And measures and matters of The Truth of the "time" we are in ...how "man" ..."thought to change time and times ... Dearly beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, how that one day is with the Lord, as a thousand year, and a thousand year as one day.
The Lord is not slack to fulfil his promise, as some men count slackness: but is patient to us ward, and would have no man lost, but would receive all men to repentance.
creteis@yahoo.com Behold in a wonder full dream during the whoreable nightmare of the dark season ...of the times and time ..of the season of man ...see son of man ...
and a simple and wonder full measure of matters : GIVE THE PEOPLE THE THIRD BOOK OF ESDRAS.
( not found in any protestant "bible" text of the churchly religious scholiars of the later king james perversions thought not to include it )
( so HEAR YOU GO ! )
Third Book of Esdras
Chapter 1
And Josias held the feast of Easter in Jerusalem unto the Lord, and slew the Passover the fourteenth day of the first month. He set the Priests also in order ( according to their daily courses ) being arrayed in long garments in the temple of the Lord. And he spake unto the Levites the holy ministers of Israel, that they should hallow themselves unto the Lord, to set the holy ark of the Lord, in the house that King Solomon the son of David had builded, and said: Ye shall no more bear the ark upon your shoulders. Now serve your Lord, and take the charge of his people of Israel, after your villages and tribes: according as King David the King of Israel hath ordained, and according as Solomon his son hath honorably prepared: yee look that ye all do service in the temple, according to the ordering and distribution of the principal men which are appointed out of the tribes, to do service for the children of Israel. Kill the Passover, and prepare offerings for your brethren, and do according to the commandment of the Lord, which he gave unto Moses. And unto the people that was found Josias gave thirty thousand of sheep, lambs, kids, and goats, and three thousand oxen. These the King ( of his kingly liberality ) gave unto the people, according as he had promised: and to the Priests for the Passover, he gave two thousand sheep, and a hundred oxen. Moreover, Jechonias and Semeias, and Nathanael brethren, and Hasabias, Jehiel, and Josabad gave them to the Passover, five thousand sheep and five hundred bullocks.
And when these things were brought to pass, the Priests and the Levites stood goodly in their order, and had the unleavened bread throughout the tribes. And after the ordering of the principal men in the tribes, they offered unto the Lord in the sight of the people, according as it is written in the book of Moses, and so they roasted the Easter lamb as according was. As for the thankofferings and the other, they *dight them in kettles and pots, and set them before the people with good will, and afterward before themselves, and the Priests. For the Priests offered the fat, until the time was expired, but the Levites prepared for themselves and for their brethren the children of Aaron. The singers also the children of Asaph stood in their order, according as David had devised. So did Asaph, Zachary and Jduthun, which were appointed by the king. Moreover the porters and door keepers stood by the doors and diligently, so that none went out of his standing and service: for their brethren ( the Levites ) prepared for them. Thus were all things performed, that belonged to the offering of the Lord. In that day they held the Passover, and offered thanksgivings beside the sacrifice of the Lord, according to the commandment of king Josias.
So the children of Israel which were then present held an honorable Passover, and the feast of sweet bread seven days long. Yee such a Passover was not kept in Israel from the time of the Prophet Samuel. And all the kings of Israel held not such an Easter, as this which king Josias held, and the priests and the Levites, the Jews and all Israel, of aliens that were at Jerusalem. And in the eighteenth year of the reign of Josias was this passover kept. And with a perfect heart did king Josias order all his works, before the Lord, and the things that were written of him in times past, concerning those that sinned and were ungodly against the Lord before all people, and that sought not the word of the Lord upon Israel. After all these acts of king Josias, Pharao the king of Egypt went up and came toward Carcamis by Euphrates, and Josias went to meet him. Then sent the king of Egypt unto Josias saying: What have I to do with thee, O king of Juda? I am not sent of the Lord to fight against thee, for my war is upon Euphrates, go thou thy way home again in all hast. And Josias would not turn again upon his chariot, but undertook to fight against him, and hearkened not unto the word of the prophet, which he told him out of the mouth of God, But pitched a battle against him in the field of Mageddo. And the princes pressed to king Josias. Then said the king unto his servants: Carry me away out of the battle, for I am sore wounded. And immediately his servants took him away out of the front of the battle. Then sat he up upon the second chariot, came to Jerusalem, died, and was buried in his fathers sepulchre. And in all Jewry they mourned for Josias, yea the rulers also with their wives made lamentation for him unto this day: And this was done ever still in Israel.
These things are written in the book of the stories of the kings of Judah, namely, all the acts and works of king Josias, his kingly power and majesty, his understanding in the law of God, and what he did, yee things which are not written in the book of the kings of Israel and Juda. And the people took Jechonias the son of Josias and made him King instead of Josias his father, when he was thirty three years old. And he reigned over Israel three months. And the king of Egypt put him down, that he should not reign in Jerusalem, and raised up a tax of the people: namely, an hundred talents of silver and one talent of gold. The king of Egypt also made Joachim his brother king of Juda and Jerusalem. As for them of the kings counsel with the king himself and Zaraceles his brother, he took them, and carried them away prisoners into Egypt. Five and twenty years old was Joachim, when he was made king in the land of Juda and Jerusalem, and he did evil before the Lord. After this, Nabuchodonosor the King of Babylon came up, bound him with bands of iron, and carried him unto Babylon. Nabuchodonosor also took all the vessels that were hallowed in the temple of the Lord, and all the jewels, and carried them unto Babylon. Of his uncleanness and ungodliness, it is written in the book of the acts of the kings. And Joachim his son reigned in his stead: He was made king being eighteen years old, and reigned but three months and ten days in Jerusalem, and did evil before the Lord. So after a year Nabuchodonosor sent and caused him to be brought unto Babylon with the holy vessels of the Lord, and made Sedechias his brother king of Juda and Jerusalem, when he was twenty one years old: and he reigned eleven years.
And he did evil also in the sight of the Lord, and cared not for the words that were spoken unto him by the prophet Jeremy at the mouth of the Lord. And where as he made an oath unto king Nabuchodonosor, he manswore himself, and fell from him having a stiff neck and a heart, and transgressed all the statutes and ordinances of the Lord God of Israel. The rulers also and heads of the people of the Lord did much evil, and became ungodly more than the Heathen, being defiled in all manner of abominations: Yee and defiled the holy temple of the Lord at Jerusalem. And the God of their fathers sent his messengers unto them, to turn them back and call then again from their sins: for he would faine (obligated / willing, happily) spared them for his holy tabernacles sake Nevertheless, they had his messengers in derision (contempt): and look what God spake unto them by his prophets, they made but sport of it. This drew on so long till the lord was wroth with his people for their ungodliness, and till he caused the kings of the Caldees to come up, which slew their young men with the sword, yee even in the compass of their holy temple, and spared nobody, neither young ner old, neither maiden ner young man: but they were all deliver into the power of the kings of the Caldees, and all the holy vessels of the Lord and the kings treasures took they, and carried them away unto Babylon. As for the house of the Lord, they burnt it, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem, set fire upon her towers, destroyed all her noble buildings and brought them to nought, and the people that were not slain with the sword, they carried unto Babylon.
Thus became they prisoners and bondmen of the king of Babylon, till they were delivered and reigned for themselves, when the words of the Lord were fulfilled, which he promised them by the mouth of the prophet Jeremy, and till the land had her rest: namely, all the time that it lay waste: had it rest and quietness seventy seven years.*dight (boiled)
Chapter 2
Now when king Cyrus king reigned over the Persians, and when the Lord would perform the word that he had promised by the mouth of the prophet Jeremy: the Lord raised up the spirit of Cyrus, the king of the Persians, so that he caused this writing to be proclamation throughout his whole realm, saying: Thus saith the king of Persians: The Lord of Israel, that high Lord, hath made me king of the land, and commanded me to build him an house at Jerusalem in Jewry. If there be any now of your people, the Lord be with him, and go up with him to Jerusalem. And all they that dwell round about the place, shall help them, whether it be with gold, with silver, with gifts, with horses and necessary cattle, and all other things that are brought with a free will to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem.
Then the principal men out of the tribes and villages Juda and Ben Jamin stood up: so did the priests also and the Levites ( whom the Lord had moved ) to go up, and to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem. And they that were about them, and helped them with all manner of gold, and silver, and cattle also and with many liberal gifts, and this did many one, whose mind was stirred up thereto. King Cyrus also brought forth the vessels and ornaments, that were hallowed unto the Lord ( which Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon had carried away from Jerusalem, and consecrated them to his Idol and image ) and delivered them to Mithridatus his treasurer, and by him they were delivered to Salmanasar the deputy in Jewry. And this was the number of them: Two thousand and four hundred silver bowls. thirty silver basins. thirty basins of gold. two thousand and four hundred vessels of silver, and a thousand beside. All the vessels of gold and silver were five thousand eight hundred and sixty. These were numbered unto Salmanasar, and them that were come again with him to Jerusalem out of the captivity of Babylon. Now in the time of King Artaxerses the king of Persia, these men: Belemus, and Mithridatus, Sabellius, Rathim, Balthemus, Semelius the Scribe, and other that dwelt in Samaria and in other places under the dominion thereof, wrote a letter unto King Artaxerses, wherein they complained unto the King of them in Jewry and Jerusalem. The letter was after this manner:
Sir, thy servants, Rathimus the story writer, Sabellius the Scribe, and other judges of the court in Celosyria and Phenices. Be it known and manifest to our Lord the king, that the Jews which are come up from you unto us into the rebellious and wicked city, begin to build it again, and the walls about it, and to set up the temple of the new. Now if this city and the walls thereof be set up again, they shall not only refuse to give tributes and taxes, but also rebel utterly against the King. And forasmuch as they take this in hand now about the temple, we thought it reason, to think no scorn of it, but to show it unto our Lord the King, and to certify him thereof: to the intent that if it please the King, he may cause it to be sought in the books of old: and thou shalt find such warning written, and shall understand, that this city hath all ways been rebellious and disobedient, that it hath subdued Kings and cities, and that the Jews that dwell therein, have ever been a rebellious, obstinate, unfaithful, and fighting people, for the which cause this city is wasted. Wherefore now we certify our Lord the King, that if this city be builded and occupied again, and the walls thereof set up anew, thou canst have no passage into Celosyria and Phenices.
Then wrote the king to Rathimus the story writer, to Beelthenius, to Sabellius the Scribe, and to the other officers and dwellers in Syria and Phenices, after this manner: I have read the epistle which thou have sent unto me, and have commanded to make diligent search, and have found, that the city hath ever resisted Kings, that the same people are disobedient, and have caused much war, and that mighty kings reigned in Jerusalem, which also have raised up taxes of Syria and Phenices. Wherefore I have commanded those people, that they shall not build the city, that they make no more in it, and that they proceed no further with the building: for so much as it might be the cause of war, and displeasure unto Kings.
Now when Rathimus and Sabellius the Scribe, and the rulers in the land had read the writing of King Artarerses, they get them together, and came in all hast to Jerusalem with an host of horsemen, and with much people of foot, and forbade them to build. And so they left from the building of the temple, unto the second year of King Darius.
Chapter 3
King Darius made a great feast unto his servants, unto all his court, and to all the officers of Medea and Persia, yee to all the deputies and rulers that were under him, from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty seven countries. So when they had eaten and drunken being satisfied, and were gone home again. Darius the King went into his chamber, layed him down to sleep, and so awaked.
Then three young men, that kept the Kings person, and watched his body communed among themselves, and spake one to another: Let every one of us say something, and look whos sentence is wiser and more excellent then the other unto him shall King Darius give great gifts, and cloth him in purple. He shall give him vessels of gold to drink in, clothes of gold and coverings: he shall make him a costly chariot and a bridle of gold, he shall give him a bonnet of white silk, and a chain of gold about his neck: yee he shall be the second and principal next unto King Darius and that because of his wisdom, and shall be called the Kings kinsman.
So every one wrote his meaning sealed it, and laid it under the Kings pillow, and said: when the king ariseth, we will give him our writings: and look whose word the King and his chief Lords judge to be the most wisely spoken, the same shall the victory. One wrote: Wine is a strong thing. The second wrote: The king is stronger. The third wrote: Women have yet more strength, but above all things the truth beareth away the victory. Now when the king was risen up, they took their writings and delivered them unto him, and so he read them. Then sent he forth and called all his chief lords, all the deputies and rulers of the countries of Medea and Persia. And when they were set down in the counsel, the writings were read before them. And he commanded to call for the young men that they might declare their meanings themselves by mouth. So when they were sent for, and came in, the King said unto them: show us and make us to understand, what the things are that ye have written.
Then began the first, ( which had spoken of the strength of wine ) and said: O ye men, wine is marvelous strong, and over cometh them that drink it: it decieveth the mind, and bringeth both the poor man and the King to *dotage and vanity. Thus doth it also the bondman and with the free, with the poor and rich: it taketh away then understanding, and make them careless and merry, so that none of them remembereth any heaviness, debt or duty: It causeth a man to think also that the thing which he doeth, is honest and good: and remembereth not that he is a King, nor that he is in authority, and that he ought not to do such things. Moreover, when men are drinking, they forget all friendship, all brotherly faithfulness and love: but as soon as they are drunken, they draw out the sword and will fight: and when they are layed down from the wine, and so risen up again, they can not tell what they did: judge ye now, is not wine the wine the strongest? For who would else take in hand to do such things? And when he had spoken this he held his tongue.*dotage (unfamiliar affection)
Chapter 4
Then the second which had said, that the king was stronger, began to speak, saying: O ye men, are not they the strongest and most excellent, that conquer the land and the sea, and all that is in the sea and in the earth? Now is the King lord of all these things, and hath dominion of them all: and look what he commandeth is done. If he send his men forth a warfare, they go, and break down hills, walls and towns. They are slain, and slay ( other men ) themselves, and overpass not the Kings word. If they get the victory they bring the King all the spoil. Like wise the other that meddle not with wars and fighting, but till the ground: when they reap, they bring tribute unto the King. And if the King alone do but command to kill, they kill: if he command to forgive, they forgive: If he command to smite, they smite: if he command to drive away, they drive away: if he command to build, they build: If he command to break down, they break down: if he command to plant, they plant. The common people and the rulers are obedient unto him. And the King in the mean season sitteth him down, eateth, and drinketh, and taketh his rest: Then keep they watch round about the King, and not one of them dare get him out of the way, to do his own business, but must be obedient unto the King at a word. Judge ye now, O ye men, how should not he go far above, unto whom men are this obedient? And when he had spoken this, he held his tongue. The third whose name was Zorobabel, which had spoken of women and of truth, began to say after this manner: O ye men, it is not the great king, it is not the multitude of men, neither is it wine that excelleth: Who is it then that hath the lordship over them? Have not women borne the king, and all the people that rule those things? Have not women born them, and brought them up, that plant the vines, where out the wine cometh? They make the garments for all men, they give honor unto all men, and without women can not men live. If they gather gold and silver and all precious things, and see a fair well favored woman, they leave all together, and turn their eyes only unto the woman, and gape upon her, and have more desire unto her, then unto the silver and gold, or any manner of precious thing. A man leaveth his father that brought him up, he leaveth his own natural country, and cleaveth unto the woman: yee he jeopardizeth his life with the woman, and remembereth neither father, ner mother, ner country. By this then yee must needs know, that women have the dominion over you. Doth it grieve you? A man taketh his sword, and goeth his way to steal, to kill, to murder to sail upon the sea, and seeth a lion, and goeth in the darkness: and when he hath stolen, deceived and robbed, he bringeth it unto his love. Again, a man loveth his wife better then father and mother: yee many one there be, that run out of their wits, and become bondmen for their wives sakes: many one also have perished, and have been slain, and have sinned because of women.
And now believe me, I know a King which is great in his power, and all lands stand in awe of him, and no man dare lay hand upon him: yet did I see, that Apame (the daughter of the great King Bartacus ) the Kings concubine, sat beside the King upon the right hand, and took off his crown from his head, and set it upon her own head, and smote the King with her left hand. Moreover, the King looked upon her with open mouth: if she laughed upon him, he laughed also: but if she took any displeasure with him, the King was *faine to flatter her, and to give her good words, till he had gotten her favor again.
O ye men, are not women then stronger? Great is the earth, and high is the heaven that do these things. Then the King and the Princes looked one upon another. So he began to speak of the truth: O ye men, are not women stronger? Great is the earth, high is the heaven, swift is the course of the sun, he compasses the heaven round about, and fetcheth his course again to his own place in one day. Is he not excellent that doeth this? Yee great is the truth, and stronger than all things. All the earth calleth upon the truth, the heaven praiseth it, all works shake and tremble at it, and with it is no unrighteous thing. Wine is unrighteous: the King is unrighteous: women are unrighteous: all the children of men are unrighteous, yee all their works are unrighteous, and there is no truth in them, in their unrighteousness also shall they be destroyed and perish. As for the truth, it endureth, and is all way strong: it liveth and conquereth for evermore world with out end.
The truth accepteth no persons, it putteth no difference between rich or poor, between the mighty or simple, but doeth right unto every man, whether they be evil or good, and all men are lovingly dealt with all in the works of it. In the judgement of it there is no unrighteous thing, but strength, Kingdom and power and majesty for evermore. Blessed be the God of truth.
And with that he held his tongue, and all the people cried and said: Great is truth, and above all. Then said the king unto him: Ask what thou wilt, more than is appointed in the writing, and I shall give it thee, for thou art found wiser than thy companions: thou shalt sit next me, and be my kinsman. Then said he unto the king: Remember thy promise and vow, which thou hast vowed and promised ( in the day when thou camest to the Kingdom ) to build up Jerusalem, and to send again all the vessels and Jewels, that were taken away out of Jerusalem: which Cyrus separated, when he offered in Babylon, and would send them again. And thy mind was to build up the temple, which the Edomites burnt, when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Caldees. This only ( O King ) is the thing that I require, this is the majesty, which I desire and ask of thee: that thou perform the vow, which thou with thine own mouth hast made unto the King of heaven.
Then Darius the King stood up, and kissed him, and wrote a letter unto all the deputies and *Shreves, to all the Lords and nobles, that they should convey him forth, and all them that would go up with him. He wrote a letter also unto the Shreves that were in Celosyria and Phenices, and unto Libanus, that they should draw cedar trees from Libanus unto Jerusalem, to build the city with all. Moreover he wrote unto all the Jews that were gone out of his realm into Jewry, because of the freedom, that no officer, no ruler, nor Shreve, **should come to their doors: and that all their land which they had conquered, should be free and not tributary: And that the Edomites should give over the cities and villages of the Jews, which they had taken in: yee and that they should yearly give twenty talents to the building of the temple, until the time that it were finished: and to the daily hallowing of the burntofferings, as it is commanded, ten talents yearly also: And that all they which come from Babylon to build the city, should have free liberty, they and their children, and all the Priests.
He wrote the greatness also, and commanded that the holy garment should be given them, wherein they ministered: and wrote that commandments should be given to the Levites, until the day, that the house were finished and Jerusalem builded up: and commanded that all they that watched the city, should have their portions and wages.
He gave over also all the vessels that Cyrus had separated from Babylon: and all that Cyrus had given in commandment, the same charged he also, that it should be done, and sent unto Jerusalem. Now when this young man was gone forth, he turned his face toward Jerusalem, and praised the King of heaven, and said: Of thee cometh the victory, of thee cometh wisdom and clearness, and I am thy servant. Blessed art thou, which hast given me wisdom: thee will I praise, O' Lord, thou God of our fathers.
And so he took the letters, and went unto Babylon: And when he came there, he told this to all his brethren that were at Babylon, and they praised the God of their fathers, that he had given them refreshing and liberty to go up, and to build Jerusalem and the temple ( which is called after the name of the Lord ) and they rejoiced with instruments and gladness seven days long.*faine (obliged / willing happy)
**should come to their doors: (kjv and other bibles of men =forcibly enter)
*Shreve; governmental authority to forgive civil offenses, like unto a governor.
Chapter 5
After this were the principal men of all the villages chosen in the tribes and kindreds, that they should go up with their wives and children, with their servants and maidens, with all their cattle and substance. And Darius the king sent with them a thousand horsemen, to convey them safely unto Jerusalem: and their brethren were glad, playing upon instruments, and singing. And these are the names of the men, which went up out of the villages, according to the tribes. Of the Priests, the son of Phinches, the son of Aaron: Jesus the son of Josedec, Joachim the son of Zorobabel, the son of Salathiel, ( of the kindred of David, out of the kindred of Phares, of the tribe of Judah ) Which spake wonderful things under Darius the King of Persia, in the second year of his reign, in the first month of Nisan.
These also are they of Jewry, which came up, and turned again unto Jerusalem, out of the captivity that Nabuchodonosor the King of Babylon had brought unto Babylon. And every man sought his portion again in Jewry, his city, they that came with Zorobabel, and with Jesus, Nehemias, Saraias, Raelaias, Elimeus, Emmanius, Mardocheus, Beelserus, Mechpsa, Rochor, Olior, Emonias, one of their princes.
And the number of them according to their kindreds and rulers were.
The children of Phares, two thousand, an hundred and seventy two.
The children of Ares, three thousand an hundred and fifty seven.
The children of Feno, an hundred and forty two.
In the sons of Jesus and Joabes, an thousand three hundred and two.
The sons of Beniu, two thousand four hundred and seventy.
The sons of Choroba two hundred and five.
The sons of Banica, an hundred and sixty eight.
The sons of Rebech, four hundred and three.
The sons of Archad, four hundred and twenty seven.
The sons of Cham thirty seven
The sons of Zoroar two thousand and sixty seven
The sons of Adinu four thousand and sixty one
The sons of Adarectis an hundred and eight
The sons of Ciaso and Zelas an hundred and seven
The sons of Azorec four hundred and thirty nine
The sons of Jedarbone an hundred and thirty two
The sons of Hananias an hundred and thirty
The sons of Asoni ninety
The sons of Marsar four hundred and twenty two
The sons of Zabar ninety five
The sons of Sepholemon one hundred and twenty three
The sons of Nepopas fifty five
The sons of Nechanatus one hundred and fifty three
The sons of Zebethanus an hundred and thirty two
The sons of Crearpatros which is also called Enohadies and Modias four hundred and twenty three
Of them of Gramos and Gabea one hundred and twenty one
Of them of Besselon and Ceagge sixty five
Of them of Bastarus an hundred and twenty two
Of them of Bechenobes fifty five
Of the sons of Liptis, there were one hundred and fifty five
Of the sons of Labonnus three hundred and fifty seven
Of the sons of Sichem three hundred and seventy
Of the sons of Suadon and Elimon three hundred and seventy eight
Of the sons of Ericus two thousand an hundred and fourty five
The sons of Anaas three hundred and seventy.
The Priests:
The sons of Jeddus: The sons of Euther: the sons of ElJasib three hundred and seventy two.
The sons of Emerus two hundred and fifty two
The sons of Fasurius three hundred and fifty seven
The sons of Carea two hundred and twenty seven
The Levites:
The sons of Jesus in Caduhel and Banus, and Serebias, and Edeas, seventy and four
The whole number of these from twelve years was three thousand four hundred and sixty two. Of the sons, daughters and wives, the whole sum was one thousand six hundred and forty two. The sons of the Priests that praised God in the temple: The sons of Asaph, of whom there were an hundred and twenty eight. But the door keepers were: The children of Elmenus: the children of Aser: the children of Amon: the children of Acub, Topa: the children of Tobi: and hundred and thirty nine in all.
The Priests that served in the temple:
The sons of Sel,
the sons of Gaspha,
the sons of Tobioch
the sons of Caria
the sons of Sub
the sons of Heliu
the sons of Labana
the sons of Armacha
the sons of Acub
the sons of Utha
the sons of Cetha
the sons of Aggab
the sons of Obay
the sons of Anani
the sons of Canna
the sons of Geddu
the sons of An
the sons of Radin
the sons of Desanon
the sons of Nechoba
the sons of Caseba
the sons of Goza
the sons of Ozul
the sons of Sinona
the sons of Atra
the sons of Hastem
the sons of Asiana
the sons of Manei
the sons of Nasisin
the sons of Accufa
the sons of Agista
the sons of Azui
the sons of Favon
the sons of Phasalon
the sons of Meeda
the sons of Susa
the sons of Cared
the sons of Barcus
the sons of Sarea
the sons of Coesi
the sons of Nasit
the sons of Agista
the sons of Pedon
Salomon his sons:
the sons of Asophot
the sons of Phazida
the sons of Celi
the sons of Dedon
the sons of Gaddahel
the sons of Zapheus
the sons of Aggia
the sons of Sacharet
the sons of Sabathem
the sons of Saroneth
the sons of Malsit
the sons of Ania
the sons of Sasus
the sons of Addus
the sons of Suba
the sons of Enra
the sons of Rabotis
the sons of Phasphat
the sons of Malmon
All these ministered in the Sanctuary, and were servants of Salomon: even four hundred and eighty two.
These following are they, that went up from Chelmellat Thelarsa ( whose Princes were Carmelam and Careth ) and might not show forth their cities and kindreds, how they were of Israel:
The sons of Dalarus
the sons of Tuben
the sons of Nechodaicus.
Of the Priests that executeth the office of the Priesthood, and were not found:
The sons of Obia
the sons of Achises
the sons of Addin
which married one of the daughters of Phargelen, and were named after him. The writing of the same kindred was sought in the register of their generation, but was not found: And therefore were they forbidden to execute the office of the Priesthood. Unto the said Nehemias and Astharas, that they should have no portion in the Sanctuary, till there rose up an high Priest, that were well instructed in the plain clearness of the truth. Of all Israel ( beside servants and maidens ) there were forty two thousand three hundred and forty. Now were there of servants and maidens seven thousand three hundred and thirty six. Of singing men and singing women there were two hundred and fifty four. Four hundred and thirty five Camels. Seven thousand, and thirty six horses. Two hundred thousand and forty five Mules. Five thousand and thirty five asses.
Their heads also and rulers in the tribes, when they came to Jerusalem, and would build and set up the temple of God again in his place, they gave ( after their ability ), unto the temple, to the treasure and to the service of the Sanctuary twelve thousand pounds of Gold, five thousand of silver, and an hundred Priests garments. And so dwelt the Priests and the Levites, and the people that went out to Jerusalem, and in the country there about, the singers also and the porters, every one of Israel in his own land.
So when the seventh month came and when the children of Israel were every man at his business, they came all with one consent into the court, which was before the East door. And there stood Jesua the son of Josedec and his brethren the Priests, one Zorobabel the son of Salathiel and his brethren, setting up an alter, to offer burnt sacrifices upon it, as it is written in the Law of Moses.
There came people also of other countries, and the Heathen out of all the lands to set up the alter in his place, and offered sacrifices and burnt offerings unto the Lord in the morning. And so they held the feast of tabernacles, as it is commanded in the law. And daily offered they as according was, and made the sacrifices appointed, the offerings also of the Sabbaths and of the new Moons, and of all holy feasts. And all they that vowed offerings unto the Lord, began at the new Moon of the seventh month to offer unto God, for the temple of the Lord was not yet builded. And they gave unto the Masons and Carpenters money, meat, and drink, with cheerfulness. Unto them of Sidon also and Tyre they gave carres, that they should carry Cedar trees from Libanus to *beiastes and beams, and that they should make ships in the haven of Joppa, according as it was appointed by Cyrus King of the persians.
And in the second year they came into the temple of God at Jerusalem. In the second month began Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and Jesua the son of Josedec, and their brethren the Priests and Levites and all they that were come unto Jerusalem out of the captivity of Babylon, and laid the foundation of the temple in the new Moon of the second month in the second year that they were come into Jewry and Jerusalem. And they appointed the Levites that were above twenty years old, unto the service of the Lord. So Jesua, and his sons and his brethren all the Levites stood together, and performed the law and ordinance in the house of the Lord.
And the priests stood, and had their garments and trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph had Cymbals, giving thanks and praises unto the Lord, and ordaining as David the King of Israel had ordained. And the song that they did sing unto the Lord, was after this manner: O' sing unto the Lord, for he is gracious, and his goodness upon Israel endureth for ever. And all the people blew out with trumpets, and song with loud voice, praising the Lord together in the rearing up of the house of the Lord. There also came from among the Priests and Levites the rulers and elders, according to the tribes and kindreds, ( such as had seen the house afore ) to the building of this temple with great cry and great mourning, many also with trumpets and great joy: Insomuch that the trumpets might not well be heard for the weeping and mourning. For the common people blew goodly upon the trumpets.
Then came the enemies of the tribes of Judah and BenJamin, to know what that trumpeting and noise of the *shawmes might be. And they perceived that it was they which were of the captivity, and would build the temple up anew unto the Lord God of Israel. So they went to Zorobabel and Jesua, and to the rulers of the villages, and said unto them: Shall we will build with you also? For we likewise have heard your Lord, and we walk after the same manner, from the days of Asbazareth the King of Assyria, which brought us hither. Then Zorobabel and Jesua and the Rulers of the villages of Israel said unto them: It is not *mete that you should build the temple of our God with us: We ourselves alone will build unto the Lord, like as Cyrus the King of the Persians hath commanded us.
But the Heathen in the land laid themselves against those that were in Jewry, held up the building from them, laid wait upon them privately, stopped such as brought any thing to them, forbade them to build, and hindered those that made them passage, that the building should not be finished: and this continued so long as King Cyrus lived: and so they put off the building for the space of two years, until the reign of King Darius.*beiastes (supports, posts?) *shawmes (reed instrument maybe: oboe like)
*mete (worthy)
Chapter 6
Not withstanding in the second year of the reign of Darius, Aggeus and Zachary the son of Addo prophesied upon them in Jewry and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel. Then Zorobabel the son of Salathiel and Jesua the son of Josedec stood up, and began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, when the Prophets of the Lord helped them. At the same time came Sysennes the under Shreve in Syria and Phenices, with the landLords and his companions, and said unto them: Who hath bidden and commanded you to build the house, to make the roof and all the other things again? And who are these workmen, that build them? Nevertheless the elders of the Jews had such grace of the Lord, that they would not be let ( though they were provoked thereto ) but builded on still, until the time that King were certified thereof, and an answer received from him received. The letter that these men sent unto King Darius, was after this manner.
Sisennes the under Shreve, in Syria and Phenices, and the landlords with their companions, which are headrulers in Syria and Phenices, send their salutation unto Darius the King. We certify our Lord the King, that we came into the land of Jewry, and went into Jerusalem: were we found them building the great house of God and the temple, with great costly stone and goodly timber for the walls: yee they make great hast with the work, and help one another, and it goeth forth prosperously in their hands, and with great diligence and worship is it made. Then asked we the elders, who had commanded them to make up the house and the building, and this we did to the intent that we might certify thee perfectly, and write unto the, the names of those that were the rulers of the work. So they gave us this answer: We are the servants of the Lord, which made heaven and earth: and as for this house, it hath been builded and set up afore time by the great and mighty King of Israel. But when our fathers provoked God unto wrath, and sinned against the God of Israel, he gave them over into the power of Nabuchodonosor King of Babylon the King of the Caldees, which break down the house, and burnt it, and carried away the people prisoners unto Babylon. Nevertheless, in the first year that King Cyrus reigned at Babylon, Cyrus the King wrote and commanded to build up this house again: and all the ornaments that Nabuchodonosor carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon, and appropriated unto his own temple: these brought Cyrus forth again, and delivered them to Zorobabel and to Salmanasar the under Shreve, commanding them that they should bring those same ornaments again to Jerusalem into the temple, and to begin from the time forth, to build the temple again in his own place. Then Salmanasar laid the foundation of the Lords house at Jerusalem, and ever since have they builded, and yet it is not ended. And therefore, O King, if thou thinkest it good, let it be sought in the Libraries and rolls of King Cyrus: if it be found then, that it is done with the counsel and consent of king Cyrus, and if our lord the King be so minded, let him write unto us thereof.
Then commanded king Darius, to seek in the Libraries: and so at Egbathanus in a little city in Medea there was found such a writing: In the first year of the reign of Cyrus, the same King Cyrus commanded that the house of the Lord at Jerusalem should be builded again ( and *odors ) to be made there continually unto the Lord ) whose height shall be ten cubits, and the breadth forty cubits, and four square with three hewn stones, with a loft of timber of the same country, yee with a new loft, and the expenses thereof to be given of the house of King Cyrus. And ornaments of gold and silver, that Nabuchodonosor took out of the house at Jerusalem, shall be set again in the temple at Jerusalem, where they were afore. Sisennes also the under Shreve in Syria and Phenices, the Princes and their companions, and the others that be head rulers in Syria and Phenices, shall not meddle nor have anything to do with that place.
I Cyrus have commanded also, that they shall build the house of the Lord whole up, and have ordained them, to help those that be come out of captivity: till the house of the Lord be finished: and out of the tribute and taxing that is yearly raised up in Syria and Phenices, diligently to give them a certain sum to the offering of the Lord: and the same to be delivered unto Zorobabel the officer: that he therewithal may ordain oxen, rams, lambs, and corn, salt, wine and oil, and that continually every year: after the expenses which the Priests that be at Jerusalem, show to be made daily: this shall be given unto them without delay that they may offer sacrifices daily to the highest God, for the king and for his servants, and to pray for their lives. Let it be proclaimed also on every side, that whosoever breaketh or despiseth this commandment of the King, shall be hanged upon a gallow ( made of his own good ) and all his goods shall be seasoned unto the King. The Lord therefore ( whose name is there called upon ) root out and destroy all the Kings and people, that undertake by violence to hinder the same, or to deal uncourteously with the house of the Lord at Jerusalem. I Darius the king have ordained, that these things shall be done with all diligence.*odors (honor)
Chapter 7
Then Sisennes the undershreve in Celosyria, and Phenices, and the other Landlords with their companions, obeyed the things that King Darius had ordened, were diligent in the holy works, and were fellow helpers with the old rulers of the Jews. And so the work of the Sanctuary went forth and prospered, when Aggeus and Zachary prophesied. And they performed all things through the commandment of the Lord God of Israel, and after the devise of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerses, kings of Persia.
And thus was our house finished unto the twenty third day of the month Adder in the sixth year of King Darius. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and other that were come out of captivity, and such as were joined unto them, did according as it is written in the book of Moses. And in the dedication of the temple they offered an hundred oxen, an hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and twelve goats for the sins of all the people of Israel, after the number of the tribes of Israel. The priests also and the Levites stood arrayed in the priestly garments, after the tribes, over all the works of the Lord God of Israel according to the book of Moses, and the porters by all the doors.
And the children of Israel ( with those that were come out of captivity ) held the passover the fourteenth day of the first month, when the priests and the Levites were sanctified. They that came out of captivity, were not all sanctified together: but the Levites were all sanctified together. And so all they that came out of captivity, killed the Easter lamb, for their brethren, for the priests and for themselves. And the children of Israel that came out of captivity, and escaped from all the abominations of the Heathen, sought the Lord, and kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days long, eating and drinking and were merry before the Lord: that the lord had turned the devise of the king of Assyria, and comforted their hands to the works of the Lord God of Israel.
Chapter 8
And after him, when Artaxerses the king of the Persians reigned, there went unto him Esdras the son of Saraias, the son of Azarias, the son of Helchiah, the son of Sallum, the son of Sadoc, the son of Achitob, the son of Amarias, the son of Azarias, the son of Boccus, the son of Abisu, the son of Phineas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the first priest. This Esdras went up from Babylon, for he had good understanding in the law of Moses, that was given of the Lord God of Israel, to be taught and done and deed. And the king favored him, and did him great worship and honour, after all his devises. There went up with him also certain of the children of
Israel, of the priests, of the Levites, of the singers, porters and ministers of the temple at Jerusalem.
In the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerses, in the fifth month, this is in the seventh year of the reign, they went from Babylon in the new moon of the fifth month, and came the high way to Jerusalem after his commandment, like as the Lord had prospered their journey. For in these Esdras got instruction that he should leave none of the things behind, which are in the law and commandments of God. And he taught whole Israel all righteousness and judgment.
Then came the Secretaries of king Artaxerses, and deliver the writings that were come from Artaxerses the king, to Esdras the priest and reader of the law of the Lord: And this is the copy of the letter. King Artaxerses sendeth his greeting unto Esdras the priest and reader of the law of the Lord: Of friendship and good will I have ordained and charged, if there be any of the Jews, of the priests and Levites in my realm, which desireth and is content to go with thee unto Jerusalem, that he may do it. Therefore if any be minded to bear the company, let them come together, and go with thee ( like as I am content and my seven friends my counselors: ) to see what they do in Jerusalem and in Jewry, and keep the things according as thou hast in the law of the Lord and to bring the gifts unto God the Lord of Israel, that I and my friends have promised to Jerusalem, and all the gold and silver that in the country of Babylon, unto the Lord to Jerusalem, with the thing that is given for the people in the Lords temple at Jerusalem: Yee that the same silver and gold may be gathered, and oxen, rams, sheep and goats and other that belong to these things: and that they may offer sacrifices unto the Lord, upon the altar of their Lord, which is at Jerusalem.
And whatsoever thou and thy brethren will do with the silver and gold, that do, after thy mind, and after the commandment of the Lord thy God: and like wise with all the holy vessels, that are given thee for the service of the house of the Lord thy God: and other things whatsoever is necessary for thee to do the work of the temple, that shall be given thee of the kings treasure: and look what thou with thy brethren wilt do with the gold and silver, that do after the will of the Lord. And I king Artaxerses have commanded the keepers of the treasures in Syria and Phenices, that whatsoever Esdras the priest and the reader of the law of the Lord doth write, it shall be given him: till an hundred talents of silver, and of gold in like manner: Of corn also an hundred measures, and till an hundred vessels of wine, and other plenteous things without number. Let all things be done after the law of the highest God, that the wrath of God arise not in the realm of the king and of his sons. I command you also, that ye require no tax, ner tribute of the priests, Levites, singers, and ministers of the temple, ner of the writers: and that no man have authority to meddle anything against them. As for thee ( O' Esdras ) set thou judges and arbitrators in the whole land of Syria and Phenices, after the wisdom of God: and learn all such as are ignorant in the Law of God thy Lord, and let all them that offend against the law, be punished: whether it be with death, with pain, to be condemned in money, or to be banished.
Then said Esdras the writer. Blessed be the God of our fathers, that hath given so good a mind and will in to the heart of the king, to magnify his house that is at Jerusalem, and hath made me to be accepted in the sight of the king, of his counsel, of his friends and of his nobles. And so I was steadfast in my mind, according as the Lord my God helped me, and I choose out men of Israel to go up with me. And these are the heads ( after their kindreds and houses of their fathers ) that went up with me from Babylon, out of the kingdom of Artaxerses:
Of the sons of Phares, Gersonius.
Of the sons of Siemarith, Amenus.
Of the sons of David, Accus, the son of Cecilia.
Of the sons of Phares, Zachary:
and with him there turned again an hundred and fifty men.
Of the sons of the captain of Moabilon, Zaraei,
and with him two hundred men and fifty men.
Of the sons of Zachnes, Jechonias Zecholy,
and with him two hundred and fifty men.
Of the sons of Salamaasias, Gotholie,
and seventy with him.
Of the sons of Zaphacia. Zarias Miheli,
and with him eighty.
Of the sons of Job, Abdias Jeheli,
and with him two hundred and twelve men
Of the sons of Bania, Salimoth the son of Josaphia,
and with him an hundred and sixty men.
Of the sons of Beer, Zachari Bebei,
and with him two hundred and eight men.
Of the sons of Esead, Johannes Ezechan, and with him one hundred and ten men.
Of the sons of Adonicam those that were the last, and these are their names: Eliphalam the son of Gebel and Semeias, and with him seventy men, all these I called together by the water of Thia, where we pitched our tents three days, and there I mustered them.
As for the sons of the priests and Levites, I found none there. Then sent I unto Eleazar, and Eccelom, and Masman, and Malobam, and Enaathan, and Samea, and Joribimathan, Eunagan, Zachary, Mosollamun, ( these were the leaders and men of experience ) and I sent them word, that they should come unto Loddeus, which was by the place of the treasury, and commanded them that they should speak unto Loddeus, and to his brethren and to those that were in the treasury, to send us such men, as might execute the priests office in the house of the Lord our God. And with the mighty hand of our Lord God, they brought unto us men of good experience, from among the sons of Molius, the son of Levi, the son of Israel, Sebebeiam and the sons and his brethren Asbin and Anin, of whom there were eighteen. From among the children and sons of Cananeus, and their sons were twenty men. And of them that served in the temple, whom David had ordained, and the principal men that ministered for the work unto the Levites in the temple, two hundred and twenty men, whose names are all tokened up in writing.
Then commanded I a fasting unto the young men before our Lord, that i might desire of him a prosperous journey and a good way for us, yee for us, for our children and for the cattle, because of the layings in wait, and I durst not require of the king men of horse and foot, to convey us safely against our enemies, for we had said unto the king, that the power of the lord our God should be with them, that seek him with their whole heart. And therefore we besought God our Lord earnestly because of these things, and he was merciful unto us, and heard our prayer. And I separated from among the rulers of the people, and from the Priests of the temple, twelve men, and Sebeia and Asania, and ten men of their brethren with them. And I weighed them the gold and the silver and all the Priestly ornaments of the house of our God, which the king, and his council, and his Princes, and whole Israel had given. And when I had weighed it, I gave them an hundred and fifty talents in silver, an hundred talents of silver vessel, an hundred talents of gold, and of golden vessel seven times twenty, and vessels of other metal ( yee of good metal ) twelve *glistering as the gold, and I said unto them: ye also are holy unto the Lord, and the vessels are holy, and the gold and the silver is promised unto the Lord God of our fathers. Be diligent now and keep it, until the time that ye deliver it to the rulers of the people, to the Priests, to the Levites, and to the principal men of the cities of Israel in Jerusalem, and in the chamber of the house of our God.
So the Priests and the Levites which received of me the gold, the silver and the vessel, brought it to Jerusalem into the temple of the Lord. And from Thia we break up the twelfth day of the first month, till we came to Jerusalem. And when the third day was past, the weighed gold and silver was delivered in the house of the Lord the fourth day unto Marimoth the son of Jor the Priest, and with him was Eleazar the son of Phineas, and with them were Josabdus the son of Jesnet, Medias and the son of Banus, and certain of the Levites to the number and to the weight: and the weight of them was written up the same time. As for those that were come out of the captivity, they offered sacrifice unto the Lord the God of Israel: even twelve oxen for all Israel eighty six rams, seventy two sheep, twelve goats, for sin. Twelve *kine for a thanksoffering, all to the sacrifice of the Lord. And the Kings commission delivered they unto the stewards and *deites of the King, and to the undershreves in Celosyria and Phenices.
Now when these things were done, the rulers came unto me, and said: The generation of Israel, the Princes, the Priests and Levites, the strange people and indwellers of the land, have not put away their uncleanness, from the Canaanites, Hethites, Pheresites, from the Moabites, Egyptians, and Edomites. For both they and their sons have mingled themselves with the daughters of them, and the holy seed is mixed with the outlandish Heathen, and since the beginning of their reign have the rulers and heads been partakers of their wickedness,
And as soon as I had heard these things, immediately I rent my holy garments, and pulled out the hair of my head and beard, and sat me down sorrowful and heavy. So all they that were moved through the word of the God of Israel, came unto me: and I sat still full of heaviness until the evening sacrifice. Then stood I up from fasting, having rent clothes and the holy garment, kneeled down upon my knees, held out my hands unto the Lord, and said: O' Lord, I am confounded and ashamed before thy face, for our sins are become many upon our heads, and our wickednesses are exalted unto heaven: For since the time of our fathers, we with our brethren and with our Priests have been delivered unto the Kings of the earth, in to the sword, and into captivity, and become a spoil with confusion and shame unto this day. And now O' Lord God how great is the mercy that we have gotten of thee in that thou hast left us a root and name in the place of thy Sanctuary, to discover our light in the house of the Lord our God, and given us meat at all times of our ministration. And when we were in captivity , we were not forsaken of the Lord our God: but he made the kings of Persia gracious and favorable unto us, so that they gave us vitals and meat, yee and leave to build up the temple of our Lord God again, to repair the wasted places of Sion, and to dwell in Jewry and Jerusalem. And now O' Lord what shall we say having all these things in possession? For we have broken thy commandments which thou gavest unto us by the hands of thy servants the prophets, saying: The land that ye go to unto, and that is given you for an heritage to have in possession, is defiled with the uncleanness and filthiness of Heathen, and with their abominations have they polluted it all together. Therefore shall ye not join your daughters unto their sons, ner marry your sons unto their daughters: Moreover, ye shall never seek to make peace with them that ye may increase and eat the best in the land, and that ye may divide the inheritance of the land unto your children for evermore. As for the thing that now happeneth unto us, it cometh all for our wicked works, and great sins, yet hast thou given us such a root, that we are come again into our own land: and we are so wicked that we have broken thy statutes and commandments again, and mingled our selves with the uncleanness of the outlandish Heathen. O' Lord art thou angry with us? wilt thou root us clean out that our root and name remain no more? O' Lord God of Israel thou art true, for our root endureth yet unto this present day, And behold, now are we before thee in our sins, now can we not stand before thee in them.
And when Esdras with this prayer had knowledged the sin, weeping, and laying flat upon the ground before the temple, there gathered unto him from Jerusalem a great multitude of men and women, of young men and maidens, for there was a very great weeping and mourning in the congregation. So when Jechonias the son of Jehelt one of the children of Israel cried, he said unto Esdras: we have sinned against the Lord, because we have married outlandish women of the Heathen. Now art thou over all Israel. We will swear an oath therefore unto the Lord, that we shall put away all our wives, which we have taken of the Heathen, with their children: like as it is appointed thee by our fore elders. Stand up then, open thou it, and declare it plainly unto us, according to the law of the Lord: for the matter belongeth unto thee, and we will help thee, quiet thyself manly. So Esdras arose, and took an oath of the rulers, of the Priests, and of the Levites, and of Israel, to do after these things: and they sware.*glistering (glittering) *kine (cow or deer) *deites (deities or deputies)
Chapter 9
Then Esdras stood up from the court of the temple without, and went in to the chamber of Jonathas the son of Nasabus, and remained there, and ate no meat, nor dronk drink, for the multitude of the wickedness of the people. And there was a proclamation in all Jewry and at Jerusalem, for all such as were gathered at Jerusalem out of the captivity, that whosoever came not to Jerusalem within two or three days (a according to the judgement of the old lords of counsel ) his goods should be taken from him, and be excluded from the congregation of the captivity. And in three days were all they of the tribe of Judah and BenJamin gathered together at Jerusalem, the twentieth day of the ninth month. And the whole multitude sat trembling in the court of the temple, for it was winter. So Esdras arose up, and said unto them: Ye have done unrighteously, in that ye have taken outlandish wives to marriage, and so to increase the sins of Israel. And know knowledge the same, and give praise unto the Lord God of our fathers, and perform his will, departing from the Heathen of the land, and from the outlandish wives. Then cried the whole multitude with a loud voice, and said: Like as thou hast spoken, so will we do: But forasmuch as the people are many, and the winter here, we may not stand without the house: again, this work is not a thing, that can be finished in a day or two, for we be many that have sinned in these things: Ordain therefore, the rulers of the multitude and all that dwell with us, and as many as have outlandish wives, the Priests also and judges of every place may stand in the time appointed, till they loose up the wrath of the Lord in his business.
Then Jonathas the son of Ezeli, and Ozias and Thecam received charge of this matter, and Bozoramus, and Leivs, and Sabbatheus helped them thereto. After this, all they stood up that were come out of captivity. And Esdras the Priest chose unto him the principal men from among the fathers according to their names, and in the new moon of the tenth month they sat together, to examine this matter. And so the matter was a determining ( concerning the men that had outlandish wives ) until the new moon of the first month. And of the Priests that mixte themselves with outlandish wives, there were found: Of the sons of Jesu the son of Josedec and his brethren, Mazeas, Eleazar, Joribus and Joadeus, which offered themselves to put away their wives, and to offer a ram for their ignorance. And of the sons of Semmeri, Masseas, and Esses, and Jeelech Azarias. Of the sons of Fosera, Limosias, Hismaen, Nathanea, Jussio, Jeddus, and Talsas. And of the Levites Josabdus, Semeis, and Colnis, Caletas, Facteas, Colnas, and Elionas. Of the singers of the Sanctuary, Eliarib, Zackarus. Of the porters, Sallumus and Tolbanes. And of Israel, of the children of Foro, Osi, and Remias, and Geddias, and Melchias, Michelus, Eleazarus, Jemmebias, and Bannas. And of the children of Jolaman, Chanias, Zachari, Jeizrelus, Joddius, Erimoth and Elias. And the sons of Jathoim, Eliadas, Liasamus, and Zochias, Larimoth, Sabdis and Tebedias. And of the sons of Zebes, Johannes, Amanias, Zabdias, and Emmeus. And of the sons of Bannus, Olammus, Maluchus, Jeddus, Jasub, Asabus and Jerimoth. And of the sons Adin, Naatus, and Moosias, and Caleus, and Rannas, Maasuas, Mathathias, Besel, Bannus and Manasses.
And of the sons of Nave, Nones, Afeas, Melchias, Sameas, Simon, BenJamin, Malthus and Marras. And of the sons of Asom, Carianeus, Mathathias, Bannus, Eliphalach, Manasses, Semei. Of the sons of Bannus, Jeremy, Moodias, Abramas, Johel, Baneas, Peliaas, Jona, Marimoth, Eliasib, Mathaneus, Eliasis, Ozias Dielus, Semedius, Zambris and Joseph. Of the sons of Nobeus, Jdelus, Mathathias Sabadus, Zecheda, Sedmi, Jesseus, and Baneas. All these had taken outlandish women to marriage, and they put them away with their children. The Priests and Levites, and all they that were of Israel, dwelt at Jerusalem and throughout all the land, in the new moon of the seventh month, and the children of Israel were in their dwellings. And the whole multitude came together upon the floor at the East side of the holy port of the temple. And they spake unto Esdras the high Priest and reader, that he would bring the law of Moses, which was given of the Lord God of Israel. So Esdras the high Priest brought the law unto the whole multitude, to man and woman, and to all Priests, that they might hear the law, in the new moon of the seventh month. And he read in the floor that is before the holy port of the temple, from the morning early unto the evening, before men and women. And they applied their mind all to the law.
And Esdras the Priest and reader of the law stood up upon a scaffold of wood, which was made therefore: and upon his right hand there stood by him Mathathias, Samus, Ananias, Azarias, Urias, Ozechias, and Balsam: Upon his left hand stood Faldeus, Misael, Malachias, Abuschas, Sabus, Nabadias and Zachary. Then took Esdras the book before the whole multitude, for he was the principal, and had most honor of them all. And when he had read out the law, they all stood straight upon their feet, So Esdras praised the Lord the most high God, the Almighty God of Hosts. And all the people answered: Amen: and held up their hands, fell down flat upon the earth, and praised the Lord. And Jesus, Beneas, Sarebias, Jaddimus, Accubus, Sabbatheus, Calithes, Azarias, Joradus, Ananias, and Philias the Levites lift their hands upward, and bowed their faces to the ground, and praised the Lord: Those were they which taught the law of the Lord, and read the law of the Lord in the congregation: and every man set those before that understood the law. Then spake Atharates unto Esdras the high Priest and reader, and to the Levites that taught the multitude, saying: This day is holy unto the Lord: and all they that had heard the law, wept. So Esdras said: Depart your way then, and eat the best, and drink the sweetest, and send gifts unto them that have nothing: for this day is holy unto the Lord, and be not sorry. Then went they their way every each one, ate and dronke, and were merry, and sent rewards unto them that had nothing, that they also might eat with gladness: for they were exceedingly rejoiced, through the words that were read unto them in the law: And so they were gathered together at Jerusalem to hold the feast, according to the covenant of the Lord God of Israel.
God's First Truth: Tyndale/Rogers
(the text that is underlined is original text yet was changed to something else by the religious...see below the religious text in RED )
Third Book of Esdras
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The 1st Chapter
And Josias held the feast of Easter in Jerusalem unto the Lord, and slew the Passover the fourteenth day of the first month. He set the Priests also in order ( according to their daily courses ) being arrayed in long garments in the temple of the Lord. And he spake unto the Levites the holy ministers of Israel, that they should hallow themselves unto the Lord, to set the holy ark of the Lord, in the house that King Solomon the son of David had builded, and said: Ye shall no more bear the ark upon your shoulders. Now serve your Lord, and take the charge of his people of Israel, after your villages and tribes: according as King David the King of Israel hath ordained, and according as Solomon his son hath honorably prepared: yee look that ye all do service in the temple, according to the ordering and distribution of the principal men which are appointed out of the tribes, to do service for the children of Israel. Kill the Passover, and prepare offerings for your brethren, and do according to the commandment of the Lord, which he gave unto Moses.
And unto the people that was found Josias gave thirty thousand of sheep, lambs, kids, and goats, and three thousand oxen. These the King ( of his kingly liberality ) gave unto the people, according as he had promised: and to the Priests for the Passover, he gave two thousand sheep, and a hundred oxen.
Moreover, Jechonias and Semeias, and Nathanael brethren, and Hasabias, Jehiel, and Josabad gave them to the Passover, five thousand sheep and five hundred bullocks.
And when these things were brought to pass, the Priests and the Levites stood goodly in their order, and had the unleavened bread throughout the tribes. And after the ordering of the principal men in the tribes, they offered unto the Lord in the sight of the people, according as it is written in the book of Moses, and so they roasted the Easter lamb as according was. As for the thankofferings and the other, they dight (boiled) them in kettles and pots, and set them before the people with good will, and afterward before themselves, and the Priests. For the Priests offered the fat, until the time was expired, but the Levites prepared for themselves and for their brethren the children of Aaron.
The singers also the children of Asaph stood in their order, according as David had devised. So did Asaph, Zachary and Jduthun, which were appointed by the king. Moreover the porters and door keepers stood by the doors and diligently, so that none went out of his standing and service: for their brethren ( the Levites ) prepared for them. Thus were all things performed, that belonged to the offering of the Lord. In that day they held the Passover, and offered thanksgivings beside the sacrifice of the Lord, according to the commandment of king Josias.
So the children of Israel which were then present held an honorable Passover, and the feast of sweet bread seven days long. Yee such a Passover was not kept in Israel from the time of the Prophet Samuel. And all the kings of Israel held not such an Easter, as this which king Josias held, and the priests and the Levites, the Jews and all Israel, of aliens that were at Jerusalem. And in the eighteenth year of the reign of Josias was this passover kept. And with a perfect heart did king Josias order all his works, before the Lord, and the things that were written of him in times past, concerning those that sinned and were ungodly against the Lord before all people, and that sought not the word of the Lord upon Israel.
After all these acts of king Josias, Pharao the king of Egypt went up and came toward Carcamis by Euphrates, and Josias went to meet him.
Then sent the king of Egypt unto Josias saying: What have I to do with thee, O king of Juda? I am not sent of the Lord to fight against thee, for my war is upon Euphrates, go thou thy way home again in all hast.
And Josias would not turn again upon his chariot, but undertook to fight against him, and hearkened not unto the word of the prophet, which he told him out of the mouth of God, But pitched a battle against him in the field of Mageddo. And the princes pressed to king Josias. Then said the king unto his servants: Carry me away out of the battle, for I am sore wounded. And immediately his servants took him away out of the front of the battle. Then sat he up upon the second chariot, came to Jerusalem, died, and was buried in his fathers sepulchre. And in all Jewry they mourned for Josias, yea the rulers also with their wives made lamentation for him unto this day: And this was done ever still in Israel.
These things are written in the book of the stories of the kings of Judah, namely, all the acts and works of king Josias, his kingly power and majesty, his understanding in the law of God, and what he did, yee things which are not written in the book of the kings of Israel and Juda. And the people took Jechonias the son of Josias and made him King instead of Josias his father, when he was thirty three years old. And he reigned over Israel three months. And the king of Egypt put him down, that he should not reign in Jerusalem, and raised up a tax of the people: namely, an hundred talents of silver and one talent of gold. The king of Egypt also made Joachim his brother king of Juda and Jerusalem. As for them of the kings counsel with the king himself and Zaraceles his brother, he took them, and carried them away prisoners into Egypt. Five and twenty years old was Joachim, when he was made king in the land of Juda and Jerusalem, and he did evil before the Lord. After this, Nabuchodonosor the King of Babylon came up, bound him with bands of iron, and carried him unto Babylon.
Nabuchodonosor also took all the vessels that were hallowed in the temple of the Lord, and all the jewels, and carried them unto Babylon. Of his uncleanness and ungodliness, it is written in the book of the acts of the kings.
And Joachim his son reigned in his stead: He was made king being eighteen years old, and reigned but three months and ten days in Jerusalem, and did evil before the Lord. So after a year Nabuchodonosor sent and caused him to be brought unto Babylon with the holy vessels of the Lord, and made Sedechias his brother king of Juda and Jerusalem, when he was twenty one years old: and he reigned eleven years.
And he did evil also in the sight of the Lord, and cared not for the words that were spoken unto him by the prophet Jeremy at the mouth of the Lord. And where as he made an oath unto king Nabuchodonosor, he manswore himself, and fell from him having a stiff neck and a heart, and transgressed all the statutes and ordinances of the Lord God of Israel. The rulers also and heads of the people of the Lord did much evil, and became ungodly more than the Heathen, being defiled in all manner of abominations: Yee and defiled the holy temple of the Lord at Jerusalem.
And the God of their fathers sent his messengers unto them, to turn them back and call then again from their sins: for he would faine (obligated / willing, happily) spared them for his holy tabernacles sake Nevertheless, they had his messengers in derision (contempt): and look what God spake unto them by his prophets, they made but sport of it. This drew on so long till the lord was wroth with his people for their ungodliness, and till he caused the kings of the Caldees to come up, which slew their young men with the sword, yee even in the compass of their holy temple, and spared nobody, neither young ner old, neither maiden ner young man: but they were all deliver into the power of the kings of the Caldees,
and all the holy vessels of the Lord and the kings treasures took they, and carried them away unto Babylon. As for the house of the Lord, they burnt it, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem, set fire upon her towers, destroyed all her noble buildings and brought them to nought, and the people that were not slain with the sword, they carried unto Babylon.
Thus became they prisoners and bondmen of the king of Babylon, till they were delivered and reigned for themselves, when the words of the Lord were fulfilled, which he promised them by the mouth of the prophet Jeremy, and till the land had her rest: namely, all the time that it lay waste: had it rest and quietness seventy seven years.
The 2nd Chapter
Now when king Cyrus king reigned over the Persians, and when the Lord would perform the word that he had promised by the mouth of the prophet Jeremy: the Lord raised up the spirit of Cyrus, the king of the Persians, so that he caused this writing to be proclamation throughout his whole realm, saying: Thus saith the king of Persians: The Lord of Israel, that high Lord, hath made me king of the land, and commanded me to build him an house at Jerusalem in Jewry.
If there be any now of your people, the Lord be with him, and go up with him to Jerusalem.
And all they that dwell round about the place, shall help them, whether it be with gold, with silver, with gifts, with horses and necessary cattle, and all other things that are brought with a free will to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem.
Then the principal men out of the tribes and villages Juda and Ben Jamin stood up: so did the priests also and the Levites (whom the Lord had moved ) to go up, and to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem.
And they that were about them, and helped them with all manner of gold, and silver, and cattle also and with many liberal gifts, and this did many one, whose mind was stirred up thereto. King Cyrus also brought forth the vessels and ornaments, that were hallowed unto the Lord ( which Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon had carried away from Jerusalem, and consecrated them to his Idol and image ) and delivered them to Mithridatus his treasurer, and by him they were delivered to Salmanasar the deputy in Jewry.
And this was the number of them: Two thousand and four hundred silver bowls. thirty silver basins. thirty basins of gold. two thousand and four hundred vessels of silver, and a thousand beside. All the vessels of gold and silver were five thousand eight hundred and sixty. These were numbered unto Salmanasar, and them that were come again with him to Jerusalem out of the captivity of Babylon. Now in the time of King Artaxerses the king of Persia, these men: Belemus, and Mithridatus, Sabellius, Rathim, Balthemus, Semelius the Scribe, and other that dwelt in Samaria and in other places under the dominion thereof, wrote a letter unto King Artaxerses, wherein they complained unto the King of them in Jewry and Jerusalem. The letter was after this manner:
Sir, thy servants, Rathimus the story writer, Sabellius the Scribe, and other judges of the court in Celosyria and Phenices.
Be it known and manifest to our Lord the king, that the Jews which are come up from you unto us into the rebellious and wicked city, begin to build it again, and the walls about it, and to set up the temple of the new.
Now if this city and the walls thereof be set up again, they shall not only refuse to give tributes and taxes, but also rebel against utterly against the King. And forasmuch as they take this in hand now about the temple, we thought it reason, to think no scorn of it, but to show it unto our Lord the King, and to certify him thereof: to the intent that if it please the King, he may cause it to be sought in the books of old: and thou shalt find such warning written, and shall understand, that this city hath all ways been rebellious and disobedient, that it hath subdued Kings and cities, and that the Jews that dwell therin, have ever been a rebellious, obstinate, unfaithful, and fighting people, for the which cause this city is wasted. Wherefore now we certify our Lord the King, that if this city be builded and occupied again, and the walls thereof set up anew, thou canst have no passage into Celosyria and Phenices.
Then wrote the king to Rathimus the story writer, to Beelthenius, to Sabellius the Scribe, and to the other officers and dwellers in Syria and Phenices, after this manner:
I have read the epistle which thou have sent unto me, and have commanded to make diligent search, and have found, that the city hath ever resisted Kings, that the same people are disobedient, and have caused much war, and that mighty kings reigned in Jerusalem, which also have raised up taxes of Syria and Phenices. Wherefore I have commanded those people, that they shall not build the city, that they make no more in it, and that they proceed no further with the building: for so much as it might be the cause of war, and displeasure unto Kings.
Now when Rathimus and Sabellius the Scribe, and the rulers in the land had read the writing of King Artarerses, they get them together, and came in all hast to Jerusalem with an host of horsemen, and with much people of foot, and forbade them to build.
And so they left from the building of the temple, unto the second year of King Darius.
The 3rd Chapter
King Darius made a great feast unto his servants, unto all his court, and to all the officers of Medea and Persia, yee to all the deputies and rulers that were under him, from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty seven countries. So when they had eaten and drunken being satisfied, and were gone home again. Darius the King went into his chamber, layed him down to sleep, and so awaked.
Then three young men, that kept the Kings person, and watched his body communed among themselves, and spake one to another: Let every one of us say something, and look whos sentence is wiser and more excellent then the other unto him shall King Darius give great gifts, and cloth him in purple. He shall give him vessels of gold to drink in, clothes of gold and coverings: he shall make him a costly chariot and a bridle of gold, he shall give him a bonnet of white silk, and a chain of gold about his neck: yee he shall be the second and principal next unto King Darius and that because of his wisdom, and shall be called the Kings kinsman.
So every one wrote his meaning sealed it, and laid it under the Kings pillow, and said: when the king ariseth, we will give him our writings: and look whose word the King and his chief Lords judge to be the most wisely spoken, the same shall the victory.
One wrote: Wine is a strong thing. The second wrote: The king is stronger. The third wrote: Women have yet more strength, but above all things the truth beareth away the victory. Now when the king was risen up, they took their writings and delivered them unto him, and so he read them. Then sent he forth and called all his chief lords, all the deputies and rulers of the countries of Medea and Persia. And when they were set down in the counsel, the writings were read before them. And he commanded to call for the young men that they might declare their meanings themselves by mouth. So when they were sent for, and came in, the King said unto them: show us and make us to understand, what the things are that ye have written.
Then began the first, ( which had spoken of the strength of wine ) and said: O ye men, wine is marvelous strong, and over cometh them that drink it: it decieveth the mind, and bringeth both the poor man and the King to *dotage (unfamiliar affection) and vanity. Thus doth it also the bondman and with the free, with the poor and rich: it taketh away then understanding, and make them careless and merry, so that none of them remembereth any heaviness, debt or duty: It causeth a man to think also that the thing which he doeth, is honest and good: and remembereth not that he is a King, nor that he is in authority, and that he ought not to do such things. Moreover, when men are drinking, they forget all friendship, all brotherly faithfulness and love: but as soon as they are drunken, they draw out the sword and will fight: and when they are layed down from the wine, and so risen up again, they can not tell what they did: judge ye now, is not wine the wine the strongest? For who would else take in hand to do such things? And when he had spoken this he held his tongue.
The 4th Chapter
Then the second which had said, that the king was stronger, began to speak, saying: O ye men, are not they the strongest and most excellent, that conquer the land and the sea, and all that is in the sea and in the earth? Now is the King lord of all these things, and hath dominion of them all: and look what he commandeth is done. If he send his men forth a warfare, they go, and break down hills, walls and towns.
They are slain, and slay ( other men ) themselves, and overpass not the Kings word. If they get the victory they bring the King all the spoil. Like wise the other that meddle not with wars and fighting, but till the ground: when they reap, they bring tribute unto the King. And if the King alone do but command to kill, they kill: if he command to forgive, they forgive:
If he command to smite, they smite: if he command to drive away, they drive away: if he command to build, they build: If he command to break down, they break down: if he command to plant, they plant.
The common people and the rulers are obedient unto him. And the King in the mean season sitteth him down, eateth, and drinketh, and taketh his rest: Then keep they watch round about the King, and not one of them dare get him out of the way, to do his own business, but must be obedient unto the King at a word. Judge ye now, O ye men, how should not he go far above, unto whom men are this obedient? And when he had spoken this, he held his tongue. The third whose name was Zorobabel, which had spoken of women and of truth, began to say after this manner: O ye men, it is not the great king, it is not the multitude of men, neither is it wine that excelleth: Who is it then that hath the lordship over them? Have not women borne the king, and all the people that rule those things? Have not women born them, and brought them up, that plant the vines, where out the wine cometh?
They make the garments for all men, they give honor unto all men, and without women can not men live.
If they gather gold and silver and all precious things, and see a fair well favored woman, they leave all together, and turn their eyes only unto the woman, and gape upon her, and have more desire unto her, then unto the silver and gold, or any manner of precious thing.
A man leaveth his father that brought him up, he leaveth his own natural country, and cleaveth unto the woman: yee he jeopardizeth his life with the woman, and remembereth neither father, ner mother, ner country. By this then yee must needs know, that women have the dominion over you. Doth it grieve you? A man taketh his sword, and goeth his way to steal, to kill, to murder to sail upon the sea, and seeth a lion, and goeth in the darkness: and when he hath stolen, deceived and robbed, he bringeth it unto his love. Again, a man loveth his wife better then father and mother: yee many one there be, that run out of their wits, and become bondmen for their wives sakes: many one also have perished, and have been slain, and have sinned because of women.
And now believe me, I know a King which is great in his power, and all lands stand in awe of him, and no man dare lay hand upon him: yet did I see, that Apame (the daughter of the great King Bartacus ) the Kings concubine, sat beside the King upon the right hand, and took off his crown from his head, and set it upon her own head, and smote the King with her left hand. Moreover, the King looked upon her with open mouth: if she laughed upon him, he laughed also: but if she took any displeasure with him, the King was faine (obliged / willing happy) to flatter her, and to give her good words, till he had gotten her favor again.
O ye men, are not women then stronger? Great is the earth, and high is the heaven that do these things. Then the King and the Princes looked one upon another. So he began to speak of the truth: O ye men, are not women stronger? Great is the earth, high is the heaven, swift is the course of the sun, he compasseth the heaven round about, and fetcheth his course again to his own place in one day. Is he not excellent that doeth this? Yee great is the truth, and stronger than all things. All the earth calleth upon the truth, the heaven praiseth it, all works shake and tremble at it, and with it is no unrighteous thing.
Wine is unrighteous: the King is unrighteous: women are unrighteous: all the children of men are unrighteous, yee all their works are unrighteous, and there is no truth in them, in their unrighteousness also shall they be destroyed and perish. As for the truth, it endureth, and is all way strong: it liveth and conquereth for evermore world with out end.
The truth accepteth no persons, it putteth no difference between rich or poor, between the mighty or simple, but doeth right unto every man, whether they be evil or good, and all men are lovingly dealt with all in the works of it.
In the judgement of it there is no unrighteous thing, but strength, Kingdom and power and majesty for evermore. Blessed be the God of truth.
And with that he held his tongue, and all the people cried and said: Great is truth, and above all. Then said the king unto him: Ask what thou wilt, more than is appointed in the writing, and I shall give it thee, for thou art found wiser than thy companions: thou shalt sit next me, and be my kinsman.
Then said he unto the king: Remember thy promise and vow, which thou hast vowed and promised ( in the day when thou camest to the Kingdom ) to build up Jerusalem, and to send again all the vessels and Jewels, that were taken away out of Jerusalem: which Cyrus separated, when he offered in Babylon, and would send them again. And thy mind was to build up the temple, which the Edomites burnt, when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Caldees. This only ( O King ) is the thing that I require, this is the majesty, which I desire and ask of thee: that thou perform the vow, which thou with thine own mouth hast made unto the King of heaven.
Then Darius the King stood up, and kissed him, and wrote a letter unto all the deputies and *Shreves, to all the Lords and nobles, that they should convey him forth, and all them that would go up with him.
He wrote a letter also unto the Shreves that were in Celosyria and Phenices, and unto Libanus, that they should draw cedar trees from Libanus unto Jerusalem, to build the city with all. Moreover he wrote unto all the Jews that were gone out of his realm into Jewry, because of the freedom, that no officer, no ruler, nor Shreve, should come to their doors: (kjv =forcibly enter) and that all their land which they had conquered, should be free and not tributary: And that the Edomites should give over the cities and villages of the Jews, which they had taken in: yee and that they should yearly give twenty talents to the building of the temple, until the time that it were finished: and to the daily hallowing of the burntofferings, as it is commanded, ten talents yearly also: And that all they which come from Babylon to build the city, should have free liberty, they and their children, and all the Priests. *Shreve; governmental authority to forgive civil offenses, like unto a governor.
He wrote the greatness also, and commanded that the holy garment should be given them, wherein they ministered: and wrote that commandments should be given to the Levites, until the day, that the house were finished and Jerusalem builded up: and commanded that all they that watched the city, should have their portions and wages.
He gave over also all the vessels that Cyrus had separated from Babylon: and all that Cyrus had given in commandment, the same charged he also, that it should be done, and sent unto Jerusalem. Now when this young man was gone forth, he turned his face toward Jerusalem, and praised the King of heaven, and said: Of thee cometh the victory, of thee cometh wisdom and clearness, and I am thy servant. Blessed art thou, which hast given me wisdom: thee will I praise, O' Lord, thou God of our fathers.
And so he took the letters, and went unto Babylon: And when he came there, he told this to all his brethren that were at Babylon, and they praised the God of their fathers, that he had given them refreshing and liberty to go up, and to build Jerusalem and the temple ( which is called after the name of the Lord ) and they rejoiced with instruments and gladness seven days long.
The 5th Chapter
After this were the principal men of all the villages chosen in the tribes and kindreds, that they should go up with their wives and children, with their servants and maidens, with all their cattle and substance. And Darius the king sent with them a thousand horsemen, to convey them safely unto Jerusalem:
and their brethren were glad, playing upon instruments, and singing. And these are the names of the men, which went up out of the villages, according to the tribes. Of the Priests, the son of Phinches, the son of Aaron: Jesus the son of Josedec, Joachim the son of Zorobabel, the son of Salathiel, ( of the kindred of David, out of the kindred of Phares, of the tribe of Judah ) Which spake wonderful things under Darius the King of Persia, in the second year of his reign, in the first month of Nisan.
These also are they of Jewry, which came up, and turned again unto Jerusalem, out of the captivity that Nabuchodonosor the King of Babylon had brought unto Babylon. And every man sought his portion again in Jewry, his city, they that came with Zorobabel, and with Jesus, Nehemias, Saraias, Raelaias, Elimeus, Emmanius, Mardocheus, Beelserus, Mechpsa, Rochor, Olior, Emonias, one of their princes.
And the number of them according to their kindreds and rulers were.
The children of Phares, two thousand, an hundred and seventy two.
The children of Ares, three thousand an hundred and fifty seven.
The children of Feno, an hundred and forty two.
In the sons of Jesus and Joabes, an thousand three hundred and two.
The sons of Beniu, two thousand four hundred and seventy.
The sons of Choroba two hundred and five.
The sons of Banica, an hundred and sixty eight.
The sons of Rebech, four hundred and three.
The sons of Archad, four hundred and twenty seven.
The sons of Cham thirty seven
The sons of Zoroar two thousand and sixty seven
The sons of Adinu four thousand and sixty one
The sons of Adarectis an hundred and eight
The sons of Ciaso and Zelas an hundred and seven
The sons of Azorec four hundred and thirty nine
The sons of Jedarbone an hundred and thirty two
The sons of Hananias an hundred and thirty
The sons of Asoni ninety
The sons of Marsar four hundred and twenty two
The sons of Zabar ninety five
The sons of Sepholemon one hundred and twenty three
The sons of Nepopas fifty five
The sons of Nechanatus one hundred and fifty three
The sons of Zebethanus an hundred and thirty two
The sons of Crearpatros which is also called Enohadies and Modias four hundred and twenty three
Of them of Gramos and Gabea one hundred and twenty one
Of them of Besselon and Ceagge sixty five
Of them of Bastarus an hundred and twenty two
Of them of Bechenobes fifty five
Of the sons of Liptis, there were one hundred and fifty five
Of the sons of Labonnus three hundred and fifty seven
Of the sons of Sichem three hundred and seventy
Of the sons of Suadon and Elimon three hundred and seventy eight
Of the sons of Ericus two thousand an hundred and fourty five
The sons of Anaas three hundred and seventy.
The Priests:
The sons of Jeddus: The sons of Euther: the sons of ElJasib three hundred and seventy two.
The sons of Emerus two hundred and fifty two
The sons of Fasurius three hundred and fifty seven
The sons of Carea two hundred and twenty seven
The Levites:
The sons of Jesus in Caduhel and Banus, and Serebias, and Edeas, seventy and four
The whole number of these from twelve years was three thousand four hundred and sixty two. Of the sons, daughters and wives, the whole sum was one thousand six hundred and forty two. The sons of the Priests that praised God in the temple: The sons of Asaph, of whom there were an hundred and twenty eight. But the door keepers were: The children of Elmenus: the children of Aser: the children of Amon: the children of Acub, Topa: the children of Tobi: and hundred and thirty nine in all.
The Priests that served in the temple:
The sons of Sel,
the sons of Gaspha,
the sons of Tobioch
the sons of Caria
the sons of Sub
the sons of Heliu
the sons of Labana
the sons of Armacha
the sons of Acub
the sons of Utha
the sons of Cetha
the sons of Aggab
the sons of Obay
the sons of Anani
the sons of Canna
the sons of Geddu
the sons of An
the sons of Radin
the sons of Desanon
the sons of Nechoba
the sons of Caseba
the sons of Goza
the sons of Ozul
the sons of Sinona
the sons of Atra
the sons of Hastem
the sons of Asiana
the sons of Manei
the sons of Nasisin
the sons of Accufa
the sons of Agista
the sons of Azui
the sons of Favon
the sons of Phasalon
the sons of Meeda
the sons of Susa
the sons of Cared
the sons of Barcus
the sons of Sarea
the sons of Coesi
the sons of Nasit
the sons of Agista
the sons of Pedon
Salomon his sons:
the sons of Asophot
the sons of Phazida
the sons of Celi
the sons of Dedon
the sons of Gaddahel
the sons of Zapheus
the sons of Aggia
the sons of Sacharet
the sons of Sabathem
the sons of Saroneth
the sons of Malsit
the sons of Ania
the sons of Sasus
the sons of Addus
the sons of Suba
the sons of Enra
the sons of Rabotis
the sons of Phasphat
the sons of Malmon
All these ministered in the Sanctuary, and were servants of Salomon: even four hundred and eighty two.
These following are they, that went up from Chelmellat Thelarsa ( whose Princes were Carmelam and Careth ) and might not show forth their cities and kindreds, how they were of Israel:
The sons of Dalarus
the sons of Tuben
the sons of Nechodaicus.
Of the Priests that executeth the office of the Priesthood, and were not found:
The sons of Obia
the sons of Achises
the sons of Addin
which married one of the daughters of Phargelen, and were named after him. The writing of the same kindred was sought in the register of their generation, but was not found: And therefore were they forbidden to execute the office of the Priesthood.
Unto the said Nehemias and Astharas, that they should have no portion in the Sanctuary, till there rose up an high Priest, that were *well instructed in the *plain clearness of the truth. Of all Israel ( beside servants and maidens ) there were forty two thousand three hundred and forty. Now were there of servants and maidens seven thousand three hundred and thirty six.
Of singing men and singing women there were two hundred and fifty four. Four hundred and thirty five Camels. Seven thousand, and thirty six horses. Two hundred thousand and forty five Mules. Five thousand and thirty five asses.
Their heads also and rulers in the tribes, when they came to Jerusalem, and would build and set up the temple of God again in his place, they gave ( after their ability ), unto the temple, to the treasure and to the service of the Sanctuary twelve thousand pounds of Gold, five thousand of silver, and an hundred Priests garments. And so dwelt the Priests and the Levites, and the people that went out to Jerusalem, and in the country there about, the singers also and the porters, every one of Israel in his own land.
So when the seventh month came and when the children of Israel were every man at his business, they came all with one consent into the court, which was before the East door. And there stood Jesua the son of Josedec and his brethren the Priests, one Zorobabel the son of Salathiel and his brethren,
setting up an alter, to offer burnt sacrifices upon it, as it is written in the Law of Moses.
There came people also of other countries, and the Heathen out of all the lands to set up the alter in his place, and offered sacrifices and burnt offerings unto the Lord in the morning.
And so they held the feast of tabernacles, as it is commanded in the law. And daily offered they as according was, and made the sacrifices appointed, the offerings also of the Sabbaths and of the new Moons, and of all holy feasts.
And all they that vowed offerings unto the Lord, began at the new Moon of the seventh month to offer unto God, for the temple of the Lord was not yet builded. And they gave unto the Masons and Carpenters money, meat, and drink, with cheerfulness. Unto them of Sidon also and Tyre they gave carres, that they should carry Cedar trees from Libanus to beiastes (supports, posts?) and beams, and that they should make ships in the haven of Joppa, according as it was appointed by Cyrus King of the persians.
And in the second year they came into the temple of God at Jerusalem. In the second month began Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and Jesua the son of Josedec, and their brethren the Priests and Levites and all they that were come unto Jerusalem out of the captivity of Babylon, and laid the foundation of the temple in the new Moon of the second month in the second year that they were come into Jewry and Jerusalem. And they appointed the Levites that were above twenty years old, unto the service of the Lord. So Jesua, and his sons and his brethren all the Levites stood together, and performed the law and ordinance in the house of the Lord.
And the priests stood, and had their garments and trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph had Cymbals, giving thanks and praises unto the Lord, and ordaining as David the King of Israel had ordained. And the song that they did sing unto the Lord, was after this manner: O' sing unto the Lord, for he is gracious, and his goodness upon Israel endureth for ever.
And all the people blew out with trumpets, and song with loud voice, praising the Lord together in the rearing up of the house of the Lord.
There also came from among the Priests and Levites the rulers and elders, according to the tribes and kindreds, ( such as had seen the house afore ) to the building of this temple with great cry and great mourning, many also with trumpets and great joy: Insomuch that the trumpets might not well be heard for the weeping and mourning. For the common people blew goodly upon the trumpets.
Then came the enemies of the tribes of Judah and BenJamin, to know what that trumpeting and noise of the shawmes (like oboe like) might be. And they perceived that it was they which were of the captivity, and would build the temple up anew unto the Lord God of Israel. So they went to Zorobabel and Jesua, and to the rulers of the villages, and said unto them: Shall we will build with you also? For we likewise have heard your Lord, and we walk after the same manner, from the days of Asbazareth the King of Assyria, which brought us hither. Then Zorobabel and Jesua and the Rulers of the villages of Israel said unto them: It is not mete (worthy) that you should build the temple of our God with us: We ourselves alone will build unto the Lord, like as Cyrus the King of the Persians hath commanded us.
But the Heathen in the land laid themselves against those that were in Jewry, held up the building from them, laid wait upon them privately, stopped such as brought any thing to them, forbade them to build, and hindered those that made them passage, that the building should not be finished: and this continued so long as King Cyrus lived: and so they put off the building for the space of two years, until the reign of King Darius.
The 6th Chapter
Not withstanding in the second year of the reign of Darius, Aggeus and Zachary the son of Addo prophesied upon them in Jewry and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel.
Then Zorobabel the son of Salathiel and Jesua the son of Josedec stood up, and began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, when the Prophets of the Lord helped them. At the same time came Sysennes the under Shreve in Syria and Phenices, with the landLords and his companions, and said unto them:
Who hath bidden and commanded you to build the house, to make the roof and all the other things again? And who are these workmen, that build them? Nevertheless the elders of the Jews had such grace of the Lord, that they would not be let ( though they were provoked thereto ) but builded on still, until the time that King were certified thereof, and an answer received from him received. The letter that these men sent unto King Darius, was after this manner.
Sisennes the under Shreve, in Syria and Phenices, and the landlords with their companions, which are headrulers in Syria and Phenices, send their salutation unto Darius the King.
We certify our Lord the King, that we came into the land of Jewry, and went into Jerusalem: were we found them building the great house of God and the temple, with great costly stone and goodly timber for the walls: yee they make great hast with the work, and help one another, and it goeth forth prosperously in their hands, and with great diligence and worship is it made. Then asked we the elders, who had commanded them to make up the house and the building, and this we did to the intent that we might certify thee perfectly, and write unto the, the names of those that were the rulers of the work.
So they gave us this answer: We are the servants of the Lord, which made heaven and earth: and as for this house, it hath been builded and set up afore time by the great and mighty King of Israel. But when our fathers provoked God unto wrath, and sinned against the God of Israel, he gave them over into the power of Nabuchodonosor King of Babylon the King of the Caldees, which break down the house, and burnt it, and carried away the people prisoners unto Babylon. Nevertheless, in the first year that King Cyrus reigned at Babylon, Cyrus the King wrote and commanded to build up this house again: and all the ornaments that Nabuchodonosor carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon,
and appropriated unto his own temple: these brought Cyrus forth again, and delivered them to Zorobabel and to Salmanasar the under Shreve,
commanding them that they should bring those same ornaments again to Jerusalem into the temple, and to begin from the time forth, to build the temple again in his own place. Then Salmanasar laid the foundation of the Lords house at Jerusalem, and ever since have they builded, and yet it is not ended.
And therefore, O King, if thou thinkest it good, let it be sought in the Libraries and rolls of King Cyrus: if it be found then, that it is done with the counsel and consent of king Cyrus, and if our lord the King be so minded, let him write unto us thereof.
Then commanded king Darius, to seek in the Libraries: and so at Egbathanus in a little city in Medea there was found such a writing:
In the first year of the reign of Cyrus, the same King Cyrus commanded that the house of the Lord at Jerusalem should be builded again ( and *odors (honor) to be made there continually unto the Lord ) whose height shall be ten cubits, and the breadth forty cubits, and four square with three hewn stones, with a loft of timber of the same country, yee with a new loft, and the expenses thereof to be given of the house of King Cyrus. And ornaments of gold and silver, that Nabuchodonosor took out of the house at Jerusalem, shall be set again in the temple at Jerusalem, where they were afore. Sisennes also the under Shreve in Syria and Phenices, the Princes and their companions, and the others that be head rulers in Syria and Phenices, shall not meddle nor have anything to do with that place.
I Cyrus have commanded also, that they shall build the house of the Lord whole up, and have ordained them, to help those that be come out of captivity: till the house of the Lord be finished:
and out of the tribute and taxing that is yearly raised up in Syria and Phenices, diligently to give them a certain sum to the offering of the Lord: and the same to be delivered unto Zorobabel the officer: that he therewithal may ordain oxen, rams, lambs, and corn, salt, wine and oil, and that continually every year: after the expenses which the Priests that be at Jerusalem, show to be made daily: this shall be given unto them without delay that they may offer sacrifices daily to the highest God, for the king and for his servants, and to pray for their lives. Let it be proclaimed also on every side, that whosoever breaketh or despiseth this commandment of the King, shall be hanged upon a gallow ( made of his own good ) and all his goods shall be seasoned unto the King. The Lord therefore ( whose name is there called upon ) root out and destroy all the Kings and people, that undertake by violence to hinder the same, or to deal uncourteously with the house of the Lord at Jerusalem. I Darius the king have ordained, that these things shall be done with all diligence.
The 7th Chapter
Then Sisennes the undershreve in Celosyria, and Phenices, and the other Landlords with their companions, obeyed the things that King Darius had ordened, were diligent in the holy works, and were fellow helpers with the old rulers of the Jews. And so the work of the Sanctuary went forth and prospered, when Aggeus and Zachary prophesied. And they performed all things through the commandment of the Lord God of Israel, and after the devise of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerses, kings of Persia.
And thus was our house finished unto the twenty third day of the month Adder in the sixth year of King Darius. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and other that were come out of captivity, and such as were joined unto them, did according as it is written in the book of Moses. And in the dedication of the temple they offered an hundred oxen, an hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and twelve goats for the sins of all the people of Israel, after the number of the tribes of Israel. The priests also and the Levites stood arrayed in the priestly garments, after the tribes, over all the works of the Lord God of Israel according to the book of Moses, and the porters by all the doors.
And the children of Israel ( with those that were come out of captivity ) held the passover the fourteenth day of the first month, when the priests and the Levites were sanctified. They that came out of captivity, were not all sanctified together: but the Levites were all sanctified together. And so all they that came out of captivity, killed the Easter lamb, for their brethren, for the priests and for themselves. And the children of Israel that came out of captivity, and escaped from all the abominations of the Heathen, sought the Lord, and kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days long, eating and drinking and were merry before the Lord: that the lord had turned the devise of the king of Assyria, and comforted their hands to the works of the Lord God of Israel.
The 8th Chapter
And after him, when Artaxerses the king of the Persians reigned, there went unto him Esdras the son of Saraias, the son of Azarias, the son of Helchiah, the son of Sallum, the son of Sadoc, the son of Achitob, the son of Amarias, the son of Azarias, the son of Boccus, the son of Abisu, the son of Phineas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the first priest. This Esdras went up from Babylon, for he had good understanding in the law of Moses, that was given of the Lord God of Israel, to be taught and done and deed. And the king favored him, and did him great worship and honour, after all his devises.
There went up with him also certain of the children of Israel, of the priests, of the Levites, of the singers, porters and ministers of the temple at Jerusalem.
In the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerses, in the fifth month, this is in the seventh year of the reign, they went from Babylon in the new moon of the fifth month, and came the high way to Jerusalem after his commandment, like as the Lord had prospered their journey. For in these Esdras got instruction that he should leave none of the things behind, which are in the law and commandments of God. And he taught whole Israel all righteousness and judgment.
Then came the Secretaries of king Artaxerses, and deliver the writings that were come from Artaxerses the king, to Esdras the priest and reader of the law of the Lord: And this is the copy of the letter. King Artaxerses sendeth his greeting unto Esdras the priest and reader of the law of the Lord: Of friendship and good will I have ordained and charged, if there be any of the Jews, of the priests and Levites in my realm, which desireth and is content to go with thee unto Jerusalem, that he may do it. Therefore if any be minded to bear the company, let them come together, and go with thee ( like as I am content and my seven friends my counselors: ) to see what they do in Jerusalem and in Jewry, and keep the things according as thou hast in the law of the Lord and to bring the gifts unto God the Lord of Israel, that I and my friends have promised to Jerusalem, and all the gold and silver that in the country of Babylon, unto the Lord to Jerusalem, with the thing that is given for the people in the Lords temple at Jerusalem: Yee that the same silver and gold may be gathered, and oxen, rams, sheep and goats and other that belong to these things: and that they may offer sacrifices unto the Lord, upon the altar of their Lord, which is at Jerusalem.
And whatsoever thou and thy brethren will do with the silver and gold, that do, after thy mind, and after the commandment of the Lord thy God: and like wise with all the holy vessels, that are given thee for the service of the house of the Lord thy God: and other things whatsoever is necessary for thee to do the work of the temple, that shall be given thee of the kings treasure: and look what thou with thy brethren wilt do with the gold and silver, that do after the will of the Lord. And I king Artaxerses have commanded the keepers of the treasures in Syria and Phenices, that whatsoever Esdras the priest and the reader of the law of the Lord doth write, it shall be given him: till an hundred talents of silver, and of gold in like manner: Of corn also an hundred measures, and till an hundred vessels of wine, and other plenteous things without number. Let all things be done after the law of the highest God, that the wrath of God arise not in the realm of the king and of his sons. I command you also, that ye require no tax, ner tribute of the priests, Levites, singers, and ministers of the temple, ner of the writers: and that no man have authority to meddle anything against them.
As for thee ( O' Esdras ) set thou judges and arbitrators in the whole land of Syria and Phenices, after the wisdom of God: and learn all such as are ignorant in the Law of God thy Lord, and let all them that offend against the law, be punished: whether it be with death, with pain, to be condemned in money, or to be banished.
Then said Esdras the writer. Blessed be the God of our fathers, that hath given so good a mind and will in to the heart of the king, to magnify his house that is at Jerusalem, and hath made me to be accepted in the sight of the king, of his counsel, of his friends and of his nobles. And so I was steadfast in my mind, according as the Lord my God helped me, and I choose out men of Israel to go up with me. And these are the heads ( after their kindreds and houses of their fathers ) that went up with me from Babylon, out of the kingdom of Artaxerses:
Of the sons of Phares, Gersonius.
Of the sons of Siemarith, Amenus.
Of the sons of David, Accus, the son of Cecilia.
Of the sons of Phares, Zachary:
and with him there turned again an hundred and fifty men.
Of the sons of the captain of Moabilon, Zaraei,
and with him two hundred men and fifty men.
Of the sons of Zachnes, Jechonias Zecholy,
and with him two hundred and fifty men.
Of the sons of Salamaasias, Gotholie,
and seventy with him.
Of the sons of Zaphacia. Zarias Miheli,
and with him eighty.
Of the sons of Job, Abdias Jeheli,
and with him two hundred and twelve men
Of the sons of Bania, Salimoth the son of Josaphia, and with him an hundred and sixty men.
Of the sons of Beer, Zachari Bebei, and with him two hundred and eight men.
Of the sons of Esead, Johannes Ezechan, and with him one hundred and ten men.
Of the sons of Adonicam those that were the last, and these are their names: Eliphalam the son of Gebel and Semeias, and with him seventy men, all these I called together by the water of Thia, where we pitched our tents three days, and there I mustered them.
As for the sons of the priests and Levites, I found none there. Then sent I unto Eleazar, and Eccelom, and Masman, and Malobam, and Enaathan, and Samea, and Joribimathan, Eunagan, Zachary, Mosollamun, ( these were the leaders and men of experience ) and I sent them word, that they should come unto Loddeus, which was by the place of the treasury, and commanded them that they should speak unto Loddeus, and to his brethren and to those that were in the treasury, to send us such men, as might execute the priests office in the house of the Lord our God. And with the mighty hand of our Lord God, they brought unto us men of good experience, from among the sons of Molius, the son of Levi, the son of Israel, Sebebeiam and the sons and his brethren Asbin and Anin, of whom there were eighteen. From among the children and sons of Cananeus, and their sons were twenty men. And of them that served in the temple, whom David had ordained, and the principal men that ministered for the work unto the Levites in the temple, two hundred and twenty men, whose names are all tokened up in writing.
Then commanded I a fasting unto the young men before our Lord, that i might desire of him a prosperous journey and a good way for us, yee for us, for our children and for the cattle, because of the layings in wait, and I durst not require of the king men of horse and foot, to convey us safely against our enemies, for we had said unto the king, that the power of the lord our God should be with them, that seek him with their whole heart. And therefore we besought God our Lord earnestly because of these things, and he was merciful unto us, and heard our prayer. And I separated from among the rulers of the people, and from the Priests of the temple, twelve men, and Sebeia and Asania, and ten men of their brethren with them. And I weighed them the gold and the silver and all the Priestly ornaments of the house of our God, which the king, and his council, and his Princes, and whole Israel had given. And when I had weighed it, I gave them an hundred and fifty talents in silver, an hundred talents of silver vessel, an hundred talents of gold, and of golden vessel seven times twenty, and vessels of other metal ( yee of good metal ) twelve glistering (glittering) as the gold, and I said unto them: ye also are holy unto the Lord, and the vessels are holy, and the gold and the silver is promised unto the Lord God of our fathers. Be diligent now and keep it, until the time that ye deliver it to the rulers of the people, to the Priests, to the Levites, and to the principal men of the cities of Israel in Jerusalem, and in the chamber of the house of our God.
So the Priests and the Levites which received of me the gold, the silver and the vessel, brought it to Jerusalem into the temple of the Lord. And from Thia we break up the twelfth day of the first month, till we came to Jerusalem.
And when the third day was past, the weighed gold and silver was delivered in the house of the Lord the fourth day unto Marimoth the son of Jor the Priest, and with him was Eleazar the son of Phineas, and with them were Josabdus the son of Jesnet, Medias and the son of Banus, and certain of the Levites to the number and to the weight: and the weight of them was written up the same time. As for those that were come out of the captivity, they offered sacrifice unto the Lord the God of Israel: even twelve oxen for all Israel eighty six rams, seventy two sheep, twelve goats, for sin. Twelve kine (deer) for a thanksoffering, all to the sacrifice of the Lord. And the Kings commission delivered they unto the stewards and deites (deities) of the King, and to the undershreves in Celosyria and Phenices.
Now when these things were done, the rulers came unto me, and said: The generation of Israel, the Princes, the Priests and Levites, the strange people and indwellers of the land, have not put away their uncleanness, from the Canaanites, Hethites, Pheresites, from the Moabites, Egyptians, and Edomites. For both they and their sons have mingled themselves with the daughters of them, and the holy seed is mixed with the outlandish Heathen, and since the beginning of their reign have the rulers and heads been partakers of their wickedness,
And as soon as I had heard these things, immediately I rent my holy garments, and pulled out the hair of my head and beard, and sat me down sorrowful and heavy. So all they that were moved through the word of the God of Israel, came unto me: and I sat still full of heaviness until the evening sacrifice.
Then stood I up from fasting, having rent clothes and the holy garment, kneeled down upon my knees, held out my hands unto the Lord, and said: O' Lord, I am confounded and ashamed before thy face, for our sins are become many upon our heads, and our wickednesses are exalted unto heaven: For since the time of our fathers, we with our brethren and with our Priests have been delivered unto the Kings of the earth, in to the sword, and into captivity, and become a spoil with confusion and shame unto this day.
And now O' Lord God how great is the mercy that we have gotten of thee in that thou hast left us a root and name in the place of thy Sanctuary, to discover our light in the house of the Lord our God, and given us meat at all times of our ministration.
And when we were in captivity , we were not forsaken of the Lord our God: but he made the kings of Persia gracious and favorable unto us, so that they gave us vitals and meat, yee and leave to build up the temple of our Lord God again, to repair the wasted places of Sion, and to dwell in Jewry and Jerusalem.
And now O' Lord what shall we say having all these things in possession? For we have broken thy commandments which thou gavest unto us by the hands of thy servants the prophets, saying: The land that ye go to unto, and that is given you for an heritage to have in possession, is defiled with the uncleanness and filthiness of Heathen, and with their abominations have they polluted it all together. Therefore shall ye not join your daughters unto their sons, ner marry your sons unto their daughters: Moreover, ye shall never seek to make peace with them that ye may increase and eat the best in the land, and that ye may divide the inheritance of the land unto your children for evermore. As for the thing that now happeneth unto us, it cometh all for our wicked works, and great sins, yet hast thou given us such a root, that we are come again into our own land: and we are so wicked that we have broken thy statutes and commandments again, and mingled our selves with the uncleanness of the outlandish Heathen. O' Lord art thou angry with us? wilt thou root us clean out? that our root and name remain no more? O' Lord God of Israel thou art true, for our root endureth yet unto this present day, And behold, now are we before thee in our sins, now can we not stand before thee in them.
And when Esdras with this prayer had knowledged the sin, weeping, and laying flat upon the ground before the temple, there gathered unto him from Jerusalem a great multitude of men and women, of young men and maidens, for there was a very great weeping and mourning in the congregation. So when Jechonias the son of Jehelt one of the children of Israel cried, he said unto Esdras: we have sinned against the Lord, because we have married outlandish women of the Heathen. Now art thou over all Israel. We will swear an oath therefore unto the Lord, that we shall put away all our wives, which we have taken of the Heathen, with their children: like as it is appointed thee by our fore elders. Stand up then, open thou it, and declare it plainly unto us, according to the law of the Lord: for the matter belongeth unto thee, and we will help thee, quiet thyself manly. So Esdras arose, and took an oath of the rulers, of the Priests, and of the Levites, and of Israel, to do after these things: and they sware.
The 9th Chapter
Then Esdras stood up from the court of the temple without, and went in to the chamber of Jonathas the son of Nasabus, and remained there, and ate no meat, nor dronk drink, for the multitude of the wickedness of the people. And there was a proclamation in all Jewry and at Jerusalem, for all such as were gathered at Jerusalem out of the captivity, that whosoever came not to Jerusalem within two or three days (a according to the judgement of the old lords of counsel ) his goods should be taken from him, and be excluded from the congregation of the captivity. And in three days were all they of the tribe of Judah and BenJamin gathered together at Jerusalem, the twentieth day of the ninth month. And the whole multitude sat trembling in the court of the temple, for it was winter.
So Esdras arose up, and said unto them: Ye have done unrighteously, in that ye have taken outlandish wives to marriage, and so to increase the sins of Israel. And know knowledge the same, and give praise unto the Lord God of our fathers, and perform his will, departing from the Heathen of the land, and from the outlandish wives. Then cried the whole multitude with a loud voice, and said: Like as thou hast spoken, so will we do: But forasmuch as the people are many, and the winter here, we may not stand without the house: again, this work is not a thing, that can be finished in a day or two, for we be many that have sinned in these things: Ordain therefore, the rulers of the multitude and all that dwell with us, and as many as have outlandish wives, the Priests also and judges of every place may stand in the time appointed, till they loose up the wrath of the Lord in his business.
Then Jonathas the son of Ezeli, and Ozias and Thecam received charge of this matter, and Bozoramus, and Leivs, and Sabbatheus helped them thereto. After this, all they stood up that were come out of captivity. And Esdras the Priest chose unto him the principal men from among the fathers according to their names, and in the new moon of the tenth month they sat together, to examine this matter.
And so the matter was a determining (concerning the men that had outlandish wives) until the new moon of the first month. And of the Priests that mixte themselves with outlandish wives, there were found: Of the sons of Jesu the son of Josedec and his brethren, Mazeas, Eleazar, Joribus and Joadeus, which offered themselves to put away their wives, and to offer a ram for their ignorance.
And of the sons of Semmeri, Masseas, and Esses, and Jeelech Azarias. Of the sons of Fosera, Limosias, Hismaen, Nathanea, Jussio, Jeddus, and Talsas.
And of the Levites Josabdus, Semeis, and Colnis, Caletas, Facteas, Colnas, and Elionas. Of the singers of the Sanctuary, Eliarib, Zackarus.
Of the porters, Sallumus and Tolbanes. And of Israel, of the children of Foro, Osi, and Remias, and Geddias, and Melchias, Michelus, Eleazarus, Jemmebias, and Bannas. And of the children of Jolaman, Chanias, Zachari, Jeizrelus, Joddius, Erimoth and Elias. And the sons of Jathoim, Eliadas, Liasamus, and Zochias, Larimoth, Sabdis and Tebedias. And of the sons of Zebes, Johannes, Amanias, Zabdias, and Emmeus. And of the sons of Bannus, Olammus, Maluchus, Jeddus, Jasub, Asabus and Jerimoth. And of the sons Adin, Naatus, and Moosias, and Caleus, and Rannas, Maasuas, Mathathias, Besel, Bannus and Manasses.
And of the sons of Nave, Nones, Afeas, Melchias, Sameas, Simon, BenJamin, Malchus and Marras.
And of the sons of Asom, Carianeus, Mathathias, Bannus, Eliphalach, Manasses, Semei. Of the sons of Bannus, Jeremy, Moodias, Abramas, Johel, Baneas, Peliaas, Jona, Marimoth, Eliasib, Mathaneus, Eliasis, Ozias Dielus, Semedius, Zambris and Joseph. Of the sons of Nobeus, Jdelus, Mathathias Sabadus, Zecheda, Sedmi, Jesseus, and Baneas.
All these had taken outlandish women to marriage, and they put them away with their children. The Priests and Levites, and all they that were of Israel, dwelt at Jerusalem and throughout all the land, in the new moon of the seventh month, and the children of Israel were in their dwellings. And the whole multitude came together upon the floor at the East side of the holy port of the temple. And they spake unto Esdras the high Priest and reader, that he would bring the law of Moses, which was given of the Lord God of Israel. So Esdras the high Priest brought the law unto the whole multitude, to man and woman, and to all Priests, that they might hear the law, in the new moon of the seventh month. And he read in the floor that is before the holy port of the temple, from the morning early unto the evening, before men and women. And they applied their mind all to the law.
And Esdras the Priest and reader of the law stood up upon a scaffold of wood, which was made therefore: and upon his right hand there stood by him Mathathias, Samus, Ananias, Azarias, Urias, Ozechias, and Balsam: Upon his left hand stood Faldeus, Misael, Malachias, Abuschas, Sabus, Nabadias and Zachary. Then took Esdras the book before the whole multitude, for he was the principal, and had most honor of them all. And when he had read out the law, they all stood straight upon their feet, So Esdras praised the Lord the most high God, the Almighty God of Hosts. And all the people answered: Amen: and held up their hands, fell down flat upon the earth, and praised the Lord. And Jesus, Beneas, Sarebias, Jaddimus, Accubus, Sabbatheus, Calithes, Azarias, Joradus, Ananias, and Philias the Levites lift their hands upward, and bowed their faces to the ground, and praised the Lord: Those were they which taught the law of the Lord, and read the law of the Lord in the congregation: and every man set those before that understood the law.
Then spake Atharates unto Esdras the high Priest and reader, and to the Levites that taught the multitude, saying: This day is holy unto the Lord: and all they that had heard the law, wept. So Esdras said: Depart your way then, and eat the best, and drink the sweetest, and send gifts unto them that have nothing: for this day is holy unto the Lord, and be not sorry. Then went they their way every each one, ate and dronke, and were merry, and sent rewards unto them that had nothing, that they also might eat with gladness: for they were exceedingly rejoiced, through the words that were read unto them in the law: And so they were gathered together at Jerusalem to hold the feast, according to the covenant of the Lord God of Israel.
The end of the third book of Esdras
The document was marked with 458 Deletions, 504 Insertions, 0 Moves.
THE THIRD BOOKE OF ESDRAS.
CHAP. I.
Iosias king of Iuda maketh a great Pasch, 7. geuing manie hostes to such
as wanted for sacrifice: 14. the Priestes and Leuites performing their
functions therin: 22. in the eightenth yeare of his reigne, 25. He is
slayne in battel by the king of AEgypt, 32. and much lamented by the
Iewes. 34. His sonne Ieconias succedeth. 37. After him Ioacim, 40. who
is deposed by the king of Babylon. 43. Ioachim reigneth three monethes,
and is caried into Babylon. 46. Sedecias reigneth eleuen yeares
wickedly. 52. and he with his people is caried captiue into Babylon, the
citie and temple are destroyed. 57. so remayned til the Monarchie of the
Persians.
AND Iosias made a Pasch in Ierusalem to our Lord & immolated the Phase
the fourtenth moone of the moneth: (4 Kings 23:21 / 2 Par 35:1)
2 appointing the Priestes by courses of dayes clothed with stoles in the
temple of our Lord. 3 And he spake to the Leuites the sacred seruantes
of Isreal, that they should sanctifie them selues to our Lord in the
placing of the holie arke of our Lord in the house, which king Salomon
sonne of Dauid built. 4 It shal not be for you to take it vpon your
shoulders. And now serue your Lord, and take the care of that nation
Israel, in part according to your villages and tribes, 5 according to the
writing of Dauid king of Israel, and according to the magnificence of
Salomon his sonne, al in the temple, and according to your fathers
portion of principalitie, among them that stand in the sight of your
brethren the children of Isreal. 6 Immolate the Pasch, and prepare the
sacrifices for your bretheren, and doe according to the precept of our
Lord which was geuen to Moyses. (Ex 12 / Lev 23 / Num 28) 7 And Iosias
gaue vnto the people that was found of sheepe, lambes, and kiddes, and
goates thirtie thousand, calues there thousand. 8 These thinges were
geuen to the people of the kinges goodes according to promisse: and to
the priestes for the Phase, sheepe in number two thousand, and calues an
hundred. 9 And Iechonias, and Semeias, and Nathanael bretheren, and
Hasabias, and Oziel, and Coraba for the Phase sheepe fiue thousand,
calues fiue hundred. 10 And when these thinges were done in good order,
the Priestes an the Leuites stood hauing azymes by tribes. 11 And
according to the portions of their fathers principalitie, in the sight of
the people they did offer, to our Lord according to those thinges, which
were written in the booke of Moyses: 12 and rosted the Phase with fire
as it ought: and the hostes they boyled in cauldrons, and in pottes with
beneuolence: 13 and they brought to al that were of the people: and
afterward they prepared for them selues and the priestes. 14 For the
Priestes offered the fatte, vntil the houre was ended: and the Leuites
prepared for them selues, and their brethren, the children of Aaron.
15 And the sacred singing men, the children of Asaph were by order
according to the precept of Dauid and Asaph, and Zacharias, and Ieddimus,
which was from the king. 16 And the porters at euerie gate, so that none
transgressed his owne: for their brethren prepared for them. 17 And the
thinges were consummate that perteyned to the sacrifice of our Lord.
18 In that day they celebrated the Phase, and offered hostes vpon the
sacrifice of our Lord, according to the precept of king Iosias. 19 And
the children of Israel, that were found at that time, celebrated the
Phase: and the festiual day of Azymes for seuen dayes: 20 and there was
not celebrated such a Phase in Isreal, from the times of Samuel the
prophet: 21 and al the kinges of Israel did not celebrate such a Phase
as Iosias did, and the Priestes, and the Leuites, and the Iewes, and al
Israel, that were found in their abode at Ierusalem. 22 In the eightenth
yeare, Iosias reigning was the Phase celebrated. 23 And the workes of
Iosias were directed in the sight of his Lord in a hart ful of feare:
24 and the thinges concerning him are writen in the ancient times,
touching them that sinned, and were irreligous against our Lord aboue al
nations, and that sought not the wordes of our Lord vpon Israel. 25 And
after al this fact of Iosias, came vp Pharao the king of AEgypt comming
in Charcamis from the way vpon Euphrates, and Iosias went forth to meete
him. (4 Kings 23:29 / 2 Par 35:20) 26 And the king of AEgypt sent to
Iosias saying: What is there betwen me & thee king of Iuda? 27 I was
not sent of the Lord to fight against thee: for my battel is vpon
Euphrates, goe downe in hast. 28 And Iosias did not returne vpon his
chariote: but endeuoured to ouerthrow him, not attending the word of the
prophet from the mouth of our Lord: 29 but he made battel against him in
the field of Mageddo. And princes went downe to king Iosias. 30 And the
king said to his seruantes: Remoue me from the battel, for I am weakned
excedingly. And forthwith his seruantes remoued him out of the battel.
31 And he went vp into his second chariote: & comming to Ierusalem,
dyed, and was buried in his fathers sepulchre. 32 And in al Iurie they
mourned for Iosias, & the rulers with their wiues lamented him vntil this
day. And this was geuen out to be done alwayes vnto al the stocke of
Israel. 33 But these thinges were writen before in the booke of the
histories of the kinges of Iuda: and al the actes of the doing of
Iosias, and his glorie and his vnderstanding in the law of our Lord: and
the thinges that were done by him, and that are not writen in the booke
of the kinges of Israel and Iuda. 34 And they that were of the nation,
taking Iechonias the sonne of Iosias, made him king for Iosias his
father, when he was three and twentie yeares old. (4 Kings 23:30 /
2 Par 36:1) 35 And he reigned ouer Israel three monethes. And the king
of AEgypt remoued him, that he should not reigne in Ierusalem: 36 and he
put a taxe vpon the nation of siluer an hundred talentes, and of gold one
talent. 37 And the king of AEgypt made Ioacim his brother king of Iuda
and Ierusalem: 38 and he bound the magistrates of Ioacim, and Zaracel
his brother, and taking them brought them backe into AEgypt. 39 Ioacim
was fiue and twentie yeares old when he began to reigne in the land of
Iuda and Ierusalem: and he did euil in the sight of our Lord. 40 And
after this man came vp Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon, and binding
him with a bande of brasse, brought him into Babylon. 41 And
Nabuchodonosor tooke the sacred vessels of our Lord, and carried away,
and consecrated them in his temple in Babylon. 42 For his vncleanes, and
lacke of religion is written in the booke of the times of the kinges.
43 And Ioachin his sonne reigned for him. And when he was made king, he
was eightene yeares old. 44 And reigned three monethes and ten dayes in
Ierusalem, and did euil in the sight of our Lord: 45 and after a yeare
Nabuchodonosor sending, transported him into Babylon together with the
sacred vessels of our Lord. (4 Kings 24:13) 46 And he made Sedecias
king of Iuda and Ierusalem, when he was one and twentie yeares old:
(4 Kings 24:17) and he reigned eleuen yeares. 47 And he did euil in the
sight of our Lord, and was not afraid of the wordes which were spoken by
Ieremie the prophet from the mouth of our Lord: (Jer 37:2) 48 and being
sworne of king Nabuchodonosor, forsworne he did reuolt: and his necke
being hardened, & his hart, he transgressed the ordinances of our Lord
the God of Israel. 49 And the princes of the people of our Lord did
manie thinges wickedly, and they did impiously aboue al the vncleannes of
the nations: and they polluted the temple of our Lord that was holie of
Ierusalem. 50 And the God of their fathers sent by his messenger to
reclame them, for that he would spare them, and his tabernacle. 51 But
they scorned at his messengers: and in the day that our Lord spake to
them, they were mocking his prophetes. 52 Who was moued euen vnto wrath
vpon his nation for their impietie, and commanded the kinges of the
Chaldees to come vp. 53 These slewe their yong men with the sword, round
about their holie temple, and spared not yong man, and old man, and
virgin, and youth: 54 but al were deliuered into their handes: & taking
al the sacred vessels of our Lord, and the kinges treasures, they caried
them into Babylon, 55 and burnt the house of our Lord, and threwe downe
the walles of Ierusalem: and the towres therof they burnt with fire,
56 and consumed al their honorable thinges, and brought them to naught,
and those that were left of the sword, they led into Babylon. 57 And
they were his seruants vntil the Persians reigned in the fulfilling of
the word of our Lord by the mouth of Ieremie: (Jer 25:12 / Jer 29:10 /
Dan 9:2) 58 as long as the land quietly kept her sabbathes, al the time
of her desolation she sabbathized in the application of seuentie yeares.
CHAP. II.
Cyrus king of Persia permitteth the Iewes to returne into their countrie:10. and deliuereth to them the holie vessels, which Nabuchodonosor had
taken from the temple. 16. Certaine aduersaries writing to king
Artaxerxes, hinder those that would repayre the ruines of Ierusalem.
CYRVS king of the Persians reigning for the accomplishment of the word of
our Lord by the mouth of Ieremie, (2 Par 36:22 / 1 Esd 1:1 / 1 Esd 6:3 /
Jer 25:12 / Jer 29:10 / Dan 9:2) 2 our Lord raysed vp the spirit of Cyrus
king of the Persians, and he proclaymed in al his kingdomes, and that by
writing, 3 saying: Thus sayth Cyrus king of the Persians: The Lord of
Israel, the high Lord, hath made me king ouer the whole earth. 4 and
hath signified to me to build him a house in Ierusalem, which is in
Iurie. 5 If there be any of your kinred, his Lord goe vp with him into
Ierusalem. 6 Whosoeuer therefore dwel about the places, let them helpe
them that are in the same place, in gold and siluer, 7 in giftes, with
horses, and beastes, and with other thinges which by vowes are added into
the temple of our Lord, which is in Ierusalem. 8 And the princes of the
tribes, of the villages and of Iurie, of the tribe of Beniamin, & the
Priestes, and the Leuites standing vp, whom our Lord moued to goe vp, and
to build the house of our Lord which is in Ierusalem, and they that were
round about them, 9 did helpe them with al their gold and siluer, and
beastes, and manie whose minde was stirred vp, with many vowes. 10 And
Cyrus the king brought forth the sacred vessel of our Lord, which
Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon transported out of Ierusalem, and
consecrated them to his Idol. 11 And Cyrus the king of Persians bringing
them forth, deliuered them to Mithridatus, who was ouer his treasures.
12 And by him they were deliuered to Salmanasar president of Iurie.
13 And of these this was the number: Cuppes for libamentes of siluer two
thousand foure hundred, basens of siluer thirtie: phials of gold
thirtie, also of siluer two thousand foure hundred: and other vessels a
thousand. 14 and al the vessels of gold and siluer, were fiue thousand
eight hundred sixtie. 15 And they were numbered to Salmanasar together
with them, that came out of the captiuite of Babylon into Ierusalem.
16 But in the times of Artaxerxes king of the Persians, there wrote to
him of them that dwelt in Iurie and Ierusalem, Balsamus, and Mithridatus,
and Sabellius, and Rathimus, Balthemus, Sabellius scribe, and the rest
dweling in Samaria, and other places the epistle folowing to king
Artaxerxes. (1 Esd 4:7) 17 SIR, thy seruantes Rathimus ouer
occurrentes, and Sabellius the scribe, and the other iudges of thy court
in Caelesyria, and Phenice. 18 And now be it knowen to our Lord the
king, that Iewes came vp from you to vs, coming into Ierusalem a
rebellious, & very naughty citie, do build the fornaces thereof, and set
vp the walles, and rayse the temple. 19 And if this citie, and the
walles shal be finished, they wil not onlie not abyde to pay tributes,
but also wil resist the kinges. 20 And because that is in doing about
the temple, we thought it should doe wel not to neglect this same thing:
21 but to make it knowen to our Lord the king, that if it shal seme good,
o king it may be sought in the bookes of thy fathers, 22 and thou shalt
find in the recordes, thinges writen of these, and thou shalt know that
this citie hath bene rebellious, and trubling kinges, and cities, 23 and
the Iewes rebelles, & making battels in it from time out of mind, for the
which cause this citie was made desolate. 24 Now therfore we doe thee to
vnderstand, Lord king, that if this citie shal be built, and the walles
therof shal be erected, there wil be no comming downe for thee into
Caelesyria, & Phenice. 25 Then wrote the king to Rathimus, the writer of
the occurrentes, and to Balthemus, and to Sabellius the scribe, and to
the rest ioyned with them, and to the dwellers in Syria, and Phenice, as
foloweth: 26 I haue read the epistle that you sent me. I commanded
therfore search to be made, & it was found that the same citie is from
the beginning rebellious to kinges, 27 and the men rebelles, and making
battels in it, & there were most valient kinges ruling in Ierusalem, and
exacting tributes in Caelesyria, & Phenice. 28 Now therfore I haue geuen
commandment to forbid those men to build the citie, and to stay them that
nothing be done more then is: 29 and that they proceeded not farder,
wherof are euils, so that there may be truble brougt vpon the kinges.
30 Then these things being read which were writen of king Artaxerxes,
Rathimus, and Sabellius the scribe, and they that were apointed with them
ioyning together in hast came to Ierusalem with a troupe of horsemen, and
multitude, & companie: 31 and they begane to forbid the builders, and
they ceased from building of the temple in Ierusalem, til in the second
yeare of the reigne of Darius king of the Persians.
CHAP. III.
After a solemne supper made to al the court, and chief princes, king
Darius sleeping: 4. three esquires of the bodie keeping watch, proposed
the question: 10. VVhether wine, or a King, or wemen, or the truth doth
excel? 17. The first prayseth wine.
KING Darius made a great supper to al his domestical seruantes, and to al
the magistrates of Media and Persia, 2 and to al that were purple, and to
the praetors, and counsuls, and liuetenantes vnder him from India vnto
AEthiopia, an hundred twentie seuen prouinces. 3 And when they had eaten
and drunken, and returned ful, then Darius went vp into his chamber, and
slept, and awaked. 4 Then those three youngmen kepers of his bodie,
which garded the kings bodie, sayd one to an other; 5 Let euerie one of
vs say a word that may excel: & whose word soeuer shal appeare wiser
then the others, to him wil king Darius geue great giftes, 6 to be
couered with purple, & to drinke in gold, and to sleepe vpon gold, & a
chariote with a bridle of gold, & a bonet of silke, and a cheyne about
his necke: 7 and he shal sit in the second place next Darius for his
wisdome. And he shal be called the cosin of Darius. 8 Then euerie one
writing his word signed it, and they put it vnder the pillow of Darius
the king, 9 and they sayd. When the king shal rise, we wil geue him our
writinges: and which soeuer of the three the king shal iudge, and the
magistrates of Persia, that his word is the wiser, to him shal the
victorie be geuen as is writen. 10 One wrote: Wine is strong. 11 An
other wrote, a King is stronger. 12 The third wrote, Wemen are more
strong: but aboue al thinges truth ouercometh. 13 And when the king was
risen, they tooke their writinges, and gaue him, and he read. 14 And
sending he called al the Magistrates of Persians, and the Medes, and them
that weare purple, and the pretors, and the ouerseers; 15 and they sate
in the councel: and the writinges were read before them. 16 And he
sayd: Cal the youngmen, and they shal declare their owne wordes. And
they were called, and went in. 17 And he sayd to them: Declare vnto vs
concerning these thinges which are writen. And the first began, he that
had spoken of the strength of wine, 18 and sayd: O ye men, how doth wine
preuaile ouer al men that drinke! it seduceth the minde. 19 And also
the mind of king and orphane it maketh vaine. Also of the bondman and
the free, of the rich man and the poore, 20 and euerie mind it turneth
into securitie and pleasantnes, and it remembreth not any sorow and
dewtie, 21 and al hartes it maketh honest, and it remembreth not king,
nor magistrate, and it maketh a man speake al thinges by talentes.
22 And when they haue drunke, they remember not frendship, nor
brotherhood: yea and not long after they take swordes. 23 And when they
are recouered and risen from the wine, they remember not what they haue
done. 24 O ye men, doth not wine excel? who thinketh to doe so? And
hauing sayd this, he held his peace.
CHAP. IIII.
The second prayseth the excellencie of a king: 13. The third (which is
Zorobabel) commendeth wemen: 33. but preferreth truth aboue al.
41. VVhich is so approued, and he is rewarded. 42. The king moreouer at
his request restoreth the holie vessels of the temple, and granteth
meanes to build the citie of Ierusalem, and the temple.
AND the next began to speake, he that spake of the strength of a king.
2 O ye men doe not the men excel, which obteyne land and sea, and al
thinges that are in them? 3 But a king excelleth aboue al thinges, and
hath dominion ouer them: and euerie thing whatsoeuer he shal say to
them, they doe. 4 And if he send them to warryers, they goe, and throw
downe mountaines, and the walles, and towers. 5 They kil, and are
killed: and the kinges word they transgresse not. For if they shal
ouercome, they bring to the king al thinges whatsoeuer they haue taken
for a praye. 6 In like maner also al others, for so many as are not
souldiars, nor fight, but til the ground: when they shal reape, againe
they bring tributes to the king. 7 And he being one onlie if he say:
Kil ye, they kil: say he: forgeue, the forgeue. 8 say he: strike:
they strike: say he, destroy, they destroy: say he build, they build.
9 say he, cut downe, they cut downe, say he plant, they plant: 10 and al
the people, & potestates here him, and beside this he sitteth downe, and
drinketh, and sleepeth. 11 And others gard him round about, and can not
goe euerie one, and doe their owne workes, but at a word are obedient to
him. 12 O ye men, how doth not a king excel that is so renowmed? And he
held his peace. 13 The third that spake of wemen and truth, this is
Zorobabel, began to speake. 14 O ye men, not the great king, & many men,
neither is it wine that dothe excel. Who is it then that hath the
dominion of them? 15 Haue not wemen brought forth the king, and al the
people, that ruleth ouer land & sea: 16 and were they not borne of them,
and did not they bring vp them which planted the vineyardes, whereof wine
is made? 17 And they make the garmentes of al men, & they doe honor to
al men, and men can not be separed from wemen. 18 If they haue gathered
gold and siluer, and euerie beutiful thing, & see a woman comelie and
fayre, 19 leauing al these thinges they fixe their looke vpon her, & with
open mouth beholde her, and allure her more then gold and siluer, and
euerie precious thing. 20 Man forsaketh his father that brought him vp,
and his countrie, and ioyneth himself to a woman. 21 And with a woman he
refresheth his soul: and neither doth he remember father, nor mother,
nor countrie. 22 And hereby you must know that wemen rule ouer you. Are
you not sorie? 23 And a man taketh his sword, & goeth into the way to
commit theftes and murders, & to sayle seas & riuers, 24 and seeth a
lyon, and goeth in darkenes: and when he hath committed theft, and
fraude, and spoyles, he bringeth it to his beloued. 25 And againe, man
loueth his wife more then father or mother. 26 And many haue become
madde for their wiues: and haue been made bondmen for them: 27 and many
haue perished and bene slayne, and haue sinned for wemen. 28 And now
beleue me, that the king is great in his powre: because al countries are
afrayd to touch him. 29 Neuertheles I saw Apemes the daughter of Bezaces
the concubine of a meruelous king, sitting by the king at his right hand,
30 and taking of the crowne from his head, and putting it vpon her self,
and with the palme of her left hand she stroke the king. 31 And beside
these thinges he with open mouth beheld her: and if she smiled he
laugheth, and if she be angrie with him, he flattereth, til he be
reconciled to her fauour. 32 O ye men, why are not wemen stronger?
Great is the earth, and high is the heauen: who doeth these thinges?
33 And then the king and they that weare purple looked one vpon an other.
And he began to speake of truth. 34 O ye men, are not wemen strong? The
earth is great and heauen is high: & the swift course of the sunne
turneth the heauen round into his place in one day. 35 Is not he
magnifical that doth these thinges, and the truth great, and stronger
aboue al thinges? 36 Al the earth calleth vpon the truth, heauen also
blesseth it, and al workes are moued, and tremble at it, and there is not
any thing with it vniust. 37 Wine is vniust, the king is vniust, wemen
are vniust, al the sonnes of men are vniust, and al their workes are
vniust, and in them is not truth, and they shal perish in their
iniquitie: 38 and truth abydeth, and groweth strong for euer, and
liueth, and preuayleth for euer and euer. 39 Neither is there with it
acception of persons, nor differences: but the thinges that are iust it
doth to al men, to the vniust and malignant, and al men are wel pleased
in the workes thereof. 40 And there is no vniust thing in the iudgement
therof, but strength, and reigne, and power, and maiestie of worldes.
Blessed be the God of truth. 41 And he left speaking. And al the people
cryed, and sayd: Great is truth and it preuaileth. 42 Then the king
sayd to him: Aske, if thou wilt any more, then the thinges that are
writen, and I wil geue it thee, according as thou art found wiser then
thy neighbours, & thou shalt sitte next to me, and shalt be called my
cosin. 43 Then sayd he to the king: Be midful of thy vow, which thou
hast vowed, to build Ierusalem in the day that thou didst receiue the
kingdom: 44 and to send backe al the vessels that were taken out of
Ierusalem, which Cyrus separated, when he sacked Babylon, and would haue
sent them backe thither. 45 And thou hast vowed to build the temple,
which the Idumeians burnt, when Iurie was destroyed of the Chaldees.
46 And now this is that which I aske Lord, & which I desire, this is the
maiestie which I desire of thee, that thou performe the vowe which thou
hast vowed to the king of heauen by thy mouth. 47 Then Darius the king
rising vp, kissed him: and wrote letters to al the officers, and
ouerseers, and them that weare purple, that they should conduct him, and
them that were with him, al going vp to build Ierusalem. 48 And to al
the ouerseers that were in Syria, and Phoenice, and Libanus he wrote
letters, that they should draw Ceder trees from Libanus into Ierusalem,
to build the citie with them. 49 And he wrote to al the Iewes which went
vp from the kingdome into Iurie for libertie, euerie mightie man, &
magistrate, & ouerseer not to come vpon them to their gates, 50 and al
the countrie which they had obtayned to be free vnto them, & that the
Idumeians leaue the castels which they possesse of the Iewes, 51 and to
the building of the temple to geue euerie yeare twentie talentes vntil it
were throughly built: 52 & vpon the altars to burne holocausts dayly, as
they haue commandment: to offer other ten talentes euery yeare, 53 & to
al that go forth from Babylon to build the citie, that there should be
libertie as wel to them as to their children, and to al the priestes that
goe before. 54 And he wrote a quantitie also, and commanded the sacred
stole to be geuen, wherein they should serue; 55 and to the Leuites he
wrote to geue preceptes, vntil the day wherein the house shal be
finished, and Ierusalem builded. 56 And to al that kepe the citie, he
wrote portions and wages to be geuen to them. 57 And he sent away al the
vessels whatsoeuer Cyrus had separated from Babylon, and al thinges
whatsoeuer Cyrus sayd, he also commanded to be donne, and to be sent to
Ierusalem. 58 And when that yong man was gone forth, lyfting vp his face
toward Ierusalem, he blessed the king of heauen, 59 & sayd: Of thee is
victorie, and of thee is wisdome, and glorie. And I am thy seruant.
60 Blessed art thou which hast geuen me wisedom, and I wil confesse to
thee Lord God of our fathers. 61 And he toke the letters, and went into
Babylon. And he came, and told al his brethren that were in Babylon:
62 and they blessed the God of their fathers, because he gaue them
remission and refreshing, 63 that they should goe vp and build Ierusalem,
and the temple wherein his name was renowmed, and they reioyced with
musike and ioy seuen dayes.
CHAP. V.
Those that returned from captiuitie of Bablyon into Ierusalem, and Iurie,
are recited. 47. They restore Gods seruice: 66. but are hindered from
building.
AFTER these thinges there were chosen, to goe vp the princes of townes by
their houses, and tribes, and their wiues, and their sonnes and
daughters, and their men seruantes and wemen seruantes, and their cattel.
(1 Esd 2:1) 2 And Darius the king sent together with them a thousand
horsmen, til they conducted them to Ierusalem with peace, & with musicke
& with tymbrels, and shaulmes: 3 and al the brethren were playing, and
he made them goe vp together with them. 4 And these are the names of the
men that went vp by their townes according to tribes, and according to
the portion of their principalitie. 5 Priestes: The children of
Phinees, the sonne of Aaron, Iesus the sonne of Iosedec, Ioacim the sonne
of Zorobabel, the sonne of Salatheil of the house of Dauid, of the
progenie of Phares, of the tribe of Iuda. 6 Who spake vnder Darius king
of the Persians the meruelous wordes in the second yeare of his reigne
the first moneth Nisan. 7 And they are these, that of Iurie came vp from
the captiuitie of the transmigration, whom Nabuchodonosor the king of
Babylon transported into Babylon, and returned into Ierusalem.
(1 Esd 2:2 / 2 Esd 7:6) 8 And euerie one sought a part of Iurie
according to his owne citie, they that came with Zorobabel, and Iesus,
Nehemias, Areores, Elimeo, Emmanio, Mardocheo, Beelsuro, Mechpsatochor,
Olioro, Emonia one of their princes. 9 And the number of them of the
same nation, of their rulers the children of Phares, two thousand an
hundred seuentie two: 10 The children of Ares, three thousand an hundred
fiftie seuen: 11 The children of Phoemo, an hundred fourtie two: in the
children of Iesus and Ioabes, a thousand three hundred two: 12 the
children of Demu, two thousand foure hundred seuentie: the children of
Choraba, two hundred fiue: the children of Banica, an hundred sixtie
eight, 13 the children of Bebech, foure hundred three: the children of
Archad, foure hundred twentie seuen: 14 the children of Cham, thirtie
seuen: the children of Zoroar, two thousand sixtie seuen: the children
of Adin, foure hundred sixtie one: 15 the children of Aderectes, an
hundred eight: the children of Ciaso and Zelas an hundred seuen: the
children of Azoroc, foure hundred thirtie nine: 16 the children of
Iedarbone, an hundred thirtie two: the children of Ananias, an hundred
thirtie: the children of Asoni, ninetie: 17 the children of Marsar,
foure hundred twentie two: the children of Zabarus, nintie fiue: the
children of Sepolemon, an hundred twentie three: 18 the children of
Nepopas, fiftie fiue: the children of Hechanatus, an hundred fiftie
eight: the children of Cebethamus, an hundred thirite two: 19 the
children of Crearpatros, which are of Enocadie and Modia, foure hundred
twentie three: they of Gramas and Babea, an hundred twentie one.
20 They of Besselon, and Ceagge, sixtie fiue: they of Bastraro, an
hundred twentie two: 21 they of Bechenobes, fiftie fiue: the children
of Liptis, an hundred fiftie fiue: the children of Labonni, three
hundred fiftie seuen: 22 the children of Sichem, three hundred seuentie:
the children of Suadon, & Cliomus, three hundred seuentie eight: 23 the
children of Ericus, two thousand an hundred fourtie fiue: the children
of Anaas, three hundred seuentie. The priestes: 24 the children of
Ieddus, the sonne of Euther, the sonne of Eliasib, three hundred seuenty
two: the children of Emerus, two hundred fiftie two: 25 the children of
Phasurius, three hundred fiftie seuen the children of Caree, two hundred
twentie seuen. 26 The Leuites: The children of Iesus in Caduhel, and
Bamis, and Serebias, and Edias, seuentie foure, the whole number from the
twelfth yeare, thiritie thousand foure hundred sixtie two. 27 The
sonnes, and daughters, and wiues, the whole number, fourtie thousand two
hundred fourtie two. 28 The children of the Priestes, that sang in the
temple: the children of Asaph, an hundred twentie eight. 29 And the
porters: the children of Esmeni, the children of Azer, the children of
Amon, the children of Accuba, of Topa, the children of Tobi, al an
hundred thirtie nine. 30 Priestes that serued in the temple: the
children of Sel, the children of Gaspha, the children of Tobloch, the
children of Caria, the children of Su, the children of Hellu, the
children of Lobana, the children of Armacha, the children of Accub, the
children of Vtha, the children of Cetha, the children of Aggab, the
children of Obai, the children of Anani, the children of Canna, the
children of Geddu, 31 the children or An, the children of Radin, the
children of Desanon, the children of Nachoba, the children of Caseba, the
children of Gaze, the children of Ozui, the children of Sinone, the
children of Attre, the children of Hasten, the children of Asiana, the
children of Manei, the children of Nasissim, the children of Acusu, the
children of Agista, the children of Azui, the children of Fauon, the
children of Phasalon, 32 the children of Meedda, the children of Phusa,
the children of Caree, the children of Burcus, the children of Saree, the
children of Coesi, the children of Nasith, the children of Agisti, the
children of Pedon. 33 Salomon his children, the children of Asophot, the
children of Phasida, the children of Celi, the children of Dedon, the
children of Gaddehel, the children of Sephegi, 34 the children of Aggia,
the children of Sachareth, the children of Sabathen, the children of
Caroneth, the children of Malsith, the children of Ama, the children of
Sasus, the children of Addus, the children of Suba, the children of Eura,
the children of Rahotis, the children of Phasphat, the children of
Malmon. 35 Al that serued the sanctuarie, and the seruantes of Salomon,
foure hundred eightie two. 36 These are the children that came vp from
Thelmela, Thelharsa: the princes of them, Carmellam, and Careth: 37 and
they could not declare their cities, and their progenies, how they are of
Israel. The children of Dalari, the children of Tubal, the children of
Nechodaici, 38 of the Priestes, that did the function of priesthood: and
there were not found the children of Obia, the children of Achisos, the
children of Addin, who tooke a wife of the daughters of Pargeleu: 39 and
they were called by his name, and the writing of the kinred of these was
sought in the register, and it was not found, and they were forbid to doe
the function of priesthood. 40 And Nehemias and Astharus sayd to them:
Let not the holie thinges be participated, til there arise a hiegh priest
lerned for declaration and truth. 41 And al Israel was beside men
seruantes, and wemen seruantes, fourtie two thousand three hundred
fourtie. 42 Their men seruantes and wemen seruantes, seuen thousand
three hundred thirtie seuen. Singing men and singing wemen, two hundred
three score fiue. 43 Camels, foure hundred thiritie fiue. Horses, seuen
thousand thirtie six. Mules, two hundred thousand fourtie fiue. Beastes
vnder yoke, fiue thousand twentie fiue. 44 And of the rulers themselues
by their villages, when they came into the temple of God, which was in
Ierusalem, to renew and raise vp the temple in his place, according to
their power: 45 and to be geuen into the temple to the sacred treasure
of the workes, of gold twelue thousand mnas, and fiue thousand mnas of
siluer, and stoles for Priestes an hundred. 46 And the Priestes and
Leuites, and they that came out of the people, dwelt in Ierusalem, and in
the countrie, and the sacred singingmen, and porters, and al Israel in
their countries. 47 And the seuenth moneth being at hand, and when the
children of Israel were euerie man in his owne affayres, they came
together with one minde into the court, that was before the east gate.
(1 Esd 3:1) 48 And Iesus the sonne of Iosedec, and his brethren the
priestes: Zorobabel the sonne of Salathiel, and his brethren standing
vp, prepared an altar, 49 that they might offer vpon it holocaustes,
according to the thinges that are writen in the booke of Moyses the man
of God. 50 And there assembled there of other nations of the land, and
al the nations of the land erected the altar in his place, and they
offered hostes, and morning holocaustes to our Lord. 51 And they
celebrated the feast of Tabernacles, and the solemne day, as it is
commanded in the lawe: and sacrifices dayly, as it behoued: 52 and
after these the appointed oblations, and the hostes of the sabbathes, and
of the newmoones, and of al the solemne sanctified dayes. 53 And as
manie as vowed to our Lord from the new moone of the seuenth moneth,
began to offer the hostes to God, and the temple of our Lord was not yet
built. 54 And they gaue monie to the masones and workemen, and drinke
and victuals with ioy. 55 And they gaue cartes to the Sidonians, and
Tyrianes, that with them they should carie ceder beames from Lybanus, and
should make boates in the hauen Ioppe, according to the decre that was
writen for them by Cyrus king of the Persians. 56 And in the second
yeare coming into the temple of God in Ierusalem, in the second moneth
began Zorobel the sonne of Salathiel, and Iosue the sonne of Iosedec, and
their bretheren, and the Priestes and Leuites, and al that were come from
the captiuitie into Ierusalem. 57 and they founded the temple of God in
the newmoone of the second moneth of the second yeare, after that they
came into Iurie and Ierusalem. 58 And they appoynted the Leuites from
twentie yeares, ouer the workes of our Lord: and Iesus stood and his
sonne, and the bretheren, al Leuites ioyning together, & executors of the
lawe, doing the workes in the house of our Lord. 59 And al the Priestes
stood, hauing stoles with trumpettes: 60 and Leuites the children of
Asaph, hauing cymbals together praysing our Lord, and blessing him
according to Dauid king of Israel. 61 And they song a song to our Lord,
because his sweetenes, and honour is for euer vpon Israel. 62 And al the
people sounded with trumpet, and cried out with a loud voice, praysing
our Lord in the raysing vp of the house of our Lord. 63 And there came
of the Priestes and Leuites, and presidentes by their villages the more
ancientes, which had sene the old house: 64 and to the building of this
with crie and great lamentation, and manie with trumpettes and great ioy:
65 in so much that the people heard not the trumpettes for the
lamentatinon of the people. For the multitude was sounding with
trumpettes magnifically, so that it was heard far of. 66 And the enimes
of the tribe of Iuda, and Beniamin heard it, and they came to knowe what
the voyce of the trumpettes was: 67 And they knew that they which were
of the captiuitie doe build a temple to our Lord the God of Israel.
68 And coming to Zorobabel & Iesus, the ouerseers of the villages, they
sayd to them: We will build together with you: (1 Esd 4:2) 69 For we
haue in like maner heard your Lord, & we walke like from the dayes of
Asbazareth king of the Assyrians, who transported vs hither. 70 And
Zorobabel, and Iesus, & the princes of the villages of Israel, sayd to
them: 71 It is not for vs and you to build the house of our God. For we
alone wil build to our Lord of Israel according as Cyrus the king of the
Persians hath commanded. 72 And the nations of the land lying vpon them
that are in Iurie, and lifting vp the worke of the building, and bringing
ambushmentes, and peoples, prohibited them to build. 73 and practising
assaultes hindred them, that the building might not be finished al the
time of the life of king Cyrus, and they differred the building for two
yeares vntil the reigne of Darius.
CHAP. VI.
The Iewes by assistance of king Darius build vp the Temple in Ierusalem.
AND in the second yeare of the reigne of Darius prophecied Aggeus, and
Zacharias the sonne of Addo the prophet to Iurie and Ierusalem in the
name of God of Israel vpon them. (1 Esd 5:1) 2 Then Zorobabel the sonne
of Salathiel standing vp, and Iesus the sonne of Iosedec begane to build
the house of our Lord, which is in Ierusalem. 3 When the prophetes of
our Lord were present with them, and did helpe them. At the same time
came Sisennes to them, the deputie of Syria, and of Phenice, and
Satrabuzanes, and his felowes: 4 and they sayd to them: By whose
commandment, build ye this house, and this roofe, and perfite al other
thinges? And who are the workmen that build these thinges? 5 And the
ancientes of the Iewes, which were left of the captiuitie by our Lord,
had fauoure when the visitation was made vpon them. 6 And they were not
hindered from building, til it was signified to Darius of al these
thinges, and answer was receiued. 7 A copie of the letter, which they
sent to Darius. SISENNES deputie of Syria and Phenice, and Satrabuzanes,
and his felowes in Syria and Phenice presidents, to king Darius
greetings: 8 Be al thinges knowen to our Lord the king, that when we
came into the countrie of Iurie, and had entered into Ierusalem, we found
them building the great house of God. 9 And the temple of polished
stones, and of great and precious matter in the walles. 10 And the
workes to be a doing earnestly, and to succede, and prosper in their
handes, and in al glorie to be perfited most diligently. 11 Then we
asked the ancients saying, by whose permission build ye this house, &
found these workes? 12 And therfore we asked them, that we might doe
thee to know the men & the ouerseers, and we required of them a rolle of
the names of the ouerseers. 13 But they answered vs saying: We are the
seruantes of the Lord, which made heauen and earth. 14 And this house
was built these manie yeares past by a king of Israel, that was great and
most valiant, and was finished. 15 And because our fathers were
prouoking to wrath, and sinned agaynst God of Israel, he deliuered them
into the handes of Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon, king of the
Chaldees. 16 And throwing downe this house they burnt it, and they led
the people captiue into Babylon. 17 In the first yeare when Cyrus
reigned the king of Babylon, Cyrus the king wrote to build this house.
18 And these sacred vessels of gold and siluer which Nabuchodonosor had
taken out of the house which is in Ierusalem, and had consecrated them in
his owne temple, Cyrus brought them forth agayne out of the temple which
was in Babylon, and they were deliuered to Zorobabel, & to Salmanasar the
deputie. 19 And it was commanded them that they should offer these
vessels, & lay them vp in the temple, which was in Ierusalem, and build
the temple of God itself in his place. 20 Then did Salmanasar lay the
fundations of the house of our Lord, which is in Ierusalem: and from
that time vntil now it is a building, and is not accomplished. 21 Now
therfore if thou thincke it good o king, let it be sought in the kings
liberaries of Cyrus the king, which are in Babylon: 22 and if it shal be
found, that the building of the house of the Lord, which is in Ierusalem,
begane by the counsel of Cyrus the king, and it be thought good of our
Lord the king, let him write to vs of these thinges. 23 Then Darius the
king commanded search to be made in the libraries: and there was found
in Ecbatana a towne that is in the countrie of Media, one place wherin
were writen these wordes: (1 Esd 6:1) 24 IN THE FIRST YEARE of the
reigne of Cyrus, king Cyrus commanded to build the house of the Lord
which is in Ierusalem, where they did burne incense with dayly fire,
25 the height wherof shal be of ten cubits, & the bredth three score
cubites, foure square with three stones polished, and with a loft galerie
of wood of the same countrie, & one new galerie, and the expenses to be
geuen out of the house of Cyrus the king. 26 And the sacred vesseles of
the house of the Lord, as wel of gold as of siluer, which Nabuchodonosor
tooke from the house of our Lord, which is in Ierusalem where they were
layed, that they be put there: 27 And he commanded Sisennes the deputie
of Syria & Phoenice, and Satrabuzanes, and his felowes & them that were
ordayned presidentes in Syria & Phoenice, that they should refraine
themselues from that place. 28 And I also haue geuen commandment to
build it wholly: and haue prouided, that they helpe them, which are of
the captiuitie of the Iewes, til the temple of the house of the Lord be
accomplished. 29 And from the vexation of the tributes of Coelesyria &
Phoenice, a quantitie to be geuen diligently to these men for the
sacrifice of the Lord, to Zorobabel the gouernour, for oxen, and rammes,
and lambes. 30 And in like maner corne also, and salt, and wine, and
oyle continually yeare by yeare, according as the priestes which are in
Ierusalem, haue prescribed to be spent dayly: 31 that libamentes may be
offered to the most high God for the king & his children, & that they may
pray for their life. 32 And that it be denounced, that whosoeuer shal
transgresse anie thing of these which are writen, or shal despise it, a
beame be taken of theyr owne, & they be hanged, & their goodes be
confiscate to the king. 33 Therfore the Lord also, whose name is
inuocated there, destroy euery king & nation, that shal extend their hand
to hinder or to handle il the house of the Lord which is in Ierusalem.
34 I Darius the king haue decreed that it be most diligently done
according to these thinges.
CHAP. VII.
The house of God is finished, 7. and dedicated, 10. the feast of Pasch is
also celebrated seuen dayes with Azimes.
THEN Sisennes the deputie of Coelesyria, and Phaenice, and Satrabuzames,
and their felowes, obeying those thinges which were decreed of Darius the
king, (1 Esd 6:13) 2 applied the sacred workes most diligently, working
together with the ancientes of the Iewes, the princes of Syria. 3 And
the sacred workes prospered, Aggeus & Zacharias the prophetes
prophecying. 4 And they accomplished al thinges by the precept of our
Lord the God of Israel, and by the counsel of Cyrus, & Darius, and
Artaxerxes the king of the Persians. 5 And our house was a finishing
vntil the three and twentith day of the moneth of Adar, the sixth yeare
of Darius the king. 6 And the children of Israel, and the Priestes and
Leuites, and the rest that were of the captiuitie, which were added did
according to those thinges that are written in the booke of Moyses.
7 And they offered for the dedication of the temple of our Lord, oxen an
hundred, rammes two hundred, lambes foure hundred. 8 And kiddes for the
sinnes of al Israel, twelue, according to the number of the tribes of
Israel. 9 And the Priestes and Leuites stood clothed with stoles by
tribes, ouer al the workes of our Lord the God of Israel, according to
the booke of Moyses, and the porters at euerie gate. 10 And the children
of Israel, wih them that were of the captiuitie celebrated the phase of
the fourtenth moone of the first moneth, when the Priestes and Leuites
were sanctified. 11 Al the children of the captiuitie were not
sanctified together, because al the Leuites were sanctified together.
12 And al the children of the captuitie immolated the phase, both for
their brethren the Priestes, and for them selues. 13 And the children of
Israel did eate, they that were of the captiuitie al that remayned apart
from al the abominations of the nations of the land seeking our Lord.
14 And they celebrated the festiual day of Azymes seuen dayes feasting in
the sight of our Lord. 15 Because he turned the counsel of the king of
the Assirians toward them, to strengthen their handes to the workes of
our Lord the God of Israel.
CHAP. VIII.
Esdras going from Babylon to Ierusalem, 9. carieth king Artaxerxes
fauourable letters, 14. with licence to take gold, siluer, and al thinges
necessarie at their pleasure. 31. The chief men that goe with him are
recited. 51. He voweth a fast praying for good success in their iorney.
56. weigheth the gold and siluer, which he deliuereth to the Priestes,
and Leuites. 69. And seuerely admonisheth the people to repentance, for
their mariages made with infideles.
AND after him when Artaxerxes king of the Persians reigned, came Esdras
the sonne of Azarias, the sonne of Helcias the sonne of Salome,
(1 Esd 7:1) 2 the sonne of Sadoc, the sonne of Achitob, the sonne of
Ameri, the sonne of Azahel, the sonne of Bocci, the sonne of Abisue, the
sonne of Phinees the sonne of Eleazar, the sonne of Aaron the first
priest. 3 This Esdras came vp from Babylon being scribe & wise in the
law of Moyses, which was geuen of our Lord the God of Israel to teach and
to doe. 4 And the king gaue him glorie, because he had found grace in al
dignitie and desire in his sight. 5 And there went vp with him of the
children of Israel, and the Priestes, and the Leuites, and the sacred
singers of the temple, and the porters, and the seuantes of the temple
into Ierusalem. 6 In the seuenth yeare when Artaxerxes reigned in the
fifth moneth, this is the seuenth yeare of his reigne, going forth of
Babylon in the newmoone of the fifth moneth, 7 they came to Ierusalem
according to his commandment, according to the prosperitie of their
iourney, which their Lord gaue them. 8 For in these Esdras had great
knowlege, that he would not pretermitte anie of those thinges, which were
according to the law, and the preceptes of our Lord, and in teaching al
Israel al iusticie and iudgement. 9 And they that wrote the writinges of
Araxerxes the king, coming deliuered the writing which was granted of
Artaxerxes the king to Esdras the Priest, & the reader of the law of our
Lord, the copie wherof here foloweth. 10 KING Artaxerxes to Esdras the
Priest, and reader of the law of the Lord, greeting. 11 I of curtesie
esteming it among benifites, haue commanded them that of their owne
accord are desirous of the nation of the Iewes, and of the Priestes and
Leuites, which are in my kingdom, to goe with thee into Ierusalem. 12 If
anie therfore desire to goe with thee, let them come together, and set
forward as it hath pleased me, and my seuen freindes my counselers:
13 that they may visite those thinges which are done touching Iurie and
Ierusalem, obseruing as thou hast in the law of the Lord. 14 And let
them carie the giftes to the Lord the God of Israel, which I haue vowed
and my freindes to Ierusalem, and al the gold and siluer, that shal be
found in the countrie of Babylon to the Lord in Ierusalem, with that,
15 which is geuen for the nation it self vnto the temple of their Lord
which is in Ierusalem: that this gold and siluer be gathered for oxen,
and rammes, and lambes, and kiddes, and for the thinges that are agreable
to these, 16 that they may offer hostes to the Lord vpon the altar of
their Lord, which is in Ierusalem. 17 And al thinges whatsoeuer thou
with thy brethren wilt doe with gold and siluer, doe it at thy pleasure
according to the precept of the Lord thy God. 18 And the sacred vessels,
which are geuen thee to the workes of the house of the Lord thy God,
which is in Ierusalem. 19 And other thinges whatsoeuer shal helpe thee
to the workes of the temple of thy God, thou shalt geue it out of the
kings treasure. 20 When thou with thy brethren wilt doe ought with gold
and siluer, doe according to the wil of the Lord. 21 And I king
Artaxerxes haue geuen commandment to the keepers of the treasure of Syria
and Phaenice, that what thinges soeuer Esdras the Priest and reader of
the law of the Lord, shal write for, they geue him vnto an hundred
talentes of siluer, likewise also of gold. 22 And vnto an hundred
measures of corne, & an hundred vessels of wine, and other thinges
whatsoeuer abound without taxing. 23 Let al thinges be done to the most
high God according to the law of God, lest perhaps there arise wrath in
the reigne of the king, and of his sonne, and his sonnes. 24 And to you
it is sayd, that vpon al the Priestes, and Leuites, and sacred singers,
and seruantes of the temple, & scribes of this temple 25 no tribute, nor
any other taxe be sette, and that no man haue auctoritie to obiect any
thing to them. 26 But thou Esdras according to the wisedom of God
appoynt iudges, and arbitrers in al Syria and Phaenice: and teach al
them that know no the law of thy God: 27 that whosoeuer shal transgresse
the law, they be diligently punished either with death, or with torment,
or els with a forfeite of money, or with banishment. 28 And Esdras the
scribe sayd: Blessed be the God of our fathers, which hath geuen this
wil into the kings hart, to glorifie his house, which is in Ierusalem.
29 And hath honoured me in the sight of the king, and of his counselers,
and freindes, and them that weare purple. 30 And I was made constant in
minde according to the ayde of our Lord my God, and gathered together of
Israel men, that should goe vp together with me. 31 And these are the
princes according to their kindredes, and seueral principalities of them
that came vp from Babylon the kingdom of Artaxerxes. (1 Esd 8:1) 32 Of
the children of Phares, Gerfomus: and of the children of Siemarith,
Amenus: of the children of Dauid, Acchus the sonne of Scecilia: 33 Of
the children of Phares, Zacharias, and with him returned an hundred
fiftie men. 34 Of the children of leader Moabilion, Zaraei, and with him
two hundred fiftie men: 35 Of the children of Zachues, Iechonias of
Zechoel, and with him two hundred fiftie men: 36 of the children of
Sala, Maasias of Gotholia, & with him seuentie men: 37 of the children
of Saphatia, Zarias of Michel, and with him eightie men: 38 of the
children of Iob, Abdias of Iehel, and with him two hundred twelue men:
39 of the children of Bania, Salimoth, the sonne of Iosaphia, and with
him an hundred sixtie men: 40 of the children of Beer, Zacharias Bebei,
and with him two hundred eight men: 41 of the children of Ezead, Ioannes
of Eccetan, and with him an hundred ten men: 42 of the children of
Adonicam, which were last, and these are their names, Eliphalam the sonne
of Gebel, and Semeias, and with him seuentie men. 43 And I gathered them
together to the riuer that is called Thia, and we camped there three
dayes, and vewed them againe. 44 And of the children of the Priestes and
Leuites I found not there. 45 And I sent to Eleazarus, and Eccelon, and
Masman, and Maloban, and Enaathan, and Samea, and Ioribum, Nathan,
Enuaugam, Zacharias, and Mosolam the leaders them selues, and that were
skilful. 46 And I sayd to them that they should come to Loddeus, who was
at the place of the treasurie. 47 And I commanded them to say to
Loddeus, and his brethren, and to them that were in the treasurie, that
they should send vs them that might doe the function of priesthood in the
house of the Lord our God. 48 And they brought vnto vs according to the
mightie hand of the Lord our God cunning men: of the children of Moholi,
the sonne of Leui, the sonne of Israel, Sebebia, & his sonnes and
brethren, which were eightene: 49 Asbia, and Amin of the sonnes of the
children of Chananeus, and their children twentie men. 50 And of them
that serued the temple, whom Dauid gaue, and the princes themselues to
the ministerie of the Leuites of them that serued the temple, two hundred
twentie. Al their names were signified in writings. 51 And I vowed
there a fast to the yong men in the sight of God, that I might aske of
him a good iourney for vs, and them that were with vs, and for the
children, and the cattel because of ambushementes. 52 For I was ashamed
to aske of the king footemen and horsemen in my companie, to guard vs,
against our aduersaries. 53 For we sayd to the king that the power of
our Lord wil be with them that seeke him with al affection. 54 And
agayne we besought the Lord our God according to these thinges: whom
also we had propicious, and we obteyned of our God. 55 And I separated
of the rulers of the people, and of the Priestes of the temple, twelue
men, and Sedebia, and Asanna, and with them of their brethren ten men.
56 And I weyed to them the gold and siluer, and the vessels of the house
of our God perteyning to the Priestes, which the king had geuen, and his
counselers, and the princes, and al Israel. 57 And when I had weyed it,
I deliuered of siluer an hundred fiftie talentes, and siluer vessels of
an hundred talentes, and of gold an hundred talentes. 58 And of vessels
of gold seuen score and twelue brasen vessels good of shyning brasse,
resembling the forme of gold. 59 And I sayd to them: You are also
sanctified to our Lord, and the vessels be holie, and the gold and siluer
is vowed to our Lord the God of our fathers. 60 Watch and keepe, til you
deliuer them to some of the rulers of the people, and to the Priestes,
and Leuites, and to the princes of the cities of Israel in Ierusalem, in
the treasurie of the house of our God. 61 And those Priestes and Leuites
that receiued the gold and siluer and vessels, brought it to Ierusalem
into the temple of our Lord. 62 And we went forward from the riuer Thia,
the twelfth day of the first moneth, til we entred into Ierusalem.
63 And when the third day was come, in the fourth day the gold being
weyed, and the siluer, was deliuered in the house of the Lord our God, to
Marimoth Priest the sonne of Iori. 64 And with him was Eleazar the sonne
of Phinees: and with them were Iosadus the sonne of Iesus, and Medias,
and Banni the sonne of a Leuite, by number and weight al thinges. 65 And
the weight of them was writen the same houre. 66 And they that came out
of the captiuitie, offered sacrifice to our Lord the God of Israel, oxen
twelue, for al Israel, rammes eightie six, 67 lambes seuentie two, bucke
goates for sinne twelue, and for health twelue kyne, al for the sacrifice
of our Lord. 68 And they read againe the preceptes of the king to the
kinges officers, and to the deputies of Coelesyria, and Phoenice: and
they honored the nation, and the temple of our Lord. 69 And these
thinges being finished, the rulers came to me, saying: The stocke of
Isreal, and the princes, and the Priestes, and the Leuites, (1 Esd 9:1)
70 and the strange people, and nations of the land haue not separated
their vncleannes from the Chananeites, and Hetheites, and Pherezeites,
and Iebuseites, and Moobites, & AEgyptians, and Idumeians. 71 For they
are ioyned to their daughters both themselues, and their sonnes: and the
holie sede is mingled with the strange nations of the earth, and the
rulers and magistrates were partakers of that iniquitie from the
beginning of the reigne it self. 72 And forthwith as I heard these
thinges, I rent my garmentes and sacred tunike: and tearing the heares
of my head, and my beard, I sate sorowful and heauie. 73 And there
assembled to me mourning vpon this iniquitie, as manie as were then moued
by the word of our Lord the God of Israel, and I sate sad vntil the
euening sacrifice. 74 And I rising vp from fasting, hauing my garmentes
rent and the sacred tunike, kneeling, and stretching forth my handes to
our Lord, 75 I sayd: Lord I am confounded, and ashamed before thy face,
76 for our sinnes are multiplied ouer our heades, and our iniquities are
exalted euen to heauen. 77 Because from the times of our fathers we are
in great sinne vnto this day. 78 And for the sinnes of vs, and of our
fathers we haue bene deliuered with our brethren, and with our Priestes
to the kinges of the earth, into sword and captiuitie, and spoile with
confusion vnto this present day. 79 And now what a great thing is this
that mercie hath happened to vs from thee o Lord God, & leaue thou vnto
vs a roote, and a name in the place of thy sanctification, 80 to discouer
our light in the house of the Lord our God, to geue vs meate in al the
time of our bondage. 81 And when we serued, we were not forsaken of the
Lord our God: but he sette vs in fauour, appointing the kinges of the
Persians to geue us meate, 82 and to glorifie the temple of the Lord our
God, and to build the desolations of Sion, to geue vs stabilitie in
Iurie, and Ierusalem. 83 And now what say we Lord, hauing these thinges?
For we haue transgressed thy preceptes, which thou gauest into the handes
of thy seruantes the prophetes, 84 saying: That the land into which ye
entred to possesse the inheritance therof, is a land polluted with the
coinquinations of the strangers of the land, and their vncleanes hath
filled it wholy with their filthines. 85 And now your daughters you shal
not match with their sonnes, and their daughters you shal not take for
your sonnes. 86 And you shal not seeke to haue peace with them for euer,
that growing strong you may eate the best things of the land, and may
distribute the inheritance to your children for euer. 87 And the thinges
that happen to vs, al are done for our nauhtie workes, and our great
sinnes. 88 And thou gauest vs such a roote, and we are returned againe
to transgresse thy ordinances, that we would be mingled with the
vncleannes of the nations of this land. 89 Wilt not thou be wrath with
vs to destroy vs, til there be no roote left nor our name? 90 Lord God
of Israel thou art true. For there is a roote left vntil this present
day. 91 Behold, now we are in thy sight in our iniquities. For it is
not to stand any longer before thee in these matters. 92 And when Esdras
with adoration confessed weeping, lying flat on the ground before the
temple, there were gathered before him out of Ierusalem a verie great
multitude, men and wemen, and yong men and yong wemen. For there was
great weeping in the multitude it self. (1 Esd 10:1) 93 And when he had
cried, Iechonias of Ieheli of the children of Israel, sayd to Esdras: We
haue sinned against our Lord, for that we haue taken vnto vs in mariage
strange wemen of the nations of the land. 94 And now thou art ouer al
Israel, in these therfore let there be an othe from our Lord to expel al
our wiues that are of strangers with their children. 95 As it was
decreed to thee of the ancesters according to the law of our Lord, rising
vp declare it. 96 For to thee the busines perteineth, and we are with
thee: doe manfully. 97 And Esdras rysing vp adiured the princes of the
Priestes and Leuites, and al Israel to doe according to these thinges and
they sware.
CHAP. IX.
Esdras fasting for the sinnes of the people, commandeth that they
separate al strange wemen from them. 18. The Priestes and Leuites, which
had offended herein, are recited. 38 He readeth the law before the
people: 48 certaine doe expound to the multitudes in seueral places.
52 And so they are dismissed with ioy.
AND Esdras rysing vp from before the court of the temple, went into the
chamber of Ionathas the sonne of Nasabi. (1 Esd 10:6) 2 And lodging
there he tasted no bread, nor dranke water for the iniquitie of the
multitude. 3 And there was proclamation made in al Iurie, & in Ierusalem
to al that were of the captiuitie gathered in Ierusalem, 4 that whosoeuer
shal not appeare with in two or three dayes, according to the iudgement
of the ancients sitting vpon it, their goods should be taken away, and
himselfe should be iudged an alien from the multitude of the captiuitie.
5 And al were gathered that were of the tribe of Iuda, and of Beniamin
within three dayes in Ierusalem: this is the ninth moneth, the twentith
day of the moneth. 6 And al the multitude sate in the court of the
temple trembling, for the present winter. 7 And Esdras rysing vp sayd to
them: You haue done vnlawfully taking to you in mariage strang wiues,
that you might adde to the sinnes of Israel. 8 And now geue confession,
& magnificence to our Lord the God of our fathers: 9 and accomplish his
wil, and depart from the nations of the land, and from your wiues the
strangers. 10 And al the multitude cried, and they sayd with a lowde
voice: As thou hast sayd, we wil doe. 11 But because the multitude is
great, and winter time, and we can not stand in the ayre without succour:
and this is a worke for vs not of one day, nor of two, for we haue sinned
much in these thinges: 12 Let the rulers of the multitude stand, and
that dwel with vs, and as manie as haue with them forreine wiues, 13 and
at a time appointed let the priestes out of euerie place, and the iudges
assist, vntil they appeaze the wrath of our Lord concerning this busines.
14 And Ionathas the sonne of Ezeli, and Ozias of Thecam tooke vpon them
according to these wordes: and Bosoramus, and Leuis, and Sabbathaeus,
wrought together with them. 15 And al that were of the captiuitie stood
according to al these thinges. 16 And Esdras the priest chose vnto him
men the great princes of their fathers according to their names: & they
sate together in the newmoone of the tenth moneth to examine this
busines. 17 And they determined of the men that had outlandish wiues,
vntil the newmoone of the first moneth. 18 And there were found of the
priestes entermingled that had outlandish wiues. 19 Of the sonnes of
Iesus the sonne of Iosedec, and his brethren: Maseas, and Eleazarus, and
Ioribus, and Ioadeus, 20 and they put to their handes to expel their
wiues: and to offer a ramme to obtayne pardon for their ignorance.
21 And the sonnes of Semmeri: Maseas and Esses, Ieelech, and Azarias.
22 And of the children of Fofere: Limosias, Hismaenis, and Nathanee,
Iussio, Reddus, and Thalsas. 23 And of the Leuites: Iorabdus, and
Semeis, and Colnis, and Calitas, and Facteas, and Coluas, and Eliomas,
24 and of the sacred singing men, Eliasib, Zaccarus. 25 And of the
porters, Salumus, and Tolbanes. 26 And of Israel: of the sonnes of
Foro, Ozi, and Remias, and Geddias, & Melchias, and Michelus, Eleazarus,
and Iammebias, and Bannas. 27 And of the sonnes of Iolaman: Chamas, and
Zacharias, and Iezuelus, and Ioddius, and Erimoth, and Helias. 28 And of
the sonnes of Zathoim: Eliadas, and Liasumus, Zochias, and Larimoth, &
Zabdis, and Thebedias. 29 And of the sonnes of Zebes: Ioannes, and
Amanias, and Zabdias, and Emeus. 30 And of the sonnes of Banni: Olamus,
& Maluchus, and Ieddeus, and Iasub, and Azabus, & Ierimoth. 31 And of
the sonnes of Addin: Nathus, and Moosias, & Caleus, and Raanas, Maaseas,
Mathathias, and Beseel, and Bonnus, and Manasses. 32 And of the sonnes
of Nuae: Noneas, and Aseas, and Melchias, and Sameas, and Simon,
Beniamin, and Malchus, and Marras. 33 And of the sonnes of Asom:
Carianeus, Mathathias, & Bannus, & Eliphalach, and Manasses, and Semei.
34 And of the sonnes of Banni: Ieremias, and Moadias, and Abramus, &
Iohel, and Baneas, & Pelias, and Ionas, and Marimoth, & Eliasib, and
Matheneus, and Eliasis, and Orizas, and Dielus, and Semedius, & Zambris,
and Iosephus. 35 And of the sonnes of Nobei: Idelus, and Mathathias,
and Sabadus, and Zecheda, Zedmi, and Iessei, Baneas. 36 Al these maried
outlandish wiues, and did put them away with their children. 37 And the
Priestes and the Leuites, and they that were of Israel, dwelt in
Ierusalem, and in the whole countrie in the newmoone of the seuenth
moneth. And the children of Israel were in their habitations. 38 And al
the multitude was gathered together into the court, which is on the east
of the sacred gate: 39 and they sayd to Esdras the high priest, and
reader, that he should bring the law of Moyses, which was deliuered of
our Lord the God of Israel. 40 And Esdras the high priest brought the
law to al the multitude of them from man vnto woman, and to al the
priestes to heare the law in the newmoone of the seuenth moneth. 41 And
he read in the court, which is before the sacred gate of the temple, from
breake of day vntil euening before men and wemen. And they al gaue their
minde to the law. 42 And Esdras the priest, and reader of the law stoode
vpon a tribunal of wood, which was made. 43 And by him stood Mathathias,
and Samus, and Ananias, Azarias, Vrias, Ezechias, and Balsamus on the
right hand, 44 and on the left Faldeus, Misael, Malachias, Ambusthas,
Sabus, Nabadias, and Zacharias. 45 And Esdras tooke the booke before al
the multitude: for he was chiefe in glorie in the sight of al. 46 And
when he had ended the law, they stood al vpright: and Esdras blessed our
Lord the most high God, the God of Sabaoth omnipotent. 47 And al the
people answered: Amen. And lifting vp their handes falling on the
ground, they adored our Lord. 48 Iesus and Banaeus, and Sarebias, and
Iaddimus, and Accubus, and Sabbathaeus, and Calithes, & Azarias, and
Ioradus, and Ananias, and Philias Leuites, 49 who taught the law of our
Lord, and read the same in the multitude, & euerie one preferred them
that vnderstood the lesson. 50 And Atharathes sayd to Esdras the high
priest and the reader, and to the Leuites, that taught the multitude,
51 saying: This day is sancitified to our Lord. And they al wept, when
they had heard the law. 52 And Esdras sayd, departing therfore eate ye
al the fattest thinges, & drinke al most swete things, and send giftes to
them that haue not. 53 For this is the holy day of our Lord, & be not
sad. For our Lord wil glorifie you. 54 And the Leuites denounced openly
to al, saying: This day is holie, be not sad. 55 And they went al to
eate, and drinke, and make merie, and to geue giftes to them that had
not, that they might make merie, for they were excedingly exalted with
the wordes that they were taught. 56 And they were al gathered in
Ierusalem to celebrate the ioy, according to the testament of our Lord
the God of Israel.
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