The Apocrypha refers to a collection of ancient texts not included in the Hebrew Bible and typically found in some versions of the Old Testament, such as the Septuagint and the Catholic Bible. These writings are often considered useful for instruction but are not regarded as canonical scripture by Protestant denominations.
Scripture
1 And it came to pass, upon the third day, that I sat under an oak; and, behold, there came a voice out of a bush over against me, and said, Ezra, Ezra. And I said, Here am I, Lord.
2 And I, Esdras, saw upon the mount Sion a great multitude, whom I could not number; and they all praised the Lord with songs.
3 And I said, “Lord, I am not able to bear my own sins and the sins of my people.”
4 For the law is in the heart of man, and he is not able to keep it.
5 And I said, “O Lord, I said, ‘I am weary, and I am not able to bear it.’”
6 For thou shalt be taken up from among men, and thy name shall be named in the book of life, and thou shalt be called the son of God.
7 For you are not sent to the righteous, but to the people who have sinned against me.
8 And now, O Lord, I am weary with my thoughts and very weak in my soul.
9 For you shall be taken up from among men, and your name shall be named among those who are in the heavens.
10 For the world has lost its youth, and the times begin to wax old.
11 For the world is divided into twelve parts, and the ten parts of it are reserved for the nations, but a part of it is reserved for you and your people.
12 For the law is not a vain thing, but it is the life of the world; and they that keep it shall come to life.
13 Now therefore set your house in order, and reprove your people, comfort such of them as be in trouble, and now renounce corruption.
14 Therefore set your house in order, and reprove your people; comfort the lowly, instruct the ignorant, and strengthen the weak.
15 For if you will not hear my voice, I will take away my Spirit from you, and I will withdraw my grace from you.
16 For you are not sent to the righteous, but to the people who have sinned against me.
17 For look, the time will come when the signs that I told you about will come to pass, and the world will be shaken.
18 For the world is divided into twelve parts, and the ten parts of it are reserved for the last days.
19 For the law is in their heart, and they will not be able to keep it.
20 For you are not able to understand the things that are in heaven, but you can understand the things that are on earth.
21 For, behold, the burning of the multitude, and the great wrath of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of the Lord, and the great day of 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22 For if I had not come to the world, they would not have been able to see the things that I have shown them.
23 And in the place where you see the dead bodies of the sinners, there shall be a sign of the coming of the Son of Man.
24 And take you this as a token of your good will: that you may be able to do good to your children.
25 For I have seen how you have forsaken your own, and have not kept my commandments.
26 And the next day, I went out into the field, and behold, I saw a great multitude of people, and they were all gathered together.
27 For behold, the time will come when these things will come to pass, and the signs will be seen which I told you before.
28 Behold, the time will come when the signs which I have told you will come to pass, and the city which now is not seen shall appear.
29 For behold, the time will come when these signs will come to pass, and the world will be turned upside down.
30 For behold, the days come, and it shall be that when the signs come to pass which I showed thee before, then shall my Son be declared, whom thou sawest as a man ascending.
31 For I have seen how you suffer, and I have heard your prayers; and I will not forsake you.
32 For the law is not a vain thing, but it is the life of the people; and they that keep it shall live.
33 For the law is not a vain thing, but it is the life of the people; and they that keep it shall come to life, but they that do not keep it shall die.
34 For in the place where the law is given, there is no place for the lawless.
35 For after death shall the judgment come, when we shall live again; and then shall the names of the righteous be manifest, and the works of the ungodly shall be declared.
36 And thou shalt be taken up from among men, and thy people shall be gathered unto thee.
37 For, behold, the time will come when the signs which I have told you will come to pass, and the world will be turned upside down.
38 And now, I say to you, I will not be silent, but I will speak; and I will not hold back, but I will declare the truth.
39 For the world has lost its youth, and the times begin to wax old.
40 For the world has lost its youth, and the times begin to wax old.
41 For, behold, the days come, and it shall be that when the time of the harvest is come, the harvest shall be gathered in.
42 And he said to me, “I will show you that which is greater than these.”
43 And in the place where the light of the law was given to them, the people of Israel were scattered.
44 For in the place where the law is given, there is no place for the lawless.
45 For after death shall the judgment come, when we shall live again; and then shall the names of the righteous be manifest, and the works of the ungodly shall be declared.
46 For thou hast been called in the world, and hast been made a partaker of the divine nature.
47 For the law is not a vain thing, but it is the life of the people; and they that keep it shall live.
48 For the world has lost its youth, and the times begin to wax old.
2 Esdras 14:1-48
Meaning of the Apocrypha in Scripture
The Apocrypha encompasses a variety of texts that provide insights into the historical, theological, and cultural milieu surrounding the biblical narratives. While they might not be seen as divinely inspired in the same way as the canonical texts, many of these writings—such as Tobit, Judith, and the Wisdom of Solomon—offer valuable lessons about faithfulness, morality, and the nature of God’s relationship with humanity. For instance, the book of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) emphasizes the importance of wisdom in everyday life, echoing the sentiments found in Proverbs, particularly in Proverbs 4:7, where it states, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” This underscores the Apocryphal texts’ role in providing practical guidance for living a life aligned with divine principles.
Furthermore, the Apocrypha serves as a historical bridge between the Old and New Testaments, presenting themes such as redemption, the concept of the afterlife, and the nature of God’s justice that would resonate in the New Testament. For example, the book of Maccabees highlights the struggle for faithfulness during persecution, paralleling the New Testament’s emphasis on perseverance under trials, as expressed in James 1:12: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” Thus, while the Apocrypha may not hold the same status across different Christian traditions, its thematic and practical relevance provides a rich context that enhances understanding of biblical faith and ethics.
The Apocrypha also functions as a profound reflection on the Jewish identity and the socio-political realities of its time, particularly in the intertestamental period. Texts such as 1 and 2 Maccabees not only recount historical events like the Maccabean revolt but also explore themes of national identity, religious integrity, and the struggle against oppression. These narratives emphasize the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, showcasing how faithfulness in adversity can lead to divine intervention and deliverance. This can be paralleled with the New Testament’s depiction of Jesus as the fulfillment of the Jewish Messiah, highlighting the continuity of God’s plan throughout history and the importance of narrative in shaping community identity.
Moreover, the Apocrypha enriches the understanding of wisdom literature, as exemplified in the Wisdom of Solomon, which examines the nature of wisdom as a creative and sustaining force in the world. This text connects philosophical concepts with theological principles, suggesting that true wisdom facilitates a deeper comprehension of God’s workings in creation and human affairs. It also touches upon moral and ethical dilemmas faced by believers, which reflects a broader thematic narrative found in scriptural wisdom literature. By investigating these themes, the Apocrypha invites readers to grapple with complex moral questions and deepens their understanding of human experience in relation to divine guidance, thus complementing the broader biblical narrative.
Historical Context and Canonical Debate
The Apocrypha refers to a collection of ancient texts that are included in some versions of the Bible but are not universally accepted as canonical by all Christian denominations. Understanding the Apocrypha involves recognizing the historical context in which these texts were written and the debates surrounding their inclusion in the biblical canon. The Apocryphal books, such as Tobit, Judith, and the Wisdom of Solomon, provide insights into the religious and cultural milieu of the Jewish people during the intertestamental period. This context is crucial for scholars and theologians as it sheds light on the development of Jewish thought and the early Christian community’s relationship with these texts.
Theological Insights and Moral Teachings
The Apocrypha offers valuable theological insights and moral teachings that complement the canonical scriptures. Many of these texts address themes such as faith, righteousness, and the nature of God, providing additional perspectives on the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by believers. For instance, the Book of Sirach emphasizes the importance of wisdom and ethical living, while the Maccabees recount the struggles for religious freedom and fidelity to God. These teachings can enrich the understanding of faith and morality, encouraging readers to reflect on their own beliefs and practices in light of these ancient writings.
Influence on Christian Tradition and Liturgy
The Apocrypha has played a significant role in shaping Christian tradition and liturgy, particularly within certain denominations that accept these texts as part of their biblical canon. For example, the Catholic Church includes the Apocryphal books in the Old Testament, and they are often referenced in liturgical readings and teachings. This inclusion has influenced theological discussions, devotional practices, and the interpretation of scripture throughout history. Understanding the Apocrypha’s role in Christian tradition allows for a deeper appreciation of the diversity within the Christian faith and the ways in which different communities engage with scripture.
How to Embrace Faith for a Stronger Christian Life
Embracing faith is a transformative journey that can profoundly strengthen your Christian life, and it begins with a genuine openness to God’s presence in your daily experiences. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing the Word to guide your thoughts and actions; consider setting aside time each day for prayer and reflection, where you can converse with God and listen for His guidance. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can uplift and challenge you, as fellowship is vital in nurturing your faith. Remember, faith is not just a feeling but a commitment to trust in God’s promises, even when life gets tough. Embrace the small moments of grace and gratitude, and let them remind you of God’s unwavering love. As you cultivate this deeper relationship with Him, you’ll find that your faith becomes a source of strength, hope, and joy, empowering you to live out your Christian values in every aspect of your life.
Bible References to the Apocrypha’s Meaning:
Tobit 4:1-21: 1 In that day Tobit remembered the money which he had committed to Gabael in Rages of Media,
2 And he said to his son, “When I die, bury me; and do not neglect your mother. Honor her all the days of your life. Do what is pleasing to her, and do not grieve her in anything.
3 And when he had called him, he said, “My son, when I die, bury me. And do not neglect your mother. Honor her all the days of your life. Do what is pleasing to her, and do not grieve her in anything.
4 Remember my son, that she saw many dangers for those who live in the land of the Assyrians.
5 “My son, be mindful of the Lord our God all your days, and do not sin or transgress his commandments. Do righteousness all the days of your life, and do not walk in the ways of wrongdoing.”
6 For if you do what is true, your ways will prosper through your deeds.
7 Give alms from your possessions to all who live uprightly, and do not let your eye begrudge the gift when you make it.
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9 “For almsgiving delivers from death and keeps you from going into the darkness.”
10 For almsgiving delivers from death and keeps you from going into the darkness.
11 “For almsgiving delivers from death and keeps you from going into the darkness.”
12 Beware, my son, of all immorality.
13 “Now therefore, my son, love your brothers, and do not disdain to give your sister in marriage to a man.”
14 Let not the wages of any man, which hath wrought for thee, tarry with thee, but give him it out of hand: for if thou serve God, he will also repay thee: be circumspect my son, in all things thou doest, and be wise in all thy conversation.
15 Do to no one what you yourself dislike.
16 “Take heed, my child, of everything you do, and be disciplined in all your conduct.
17 In those days, when you pray, the Lord will listen to you; when you cry out to him, he will deliver you, and once you have returned from captivity, you will see his mercy.
18 Seek counsel from every wise man, and do not despise any useful advice.
19 Bless the Lord your God always, and ask him that your ways may be straight and your paths and plans may prosper.
20 Bless the Lord your God always, and ask him that your ways may be straight and that all your paths and plans may prosper.
21 Do not fear, my child. We lead a poor life, but we will have many good things if we fear God and avoid all sin and do what is good.
Judith 8:1-36: 1 Now at that time Judith heard about these things. She was the daughter of Merari the son of Ox, son of Joseph, son of Oziel, son of Elkiah, son of Ananias, son of Gideon, son of Raphaim, son of Ahitub, son of Elijah, son of Hilkiah, son of Eliab, son of Nathanael, son of Salamiel, son of Sarasadai, son of Israel.
2 And Manasseh lived at Dor, and its towns, and I will tell you what he did in his days, and how he was taken captive into the land that belongs to the king of Assyria.
3 So he chose from them a hundred and twenty thousand men of war with horsemen, who were to go before them.
4 And she fasted all the days of her widowhood, except the eves of the sabbaths and the sabbaths, the eves of the new moons and the new moons, and the feasts and solemn days of the house of Israel.
5 And she fasted all the days of her widowhood, except the day before the sabbath and the sabbath itself, and the day before the new moon and the new moon, and the feasts and days of rejoicing of the house of Israel.
6 And she fasted all the days of her widowhood, except the day before the sabbath and the sabbath itself, and the day before the new moon and the new moon, and the feasts and days of rejoicing of the house of Israel.
7 And they came to her, and she said to them: “Listen to me, rulers of the people of Bethulia! What you have said to the people today is not right; you have sworn and pronounced this oath between God and you, promising to surrender the town to our enemies unless the Lord turns and helps us within so many days.
8 And they came to her, and she said to them: “Listen to me, rulers of the people of Bethulia! What you have said to the people today is not right; you have sworn and pronounced this oath between God and you, promising to surrender the town to our enemies unless the Lord turns and helps us within so many days.
9 And they came to her, and she said to them: “Listen to me, rulers of the people of Bethulia! What you have said to the people today is not right; you have sworn and pronounced this oath between God and you, promising to surrender the town to our enemies unless the Lord turns and helps us within so many days.
10 And Manasseh and his wife wept for him, and the people of Israel were gathered together and mourned for him for many days.
11 And they came to her, and she said to them: “Listen to me, rulers of the people of Bethulia! What you have said to the people today is not right; you have sworn and pronounced this oath between God and you, promising to surrender the town to our enemies unless the Lord turns and helps us within so many days.
12 And they came to her, and she said to them: “Listen to me, rulers of the people of Bethulia! What you have said to the people today is not right; you have sworn and pronounced this oath between God and you, promising to surrender the town to our enemies unless the Lord turns and helps us within so many days.
13 And as Judith was standing before the gates, the men of the city said to her, “Come in and be our guest,” so Judith chose to spend the night in the open square of the city.
14 And they came to her, and she said to them: “Listen to me, rulers of the people of Bethulia! What you have said to the people today is not right; you have sworn and pronounced this oath between God and you, promising to surrender the town to our enemies unless the Lord turns and helps us within so many days.
15 For we have heard of your wisdom and skill, and it is reported in all the land that you are the best in the whole kingdom, the most informed and the most astounding in military strategy.
16 And they came to her, and she said to them: “Listen to me, rulers of the people of Bethulia! What you have said to the people today is not right; you have sworn and pronounced this oath between God and you, promising to surrender the town to our enemies unless the Lord turns and helps us within so many days.
17 And they came to her, and she said to them: “Listen to me, rulers of the people of Bethulia! What you have said to the people today is not right; you have sworn and pronounced this oath between God and you, promising to surrender the town to our enemies unless the Lord turns and helps us within so many days.
18 And Uzziah said to her, “All that you have said has been spoken with good sense, and there is no one who can gainsay your words.
19 And they came to her, and she said to them: “Listen to me, rulers of the people of Bethulia! What you have said to the people today is not right; you have sworn and pronounced this oath between God and you, promising to surrender the town to our enemies unless the Lord turns and helps us within so many days.
20 “But we are not defeated before them, because the Lord our God is with us, to help us and to fight our battles.”
21 And Judith said, “I will not eat it, lest there be an offense; but provision will be made for me from the things I have brought.”
22 And when Achior had finished saying these things, all the people standing around the tent murmured, and the commander of the sons of Ammon rent his clothes and had a great rage.
23 And now, O Lord God of Israel, who hast brought thy people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and high arm, and with signs, and with wonders, and with great power, and hast gotten thee a name, as appeareth this day:
24 And the people were greatly astonished at her understanding, and said, “There is not such a woman from one end of the earth to the other, both for beauty of face and wisdom of speech.”
25 And let us give thanks to the Lord our God, who has not forsaken those who hope in him.
26 And they all prostrated themselves and begged the Lord.
27 And she fasted all the days of her widowhood, except the day before the sabbath and the sabbath itself, and the day before the new moons and the feast days and the days of the house of Israel.
28 And Judith said to them, “Listen to me. I am about to do something that will go down through all generations of our descendants.
29 For we have heard of your wisdom and skill, and it is reported in all the land that you are the best in the whole kingdom, the most informed and the most astounding in military strategy.
30 And Judith said to them, “Listen to me. I am about to do something that will go down through all generations of our descendants.
31 And when Judith came in and sat down, Holofernes’ heart was ravished with her and his passion was aroused, for he had been waiting for an opportunity to seduce her from the day he first saw her.
32 And Judith said to them, “Listen to me. I am about to do something that will go down through all generations of our descendants.
33 And Judith said to them, “Listen to me. I am about to do something that will go down through all generations of our descendants.
34 And they came to her, and she said to them: “Listen to me, rulers of the people of Bethulia! What you said to the people today is not right, and you have sworn and pronounced this oath between God and you, promising to surrender the city to our enemies unless the Lord turns and helps us within so many days.
35 And let us give thanks to the Lord our God, who tries us, as he did our fathers.
36 And Uzziah said to her, “All that you have said has been spoken with good sense, and there is no one who can gainsay your words.
Wisdom of Solomon 1:1-16: 1 Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth; think of the Lord in goodness, and seek him with sincerity of heart.
2 For he will be found by those who do not test him, and he manifests himself to those who do not disbelieve him.
3 Because strife is the ruin of the wise, and the unwise are led astray by it.
4 For wisdom will not enter the heart of a malicious person, nor dwell in a body enslaved to sin.
5 For the holy spirit of instruction will flee deceit, and will rise up against injustice.
6 For wisdom is a kindly spirit and will not free a blasphemer from the guilt of his words; because God is witness of his inmost feelings and a true observer of his heart and a hearer of his tongue.
7 For the Spirit of the Lord fills the world, and that which holds all things together knows what is said.
8 For she is a spirit that is in love with mankind, and she will not be punished for the sins of the wicked.
9 For in a jealous desire, the wicked destroy their own; and the enemies of the righteous are full of wrath.
10 For the ear of jealousy hears all things, and the noise of murmuring does not go unheard.
11 Therefore do not seek what is ungodly, nor desire to be in company with them;
12 Seek not death in the error of your life, and pull not upon yourselves destruction by the works of your hands.
13 For God did not make death, and he does not delight in the death of the living.
14 For he created all things that they might exist, and the creatures of the world are wholesome, and there is no poison of destruction in them, nor the kingdom of Death upon the earth; for righteousness is immortal.
15 For righteousness is immortal.
16 But the ungodly by their words and deeds summoned death; considering him a friend, they pined away and made a covenant with him, because they are worthy to be of his party.
Sirach 2:1-18: 1 My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord,
prepare yourself for trials.
2 My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord,
prepare yourself for trials.
3 Cleave to him and do not depart,
that you may be honored at the end of your life.
4 What sorrow comes to the one who fears the Lord without reason, and the one who is afraid of Him for no reason at all!
5 For gold is tested in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation.
6 For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, long-suffering, and very pitiful, and forgiveth sins, and saveth in time of affliction.
7 You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and turn not aside, lest you fall.
8 Keep your faith steadfast, and do not be afraid; for God is the one who holds you fast.
9 You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and turn not aside, lest you fall.
10 Look at the generations of old and see: who ever trusted in the Lord and was put to shame?
11 For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, long-suffering, and very pitiful, and forgiveth sins, and saveth in time of affliction.
12 Woe to fearful hearts and to slack hands, and to the sinner who walks a double path!
13 Woe to fearful hearts and to slack hands, and to the sinner who walks a double path!
14 Woe to you, faint of heart! For you have no faith; therefore you will not be protected.
15 Those who fear the Lord will not disobey his words, and those who love him will keep his ways.
16 Those who fear the Lord will seek his approval, and those who love him will be filled with the law.
17 Those who fear the Lord will prepare their hearts
and humble themselves before him.
18 For the Lord is the one who repays, and he will repay you sevenfold.
Baruch 3:1-38: 1 O Lord Almighty, God of Israel, the soul in anguish and the wearied spirit cry out to you.
2 Hear and give ear, O Israel, for the Lord has spoken.
3 Give ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Baruch, which he has read aloud in your presence.
4 O Lord Almighty, you have created the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.
5 Thus says the Lord God when he created the heavens and stretched them out,
6 You have been patient with us and have multiplied our sins and iniquities,
7 And he found the whole way to knowledge
and gave her to Jacob his servant
and to Israel whom he loved.
8 Behold, we are still today in our captivity where you have scattered us, for a reproach and a curse, and to be subject to punishments according to all the iniquities of our fathers who departed from the Lord our God.
9 Hear the commandments of life, O Israel; give ear, and learn wisdom!
10 How great is the house of God, how vast the territory he rules!
11 For he is the Lord our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
12 You have forsaken the fountain of wisdom.
13 For if you had walked in the way of God, you would be dwelling in peace forever.
14 Learn where there is wisdom,
where there is strength,
where there is understanding,
that you may at the same time discern
where there is length of days, and life,
where there is light for the eyes, and peace.
15 Who has gone up into heaven and taken her and brought her down from the clouds?
16 “You have shown signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and to this day in Israel and among all mankind, and have made a name for yourself, as at this day.”
17 who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand
and marked off the heavens with a span,
enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure
and weighed the mountains in scales
and the hills in a balance?
18 For the Lord is just; he himself is the one who brought me to trial.
19 Nothing can be hidden from you.
20 All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
and he does according to his will among the host of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth;
and none can stay his hand
or say to him, “What have you done?”
21 Yet the host of heaven cannot be numbered, and the sands of the sea cannot be measured; so I will multiply the offspring of David my servant, and the Levitical priests who minister to me.”
22 “The stars shone in their watches and were glad; he called them, and they said, ‘Here we are!’ And he shone with gladness for them forever.”
23 And I prayed to the Lord, my God, and made confession, saying, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments,
24 O Israel, how great is the house of God, how vast the territory that he possesses!
25 You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.”
26 There were the giants famous from the beginning, that were of so great stature and so expert in war.
27 Though our iniquities testify against us,
act, O Lord, for your name’s sake;
for our backslidings are many;
we have sinned against you.
28 The sun and the stars to look upon and be governed by them.
29 Who has gone up into heaven and taken her
and brought her down from the clouds?
30 The Almighty will give them to the sword and to pestilence, and they shall be a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, a terror, a hissing, and a reproach among all the nations where I have driven them,
31 And if you have been chastened by the Lord, how can you then hope for mercy?
32 “But he who knows all things knows her;
he found her by his understanding.
He who prepared the earth for all time
filled it with four-footed creatures;”
33 For he found her in a place of safety, and saw her in the temple of the Lord, and took her as his own.
34 For he is the Lord our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
35 And he found out all the way of knowledge
and gave it to Jacob his servant
and to Israel his beloved.
36 He has found out all the way of knowledge
and has given it to Jacob his servant
and to Israel whom he loves.
37 He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
38 Afterward he showed me the angel of the Lord, and he said to me, “This is the angel of the covenant.”
1 Maccabees 1:1-64: 1 In the one hundred and fifty-third year, in the second month, Alcimus gave orders to tear down the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary. He tore down the work of the prophets.
2 And many of the people of Israel determined to forsake the law and to mingle with the Gentiles and sold themselves to do evil.
3 Then there came out of them a sinful root, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of King Antiochus; he had been a hostage in Rome.
4 And he gathered a very great army and ruled over countries, nations, and princes, and they became tributary to him.
5 And there came out of them a sinful root, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king, who had been a hostage at Rome. He reigned in the one hundred and thirty-seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks.
6 And there were gathered to him a company of renegade Jews, and they defiled the land and forsook the law and raided the city, and they did great harm in Israel.
7 So Alexander reigned twelve years and then died.
8 And they stripped him and took his royal robes, and they dressed him in filthy rags.
9 And after his death they all put crowns on themselves, so did their sons after them many years: and evils were multiplied in the earth.
10 From them came forth a sinful root, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king; he had been a hostage in Rome. He began to reign in the one hundred and thirty-seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks.
11 In those days certain renegades came out from Israel and misled many, saying, “Let us go and make a covenant with the Gentiles around us, for since we separated from them many disasters have come upon us.”
12 But there were many in Israel who stood firm and were resolved in their hearts not to eat unclean food.
13 And they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem, according to the customs of the Gentiles,
14 And they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem, according to the customs of the Gentiles,
15 And they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem, according to the Gentile custom,
16 And they built the city of David with a great and strong wall and with mighty towers, and it became their citadel.
17 And they stored up the food in it, and placed armed men in it to guard it.
18 And the king took tribute from the land and the islands of the sea.
19 And he took the holy vessels with which the kings of Israel used to serve, and he carried off the gold and silver vessels in the temple of the Lord, and he took everything.
20 And after subduing Egypt, Antiochus returned in the one hundred and forty-third year. He went up against Israel and came to Jerusalem with a strong force.
21 And they tore down the altars in their cities, and they burned the incense altars and broke down the idols and cast all the unclean things into the brook Kidron.
22 And the king gave orders to his whole kingdom that all should be one people,
23 And after he had taken the government, he died.
24 And he spoke to them of peace, and they trusted him, but he seized the city when they were careless, and killed many of them, and plundered the city.
25 And they built the city of David with a great and strong wall and with mighty towers, and it became their citadel.
26 And there was great mourning in Israel, in every place where they dwelt,
27 And Israel was brought very low because of the war, and they were in great distress.
28 And the land was quiet for two years, for Simon sought to make a settlement with them.
29 And after two years fully expired, the king sent his chief collector of tribute to the cities of Judah, who came to Jerusalem with a great army.
30 and took the holy vessels of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king’s house, and carried off everything they found to Babylon.
31 And when he had taken the prey he burned down the city of David.
32 And they shed innocent blood around the sanctuary, and defiled the sanctuary.
33 And they took the holy vessels of the house of the Lord with the vessels of the king’s palace, and they broke them into pieces and carried them away to a land of foreign people, to defile them.
34 They put to death the women and children who had been circumcised, and they hung the infants from their mothers’ necks.
35 And many of the people of Israel determined to make a covenant with the Gentiles, for they saw that they were being crushed on every side.
36 And they put to death those who had circumcised them, and they killed the women and their children who had been circumcised.
37 and made them forget the law and changed all their customs.
38 And to the Gentiles they gave the right to gather together and seek refuge in the laws that the king had made.
39 And after Antiochus had carried off eighteen hundred talents from the land of Egypt, he went up to Antioch.
40 They also brought into the temple things that were forbidden, so that the altar was covered with abominable offerings prohibited by the laws.
41 Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people,
42 And everyone who fled from the disasters came to him, and he became a commander of them.
43 He made a strong attack on the city of David with a great army of soldiers and the people were forced to flee.
44 And the king sent letters by messengers to Jerusalem and the cities of Judah; he directed them to follow customs strange to the land, to forbid burnt offerings and sacrifices and drink offerings in the sanctuary, to profane Sabbaths and feasts,
45 And he shall come to the beautiful land. And tens of thousands shall fall, but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonites.
46 And they stored up the food in it, and placed armed men in it to guard it.
47 And they brought in the abomination of desolation to the altar, and desolated the sanctuary.
48 that they should also leave their children uncircumcised, and make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and profanation,
49 And to the women and children they did not give the bodies of the Jews to be devoured, but they kept them for themselves.
50 And to the women and children they did not give the bodies of the Jews to be eaten, but they kept them for themselves.
51 And they burned incense at the doors of the houses and in the streets.
52 And many of the people of Israel determined to make a covenant with the Gentiles, for they saw that they were being crushed on every side.
53 And they drove the women and children into the cattle pens they had prepared for themselves.
54 Now on the fifteenth day of Chislev, in the one hundred and forty-fifth year, they erected a desolating sacrilege on the altar of burnt offering.
55 And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph. What he says to you, do.”
56 And when they had torn down the abomination that he had built on the altar at Moza, they burned the stones with fire and purified the altar and the temple with the oil.
57 And they burned incense at the doors of the houses and in the streets.
58 But many in Israel stood firm and were resolved in their hearts not to eat unclean food.
59 And whoever was found with a copy of the covenantal document, or anyone who adhered to the law, was condemned to death by decree of the king.
60 And women who had circumcised their children were put to death according to the decree,
61 And they tore down the altars in their cities, and burned the incense altars, and broke down the idols, and cast themselves down before the ruins of their own houses.
62 But many in Israel stood firm and were resolved in their hearts not to eat unclean food.
63 And they shed innocent blood around the sanctuary, and defiled the sanctuary.
64 And the women who circumcised their children were put to death, according to the commandment of the king.
2 Maccabees 7:1-42: 1 It happened also that seven brothers and their mother were arrested and were being compelled by the king, under torture with whips and cords, to partake of unlawful swine’s flesh.
2 And when he had been summoned, Eleazar, one of the scribes in the public assembly, was compelled to eat pork.
3 And when he too had died, they maltreated and tortured the fourth in the same way.
4 So he promised with oaths to give her whatever she might ask.
5 After him, they brought forward the fifth. And when he was about to die, he said, “You accursed wretch, you dismiss us from this present life, but the King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life, because we have died for his laws.”
6 And said to them, “You wretches, you are avenging yourselves on us for the sake of the laws of our fathers, but you will not escape the hands of God.
7 And when he was at the last gasp, he said, “You accursed wretch, you dismiss us from this present life, but the King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life, because we have died for his laws.”
8 And so when he too had died, all the children of the seven were brought to the king.
9 And when he was at his last breath, he said, “You accursed wretch, you dismiss us from this present life, but the King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life, because we have died for his laws.”
10 After him, the third was the victim of their sport. When it was demanded, he quickly put out his tongue and courageously stretched forth his hands,
11 And when he was at the last gasp, he said, “You accursed wretch, you dismiss us from this present life, but the King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life, because we have died for his laws.”
12 And when he was at his last breath, he said, “You accursed wretch, you dismiss us from this present life, but the King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life, because we have died for his laws.”
13 And when he too had died, they maltreated and tortured the fourth in the same way.
14 “I am content with God’s will, that he will crush you by the hand of a woman.”
15 And when he was at the last gasp, he said, “You accursed wretch, you dismiss us from this present life, but the King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life, because we have died for his laws.”
16 And thus this man died, leaving his death as an example of nobility and a memorial of courage, not only to the young but to the great body of his nation.
17 But abide a little while, and there shall be shown you, whether thou hast spoken these words out of truth.
18 After him, they brought forward the sixth, and when he was about to die, he said, “Do not deceive yourself in vain. For we are suffering these things on our own account, because of our sins against our own God. Therefore astounding things have happened.
19 But he, with a contempt that came from the nobility of his mind, even when he was being tortured, did not cry out aloud, as the other brother had done.
20 But the mother was especially admirable and worthy of honorable memory.
21 And when he was at the last gasp, he said, “You accursed wretch, you dismiss us from this present life, but the King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life, because we have died for his laws.”
22 I do not know how you came into being in my womb. It was not I who gave you life and breath, nor I who set in order the elements within each of you.
23 I do not know how you came into being in my womb. It was not I who gave you life and breath, nor I who set in order the elements within each of you.
24 And when he was at the last gasp, he said, “You accursed wretch, you dismiss us from this present life, but the King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life, because we have died for his laws.”
25 And when the first brother had died in this way, they brought the second to make him a laughingstock.
26 And when he was at the point of death, he said thus: “You accursed wretch, you dismiss us from this present life, but the King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life, because we have died for his laws.”
27 After he had died, they maltreated and tortured the fourth in the same way.
28 I beseech you, my child, to look at the heaven and the earth and see everything that is in them, and recognize that God did not make them out of things that existed.
29 Do not fear this butcher, but prove worthy of your brothers. Accept death, so that in God’s mercy I may get you back again with your brothers.”
30 After him, the third was the victim of their sport. When it was demanded, he quickly put out his tongue and courageously stretched forth his hands,
31 You accursed wretch, you dismiss us from this present life, but the King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life, because we have died for his laws.”
32 For we are suffering because of our own sins.
33 And if our living Lord is angry for a little while, to rebuke and discipline us, he will again be reconciled with his own servants.
34 But you, by the judgment of God, will receive just punishment for your arrogance.
35 I, like my brothers, give up body and life for the laws of our fathers, appealing to God to show mercy soon to our nation and by afflictions and plagues to make you confess that he alone is God.
36 For our brothers after enduring a brief suffering have drunk of everflowing life under God’s covenant, but you, by the judgment of God, will receive just punishment for your arrogance.
37 I, like my brothers, give up body and life for the laws of our fathers, appealing to God to show mercy soon to our nation and by afflictions and plagues to make you confess that he alone is God.
38 Last of all, after her sons, the mother died.
39 One of the brothers spoke up and said, “What do you hope to achieve by questioning us? We are ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our ancestors.”
40 The mother was especially admirable and worthy of honorable memory.
41 And so they died, leaving their death as an example of nobility and a memorial of courage, not only to the young but to the great body of their nation.
42 I, like my brothers, give up body and life for the laws of our fathers, appealing to God to show mercy soon to our nation and by afflictions and plagues to make you confess that he alone is God.
Additions to Esther 10:4-13: 4 For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.
5 And the king imposed a tax on the land and on the coastlands of the sea.
6 For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.
7 And he wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed it with the king’s signet ring.
8 And he wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed it with the king’s signet ring.
9 And all the acts of his power and might, and the full account of the greatness of Mordecai to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia?
10 And he established the feasts of Purim, which were to be observed in their appointed season.
11 And the decree of Esther confirmed these practices of Purim, and it was recorded in writing.
12 And all the acts of his power and might, and the full account of the high honor of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia?
13 And the rest of the matters of Mordecai, and his might, and the great things that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?
Prayer of Azariah 1:1-68: 1 And they prayed and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? And are you not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.”
2 And they prayed and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? And are you not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.”
3 For thy name’s sake, O Lord, do not give us up utterly, and do not break your covenant, and do not withdraw your mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham, your beloved, and for the sake of Isaac, your servant, and Israel, your holy one.
4 For thy name’s sake, O Lord, do not give us up utterly, and do not break your covenant with us.
5 And said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? And do you rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.”
6 For we have sinned and committed iniquity, departing from thee.
7 For we have not obeyed your commandments, nor have we walked in accordance with your truth.
8 But we, O Lord, are full of shame, and we are in the midst of our sins, and we have no place to turn.
9 And now we cannot open our mouths; we are become a shame and reproach to your servants, and to those who worship you.
10 For we have sinned and committed iniquity, departing from thee.
11 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are been brought low this day in all the world because of our sins.
12 But the Lord is great and merciful, and he will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself.
13 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are been brought low under this day for our sins.
14 For we have not obeyed your commandments, nor have we walked in accordance with your truth.
15 Now, O Lord God of Israel, who art in heaven, and beholdest all things, and hearest all things, and knowest all things, and art the God of the living and the dead, and art the God of the righteous and the wicked, and art the God of the just and the unjust, and art the God of the faithful and the unfaithful, and art the God of the merciful and the unmerciful, and art the God of the wise and the foolish, and art the God of the strong and the weak, and art the God of the rich and the poor, and art the God of the great and the small, and art the God of the mighty and the feeble, and art the God of the young and the old, and art the God of the healthy and the sick, and art the God of the happy and the sad, and art the God of the good and the evil, and art the God of the just and the unjust, and art the God of the faithful and the unfaithful, and art the God of the merciful and the unmerciful, and art the God of the wise and the foolish, and art the God of the strong and the weak, and art the God of the rich and the poor, and art the God of the great and the small, and art the God of the mighty and the feeble, and art the God of the young and the old, and art the God of the healthy and the sick, and art the God of the happy and the sad, and art the God of the good and the evil, and art the God of the just and the unjust, and art the God of the faithful and the unfaithful, and art the God of the merciful and the unmerciful, and art the God of the wise and the foolish, and art the God of the strong and the weak, and art the God of the rich and the poor, and art the God of the great and the small, and art the God of the mighty and the feeble, and art the God of the young and the old, and art the God of the healthy and the sick, and art the God of the happy and the sad, and art the God of the good and the evil, and art the God of the just and the unjust, and art the God of the faithful and the unfaithful, and art the God of the merciful and the unmerciful, and art the God of the wise and the foolish, and art the God of the strong and the weak, and art the God of the rich and the poor, and art the God of the great and the small, and art the God of the mighty and the feeble, and art the God of the young and the old, and art the God of the healthy and the sick, and art the God of the happy and the sad, and art the God of the good and the evil, and art the God of the just and the unjust, and art the God of the faithful and the unfaithful, and art the God of the merciful and the unmerciful, and art the God of the wise and the foolish, and art the God of the strong and the weak, and art the God of the rich and the poor, and art the God of the great and the small, and art the God of the mighty and the feeble, and art the God of the young and the old, and art the God of the healthy and the sick, and art the God of the happy and the sad, and art the God of the good and the evil, and art the God of the just and the unjust, and art the God of the faithful and the unfaithful, and art the God of the merciful and the unmerciful, and art the God of the wise and the foolish, and art the God of the strong and the weak, and art the God of the rich and the poor, and art the God of the great and the small, and art the God of the mighty and the feeble, and art the God of the young and the old, and art the God of the healthy and the sick, and art the God of the happy and the sad, and art the God of the good and the evil, and art the God of the just and the unjust, and art the God of the faithful and the unfaithful, and art the God of the merciful and the unmerciful, and art the God of the wise and the foolish, and art the God of the strong and the weak, and art the God of the rich and the poor, and art the God of the great and the small, and art the God of the mighty and the feeble, and art the God of the young and the old, and art the God of the healthy and the sick, and art the God of the happy and the sad, and art the God of the good and the evil, and art the God of the just and the unjust, and art the God of the faithful and the unfaithful, and art the God of the merciful and the unmerciful, and art the God of the wise and the foolish, and art the God of the strong and the weak, and art the God of the rich and the poor, and art the God of the great and the small, and art the God of the mighty and the feeble, and art the God of the young and the old, and art the God of the healthy and the sick, and art the God of the happy and the sad, and art the God of the good and the evil, and art the God of the just and the unjust, and art the God of the faithful and the unfaithful, and art the God of the merciful and the unmerciful, and art the God of the wise and the foolish, and art the God of the strong and the weak, and art the God of the rich and the poor, and art the God of the great and the small, and art the God of the mighty and the feeble, and art the God of the young and the old, and art the God of the healthy and the sick, and art the God of the happy and the sad, and art the God of the good and the evil, and art the God of the just and the unjust, and art the God of the faithful and the unfaithful, and art the God of the merciful and the unmerciful, and art the God of the wise and the foolish, and art the God of the strong and the weak, and art the God of the rich and the poor, and art the God of the great and the small, and art the God of the mighty and the feeble, and art the God of the young and the old, and art the God of the healthy and the sick, and art the God of the happy and the sad, and art the God of the good and the evil, and art the God of the just and the unjust, and art the God of the faithful and the unfaithful, and art the God of the merciful and the unmerciful, and art the God of the wise and the foolish, and art the God of the strong and the weak, and art the God of the rich and the poor, and art the God of the great and the small, and art the God of the mighty and the feeble, and art the God of the young and the old, and art the God of the healthy and the sick, and art the God of the happy and the sad, and art the God of the good and the evil, and art the God of the just and the unjust, and art the God of the faithful and the unfaithful, and art the God of the merciful and the unmerciful, and art the God of the wise and the foolish, and art the God of the strong and the weak, and art the God of the rich and the poor, and art the God of the great and the small, and art the God of the mighty and the feeble, and art the God of the young and the old, and art the God of the healthy and the sick, and art the God of the happy and the sad, and art the God of the good and the evil, and art the God of the just and the unjust, and art the God of the faithful and the unfaithful, and art the God of the merciful and the unmerciful, and art the God of the wise and the foolish, and art the God of the strong and the weak, and art the God of the rich and the poor, and art the God of the great and the small, and art the God of the mighty and the feeble, and art the God of the young and the old, and art the God of the healthy and the sick, and art the God of the happy and the sad, and art the God of the good and the evil, and art the God of the just and the unjust, and art the God of the faithful and the unfaithful, and art the God of the merciful and the unmerciful, and art the God of the wise and the foolish, and art the God of the strong and the weak, and art the God of the rich and the poor, and art the God of the great and the small, and art the God of the mighty and the feeble, and art the God of the young and the old, and art the God of the healthy and the sick, and art the God of the happy and the sad, and art the God of the good and the evil, and art the God of the just and the unjust, and art the
16 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are been brought low under this day for our sins.
17 For thy name’s sake, O Lord, do not deliver us up forever, and do not annul thy covenant.
18 But the king’s servants who were in charge of the furnace brought up the fire, and they were consumed by the flame.
19 And they prayed and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? And do you rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.”
20 But give me wisdom, O Lord, and send her out of your holy heavens, and from the throne of your glory send what is true, that I may know how to serve you before the great and wonderful people.
21 For we have not obeyed your commandments, nor have we walked in accordance with your truth.
22 For we have not obeyed your commandments, nor have we walked in accordance with your truth.
23 For thy name’s sake, O Lord, do not give us up utterly, and do not break your covenant, and do not withdraw your mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham, your beloved, and for the sake of Isaac, your servant, and Israel, your holy one.
24 For we have not obeyed your commandments, nor have we walked in accordance with your truth.
25 And they prayed and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? And do you rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.”
26 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are been brought low this day in all the world because of our sins.
27 For thy name’s sake, O Lord, do not give us up utterly, and do not break your covenant.
28 For we have not obeyed your commandments, nor have we walked in accordance with your truth.
29 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are brought under this day in all the world, because of our sins.
30 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are been brought low this day in all the world because of our sins.
31 For thy name’s sake, O Lord, do not give us up utterly, and do not break your covenant.
32 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are brought low under this day in all the world because of our sins.
33 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are brought under this day in all the world, because of our sins.
34 For thy name’s sake, do not give us up utterly, and do not break your covenant.
35 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are brought under this day in all the world, because of our sins.
36 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are been brought low this day in all the world because of our sins.
37 For thou art righteous in all the things that thou hast done to us, and all thy works are true, and thy ways are right, and all thy judgments are truth.
38 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are brought under this day in all the world, because of our sins.
39 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are been brought low this day in all the world because of our sins.
40 For thy name’s sake, O Lord, do not deliver us up utterly, neither forget thy covenant with thy beloved.
41 And do not forsake us, O Lord, but deal with us according to your kindness and great mercy.
42 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are been brought low this day in all the world because of our sins.
43 For thy name’s sake, do not give us up utterly, and do not break your covenant.
44 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are brought low under this day for our sins.
45 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are been brought low this day in all the world because of our sins.
46 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are been brought low this day in all the world because of our sins.
47 And now, O Lord, we follow thee with all our heart, and we fear thee, and seek thy face.
48 And now, O Lord, we follow thee with all our heart, and we fear thee, and seek thy face.
49 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are brought under this day in all the world, because of our sins.
50 And now, O Lord, we cannot open our mouths; shame and reproach have fallen on your servants.
51 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are brought low under this day for our sins.
52 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are brought under this day in all the world, because of our sins.
53 For thy name’s sake, O Lord, do not give us up utterly, and do not break your covenant.
54 For you are righteous in all the works that you have done, and all your ways are right, and all your judgments are true.
55 For thou art righteous in all the things that thou hast done to us, and all thy works are true, and thy ways right, and all thy judgments truth.
56 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are been brought low this day in all the world because of our sins.
57 For you are righteous in all the works that you have done, and all your ways are true, and all your judgments are right.
58 For thy name’s sake, O Lord, do not give us up utterly, and do not break thy covenant.
59 For thy name’s sake, O Lord, do not give us up utterly, and do not break thy covenant.
60 For you are righteous in all the works that you have done to us, and all your ways are true, and all your judgments are right.
61 For you are righteous in all the works that you have done to us, and all your ways are right, and all your judgments are true.
62 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are brought under this day in all the world, because of our sins.
63 For thy name’s sake, O Lord, do not give us up utterly, and do not break thy covenant.
64 For thy name’s sake, O Lord, do not give us up utterly, and do not break thy covenant.
65 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are brought under this day into all the world for our sins.
66 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are brought under this day into all the world for our sins.
67 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and are brought under this day in all the world, because of our sins.
68 For you are righteous in all the works that you have done, and all your ways are right, and all your judgments are true.
Susanna 1:1-64: 1 There was a man in Babylon, whose name was Joakim; and he took a wife whose name was Susanna, the daughter of Hilkiah, a very beautiful woman and one who feared the Lord.
1 There was a man living in Babylon whose name was Joakim, and he took a wife whose name was Susanna, the daughter of Hilkiah, a very beautiful woman and one who feared the Lord.
3 And the two elders saw her going in every day and walking about, and they were inflamed with lust for her.
1 In the days of the judges there was a man living in Babylon, whose name was Joakim;
1 And the elders said, “We will not be put to shame.”
6 And the two elders saw her going in every day and walking about, and they were inflamed with passion for her.
7 And the two elders saw her going in every day and walking about, and they were inflamed with passion for her.
8 And she said, “I am a daughter of the Hebrews; and I am in great distress, for I am being threatened by the elders of my people.”
9 And the elders said to her, “If you do not tell us, we will testify against you that a young man was with you, and that you sent away your maids from you.”
10 And the two elders saw her going in every day and walking about, and they were inflamed with passion for her.
11 And the two elders saw her going in every day and walking about, and they were inflamed with passion for her.
12 And when the people departed away at noon, Susanna went in to her husband’s garden to walk.
13 And the two elders saw her going in every day and walking about, and they were inflamed with lust for her.
14 For she was in great distress, for her soul was tormented, and the desire of her heart was to be free from the wickedness of the elders.
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16 But the two elders saw her every day, and they urged her, saying, “Give your consent to us and lie with us.”
17 And the two elders saw her going in every day and walking about, and they were inflamed with lust for her.
18 But Daniel said, “I will judge between you. Both of you have spoken falsehoods in your heart.”
19 And the two elders saw her going in every day and walking about, and they were inflamed with passion for her.
20 And the elders said, “We are alone; for the place is shut, and no one sees us, and we are in love with you.”
21 And the elders said, “We have seen her lying with a young man, and the man is with her in the house.”
22 And the elders said, “We are alone; for the place is shut, and no one sees us, and we are in love with you.”
23 And the elders said, “We saw her lying with a man, and we were with her in the garden, and we saw her with him.”
24 And the elders said, “We have seen her lying with a young man, and the man is not her husband; therefore, let us bring her to death.”
25 And the elders said, “Stand aside from the garden, and let us go in and speak with her.”
26 Then the elders said, “Stand aside from the garden, and let us go in and see her.”
27 And the elders said, “We have seen her lying with a young man, and the man is with her in the house.”
28 Then the two elders stood up in the midst of the people and laid their hands on her head. And she, weeping, looked up toward heaven, for her heart trusted in the Lord.
29 And the elders said to her, “If you do not tell us, we will testify against you that a young man was with you, and this was your response to us.”
30 And Daniel said, “Very well; you have lied against your own head. For the angel of God has received the sentence from God, and will cut you in two.”
31 And the elders said, “We will testify against her, for we have seen her with our own eyes.”
32 And the elders said, “We are alone; for the people are not here, and we are not afraid of the people.”
33 And the elders said, “We are alone; for the door is shut, and no one can see us.”
34 And the elders said, “We will testify against her, for she has sent for a young man and has been with him.”
35 Then Susanna sighed deeply and said, “O that I had never been born!”
36 And Daniel said, “Very well; you have lied against your own head. For the angel of God has received the sentence from God, and will cut you in two.”
37 Then Susanna sighed deeply and said, “O eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things before they come to be.”
38 And Daniel said, “Very well; I will judge you both.” Then he said to them, “Bring me a tile, and let me write down the sentence against you.”
39 But Susanna sighed and said, “I am hemmed in on every side; for if I do this, it is death for me, and if I do not, I cannot escape your hands.
40 And the elders said, “We are not able to do this, for we are afraid of the people, lest they should stone us.”
41 And the two elders stood up in the midst of the people and laid their hands on her head. And she, weeping, looked up toward heaven, for her heart trusted in the Lord.
42 And Susanna said, “O eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things before they come to be.”
43 And the elders said, “We will not be put to shame; for we will not be put to shame.”
44 And the elders said, “We will bring you to death, for you have spoken falsehood against the people.”
45 And he said, “I am a son of the great God, and I will not be ashamed of my faith.”
46 And all the people turned against her. Then she cried out with a loud voice and said, “O eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things before they come to be.
47 And the Lord heard her voice.
48 And the Lord heard her voice.
49 And the Lord heard her voice.
50 And Daniel said, “Very well; I will judge you both.”
51 And he said, “I am a son of the Hebrews, and I am a servant of the Lord; I have come to you to tell you the truth.”
52 And Daniel said, “Very well; you have lied against your own head. For the angel of God has received the sentence from God, and will cut you in two.”
53 And the Lord heard her voice.
54 And the Lord heard her voice.
55 And when the people turned against her, she cried out with a loud voice, and said, “O eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things before they come to be.”
56 And Daniel said, “Very well; I will judge between you. But first, tell me, under what tree did you see them?”
57 Then the elders said, “Stand, and let us send for her.”
58 And the Lord heard her voice.
59 And the elders said, “We have seen her lying with a young man, and the man is with her in the house.”
60 And Daniel said, “Very well; I will judge between you.”
61 And Daniel said, “Very well; you have lied against your own head. For the angel of God has received the sentence from God, and will cut you in two.”
62 And Daniel said, “Very well; let us see whose words will prove true, yours or hers.
63 And the elders said, “We are witnesses of this.”
64 And the elders said, “We will testify against her, for we have seen her with our own eyes.”
Bel and the Dragon 1:1-42: 1 In Babylon there lived a man named Joakim, who was a high official of the king.
1 And the king said, “Let Daniel, who is of the exiles of Judah, be brought, and let him eat the food from my table.”
1 In that same place there was a great dragon, which they of Babylon worshipped.
1 And the king said, “Let Daniel, who is of the exiles of Judah, be brought, and let him eat the food from my table.”
5 And the king said, “What you will see is the food that is set before Bel. You will see that he eats it every day.”
6 And the king said, “What you say is true; I will give you the power to do this.”
7 And the king said, “What you say is true; I will give you the power to do this.”
1 And the king said, “Let Daniel, who is in Babylon, be brought, and let him eat the food that I have prepared for him.”
9 And the king said, “Let Daniel, who is in Babylon, be brought, and let him eat the food that I have prepared for him.”
10 And the king said, “What you say is true; I will give you the power to do this.”
11 So the king said to Daniel, “You cannot say that; for you are a Jew, and you are not allowed to speak against the gods of the Babylonians.”
12 And they said, “Look, we will put you to the test. We will put a great amount of food before you, and you will see if you can eat it.”
13 And the king said, “What you say is true; I will give you the power to do this.”
14 So the king said, “I will give you a chance to prove your claim, and I will set before you a great feast. If you can show me that you are able to eat and drink, then I will believe you.”
15 And the king said, “You cannot say that.”
16 And the king said, “You cannot say that.”
17 And the king said, “You cannot say that.”
18 And the king said, “You cannot say that.”
19 And the king said, “You cannot say that.”
20 And Daniel said, “Let it be known, O king, that I am not guilty of the sin of worshiping the idol.”
21 And the king said, “You cannot say that.”
22 And the king said, “You cannot say that.”
23 And the king said, “You cannot say that.”
24 And the king said, “What you say is true; I see that you have been deceived.”
25 And the king said, “You have spoken the truth; it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute that the king establishes can be changed.”
26 Then Daniel said, “I will show you that I am not lying against you.”
27 And the king said, “You are right; you have spoken the truth.”
28 And the king said, “You are not telling the truth about this; you are lying to me.”
29 And the king said, “You cannot say that.”
30 And the king said, “You are not telling the truth; you are lying to me. You have not been able to prove that the god Bel is a living god.”
31 Then Daniel said, “I will show you that I am not lying against you.”
32 And the king said, “You are not telling the truth about this; you are deceiving me.”
33 And the king said, “You have spoken the truth; you are not far from the truth.”
34 Then Daniel said, “Let it be known, O king, that I am not guilty of the sin of worshiping the idol.”
35 Then Daniel said, “I will show you that you are wrong about the gods you serve. For I will not worship the gods of gold and silver, nor the gods of wood and stone, nor the gods of any other kind.”
36 Then the king said, “You cannot say that.”
37 And the king said, “What you have spoken is true; you have been found worthy to be a prophet.”
38 Then Daniel said, “I will show you that you are wrong about the gods you serve. For I will not worship them.”
39 And the king said, “You are not telling the truth; you are lying to me.”
40 And the king said, “You are not telling the truth; you are lying against the Lord.”
41 And the king said, “You are not telling the truth; you are lying against the gods.”
42 And the king said, “You have spoken the truth; it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statue that the king establishes can be changed.”
Prayer of Manasseh 1:1-15: 1 O Lord, Almighty God of our fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of their righteous offspring,
2 I acknowledge, O Lord, and I give thanks to you; for you are the God of my fathers, and I will give you praise.
3 For I have sinned above the number of the sands of the sea. My transgressions, O Lord, are multiplied; my transgressions are multiplied, and I am not worthy to look up and see the height of heaven.
4 I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, and I know my wickedness only too well.
5 For I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, and I acknowledge my sin before you.
6 I am bent over with the burden of my sins, and I am ashamed of my iniquities.
7 For you are the God of those who repent, and in me you will show your goodness.
8 Now, therefore, I bend the knee of my heart, imploring you for your kindness.
9 For I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, and I acknowledge my sin before you.
10 For I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, and I acknowledge my sin before you.
11 I will give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart, and I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
12 For you, O Lord, are the God of the just, and you will not despise a heart that is broken and a contrite spirit.
13 For you, O Lord, are the God of those who repent, and in me you will show your goodness.
14 For you, O Lord, are the God of the just, and you are the God of those who repent; and in me you will show your goodness.
15 For you, O Lord, are the God of the just, and you will not despise a heart that is broken and a contrite spirit.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.