Apocrypha

THE

RiseIsrael.com
STUDY APOCRYPHA
KING JAMES VERSION

THE NAMES AND ORDER
OF THE
BOOKS CALLED THE APOCRYPHA
WITH THE NUMBER OF THEIR CHAPTERS

Page
I Esdras (9 chapters) 2
II Esdras (16) 22
Tobit (14) 50
Judith (16) 60
The rest of Esther (6) 76
The Wisdom of Solomon (19) 80
Ecclesiasticus (51) 97
Baruch, with the Epistle of Jeremiah (6) 142
The Song of the Three Holy Children (1) 150
The History of Susanna (1) 152
Bel and the Dragon (1) 154
The Prayer of Manasses (1) 156
I Maccabees (16) 157
II Maccabees (15) 189

1

1st Esdras
Also known as the 3rd Ezra

calves.
And Josias held the feast of the passover 10: And when these things were done, the
in Jerusalem unto his Lord, and offered priests and Levites, having the unleavened
the passover the fourteenth day of the bread, stood in very comely order accord-
first month; ing to the kindreds,
2: Having set the priests according to their 11: And according to the several dignities
daily courses, being arrayed in long gar- of the fathers, before the people, to offer
ments, in the temple of the Lord. to the Lord, as it is written in the book of
3: And he spake unto the Levites, the holy Moses: and thus did they in the morning.
ministers of Israel, that they should hallow 12: And they roasted the passover with
themselves unto the Lord, to set the holy fire, as appertaineth: as for the sacrifices,
ark of the Lord in the house that king they sod them in brass pots and pans with
Solomon the son of David had built: a good savour,
4: And said, Ye shall no more bear the ark 13: And set them before all the people:
upon your shoulders: now therefore serve and afterward they prepared for them-
the Lord your God, and minister unto his selves, and for the priests their brethren,
people Israel, and prepare you after your the sons of Aaron.
families and kindreds, 14: For the priests offered the fat until
5: According as David the king of Israel night: and the Levites prepared for them-
prescribed, and according to the magnifi- selves, and the priests their brethren, the
cence of Solomon his son: and standing in sons of Aaron.
the temple according to the several dignity 15: The holy singers also, the sons of As-
of the families of you the Levites, who aph, were in their order, according to the
minister in the presence of your brethren appointment of David, to wit, Asaph,
the children of Israel, Zacharias, and Jeduthun, who was of the
6: Offer the passover in order, and make king's retinue.
ready the sacrifices for your brethren, and 16: Moreover the porters were at every
keep the passover according to the com- gate; it was not lawful for any to go from
mandment of the Lord, which was given his ordinary service: for their brethren the
unto Moses. Levites prepared for them.
7: And unto the people that was found 17: Thus were the things that belonged to
there Josias gave thirty thousand lambs the sacrifices of the Lord accomplished in
and kids, and three thousand calves: these that day, that they might hold the pass-
things were given of the king's allowance, over,
according as he promised, to the people, 18: And offer sacrifices upon the altar of
to the priests, and to the Levites. the Lord, according to the commandment
8: And Helkias, Zacharias, and Syelus, the of king Josias.
governors of the temple, gave to the 19: So the children of Israel which were
priests for the passover two thousand and present held the passover at that time, and
six hundred sheep, and three hundred the feast of sweet bread seven days.
calves. 20: And such a passover was not kept in
9: And Jeconias, and Samaias, and Na- Israel since the time of the prophet Sam-
thanael his brother, and Assabias, and uel.
Ochiel, and Joram, captains over thou- 21: Yea, all the kings of Israel held not
sands, gave to the Levites for the passover such a passover as Josias, and the priests,
five thousand sheep, and seven hundred

2

and the Levites, and the Jews, held with all 33: These things are written in the book of
Israel that were found dwelling at Jerusa- the stories of the kings of Judah, and
lem. every one of the acts that Josias did, and
22: In the eighteenth year of the reign of his glory, and his understanding in the law
Josias was this passover kept. of the Lord, and the things that he had
23: And the works or Josias were upright done before, and the things now recited,
before his Lord with an heart full of godli- are reported in the book of the kings of
ness. Israel and Judea.
24: As for the things that came to pass in 34: And the people took Joachaz the son
his time, they were written in former of Josias, and made him king instead of
times, concerning those that sinned, and Josias his father, when he was twenty and
did wickedly against the Lord above all three years old.
people and kingdoms, and how they 35: And he reigned in Judea and in Jerusa-
grieved him exceedingly, so that the words lem three months: and then the king of
of the Lord rose up against Israel. Egypt deposed him from reigning in Jeru-
25: Now after all these acts of Josias it salem.
came to pass, that Pharaoh the king of 36: And he set a tax upon the land of an
Egypt came to raise war at Carchamis hundred talents of silver and one talent of
upon Euphrates: and Josias went out gold.
against him. 37: The king of Egypt also made king
26: But the king of Egypt sent to him, Joacim his brother king of Judea and Jeru-
saying, What have I to do with thee, O salem.
king of Judea? 38: And he bound Joacim and the nobles:
27: I am not sent out from the Lord God but Zaraces his brother he apprehended,
against thee; for my war is upon Euphra- and brought him out of Egypt.
tes: and now the Lord is with me, yea, the 39: Five and twenty years old was Joacim
Lord is with me hasting me forward: de- when he was made king in the land of
part from me, and be not against the Judea and Jerusalem; and he did evil be-
Lord. fore the Lord.
28: Howbeit Josias did not turn back his 40: Wherefore against him Nabucho-
chariot from him, but undertook to fight donosor the king of Babylon came up,
with him, not regarding the words of the and bound him with a chain of brass, and
prophet Jeremy spoken by the mouth of carried him into Babylon.
the Lord: 41: Nabuchodonosor also took of the holy
29: But joined battle with him in the plain vessels of the Lord, and carried them
of Magiddo, and the princes came against away, and set them in his own temple at
king Josias. Babylon.
30: Then said the king unto his servants, 42: But those things that are recorded of
Carry me away out of the battle; for I am him, and of his uncleaness and impiety,
very weak. And immediately his servants are written in the chronicles of the kings.
took him away out of the battle. 43: And Joacim his son reigned in his
31: Then gat he up upon his second char- stead: he was made king being eighteen
iot; and being brought back to Jerusalem years old;
died, and was buried in his father's sepul- 44: And reigned but three months and ten
chre. days in Jerusalem; and did evil before the
32: And in all Jewry they mourned for Lord.
Josias, yea, Jeremy the prophet lamented 45: So after a year Nabuchodonosor sent
for Josias, and the chief men with the and caused him to be brought into Baby-
women made lamentation for him unto lon with the holy vessels of the Lord;
this day: and this was given out for an 46: And made Zedechias king of Judea
ordinance to be done continually in all the and Jerusalem, when he was one and
nation of Israel. twenty years old; and he reigned eleven

3

years: shall she rest, until the full term of seventy
47: And he did evil also in the sight of the years.
Lord, and cared not for the words that
were spoken unto him by the prophet
Jeremy from the mouth of the Lord. CHAPTER 2
48: And after that king Nabuchodonosor
had made him to swear by the name of
In the first year of Cyrus king of the Per-
the Lord, he forswore himself, and re- sians, that the word of the Lord might be
belled; and hardening his neck, his heart, accomplished, that he had promised by
he transgressed the laws of the Lord God the mouth of Jeremy;
of Israel. 2: The Lord raised up the spirit of Cyrus
49: The governors also of the people and the king of the Persians, and he made
of the priests did many things against the proclamation through all his kingdom, and
laws, and passed all the pollutions of all also by writing,
nations, and defiled the temple of the 3: Saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of the
Lord, which was sanctified in Jerusalem. Persians; The Lord of Israel, the most
50: Nevertheless the God of their fathers high Lord, hath made me king of the
sent by his messenger to call them back, whole world,
because he spared them and his tabernacle 4: And commanded me to build him an
also. house at Jerusalem in Jewry.
51: But they had his messengers in deri- 5: If therefore there be any of you that are
sion; and, look, when the Lord spake unto of his people, let the Lord, even his Lord,
them, they made a sport of his prophets: be with him, and let him go up to Jerusa-
52: So far forth, that he, being wroth with lem that is in Judea, and build the house
his people for their great ungodliness, of the Lord of Israel: for he is the Lord
commanded the kings of the Chaldees to that dwelleth in Jerusalem.
come up against them; 6: Whosoever then dwell in the places
53: Who slew their young men with the about, let them help him, those, I say, that
sword, yea, even within the compass of are his neighbours, with gold, and with
their holy temple, and spared neither silver,
young man nor maid, old man nor child, 7: With gifts, with horses, and with cattle,
among them; for he delivered all into their and other things, which have been set
hands. forth by vow, for the temple of the Lord
54: And they took all the holy vessels of at Jerusalem.
the Lord, both great and small, with the 8: Then the chief of the families of Judea
vessels of the ark of God, and the king's and of the tribe of Benjamin stood up; the
treasures, and carried them away into priests also, and the Levites, and all they
Babylon. whose mind the Lord had moved to go
55: As for the house of the Lord, they up, and to build an house for the Lord at
burnt it, and brake down the walls of Jeru- Jerusalem,
salem, and set fire upon her towers: 9: And they that dwelt round about them,
56: And as for her glorious things, they and helped them in all things with silver
never ceased till they had consumed and and gold, with horses and cattle, and with
brought them all to nought: and the peo- very many free gifts of a great number
ple that were not slain with the sword he whose minds were stirred up thereto.
carried unto Babylon: 10: King Cyrus also brought forth the
57: Who became servants to him and his holy vessels, which Nabuchodonosor had
children, till the Persians reigned, to fulfil carried away from Jerusalem, and had set
the word of the Lord spoken by the up in his temple of idols.
mouth of Jeremy: 11: Now when Cyrus king of the Persians
58: Until the land had enjoyed her sab- had brought them forth, he delivered
baths, the whole time of her desolation them to Mithridates his treasurer:

4

12: And by him they were delivered to thee, O lord the king, that if this city be
Sanabassar the governor of Judea. built again, and the walls thereof set up
13: And this was the number of them; A anew, thou shalt from henceforth have no
thousand golden cups, and a thousand of passage into Celosyria and Phenice.
silver, censers of silver twenty nine, vials 25: Then the king wrote back again to
of gold thirty, and of silver two thousand Rathumus the storywriter, to Beeltethmus,
four hundred and ten, and a thousand to Semellius the scribe, and to the rest that
other vessels. were in commission, and dwellers in
14: So all the vessels of gold and of silver, Samaria and Syria and Phenice, after this
which were carried away, were five thou- manner;
sand four hundred threescore and nine. 26: I have read the epistle which ye have
15: These were brought back by Sanabas- sent unto me: therefore I commanded to
sar, together with them of the captivity, make diligent search, and it hath been
from Babylon to Jerusalem. found that that city was from the begin-
16: But in the time of Artexerxes king of ning practising against kings;
the Persians Belemus, and Mithridates, 27: And the men therein were given to
and Tabellius, and Rathumus, and rebellion and war: and that mighty kings
Beeltethmus, and Semellius the secretary, and fierce were in Jerusalem, who reigned
with others that were in commission with and exacted tributes in Celosyria and
them, dwelling in Samaria and other Phenice.
places, wrote unto him against them that 28: Now therefore I have commanded to
dwelt in Judea and Jerusalem these letters hinder those men from building the city,
following; and heed to be taken that there be no
17: To king Artexerxes our lord, Thy ser- more done in it;
vants, Rathumus the storywriter, and Se- 29: And that those wicked workers pro-
mellius the scribe, and the rest of their ceed no further to the annoyance of kings,
council, and the judges that are in Celo- 30: Then king Artexerxes his letters being
syria and Phenice. read, Rathumus, and Semellius the scribe,
18: Be it now known to the lord king, that and the rest that were in commission with
the Jews that are up from you to us, being them, removing in haste toward Jerusalem
come into Jerusalem, that rebellious and with a troop of horsemen and a multitude
wicked city, do build the marketplaces, of people in battle array, began to hinder
and repair the walls of it and do lay the the builders; and the building of the tem-
foundation of the temple. ple in Jerusalem ceased until the second
19: Now if this city and the walls thereof year of the reign of Darius king of the
be made up again, they will not only re- Persians.
fuse to give tribute, but also rebel against
kings.
20: And forasmuch as the things pertain- CHAPTER 3
ing to the temple are now in hand, we
think it meet not to neglect such a matter,
Now when Darius reigned, he made a
21: But to speak unto our lord the king, to great feast unto all his subjects, and unto
the intent that, if it be thy pleasure it may all his household, and unto all the princes
be sought out in the books of thy fathers: of Media and Persia,
22: And thou shalt find in the chronicles 2: And to all the governors and captains
what is written concerning these things, and lieutenants that were under him, from
and shalt understand that that city was India unto Ethiopia, of an hundred twenty
rebellious, troubling both kings and cities: and seven provinces.
23: And that the Jews were rebellious, and 3: And when they had eaten and drunken,
raised always wars therein; for the which and being satisfied were gone home, then
cause even this city was made desolate. Darius the king went into his bedchamber,
24: Wherefore now we do declare unto and slept, and soon after awaked.

5

4: Then three young men, that were of the bondman and of the freeman, of the poor
guard that kept the king's body, spake one man and of the rich:
to another; 20: It turneth also every thought into jol-
5: Let every one of us speak a sentence: he lity and mirth, so that a man remembereth
that shall overcome, and whose sentence neither sorrow nor debt:
shall seem wiser than the others, unto him 21: And it maketh every heart rich, so that
shall the king Darius give great gifts, and a man remembereth neither king nor gov-
great things in token of victory: ernor; and it maketh to speak all things by
6: As, to be clothed in purple, to drink in talents:
gold, and to sleep upon gold, and a chariot 22: And when they are in their cups, they
with bridles of gold, and an headtire of forget their love both to friends and
fine linen, and a chain about his neck: brethren, and a little after draw out
7: And he shall sit next to Darius because swords:
of his wisdom, and shall be called Darius 23: But when they are from the wine, they
his cousin. remember not what they have done.
8: And then every one wrote his sentence, 24: O ye men, is not wine the strongest,
sealed it, and laid it under king Darius his that enforceth to do thus? And when he
pillow; had so spoken, he held his peace.
9: And said that, when the king is risen,
some will give him the writings; and of
whose side the king and the three princes CHAPTER 4
of Persia shall judge that his sentence is
the wisest, to him shall the victory be
Then the second, that had spoken of the
given, as was appointed. strength of the king, began to say,
10: The first wrote, Wine is the strongest. 2: O ye men, do not men excel in strength
11: The second wrote, The king is strong- that bear rule over sea and land and all
est. things in them?
12: The third wrote, Women are strongest: 3: But yet the king is more mighty: for he
but above all things Truth beareth away is lord of all these things, and hath domin-
the victory. ion over them; and whatsoever he com-
13: Now when the king was risen up, they mandeth them they do.
took their writings, and delivered them 4: If he bid them make war the one
unto him, and so he read them: against the other, they do it: if he send
14: And sending forth he called all the them out against the enemies, they go, and
princes of Persia and Media, and the gov- break down mountains walls and towers.
ernors, and the captains, and the lieuten- 5: They slay and are slain, and transgress
ants, and the chief officers; not the king's commandment: if they get
15: And sat him down in the royal seat of the victory, they bring all to the king, as
judgment; and the writings were read be- well the spoil, as all things else.
fore them. 6: Likewise for those that are no soldiers,
16: And he said, Call the young men, and and have not to do with wars, but use
they shall declare their own sentences. So husbundry, when they have reaped again
they were called, and came in. that which they had sown, they bring it to
17: And he said unto them, Declare unto the king, and compel one another to pay
us your mind concerning the writings. tribute unto the king.
Then began the first, who had spoken of 7: And yet he is but one man: if he com-
the strength of wine; mand to kill, they kill; if he command to
18: And he said thus, O ye men, how ex- spare, they spare;
ceeding strong is wine! it causeth all men 8: If he command to smite, they smite; if
to err that drink it: he command to make desolate, they make
19: It maketh the mind of the king and of desolate; if he command to build, they
the fatherless child to be all one; of the build;

6

9: If he command to cut down, they cut spoiled, and robbed, he bringeth it to his
down; if he command to plant, they plant. love.
10: So all his people and his armies obey 25: Wherefore a man loveth his wife bet-
him: furthermore he lieth down, he eateth ter than father or mother.
and drinketh, and taketh his rest: 26: Yea, many there be that have run out
11: And these keep watch round about of their wits for women, and become ser-
him, neither may any one depart, and do vants for their sakes.
his own business, neither disobey they 27: Many also have perished, have erred,
him in any thing. and sinned, for women.
12: O ye men, how should not the king be 28: And now do ye not believe me? is not
mightiest, when in such sort he is obeyed? the king great in his power? do not all
And he held his tongue. regions fear to touch him?
13: Then the third, who had spoken of 29: Yet did I see him and Apame the
women, and of the truth, (this was king's concubine, the daughter of the ad-
Zorobabel) began to speak. mirable Bartacus, sitting at the right hand
14: O ye men, it is not the great king, nor of the king,
the multitude of men, neither is it wine, 30: And taking the crown from the king's
that excelleth; who is it then that ruleth head, and setting it upon her own head;
them, or hath the lordship over them? are she also struck the king with her left hand.
they not women? 31: And yet for all this the king gaped and
15: Women have borne the king and all gazed upon her with open mouth: if she
the people that bear rule by sea and land. laughed upon him, he laughed also: but if
16: Even of them came they: and they she took any displeasure at him, the king
nourished them up that planted the vine- was fain to flatter, that she might be rec-
yards, from whence the wine cometh. onciled to him again.
17: These also make garments for men; 32: O ye men, how can it be but women
these bring glory unto men; and without should be strong, seeing they do thus?
women cannot men be. 33: Then the king and the princes looked
18: Yea, and if men have gathered to- one upon another: so he began to speak
gether gold and silver, or any other goodly of the truth.
thing, do they not love a woman which is 34: O ye men, are not women strong?
comely in favour and beauty? great is the earth, high is the heaven, swift
19: And letting all those things go, do they is the sun in his course, for he compasseth
not gape, and even with open mouth fix the heavens round about, and fetcheth his
their eyes fast on her; and have not all course again to his own place in one day.
men more desire unto her than unto silver 35: Is he not great that maketh these
or gold, or any goodly thing whatsoever? things? therefore great is the truth, and
20: A man leaveth his own father that stronger than all things.
brought him up, and his own country, and 36: All the earth crieth upon the truth, and
cleaveth unto his wife. the heaven blesseth it: all works shake and
21: He sticketh not to spend his life with tremble at it, and with it is no unrighteous
his wife. and remembereth neither father, thing.
nor mother, nor country. 37: Wine is wicked, the king is wicked,
22: By this also ye must know that women women are wicked, all the children of men
have dominion over you: do ye not labour are wicked, and such are all their wicked
and toil, and give and bring all to the works; and there is no truth in them; in
woman? their unrighteousness also they shall per-
23: Yea, a man taketh his sword, and ish.
goeth his way to rob and to steal, to sail 38: As for the truth, it endureth, and is
upon the sea and upon rivers; always strong; it liveth and conquereth for
24: And looketh upon a lion, and goeth in evermore.
the darkness; and when he hath stolen, 39: With her there is no accepting of per-

7

sons or rewards; but she doeth the things should forcibly enter into their doors;
that are just, and refraineth from all unjust 50: And that all the country which they
and wicked things; and all men do well hold should be free without tribute; and
like of her works. that the Edomites should give over the
40: Neither in her judgment is any un- villages of the Jews which then they held:
righteousness; and she is the strength, 51: Yea, that there should be yearly given
kingdom, power, and majesty, of all ages. twenty talents to the building of the tem-
Blessed be the God of truth. ple, until the time that it were built;
41: And with that he held his peace. And 52: And other ten talents yearly, to main-
all the people then shouted, and said, tain the burnt offerings upon the altar
Great is Truth, and mighty above all every day, as they had a commandment to
things. offer seventeen:
42: Then said the king unto him, Ask what 53: And that all they that went from Baby-
thou wilt more than is appointed in the lon to build the city should have free lib-
writing, and we will give it thee, because erty, as well they as their posterity, and all
thou art found wisest; and thou shalt sit the priests that went away.
next me, and shalt be called my cousin. 54: He wrote also concerning. the charges,
43: Then said he unto the king, Remem- and the priests' vestments wherein they
ber thy vow, which thou hast vowed to minister;
build Jerusalem, in the day when thou 55: And likewise for the charges of the
camest to thy kingdom, Levites, to be given them until the day
44: And to send away all the vessels that that the house were finished, and Jerusa-
were taken away out of Jerusalem, which lem builded up.
Cyrus set apart, when he vowed to destroy 56: And he commanded to give to all that
Babylon, and to send them again thither. kept the city pensions and wages.
45: Thou also hast vowed to build up the 57: He sent away also all the vessels from
temple, which the Edomites burned when Babylon, that Cyrus had set apart; and all
Judea was made desolate by the Chaldees. that Cyrus had given in commandment,
46: And now, O lord the king, this is that the same charged he also to be done, and
which I require, and which I desire of sent unto Jerusalem.
thee, and this is the princely liberality pro- 58: Now when this young man was gone
ceeding from thyself: I desire therefore forth, he lifted up his face to heaven to-
that thou make good the vow, the per- ward Jerusalem, and praised the King of
formance whereof with thine own mouth heaven,
thou hast vowed to the King of heaven. 59: And said, From thee cometh victory,
47: Then Darius the king stood up, and from thee cometh wisdom, and thine is
kissed him, and wrote letters for him unto the glory, and I am thy servant.
all the treasurers and lieutenants and cap- 60: Blessed art thou, who hast given me
tains and governors, that they should wisdom: for to thee I give thanks, O Lord
safely convey on their way both him, and of our fathers.
all those that go up with him to build Jeru- 61: And so he took the letters, and went
salem. out, and came unto Babylon, and told it all
48: He wrote letters also unto the lieuten- his brethren.
ants that were in Celosyria and Phenice, 62: And they praised the God of their
and unto them in Libanus, that they fathers, because he had given them free-
should bring cedar wood from Libanus dom and liberty
unto Jerusalem, and that they should build 63: To go up, and to build Jerusalem, and
the city with him. the temple which is called by his name:
49: Moreover he wrote for all the Jews and they feasted with instruments of mu-
that went out of his realm up into Jewry, sick and gladness seven days.
concerning their freedom, that no officer,
no ruler, no lieutenant, nor treasurer,

8

CHAPTER 5 of Bani, six hundred forty and eight:
After this were the principal men of the 13: The sons of Bebai, six hundred twenty
and three: the sons of Sadas, three thou-
families chosen according to their tribes, sand two hundred twenty and two:
to go up with their wives and sons and 14: The sons of Adonikam, six hundred
daughters, with their menservants and sixty and seven: the sons of Bagoi, two
maidservants, and their cattle. thousand sixty and six: the sons of Adin,
2: And Darius sent with them a thousand four hundred fifty and four:
horsemen, till they had brought them back 15: The sons of Aterezias, ninety and two:
to Jerusalem safely, and with musical the sons of Ceilan and Azetas threescore
[instruments] tabrets and flutes. and seven: the sons of Azuran, four hun-
3: And all their brethren played, and he dred thirty and two:
made them go up together with them. 16: The sons of Ananias, an hundred and
4: And these are the names of the men one: the sons of Arom, thirty two: and the
which went up, according to their families sons of Bassa, three hundred twenty and
among their tribes, after their several three: the sons of Azephurith, an hundred
heads. and two:
5: The priests, the sons of Phinees the son 17: The sons of Meterus, three thousand
of Aaron: Jesus the son of Josedec, the and five: the sons of Bethlomon, an hun-
son of Saraias, and Joacim the son of dred twenty and three:
Zorobabel, the son of Salathiel, of the 18: They of Netophah, fifty and five: they
house of David, out of the kindred of of Anathoth, an hundred fifty and eight:
Phares, of the tribe of Judah; they of Bethsamos, forty and two:
6: Who spake wise sentences before 19: They of Kiriathiarius, twenty and five:
Darius the king of Persia in the second they of Caphira and Beroth, seven hun-
year of his reign, in the month Nisan, dred forty and three: they of Pira, seven
which is the first month. hundred:
7: And these are they of Jewry that came 20: They of Chadias and Ammidoi, four
up from the captivity, where they dwelt as hundred twenty and two: they of Cirama
strangers, whom Nabuchodonosor the and Gabdes, six hundred twenty and one:
king of Babylon had carried away unto 21: They of Macalon, an hundred twenty
Babylon. and two: they of Betolius, fifty and two:
8: And they returned unto Jerusalem, and the sons of Nephis, an hundred fifty and
to the other parts of Jewry, every man to six:
his own city, who came with Zorobabel, 22: The sons of Calamolalus and Onus,
with Jesus, Nehemias, and Zacharias, and seven hundred twenty and five: the sons
Reesaias, Enenius, Mardocheus. Beelsarus, of Jerechus, two hundred forty and five:
Aspharasus, Reelius, Roimus, and Baana, 23: The sons of Annas, three thousand
their guides. three hundred and thirty.
9: The number of them of the nation, and 24: The priests: the sons of Jeddu, the son
their governors, sons of Phoros, two of Jesus among the sons of Sanasib, nine
thousand an hundred seventy and two; the hundred seventy and two: the sons of
sons of Saphat, four hundred seventy and Meruth, a thousand fifty and two:
two: 25: The sons of Phassaron, a thousand
10: The sons of Ares, seven hundred fifty forty and seven: the sons of Carme, a
and six: thousand and seventeen.
11: The sons of Phaath Moab, two thou- 26: The Levites: the sons of Jessue, and
sand eight hundred and twelve: Cadmiel, and Banuas, and Sudias, seventy
12: The sons of Elam, a thousand two and four.
hundred fifty and four: the sons of Zathul, 27: The holy singers: the sons of Asaph,
nine hundred forty and five: the sons of an hundred twenty and eight.
Corbe, seven hundred and five: the sons 28: The porters: the sons of Salum, the

9

sons of Jatal, the sons of Talmon, the sons and was named after his name.
of Dacobi, the sons of Teta, the sons of 39: And when the description of the kin-
Sami, in all an hundred thirty and nine. dred of these men was sought in the regis-
29: The servants of the temple: the sons ter, and was not found, they were re-
of Esau, the sons of Asipha, the sons of moved from executing the office of the
Tabaoth, the sons of Ceras, the sons of priesthood:
Sud, the sons of Phaleas, the sons of La- 40: For unto them said Nehemias and
bana, the sons of Graba, Atharias, that they should not be partakers
30: The sons of Acua, the sons of Uta, the of the holy things, till there arose up an
sons of Cetab, the sons of Agaba, the sons high priest clothed with doctrine and
of Subai, the sons of Anan, the sons of truth.
Cathua, the sons of Geddur, 41: So of Israel, from them of twelve years
31: The sons of Airus, the sons of Daisan, old and upward, they were all in number
the sons of Noeba, the sons of Chaseba, forty thousand, beside menservants and
the sons of Gazera, the sons of Azia, the womenservants two thousand three hun-
sons of Phinees, the sons of Azare, the dred and sixty.
sons of Bastai, the sons of Asana, the sons 42: Their menservants and handmaids
of Meani, the sons of Naphisi, the sons of were seven thousand three hundred forty
Acub, the sons of Acipha, the sons of and seven: the singing men and singing
Assur, the sons of Pharacim, the sons of women, two hundred forty and five:
Basaloth, 43: Four hundred thirty and five camels,
32: The sons of Meeda, the sons of seven thousand thirty and six horses, two
Coutha, the sons of Charea, the sons of hundred forty and five mules, five thou-
Charcus, the sons of Aserer, the sons of sand five hundred twenty and five beasts
Thomoi, the sons of Nasith, the sons of used to the yoke.
Atipha. 44: And certain of the chief of their fami-
33: The sons of the servants of Solomon: lies, when they came to the temple of God
the sons of Azaphion, the sons of Pharira, that is in Jerusalem, vowed to set up the
the sons of Jeeli, the sons of Lozon, the house again in his own place according to
sons of Israel, the sons of Sapheth, their ability,
34: The sons of Hagia, the sons of Phara- 45: And to give into the holy treasury of
careth, the sons of Sabi, the sons of the works a thousand pounds of gold, five
Sarothie, the sons of Masias, the sons of thousand of silver, and an hundred
Gar, the sons of Addus, the sons of Suba, priestly vestments.
the sons of Apherra, the sons of Barodis, 46: And so dwelt the priests and the Le-
the sons of Sabat, the sons of Allom. vites and the people in Jerusalem, and in
35: All the ministers of the temple, and the country, the singers also and the por-
the sons of the servants of Solomon, were ters; and all Israel in their villages.
three hundred seventy and two. 47: But when the seventh month was at
36: These came up from Thermeleth and hand, and when the children of Israel
Thelersas, Charaathalar leading them, and were every man in his own place, they
Aalar; came all together with one consent into
37: Neither could they shew their families, the open place of the first gate which is
nor their stock, how they were of Israel: toward the east.
the sons of Ladan, the son of Ban, the 48: Then stood up Jesus the son of
sons of Necodan, six hundred fifty and Josedec, and his brethren the priests and
two. Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and his
38: And of the priests that usurped the brethren, and made ready the altar of the
office of the priesthood, and were not God of Israel,
found: the sons of Obdia, the sons of 49: To offer burnt sacrifices upon it, ac-
Accoz, the sons of Addus, who married cording as it is expressly commanded in
Augia one of the daughters of Barzelus, the book of Moses the man of God.

10

50: And there were gathered unto them vestments with musical instruments and
out of the other nations of the land, and trumpets; and the Levites the sons of As-
they erected the altar upon his own place, aph had cymbals,
because all the nations of the land were at 60: Singing songs of thanksgiving, and
enmity with them, and oppressed them; praising the Lord, according as David the
and they offered sacrifices according to king of Israel had ordained.
the time, and burnt offerings to the Lord 61: And they sung with loud voices songs
both morning and evening. to the praise of the Lord, because his
51: Also they held the feast of tabernacles, mercy and glory is for ever in all Israel.
as it is commanded in the law, and offered 62: And all the people sounded trumpets,
sacrifices daily, as was meet: and shouted with a loud voice, singing
52: And after that, the continual oblations, songs of thanksgiving unto the Lord for
and the sacrifice of the sabbaths, and of the rearing up of the house of the Lord.
the new moons, and of all holy feasts. 63: Also of the priests and Levites, and of
53: And all they that had made any vow to the chief of their families, the ancients
God began to offer sacrifices to God who had seen the former house came to
from the first day of the seventh month, the building of this with weeping and
although the temple of the Lord was not great crying.
yet built. 64: But many with trumpets and joy
54: And they gave unto the masons and shouted with loud voice,
carpenters money, meat, and drink, with 65: Insomuch that the trumpets might not
cheerfulness. be heard for the weeping of the people:
55: Unto them of Zidon also and Tyre yet the multitude sounded marvellously,
they gave carrs, that they should bring so that it was heard afar off.
cedar trees from Libanus, which should be 66: Wherefore when the enemies of the
brought by floats to the haven of Joppa, tribe of Judah and Benjamin heard it, they
according as it was commanded them by came to know what that noise of trumpets
Cyrus king of the Persians. should mean.
56: And in the second year and second 67: And they perceived that they that were
month after his coming to the temple of of the captivity did build the temple unto
God at Jerusalem began Zorobabel the the Lord God of Israel.
son of Salathiel, and Jesus the son of 68: So they went to Zorobabel and Jesus,
Josedec, and their brethren, and the and to the chief of the families, and said
priests, and the Levites, and all they that unto them, We will build together with
were come unto Jerusalem out of the cap- you.
tivity: 69: For we likewise, as ye, do obey your
57: And they laid the foundation of the Lord, and do sacrifice unto him from the
house of God in the first day of the sec- days of Azbazareth the king of the Assyr-
ond month, in the second year after they ians, who brought us hither.
were come to Jewry and Jerusalem. 70: Then Zorobabel and Jesus and the
58: And they appointed the Levites from chief of the families of Israel said unto
twenty years old over the works of the them, It is not for us and you to build
Lord. Then stood up Jesus, and his sons together an house unto the Lord our God.
and brethren, and Cadmiel his brother, 71: We ourselves alone will build unto the
and the sons of Madiabun, with the sons Lord of Israel, according as Cyrus the king
of Joda the son of Eliadun, with their sons of the Persians hath commanded us.
and brethren, all Levites, with one accord 72: But the heathen of the land lying
setters forward of the business, labouring heavy upon the inhabitants of Judea, and
to advance the works in the house of holding them strait, hindered their build-
God. So the workmen built the temple of ing;
the Lord. 73: And by their secret plots, and popular
59: And the priests stood arrayed in their persuasions and commotions, they hin-

11

dered the finishing of the building all the 11: Then asked we these elders, saying, By
time that king Cyrus lived: so they were whose commandment build ye this house,
hindered from building for the space of and lay the foundations of these works?
two years, until the reign of Darius. 12: Therefore to the intent that we might
give knowledge unto thee by writing, we
demanded of them who were the chief
CHAPTER 6 doers, and we required of them the names
Now in the second year of the reign of in writing of their principal men.
13: So they gave us this answer, We are
Darius Aggeus and Zacharias the son of the servants of the Lord which made
Addo, the prophets, prophesied unto the heaven and earth.
Jews in Jewry and Jerusalem in the name 14: And as for this house, it was builded
of the Lord God of Israel, which was many years ago by a king of Israel great
upon them. and strong, and was finished.
2: Then stood up Zorobabel the son of 15: But when our fathers provoked God
Salatiel, and Jesus the son of Josedec, and unto wrath, and sinned against the Lord
began to build the house of the Lord at of Israel which is in heaven, he gave them
Jerusalem, the prophets of the Lord being over into the power of Nabuchodonosor
with them, and helping them. king of Babylon, of the Chaldees;
3: At the same time came unto them Sisin- 16: Who pulled down the house, and
nes the governor of Syria and Phenice, burned it, and carried away the people
with Sathrabuzanes and his companions, captives unto Babylon.
and said unto them, 17: But in the first year that king Cyrus
4: By whose appointment do ye build this reigned over the country of Babylon
house and this roof, and perform all the Cyrus the king wrote to build up this
other things? and who are the workmen house.
that perform these things? 18: And the holy vessels of gold and of
5: Nevertheless the elders of the Jews silver, that Nabuchodonosor had carried
obtained favour, because the Lord had away out of the house at Jerusalem, and
visited the captivity; had set them in his own temple those
6: And they were not hindered from Cyrus the king brought forth again out of
building, until such time as signification the temple at Babylon, and they were de-
was given unto Darius concerning them, livered to Zorobabel and to Sanabassarus
and an answer received. the ruler,
7: The copy of the letters which Sisinnes, 19: With commandment that he should
governor of Syria and Phenice, and carry away the same vessels, and put them
Sathrabuzanes, with their companions, in the temple at Jerusalem; and that the
rulers in Syria and Phenice, wrote and sent temple of the Lord should be built in his
unto Darius; To king Darius, greeting: place.
8: Let all things be known unto our lord 20: Then the same Sanabassarus, being
the king, that being come into the country come hither, laid the foundations of the
of Judea, and entered into the city of Jeru- house of the Lord at Jerusalem; and from
salem we found in the city of Jerusalem that time to this being still a building, it is
the ancients of the Jews that were of the not yet fully ended.
captivity 21: Now therefore, if it seem good unto
9: Building an house unto the Lord, great the king, let search be made among the
and new, of hewn and costly stones, and records of king Cyrus:
the timber already laid upon the walls. 22: And if it be found that the building of
10: And those works are done with great the house of the Lord at Jerusalem hath
speed, and the work goeth on prosper- been done with the consent of king Cyrus,
ously in their hands, and with all glory and and if our lord the king be so minded, let
diligence is it made. him signify unto us thereof.

12

23: Then commanded king Darius to seek any thing afore spoken or written, out of
among the records at Babylon: and so at his own house should a tree be taken, and
Ecbatane the palace, which is in the coun- he thereon be hanged, and all his goods
try of Media, there was found a roll seized for the king.
wherein these things were recorded. 33: The Lord therefore, whose name is
24: In the first year of the reign of Cyrus there called upon, utterly destroy every
king Cyrus commanded that the house of king and nation, that stretcheth out his
the Lord at Jerusalem should be built hand to hinder or endamage that house of
again, where they do sacrifice with contin- the Lord in Jerusalem.
ual fire: 34: I Darius the king have ordained that
25: Whose height shall be sixty cubits and according unto these things it be done
the breadth sixty cubits, with three rows with diligence.
of hewn stones, and one row of new
wood of that country; and the expences
thereof to be given out of the house of CHAPTER 7
king Cyrus:
26: And that the holy vessels of the house
Then Sisinnes the governor of Celosyria
of the Lord, both of gold and silver, that and Phenice, and Sathrabuzanes, with
Nabuchodonosor took out of the house at their companions following the com-
Jerusalem, and brought to Babylon, mandments of king Darius,
should be restored to the house at Jerusa- 2: Did very carefully oversee the holy
lem, and be set in the place where they works, assisting the ancients of the Jews
were before. and governors of the temple.
27: And also he commanded that Sisinnes 3: And so the holy works prospered, when
the governor of Syria and Phenice, and Aggeus and Zacharias the prophets
Sathrabuzanes, and their companions, and prophesied.
those which were appointed rulers in Syria 4: And they finished these things by the
and Phenice, should be careful not to commandment of the Lord God of Israel,
meddle with the place, but suffer Zoroba- and with the consent of Cyrus, Darius,
bel, the servant of the Lord, and governor and Artexerxes, kings of Persia.
of Judea, and the elders of the Jews, to 5: And thus was the holy house finished in
build the house of the Lord in that place. the three and twentieth day of the month
28: I have commanded also to have it built Adar, in the sixth year of Darius king of
up whole again; and that they look dili- the Persians
gently to help those that be of the captiv- 6: And the children of Israel, the priests,
ity of the Jews, till the house of the Lord and the Levites, and others that were of
be finished: the captivity, that were added unto them,
29: And out of the tribute of Celosyria did according to the things written in the
and Phenice a portion carefully to be book of Moses.
given these men for the sacrifices of the 7: And to the dedication of the temple of
Lord, that is, to Zorobabel the governor, the Lord they offered an hundred bullocks
for bullocks, and rams, and lambs; two hundred rams, four hundred lambs;
30: And also corn, salt, wine, and oil, and 8: And twelve goats for the sin of all Is-
that continually every year without further rael, according to the number of the chief
question, according as the priests that be of the tribes of Israel.
in Jerusalem shall signify to be daily spent: 9: The priests also and the Levites stood
31: That offerings may be made to the arrayed in their vestments, according to
most high God for the king and for his their kindreds, in the service of the Lord
children, and that they may pray for their God of Israel, according to the book of
lives. Moses: and the porters at every gate.
32: And he commanded that whosoever 10: And the children of Israel that were of
should transgress, yea, or make light of the captivity held the passover the four-

13

teenth day of the first month, after that 7: For Esdras had very great skill, so that
the priests and the Levites were sanctified. he omitted nothing of the law and com-
11: They that were of the captivity were mandments of the Lord, but taught all
not all sanctified together: but the Levites Israel the ordinances and judgments.
were all sanctified together. 8: Now the copy of the commission,
12: And so they offered the passover for which was written from Artexerxes the
all them of the captivity, and for their king, and came to Esdras the priest and
brethren the priests, and for themselves. reader of the law of the Lord, is this that
13: And the children of Israel that came followeth;
out of the captivity did eat, even all they 9: King Artexerxes unto Esdras the priest
that had separated themselves from the and reader of the law of the Lord sendeth
abominations of the people of the land, greeting:
and sought the Lord. 10: Having determined to deal graciously,
14: And they kept the feast of unleavened I have given order, that such of the nation
bread seven days, making merry before of the Jews, and of the priests and Levites
the Lord, being within our realm, as are willing and
15: For that he had turned the counsel of desirous should go with thee unto Jerusa-
the king of Assyria toward them, to lem.
strengthen their hands in the works of the 11: As many therefore as have a mind
Lord God of Israel. thereunto, let them depart with thee, as it
hath seemed good both to me and my
seven friends the counsellors;
CHAPTER 8 12: That they may look unto the affairs of
And after these things, when Artexerxes Judea and Jerusalem, agreeably to that
which is in the law of the Lord;
the king of the Persians reigned came 13: And carry the gifts unto the Lord of
Esdras the son of Saraias, the son of Eze- Israel to Jerusalem, which I and my
rias, the son of Helchiah, the son of friends have vowed, and all the gold and
Salum, silver that in the country of Babylon can
2: The son of Sadduc, the son of Achitob, be found, to the Lord in Jerusalem,
the son of Amarias, the son of Ezias, the 14: With that also which is given of the
son of Meremoth, the son of Zaraias, the people for the temple of the Lord their
son of Savias, the son of Boccas, the son God at Jerusalem: and that silver and gold
of Abisum, the son of Phinees, the son of may be collected for bullocks, rams, and
Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest. lambs, and things thereunto appertaining;
3: This Esdras went up from Babylon, as a 15: To the end that they may offer sacri-
scribe, being very ready in the law of fices unto the Lord upon the altar of the
Moses, that was given by the God of Is- Lord their God, which is in Jerusalem.
rael. 16: And whatsoever thou and thy brethren
4: And the king did him honour: for he will do with the silver and gold, that do,
found grace in his sight in all his requests. according to the will of thy God.
5: There went up with him also certain of 17: And the holy vessels of the Lord,
the children of Israel, of the priest of the which are given thee for the use of the
Levites, of the holy singers, porters, and temple of thy God, which is in Jerusalem,
ministers of the temple, unto Jerusalem, thou shalt set before thy God in Jerusa-
6: In the seventh year of the reign of lem.
Artexerxes, in the fifth month, this was 18: And whatsoever thing else thou shalt
the king's seventh year; for they went remember for the use of the temple of thy
from Babylon in the first day of the first God, thou shalt give it out of the king's
month, and came to Jerusalem, according treasury.
to the prosperous journey which the Lord 19: And I king Artexerxes have also com-
gave them. manded the keepers of the treasures in

14

Syria and Phenice, that whatsoever Esdras Eliaonias, the son of Zaraias, and with
the priest and the reader of the law of the him two hundred men:
most high God shall send for, they should 32: Of the sons of Zathoe, Sechenias the
give it him with speed, son of Jezelus, and with him three hun-
20: To the sum of an hundred talents of dred men: of the sons of Adin, Obeth the
silver, likewise also of wheat even to an son of Jonathan, and with him two hun-
hundred cors, and an hundred pieces of dred and fifty men:
wine, and other things in abundance. 33: Of the sons of Elam, Josias son of
21: Let all things be performed after the Gotholias, and with him seventy men:
law of God diligently unto the most high 34: Of the sons of Saphatias, Zaraias son
God, that wrath come not upon the king- of Michael, and with him threescore and
dom of the king and his sons. ten men:
22: I command you also, that ye require 35: Of the sons of Joab, Abadias son of
no tax, nor any other imposition, of any of Jezelus, and with him two hundred and
the priests, or Levites, or holy singers, or twelve men:
porters, or ministers of the temple, or of 36: Of the sons of Banid, Assalimoth son
any that have doings in this temple, and of Josaphias, and with him an hundred
that no man have authority to impose any and threescore men:
thing upon them. 37: Of the sons of Babi, Zacharias son of
23: And thou, Esdras, according to the Bebai, and with him twenty and eight
wisdom of God ordain judges and jus- men:
tices, that they may judge in all Syria and 38: Of the sons of Astath, Johannes son
Phenice all those that know the law of thy of Acatan, and with him an hundred and
God; and those that know it not thou ten men:
shalt teach. 39: Of the sons of Adonikam the last, and
24: And whosoever shall transgress the these are the names of them, Eliphalet,
law of thy God, and of the king, shall be Jewel, and Samaias, and with them seventy
punished diligently, whether it be by men:
death, or other punishment, by penalty of 40: Of the sons of Bago, Uthi the son of
money, or by imprisonment. Istalcurus, and with him seventy men.
25: Then said Esdras the scribe, Blessed 41: And these I gathered together to the
be the only Lord God of my fathers, who river called Theras, where we pitched our
hath put these things into the heart of the tents three days: and then I surveyed
king, to glorify his house that is in Jerusa- them.
lem: 42: But when I had found there none of
26: And hath honoured me in the sight of the priests and Levites,
the king, and his counsellors, and all his 43: Then sent I unto Eleazar, and Iduel,
friends and nobles. and Masman,
27: Therefore was I encouraged by the 44: And Alnathan, and Mamaias, and
help of the Lord my God, and gathered Joribas, and Nathan, Eunatan, Zacharias,
together men of Israel to go up with me. and Mosollamon, principal men and
28: And these are the chief according to learned.
their families and several dignities, that 45: And I bade them that they should go
went up with me from Babylon in the unto Saddeus the captain, who was in the
reign of king Artexerxes: place of the treasury:
29: Of the sons of Phinees, Gerson: of the 46: And commanded them that they
sons of Ithamar, Gamael: of the sons of should speak unto Daddeus, and to his
David, Lettus the son of Sechenias: brethren, and to the treasurers in that
30: Of the sons of Pharez, Zacharias; and place, to send us such men as might exe-
with him were counted an hundred and cute the priests' office in the house of the
fifty men: Lord.
31: Of the sons of Pahath Moab, 47: And by the mighty hand of our Lord

15

they brought unto us skilful men of the had received the silver and the gold and
sons of Moli the son of Levi, the son of the vessels, brought them unto Jerusalem,
Israel, Asebebia, and his sons, and his into the temple of the Lord.
brethren, who were eighteen. 61: And from the river Theras we de-
48: And Asebia, and Annus, and Osaias parted the twelfth day of the first month,
his brother, of the sons of Channuneus, and came to Jerusalem by the mighty hand
and their sons, were twenty men. of our Lord, which was with us: and from
49: And of the servants of the temple the beginning of our journey the Lord
whom David had ordained, and the prin- delivered us from every enemy, and so we
cipal men for the service of the Levites to came to Jerusalem.
wit, the servants of the temple two hun- 62: And when we had been there three
dred and twenty, the catalogue of whose days, the gold and silver that was weighed
names were shewed. was delivered in the house of our Lord on
50: And there I vowed a fast unto the the fourth day unto Marmoth the priest
young men before our Lord, to desire of the son of Iri.
him a prosperous journey both for us and 63: And with him was Eleazar the son of
them that were with us, for our children, Phinees, and with them were Josabad the
and for the cattle: son of Jesu and Moeth the son of Sabban,
51: For I was ashamed to ask the king Levites: all was delivered them by number
footmen, and horsemen, and conduct for and weight.
safeguard against our adversaries. 64: And all the weight of them was written
52: For we had said unto the king, that the up the same hour.
power of the Lord our God should be 65: Moreover they that were come out of
with them that seek him, to support them the captivity offered sacrifice unto the
in all ways. Lord God of Israel, even twelve bullocks
53: And again we besought our Lord as for all Israel, fourscore and sixteen rams,
touching these things, and found him 66: Threescore and twelve lambs, goats
favourable unto us. for a peace offering, twelve; all of them a
54: Then I separated twelve of the chief of sacrifice to the Lord.
the priests, Esebrias, and Assanias, and 67: And they delivered the king's com-
ten men of their brethren with them: mandments unto the king's stewards' and
55: And I weighed them the gold, and the to the governors of Celosyria and Phenice;
silver, and the holy vessels of the house of and they honoured the people and the
our Lord, which the king, and his council, temple of God.
and the princes, and all Israel, had given. 68: Now when these things were done, the
56: And when I had weighed it, I delivered rulers came unto me, and said,
unto them six hundred and fifty talents of 69: The nation of Israel, the princes, the
silver, and silver vessels of an hundred priests and Levites, have not put away
talents, and an hundred talents of gold, from them the strange people of the land,
57: And twenty golden vessels, and twelve nor the pollutions of the Gentiles to wit,
vessels of brass, even of fine brass, glitter- of the Canaanites, Hittites, Pheresites,
ing like gold. Jebusites, and the Moabites, Egyptians,
58: And I said unto them, Both ye are and Edomites.
holy unto the Lord, and the vessels are 70: For both they and their sons have
holy, and the gold and the silver is a vow married with their daughters, and the holy
unto the Lord, the Lord of our fathers. seed is mixed with the strange people of
59: Watch ye, and keep them till ye deliver the land; and from the beginning of this
them to the chief of the priests and Le- matter the rulers and the great men have
vites, and to the principal men of the been partakers of this iniquity.
families of Israel, in Jerusalem, into the 71: And as soon as I had heard these
chambers of the house of our God. things, I rent my clothes, and the holy
60: So the priests and the Levites, who garment, and pulled off the hair from off

16

my head and beard, and sat me down sad 85: Moreover ye shall never seek to have
and very heavy. peace with them, that ye may be strong,
72: So all they that were then moved at and eat the good things of the land, and
the word of the Lord God of Israel as- that ye may leave the inheritance of the
sembled unto me, whilst I mourned for land unto your children for evermore.
the iniquity: but I sat still full of heaviness 86: And all that is befallen is done unto us
until the evening sacrifice. for our wicked works and great sins; for
73: Then rising up from the fast with my thou, O Lord, didst make our sins light,
clothes and the holy garment rent, and 87: And didst give unto us such a root:
bowing my knees, and stretching forth my but we have turned back again to trans-
hands unto the Lord, gress thy law, and to mingle ourselves
74: I said, O Lord, I am confounded and with the uncleanness of the nations of the
ashamed before thy face; land.
75: For our sins are multiplied above our 88: Mightest not thou be angry with us to
heads, and our ignorances have reached destroy us, till thou hadst left us neither
up unto heaven. root, seed, nor name?
76: For ever since the time of our fathers 89: O Lord of Israel, thou art true: for we
we have been and are in great sin, even are left a root this day.
unto this day. 90: Behold, now are we before thee in our
77: And for our sins and our fathers' we iniquities, for we cannot stand any longer
with our brethren and our kings and our by reason of these things before thee.
priests were given up unto the kings of the 91: And as Esdras in his prayer made his
earth, to the sword, and to captivity, and confession, weeping, and lying flat upon
for a prey with shame, unto this day. the ground before the temple, there gath-
78: And now in some measure hath mercy ered unto him from Jerusalem a very great
been shewed unto us from thee, O Lord, multitude of men and women and chil-
that there should be left us a root and a dren: for there was great weeping among
name in the place of thy sanctuary; the multitude.
79: And to discover unto us a light in the 92: Then Jechonias the son of Jeelus, one
house of the Lord our God, and to give us of the sons of Israel, called out, and said,
food in the time of our servitude. O Esdras, we have sinned against the
80: Yea, when we were in bondage, we Lord God, we have married strange
were not forsaken of our Lord; but he women of the nations of the land, and
made us gracious before the kings of Per- now is all Israel aloft.
sia, so that they gave us food; 93: Let us make an oath to the Lord, that
81: Yea, and honoured the temple of our we will put away all our wives, which we
Lord, and raised up the desolate Sion, that have taken of the heathen, with their chil-
they have given us a sure abiding in Jewry dren,
and Jerusalem. 94: Like as thou hast decreed, and as many
82: And now, O Lord, what shall we say, as do obey the law of the Lord.
having these things? for we have trans- 95: Arise and put in execution: for to thee
gressed thy commandments, which thou doth this matter appertain, and we will be
gavest by the hand of thy servants the with thee: do valiantly.
prophets, saying, 96: So Esdras arose, and took an oath of
83: That the land, which ye enter into to the chief of the priests and Levites of all
possess as an heritage, is a land polluted Israel to do after these things; and so they
with the pollutions of the strangers of the sware.
land, and they have filled it with their un-
cleanness.
84: Therefore now shall ye not join your CHAPTER 9
daughters unto their sons, neither shall ye
take their daughters unto your sons.
And after these things, when Artexerxes

17

the king of the Persians reigned came 13: And carry the gifts unto the Lord of
Esdras the son of Saraias, the son of Eze- Israel to Jerusalem, which I and my
rias, the son of Helchiah, the son of friends have vowed, and all the gold and
Salum, silver that in the country of Babylon can
2: The son of Sadduc, the son of Achitob, be found, to the Lord in Jerusalem,
the son of Amarias, the son of Ezias, the 14: With that also which is given of the
son of Meremoth, the son of Zaraias, the people for the temple of the Lord their
son of Savias, the son of Boccas, the son God at Jerusalem: and that silver and gold
of Abisum, the son of Phinees, the son of may be collected for bullocks, rams, and
Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest. lambs, and things thereunto appertaining;
3: This Esdras went up from Babylon, as a 15: To the end that they may offer sacri-
scribe, being very ready in the law of fices unto the Lord upon the altar of the
Moses, that was given by the God of Is- Lord their God, which is in Jerusalem.
rael. 16: And whatsoever thou and thy brethren
4: And the king did him honour: for he will do with the silver and gold, that do,
found grace in his sight in all his requests. according to the will of thy God.
5: There went up with him also certain of 17: And the holy vessels of the Lord,
the children of Israel, of the priest of the which are given thee for the use of the
Levites, of the holy singers, porters, and temple of thy God, which is in Jerusalem,
ministers of the temple, unto Jerusalem, thou shalt set before thy God in Jerusa-
6: In the seventh year of the reign of lem.
Artexerxes, in the fifth month, this was 18: And whatsoever thing else thou shalt
the king's seventh year; for they went remember for the use of the temple of thy
from Babylon in the first day of the first God, thou shalt give it out of the king's
month, and came to Jerusalem, according treasury.
to the prosperous journey which the Lord 19: And I king Artexerxes have also com-
gave them. manded the keepers of the treasures in
7: For Esdras had very great skill, so that Syria and Phenice, that whatsoever Esdras
he omitted nothing of the law and com- the priest and the reader of the law of the
mandments of the Lord, but taught all most high God shall send for, they should
Israel the ordinances and judgments. give it him with speed,
8: Now the copy of the commission, 20: To the sum of an hundred talents of
which was written from Artexerxes the silver, likewise also of wheat even to an
king, and came to Esdras the priest and hundred cors, and an hundred pieces of
reader of the law of the Lord, is this that wine, and other things in abundance.
followeth; 21: Let all things be performed after the
9: King Artexerxes unto Esdras the priest law of God diligently unto the most high
and reader of the law of the Lord sendeth God, that wrath come not upon the king-
greeting: dom of the king and his sons.
10: Having determined to deal graciously, 22: I command you also, that ye require
I have given order, that such of the nation no tax, nor any other imposition, of any of
of the Jews, and of the priests and Levites the priests, or Levites, or holy singers, or
being within our realm, as are willing and porters, or ministers of the temple, or of
desirous should go with thee unto Jerusa- any that have doings in this temple, and
lem. that no man have authority to impose any
11: As many therefore as have a mind thing upon them.
thereunto, let them depart with thee, as it 23: And thou, Esdras, according to the
hath seemed good both to me and my wisdom of God ordain judges and jus-
seven friends the counsellors; tices, that they may judge in all Syria and
12: That they may look unto the affairs of Phenice all those that know the law of thy
Judea and Jerusalem, agreeably to that God; and those that know it not thou
which is in the law of the Lord; shalt teach.

18

24: And whosoever shall transgress the these are the names of them, Eliphalet,
law of thy God, and of the king, shall be Jewel, and Samaias, and with them seventy
punished diligently, whether it be by men:
death, or other punishment, by penalty of 40: Of the sons of Bago, Uthi the son of
money, or by imprisonment. Istalcurus, and with him seventy men.
25: Then said Esdras the scribe, Blessed 41: And these I gathered together to the
be the only Lord God of my fathers, who river called Theras, where we pitched our
hath put these things into the heart of the tents three days: and then I surveyed
king, to glorify his house that is in Jerusa- them.
lem: 42: But when I had found there none of
26: And hath honoured me in the sight of the priests and Levites,
the king, and his counsellors, and all his 43: Then sent I unto Eleazar, and Iduel,
friends and nobles. and Masman,
27: Therefore was I encouraged by the 44: And Alnathan, and Mamaias, and
help of the Lord my God, and gathered Joribas, and Nathan, Eunatan, Zacharias,
together men of Israel to go up with me. and Mosollamon, principal men and
28: And these are the chief according to learned.
their families and several dignities, that 45: And I bade them that they should go
went up with me from Babylon in the unto Saddeus the captain, who was in the
reign of king Artexerxes: place of the treasury:
29: Of the sons of Phinees, Gerson: of the 46: And commanded them that they
sons of Ithamar, Gamael: of the sons of should speak unto Daddeus, and to his
David, Lettus the son of Sechenias: brethren, and to the treasurers in that
30: Of the sons of Pharez, Zacharias; and place, to send us such men as might exe-
with him were counted an hundred and cute the priests' office in the house of the
fifty men: Lord.
31: Of the sons of Pahath Moab, 47: And by the mighty hand of our Lord
Eliaonias, the son of Zaraias, and with they brought unto us skilful men of the
him two hundred men: sons of Moli the son of Levi, the son of
32: Of the sons of Zathoe, Sechenias the Israel, Asebebia, and his sons, and his
son of Jezelus, and with him three hun- brethren, who were eighteen.
dred men: of the sons of Adin, Obeth the 48: And Asebia, and Annus, and Osaias
son of Jonathan, and with him two hun- his brother, of the sons of Channuneus,
dred and fifty men: and their sons, were twenty men.
33: Of the sons of Elam, Josias son of 49: And of the servants of the temple
Gotholias, and with him seventy men: whom David had ordained, and the prin-
34: Of the sons of Saphatias, Zaraias son cipal men for the service of the Levites to
of Michael, and with him threescore and wit, the servants of the temple two hun-
ten men: dred and twenty, the catalogue of whose
35: Of the sons of Joab, Abadias son of names were shewed.
Jezelus, and with him two hundred and 50: And there I vowed a fast unto the
twelve men: young men before our Lord, to desire of
36: Of the sons of Banid, Assalimoth son him a prosperous journey both for us and
of Josaphias, and with him an hundred them that were with us, for our children,
and threescore men: and for the cattle:
37: Of the sons of Babi, Zacharias son of 51: For I was ashamed to ask the king
Bebai, and with him twenty and eight footmen, and horsemen, and conduct for
men: safeguard against our adversaries.
38: Of the sons of Astath, Johannes son 52: For we had said unto the king, that the
of Acatan, and with him an hundred and power of the Lord our God should be
ten men: with them that seek him, to support them
39: Of the sons of Adonikam the last, and in all ways.

19

53: And again we besought our Lord as for all Israel, fourscore and sixteen rams,
touching these things, and found him 66: Threescore and twelve lambs, goats
favourable unto us. for a peace offering, twelve; all of them a
54: Then I separated twelve of the chief of sacrifice to the Lord.
the priests, Esebrias, and Assanias, and 67: And they delivered the king's com-
ten men of their brethren with them: mandments unto the king's stewards' and
55: And I weighed them the gold, and the to the governors of Celosyria and Phenice;
silver, and the holy vessels of the house of and they honoured the people and the
our Lord, which the king, and his council, temple of God.
and the princes, and all Israel, had given. 68: Now when these things were done, the
56: And when I had weighed it, I delivered rulers came unto me, and said,
unto them six hundred and fifty talents of 69: The nation of Israel, the princes, the
silver, and silver vessels of an hundred priests and Levites, have not put away
talents, and an hundred talents of gold, from them the strange people of the land,
57: And twenty golden vessels, and twelve nor the pollutions of the Gentiles to wit,
vessels of brass, even of fine brass, glitter- of the Canaanites, Hittites, Pheresites,
ing like gold. Jebusites, and the Moabites, Egyptians,
58: And I said unto them, Both ye are and Edomites.
holy unto the Lord, and the vessels are 70: For both they and their sons have
holy, and the gold and the silver is a vow married with their daughters, and the holy
unto the Lord, the Lord of our fathers. seed is mixed with the strange people of
59: Watch ye, and keep them till ye deliver the land; and from the beginning of this
them to the chief of the priests and Le- matter the rulers and the great men have
vites, and to the principal men of the been partakers of this iniquity.
families of Israel, in Jerusalem, into the 71: And as soon as I had heard these
chambers of the house of our God. things, I rent my clothes, and the holy
60: So the priests and the Levites, who garment, and pulled off the hair from off
had received the silver and the gold and my head and beard, and sat me down sad
the vessels, brought them unto Jerusalem, and very heavy.
into the temple of the Lord. 72: So all they that were then moved at
61: And from the river Theras we de- the word of the Lord God of Israel as-
parted the twelfth day of the first month, sembled unto me, whilst I mourned for
and came to Jerusalem by the mighty hand the iniquity: but I sat still full of heaviness
of our Lord, which was with us: and from until the evening sacrifice.
the beginning of our journey the Lord 73: Then rising up from the fast with my
delivered us from every enemy, and so we clothes and the holy garment rent, and
came to Jerusalem. bowing my knees, and stretching forth my
62: And when we had been there three hands unto the Lord,
days, the gold and silver that was weighed 74: I said, O Lord, I am confounded and
was delivered in the house of our Lord on ashamed before thy face;
the fourth day unto Marmoth the priest 75: For our sins are multiplied above our
the son of Iri. heads, and our ignorances have reached
63: And with him was Eleazar the son of up unto heaven.
Phinees, and with them were Josabad the 76: For ever since the time of our fathers
son of Jesu and Moeth the son of Sabban, we have been and are in great sin, even
Levites: all was delivered them by number unto this day.
and weight. 77: And for our sins and our fathers' we
64: And all the weight of them was written with our brethren and our kings and our
up the same hour. priests were given up unto the kings of the
65: Moreover they that were come out of earth, to the sword, and to captivity, and
the captivity offered sacrifice unto the for a prey with shame, unto this day.
Lord God of Israel, even twelve bullocks 78: And now in some measure hath mercy

20

been shewed unto us from thee, O Lord, multitude of men and women and chil-
that there should be left us a root and a dren: for there was great weeping among
name in the place of thy sanctuary; the multitude.
79: And to discover unto us a light in the 92: Then Jechonias the son of Jeelus, one
house of the Lord our God, and to give us of the sons of Israel, called out, and said,
food in the time of our servitude. O Esdras, we have sinned against the
80: Yea, when we were in bondage, we Lord God, we have married strange
were not forsaken of our Lord; but he women of the nations of the land, and
made us gracious before the kings of Per- now is all Israel aloft.
sia, so that they gave us food; 93: Let us make an oath to the Lord, that
81: Yea, and honoured the temple of our we will put away all our wives, which we
Lord, and raised up the desolate Sion, that have taken of the heathen, with their chil-
they have given us a sure abiding in Jewry dren,
and Jerusalem. 94: Like as thou hast decreed, and as many
82: And now, O Lord, what shall we say, as do obey the law of the Lord.
having these things? for we have trans- 95: Arise and put in execution: for to thee
gressed thy commandments, which thou doth this matter appertain, and we will be
gavest by the hand of thy servants the with thee: do valiantly.
prophets, saying, 96: So Esdras arose, and took an oath of
83: That the land, which ye enter into to the chief of the priests and Levites of all
possess as an heritage, is a land polluted Israel to do after these things; and so they
with the pollutions of the strangers of the sware.
land, and they have filled it with their un-
cleanness.
84: Therefore now shall ye not join your
daughters unto their sons, neither shall ye
take their daughters unto your sons.
85: Moreover ye shall never seek to have
peace with them, that ye may be strong,
and eat the good things of the land, and
that ye may leave the inheritance of the
land unto your children for evermore.
86: And all that is befallen is done unto us
for our wicked works and great sins; for
thou, O Lord, didst make our sins light,
87: And didst give unto us such a root:
but we have turned back again to trans-
gress thy law, and to mingle ourselves
with the uncleanness of the nations of the
land.
88: Mightest not thou be angry with us to
destroy us, till thou hadst left us neither
root, seed, nor name?
89: O Lord of Israel, thou art true: for we
are left a root this day.
90: Behold, now are we before thee in our
iniquities, for we cannot stand any longer
by reason of these things before thee.
91: And as Esdras in his prayer made his
confession, weeping, and lying flat upon
the ground before the temple, there gath-
ered unto him from Jerusalem a very great

21

2nd Esdras
Also known as the 4th Ezra

The second book of the prophet Esdras, great wonders have I done among you; yet
have ye forgotten me, saith the Lord.
the son of Saraias, the son of Azarias, the 15: Thus saith the Almighty Lord, The quails
son of Helchias, the son of Sadamias, the were as a token to you; I gave you tents for
sou of Sadoc, the son of Achitob, your safeguard: nevertheless ye murmured
2: The son of Achias, the son of Phinees, there,
the son of Heli, the son of Amarias, the son 16: And triumphed not in my name for the
of Aziei, the son of Marimoth, the son of destruction of your enemies, but ever to this
And he spake unto the of Borith, the son of day do ye yet murmur.
Abisei, the son of Phinees, the son of 17: Where are the benefits that I have done
Eleazar, for you? when ye were hungry and thirsty in
3: The son of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi; the wilderness, did ye not cry unto me,
which was captive in the land of the Medes, 18: Saying, Why hast thou brought us into
in the reign of Artexerxes king of the Per- this wilderness to kill us? it had been better
sians. for us to have served the Egyptians, than to
4: And the word of the Lord came unto me, die in this wilderness.
saying, 19: Then had I pity upon your mournings,
5: Go thy way, and shew my people their and gave you manna to eat; so ye did eat
sinful deeds, and their children their wicked- angels' bread.
ness which they have done against me; that 20: When ye were thirsty, did I not cleave
they may tell their children's children: the rock, and waters flowed out to your fill?
6: Because the sins of their fathers are in- for the heat I covered you with the leaves of
creased in them: for they have forgotten me, the trees.
and have offered unto strange gods. 21: I divided among you a fruitful land, I
7: Am not I even he that brought them out cast out the Canaanites, the Pherezites, and
of the land of Egypt, from the house of the Philistines, before you: what shall I yet
bondage? but they have provoked me unto do more for you? saith the Lord.
wrath, and despised my counsels. 22: Thus saith the Almighty Lord, When ye
8: Pull thou off then the hair of thy head, were in the wilderness, in the river of the
and cast all evil upon them, for they have Amorites, being athirst, and blaspheming my
not been obedient unto my law, but it is a name,
rebellious people. 23: I gave you not fire for your blasphemies,
9: How long shall I forbear them, into but cast a tree in the water, and made the
whom I have done so much good? river sweet.
10: Many kings have I destroyed for their 24: What shall I do unto thee, O Jacob?
sakes; Pharaoh with his servants and all his thou, Juda, wouldest not obey me: I will turn
power have I smitten down. me to other nations, and unto those will I
11: All the nations have I destroyed before give my name, that they may keep my stat-
them, and in the east I have scattered the utes.
people of two provinces, even of Tyrus and 25: Seeing ye have forsaken me, I will for-
Sidon, and have slain all their enemies. sake you also; when ye desire me to be gra-
12: Speak thou therefore unto them, saying, cious unto you, I shall have no mercy upon
Thus saith the Lord, you.
13: I led you through the sea and in the be- 26: Whensoever ye shall call upon me, I will
ginning gave you a large and safe passage; I not hear you: for ye have defiled your hands
gave you Moses for a leader, and Aaron for with blood, and your feet are swift to com-
a priest. mit manslaughter.
14: I gave you light in a pillar of fire, and 27: Ye have not as it were forsaken me, but

22

your own selves, saith the Lord. counsels.
28: Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Have I 2: The mother that bare them saith unto
not prayed you as a father his sons, as a them, Go your way, ye children; for I am a
mother her daughters, and a nurse her young widow and forsaken.
babes, 3: I brought you up with gladness; but with
29: That ye would be my people, and I sorrow and heaviness have I lost you: for ye
should be your God; that ye would be my have sinned before the Lord your God, and
children, and I should be your father? done that thing that is evil before him.
30: I gathered you together, as a hen gather- 4: But what shall I now do unto you? I am a
eth her chickens under her wings: but now, widow and forsaken: go your way, O my
what shall I do unto you? I will cast you out children, and ask mercy of the Lord.
from my face. 5: As for me, O father, I call upon thee for a
31: When ye offer unto me, I will turn my witness over the mother of these children,
face from you: for your solemn feastdays, which would not keep my covenant,
your new moons, and your circumcisions, 6: That thou bring them to confusion, and
have I forsaken. their mother to a spoil, that there may be no
32: I sent unto you my servants the proph- offspring of them.
ets, whom ye have taken and slain, and torn 7: Let them be scattered abroad among the
their bodies in pieces, whose blood I will heathen, let their names be put out of the
require of your hands, saith the Lord. earth: for they have despised my covenant.
33: Thus saith the Almighty Lord, Your 8: Woe be unto thee, Assur, thou that hidest
house is desolate, I will cast you out as the the unrighteous in thee! O thou wicked peo-
wind doth stubble. ple, remember what I did unto Sodom and
34: And your children shall not be fruitful; Gomorrha;
for they have despised my commandment, 9: Whose land lieth in clods of pitch and
and done the thing that is an evil before me. heaps of ashes: even so also will I do unto
35: Your houses will I give to a people that them that hear me not, saith the Almighty
shall come; which not having heard of me Lord.
yet shall believe me; to whom I have shewed 10: Thus saith the Lord unto Esdras, Tell
no signs, yet they shall do that I have com- my people that I will give them the kingdom
manded them. of Jerusalem, which I would have given unto
36: They have seen no prophets, yet they Israel.
shall call their sins to remembrance, and 11: Their glory also will I take unto me, and
acknowledge them. give these the everlasting tabernacles, which
37: I take to witness the grace of the people I had prepared for them.
to come, whose little ones rejoice in glad- 12: They shall have the tree of life for an
ness: and though they have not seen me with ointment of sweet savour; they shall neither
bodily eyes, yet in spirit they believe the labour, nor be weary.
thing that I say. 13: Go, and ye shall receive: pray for few
38: And now, brother, behold what glory; days unto you, that they may be shortened:
and see the people that come from the east: the kingdom is already prepared for you:
39: Unto whom I will give for leaders, Abra- watch.
ham, Isaac, and Jacob, Oseas, Amos, and 14: Take heaven and earth to witness; for I
Micheas, Joel, Abdias, and Jonas, have broken the evil in pieces, and created
40: Nahum, and Abacuc, Sophonias, Ag- the good: for I live, saith the Lord.
geus, Zachary, and Malachy, which is called 15: Mother, embrace thy children, and bring
also an angel of the Lord. them up with gladness, make their feet as
fast as a pillar: for I have chosen thee, saith
the Lord.
CHAPTER 2 16: And those that be dead will I raise up
T hus saith the Lord, I brought this people
again from their places, and bring them out
of the graves: for I have known my name in
out of bondage, and I gave them my com- Israel.
mandments by menservants the prophets; 17: Fear not, thou mother of the children:
whom they would not hear, but despised my for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord.

23

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