new government, and anointed princes over the end of his life, that they should praise his people. the holy name of the Lord, and magnify the holiness of God in the morning. 17 By the law of the Lord he judged the congregation and the God of Jacob beheld; and by his fidelity he was proved a prophet. 18 And he was known to be faithful in his words, because he saw the God of light: 19 And called upon the name of the Lord Almighty, in fighting against the enemies who beset him on every side, when he offered a lamb without blemish. 20 And the Lord thundered from heaven; and with a great noise, made his voice to be heard: 21 And he crushed the princes of the Tyrians, and all the lords of the Philistines: 22 And before the time of the end of his life in the world, he protested before the Lord, and his anointed: money or any thing else, even to his shoe, he had not taken of any man and no man did accuse him. 23 And after this he slept: and he made known to the king, and shewed him the end of his life; and he lifted up his voice from the earth in prophecy to blot out the wickedness of the nation. CHAP. XLVII. The praise of Nathan, of David, and of Solomon: of his fall and punishment. HEN Nathan the prophet arose in the days of David. TH 2 And as the fat taken away from the flesh, so was David chosen from among the children of Israel. 3 He played with lions as with lambs: and with bears he did in like manner as with the lambs of the flock, in his youth. 4 Did not he kill the giant, and take away reproach from his people? 5 In lifting up his hand, with the stone in the sling he beat down the boasting of Goliah : 6 For he called upon the Lord the Almighty and he gave strength in his right hand, to take away the mighty warrior, and to set up the horn of his nation. 7 So in ten thousand did he glorify him, and praised him in the blessings of the Lord, in offering to him a crown of glory: 8 For he destroyed the enemies on every side, and extirpated the Philistines the adversaries unto this day: he broke their horn for ever. 9 In all his works he gave thanks to the holy One, and to the most High, with words of glory. 13 The Lord took away his sins, and exalted his horn for ever: and he gave him a covenant of the kingdom, and a throne of glory in Israel. 14 After him arose up a wise son, and for his sake he cast down all the power of the enemies. 15 Solomon reigned in days of peace, and God brought all his enemies under him, that he might build a house in his name, and prepare a sanctuary for ever: O how wise wast thou in thy youth. 16 And thou wast filled as a river with wisdom, and thy soul covered the earth. 17 And thou didst multiply riddles in parables: thy name went abroad to the islands far off, and thou wast beloved in thy peace. 18 The countries wondered at thee for thy canticles, and proverbs, and parables, and interpretations, 19 And at the name of the Lord God, whose surname is, God of Israel. 20 Thou didst gather gold as copper, and didst multiply silver as lead, 21 And thou didst bow thyself to women: and by thy body thou wast brought under subjection, 22 Thou hast stained thy glory, and defiled thy seed, so as to bring wrath upon thy children, and to have thy folly kindled, 23 That thou shouldst make the kingdom to be divided, and out of Ephraim a rebellious kingdom to rule. 24 But God will not leave off his mercy, and he will not destroy nor abolish his own works, neither will he cut up by the roots the offspring of his elect: and he will not utterly take away the seed of him that loveth the Lord. 25 Wherefore he gave a remnant to Jacob, and to David of the same stock. 26 And Solomon had an end with his fathers. 27 And he left behind him of his seed, the folly of the nation, 28 Even Roboam that had little wisdom, who turned away the people through his counsel: 29 And Jeroboam the son of Nabat, who caused Israel to sin, and shewed Ephraim the way of sin, and their sins were multiplied exceedingly. 30 They removed them far away from their land. 31 And they sought out all iniquities, till 10 With his whole heart he praised the vengeance came upon them, and put an end Lord, and loved God that made him and to all their sins. he gave him power against his enemies : 11 And he set singers before the altar: CHAP. XLVIII. and by their voices he made sweet melo- The praise of Elias, of Eliseus, of Ezechias, dy. 12 And to the festivals he added beauty, and set in order the solemn times even to and of Isaias. ND Elias the prophet stood up, as a fire, and his word burnt like a torch. 2 He brought a famine upon them, and||rians, and the Angel of the Lord destroyed they that provoked him in their envy, were them. reduced to a small number, for they could 25 For Ezechias did that which pleased not endure the commandments of the Lord. God, and walked valiantly in the way of 3 By the word of the Lord he shut up David his father, which Isaias, the great the heaven, and he brought down fire from prophet, and faithful in the sight of God, heaven thrice. had commanded him. 4 Thus was Elias magnified in his wondrous works. And who can glory like to thee? 5 Who raisedst up a dead man from below, from the lot of death, by the word of the Lord God. 26 In his days the sun went backward, and he lengthened the king's life. 27 With a great spirit he saw the things that are come to pass at last, and comforted the mourners in Sion. 28 He shewed what should come to pass came. 6 Who broughtest down kings to destruc- for ever, and secret things before they tion, and brokest easily their power in pieces, and the glorious from their bed. 7 Who hearest judgment in Sina, and in Horeb the judgments of vengeance. and 8 Who anointest kings to penance, makest prophets successors after thee. 9 Who was taken up in a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot of fiery horses. 10 Who art registered in the judgments of times to appease the wrath of the Lord, to reconcile the heart of the father to the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob. 11 Blessed are they that saw thee, and were honoured with thy friendship. 12 For we live only in our life, but after * death our name shall not be such. 13 Elias was indeed covered with the whirlwind, and his spirit was filled up in Eliseus: in his days he feared not the prince, and no man was more powerful than he. 14 No word could overcome him, and after death his body prophesied. 15 In his life he did great wonders, and in death he wrought miracles. 16 For all this the people repented not, neither did they depart from their sins, till they were cast out of their land, and were scattered through all the earth. 17 And there was left but a small people, and a prince in the house of David. CHAP. XLIX. The praise of Josias, of Jeremias, Ezechiel, and the twelve prophets. Also of Zoroba bel, Jesus the son of Josedech, Nehemias, Enoch, Joseph, Seth, Sem, and Adam. memory of Josias is like the comHE position of a sweet smell made by the art of a perfumer. 2 His remembrance shall be sweet as honey in every mouth, and as music at a banquet of wine. 3 He was directed by God unto the repentance of the nation, and he took away the abominations of wickedness. 4 And he directed his heart towards the Lord, and in the days of sinners he strengthened godliness. as, 5 Except David, and Ezechias, and Josiall committed sin. 6 For the kings of Juda forsook the law of the most High, and despised the fear of God. 7 So they gave their kingdom to others, and their glory to a strange nation. 8 They burnt the chosen city of holiness, and made the streets thereof desolate according to the prediction of Jeremias. 9 For they treated him evil, who was consecrated a prophet from his mother's 18 Some of these did that which pleased womb, to overthrow, and pluck up, and deGod but others committed many sins. stroy, and to build again, and renew. 19 Ezechias fortified his city, and brought| 10 It was Ezechiel who saw the glorious in water into the midst thereof, and he dig-vision, which was shewn him upon the chaged a rock with iron, and made a well for riot of cherubims. water. 11 For he made mention of the enemies 20 In his days Sennacherib came up, and||under the figure of rain, and of doing good sent Rabsaces, and lifted up his hand against to them that shewed right ways. them, and he stretched out his hand against 12 And may the bones of the twelve Sion, and became proud through his pow-prophets spring up out of their place: for they strengthened Jacob, and redeemed themselves by strong faith. er. 21 Then their hearts and hands trembled and they were in pain as women in travail. 22 And they called upon the Lord who is merciful, and spreading their hands, they lifted them up to heaven: and the holy Lord God quickly heard their voice. 23 He was not mindful of their sins, neither did he deliver them up to their enemies, but he purified them by the hand of Isaias the holy prophet. 13 How shall we magnify Zorobabel? for he was as a signet on the right hand; 14 In like manner Jesus the son of Josedec? who in their days built the house, and set up a holy temple to the Lord, prepared for everlasting glory. 15 And let Nehemias be a long time re. membered, who raised up for us our walls that were cast down, and set up the gates 24 He overthrew the army of the Assy-lland the bars, who rebuilt our houses. 16 No man was born upon earth like 15 And the oblation of the Lord was in Henoch: for he also was taken up from the their hands, before all the congregation of earth. Israel: and finishing his service, on the al17 Nor as Joseph, who was a man born tar, to honour the offering of the most High prince of his brethren, the support of his king, family, the ruler of his brethren, the stay of 16 He stretched forth his hand to make the people: a libation, and offered of the blood of the 18 And his bones were visited, and after grape. death they prophesied.* 17 He poured out at the foot of the altar 19 Seth, and Sem obtained glory among a divine odour to the most high Prince. men and above every soul Adam in the beginning. 18 Then the sons of Aaron shouted, they sounded with beaten trumpets, and made a great noise to be heard for a remembrance CHAP. L. The praises of Simon the high priest. The before God. conclusion. IMON the high priest, the son of Onias, who in his life propped up the house, and in his days fortified the temple. 2 By him also the height of the temple was founded, the double building and the high walls of the temple. 3 In his days the wells of water flowed out, and they were filled as the sea above measure. 19 Then all the people together made haste, and fell down to the earth upon their faces, to adore the Lord their God, and to pray to the Almighty God the most High. 20 And the singers lifted up their voices, and in the great house the sound of sweet melody was increased. 21 And the people in prayer besought the Lord the most High, until the worship of the Lord was perfected, and they had 4 He took care of his nation, and deli- finished their office. vered it from destruction. 22 Then coming down, he lifted up his 5 He prevailed to enlarge the city, and hands over all the congregation of the chilobtained glory in his conversation with the dren of Israel, to give glory to God with people and enlarged the entrance of the his lips, and to glory in his name: house, and the court. 6 He shone in his days as the morning star in the midst of a cloud, and as the moon at the full. 7 And as the sun when it shineth, so did he shine in the temple of God. 8 And as the rainbow giving light in the bright clouds, and as the flower of roses in the days of the spring, and as the lilies that are on the brink of the water, and as the sweet smelling frankincense in the time of summer. 23 And he repeated his prayer, willing to shew the power of God. 24 And now pray ye to the God of all, who hath done great things in all the earth, who hath increased our days from our mo ther's womb, and hath done with us according to his mercy: 25 May he grant us joyfulness of heart, and that there be peace in our days in Israel for ever. 26 That Israel may believe that the mercy of God is with us, to deliver us in his 9 As a bright fire, and frankincense burn-days. ing in the fire. 27 There are two nations which my soul 10 As a massy vessel of gold, adorned abhorreth: and the third is no nation, with every precious stone. which I hate : 11 As an olive-tree budding forth, and a 28 They that sit on mount Seir, and the cypress-tree rearing itself on high, when he Philistines, and the foolish people that put on the robe of glory, and was clothed dwell in Sichem. with the perfection of power.t 12 When he went up to the holy altar, he honoured the vesture of holiness, 13 And when he took the portions out of the hands of the priests, he himself stood by the altar. And about him was the ring of his brethren: and as the cedar planted in mount Libanus, 29 Jesus the son of Sirach, of Jerusalem, hath written in this book the doctrine of wisdom and instruction, who renewed wisdom from his heart. 30 Blessed is he that is conversant in these good things: and he that layeth them up in his heart, shall be wise always. 31 For if he do them, he shall be strong 14 And as branches of palm-trees, they to do all things: because the light of God stood round about him, and all the sons of guideth his steps. Aaron in their glory. * Abhorreth, viz. With a holy indigna. They prophesied. That is, by their be- tion, as enemies of God and persecutors of ing carried out of Egypt they verified the his people. Such were then the Edomites prophetic prediction of Joseph, Gen. L. who abode in mount Seir, the Philistines, † Clothed with the perfection of power. and the Samaritans who dwelt in Sichem, That is, with all the vestments denoting his and had their schismatical temple in that dignity and authority. "neighbourhood. CHAP. LI. A prayer of praise and thanksgiving. A PRAYER of Jesus the son of Sch will give glory to thee, O Lord, O king, and I will praise thee, O God my saviour. 2 I will give glory to thy name: for thou hast been a helper and protector to me. I dered about, I sought for wisdom openly in my prayer. 19 I prayed for her before the temple, and unto the very end I will seek after her, and she flourished as a grape soon ripe. 20 My heart delighted in her, my foot walked in the right way, from my youth up sought after her. 21 I bowed down my ear a little, and re 3 And hast preserved my body from destruction, from the snare of an unjust tongue, and from the lips of them that forge lies,ceived her. and in the sight of them that stood by, thou hast been my helper. 4 And thou hast delivered me, according to the multitude of the mercy of thy name, from them that did roar, prepared to de vour. 5 Out of the hands of them that sought my life, and from the gates of afflictions, which compassed me about : 6 From the oppression of the flame which surrounded me, and in the midst of the fire I was not burnt. 7 From the depth of the belly of hell, and from an unclean tongue, and from lying words, from an unjust king, and from a slanderous tongue : 8 My soul shall praise the Lord even to death. I 22 I found much wisdom in myself, and I profited much therein. 23 To him that giveth me wisdom, will I give glory. 24 For I have determined to follow her: have had a zeal for good, and shall not be confounded. 25 My soul hath wrestled for her, and in doing it I have been confirmed. 26 1 stretched forth my hands on high, and I bewailed my ignorance of her. 27 I directed my soul to her, and in knowledge I found her. 28 I possessed my heart with her from the beginning: therefore I shall not be forsaken. 29 My entrails were troubled in seeking her: therefore shall I possess a good possession. 9 And my life was drawing near to hell beneath. 30 The Lord hath given me a tongue 10 They compassed me on every side, for my reward: and with it I will praise and there was no one that would help him. me. I looked for the succour of men, and there was none. 11 I remembered thy mercy, O Lord, and thy works, which are from the beginning of the world. 31 Draw near to me, ye unlearned, and gather yourselves together into the house of discipline. 32 Why are ye slow? and what do you say of these things? your souls are exceed 12 How thou deliverest them that waiting thirsty. for thee, O Lord, and savest them out of the hands of the nations. 13 Thou hast exalted my dwelling-place upon the earth, and I have prayed for death to pass away. 14 I called upon the Lord, the father of my Lord, that he would not leave me in the day of my trouble, and in the time of the proud, without help. 33 I have opened my mouth, and have spoken: buy her for yourselves without silver, 34 And submit your neck to the yoke, and let your soul receive discipline: for she is near at hand to be found. 35 Behold with your eyes how I have laboured a little, and have found much rest to Ilmyself. 15 I will praise thy name continually, and 36 Receive ye discipline as a great sum will praise it with thanksgiving, and my of money, and possess abundance of gold by prayer was heard. her. 16 And thou hast saved me from destruc- 37 Let your soul rejoice in his mercy, tion, and hast delivered me from the evil and you shall not be confounded in his time. praise. 17 Therefore I will give thanks, and 38 Work your work before the time, praise thee, and bless the name of the Lord.and he will give you your reward in his 18 When I was yet young, before I wan-time. 175 PROPHECY OF ISAIAS. This inpired writer, is called by the Holy 10 Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers Ghost, Ecclesiastic. xlviii. 25. the great of Sodom, give ear to the law of our God, prophet; from the greatness of his pro-ye people of Gomorrha. phetic spirit, by which he hath foretold, so 11 To what purpose do you offer me the long before, and in so clear a manner, the multitude of your victims, saith the Lord? coming of Christ, the mysteries of our re-I am full, I desire not holocausts of rams, demption, the calling of the Gentiles, and and fat of fatlings, and blood of calves, and the glorious establishment, and perpetual lambs, and buck-goats. flourishing of the church of Christ inso- 12 When you came to appear before me, much that he may seem to have been rather who required these things at your hands, an evangelist than a prophet. His very that you should walk in my courts? name is not without mystery: for Isaias in 13 Offer sacrifice no more in vain : incense Hebrew signifies the salvation of the Lord, is an abomination to me. The new moons, or, Jesus is the Lord. He was, according and the sabbaths, and other festivals, I will to the tradition of the Hebrews, of the blood not abide, your assemblies are wicked. royal of the kings of Juda: and after a 14 My soul hateth your new moons, most holy life, ended his days by a glorious and your solemnities: they are become martyrdom; being sawed in two, at the com- troublesome to me, I am weary of bearing mand of his wicked son-in-law, king Mathem. nasses, for reproving his evil ways. CHAP. I. 15 And when you stretch forth your hands, I will turn away my eyes from you: The prophet complains of the sins of Juda and when you multiply prayer, I will not and Jerusalem and exhorts them to a sin- hear: for your hands are full of blood. cere conversion. 16 Wash yourselves, be clean, take away the evil of your devices from my eyes: THE vision of Isaias the son of Amos, Twhich he saw concerning Juda and Je cease to do perversely, rusalem in the days of Ozias, Joathan, Achaz, and Ezechias, kings of Juda. 17 Learn to do well: seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge for the father2 Hear, O ye heavens, and give ear, Oless, defend the widow. earth, for the Lord hath spoken. I have 18 And then come, and accuse me, saith brought up children, and exalted them: but the Lord: if your sins be as scarlet, they they have despised me. shall be made as white as snow and if they 3 The ox knoweth his owner, and the be red as crimson, they shall be white as ass his master's crib: but Israel hath not wool. known me, and my people hath not under- 19 If you be willing, and will hearken to me, you shall eat the good things of the stood. 4 Wo to the sinful nation, a people laden land. with iniquity, a wicked seed, ungracious 20 But if you will not, and will provoke children they have forsaken the Lord, me to wrath: the sword shall devour you, they have blasphemed the Holy One of Is- because the mouth of the Lord hath spoken rael, they are gone away backwards. 5 For what shall I strike you any more, you that increase transgression? the whole head is sick, and the whole heart is sad. 6 From the sole of the foot unto the top of the head, there is no soundness therein wounds and bruises and swelling sores: they are not bound up, nor dressed, nor fomented with oil. it. 21 How is the faithful city, that was full of judgment, become a harlot? justice dwelt in it, but now murderers. 22 Thy silver is turned into dross: thy wine is mingled with water. 23 Thy princes are faithless, companions of thieves: they all love bribes, they run after rewards. They judge not for the fa7 Your land is desolate, your cities are therless: and the widow's cause cometh not burnt with fire: your country strangers de-in to them. vour before your face, and it shall be desolate as when wasted by enemies. 24 Therefore saith the Lord the God of hosts, the mighty one of Israel: Ah! I will comfort myself over my adversaries: and I will be revenged of my enemies. |