ONE
ESDRAS
THE HISTORY BOOK
Josiah to Zedekiah.
1.
And
Josiah held the feast of Passover at Jerusalem to the Lord, and offered the
Passover on the 14th day of the first month having placed the priests according
to their daily courses dressed in long garments in the temple of the Lord.
2.
And He
spoke to the Levites, the holy ministers if Israel that they shall hallow
themselves to the Lord to set the Holy Ark of the Lord in the house that king
Solomon, son of David had built.
3.
And he
said; "You shall no longer bear the ark on your shoulders, therefore now
serve the Lord your God, and minister to His people Israel according to your
families and your kindred, as David king of Israel had prescribed, and after the
magnificence of Solomon his son.
4. And stand
in the temple according to the several dignities of your families the Levites,
who are the ministers in the presence of your brothers, keeping the Passover
according to the commandments of the Lord given by Moses."
5. And
Josiah gave to the people that were there 30.000 lambs and kids, and 3000
calves, these were given of the king's allowance as he promised to the people,
the priest, and Levites.
6.
And
Helkias, Zacharias, and Syelus, the governors of the people gave 2600 sheep and
300 calves to the priest for the Passover.
7. And
Jeconias, Samaias, and Nasthanael his brother, and Assebias, Ocheil, and Joram,
who were captains over thousands, gave to the Levites 5000 sheep and 700 calves
for the Passover.
8. And when
these things were done, the priest and Levites having the unleavened bread stood
in beautiful order according to their kindred and their several dignities of
their fathers, before the people offering to the Lord as it was written in the
book of Moses.
9.
And thus
they did on the morning, and they roasted the Passover with fire as was meet for
the sacrifices, and sod them in brass pots and pans, with a good savor, and set
them before all the people.
10. Afterwards
they prepared for themselves and for their brothers, the priests, the sons of
Aaron, for the priest offered the fat until evening and then prepared for
themselves.
11. And there
were also the holy singers the sons of Asaph in their order according to the
appointment of David, to wit, Asaph, Zacharias, and Jeduthun, who was of the
king's retinue.
12.
And
porters were at every gate, for it was not lawful for anyone to depart from his
normal service since their brothers, the Levites, prepared for them.
13.
And thus
the things that belonged to the sacrifices of the Lord were accomplished in that
day so they might hold the Passover and offer sacrifices on the altar of the
Lord according to the commandment of Josiah the king.
14.
And thus
the children of Israel which were present held the Passover and of the
show-bread at that time for seven days.
15. And such
a Passover was not kept in Israel since the time of the prophet Samuel, in fact
not any of the kings of Israel held such a Passover as Josiah and the priests,
the Levites and the people did, with all that were found in Jerusalem.
And this was in the 18th year of the reign of Josiah when this was so
held.
16. And the
deeds of Josiah were upright before the Lord his Lord, having a heart full of
Godliness, for the things of good came to pass as it was written.
As also the things for those that sinned in previous times had come to
pass, and the Lord rose up against Israel.
17. After all
the acts of Josiah now, it came to pass that Pharaoh king of Egypt, came to war
at Carchamis on the Euphrates, and Josiah went out against him.
18. But the
king of Egypt sent saying to him; "I am not sent out from the Lord God
against you, but my war is on Euphrates, and the Lord is with me to hasten me
forward, therefore depart from me, and be not against the Lord".
19.
Josiah
however did not turn his chariots back from him, but undertook to fight him, not
regarding the words of Jeremiah the prophet which he spoke by the mouth of the
Lord, but joined in battle with him in the plain of Magiddo.
20.
And the
princes rose hard against Josiah, and the king said to his servants, carry me
out of the battle, for I am weak.
21.
And his
servants took him out of the battle setting him on his second chariot, and
brought him back to Jerusalem, and there he died and was buried in his father's
sepulcher.
22.
And all
Israel mourned for Josiah, and Jeremiah the prophet lamented for Josiah, as well
as the chief men and women lament to this day, for this was given as an
ordinance to be done continually in Israel.
23.
And these
things are written in the books of the stories of the kings of Judah, all the
acts of Josiah, his glory, and his understanding in the law of the Lord.
24. And all
the things that were done before, and things now recited are recorded in the
books of the kings of Israel and of Judah.
25. And the
people took Jehoahaz, son of Josiah, and made him king in his father's place,
and he was 23 years old.
26.
He
reigned in Jerusalem three months when the king of Egypt deposed him, and he
taxed the land 100 talents of silver, and one talent of Gold.
27. And the
king of Egypt made Jehoiakim king in Judea and Jerusalem binding him and his
nobles with an oath.
28. Jehoiakim
was 25 years old when he was made king, and he did what was evil before the
Lord, for which reason the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar was brought up
against him, and he bound him with chains of brass and carried him to Babylon.
29. Nebuchadnezzar
also took some of the holy vessels of the Lord bringing them and setting them in
his own temple in Babylon.
30.
And all
these things, his impiety and uncleanliness are written and recorded in the
chronicles of the kings.
31.
And
Jehoiakim his son reigned in his stead, he was 18 years old when he was made
king, and he reigned for 3 months and 10 days in Jerusalem, and did what was
evil in the sight of the Lord.
32. And
Nebuchadnezzar sent and caused him to be brought to Babylon with the holy
vessels of the Lord, and made Zedekiah king in his stead, and he was 21 years
old, and reigned 11 years.
33. And he
also did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and cared not for the words
that were spoken to him by Jeremiah the prophet from the mouth of the Lord.
34. And king
Nebuchadnezzar had made him swear by the name of the Lord, but he rebelled,
transgressing the law of the Lord, and hardening his neck.
35.
And the
governors of the people also, and the priests, did many things against the law
exceeding the pollution of the nations, so they defiled the temple of the Lord
which was sanctified in Jerusalem.
36.
Nevertheless
the Lord of their fathers sent messengers to call them back, for He spared them
and also His tabernacle.
37.
But they
took His messengers in derision, making sport of His prophets in such degree
that He was very wroth with His people for their great ungodliness.
38. And He
commanded the king of the Chaldeans to come against them who killed their young
men with the sword, yes even within the confines of the holy temple, sparing
neither young nor old, nor maids nor children among them.
39.
For He
delivered all of them in the hands of their enemies, and they took the holy
vessels of the Lord, both great and small, with the vessels of the ark of the
Lord, and the king's treasures, and carried them to Babylon.
40.
And they
burned the house of the Lord and the walls of Jerusalem were broken down, and
her towers set on fire, and they ceased not until they had consumed all that was
glorious, bringing it down to nothing.
41. And those
of the people not killed with the sword; he carried to Babylon to become
servants to him and his children. And
this was until the Persians reigned to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by
Jeremiah that the land should enjoy its Sabbaths, to rest the entire time of her
desolation till the term of 70 years be fulfilled.
The temple works stopped.
1.
In
the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, the Lord stirred up his spirit in order
that His word might be accomplished which He spoke to Jeremiah the prophet.
2. And Cyrus
made a proclamation throughout his kingdom, and he placed it also in writing
saying;
3.
Thus says
Cyrus king of the Persians, the Lord of Israel, the Most High Lord has made me
king of the whole world, and has commanded me to built Him a house at Jerusalem
in Judea.
4.
Any of
those therefore that are His people, let the Lord their God be with them, and go
up to Jerusalem in Judea, and built the house of the Lord of Israel, for He is
Lord who dwells in Jerusalem.
5. And
whosoever live round about, His neighbors, let them help Him with gold and
silver gifts, and with horses and cattle and other things that have been vowed
for the temple of the Lord at Jerusalem.
6.
Then the
chiefs of the families of Judea and of the tribe of Benjamin stood up, and also
the priests, the Levites, and all whose mind the Lord had stirred to go up to
built the house for the Lord at Jerusalem.
7.
And they
who lived round about helped them in all things with silver, gold, horses, and
cattle, and many free gifts of a great number whose hearts were stirred thereto.
8.
King
Cyrus also sent forth the holy vessels, which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away
from Jerusalem and set up in his own temple of idols.
9.
King
Cyrus then delivered these to Mithridates, his treasurer and by him they were
delivered to Sanabassar the governor of Judea.
10. And this
was their number, 1000 golden cups, 1000 of silver, 29 silver censers, 30 vials
of gold and 2410 of silver, and 1000 other vessels, the total 5469 that were
brought back to Jerusalem together with the people from Babylon.
11.
But in
the time of Artaxerxes, king of the Persians, certain men wrote against them to
the king, and these were; Selemus, Mithridates, Tabellius, Rathumus, Seeltethus,
and Selellius, saying;
12. To king
Artaxerxes our lord, your servant Rathumus, the story writer, and Semellius, the
scribe, and the rest of our counsel, and the judges that are in Celosyria and in
Phenice. Be it known to the king
that the Jews that came up from you to us at Jerusalem, that they are
rebellious, and wicket.
13. They are
building the market places, repairing the walls, and laying the foundations of
the temple, and thus if this city and its walls are raised again, they will not
only refuse to give tribute, but also rebel against kings.
14. And since
the things of the temple are now in their hand, we thought it right not to
neglect such a matter, but to speak to our lord the king, to the intend that if
it be your pleasure search it out in the books of their fathers.
15. For in
these chronicles you shall find what is written concerning these things, and you
will understand how they are a rebellious city troubling both kings and cities,
and that the Jews were always rebellious raising war therein for which reason
this city was desolated.
16.
Therefore
we declare to you O king that if this city be built again, and its walls set
anew, you shall no longer have a passage into Celosyria and Phenice.
17.
Then the
king wrote back to them; I have read the letter, which you sent to me, and I
commanded a diligent search. And it
has been found that this city practices against kings from the beginning, the
men of it being rebellious and given to war, and mighty and fierce kings were in
Jerusalem who reigned and exacted tributes in Celosyria and Phenice.
18. Therefore
I have commanded to hinder those men from building the city, and that you may
see to it that there be nothing done in it, that these wicket workers proceed no
further to the annoyance of kings.
19. Then
these men having read the letter of the king went in haste to Jerusalem with a
troop of horsemen and a multitude of people in battle array.
20. And they
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.
The search for the strongest.
1.
And
so when Darius reigned, he made a great feast for all his subjects, his
household, and all the princes of Media and Persia, governors and lieutenants,
from India to Ethiopia of 172 provinces.
2.
And
having eaten and drank, being satisfied and gone home, Darius the king went to
his bed chamber and slept but soon afterwards awoke.
3.
And three
young men of his bodyguard spoke to each other saying.
Let each of us speak a sentence, and he that wins, whose sentence shall
be wiser than the others, to him be the gifts of the king in token of victory.
To be clothed in purple, and to drink from golden cups, and sleep on
golden beds, and ride a chariot with golden bridles, and a headdress of fine
linen, with a chain about his neck, and may he sit next to Darius because of his
wisdom, and be his cousin.
4. Then each
one wrote his sentence and sealed it, and they laid it under the pillow of
Darius, saying; When the king arises, someone will give him the writings, and
whoever the king judges wisest in his sentence, to him the victory shall be
given as agreed.
5.
And the
first wrote; Wine is strongest, while the second wrote; The king is strongest, and
the third wrote; Women
are strongest, but above all things truth takes away the victory.
6.
The king
then, as he awoke, the writing was delivered to him, and he read, and he sent to
call the princes of Persia and Media, and sat down in the royal seat of
judgment.
7. And the
writings were read before them, and he said; "Call the men so they may
declare their sentences".
The first exposition.
8.
And
having been called he said to them; "Declare to us your mind concerning
these writing". Then the first
who had spoken of the strength of wine said;
9.
"O
you men how exceedingly strong wine is, it causes all men that drink to err, it
makes the minds of kings and orphans as one as well as those of captives and
free-men, or the poor and the rich.
10.
It turns
every thought into joy and pleasure so that one does nor remember sorrow nor
debt, and it makes every heart rich wherein a man remembers neither king nor
governor, and causes him to speak as he wills.
11. When they
have drunk their cups, they forget both friend and brothers, and shortly
afterwards draw the sword, and when they sober up, they remember not what they
have done.
12.
Therefore
O you men, is not wine the strongest, that can enforce these things?"
And having thus spoken he held his peace.
The second exposition
1. Then
the second, who had spoken of the strength of kings, began to speak and said;
"O you men, is it not men who excel in strength bearing rule over the land
and sea and all that is in them?
2.
Yet the
king is mightier, since he is lord of all of these, having dominion over them,
and whatsoever he commands, they do.
3. If he sends them out against enemies, they go and break down mountains walls and towers, they kill and are killed, and transgress not the kings commandment.
4.
And when
they obtain the victory they bring everything to the king the s spoil and all
else. And likewise with those that
are not soldiers, who do not act in war, but such as farmers, for when they reap
that which they have sown, they bring it to the king, and they compel one
another to pay tribute to the king.
5.
And yet
the king is but one man, if he command to kill, they kill, if he commands to
spare, they spare, if he commands to smite, they smite.
Or if to make desolate, they make desolate, and if he commands to built,
they built, or if to cut down, they cut down, or if to plant, they plant.
6.
So all
his people and his armies obey him, and furthermore, he lies down, eats, drinks,
and takes his rest, and his subjects keep watch around him, nor may anyone
depart, or do his own business, nor do they disobey him in anything.
7.
O you
men, how should it not be the king who is mightiest seeing he has such
obedience?" And he held his
peace.
The third exposition.
8. Then the
third that had spoken of women and of truth, whose name was Zerubabel,
began to speak saying; "O you men, it is not the great king, nor the
multitude of men, nor is it wine that excels.
9.
But who
then is it that rules, having lordship over them? Is it not women? For
women have borne the king and all the people that bear rule over land and sea.
10.
For from
these they came and were nourished, they plant the vineyards from which wine
comes, and they also make the garments for men, and bring glory to men, and
without which man cannot be.
11. Yes and
when men have gathered together gold and silver or any goodly thing, do they not
love a woman great in beauty and lovely, in favor above all these, to let all
these things go? For yes, with open
mouth they gaze fixing their eyes on them.
12. Do not
men have more desire to her than to gold or silver or any goodly thing
whatsoever? A man leaves his father
that brought him up, and his own country, and cleaves to his wife.
13. He
remains with her, and remembers not father or mother, nor country.
And so by this you must know that women have dominion over you, for do
you not labor and toil and bring all of it to the woman?
14. A man
takes his sword and goes to rob and steal, he sails on the sea and rivers, looks
lions in the mouth, and goes in darkness, and when he has finished, he brings it
to his love.
15. Therefore
a man loves his wife better than his mother or father, and there are those who
have run out of their life for women, having become servants for their sake.
16.
Many have
erred and perished for women, and will you not now believe me, for is not the
king great in power? For all
regions fear to touch him.
17.
Yet I saw
him and the king's concubine Apame, the daughter of the admirable Bartacus,
sitting at the right of the king. And
taking the crown from the king's head, she set it on her own head, and also she
struck the king with her left hand, and yet for all this the king gazed on her
with open mouth.
18.
And when
she laughed to him, he laughed also, and if she took displeasure at him, then
the king was quick to flatter her so she might be reconciled to him again.
19.
Thus O
you men, how can it be but woman should be the strongest, seeing they do thus wise?"
20.
Then the
king and princes looked on one another, and Zerubabel began to speak of the
truth saying; "O you men are not women strong?
21.
But now
how great is the earth, how high the heaven, how swift the sun in her course
compassing the heavens round about, and regaining his course each day, is not
therefore He great who makes all these things?
22. Therefore
great is the truth and stronger than all things, all the earth calls on the
Truth, and heaven bless it, all works shake and tremble at it, and with it is
nothing unrighteous.
23.
Wine is
wicked, the king is wicked, women are wicked, all the children of men are
wicked, and so are their works, there not being truth in them, and in their
unrighteousness they perish.
24.
But as
for the truth, it endures and is strong always, it lives and conquers forever,
with her is no accepting of persons, but she does the things that are just, and
refrains from all that is unjust and wicked.
25.
And all
men like her works, there is no injustice in her judgment, and she is the
strength, the kingdom and power and majesty of all ages, blessed be the God of
truth." And with all this he
held his peace.
26.
Then all
the people shouted, great is truth, and mighty above all things.
Zerubabel
request.
27. Then the
king said to him, "Ask what you will more than what was given in the
writings and we will give it you, for you are found the wisest and you shall sit
next to me, and be called my cousin."
28.
Then he
said to the king; "Remember the vow which you vowed to built it in the year
when you came into your kingdom, to sent away all the vessels that were taken
out of Jerusalem which Cyrus had set apart to sent when he swore to destroy
Babylon?
29.
And you
also swore to build up the temple, which the Edomites burned when Judea was
desolated by the Chaldeans.
30.
And now O
lord the king this is what I require and desire of you, I desire that you make
good the vow which you swore with your own mouth to the King of heaven."
31. Then the
king stood-up and kissed him, and wrote letters for him to all the treasurers,
the lieutenants, captains, and governors that they should safely convey him and
all that were going up with him to Jerusalem, on their way.
32. And he
also wrote letters to Celosyria and Phenice and to those in Libanus, that they
should bring cedar wood, and with it to help built the city with him.
33.
Moreover,
he wrote for all the Jews that went out of his realm to Judea concerning their
freedom, that no officer, ruler, or treasurers should forcibly enter their
doors. And that all the land which
they held be free of tribute and that the Edomites should return the villages of
the Jews, which they held.
34. And that
yearly there should be given 20 talents to the building of the temple until it
were completed, and another 10 talents yearly to maintain the burnt offerings on
the altar, as they had a commandment to offer seventeen.
35. And that
all who went from Babylon to built the city should have free liberty, as well as
their prosperity, and the priests likewise.
36. He wrote
regarding the charges and the vestments of the priests wherein they minister,
and also for the charges of the Levites to be given them till the day that the
house was finished, and Jerusalem built.
37. And he
commanded to forward to all these who kept the pensions and wages for the city,
and he sent all the vessels away from Babylon.
38. When this
young man then had gone forth, he lifted up his face to heaven and towards
Jerusalem and praised the King of heaven saying;
39.
"From
Thee comes victory and wisdom, and Thine is the glory, and I am Thy servant,
blessed art Thou who has given me wisdom, for to Thee I give thanks O Lord of
our fathers."
40. And he
took the letters and coming to Babylon he told all his brothers, and the praised
the God of their fathers for He had given them freedom and liberty to go up to
built Jerusalem and the temple which is called by His name.
41. And they
feasted with instruments of music and gladness for seven days.
Towards Jerusalem.
1. After
this the principle men of the families were chosen according to their tribes,
for all to go up with their wives and children, and servants and their cattle.
2. And
Darius sent with them a thousand horsemen to bring them safely to Jerusalem,
where they entered with tabors and flutes.
3.
And these
are the names of the men, which went up according to their families among their
tribes after their several heads.
4. The
priests, the sons of Phinees, son of Aaron, Jesus, son of Josedec, son of
Saraias, and Joacim, son of Zerubabel, son of Shealtiel of the house of David
out of the kindred of Phares of the tribe of Judah who spoke wise sentences
before Darius king of Persia, in the second year of his reign in the month
Nissan, which is the first month.
5.
And with
them were Jesus, Nahemias, Zacharias, Roesaias, Enenius, Mordocheus, Beelsarus,
Aspharasus, Reelius, Roimus, and Saana, their guides.
6.
The
number of them of the nation and the governors, sons of Phoros 2172, the sons of
Saphat 472, the sons of Ares 756, the sons of Moab 2812, the sons of Elam 1254,
the sons of Zathui 945, the sons of Corbe 705, the sons of Bani 648, the sons of
Bebal 623, the sons of Sadas 3272, the sons of Adoikam 667, the sons of Bagoi
2066.
7. The sons
of Adin 454, the sons of Aterezias 92, the sons of Ceilan and Azatas 127, the
sons of Azuran 432, the sons of Aram 32, the sons of Basa 323, the sons of
Azephurith 102, the sons of Meterus 3005, the sons of Bethlomon 123, them of
Netophan 55, them of Anasthoth 158, them of Betheamos
8. They of
Kiriathiarius 25, of Caphira and Beroth 743, of Pira 700, of Dias and of Ammidal
422, of Cirama and Gabdes 621,of Macalon 122, of Betolfus 52, of Nephis 156, of
Calamolalus and Onius 725, of Jerechus 245, of Annaas 3330, the priests the sons
of Jeddu, the son of Jesus among the sons of Sanasib 972.
9. The sons
of Meruth 1052, of Phassaron 1047, of Carme 1017, the Levitical sons of Jessus
and Cadmiel and Banuas and Sudias 74, the holy singers the sons of Asaph 128.
10. The
porters, sons of Salun, Jatal, Talmon, Dacobi, Teta, and of Sami in all 139.
The servants of the temple, the sons of Esau, Asipha, Tabaoth, Ceras, Sud,
Phaleas, Labana, Graba, Acua, Uta, Cetab, Agaba, Subai, Anan, Cathua, Geddur,
Arias, Daisan, Noeba, Chaseba, Gazera, Azia, Phinees, Azara, Bastai, Asana,
Meani, Naphisi, Acub, Acipha, Assur, Pharacim, Basaloth, Mosda, Coutha, Charea,
Charcus, Aserer, Thomoi, Nasith, and of Atipha.
11. The sons
the servants of Solomon, of Azephion, of Pharira, of Jeell, of Lozon, of Isdael,
of Sapheth, of Magia, of Phacareth, Sabi, Sarothie, Masias, Gar, Addus, Suba,
Apherra, Barodis, Sabat, and of Allom, all the ministers of the temple and the
sons of the servants of Solomon were 372.
12.
These
came up from Thermeloth, with Thelersas, Charaathalar, and Aalar leading them,
neither could they show their families nor their stock how they were of Israel,
the sons of Ladan, of Dan, and of Nacodan, 652.
13. And the
priests that supported the office of the priesthood, and were not found, the
sons of Obdie, of Accuz, of Addus who married Augia, one of the daughters of
Berzelus, and was named after his name.
14. And when
the description of the kindred of these men was sought in the register and was
not found, they were removed from executing the office of the priesthood.
For to them Nahemias and Atharias said that they should not be partakers
of the holy things till a High Priest arose clothed with doctrine and truth.
15. So of
Israel from 12 years and upwards they were in number 40.000 besides 2360
menservants and maidservants, and the singers men and women 245, and there were
435 camels 7036 horses, 245 mules, and 5525 beasts used to the yoke
16. And
certain of the chief of their families, when they came to the temple of God that
is in Jerusalem, vowed to set up the house again in its place according to their
ability. And to put into the holy
treasure of the works a 1000 pounds of gold, 5000 of silver, and 100 priestly
vestments.
17.
And so
dwelt the priests and the Levites and the people in Jerusalem and in the
country, the singers also and the porters and all Israel in their villages.
18.
But when
the seventh month was at hand, the children of Israel all came together with one
consent into the open place of the first gate, which is towards the east.
19. Then
Jesus the son of Josedec stood up and his brothers the priests, and Zerubabel
the son of Shealtiel and his brothers. And
they made the altar of the God of Israel ready to offer burnt offerings on it
according as it is expressly commanded in the book of Moses the man of God.
20. And the
others were gathered to them out of the other nations of the land, and they
erected the altar in its place, for the nations had been at enmity with them
having oppressed them.
21. And they
offered sacrifices according to the time, burnt offerings to the Lord both
morning and evening, and held the feast of tabernacles as it was commanded in
the law. The sacrifices thus were
offered daily as was meet, and after that the continual oblations and the
sacrifices of the Sabbaths and of the new moons and of all the holy feasts.
22.
And
everyone who had made a vow to God began to offer sacrifices to God, from the
first day of the seventh month, even though the temple of the Lord had not yet
been built.
23. And they
gave to the masons and carpenters money, meat, and drinks with cheerfulness, and
to those of Sidon and Tyre they gave carrs that they should bring cedar trees
from Libanus, which were brought by floats to the haven at Joppe as it was
commanded them of Cyrus king of the Persians.
24. And after
two years, in the second month after Zerubabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jesus
the son of Josedec, and their brothers and the priests and Levites had come to
the temple of God, they laid the foundation of the house of God, on the first of
the second month of that second year after having come from the captivity to
Jerusalem and Jewry.
25. And they
appointed the Levites from twenty years up over the works of the Lord.
Then Jesus and his sons and brothers and Cadmiel and his brothers, and
the sons of Madiabun stood up also with the sons of Joda, and of Eliadum and his
brothers and with one accord set forth the business laboring to advance the work
on the house of God.
26. So the
workmen built the temple of the Lord, and the priests stood arrayed in their
vestment with musical instruments and trumpets, and the Levites, sons of Asaph,
had cymbals singing songs of thanksgiving and praising the Lord accordingly as
David the king of Israel had ordained.
27. And they
sang with loud voices songs to the praise of the Lord, because His mercy and
glory is forever in all Israel. And
all the people sounded trumpets and shouted with a loud voice singing songs of
thanksgiving to the Lord for the upbuilding of the house of the Lord.
28.
But the
priests and Levites, of the chiefs of their families, the elders who had seen
the former house, came to the building of this with weeping and great crying.
29. But while
many were with trumpets and with joy shouting with a loud voice, so much so that
the trumpets could hardly be heard, for the weeping of the people, yet the
multitude sounded marvelous so that it was heard from afar.
30. The
enemies then of the tribes of Judah and of Benjamin, who heard it, came to see
what the noise of trumpets might mean, and they perceived that those of the
captivity were building the temple to the Lord God of Israel.
31. So they
went to Zerubabel and to Jesus, and the chiefs of the families, and said; We
will built together with you, for we also like you, obey your Lord, and do
sacrifices to Him from the days of Azbazareth, king of the Assyrians who brought
us here.
32. Then
Zerubabel and the others said; "It is not for us and you to built together
a house to the Lord our God, we alone will built to the Lord of Israel as Cyrus
king of Persia has commanded us."
33.
But the
heathen of the land laid heavy on the inhabitants of Judea and hindered them in
their building, doing so by secret plots and popular persuasion, and by
commotion's, so hindering the finishing of the building all the time that king
Cyrus lived.
34.
Thus they
were hindered from building for a period of two years.
1. In the second year then of the building came Sihinnes, governor of Syria and Phenice, with Sathrabuzanes and his companions and said to them:
2. By those
appointment do you built this house, and this roof, and other things, and who
are the workmen that perform the labor?
3.
But the
elders of the Jews obtained favor nonetheless because the Lord had visited their
captivity, and they were not hindered from building until the time that the
notice was given to Darius and they received an answer.
4. The copy
of the letter then which Sisinnes and his friends wrote to Darius was as
follows;
5. To king
Darius greetings. Let all things be
known to our lord the king, we having come in the country of Judea, and entering
the city of Jerusalem, we found the older elders of the Jews that were of the
captivity building a great new house to the Lord God.
6. Using
costly cut stones with the timbers already laid on the walls, and this work is
done with great speed prospering in their hands, and is being made with all
glory and diligence.
7. And so we
asked the elders by whose commandment they built this house, and laid its
foundation, to the intent that we might make you aware of this by writing.
8. And we
demanded of them to know the chief workers to put their names in writing, and
this is what they gave us for answer.
9.
We are
the servants of the Lord who made heaven and earth, and as for this house, it
was built many years ago by a great and strong king of Israel, and it was
completed. But when our fathers
provoked God to wrath, sinning against the Lord of Israel, which is in heaven,
He gave them over into the power of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.
10.
Who
pulled the house down and burnt it, and carried the people captive to Babylon,
but in the first year when king Cyrus reigned over the country of Babylon he put
in writing to rebuilt this house.
11. And the
holy vessels of gold and of silver that Nebuchadnezzar had carried away to his
own temple, these Cyrus brought forth again and were delivered to Zerubabel and
to Sanabassarus the ruler, with the commandment that he should take them and put
them in the temple at Jerusalem, and that the temple of the Lord be built in its
place.
12. And this
same Sanabassarus having come here laid the foundations of the house, and from
that time to this day it is being built, and not yet completed.
13.
If
therefore it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the records of king
Cyrus. And if it be found that
indeed this house of the Lord is being done with the consent of king Cyrus, and
if our king is so inclined, let him inform us to that extend.
14.
King
Darius then commanded that a search be made in the records at Babylon, and so at
Ecabane, which is in the country of Media, a roll was found wherein these
things were recorded, stating. That
in the first year of the reign of Cyrus he commanded that the house of the Lord
where they do sacrifice and continual fire at Jerusalem should be built again.
15. And its
height was sixty cubits, and the width thereof sixty cubits with three rows of
cut stones, and one row of new wood of that country, and the expenses thereof to
be given out of the house of king Cyrus.
16.
And that
the holy vessels of the house of the Lord both of gold and of silver be
restored.
17. And he
also commanded that Sininnes the governor of Syria and Phenice, and
Sathrabuzanus and their companions, and those, which were, appointed rulers in
Syria and Phenice should be careful not to meddle with the affairs.
But to suffer Zerubabel the servant of the Lord, and governor of Judea,
and the elders of the Jews to built the house of the Lord in that place.
18. And he
also commanded that it be built up whole again, and that they take diligence to
help those that are of the captivity of the Jews till the house of the Lord be
completed. And out of the tribute
of Celosyria and Phenice to give the careful portion to these men for the
sacrifice of the Lord, that is, to Zerubabel the governor.
19.
Namely;
bullocks and rams, and also corn, salt, wine, and oil, and that this should
continue every year without further question according as the priest that are in
Jerusalem shall signify to be spend daily, so that offerings may be made to the
Most High for the king and for his children, and that they may pray for their
lives.
20. And he
commanded that whosoever should transgress or take anything that is spoken or
written lightly, that on a tree of his own house he should be hung thereon, and
all the goods seized for the king.
21. May the
Lord therefore utterly destroy every king and nation that put out his hand to
hinder or damage that house of the Lord at Jerusalem, I Darius the king
therefore ordain that these things be done according with diligence.
1. Then
Sisinnes the governor and his friends followed the commandment of king Darius
doing accordingly to oversee the holy works assisting the elders of the Jews and
governors of the temple.
2. And so the holy works prospered when Aggeus and Zacharias the prophets prophesied, and they completed these by the commandment of the Lord God of Israel, and with the consent of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes kings of Persia.
3. And thus
was the holy house finished on the 23rd day of the month Adar in the 6th year of
Darius. And the children of Israel
and the priests and Levites and others that were of the captivity that were
added with them did according to the things written in the book of Moses.
4. And to
the dedication of the temple they offered a hundred bullocks, two hundred rams,
four hundred lambs, and 12 goats for the sin of all Israel.
And the priests and Levites stood arrayed in their vestments according to
their kindred in the service of the Lord God of Israel, according to the book of
Moses, and porters at every gate.
5. And the
children of Israel that were of the captivity, held the Passover on the 14th day
of the 1st month after which the priests and Levites were sanctified, and all of
the captivity together were sanctified.
6. And so
they offered the Passover for all those of the captivity, and for their brothers
the priests, and for themselves, and the children of Israel separated all those
of the abominations o the people of the land, and sought the Lord.
7. And
they kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days making merry before the Lord
that He had turned the counsel of the king of Assyria towards them to strengthen
their hands in the works of the Lord of Israel.
1. And
after these things, when Artaxerxes reigned, came Esdras the son of Saraias, son
of Ezerias, son of Helchiah, son of Salum, son of Achitob, son of Amarias, son
of Ezias, son of Meremoth, son of Zaraias, son of Savias, son of Baccas, son of
Abisum, son of Phinees, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron, the chief priest.
2. This
Esdras went up from Babylon as a scribe being quite learned in the law of Moses
that was given by the God of Israel, and the king honored him, for he found
grace in his sight in all his requests.
3. And up with him went certain children of Israel of the priests, Levites, holy singers, porters, and ministers of the temple, to Jerusalem in the 7th year of the reign of Artaxerxes in the 5th month.
4. They went
from Babylon on the 1st day of the 1st month, and came to Jerusalem in the
prosperous journey, which the Lord gave. For
Esdras had very great skill so that he omitted nothing of the law and
commandments of the Lord, but taught all Israel the ordinances and the
judgments.
5. The copy
of the commission then which was written from Artaxerxes to Esdras the priest
and reader of the law of the Lord, greetings.
6. Having
determined to deal graciously, I have given order that such of the nation of the
Jews, priests and Levites within our realm who are willing should go with you to
Jerusalem.
7.
As many
therefore have a mind thereto let them depart with you as it has seemed good to
me and my seven friends the counselors that they may look into the affairs of
Judea and Jerusalem that agree to that which is in the law of the Lord.
8. And to
carry the gifts to the Lord of Israel which I and my friends have vowed, and all
the gold and silver that can be found in the country of Babylon to the Lord in
Jerusalem with that which is also given of the people for the temple of the Lord
their God at Jerusalem.
9. And that
gold and silver be collected for bulls, rams, lambs and things pertaining
thereto to the end that they may sacrifice to the Lord on the altar of their
God. And whatever you and your
brothers will do with the silver and gold, do so according to the will of your
God.
10. And the
holy vessels of the Lord that are given you for the use of the people of your
God which is in Jerusalem, you shall set before Him.
And whatever else you remember for the use of the temple of your God, you
shall give out of the king's treasure.
11. And I
king Artaxerxes have also commanded the keepers of the treasurers in Syria and
Phenice that whatsoever Esdras the priest shall sent for they should grant him
to the sum of 100 talents of silver and likewise of wheat and of wine 100 cors,
and other things.
12. Let all
things be done with diligence after the law of the Lord that no wrath may come
on the kingdom of the king and his sons.
13.
I also
command you that you require neither tax nor any imposition on any of the
priests or Levites or holy singers or porters or ministers of the temple, or of
any that have their doing with the temple.
14. And you
Esdras, according to the wisdom of God, ordain judges and justices that they may
judge in all Syria and Phenice, all such as know the law of God, and those who
do not know it, you shall teach them.
15. And
whosoever shall transgress the law of your God and of the king shall be punished
diligently, whether it be death or other punishment, penalty money or by
imprisonment.
16. Then
Esdras the scribe said; "Blessed be the Lord God of my fathers who has put
these things in the heart of the king to glorify His house that is in Jerusalem,
and who has honored me in the sight of the king and his counselors and his
nobles."
17. I
therefore was encouraged by the help of the Lord my God, and gathered the men of
Israel together to go up with me, and these are the chiefs according to their
families and several dignities that went up with me from Babylon in the reign of
Artaxerxes.
18.
Of the
sons of Phinees, Gerson. Of Ithamar,
Gamael, of the sons of David, Letus the son of Sechenias.
Of the sons of Pharez, Zacharias, and with him were counted 150 men.
Of the sons of Palath Moab, Eliaonias the son of Zaraias, and with him
200 men.
19. Of the
sons of Zathoe, Sechenias the son of Jezelus, and with him 300 men, of the sons
of Adin, Obeyh the son of Jonathan, and with him 250 men.
Of the sons of Elam, Josias son of Gothlias, and with him 70 men.
And of the sons of Saphatias, Zaraias son of Michael, and with him three
score and ten men.
20. Of the
sons of Joab, Abadias son of Jezelus, and with him 212 men.
Of the sons of Banid, Assalimoth son of Josaphias, and with him a hundred
and three score men. Of the sons of
Astath, Johannas son of Acatan, and with him 110 men.
21. Of the
sons of Adonikam the last, and these are the names of them, Eliphalet, Jeuel,
and Samaias and with him 70 men. Of
the sons of Bago, Uthi the son of Istaicurus, and with him 70 men.
22. These I
gathered together to the river called Theras where we pitched our tents three
days, then I surveyed them. But
finding none of the priests and Levites, I sent to Eleazar, Iduel, Masman,
Alnathan, Mamaias, Joribes, Nathan, Eunatan, Zacharias, and Mosollamon, the
principle and learned men, and I bade them that they should go to Saddeus the
captain who was in the place of the treasury.
23. And I
commanded them that they should speak to Saddeus and his brothers, and to the
treasurers in that place to send us such men who might execute the office of the
priests in the house of the Lord.
24. And by
the mighty hand of our Lord they brought to us skillful men of the sons of Moli,
son of Levi, the son of Israel, Asebebia and his sons and brothers who were 18
total, and Asebia, Annuus, and Osaias his brother of the sons of Channuneus, and
their sons 20 men.
25. And of
the servants of the temple, which David had ordained, and the principle men for
the service of the Levites, 220 as the catalogue showed their names.
26. And there
I vowed a fast to the young men before our Lord to ask of Him a prosperous
journey both for us and them that were with us, for I was ashamed to ask the
king for footmen and horsemen, a conduct of safeguard against our adversaries.
27. For we
had said to the king, that the power of the Lord our God would be with him that
seeks Him to support him in all ways. And
thus again we sought our Lord concerning these things and we found Him favorable
to us.
28. Then I
separated 12 of the chiefs of the priests, Esebrias, Assanias, and ten of their
brothers, and I weighed them the gold and silver, and the holy vessels of the
house of the Lord.
29.
So I
delivered to them 650 talents of silver, and 100 talents of gold, and of gold
vessels 20 talents, and 12 vessels of brass, of fine brass glittering like gold.
30.
And I
said to them. "Both you and
the vessels are holy to the Lord, and the gold and silver is vowed to the Lord
of our fathers, watch therefore till you deliver them to the chiefs of the
priests and Levites in Jerusalem in the chambers of the house of our God."
31. And thus
the priests and Levites who had received the silver and gold vessels brought
them to Jerusalem into the temple of the Lord
32. And we
departed from the river Theras on the 12th day of the first month and came to
Jerusalem with the mighty hand of God with us delivering us from every enemy.
33. And on
the 4th day of having come there we weighed the gold and silver to the priest
Marmoth, son of Iri, and to Eleazar son of Phinees, and Josabad son of Jesu, and
Moeth son of Sabban, and everything was written down.
34. And those
of the captivity offered sacrifices to the Lord of Israel, twelve bullocks for
all Israel, and fourscore and sixteen rams, threescore and twelve lambs, and
twelve goats for a peace offering.
35.
And they
delivered the king's command to the king's stewards and to the governors of
Celosyria and Phenice, and they honored the people and the temple of God.
36. When now
these things were done the rulers came to me who said; The nation of Israel,
princes, priests, and Levites have not put away from them the strange people of
the land, nor the pollution of the Gentiles to wit; the Canaanites, Hivites,
Pheresites, Jebusites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Edomites.
37. For they
and their sons have married with their daughters, and the holy seed is mixed
with the strange people of the land, and from the beginning of this matter the
rulers and great men have been partakers of this iniquity.
38. And as
soon as I heard these things I rent my clothes and the holy garment, and pulled
the hair of my head and beard, and sat down sad and very heavy.
39.
Then all
that were moved at the word of the Lord God of Israel assembled to me while I
mourned for the iniquity, and I sat full of sadness until the evening sacrifice.
40.
Then
rising up from the fast with my clothes and holy garment rent and bowing my
knees and putting forth my hands to the Lord I said; "O Lord I am
confounded and ashamed before Thy face.
41.
For our
sins are multiplied above our heads, and our ignorance has reached up to heaven,
for ever since the time of our fathers we have been and are in great sin even to
this day.
42. For which
our fathers and we with our brothers and our priests were given to the kings of
the earth, to the sword and to captivity, and for a prey with shame to this day.
43. And now in some measure mercy has been shown to us from The O Lord that a root and a name should be left in the place of Thy sanctuary. And to us that we might discover a light in the house of the Lord our God, and to grant us food in times of our servitude.
44. When we
were in bondage we were not forsaken of our Lord, but He gave us grace before
the kings of Persia so that they gave us food, and honored the temple of our
Lord, and raised up Zion that was desolate giving us a sure abiding in Jewry and
Jerusalem.
45. And now O
Lord what shall we say having these things, for we have transgressed Thy
commandments which Thou gave us by the hand of Thy servants the prophets saying;
that in the land which we enter to possess as heritage, is a land polluted with
the pollution of strangers of the land, and they have filled it with their
uncleanliness."
46. Therefore
now you shall not join your daughters to their sons, nor shall you take their
daughters to your sons. Moreover
you shall seek to have peace with them that you may be strong and eat the good
things of the land, and that you may leave the inheritance of the land to your
children forever.
47. And all
that befell us is done for our sins and wicket works, for Thou O Lord made our
sins light, and gave us much root, but we have turned back again to transgress
Thy law to mingle ourselves with the uncleanliness of the nations of the land.
48. Thou may
indeed be angry with us to destroy us till there is neither root, nor seed, nor
name left to us. But O Lord Thou
art true, for we this day are left a root, behold, we are this day before Thee
in our iniquity, and we can no longer stand before Thee by reason of these
things.
49. As then
Esdras in his prayer made confession, weeping and lying flat upon the ground
before the temple, a great multitude gathered to him from Jerusalem, men women,
and children, and there was great weeping among the multitude.
50. Then
Jechonias, son of Jeelus, one of the sons of Israel called and said; "o
Esdras we have sinned against the Lord God, we have married strange women of the
nations of the land, and now all Israel is out.
51. Let us
make an oath to the Lord that we will put away all our wives that we have taken
of the heathen with their children, as you have decreed, and as many as will
obey the law of the Lord, let them execute it.
52. For this
matter pertains to you and we will be with you, act valiantly."
And so Esdras arose and took an oath of the chiefs of the priests and
Levites of all Israel to act accordingly, and so they swore.
1.
Then
Esdras rising from the court of the temple went to the chamber of Joanan, son of
Eliasib, and remained there, eating no meat nor drank water, mourning for the
great iniquity of the multitude.
2. And there
was a proclamation in all of Judea and Jerusalem to all that of the captivity
that they should be gathered at Jerusalem. And that whosoever did not meet there in two or three days
according to the elders who ruled, that their cattle should be seized to the use
of the temple, and himself be cast out from them that were of the captivity.
3. And in
three days all those of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin gathered at Jerusalem
the 26th day of the 9th month, and all the multitude sat trembling in the broad
court of the temple because of the presence of foul weather.
4.
Esdras
then arose and said to them, "You have transgressed the law in marrying
strange wives with which to increase the sins of Israel.
And now by confession give glory to the Lord God of our fathers, and
perform His will, and separate yourselves from the heathen of the land, and from
the strange women."
5. Then the
whole multitude cried with a loud voice; 'As you have spoken so will we do, but
for as much as the people are many, and it is foul weather so much so that we
cannot stand outside, and this is not a work of a day or two, for our sins in
this is far spread;
6.
Therefore
let the rulers of the multitude stay, and let those of us who have strange wives
come at the time appointed with the rulers and the judges till we turn away the
wrath of the Lord from us for this matter."
7.
Then
Jonathan, son of Azael, and Ezechias, son of Theocanus, took this matter on
them, and Mosollam, Levis, and Babbatheus helped them, and they that were of the
captivity did according to all these things.
8. And
Esdras the priest choose to him the principle men of their families, all by
name, and on the first day of the 10th month they sat together to examine the
matter. And so their cause of
holding strange wives was brought to an end on the first day of the first month.
9. And of
the priests that came together that had strange wives, there were found of the
sons of Jesus, son of Josedec, and his brothers Matthelas, and Eleazar, and
Joribus, and Joadanus. And they
gave their hand to put away their wives, and to offer rams to make
reconciliation for their errors.
10.
And of
the sons of Emmer; Ananias, Zabdues, Eanes, Samaeius, Hiereel, and Azarias, and
of the sons of Phaisur; Elionas, Massias, Ismael, Nathanael, Ocidelus, and
Talsas.
11.
And of
the Levites, Jozabasd, Demis, Callus who was also called Calitas, and Patheus,
Judas, and Jonas, and of the holy singers; Eleazurus, and Bacchurus.
Of the porters, Sallumus, and Tolbanes.
12. Of the
sons of Phoros, Hiermas, Edoias, Melchias, Maelus, Eleazar, Asibias, and Beenias, of the sons of
Ela; Maathanias, Zacharias, Hierielus, Hieremoth, and Adonias, of the sons of
Zamoth; Eliadas, Elisimus, Othonias, Jarimoth, Sabatus,
and Sardeus.
13. Of the
sons of Bebai, Johannes, Ananias, Josabad, and Amatheis.
Of the sons of Mani; Olamus, Mamuchus, Jedeus, Jasubus, Jasael, and
Hieremoth, of the sons of Addi, Naathus, Moosias, Lacunus, Naidus, Mathanias
Sesthel Ocidelus, and Talsas.
14. Of the
sons of Annas; Elionas, Aseas, Melchias, Sabbeus, Simon, and Chosameus, of the
sons of Asom; Altaneus, Matthias, Bannaia, Eliphalat, Manasses, and Semie, of
the sons of Maani; Jeremias, Momdis, Omaerus, Juel, Mabdai, Pelias, Anos,
Carabision, Enasibus, Manitanaimus, Eliasis, Nannus,
15. And of
the sons of Ozora; Sesis, Esril, Azaelus, Samatus, Zambis, and Josephus, of the
sons of Ethma; Mazitias, Zabadaias, Edos, Juel, and Banaias.
16. All these
had strange wives, and they put them away with their children, and the priests
and Levites, and them that were of Israel dwelt in Jerusalem and in the country.
17. And on
the first of the seventh month the whole multitude came together with one accord
in the broad place of the holy porch towards the east.
And they spoke to Esdras the priest and reader that he would bring the
Law of Moses that was given of the Lord God of Israel.
18. So Esdras
brought the law to the multitude, and read in the broad court from morning till
midday, and all the multitude gave heed to the law.
19. And
Esdras stood on a pulpit of wood which was made for that purpose, and with him
were Mattathias, Sammus, Ananias, Azarias, Urias, Ezecias, and Balasamus on his
right, and on his left were Phaldalus, Misael, Lothasubus, and Nabarias.
20. Esdras
thus took the book of the law before the multitude, for he sat honorably in the
first place in sight of them all, and when he opened the book of the law they
all stood up.
21. And
Esdras blessed the Lord Most High, the God of host, Lord Almighty, and all the
people answered, Amen. And lifting
up their hands they bowed to the ground and worshipped the Lord.
22. And these
also taught the law: Jesus, Anus, and Sarabias. Adinus, Jacubus, Sabateas, Auteas, Maianeas, Calitas,
Azarias, Joazabdus, Ananias, and Diatus, the Levites, making them understand it.
23.
Then
Attharates spoke to Esdras and to the Levites that taught the multitude saying.
"This day is holy to the Lord, for they all wept when they heard the
law, go then and eat the fat and drink the sweet, and sent part of it to them
that have nothing, for this day is holy to the Lord.
24. And be
not sorrowful for the Lord will bring you to honor, for thus the Levites
published all things to the people saying, "This day is holy to the Lord,
be not sorrowful".
25. Then each
went their way to eat and drink and be merry, and to give to them that had
nothing, making great cheer for they understood the words wherein they were
instructed, for which reason they had assembled.
