upon her, and shall not be moved ; and shall rely upon a WISD 8 10 ner ' an d 8 hall n t ^ e confounded. She shall exalt him 5 ' above his neighbours, and in the midst of the congre- to gation d shall she open his mouth, [and shall fill him \\ c Or, he shall with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and shall 2 Addition in c ^^e him with a robe of glory. She shall heap upon Vulgate. him a treasure of delight, and 1 ] he shall find joy and 6 "a&fe'as?n r ~ a crown of gladness, and she shall cause him to inherit 110 PROV. 20. i, an everlasting name. But foolish men shall not attain 7 n e Or, he was unto her, and sinners shall not see her. For she is far 8 from pride, and men that are liars cannot remember ' * Additions in Vulgate, her. [But men that speak the truth shall be found 1. 13, -^th her, and shall advance, even till they come to the s Addition in sight of God 3 .] Praise I' d is not seemly in the mouth of 9 iiTfaAmbic a 8 i nner > f r it was n t sen t hi mll JOB 27. 14. II Or, place. * Omitted in some copies. c Ps. 9. 5 ; 21.10;37.28. PROV. 2. 22. a NUM. 11. l, 10. Ps. 78. 21. ch. 29. 9. 6 GEN. 6. 4. WISD. 14. 6. BAR. 3. 26. II In Vulgate, were de- stroyed trusting in their own strength. Syriac, Who filled the world unth their might. * Omitted in some Greek copies. f GEN. 19. 24. K EZEK. 16. 49, 50. 3MACC.2. 4,5. h 2 PET. 2. 6. JUDE 7. i NUM. 14. 35 ; 26. 51, 64. 294 ECCLESIASTICUS, XVI. J Ps. 62. 12. Pnov.24. 12. JER. 32. 19. ch. 5. 6. II Or, hope. II Or, He mill make room for every mercy. i Additions in Vulgate. * These verses are omitted in most Greek copies, but are found in the Syriac and Arabic. kEx. 7. 3; 14. 4, 8. In Syriac, amongst men. II Or, knoion. II In Syriac and Arabic, ainong the spirits of all men. 1 Ps. 97. 5. MIC. 1. 4. NAH. 1. 5, 6. m Ps. 104. 32. * Omitted in most Greek copies. 2 Addition in Vulgate. II In Syriac, who shall observe my ways? If I sin, no eye shall see me : if I hideinsome xecretplace, who shall know it I * Omitted in most Greek copies. \\Or,thinketh thus, as in the verse preceding. 3 Addition in Vulgate. II Or, accord- ing to His decree. n Ps. 111. 7, 8. II Or, throughout their gene- rations. give, and to pour out displeasure. As His mercy is 12 great, so is His correction also: He judgeth a man according to his works J. The sinner shall not escape 13 with his spoils: and the patience 11 of the godly shall not be frustrate. Make way for every work of mercy ": 14 for every man shall find according to [the merit of 1 ] his works [and according to his understanding of the pilgrimage of his life 1 .] *The Lord hardened Pha- 15 *raoh k , that he should not know Him, that His powerful * works might be known to the world. His mercy is 16 * manifest to every creature; and He hath separated His * light from the darkness with an adamant H*. Say not 17 thou, I will hide myself from the Lord: shall any remember me from above? I shall not be remem- bered H among so many people: for what is my soul among such an infinite number of creatures H ? Behold, 18 the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, the deep, and the earth, and all that therein is, shall be moved 1 when He shall visit. The mountains also and foundations of 19 the earth shall be shaken with trembling, when the Lord looketh m upon them. No heart can think upon 20 these things * worthily * : [and every heart is undei'- stood by Him 2 ,] and who is able to conceive His ways I' ? It is a tempest which no man can see : for the 21 most part of His works are hid. Who can declare the 22 works of His justice? or who can endure them? for His covenant is afar off, *and the trial of all things is in *the end*. He that wanteth understanding will think 23 upon vain things " : and a foolish man erring imagineth follies. My son, hearken unto me, and learn knowledge, 24 and mark my words with thy heart. I will shew forth 25 doctrine in weight, and declare His knowledge exactly : [and attend to my words in thy heart, whilst with equity of spirit I tell thee the virtues that God hath put upon His works from the beginning, and I shew forth His truth in knowledge 3 .] The works of the 26 Lord are done in judgment 1 ' from the beginning : and from the time He made them He disposed the parts thereof. He garnished His works for ever, and in His 27 hand are the chief of them unto all generations H : they neither labour, nor are weary, nor cease from their ECCLESIASTICUS, XVII. 295 28 works. None of them hindereth another , and they BAR. 3. 32 29 shall never disobey His word. After this the Lord 34 * looked upon the earth, and filled it with His blessings. p GEN. i. 25. 30 With all manner of living things p hath He covered the face thereof; and they shall return into it again q . 20. GE.V. 1. 27 ; 2.7. KCCLES. 3. 20 i COR. is. 47. . 2. 20, CHAPTEK XVII. The favour of God to man. 1 rilHE Lord created man of the earth a , and turned _L him into it again. [He created of him a help- 2 mate b like unto himself 1 .] He gave them few days ||a , and a short time, and power also over the things there- 3 inll & . He endued them with strength by themselves 110 , 4 and made them according to His image c , and put the fear of man d upon all flesh, and gave him do- 5 minion over beasts and fowls. [*They received ||d the *use of the five operations of the Lord, and in the sixth * place He imparted them understanding, and in the * seventh speech, an interpreter of the cogitations there- 6 *of*.] Counsel H, and a tongue, and eyes, ears, and a 7 heart 6 , gave He them to understand. Withal He filled them with the knowledge of understanding, [He cre- ated in them the science of the spirit, He filled their heart with wisdom *,] and shewed them good and evil. 8 He set His eye "/upon their hearts, that He might shew * in v 1 t ^ und ch. 3tf. 24. I Added in ver. 5 in the Vulgate. II "Or, He limited the nwnber of their days. See JOB 14. 5,6. JOIIN 9. 4 ; gate, that are upon the earth. II c Or, like Himself. c GEN. 5. 1, 2. 1 COR. 11. 7. d GEN. 9. 1, 2. Ps. 8. 68. 9 them the greatness of His works. *He gave them to * glory in His marvellous acts f for ever, that they might 10 * declare His works with understanding *. And the elect " o 11 shall praise His holy name. Beside this He gave them 12 knowledge, and the law of life for an heritage. He made an everlasting covenant g with them, and shewed 13 them His judgments h . Their eyes saw the majesty of His glory 1 , and their ears heard His glorious voice. 14 And He said unto them, Beware of all unrighteous- ness ; and He gave every man commandment concern- 15 ing his neighbour J. Their ways are ever before Him, 16 and shall not be hid from His eyes. * Every man from Greek copies or Versions. Grotius sup- posed that it was a gloss of some Stoic, who held the doctrine of seven senses. II * Some add, in that si- militude. II' Or, free witt. The Syriac and Arabic have mouth. e Ps. 139. 14, 16. * Addition in Vulgate. II / Some understand this of the eye of man's intelligence. In Dionys. Carth., their eye. * Omitted in some copies. ' Ps. 92. 4. II" Some read. And they shall praise. DECTT. 5. 2, 3. 4 4. 13. Ps. 103. 7 ; 147. 19. i DEUT. 4. 11, 12, 32, 33. J Ex. 20. 16, 17. LKV. 19. 18. * Omitted in most Greek copies, and in Vulgate. 296 ECCLESIASTICUS, XVII. * Omitted in most Greek copies, and in Vulgate. II That is, a guardian angel. See DEUT. 32. 8, 9, LXX. and DAN. 10. 13, 20. * Omitted in Vulgate and most Greek copies. k Ex. 4. 22. JER. 81. 9. i JOB 31. 4 ; 34. 21. II * In the Vulgate, Their cove- nants were not hid by their ini- quity. II J In Syriac and Arabic, recorded, or, numbered in the Lord's sight. * ver. 21 is wanting in Vulgate, and in most Greek copies. m DEUT. 32. 34. JOB 14. IT. HAG. 2. 23. 1 PET. 3. 4. * Omitted in Vulgate and most Greek copies. 3 Addition in Vulgate. Additions in Vulgate. n WISD. 5. 5. * Omitted in Vulgate and most Greek copies. 1 COR. 7. 20. II * Or, the society of thefaithful. P Is. 38. 18, 19. BAR. 2. 17. II ' In the Sy- riac, What delight hath the Lord in * his youth is given to evil ; neither could they make to * themselves fleshy hearts for stony. For in the division 17 *of the nations of the whole earth* He set a ruler H ft over every people ; but Israel is the Lord's portion : *whom, being His firstborn k , He nourish eth with dis- 18 * cipline, and giving him the light of His love doth not * forsake him*. Therefore all their works are as the 19 sun before Him, and His eyes are continually upon their ways 1 . None of their unrighteous deeds 11 * are hid 20 from Him, but all their sins are 11 -?' before the Lord. * But the Lord being gracious, and knowing His work- 21 *manship, neither left nor forsook them, but spared * them*. The alms of a man is as a signet m with Him, 22 and He will keep the good deeds of man as the apple of the eye, *and give repentance to His sons and * daughters*. Afterwards He will rise up and reward 23 them, and render their recompence upon their heads, [and shall turn them down into the bowels of the earth V] But unto them that repent, He granted them 24 return, [and gave them the way of righteousness 4 ,] and comforted those that failed in patience, [and ap- pointed to them the lot n of truth 4 .] Eeturn unto the 25 Lord, and forsake thy sins, make thy prayer before His face, and offend less. Turn again to the Most High, 26 and turn away from iniquity : * for He will lead thee *out of darkness into the light of health *, and hate thou abomination vehemently. [And know the righteous- ness and judgments of God, and stand firm in the lot set before thee, and in prayer to the Most High God. Go to the portion of the holy world ||fc , with them that live and give praise to God. Tarry not in the error of the ungodly, give glory before death 4 .] Who shall 27 praise p the Most High in the grave 11 ', instead of them which live and give thanks? Thanksgiving perisheth 28 from the dead, as from one that is not : the living and sound * in heart * shall praise the Lord. [Give thanks whilst thou art living, whilst thou art alive and in health thou shalt give thanks, and shalt praise God, and shalt glory in His mercies 5 .] How great is the 29 lovingkindness of the Lord our God, and His compas- ECCLESIASTICUS, XVIII. 297 30 sion unto such as turn unto Him in holiness ! For all things cannot be in men, because the son of man is not immortal, [and they are delighted* 1 with the vanity 1 of 31 evil 6 .] What is brighter than the sun? yet the light thereof faileth : [and darkness is produced ; so is the man that subdues not his will 7 ;] and flesh and blood 32 will imagine evil H. He vieweth the power of the height of heaven ; and all men are but earth s and ashes. i Wisn. 2.5,6- r JOB 25. 5, 6. 6 Addition in Vulgate. 7 Addition in Syria c. II" 1 Or, the thought* of the wicked are onflexh and blood. 8 ch. 10. 9 ; 40.3. CHAPTER XVIII. Consideration of God's works, and precepts of self discipline. 1 TTE that liveth for ever created all things a in gene- a GEX. 1. 1. 2 XI ral ||a . The Lord only is righteous, *and there is 3 * none other but He H 6 , Who governeth the world with * the palm of His hand, and all things obey His will b : * for He is the King of all, by His power dividing holy 4 * things among them from profane*. To whom hath He * Omitted in , , T-... , ,. j , , ,, j most copies. given power to declare His works? and who shall find 5 out His c noble acts ? Who shall number the strength of His majesty? and who shall also tell out His mer- 6 cies? As for the wondrous works of the Lord, there may nothing be taken from them d , neither may any thing be put unto them, neither can the ground 6 of 7 them be found out. When a man hath done, then he beginneth f ; and when he leaveth oif, then he shall be 8 doubtful. What is man g , and whereto serveth he? what c p s , J0 6. 2. 9 is his good, and what is his evil ? The number of a ^ECCLBS. 3. 10 man's days at the most are an hundred years h . As a drop of water unto the sea, and a gravelstone in com- parison of the sand; so are 1 a thousand years" to the f PS. 139. is. 11 days of eternity. Therefore is God patient with them, p^g,*;' 12 and poureth forth His mercy upon them. He saw [the h 144 - 3 - presumption of their heart, that it is wicked J ] and per- i p g . 90. 4. ceived their end to be evil; therefore He multiplied J His compassion. [Therefore hath He filled up His mercy in their favour, and hath shewn them the way 13 of righteousness 2 .] The mercy of man is toward his neighbour k ; but the mercy of the Lord is upon all 11 "Or, together, or, one icith another, as parts of one plan or design. The Syriac and Arabic have, the tthole world shall be tried and found guil- ty, and He alone shall be guiltless. So ROM. 3. 4. t> ch. 42. 23, " 28. e JOB 5. 9 ; 9. 10. Ps. 40. 5. are not to be compared with one day in the world of the righteou. Vulgate. J GKS. 8. 21. Is. 57. 16. Addition in Vulgate. k ch. 18. 15. a few years. In the Syriac and Arabic, a thouxatid years in this world i Addition in 298 ECCLESIASTICUS, XVIII. II * The Syriac has. As rain caunes heat to cease, so a harsh word re- vokes a gift. II '' That is, with tears, LAM. 2. 11. 1 ch. 5. 12. flesh : He reproveth, and nurtureth, and teacheth, and bringeth again, as a shepherd his flock. He hath mercy 14 on them that receive discipline, and that diligently seek after His judgments. My son, blemish not thy good deeds, neither use 15 uncomfortable words when thou givest anything. Shall not the dew asswage the heat? so is a word 16 ^care forth better than a gift 1 ''*. Lo, is not a word better than a 17 health. The gift? but both are with a gracious man. A fool will 18 thou upbraid churlishly, and a gift of the envious consumeth the eyes 1 '". Learn before thou speak 1 , and use physick"-'' 19 or ever thou be sick. Before, judgment examine thyself, 20 and in the day of visitation thou shalt find mercy m . Humble thyself before "thou be sick, and in the time of 21 sins H0 shew repentance. Let nothing hinder thee [from 22 praying always, and neglect not 3 ] to pay thy vow in due time, and defer not until death to be justified ; [for the reward of God continueth for ever 3 .] Before thou 23 prayest, prepare "thyself U 7t ; and be not as one that tempt- eth the Lord. Think upon the wrath that shall be n at 24 the end 1 '*, and the time of vengeance, when He shall turn away His face. When thou hast enough HJ, remem- 25 ber the time of hunger : and when thou art rich, think upon poverty and need. From the morning until the 26 evening p the time is changed, and all things are soon done before the Lord. A wise man will fear q in every 27 thing, and in the day of sinning r he will beware of offence " * : *but a fool will not observe time.* Every man 28 of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise unto him that found her. They that were of under- 29 standing in sayings became also wise s themselves, [and understood truth and justice 4 ;] and poured forth ex- quisite parables. [TEMPERANCE OF souL 5 .] Go not after thy lusts, but refrain thyself from thine 30 appetites. If thou givest thy soul the desires that 31 * Omitted in . , ,, , , . , , , most copies, please her, she will make thee a laughingstock 1 '' to s JAMBS 3. 13. thine enemies that malign thee. Take not pleasure 32 * Vulgate" ln m muc h good cheer, neither be tied to the expence 5 Title added in Greek. II ' Or, cause of exultation. In the Syriac, like one who does the will of his enemy. See ch. 6. 4. goest to war, seek help; and before thou art sick, a physician. m 1 COR. 11. 31. II o la the Syriac, Be- fore thou offendest, pray ; and alms. But See ch. 15. 20 ; ver. 27, below ; ako ch. 21. 1. 3 Additions in the Vul- gate. II * In Syriac, Before vow- ing, prepare thy vow. See ECCLES. 5.46. n ch. 7. 17. II * Or, in the day of death. ch.ll.24,25. Hi Or, in the time of plenty. >' AMOS 5. 8. 'i PROV.28.14. r Ps. 49. 5. II* In Vulgate, of sloth. ECCLESIASTICUS, XIX. 299 33 thereof. Be not made a beggar by banqueting H m upon borrowing, when thou hast nothing in thy purse : * for *thou shalt lie in wait for thine own life, and be talked * on.* [Delight not in crowds, even in moderate ones * ; for their contention is endless 8 .] PROV. 14. 28. WISD. 6. 2. II m In Syriac, indulging in abun- dance of drink and words. * Omitted in gome Greek copies, s Addition in Vulgate. CHAPTER XIX. Admonitions against drunkenness and other vices. p RO v. 21. 17 * 23 21 1 A LABOURING man that is given to drunkenness b i SAM. is. -A. shall not be rich a : and he that contemneth small ^'s^'a is 2 things b shall fall by little and little. Wine and women ECCLES.'IO.' will make men of understanding to fall away, [and MATT. 12. 38. shall bring rebuke upon the prudent 1 ;] and he that C ROV.SI. 3 3 cleaveth to harlots will become impudent. Moths and i BSD. 4. ST. worms d shall have him to heritage, [and lie shall be i Addition in lifted up for a greater example, and his soul shall be Vulgate. rooted out of the number 2 ,] and a bold man'l a shall be Additions 4 taken away. He that is hasty to give credit e is light- minded [and shall be lessened 3 ;] and he that sinneth shall offend f against his own soul. [He that hateth 5 reproof, his life shall be shortened 4 .] "Whoso taketh > n Vulgate. e ii'i2 15 ' f p RO v'. 8. 36. pleasure in wickedness H 6 shall be condemned : * but he <- 5 Additions 6 *that resisteth pleasures crowneth his life. He that can \\ b some read, de- lighteth in babbling; others, rejoiceth in that which is told unto thee, and thou shalt fare never *** ** r - 8 the worse. * rule his tongue shall live without strife*; and he that hateth babbling shall have less evil. [Repeat not a 7 wicked and harsh word 5 :] Rehearse not unto another g . iirtCQ in Vuigateami 8 ch - 41 - 23 - * Omitted in most copies. Whether it be to friend or foe, talk not * of other men's lives * ; and if thou canst without of- 9 fence " c , reveal them not. For he heard and observed 10 thee, and when time cometh he will hate thee. [He will watch thee, and as it were defending thy sin he will hate thee, and so will he be with thee always 6 .] If thou hast heard a word [against thy neighbour,] let it die with thee ; and be bold, it will not burst thee l|rf . 11 A fool travaileth with a word h , as a woman in labour of 12 a child. As an arrow that sticketh in a man's thigh H e , so is a word within a fool's belly. Addition in Vulgate. H * In the Syriac, It ?V not an arrow to pierce thee. See ver. 12. JOB 32. 19. h PROV. 18. 2, 7 ; 29. ll"; ch. 8. 17. II ' lit, in a thigh of flesh. to friend or \\or,withoitt has. Jf there with thee, 300 ECCLESIASTICUS, XIX. i LEV. 19. 17. MATT. 18. 15. ll/ In the Vul- gate, lest he may not have under- stood, and say: I did it not. II "Most copies have, neighbour. i JAMES 3. 2. * Omitted in most Greek copies. * Omitted in Vulgate and most Greek copies. * Omitted in Vulgate and most Greek copies. k Is. 47. 10. JBB. 4. 22. ROM. 16. 19. 1 COR. 14. 20. i ch. 25. 10. JAMBS 3. 13 15. * Omitted in most Greek copies. II * Or, a man intending mischief. 1H lit, in blackness. JOEL 2. 6. NAH. 2. 10. m MATT. 7. 15. n Ps. 10. 10 ; 17. 11. PROV. 17. 24 ; 27. 19. P ECCLES. 7. 6. \\J lit., laugh- ter of the teeth, or, grinning. II* Or, step. See Is. 3. 16. Admonish a friend 1 , it may be he hath not done it 11 -'': 13 and if he have done it, that he do it no more. Admo- 14 nish thy friend 11 ", it may be he hath not said it: and if he have, that he speak it not again. Admonish a 15 friend: for many times it is a slander, and believe not every tale. There is one that slippeth in his speech, 16 but not from his heart; and who is heJ that hath not offended with his tongue? Admonish thy neighbour 17 before thou threaten him ; and *not being angry*, give place to the law of the Most High. * The fear of the 18 *Lord is the first step to be accepted of Him, and wisdom * obtaineth His love. The knowledge of the command- 19 * ments of the Lord is the doctrine of life : and they that * do things that please Him shall receive the fruit of the * tree of immortality *. The fear of the Lord is all wisdom ; 20 and in all wisdom is the performance of the law, *and *the knowledge of His omnipotency. If a servant say to 21 * his master, I will not do as it pleaseth thee ; though after- *ward he do it, he angereth him that nourisheth him*. The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom k , neither 22 at any time the counsel of sinners prudence. There is a 23 wickedness, and the same an abomination ; and there is a fool wanting in wisdom. He that hath small understand- 24 ing, and feareth God 1 , is better than one that hath much wisdom, and transgresseth the law of the Most High. There is an exquisite subtilty, and the same is unjust ; 25 and there is one that turneth aside to make judgment appear; *and there is a wise man that justifieth in * judgment*: [and there is one that uttereth an exact word telling the truth.] There is a wicked manll* that 26 hangeth down his head sadly H { ; but inwardly he is full of deceit. [And there is one that submitteth him- 27 self exceedingly with a great lowliness,] casting down his countenance 11 , and making as if he heard not: where he is not known, he will do thee a mischief before thou be aware. And if for want of power he 28 be hindered from sinning, yet when he findeth oppor- tunity he will do evil. A man may be known by his 29 look, and one that hath understanding by his counte- nance , when thou meetest him. A man's attire, and 30 excessive p laughter^', and gait 11 *, shew what he is. ECCLESIASTICUS, XX. 301 CHAPTER XX. Faults in speech. 1 rnpHERE is a lying rebuke in the wrath of the inso- _L lent 1 .] There is a reproof that is not comely H a : u a prTeason- again, some man holdeth his tongue, and he is wise. 2 It is much better to reprove a , than to be angry secret- ly : and he that confesseth his fault shall be preserved 3 from hurt*'". * How good is it, when thou art reproved, * to shew repentance ! for so shalt thou escape wilful able. PRO v. 28. 23. II In the Vul- gate, It is good not to hinder him that con- fesseth in 4 * sin *. As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin ; ,/^nimed in 5 so is he that executeth judgment with violence ||c . There is one that keepeth silence, and is found wise : and an- 6 other by much babbling becometh hateful. Some man holdeth his tongue, because he hath not to answer b : 7 and some keepeth silence, knowing his time. A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but 8 a babbler H d and a fool will regard no time. He that useth many words d shall be abhorred; and he that taketh to himself authority therein shall be hated. 9 There is * a sinner * that hath good success in evil things H e ; and there is a gain that turneth to loss. 10 There is a gift e that shall not profit thee ; and there is a gift f whose recompence is double. [As thou castest a stone at a bird and frayest him away, so thou shalt d PS- no. n - lose the friendship of thy true friend, and not regain * some 11 it *.] There is an abasement because of glory ; and f^ner >mit there is that lifteth up his head from a low estate. u Or, There 12 There is that buyeth much for a little, and repayeth it kath'g'owL 13 sevenfold. A wise man by his words maketh himself *"?<*** * beloved : but the graces of fools shall be poured out. e JUDO. 9. 4. 14 The gift of a fool shall do thee no good when thou hast f MAL - 3 - 10 - ., .,, , A . . , . . * Addition in it; * neither yet 01 the envious for his necessity*: for 15 he looketh to receive many things for one "/. He giveth little, and upbraideth much ; he openeth his mouth like a crier a ; to day he lendeth 8 , and to-morrow will he ask it again : such an one is to be hated *of God and man*. 16 The fool saith, I have no friends, I have no thank for most copies. n c Or, he who judgeth hastily. In the Arabic, So is he who condemns a man in the time of his distress. See JOB 19. 1 3. & 6. 25, 26. bpRov.17.28. c JOB 13. 5. H* Or, a bully, or, swag- gerer. See 1 COR. 13. 4, 5. Syriacand Arabic. See ch. 22. 20 ; 27. 1719. * Omitted In Vulgate and most Greek copies. ll/ In the Greek, his eyes are many for one ; in Vulgate, his eyes are sevenfold. II* In Vulgate, the opening of hit mouth is the kindling of a fire. * Ex 22. 25. * Omitted in most coplea 302 ECCLESIASTICTJS, XX. all my good deeds, and they that eat my bread speak evil of me " h . [They are like the rock or the wind, on which the water will not stay 3 .] How oft, and of how 17 many shall he be laughed to scorn ! [For he doth not distribute with right understanding that which was to be had 4 ;] * for he knoweth not aright what it is to have ; *and it is all one unto him as if he had it not.* To slip 18 upon a pavement is better than to slip with the tongue : so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily. [A 19 thankless man 6 is as] an unseasonable tale [ ; it] will always be in the mouth of the unwise h . [As waters poured upon the stony rock, so is the evil tongue among the righteous. As the hinder part that cannot be eaten without salt, so is the word spoken out of season 16 .] A wise sentence shall be rejected when it 20 cometh out of a fool's mouth ; for he will not speak it in due season J. There is that is hindered from sinning 21 through want: and when he taketh rest, he shall not be troubled [with remorse 7 .] There is that destroyeth 22 his own soul k through bashfulness, [and by occasion of an unwise person he will destroy it 8 ;] and by accept- ing of persons 11 * overthroweth himself. There is that 23 for bashfulness promiseth to his friend, and maketh him his enemy for nothing. A lie is a foul blot in a 24 man, yet it is continually in the mouth of the untaught. A thief is better than a man that is accustomed to lie : 25 but they both shall have destruction to heritage. The 26 disposition of a liar is dishonourable, and his shame is ever with him. II* In Vulgate, are of a false tongue. a Addition in Arabic. 4 Addition in Vulgate. * Omitted in some copies. * Omitted in the English, hut in the Greek some take the words to be the title of the follow- ing verses. h PROV. 26. 7, 9. ch. 15. 9. ' JOB 6. 6, 25, 30. Additions in Syriac and Arabic. J PROV. 15. 23; 25. 11. ~ So the Greek. But in the Vul- gate : in his rest he shall be pricked. k ch. 4. 22. s Addition in Vulgate. (See below.) IK Or, through a foolish person, the common reading of the Greek text, and so the Vulgate. s Title added in Greek. ' GEN. 41. 38, 39. 10 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. m PROV. 12. 11 ; 28. 19. n WISD. 6. 22, 23 ; 7. 17. ch. 41. 14, 15. 1 PET. 4. 10. ch. 41. 19. [WORDS OF PARABLES 9 .] A wise man shall promote himself to honour with 27 his words : and he that hath understanding will please 1 great men: [and a prudent servant shall have rule over his masters 10 .] He that tilleth his land m shall 28 increase his heap : and he that pleaseth great men shall get pardon for iniquity. Presents and gifts blind the 29 eyes of the wise, and stop up his mouth that he cannot reprove. Wisdom that is hid n , and treasure that is 30 hoarded up, what profit is in them both ? Better is he 31 that hideth his folly than a man that hideth his wisdom. ECCLESIASTICUS, XXI. 303 32 * Necessary patience in seeking the Lord is better than * he that leadeth his life without a guide *. copies. 4 u ^ 10. 14. 2 TIM! 1 22". in Arabic, death ste CHAPTER XXI. On the avoiding of sin and divers kinds of folly. * ch. 5. 5. &, 7 8 ST son, hast thou sinned? do so no more a , but ask b GEN. 39. 12, 2 -1TJ- pardon for thy former sins. Flee b from sin as from the face of a serpent : for if thou comest too near it, it will bite thee : the teeth thereof are as the teeth 3 of a lion, slaying the souls of men. All iniquity l |a is as a two-edged sword, the wounds whereof cannot be c PROV. 1. 10, 15' 7 25 27 healed I' 6 . [From morning to evening it casts down ni n 'syriac 4 houses, and overthrows many palaces 1 .] To terrify and do wrong will waste riches: thus the house of proud men shall be made desolate, [and the substance 5 of the proud shall be rooted out *.] A prayer out of a poor man's mouth d reacheth to the ears of God, and 6 His judgment cometh speedily. He that hateth to be reproved e is in the way of sinners : but he that feareth 7 the Lord will repent from his heart 11. An eloquent 2 Addition in man [who is mighty by a bold tongue 3 ] is known far ^!^f' l7 and near ; but a man of understanding knoweth when JAMES 5. 4. 8 he slippethlK He that buildeth his house with other e ^ R io.' 12- 1 ' men's money f is like one that gathereth himself stones \\ c Or,uiiire- 9 for the tomb of his burial II . The congregation of the own hear?. wicked is like tow g wrapped together: and the end of them is a flame of fire to destroy them. [As a hill of sand is to the feet of the aged, so is the strength of the wicked, and their efforts in the time of punishment 4 .] 10 The way of sinners is made plain with stones I'/, but at the end thereof is the pit of hell, [and darkness, and 11 pains 5 .] He that keepeth the law of the Lord getteth n<~sothe the understanding thereof: and the perfection of the l^wcf 12 fear of the Lord is wisdom. He that is not wise"" will ^ m ie& t;i not be taught: but there is a wisdom I' A which multi- others 13 plieth bitterness 11 . The knowledge of a wise man shall direly tor- mented. Addition in Syriac and Arabic. See ch. 28. 14. See Is. 46. 8, LXX. LUKE 15. 17. <* In theVnl- gate.f hat he slippeth stones in the winter. * Is. 1. 31. * Addition in Syriac and Arabic. , gathereth See ch. 25. 20. . / In the Syriac, it to them a stone of stumbling. See Hos. 2. 6. * Addition in Vulgate. II * Or, sharp-witted. II * Or, sharpness of the wits. In Vulgate, there is no under- standing where there is bitterness. h JAMES 3. 15. 304 ECCLESIASTICUS, XXI. ' PROV. 14. 27. abound like a flood : and his counsel is like a pure J 99 R * v i8'2' fountain f life 1 - The inner parts of a fool are like a 14 broken vessel, and he will hold no knowledge J as long as he liveth. If a skilful man hear a wise word, he will 15 commend it, and add unto it"*: but as soon as one of no understanding Ib' heareth it, it displeaseth him, and he casteth it behind his back. The talking of a fool is 16 like a burden in the way : but grace shall be found in the lips k of the wise. They enquire at the mouth of 17 the wise man in the congregation, and they shall & PROV. 14. 3; ponder his words in their heart. As is a house that is 18 15 ' I', , destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool : and the knowledge s Addition m ,,''. . , ... r j of the unwise is as talk without sense. [Wisdom is like a prison to the fool, and as coals of fire, so is understanding to the senseless s .] Doctrine unto fools H * 19 i 'ECCLES. 7. 6. is as fetters on the feet, and like manacles on the right ch. 19. so. hand. A fool lifteth up his voice with laughter ! ; but 20 "PROV. li.ls. a wise man doth scarce smile m a litfle H J . Learning is 21 unto a wise man as an ornament of gold, and like a bracelet upon his right arm. A foolish man's foot is 22 soon in his neighbour's house H' n : but a man of experience is ashamed of him " ". A fool will peep in at the doorll into the house : but 23 he that is well-nurtured will stand without. It is the 24 rudeness H p of a man to hearken at the door": but a The 25 WISD. 1. 4. II' In Vulgate, apply it to himself. See PROV. 9. 9 ; 18. 15. IU Most copies (with the Vulgate) read, a wanton, or luxurious man. Syriac. a stupid ECCLES. 2. 2. &7. 4. II 'In Greek, quietly, or, in silence. II '"So the Vul- gate and Arabic. But in the Greek, in a house. See ITiM. 5. 13. . . ii" in Vulgate, wise man will be grieved with the disgrace. nhall be abashed at the person of the mighty. lips of talkers will be telling such things as pertain not unto them 11 ^: [the mouth of the wicked speaks against his own body 7 ;] but the words of such as have under- standing are weighed in the balance . The heart of 26 fools p is in their mouth : but the mouth of the wise is in their heart. When the ungodly curseth Satan II r , he curseth his own soul. A whisperer* 1 defileth his own 27 soul, and is hated wheresoever he dwelleth: [and he that shall abide with him shall be hateful : the silent and wise man shall be honoured 8 .] II" Or, ignorance. n JOB 31. 9. II 'The Greek here is corrupt. Some render it, the lipK of the proud are heavy with cursing. 17. II r In Syriac and Arabic, him that ii not his enemy. Addition in Syriac. ch. 28. 25. P ECCLES. 10. 2. ch. 8. q PROV. 26. 20, 22. ch. 5. 14. ECCLESIASTICUS, XXII. 305 CHAPTER XXII. Sayings concerning folly and fidelity. 1 A SLOTHFUL man is compared to a filthy stone"", XJL and every one will hiss him out to his disgrace. 2 A slothful man is compared to the filth of a dunghill" 6 : 3 every man that takes it up will shake his hand. An evil- nurtured son is the dishonour of his father that begat 4 him : and a foolish daughter is born to his loss. A wise daughter a shall bring an inheritance to her husband " c : but she that liveth dishonestly is her father's heaviness. 5 She that is bold dishonoured both her father and her 6 husband, but they both shall despise her. A tale out of season is as musick in mourning : but stripes and cor- 7 rection of wisdom are never out of time II d . "Whoso teacheth a fool is as one that glueth a potsherd to- gether 1 ', and [he that telleth a word to him that hear- eth not is 1 ] as he that waketh one from a sound sleep. 8 He that telleth a tale to a fool speaketh to one in a slumber : when he hath told his tale, he will say, What 9 is the matter ? * If children live honestly, and have * wherewithal, they shall cover the baseness of their 10 * parents. But children, being haughty, through disdain *and want of nurture do stain the nobility of their * kindred.* Weep c for the dead, for he hath lost the 11 light d : and weep for the fool, for he wanteth under- standing: make little weeping for the dead, for he is at rest 6 : but the life of the fool is worse 1 than death. 12 Seven days do men mourn g for him that is dead ; but for a fool and an ungodly man all the days of his life. 13 Talk not much with a fool, and go not to him that hath no understanding: beware of him h , lest thou have trouble, and thou shalt never be defiled with his fooleries H": depart from him, and thou shalt find rest, 14 and never be disquieted with madness. What is heavier than lead ? and what is the name thereof, but 15 a fool ? Sand ', and salt, and a mass of iron, is easier to bear, than a man without understanding, [that is both 16 foolish and wicked 2 .] As timber girt and bound to- ll II" In Vulgate, is pelted with a dirty stone. In the Syriac, is likened to a stone smeared with dung, from the smell of which men flee. ll> In Vulgate, is pelted with cow dung. a PROV. 13. 22. II 'Or, shall gain a hus- band for her portion. \\ d Or, stripes and disci- pline are wisdom at all season*. b PROV. 9. 7. i Addition in Vulgate. * Omitted in Vulgate and most Greek copies. c ch. .38. 16 ; 41. 10, 11. d JOB 3. 20, 23. 6 JOB 3. 17. f 2 TIM. 5. 6. e GEN. 50. 10. NUM. 20. 29. DEUT. 34. 8. h ch. 12. 12. II' Or, his vile talk; lit., that which he shakes off. i PROV. 27. 3. s Addition in Vulgate. 306 ECCLESIASTICTJS, XXII. gether in a building cannot be loosed with shaking : so j PS. 112. 7, 8. the heart that is stablishedJ by advised counsel shall fear at no time : [the thought of him that is wise at all times shall not be depraved by fear 3 .] A heart settled 17 upon a thought of imderstanding is as a fair plaistering on the wall of a gallery. Pales set on an high place 18 [and plaisterings made without cost 4 ] will never stand against the wind : so a fearful heart in the imagination k of a fool cannot stand against any fear. [As a fearful heart in the thought of a fool at all times will not fear, so neither shall he that continueth always in the com- mandments of God 5 .] He that pricketh the eye will 19 make tears to fall : and he that pricketh the heart maketh it to shew her knowledge H. Whoso casteth a 20 stone at the birds frayeth them away : and he that up- braideth l his friend breaketh friendship. Though thou 21 drewest a sword at thy friend, yet despair not: for there may be a returning to favour. If thou hast 22 opened thy mouth against thy friend, fear not; for there may be a reconciliation : except for upbraiding, or pride, or disclosing" 1 of secrets, or a treacherous wound : for for these things every friend will depart. [Be not inconstant to thy friend ; but if thou art in- constant, call him not thy friend, for it is not meet that he should be called thy friend 6 .] Be faithful to 23 thy neighbour in his poverty, that thou mayest rejoice in his prosperity : abide steadfast unto him in the time of his trouble, that thou mayest be heir with him n in his heritage: *for a mean estate is not always to be * contemned : nor the rich that is foolish to be had in * admiration *. As the vapour and smoke of a furnace 24 goeth before the fire ; so reviling, [and reproaches and threats 7 ,] before blood. I will not be ashamed to 25 defend H a friend p ; neither will I hide myself from him. And if any evil happen unto me by him, [I will 26 bear it. But 8 ] every one that heareth it will beware of him. Who shall set a watch before my mouth q , and a seal 27 of wisdom " upon my lips, that I fall not suddenly by them, and that my tongue destroy me not? 3 Addition in Vulgate. * Addition in Vulgate. The Syriac has: As linen of flax and white wool cannot withstand the whirl- wind. k Ps. 14. 5. PROV. 28. 1. * Addition in Vulgate. II In Vulgate, bringeth forth re- sentment. 1 ch. 41. 22. m ch. 27. 17 ; 41. 23. Addition in Arabic. n Luke 22. 28, 29. * Omitted in Vulgate and most copies. Ps. 15. 4. 1 Addition in Vulgate. II Or, shield. Pi SAM. 19. 4, 5. 8 Addition in Vulgate. i Ps. 39. 1 ; 141. 3. PROV. 16. 1. II Or, subtilty, the caution of the ser- pent. MATT. 10. 16. COL. 4. 5. ECCLESIASTICUS, XXIII. 307 CHAPTER XXIII. Cautions against profane swearing, adultery, and oilier sins. LORD, Father and Governor of *all* my * whole * life, leave me not to their counsels, and 2 let me not fall by them. Who will set scourges over my thoughts, and the discipline of wisdom over mine heart? that they spare me not for mine ignorances, 3 and it pass not by my sins " : lest mine ignorances increase, and my sins abound to my destruction, and I fall before mine adversaries, and mine enemy rejoice* 4 over me, whose hope is far from Thy mercy. O Lord, Father and God of my life, [leave me not to their devices 1 :] give me not a proud look b , * but turn away 5 * from Thy servants always a haughty H mind *. Turn away from me *vain hopes and* concupiscence, *and * Thou shalt hold him up that is desirous always to 6 * serve Thee *. Let not the greediness of the belly nor lust c of the flesh H take hold of me ; and give not over me * Thy servant * into an impudent mind. [DISCIPLINE or THE MOUTH 2 .] 7 Hear, O ye children, the discipline of the mouth : he that keepeth it shall never be taken in his lips, [nor be 8 brought to fall into most wicked works 3 .] The sinner shall be left in his foolishness: both the evil speaker 9 and the proud shall fall thereby. Accustom not thy mouth to swearing d , [for in it there are many falls 4 ;] neither use thyself to the naming of the Holy One, [and meddle not with the names of saints 11 , for thou 10 shalt not escape tree from them 5 .] For as a servant that is continually beaten shall not be without a blue mark : so he that sweareth and nameth God continually 11 shall not be faultless. A man that useth much swear- ing shall be filled with iniquity, and the plague shall never depart from his house : if he shall offend, his sin shall be upon him : and if he acknowledge not his sin, he maketh a double offence : and if he swear in vain II, he shall not be innocent ", but his house shall be full of 12 calamities. There is a word that is clothed about with U2 * Omitted in most Greek copies. II In Vulgate. that their sins may not appear. * Ps. 13. 4 ; 35. 19; 38. 16. 1 Addition in Vulgate. b Ps. 18. 27 ; 101.5; 131.1. PROV. 6. 17 ; 21.4 * Omitted in some copies. II lit., giant- like. * Omitted in Vulgate and some Greek copies. II Or, the appetite of lust. c ROM. 13. 13. 2 Title in the Greek. Addition in Vulgate. a Ex. 20. 7. MATT. 5. 33, 34. ch. 27. 14. JAMES 5. 12. 4, * Additions in Vulgate. II Or, holy things, as in MATT. 23. 1622. II Or, held (Ex. 20. 7) ; VA^juatiJiett. 308 ECCLESIASTICUS, XXIII. II Or, a say- ing whose penalty is death that is, blasphemy, LEV. 24. 15, 16. MARK 3. 29. " PROV. 21. 23. EPH. 4. 29. COL. 3. 8. II Or, licen- tious talk. i PROV. 19. 26. 6 Addition in Vulgate. * JOB 3. 1, &c. JER. 20. 14, <&c. h 2 SAM. 16. 7. "Additions in Syriac and Arabic. ' PROV. 27. 20. II An incestuous person is probably meant. The Vulgate has, mouth of his flesh. II In the Syriac and Arabic, all flesh, i PROV. 5.15; 9.17. II lit., passeth beyond his own bed. k JOB 24. 15 17. Is. 29. 15. s Addition in Vulgate. 9 Addition in Vulgate. MOB 34. 21, 22. ch. 15. 19. 10 Addition in Vulgate. * Omitted in some copies. 11 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. 12 Addition in Vulgate. m PROV. 6. 3235. is Addition in Vulgate. n LEV. 20. 10. DEUT. 22. 32. death II : God grant that it be not found in the heritage of Jacob ; for all such things shall be far from the godly, and they shall not wallow in their sins. Use 13 not thy mouth to intemperate swearing II, for therein is the word of sin. Remember thy father and thy 14 mother f , when thou sittest among great men. Be not forgetful before them, and so thou by thy custom become a fool, [and suffer reproach 6 ,] and wish that thou hadst not been born, and curse the day g of thy nativity. The man that is accustomed to opprobrious words 11 15 will never be reformed all the days of his life, [nor will a man that is defiled by fleshly lusts receive in- struction 7 .] Two sorts of men multiply sin, and the 16 third will bring wrath [and destruction 7 ;] a hot mind is as a burning fire, it will never be quenched } till it be consumed : a fornicator in the body of his flesh H will never cease till he hath kindled a fire. All bread H is IT sweet to a whoremonger, he will not leave off tillJ he die. A man that breaketh wedlock H, saying thus in 18 his heart, Who k seeth me? I am compassed about with darkness, the walls cover me, and no body seeth me ; what need I to fear? the Most High will not remember my sins : [and understandeth not that His eye seeth all things 8 :] such a man only feareth the eyes of men, and IS) [his fear driveth from him the fear of God, and the eyes of men fearing Him : and he 9 ] knoweth not that the eyes of the Lord are ten thousand times brighter than the sun 1 , beholding all the ways of men [round about, and the bottom of the deep 10 ,] and considering the most secret parts. He knew all things ere ever 20 they were created : so also after they were perfected *He looked upon them all*. [And after the end of the world He will judge them Himself 11 .] This man 21 shall be punished in the streets of the city, [and he shall be chased as a colt 12 ,] and where he suspecteth not he shall m be taken. [And he shall be in disgrace with all men, because he understood not the fear of the Lord 13 .] Thus shall it go also with the wife that 22 leaveth n her husband, and bringeth in an heir by another. For first, she hath disobeyed the law of the 3 Most High ; and secondly, she hath tra passed against ECCLESIASTICUS, XXIV. 309 her own husband; and thirdly, she hath played the whore in adultery, and brought children by another 24 man. She shall be brought out into the congregation, 25 and inquisition shall be made of her children. Her WISD. 4. 6. children shall not take root p , and her branches shall q WlSD 'o'i' 7 26 bring forth no fruit. She shall leave her memory to * omitted in be cursed, and her reproach shall not be blotted out. Arabi^and 27 And they that remain shall know that there is nothing some Greek better than the fear of the Lord, and that there is r DEUT. 30.20. nothing sweeter q than to take heed unto the com- PROV> 3 - 1G - 28 mandments of the Lord. * It is great glory to follow * the Lord, and to be received of Him is long r life *. CHAPTER XXIV. The praises of wisdom. [THE PEAISE OF WISDOM l .] "ISDOM shall praise herself l )a , [and shall be honoured in God a ,] and shall glory in the midst 2 of her people. In the congregation of the Most High shall she open her mouth a , and triumph before His power H & . [And in the midst of her own people she shall be exalted, and shall be admired in the holy assembly. And in the multitude of the elect she shall have praise, and among the blessed she shall be blessed, saying 2 :] 3 I came out of the mouth b of the Most High, [the firstborn c before all creatures ; I made that in the heavens there should rise light that never faileth 3 ,] 4 and covered the earth as a cloud ||c . I dwelt in high 5 places, and my throne d is in a cloudy pillar. I alone compassed e the circuit of heaven II d , and walked 6 in the bottom of the deep. In the waves of the sea, and in all the earth, and in every people and nation f , I got a possession U e : [and by my power I have trodden under my feet the 1 hearts of all the high and 7 low 4 .] With all these I sought g rest: and in whose 8 inheritance shall I abide ? So the Creator of all things gave me a commandment, and He that made me caused my tabernacle to rest"-'", and said, Let thy dwelling 11 be 9 in Jacob, and thine inheritance ' in Israel. He created me from the beginning > before the world, and [unto 10 the world to come 6 ] I shall never fail. In the holy 1 Title in the Greek. II " lit., her soid, 2 Additions in Vulgate PROY. 8. i, 2. || J Qj. ffjg host', or, the ' b PROV. 2. 6. WISD 7 25 se ; 9! ib. ' s Addition in BAR. 3. 29. Him in 4A e w .- 18 ' 9 '- 9 ' Vulgate. tabernacle. i DEUT 3 il'. 3 J.' MIC. 5. 2. 'Addition in Vulgate. 310 ECCLESIASTICUS, XXIV. k Ex. 31. 3. I DEUT. 4. 6. Addition in Vulgate. II In the Vulgate, Sion. In Syriac and Arabic, Senir, the mountain of snow. See DEUT. 4.48. II ''Or, on the yea shore. In the Vul- gate, Cades. m CAST. 2. 1. Is. 35. 1. ch. 39. 13 ; 50.8. n ch. 39. 14. Ex. 30. 23 26, 3436. 7 Additions in Vulgate. II i In Syriac and Arabic, the laurel rose, or, bay. P PROV. 3. 18; 8. 19. * Omitted in some Greek copies. 8 Addition in Vulgate. M WISD. 6. 17, 20. '' Paov. 9. 4, 5. CAST. 5. 1. II Jin Vulgate, spirit. s Ps. 19. 10, 11; 119.103. CANT. 2. 3. 9 Addition in Vulgate. * Ps. 34. 8 ; 36. 8, 9. HER. 6. 4, 5. 1 PET. 2. 2, 3. 10 Addition in Vulgate. u BAR. 4. 1, 2. n Additions in the Vul- gate. v DEUT. 33. 4. Ps. 119. 111. * Omitted in Vulgate, and most (ireek copies. tabernacle k I served before Him ; and so was I esta- blished in Sion. Likewise in the beloved city He gave ll me rest, and in Jerusalem was my power. And I took 12 root in an honourable people 1 , even in the portion of the Lord's inheritance, [and my abode is in the full assembly of saints 6 .] I was exalted like a cedar in 13 Libanus, and as a cypress tree upon the mountains of Hermonllfi'. I was exalted like a palm tree in En- 14 gaddi ||A , and as a rose plant m in Jericho, as a fair olive tree in a pleasant field, and grew up as a plane tree by the water. I gave a sweet smell D like cinnamon and 15 aspalathus, and I yielded a pleasant odour like the best myrrh, as galbanum, and onyx, and sweet storax , and as the fume of frankincense [not cut 7 ,] in the tabernacle, [and my odour is as the purest balm 7 .] As the turpen- 16 tine tree " ' I stretched out my branches, and my branches are the branches of honour and grace. As 17 the vine brought I forth pleasant savour, and my flowers are the fruit p of honour and riches. * I am the mother of fair love, and fear, and know- 18 * ledge, and holy hope : I therefore, being eternal, am * given to all my children which are named of Him. * [In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in *me is all hope of life and of virtue 8 .]* Come unto me, 19 all ye that be desirous q of me, and fill yourselves 1 " with my fruits. For my memorial HJ is sweeter than honey s , 20 and mine inheritance than the honeycomb. [My me- mory is unto everlasting generations 9 .] They that eat 21 me shall yet k be hungry, and they that drink me shall yet be thirsty. He that obeyeth me shall never be con- 22 founded, and they that work by me shall not do amiss. [They that explain me shall have life everlasting 10 .] All these things are the book u of [life and u ] the cove- 23 nant of the Most High God, [and the knowledge of truth 11 ,] even the law which Moses commanded [in the precepts of righteousness 11 ,] for an heritage 7 unto the congregations of Jacob, [and the promises to Israel. He appointed to David his servant to raise up of him a most mighty king, and sitting on the throne of glory for ever u .] * Faint not to be strong in the Lord ; that 24 * He may confirm you, cleave unto Him : for the Lord ECCLESIASTICUS, XXV. 311 * Almighty is God alone, and beside Him there is no * Omitted in 25 * other Saviour.* He filleth all things with His wisdom, amHnost as Phison w and as Tigris in the time of the new fruits. jjj^ 26 He maketh the understanding to abound like Eu- w GES 2. 11, 27 phrates, and as Jordan in the time of the harvest " fc . He maketh the doctrine of knowledge appear as the light "*, 28 and as Geon in the time of vintage. The first manll" 1 knew her not perfectly : no more shall the last find 29 her out. For her thoughts are more than the sea, and her counsels profounder than the great deep. [I wis- in*theday* 30 dom have poured out rivers 12 .] I also came out as a brook from [a river of a mighty water, or a channel 31 of 13 ] a river, and as a conduit into a garden"". I said, I will water x my best garden, and will water abun- dantly my garden bed: and, lo, my brook became a 32 river 7 , and my river became a sea 110 . I will yet make doctrine to shine as the morning, and will send forth her light afar off. [I will penetrate to all the lower parts of the earth, and will behold all that sleep, and 33 will enlighten all that hope in the Lord 14 .] I will yet pour out doctrine as prophecy, and leave it to [them that seek wisdom, and will not cease to instruct their offspring even to the holy age, and 1S ] all ages for 34 ever. Behold that I have not laboured for myself 2 only, but for all them that seek wisdom"*'. !*. w Additions in Vulgate. II" In Vulgate, out of paradise. x Is. 44. 3. 15. II In Syriac and Arabic, reached the sea. See EZBK. 47. 8. w. w Additions in Vulgate. z PROV. 5. 16. eh. 33. 17. I!' In Vulgate, the truth. This verse is omitted in Syriac and Arabic. &c. Hence probably came the application of the four rivers to the four- fold Gospel. AraWc'f In Spring. See " that is, the Nile, identi- fied with Gihon in JBR. 2. 18, LXX. m In Syriac and Arabic, men of old time; in Vulgate, He who is first is perfected In the know- ledge of her, but the weaker shall not search her out. ' EZBK. 47. CHAPTER XXV. The wisdom of the aged, and woman's wickedness. 1 TN three things I was beautified", and stood up beau- JL tiful both before God and men : the unity of bre- thren a , the love of neighbours, a man and a wife b that 2 agree together. Three sorts of men my soul hateth, and I am greatly offended at their life : a poor man that is proud, a rich man that is a liar c , and an old d 3 adulterer H that doateth. If thou hast gathered no- thing in thy youth 6 , how canst thou find anything in thine age ? how comely a thing is judgment for gray II In Vulgate, my spirit is pleased. Ps. 133. 1. ROM. 12. 10. b COL. 3. 19. 1 PET. 3. 1. c PROV. 17. 7 ; 29.12. d Is. 65. 20. II In the Versions, a foolish old man. 6 PROV. 6. 6, etc. & 10. 5. 312 ECCLESIASTICUS, XXV. f JOB 32. 6, 7. PROV. 16. 31; 20. 24. 2 Mace. 6. 23. * PRO v. 23. 15. 3 JOHN 4. II The Syriac and Arabic have latter end. h JOB 31. 29. PROV. 24. 17. II Or, Blessed in he. See ch. 26. 1. i Addition in Syriac and Arabic. See DEUT. 22. 10. 2 COR. 6. 14 16. 1 ch. 14. 1 ; 19. 16. JAMES 3. 2. 2 Additions in Vulgate. j PROV. 3. 13. k ch. 10. 24. Addition in Vulgate. 4 Additions in Vulgate. I 2 SAM. 24. 14. ch. 2. 18. 2MACC.10.4. II Or, poison, as some con- jecture. II In the Vul- gate, a wo- man. In PROV. 21. 19 ; 25. 24. li In Syriac and Arabic, inaketh her husband's face pale. "Seech. 21. 9. PROV. 6. 25, 26. ch. 9. 8 ; 42. 12. s Addition in Syriac and Arabic. hairs f , and for ancient men to know counsel ! O how 5 comely is the wisdom of old men, and understanding and counsel to men of honour ! Much experience is the 6 crown of old men, and the fear of God is their glory. There be nine things which I have judged in mine 7 heart to be happy, and the tenth I will utter with my tongue : A man. that hath joy g of his children H ; and he that liveth to see the fall h of his enemy : well is him II 8 that dwelleth with a wife of understanding, [and hath not plowed with an ox and ass together 1 ,] and that hath not slipped with his tongue ', and that hath not served a man more unworthy than himself: well is 9 him that hath found prudence, [and happy he who has found a true friend 2 ,] and he that speaketh [righteous- ness 2 ] in the ears of them that will hear : O how great 10 is he that findeth wisdom J ! yet is there none above him that feareth k the Lord. [The fear of the Lord hath set itself above all things : blessed is the man, to whom it is given to have the fear of God 3 :] but the 11 love of the Lord passeth all things for illumination : he that holdeth it, whereto shall he be likened ? The fear 12 of the Lord is the beginning of His love : and faith is the beginning of cleaving unto Him. [The sadness of the heart is every plague : and the wickedness of a woman is all evil 4 .] Give me any plague, but the 13 plague of the heart: and any wickedness, but the wickedness of a woman : and any affliction, but the afflic- 14 tion l from them that hate me : and any revenge, but the revenge of enemies. There is no head H above the 15 head of a serpent; and there is no wrath above the wrath of an enemy H. I had rather dwell with a lion 16 and a dragon, than to keep house with a wicked woman. The wickedness of a woman changeth her 17 face II, and darkeneth her countenance [as a bear, and sheweth it 4 ] like sackcloth. Her husband shall sit 18 among his neighbours ; and when he heareth it shall sigh bitterly. All wickedness is but little to the wick- 19 edtiess of a woman : let the portion of a sinner fall upon her. As the climbing up a sandy way is to the feet of 20 the aged n , so is a wife full of words to a quiet man. Stumble not at the beauty of a [bad 5 ] woman, and 21 ECCLESIASTICUS, XXVI. 313 desire her not for pleasure, [nor for her possessions. A woman that is furious against her husband is a hard bondage, and a dire disgrace, though his heart dis- semble it. An evil woman is darkness to the eyes, and L2 a plague of the heart 6 .] A woman, if she maintain her husband, is full of anger, impudence, and much re- proach. [A woman if she has the mastery, is contrary 23 to her husband 7 .] A wicked woman abateth the cou- rage, maketh an heavy countenance and a wounded heart : a woman that will not comfort her husband in 24 distress maketh weak hands p and feeble knees. Of the woman came the beginning q of sin, and through her 25 we all die. Give the water r no passage [to burst forth 8 ] neither a wicked woman liberty to gad abroad ; [for as a stream of water bursts forth and increases, so 26 a woman that is an adulteress will multiply sins 8 .] If she go not as thou wouldest have her, [she will con- found thee in the sight of thy enemies 9 .] Cut her oif from thy flesh, [lest she always abuse thee 9 ;] *and *give her a bill of divorce, and let her go.* [Restore her dowry, and dismiss her from thy house 10 .] 6 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. i Addition in Vulgate. See ESTII. 1. 22. ch.42.6. 1 TIM. 2. 12. P Is. 35. 3. 1 GEX. 3. 6. 1 TIM. 2. 14. r JOB 28. 4. PROV. 17. 14. s Additions in Syriac and Arabic. 9 Additions in Vulgate. * Omitted in Vulgate and most Greek copies. See DBTT. 24. 1. MARK 10. 4. 10 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. CHAPTEE XXVI. On good and bad women. 1 T)LESSED is the man that hath a virtuous* wife, 2 JD for the number of his days shall be double. A virtuous b woman rejoiceth her husband, and he shall 3 fulfil the years of his life in peace. A good wife is a good portion* 1 , which shall be given in the portion of 4 them that fear the Lord. Whether a man be rich or poor, if he have a good heart * toward the Lord,* he shall at all times rejoice with a cheerful countenance. 5 There be three things that mine heart e feareth ; and for the fourth I was sore afraid II : the slander of a city, the gathering together of an unruly multitude f , and a 6 false accusation: all these are worse than death. But a grief of heart and sorrow is a woman that is jealous over another woman, and a scourge of the tongue 7 which communicateth with all. An evil wife is a yoke shaken to and fro": he that hath hold of her is as a PROV. 31. 10. &c. b RUTH 3. 11. PROV. 12. 4. c PROV. 5. 18. ECCLES. 9. 9. d PROV. 18. 22. & 19. 14. * Omitted in some Greek copies. e PROV. 30. 18, 21. II Or, over the fourth I humbly pray. f ACTS 19. 29; 21. 27. II Or, an un- steady, or, unequal yoke. See DEI T. 22. 10. ch. 26. 8. In Syriac and Arabic, a very heavy yoke. 314 ECCLESIASTICUS, XXVI. z PROV. 27. 15, 16. II Or, wilful ; lit., that turneth not away. h GEN. 34. 1. ch. 7. 24 ; 42. 11. ' PROV. 5. 15, 16. II Or, peg, or, stake. J PROV. 9. 13, 14. KZEK. 16. 25. 1 Addition in Vulgate. k PROV. 3. 8 ; 15. 30 ; 17. 22. II Or, that can coun- tervail, ch. 6. 15. 2 Addition in the Vulgate. II Gr. In the highest places of the Lord. 1 LEV. 24. 2, 4. Addition in the Vulgate. ra MATT. 7. 24. LUKE 6. 47, 48. 4 Addition in the Vulgate. * Omitted in many Greek copies, and in the Vul- gate, but inserted in the Syriac and Arabic. though g he held a scorpion. A drunken woman and a 8 gadder abroad causeth great anger, and she will not cover her own shame. The whoredom of a woman 9 may be known in her haughty looks and eyelids. If 10 thy daughter be shameless ", keep her in straitly, lest she abuse herself through overmuch liberty h . Watch 11 over an impudent eye : and marvel not if she trespass against thee. She will open her mouth, -as a thirsty 12 traveller when he hath found a fountain, and drink of every water 1 near her: by every hedge 11 will she sitJ down, and open her quiver against every arrow, [until she fail 1 ..] The grace of a wife delighteth her hus- 13 band, and her discretion will fatten his bones k . A 14 silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord ; and there is nothing so much worth as 11 a mind well in- structed. A shamefaced and faithful woman is a double 15 grace, and her continent mind cannot be valued. As 16 the sun when it ariseth [to the world 2 ] in the high hea- ven 'I ; so is the beauty of a good wife in the ordering of her house. As the clear light is upon the holy 1 17 candlestick ; so is the beauty of the face in ripe age. As the golden pillars are upon the sockets of silver, so 18 are the fair feet [upon the soles of a steady woman 3 ] with a constant heart. [As everlasting foundations upon a solid rock m , so are the commandments of God in the heart of a holy woman 4 .] * My son, keep the flower of thine age sound ; and 19 *give not thy strength to strangers. "When thou hast 20 * gotten a fruitful possession through all the field, sow *it with thine own seed, trusting in the goodness of *thy stock. So thy race which thou leavest shall be 21 * magnified, having the confidence of their good de- * scent. An harlot shall be accounted as spittle ; but a 22 * married woman is a tower against death to her hus- *band. A wicked woman is given as a portion to a 23 * wicked man : but a godly woman is given to him that *feareth the Lord. A dishonest woman contemneth 24 * shame : but an honest woman will reverence her hus- * band. A shameless woman shall be counted as a 25 * dog ; but she that is shamefaced will fear the Lord. * A woman that honoureth her husband shall be judged 26 ECCLESIASTICUS, XXVII. 315 * Omitted in many Greek copies, and in the Vul- gate, but inserted in the Syriae and Arabic. * wise of all ; but she that dishonoureth him in her 27 * pride shall be counted ungodly of all. A loud crying * woman and a scold shall be sought out to drive away * the enemies.* [Happy is the husband of a good woman. The num- ber of the days of his life is doubled. A woman's anger 'should be tempered with meekness, and should be likened to a mild fever in the bones of a workman. A contentious and brawling woman is accounted as a trumpet calling to battle. By all these things the soul of every living man is oppressed : for that life is miser- able which is spent in striving against calamity and 28 anguish 5 .] There be two things that grieve my heart ; and the third maketh me angry : a man of war that suffereth poverty; and men of understanding 11 that are not set by " ; and one that returneth from right- eousness to sin ; the Lord prepareth such an one for the sword. [Two sorts of callings have appeared to 29 me hard and dangerous 6 :] A merchant shall hardly keep himself p from doing wrong ; and an huckster H shall not be freed from [the 6 ] sin, [of the lips 6 .] CHAPTER XXVII. Divers sayings on sin and its dangers. 1 "It /T ANY have sinned* for a small matter H a ; and he \\^or,a thing -1VJ- that seeketh for abundance b will turn his eyes 2 away. As a nail sticketh fast between the joinings of TheVuigate the stones; so doth sin stick close between buying and selling. [Sin shall be destroyed with the sinner 1 . My son, if thou transgress the fear of God even a little, want of thou wilt lose much time, and be deprived of much bpior. tt.4. good. For as smoke d ascends from the fire, so does the c a TlM - 6 - 9 - 3 talk of a man proceed from his thoughts 3 .] Unless a EZEK. 7. 12, man hold himself diligently in the fear of the Lord, his 4 house shall soon be overthrown. As when one sifteth with a sieve, the refuse remaineth ; so the filth of man 5 in his talk ll b . The furnace e proveth the potter's vessels ; in syriac 6 so the trial of man is in his reasoning H C . The fruit f de- uf n vuigate, clareth if the tree have been dressed ; so is the utter- * " thf - perplexity of a man in his thoughts. e PROV. 27. 21. 11 In Vulgate, the trial of affliction just men. ' MATT. 7. 17 ; 12. 33. s Further addition in Syriae and Arabic. n ECCLES. 9. 1416. II Or, are ac- counted ch. 13. 15. i JOHN 8. 31, 32. II * Some copies have door. See GEN. 4 7. & ver. 28. j JOB 12. 10. PROV. 5. 22. < Addition in Vulgate. See ECCLES. 8.1. k PROV. 23. 9. II In Syriac and Arabic, xpeak the truth, or, ttrithout re- nerve. I PROV. 2. 14. In the Vul- gate, their laughter is at the plea- sures of sin. m ch. 23. 9. II JOB 4. 15. Is. 33. 15. ACTS 7. 57. P ch. 19. 7. 1 ch. 22. 22 ; 41. 23. r PROV. 6. 5. s PROV. 20. 19. < Ps. 35. 9. PROV. 6. 12, 13 ; 10. 10. H/ In Vulgate, no man will cast him off. 1 1 "Or, change his tale. II * Or, make thee stum- ble, or, en- tangle thee in thy talk. See Is. 29. 21. MATT. 22. 15. s Addition in Syriac. See PROV. 6. 16, 17. U ECCLES.10.9. v Ps. 7. 15 ; 9. 15; 10. 2. PROV. 5. 22 ; 26. 27. KCCLEB.10.8. ance of a conceit in the heart of man. Praise no man 7 before thou hearest him speak ; for this is the trial of men. If thou followest righteousness, thou shalt obtain 8 her, and put her on, as a glorious 8 long robe, [and thou shalt dwell with her: and she shall protect thee for ever, and in the day of acknowledgment thou shalt find a strong salvation 3 .] The birds will resort unto their 5 like h ; so will truth return unto them that practise in her 1 . As the lion lieth in wait for the prey |id ; so sin 10 for themJ that work iniquity. The discourse of a godly 11 man is always with wisdom ; [and a holy man continu- eth in wisdom as the sun 4 ;} but a fool changeth as the moon. If thou be among the indiscreet k , observe the 12 time; but be" e continually among men of understand- ing. The discourse of fools is irksome, and their sport 1 13 is the wantonness of sin. The talk of -him that swear- 14 eth much m maketh the hair n stand upright ; and their brawls make one stop his ears. The strife of the 15 proud is bloodshedding, and their revilings are griev- ous to the ear. Whoso discovereth secrets p loseth his 16 credit ; and shall never find [a] friend to his mind. Love 17 thy friend, and be faithful unto him : but if thou be- wrayest his secrets, follow no more after him q . For as 18 a man hath destroyed his enemy ; so hast thou lost the love of thy neighbour. As one that letteth a bird go 19 out of his hand, so hast thou let thy neighbour go, and shalt not get him again. Follow after him no more, for 20 he is too far off; he is as a roe r escaped out of the snare. As for a wound, it may be bound up ; and after reviling 21 there may be reconcilement: but he that bewrayeth secrets 8 is without hope. He that winketh with the 22 eyes 4 worketh evil : and he that knoweth him will de- part from him \\f. When thou art present, he will speak 23 sweetly, and will admire thy words : but at the last he will writhe his mouth H0 } and slander 1 1* thy sayings. I 24 have hated many things, but nothing like him ; for the Lord will hate him. [He whose eye is lifted up, goeth to his fall 5 .] Whoso casteth a stone u on high casteth it 25 on his own head; and a deceitful stroke shall make wounds. Whoso diggeth a pit v shall fall therein : [and 26 he that setteth a stone for his neighbour, shall stumble ECCLESIASTICUS, XXVIII. 317 upon it 6 ;] and he that setteth a trap shall be taken" 27 therein. He that worketh mischief, it shall fall upon him x , and he shall not know whence it cometh. [Snares and traps will be the ruin of those who prepare them, and shall pursue them unto the day of their death 7 .] 28 Mockery and reproach are from the proud; but ven- 29 geance y , as a lion, shall lie in wait for them. They that rejoice at the fall of the righteous shall be taken in the snare ; and anguish z shall consume them before they 30 die. Malice and wrath, even these are abominations ; and the sinful man shall have them both. Addition in Syriac. w Ps. 35. 8. * 1 KIN. 16. 10, 18. Hos. 1. 4. ~ Addition in Syriac and Arabic. yDEUT.32.35. ROM. 12. 19. z 2 MACC. 9. 57. Ps. 37. 12. & 112. 10. CHAPTEE XXVIII. On forgiveness of injuries, and the evils of backbiting. "E that revengeth shall find vengeance H a from the Lord*, and He will surely keep b his sins in 2 remembrance. Forgive thy neighbour the hurt that he hath done unto thee, so shall thy sins also be forgiven 3 when thou prayest. One man beareth hatred d against 4 another, and doth he seek pardon H b from the Lord? He sheweth no mercy to a man, which is like himself: and 5 doth he ask forgiveness of his own sins ? If he that is but flesh nourish hatred, who will intreat for pardon of 6 his skis ? Kemember thy end e , and let enmity cease ; remember corruption and death, and abide in the 7 commandments. Kemember the commandments f , and bear no malice to thy neighbour. [Remember the fear of God, and be not angry with thy neighbour x :] re- member the covenant of the Highest, and wink at 8 ignorance H c . Abstain from strife 8 , and thou shalt diminish thy sins : for a furious man will kindle strife. 9 A sinful man disquieteth friends, and maketh debate " d 10 among them that be at peace h . As the matter H e of the fire is, so it burneth s : and as a man's strength is, so is his wrath ; and according to his riches his anger riseth ; and the stronger they are which contend W, the more they will be inflamed. [As pitch and tow, 11 so 2 ] an hasty contention kindleth a fire : and an hasty V Or, fuel. In Vulgate, wood of the forest. See JAMES 3. 5. PROV. 26. 20, subject of contention. 2 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. II "In the Syriac and Arabic, the deceitful man shall err in his way, and shall find vengeance, &c. a DEUT.32.15. ROM. 12. 19. b Ps. 130. 3. JOHN 20. 23. c MATT. 6. 14, 15 ; 18. 35. MARK 11. 25. LUKE 6. 37. d MATT. 18. 23, &c. \\ 6 Or,healing. e ch. 7. 36. PROV. 23. 18. t LEV. 18. 19. ECCLES. 7. 9. Addition in Vulgate. \V Or overlook a neigh- bour'sfault. ch. 8. 1, 16. 1 COR. 3. 4. II* Or, uill insinuate calumny, or, eixite suspicion. I' 2 SAM. 16. 3,4. PROV. 6. 19 : 16.18; 17.9. 21. Il/Or, the 318 ECCLESIASTICUS, XXVIII. j JAMES 3. 10. k ch. 21. 28. Prov. 18. 8 ; 26. 22. \\* ]il.,a third tongue. ) PROV. 16. 27. JAMES 3. 6. 4 Addition in the Vulgate. * Addition in the Vulgate. fighting sheddeth blood: [and a tongue that beareth 3 Addition in witness bringeth death 3 .] If thou blow the spark, 12 it shall burn : if thou spit upon it, it shall be quench- ed: and both these J come out of thy mouth. Curse 13 the whisperer and doubletongued k : for such have destroyed many that were at peace. A backbiting 14 tongue 11^ hath disquieted many 1 , and driven them from nation to nation: strong cities hath it pulled down, and overthrown the houses of great men. [It hath cut in pieces the forces of people, and undone strong nations 4 .] A backbiting tongue hath cast out vir- 15 tuous women, and deprived them of their labours. Whoso hearkeneth unto it shall never find rest, and 16 never dwell quietly, [neither shall he have a friend in whom he may repose 5 .] The stroke of the whip 17 maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh m the bones. Many have fallen by the 18 edge of the sword: but not so many as have fallen by the tongue H ft . "Well is he that is defended from it, 19 and hath not passed through the venom thereof; who hath not drawn the yoke thereof, nor hath been bound in her bands. For the yoke thereof is a yoke of iron, 20 and the bands thereof are bands of brass. The death 21 thereof is an evil death, the grave were better than it. [Its continuance shall not be for a long time, but it shall possess the ways of the unjust 6 .] It shall not 22 have rule over them that fear God, neither shall they be burned with the flame thereof . Such as forsake 23 the Lord shall fall into it ; and it shall burn in them, and not be quenched ; it shall be sent upon them as a lion, and devour them as a leopard. Look that thou 24 hedge thy possession about with thorns, and bind upH* thy silver and gold, and weigh thy words in a balance, 25 [and make a just bridle for thy lips 7 ,] and make a door and bar p for thy mouth. Beware thou slide not by it, 26 lest thou fall before him that lieth in wait, [and thy fall be incurable unto death 8 .] 11 Ps. 52. 2. JAMBS 3. 8. II* In Vul- gate, by their own tongue. 6 Addition in the Vulgate. " JAMBS 3. 6. ll'InVnlgate, melt down. In Syriac and Arabic, set a seal upon. 1 Addition in Vulgate. J Ps. 39. 2 ; 141.3. PROV. 10. 19. s Addition in Vulgate. ECCLESIASTICUS, XXIX. 319 CHAPTEK XXIX. On lending, and suretiship. \ TTE that is merciful a will lend unto his neighbour ; _LJ_ and he that strengthened his [friend's] hand b 2 keepeth the commandments. Lend to thy neighbour in time of his need, and pay thou thy neighbour d again 3 in due season. Keep thy word, and deal faithfully with him, and thou shalt always find the thing that 4 is necessary for thee. Many, when a thing was lent them, reckoned it to be found, and put them to trouble 5 that helped them. Till he hath received, he will kiss a man's hand ; and for his neighbour's money he will speak submissly, [and in promises humble his voice * ;] but when he should repay, he will prolong the time, and return [tedious and murmuring 2 ] words of grief, 6 and complain of the time. If he prevail, [and be able to pay, he will stand off, and 3 ] he shall hardly receive the half, and he will count as if he had found it : if not, he hath deprived him of his money, and he hath gotten him an enemy without cause: he payeth him with cursings and railings ; and for honour he will pay him disgrace, [and instead of a good turn will repay him 7 injuries 4 .] Many therefore have refused to lend [not out of wickedness, but 5 ] for other men's ill dealing, 8 fearing to be defrauded [without cause 6 .] Yet have thou patience 6 with a man in poor estate, and delay 9 not to shew him mercy. Help the poor for the com- mandment's sake f , and turn him not away [empty 7 ] in because of his poverty. Lose thy money for thy brother 8 and thy friend, and let it not rust under a 11 stone to be lost. Lay up thy treasure 11 [of righteous- ness and love 8 ] according to the commandments of the Most High, and it shall bring thee more profit 1 than 12 gold. Shut up alms in thy storehouses II: and it shall 13 deliver J thee from all affliction. It shall fight for thee against thine enemies better k than a mighty shield and 14 strong spear. An honest man is surety for his neigh- 15 bour: but he that is impudent will forsake him. Forget not the friendship of thy surety, for he hath given his * Ps. 37. 26. b JOB 4. 3, 4. c Ex. 22. 25. LBV. 25. 85 37. DEUT. 15. 8 ; 23. 19, 20. PROV. 17. 7. Ps. 37. 21. A ROM. 13. 7, 8. ch. 4. 31. i Addition in Vulgate. 2, 3 Additions in Vulgate. Addition in Vulgate. WAdditions in Vulgate. 6 MATT. 18. 29. 1 JOHN 3. 17. 'DEVT.14.29; 15.2,3,4,11. * eh. 20. 30. h TOBIT 4. 10. ch. 17. 18. 8 Addition in Syriac and Arabic, i MATT. 19. 21. IITheVuljtate has, m the heart oftlie poor, i TOBIT 4. 7 11 k PROV. 11. 17. ECCLESIASTICUS, XXX. MO Additions in Vulgate. IPROV.6.1,2; 11. 15; 17. 18; 20. 16; 22. 26, 27. ln PROV. 27. 26, 27. ch. 39. 26. "PROV.15.16; 16.8. II Or, of thy sojourning, as one with- out fixed habitation, PROV. 27. 8. 1' ch. 36. 26. 11, 12 Addi- tions in Vulgate. II Or, Go forth from this splendour. 1 Title in the Greek. * 1 SAM. 3. 13. PROV. 3. 12 ; 13. 24; 23. 13. ch. 42. 5. b PROV. 10. 1 ; 27. 11 ; 29. 3. c JOB 31. 9. 2 Addition in the Vulgate. II Or, those of Ms house- hold. life for thee. A sinner will overthrow the good estate of his surety, [and the unclean fleeth from him ; he attributeth to himself the goods of his surety 9 ;] and he that is of an unthankful mind will leave him in danger that delivered him. [Evil 10 ] suretiship hath undone many of good estate, and shaken them as a wave of the sea : mighty men hath it driven from their houses, so that they wandered among strange nations. A wicked man transgressing the commandments of the Lord shall fall into suretiship ' : and he that under- taketh and followeth other men's business for gain shall fall into suits. Help thy neighbour according to thy power, and beware that thou thyself fall not into the same. The chief thing for life m is water, and bread, and clothing, and an house to cover shame. Better" is the life of a poor man in a mean cottage, than delicate fare in another man's house. Be it little or much, -hold thee contented , that thou hear not the reproach of thy house H. For it is a miserable life to go from house to house p : forwhere thou art a stranger, thou darest not open thy mouth. Thou shalt entertain, and feast, [and give drink",] and have no thanks: moreover thou shalt hear bitter words: Come, thou stranger, and furnish a table, and feed me of that thou hast ready, [and give others to eat what thou hast in thy hand 12 .] Give place, thou stranger, to an honour- able man H; my brother cometh to be lodged, and I have need of mine house. These things are grievous to a man of understanding ; the upbraiding of house- room, and reproaching of the lender. CHAPTEE XXX. The correction of children, and the blessing of health. [CONCEENING CHILDEEN 1 .] HE that loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the 1 rod a , that he may have joy b of him in the end, [and not grope after the doors of his neighbours 2 .] He that chastiseth his son shall have joy in him, and 2 shall rejoice of him among his acquaintance 1 !. He that 3 teacheth his son grieveth the enemy; and before his 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 3 24 25 26 27 28 ECCLESIASTICUS, XXX. 321 4 friends he shall rejoice of him. Though his father die, yet he is as though he were not dead : for he hath 5 left one behind him that is like himself d . While he lived, he saw and rejoiced in him : and when he died, he was not sorrowful, [neither was he confounded be- 6 fore his enemies 3 .] He left behind him an avenger 6 against his enemies, and one that shall requite kindness 7 to his friends. He that maketh too much of U his son shall bind up his wounds; and his bowels will be 8 troubled f at every cry. An horse not broken becom- eth headstrong g : and a child left to himself will be 9 wilful. Cocker H thy child, and he shall make thee afraid: play with him, and he will bring thee to 10 heaviness. Laugh not with him, lest thou have sor- row with him 11 , and lest thou gnash thy teeth in the 11 end. Give him no liberty in his youth, and wink h not 12 at his follies. Bow down his neck while he is young 1 , and beat him on the sides while he is a child J, lest he wax stubborn, and be disobedient unto thee, and so 13 bring sorrow to thine heart. Chastise thy son, and hold him to labour u, lest his lewd behaviour be an offence unto thee. [COXCEBNING HEALTH 4 .] 14 Better is the poor, being sound and strong of con- stitution, than a rich man that is [weak, and 5 ] afflicted 15 in his body. Health and good estate of body [and health of the soul in holiness and righteousness 6 ] are above all gold, and a strong body above infinite wealth k . 16 There is no riches above a sound body, and no joy 17 above the joy of the heart. Death is better than a bitter life [and everlasting rest than 7 ] continual sick- 18 ness. Delicates poured upon a mouth shut up are as 19 messes of meat set upon a grave. What good doeth the offering unto an idol? for neither can it eat nor smell: so is he that is persecuted of the Lord", [bear- 20 ing the reward of his iniquity 8 .] He seeth l with his eyes and groaneth, as an eunuch m that embraceth a 21 virgin and sigheth. Give not over thy mind to heaviness n , and afflict not thyself in thine own counsel. 22 The gladness of the heart is the life of man, [and a ACTS 17. 26. ' Ex. 28. 1. NUM. 16. 9. DKUT. 10. 8. J 2 TIM. 2. 20. KOM. 9. 21. k Is. 45. 9 ; 64.8. JER. 18. 6. Wiso.15.7,8. ch. 38. 29,30. II Gr. accord- ing to His judgment, See ROM. 9. 20, &c. 5 Addition in Vulgate. 1 Is. 45. 7. AMOS 3. 6. Addition in Syriac and Arabic. * Omitted In most copies. CHAPTER XXXIII. Sayings concerning feast days, servants, and other matters. npHERE shall no evil happen* unto him that feareth 1 _I_ the Lord ; but in temptation b even again He will deliver him. A wise man hateth not the law ; but he 2 that is an hypocrite therein is as a ship in a storm. A 3 man of understanding trusteth in the law ; and the law is faithful unto him, as an oracle 11 . Prepare what to 4 say, and so thou shalt be heard : and bind up instruc- tion, and then make answer. [He that cleareth up a question shall prepare what to say, and so having prayed he shall be heard, and shall keep discipline, and then he shall answer 1 .] The heart of the foolish is like a 5 cart-wheel d ; and his thoughts are like a rolling axle- tree 'I. A stallion horse is as a mocking friend, he 6 neigheth under every one that sitteth upon him. Why doth one day excel another, [and one light 7 another, and one year another year 2 ,] when as all the light of every day in the year is of the sun? By the 8 knowledge of the Lord they were e distinguished, [the sun being made, and keeping His commandment 3 :] and He altered seasons and feasts. [He ordered the seasons, and holidays of them, and in them they cele- brated festivals at an hour 4 .] Some of them hath He 9 made high days, and hallowed f them, and some of them hath He made ordinary days. And all men 10 are from the ground, and Adam was created of g earth. In much knowledge the Lord hath divided 11 11 them, and made their ways diverse. Some of them 12 hath He blessed and exalted', and some of them hath He sanctified, and set near Himself: but some of them hath He cursed and brought lowJ, and turned out of their places. As the clay is in the potter's hand, 13 to fashion k it at his pleasure: so man is in the hand of Him that made him, to render to them as liketh Him best II, [and all their ways are according to His order- ing 5 .] Good is set against evil ', and life against death, 14 [and light against darkness 6 ,] so is the godly against the sinner, *and the sinner against the godly.* So 15 ECCLESIASTICUS, XXXIII. 327 look upon all the works of the Most High ; and there are two and two m , one against another. 16 I awaked up last of all, as one that gathereth n after the grapegatherers : by the blessing of the Lord I profited, and filled my winepress like a gatherer of 17 grapes. Consider that I laboured not for myself only, but for all them that seek learning. 18 Hear me, O ye great men of the people, and hearken 19 with your ears, ye rulers of the congregation. Give not thy son and wife, thy brother and friend, power ever thee while thou livest, and give not thy goods p to another : lest it repent thee, and thou intreat for the 20 same again. As long as thou livest and hast breath 21 in thee, give not thyself* 1 over to any H. For better it is that thy children should seek to thee, than that 22 thou shouldest stand to their courtesy H. In all thy works keep to thyself the preeminence; leave not a 23 stain in thine honour. At the time when thou shalt end thy days, and finish thy life, distribute r thine in- heritance. [CONCERNING SLAVES 7 .] 24 Fodder, a wand, and burdens 8 , are for the ass; and bread, correction, and work, for a servant. [He worketh 25 under correction *, and seeketh to rest 8 .] If thou set thy servant to labour, thou shalt find rest : but if thou 26 let him go idle u , he shall seek liberty. A yoke and a collar do bow the neck, [and continual labours bow v a slave 9 ;] so are tortures and torments for an evil 27 servant. Send him to labour, that he be not idle; 28 for idleness teacheth w much evil. Set him to work, as is fit for him: if he be not obedient 1 , put on more 29 heavy fetters. But [deal not thus with every servant, and 10 ] be not excessive toward any ; and without dis- 30 cretion do nothing. If thou have a servant 11 , let him be unto thee as thyself 7 , because thou hast bought him 31 with a price 11 . If thou have a servant, entreat him as a brother z : for thou hast need of him, as of thine own soul : if thou entreat him evil, [and hurt him unjustly, he will run away 11 :] and [if he rise up and depart and 12 ] he run from thee, which way wilt thou go a to seek him? ra ECCLES. 7. 14. ch. 42. 24. n JOHN 6. 12. ch. 24. 34. P ch. 9. 2. 1 ch. 32. 22. II In Vulgate, let no man change thee. II Gr. look to their hands. r GEN. 25. 5, 6 ; 48. 22. 2 KIN. 20. 1. JOB42.15.1T. i Title in the Greek. 8 PROV. 26. 3. Ex. 2. 11. a Addition in the Vulgate. a ECCLES. 10. 7. T Ex. 6. 9. Addition in the Vulgate. w PROV. 13. 4; 25. 25. EZEK. 16. 49 2THES.3.11 1 TIM. 5. 13. I PROV. 29. 19 10 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. II In Syriac and Arabic, on? servant only. yDEUT.15.13, 14. ch. 7. 20. LUKE 7. 2. EPH. 6. 9. COL. 4. 1. \\Gr.inblood. It is conjec- tured, how- ever, that the original Hebrew word signi- fied a money price. See Ex. 21. 20, 21. z PIIILEM. 15. 16. 1 TIM. 6. 1, 2. n, 12 Addi- tions in Vulgate. a GEN. 31. 20, 21. 1 Kis. 2. 39, 40. 328 ECCLESIASTICUS, XXXIV. CHAPTER XXXIV. Concerning dreams, and the offerings of the wicked. [CONCERNING [ TTE that seeketh after vanity shall find sorrow 1 JL- L of heart, and the seeing of dreams is a vain de- light 2 .] The hopes of a man void of understanding are vain and false : and dreams lift up H* fools. Whoso 2 1 Title in English margin, but not found in the best Greek copies. 2 Addition in regardeth [lying 3 ] dreams a is like him that catcheth ! y rabic and at a shadow, and followeth b after the wind. The 3 ii" Gr. lift on vision of dreams is the resemblance of one thing to Addition la another, even as c the likeness of a face to a face. [He Vulgate. fl^ trusteth not in them shall obtain victory from the a ECCI/ES. 5. 1. . ... . * is. 29. 7, 8. prince ot his people ; but what success is there for the ch. 41. 6, 7. i> JOB 20. 8. c JOB 4. 13 liar 4 ?] Of an unclean thing what can be cleansed d ? 4 and from that thing which is false what truth can p 6 Rov. 27.19. come? [Lying omens, and deceitful 5 ] divinations, and 5 < Addition in soothsayings e , and dreams f [of evil doers 6 ,] are vain : Uriaf tr\f\ L 7J and the heart fancieth g , as a woman's heart in travail. [Yea, though thou hast learned that God permits men 6 to err through visions of the night, give no heed to them 7 .] If they be not sent from the Most High h in thy visitation II & , set not thy heart upon them. For 7 dreams have deceived many, and they have failed that put their trust in them. [Where there are no sins, Syriac and Arabic, d JOB 14. 4. fi , 6 Additions in Vulgate. e NUM. 24. 1. f DBUT. 13. 1. JER. 23. 25, 27, 32 ; 29. 8. ZECH. 10. 2. e JOB 7. 14. ~> Addition in God is well pleased : but the wisdom of the ungodly is proved in the night season 8 .] The law shall be 8 found perfect without liesll c : and wisdom is perfection to a faithful mouth. [What doth he know, that hath not been tried 9 ?] A man that hath travelled H' know- 9 eth many things ; and he that hath much experience Syriac and win declare wisdom. He that hath no experience 10 \\ c Or.sh'aiibe knoweth little: but he that hath travelled is full of ^without the P ru( Jence l|e . [He that hath not been tried, what man- aid o/delu- ner of things doth he know? he that hath been sur- LuKEi6. e 30, prised, shall abound with subtilty 10 .] When I travel- 11 led H/. I saw j many things ; [and many customs of 9 Addition in ' u Vulgate. things " ;] and I understand more than I can express. II* Or, is in- structed. II' Or, he who hath erred will multiply subtilty. ch. 22. 27. 10 Addition in Vulgate, ll/ Or, in my erring, or, roving. ' ECCLES. 1. 14. ch. 39. 4 ; 51. 13. u Addi- tion in Vulgate. Syriac and Arabic, h NUM. 12. 6. JOB 33. 14 16. H* Or. as a ECCLESIASTICUS, XXXIV. 329 12 I was offctimes in danger of death : yet I was deli- veredJ [by the grace of God 12 ] because of these things. 13 The spirit of those that fear the Lord shall live ; [it is sought after, and by His regard shall be blessed 13 ;] for their hope is in Him that saveth them, [and the 14 eyes of God are upon them that love Him 14 .] Whoso feareth the Lord shall not fear nor be afraid k ; for He 15 is his hope. Blessed is the soul of him that feareth the Lord: to whom doth he look? and who is his 16 strength? For the eyes of the Lord are upbn them that love Him 1 , He is their mighty protection and strong stay, a defence from heat, and a cover from the sun at noon m , a preservation from stumbling, and an 17 help from falling 11 . He raiseth up the soul, and light- eneth the eyes : He giveth health, life, and blessing. 18 He that sacrificeth of a thing wrongfully gotten p , his offering is ridiculous H"; and the gifts H ft of unjust 19 men are not accepted. [The Lord is only for them that wait upon Him in the way of truth and righteous- ness 15 .] The Most High is not pleased with the offer- ings q of the wicked ; neither is He pacified for sin by 20 the multitude of sacrifices. Whoso bringeth an offer- ing of the goods of the poor doeth as one r that MllethU' 21 the son before his father's eyes. The bread of the needy is their life : he that defraudeth him s thereof is 22 a man of blood. He that taketh away his neighbour's living, [the bread gotten by sweat 16 ,] slayeth him ; and he that defraudeth the labourer of his hire, [defraudeth his Maker, and shall receive a bitter reward 17 , for he 23 is a brother to him that 18 ] is a bloodshedder. When one buildeth, and another pulleth down, what profit 24 have they then but labour? When one prayeth, and 25 another curseth, whose voice will the Lord hear? He that washeth himself 1 after the touching of a dead body H.>, if he touch it again, what availeth his washing? 26 So is it with a man that fasteth for his sins, and goeth again u , and doeth the same : who will hear his prayer? or what doth his humbling profit him ? i JOB 5. 19. ch. 51. 212. 12 Addition In Vulgate. is, " Addi- tions in Vulgate. k PROV. 3. 24 ; 29. 25. 1 Ps. 33. 18 ; 34. 15. m Is. 4. 6 ; 25.4. WISD. 5. 16. n Ps. 91. 11, 12. PROV. 3. 23, 26. MIC. 7. 8. P DECT. 23. 18. PROV. 21. 27. II* Or, a mock- ery. In Vulgate, stained. II* Or, mockeries. is Addition In Vulgate. 1 PROV. 15. 8. r Is. 66. 3. II* Or, sacri- ficeth. So 2 KIN. 3. 27. s LEV. 19. 13. DEUT. 24. 14, 15. TOBIT 4. 14. ch. 7. 20. w Addition in Vulgate. " Addition in Syriac. 18 Addition in Vulgate. t NUM. 29. 11, 12. IU In Greek, He that is baptized from the dead. Some compare 1 COR. 15. 29. n 2 PBT. 2. 20, 21. 3SO ECCLESIASTICUS, XXXV. 1 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. 11 1 SAM. 15. 22. JKR. 7. 3, 5, 6,7. Hos. 6. 6. MIC. 6. 6, 7,8. MARK 12. 33. II Or, multi- plieth offer- ings. 2 Addition in Vulgate. II Or, He that shall return thanks. b LBV. 2. 1. NUM. 28. 5. c Ps. 50. 8, 23. PROV. 21. 3. d Ps. 51. 16, 17. DAS. 4. 27. 3 Addition in Vulgate. Ex. 23. 15 ; 34. 20. BEUT. 16. 16. f GEN. 4. 4 ; 8.21. * HEB. 6. 10. ii PROV. 3. 9. 1 PROV. 22. 9. J 1 CUR. 2. 6, i), 17. 2 COR. 9. 7. k TOBIT 4. 8. 1 COR. 16. 2. II lit., that which is found in thy hand. See LBV. 12. 8. ECCLBS.9.10. i PROV. 19. 27. LUKE 6. 38. 2 COR. 9. 8. '.I In Syriac, ten thou- sand ; Arabic, manifold. * Addition in Syriac. m DEUT. 10. 17. 2 CHR. 19. 7. JOB 34. 19. WISD. 6. 7. 1 PET. 1. 17. CHAPTER XXXV. Acceptable sacrifices. FTF them shalt do that which is written in the law, 1 _L thou shalt suffice. For the spirit of him that keep- eth the commandments is blessed 1 .] He that keepeth the law bringeth a offerings enough II : he that taketh heed to the commandment offereth a peace offering, [and to depart from all iniquity is a wholesome sacri- fice 2 .] He that requiteth a good turnll offereth fine 2 flour b ; and he that giveth alms sacrinceth praise. To 3 depart from wickedness is a thing pleasing to the Lord ; and to forsake unrighteousness is a propitiation d [for iniquity, and a begging of pardon for sins 3 .] Thou shalt not appear empty e before the Lord. 4 For all these things are to be done because of the com- 5 mandment. The offering of the righteous maketh the 6 altar fat, and the sweet savour f thereof is before the Most High. The sacrifice of a just man is acceptable, 7 and the memorial thereof shall never be g forgotten. Give the Lord His honour 11 with a good eye 1 , and 8 diminish not the firstfruits of thine hands. In all thy 9 gifts shew a cheerful countenance J, and dedicate thy tithes with gladness. Give unto the Most High ac- 10 cording k as He hath enriched thee ; and as thou hast gotten H, give with a cheerful eye. For the Lord recom- 11 penseth, and will give thee 1 seven H times as much. [He that giveth to the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and who is he that shall recompense but He Himself? Therefore delay not thy gift, for He will not thus accept it 4 .] Do not think to corrupt with gifts; for 12 such He will not receive : and trust not to unrighteous sacrifices ; for the Lord is judge, and with Him is no m respect of persons. He will not accept any person 13 against a poor man, but will hear n the prayer of the oppressed. He will not despise the supplication of the 14 fatherless ; nor the widow, when she poureth out her complaint. Do not the tears run down the widow's 15 cheeks? and is not her cry against him that causeth them to fall? [For from the cheek they go up even to n Ex. 22. 22, 23. Pa. 63. 5 ; 146. 9. DEUT. 10. 18. ECCLESIASTICUS, XXXVI. 331 heaven, and the Lord that heareth will not be delighted 16 with them 5 .1 He that serveth the Lord shall be ac- 5 Addition in VUlSiitC cepted with favour, and his prayer shall reach unto the 17 clouds. The prayer of the humble pierceth p the clouds: P LAM. 3. 44. and till it come nigh, he will not be comforted ; and will not depart, till the Most High shall behold to 18 judge righteously, and execute judgment. For the Lord will not be slack q , neither will the Mighty be patient toward them, till He have smitten in sunder the loins r of the unmerciful, and repay ed vengeance to the heathen ; till He have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the sceptre s of the unrighteous ; 19 till He have rendered to every man according to his deeds, and to the works of men'1 according to their de- vices*; till He have judged the cause of His people, 20 and made them to rejoice hi His mercy. [His 6 ] mercy is seasonable in the time of affliction, as clouds of rain in the tune of drought. :[Let the hater of the Lord be confounded in the time of his calamity ; it shall be as the rain-cloud when there is need of it 7 .] I 2 PET. 3. 9. r DEUT.33.11. s Is. 14. 5. II In Vulgate, according to the works of Adam, and his presump- tion. 1 OB 34. 11. Ps. 62. 12. PROV. 24. 12. JER. 32. 19. EZBK. 33. 20. ROM. 2. 6. Addition in Vulgate, Mercy of God. i Addition in Syriae and Arabic. CHAPTER XXXVI. A prayer for Jerusalem. On the good wife. 1 TTAVE mercy upon us, Lord God of all, and be- XI hold us; [and shew us the light of Thy mercies 1 :] 2 and send Thy fear upon all the nations that seek not after Thee; [that they may know that there is no God beside Thee, and that they may shew forth Thy won- 3 ders 2 .] Lift up Thy hand against a the strange nations, 4 and let them see Thy power. As Thou wast sanctified b in us before them: so be Thou magnified H ' among them 5 before us. And let them know Thee , as we have known Thee, that there is no God but only Thou, G God. Shew new signs, and make other strange won- ders' 1 ; glorify Thy hand and Thy right arm, *that they 7 * may set forth Thy wondrous works*. Raise up indig- nation, and pour out 8 wrath : take away the adversary, and destroy the enemy. [For there is none who can say to Thee, What doest Thou? Destroy with fire of Thy wrath the enemy, and all the mighty ones and i Addition in the Vulgate. 2 Addition in Vulgate. " JBR, 10. 25. bEzEK.20.41; 28. 25; 36. 2?; 39. 27. ll In Syriae and Arabic, sanctified. <= 1 Kix. 8. 43, 60. JUDITH 9. 14. d Is. 42. 9 ; 43. in. HAB. 1. 5. * Omitted in most Greek copies. e Ps. 79. 6. JUDITH 9. 9. 332 ECCLESIASTICUS, XXXVI. Syriac and Arabic. f Ps. 74. 20. 1MACC.6.62. II 6 Or, the oath. Ps. 59. 13. Is. 10. 17. h Ps. 68. 21 ; 110. 6. HAB. 3. 13. 3 Addition in princes of the heathen 3 .] Make the time short, remem- 8 ber f the covenant H', and let them declare Thy wonder- ful works. Let him that escapeth be consumed by the 9 rage of the fire g ; and let them perish that oppress the people. Smite in sunder h the heads 110 of the rulers of 10 the heathen, that say, There is none other but we. Gather all the tribes of Jacob 1 together, [that they 11 may know that there is no God besides Thee, and may declare Thy great works 4 ,] and inherit Thou them as from the beginning. O Lord, have mercy upon the peo- 12 pleJ that is called by Thy Name, and upon Israel, * Addition in whom Thou hast named Thy k firstborn. O be mer- 13 j DAN. 9.1^19] cifid unto Jerusalem, Thy holy city, the place of Thy * EX. 4. 14. rest 1 . Fill Sion with Thine unspeakable oracles H*, and 14 Thy people with Thy m glory. Give testimony unto 15 those that Thou hast possessed H from the beginning, and raise up prophets that have been'1'' in Thy Name 11 . Imci/s. 1 ^ Reward them that wait for Thee, and let Thy prophets 16 ra is. 33. 5. be found faithful. O Lord, hear the prayer of Thy 17 ii e Or,creaied. servants, according to the blessing of Aaron over Thy and 3 Arabic P e P^ 6 ' [ an d direct us into the way p of righteousness 5 ,] Confirm the that all they which dwell upon the earth may know q that Thou art the Lord, the eternal God, [the beholder of all ages 6 .] The belly devoureth all meats, yet is one meat better 18 than another. As the palate tasteth divers kinds r of 19 venison : so doth an heart of understanding 8 false speeches. A froward heart causeth heaviness : but a 20 man of experience will recompense himll ? . A woman will receive every man, yet is one daughter 21 better than another. The beauty of a woman cheereth 22 the countenance, and a man loveth nothing better. If 23 there be kindness *, meekness, and comfort, in her tongue, then is not her husband" like other men. He that 24 crowns, or, diadems. I JER. 31. 10. 1SGHR.&4L PS. 132. 14. 11 ** Or That she may vantgfrom the begin- ning. ll/ In the Vul- gate, the prophecies which the former pro- phets spoke. n MAL. 4. 5. 1 MACC. 4. 46 ; 9. 27 ; 14. 41. NUM. 6. 23. P Ps. 119. 133. PROV. 16. 9. * Addition in the Vulgate. 1 1 KIN. 8.60. getteth a wife begmneth a possession , a help like unto fi 2 J^r"; 19 ' 1 , 9 ' himself w , and a pillar of rest. Where no hedge is, there 25 6 Addition in . . i . Vulgate. the possession n A is spoiled: and he that hath no wile g i JOHN 4 i ^^ wander up and down mourning. Who will trust a 26 ii in Vulgate, thief well appointed 'I', that skippeth from city to city? will resist it. PROV. 31. 26. n PROV. 31. 23. ch. 26. 3, 4. v PROV. 18. 22 ; 19. 14. ch. 7. 19. W GEN. 2. 18. PROV. 31.11. TOBIT 8. 6. ch. 17. 1. II * In Syriac and Arabic, vineyard. Bee Ps. 80. 12. II* Or, nimble. In Syriac, a youth like a young hart. ECCLESIASTICUS, XXXVII. 3S3 so who will believe a man that hath no house x , and *PROV. 27. 8. lodgeth wheresoever the night taketh himllJ, [who also .._. . 2t IL> lit., having whenever death overtakes him, dies a stranger 7 ?] no rest, and lodging wherever he arrive* late. 1 Addition tn Arabic. CHAPTER XXXVII. Choice of friends and counsellors. 1 ITiVERY friend saith, I am his friend also : but there 1^ is a friend, which is only a friend in name, [who continueth not in adversity, nor until death, neither is constant in his friendship. Let a true friend be unto 2 thee as thine own soul *.] Is it not a grief unto death, when a companion, and friend is turned to an enemy a ? 3 O wicked imagination 1 ", whence earnest thou in to 4 cover the earth with [thy malice and s ] deceit? There is a companion, which rejoiceth in the prosperity H of a friend c , but in the time of trouble will be against him. 5 There is a companion which helpeth H his friend for the belly, and taketh up the buckler against the enemy. 6 Forget not thy friend in thy mind, and be not unmind- ful of him in thy riches. [Praise not thy friend in his presence, neither give him power over thy house 3 .] 7 Every counsellor extolleth counsel ; but there is some 8 that counselleth for himself. Beware of a counsellor d , and know before what need he hath ; for he will coun- 9 sel for himself; lest he cast the lot upon thee", and say unto thee, Thy way e is good : and afterward he stand 10 on the other side, to see f what shall befall thee. Con- sult not with one that suspecteth thee " : and hide g thy 11 counsel from such as envy thee. Neither consult with a woman touching her of whom she is jealous ; neither with a coward in matters of war ; nor with a merchant concerning exchange ; nor with a buyer of selling ; nor with an envious man of thankfulness; nor with an unmerciful man touching kindness ; nor with the sloth- ful for any work; nor with an hireling for a year" of finishing work; nor with an idle servant of much business: hearken not unto these in any matter of 12 counsel. But be continually with a godly man h , whom 1 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. a Ps. 55. 12, 13. JER. 12. 6. b GEN. 6. 9. JER. 9. 4. 2 Addition in Vulgate. II Or, time of feasting, as in Syriac and Arabic. See ver. 5. c PROV. 17. 7 ; 18.24. ch. 6. 10 ; 12.9. II Or, condoleth with, as in Vulgate. 3 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. d2SAM.17.6,7. I KIN. 12. 8, 9. II In Vulgate, thrust a stake into the ground. e 1 KIN. 22. 6, 15. PROV. 16. 29. f JER. 38. 22. OBAD. 7. II In the old Latin, with thy father- in-law ; in Vulgate, one that layeth a snare for thee. 8 PROV. 25. 9. II Or, within the house, a domestic, or, menial. h TOBIT 4. 18. ch.6.36;8.9. 334 ECCLESIASTICUS, XXXVII. thou knowest to keep the commandments of the Lord, whose mind is according to thy mind, and will sorrow ii Or, stumble, with thee, if thou shalt miscarry H: [who, if he harms thee in anything, counts it as harm done to himself, and if he does thee a good turn, it is for his own profit: for such a one is faithful, and trusteth in God as thou trustest. For the heart of a man is more pleased with his own counsel than with the uncertain riches of the world 4 .] And let the counsel of thine own heart 13 stand : for there is no man more faithful unto thee than it. For a man's mind is sometime wont to tell him 14 more than seven watchmen, that sit above in an high tower. And above all this pray to the Most High, that 15 He will direct thy way 1 in truth. Let reason go 16 before every enterprize-i, and counsel before every action. * The countenance is * a sign of changing of 17 the heart. Four manner of things appear : good and 18 evil, life and death k : but the tongue J ruleth over them continually. There is one that is wise 11 and teacheth 19 many, and yet is unprofitable" 1 to himself. [A skilful man hath taught many, and is sweet to his own soul 5 .] There is one that sheweth wisdom in words 11 , and is 20 hated : he shall be destitute of all food. For grace is 21 not given him from the Lord ; because he is deprived of all wisdom. Another is wise to himself; and the 22 fruits of understanding are commendable in his mouth. [He that is master of his tongue shall be delivered from evil, and he that is wise in his own eyes, the same is a fool 6 .] A wise man instructeth his people n ; and the 23 fruits of his understanding fail not. A wise man shall 24 be filled with blessing ; and all they that see him shall count him happy. The days of the life of man may 25 be numbered ; but the days of Israel p are in- numerable. A wise man shall inherit glory among 26 his people, and his name shall be perpetual* 3 . My son, 27 prove thy soul in thy life, and see what is evil for it, and give not that unto it 11 . For all things are not 28 profitable for all men, neither hath every soul pleasure in every thing; [nor is every soul content with a little 7 .] Be not unsatiable in any dainty thing r , nor too greedy 29 upon meats : for excess of meats bringeth sickness, and 30 * Addition in Syriac and Arabic. i Paov. 3. 6. JER. 10. 23. i PROV. 4. 25, 27. ch. 32. 19. * Omitted in some copies, which read, Four things appear as a sign, &c. In the Vulgate, A wicked word shall change the heart. k PROV. 4. 23, 24 i PROV. 18. 21. MATT. 12. 3T. II Or, subtil, as in ch. 22. 27. m CANT. 1. 6. ROM. 2. 21. s Addition in Vulgate. II Or,speaketh sophisti- cally. s Addition in Syriac and Arabic. n PROV. 15. 7. JOB 14. 5. Ps. 90. 10. P Is. 54. 10 ; 65. 22. JER. 31. 35 37 ; 33. 20 22. 1 Ps. 112. 6. PROV. 3. 35. WISD. 8. 10. II In Vulgate, if it be wick- ed, give it no power. 1 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. r ch.31.12,17. ECCLESIASTICUS, XXXVIII. 335 31 surfeiting will turn s into choler. By surfeiting have ch. 31. 20. many perished ; but he that taketh heed prolongeth his life. CHAPTEE XXXVIII. Concerning medicines, sickness, and the state of the labourer. 1 TTONOUR a physician with the honour due unto _LJ- him for the uses which ye may have of him : for 2 the Lord hath created 8 him. For of the Most High cometh healing, and he shall receive honour of the 3 king b . The skill of the physician shall lift up his head : and in the sight of great men he shall be in 4 admiration. The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth; and he that is wise will not abhor them. 5 Was not the water made sweet with wood d , that the 6 virtue thereof might be known? And He hath given men skill, that He 11 might be honoured in His mar- 7 vellous works. With such doth He e heal men, and 8 taketh away their pains. Of such doth the apothecary make a confection [and ointments of health ' ;] and of his works there is no end ; and from him is peace " over all the earth. 9 My son, in thy sickness be not negligent : but pray f 10 unto the Lord, and He will make thee whole. Leave off from sin g , and order thine hands aright, and cleanse 11 thy heart from all wickedness. Give a sweet savour, and a memorial of fine flour h ; and make a fat offering, 12 as not being II. Then give place to the physician, for the Lord hath created him : let him not go from thee, 13 for thou hast need of him. There is a time when [thou must fall into their hands, and *] in their hands there is 14 good success. For they shall also pray ' unto the Lord, that He would prosper that, which they give for ease 15 and remedy to prolong life". He that sinneth before his Maker, let him fall into the hand of the physician. 16 My son, let tears fall down over the dead, and begin to lament J, as if thou hadst suffered great harm thyself; and then cover k his body according to the custom, and neglect not his burial, [and let wine and refreshment 17 be prepared 1 for the mourners 3 .] Weep bitterly, and make great moan, and use lamentation, as he is ver. 12. b 2 Kix. 8. 29. 2CHR.lt). 12. c 1 KIN-. 4. 33. Is. 38. 21. EZBK. 47. 12. DEUT.32.24. c WISD. 16. 5. d Ps. 145. 17. e ECCLES.7.10. CHAPTEE XL. The sorrows of human life, and their remedies. G travail a is created for every man, and an a GEN. 3. 19. heavy yoke is upon the sons of Adam, from the ECCLES.'I. 3. day that they go out of their mother's womb, till the ii'Most copies day that they return to the mother of all things H. 2 Their imagination 15 of things to come, and the day of death, trouble their thoughts, and cause fear of heart ; 3 from him that sitteth on a throne of glory, unto him 4 that is humbled in earth and ashes; from him that weareth purple d and a crown, unto him that is clothed 5 with a linen frock 6 . Wrath, and envy, trouble, and unquietness, fear of death f , and anger, and strife, and in the time of rest upon his bed his night sleep, do 6 change his knowledge. A little or nothing is his rest, and afterward he is in his sleep II 6 , as in a day of keeping V 1 .*. 1 " 1 1 '^ e ZECII. 13. 4. f DEUT. 28. 66. II* Or, sleeps, broken rest, disturbed by dream*. Y2 the Vulgate, the day of their burial in the mo- ther of all. The Syriac and Arabic have, until they return to the land of the i. 21; WISD. 7.3. 340 ECCLESIASTICUS, XL. II c Or, in the moment of his rescue. s Is. 29. 7, 8. ch. 34. 2, 3. WISD. 18. IT, 19. h ECCLES. 2. 23 ch. 31. 1, 2. i Addition in Syriac and Arabic. ' ch. 39. 25, 29, 30. j GEN. 6. 13 ; T. 11. k ch. 41. 10. 1 ECCLES. 1. 7. m PROV. 17. 23. ECCLES. 7. 7. n PROV. 10. 25. 2 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. ch. 4. 31 ; 29.5. 3 Addition in Vulgate. P WISD. 4. 3, 5. MnVulgate, sound. 1 2 SAM. 23. 6,7. Is. 40. 24. I GEN. 41. 3. Rushes growing in soft mud, and thus easily plucked, NUM. 22. 4. II 'In Syriac and Arabic, withers. \\f Or, a paradise in blessings. See 2 COR. 9. 6. * Addition in Syriac and Arabic. s PROV. 12. 11. ECCLES. 5. 11. PHIL. 4. 11. 1 TIM. 6. 6. * PS. 49. 11. II PROV. 19. 14. v ch. 32. 5, 6. II* In Syriac and Arabic, watch, troubled in the vision of his heart, as if he were escaped out of a battle. When all is safe ||c , he awaketh 8 , 7 and marvelleth that the fear was nothing. [He who trusts in a vision of the night is like a man escaping from his pursuers. If he conceives any delight in his soul, he awakes, and finds that he has nothing. All flesh bear their care with them, and riches drive b away sleep *.] Such things happen unto all flesh, both 8 man and beast, and that is sevenfold more upon sinners. Death, and bloodshed, strife 1 , and sword, calamities, 9 famine, tribulation, and the scourge ; these things are 10 created for the wicked, and for their sakes came the flood J. All things that are of the earth shall turn k to 11 the earth again : and that which is of the waters doth return 1 into the sea. All bribery 111 and injustice shall be 12 blotted out: but true dealing shall endure for ever. The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river, 13 and shall vanish with noise, like a great thunder 11 in rain, [or as floods that evaporate in light clouds 2 .] While he openeth his hand he shall rejoice : so shall 14 transgressors come to nought, [and pine away in the end 3 .] The children of the ungodly shall not bring 15 forth many branches 1 *: but are 11 :l as unclean roots q upon a hard rock. The weed r growing upon every water 1C and bank of a river shall be pulled up N e before all grass. Bountifulness is as a most fruitful garden H/ and merci- 17 fulness endureth for ever. [The works of the righteous shall continue for ever ; and he who cometh to them is as one that findeth a treasure 4 .] To labour, and to be 18 content with that a man hath s , is a sweet life : but he that findeth a treasure is above them both. Children 19 and the building of a city * continue a man's name : but a blameless wife u is counted above them both. Wine 20 and musick v rejoice the heart: but the love of wisdom U" is above them both. The pipe and the psaltery make 21 sweet melody : but a pleasant tongue w is above them both. Thine eye desireth favour and beauty : but 22 more than both corn while it is green"*. A friend and 23 companion never meet amiss : but above both is a wife with her husband. Brethren and help are against time 24 the love of a friend. w PROV. 16. 24. II* Gr. the young green of the seed. ECCLESIASTICUS, XLI. 341 of trouble 1 : but alms shall deliver 7 more than them 25 both. Gold and silver make the foot stand sure : but 26 counsel is esteemed above them both. Kiches and strength lift up the heart : but the fear of the Lord is above them both : there is no want z in the fear of the Lord, and it needeth not to seek help. [The fear of God is better than all things ; take hold of it, my son, and do not let it go, for there is nothing to be com- pared to it. The fear of God is blessed in due season, 27 and is commended above all honour 5 .] The fear ot the Lord is a fruitful garden n, and covereth him itf above all glory. 28 My son, lead not a beggar's life ; for better a it is to die than to beg. [My son, refuse not him that asketh of thee. Be not ready to destroy life, but be ready to 29 save life 6 .] The life of him that dependeth on another man's table is not to be counted for a life ; for he pol- luteth himself with other men's meat : but a wise man 30 well nurtured will beware thereof. Begging b is sweet in the moxith of the shameless : but in his belly there shall burn a fire. [He that loveth pleasure hateth his own soul : and the man that hath knowledge of it shall find grief and pain of body 7 .] x ch. 6. 15, 16. y TOBIT 4. 10 ; 12. 9. ch. 3. 30 ; 29. 12, 13. z Ps. 34. 9. * Addition in Sy riac and Arabic. II' Or, a para- dise of bless- ing, as ver. 17. llj In Vulgate, they haw covered it. Others, He covereth. a JOB 15. 23. Ps. 59. 15 ; 109. 10. LUKE 16. 3, 21. ch. 29. 24. 6 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. bPROV.14.23. ? Addition in Syriac. CHAPTEB XLI. On death, a good name, and shame. DEATH, how bitter is the remembrance of thee to a man that liveth at rest a in his possessions, unto the man that hath nothing to vex him H, and that hath prosperity in all things : yea, unto him that is yet 2 able to receive b meat ! O death, acceptable is thy sen- tence unto the needy, and unto him whose strength faileth, that is now in the last age, and is vexed with all things, and to him that despaireth, and hath lost patience " ! 3 Fear not the sentence of death, remember them that have been before thee, and that come after ; for this is 4 the sentence of the Lord over all flesh. And why art thou against the pleasure of the Most High ? there is * ECCLES. 11. 7,8. LUKE 12. 19, 20. II Gr.free from dis- traction. The word is found in 1 COR. 7. 35. WISD. 16. 11. b 2 SAM. 19. 35. c Ps. 55. 4 8. JOB 3. 20 23 ; 7. 15, 16 ; 10. 1 ; 14. 13. JER. 8. 3. II In old Latin, tcw- dom. See ch. 3. 13. 342 ECCLESIASTICUS, XLI. II Gr. accusing of life. d ECCLES. 8. 12, 13. WISD. 4. 7, 8, &c. f JOB 27. 14. Hos. 9. 16. s JOB 21. IT, 19. Is. 14. 21. JEB, 32. 18. h ch. 40. 11. i Addition in Kyriac and Arabic, i DEUT. 9. 14. Ps. 9. 5. PROV. 10. 7. j PROV. 22. 1. ECCLES. 7. 1. k Ps. 103. 15 18. i ch. 20. 30. WISD. 7. 13. MATT. 25. 18, 25, 26. m ch. 20. 31. n EPH. 5. 12. Is. 54. 4. 2 TIM. 1. 8. S. Gregory, ' Pastoral Care,' ch. 7. II Some con- jecture, of forgetful- ness of God, &c. P ch. 31. 14, 18 ; 37. 29. 2 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. no inquisition H in the grave, whether thou have lived ten, or an hundred, or a thousand years d . The children of sinners are abominable children, and they that are conversant in the dwelling of the ungodly. The in- heritance of sinners' children shall perish, and their posterity shall have a perpetual reproach. The chil- dren will complain of an ungodly father, because they shall be reproached for 6 his sake. "Woe be unto you, ungodly men, which have forsaken the law of the most high God ! for if ye increase f , it shall be to your de- struction: and if ye be born, ye shall be born to a curse: and if ye die, a curse g shall be your portion. All that are of the earth h shall turn to earth again : so the ungodly shall go from a curse to destruction. [A woman that beareth children bringeth joy to her na- tion; but when an ungodly father dies, his righteous sons will not mourn for him a .] The mourning of men is about their bodies : but an ill name of sinners shall be blotted out. Have regard to thy name-i; for that shall continue with thee above a thousand great trea- sures of gold. A good life hath but few days k : but a good name endureth for ever. My children, keep dis- cipline in peace : for wisdom that is hid \ and a treasure that is not seen, what profit is in them both? A man that hideth m his foolishness is better than a man that hideth his wisdom. Therefore be shamefaced n accord- ing to my word : for it is not good to retain all shame- facedness; neither is it altogether approved in every thing. Be ashamed of whoredom before father and mother: and of a lie before a prince and a mighty man ; of an offence before a judge and ruler ; of ini- quity before a congregation and people ; of unjust deal- ing before thy partner and friend ; and of theft in regard of the place where thou sojournest, and in re- gard of the truth II of God and His covenant ; and to lean with thine elbow p upon the meat ; and of scorn- ing to give and take ; and of silence before them that salute thee ; [whoso is silent to them that salute him, is a great wrong doer: for if a man return not thy salutation, how shall he restore the pledge which thou entrustest to him 2 ?] and to look upon an harlot ; and 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 ECCLESIASTICUS, XLII. 343 to turn away thy face from thy kinsman q ; or to take i is. 58. 7. away a portion or a gift [and not to restore it 3 ;] or to rriM. 1 !.'^ 22 gaze upon another man's wife r ; or to be overbusy with 3 Addition in his maid 8 , and come not near her bed; or of upbraiding r C h. 9 7%. speeches before friends 1 ; and after thou hast given", 23 upbraid not ; or of iterating and speaking again v that which thou hast heard; and of revealing of secrets. 24 So shalt thou be truly shamefaced, and find favour before all men. 8 ch. 9. 5. ch. 22. 22. u ch. 20. 15. v ch. 19. 7 ; 27. 17. On false shame, and -meditation on God's works. these things be not thon ashamed, and accept 2 _/ no person a to sin thereby: of the law of the Most High, and His covenant; and of judgment to 3 justify the ungodly H ; of reckoning with II thy partners and travellers ; or of the gift of the heritage H of friends ; 4 of exactness of balance b and weights; or of getting 5 much or little ; and of merchants' indifferent ' selling ; of much correction of children ; and to make the side of an evil servant to bleed . 6 Sure keeping H is good, where an evil wife is ; and 7 shut up H, where many hands are. Deliver all things in number and weight; and put all in writing d that 8 thou givest out, or receivest in. Be not ashamed to inform the unwise and foolish, and the extreme aged that contendeth with those that are young H : thus shalt thou be truly learned, and approved of all men living. 9 The father waketh for the daughter, when no man knoweth; and the care for her taketh away sleep: when she is young, lest she pass away the flower of her 10 age ; and being married, lest she should e be hated : in her virginity, lest she should be defiled and gotten with child in her father's house; and having an hus- band, lest she should misbehave herself; and when she 11 is married, lest she should be barren. Keep a sure watch over a shameless daughter f , lest she make thee a laughingstock to thine enemies, and a byword in the city, and a reproach among the people, and make thee * LEV. 19. 15. DEUT. 16. 9. ch. 4. 20 ; 20. 22. ver. 8. II Perhaps, a heathen, or godless person. II Or, convers- ing vrith. II Perhaps, dividing an inheritance vnth co-heirs. b LEV. 19. 36. PROV. 11. 1. II Or, selling without profit. In the Vul- gate, of the corruptioii of trade and of traders. Some con- jecture, of difference of buying and trading, or profit in trade. c DEUT. 25. 3. ch. 33. 24 26. II Gr. a seal. II Or, lock up [thy goods]. d LUKE 16. 58. II Perhaps a doting elder in his second childhood, ch. 25. 2. 8 DEUT. 21. 15 ; 24. 3. f ch. 26. 10. 344 ECCLESIASTICUS, XLII. 1 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. s Paov. 6. 25, 27. cb. 25. 21. 2 Added in most copies. s Addition in Syriac and Arabic. H Or, a wo- man doing a good turn. h Ps. 74. 16. JER. 31. 35. ch. 43. 24. II In the Vul- gate, Hath not the Lord given, &c. ich. 43. 27,32. JOB 26. 14; 3(5. 26. Addition in Syriac and Arabic. II Or, the age. See JOB 24. 1. .i Is. 41. 21 ; 45. 21. h JOB 12. 22. DAN. 2. 22. i JOB 42. 2. Is. 29. 15. m Pa. 139. 4. WISD. 1. 7 9. n ch. 16. 27. ECCLES. 3. 11,14. P Is. 40. 13. JOB 36. 23. s Addition in Syriac and Arabic. 1 WISD. 13. 5. JOB 36. 24. II Some con- jecture, as flowers to look upon. In Vulgate, all that we can know is but as a spark. r Wi8D. 11.20. s BAR. 3. 22 34. 'ch. 33. 14, 15. ECCLES. 7. 14. ashamed before the multitude. [Suffer her not to go out from the place of her habitation, nor to gad about from house to house. Open not thy mind to every man, nor multiply words amongst women 1 .] Behold 12 not every body's beauty g , and sit not in the midst of women. For from garments cometh a moth, and from 13 women [women's 2 ] wickedness, [and jealousy one of another 3 .] Better is the churlishness of a man than 14- a courteous woman H, a woman, I say, which bringeth shame and reproach. I will now remember the works of the Lord, and 15 declare the things that I have seen : In the words of the Lord are His works. The sun h that giveth light 16 looketh upon all things, and the work thereof is full of the glory of the Lord. The Lord hath not given" 17 power to the saints to declare 1 all His marvellous works, which the Almighty Lord firmly settled, that whatsoever is might be established for His glory. [But unto them that fear Him He hath given power to stand before His Majesty 4 .] He seeketh out the 18 deep, and the heart, and considereth their crafty de- vices: for the Lord knoweth all that may be known, and He beholdeth the signs of the world 11 . He de- 19 clareth the things that are past, and for to comeJ, and revealeth the steps of hidden things k . No thought 20 escapeth Him 1 , neither any word m is hidden from Him. He hath garnished n the excellent works of His 21 wisdom, and He is from everlasting to everlasting: unto Him may nothing be added, neither can He be diminished , and He hath no need of any counsellor p . [Power and wisdom are continually before Him, and He disposes all His works by proportion continually, and they praise Him in holiness 5 .] Oh how desirable* 1 22 are all His works ! and that a man may see even to a spark H. All these things live and remain for ever r for 23 all uses, and they are all obedient 8 . All things are 24 double one against another*: and He hath made no- thing imperfect. One thing establisheth the good of 25 another: and who shall be filled with beholding His glory? ECCLESIASTICUS, XLIII. 345 CHAPTER XLUI. The works of God. 1 rilHE pride of the height, the clear firmament ", the 2 _L beauty of heaven a , with his glorious shew; the sun when it appeareth, declaring at his rising a mar- 3 vellous instrument ", the work of the Most High : at noon it parcheth the country, and who can abide the 4 burning heat b thereof? A man blowing a furnace is in works of heat, but the sun burneth the mountains three times more ; breathing out fiery vapours, and sending forth bright beams, it dimmeth the eyes. 5 Great is the Lord that made it; and at His com- mandment it runneth hastily. 6 He made the moon also to serve " in her season for a 7 declaration of times d , and a sign e of the world. From the moon is the sign f of feasts, a light that decreaseth 8 in her perfection". The month is called after her name, increasing wonderfully in her changing, being an instrument" of the armies above, shining in the 9 firmament of heaven ; the beauty of heaven, the glory of the stars g , an ornament giving light in the highest places of the Lord, [Who enlighteneth the world on ID high 1 .] At the commandment of the Holy One they will stand in their order, and never faint in their 11 watches h . Look upon the rainbow U } and praise Him that made it; very beautiful it is in the brightness 12 thereof. It compasseth the heaven about with a glo- rious circle, and the hands of the Most High have 13 bended it". By His commandment He maketh the snow 1 to fall apace, and sendeth swiftly the lightnings J 14 of His judgment. Through this the treasures k are 15 opened : and clouds l fly forth as fowls. By His great power He maketh the clouds firm, and the hailstones 16 are broken small. At His sight the mountains are shaken 1 ", and at His will the south wind n bloweth. 17 The noise of the thunder maketh the earth to tremble : 36. 28, 29, 32 ; 37. 11. 16 ; 38. 34. Ps. 29. 8. JOB 26. 10, 11. PS. 104. 32. n In the Vul- gate, the firmament on high in his beauty. a JOB 37. 18. Ps. 19. L Is. 40. 26. II lit.,ve*gel, in the sense of a lamp, or vehicle of light So ver. 8. b Ps. 19. 4 6. ch. 42. 16. c JAMES 1. 11. REV. 16. 8. II Or, the moon is amidst all. d Ps. 104. 19. 6 ch. 42. 18. II Or, until there in an end of it. ' Ex. 12. 2. NUM. 28. 11. ch. 33. 79. II Or, vessel, that is, lamp, as in ver. 2, or a match fire. * JOB 26. 13. Ps. 8. 3. i Addition in Vulgate. h BAR. 3. 34. II In the Greek, bow, as in GEN. 9. 13 ; not iris, or rainbow, as in REV. 4. 3. II Or, dis- played it. i JOB 37. 6. Ps. 147. 16, 17. J JOB 37. 3 5 ; 38. 35. Ps. 135. 7. k JOB 38. 22. JER. 10. 13 51. 16. I JOB 26. 8 ; II JOB 37. 17 346 ECCLESIASTICUS, XLIII. P JOB 37. 9. II Or, lighting upon the ground. II Or, descent of locusts. 1 JOB 37. 10 ; 38. 29. Ps. 147. 17, 18. WISD. 5. 14. II Or, be- cometh like the tops of thistles. r JOB 37. 10 ; 38. 30. II In the Vul- gate, A dew that meet- eth it, by the heat that coin- eth, shall overpower it. 2 Addition in Vulgate. s Ps. 65. 7 ; 89. 7 ; 107. 29. MATT. 8. 26. I Ps. 107. 23, 24. s Addition in Vulgate. II In Vulgate, monstrous creatures of whales. II Or, the end is a pros- perous voyage. u JOB 37. 19, 20. ch. 42. 17. v WISD. 13. 3, 4. w JOB 36. 26. x JOB 36. 24. * Addition in Vulgate. See NBH. 9. 5. > JOB 37. 19, 23. z JOB 26. 14. so doth the northern storm p and the whirlwind: as birds flying II He scattereth the snow, and the falling down thereof is as the lighting of grasshoppers II: the eye 18 marvelleth at the beauty of the whiteness thereof, and the heart is astonished at the raining of it. The hoar- 19 frost q also as salt He poureth on the earth, and being congealed, it lieth on the top of sharp stakes 1 '. When 20 the cold north wind bloweth, and the water is con- gealed into ice, it abideth upon every gathering to- gether of water, and clotheth the water as with a breastplate r . It devoureth the mountains, and burneth 21 the wilderness, and consumeth the grass as fire. A 22 present remedy of all is a mist coming speedily : a dew coming after heat refreshethll. [At His word the wind is still, and 2 ] by His counsel He appeaseth the deep s , 23 and planteth islands therein. They that sail on the 24 sea* tell of the danger thereof; and when we hear it with our ears, we marvel thereat. For therein be 25 strange and wondrous works, variety of all kinds of beasts, [and of all living things 3 ,] and whales created H. By Him the end of them II hath prosperous success, and 26 by His word all things consist. We may speak much, 27 and yet come short: wherefore in sum, He is all". How shall we be able to magnify Him? for He is 28 great above v all His works. The Lord is terrible and 29 very great w , and marvellous is His power. When ye 30 glorify the Lord, exalt Him x as much as ye can ; for even yet will He far exceed, [and His magnificence is wonderful. Blessing the Lord, exalt Him as much as ye can, for He is above all praise 4 .] And when ye exalt Him, put forth all your strength, and be not weary; for ye can never go far enough. Who y hath seen Him, 31 that he might tell us? and who can magnify Him as He is ? There are yet hid greater things than these be, 32 for we have seen but a few of His works 2 . For the 33 Lord hath made all things ; and to the godly hath He given wisdom. ECCLESIASTICUS, XLIV. 347 i Title in the Greek. a 1 MACC. 2. 51. . S r< j ek t ? r some omit "* 7 ' CHAPTER XLIV. The memory of the righteous. [THE PKAISE OF THE FATHEES'-.] 1 T ET us now praise famous men, and our fathers a 2 -L^ that begat us 110 . The Lord hath wrought great glory *by them* through His great power from the 3 beginning. Such as did bear rule in their kingdoms, men renowned for their power, giving counsel by their understanding, and declaring prophecies, [shewing forth 4 in the prophets the dignity of prophets 3 ;] leaders of Addition in the people" 6 by their counsels, and by their knowledge of learning meet for the people, wise and eloquent in 5 their instructions, [and most holy words 3 :] such as people. found out musical tunes b , and recited verses "<"' in writing : 6 rich men furnished with ability, living peaceably in MSAM.IO.S. 7 their habitations " d : all these were honoured in their |, COr rM f. ' 8 generations, and were the glory of their times. There rativesin be of them II e , that have left a name behind them, that Synacand 9 their praises might be reported. And some there be "/, witer* of which have no memorial ; who are perished, as though proverbs. they had never been; and are become"" as though they men 6r> had never been born; and their children after them. ^e?wW 10 But these were merciful men, whose righteousness securely in hath not been forgotten"". sessions, &s 11 With their seed [shall good things continue, and a ^f Arabic, their posterity 3 ] shall continually remain a good in- f^he^Vui- heritance d , and their children are within the covenant, gate adds, 12 Their seed standeth fast, and their children for their beauty 1 . 9 13 sakes. Their seed shall remain for ever, and their ii'inVuigate, 14 glory shall not be blotted out. Their bodies are 6 were born buried in peace f ; but their name liveth for evermore"*. ^/^There 15 The people will tell of their wisdom g , and the congre- are some, gation will shew forth their praise. Jriclted/See 16 Enoch pleased h the Lord, and was translated " *, being ^ B - "- 9 Ps. 9. 5, 6 ; 34. 16. ECCLBS. 2. 16 ; 9. 5. WISD. 4. 19. ch. 47. 23. Or, are born. ' c Ps. 112. 6.9. Paov.10. 7. In Vulgate, whose good deeds failed not. dig. 58. 14. e GEN. 25. 9 ; 50. 7, &c. JOSH. 24. 29. 30. TOBW 14. 11. f GEN. 15. 15. Ps. 37. 37. 2 KIN. 22. 20. Is. 57. 2. WISD. 3. 3. II* In Greek and Vulgate, unto all generations. * ch. 39. 10. &GEN. 5. 24. WISD. 4. 10. ch. 49. 14. HEB. 11. 5. II The Vulgate adds, into paradise. 348 ECCLESIASTICUS, XLV. i GEN. 6. 9. J 2 PET. 2. 5. \\3 So the Syriac and Arabic. Others render It, he became a propitia- tion. n GEN. 7. 13. II* In Greek and Vul- gate, cove- nant of the world, i GEN. 9. 11. Is. 54. 9. \\'Gr. mul- titude of nations. m GEN. 17. 10, 11. " l MACC. 2. 52. II m inVulgate and Greek, in tempta- tion ; as in 1 MACC. 2. 52. GEN. 22. 16 18. II "The Vul- gate adds, and give him glory in his posterity. an example of repentance to all generations. Noah 17 was found perfect } and righteous ; in the time of wrath he was taken in exchange J for the world M; therefore was he left as a remnant k unto the earth, when the flood came. An everlasting covenant H fc was made with 18 him, that all flesh should perish no more by the flood J . Abraham was a great father of many people H': in 19 glory was there none like unto him ; who kept the 20 law of the Most High, and was in covenant with Him : He established the covenant in his m flesh ; and when he was proved 11 , he was found faithful. 11 Therefore He 21 assured him by an oath , that He would bless the nations in his seed U n , and that He would multiply him as the dust of the earth, and exalt his seed as the stars, and cause them to inherit from sea to sea, and from the river unto the utmost part of the land. "With 22 Isaac p did He establish likewise, for Abraham his father's sake the blessing of all men, and the covenant, and made it rest upon the head of Jacob, [whom He 23 called 'My son, My firstborn Israel' 4 .] He acknow- ledged him in His blessing, and gave him an heritage, and divided his portions ; among the twelve tribes did He part them. P GEN. 26. 35. * Addition in Syriac and Arabic. CHAPTEB XLV, The memory of the righteous, continued. AND He brought out of him a merciful man", which 1 Ji\. found favour in the sight of all flesh, even Moses, beloved of God and men a , whose memorial is blessed. He made him like to the glorious saints 11 , and magni- 2 fled him, so that his enemies stood in fear of him. By 3 his words b He caused the wonders to cease , and He made him glorious in the sight of kings, and gave him a commandment for His people, and shewed him part d of His glory. He sanctified him in his faithfulness 6 4 and meekness, and chose him out of all men. He made 5 ECCLESIASTICUS, XLV. 349 him to hear His voice f , and brought him into the dark cloud, and gave him commandments before His face, even the law of life and knowledge, that he might teach Jacob His covenants g , and Israel His judgments. 6 He exalted Aaron, an holy man like unto him, even 7 his brother, of the tribe of Levi. An everlasting cove- nant He made with him, and gave him the priesthood h among the people; He beautified him with comely 8 ornaments, and clothed him with a robe of glory. He put upon him perfect glory; and strengthened him with rich garments, with breeches, with a long robe, 9 and the ephod. And He compassed him with pome- granates 1 , and with many golden bells round about, that as he went there might be a sound J, and a noise made that might be heard in the temple, for a memorial 10 to the children of His people ; with an holy garment, with gold, and blue silk, and purple, the work of the embroiderer, with a breastplate of judgment k , and 11 with Urim and Thummimll; with twisted scarlet, the work of the cunning workman, with precious stones graven like seals, and set in gold, the work of the jeweller, with a writing engraved for a memorial 1 , 12 after the number of the tribes of Israel. He set a crown of gold upon the mitre, wherein was engraved Holiness m , an ornament of honour, a costly work, the 13 desires of the eyes, goodly and beautiful. Before him there were none such, neither did ever any stranger put them on, but only his children and his children's 14 children perpetually. Their sacrifices shall be wholly 15 consumed n every day twice continually. Moses con- secrated him", and anointed him with holy oil : this was appointed unto him by an everlasting covenant, and to his seed, so long as the heavens should remain, that they should minister unto Him, and execute the office of the priesthood, and bless the people " in His 16 Name p . He chose him out of all men living to offer sacrifices to the Lord, incense, and a sweet savour, for a memorial* 1 , to make reconciliation for His people. 17 He gave unto him His commandments, and authority in the statutes of judgments, that he should teach 1 " Jacob the testimonies, and inform H Israel in His laws. f Ex. 24. 18. Ex. 19. 7. DEUT.6.1,2. h Ex. 28. 1, 2, 4. i Ex. 28. 33. J Ex. 28. 35. k Ex. 28. 15, 30. WISD. 18. 24. II In the Vul- gate, the woven work of a wise man en- dued with judgment and truth. I Ex. 18. 17. m Ex. 28. 36. n NUM. 28. 3, 4. II In Greek and Vul- lis hands. In Syriac and Arabic, laid his hands up- on him. LBV. 8. 12. II In the Vul- Kate, to have praise, and to glorify His people. P NUM. 6. 23, 24. i Km. 19. edst h kings to take revenge'!", [and to make war in the 11 in Vulgate, countries 5 ,] and prophets to succeed after him 1 ': who 9 "BuTthe old was ^ tak en U P in a whirlwind of fire, and in a chariot of editions fiery horses * : who wast ordained for reproofs in their 10 times I!**, [and art to go before the Lord Almighty before His day come 6 ] to pacify the wrath of the Lord's judg- ii in Vulgate, ment, before it brake forth into fury, and to turn the i^KJN i 11 near t f the father unto the sonJ, and to restore k the i MACC. 2.58'. tribes of Jacob. Blessed are they that saw thee, and 11 ^ in times slept " e in love, [and were honoured with thy friend- to come. ghip 7 ] for we shall surely live. [We live only in our Addition in Syriac and Arabic. J MAL. 4. 5, 6. k MATT. 17. 11. Is. 49. 6. II' Most copies read, were adorned. "i Addition in Vulgate. 58. e 1 KIN. 17. 21, 22. s Addition in Syriac and Arabic, f 2 Km. 1. 16. * Addition in Vulgate. ECCLESIASTICUS, XLVIIL 355 life, but after death our name shall not be such 8 .] 12 Elias it was, who was covered l with a whirlwind, [and received into the heavenly storehouse 9 ;] and Eliseus was filled with his spirit, [whose mouth spoke of many miracles and temptations 10 ;] whilst he lived, he was not moved with the presence" 1 of any prince, neither could any bring him into subjection, [for no man was 13 more powerful than he n .] No word could overcome him n , [neither was any secret hidden from him u ;] and 14 after his death his body prophesied . He did wonders in his life, and at his death p were his works mar- 15 vellous. For all this the people repented not, neither departed they from their sins, till they were spoiled q and carried out of their land, and were scattered through all the earth: yet there remained a small 16 people, and a ruler in the house of David : of whom some did that which was pleasing to God'K, and some 17 multiplied 1 sins. Ezekias fortified 8 his city, and brought in* water H? into the midst thereof: he digged the hard rock with iron, and made wells for waters. 18 In his time Sennacherib came up, and sent Rabsaces u , and lifted up his hand [against them, and stretched out his hand 13 ] against Sion, and boasted proudly. 19 Then trembled their hearts and hands, and they 20 were in pain, as women v in travail. But they called upon the Lord w which is merciful, and stretched out their hands toward Him: and immediately the Holy One x heard them out of heaven. [He was not mind- ful of their sins, neither did He deliver them up to their enemies, but He purified them 14 ,] and delivered 21 them by the ministry of Esay II*. He smote the host of 22 the Assyrians 7 , and His angel destroyed them. For Ezekias had done the thing that pleased the Lord, and was strong in the ways of David his father, as Esay the prophet, who was great and faithful in his vision, had 23 commanded him. In his time the sun went backward z , 24 and he lengthened the king's life. He saw by an excellent spirit what should come to pass at the last, 25 and he comforted them that mourned in Sion. He shewed what should come to pass for ever, and secret things"' or ever they came. Z2 s Addition in Vulgate. 1 2 KIN. 2. 11 15. 9,io Additions in Syriac and Arabic. m 2 Km. 3. 14. Addition in Vulgate. n 2 Km. 5. 26 ; 6. 12. 18 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. 2 Kra. 13. 21. P 2 Km. 13. 1419. 1 2 Km. 18. 11, 12. ll/ In Syriac and Arabic, repented, and turned from their iniquity. r 2 KIN. 16. 2, &c. ; 21. 1, &c. ; 23. 26. 8 2 CHR. 32. 5. * 2 Km. 20. 20. 2 CHR. 32. 30. II* Or, brought in the waters of Gihon. " 2 KIN. 18. 13, 17. Is. 36. 1. is Addition in Vulgate. v Ps. 48. 6. Is. 13. 8 ; 21. 3,4. w 2 KIN. 19.15. 2 CHR. 32. 20. 1 2 KIN. 19. 20. u Addition in Vulgate. ll*In Vulgate, by the hand oflsaias the holy prophet. y 2 Km. 19. 35. 2 CHR. 32. 21. TOBIT 1. 18. 1MACC.7.41. 2MACC.8.19. 1 2 Km. 20. 10, 11. Is. 38. 8. II* In Syriac and Arabic signs and tempta- tions. 356 ECCLESIASTICUS, XLIX. CANT. 1. 3. b ch. 32. 6, 7. 1 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. II" Or, he was prospered, or, directed aright, and so the Vulgate. c 2 Kra. 23. 4. 2 CHR. 34. 3. 2 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. d 2 CHR. 35. 1, &c. 1 BSD. 1, , asinch.43. 12. 358 ECCLESIASTICUS, L. the bright clouds: and as the flower of roses in the 8 spring of the year, as lilies by the rivers of waters, and as the branches of the frankincense tree in the time of summer : as fire and incense in the censer, and as a 9 vessel of beaten gold set with all manner of precious stones: and as a *fair* olive tree budding forth fruit, 10 and as a cypress tree which groweth up to the clouds. When he put on the robe of honour, and was clothed 11 with the perfection of glory ">', when he went up to the holy altar, he made the garment of holiness H fc honour- able. When he took the portions 118 out of the priests' 12 hands, he himself stood by the hearth of the altar, com- passed with his brethren II" 1 round about, as a young cedar in Libanus; and as palm trees compassed they him round about. So were all the sons of Aaron in 13 their glory, and the oblations of the Lord in their hands, before all the congregation of Israel. And 14 finishing the service at the altar, that he might adorn the offering of the most high Almighty, he stretched 15 out his hand to the cup [to make a libation 6 ,] and poured of the blood of the grape b , he poured out at the foot of the altar a sweet smelling savour unto the most high King of all. Then shouted the sons of Aaron, 16 and sounded the silver trumpets H re , and made a great noise to be heard, for a remembrance before the Most High. Then all the people together hasted, and fell 17 down to the earth upon their faces to worship their Lord God Almighty, the Most High. The singers 18 also sang praises with their voices, with great variety of sounds 11 was there made sweet melody. And the 19 people besought the Lord, the Most High, by prayer before Him that is merciful, till the solemnity of the Lord was ended, and they had finished His service. Then he went down, and lifted up his hands over the 20 whole congregation of the children of Israel, to give the blessing of the Lord^ with his lips, and to rejoice in His Name. [And he repeated his prayer, willing to shew the power of God 7 .] And they bowed them- 21 selves down to worship the second time, that they might receive a blessing from the Most High. Now 22 therefore bless d ye^ the God of all, which only doeth * Omitted in most Greek copies. See oh. 24. 14. IW Gr. boasting. Perhaps, festive joy. See ch. 45. 8. II* Some render, the court of the temple, or, vestibule of the sanc- tuary. II' Or, limbs, of the victim. II Or, the crown of his brethren. See ver. 1. NUM. IT, 6. e Addition in Vulgate. See Num. 15. 10 ; 28. 14. b ch. 39, 26. II * Or, trum- pets of beaten metal. See NUM. 10. 8,10. c 1 CHR. 16. 4. ch. 47. 9. II Or, in the great house, as in the Vulgate, and many Greek ' copies. II? In Vulgate, to give glory to God. 1 Addition in Vulgate. d 1 CHR. 29. 20. NBH. 9. 5. Ps. T2. 18. In Vulgate, \\pray ye to. ECCLESIASTICUS, LI. 359 wondrous things everywhere, which exalteth our days from the womb, and dealeth with us according to His mercy: [Who governeth His people according to His 23 Will, to give them wisdom of heart 8 ;] He grant us joyfulness of heart, and that peace may be in our days 24 in Israel for ever: that He would confirm His mercy with us, and [that Israel may believe that the favour of God is with us, to 9 ] deliver us at His time ! 25 There be two manner of nations which my heart 26 abhorreth, and the third is no nation : They that sit upon the mountain of Samaria H r , and they that dwell among the Philistines, and that foolish people that dwell in Sichem 6 . 27 Jesus the son of Sirach of Jerusalem hath written in this book the instruction of understanding and know- ledge, who out of his heart poured forth wisdom. 28 Blessed is he that shall be exercised in these things ; and he that layeth them up in his heart shall become 29 wise. For if he do them, he shall be strong to all things: for the light of the Lord leadeth him, who giveth wisdom to the godly. [Above all things is the glory and majesty of God. Cleave to it, my son, and forsake it not 10 .] Blessed be the Lord for ever. Amen, Amen. . Addi- tions in Syriac and Arabic. II 'The read- ing of the Vulgate, Mount Seir, is to be preferred. The Syriac and Arabic have, dwellers at Gebal. See EZEK. 27.9. 6 EZRA 4. 19. 1 BSD. 2. 16. NEH. 6. l,&c. 10 Addition in Syriac and Arabic. CHAPTER LL A thanksgiving, and an exhortation. A PRAYER OF JESUS THE SON OF SIRACH 1 . 1 T WILL thank Thee, O Lord and King, and praise JL Thee, O God my Saviour: I do give praise unto 2 Thy Name : for Thou art my defender and helper, and hast preserved my body from destruction, and from the snare of the slanderous tongue, and from the lips that forge lies% and [in the sight of them that stood by 1 ] 3 hast been mine helper against mine adversaries: and hast delivered me, according to the multitude of Thy mercies and greatness of Thy Name [from them that did roar, and 3 ] from the teeth of them b that were ready to devour me c , and out of the hands of such as i Title in the Greek. a Ps. 120. 2, 3. i Addition in the Vulgate. s Addition in the Vulgate, b Ps. 124. 6. c Ps. 54. 4. 360 ECCLESIASTICUS, LI. sought after my life, and from the manifold afflictions which I had, [and from the gates of tribulation which compassed me about 3 ;] from the choking of fire d on 4 every side, and from the midst of the fire which I kin- dled not, [so that I was not burnt 4 ;] from the depth 5 of the belly of hell e , from an unclean tongue, and from lying words f . By an accusation to the king from an 6 unrighteous tongue g my soul drew near even unto death, my life was near to the hell h beneath. They 7 compassed me on every side, and there was no man to help me ' : I looked for the succour of men, but there was none. Then thought I upon Thy mercy, O Lord, 8 and upon Thy acts of okU, how Thou deliverest such as wait for Thee, and savest them out of the hands of the enemies. Then lifted I up my supplication k from 9 the earth, and prayed for deliverance from death ; [and Thou hast exalted my dwelling place upon the earth 6 .] I called upon the Lord, the Father of my Lord'l, that 10 He would not leave me in the days of my trouble, and in the time of the proud, when there was no help. I 11 will praise Thy Name continually, and will sing praise with thanksgiving ; and so my prayer was heard : for 12 Thou savedst me from destruction, and deliveredst me l from the evil time: therefore will I give thanks, and praise Thee, and bless Thy Name, Lord. When I was yet young, or ever I went abroad, 1 13 desired wisdom openly in my prayer. I prayed" for 14 her before the temple, and will seek her out even to the end. Even from the flower till the grape was ripe 15 hath my heart delighted in her: my foot went the right way, from my youth up sought I after her. I 16 bowed down mine ear a little, and received her, and gat much learning. I profited p therein, therefore will 17 I ascribe the glory unto Him that giveth me wisdom. For I purposed to do after her, and earnestly I fol- 18 lowed that which is good; so shall I not be con- founded. My soul hath wrestled with her, and [in 19 doing it I have been confirmed, for 6 ] in my doings I was exact: I stretched forth my hands to the heaven above, and bewailed my ignorances of her. [My soul clave unto her, and I will not turn my face away from Addition in the Vulgate. apRov.16.27. JAMES 3. 5, 6. * Addition in the Vulgate. e JONAH 2. 2. ' WlSD. 1. 11. epnov.25.18. h Ps. 88. 8. ch. 34. 12. i Ps. 7. 2 ; 22. 11 ; 71. 10 12 ; 142. 4. ) Ps. 9. 10 ; 22. 4, 5 ; 77. 1012. ch. 2. 10. k Ps. 18. 5, 6. 5 Addition in Vulgate. II In the Ara- bic, my Fa- ther, the mighty Lord and Saviour. But the Greek ex- presses the author's belief in the Messiah as Adonai, the Son of God, Ps. 2. 4, 7. HEB. 1. 5. I ch. 2. 11. m ch. 34. 11, 12 ; 39. 4. II WISD. 7. 7 : 8.21. ch. 39. 5, 6. WISD. 8. 17, 18. f ch. 33. 16. Addition in Vulgate. ECCLESIASTICUS, LI. 361 her ; I applied my soul to follow after her, and I will never forget her. My hand opened her door ; I search- 20 ed her out, and apprehended her 7 .] I directed my soul 7 Addition in unto her, and I found her in pureness : I have had my Syriac - heart joined with her from the beginning, therefore 21 shall I not be forsaken q . My heart was troubled in seeking her, [and my inward parts burned as a furnace with the desire to behold her 8 ;] therefore have I got- 22 ten a good possession. The Lord hath given me a tongue r for my reward, and I will praise Him there- with. 23 Draw near unto me s , ye unlearned, and dwell in the 24 house of learning. Wherefore are ye slow, and what say ye of these things, seeing your souls are very 25 thirsty? I opened my mouth, and said, Buy her* for 26 yourselves without money. Put your neck under the yoke u , and let your soul receive instruction: she is hard at hand to find T . [And he who gives his mind 27 to knowledge shall find her 9 .] Behold with your eyes, how that I have had but little labour w , and have got- 28 ten unto me much rest. Get learning with a great 29 sum of money*, and get much gold by her. Let your soul rejoice in His mercy, and be not ashamed of His 30 praise. Work your work betimes y , and in His time He will give you your reward 2 . [Blessed be the Lord for ever, and praised be His Name from generation to generation 10 .] > PROV. 4. 6, 13. s Addition in Syriac. The paragraph is omitted in the Ara- bic, vv. IS to 22. r Is. 60. 4. s PROV. 8. 5 ; 9.4. 1 PROV. 23. 23. n ch. 6. 24, 25. T WISD. 6. 16. ch. 6. 1. Addition in Syriac and Arabic. w WISD. 6. 14, 15. ch. 6. 19. 31 PROV. 4. 5, 7. y ch. 6. 18. 1 ch. 2. 8. w Addition in Syriac and Arabic. ADDITIONS TO THE BOOKS OF JOB, PSALMS, PROVERBS, AND LAMENTATIONS. A 1 I. In JOB, CHAP. II., VEB. 9, according to the Greek text : ;N"D when much time had passed, his wife said to him, How long wilt thou hold out, saying, Behold, I will wait a little while, expecting the hope of my deli- verance ? For, behold, thy memorial is perished from the earth, Thy sons and daughters, the pangs and travails of my womb, Which I bore in vain with sorrows ; And thou thyself sittest down to spend the nights in the open air among the corruption of worms, And I am a wanderer and a servant, Going about from place to place, and from house to house, "Waiting for the setting of the sun, That I may rest from my labours, ii in the And from the overwhelming sorrows, which now beset me : But speak some word to the Lord U, and die. ADDITIONS TO JOB. 363 II. In JOB, CHAP. XLIL, VEB. 17, according to the Greek text: And Job died, an old man, and full of days : And it is written that he shall rise again with those whom the Lord raiseth up. This man is interpreted out of the Syriac book, Having his abode in the land of Uz a , on the borders of Idumea and Arabia; And his name before was Jobab ; And he took an Arabian wife, and begat a son whose name was Ennon; And he himself was the son of his father Zareth b , one of the sons of Esau ; And of his mother Bossora; so that he was the fifth from Abraham. And these are the kings who reigned in Edom, over which country he also ruled ; First, Balac c the son of Beor ", and the name of his city was Dennaba ; And after Balac, Jobab, who is called Job ; And after him Assom d , who became the prince of the land of Theman ; And after him Adad, the son of Barad, who destroyed Madiam in the plain of Moab ; And the name of his city was Gethaim. And these were his friends who came to him : Eliphaz", the son of Sophan, of the sons of Esau, king of the Themanites ; Bildad (son of Amnon, son of Chobar), monarch f of the Saucheans ; Sophar, king of the Minaeans. (Theman, son of Eliphaz, prince of Idumaea ; this man is interpreted out of the Syriac book, Having his abode in the land of Uz, upon the borders of Euphrates ; And his name before was Jobab, and his father was Zareth, who came from the East.) GEN. 36. 28. 1 CHR. 1. 42. b GEK. 36. 18. l CHR. l. 37. c GBS. 36. 32, 33. l CHR. 1. 43, 44. II Or, Semph&r, that is, Zippor. d GKK. 36. 34, 35. 1 CHR. 1. 45,46. e 1 CHROS. 1. 35. f TOBIT 2. 10 (Vulgate). 364 ADDITIONS TO PSALMS. III. THE 151ST PSALM. This Psalm is found at the conclusion of the ancient Greek and Latin Psalters, and in some of them is followed by an Appendix of Hymns and Canticles, as enumerated below : APPENDIX TO THE GREEK PSALTER. 1. The 151st Pealm. 2. Hymn I. The Song of Moses in Exodus (Ex. xv. 119). 3. Hymn II. The Song of Mo- ses in Deuteronomy (DEUT. xxxii. 1 43>. 4. Hymn III. The Prayer of Hannah the mother of Sa- muel (1 SAM. ii. 110, and JER. ix. 23, 24). 5. Hymn IV. The Prayer of Isaiah (Is. xxvi. 920).' 6. Hymn V. The Prayer of Jonah (JONAH ii. 310). 7. Hymn VI. The Prayer of Habakkuk (HAB. Hi. 219). 8. Hymn VII. The Prayer of Hezekiah (Is. xxxviii. 10 20). 9. Hymn VIII. The Prayer of Manasseh. 10. Hymn IX. The Prayer of Azarias (DAN. iii. 26, &c., in the Greek text). 11. Hymn X. The Hymn of our Fathers (or the Song of the Three, DAN. iii. 52, &c., in the Greek text). 12. Hymn XI. The Prayer of Mary the Mother of God (S. LUKE i. 4654). APPENDIX TO THE LATIN Ps \LTEB. 1. The 151st Psalm. 2. Canticle I. (Is. chap. xii.). 3. Canticle II. The Song of Hezekiah (Is. xxxviii. 10 20). 4. Canticle III. The Song of Hannah (1 SAM. ii. 110). 5. Canticle IV. The Song of Moses (Ex. xv. 119). 6. Canticle V. The Song of Habakkuk for ignorances (HAB. iii. 219). 7. Canticle VI. The Song of Mo- ees for the Sabbath (DEUT. xxxii. 143). 8. Canticle VII. The Song of the Three Children (DAN. iii., LXX.). 9. Canticle VIII. The Song of Mary the Virgin, the most glorious Mother of God (S. LUKE i. 4654). 10. Canticle IX. The Song of Simeon (S. LUKE ii. 29-32). 11. Canticle X. The Song of Za- charias (S. LUKE i. 6879). 12. Canticle XI. The Quicun- que, or Creed of Athana- sius. ADDITIONS TO PSALMS. 365 APPENDIX TO THE GKEEK PSALTEB. 13. Hymn XII. The Prayer of Simeon (8. LUKE ii. 2932). 14. Hymn XIII. The Prayer of Zacharias (8. LUKE i. 68 79). 15. Hymn XIV. The Morning Hymn. Glory to God in the high- est, &c. We praise Thee, we bless Thee, &c. Lord, the only begotten Son, &c. For Thou only art holy, &c. Every day I will bless Thee, And I will praise Thy Name for ever, World without end a . Vouchsafe, O Lord, that this day We may be kept without sin. Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers, And exalted and glorified be Thy Name for ever. Amen b . Blessed art Thou, O Lord; teach me Thy statutes (three times). Lord, Thou hast been our refuge from one generation to another d . 1 said, Lord, be merciful unto me, Heal my soul, for I have sin- ned against Thee e . O Lord, I flee unto Thee : Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God '. For with Thee is the well of life. In Thy light we shall see light. Continue forth Thy loving- kindness to them that know Thee*. APPENDIX TO THE LATIN PSALTER. 13. Canticle XII. The Te Deum Laudamus, or the Song of 8. Ambrose and 8. Augus- tine. * Ps. 145. 2. (Song of the Three) 28. c Ps. 119. 12. d Ps. 90. 1. Ps. 41. 4. i Ps. 143. 9, 10. Ps. 36. 9, 10. [These Hymns and Canticles were added, as having a place in the Hours and other Offices of Devotion in the Christian Church. The 151st Psalm is quoted in the Breviary (5th Week after Pentecost), though not included in the ancient commentaries on the Psalter.] 366 ADDITIONS TO PSALMS, &c. 2 SAM. 7. 8. b ISAM. 16. 18. c 1 SAM. 16. 13. Ps. 89. 20. d ISAM. 16. 7. Ps. 147. 10. 6 ISAM. 17. 43. f ISAM. 17. 51. PSALM CLI. [TITLE.] This Psalm is a genuine one of David, though excluded from the number, written when he had fought alone with Goliath. 1 I was little among my brethren, And youngest in my father's house, I kept my father's sheep a . 2 My hands formed b an instrument of music, And my fingers tuned a psaltery. 3 And who shall declare me to my Lord ? The Lord Himself, He shall hear me, 4 He sent forth His angel, And took me from my father's sheep. And He anointed me c with the oil of His anointing. 5 My brethren were fair and tall, But the Lord delighted not in them d . 6 I went forth to meet the Philistine, And he cursed e me by his idols. 7 But I drew the sword f that was beside him, And cut off his head, And I took away the reproach from the sons of Israel. ADDITIONS TO THE BOOK OF PKOVERBS. I. In CHAP. VI., VER. 6. a ECCLUB. 11. Or go to the bee a , And learn how laborious she is ; And how excellent is the labour wherein she is engaged : Whose labours kings and private men use for health ; And she is desired and respected by all ; Even though she is weak in power, She is advanced by honouring wisdom. ADDITIONS TO PKOVERBS. 367 II. In CHAP. IX., VER. 12. He that stays himself upon falsehoods a , seeks to rule the winds b , And the same man seeks to overtake birds in their flight; For he has forsaken the ways of his own vineyard d , And has caused the axles of his own husbandry to go astray; And he goes through a dry desert 6 , And a land appointed II to drought ; And he gathers barrenness f with his hands. "PROV.25.14. b ECCLES. 11. 4. ECCLUS. 27. 19. C PROV.30.19. d PROV. 24. 30, 31. 6 Wl8D. 5. 7. "Or, extended. I MICAH 6.15. III. In CHAP. XV., VER. 27. By alms and by faithful dealings a sins are purged away; a ToniT4.io; But by the fear of the Lord every one departs from evil. IV. In CHAP. XVIII., VER. 22. He who putteth away a good wife, putteth away good things; But he who retaineth an adulteress a , is foolish and ungodly. a JER. 3. i. ECCLUS. 7. 19, 26; 25. 16, y _ 19, 26. In CHAP. XXIV., VER. 22. A son that keeps the commandment shall escape de- struction : For such an one has fully received it. Let no falsehood be spoken by the king from the tongue ; Yea, let no falsehood proceed from his tongue. The king's tongue is a sword a , but not one of flesh ; And whosoever shall be given up to it shall be destroyed : For if his wrath b should be provoked, he destroys men I>PROV. 16. with cords, 20. ; 2! 9 ' 12 And devours men's bones, and burns them up as a flame, So that they are not even fit to be eaten by the young eagles. My son, reverence my words, And receive them, and repent. * ECCLUS. 28. 18. 363 ADDITION TO LAMENTATIONb. VI. In CHAP. XXVII., VEB. 20. ^io^siw' ** e w ^ ^ xes k* 8 eye * k an abomination to the Lord, wiso. 17. i. And undisciplined b men are unbridled in their tongue . c ECCLUS. 19. 1012. ADDITION TO THE LAMENTATIONS OF JEREMIAH. Short Preface in the Greek text. And it came to pass, after Israel was taken captive and Jerusalem made desolate, that Jeremias sat weep- ing, and lamented with this lamentation over Jerusalem, and said, ALEPH. How does the city that was filled with people sit solitary ! (and the rest). B A R U C H. INTRODUCTION. fPHE Book of Baruch was placed -*- among the Prophetical Books in the old English TBibles, in the place which it occupies in the Vul- gate, after The Lamentations of Je- remiah, and before The Prophecy of Ezekiel. It consists of two distinct parts, the first of which (chapters i. to v.) bears the title 'Baruch' in the Greek Bibles ; the second (chapter vi.) has the title 'Epistle of Jeremias.' But in the Vulgate the whole is reckoned as one book, described as the ' Prophecy of Ba- rtich.' In the Syriac the book is called ' The Second Epistle of Baruch the Scribe,' and it is thus connected with The First Epistle of Baruch, a separate treatise addressed to the nine and a half tribes beyond the Euphrates, which is probably a much later work, and forms the introduction to the longer treatise called ' The Apocalypse of Baruch' In most Greek editions the Book of Baruch and the Epistle of Jere- mias are found as separate treatises, the former being placed before the Lamentations, and the latter after them. The description of the book as ' The Prophecy of Baruch,' or even less accurately ' Baruch the Pro- phet,' does not answer to its con- tents. The book itself is rather a hortatory Epistle to the Jews in Jerusalem, in which certain pro- phetic sayings are recited, than a separate announcement of a pro- phetic character. The captives are represented as receiving the words of Jeremiah, conveyed to them through Baruch, and exhorting their brethren in Judea to submit to the Divine chastisements, and to obey the call of the prophet. It may also be observed that Jew- ish tradition distinctly denies Ba- ruch's prophetic character. The Rabbi Azariah, in the Meor E- nayim, says : ' Baruch, which is 'received by Christians, is not re- ' ceived by us.' Immanuel Aboab says : ' Wise men of old say that ' Baruch, the son of Neriah, the dis- ' ciple of Jeremiah, was a most per- 'fect man both in practice and 'theory, and thus he merited the ' gift of prophecy : but even he 'could not attain to it, whilst he 'dwelt in the Holy Land, because ' the times were evil : and when he ' complained much that he was dis- ' appointed of his hope, the Lord ' ordered the prophet to reprove him ' for his ambition' (JER. xlv. 1, &c.). He adds that the Jews attach no value to the Book of Baruch or to the Epistle annexed to it. With reference to the latter, he consider- ed that it was too indulgent to the sin of idolatry to possess any au- thority, referring perhaps to verses 69, 73 of the Epistle of Jeremias. The book represents Baruch as having come to Babylon, with the letter to the captives given in the xxixth chapter of Jeremiah ; be- fore the destruction of Jerusalem, but after the captivity of Jeconiah. Aa 370 INTKODUCTION. The captives upon hearing the let- ter, fast and pray, and send offer- ings to the temple, accompanied by an Epistle to their brethren, in which the destruction of the city and sanctuary is anticipated, hav- ing been already predicted by the prophet, together with the seventy years' duration of the captivity ( JER. xxix 10, 17, &c.) There was a letter subsequently sent by the hand of Seraiah (JER li. 59), who was probably the brother of Baruch This letter contained the predic- tion of the fall of Babylon But as the author of ' Baruch ' conceived that the temple was still standing, and its worship maintained (chap. i. 7, 8, 10), he must have had m view the former letter (JER. xxix.), of which he supposed Baruch to be the bearer, as well as of the letter sent in reply. It seems therefore to be no sufficient objection to the author's narrative, that Baruch was subsequently with Jeremiah in Je- rusalem and Egypt. His supposed visit to Babylon was for a tempo- rary purpose, and when that was accomplished he returned. The liberty permitted to the captives, and the presence of Jechonias at the assembly by the river Sud, have been alleged as improbable circumstances : also that certain vessels of silver were returned to the land of Judea for use in the temple : but on the other hand, JER. xxix. 5, 6, shews that the captives formed a colony in Baby- lonia, and were not kept under re- straint: it is not impossiVe that Jechonias, though subsequently im- prisoned, might have shared this liberty at the beginning of the exile. Thus it is conceivable that the author inserter! certain tradi- tions concerning Baruch, one of which was that he accompanied Elasah and Gemariah in the mis- sion recorded in JER. xxix. The restoration of the vessels seems to be contradicted by JER. xxvii. 16. The Epistle, which is said to have been sent to the remnant at Jerusalem, is a compilation from the Prophetical Books. The con- fession of sins in chaps, i. 15 22 ; ii. 1 20, is taken from DAN. ix. 718. The threatenings of Di- vine judgment in chap. ii. 21 26, from 'JER xxvii. 12, 13 ; xxv. 9 11 ; viii. 1, 2 ; xxxvi. 30. The promises of restoration in chap. ii. 3035, from JER. xxiv. 5 7 ; xxx. 3 ; xxxii. 3740. Chapter iii. 1 8 is a prayer for mercy. Then fol- lows an exhortation to Israel, chaps, iii. 9 b7 and iv. 1 5, to consider the great treasure of wisdom com- mitted to them in the Law of God, and their un peakable privileges as God's firstborn, possessing the signs of His presence in the midst of them. They are invited to con- sider the greatness of the universe, the house of God (iii. 24), as in- creasing the marvel of the Divine condescension in imparting to Is- rael, the smallest and weakest of the nations, the knowledge of the truth, which others, the great, the wise and the mighty, had sought in vain. God had even shewn Him- self upon earth and conversed with men, appearing to them in His sanctuary, and condescending to be enquired of by them. This passage, chap. iii. 35 37, was quoted by a long array of Christian authors, dating from the earliest times, as a prophecy of the Incarnation. Such an application is agreeable to the general tenor of Scripture, in which the signs of the Divine presence in the ancient sanctuary of Israel are. proved to have a true relation to the presence of the God- head in the tabernacle of flesh, and the temple of Christ's body (ZECH. ii. 10 ; S. JOHN i. 14). From chap, iv. 6 to 29, Jerusalem is represented INTRODUCTION. 371 as a sorrowing widow bereaved of her children, uttering a pathetic lamentation over them. This is partly derived from the Lamenta- tions of Jeremiah, and partly from the prophecies of Isaiah. (Compare 2 ESD. x.) The lamentation ends with words of hope and comfort, also derived from the Prophets. Then follows an address to Jerusa- lem, from chap. iv. 30 to the end of chap, v., in which the joy of restoration is expressed in the sub- lime language of several prophecies of Isaiah, of which it is a para- phrase. The future ruin of Baby- lon is also anticipated, chap. iv. 3235. The ' Epistle of Jeremias ' differs both in subject and style from the Book of Baruch, and must be regard- ed as a separate Apocryphal treatise by another author. It is a series of denunciations of idols and their worshippers, each concluding with the words, ' they are no gods : there- ' fore fear them not.' This Epistle is conceived to be sent to Babylon, the rest of the Book of Baruch being a letter from Babylon. It is partly based upon JER. x. 1 15, where the prophet exhorts the house of Israel not to be dismayed at the signs of heaven or to learn the vain customs of the heathen. An early Christian work, The Apo- stolical Constitutions, asserted that the Book of Baruch was read by the Jews on the great Day of Atone- ment, together with the Lamenta- tions of Jeremiah (Apost. Const., Lib. V., ult). If there was any such practice, it was probably restricted to a few Hellenistic Jews, bv whom the book was held in special esti- mation. Fabricius compared the reading by certain Jews of ' tradi- tions,' which is mentioned with cen- sure in the Laws of Justinian. On the other hand, Jerome, in his Pre- face to the Commentary on Jere- miah, says that he did not think it right to comment on Baruch, because it was not read by the He- brews ; and he spoke in terms of censure of the Epistle which falsely bore the name of Jeremiah. It is also apparently excluded from some of the important Catalogues of the Old Testament Scriptures, viz. those of Melito, Origen, S. Gregory Na- /ianzen, and S. Epiphanius: al- though some have contended that it is sometimes included as a part of the prophecies of Jeremiah. It has been much used and comment- ed upon : commentaries on Jere- miah frequently including the Book of Baruch, which was regarded as the teaching of Jeremiah, written down by his scribe and disciple. The Book of Baruch (excluding the Epistle of Jeremy) bears marks of an early date, and a Hebrew ori- ginal, although the versions which we possess are all of them evidently based upon the Greek. It has been conjectured that it was originally compiled in the latter period of the Persian monarchy, when ' on occa- ' sion of revolt against their oppress- ' ors, the Babylonian Jews did not ' share in the struggles or hopes of 'their brethren at Jerusalem. But there are signs of Alexandrian au- thorship, and points of contact with the teaching of Philo in the exhor- tation to Israel which begins at chap. iii. 9 ; and those who claim the earliest date for the beginning of the book, would place this part later, considering the Greek trans- lator as a compiler from two or more ancient documents. The Greek Baruch appears to be an earlier treatise than the two other Apocryphal works connect- ed with the name of Baruch, the Apocalypse of Baruch, and the Ethi- opic work entitled, The Best of the Words of Baruch. In The Apocalypse, the idea of future rewards and Aa2 372 INTRODUCTION. punishments is very prominent ; and the vengeance which is expected to overtake the enemies of God, is in the world to come. The Greek Baruch, on the other hand, speaks only of national and temporal hopes, and its language on death is nearer to that of Ecclesiasticus than to the teaching of Wisdom or The Macca- bees (see chap. ii. 17). Perhaps the most probable conclusion is, that the original Baruch was an early work, and that it was trans- lated, together with the prophecies of Jeremiah, by an Alexandrian Jew, and thus came to be annexed to the Book of Lamentations, and regarded as a part of the collection of the sayings of Jeremiah. The author's purpose was evidently to encourage the Jews in a time of national trouble and perplexity, by leading them to reflect on the past glory of the Law, and the yet great- er glory of the sayings of the pro- phets concerning their future. It is a sacred book of prayer and me- ditation, well adapted for domestic or synagogue use, though not worthy to take the place of the Canonical Scriptures. The Epistle of Jeremy bears marks of a later date, and a Greek original. It was probably written in Egypt as a paraphrase upon some of the warnings against idola- try in the prophets, with a view to confirm the Jews in their adhe- sion to the true religion in the midst of the various forms of hea- thenism which surrounded them. Their position as exiles from the land of their fathers was parallel to that of their ancestors in Baby- lon, whilst the mixed population of Alexandria would combine East- ern forms of superstition with the paganism of Greece and Egypt. The duration of the Babylonish captivity, for ' seven generations ' instead of seventy years, mav imply that in the author's opinion the restoration of Israel from that cap- tivity was yet future, the return under Zorobabel being accounted as a partial or incomplete termina- tion to the exile. For a fuller illustration of Baruch and the Epistle of Jeremy, and especially for the points of con- tact with the Syriac Epistle to the nine and a half tribes, the reader is referred to the Notes in the Commentary on the Apocrypha pub- lished by the Christian Knowledge Society. BARUCH: 7JV VULGATE, THE PEOPHECY OF BAEUCH ; IN THE SYRIAC, THE SECOND EPISTLE OF BAEUCH THE SCEIBE. CHAPTER I. The Epistle sent from Babylon to Jerusalem. 1 A ND these are the words of the book, which Baruch J\. the son of Nerias a , the son of Maasias b , the son of Sedecias, the son of Asadias, the son of Chelcias, wrote 2 in Babylon, in the fifth year, and in the seventh day of the month, what time as the Chaldeans took Jerusa- 3 lem , and burnt it with fire. And Baruch did read the words of this book d in the hearing of Jechonias the son of Joachim king of Juda, and in the ears of all the peo- 4 pie that came to hear the book 11 , and hi the hearing of the nobles, and of the king's sons, and in the hearing of the elders, and of all the people, from the lowest unto the highest, even of all them that dwelt at Baby- 5 Ion by the river Sud. Whereupon they wept, fasted, 6 and prayed before the Lord. They made also a collec- 7 tion of money according to every man's power: and they sent it to Jerusalem unto Joachim the high priest 6 , the son of Chelcias, son of Salom, and to the priests, and to all the people which were found with him at Jerusa- 8 lein, at the same time when he received the vessels f of the house of the Lord, that were carried out of the temple, to return them into the land of Juda, the tenth day of the month Sivan g , namely, silver vessels, which * JER. 36. 4 6, 32 ; 45. 2 5. b JER. 51. 59. c JER. 39. 1,2; 52. 12, 13. d JER. 51. 60, 61. See also JER. 29. 1, , and peace. Who hath found out her place ? 15 Or who hath come into her treasures J? Where are the princes of the heathen become, 16 And such as ruled the beasts upon the earth ; They that had their pastime with the fowls of the 17 air, And they that hoarded up silver, And gold, wherein men trust, And made no end of their getting ? For they that wrought in silver", and were so careful k , 18 And whose works are unsearchable ", BARUCH, III. 379 19 They are vanished 1 and gone down to the grave, And others" 1 are come up in their steads. 20 Young men have seen light, and dwelt upon the earth : But the way of knowledge have they not known, 21 Nor understood the paths thereof, nor laid hold of it : Their children were far off from that way, [and erred from it 1 .] 22 It hath not been heard of in Chanaan II, Neither hath it been seen in Theman". 23 The Agarenes'l that seek [the 2 ] wisdom [that is 2 ] upon earth, The merchants of Meran H and of Theman, The authors of fables, and searchers out of under- standing ; None of these have known the way of wisdom, Or remember her paths. 24 O Israel, how great is the house p of God ! And how large is the place q of His possession ! 25 Great, and hath none end ; High, and unmeasurable. 26 There were the giants'" famous from the beginning, That were of so great stature, and so expert in war. 27 Those did not the Lord s choose, Neither gave He the way of knowledge unto them : 28 But they were destroyed, because they had no wis- dom, And perished through their own foolishness. 29 Who hath gone up into heaven 1 , and taken her, And brought her down from the clouds? 30 Who hath gone over the sea", and found her, And will bring her for pure v gold? 31 No man knoweth her way w , Nor thinketh of her path. 32 But He that knoweth all things knoweth her x , And hath found her out with His understanding : He that prepared the earth for evermore Hath filled it y with [cattle and 3 ] fourfooted beasts: 33 He that sendeth forth light, and it goeth, Calleth it again, and it obeyeth Him with fear. 34 The stars shined in their watches z , and rejoiced : When He calleth them, they say a , Here we be ; I WISD. 5. 13, 14. m ECCLBS. 2. 18, 19. 1 Addition in Syriac. II Perhaps Tyre and Sidon are meant. See GEN-. 10. 15. n JER, 49. 7, 20. HAB. ?. 3. Targutu of Jonathan on BELT. 33.2. II Or, sons of A gar, or, Ishmael- ites. 2 Additions in Vulgate II In JOSH. 13. 4, Mearah that is be- side Sidon. Ps. 141. 19, 20. P DEL-T. 10. 14, 15. 1 KIN. 8. 27. Ps. 24. 1. 1 JOB 41. 11. Ps. 50. 12. ECCLUS. 16. 18. r WISD. 14. 6. ECCLUS. 16. 7. 8 MACC. 2. 4. 8 1 SAM. 16. 7. 1 DBUT. 80. 12,13. ROM. 10. 6, 7. u JOB 28. 13 15. v WISD. 7. 9. w JOB 28. 12. 1 JOB 28. 23, 24. ' ECCLUS. 16. 29, 30. 3 Addition in Vulgate. 1 EccLl'8. 43. 10. " JOB 38. 35. JUDITH 9. 6. 380 BARUCH, IV. And so with cheerfulness they shewed light unto Him that made them. This is our God, 35 And there shall none b other be accounted of in com- parison of Him. He hath found out all the way of knowledge, 36 And hath given it c unto Jacob His servant, And to Israel His beloved d . Afterward did He shew Himself 6 upon earth, 37 And conversed with men. bis. 45. 21,22. c ECCLUS. 17. 18 ; 24. 8. d DEUT. 33. 5. Is. 5. 1. ECCLUS. 45. 1. 6 See Ex. 24. 10; 29. 43, 45. PROV. 8. 31. JOHN 1. 14. " ECCLUS. 24. 23. b Ps. 119. 105. PROV. 6. 23. Is. 2. 5. * Not found in the Greek. The Syriac and Vulgate have, walk in the way by the splen- dour of its light. c DEUT. 32. 21. ECCLUS. 49.5. d DEUT. 4. 7, 8 ; 33. 29. ROM. 3. 1, 2 ; 9. 4, 5. II That is, remnant. " DEUT. 32. 30. Is. 50. 1 ; 52.3. JUDITH 7. 25. f DEUT. 32. 17. 1 COR. 10. 20. Ps. 106. 37, 38. ver. 14, 24. CHAPTER IV. Words of hope and consolation to Israel. is the book a of the commandments of God, 1 -L And the law that endureth for ever : All they that keep it shall come to life ; But such as leave it shall die. Turn thee, O Jacob, and take hold of it : 2 Walk b in the presence of the light thereof, * that thou *mayest be illuminated*. Give not thine honour to another, 3 Nor the things that are profitable to thee unto a strange nation. O Israel, happy are we d ; 4 For things that are pleasing to God are made known unto us. Be of good cheer, my people, the memorial H of Israel. 5 Ye were sold 6 to the nations, not for your destruction: 6 But because ye moved God to wrath, ye were delivered unto the enemies. For ye provoked Him that made you 7 By sacrificing unto devils f , and not to God. Ye have forgotten the everlasting God, that brought 8 you up ; And ye have grieved Jerusalem, that nursed you. For when she saw the wrath of God coming upon you, 9 she said, Hearken, O ye that dwell about Sion g : God hath brought upon me great mourning ; For I saw the captivity of my sons and daughters, 10 BARUCH, IV. 381 * LAM, 1. 1. 2 BSD. 10. 7, 27. J Is. 49. 21. k 2 BSD. 10. 21, 22. 1 DEUT. 28. 50. m 2 CHR. 36. 17. 3 MACC. 4. 5. Which the Everlasting brought upon them. 11 With joy did I nourish them h ; But sent them away with weeping and mourning. 12 Let no man rejoice over me, a widow *, and forsaken of many, Who for the sins of my children am left desolate J ; Because they departed from the law of God. 13 They knew not His statutes, Nor walked in the ways of His commandments, Nor trod in the paths of discipline in His righteous- ness. 14 Let them that dwell about Sion come, And remember ye the captivity of my sons and daugh- ters 11 , Which the Everlasting hath brought upon them. 15 For He hath brought a nation upon them from far, A shameless J nation, and of a strange language, Who neither reverenced 1 " old man, nor pitied child. 16 These have carried away the dear beloved children of the widow, And left her that was alone desolate without daughters. 17 But what can I help you? 18 For He that brought these plagues upon you Will deliver you from the hands of your enemies n . 19 Go your way, my children, go your way : For I am left desolate . 20 I have put off the clothing of peace, And put upon me the sackcloth p of my prayer : I will cry unto the Everlasting in my days 11 . 21 Be of good cheer, O my children, cry unto the Lord, And He shall deliver you from the power and handll of the enemies. 22 For my hope is in the Everlasting, that He will save you; And joy is come unto me from the Holy One, Because of the mercy which shall soon come unto you from the Everlasting our Saviour. 23 For I sent you out with mourning and weeping: But God will give you to me again with joy and glad- ness' 1 for ever. n 2 BSD. 10. 24. Is. 3. 36. LAM. 1. 16. P Is. 3. 24. LAM. 2. 10. JUDITH 8. 4, 5. ESTH. 14. 2. II That is, the days of my mourn- ing, Is. 60. 20. II In the Vulgate, out of the hand of the princes your enemies. In Syriac, of the mighty. 1 JER. 31. 9, 13 ; 50. 4. 382 BARUCH, IV. r Ps. 13T. 7. JER. 48. 27 29. EZEK. 25. 3, 8 JOSH. 10. 24. Ps. 60. 12. Is. 3. 16, &c. JER. 2. 25. LAM. 4. 5. EZEK. 12. 11, 12. MIC. 1. 16. u JER. 12. 7. EZEK. 34. 5. JOHN 10. 12. II Or, that led you away ; that is, to Babylon. v ROM. 6. 13, 19. II Or, He that tiamed thee, claiming thee as His own. See Ps. 132. 13. Is. 45. 4. w Ps. 137. 7, 8. x NAH. 3. 7. y Is. 47. 6. ZECH. 1. 15. z Is. 47. 1,8, 9. a Is. 13. 19. JER. 49. 18 ; 50. 40. bis. 13. 20, 21, LXX. REV. 18. 2. Is. 41. 2. ch. 5. 5. d Is. 43. 5, 6 ; 49. 12, 18 ; 60.4. TOBIT 14. 5. Like as now the neighbours r of Sion have seen your 24 captivity : So shall they see shortly your salvation from our God, Which shall come upon you with great glory, And brightness of the Everlasting. My children, suffer patiently the wrath that is come 25 upon you from God : For thine enemy hath persecuted thee ; But shortly thou shalt see his destruction, And shalt tread 8 upon his neck. My delicate ones 1 have gone rough ways, 26 And were taken away as a flock caught u of the enemies. Be of good comfort, O my children, and cry unto God: 27 For ye shall be remembered of Him that brought these things upon you". For as it was your mind to go astray from God, 28 So, being returned, seek Him v ten times more. For He that hath brought these plagues upon you 29 Shall bring you everlasting joy again with your sal- vation. Take a good heart, Jerusalem: 30 For He that gave thee that name" will comfort thee. Miserable are they that afflicted thee, 31 And rejoiced w at thy fall. Miserable x are the cities which thy children served y : 32 Miserable is she that received thy sons. For as she rejoiced at thy ruin, 33 And was glad of thy fall : So shall she be grieved for her own desolation z . For I will take away the rejoicing of her great multitude, 34 And her pride shall be turned into mourning. For fire a shall come upon her from the Everlasting, 35 long to endure ; And she shall be inhabited of devils b for a great time. O Jerusalem, look about thee toward the east c , 36 And behold the joy that cometh unto thee from God. Lo, thy sons come, whom thou sentest away, 37 They come gathered together from the east to the west, By the word of the Holy One d , Rejoicing in the glory of God. BARUCH, V. 3S3 CHAPTER V. The joyful return of the captives. T off, O Jerusalem % the garment of thy mourn- ing and affliction, And put on the comeliness of the glory that cometh from God for ever 1 !. 1 Cast about thee a double garment " of the righteous- ness which cometh from God ; And set a diadem b on thine head of the glory of the Everlasting. 3 For God will shew thy brightness unto every country under heaven. 4 For thy name shall be called of God for ever, The peace of righteousness 41 , and The glory of God's worship 11 . 5 Arise, Jerusalem, and stand on high 6 , And look about f toward the east, And behold thy children gathered from the west unto the east, By the word of the Holy One, Rejoicing in the remembrance of God. 6 For they departed from thee on foot, and were led away of their enemies : But God bringeth them unto thee exalted 8 with glory, As children of the kingdom H. 7 For God hath appointed that every high hill, and banks of long continuance H, should be cast down h , And valleys filled* up, to make even the ground, That Israel may go safely in the glory of God. 8 Moreover even the woods J and every sweetsmelling tree shall overshadow Israel By the commandment of God. 9 For God shall lead Israel with joy in the light of His glory k With the mercy and righteousness that cometh from Him. Is. 51 1, 1 II Or, the everlaxtiiii/ glory which thou hast from Gvd. II Or, a fold- ing mantle. See 1 SAM. 15. 27; 28. 14. b ZECH. 3. 5. WISD. 18. 24. c Is. 60. 2. d JER. 33. 16. II Or, the glory of godliness, or, piety. e Is. 40. 9. f ch. 4. 36. Is. 66. 20. 1 ESD. 4. 47 ; 5.2. TOBIT 14. 5. II Or, like the throne of a kingdom. U Gr. ever- lasting hills, as in GEN. 49. 26. h ZECH. 4. 7. i Is. 40. 4. i Is. 35. 1, 2 ; 41. 19 ; 55. 12,13. k Is. 4. 6. [End of the second Epistle of Baruch the scribe 1 .] i Addition in the Syriac. 384 BARUCH, VI. 1 Title in the Greek and Syriac. 2 Title in the Vulgate. 2 KIN. 25. 5 T. II An error for seven decades, corrected in the Syriac, which has seventy years. See JER. 25. 11, 12. b Is. 46. 1. JER. 10. 5. c JER. 10. 1, 2,