FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS, JEWISH ANTIQUITIES<br>Book 11

From the end of the Exile to the death of Alexander of Macedon

Chapter 1 Cyrus releases the Jews from Babylon; gives money to rebuild their Temple
Chapter 2 After Cyrus the rebuilding of the Temple is blocked by Cambyses and others
Chapter 3 Under Darius the Persian, Zorobabel is allowed rebuild the Temple
Chapter 4 Cutheans (Samaritans) oppose rebuilding the Temple; seeds of future enmity
Chapter 5 Goodwill of Xerxes toward the Jews; Ezra and Nehemias go on rebuilding
Chapter 6 Esther and Mardochai avert the schemes of Haman in the days of Artaxerxes
Chapter 7 Rivalry about the high-priesthood. Evil of Bagoses, Artaxerxes' general
Chapter 8 Samaritan Temple, on Garizim. Alexander favours the Jews. His successors

Chapter 1
[001-018]
Cyrus of Persia releases the Jews from Babylon.
He gives them money to rebuild their Temple

☞

¹ Τῷ δὲ πρώτῳ τῆς ΚύρουCyrus βασιλείας ἔτει , τοῦτο δ᾽ ἦν ἑβδομηκοστὸν ἀφ᾽ ἧς ἡμέρας μεταναστῆναι τὸν λαὸν ἡμῶν ἐκ τῆς οἰκείας εἰς ΒαβυλῶναBabylon συνέπεσεν , ἠλέησεν ὁ θεὸς τὴν‎ αἰχμαλωσίαν καὶ τὴν‎ συμφορὰν ἐκείνων τῶν ταλαιπώρων , καὶ καθὼς προεῖπεν αὐτοῖς διὰ Ἱερεμίου τοῦ προφήτου πρὶν ἢ κατασκαφῆναι τὴν‎ πόλιν ,
¹ In the first year of the reign of Cyrus which was the seventieth from the day that our people were removed out of their own land into Babylon, God commiserated the captivity and calamity of these poor people, according as he had foretold to them by Jeremiah the prophet, before the destruction of the city,	¹ In the first year of the reign of Cyrus, which was the seventieth from the day when our people were removed from their own land into Babylon, God took pity on the captivity and plight of these unfortunates, as he had promised them by the prophet Jeremias before the destruction of the city,
¹ Barach

² ὡς μετὰ τὸ δουλεῦσαι Ναβουχοδονοσόρῳ καὶ τοῖς ἐκγόνοις αὐτοῦ‎ καὶ ταύτην ὑπομεῖναι τὴν‎ δουλείαν ἐπὶ ἔτη ἑβδομήκοντα πάλιν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν‎ πάτριον ἀποκαταστήσει γῆν καὶ τὸν ναὸν οἰκοδομήσουσι καὶ τῆς ἀρχαίας ἀπολαύσουσιν εὐδαιμονίας , ταῦτ᾽ αὐτοῖς παρέσχεν .
² that after they had served Nebuchadnezzar and his posterity, and after they had undergone that servitude seventy years, he would restore them again to the land of their fathers, and they should build their temple, and enjoy their ancient prosperity. And these things God did afford them;	² that after being slaves to Nabuchodonosor and his descendants, when they had born that slavery for seventy years he would restore them to the land of their fathers and they would build their temple and enjoy their former prosperity; and these things God did give them.
² Barach

³ παρορμήσας γὰρ τὴν‎ ΚύρουCyrus ψυχὴν ἐποίησεν αὐτὸν γράψαι κατὰ πᾶσαν τὴν‎ ἈσίανAsian , ὅτι ΚῦροςCyrus ὁ βασιλεὺς λέγει · " ἐπεί με ὁ θεὸς ὁ μέγιστος τῆς οἰκουμένης ἀπέδειξε βασιλέα , πείθομαι τοῦτον εἶναι , ὃν τὸ τῶν ἸσραηλιτῶνIsrael, Israelites ἔθνος προσκυνεῖ .
³ for he stirred up the mind of Cyrus, and made him write this throughout all Asia: “Thus saith Cyrus the king: Since God Almighty hath appointed me to be king of the habitable earth, I believe that he is that God which the nation of the Israelites worship;	³ He stirred up the mind of Cyrus and caused him to write this to all of Asia : "King Cyrus decrees : Since God Almighty has appointed me as king of the world, I believe that he is the God which the nation of the Israelites worship,
³ Barach

⁴ καὶ γὰρ τοὐμὸν προεῖπεν ὄνομα διὰ τῶν προφητῶν , καὶ ὅτι τὸν ναὸν αὐτοῦ‎ οἰκοδομήσω ἐν ἹεροσολύμοιςJerusalem ἐν τῇ ἸουδαίᾳJudea χώρᾳ ."
⁴ for indeed he foretold my name by the prophets, and that I should build him a house at Jerusalem, in the country of Judea.”	⁴ for he foretold about me through the prophets and that I would build him a house in Jerusalem, in the district of Judea."
⁴ Barach

⁵ Ταῦτα δ᾽ ἔγνω ΚῦροςCyrus ἀναγινώσκων τὸ βιβλίον , ὃ τῆς αὐτοῦ‎ προφητείας ὁ ἩσαίαςIsaias κατέλιπεν πρὸ ἐτῶν διακοσίων καὶ δέκα · οὗτος γὰρ ἐν ἀπορρήτῳforbidden εἶπε ταῦτα λέγειν τὸν θεόνGod , ὅτι βούλομαι Κῦρον ἐγὼ πολλῶν ἐθνῶν καὶ μεγάλων ἀποδείξας βασιλέα πέμψαι μου τὸν λαὸν εἰς τὴν‎ ἰδίαν γῆν καὶ οἰκοδομῆσαί μου τὸν ναόν .
⁵ This was known to Cyrus by his reading the book which Isaiah left behind him of his prophecies; for this prophet said that God had spoken thus to him in a secret vision: “My will is, that Cyrus, whom I have appointed to be king over many and great nations, send back my people to their own land, and build my temple.”	⁵ Cyrus knew about these things from reading the book of prophecies left behind by Isaias, two hundred and ten years earlier. He had said how God had told him in a secret vision : "I will that Cyrus, whom I have appointed as king over many great nations, shall send back my people to their own land and build my temple."
⁵ Barach

⁶ ταῦτα ἩσαίαςIsaias προεφήτευσεν ἔμπροσθεν ἢ κατασκαφῆναι τὸν ναὸν ἔτεσιν ἑκατὸν καὶ τεσσαράκοντα . ταῦτ᾽ οὖν ἀναγνόντα τὸν Κῦρον καὶ θαυμάσαντα τὸ θεῖον ὁρμή τις ἔλαβεν καὶ φιλοτιμία ποιῆσαι τὰ γεγραμμένα , καὶ καλέσας τοὺς ἐπιφανεστάτους τῶν ἐν ΒαβυλῶνιBabylon ἸουδαίωνJews συγχωρεῖν αὐτοῖς ἔφη βαδίζειν εἰς τὴν‎ αὐτῶν πατρίδα καὶ ἀναστῆσαί τε τὴν‎ πόλιν ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem καὶ τὸν τοῦ θεοῦ ναόν ·
⁶ This was foretold by Isaiah one hundred and forty years before the temple was demolished. Accordingly, when Cyrus read this, and admired the divine power, an earnest desire and ambition seized upon him to fulfill what was so written; so he called for the most eminent Jews that were in Babylon, and said to them, that he gave them leave to go back to their own country, and to rebuild their city Jerusalem, and the temple of God,	⁶ This was foretold by Isaias one hundred and forty years before the temple was demolished. When Cyrus read this and admired its divine message, an impulse and ambition gripped him to fulfill what was written, so he called for the most distinguished Jews in Babylon and told them that he allowed them to return to their own country and rebuild their city of Jerusalem, and the temple of God.
⁶ Barach

⁷ ἔσεσθαι γὰρ αὐτοῖς καὶ τοῦτον σύμμαχον αὐτόν τε γράψειν τοῖς γειτονεύουσιν ἐκείνῃ τῇ χώρᾳ τῶν ἰδίων ἡγεμόνων καὶ σατραπῶν , ἵνα συμβάλωνται χρυσὸν αὐτοῖς καὶ ἄργυρον εἰς τὴν‎ οἰκοδομίαν τοῦ ναοῦ καὶ πρὸς τούτοις θρέμματα πρὸς τὰς θυσίας .
⁷ for that he would be their assistant, and that he would write to the rulers and governors that were in the neighborhood of their country of Judea, that they should contribute to them gold and silver for the building of the temple, and besides that, beasts for their sacrifices.	⁷ He himself would assist them by writing to the governors and satraps in the neighbourhood of their region, to provide them with gold and silver for the building of the temple, and with beasts for their sacrifices.
⁷ Barach

⁸ Ταῦτα ΚύρουCyrus καταγγείλαντος τοῖς ἸσραηλίταιςIsraelite ἐξώρμησαν οἱ τῶν δύο φυλῶν ἄρχοντες τῆς ἸούδαJudas καὶ ΒενιαμίτιδοςBenjamin οἵ τε ΛευῖταιLevites καὶ οἱ ἱερεῖς εἰς τὰ ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem . πολλοὶ γὰρ κατέμειναν ἐν τῇ ΒαβυλῶνιBabylon τὰ κτήματα καταλιπεῖν οὐ θέλοντες .
⁸ When Cyrus had said this to the Israelites, the rulers of the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin, with the Levites and priests, went in haste to Jerusalem; yet did many of them stay at Babylon, as not willing to leave their possessions;	⁸ When Cyrus announced this to the Israelites, the officers of the two tribes of Judas and Benjamin hurried to Jerusalem with the Levites and priests, but many stayed behind in Babylon, unwilling to leave their possessions.
⁸ Barach

⁹ καὶ παραγενομένοις αὐτοῖς οἱ τοῦ βασιλέως φίλοι πάντες ἐβοήθουν καὶ συνεισέφερον εἰς τὴν‎ τοῦ ναοῦ κατασκευὴν οἱ μὲν χρυσὸν οἱ δ᾽ ἄργυρον οἱ δὲ βοσκημάτων πλῆθος σὺν ἵπποις . Καὶ τάς τε εὐχὰς ἀπεδίδοσαν τῷ θεῷ καὶ τὰς νομιζομένας κατὰ τὸ παλαιὸν θυσίας ἐπετέλουν , ὥσπερ ἀνακτιζομένης αὐτοῖς τῆς πόλεως καὶ ἀναβιούσης τῆς ἀρχαίας περὶ τὴν‎ θρησκείαν συνηθείας .
⁹ and when they were come thither, all the king’s friends assisted them, and brought in, for the building of the temple, some gold, and some silver, and some a great many cattle and horses. So they performed their vows to God, and offered the sacrifices that had been accustomed of old time; I mean this upon the rebuilding of their city, and the revival of the ancient practices relating to their worship.	⁹ When they arrived, all the king's friends helped them and some brought in gold and others silver, for the building of the temple, and some brought many livestock and horses. So they fulfilled their vows to God and offered the sacrifices that were customary in former times, when they rebuilt their city and revived the ancient practices regarding their worship.
⁹ Barach

¹⁰ ἀπέπεμψε δ᾽ αὐτοῖς ΚῦροςCyrus καὶ τὰ σκεύη τοῦ θεοῦ , ἃ συλήσας τὸν ναὸν ὁ βασιλεὺς ΝαβουχοδονόσοροςNabuchodonosor εἰς τὴν‎ ΒαβυλῶναBabylon ἐκόμισεν .
¹⁰ Cyrus also sent back to them the vessels of God which king Nebuchadnezzar had pillaged out of the temple, and had carried to Babylon.	¹⁰ Cyrus also sent back to them the vessels of God that king Nabuchodonosor had pillaged from the temple and brought to Babylon.
¹⁰ Barach

¹¹ παρέδωκεν δὲ ταῦτα φέρειν ΜιθριδάτῃMithridates τῷ γαζοφύλακι αὐτοῦ‎ προστάξας δοῦναι αὐτὰ Ἀβεσσάρῳ , ὅπως φυλάττῃ μέχρι τῆς οἰκοδομίας τοῦ ναοῦ , τελεσθέντος δὲ αὐτοῦ‎ παραδῷ τοῖς ἱερεῦσιν καὶ ἄρχουσιν τοῦ πλήθους εἰς τὸν ναὸν ἀποθησομένοις .
¹¹ So he committed these things to Mithridates, the treasurer, to be sent away, with an order to give them to Sanabassar, that he might keep them till the temple was built; and when it was finished, he might deliver them to the priests and rulers of the multitude, in order to their being restored to the temple.	¹¹ He gave these to Mithridates his treasurer, to send them to Sanabassar, to be guarded until the temple was built, and when it was finished, he should hand them over to the priests and officers of the people, for restoration to the temple.
¹¹ Barach

¹² πέμπει δὲ καὶ ἐπιστολὴν πρὸς τοὺς ἐν ΣυρίᾳSyria σατράπας ΚῦροςCyrus τάδε λέγουσαν · " βασιλεὺς ΚῦροςCyrus Σισίνῃ καὶ Σαραβασάνῃ χαίρειν . ἸουδαίωνJews τῶν ἐν τῇ ἐμῇ χώρᾳ κατοικούντων ἐπέτρεψα τοῖς βουλομένοις εἰς τὴν‎ ἰδίαν ἀπελθοῦσι πατρίδα τήν τε πόλιν ἀνακτίζειν καὶ τὸν ναὸν οἰκοδομῆσαι τὸν ἐν ἹεροσολύμοιςJerusalem τοῦ θεοῦ ἐπὶ τοῦ αὐτοῦ‎ τόπου , ἐφ᾽ οὗ καὶ πρότερον .
¹² Cyrus also sent an epistle to the governors that were in Syria, the contents whereof here follow: “King Cyrus To Sisinnes And Sathrabuzanes Sendeth Greeting. “I have given leave to as many of the Jews that dwell in my country as please to return to their own country, and to rebuild their city, and to build the temple of God at Jerusalem on the same place where it was before.	¹² Cyrus also sent a letter to the officers in Syria, saying, "King Cyrus to Sisinnes and Sathrabuzanes, greetings! I have allowed any of the Jews living in my country who may so wish, to return to their own country and rebuild their city and build the temple of God in Jerusalem on the same place as before.
¹² Barach

¹³ κατέπεμψα δέ μου καὶ τὸν γαζοφύλακα ΜιθριδάτηνMithridates καὶ Ζοροβάβηλον τὸν ἄρχοντα τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews , ἵνα θεμελίους βάλωνται τοῦ ναοῦ καὶ οἰκοδομήσωσιν αὐτὸν ὕψος μὲν ἑξήκοντα πηχῶν τῶν δ᾽ αὐτῶν καὶ τὸ εὖρος , λίθου μὲν ξεστοῦ τρεῖς ποιησάμενοι δόμους καὶ ἕνα ξύλινον ἐγχώριον , ὁμοίως δὲ καὶ θυσιαστήριον , ἐφ᾽ οὗ θύσουσιν τῷ θεῷ .
¹³ I have also sent my treasurer Mithridates, and Zorobabel, the governor of the Jews, that they may lay the foundations of the temple, and may build it sixty cubits high, and of the same latitude, making three edifices of polished stones, and one of the wood of the country, and the same order extends to the altar whereon they offer sacrifices to God.	¹³ I have also sent my treasurer Mithridates and Zorobabel, the ruler of the Jews, to lay the foundations of the temple and build it sixty feet in height and width, making three structures of polished stones and one of local wood; the same applies to the altar on which they sacrifice to God.
¹³ Barach

¹⁴ τὴν‎ δὲ εἰς ταῦτα δαπάνην ἐκ τῶν ἐμαυτοῦ γενέσθαι βούλομαι . Καὶ τὰ σκεύη δέ , ἃ ἐσύλησεν ἐκ τοῦ ναοῦ ΝαβουχοδονόσοροςNabuchodonosor ὁ βασιλεύς , ἔπεμψα παραδοὺς ΜιθριδάτῃMithridates τῷ γαζοφύλακι καὶ ΖοροβαβήλῳZorobabel τῷ ἄρχοντι τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews , ἵνα διακομίσωσιν εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem καὶ ἀποκαταστήσωσιν εἰς τὸν ναὸν τοῦ θεοῦ .
¹⁴ I require also that the expenses for these things may be given out of my revenues. Moreover, I have also sent the vessels which king Nebuchadnezzar pillaged out of the temple, and have given them to Mithridates the treasurer, and to Zorobabel the governor of the Jews, that they may have them carried to Jerusalem, and may restore them to the temple of God.	¹⁴ I want the expenses for these things to be paid from my revenues. I have also sent the vessels stolen from the temple by king Nabuchodonosor, entrusting them to Mithridates the treasurer and Zorobabel the ruler of the Jews, to have them brought to Jerusalem and restored to the temple of God.
¹⁴ Barach

¹⁵ ὁ δ᾽ ἀριθμὸς αὐτῶν ἐστιν τοσοῦτος · ψυκτῆρες χρύσεοι πεντήκοντα , ἀργύρεοι τετρακόσιοι , θηρίκλεια χρύσεα πεντήκοντα , ἀργύρεα τετρακόσια , κάδοι χρύσεοι πεντήκοντα , ἀργύρεοι πεντακόσιοι , σπονδεῖα χρύσεα τεσσαράκοντα , ἀργύρεα τριακόσια , φιάλαι χρυσαῖ τριάκοντα , ἀργύρεαι δισχίλιαι τετρακόσιαι , σκεύη τε ἄλλα μεγάλα χίλια .
¹⁵ Now their number is as follows: Fifty chargers of gold, and five hundred of silver; forty Thericlean cups of gold, and five hundred of silver; fifty basons of gold, and five hundred of silver; thirty vessels for pouring [the drink-offerings], and three hundred of silver; thirty vials of gold, and two thousand four hundred of silver; with a thousand other large vessels.	¹⁵ Their number is as follows : Fifty chargers of gold and five hundred of silver; fifty Thericlean cups of gold and four hundred of silver; fifty mixing-bowls of gold and five hundred of silver; thirty vessels for pouring and three hundred of silver; thirty vessels of gold and two thousand four hundred of silver, and a thousand other large vessels.
¹⁵ Barach

¹⁶ συγχωρῶ δὲ αὐτοῖς καὶ τὴν‎ ἐκ προγόνων εἰθισμένην τιμὴν κτηνῶν καὶ οἴνου καὶ ἐλαίου δραχμὰς εἴκοσιν μυριάδας καὶ πεντακισχιλίας πεντακοσίας καὶ εἰς σεμίδαλιν πυρῶν ἀρτάβας δισμυρίας πεντακοσίας . κελεύω δὲ τὴν‎ τούτων χορηγίαν ἐκ τῶν ΣαμαρείαςSamaria γίνεσθαι φόρων .
¹⁶ I permit them to have the same honor which they were used to have from their forefathers, as also for their small cattle, and for wine and oil, two hundred and five thousand and five hundred drachmae; and for wheat flour, twenty thousand and five hundred artabae; and I give order that these expenses shall be given them out of the tributes due from Samaria.	¹⁶ I grant them the same honourary gift their ancestors used to receive, two hundred and five thousand, five hundred drachmae for small animals and wine and oil, and twenty thousand, five hundred artabae for wheaten flour, and these expenses shall be paid from the tributes due from Samaria.
¹⁶ Barach

¹⁷ ἐποίσουσι δὲ τὰ ἱερὰ ταῦτα κατὰ τοὺς ΜωυσέωςMoses νόμους οἱ ἱερεῖς ἐν ἹεροσολύμοιςJerusalem καὶ προσφέροντες εὔξονται τῷ θεῷ περὶ σωτηρίας τε τοῦ βασιλέως καὶ τοῦ γένους αὐτοῦ‎ , ὅπως ἡ ΠερσῶνPersians βασιλεία διαμείνῃ . τοὺς δὲ παρακούσαντας τούτων καὶ ἀκυρώσαντας ἀνασταυρωθῆναι
¹⁷ The priests shall also offer these sacrifices according to the laws of Moses in Jerusalem; and when they offer them, they shall pray to God for the preservation of the king and of his family, that the kingdom of Persia may continue. But my will is, that those who disobey these injunctions, and make them void, shall be hung upon a cross, and their substance brought into the king’s treasury.”	¹⁷ The priests shall offer these sacrifices in Jerusalem according to the laws of Moses, and when offering them they shall pray to God for the safety of the king and his family, that the kingdom of Persia may last. All who disobey or ignore these instructions shall be hung upon a cross and their property shall belong to the king."
¹⁷ Barach

¹⁸ βούλομαι καὶ τὰς οὐσίας αὐτῶν εἶναι βασιλικάς . Καὶ ἡ μὲν ἐπιστολὴepistle ταῦτα ἐδήλου · τῶν δ᾽ ἐκ τῆς αἰχμαλωσίας συνελθόντων εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem μυριάδες ἦσαν τέσσαρες καὶ δισχίλιοι τετρακόσιοι ἑξήκοντα δύο .
¹⁸ And such was the import of this epistle. Now the number of those that came out of captivity to Jerusalem, were forty-two thousand four hundred and sixty-two.	¹⁸ That was the content of the letter. Those who returned from captivity to Jerusalem numbered forty-two thousand four hundred and sixty-two.
¹⁸ Barach

Chapter 2
[019-030]
On Cyrus' death, the rebuilding of the Temple halts.
Progress is blocked by Cambyses and others

☜ ☞

¹⁹ Βαλλομένων δὲ τοὺς θεμελίους τοῦ ναοῦ καὶ περὶ τὴν‎ οἰκοδομίαν αὐτοῦ‎ λίαν ἐσπουδακότων , τὰ περὶ ἔθνη καὶ μάλιστα τὸ ΧουθαίωνCuthean , οὓς ἐκ τῆς ΠερσίδοςPersia καὶ Μηδικῆς ἀγαγὼν ΣαλμανασσάρηςShalmanezer ὁ τῶν ἈσσυρίωνAssyrians βασιλεὺς κατῴκισεν ἐν ΣαμαρείᾳSamaria , ὅτε τὸν τῶν ἸσραηλιτῶνIsrael, Israelites λαὸν ἀνάστατον ἐποίησεν , παρεκάλουν τοὺς σατράπας καὶ τοὺς ἐπιμελουμένους ἐμποδίζειν τοὺς ἸουδαίουςJews πρός τε τὴν‎ τῆς πόλεως ἀνάστασιν καὶ τὴν‎ τοῦ ναοῦ κατασκευήν .
¹⁹ When the foundations of the temple were laying, and when the Jews were very zealous about building it, the neighboring nations, and especially the Cutheans, whom Shalmanezer, king of Assyria, had brought out of Persia and Media, and had planted in Samaria, when he carried the people of Israel captives, besought the governors, and those that had the care of such affairs, that they would interrupt the Jews, both in the rebuilding of their city, and in the building of their temple.	¹⁹ When the foundations of the temple were being laid and when the Jews were very eager to rebuild it, the neighbouring nations and especially the Cutheans, whom Shalmanezer, king of Assyria, had brought from Persia and Media and planted in Samaria when he took the people of Israel away as prisoners, begged the satraps and those in charge of affairs to stop the Jews both from rebuilding their city and from building their temple.
¹⁹ Barach

²⁰ οἱ δὲ καὶ χρήμασιν διαφθαρέντες ὑπ᾽ αὐτῶν ἀπημπόλησαν τοῖς Χουθαίοις τὸ περὶ τοὺς ἸουδαίουςJews ἀμελὲς καὶ ῥᾴθυμον τῆς οἰκοδομῆς · Κύρῳ γὰρ περὶ τε ἄλλους ἀσχοληθέντι πολέμους ἄγνοια τούτων ἦν καὶ στρατευσαμένῳ γε ἐπὶ Μασσαγέτας εὐθὺς συνέβη τελευτῆσαι τὸν βίον .
²⁰ Now as these men were corrupted by them with money, they sold the Cutheans their interest for rendering this building a slow and a careless work, for Cyrus, who was busy about other wars, knew nothing of all this; and it so happened, that when he had led his army against the Massagetae, he ended his life.	²⁰ As these were seduced by them with money, they sided with the Cutheans to make this building a slow and a careless work, for Cyrus, who was busy with other wars, knew nothing of this, and it turned out that as he led his army against the Massagetae, his life came to a sudden end.
²⁰ Barach

²¹ ΚαμβύσουCambyses δὲ τοῦ ΚύρουCyrus παιδὸς τὴν‎ βασιλείαν παραλαβόντος οἱ ἐν ΣυρίᾳSyria καὶ ΦοινίκῃPhoenicia καὶ Ἀμμανίτιδι καὶ ΜωαβίτιδιMoab area καὶ ΣαμαρείᾳSamaria γράφουσιν ἐπιστολὴν Καμβύσῃ δηλοῦσαν τάδε ·
²¹ But when Cambyses, the son of Cyrus, had taken the kingdom, the governors in Syria, and Phoenicia, and in the countries of Amlnon, and Moab, and Samaria, wrote an epistle to Calnbyses; whose contents were as follow:	²¹ When his son Cambyses became king, the officers in Syria and Phoenicia and Amman and Moab and Samaria, wrote this letter to Cambyses :
²¹ Barach

²² " δέσποτα , οἱ παῖδές σου ῥάθυμος ὁ πάντα τὰ πραττόμενα γράφων καὶ Σεμέλιος ὁ γραμματεὺς καὶ οἱ τῆς βουλῆς τῆς ἐν ΣυρίᾳSyria καὶ ΦοινίκῃPhoenicia κριταί . γινώσκειν σε δεῖ , βασιλεῦ , ὅτι ἸουδαῖοιJews οἱ εἰς ΒαβυλῶναBabylon ἀναχθέντες ἐληλύθασιν εἰς τὴν‎ ἡμετέραν καὶ τήν τε πόλιν τὴν‎ ἀποστάτιν καὶ πονηρὰν οἰκοδομοῦσιν καὶ τὰς ἀγορὰς αὐτῆς καὶ ἐπισκευάζουσιν τὰ τείχη καὶ ναὸν ἀνεγείρουσιν .
²² “To our lord Cambyses. We thy servants, Rathumus the historiographer, and Semellius the scribe, and the rest that are thy judges in Syria and Phoenicia, send greeting. It is fit, O king, that thou shouldst know that those Jews which were carried to Babylon are come into our country, and are building that rebellious and wicked city, and its market-places, and setting up its walls, and raising up the temple;	²² "Master, we your servants, Rathumus the historiographer and Semellius the scribe and your judges in Syria and Phoenicia, send greeting. Your Majesty must know that the Jews who were brought to Babylon have arrived in our country and are building that rebellious and wicked city and its markets and raising up its walls and its temple.
²² Barach

²³ ἴσθι μέντοι γε τούτων γενομένων οὔτε φόρους αὐτοὺς τελεῖν ὑπομενοῦντας οὔτε δὲ ὑπακούειν ἐθελήσοντας , ἀλλὰ καὶ βασιλεῦσιν ἀντιστήσονται καὶ ἄρχειν μᾶλλον ἢ ὑπακούειν ἐθελήσουσιν .
²³ know therefore, that when these things are finished, they will not be willing to pay tribute, nor will they submit to thy commands, but will resist kings, and will choose rather to rule over others than be ruled over themselves.	²³ Take note that once these are completed they will be unwilling to pay taxes of to submit to your commands, but will resist kings and will want to rule rather than be ruled.
²³ Barach

²⁴ ἐνεργουμένων οὖν τῶν περὶ τὸν ναὸν καὶ σπουδαζομένων καλῶς ἔχειν ἔδοξεν ἡμῖν γράψαι σοι , βασιλεῦ , καὶ μὴ περιιδεῖν , ὅπως ἐπισκέψῃ τὰ τῶν πατέρων σου βιβλία · εὑρήσεις γὰρ ἐν αὐτοῖς ἀποστάτας καὶ τῶν βασιλέων ἐχθροὺς ἸουδαίουςJews καὶ τὴν‎ πόλιν αὐτῶν , ἣ διὰ τοῦτο καὶ νῦν ἠρημώθη .
²⁴ We therefore thought it proper to write to thee, O king, while the works about the temple are going on so fast, and not to overlook this matter, that thou mayest search into the books of thy fathers, for thou wilt find in them that the Jews have been rebels, and enemies to kings, as hath their city been also, which, for that reason, hath been till now laid waste.	²⁴ So we thought we should write to your Majesty not to ignore the fact that the work on the temple is going ahead so quickly, so that you may search into the books of your fathers, where you will find that the Jews have been rebels and enemies to kings, as has their city which, for that reason, has up to now lain desolate.
²⁴ Barach

²⁵ ἔδοξε δ᾽ ἡμῖν καὶ τοῦτό σοι δηλῶσαι ἀγνοούμενον ἴσως , ὅτι τῆς πόλεως οὕτως συνοικισθείσης καὶ τὸν κύκλον τῶν τειχῶν ἀπολαβούσης ἀποκλείεταί σοι ἡ ὁδὸς ἡ ἐπὶ κοίλην ΣυρίανSyria καὶ ΦοινίκηνPhoenicia ."
²⁵ We thought proper also to inform thee of this matter, because thou mayest otherwise perhaps be ignorant of it, that if this city be once inhabited and be entirely encompassed with walls, thou wilt be excluded from thy passage to Celesyria and Phoenicia.”	²⁵ We also thought to inform you, lest perhaps you do not know already, that once this city is inhabited and well surrounded by walls, your passage to Coele-Syria and Phoenicia will be blocked."
²⁵ Barach

²⁶ ἀναγνοὺς δὲ ὁ ΚαμβύσηςCambyses τὴν‎ ἐπιστολὴν καὶ φύσει πονηρὸς ὢν κινεῖται πρὸς τὰ δεδηλωμένα καὶ γράφει τάδε λέγων · " βασιλεὺς ΚαμβύσηςCambyses ῬαθύμῳRathumus τῷ γράφοντι τὰ προσπίπτοντα καὶ ΒεελζέμῳBeelzemus καὶ ΣεμελίῳSemellius γραμματεῖ καὶ τοῖς λοιποῖς τοῖς συντασσομένοις καὶ οἰκοῦσιν ἐν ΣαμαρείᾳSamaria καὶ ΦοινίκῃPhoenicia τάδε λέγει .
²⁶ When Cambyses had read the epistle, being naturally wicked, he was irritated at what they told him, and wrote back to them as follows: “Cambyses the king, to Rathumus the historiographer, to Beeltethmus, to Semellius the scribe, and the rest that are in commission, and dwelling in Samaria and Phoenicia, after this manner:	²⁶ As Cambyses was naturally irascible, when he read the letter he was stirred by what they told him and wrote back as follows, "Cambyses the king, to Rathumus the historiographer, to Beelzemus, to Semellius the scribe and the other officers living in Samaria and Phoenicia, says :
²⁶ Barach

²⁷ ἀναγνοὺς τὰ πεμφθέντα παρ᾽ ὑμῶν γράμματα ἐκέλευσα ἐπισκέψασθαι τὰ τῶν προγόνων μου βιβλία , καὶ εὑρέθη ἡ πόλις ἐχθρὰ βασιλεῦσιν ἀεὶ γεγενημένη , καὶ στάσεις καὶ πολέμους οἱ ἐνοικοῦντες πραγματευσάμενοι , καὶ βασιλεῖς αὐτῶν ἔγνωμεν δυνατοὺς καὶ βιαίους φορολογήσαντας κοίλην ΣυρίανSyria καὶ ΦοινίκηνPhoenicia .
²⁷ I have read the epistle that was sent from you; and I gave order that the books of my forefathers should be searched into, and it is there found that this city hath always been an enemy to kings, and its inhabitants have raised seditions and wars. We also are sensible that their kings have been powerful and tyrannical, and have exacted tribute of Celesyria and Phoenicia.	²⁷ I have read the letter you sent, and I ordered a search within the books of my ancestors and have found there how this city has always been hostile to kings and its inhabitants have raised revolts and wars. We also know that their kings have been powerful and tyrannical and have imposed taxes on Coele-Syria and Phoenicia.
²⁷ Barach

²⁸ ἐγὼ τοίνυν προσέταξα μὴ συγχωρεῖν τοῖς ἸουδαίοιςJews οἰκοδομεῖν τὴν‎ πόλιν , μὴ ἐπὶ πλέον αὐξηθῇ τὰ τῆς κακίας αὐτῶν , ᾗ χρώμενοι πρὸς τοὺς βασιλεῖς διατετελέκασιν .
²⁸ Wherefore I gave order, that the Jews shall not be permitted to build that city, lest such mischief as they used to bring upon kings be greatly augmented.”	²⁸ Therefore I commanded that the Jews not be allowed to build the city, in case of an increase of the damage that they used to bring upon kings."
²⁸ Barach

²⁹ τούτων ἀναγνωσθέντων τῶν γραμμάτων ὁ ῥάθυμος καὶ Σεμέλιος ὁ γραμματεὺς καὶ οἱ τούτοις συντεταγμένοι παραχρῆμα ἐπιπηδήσαντες ἵπποις ἔσπευσαν εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem πλῆθος ἐπαγόμενοι πολύ , καὶ διεκώλυσαν οἰκοδομεῖν τοὺς ἸουδαίουςJews τὴν‎ πόλιν καὶ τὸν ναόν .
²⁹ When this epistle was read, Rathumus, and Semellius the scribe, and their associates, got suddenly on horseback, and made haste to Jerusalem; they also brought a great company with them, and forbade the Jews to build the city and the temple.	²⁹ When this letter was read, Rathumus and Semellius the scribe and their associates quickly got on horseback and hurried to Jerusalem with a large group of followers and forbade the Jews to build the city and the temple.
²⁹ Barach

³⁰ καὶ ταῦτα μὲν ἐπεσχέθη τὰ ἔργα μέχρι τοῦ δευτέρου ἔτους τῆς ΔαρείουDarius βασιλείας τοῦ ΠερσῶνPersians ἐπ᾽ ἄλλα ἔτη ἐννέα · ΚαμβύσηςCambyses γὰρ ἓξ ἔτη βασιλεύσας , καταστρεψάμενος ἐν τούτοις τὴν‎ ΑἴγυπτονEgypt ὑποστρέψας ἐτελεύτησεν ἐν ΔαμασκῷDamascus .
³⁰ Accordingly, these works were hindered from going on till the second year of the reign of Darius, for nine years more; for Cambyses reigned six years, and within that time overthrew Egypt, and when he was come back, he died at Damascus.	³⁰ These works were held up for nine years, until the second year of the reign of Darius, for Cambyses ruled for six years, during which he ransacked Egypt and on his arrival home, he died in Damascus.
³⁰ Barach

Chapter 3
[031-074]
In the reign of Darius the Persian,
Zorobabel is allowed to rebuild the Temple

☜ ☞

³¹ μετὰ δὲ τὴν‎ τῶν μάγων ἀναίρεσιν , οἳ μετὰ τὸν ΚαμβύσουCambyses θάνατον τὴν‎ ΠερσῶνPersians ἀρχὴν ἐνιαυτῷ κατέσχον οἱ λεγόμενοι ἑπτὰ οἶκοι τῶν ΠερσῶνPersians τὸν ὙστάσπουHystaspes παῖδα ΔαρεῖονDarius ἀπέδειξαν βασιλέα . Οὗτος ἰδιώτης ὢν ηὔξατο τῷ θεῷ , εἰ γένοιτο βασιλεύς , πάντα τὰ σκεύη τοῦ θεοῦ , ὅσα ἦν ἔτι ἐν ΒαβυλῶνιBabylon , πέμψειν εἰς τὸν ναὸν τὸν ἐν ἹεροσολύμοιςJerusalem .
³¹ After the slaughter of the Magi, who, upon the death of Cambyses, attained the government of the Persians for a year, those families which were called the seven families of the Persians appointed Darius, the son of Hystaspes, to be their king. Now he, while he was a private man, had made a vow to God, that if he came to be king, he would send all the vessels of God that were in Babylon to the temple at Jerusalem.	³¹ After the slaughter of the magi who ruled the Persians for a year after the death of Cambyses, the so-called "seven families" of the Persians chose Darius, the son of Hystaspes, to be king. As a private citizen he had vowed to God that if ever he came to be king, he would send to the temple in Jerusalem all the vessels of God that were in Babylon.
³¹ Barach

³² ἔτυχεν δὲ κατ᾽ ἐκεῖνον τὸν καιρὸν ἀφικόμενος πρὸς ΔαρεῖονDarius ἐξ ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem ΖοροβάβηλοςZorobabel , ὃς τῶν αἰχμαλώτων ἸουδαίωνJews ἡγεμὼν ἀπεδέδεικτο · πάλαι γὰρ ἦν αὐτῷ φιλία πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα , δι᾽ ἣν καὶ σωματοφυλακεῖν αὐτὸν μετ᾽ ἄλλων δύο κριθεὶς ἄξιος ἀπέλαυεν ἧς ἤλπισεν τιμῆς .
³² Now it so fell out, that about this time Zorobabel, who had been made governor of the Jews that had been in captivity, came to Darius, from Jerusalem; for there had been an old friendship between him and the king. He was also, with two others, thought worthy to be guard of the king’s body; and obtained that honor which he hoped for.	³² Now about this time, Zorobabel, who had been made ruler of the Jews who had been in captivity, came from Jerusalem to Darius. There was an old friendship between him and the king, for along with two others he had been found worthy to serve as royal bodyguard and he attained the dignity to which he aspired.
³² Barach

³³ Τῷ δὲ πρώτῳ τῆς βασιλείας ἔτει ΔαρεῖοςDarius ὑποδέχεται λαμπρῶς καὶ μετὰ πολλῆς παρασκευῆς τούς τε περὶ αὐτὸν καὶ τοὺς οἴκοι γεγονότας καὶ τοὺς τῶν ΜήδωνMedes ἡγεμόνας καὶ σατράπας τῆς ΠερσίδοςPersia καὶ τοπάρχας τῆς ἸνδικῆςIndia ἄχρι τῆς ΑἰθιοπίαςEthiopian καὶ τοὺς στρατηγοὺς τῶν ἑκατὸν εἰκοσιεπτὰ σατραπειῶν .
³³ Now, in the first year of the king’s reign, Darius feasted those that were about him, and those born in his house, with the rulers of the Medes, and princes of the Persians, and the toparchs of India and Ethiopia, and the generals of the armies of his hundred and twenty-seven provinces.	³³ In his first year as king, Darius feasted his circle of friends and those born in his house, along with the officers of Media and the satraps of Persia and the toparchs of India and Ethiopia and the generals of the armies of his hundred and twenty-seven provinces.
³³ Barach

³⁴ ἐπεὶ δὲ κατευωχηθέντες ἄχρι κόρου καὶ πλησμονῆς ἀνέλυσαν κοιμηθησόμενοι παρ᾽ αὐτοὺς ἕκαστοι , ΔαρεῖοςDarius ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐλθὼν ἐπὶ τὴν‎ κοίτην καὶ βραχὺ τῆς νυκτὸς ἀναπαυσάμενος ἔξυπνος γίνεται , καὶ μηκέτι κατακοιμηθῆναι δυνάμενος εἰς ὁμιλίαν τρέπεται μετὰ τῶν τριῶν σωματοφυλάκωνbodyguard ,
³⁴ But when they had eaten and drunk to satiety, and abundantly, they every one departed to go to bed at their own houses, and Darius the king went to bed; but after he had rested a little part of the night, he awaked, and not being able to sleep any more, he fell into conversation with the three guards of his body,	³⁴ When they had eaten and drunk their fill, they all left to go home to bed and Darius the king went to bed too. But after he had rested a little part of the night, he woke up and unable to sleep any more, got into conversation with his three bodyguards.
³⁴ Barach

³⁵ καὶ τῷ λόγον ἐροῦντι περὶ ὧν αὐτὸς ἀνακρίνειν μέλλει τὸν ἀληθέστερον καὶ συνετώτερον , τούτῳ γέρας δώσειν ὑπισχνεῖται νικητήριον πορφύραν ἐνδύσασθαι καὶ ἐν ἐκπώμασιν χρυσοῖς πίνειν καὶ ἐπὶ χρυσίου καθεύδειν καὶ ἅρμα χρυσοχάλινον καὶ κίδαριν βύσσινον καὶ περιαυχένιον χρύσεον , καὶ μετ᾽ αὐτὸν ἕξειν προεδρίαν διὰ τὴν‎ σοφίαν καὶ συγγενής μου ,
³⁵ and promised, that to him who should make an oration about points that he should inquire of, such as should be most agreeable to truth, and to the dictates of wisdom, he would grant it as a reward of his victory, to put on a purple garment, and to drink in cups of gold, and to sleep upon gold, and to have a chariot with bridles of gold, and a headtire of fine linen, and a chain of gold about his neck, and to sit next to himself, on account of his wisdom; “and,” says he, “he shall be called my cousin.”	³⁵ He promised that whoever could respond most truthfully and wisely to points that he would ask about, would receive in reward for his wisdom the right to wear a purple garment and drink from cups of gold and sleep upon gold and have a chariot with bridles of gold and headwear of fine linen and a chain of gold about his neck and to sit next to himself. "And ," he said, "he shall be named my kinsman."
³⁵ Barach

³⁶ ἔφη , κληθήσεται . ταύτας ἐπαγγειλάμενος αὐτοῖς παρέξειν τὰς δωρεὰς ἐρωτᾷ μὲν τὸν πρῶτον , εἰ ὁ οἶνος ὑπερισχύει , τὸν δεύτερον δέ , εἰ οἱ βασιλεῖς , τὸν τρίτον δέ , εἰ αἱ γυναῖκες ἢ τούτων μᾶλλον ἡ ἀλήθεια . ταῦτα προθεὶς αὐτοῖς ζητεῖν ἡσύχασεν .
³⁶ Now when he had promised to give them these gifts, he asked the first of them, “Whether wine was not the strongest?”—the second, “Whether kings were not such?”—and the third, “Whether women were not such? or whether truth was not the strongest of all?” When he had proposed that they should make their inquiries about these problems, he went to rest;	³⁶ After promising these gifts, he asked the first of them, "Is not wine the strongest thing?" and the second, "Are kings not the strongest of things?" and the third, "Are women not the strongest of things, or is truth the strongest of all?" When he had set these problems, he went to rest.
³⁶ Barach

³⁷ ὄρθρου δὲ μεταπεμψάμενος τοὺς μεγιστᾶνας καὶ σατράπας καὶ τοπάρχας τῆς ΠερσίδοςPersia καὶ Μηδικῆς καὶ καθίσας ἐν ᾧ χρηματίζειν εἰώθει , τῶν σωματοφυλάκωνbodyguard ἕκαστον ἐκέλευσεν πάντων ἀκουόντων ἀποφαίνεσθαι τὸ δοκοῦν αὐτῷ περὶ τῶν προκειμένων .
³⁷ but in the morning he sent for his great men, his princes, and toparchs of Persia and Media, and set himself down in the place where he used to give audience, and bid each of the guards of his body to declare what they thought proper concerning the proposed questions, in the hearing of them all.	³⁷ In the morning he sent for his great men, his satraps and rulers of Persia and Media and sat down in his audience hall and bade each of his bodyguards in the hearing of all to declare their thoughts about the proposed questions.
³⁷ Barach

³⁸ Καὶ ὁ πρῶτος ἤρξατο λέγειν τὴν‎ τοῦ οἴνου δύναμιν οὕτως αὐτὴν ἐμφανίζων · " ἄνδρες γὰρ εἶπεν , ἐγὼ τὴν‎ ἰσχὺν τοῦ οἴνου τεκμαιρόμενος πάντα ὑπερβάλλουσαν εὑρίσκω τούτῳ τῷ τρόπῳ ·
³⁸ Accordingly, the first of them began to speak of the strength of wine, and demonstrated it thus: “When,” said he, “I am to give my opinion of wine, O you men, I find that it exceeds every thing, by the following indications:	³⁸ The first began to speak about the strength of wine, with the following argument : "Now men, let me give my opinion of wine. I find that it surpasses everything, for this reason.
³⁸ Barach

³⁹ σφάλλει γὰρ τῶν πινόντων αὐτὸν καὶ ἀπατᾷ τὴν‎ διάνοιαν καὶ τὴν‎ τοῦ βασιλέως τῇ τοῦ ὀρφανοῦ καὶ δεομένου κηδεμόνος ὁμοίαν τίθησιν , καὶ τὴν‎ τοῦ δούλου διεγείρει πρὸς παρρησίαν τοῦ ἐλευθέρου , ἥ τε τοῦ πένητος ὁμοία γίνεται τῇ τοῦ πλουσίου ·
³⁹ It deceives the mind of those that drink it, and reduces that of the king to the same state with that of the orphan, and he who stands in need of a tutor; and erects that of the slave to the boldness of him that is free; and that of the needy becomes like that of the rich man,	³⁹ It deceives the mind of those who drink it and reduces that of the king to the state of an orphan who needs a tutor, and lifts up that of the slave to the boldness of a free man, and makes the mind of the needy like that of the rich man.
³⁹ Barach

⁴⁰ μεταποιεῖ γὰρ καὶ μεταγεννᾷ τὰς ψυχὰς ἐν αὐταῖς ἐγγενόμενος , καὶ τῶν μὲν ἐν συμφορᾷ καθεστηκότων σβέννυσι τὸ λυποῦν , τοὺς δὲ ἀλλότρια χρέα λαβόντας εἰς λήθην ἄγει καὶ ποιεῖ δοκεῖν αὐτοὺς ἁπάντων πλουσιωτάτους , ὡς μηδὲν μικρὸν φθέγγεσθαι , ταλάντων δὲ μεμνῆσθαι καὶ τῶν τοῖς εὐδαίμοσι προσηκόντων ὀνομάτων .
⁴⁰ for it changes and renews the souls of men when it gets into them; and it quenches the sorrow of those that are under calamities, and makes men forget the debts they owe to others, and makes them think themselves to be of all men the richest; it makes them talk of no small things, but of talents, and such other names as become wealthy men only;	⁴⁰ Then it gets into them it changes and renews the souls of men, and quenches the sorrow of those in distress and makes people forget the debts they owe to others and makes them think themselves as the richest of all, not content to talk of small things, but of talents and the sort of topics suitable to the wealthy.
⁴⁰ Barach

⁴¹ ἔτι γε μὴν στρατηγῶν καὶ βασιλέων ἀναισθήτους ἀπεργάζεται καὶ φίλων καὶ συνήθων ἐξαιρεῖ μνήμην · ὁπλίζει γὰρ τοὺς ἀνθρώπους καὶ κατὰ τῶν φιλτάτων καὶ δοκεῖν ποιεῖ πάντων ἀλλοτριωτάτους .
⁴¹ nay more, it makes them insensible of their commanders, and of their kings, and takes away the remembrance of their friends and companions, for it arms men even against those that are dearest to them, and makes them appear the greatest strangers to them;	⁴¹ More, it makes them heedless of officers and kings and forgetful of friends and companions and arms people against even those dearest to them and makes them seem the greatest of strangers.
⁴¹ Barach

⁴² καὶ ὅταν νήψαντες τύχωσιν καὶ καταλίπῃ διὰ τῆς νυκτὸς αὐτοὺς ὁ οἶνος κοιμωμένους , ἀνίστανται μηθὲν ὧν ἔπραξαν παρὰ τὴν‎ μέθην εἰδότες . τούτοις ἐγὼ τεκμαιρόμενος εὑρίσκω τὸν οἶνον ὑπερκρατοῦντα πάντων καὶ βιαιότατον ."
⁴² and when they are become sober, and they have slept out their wine in the night, they arise without knowing any thing they have done in their cups. I take these for signs of power, and by them discover that wine is the strongest and most insuperable of all things.”	⁴² Once they have sobered up and slept off their wine during the night, they rise without knowing what they did in their cups. I take these as signs of power and by them find that wine is the strongest and most irresistible of all things."
⁴² Barach

⁴³ ὡς δὲ ὁ πρῶτος ἀποφηνάμενος περὶ τῆς ἰσχύος τοῦ οἴνου τὰ προειρημένα ἐπαύσατο , ὁ μετ᾽ αὐτὸν ἤρξατο λέγειν περὶ τῆς τοῦ βασιλέως δυνάμεως , ταύτην ἀποδεικνὺς τὴν‎ ἰσχυροτάτην καὶ πλέον τῶν ἄλλων δυναμένην , ὅσα βίαν ἔχειν ἢ σύνεσιν δοκεῖ . τὸν δὲ τρόπον τῆς ἀποδείξεως ἐντεῦθεν ἐλάμβανεν ·
⁴³ As soon as the first had given the forementioned demonstrations of the strength of wine, he left off; and the next to him began to speak about the strength of a king, and demonstrated that it was the strongest of all, and more powerful than any thing else that appears to have any force or wisdom. He began his demonstration after the following manner; and said,	⁴³ When the first had finished expressing these views on the strength of wine, the next to him began to speak about the power of a king, showing that it was the strongest of all and beyond the power of any other thing, for influence and understanding. He began his proof as follows :
⁴³ Barach

⁴⁴ πάντων μὲν εἶπεν ἀνθρώπους περικρατεῖν , οἳ καὶ τὴν‎ γῆν καταναγκάζουσιν καὶ τὴν‎ θάλασσαν εἶναι χρησίμην αὐτοῖς πρὸς ἃ θέλουσιν , τούτων δ᾽ ἄρχουσιν οἱ βασιλεῖς καὶ τὴν‎ ἐξουσίαν ἔχουσιν · οἱ δὲ τοῦ κρατίστου καὶ ἰσχυροτάτου ζῴου δεσπόζοντες ἀνυπέρβλητοι τὴν‎ δύναμιν οὗτοι καὶ τὴν‎ ἰσχὺν εἰκότως ἂν εἶεν .
⁴⁴ “They are men who govern all things; they force the earth and the sea to become profitable to them in what they desire, and over these men do kings rule, and over them they have authority. Now those who rule over that animal which is of all the strongest and most powerful, must needs deserve to be esteemed insuperable in power and force.	⁴⁴ "Human beings govern all things, for they subdue land and sea to their use and wishes; and in turn, humans are ruled by kings, who have authority over them. Those who rule over the strongest and most powerful of all living things should be considered supreme in power and force.
⁴⁴ Barach

⁴⁵ ἀμέλει πολέμους ἐπιτάττοντες καὶ κινδύνους τοῖς ἀρχομένοιςto rule, reign ἀκούονται , καὶ πέμποντες αὐτοὺς ἐπ᾽ ἐχθροὺς καταπειθεῖς διὰ τὴν‎ ἰσχὺν τὴν‎ αὐτῶν ἔχουσιν , καὶ ὄρη μὲν κατεργάζεσθαι καὶ τείχη κατασπᾶν καὶ πύργους κελεύουσιν , καὶ κτείνεσθαι δ᾽ οἱ κελευσθέντες καὶ κτείνειν ὑπομένουσιν , ἵνα μὴ τὰ τοῦ βασιλέως δόξωσι παραβαίνειν προστάγματα , νικήσαντες δὲ τὴν‎ ὠφέλειαν τὴν‎ ἐκ τοῦ πολέμου τῷ βασιλεῖ κομίζουσιν .
⁴⁵ For example, when these kings command their subjects to make wars, and undergo dangers, they are hearkened to; and when they send them against their enemies, their power is so great that they are obeyed. They command men to level mountains, and to pull down walls and towers; nay, when they are commanded to be killed and to kill, they submit to it, that they may not appear to transgress the king’s commands; and when they have conquered, they bring what they have gained in the war to the king.	⁴⁵ When these kings command their subjects to go to war and submit to dangers when they send them against their enemies, their power is such that they are obeyed. They can order mountains to be levelled and walls and towers to be pulled down, and even when men are ordered to kill or be killed, they obey so as not to seem to refuse the king's orders, and when they are victorious, they bring to the king the spoils of war.
⁴⁵ Barach

⁴⁶ καὶ οἱ μὴ στρατευόμενοι [δὲ ἀλλὰ ] γῆν ἐργαζόμενοι καὶ ἀροῦντες ὅταν πονήσαντες καὶ ἅπασαν τὴν‎ τῶν ἔργων ταλαιπωρίαν ὑπομείναντες θερίσωσιν καὶ τοὺς καρποὺς συνέλωσιν , τοὺς φόρους τῷ βασιλεῖ κομίζουσιν .
⁴⁶ Those also who are not soldiers, but cultivate the ground, and plough it, and when, after they have endured the labor and all the inconveniences of such works of husbandry, they have reaped and gathered in their fruits, they bring tributes to the king;	⁴⁶ Even the non-soldiers who cultivate and plow the land, having borne all the labour and toil of such farming and after reaping and gathering their fruits, bring taxes to the king.
⁴⁶ Barach

⁴⁷ ὃ δ᾽ ἂν οὗτος εἴπῃ καὶ κελεύσῃ τοῦτο ἐξ ἀνάγκης οὐδὲν ὑπερβαλομένων γίνεται . ἔτι ὁ μὲν τρυφῆς ἁπάσης καὶ ἡδονῆς ἀναπιμπλάμενος καθεύδει , φυλάσσεται δὲ ὑπὸ γρηγορούντων καὶ ὡσανεὶ δεδεμένων ὑπὸ φόβου ·
⁴⁷ and whatsoever it is which the king says or commands, it is done of necessity, and that without any delay, while he in the mean time is satiated with all sorts of food and pleasures, and sleeps in quiet. He is guarded by such as watch, and such as are, as it were, fixed down to the place through fear;	⁴⁷ Whatever the king says or commands has to be done without delay, while he enjoys all sorts of food and pleasures and sleeps in peace, guarded by watchmen and people who are, as it were, duty-bound by fear.
⁴⁷ Barach

⁴⁸ καταλιπεῖν γὰρ οὐδὲ εἷς τολμᾷ κοιμώμενον οὐδὲ τῶν ἰδίων ἀναχωρήσας ποιεῖσθαι πρόνοιαν , ἀλλ᾽ ἓν ἔργον ἡγούμενος τῶν ἀναγκαίων τὸ φυλάττειν τὸν βασιλέα τούτῳ προσμένει . πῶς οὖν οὐκ ἂν ὁ βασιλεὺς δόξειεν τὴν‎ πάντων ἰσχὺν ὑπερβάλλειν , ᾧ τοσοῦτο πλῆθος πείθεται κελεύοντι ;"
⁴⁸ for no one dares leave him, even when he is asleep, nor does any one go away and take care of his own affairs; but he esteems this one thing the only work of necessity, to guard the king, and accordingly to this he wholly addicts himself. How then can it be otherwise, but that it must appear that the king exceeds all in strength, while so great a multitude obeys his injunctions?”	⁴⁸ For no one dares leave him, even when he is asleep, nor may anyone go to tend to his own affairs, but he sees guarding the king as his vital work, and devotes himself to this. Since so great a crowd obeys the king's orders, how can one not reckon him as the strongest of all? .
⁴⁸ Barach

⁴⁹ Σιωπήσαντος δὲ καὶ τούτου περὶ τῆς τῶν γυναικῶν καὶ τῆς ἀληθείας ὁ τρίτος ΖοροβάβηλοςZorobabel διδάσκειν αὐτοὺς ἤρξατο λέγων οὕτως · " ἰσχυρὸς μὲν καὶ ὁ οἶνος καὶ ὁ βασιλεύς , ᾧ πάντες ὑπακούουσιν , ἀλλὰ κρείττους τὴν‎ δύναμιν τούτων αἱ γυναῖκες ·
⁴⁹ Now when this man had held his peace, the third of them, who was Zorobabel, began to instruct them about women, and about truth, who said thus: “Wine is strong, as is the king also, whom all men obey, but women are superior to them in power;	⁴⁹ When this man fell silent the third of them, Zorobabel, began to teach them about women and truth, as follows : "Wine is strong, and the king is the one whom all obey, but the influence of women is greater still.
⁴⁹ Barach

⁵⁰ τόν τε γὰρ βασιλέα γυνὴ παρήγαγεν εἰς τὸ φῶς καὶ τοὺς φυτεύσαντας ἀμπέλους , αἳ ποιοῦσιν τὸν οἶνον , γυναῖκές εἰσιν αἱ τίκτουσαί τε καὶ τρέφουσαι , καθόλου δ᾽ οὐδέν ἐστιν , ὃ μὴ παρ᾽ αὐτῶν ἔχομεν · καὶ γὰρ τὰς ἐσθῆτας αὗται ὑφαίνουσιν ἡμῖν καὶ τὰ κατ᾽ οἶκον διὰ ταύτας ἐπιμελείας καὶ φυλακῆς ἀξιοῦταιto think worthy .
⁵⁰ for it was a woman that brought the king into the world; and for those that plant the vines and make the wine, they are women who bear them, and bring them up: nor indeed is there any thing which we do not receive from them; for these women weave garments for us, and our household affairs are by their means taken care of, and preserved in safety;	⁵⁰ For it was a woman who brought the king into the world, and it is women who bear and rear those who plant the vines. Indeed there is nothing which we do not receive from them, for these women weave clothing for us and take care of our household affairs and watch over them.
⁵⁰ Barach

⁵¹ καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν ἡμῖν ἀποζευχθῆναι γυναικῶν , ἀλλὰ χρυσὸν πολὺν κτησάμενοι καὶ ἄργυρον καὶ ἄλλο τι τῶν πολυτελῶν καὶ σπουδῆς ἀξίων , ὅταν ἴδωμεν εὔμορφον γυναῖκα , πάντα ἐκεῖνα ἀφέντες τῷ εἴδει τῆς ὁραθείσης προσκεχήναμεν καὶ ὑπομένομεν παραχωρῆσαι τῶν ὄντων ἡμῖν , ἵνα τοῦ κάλλους ἀπολαύσωμεν καὶ μεταλάβωμεν .
⁵¹ nor can we live separate from women. And when we have gotten a great deal of gold and silver, and any other thing that is of great value, and deserving regard, and see a beautiful woman, we leave all these things, and with open mouth fix our eyes upon her countenance, and are willing to forsake what we have, that we may enjoy her beauty, and procure it to ourselves.	⁵¹ Nor can we live apart from women, for even if we have gained a large amount of gold and silver or anything else valuable and highly regarded, and see a beautiful woman, we turn aside from these things and with open mouth fix our gaze upon her face and are willing to forsake all we have, just to enjoy her beauty and gain it for ourselves.
⁵¹ Barach

⁵² ἐγκαταλείπομεν δὲ καὶ πατέρας [καὶ μητέρας ] καὶ τὴν‎ θρεψαμένην γῆν , καὶ τῶν φιλτάτων πολλάκις λήθην ἔχομεν διὰ τὰς γυναῖκας , καὶ τὰς ψυχὰς ἀφιέναι μετ᾽ αὐτῶν καρτεροῦμεν . οὕτως δ᾽ ἂν μάλιστα τὴν‎ ἰσχὺν τῶν γυναικῶν κατανοήσαιτε ·
⁵² We also leave father, and mother, and the earth that nourishes us, and frequently forget our dearest friends, for the sake of women; nay, we are so hardy as to lay down our lives for them. But what will chiefly make you take notice of the strength of women is this that follows:	⁵² For the sake of women we will leave father and mother and the place we were reared and often forget our dearest friends, and even risk our very lives. But here is what mainly illustrates the strength of women :
⁵² Barach

⁵³ οὐχὶ πονοῦντες καὶ πᾶσαν ταλαιπωρίαν ὑπομένοντες καὶ διὰ γῆς καὶ διὰ θαλάττης , ὅταν ἡμῖν ἐκ τῶν πόνων περιγένηταί τινα , αὐτὰ φέροντες ὡς δεσποίναις ταῖς γυναιξὶν διδόαμεν ;
⁵³ Do not we take pains, and endure a great deal of trouble, and that both by land and sea, and when we have procured somewhat as the fruit of our labors, do not we bring them to the women, as to our mistresses, and bestow them upon them?	⁵³ Do we not work hard and go to much trouble, both by land and sea, and after earning the fruits of our labours, don't we bring them as gifts to the women, as to our mistresses?
⁵³ Barach

⁵⁴ καὶ τὸν βασιλέα δὲ τὸν τοσούτων κύριον εἶδόν ποτε ὑπὸ τῆς Ῥαβεζάκου τοῦ Θεμασίου παιδὸς Ἀπάμης παλλακῆς δ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ ῥαπιζόμενον , καὶ τὸ διάδημα ἀφαιρουμένης καὶ τῇ ἰδίᾳ κεφαλῇ περιτιθείσης ἀνεχόμενον καὶ μειδιώσης μὲν μειδιῶντα ὀργιζομένης δὲ σκυθρωπάζοντα καὶ τῇ τῶν παθῶν μεταβολῇ κολακεύοντα τὴν‎ γυναῖκα καὶ διαλλάττοντα ἐκ τοῦ σφόδρα ταπεινὸν αὑτὸν ποιεῖν , εἴ ποτε δυσχεραίνουσαν ἔβλεπεν ."
⁵⁴ Nay, I once saw the king, who is lord of so many people, smitten on the face by Apame, the daughter of Rabsases Themasius, his concubine, and his diadem taken away from him, and put upon her own head, while he bore it patiently; and when she smiled he smiled, and when she was angry he was sad; and according to the change of her passions, he flattered his wife, and drew her to reconciliation by the great humiliation of himself to her, if at my time he saw her displeased at him.”	⁵⁴ Once I even saw the king, who is lord over so many, being struck on the face by his concubine, Apame, the daughter of Rabsases Themasius, who took his crown from him and put on her own head, while he bore it patiently. When she smiled, he smiled, and when she was angry he was sad, and he flattered his wife according to her changing passions, and drew her to reconciliation by greatly abasing himself, if ever he saw her displeased with him."
⁵⁴ Barach

⁵⁵ Εἰς ἀλλήλους δὲ ἀφορώντων τῶν σατραπῶν καὶ ἡγεμόνων περὶ τῆς ἀληθείας ἤρξατο λέγειν " ἀπέδειξα μέν , εἰπών , ὅσον αἱ γυναῖκες ἰσχύουσιν , ἀσθενέστεραι δ᾽ ὅμως καὶ αὗται καὶ ὁ βασιλεὺς τῆς ἀληθείας ὑπάρχουσιν . εἰ γάρ ἐστιν ἡ γῆ μεγίστη καὶ ὑψηλὸς ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ταχὺς ὁ ἥλιος , ταῦτα δὲ πάντα κινεῖται κατὰ βούλησιν τοῦ θεοῦ , ἀληθινὸς δέ ἐστιν καὶ δίκαιος οὗτος , ἀπὸ τῆς αὐτῆς αἰτίας δεῖ καὶ τὴν‎ ἀλήθειαν ἰσχυροτάτην ἡγεῖσθαι καὶ μηδὲν πρὸς αὐτὴν τὸ ἄδικον δυνάμενον .
⁵⁵ And when the princes and rulers looked one upon another, he began to speak about truth; and he said, “I have already demonstrated how powerful women are; but both these women themselves, and the king himself, are weaker than truth; for although the earth be large, and the heaven high, and the course of the sun swift, yet are all these moved according to the will of God, who is true and righteous, for which cause we also ought to esteem truth to be the strongest of all things, and that what is unrighteous is of no force against it.	⁵⁵ As the satraps and officers looked at each other, he began to speak about truth. He said, "I have already shown the power of women, but women and the king himself are weaker than truth, for though the earth is large and the heaven high and the course of the sun is swift, all these are moved according to God's will, who is true and righteous. Therefore we should deem truth to be the strongest of all things and that what is unrighteous has no power against it.
⁵⁵ Barach

⁵⁶ ἔτι γε μὴν τὰ μὲν ἄλλα θνητὰ καὶ ὠκύμορα εἶναι συμβέβηκεν τῶν ἰσχὺν δυσμενῶς , ἀθάνατον δὲ ἡ ἀλήθεια χρῆμα καὶ ἀίδιον . παρέχει δ᾽ ἡμῖν οὐ κάλλος χρόνῳ μαραινόμενον οὐδὲ περιουσίαν ἀφαιρετὴν ὑπὸ τύχης , ἀλλὰ τὰ δίκαια καὶ τὰ νόμιμα , διακρίνουσα ἀπ᾽ αὐτῶν τὰ ἄδικα καὶ ἀπελέγχουσα ."
⁵⁶ Moreover, all things else that have any strength are mortal and short-lived, but truth is a thing that is immortal and eternal. It affords us not indeed such a beauty as will wither away by time, nor such riches as may be taken away by fortune, but righteous rules and laws. It distinguishes them from injustice, and puts what is unrighteous to rebuke.”	⁵⁶ Moreover, all other strong things are mortal and short-lived, but truth is immortal and eternal. What it grants us is not perishable beauty or riches such as fortune may take away, but righteous rules and laws, distinguishing them from injustice, which it condemns."
⁵⁶ Barach

⁵⁷ Καταπαύει μὲν ὁ ΖοροβάβηλοςZorobabel τὸν περὶ τῆς ἀληθείας λόγον , ἐπιβοήσαντος δὲ τοῦ πλήθους ὡς ἄρισταbest εἰπόντος , καὶ ὅτι τὸ ἀληθὲς ἰσχὺν ἄτρεπτον καὶ ἀγήρω μόνον ἔχοι , προσέταξεν αὐτὸν ὁ βασιλεὺς αἰτήσασθαί τι πάρεξ ὧν αὐτὸς ἦν ὑπεσχημένος · δώσειν γὰρ ὄντι σοφῷ καὶ τῶν ἄλλων μᾶλλον φανέντι συνετῷ · " συγκαθεσθήσῃ δέ μοι ,
⁵⁷ So when Zorobabel had left off his discourse about truth, and the multitude had cried out aloud that he had spoken the most wisely, and that it was truth alone that had immutable strength, and such as never would wax old, the king commanded that he should ask for somewhat over and above what he had promised, for that he would give it him because of his wisdom, and that prudence wherein he exceeded the rest; “and thou shalt sit with me,” said the king,	⁵⁷ When Zorobabel had ended his discourse about truth and the people had shouted out that he had spoken most wisely, since truth alone had immutable strength that would never fade, the king bade him ask for something over and above what he had promised, for he wanted to reward him for his wisdom and prudence, surpassing all the rest.
⁵⁷ Barach

⁵⁸ φησίν , καὶ κεκλήσῃ συγγενὴς ἐμός . ταῦτ᾽ εἰπόντος ὑπέμνησεν αὐτὸν τῆς εὐχῆς , ἧς ἐποιήσατο , εἰ λάβοι τὴν‎ βασιλείαν · αὕτη δ᾽ ἂν εἴη οἰκοδομῆσαι μὲν ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem , κατασκευάσαι δὲ ἐν αὐτοῖς τὸν τοῦ θεοῦ ναόν , ἀποκαταστῆσαι δὲ καὶ τὰ σκεύη , ὅσα συλήσας ΝαβουχοδονόσοροςNabuchodonosor εἰς ΒαβυλῶναBabylon ἐκόμισεν . Καὶ τοῦτ᾽ , ἔφη , τοὐμὸν αἴτημά ἐστιν , ὅ μοι νῦν ἐπιτρέπεις αἰτήσασθαι κριθέντι σοφῷ καὶ συνετῷ ."
⁵⁸ “and shalt be called my cousin.” When he had said this, Zorobabel put him in mind of the vow he had made in case he should ever have the kingdom. Now this vow was, “to rebuild Jerusalem, and to build therein the temple of God; as also to restore the vessels which Nebuchadnezzar had pillaged, and carried to Babylon. And this,” said he, “is that request which thou now permittest me to make, on account that I have been judged to be wise and understanding.”	⁵⁸ "You shall sit beside me ," said the king, "and be called my kinsman." As he said this, Zorobabel reminded him of what he had vowed to do if he should ever gain the kingship, which was to rebuild Jerusalem and build in it the temple of God and to restore the vessels that Nabuchodonosor had pillaged and brought to Babylon. "This ," he said, "is the request you now allow me to make, having judged me to be wise and understanding."
⁵⁸ Barach

⁵⁹ ἡσθεὶς ἐπὶ τούτοις ὁ βασιλεὺς ἀναστὰς κατεφίλησέν τε αὐτὸν καὶ τοῖς τοπάρχαις καὶ σατράπαις γράφει κελεύων προπέμψαι τὸν Ζοροβάβηλον καὶ τοὺς σὺν αὐτῷ μέλλοντας ἐπὶ τὴν‎ οἰκοδομὴν ἐξιέναι τοῦ ναοῦ .
⁵⁹ So the king was pleased with what he had said, and arose and kissed him; and wrote to the toparchs and governors, and enjoined them to conduct Zorobabel and those that were going with him to build the temple.	⁵⁹ Pleased with what he said, the king stood up and kissed him, and wrote orders to the toparchs and officers to give safe conduct to Zorobabel and those who were going with him to build the temple.
⁵⁹ Barach

⁶⁰ ἐπέστειλε δὲ καὶ τοῖς ἐν ΣυρίᾳSyria καὶ ΦοινίκῃPhoenicia ξύλα κέδρινα κατακομίζειν ἐκ τοῦ ΛιβάνουLibanus τεμόντας εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem , καὶ συγκατασκευάζειν αὐτῷ τὴν‎ πόλιν , καὶ πάντας ἔγραψεν ἐλευθέρους εἶναι τοὺς εἰς τὴν‎ ἸουδαίανJudea τῶν αἰχμαλώτων ἀπελθόνταςto go away, depart from .
⁶⁰ He also sent letters to those rulers that were in Syria and Phoenicia to cut down and carry cedar trees from Lebanon to Jerusalem, and to assist him in building the city. He also wrote to them, that all the captives who should go to Judea should be free;	⁶⁰ Furthermore, he sent letters to the officers in Syria and Phoenicia to cut down and carry cedar trees from Lebanon to Jerusalem and to help him in building the city. He also wrote that all the prisoners who wished to go to Judea were free to do so,
⁶⁰ Barach

⁶¹ καὶ τοὺς ἐπιτρόπους τοὺς αὐτοῦ‎ καὶ σατράπας ἐκώλυσεν ἐπιτάττειν τοῖς ἸουδαίοιςJews τὰς βασιλικὰς χρείας , ἀνῆκέ τε πᾶσαν ἣν ἂν κατασχεῖν δυνηθῶσιν τῆς χώρας ἀτελῆ φόρων αὐτοῖς νέμεσθαι . προσέταξε δὲ καὶ τοὺς ἸδουμαίουςIdumaeans καὶ ΣαμαρείταςSamaritans καὶ τοὺς ἐκ τῆς κοίλης ΣυρίαςSyria ἀφεῖναι τὰς κώμας , ἃς τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews κατεῖχον , καὶ προσέτι τάλαντα πεντήκοντα εἰς τὴν‎ οἰκοδομίαν τοῦ ἱεροῦ δοθῆναι .
⁶¹ and he prohibited his deputies and governors to lay any king’s taxes upon the Jews; he also permitted that they should have all that land which they could possess themselves of without tributes. He also enjoined the Idumeans and Samaritans, and the inhabitants of Celesyria, to restore those villages which they had taken from the Jews; and that, besides all this, fifty talents should be given them for the building of the temple.	⁶¹ and he forbade his deputies and officers to lay any royal taxes upon the Jews. He allowed them have without tributes all the land they could occupy, and ordered the Idumaeans and Samaritans and the people of Coele-Syria, to restore the villages they had taken from the Jews. Besides all this, he gave them fifty talents for the building of the temple.
⁶¹ Barach

⁶² θύειν τε αὐτοῖς τὰς νενομισμένας θυσίας ἐπέτρεψε καὶ τὴν‎ χορηγίαν ἅπασαν καὶ τὴν‎ ἱερὰν στολήν , ᾗ θεραπεύουσι τὸν θεὸν ὅ τε ἀρχιερεὺς καὶ οἱ ἱερεῖς , ἐκ τῶν ἰδίων γίνεσθαι , καὶ τοῖς ΛευίταιςLevites τὰ ὄργανα ,
⁶² He also permitted them to offer their appointed sacrifices, and that whatsoever the high priest and the priests wanted, and those sacred garments wherein they used to worship God, should be made at his own charges; and that the musical instruments which the Levites used in singing hymns to God should be given them.	⁶² He let them offer their appointed sacrifices and at his own expense paid for all that was needed by the high priest and other priests, including the sacred vestments in which they worshipped God, and the instruments with which the Levites made music to God.
⁶² Barach

⁶³ οἷς ὑμνοῦσι τὸν θεόνGod , καὶ τοῖς φύλαξι τῆς πόλεως καὶ τοῦ ναοῦ προσέταξεν κλήρους γῆς δοθῆναι καὶ κατὰ ἕκαστον ἔτος ὡρισμένον τι πρὸς τὴν‎ τοῦ βίου χρείαν ἀργύριον , πέμψαι δὲ καὶ τὰ σκεύη , καὶ πάντα , ὅσα ΚῦροςCyrus πρὸ αὐτοῦ‎ ἐβουλήθη περὶ τῆς τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews ἀποκαταστάσεως , ταῦτα καὶ ΔαρεῖοςDarius διετάξατο .
⁶³ Moreover, he charged them, that portions of land should be given to those that guarded the city and the temple, as also a determinate sum of money every year for their maintenance; and withal he sent the vessels. And all that Cyrus intended to do before him relating to the restoration of Jerusalem, Darius also ordained should be done accordingly.	⁶³ He had portions of land given to those who guarded the city and the temple, and a fixed sum of money each year for their maintenance. He also he sent the vessels, and all that Cyrus had intended to do before him about the restoration of the Jews, Darius commanded to be done.
⁶³ Barach

⁶⁴ Τυχὼν οὖν τούτων παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως ΖοροβάβηλοςZorobabel ἐξελθὼν ἀπὸ τῶν βασιλείων καὶ ἀναβλέψας εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εὐχαριστεῖν ἤρξατο τῷ θεῷ τῆς σοφίας καὶ τῆς ἐπ᾽ αὐτῇ νίκης , ἣν ΔαρείουDarius παρόντος ἔλαβεν · οὐ γὰρ ἂν τούτων ἀξιωθῆναι μὴ σοῦ , φησί , δέσποτα ,
⁶⁴ Now when Zorobabel had obtained these grants from the king, he went out of the palace, and looking up to heaven, he began to return thanks to God for the wisdom he had given him, and the victory he had gained thereby, even in the presence of Darius himself; for, said he, “I had not been thought worthy of these advantages, O Lord, unless thou hadst been favorable to me.”	⁶⁴ When he had obtained these grants from the king, Zorobabel left the palace and looking up to heaven, began to thank God for the wisdom he had given him and the victory he had thereby gained, in the presence of Darius. For he said, "These would not have been mine, O Lord, unless you had favoured me."
⁶⁴ Barach

⁶⁵ τυχὼν εὐμενοῦς . ταῦτ᾽ οὖν περὶ τῶν παρόντων εὐχαριστήσας τῷ θεῷ καὶ πρὸς τὰ μέλλοντα δεηθεὶς αὑτὸν παρέχειν ὅμοιον , ἧκεν εἰς ΒαβυλῶναBabylon καὶ τοῖς ὁμοφύλοις εὐηγγελίσατο τὰ παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως .
⁶⁵ When therefore he had returned these thanks to God for the present circumstances he was in, and had prayed to him to afford him the like favor for the time to come, he came to Babylon, and brought the good news to his countrymen of what grants he had procured for them from the king;	⁶⁵ When he had thanked God for his situation and prayed for the same in the future, he came to Babylon to tell his countrymen the good news about the king's decree.
⁶⁵ Barach

⁶⁶ οἱ δὲ ἀκούσαντες εὐχαριστοῦσι μὲν τῷ θεῷ πάλιν αὐτοῖς ἀποδιδόντι τὴν‎ πάτριον γῆν , εἰς δὲ πότον καὶ κώμους τραπέντες ἐφ᾽ ἡμέρας ἑπτὰ διήγαγεν εὐωχούμενοι καὶ τὴν‎ ἀνάκτησιν καὶ παλιγγενεσίαν τῆς πατρίδος ἑορτάζοντες .
⁶⁶ who, when they heard the same, gave thanks also to God that he restored the land of their forefathers to them again. So they betook themselves to drinking and eating, and for seven days they continued feasting, and kept a festival, for the rebuilding and restoration of their country:	⁶⁶ When they heard it they too thanked God for restoring their ancestral land to them, and turned to drinking and eating and for seven days joyously celebrated the rebuilding and restoration of their country.
⁶⁶ Barach

⁶⁷ ἔπειτα τοὺς ἀναβησομένους εἰς τὰ ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem ἡγεμόνας ἐκ τῶν πατρίων φυλῶν σὺν γυναιξὶ καὶ τέκνοις καὶ ὑποζυγίοις ἐπελέξαντο , οἳ ΔαρείουDarius συμπέμψαντος ἕως τῶν ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem ὥδευον μετὰ χαρᾶς καὶ τρυφῆς , ψαλλόμενοι καὶ καταυλούμενοι καὶ περιψοφούμενοι τοῖς κυμβάλοις . προέπεμπε δὲ αὐτοὺς καὶ τὸ ὑπολειπόμενον τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews πλῆθος μετὰ παιδιᾶς .
⁶⁷ after this they chose themselves rulers, who should go up to Jerusalem, out of the tribes of their forefathers, with their wives, and children, and cattle, who traveled to Jerusalem with joy and pleasure, under the conduct of those whom Darius sent along with them, and making a noise with songs, and pipes, and cymbals. The rest of the Jewish multitude also besides accompanied them with rejoicing.	⁶⁷ Then from the tribes of their ancestors they chose officers to go up to Jerusalem, with their wives and children and livestock. Sent by them and by Darius, they went to Jerusalem with joy and gladness, making music with songs and pipes and cymbals, and with delight the rest of the Jewish crowd sent them on their way.
⁶⁷ Barach

⁶⁸ Καὶ οἱ μὲν οὕτως ἀπῄεσαν ἐξ ἑκάστης πατριᾶς ἀριθμὸς ὄντες ὡρισμένος . ἐμοὶ δὲ οὐκ ἔδοξε τὰ τῶν πατριῶν καταλέγειν ὀνόματα , ἵνα μὴ τὴν‎ τῶν ἀναγινωσκόντων διάνοιαν τῆς συναφῆς τῶν πραγμάτων ἀποσπάσας δυσπαρακολούθητον αὐτοῖς ποιήσω τὴν‎ διήγησιν .
⁶⁸ And thus did these men go, a certain and determinate number out of every family, though I do not think it proper to recite particularly the names of those families, that I may not take off the mind of my readers from the connexion of the historical facts, and make it hard for them to follow the coherence of my narrations;	⁶⁸ So they went, a certain number from every family, though I do not think I need to list the names of those families in particular, not to distract my readers from the overview of the events and make it hard for them to follow the line of my narrative.
⁶⁸ Barach

⁶⁹ τὸ δὲ κεφάλαιον τῶν ἀπερχομένων περὶ ἔτη δώδεκα τὴν‎ ἡλικίαν γεγονότων ἐκ τῆς ἸούδαJudas φυλῆς καὶ ΒενιαμίτιδοςBenjamin ἦν μυριάδες τετρακόσιαι ἑξηκονταδύο62 καὶ ὀκτακισχίλιοι , ΛευῖταιLevites δὲ τέσσαρες καὶ ἑβδομήκοντα , γυναικῶν δὲ ἀναμὶξ καὶ νηπίων σώματα ἦν τετρακισμύρια ἑπτακόσια τεσσαρακονταδύο .
⁶⁹ but the sum of those that went up, above the age of twelve years, of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, was four hundred and sixty-two myriads and eight thousand the Levites were seventy-four; the number of the women and children mixed together was forty thousand seven hundred and forty-two;	⁶⁹ The sum total of those who went up, more than twelve years old, of the tribes of Judas and Benjamin, was four million, six hundred and twenty-eight thousand. The Levites were seven hundred and forty thousand. The total number of the women and children was forty thousand seven hundred and forty-two.
⁶⁹ Barach

⁷⁰ πάρεξ δὲ τούτων ΛευῖταιLevites μὲν ἦσαν ὑμνῳδοὶ ἑκατὸν εἰκοσιοκτώ , πυλωροὶ δὲ ἑκατὸν δέκα , δοῦλοι δὲ ἱεροὶ τριακόσιοι ἐνενηκονταδύο , ἄλλοι τε πρὸς τούτοις λέγοντες μὲν εἶναι τῶν ἸσραηλιτῶνIsrael, Israelites οὐ δυνάμενοι δὲ ἐπιδεῖξαι τὸ γένος αὐτῶν ἑξακόσιοι πεντηκονταδύο .
⁷⁰ and besides these, there were singers of the Levites one hundred and twenty-eight, and porters one hundred and ten, and of the sacred ministers three hundred and ninety-two; there were also others besides these, who said they were of the Israelites, but were not able to show their genealogies, six hundred and sixty-two:	⁷⁰ Besides, there were one hundred and twenty-eight singers of the Levites and one hundred and ten porters and three hundred and ninety-two sacred ministers; there were also six hundred and sixty-two others who said they were Israelite, but could not prove their genealogies.
⁷⁰ Barach

⁷¹ ἐξεβλήθησαν δὲ καὶ τῶν ἱερέων ἐκ τῆς τιμῆς ἠγμένοι γυναῖκας , ὧν οὔτ᾽ αὐτοὶ τὸ γένος εἶχον εἰπεῖν οὔτ᾽ ἐν ταῖς γενεαλογίαις τῶν ΛευιτῶνLevi καὶ ἱερέων εὑρέθησαν · ἦσαν δὲ ὡς πεντακόσιοι καὶ πέντε καὶ εἴκοσι .
⁷¹ some there were also who were expelled out of the number and honor of the priests, as having married wives whose genealogies they could not produce, nor were they found in the genealogies of the Levites and priests; they were about five hundred and twenty-five:	⁷¹ Some five hundred and twenty-five were expunged from the list and honour of the priesthood for having married wives whose genealogies they could not produce, or were not found in the genealogies of the Levites and priests.
⁷¹ Barach

⁷² τὸ δὲ τῶν θεραπόντων πλῆθος εἵπετο τοῖς ἀναβαίνουσιν εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem ἑπτακισχιλίων τριακοσίων τριακονταεπτά , ψάλται δὲ καὶ ψάλτριαι διακόσιοι τεσσαρακονταπέντε , κάμηλοι τετρακόσιαι τριακονταπέντε , ὑποζύγια πεντακισχίλια πεντακόσια εἰκοσιπέντε .
⁷² the multitude also of servants that followed those that went up to Jerusalem were seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven; the singing men and singing women were two hundred and forty-five; the camels were four hundred and thirty-five; the beasts used to the yoke were five thousand five hundred and twenty-five;	⁷² Following the group going up to Jerusalem were seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven servants, two hundred and forty-five singing men and singing women, four hundred and thirty-five camels and five thousand five hundred and twenty-five beasts of burden.
⁷² Barach

⁷³ ἡγεμὼν δὲ τῆς κατηριθμημένης πληθύος ἦν ὁ Σαλαθιήλου παῖς ΖοροβάβηλοςZorobabel ἐκ τῶν υἱῶν ὢν τῶν ΔαυίδουDavid γεγονὼς ἐκ τῆς ἸούδαJudas φυλῆς , καὶ ἸησοῦςJesus, Joshua υἱὸς Ἰωσεδέκου τοῦ ἀρχιερέως . πρὸς τούτοις ὁ ΜαρδοχαῖοςMardochai καὶ Σερεβαῖος ἐκ τοῦ πλήθους κεκριμένοι ἄρχοντες ἦσαν , οἳ καὶ συνεβάλοντο μνᾶς μὲν χρυσίου ἑκατὸν ἀργύρου δὲ πεντακισχιλίας .
⁷³ and the governors of all this multitude thus numbered were Zorobabel, the son of Salathiel, of the posterity of David, and of the tribe of Judah; and Jeshua, the son of Josedek the high priest; and besides these there were Mordecai and Serebeus, who were distinguished from the multitude, and were rulers, who also contributed a hundred pounds of gold, and five thousand of silver.	⁷³ The officers over this numbered crowd were Zorobabel, son of Salathiel, descended from David and the tribe of Judas, and Joshua, son of Josadak the high priest. To these should be added Mardochai and Serebeus, officers distinguished from the people, who also contributed a hundred pounds of gold and five thousand of silver.
⁷³ Barach

⁷⁴ οὕτως μὲν οὖν οἵ τε ἱερεῖς καὶ οἱ ΛευῖταιLevites καὶ μέρος τι τοῦ παντὸς λαοῦ τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews , ὃς ἦν ἐν τῇ ΒαβυλῶνιBabylon , κατῳκίσθησαν εἰς τὰ ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem · τὸ δὲ ἄλλο πλῆθος εἰς τὰς ἰδίας ἀνεχώρησεν πατρίδας .
⁷⁴ By this means therefore the priests and the Levites, and a certain part of the entire people of the Jews that were in Babylon, came and dwelt in Jerusalem; but the rest of the multitude returned every one to their own countries.	⁷⁴ In this way, the priests and Levites and part of the entire Jewish nation in Babylon, came and lived in Jerusalem, but the rest of the people returned each to their own region.
⁷⁴ Barach

Chapter 4
[075-119]
Cutheans (Samaritans) oppose rebuilding of the Temple.
This sows seeds of future enmity

☜ ☞

⁷⁵ Ἑβδόμῳ δὲ μηνὶ τῆς ἀπὸ ΒαβυλῶνοςBabylon αὐτῶν ἐξόδου περιπέμψαντες ὅ τε ἀρχιερεὺς ἸησοῦςJesus, Joshua καὶ ΖοροβάβηλοςZorobabel ὁ ἄρχων τοὺς ἀπὸ τῆς χώρας συνήγαγον εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem πανδημεὶ μηδὲν προθυμίας ἀπολιπόντες ,
⁷⁵ Now in the seventh month after they were departed out of Babylon, both Jeshua the high priest, and Zorobabel the governor, sent messengers every way round about, and gathered those that were in the country together to Jerusalem universally, who came very gladly thither.	⁷⁵ In the seventh month after they left Babylon, Joshua the high priest and Zorobabel the ruler sent messengers around everywhere and gathered all the country people together to Jerusalem, and they came there very gladly.
⁷⁵ Barach

⁷⁶ κατεσκεύασάν τε θυσιαστήριον ἐφ᾽ οὗ καὶ πρότερον ἦν ᾠκοδομημένον τόπου , ὅπως τὰς νομίμους ἀναφέρωσι θυσίας ἐπ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ τῷ θεῷ κατὰ τοὺς ΜωυσέωςMoses νόμους . ταῦτα δὲ ποιοῦντες οὐκ ἦσαν ἐν ἡδονῇ τοῖς προσχωρίοις ἔθνεσιν πάντων αὐτοῖς ἀπεχθανομένων .
⁷⁶ He then built the altar on the same place it had formerly been built, that they might offer the appointed sacrifices upon it to God, according to the laws of Moses. But while they did this, they did not please the neighboring nations, who all of them bare an ill-will to them.	⁷⁶ He then prepared an altar on the very place where it had formerly been built, to offer to God upon it the appointed sacrifices according to the laws of Moses. But that they did this was displeasing to the neighbouring nations, who all were hostile to them.
⁷⁶ Barach

⁷⁷ ἤγαγον δὲ καὶ τὴν‎ σκηνοπηγίαν κατ᾽ ἐκεῖνον τὸν καιρόν , ὡς ὁ νομοθέτης περὶ αὐτῆς διετάξατο , καὶ προσφορὰς μετὰ ταῦτα καὶ τοὺς καλουμένους ἐνδελεχισμοὺς καὶ τὰς θυσίας τῶν σαββάτων καὶ πασῶν τῶν ἁγίων ἑορτῶν , οἵ τε πεποιημένοι τὰς εὐχὰς ἀπεδίδοσαν θύοντες ἀπὸ νουμηνίας τοῦ ἑβδόμου μηνός .
⁷⁷ They also celebrated the feast of tabernacles at that time, as the legislator had ordained concerning it; and after they offered sacrifices, and what were called the daily sacrifices, and the oblations proper for the Sabbaths, and for all the holy festivals. Those also that had made vows performed them, and offered their sacrifices from the first day of the seventh month.	⁷⁷ At that time they celebrated the feast of tents also, as the Legislator had ordained, and worshipped and then offered what were called the daily oblations and the sacrifices proper for the Sabbaths and every sacred feast, and all who had made vows performed them and offered their sacrifices from the first day of the seventh month.
⁷⁷ Barach

⁷⁸ ἤρξαντο δὲ καὶ τῆς οἰκοδομίας τοῦ ναοῦ πολλὰ τοῖς τε λατόμοις καὶ τέκτοσι χρήματα δόντες καὶ τὰ πρὸς τροφὴν τῶν εἰσαγομένων , τοῖς τε Σιδωνίοις ἡδὺ καὶ κοῦφον ἦν τά τε κέδρινα κατάγουσιν ἐκ τοῦ ΛιβάνουLibanus ξύλα δήσουσιν αὐτὰ καὶ σχεδίαν πηξαμένοις εἰς τὸν τῆς ἸόππηςJoppa, Perea κομίζειν λιμένα · τοῦτο γὰρ πρῶτος μὲν ΚῦροςCyrus ἐκέλευσεν , τότε δὲ ΔαρείουDarius κελεύσαντος ἐγίνετο .
⁷⁸ They also began to build the temple, and gave a great deal of money to the masons and to the carpenters, and what was necessary for the maintenance of the workmen. The Sidonians also were very willing and ready to bring the cedar trees from Libanus, to bind them together, and to make a united float of them, and to bring them to the port of Joppa, for that was what Cyrus had commanded at first, and what was now done at the command of Darius.	⁷⁸ Then they also began to build the temple and provided a lot of money for the masons and carpenters and what was needed to feed the workmen. The Sidonians were very ready and willing to bring cedar trees from Libanus, binding them together into a raft and bringing them to the port of Joppa, for what Cyrus had earlier ordered was now performed at the command of Darius.
⁷⁸ Barach

⁷⁹ Ὧν τῷ δευτέρῳ ἔτει τῆς εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem καθόδου τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews μηνὶ δευτέρῳ παραγενομένων συνείχετο ἡ τοῦ ναοῦ κατασκευή · καὶ τοὺς θεμελίους ἐγείραντες τῇ νουμηνίᾳ τοῦ δευτέρου μηνὸς τοῦ δευτέρου ἔτους ἐπῳκοδόμουνto build up , προστησάμενοι τῶν ἔργων ΛευιτῶνLevi τε τοὺς εἰκοστὸν ἔτος ἤδη γεγονότας καὶ ἸησοῦνJesus, Joshua καὶ τοὺς υἱοὺς αὐτοῦ‎ καὶ τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς καὶ Ζοδμοῆλον τὸν ἀδελφὸν ἸούδαJudas τοῦ ἈμιναδάβουAbinadab καὶ τοὺς υἱοὺς αὐτοῦ‎ .
⁷⁹ In the second year of their coming to Jerusalem, as the Jews were there in the second month, the building of the temple went on apace; and when they had laid its foundations on the first day of the second month of that second year, they set, as overseers of the work, such Levites as were full twenty years old; and Jeshua and his sons and brethren, and Codmiel the brother of Judas, the son of Aminadab, with his sons;	⁷⁹ In the second month of the second year after the Jews came back to Jerusalem, the building of their temple was going ahead steadily. After they had laid its foundations on the first day of the second month of that second year, they put Levites of more than twenty years old in charge of the work, and Joshua and his sons and brothers and Zodmiel the brother of Judas, son of Aminadab, along with his sons.
⁷⁹ Barach

⁸⁰ καὶ ὁ μὲν ναὸς πάσῃ‎ χρησαμένων σπουδῇ τῶν τὴν‎ ἐπιμέλειαν ἐγκεχειρισμένων θᾶττον ἢ προσεδόκησεν ἄν τις ἔλαβεν τέλος . ἀπαρτισθέντος δὲ τοῦ ἱεροῦ μετὰ σαλπίγγων οἱ ἱερεῖς ταῖς συνήθεσι στολαῖς κεκοσμημένοι καὶ οἱ ΛευῖταιLevites καὶ οἱ Ἀσάφου παῖδες ἀναστάντες ὕμνουν τὸν θεόνGod , ὡς τὴν‎ εἰς αὐτὸν εὐλογίαν ΔαυίδηςDavid κατέδειξε πρῶτος .
⁸⁰ and the temple, by the great diligence of those that had the care of it, was finished sooner than any one would have expected. And when the temple was finished, the priests, adorned with their accustomed garments, stood with their trumpets, while the Levites, and the sons of Asaph, stood and sung hymns to God, according as David first of all appointed them to bless God.	⁸⁰ Due to the diligence of those in charge of the work, the temple was finished sooner than could be expected. When the temple was complete, the priests in their usual vestments stood with their trumpets, while the Levites and the sons of Asaph, stood and sung hymns to God, just as David had first appointed them to bless God.
⁸⁰ Barach

⁸¹ οἱ δὲ ἱερεῖς καὶ ΛευῖταιLevites καὶ τῶν πατριῶν οἱ πρεσβύτεροι τὸν πρότερον [ναὸν ] ταῖς μνήμαις ἀναπολοῦντες μέγιστόν τε καὶ πολυτελέστατον , καὶ τὸν γεγενημένον ὁρῶντες ὑπὸ πτωχείας ἐνδεέστερον τοῦ πάλαι κατασκευαζόμενον , ὅσον εἶεν τῆς ἀρχαίας εὐδαιμονίας ὑποβεβηκότες καὶ τῆς ἀξίας τοῦ ναοῦ λογιζόμενοι κατήφουν , καὶ τῆς ἐπὶ τούτῳ λύπης κρατεῖν οὐ δυνάμενοι μέχρι θρήνων καὶ δακρύων προήγοντο .
⁸¹ Now the priests and Levites, and the elder part of the families, recollecting with themselves how much greater and more sumptuous the old temple had been, seeing that now made how much inferior it was, on account of their poverty, to that which had been built of old, considered with themselves how much their happy state was sunk below what it had been of old, as well as their temple. Hereupon they were disconsolate, and not able to contain their grief, and proceeded so far as to lament and shed tears on those accounts;	⁸¹ The priests and Levites and the elders of the families recalled how much larger and grander the old temple had been, and seeing how, due to their poverty, the one they now had made was inferior to that which had been built of old, realized how less prosperous they and their temple now were than of old, and were so saddened that they could not refrain from weeping at the thought.
⁸¹ Barach

⁸² ὁ δὲ λαὸς ἠγάπα τοῖς παροῦσιν καὶ τῷ μόνον οἰκοδομῆσαι τὸ ἱερὸν τοῦ πρότερον ὄντος οὐδένα λόγον ποιούμενος οὐδ᾽ ἀνάμνησιν οὐδὲ πρὸς τὴν‎ σύγκρισιν τὴν‎ ἐκείνου βασανίζων αὑτὸν ὡς ἐπ᾽ ἐλάττοσιν οἷς ὑπελάμβανεν .
⁸² but the people in general were contented with their present condition; and because they were allowed to build them a temple, they desired no more, and neither regarded nor remembered, nor indeed at all tormented themselves with the comparison of that and the former temple, as if this were below their expectations;	⁸² The ordinary people, though, were content with their present lot and wanted nothing more than just to build the temple, not caring about or recalling the former temple, or torturing themselves with comparisons, as if this one were below their expectations.
⁸² Barach

⁸³ ὑπερεφώνει δὲ τὸν τῶν σαλπίγγων ἦχον καὶ τὴν‎ τοῦ πλήθους χαρὰν ἡ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων καὶ ἱερέων ἐφ᾽ οἷς ἐδόκουν ἐλαττοῦσθαι τὸν ναὸν τοῦ κατασκαφέντος οἰμωγή .
⁸³ but the wailing of the old men and of the priests, on account of the deficiency of this temple, in their opinion, if compared with that which had been demolished, overcame the sounds of the trumpets and the rejoicing of the people.	⁸³ But the wailing of the old men and the priests about this temple's inferiority, in their view, to the one that was demolished, drowned out the sound of the trumpets and of the people's rejoicing.
⁸³ Barach

⁸⁴ Τῆς δὲ βοῆς τῶν σαλπίγγων ἀκούσαντες οἱ ΣαμαρεῖταιSamaritans , ἐτύγχανον γὰρ ἀπεχθανόμενοι τῇ τε ἸούδαJudas φυλῇ καὶ τῇ ΒενιαμίτιδιBenjamin, συνέδραμον τὴν‎ αἰτίαν τοῦ θορύβου μαθεῖν θέλοντες . γνόντες δὲ τοὺς αἰχμαλωτισθέντας εἰς ΒαβυλῶναBabylon τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews ἀνακτίζοντας τὸ ἱερόν , προσίασιν τῷ ΖοροβαβήλῳZorobabel καὶ ἸησοῦJesus, Joshua καὶ τοῖς ἡγουμένοις τῶν πατριῶν ἀξιοῦντες αὐτοῖς ἐπιτραπῆναι συγκατασκευάσαι τὸν ναὸν καὶ κοινωνῆσαι τῆς οἰκοδομίας ·
⁸⁴ But when the Samaritans, who were still enemies to the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, heard the sound of the trumpets, they came running together, and desired to know what was the occasion of this tumult; and when they perceived that it was from the Jews, who had been carried captive to Babylon, and were rebuilding their temple, they came to Zorobabel and to Jeshua, and to the heads of the families, and desired that they would give them leave to build the temple with them, and to be partners with them in building it; for they said,	⁸⁴ When the Samaritans, who were hostile to the tribes of Judas and Benjamin, heard the sound of the trumpets, they hurried together wanting to know the cause of this uproar, and when they saw it was from the Jews, who had been taken prisoner to Babylon and were now rebuilding their temple, they came to Zorobabel and to Joshua and to the heads of the families and asked to be allowed to prepare the temple along with them and to be partners in the building of it.
⁸⁴ Barach

⁸⁵ " σεβόμεθα γὰρ οὐκ ἔλαττονsmaller, less ἐκείνων τὸν θεόνGod , ἔφασκονto say, affirm , καὶ τοῦτον ὑπερευχόμεθα καὶ τῆς θρησκείας ἐσμὲν ἐπιθυμηταὶ ἐξ ἐκείνου τοῦ χρόνου , ἀφ᾽ οὗ ΣαλμανασσάρηςShalmanezer ὁ τῶν ἈσσυρίωνAssyrians βασιλεὺς ἐκ τῆς ΧουθίαςCuthah
⁸⁵ “We worship their God, and especially pray to him, and are desirous of their religious settlement, and this ever since Shalmanezer, the king of Assyria, transplanted us out of Cuthah and Media to this place.”	⁸⁵ They said, "We worship God no less than they do and pray much to him and are zealous for their religion, ever since Shalmanezer, the king of Assyria, transplanted us from Cuthah and Media to this place."
⁸⁵ Barach

⁸⁶ ἡμᾶς μετήγαγεν καὶ ΜηδίαςMedia ἐνθάδε . τούτους αὐτῶν ποιησαμένων τοὺς λόγους ΖοροβάβηλοςZorobabel καὶ ἸησοῦςJesus, Joshua ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς καὶ οἱ τῶν πατριῶν ἡγεμόνες τῶν ἸσραηλιτῶνIsrael, Israelites πρὸς αὐτοὺς ἔφασανto affirm, say τῆς μὲν οἰκοδομίας αὐτοῖς ἀδύνατον εἶναι κοινωνεῖν , αὐτῶν προσταχθέντων κατασκευάσαι τὸν ναὸν πρότερον μὲν ὑπὸ ΚύρουCyrus νῦν δὲ ὑπὸ ΔαρείουDarius ·
⁸⁶ When they said thus, Zorobabel and Jeshua the high priest, and the heads of the families of the Israelites, replied to them, that it was impossible for them to permit them to be their partners, whilst they [only] had been appointed to build that temple at first by Cyrus, and now by Darius,	⁸⁶ When they said this, Zorobabel and Joshua the high priest and the heads of the families of the Israelites, replied that they could not let them be their partners, since first Cyrus and now Darius had appointed them alone to build the temple.
⁸⁶ Barach

⁸⁷ προσκυνεῖν δὲ αὐτοῖς ἐφιέναι καὶ τοῦτο μόνον εἶναι κοινόν , εἰ βούλονται , πρὸς αὐτοὺς καὶ πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις ἀφικνουμένοις εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν σέβειν τὸν θεόνGod .
⁸⁷ although it was indeed lawful for them to come and worship there if they pleased, and that they could allow them nothing but that in common with them, which was common to them with all other men, to come to their temple and worship God there.	⁸⁷ They were free, however, to come and worship there if they pleased but they could offer them only what was allowed to all other men, to come to the temple and there worship God.
⁸⁷ Barach

⁸⁸ Ταῦτ᾽ ἀκούσαντες οἱ Χουθαῖοι , τὴν‎ γὰρ προσηγορίαν οἱ ΣαμαρεῖταιSamaritans ταύτην ἔχουσιν , ἠγανάκτησαν καὶ πείθουσιν τὰ ἐν ΣυρίᾳSyria ἔθνη τῶν σατραπῶν δεηθῆναι τὸν αὐτὸν τρόπον , ὅνπερ ἐπὶ ΚύρουCyrus πρότερον εἶτ᾽ ἐπὶ ΚαμβύσουCambyses μετ᾽ αὐτόν , ἐπισχεῖν τὴν‎ τοῦ ναοῦ κατασκευὴν καὶ σπουδάζουσιν περὶ αὐτὸν τοῖς ἸουδαίοιςJews ἀναβολὴν καὶ τριβὴν πραγματεύσασθαι .
⁸⁸ When the Cuthearts heard this, for the Samaritans have that appellation, they had indignation at it, and persuaded the nations of Syria to desire of the governors, in the same manner as they had done formerly in the days of Cyrus, and again in the days of Cambyses afterwards, to put a stop to the building of the temple, and to endeavor to delay and protract the Jews in their zeal about it.	⁸⁸ When the Cutheans heard this, for so the Samaritans are called, they were angry and persuaded the nations of Syria to ask the officers, as they had done formerly in the days of Cyrus and in the days of Cambyses after him, to put a stop to the building of the temple and to try to delay and hinder the Jews in their zeal about it.
⁸⁸ Barach

⁸⁹ κατὰ δὲ τὸν καιρὸν τοῦτον ἀναβάντων εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem Σισίνου τοῦ τῆς ΣυρίαςSyria καὶ ΦοινίκηςPhoenicia ἐπάρχου καὶ Σαρωβαζάνου μετὰ καί τινων ἑτέρων καὶ τοὺς ἡγεμόνας τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews ἐρομένων , τίνος αὐτοῖς συγχωρήσαντος οὕτως οἰκοδομοῦσιν τὸν ναόν , ὡς φρούριον μᾶλλον αὐτὸν εἶναι ἢ ἱερόν , καὶ τί δήποτε τὰς στοὰς καὶ τὰ τείχη περιβεβλήκασιν τῇ πόλει σφόδρα ὀχυρά ,
⁸⁹ Now at this time Sisinnes, the governor of Syria and Phoenicia, and Sathrabuzanes, with certain others, came up to Jerusalem, and asked the rulers of the Jews, by whose grant it was that they built the temple in this manner, since it was more like to a citadel than a temple? and for what reason it was that they built cloisters and walls, and those strong ones too, about the city?	⁸⁹ At that time Sisinnes, the ruler of Syria and Phoenicia and Sathrabuzanes and some others came up to Jerusalem and asked the officers of the Jews by whose authority they were building the temple in this form, since it was more like a citadel than a temple, and why were they building porticoes and such strong walls around the city.
⁸⁹ Barach

⁹⁰ ΖοροβάβηλοςZorobabel καὶ ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς ἸησοῦςJesus, Joshua δούλους μὲν αὐτοὺς ἔφασανto affirm, say εἶναι τοῦ μεγίστου θεοῦ , τὸν δὲ ναὸν τοῦτον αὐτῷ κατασκευασθέντα ὑπὸ βασιλέως αὐτῶν εὐδαίμονος καὶ πάντας ὑπερβάλλοντος ἀρετῇ πολὺν διαμεῖναι χρόνον .
⁹⁰ To which Zorobabel and Jeshua the high priest replied, that they were the servants of God Almighty; that this temple was built for him by a king of theirs, that lived in great prosperity, and one that exceeded all men in virtue; and that it continued a long time,	⁹⁰ To this Zorobabel and Joshua the high priest replied that they were the servants of Almighty God that this temple was built for him by their prosperous king who had excelled all others in virtue, and that it had lasted a long time.
⁹⁰ Barach

⁹¹ ἐπεὶ δὲ τῶν πατέρων ἀσεβησάντων εἰς τὸν θεὸν ΝαβουχοδονόσοροςNabuchodonosor ὁ ΒαβυλωνίωνBabylonians καὶ ΧαλδαίωνChaldean, Chaldees βασιλεὺς ἑλὼν τὴν‎ πόλιν κατὰ κράτος αὐτήν τε καθεῖλεν καὶ τὸν ναὸν συλήσας ἐνέπρησεν καὶ τὸν λαὸν μετῴκισεν αἰχμάλωτον μεταγαγὼν εἰς ΒαβυλῶναBabylon ,
⁹¹ but that because of their fathers’ impiety towards God, Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Babylonians and of the Chaldeans, took their city by force, and destroyed it, and pillaged the temple, and burnt it down, and transplanted the people whom he had made captives, and removed them to Babylon;	⁹¹ Then because of their fathers' impiety toward God, king Nabuchodonosor of the Babylonians and Chaldeans, had stormed their city and destroyed it and pillaged and burned the temple and transported the people as captives into Babylon.
⁹¹ Barach

⁹² ΚῦροςCyrus ὁ μετ᾽ αὐτὸν τῆς ΒαβυλωνίαςBabylonia καὶ ΠερσίδοςPersia βασιλεὺς ἔγραψεν οἰκοδομῆσαι τὸν ναόν , καὶ πάνθ᾽ ὅσα μετήγαγεν ἐξ αὐτοῦ‎ ΝαβουχοδονόσοροςNabuchodonosor ἀναθήματα καὶ σκεύη ΖοροβαβήλῳZorobabel παραδοὺς καὶ ΜιθριδάτῃMithridates τῷ γαζοφύλακι προσέταξεν κομίσαι εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem καὶ πάλιν εἰς τὸν ἴδιον ἀποκατασταθῆναι ναὸν οἰκοδομηθέντα .
⁹² that Cyrus, who, after him, was king of Babylonia and Persia, wrote to them to build the temple, and committed the gifts and vessels, and whatsoever Nebuchadnezzar had carried out of it, to Zorobabel, and Mithridates the treasurer; and gave order to have them carried to Jerusalem, and to have them restored to their own temple, when it was built;	⁹² Then Cyrus who was king of Babylon and Persia after him, wrote to them to build the temple and entrusted to Zorobabel and Mithridates the treasurer the gifts and vessels and whatever Nabuchodonosor had taken from it, and ordered them brought to Jerusalem to be restored to their own temple, when it was built.
⁹² Barach

⁹³ τοῦτο γὰρ ἐπέστειλεν ἐν τάχει γενέσθαι Σαβάσηρον κελεύσας ἀναβάντα εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem τῆς οἰκοδομίας τοῦ ναοῦ ποιήσασθαι πρόνοιαν . ὃς μετὰ τὸ λαβεῖν παρὰ ΚύρουCyrus γράμματα , παραγενόμενος εὐθὺς τοὺς θεμελίους κατεβάλετο , καὶ ἐξ ἐκείνου τοῦ χρόνου κατασκευαζόμενος μέχρι καὶ τοῦ δεῦρο διὰ τὴν‎ τῶν ἐχθρῶν κακοήθειάν ἐστιν ἀτελής .
⁹³ for he had sent to them to have that done speedily, and commanded Sanabassar to go up to Jerusalem, and to take care of the building of the temple; who, upon receiving that epistle from Cyrus, came, and immediately laid its foundations; “and although it hath been in building from that time to this, it hath not yet been finished, by reason of the malignity of our enemies.	⁹³ This he had ordered to be done quickly, telling Sanabassar to go up to Jerusalem and take care of the building of the temple. On receiving that letter from Cyrus, he had come immediately and laid its foundations. "But while it has gone on from that time to this, the building is not yet finished, because of our enemies' spite.
⁹³ Barach

⁹⁴ εἰ τοίνυν βούλεσθε καὶ δοκιμάζετε , γράψατε ταῦτα ΔαρείῳDarius , ὅπως ἐπισκεψάμενος τὰ τῶν βασιλέων ὑπομνήματα εὕρῃ μηδὲν ἡμᾶς ὧν λέγομεν καταψευσαμένους ."
⁹⁴ If therefore you have a mind, and think it proper, write this account to Darius, that when he hath consulted the records of the kings, he may find that we have told you nothing that is false about this matter.”	⁹⁴ If therefore you think it proper and good, write this to Darius, and when he consults the royal records he will find that we have told you nothing false about this matter."
⁹⁴ Barach

⁹⁵ Ταῦτ᾽ εἰπόντων τοῦ τε Ζοροβαβήλου καὶ τοῦ ἀρχιερέως ὁ Σισίννης καὶ οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ τὴν‎ μὲν οἰκοδομίαν ἐπισχεῖν οὐ διέγνωσαν ἕως ἂν ταῦτα δηλωθῇ ΔαρείῳDarius , παραχρῆμα δ᾽ αὐτῷ περὶ τούτων ἔγραψαν .
⁹⁵ When Zorobabel and the high priest had made this answer, Sisinnes, and those that were with him, did not resolve to hinder the building, until they had informed king Darius of all this. So they immediately wrote to him about these affairs;	⁹⁵ When Zorobabel and the high priest gave this reply, Sisinnes and his companions decided not to hinder the building until they had spoken of all this to king Darius. So they immediately wrote to him about these matters.
⁹⁵ Barach

⁹⁶ τῶν δὲ ἸουδαίωνJews κατεπτηχότων καὶ δεδιότων μὴ μεταδόξῃ τῷ βασιλεῖ περὶ τῆς τῶν ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem καὶ τοῦ ναοῦ κατασκευῆς , ὄντες κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν ἐκεῖνον δύο προφῆται παρ᾽ αὐτοῖς ἈγγαῖοςHaggai καὶ ΖαχαρίαςZachariah θαρρεῖν αὐτοὺς παρώρμων καὶ μηδὲν ἐκ τῶν ΠερσῶνPersians ὑφορᾶσθαι δύσκολον , ὡς τοῦ θεοῦ ταῦτα προλέγοντος . πιστεύοντες δὲ τοῖς προφήταις ἐντεταμένως εἴχοντο τῆς οἰκοδομίας μηδεμίαν ἡμέραν ἀνιέμενοι .
⁹⁶ but as the Jews were now under terror, and afraid lest the king should change his resolutions as to the building of Jerusalem and of the temple, there were two prophets at that time among them, Haggai and Zechariah, who encouraged them, and bid them be of good cheer, and to suspect no discouragement from the Persians, for that God foretold this to them. So, in dependence on those prophets, they applied themselves earnestly to building, and did not intermit one day.	⁹⁶ As the Jews were now miserable and terrified that the king might change his resolve about the building of Jerusalem and the temple, two prophets arose among them at that time, Haggai and Zacharias, who encouraged them and bade them to take heart and not to expect any harassment from the Persians, since God had foretold all this. So, relying on those prophets, they devoted themselves to building and did not pause for a single day.
⁹⁶ Barach

⁹⁷ ΔαρεῖοςDarius δὲ τῶν ΣαμαρειτῶνSamaritans αὐτῷ γραψάντων καὶ κατηγορούντων διὰ τῆς ἐπιστολῆς τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews , ὡς τήν τε πόλιν ὀχυροῦσι καὶ τὸν ναὸν φρουρίῳ προσεοικότα μᾶλλον ἢ ἱερῷ κατασκευάζουσιν , λεγόντων δὲ μὴ συνοίσειν αὐτῷ τὰ γινόμενα καὶ προσέτι τὰς ἐπιστολὰς ἐπιδεικνύντων τὰς ΚαμβύσουCambyses , δι᾽ ὧν ἐκώλυσεν ἐκεῖνος οἰκοδομεῖν τὸν ναόν ,
⁹⁷ Now Darius, when the Samaritans had written to him, and in their epistle had accused the Jews, how they fortified the city, and built the temple more like to a citadel than to a temple; and said, that their doings were not expedient for the king’s affairs; and besides, they showed the epistle of Cambyses, wherein he forbade them to build the temple:	⁹⁷ The Samaritans wrote to Darius and in their letter accused the Jews of fortifying the city and building the temple more like a citadel than a temple, saying that what they were doing was not to the king's advantage, and then they showed him the letter of Cambyses forbidding them to build the temple.
⁹⁷ Barach

⁹⁸ μαθὼν παρ᾽ αὐτῶν οὐκ ἀσφαλῆ τοῖς πράγμασιν αὐτοῦ‎ τὴν‎ τῶν ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem ἀποκατάστασιν ἔσεσθαι , ἐπεὶ καὶ τὰ παρὰ τοῦ Σισίννου καὶ τῶν σὺν αὐτῷ κομισθέντα ἀνέγνω γράμματα , προσέταξεν ἐν τοῖς βασιλικοῖς ὑπομνήμασιν ζητηθῆναι τὰ περὶ τούτων .
⁹⁸ and when Darius thereby understood that the restoration of Jerusalem was not expedient for his affairs, and when he had read the epistle that was brought him from Sisinnes, and those that were with him, he gave order that what concerned these matters should be sought for among the royal records.	⁹⁸ On learning from the letter from Sisinnes and his friends that the restoration of Jerusalem was not expedient for him, Darius had the relevant material sought for, among the royal records.
⁹⁸ Barach

⁹⁹ καὶ εὑρέθη ἐν ἘκβατάνοιςEcbatane τῇ βάρει τῇ ἐν ΜηδίᾳMedia βιβλίον , ἐν ᾧ τάδε ἦν ἀναγεγραμμένα · " ἐν τῷ πρώτῳ τῆς βασιλείας ἔτει ΚῦροςCyrus ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐκέλευσεν τὸν ναὸν οἰκοδομηθῆναι τὸν ἐν ἹεροσολύμοιςJerusalem καὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον , ὕψος μὲν πηχῶν ἑξήκοντα εὖρος δὲ τῶν αὐτῶν , διὰ δόμων λιθίνων βία τε ξεστῶν τριῶν καὶ ξυλίνου δόμου ἑνὸς ἐγχωρίου .
⁹⁹ Whereupon a book was found at Ecbatana, in the tower that was in Media, wherein was written as follows: “Cyrus the king, in the first year of his reign, commanded that the temple should be built in Jerusalem; and the altar in height threescore cubits, and its breadth of the same, with three edifices of polished stone, and one edifice of stone of their own country;	⁹⁹ A book was found at Ecbatana, in the tower in Media, where the following was written : "In the first year of his reign, Cyrus the king ordered the building of the temple in Jerusalem, with an altar sixty feet high and the same wide, with three buildings of polished local stone and one building of local timber.
⁹⁹ Barach

¹⁰⁰ καὶ τὴν‎ εἰς ταῦτα δαπάνην ἐκ τῶν τοῦ βασιλέως γίνεσθαι διετάξατο , καὶ τὰ σκεύη , ἃ συλήσας ΝαβουχοδονόσοροςNabuchodonosor εἰς ΒαβυλῶναBabylon ἐκόμισεν , ἀποδοθῆναι τοῖς Ἱεροσολυμίταις(people of ) Jerusalem ,
¹⁰⁰ and he ordained that the expenses of it should be paid out of the king’s revenue. He also commanded that the vessels which Nebuchadnezzar had pillaged [out of the temple], and had carried to Babylon, should be restored to the people of Jerusalem;	¹⁰⁰ The expenses were to be paid from the royal revenue, and he also ordered that the vessels which Nabuchodonosor had pillaged and brought to Babylon be restored to the people of Jerusalem,
¹⁰⁰ Barach

¹⁰¹ τὴν‎ δὲ ἐπιμέλειαν τούτων εἶναι Ἀναβασσάρου τοῦ ἐπάρχου καὶ τῆς ΣυρίαςSyria τε καὶ ΦοινίκηςPhoenicia ἡγεμόνος καὶ τῶν ἑταίρων αὐτοῦ‎ , ὅπως αὐτοὶ μὲν ἀφέξονται τοῦ τόπου , τοῖς δὲ δούλοις τοῦ θεοῦ ἸουδαίοιςJews τε καὶ ἡγεμόσιν αὐτῶν ἐπιτρέψουσιν οἰκοδομηθῆναι τὸν ναόν .
¹⁰¹ and that the care of these things should belong to Sanabassar, the governor and president of Syria and Phoenicia, and to his associates, that they may not meddle with that place, but may permit the servants of God, the Jews and their rulers, to build the temple.	¹⁰¹ and that the care of these things should belong to Anabassar, the ruler of Syria and leader of Phoenicia and his associates, not in order to meddle with the place, but to allow the servants of God, the Jews and their officers, to build the temple.
¹⁰¹ Barach

¹⁰² καὶ συλλαβέσθαι δὲ πρὸς τὸ ἔργον διετάξατο , κἀκ τοῦ φόρου τοῦ τῆς χώρας ἧς ἐπετροπεύοντο τελεῖν τοῖς ἸουδαίοιςJews εἰς θυσίας λόγον ταύρους καὶ κριοὺς καὶ ἄρνας καὶ ἐρίφους καὶ σεμίδαλιν καὶ ἔλαιον καὶ οἶνον καὶ τἆλλα , ὅσα ἂν οἱ ἱερεῖς ὑπαγορεύσωσιν , εὔχωνται δὲ ὑπὲρ τῆς σωτηρίας τοῦ βασιλέως καὶ ΠερσῶνPersians .
¹⁰² He also ordained that they should assist them in the work; and that they should pay to the Jews, out of the tribute of the country where they were governors, on account of the sacrifices, bulls, and rams, and lambs, and kids of the goats, and fine flour, and oil, and wine, and all other things that the priests should suggest to them; and that they should pray for the preservation of the king, and of the Persians;	¹⁰² He also ordered them to help them in the work, and that to give to the Jews, from the tax of the places they administered, bulls and rams and lambs and kid goats and fine flour and oil and wine for the sacrifices, and anything else that the priests should request of them, and have them pray for the safety of the king and of the Persians.
¹⁰² Barach

¹⁰³ τοὺς δὲ παραβάντας τι τῶν ἐπεσταλμένων συλληφθέντας ἐκέλευσεν ἀνασταυρωθῆναι καὶ τὴν‎ οὐσίαν αὐτῶν εἰς τὴν‎ βασιλικὴν καταταγῆναι κτῆσιν . Καὶ κατηύξατο πρὸς τούτοις τῷ θεῷ , ὅπως εἴ τις ἐπιχειρήσειε διακωλῦσαι τὴν‎ οἰκοδομίαν τοῦ ναοῦ , βαλὼν αὐτὸν ὁ θεὸς ἐπίσχῃ τῆς ἀδικίας ."
¹⁰³ and that for such as transgressed any of these orders thus sent to them, he commanded that they should be caught, and hung upon a cross, and their substance confiscated to the king’s use. He also prayed to God against them, that if any one attempted to hinder the building of the temple, God would strike him dead, and thereby restrain his wickedness.”	¹⁰³ Anybody who disobeyed any of the orders he sent to them were to be taken prisoner and crucified and their property confiscated for the king's own use; and he also prayed to God that if anyone tried to hinder the building of the temple, God would curb his wickedness by striking him dead."
¹⁰³ Barach

¹⁰⁴ Ταῦθ᾽ εὑρὼν ἐν τοῖς ὑπομνήμασιν τοῖς ΚύρουCyrus ΔαρεῖοςDarius ἀντιγράφει τῷ Σισίννῃ καὶ τοῖς ἑταίροις αὐτοῦ‎ τάδε λέγων · " βασιλεὺς ΔαρεῖοςDarius Σισίννῃ τῷ ἐπάρχῳ καὶ Σαραβαζάνῃ καὶ τοῖς ἑταίροις αὐτῶν χαίρειν . τὸ ἀντίγραφον τῆς ἐπιστολῆς ὑμῖν ἧς ἐν τοῖς ὑπομνήμασιν εὗρον τοῖς ΚύρουCyrus ἀπέσταλκα καὶ βούλομαι γίνεσθαι πάντα , καθὼς ἐν αὐτῇ περιέχει .
¹⁰⁴ When Darius had found this book among the records of Cyrus, he wrote an answer to Sisinnes and his associates, whose contents were these: “King Darius to Sisinnes the governor, and to Sathrabuzanes, sendeth greeting. Having found a copy of this epistle among the records of Cyrus, I have sent it you; and I will that all things be done as is therein written. Fare ye well.”	¹⁰⁴ When Darius had found this document among the records of Cyrus, he wrote an answer to Sisinnes and his group, to this effect: "King Darius to Sisinnes the ruler and to Sarabazanes, greetings. Having found a copy of this letter among the records of Cyrus, I have sent it you, and I will that all things written in it be done. Fare well."
¹⁰⁴ Barach

¹⁰⁵ ἔρρωσθε . μαθόντες οὖν ἐκ τῆς ἐπιστολῆς ὁ Σισίννης καὶ οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ τὴν‎ τοῦ βασιλέως προαίρεσιν ταύτῃ τὰ λοιπὰ ἀκόλουθα ποιεῖν διέγνωσαν . ἐπεστάτουν οὖν τῶν ἱερῶν ἔργων συλλαμβανόμενοι τοῖς πρεσβυτέροις τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews καὶ τῶν γερόντων ἄρχουσιν .
¹⁰⁵ So when Sisinnes, and those that were with him, understood the intention of the king, they resolved to follow his directions entirely for the time to come. So they forwarded the sacred works, and assisted the elders of the Jews, and the princes of the Sanhedrim;	¹⁰⁵ On learning of the king's wishes, Sisinnes and his companions resolved to follow them entirely in future. So they supported the sacred work and helped the elders of the Jews and the officers of the Sanhedrin.
¹⁰⁵ Barach

¹⁰⁶ καὶ ἠνύετο κατὰ πολλὴν σπουδὴν ἡ κατασκευὴ τοῦ ναοῦ προφητευόντων ἈγγαίουHaggai καὶ ΖαχαρίουZacharias κατὰ πρόσταγμα τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ μετὰ βουλήσεως ΚύρουCyrus τε καὶ ΔαρείουDarius τῶν βασιλέων , ᾠκοδομήθη δὲ ἐν ἔτεσιν ἑπτά .
¹⁰⁶ and the structure of the temple was with great diligence brought to a conclusion, by the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah, according to God’s commands, and by the injunctions of Cyrus and Darius the kings. Now the temple was built in seven years’ time.	¹⁰⁶ Thus, as Haggai and Zacharias prophesied at God's command, the structure of the temple was completed with great diligence in seven years, after the intervention of kings Cyrus and Darius.
¹⁰⁶ Barach

¹⁰⁷ τοῦ δ᾽ ἐνάτου τῆς ΔαρείουDarius βασιλείας ἔτους εἰκάδι καὶ τρίτῃ μηνὸς δωδεκάτου , ὃς καλεῖται παρὰ μὲν ἡμῖν ἌδαρAdar παρὰ δὲ ΜακεδόσινMacedonians ΔύστροςDystrus , προσφέρουσιν θυσίας οἵ τε ἱερεῖς καὶ ΛευῖταιLevites καὶ τὸ ἄλλο τῶν ἸσραηλιτῶνIsrael, Israelites πλῆθος ἀνανεωτικὰς τῶν πρότερον ἀγαθῶν μετὰ τὴν‎ αἰχμαλωσίαν τοῦ τὸ ἱερὸν ἀνακαινισθὲν ἀπειληφέναιto receive from another ταύρους ἑκατὸν κριοὺς διακοσίους ἄρνας τετρακοσίους χιμάρους δώδεκα κατὰ φυλήν , τοσαῦται γάρ εἰσιν αἱ τῶν ἸσραηλιτῶνIsrael, Israelites φυλαί , ὑπὲρ ὧν ἥμαρτεν ἑκάστη .
¹⁰⁷ And in the ninth year of the reign of Darius, on the twenty-third day of the twelfth month, which is by us called Adar, but by the Macedonians Dystrus, the priests, and Levites, and the other multitude of the Israelites, offered sacrifices, as the renovation of their former prosperity after their captivity, and because they had now the temple rebuilt, a hundred bulls, two hundred rains, four hundred lambs, and twelve kids of the goats, according to the number of their tribes, (for so many are the tribes of the Israelites,) and this last for the sins of every tribe.	¹⁰⁷ So in the ninth year of the reign of Darius, on the twenty-third day of the twelfth month, which is called Adar by us, but Dystrus by the Macedonians, to celebrate the renewal of their former prosperity after their captivity and because they now had the temple rebuilt, the priests and Levites and the whole throng of the Israelites offered in sacrifice a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs and twelve kid goats, according their tribes, for that is the number the tribes of Israel, for the sins of each tribe.
¹⁰⁷ Barach

¹⁰⁸ ἔστησάν τε κατὰ τοὺς ΜωυσέωςMoses νόμους οἵ τε ἱερεῖς καὶ οἱ ΛευῖταιLevites θυρωροὺς ἐφ᾽ ἑκάστου πυλῶνος · ᾠκοδομήκεσαν γὰρ οἱ ἸουδαῖοιJews καὶ τὰς ἐν κύκλῳ τοῦ ναοῦ στοὰς τοῦ ἔνδοθεν ἱεροῦ.
¹⁰⁸ The priests also and the Levites set the porters at every gate, according to the laws of Moses. The Jews also built the cloisters of the inner temple that were round about the temple itself.	¹⁰⁸ The priests and Levites set porters at every gate, according to the laws of Moses, and the Jews built the porticoes of the inner temple that were around the temple itself.
¹⁰⁸ Barach

¹⁰⁹ Ἐνστάσης δὲ τῆς τῶν ἀζύμων ἑορτῆς μηνὶ τῷ πρώτῳ , κατὰ μὲν ΜακεδόναςMacedonians ΞανθικῷXanthicus λεγομένῳ κατὰ δὲ ἡμᾶς Νισάν , συνερρύη πᾶς ὁ λαὸς ἐκ τῶν κωμῶν εἰς τὴν‎ πόλιν , καὶ τὴν‎ ἑορτὴν ἤγαγον ἁγνεύοντες μετὰ γυναικῶν καὶ τέκνων τῷ πατρίῳ νόμῳ ,
¹⁰⁹ And as the feast of unleavened bread was at hand, in the first month, which, according to the Macedonians, is called Xanthicus, but according to us Nisan, all the people ran together out of the villages to the city, and celebrated the festival, having purified themselves, with their wives and children, according to the law of their country;	¹⁰⁹ As the feast of unleavened bread was at hand, in the first month, which the Macedonians call Xanthicus, but we call Nisan, all the people hurried in from the villages to the city and celebrated the festival, having purified themselves and their wives and children, according to their ancestral law.
¹⁰⁹ Barach

¹¹⁰ καὶ τὴν‎ πάσχα προσαγορευομένηνto call, name θυσίαν τῇ τετράδι καὶ δεκάτῃ τοῦ αὐτοῦ‎ μηνὸς ἐπιτελέσαντες κατευωχήθησαν ἐπὶ ἡμέρας ἑπτὰ μηδεμιᾶς φειδόμενοι πολυτελείας , ἀλλὰ καὶ τὰς ὁλοκαυτώσεις ἐπιφέροντες τῷ θεῷ καὶ χαριστηρίους θυσίας ἱερουργοῦντες ἀνθ᾽ ὧν αὐτοὺς ποθοῦν τὸ θεῖον πάλιν εἰς τὴν‎ πάτριον γῆν καὶ τοὺς ἐν αὐτῇ νόμους ἤγαγεν καὶ τὴν‎ τοῦ ΠερσῶνPersians βασιλέως διάνοιαν εὐμενῆ κατέστησεν αὐτοῖς .
¹¹⁰ and they offered the sacrifice which was called the Passover, on the fourteenth day of the same month, and feasted seven days, and spared for no cost, but offered whole burnt-offerings to God, and performed sacrifices of thanksgiving, because God had led them again to the land of their fathers, and to the laws thereto belonging, and had rendered the mind of the king of Persia favorable to them.	¹¹⁰ Then they offered the sacrifice called the Passover, on the fourteenth day of the same month and feasted seven days and spared no expense but offered entire holocausts to God and thank-offerings, for He had led them back to the land of their fathers and to its laws to it and had caused the king of Persia to be favourable to them.
¹¹⁰ Barach

¹¹¹ καὶ οἱ μὲν ὑπὲρ τούτων ἐπιδαψιλευόμενοι ταῖς θυσίαις καὶ τῇ περὶ τὸν θεὸν φιλοτιμίαι κατῴκησαν ἐν τοῖς ἹεροσολύμοιςJerusalem πολιτείᾳ χρώμενοι ἀριστοκρατικῇ μετὰ ὀλιγαρχίας · οἱ γὰρ ἀρχιερεῖς προεστήκεσαν τῶν πραγμάτων ἄχρι οὗ τοὺς ἈσαμωναίουHasmoneus συνέβη βασιλεύειν ἐκγόνους .
¹¹¹ So these men offered the largest sacrifices on these accounts, and used great magnificence in the worship of God, and dwelt in Jerusalem, and made use of a form of government that was aristocratical, but mixed with an oligarchy, for the high priests were at the head of their affairs, until the posterity of the Asamoneans set up kingly government;	¹¹¹ For this they offered the largest of sacrifices and were generous in the worship of God. Their life in Jerusalem was a mixture of aristocracy and oligarchy, with the high priests in charge, until the descendants of the Hasmoneans began to rule as kings.
¹¹¹ Barach

¹¹² πρὸ μὲν γὰρ τῆς αἰχμαλωσίας καὶ τῆς ἀναστάσεως ἐβασιλεύοντο ἀπὸ ΣαούλουSaul πρῶτον ἀρξάμενοι καὶ ΔαυίδουDavid ἐπὶ ἔτη πεντακόσια τριακονταδύο μῆνας ἓξ ἡμέρας δέκα , πρὸ δὲ τῶν βασιλέων τούτων ἄρχοντες αὐτοὺς διεῖπον οἱ προσαγορευόμενοι κριταὶ καὶ μόναρχοι , καὶ τοῦτον πολιτευόμενοι τὸν τρόπον ἔτεσιν πλέον ἢ πεντακοσίοις διήγαγεν μετὰ ΜωυσῆνMoses ἀποθανόντα καὶ ἸησοῦνJesus, Joshua τὸν στρατηγόν .
¹¹² for before their captivity, and the dissolution of their polity, they at first had kingly government from Saul and David for five hundred and thirty-two years, six months, and ten days; but before those kings, such rulers governed them as were called judges and monarchs. Under this form of government they continued for more than five hundred years after the death of Moses, and of Joshua their commander.	¹¹² Before the captivity and their dissolution, they first had kingly government from Saul and David for five hundred and thirty-two years, six months and ten days, but before the kings, those who led them were called judges and monarchs, the system they had followed for more than five hundred years after the death of Moses and of their general, Joshua.
¹¹² Barach

¹¹³ καὶ τὰ μὲν περὶ τῶν ἀνασωθέντων ἐκ τῆς αἰχμαλωσίας ἸουδαίωνJews ἐν τοῖς ΚύρουCyrus καὶ ΔαρείουDarius χρόνοις ἐν τούτοις ὑπῆρχεν .
¹¹³ And this is the account I had to give of the Jews who had been carried into captivity, but were delivered from it in the times of Cyrus and Darius.	¹¹³ And that is my account of the Jews who had been brought into captivity, but were saved from it in the times of Cyrus and Darius.
¹¹³ Barach

¹¹⁴ Οἱ δὲ ΣαμαρεῖςSamaritans ἀπεχθῶς πρὸς αὐτοὺς καὶ βασκάνως διακείμενοι πολλὰ κακὰ τοὺς ἸουδαίουςJews εἰργάσαντο πλούτῳ τε πεποιθότες καὶ συγγένειαν προσποιούμενοι τὴν‎ ΠερσῶνPersians , ἐπειδήπερ ἐκεῖθεν ἦσαν .
¹¹⁴ But the Samaritans, being evil and enviously disposed to the Jews, wrought them many mischiefs, by reliance on their riches, and by their pretense that they were allied to the Persians, on account that thence they came;	¹¹⁴ But the Samaritans, being malicious and envious toward the Jews, did them much harm, trusting in their riches and their claim to be allied to the Persians, because they came from there.
¹¹⁴ Barach

¹¹⁵ ὅσα τε γὰρ ἐκελεύσθησαν ἐκ τῶν φόρων ὑπὸ τοῦ βασιλέως εἰς τὰς θυσίας τελεῖν τοῖς ἸουδαίοιςJews παρέχειν οὐκ ἤθελον τούς τε ἐπάρχους σπουδάζοντας αὐτοῖς πρὸς τοῦτο καὶ συνεργοῦντας εἶχον , ἄλλα τε ὅσα βλάπτειν ἢ δι᾽ ἑαυτῶν ἢ δι᾽ ἑτέρων ἠδύναντο τοὺς ἸουδαίουςJews οὐκ ἀπώκνουν .
¹¹⁵ and whatsoever it was that they were enjoined to pay the Jews by the king’s order out of their tributes for the sacrifices, they would not pay it. They had also the governors favorable to them, and assisting them for that purpose; nor did they spare to hurt them, either by themselves or by others, as far as they were able.	¹¹⁵ They would not pay the Jews what the king had ordered from their tributes for the sacrifices, and their officers favoured and helped them in that purpose. Nor did they refrain from doing them harm, either by themselves or through others, as far as they were able.
¹¹⁵ Barach

¹¹⁶ ἔδοξεν οὖν πρεσβευσαμένοις τοῖς Ἱεροσολυμίταις(people of ) Jerusalem πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα ΔαρεῖονDarius κατηγορῆσαι τῶν ΣαμαρειτῶνSamaritans , καὶ πρεσβεύουσιν ΖοροβάβηλοςZorobabel καὶ ἄλλοι τῶν ἀρχόντων τέσσαρες .
¹¹⁶ So the Jews determined to send an embassage to king Darius, in favor of the people of Jerusalem, and in order to accuse the Samaritans. The ambassadors were Zorobabel, and four others of the rulers;	¹¹⁶ So the Jews decided to send an delegation to king Darius, on behalf of the people of Jerusalem, to accuse the Samaritans. The envoys were Zorobabel and four others of the officers.
¹¹⁶ Barach

¹¹⁷ ὡς δὲ τὰ ἐγκλήματα καὶ τὰς αἰτίας , ἃς κατὰ τῶν ΣαμαρέωνSamaritans ἐπέφερον , ἔγνω παρὰ τῶν πρέσβεων ὁ βασιλεύς , δοὺς αὐτοῖς κομίζειν ἐπιστολὴν πρὸς τοὺς ἐπάρχους τῆς ΣαμαρείαςSamaria καὶ τὴν‎ βουλὴν ἀπέπεμψεν .
¹¹⁷ and as soon as the king knew from the ambassadors the accusations and complaints they brought against the Samaritans, he gave them an epistle to be carried to the governors and council of Samaria; the contents of which epistle were these:	¹¹⁷ When the king heard the accusations and complaints against the Samaritans brought by the envoys, he gave them a letter to bring to the officers and council of Samaria, as follows :
¹¹⁷ Barach

¹¹⁸ τὰ δὲ γεγραμμένα ἦν τοιάδε · " βασιλεὺς ΔαρεῖοςDarius ΤαγανᾷTaganas καὶ ΣαμβᾷSambas τοῖς ἐπάρχοις καὶ ΣαμαρειτῶνSamaritans ΣαδράκῃSadraces καὶ ΒουήδωνιBobelo καὶ τοῖς λοιποῖς συνδούλοις αὐτῶν τοῖς ἐν ΣαμαρείᾳSamaria . ΖοροβάβηλοςZorobabel καὶ ἈνανίαςAnanias καὶ ΜαρδοχαῖοςMardochai ἸουδαίωνJews πρεσβευταὶ ᾐτιῶντο ὑμᾶς ὡς ἐνοχλοῦντας αὐτοῖς πρὸς τὴν‎ οἰκοδομίαν τοῦ ναοῦ καὶ μὴ χορηγοῦντας ἃ προσέταξα ὑμῖν εἰς τὰς θυσίας τελεῖν αὐτοῖς ἀναλώματαexpense, cost .
¹¹⁸ “King Darius to Tanganas and Sambabas, the governors of the Sainaritans, to Sadraces and Bobelo, and the rest of their fellow servants that are in Samaria: Zorobabel, Ananias, and Mordecai, the ambassadors of the Jews, complain of you, that you obstruct them in the building of the temple, and do not supply them with the expenses which I commanded you to do for the offering of their sacrifices.	¹¹⁸ "King Darius to Taganas and Sambas, the officers of the Samaritans, to Sadraces and Bobelo and the rest of their fellow subjects in Samaria. Zorobabel, Ananias and Mardochai have come from the Jews to complain that you are obstructing them in the building of the temple and not supplying them with the money as I ordered you, for their sacrifices.
¹¹⁸ Barach

¹¹⁹ βούλομαι οὖν ὑμᾶς ἀναγνόντας τὴν‎ ἐπιστολὴν χορηγεῖν αὐτοῖς ἐκ τοῦ βασιλικοῦ γαζοφυλακείου τῶν φόρων τῆς ΣαμαρείαςSamaria πάνθ᾽ ὅσα πρὸς θυσίας ἐστὶν αὐτοῖς χρήσιμα , καθὼς οἱ ἱερεῖς ἀξιοῦσιν , ἵνα μὴ διαλείπωσιν καθ᾽ ἡμέραν θύοντες μηδ᾽ ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ καὶ ΠερσῶνPersians εὐχόμενοι τῷ θεῷ . Καὶ ἡ μὲν ἐπιστολὴepistle ταῦτα περιεῖχεν .
¹¹⁹ My will therefore is this, That upon the reading of this epistle, you supply them with whatsoever they want for their sacrifices, and that out of the royal treasury, of the tributes of Samaria, as the priest shall desire, that they may not leave off offering their daily sacrifices, nor praying to God for me and the Persians.” And these were the contents of that epistle.	¹¹⁹ I will that having read this letter you supply them from the royal treasury of the taxes of Samaria with whatever they need for their sacrifices as the priests shall desire, that they may not cease offering their daily sacrifices, and pray to God for me and for the Persians." Such were the contents of the letter.
¹¹⁹ Barach

Chapter 5
[120-183]
The goodwill of Xerxes toward the Jews.
Ezra and Nehemias continue the reconstruction

☜ ☞

¹²⁰ ΔαρείουDarius δὲ τελευτήσαντος παραλαβὼν τὴν‎ βασιλείαν ὁ παῖς αὐτοῦ‎ Ξέρξης ἐκληρονόμησεν αὐτοῦ‎ καὶ τὴν‎ πρὸς τὸν θεὸν εὐσέβειάν τε καὶ τιμήν · ἅπαντα γὰρ ἀκολούθως τῷ πατρὶ τὰ πρὸς τὴν‎ θρησκείαν ἐποίησεν καὶ πρὸς τοὺς ἸουδαίουςJews ἔσχεν φιλοτιμότατα .
¹²⁰ Upon the death of Darius, Xerxes his son took the kingdom, who, as he inherited his father’s kingdom, so did he inherit his piety towards God, and honor of him; for he did all things suitably to his father relating to divine worship, and he was exceeding friendly to the Jews.	¹²⁰ After the death of Darius, Xerxes his son took over as king, inheriting not only his kingdom but also his piety and honour toward God, for he acted like his father in all things relating to worship and was very favourable to the Jews.
¹²⁰ Barach

¹²¹ κατ᾽ ἐκεῖνον δὲ τὸν καιρὸν ἀρχιερεὺς ἦν ἸησοῦJesus, Joshua παῖς Ἰωάκειμος ὄνομα . ὑπῆρχεν δὲ καὶ ἐν ΒαβυλῶνιBabylon δίκαιος ἀνὴρ καὶ δόξης ἀπολαύων ἀγαθῆς παρὰ τῷ πλήθει πρῶτος ἱερεὺς τοῦ θεοῦ καλούμενος Ἔζδρας , ὃς τῶν ΜωυσέωςMoses νόμων ἱκανῶς ἔμπειρος ὢν γίνεται Φίλος τῷ βασιλεῖ ΞέρξῃXerxes .
¹²¹ Now about this time a son of Jeshua, whose name was Joacim, was the high priest. Moreover, there was now in Babylon a righteous man, and one that enjoyed a great reputation among the multitude. He was the principal priest of the people, and his name was Esdras. He was very skillful in the laws of Moses, and was well acquainted with king Xerxes.	¹²¹ Now about this time there was a high priest named Joakeim, son of Joshua. And in Babylon there was then a righteous man, highly reputed by the people and a prominent priest of God, named Esdras, very skilled in the laws of Moses and a trusted friend of king Xerxes.
¹²¹ Barach

¹²² γνοὺς δὲ ἀναβῆναι εἰς τὰ ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem καὶ ἐπαγαγέσθαι τινὰς τῶν ἐν ΒαβυλῶνιBabylon τυγχανόντων ἸουδαίωνJews παρεκάλεσεν τὸν βασιλέα δοῦναι αὐτῷ πρὸς τοὺς σατράπας τῆς ΣυρίαςSyria ἐπιστολήν , ὑφ᾽ ἧς αὐτοῖς γνωρισθήσεται τίς εἴη .
¹²² He had determined to go up to Jerusalem, and to take with him some of those Jews that were in Babylon; and he desired that the king would give him an epistle to the governors of Syria, by which they might know who he was.	¹²² He had decided to go up to Jerusalem bringing with him some of the Jews in Babylon, and he asked the king for a letter to the satraps of Syria, to tell them who he was.
¹²² Barach

¹²³ ὁ δὲ βασιλεὺς γράφει πρὸς τοὺς σατράπας ἐπιστολὴν τοιάνδε · " βασιλεὺς βασιλέων Ξέρξης Ἔζδρᾳ ἱερεῖ καὶ ἀναγνώστῃ τῶν τοῦ θεοῦ νόμων χαίρειν . τῆς ἐμαυτοῦ φιλανθρωπίας ἔργον εἶναι νομίσας τὸ τοὺς βουλομένους ἐκ τοῦ ἸουδαίωνJews ἔθνους καὶ ΛευιτῶνLevi ὄντων ἐν τῇ ἡμετέρᾳ βασιλείᾳ συναπαίρειν εἰς τὰ ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem , τοῦτο προσέταξα , καὶ ὁ βουλόμενος ἀπίτω ,
¹²³ Accordingly, the king wrote the following epistle to those governors: “Xerxes, king of kings, to Esdras the priest, and reader of the divine law, greeting. I think it agreeable to that love which I bear to mankind, to permit those of the Jewish nation that are so disposed, as well as those of the priests and Levites that are in our kingdom, to go together to Jerusalem.	¹²³ The king wrote the following letter to the satraps: "Xerxes, king of kings, to Esdras the priest well-read in the divine law, greeting. In my benevolence I think it right to permit those of the Jewish nation who so wish, with the priests and Levites in our kingdom, to go together to Jerusalem and have so decreed: let each one who so wishes go there.
¹²³ Barach

¹²⁴ καθάπερ ἔδοξέν μοι καὶ τοῖς ἑπτά μου συμβούλοις , ὅπως τὰ κατὰ τὴν‎ ἸουδαίανJudea ἐπισκέψωνται τῷ νόμῳ τοῦ θεοῦ ἀκολούθως καὶ ἀπενέγκωσι δῶρα τῷ ἸσραηλιτῶνIsrael, Israelites θεῷ , ἅπερ ηὐξάμην ἐγώ τε καὶ οἱ φίλοι ·
¹²⁴ Accordingly, I have given command for that purpose; and let every one that hath a mind go, according as it hath seemed good to me, and to my seven counselors, and this in order to their review of the affairs of Judea, to see whether they be agreeable to the law of God. Let them also take with them those presents which I and my friends have vowed,	¹²⁴ This seems good to me and to my council of seven who reviewed the affairs of Judea to see if they be in accord with the law of God. Let them also take with them the gifts which I and my friends have vowed.
¹²⁴ Barach

¹²⁵ καὶ ἀργύριον καὶ χρυσίον ὅσον ἂν εὑρεθῇ ἐν τῇ χώρᾳ τῶν ΒαβυλωνίωνBabylonians ὠνομασμένον τῷ θεῷ τοῦτο πᾶν εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem κομισθῆναι τῷ θεῷ εἰς τὰς θυσίας , πάντα τε , ὅσα βούλει ἐξ ἀργύρου καὶ χρυσοῦ κατασκευάσαι , ποιεῖν ἐξέστω σοι μετὰ τῶν ἀδελφῶν .
¹²⁵ with all that silver and gold that is found in the country of the Babylonians, as dedicated to God, and let all this be carried to Jerusalem to God for sacrifices. Let it also be lawful for thee and thy brethren to make as many vessels of silver and gold as thou pleasest.	¹²⁵ All the silver and gold dedicated to God that is found in the land of Babylon must be brought to God in Jerusalem for sacrificial use. You and your brothers are also allowed to make as many vessels of silver and gold as you need,
¹²⁵ Barach

¹²⁶ καὶ τὰ δεδομένα σοι ἱερὰ σκεύη ἀναθήσεις καὶ ὅσων ἂν ἐπίνοιαν λάβῃς καὶ ταῦτα προσεξεργάσῃ τὴν‎ εἰς αὐτὰ δαπάνην ποιούμενος ἐκ τοῦ βασιλικοῦ γαζοφυλακείου .
¹²⁶ Thou shalt also dedicate those holy vessels which have been given thee, and as many more as thou hast a mind to make, and shall take the expenses out of the king’s treasury.	¹²⁶ and you may consecrate to God the sacred vessels given to you and as many more as you want to make, at the expense of the royal treasury.
¹²⁶ Barach

¹²⁷ ἔγραψα δὲ καὶ τοῖς γαζοφύλαξιν τῆς ΣυρίαςSyria καὶ τῆς ΦοινίκηςPhoenicia , ἵνα τῶν ὑπὸ Ἔζδρα τοῦ ἱερέως καὶ ἀναγνώστου τῶν τοῦ θεοῦ νόμων ἐπισταλέντων ἐπιμεληθῶσιν . ὅπως δὲ μηδεμίαν ὀργὴν ἐπ᾽ ἐμὲ λάβῃ τὸ θεῖον ἢ τοὺς ἐμοὺς ἐκγόνους , πάντ᾽ ἀξιῶ καὶ μέχρι τοῦ πυροῦ κόρων ἑκατὸν ἐπιτελεῖσθαι τῷ θεῷ κατὰ τὸν νόμον .
¹²⁷ I have, moreover, written to the treasurers of Syria and Phoenicia, that they take care of those affairs that Esdras the priest, and reader of the laws of God, is sent about. And that God may not be at all angry with me, or with my children, I grant all that is necessary for sacrifices to God, according to the law, as far as a hundred cori of wheat.	¹²⁷ I have also written to the treasurers of Syria and Phoenicia to be supportive in the matters about which I have sent Esdras the priest, who is expert in the laws of God. So that Deity may have no anger toward me or my children, I allow all that is needed for sacrifices to God according to the law, up to a hundred cori of wheat.
¹²⁷ Barach

¹²⁸ καὶ ὑμῖν δὲ λέγω , ὅπως τοῖς ἱερεῦσιν καὶ ΛευίταιςLevites καὶ ἱεροψάλταις καὶ θυρωροῖς καὶ ἱεροδούλοις καὶ γραμματεῦσιν τοῦ ἱεροῦ μήτε φόρους ἐπιτάξητε μήτε ἄλλο μηδὲν ἐπίβουλον ἢ φορτικὸν εἰς αὐτοὺς γένηται .
¹²⁸ And I enjoin you not to lay any treacherous imposition, or any tributes, upon their priests or Levites, or sacred singers, or porters, or sacred servants, or scribes of the temple.	¹²⁸ And I command you not to impose any tribute upon their priests or Levites, or sacred singers, or porters, or ministers, or scribes of the temple.
¹²⁸ Barach

¹²⁹ καὶ σὺ δέ , Ἔζδρα , κατὰ τὴν‎ τοῦ θεοῦ σοφίαν ἀπόδειξον κριτάς , ὅπως δικάσωσιν ἐν ΣυρίᾳSyria καὶ ΦοινίκῃPhoenicia πάσῃ‎ τοὺς ἐπισταμένους σου τὸν νόμον , καὶ τοῖς ἀγνοοῦσιν δὲ παρέξεις αὐτὸν μαθεῖν ,
¹²⁹ And do thou, O Esdras, appoint judges according to the wisdom [given thee] of God, and those such as understand the law, that they may judge in all Syria and Phoenicia; and do thou instruct those also which are ignorant of it,	¹²⁹ And you Esdras must appoint judges who are wise under God in the ways of your law, to give justice in all of Syria and Phoenicia, and instruct those who are ignorant.
¹²⁹ Barach

¹³⁰ ἵνα ἄν τις τῶν ὁμοεθνῶν σου παραβαίνῃ τὸν τοῦ θεοῦ νόμον ἢ τὸν βασιλικόν , ὑπόσχῃ τιμωρίαν , ὡς οὐ κατ᾽ ἄγνοιαν αὐτὸν παραβαίνων , ἀλλ᾽ ὡς ἐπιστάμενος μὲν τολμηρῶς δὲ παρακούων καὶ καταφρονῶν . κολασθήσονται δ᾽ ἤτοι θανάτῳ ἢ ζημίᾳ χρηματικῇ . ἔρρωσο ."
¹³⁰ that if any one of thy countrymen transgress the law of God, or that of the king, he may be punished, as not transgressing it out of ignorance, but as one that knows it indeed, but boldly despises and contemns it; and such may be punished by death, or by paying fines. Farewell.”	¹³⁰ If any of your countrymen breaks the law of God or that of the king, let him be punished, not like one who sinned in ignorance, but as one who knew the law but boldly despised and scorned it. Let such men be punished by death, or by paying fines. Farewell."
¹³⁰ Barach

¹³¹ Λαβὼν δὲ Ἔζδρας ταύτην τὴν‎ ἐπιστολὴν ὑπερήσθη καὶ τῷ θεῷ προσκυνεῖν ἤρξατο , τῆς τοῦ βασιλέως πρὸς αὐτὸν χρηστότητος ἐκεῖνον αἴτιον ὁμολογῶν γεγενῆσθαι , καὶ διὰ τοῦτο τὴν‎ πᾶσαν αὐτοῦ‎ χάριν ἔλεγεν εἶναι . ἀναγνοὺς δ᾽ ἐν ΒαβυλῶνιBabylon τὴν‎ ἐπιστολὴν τοῖς αὐτόθι παροῦσιν ἸουδαίοιςJews , αὐτὴν μὲν κατέσχεν , τὸ δ᾽ ἀντίγραφον αὐτῆς πρὸς ἅπαντας ἔπεμψεν τοὺς ὁμοεθνεῖς τοὺς κατὰ τὴν‎ ΜηδίανMedia ὄντας .
¹³¹ When Esdras had received this epistle, he was very joyful, and began to worship God, and confessed that he had been the cause of the king’s great favor to him, and that for the same reason he gave all the thanks to God. So he read the epistle at Babylon to those Jews that were there; but he kept the epistle itself,	¹³¹ Esdras was very glad to receive his letter and began to worship God whom he thanked as the source of all the king's favour to him. He read the letter in Babylon to the Jews there, but kept the letter itself and sent a copy of it to all of his own people in Media.
¹³¹ Barach

¹³² μαθόντες δὲ οὗτοι τὴν‎ παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως καὶ πρὸς τὸν θεὸν εὐσέβειαν καὶ πρὸς τὸν Ἔζδραν εὔνοιαν ἅπαντες μὲν ὑπερηγάπησαν , πολλοὶ δ᾽ αὐτῶν καὶ τὰς κτήσεις ἀναλαβόντες ἦλθον εἰς ΒαβυλῶναBabylon ποθοῦντες τῆς εἰς τὰ ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem καθόδου .
¹³² and sent a copy of it to all those of his own nation that were in Media. And when these Jews had understood what piety the king had towards God, and what kindness he had for Esdras, they were all greatly pleased; nay, many of them took their effects with them,	¹³² These Jews were all greatly pleased to see the king's devotion to God and his favour to Esdras, and many took their goods and came to Babylon, eager to make the journey to Jerusalem.
¹³² Barach

¹³³ ὁ δὲ πᾶς λαὸς τῶν ἸσραηλιτῶνIsrael, Israelites κατὰ χώραν ἔμεινεν · διὸ καὶ δύο φυλὰς εἶναι συμβέβηκεν ἐπί τε τῆς ἈσίαςAsia καὶ τῆς ΕὐρώπηςEurope ῬωμαίοιςRomans ὑπακουούσας , αἱ δὲ δέκα φυλαὶ πέραν εἰσὶν ΕὐφράτουEuphrates ἕως δεῦρο , μυριάδες ἄπειροιinexperienced καὶ ἀριθμῷ γνωσθῆναι μὴ δυνάμεναι .
¹³³ and came to Babylon, as very desirous of going down to Jerusalem; but then the entire body of the people of Israel remained in that country; wherefore there are but two tribes in Asia and Europe subject to the Iomans, while the ten tribes are beyond Euphrates till now, and are an immense multitude, and not to be estimated by numbers.	¹³³ But the larger body of the people of Israel stayed on in that land; so that only two of our tribes came to be in European Asia, subject to the Romans, while ten tribes, numbering thousands too many to count, are still beyond the Euphrates.
¹³³ Barach

¹³⁴ πρὸς δὲ Ἔζδραν ἀφικνοῦνταιto arrive at, reach ἱερέων καὶ ΛευιτῶνLevi καὶ θυρωρῶν καὶ ἱεροψαλτῶν καὶ ἱεροδούλων πολλοὶ τὸν ἀριθμόν . συναγαγὼν δὲ τοὺς ἐκ τῆς αἰχμαλωσίας εἰς τὸ πέραν τοῦ ΕὐφράτουEuphrates καὶ τρεῖς ἐπιδιατρίψας ἐκεῖ ἡμέρας νηστείαν αὐτοῖς παρήγγειλεν , ὅπως εὐχὰς ποιήσονται τῷ θεῷ περὶ τῆς αὐτῶν σωτηρίας καὶ τοῦ μηδὲν κατὰ τὴν‎ ὁδὸν παθεῖν ἄτοπον ἢ πρὸς τῶν πολεμίων ἤ τινος ἄλλου δυσκόλου προσπεσόντος αὐτοῖς ·
¹³⁴ Now there came a great number of priests, and Levites, and porters, and sacred singers, and sacred servants to Esdras. So he gathered those that were in the captivity together beyond Euphrates, and staid there three days, and ordained a fast for them, that they might make their prayers to God for their preservation, that they might suffer no misfortunes by the way, either from their enemies, or from any other ill accident;	¹³⁴ Many priests, Levites, porters, sacred singers and temple ministers came to Esdras and he gathered the exiles on the other side of the Euphrates and stayed there with them for three days and arranged for them a day of fasting to pray to God for their safety, to spare them from any mishap on the journey, either from their enemies or some other misfortune.
¹³⁴ Barach

¹³⁵ φθάσας γὰρ ὁ Ἔζδρας εἰπεῖν τῷ βασιλεῖ , ὅτι διασώσει αὐτοὺς ὁ θεός , οὐ κατηξίωσεν ἱππεῖς αὐτὸν αἰτῆσαι τοὺς προπέμψοντας . ποιησάμενοι δὲ τὰς εὐχάς , ἄραντες ἀπὸ τοῦ ΕὐφράτουEuphrates δωδεκάτῃ τοῦ πρώτου μηνὸς τοῦ ἑβδόμου ἔτους τῆς ΞέρξουXerxes βασιλείας παρεγένοντο εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem μηνὶ πέμπτῳ τοῦ αὐτοῦ‎ ἔτους .
¹³⁵ for Esdras had said beforehand that he had told the king how God would preserve them, and so he had not thought fit to request that he would send horsemen to conduct them. So when they had finished their prayers, they removed from Euphrates on the twelfth day of the first month of the seventh year of the reign of Xerxes, and they came to Jerusalem on the fifth month of the same year.	¹³⁵ Esdras had assured the king that God would preserve them and that he did not need to ask him for a cavalry escort. When they had said their prayers they moved from the Euphrates on the twelfth day of the first month of the seventh year of the reign of Xerxes and reached Jerusalem on the fifth month of the same year.
¹³⁵ Barach

¹³⁶ καὶ παραχρῆμα τοῖς γαζοφύλαξιν ὁ Ἔζδρας οὖσιν ἐκ τοῦ τῶν ἱερέων γένους παρέστησεν τὰ ἱερὰ χρήματα , ἀργυρίου τάλαντα ἑξακόσια πεντήκοντα , σκεύη ἀργυρᾶ ταλάντων ἑκατόν , καὶ χρύσεα σκεύη ταλάντων εἴκοσι , καὶ χαλκᾶ σκεύη χρυσοῦ κρείττονα σταθμὸν ἔχοντα ταλάντων δώδεκα · ταῦτα γὰρ ἐδωρήσατο ὁ βασιλεὺς καὶ οἱ σύμβουλοι αὐτοῦ‎ καὶ πάντες οἱ ἐν ΒαβυλῶνιBabylon μένοντες ἸσραηλῖταιIsraelites .
¹³⁶ Now Esdras presented the sacred money to the treasurers, who were of the family of the priests, of silver six hundred and fifty talents, vessels of silver one hundred talents, vessels of gold twenty talents, vessels of brass, that was more precious than gold, twelve talents by weight; for these Presents had been made by the king and his counselors, and by all the Israelites that staid at Babylon.	¹³⁶ Esdras immediately presented to the treasurers, who were of priestly family, the six hundred and fifty silver talents of sacred money, a hundred talents weight of silver vessels, twenty talents of golden vessels and twelve talents of brass vessels, more precious than gold, gifts from the king and his counsellors and from all the Israelites who stayed on in Babylon.
¹³⁶ Barach

¹³⁷ παραδοὺς δὲ ταῦτα τοῖς ἱερεῦσιν ὁ Ἔζδρας ἀπέδωκε τῷ θεῷ τὰς ἐκ τῶν ὁλοκαυτώσεων νενομισμένας γίνεσθαι θυσίας , ταύρους δώδεκα ὑπὲρ κοινῆς τοῦ λαοῦ σωτηρίας , κριοὺς ἐνενήκοντα , ἄρνας ἑβδομηκονταδύο , ἐρίφους εἰς παραίτησιν τῶν ἡμαρτημένων δεκαδύο .
¹³⁷ So when Esdras had delivered these things to the priests, he gave to God, as the appointed sacrifices of whole burnt-offerings, twelve bulls on account of the common preservation of the people, ninety rams, seventy-two lambs, and twelve kids of the goats, for the remission of sins.	¹³⁷ When Esdras had passed these on to the priests, he offered the appointed holocaust sacrifices to God, twelve bulls for the safety of the people, and ninety rams, seventy-two lambs and twelve kid goats for the remission of their sins.
¹³⁷ Barach

¹³⁸ τοῖς δὲ τοῦ βασιλέως οἰκονόμοις καὶ τοῖς ἐπάρχοις τῆς κοίλης ΣυρίαςSyria καὶ ΦοινίκηςPhoenicia τὰ γράμματα τοῦ βασιλέως ἀπέδωκεν . οἱ δὲ τὸ προσταχθὲν ὑπ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ ποιεῖν ἀνάγκην ἔχοντες ἐτίμησάν τε τὸ ἔθνος καὶ πρὸς πᾶσαν αὐτῷ χρείαν συνήργησαν .
¹³⁸ He also delivered the king’s epistle to the king’s officers, and to the governors of Celesyria and Phoenicia; and as they were under a necessity of doing what was enjoined by him, they honored our nation, and were assistant to them in all their necessities.	¹³⁸ He also gave the king's letter to the king's stewards and the officers of Coele-Syria and Phoenicia, and as they had to obey his orders they honoured our nation and helped them in all their needs.
¹³⁸ Barach

¹³⁹ Ταῦτα μὲν οὖν καὶ αὐτὸς ἐβουλεύσατο Ἔσδρας , προεχώρησεν δ᾽ αὐτῷ κρίναντος αὐτὸν ἄξιον οἶμαι τοῦ θεοῦ τῶν βουληθέντων διὰ χρηστότητα καὶ δικαιοσύνην .
¹³⁹ Now these things were truly done under the conduct of Esdras; and he succeeded in them, because God esteemed him worthy of the success of his conduct, on account of his goodness and righteousness.	¹³⁹ These things went as Esdras planned, and succeeded because God thought him worthy of it, for his goodness and righteousness.
¹³⁹ Barach

¹⁴⁰ χρόνῳ δὲ ὕστερον προσελθόντων αὐτῷ τινων κατηγορούντων , ὥς τινες τοῦ πλήθους καὶ τῶν ἱερέων καὶ ΛευιτῶνLevi παραβεβήκασι τὴν‎ πολιτείαν καὶ λελύκασιν τοὺς πατρίους νόμους ἀλλοεθνεῖς ἠγμένοι γυναῖκας καὶ τὸ ἱερατικὸν γένος συγκεχύκασιν ,
¹⁴⁰ But some time afterward there came some persons to him, and brought an accusation against certain of the multitude, and of the priests and Levites, who had transgressed their settlement, and dissolved the laws of their country, by marrying strange wives, and had brought the family of the priests into confusion.	¹⁴⁰ A while later some people came to him accusing some of the people including even priests and Levites, who had broken their constitution and ignored their ancient laws by marrying foreign wives and thereby sullied the priestly lineage.
¹⁴⁰ Barach

¹⁴¹ δεομένων τε βοηθῆσαι τοῖς νόμοις , μὴ κοινὴν ἐπὶ πάντας ὀργὴν λαβὼν πάλιν αὐτοὺς εἰς συμφορὰς ἐμβάλῃ , διέρρηξε μὲν εὐθὺς ὑπὸ λύπης τὴν‎ ἐσθῆτα καὶ τὴν‎ κεφαλὴν ἐσπάρασσεν καὶ τὰ γένεια ὑβρίζων ἐπὶ τὴν‎ γῆν τε ἑαυτὸν μερίδα ἐπὶ τῷ τὴν‎ αἰτίαν ταύτην λαβεῖν τοὺς πρώτους τοῦ λαοῦ .
¹⁴¹ These persons desired him to support the laws, lest God should take up a general anger against them all, and reduce them to a calamitous condition again. Hereupon he rent his garment immediately, out of grief, and pulled off the hair of his head and beard, and cast himself upon the ground, because this crime had reached the principal men among the people;	¹⁴¹ They begged him to uphold the laws lest they all come under divine anger and be again reduced to misery, so that in his grief he rent his garment and tore at the hair of his head and beard and flung himself upon the ground, since this crime had affected even the leading people.
¹⁴¹ Barach

¹⁴² λογιζόμενος δὲ ὅτι , ἐὰν ἐκβαλεῖν αὐτοὺς τὰς γυναῖκας καὶ τὰ ἐξ αὐτῶν προστάξῃ τέκνα , οὐκ ἀκουσθήσεται , διέμενεν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς κείμενος . συνέτρεχον οὖν πρὸς αὐτὸν οἱ μέτριοι πάντες κλαίοντες καὶ αὐτοὶ καὶ τῆς ἐπὶ τῷ γεγενημένῳ λύπης συμμεταλαμβάνοντες .
¹⁴² and considering that if he should enjoin them to cast out their wives, and the children they had by them, he should not be hearkener to, he continued lying upon the ground. However, all the better sort came running to him, who also themselves wept, and partook of the grief he was under for what had been done.	¹⁴² Expecting not to be heeded if he should order them to expel their wives and the children they had by them, he just stayed there lying on the ground; but the sensible people came running to him weeping and sharing his grief at what had been done.
¹⁴² Barach

¹⁴³ ἀναστὰς δὲ ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς ὁ Ἔσδρας καὶ τὰς χεῖρας ἀνατείνας εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν , αἰσχύνεσθα μὲν ἔλεγεν αὐτὸν ἀναβλέψαι διὰ τὰ ἡμαρτημένα τῷ λαῷ , ὃς τῆς μνήμης ἐξέβαλεν τὰ τοῖς πατράσιν ἡμῶν διὰ τὴν‎ ἀσέβειαν αὐτῶν συμπεσόντα ,
¹⁴³ So Esdras rose up from the ground, and stretched out his hands towards heaven, and said that he was ashamed to look towards it, because of the sins which the people had committed, while they had cast out of their memories what their fathers had undergone on account of their wickedness;	¹⁴³ Esdras rose from the ground and stretched his hands to heaven and said he was ashamed to look up toward it because of the sins among the people who had cast away all thought of what had befallen their fathers due to their wickedness.
¹⁴³ Barach

¹⁴⁴ παρεκάλει δὲ τὸν θεὸν σπέρμα τι καὶ λείψανον ἐκ τῆς τότε συμφορᾶς αὐτῶν καὶ αἰχμαλωσίας περισώσαντα καὶ πάλιν εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem καὶ τὴν‎ οἰκείαν γῆν ἀποκαταστήσαντα [καὶ τοὺς ΠερσῶνPersians βασιλέας ἀναγκάσαντα ] λαβεῖν οἶκτον αὐτῶν , καὶ συγγνωμονῆσαι τοῖς νῦν ἡμαρτημένοις , ἄξια μὲν θανάτου πεποιηκόσιν , ὂν δὲ ἐπὶ τῇ τοῦ θεοῦ χρηστότητι καὶ τοὺς τοιούτους ἀφιέναι τῆς κολάσεως .
¹⁴⁴ and he besought God, who had saved a seed and a remnant out of the calamity and captivity they had been in, and had restored them again to Jerusalem, and to their own land, and had obliged the kings of Persia to have compassion on them, that he would also forgive them their sins they had now committed, which, though they deserved death, yet, was it agreeable to the mercy of God, to remit even to these the punishment due to them.	¹⁴⁴ He called on God, who had saved a seed and remnant from their disastrous captivity and restored them to Jerusalem and to their own land and had made the kings of Persia to be merciful to them, to also forgive them their present sins worthy of death, yet whose punishment it was fitting for God's goodness to set aside.
¹⁴⁴ Barach

¹⁴⁵ Καὶ ὁ μὲν ἐπαύσατο τῶν εὐχῶν · θρηνούντων δὲ πάντων , ὅσοι πρὸς αὐτὸν σὺν γυναιξὶν καὶ τέκνοις συνῆλθον , Ἀχόνιός τις ὀνόματι πρῶτος τῶν ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem , προσελθὼν αὐτοὺς μὲν ἁμαρτεῖν ἔλεγεν ἀλλοεθνεῖς ἐνοικισαμένους γυναῖκας , ἔπειθεto persuade δ᾽ αὐτὸν ἐξορκίσαι πάντας ἐκβαλεῖν αὐτὰς καὶ τὰ ἐξ αὐτῶν γεγενημένα , κολασθήσεσθαι δὲ τοὺς οὐχ ὑπακούσαντας τῷ νόμῳ .
¹⁴⁵ After Esdras had said this, he left off praying; and when all those that came to him with their wives and children were under lamentation, one whose name was Jechonias, a principal man in Jerusalem, came to him, and said that they had sinned in marrying strange wives; and he persuaded him to adjure them all to cast those wives out, and the children born of them, and that those should be punished who would not obey the law.	¹⁴⁵ With this he ceased his prayer and when all those who came to him with their wives and children joined in lamentation, a leading person from Jerusalem named Achonias came to him saying that they had sinned in marrying foreign wives, and he persuaded him to get them all to expel those wives and the children born of them and to punish any who would not obey the law.
¹⁴⁵ Barach

¹⁴⁶ πεισθεὶς οὖν τούτοις ὁ Ἔζδρας ἐποίησεν ὀμόσαι τοὺς φυλάρχους τῶν ἱερέων καὶ τῶν ΛευιτῶνLevi καὶ ἸσραηλιτῶνIsrael, Israelites ἀποπέμψασθαι τὰς γυναῖκας καὶ τὰ τέκνα κατὰ τὴν‎ Ἀχονίου συμβουλίαν .
¹⁴⁶ So Esdras hearkened to this advice, and made the heads of the priests, and of the Levites, and of the Israelites, swear that they would put away those wives and children, according to the advice of Jechonias.	¹⁴⁶ Taking this advice Esdras got the tribal heads of the priests and Levites and Israelites to swear to put away those wives and children, as Achonias advised.
¹⁴⁶ Barach

¹⁴⁷ λαβὼν δὲ τοὺς ὅρκους εὐθὺς ὥρμησεν ἀπὸ τοῦ ἱεροῦ εἰς τὸ παστοφόριον τὸ ἸωάννουJohn τοῦ Ἐλιασίβου καὶ μηδενὸς ὅλως διὰ τὴν‎ λύπην γευσάμενος ἐκείνην τὴν‎ ἡμέραν διήγαγεν αὐτόθι .
¹⁴⁷ And when he had received their oaths, he went in haste out of the temple into the chamber of Johanan, the son of Eliasib, and as he had hitherto tasted nothing at all for grief, so he abode there that day.	¹⁴⁷ When he had received their oaths, he hurried from the temple to the office of Joannes, son of Eliasib and spent the day there, tasting no food whatever in his grief.
¹⁴⁷ Barach

¹⁴⁸ γενομένου δὲ κηρύγματος ὥστε πάντας τοὺς ἀπὸ τῆς αἰχμαλωσίας συνελθεῖν εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem , ὡς τῶν ἐν δυσὶν ἢ τρισὶν ἡμέραις οὐκ ἀπαντησάντων ἀπαλλοτριωθησομένων τοῦ πλήθους καὶ τῆς οὐσίας αὐτῶν κατὰ τὴν‎ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων κρίσιν ἀφιερωθησομένης , συνῆλθον ἐκ τῆς ἸουδαικῆςJudaic καὶ ΒενιαμίτιδοςBenjamin ἐν τρισὶν ἡμέραις εἰκάδι τοῦ ἐνάτου μηνός , ὃς κατὰ μὲν ἙβραίουςHebrews Ξένιος , κατὰ δὲ ΜακεδόναςMacedonians ἈπελλαῖοςApellaeus καλεῖται .
¹⁴⁸ And when proclamation was made, that all those of the captivity should gather themselves together to Jerusalem, and those that did not meet there in two or three days should be banished from the multitude, and that their substance should b appropriated to the uses of the temple, according to the sentence of the elders, those that were of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin came together in three days, viz. on the twentieth day of the ninth month, which, according to the Hebrews, is called Tebeth, and according to the Macedonians, Apelleius.	¹⁴⁸ When it was announced that all those back from the captivity must gather in Jerusalem and those who did not meet there in two or three days would be banished from the people and their property proscribed for temple use by decree of the elders, the people of the district of Judas and Benjamin gathered in three days, on the twentieth day of the ninth month, called Chasleus by the Hebrews and Apelleius by the Macedonians.
¹⁴⁸ Barach

¹⁴⁹ καθισάντων δὲ ἐν τῷ ὑπαίθρῳ τοῦ ἱεροῦ , παρόντων ἅμα καὶ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων καὶ ὑπὸ τοῦ κρύους ἀηδῶς διακειμένων , ἀναστὰς Ἔζδρας ᾐτιᾶτο ἐκείνους λέγων παρανομῆσαι γήμαντας οὐκ ἐξ ὁμοφύλωνof the same race · νῦν μέντοι γε ποιήσειν αὐτοὺς τῷ μὲν θεῷ κεχαρισμένα συμφέροντα δὲ αὐτοῖς ἀποπεμψαμένους τὰς γυναῖκας .
¹⁴⁹ Now as they were sitting in the upper room of the temple, where the elders also were present, but were uneasy because of the cold, Esdras stood up and accused them, and told them that they had sinned in marrying wives that were not of their own nation; but that now they would do a thing both pleasing to God, and advantageous to themselves, if they would put those wives away.	¹⁴⁹ As they sat in the upper room of the temple, with the elders who were present feeling chilled by the cold, Esdras stood up and accused them of sinning by marrying wives who were not of their own nation, but said that if they put those wives away it would be both pleasing to God and useful to themselves.
¹⁴⁹ Barach

¹⁵⁰ οἱ δὲ ποιήσειν μὲν τοῦτο πάντες ἐξεβόησαν , τὸ δὲ πλῆθος εἶναι πολύ , καὶ τὴν‎ ὥραν τοῦ ἔτους χειμέριον , καὶ τὸ ἔργον οὐ μιᾶς οὐδὲ δευτέρας ἡμέρας ὑπάρχειν . ἀλλ᾽ οἵ τε ἡγεμόνες τούτοις καὶ οἱ συνοικοῦντες ταῖς ἀλλοφύλοις παραγενέσθωσαν λαβόντες χρόνον καὶ πρεσβυτέρους ἐξ οὗ ἂν θελήσωσιν
¹⁵⁰ Accordingly, they all cried out that they would do so. That, however, the multitude was great, and that the season of the year was winter, and that this work would require more than one or two days. “Let their rulers, therefore, [said they,] and those that have married strange wives, come hither at a proper time, while the elders of every place, that are in common to estimate the number of those that have thus married, are to be there also.”	¹⁵⁰ All shouted that they would do so, but said that the people were many and as the season of the year was winter this work would require more than a day or two. "So let our leaders and any who have married foreign wives, come at an appointed time and place decided by the elders, to reflect together on the number of those who have been so married."
¹⁵⁰ Barach

¹⁵¹ τόπου τοὺς συνεπισκεψομένους τὸ τῶν γεγαμηκότων πλῆθος . Καὶ ταῦτα δόξαν αὐτοῖς ἀρξάμενοι τῇ νουμηνίᾳ τοῦ δεκάτου μηνὸς ἀναζητεῖν τοὺς συνοικοῦντας ταῖς ἀλλοεθνέσιν εὗρον ἕως τῆς τοῦ μηνὸς τοῦ ἐχομένου νουμηνίας ποιησάμενοι τὴν‎ ἔρευνανinquiry πολλοὺς ἔκ τε τῶν ἸησοῦJesus, Joshua ἐκγόνων τοῦ ἀρχιερέως καὶ τῶν ἱερέων καὶ τῶν ΛευιτῶνLevi καὶ τῶν ἸσραηλιτῶνIsrael, Israelites ,
¹⁵¹ Accordingly, this was resolved on by them, and they began the inquiry after those that had married strange wives on the first day of the tenth month, and continued the inquiry to the first day of the next month, and found a great many of the posterity of Jeshua the high priest, and of the priests and Levites, and Israelites,	¹⁵¹ Once they decided this, the inquiry into those who had married foreign wives began on the first day of the tenth month and continued until the first day of the next month, and as a result many of the descendants of Joshua the high priest and of the priests and Levites and Israelites
¹⁵¹ Barach

¹⁵² οἳ καὶ τὰς γυναῖκας καὶ τὰ ἐξ αὐτῶν γεγενημένα τῆς τῶν νόμων φυλακῆς ἢ τῶν πρὸς αὐτὰ φίλτρων ποιούμενοι πλείονα λόγον εὐθὺς ἐξέβαλον καὶ θυσίας ἐξευμενίζοντες τὸν θεὸν ἐπήνεγκαν κριοὺς καταθύσαντες αὐτῷ . τὰ δὲ ὀνόματα αὐτῶν λέγειν οὐκ ἔδοξεν ἡμῖν ἀναγκαῖον εἶναι .
¹⁵² who had a greater regard to the observation of the law than to their natural affection, and immediately cast out their wives, and the children which were born of them. And in order to appease God, they offered sacrifices, and slew rams, as oblations to him; but it does not seem to me to be necessary to set down the names of these men.	¹⁵² immediately expelled their wives and the children born of them, putting the keeping of the law above their natural affection, and to appease God they sacrificed and offered up rams. I do not think it necessary to set down the names of these men.
¹⁵² Barach

¹⁵³ τὸ μὲν οὖν ἁμάρτημα τὸ περὶ τοὺς γάμους τῶν προειρημένων οὕτως ἐπανορθώσας Ἔζδρας ἐκαθάρισεν τὴν‎ περὶ ταῦτα συνήθειαν , ὥστ᾽ αὐτὴν τοῦ λοιποῦ μόνιμον εἶναι .
¹⁵³ So when Esdras had reformed this sin about the marriages of the forementioned persons, he reduced that practice to purity, so that it continued in that state for the time to come.	¹⁵³ When Esdras had reformed this sin about the marriages of the people mentioned, he purified our practice in that matter for all time to come.
¹⁵³ Barach

¹⁵⁴ Τῷ δ᾽ ἑβδόμῳ μηνὶ τὴν‎ σκηνοπηγίαν ἑορτάζοντες καὶ σχεδὸν ἅπαντος τοῦ λαοῦ συνεληλυθότος ἐπ᾽ αὐτήν , ἀνελθόντες εἰς τὸ ἀνειμένον τοῦ ναοῦ πρὸς τὴν‎ πύλην τὴν‎ ἐπὶ τὴν‎ ἀνατολὴν ἀποβλέπουσαν ἐδεήθησαν τοῦ Ἔζδρα τοὺς νόμους αὐτοῖς ἀναγνῶναι τοὺς ΜωυσέωςMoses .
¹⁵⁴ Now when they kept the feast of tabernacles in the seventh month and almost all the people were come together to it, they went up to the open part of the temple, to the gate which looked eastward, and desired of Esdras that the laws of Moses might be read to them.	¹⁵⁴ When in the seventh month they held the festival of tents and almost all the people had gathered for it, they went up to the open part of the temple, to the eastern gate, and asked Esdras to read to them the laws of Moses.
¹⁵⁴ Barach

¹⁵⁵ ὁ δὲ μέσος τοῦ πλήθους σταθεὶς ἀνέγνω καὶ τοῦτ᾽ ἐποίησεν ἀπ᾽ ἀρχομένης ἡμέρας ἕως μεσημβρίας · οἱ δὲ ἀκούσαντες ἀναγινωσκομένων τῶν νόμων δίκαιοι μὲν πρὸς τὸ παρὸν καὶ τὸ μέλλον ἐδιδάσκοντο εἶναι , περὶ δὲ τῶν παρῳχημένων ἐδυσφόρουν καὶ μέχρι τοῦ δακρύειν προήχθησαν ἐνθυμούμενοι πρὸς αὑτούς , ὅτι μηδὲν ἂν τῶν πεπειραμένων κακῶν ἔπαθον , εἰ τὸν νόμον διεφύλαττον .
¹⁵⁵ Accordingly, he stood in the midst of the multitude and read them; and this he did from morning to noon. Now, by hearing the laws read to them, they were instructed to be righteous men for the present and for the future; but as for their past offenses, they were displeased at themselves, and proceeded to shed tears on their account, as considering with themselves that if they had kept the law, they had endured none of these miseries which they had experienced.	¹⁵⁵ He stood among the people and read them, doing so from morning to noon. On hearing the laws read to them, they were taught to be righteous for the present and for the future, and were displeased with their past offences and even shed tears on account of them, considering that they would have suffered none of the woes they had experienced, if they had kept the law.
¹⁵⁵ Barach

¹⁵⁶ ὁ δὲ Ἔζδρας οὕτως ὁρῶν αὐτοὺς ἔχοντας ἐκέλευσεν ἀπιέναι πρὸς αὑτοὺς καὶ μὴ δακρύειν · εἶναι γὰρ ἑορτὴν καὶ μὴ δεῖν ἐν αὐτῇ κρέας · οὐ γὰρ ἐξεῖναι · προυτρέπετο δὲ μᾶλλον πρὸς εὐωχίαν ὁρμήσαντας ποιεῖν τὰ πρόσφορα τῇ ἑορτῇ καὶ κεχαρισμένα , καὶ τὴν‎ μετάνοιαν καὶ λύπην τὴν‎ ἐπὶ τοῖς ἔμπροσθεν ἐξημαρτημένοις ἀσφάλειάν τε ἕξειν καὶ φυλακὴν τοῦ μηδὲν ὅμοιον συμπεσεῖν .
¹⁵⁶ But when Esdras saw them in that disposition, he bade them go home, and not weep, for that it was a festival, and that they ought not to weep thereon, for that it was not lawful so to do. He exhorted them rather to proceed immediately to feasting, and to do what was suitable to a feast, and what was agreeable to a day of joy; but to let their repentance and sorrow for their former sins be a security and a guard to them, that they fell no more into the like offenses.	¹⁵⁶ When Esdras saw them in this mood he bade them go home and dry their tears, since it was a festival when it was wrong to weep and they ought not do so. He urged them rather to proceed with celebrating and do what was suitable to a feast and a day of joy, but to let their repentance and sorrow about their former sins be a warning to safeguard them from again falling into similar offences.
¹⁵⁶ Barach

¹⁵⁷ οἱ δὲ ταῦτα Ἔζδρα παραινοῦντος ἑορτάζειν ἤρξαντο καὶ τοῦτο ποιοῦντες ἐφ᾽ ἡμέρας ὀκτὼ ἐν ταῖς σκηναῖς ἀνεχώρησαν εἰς τὰ οἰκεῖα μετὰ ὕμνων τοῦ θεοῦ τῆς ἐπανορθώσεως τῶν περὶ τὸ πολίτευμα παρανομηθέντων Ἔζδρᾳ χάριν εἰδότες .
¹⁵⁷ So upon Esdras’s exhortation they began to feast; and when they had so done for eight days, in their tabernacles, they departed to their own homes, singing hymns to God, and returning thanks to Esdras for his reformation of what corruptions had been introduced into their settlement.	¹⁵⁷ So at the urging of Esdras they began to feast, and having done so in their tents for eight days, they departed to their homes, singing hymns to God and thanking Esdras for his reforming the abuses that had crept into their way of life.
¹⁵⁷ Barach

¹⁵⁸ ᾧ συνέβη μετὰ τὴν‎ παρὰ τῷ λαῷ δόξαν γηραιῷ τελευτῆσαι τὸν βίον καὶ ταφῆναι μετὰ πολλῆς φιλοτιμίας ἐν ἹεροσολύμοιςJerusalem . ὑπὸ δὲ τὸν αὐτὸν καιρὸν καὶ Ἰωακείμου τοῦ ἀρχιερέως ἀποθανόντος παῖς αὐτοῦ‎ Ἐλεάσιβος τὴν‎ ἀρχιερωσύνην διεδέξατο .
¹⁵⁸ So it came to pass, that after he had obtained this reputation among the people, he died an old man, and was buried in a magnificent manner at Jerusalem. About the same time it happened also that Joacim, the high priest, died; and his son Eliasib succeeded in the high priesthood.	¹⁵⁸ So it was that after gaining this reputation among the people, he died an old man and was buried with full honours in Jerusalem. About the same time it happened also that Joakeim the high priest died, and his son Eliasib succeeded in the high priesthood.
¹⁵⁸ Barach

¹⁵⁹ Τῶν δ᾽ αἰχμαλωτισθέντων τις ἸουδαίωνJews οἰνοχόος τοῦ βασιλέως ΞέρξουXerxes ΝεεμίαςNehemiah ὄνομα περιπατῶν πρὸ τῆς μητροπόλεως τῶν ΠερσῶνPersians Σούσων , ξένων τινῶν ἀπὸ μακρᾶς ὁδοιπορίας εἰς τὴν‎ πόλιν εἰσιόντων ἐπακούσας ἑβραιστὶ πρὸς ἀλλήλους ὁμιλούντων προσελθὼν αὐτοῖς ἐπυνθάνετο , πόθεν εἶεν παραγενόμενοι .
¹⁵⁹ Now there was one of those Jews that had been carried captive who was cup-bearer to king Xerxes; his name was Nehemiah. As this man was walking before Susa, the metropolis of the Persians, he heard some strangers that were entering the city, after a long journey, speaking to one another in the Hebrew tongue; so he went to them, and asked them whence they came.	¹⁵⁹ One of the captive Jews called Nehemias, a cup-bearer to king Xerxes, was walking outside of Susa, the Persian capital, and heard some strangers who were entering the city after a long journey, speaking to each other in the Hebrew tongue, so he went to them and asked them where they came from.
¹⁵⁹ Barach

¹⁶⁰ ἀποκριναμένων δ᾽ ἥκειν ἐκ τῆς ἸουδαίαςJudea , πῶς αὐτῶν ἔχει τὸ πλῆθος καὶ ἡ μητρόπολις ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem , πάλιν ἤρξατο πυνθάνεσθαι .
¹⁶⁰ And when their answer was, that they came from Judea, he began to inquire of them again in what state the multitude was, and in what condition Jerusalem was;	¹⁶⁰ When they replied that they came from Judea, he went on to ask how the people there were faring and about their capital, Jerusalem.
¹⁶⁰ Barach

¹⁶¹ κακῶς δ᾽ ἔχειν εἰπόντων , καθῃρῆσθαι γὰρ εἰς ἔδαφος τὰ τείχη καὶ τὰ περὶ ἔθνη πολλὰ διατιθέναι κακὰ τοὺς ἸουδαίουςJews , ἡμέρας μὲν κατατρεχόντων τὴν‎ χώραν καὶ διαρπαζόντων , τῆς δὲ νυκτὸς κακῶς ἀπεργαζομένων , ὡς πολλοὺς ἐκ τῆς χώρας καὶ ἐξ αὐτῶν τῶν ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem αἰχμαλώτους ἀπῆχθαι καὶ τὰς ὁδοὺς πλήρεις εὑρίσκεσθαι καθ᾽ ἡμέραν νεκρῶν ,
¹⁶¹ and when they replied that they were in a bad state for that their walls were thrown down to the ground, and that the neighboring nations did a great deal of mischief to the Jews, while in the day time they overran the country, and pillaged it, and in the night did them mischief, insomuch that not a few were led away captive out of the country, and out of Jerusalem itself, and that the roads were in the day time found full of dead men.	¹⁶¹ They replied that they were doing badly for their walls had been thrown to the ground and that the neighbouring nations were badly damaging the Jews, overrunning and pillaging the country by daytime and doing further harm in the night, so that not a few were led away as prisoners from the country and from Jerusalem itself and that even every day the roads were found full of corpses.
¹⁶¹ Barach

¹⁶² ἐδάκρυσεν ὁ ΝεεμίαςNehemiah ἐλεήσας τῆς συμφορᾶς τοὺς ὁμοφύλους , καὶ ἀναβλέψας εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν , " ἄχρι τίνος , εἶπεν , ὦ δέσποτα , περιόψει ταῦτα πάσχον τὸ ἔθνος ἡμῶν οὕτως ἅρπαγμα
¹⁶² Hereupon Nehemiah shed tears, out of commiseration of the calamities of his countrymen; and, looking up to heaven, he said, “How long, O Lord, wilt thou overlook our nation, while it suffers so great miseries, and while we are made the prey and spoil of all men?”	¹⁶² At this Nehemias shed tears of pity for the troubles of his countrymen, and looking up to heaven he said, "How long, O Lord, will you ignore that our nation suffers such woes and we are made the booty and spoil of all?"
¹⁶² Barach

¹⁶³ πάντων καὶ λάφυρον γενόμενον ; διατρίβοντος δ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ πρὸς τῇ πύλῃ καὶ ταῦτα ἀποδυρομένου προελθών τις ἤγγειλεν αὐτῷ μέλλειν ἤδη κατακλίνεσθαι τὸν βασιλέα . ὁ δ᾽ εὐθὺς ὡς εἶχεν μηδὲ ἀπολουσάμενος διακονήσων ἔσπευσεν τῷ βασιλεῖ τὴν‎ ἐπὶ τοῦ πότου διακονίαν .
¹⁶³ And while he staid at the gate, and lamented thus, one told him that the king was going to sit down to supper; so he made haste, and went as he was, without wishing himself, to minister to the king in his office of cup-bearer.	¹⁶³ While he stayed at the gate, grieving, someone told him that the king was going to sit down to supper, so he hurried and went as he was, without even washing, to minister to the king as cup-bearer.
¹⁶³ Barach

¹⁶⁴ ὡς δὲ μετὰ τὸ δεῖπνον ὁ βασιλεὺς διεχύθη καὶ ἡδίων αὑτοῦ γενόμενος ἀπέβλεψεν εἰς τὸν Νεεμίαν , κατεσκυθρωπακότα θεασάμενος , διὰ τί κατηφὴς εἴη ἀνέκρινεν .
¹⁶⁴ But as the king was very pleasant after supper, and more cheerful than usual, he cast his eyes on Nehemiah, and seeing him look sad, he asked him why he was sad.	¹⁶⁴ Now as the king was more cheerful and pleasant after supper than usual, he looked at Nehemias and seeing him look so depressed, he asked him why he was so down.
¹⁶⁴ Barach

¹⁶⁵ ὁ δὲ τοῦ θεοῦ δεηθεὶς χάριν τινὰ καὶ πειθὼ παρασχεῖν αὐτῷ λέγοντι , " πῶς , φησίν , ὦ βασιλεῦ , δύναμαί σοι μὴ βλέπεσθαι τοιοῦτος μηδὲ τὴν‎ ψυχὴν ἀλγεῖν , ὅπου τῆς πατρίδος μου ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem , ἐν ᾗ τάφοι καὶ μνήματα προγόνων τῶν ἐμῶν εἰσιν , ἀκούω βεβλῆσθαι κατὰ τῆς γῆς τὰ τείχη καὶ τὰς πύλας ἐμπεπρησμένας αὐτῆς ; ἀλλὰ χάρισαί μοι πορευθέντι τὸ τεῖχος ἀνεγεῖραι καὶ τοῦ ἱεροῦ τὸ λεῖπον προσοικοδομῆσαι .
¹⁶⁵ Whereupon he prayed to God to give him favor, and afford him the power of persuading by his words, and said, “How can I, O king, appear otherwise than thus, and not be in trouble, while I hear that the walls of Jerusalem, the city where are the sepulchers of my fathers, are thrown down to the ground, and that its gates are consumed by fire? But do thou grant me the favor to go and build its wall, and to finish the building of the temple.”	¹⁶⁵ Praying for God's favour to grant him the power of persuading by his words he said, "My king, how can I look otherwise and not be troubled while I hear that the walls of Jerusalem, the city containing the burial vaults of my fathers, are flattened to the ground and that its gates have been burned down? Please allow me to go and raise the wall and to finish the building of the temple."
¹⁶⁵ Barach

¹⁶⁶ ὁ δὲ βασιλεὺς διδόναι τε τὴν‎ δωρεὰν κατένευσεν καὶ πρὸς τοὺς σατράπας κομίσαι γράμματα , ὅπως τιμῆς τε αὐτὸν ἀξιώσωσι καὶ πᾶσαν παράσχωσιν χορηγίαν εἰς ἅπερ βούλεται . " πέπαυσο δή , φησί , λυπούμενος καὶ χαίρων ἡμῖν τοῦ λοιποῦ διακόνει .
¹⁶⁶ Accordingly, the king gave him a signal that he freely granted him what he asked; and told him that he should carry an epistle to the governors, that they might pay him due honor, and afford him whatsoever assistance he wanted, and as he pleased. “Leave off thy sorrow then,” said the king, “and be cheerful in the performance of thy office hereafter.”	¹⁶⁶ The king freely granted him what he asked, and told him to carry a letter to the satraps, who would pay him due honour and grant him whatever help he required. "Give up your sorrow then ," said he, "and in future be cheerful in carrying out your duties."
¹⁶⁶ Barach

¹⁶⁷ ὁ μὲν οὖν ΝεεμίαςNehemiah προσκυνήσας τῷ θεῷ καὶ τῷ βασιλεῖ τῆς ὑποσχέσεως εὐχαριστήσας τὸ κατηφὲς τοῦ προσώπου καὶ συγκεχυμένον ἀπεκάθηρεν τῇ περὶ τῶν ἐπηγγελμένων ἡδονῇ . καλέσας δὲ αὐτὸν τῇ ἐπιούσῃ δίδωσιν αὐτῷ πρὸς Ἀδδαῖον ἐπιστολὴν κομίσαι τὸν τῆς ΣυρίαςSyria καὶ ΦοινίκηςPhoenicia καὶ ΣαμαρείαςSamaria ἔπαρχον , ἐν ᾗ περὶ τε τῆς τιμῆς τοῦ Νεεμίου καὶ χορηγίας τῆς εἰς τὴν‎ οἰκοδομίαν ἐπεστάλκει .
¹⁶⁷ So Nehemiah worshipped God, and gave the king thanks for his promise, and cleared up his sad and cloudy countenance, by the pleasure he had from the king’s promises. Accordingly, the king called for him the next day, and gave him an epistle to be carried to Adeus, the governor of Syria, and Phoenicia, and Samaria; wherein he sent to him to pay due honor to Nehemiah, and to supply him with what he wanted for his building.	¹⁶⁷ So Nehemias worshipped God and thanked the king for his promise and his sad, overshadowed face cheered up, in his pleasure at what the king had promised. Next day the king called for him and gave him a letter to be brought to Adeus, the ruler of Syria and Phoenicia and Samaria instructing him to pay due honour to Nehemias and to supply him for his building project.
¹⁶⁷ Barach

¹⁶⁸ Γενόμενος οὖν ἐν ΒαβυλῶνιBabylon καὶ πολλοὺς τῶν ὁμοφύλωνof the same race ἐθελοντὶ ἀκολουθοῦντας αὐτῷ παραλαβὼν ἧκεν εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem πέμπτον καὶ εἰκοστὸν ἔτος ἤδη βασιλεύοντος ΞέρξουXerxes , καὶ δείξας τῷ θεῷ τὰς ἐπιστολὰς ἀποδίδωσιν τῷ Ἀδδαίῳ καὶ τοῖς ἄλλοις ἐπάρχοις , καὶ συγκαλέσας πάντα τὸν λαὸν εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem στὰς ἐν μέσῳ τῷ ἱερῷ τοιούτους ἐποιήσατο πρὸς αὐτὸν τοὺς λόγους ·
¹⁶⁸ Now when he was come to Babylon, and had taken with him many of his countrymen, who voluntarily followed him, he came to Jerusalem in the twenty and fifth year of the reign of Xerxes. And when he had shown the epistles to God he gave them to Adeus, and to the other governors. He also called together all the people to Jerusalem, and stood in the midst of the temple, and made the following speech to them:	¹⁶⁸ He went to Babylon and took with him many of his countrymen, who followed him willingly, and came to Jerusalem in the twenty-fifth year of the reign of Xerxes. When he had shown the letters to God he gave them to Adeus and to the other officers. Then he called together all the people to Jerusalem and stood in the middle of the temple and made the following speech to them :
¹⁶⁸ Barach

¹⁶⁹ " ἄνδρες ἸουδαῖοιJews , τὸν μὲν θεὸν ἴστε μνήμῃ τῶν πατέρων Ἀβράμου καὶ ἸσάκουIsaac καὶ ἸακώβουJacob παραμένοντα καὶ διὰ τῆς ἐκείνων δικαιοσύνης οὐκ ἐγκαταλείποντα τὴν‎ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν πρόνοιαν · ἀμέλει συνήργησέν μοι παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως λαβεῖν ἐξουσίαν , ὅπως ὑμῶν τὸ τεῖχος ἀναστήσω καὶ τὸ λείψανον τοῦ ἱεροῦ τελειώσω .
¹⁶⁹ “You know, O Jews, that God hath kept our fathers, Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in mind continually, and for the sake of their righteousness hath not left off the care of you. Indeed he hath assisted me in gaining this authority of the king to raise up our wall, and finish what is wanting of the temple.	¹⁶⁹ "My dear Jews, you know that God has continually kept in mind our fathers Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, and for the sake of their righteousness has not abandoned his care for you; so he has helped me to gain authority from the king to raise up our wall and finish the rest of the temple.
¹⁶⁹ Barach

¹⁷⁰ βούλομαι δ᾽ ὑμᾶς τὴν‎ τῶν γειτονευόντων ἡμῖν ἐθνῶν δυσμένειαν σαφῶς εἰδότας , καὶ ὅτι πρὸς τὴν‎ οἰκοδομίαν , εἰ μάθοιεν περὶ ταύτην ἡμᾶς φιλοτιμουμένους , ἐνστήσονται καὶ πολλὰ πραγματεύσονται πρὸς αὐτὴν ἡμῖν ἐμπόδια ,
¹⁷⁰ I desire you, therefore who well know the ill-will our neighboring nations bear to us, and that when once they are made sensible that we are in earnest about building, they will come upon us, and contrive many ways of obstructing our works,	¹⁷⁰ Well aware of the ill-will our neighbouring nations bear to us and how once they learn that we are in earnest about building they will come here and seek to obstruct our work in many ways, I want you,
¹⁷⁰ Barach

¹⁷¹ θαρρεῖν μὲν τῷ θεῷ πρῶτον ὡς καὶ πρὸς τὴν‎ ἐκείνων ἀπέχθειανhatred στησομένους , μήτε δ᾽ ἡμέρας μήτε νυκτὸς αὐτοὺς ἀνιέναι τῆς οἰκοδομίας , ἀλλὰ πάσῃ‎ σπουδῇ χρωμένους συνέχειν τὸ ἔργον ,
¹⁷¹ that you will, in the first place, put your trust in God, as in him that will assist us against their hatred, and to intermit building neither night nor day, but to use all diligence, and to hasten on the work, now we have this especial opportunity for it.”	¹⁷¹ first, to trust in God, who will help us against their hatred and not to pause in the construction work by night or day, but be diligent and press on with the work, now we have this special opportunity for it."
¹⁷¹ Barach

¹⁷² ὥς γε καιρὸς ἴδιός ἐστιν . ταῦτ᾽ εἰπὼν ἐκέλευσεν εὐθὺς τοὺς ἄρχοντας μετρῆσαι τὸ τεῖχος καὶ διανεῖμαι τὴν‎ ἐργασίαν αὐτοῦ‎ τῷ λαῷ κατὰ κώμας τε καὶ πόλεις κατὰ τὸ ἑκάστοις δυνατόν , ὑποσχόμενος δὲ καὶ αὐτὸς μετὰ τῶν οἰκετῶν συλλήψεσθαι πρὸς τὴν‎ οἰκοδομίαν διέλυσε τὴν‎ ἐκκλησίαν .
¹⁷² When he had said this, he gave order that the rulers should measure the wall, and part the work of it among the people, according to their villages and cities, as every one’s ability should require. And when he had added this promise, that he himself, with his servants, would assist them, he dissolved the assembly.	¹⁷² Saying this, he commanded the leaders to measure the wall and divide among the people the work on it, by villages and cities and according to each one’s ability; and promising that he himself and his servants would help them, he dissolved the assembly.
¹⁷² Barach

¹⁷³ καὶ οἱ ἸουδαῖοιJews πρὸς τὸ ἔργον παρεσκευάζοντο . ἐκλήθησαν δὲ τὸ ὄνομα ἀφ᾽ ἧς ἡμέρας ἐκ ΒαβυλῶνοςBabylon ἀνέβησαν ἐκ τῆς ἸούδαJudas φυλῆς , ἧς πρώτης ἐλθούσης εἰς ἐκείνους τοὺς τόπους αὐτοί τε καὶ ἡ χώρα τὴν‎ προσηγορίαν αὐτοῖς μετέλαβον .
¹⁷³ So the Jews prepared for the work: that is the name they are called by from the day that they came up from Babylon, which is taken from the tribe of Judah, which came first to these places, and thence both they and the country gained that appellation.	¹⁷³ So the Jews prepared for the work; and from the day when they returned from Babylon they have been called by this name, derived from the tribe of Judas which first came to these places, and both the people and the district were named after it.
¹⁷³ Barach

¹⁷⁴ Ἀκούσαντες δὲ τὴν‎ τῶν τειχῶν οἰκοδομὴν σπευδομένην ἈμμανῖταιAmmanites καὶ ΜωαβῖταιMoabites καὶ ΣαμαρεῖταιSamaritans καὶ πάντες οἱ ἐν τῇ [ ΚοίλῃCoele ] ΣυρίᾳSyria νεμόμενοι χαλεπῶς ἔφερον καὶ διετέλουν ἐπιβουλὰς αὐτοῖς συντιθέντες τὴν‎ προαίρεσιν αὐτῶν ἐμποδίζοντες , πολλούς τε τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews ἀπέκτειναν καὶ αὐτὸν ἐζήτουν τὸν Νεεμίαν διαφθεῖραι μισθούμενοί τινας τῶν ἀλλοφύλων , ἵν᾽ αὐτὸν ἀνέλωσιν .
¹⁷⁴ But now when the Ammonites, and Moabites, and Samaritans, and all that inhabited Celesyria, heard that the building went on apace, they took it heinously, and proceeded to lay snares for them, and to hinder their intentions.	¹⁷⁴ When the Ammanites and Moabites and Samaritans and all who lived in Coele-Syria heard how the building was going on apace, they were angry and proceeded to plot against them and hinder their plans. Indeed they killed many of the Jews and sought to destroy Nehemias himself, by hiring some foreigners to kill him.
¹⁷⁴ Barach

¹⁷⁵ εἰς φόβον δὲ καὶ ταραχὴν αὐτοὺς ἐνέβαλλον καὶ φήμας αὐτοῖς διέστελλον ὡς πολλῶν ἐπιστρατεύειν αὐτοῖς μελλόντων ἐθνῶν , ὑφ᾽ ὧν ἐκταρασσόμενοι μικροῦ τῆς οἰκοδομίας ἀπέστησανto mislead, rebel .
¹⁷⁵ They also slew many of the Jews, and sought how they might destroy Nehemiah himself, by hiring some of the foreigners to kill him. They also put the Jews in fear, and disturbed them, and spread abroad rumors, as if many nations were ready to make an expedition against them, by which means they were harassed, and had almost left off the building.	¹⁷⁵ They caused fear and trouble to the Jews and spread a rumour that many nations were ready to invade them, so that they were harassed and had almost abandoned the building.
¹⁷⁵ Barach

¹⁷⁶ τὸν δὲ Νεεμίαν οὐδὲν τούτων ἐξέστησεν τῆς σπουδῆς τῆς περὶ τὸ ἔργον , ἀλλὰ στῖφός τι φυλακῆς ἕνεκα τοῦ σώματος περιβαλλόμενος ἀτρύτως ὑπέμενεν , ὑπὸ τῆς περὶ τὸ ἔργον ἐπιθυμίας ἀναισθητῶν καὶ τῆς ταλαιπωρίας . οὕτως δὲ καὶ συντεταμένως καὶ προνοητικῶς αὐτοῦ‎ τῆς σωτηρίας εἶχεν οὐχὶ φοβούμενος τὸν θάνατον , ἀλλὰ πεπεισμένος , ὅτι μετὰ τὴν‎ αὐτοῦ‎ τελευτὴν οὐκέτ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ τοῖς πολίταις ἀναστήσεται τὰ τείχη .
¹⁷⁶ But none of these things could deter Nehemiah from being diligent about the work; he only set a number of men about him as a guard to his body, and so unweariedly persevered therein, and was insensible of any trouble, out of his desire to perfect this work. And thus did he attentively, and with great forecast, take care of his own safety; not that he feared death, but of this persuasion, that if he were dead, the walls for his citizens would never be raised.	¹⁷⁶ But none of these things could deter Nehemiah's zeal for the work. Setting a number of men around him as a bodyguard he tirelessly persevered, heedless of drudgery in his desire to complete the work. With attention foresight he also took care of his own safety, not out of fear of death, but from this persuasion that if he died the walls would never be raised for his citizens.
¹⁷⁶ Barach

¹⁷⁷ ἐκέλευσεν δὲ ἑξῆς τοὺς οἰκοδομοῦντας ὅπλα περιζωννυμένους ἐργάζεσθαι , καὶ ὁ μὲν οἰκοδόμος μάχαιραν εἶχεν καὶ ὁ τὴν‎ ὕλην παρακομίζων , θυρεοὺς δ᾽ ἔγγιστα αὐτῶν ἐκέλευσεν κεῖσθαι καὶ σαλπιγκτὰς ἀπὸ πεντακοσίων ἔστησεν ποδῶν προστάξας , ἂν ἐπιφανῶσιν οἱ πολέμιοι , τοῦτο σημῆναι τῷ λαῷ , ἵν᾽ ὁπλισάμενοι μάχωνται καὶ μὴ γυμνοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐπιπέσωσιν .
¹⁷⁷ He also gave orders that the builders should keep their ranks, and have their armor on while they were building. Accordingly, the mason had his sword on, as well as he that brought the materials for building. He also appointed that their shields should lie very near them; and he placed trumpeters at every five hundred feet, and charged them, that if their enemies appeared, they should give notice of it to the people, that they might fight in their armor, and their enemies might not fall upon them naked.	¹⁷⁷ He ordered the builders to wear their armour in future while they were building, so that both the bricklayer and the one bringing the building materials wore their swords. He also directed them to keep their shields near them, and placed trumpeters every five hundred feet with orders to give notification to the people if their enemies appeared, to have them armed for the fight and not let their enemies attack them unprotected.
¹⁷⁷ Barach

¹⁷⁸ αὐτὸς δὲ νύκτωρ περιήρχετο τῆς πόλεως τὸν κύκλον οὐδὲν κάμνων οὔτε τοῖς ἔργοις οὔτε τῇ διαίτῃ οὔτε τοῖς ὕπνοις · οὐδενὶ γὰρ τούτων πρὸς ἡδονὴν ἀλλὰ πρὸς ἀνάγκην ἐχρῆτο .
¹⁷⁸ He also went about the compass of the city by night, being never discouraged, neither about the work itself, nor about his own diet and sleep, for he made no use of those things for his pleasure, but out of necessity.	¹⁷⁸ He also went about the whole of the city by night, undaunted either by the work itself or about his own diet and sleep, for he used things not for mere pleasure but only as needed.
¹⁷⁸ Barach

¹⁷⁹ καὶ ταύτην ὑπέμεινε τὴν‎ ταλαιπωρίαν ἐπὶ ἔτη δύο καὶ μῆνας τέσσαρας · ἐν τούτῳ γὰρ τῷ χρόνῳ τοῖς ἹεροσολύμοιςJerusalem ἀνῳκοδομήθη τὸ τεῖχος , ὀγδόῳ καὶ εἰκοστῷ τῆς ΞέρξουXerxes βασιλείας ἔτει μηνὶ ἐνάτῳ .
¹⁷⁹ And this trouble he underwent for two years and four months; for in so long a time was the wall built, in the twenty-eighth year of the reign of Xerxes, in the ninth month.	¹⁷⁹ He bore this drudgery for two years and four months, for by then the wall was completed, in the twenty-eighth year of the reign of Xerxes, in the ninth month.
¹⁷⁹ Barach

¹⁸⁰ τέλος δὲ τῶν τειχῶν λαβόντων ΝεεμίαςNehemiah καὶ τὸ πλῆθος ἔθυσαν τῷ θεῷ ὑπὲρ τῆς τούτων οἰκοδομίας καὶ διῆγον ἐφ᾽ ἡμέρας ὀκτὼ εὐωχούμενοι . τὰ μὲν οὖν ἔθνη τὰ ἐν τῇ ΣυρίᾳSyria κατῳκημένα τῆς τῶν τειχῶν οἰκοδομίας πέρας ἔχειν ἀκουσθείσης ἐδυσφόρει .
¹⁸⁰ Now when the walls were finished, Nehemiah and the multitude offered sacrifices to God for the building of them, and they continued in feasting eight days. However, when the nations which dwelt in Syria heard that the building of the wall was finished, they had indignation at it.	¹⁸⁰ When the walls were complete, Nehemias and the people offered sacrifices to God for their building and went on feasting for eight days. But when the nations which lived in Syria heard that the building of the wall was finished, it angered them.
¹⁸⁰ Barach

¹⁸¹ ΝεεμίαςNehemiah δὲ τὴν‎ πόλιν ὁρῶν ὀλιγανθρωπουμένην τοὺς ἱερεῖς τε καὶ ΛευίταςLevites παρεκάλεσεν τὴν‎ χώραν ἐκλιπόντας μετελθεῖν εἰς τὴν‎ πόλιν καὶ μένειν ἐν αὐτῇ κατασκευάσας τὰς οἰκίας αὐτοῖς ἐκ τῶν ἰδίων ἀναλωμάτωνexpense, cost ·
¹⁸¹ But when Nehemiah saw that the city was thin of people, he exhorted the priests and the Levites that they would leave the country, and remove themselves to the city, and there continue; and he built them houses at his own expenses;	¹⁸¹ When Nehemias saw the city lacking in population he urged the priests and Levites to leave the country and move to live in the city, where he built them houses at his own expense.
¹⁸¹ Barach

¹⁸² τόν τε γεωργοῦντα λαὸν τὰς δεκάτας τῶν καρπῶν ἐκέλευσε φέρειν εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem , ἵνα τρέφεσθαι διηνεκῶς ἔχοντες οἱ ἱερεῖς καὶ ΛευῖταιLevites μὴ καταλείπωσι τὴν‎ θρησκείαν . Καὶ οἱ μὲν ἡδέως ὑπήκουσαν οἷς ΝεεμίαςNehemiah διετάξατο , πολυανθρωποτέραν δὲ τὴν‎ τῶν ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem πόλιν οὕτως συνέβη γενέσθαι .
¹⁸² and he commanded that part of the people which were employed in cultivating the land to bring the tithes of their fruits to Jerusalem, that the priests and Levites having whereof they might live perpetually, might not leave the divine worship; who willingly hearkened to the constitutions of Nehemiah, by which means the city Jerusalem came to be fuller of people than it was before.	¹⁸² He directed the farmers among the people to bring the tithes of their crops to Jerusalem, so that the priests and Levites would always have something to live on and not abandon the divine worship. These willingly did as Nehemias directed, so that the city of Jerusalem came to be more populous than before.
¹⁸² Barach

¹⁸³ πολλὰ δὲ καὶ ἄλλα καλὰ καὶ ἐπαίνωνto praise, approve ἄξια φιλοτιμησάμενος ὁ ΝεεμίαςNehemiah ἐτελεύτησεν εἰς γῆρας ἀφικόμενος . Ἀνὴρ δὲ ἐγένετο χρηστὸς τὴν‎ φύσιν καὶ δίκαιος καὶ περὶ τοὺς ὁμοεθνεῖς φιλοτιμότατος , μνημεῖον αἰώνιον αὐτῷ καταλιπὼν τὰ τῶν ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem τείχη . ταῦτα μὲν οὖν ἐπὶ ΞέρξουXerxes βασιλέως ἐγένετο .
¹⁸³ So when Nehemiah had done many other excellent things, and things worthy of commendation, in a glorious manner, he came to a great age, and then died. He was a man of a good and righteous disposition, and very ambitious to make his own nation happy; and he hath left the walls of Jerusalem as an eternal monument for himself. Now this was done in the days of Xerxes.	¹⁸³ After nobly achieving many other excellent and commendable things, Nehemias died at a great age. By temperament he was good and just and most eager for the prospering of his own nation and he has left himself an eternal monument in the walls of Jerusalem. This all happened in the days of Xerxes.
¹⁸³ Barach

Chapter 6
[184-296]
Under Artaxerxes, Haman plots against the Jews.
Esther and Mardochai; Feast of Purim

☜ ☞

¹⁸⁴ τελευτήσαντος δὲ ΞέρξουXerxes τὴν‎ βασιλείαν εἰς τὸν υἱὸν Κῦρον , ὃν Ἀρταξέρξην ἝλληνεςGreeks καλοῦσιν , συνέβη μεταβῆναι . τούτου τὴν‎ ΠερσῶνPersians ἔχοντος ἡγεμονίαν ἐκινδύνευσεν τὸ τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews ἔθνος ἅπαν σὺν γυναιξὶ καὶ τέκνοις ἀπολέσθαι . τὴν‎ δ᾽ αἰτίαν μετ᾽ οὐ πολὺ δηλώσομεν ·
¹⁸⁴ After the death of Xerxes, the kingdom came to be transferred to his son Cyrus, whom the Greeks called Artaxerxes. When this man had obtained the government over the Persians, the whole nation of the Jews, with their wives and children, were in danger of perishing;	¹⁸⁴ After the death of Xerxes, the kingship passed to his son Cyrus, whom the Greeks called Artaxerxes. When this man held the leadership of the Persians, the whole Jewish nation with their wives and children were in danger of dying, the cause of which we shall soon describe.
¹⁸⁴ Barach

¹⁸⁵ πρέπει γὰρ τὰ τοῦ βασιλέως διηγεῖσθαι πρῶτον , ὡς ἔγημεν ἸουδαίανJudea γυναῖκα τοῦ γένους οὖσαν τοῦ βασιλικοῦ , ἣν καὶ σῶσαι τὸ ἔθνος ἡμῶν λέγουσιν .
¹⁸⁵ the occasion whereof we shall declare in a little time; for it is proper, in the first place, to explain somewhat relating to this king, and how he came to marry a Jewish wife, who was herself of the royal family also, and who is related to have saved our nation;	¹⁸⁵ First we must explain about this king and how he came to marry a Jewish wife, a woman of the royal family who is said to have saved our nation.
¹⁸⁵ Barach

¹⁸⁶ παραλαβὼν γὰρ τὴν‎ βασιλείαν ὁ Ἀρταξέρξης καὶ καταστήσας ἀπὸ Ἰνδίας ἄχρι ΑἰθιοπίαςEthiopian τῶν σατραπειῶν ἑκατὸν καὶ εἰκοσιεπτὰ οὐσῶν ἄρχοντας , τῷ τρίτῳ τῆς βασιλείας ἔτει τούς τε φίλους καὶ τὰ ΠερσῶνPersians ἔθνη καὶ τοὺς ἡγεμόνας αὐτῶν ὑποδεξάμενος ἑστιᾷ πολυτελῶς , οἷον εἰκὸς παρὰ βασιλεῖ τοῦ πλούτου παρασκευαζομένῳ τὴν‎ ἐπίδειξιν ποιήσασθαι , ἐπὶ ἡμέρας ἑκατὸν ὀγδοήκοντα .
¹⁸⁶ for when Artaxerxes had taken the kingdom, and had set governors over the hundred twenty and seven provinces, from India even unto Ethiopia, in the third year of his reign, he made a costly feast for his friends, and for the nations of Persia, and for their governors, such a one as was proper for a king to make, when he had a mind to make a public demonstration of his riches, and this for a hundred and fourscore days;	¹⁸⁶ When Artaxerxes had taken over the kingdom and set officers over the hundred twenty-seven satrapies, from India to Ethiopia, in the third year of his reign, he made an elaborate feast for his friends and the nations of Persia and their officers, such a right royal occasion to publicly display his riches, which went on for a hundred and eighty days.
¹⁸⁶ Barach

¹⁸⁷ ἔπειτα τὰ ἔθνη καὶ τοὺς πρεσβευτὰς αὐτῶν ἐν Σούσοις ἐπὶ ἡμέρας κατευώχησεν ἑπτά . τὸ δὲ συμπόσιον ἦν αὐτοῖς τὸν τρόπον τοῦτον γεγενημένον · σκήνωμα πηξάμενος ἐκ χρυσέων καὶ ἀργυρέων κιόνων ὕφη λίνεα καὶ πορφύρεα κατ᾽ αὐτῶν διεπέτασεν , ὥστε πολλὰς μυριάδας κατακλίνεσθαι .
¹⁸⁷ after which he made a feast for other nations, and for their ambassadors, at Shushan, for seven days. Now this feast was ordered after the manner following: He caused a tent to be pitched, which was supported by pillars of gold and silver, with curtains of linen and purple spread over them, that it might afford room for many ten thousands to sit down.	¹⁸⁷ Then for other nations and their envoys he held a feast at Susa for seven days. This symposium was organized as follows : He had a tent pitched, supported by pillars of gold and silver, with curtains of linen and purple spread over them, with space for many thousands to recline.
¹⁸⁷ Barach

¹⁸⁸ διηκονοῦντο δ᾽ ἐκπώμασι χρυσέοις καὶ τοῖς διὰ λίθου πολυτελοῦς εἰς τέρψιν ἅμα καὶ θέαν πεποιημένοις . προσέταττεν δὲ καὶ τοῖς διακόνοις μὴ βιάζεσθαι πίνειν τὸ ποτὸν αὐτοῖς συνεχῶς προσφέροντας , ὡς καὶ παρὰ ΠέρσαιςPersia γίγνεται , ἀλλ᾽ ἐπιτρέπειν αὐτοῖς καὶ πρὸς ὃ βούλεται τῶν κατακειμένων ἕκαστος φιλοφρονεῖσθαι .
¹⁸⁸ The cups with which the waiters ministered were of gold, and adorned with precious stones, for pleasure and for sight. He also gave order to the servants that they should not force them to drink, by bringing them wine continually, as is the practice of the Persians, but to permit every one of the guests to enjoy himself according to his own inclination.	¹⁸⁸ The serving cups used by the waiters were of gold and adorned with precious stones, to please and impress the eye. He also ordered the servants not to force people to drink by continually bringing more wine, as is the practice of the Persians, but to let each one of the guests enjoy himself according to his own inclination.
¹⁸⁸ Barach

¹⁸⁹ διαπέμψας δὲ καὶ κατὰ τὴν‎ χώραν παρήγγειλεν ἀνεῖσθαι τῶν ἔργων ἀφιεμένους καὶ ἑορτάζειν ὑπὲρ τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ‎ πολλαῖς ἡμέραις .
¹⁸⁹ Moreover, he sent messengers through the country, and gave order that they should have a remission of their labors, and should keep a festival many days, on account of his kingdom.	¹⁸⁹ He also sent messengers through the country with orders to give a holiday from toil and hold a festival of many days in honour of his kingship.
¹⁸⁹ Barach

¹⁹⁰ ὁμοίως τε τῶν γυναικῶν ἡ βασίλισσα Ἄστη συνήγαγεν συμπόσιον ἐν τοῖς βασιλείοις , ἣν ἐπιδεῖξαι βουλόμενος τοῖς ἑστιωμένοις ὁ βασιλεὺς πέμψας ἐκέλευσεν αὐτὴν εἰς τὸ συμπόσιον ἥκειν κάλλει τὰς γυναῖκας ἁπάσας ὑπερβάλλουσαν .
¹⁹⁰ In like manner did Vashti the queen gather her guests together, and made them a feast in the palace. Now the king was desirous to show her, who exceeded all other women in beauty, to those that feasted with him, and he sent some to command her to come to his feast.	¹⁹⁰ Similarly his queen, Astee, gathered a festive symposium for women in the palace. As she surpassed all other women in beauty, the king wished to show her to those who feasted with him and sent to command her to come to his feast.
¹⁹⁰ Barach

¹⁹¹ ἡ δὲ φυλακῇ τῶν παρὰ ΠέρσαιςPersia νόμων , οἳ τοῖς ἀλλοτρίοις βλέπεσθαι τὰς γυναῖκας ἀπηγορεύκασιν , οὐκ ἐπορεύετο πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα , καὶ πολλάκις τοὺς εὐνούχους ἀποστέλλοντος πρὸς αὐτὴν οὐδὲν ἧττον ἐνέμεινεν παραιτουμένη τὴν‎ ἄφιξιν ,
¹⁹¹ But she, out of regard to the laws of the Persians, which forbid the wives to be seen by strangers, did not go to the king and though he oftentimes sent the eunuchs to her, she did nevertheless stay away, and refused to come,	¹⁹¹ But in deference to the Persian laws which forbid wives to be seen by outsiders, she did not go to the king and though he sent the eunuchs to her several times, she stayed away and refused to come.
¹⁹¹ Barach

¹⁹² ὡς εἰς ὀργὴν παροξυνθέντα τὸν βασιλέα λῦσαι μὲν τὸ συμπόσιον , ἀναστάντα δὲ καὶ τοὺς ἑπτὰ τῶν ΠερσῶνPersians , οἳ τὴν‎ τῶν νόμων ἐξήγησιν ἔχουσι παρ᾽ αὐτοῖς , καλέσαντα κατηγορεῖν τῆς γυναικὸς καὶ λέγειν , ὡς ὑβρισθείη πρὸς αὐτῆς · κληθεῖσα γὰρ
¹⁹² till the king was so much irritated, that he brake up the entertainment, and rose up, and called for those seven who had the interpretation of the laws committed to them, and accused his wife, and said that he had been affronted by her, because that when she was frequently called by him to his feast, she did not obey him once.	¹⁹² Finally the king was so angered that he broke up the entertainment and rose and called for the seven men entrusted with interpreting the laws and accused his wife of insulting him when, despite being often called by him to his feast, she never once obeyed.
¹⁹² Barach

¹⁹³ ὑπ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ πολλάκις εἰς τὸ συμπόσιον ὑπήκουσεν οὐδὲ ἅπαξ . προσέταξεν οὖν δηλοῦν , τίνα κατ᾽ αὐτῆς νόμον ὁρίζουσιν . ἑνὸς δ᾽ ἐξ αὐτῶν Μουχαίου ὄνομα εἰπόντος οὐκ αὐτῷ μόνῳ ταύτην γεγονέναι τὴν‎ ὕβριν , ἀλλὰ πᾶσι ΠέρσαιςPersia , οἷς κινδυνεύεται καταφρονουμένοις ὑπὸ τῶν γυναικῶν αἴσχιστα διαγεγονέναι τὸν βίον ·
¹⁹³ He therefore gave order that they should inform him what could be done by the law against her. So one of them, whose name was Memucan, said that this affront was offered not to him alone, but to all the Persians, who were in danger of leading their lives very ill with their wives, if they must be thus despised by them;	¹⁹³ When he bade them tell him what could be done against her according to the law, one of them, named Muchaios, said that this insulted not him alone, but all the Persians, whose relationship with their wives would go very badly if they were to be so scorned by them.
¹⁹³ Barach

¹⁹⁴ οὐδεμία γὰρ τοῦ συνοικοῦντος ἀνδρὸς αἰδῶ ποιήσεται παράδειγμα τὴν‎ τῆς βασιλίσσης ὑπερηφανίαν πρὸς σὲ τὸν κρατοῦντα ἁπάντων ἔχουσα . παρακελευομένου δὲ τὴν‎ οὕτως ἐνυβρίζουσαν αὐτῷ ζημιῶσαι μεγάλην ζημίαν καὶ τοῦτο ποιήσαντα διαγγεῖλαι τοῖς ἔθνεσιν τὰ περὶ τῆς βασιλίσσης κεκυρωμένα , ἔδοξε τὴν‎ Ἄστην ἐκβαλεῖν καὶ δοῦναι τὴν‎ ἐκείνης τιμὴν ἑτέρᾳ γυναικί .
¹⁹⁴ for that none of their wives would have any reverence for their husbands, if they, “had such an example of arrogance in the queen towards thee, who rulest over all.” Accordingly, he exhorted him to punish her, who had been guilty of so great an affront to him, after a severe manner; and when he had so done, to publish to the nations what had been decreed about the queen. So the resolution was to put Vashti away, and to give her dignity to another woman.	¹⁹⁴ "No wife will have any reverence for her husband, if she sees such an example of arrogance in the queen toward you, the ruler of all." He was urged to severely punish the one who had so gravely insulted him and then publish to the nations what had been decreed about the queen. So he resolved to set Astee aside and give her dignity to another.
¹⁹⁴ Barach

¹⁹⁵ διακείμενος δὲ πρὸς αὐτὴν ἐρωτικῶς καὶ μὴ φέρων τὴν‎ διάζευξιν , καταλλαγῆναι μὲν αὐτῇ διὰ τὸν νόμον οὐκ ἐδύνατο , λυπούμενος δὲ ὡς ἐπ᾽ ἀδυνάτοις οἷς ἤθελεν διετέλει . βλέποντες δ᾽ αὐτὸν οὕτως ἔχοντα χαλεπῶς οἱ φίλοι συνεβούλευον τὴν‎ μὲν τῆς γυναικὸς μνήμην καὶ τὸν ἔρωταto ask μηδὲν ὠφελούμενον ἐκβαλεῖν ,
¹⁹⁵ But the king having been fond of her, did not well bear a separation, and yet by the law he could not admit of a reconciliation; so he was under trouble, as not having it in his power to do what he desired to do. But when his friends saw him so uneasy, they advised him to cast the memory of his wife, and his love for her, out of his mind,	¹⁹⁵ Having been in love with her, the king was not happy with the separation and yet by law could not accept a reconciliation, so he was troubled and unable to do what he wanted. When his friends saw him so distressed, they advised him to drive from his mind the memory of his wife and his love for her,
¹⁹⁵ Barach

¹⁹⁶ ζητῆσαι δὲ περιπέμψαντα καθ᾽ ὅλην τὴν‎ οἰκουμένην παρθένους εὐπρεπεῖς , ὧν τὴν‎ προκριθεῖσαν ἕξειν γυναῖκα · σβέννυσθαι γὰρ τὸ πρὸς τὴν‎ προτέραν φιλόστοργον ἑτέρας ἐπεισαγωγῇ , καὶ τὸ πρὸς ἐκείνην εὔνουν ἀποσπώμενον κατὰ μικρὸν γίνεσθαι τῆς συνούσης .
¹⁹⁶ but to send abroad over all the habitable earth, and to search out for comely virgins, and to take her whom he should best like for his wife, because his passion for his former wife would be quenched by the introduction of another, and the kindness he had for Vashti would be withdrawn from her, and be placed on her that was with him.	¹⁹⁶ and send out over all the world in search of beautiful virgins and take as his wife the one he liked best, for his love for his former wife would be quenched by taking another and his love would be withdrawn from his former wife and given to the one who was with him.
¹⁹⁶ Barach

¹⁹⁷ πεισθεὶς δὲ τῇ συμβουλίᾳ ταύτῃ προσέταξέ τισιν ἐπιλεξαμένους τὰς εὐδοκιμούσας ἐπ᾽ εὐμορφίᾳ τῶν ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ παρθένων ἀγαγεῖν πρὸς αὐτόν .
¹⁹⁷ Accordingly, he was persuaded to follow this advice, and gave order to certain persons to choose out of the virgins that were in his kingdom those that were esteemed the most comely.	¹⁹⁷ Persuaded by this advice he ordered people to choose among the virgins in his kingdom those who were deemed the most beautiful.
¹⁹⁷ Barach

¹⁹⁸ συναχθεισῶν δὲ πολλῶν εὑρέθη τις ἐν ΒαβυλῶνιBabylon κόρη τῶν γονέων ἀμφοτέρων ὀρφανὴ παρὰ τῷ θείῳ ΜαρδοχαίῳMardochai , τοῦτο γὰρ ἦν ὄνομα αὐτῷ , τρεφομένη · οὗτος δ᾽ ἦν ἐκ τῆς ΒενιαμίτιδοςBenjamin φυλῆς , τῶν δὲ πρώτων παρὰ τοῖς ἸουδαίοιςJews .
¹⁹⁸ So when a great number of these virgins were gathered together, there was found a damsel in Babylon, whose parents were both dead, and she was brought up with her uncle Mordecai, for that was her uncle’s name. This uncle was of the tribe of Benjamin, and was one of the principal persons among the Jews.	¹⁹⁸ When many had been assembled, a girl was found in Babylon whose parents were both dead, and she was reared by her uncle, named Mardochai, a man of the tribe of Benjamin and one of the leading personalities among the Jews.
¹⁹⁸ Barach

¹⁹⁹ πασῶν δὲ τὴν‎ Ἐσθῆρα συνέβαινεν , τοῦτο γὰρ ἦν αὐτῇ τοὔνομα , τῷ κάλλει διαφέρειν καὶ τὴν‎ χάριν τοῦ προσώπου τὰς ὄψεις τῶν θεωμένων μᾶλλον ἐπάγεσθαιto bring on .
¹⁹⁹ Now it proved that this damsel, whose name was Esther, was the most beautiful of all the rest, and that the grace of her countenance drew the eyes of the spectators principally upon her.	¹⁹⁹ It turned out that this girl, named Esther, was more beautiful than all the rest and the charm of her face greatly attracted the eyes of onlookers.
¹⁹⁹ Barach

²⁰⁰ παραδοθεῖσα δὲ αὕτη τινὶ τῶν εὐνούχων εἰς ἐπιμέλειαν πάσης ἐτύγχανε προνοίας ἀρωμάτων ἀφθονίᾳ καὶ πολυτελείᾳ τῶν ἀλειμμάτων ὧν χρῄζει τὰ σώματα καταρδομένη , καὶ τούτων ἀπέλαυον ἐπὶ μῆνας ἓξ τετρακόσιαι τὸν ἀριθμὸν οὖσαι .
²⁰⁰ So she was committed to one of the eunuchs to take the care of her; and she was very exactly provided with sweet odors, in great plenty, and with costly ointments, such as her body required to be anointed withal; and this was used for six months by the virgins, who were in number four hundred.	²⁰⁰ She was entrusted to the care of one of the eunuchs and, along with the other four hundred girls, was generously supplied for six months with sweet perfumes and costly ointments for anointing her body.
²⁰⁰ Barach

²⁰¹ ὅτε δ᾽ ἐνόμιζεν ἀποχρώντως τῷ προειρημένῳ χρόνῳ τὴν‎ ἐπιμέλειαν ἔχειν τὰς παρθένους καὶ τοῦ βαδίζειν αὐτὰς ἐπὶ κοίτην βασιλέως ἀξίας ἤδη γεγονέναι , καθ᾽ ἑκάστην ἡμέραν μίαν ἔπεμπεν τῷ βασιλεῖ συνεσομένην .
²⁰¹ And when the eunuch thought the virgins had been sufficiently purified, in the fore-mentioned time, and were now fit to go to the king’s bed, he sent one to be with the king ever day. So when he had accompanied with her, he sent her back to the eunuch;	²⁰¹ When the eunuch thought the virgins had been sufficiently purified in that time and were now fit for the king's bed, he sent one every day to be with the king.
²⁰¹ Barach

²⁰² ὁ δὲ πλησιάζων εὐθὺς ἀπέπεμπενto send out πρὸς τὸν εὐνοῦχον . ἀφικομένηςto arrive at δὲ τῆς ἘσθήραςEsther πρὸς αὐτὸν ἡσθεὶς αὐτῇ καὶ πεσὼν τῆς κόρης εἰς ἔρωταto ask νομίμως αὐτὴν ἄγεται γυναῖκα καὶ γάμους αὐτῇ ποιεῖται δωδεκάτῳ μηνὶ ἑβδόμου ἔτους τῆς αὐτοῦ‎ βασιλείας , Ἀδέρῳ δὲ καλουμένῳ .
²⁰² and when Esther had come to him, he was pleased with her, and fell in love with the damsel, and married her, and made her his lawful wife, and kept a wedding feast for her on the twelfth month of the seventh year of his reign, which was called Adar.	²⁰² When he had intercourse with her he would send her back to the eunuch. When Esther came to him, he was pleased with her and fell in love with the girl and married her and made her his lawful wife and held a wedding feast for her in the seventh year of his reign, in the twelfth month, which was called Adar.
²⁰² Barach

²⁰³ διέπεμψε δὲ τοὺς ἀγγάρους λεγομένους εἰς πᾶν ἔθνος ἑορτάζειν τοὺς γάμους παραγγέλλων , αὐτὸς δὲ Πέρσας [καὶ τοὺς ΜήδουςMedes ] καὶ τοὺς πρώτους τῶν ἐθνῶν ἑστιᾷ ἐπὶ μῆνα ὅλον ὑπὲρ τῶν γάμων αὐτοῦ‎ , εἰσελθούσῃ δὲ εἰς τὸ βασίλειον περιτίθησι τὸ διάδημα , καὶ συνῴκησεν οὕτως Ἐσθήρα μὴ ποιήσασα φανερὸν αὐτῷ τὸ ἔθνος , ἐξ οὗπερ εἴη τυγχάνουσα .
²⁰³ He also sent angari, as they are called, or messengers, unto every nation, and gave orders that they should keep a feast for his marriage, while he himself treated the Persians and the Medes, and the principal men of the nations, for a whole month, on account of this his marriage. Accordingly, Esther came to his royal palace, and he set a diadem on her head. And thus was Esther married, without making known to the king what nation she was derived from.	²⁰³ He also sent messengers, the so-called angari, to every nation with orders to hold a feast for his marriage, while he himself treated the Persians and the Medes and the leaders of the nations, for a whole month. When Esther came to his royal palace he set a crown on her head. So Esther married, without telling the king what nation she came from.
²⁰³ Barach

²⁰⁴ μεταβὰς δὲ ὁ θεῖος αὐτῆς ἐκ ΒαβυλῶνοςBabylon εἰς Σοῦσα τῆς ΠερσίδοςPersia αὐτόθι διῆγεν ἑκάστης ἡμέρας πρὸς τοῖς βασιλείοις διατρίβων καὶ πυνθανόμενος περὶ τῆς κόρης , τίνα διάγει τρόπον · ἔστεργεν γὰρ αὐτὴν ὡς αὑτοῦ θυγατέρα .
²⁰⁴ Her uncle also removed from Babylon to Shushan, and dwelt there, being every day about the palace, and inquiring how the damsel did, for he loved her as though she had been his own daughter.	²⁰⁴ Her uncle moved from Babylon to Susa and lived there, and was every day around the palace to ask how the girl was doing, for he loved her like his own daughter.
²⁰⁴ Barach

²⁰⁵ Ἔθηκε δὲ καὶ νόμον ὁ βασιλεὺς ὥστε μηδένα τῶν ἰδίων αὐτῷ προσιέναι μὴ κληθέντα , ὁπηνίκα ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου καθέζοιτο . περιεστήκεσαν δὲ τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ‎ πελέκεις ἔχοντες ἄνθρωποι πρὸς τὸ κολάζειν τοὺς προσιόντας ἀκλήτους τῷ θρόνῳ .
²⁰⁵ Now the king had made a law, that none of his own people should approach him unless he were called, when he sat upon his throne and men, with axes in their hands, stood round about his throne, in order to punish such as approached to him without being called.	²⁰⁵ The king had made a law that none of his own people could approach him unless invited, when he sat on his throne and men with axes stood around his throne, to punish any who approached him without invitation.
²⁰⁵ Barach

²⁰⁶ καθῆστο μέντοι λύγον χρυσέαν ἔχων αὐτὸς ὁ βασιλεύς , ἣν ὅτε τινὰ σώζειν ἤθελεν τῶν ἀκλήτων προσιόντων ἐξέτεινεν πρὸς αὐτόν · ὁ δὲ ἁπτόμενος αὐτῆς ἀκίνδυνος ἦν . Καὶ περὶ μὲν τούτων ἀρκούντως ἡμῖν δεδήλωται .
²⁰⁶ However, the king sat with a golden scepter in his hand, which he held out when he had a mind to save any one of those that approached to him without being called, and he who touched it was free from danger. But of this matter we have discoursed sufficiently.	²⁰⁶ The king sat with a golden scepter in his hand, which he held out when he wanted to spare anyone who approached him uninvited and anyone who touched it was free from danger; but enough of this matter.
²⁰⁶ Barach

²⁰⁷ Χρόνῳ δ᾽ ὕστερον ἐπιβουλευσάντων τῷ βασιλεῖ ΒαγαθώουBagathoos καὶ ΘεοδοσίτουTheodositos ΒαρνάβαζοςBarnabazus τῶν εὐνούχων οἰκέτης τοῦ ἑτέρου τὸ γένος ὢν ἸουδαῖοςJew συνεὶς τὴν‎ ἐπιβουλὴν τῷ θείῳ κατεμήνυσε τῆς γυναικὸς τοῦ βασιλέως , ΜαρδοχαῖοςMardochai δὲ διὰ τῆς ἘσθήραςEsther φανεροὺς ἐποίησε τῷ βασιλεῖ τοὺς ἐπιβουλεύοντας .
²⁰⁷ Some time after this [two eunuchs], Bigthan and Teresh, plotted against the king; and Barnabazus, the servant of one of the eunuchs, being by birth a Jew, was acquainted with their conspiracy, and discovered it to the queen’s uncle; and Mordecai, by the means of Esther, made the conspirators known to the king.	²⁰⁷ Some time later, Bagathoos and Theodositos schemed against the king, and Barnabazus, the servant of one of the eunuchs, by birth a Jew, learned of their conspiracy and revealed it to the queen's uncle and, through Esther, Mardochai revealed the conspirators to the king.
²⁰⁷ Barach

²⁰⁸ ταραχθεὶς δὲ ὁ βασιλεὺς τἀληθὲς ἐξεῦρεν καὶ τοὺς μὲν εὐνούχους ἀνεσταύρωσεν , τῷ δὲ ΜαρδοχαίῳMardochai τότε μὲν οὐδὲν παρέσχεν ὡς αἰτίῳ τῆς σωτηρίας γεγονότι , μόνον δὲ αὐτοῦ‎ τὸ ὄνομα τοῖς τὰ ὑπομνήματα συγγραφομένοις ἐκέλευσε σημειώσασθαι καὶ προσμένειν αὐτὸν τοῖς βασιλείοις ὄντα φίλον ἀναγκαιότατον τῷ βασιλεῖ .
²⁰⁸ This troubled the king; but he discovered the truth, and hanged the eunuchs upon a cross, while at that time he gave no reward to Mordecai, who had been the occasion of his preservation. He only bid the scribes to set down his name in the records, and bid him stay in the palace, as an intimate friend of the king.	²⁰⁸ The king was troubled but he uncovered the truth and crucified the eunuchs but at that time gave no reward to Mardochai for saving his life. He only bade the scribes to set down his name in the records and told him stay in the palace, as a close friend of the king.
²⁰⁸ Barach

²⁰⁹ Ἀμάνην δὲ Ἀμαδάθου μὲν υἱὸν τὸ γένος δὲ Ἀμαληκίτην εἰσιόντα πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα προσεκύνουν οἵ τε ξένοι καὶ ΠέρσαιPersians ταύτην αὐτῷ τὴν‎ τιμὴν παρ᾽ αὐτῶν ἈρταξέρξουArtaxerxes κελεύοντος γενέσθαι .
²⁰⁹ Now there was one Haman, the son of Amedatha, by birth an Amalekite, that used to go in to the king; and the foreigners and Persians worshipped him, as Artaxerxes had commanded that such honor should be paid to him;	²⁰⁹ A man called Haman, son of Amedathos, by birth an Amalekite, used to go in to the king and enjoyed the worship of foreigners and Persians, for Artaxerxes had ordered such honour to be paid to him
²⁰⁹ Barach

²¹⁰ Μαρδοχαίου δὲ διὰ σοφίαν καὶ τὸν οἴκοθεν αὐτοῦ‎ νόμον οὐ προσκυνοῦντος ἄνθρωπον , παραφυλάξας ὁ Ἀμάνης ἐπυνθάνετο , πόθεν εἴη . μαθὼν δ᾽ αὐτὸν ὄντα ἸουδαῖονJew ἠγανάκτησεν καὶ πρὸς ἑαυτὸν εἶπεν , ὡς οἱ μὲν ἐλεύθεροι ΠέρσαιPersians προσκυνοῦσιν αὐτόν , οὗτος δὲ δοῦλος ὢν οὐκ ἀξιοῖ τοῦτο ποιεῖν .
²¹⁰ but Mordecai was so wise, and so observant of his own country’s laws, that he would not worship the man When Haman observed this, he inquired whence he came; and when he understood that he was a Jew, he had indignation at him, and said within himself, that whereas the Persians, who were free men, worshipped him, this man, who was no better than a slave, does not vouchsafe to do so.	²¹⁰ But Mardochai was wise and observant of his own nation's laws, so that he would not bow down before any man; and when Haman noticed it he asked where he came from, and learning that he was a Jew, was angry and said to himself that though the free Persians bowed before him, this mere slave refused to do so.
²¹⁰ Barach

²¹¹ καὶ τιμωρήσασθαιto avenge, punish θελήσας τὸν Μαρδοχαῖον αὐτὸν μὲν αἰτήσασθαι πρὸς κόλασιν παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως μικρὸν ἡγήσατο , τὸ ἔθνος δὲ αὐτοῦ‎ διέγνω πᾶν ἀφανίσαι · καὶ γὰρ φύσει τοῖς ἸουδαίοιςJews ἀπηχθάνετο , ὅτι καὶ τὸ γένος τῶν ἈμαληκιτῶνAmalekites , ἐξ ὧν ἦν αὐτός , ὑπ᾽ αὐτῶν διέφθαρτο .
²¹¹ And when he desired to punish Mordecai, he thought it too small a thing to request of the king that he alone might be punished; he rather determined to abolish the whole nation, for he was naturally an enemy to the Jews, because the nation of the Amalekites, of which he was; had been destroyed by them.	²¹¹ Wanting to punish Mardochai, he thought it too little to request the king just to penalize him alone, but decided to wipe out the whole nation, for he was naturally hostile to Jews, since the Amalekite nation from which he came had been destroyed by them.
²¹¹ Barach

²¹² προσελθὼν οὖν τῷ βασιλεῖ κατηγόρει λέγων ἔθνος εἶναι πονηρόν , διεσπάρθαι δὲ τοῦτο κατὰ τῆς ὑπ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ βασιλευομένης οἰκουμένης , ἄμικτον ἀσύμφυλον οὔτε θρησκείαν τὴν‎ αὐτὴν τοῖς ἄλλοις ἔχονto have, hold οὔτε νόμοις χρώμενον ὁμοίοις , ἐχθρὸν δὲ καὶ τοῖς ἔθεσι καὶ τοῖς ἐπιτηδεύμασιν τῷ σῷ λαῷ καὶ ἅπασιν ἀνθρώποις .
²¹² Accordingly he came to the king, and accused them, saying, “There is a certain wicked nation, and it is dispersed over all the habitable earth the was under his dominion; a nation separate from others, unsociable, neither admitting the same sort of divine worship that others do, nor using laws like to the laws of others, at enmity with thy people, and with all men, both in their manners and practices.	²¹² So he came to the king with the accusation, "There is a certain wicked nation scattered over all the world, a nation apart, unsociable, not accepting the same divine worship as others, or laws like those of others, in their ways and practices opposed to your people and to all others.
²¹² Barach

²¹³ τοῦτο τὸ ἔθνος , εἴ τινα θέλεις τοῖς ὑπηκόοις εὐεργεσίαν καταθέσθαι , κελεύσεις πρόρριζον ἀπολέσθαι μηδέ τι αὐτοῦ‎ λείψανον καταλιπεῖν μήτ᾽ εἰς δουλείαν τινῶν φυλαχθέντων μήτε αἰχμαλωσίᾳ .
²¹³ Now, if thou wilt be a benefactor to thy subjects, thou wilt give order to destroy them utterly, and not leave the least remains of them, nor preserve any of them, either for slaves or for captives.”	²¹³ If you want to do your subjects a favour, you will have them utterly destroyed without trace, leaving none of them alive, even as slaves or prisoners."
²¹³ Barach

²¹⁴ ἵνα μέντοι μὴ ζημιωθῇς τοὺς φόρους τοὺς παρ᾽ αὐτῶν γινομένους , ἐκ τῆς ἰδίας οὐσίας αὐτὸς ἐπηγγείλατο μυριάδας δώσειν ταλάντων ἀργυρίου τέσσαρας , ὅπου ἂν κελεύσῃ . ταῦτα δὲ τὰ χρήματα παρέχειν ἡδέως ἔλεγεν , ἵν᾽ ἀπὸ τούτων εἰρηνευθῇ τῶν κακῶν ἡ βασιλεία .
²¹⁴ But that the king might not be damnified by the loss of the tributes which the Jews paid him, Haman promised to give him out of his own estate forty thousand talents whensoever he pleased; and he said he would pay this money very willingly, that the kingdom might be freed from such a misfortune.	²¹⁴ And so that the king might not suffer by the loss of the tributes the Jews paid to him, Haman promised him from his own estate forty thousand talents whenever he pleased, and he said he would willingly pay this money to free the kingdom from such a blight.
²¹⁴ Barach

²¹⁵ Ταῦτα τοῦ ἈμάνουAmanus ἀξιώσαντος ὁ βασιλεὺς καὶ τὸ ἀργύριον αὐτῷ χαρίζεται καὶ τοὺς ἀνθρώπους , ὥστε ποιεῖν αὐτοὺς ὅ τι βούλεται . τυχὼν δὲ ὧν ἐπεθύμει Ἀμάνης παραχρῆμα πέμπει διάταγμα ὡς τοῦ βασιλέως εἰς ἅπαντα τὰ ἔθνη περιέχον τοῦτον τὸν τρόπον ·
²¹⁵ When Haman had made this petition, the king both forgave him the money, and granted him the men, to do what he would with them. So Haman, having gained what he desired, sent out immediately a decree, as from the king, to all nations, the contents whereof were these:	²¹⁵ When Haman made this petition, the king waived the money and granted him leave to do what he would with those people. Having got what he wanted, Haman immediately sent out a decree to all nations, as from the king, which stated :
²¹⁵ Barach

²¹⁶ " βασιλεὺς μέγας Ἀρταξέρξης τοῖς ἀπὸ ἸνδικῆςIndia ἕως τῆς ΑἰθιοπίαςEthiopian ἑπτὰ καὶ εἴκοσι καὶ ἑκατὸν σατραπειῶν ἄρχουσι τάδε γράφει . πολλῶν ἐθνῶν ἄρξας καὶ πάσης ἧς ἐβουλήθην κρατήσας οἰκουμένης καὶ μηδὲν ὑπὸ τῆς ἐξουσίας ὑπερήφανον μηδὲ σκαιὸν εἰς τοὺς ἀρχομένους ἀναγκασθεὶς ἁμαρτεῖν , ἀλλ᾽ ἐπιεικῆ καὶ πρᾷον ἐμαυτὸν παρασχὼν καὶ προνοησάμενος εἰρήνης καὶ εὐνομίας αὐτοῖς , ἐζήτουν πῶς εἰς ἅπαντα τούτων ἀπολαύειν αὐτοῖς γένοιτο .
²¹⁶ “Artaxerxes, the great king, to the rulers of the hundred twenty and seven provinces, from India to Ethiopia, sends this writing. Whereas I have governed many nations, and obtained the dominions of all the habitable earth, according to my desire, and have not been obliged to do any thing that is insolent or cruel to my subjects by such my power, but have showed myself mild and gentle, by taking care of their peace and good order, and have sought how they might enjoy those blessings for all time to come.	²¹⁶ "Artaxerxes, the great king, to the satraps of the hundred twenty-seven provinces, from India to Ethiopia, writes this : As ruler of many nations and set over all the world according to my desire and not drawn by such great power to do anything insolent or cruel to my subjects, I have shown myself mild and gentle, caring for their peace and good order and wanting them to enjoy those blessings for all time.
²¹⁶ Barach

²¹⁷ τοῦ δὲ διὰ σωφροσύνην καὶ δικαιοσύνην παρ᾽ ἐμοὶ τὴν‎ πρώτην μοῖραν δόξης καὶ τιμῆς ἔχοντος καὶ μετ᾽ ἐμὲ δευτέρου διὰ πίστιν καὶ βέβαιον εὔνοιαν ἈμάνουAmanus κηδεμονικῶς ὑποδείξαντός μοι παντάπασιν ἀνθρώποις ἀναμεμῖχθαι δυσμενὲς ἔθνος καὶ τοῖς νόμοις ἀλλόκοτον καὶ τοῖς βασιλεῦσιν ἀνυπότακτον καὶ παρηλλαγμένον τοῖς ἔθεσι καὶ τὴν‎ μοναρχίαν μισοῦν καὶ δύσνουν τοῖς ἡμετέροις πράγμασι ,
²¹⁷ And whereas I have been kindly informed by Haman, who, on account of his prudence and justice, is the first in my esteem, and in dignity, and only second to myself, for his fidelity and constant good-will to me, that there is an ill-natured nation intermixed with all mankind, that is averse to our laws, and not subject to kings, and of a different conduct of life from others, that hateth monarchy, and of a disposition that is pernicious to our affairs,	²¹⁷ Since I have been kindly told by Haman, who, for his prudence and justice, is first in my esteem and in dignity after myself and whose faithful goodwill toward me is constant, that there is scattered throughout mankind an ill-disposed nation that is averse to our laws and not subject to kings and has a lifestyle different from all others, hating monarchy and opposed to our affairs,
²¹⁷ Barach

²¹⁸ κελεύω τοὺς δηλουμένους ὑπὸ τοῦ δευτέρου μου πατρὸς ἈμάνουAmanus πάντας σὺν γυναιξὶ καὶ τέκνοις ἀπολέσαι μηδεμίαν φειδῶ ποιησαμένους , μηδ᾽ ἐλέῳpity, mercy πλέον ἢ τοῖς ἐπεσταλμένοις πεισθέντας παρακοῦσαι τῶν γεγραμμένων .
²¹⁸ I give order that all these men, of whom Haman our second father hath informed us, be destroyed, with their wives and children, and that none of them be spared, and that none prefer pity to them before obedience to this decree.	²¹⁸ I command that all these, of whom Haman our second father has told us, be destroyed, together with their wives and children and that none of them be spared and that none show pity to them in opposition to this decree.
²¹⁸ Barach

²¹⁹ καὶ τοῦτο γενέσθαι βούλομαι τῇ τετράδι καὶ δεκάτῃ τοῦ δωδεκάτου μηνὸς τοῦ ἐνεστῶτος ἔτους , ὅπως οἱ πανταχόθεν ἡμῖν πολέμιοι μιᾷ ἡμέρᾳ διαφθαρέντες τοῦ λοιποῦ μετ᾽ εἰρήνης
²¹⁹ And this I will to be executed on the fourteenth day of the twelfth month of this present year, that so when all that have enmity to us are destroyed, and this in one day, we may be allowed to lead the rest of our lives in peace hereafter.”	²¹⁹ I want this carried out on the fourteenth day of the twelfth month of this present year, so that when all opposed to us are destroyed in a single day, we may from now on be allowed to live the rest of our lives in peace."
²¹⁹ Barach

²²⁰ ἡμῖν τὸν βίον διάγειν παρέχωσι . τούτου κομισθέντος τοῦ προστάγματος εἰς τὰς πόλεις καὶ τὴν‎ χώραν ἕτοιμοι πάντες ἐπὶ τὴν‎ τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews ἀπώλειαν εἰς τὴν‎ προειρημένην ἡμέραν ἐγίνοντο · ἐσπεύδετο δὲ τοῦτο καὶ ἐν τῇ Σούσῃ . ὁ μὲν οὖν βασιλεὺς καὶ ὁ Ἀμάνης πρὸς εὐωχίαις καὶ πότοις ἦσαν , ἐν ταραχῇ δ᾽ ἦν ἡ πόλις .
²²⁰ Now when this decree was brought to the cities, and to the country, all were ready for the destruction and entire abolishment of the Jews, against the day beforementioned; and they were very hasty about it at Shushan, in particular. Accordingly, the king and Haman spent their time in feasting together with good cheer and wine, but the city was in disorder.	²²⁰ When this decree was brought to city and country, all were ready to destroy and exterminate the Jews on the above-named day, and in Susa they were getting ready for it; but while the king and Haman spent their time cheerfully drinking, the city was troubled.
²²⁰ Barach

²²¹ Ὁ δὲ ΜαρδοχαῖοςMardochai μαθὼν τὸ γινόμενον περιρρηξάμενος τὴν‎ ἐσθῆτα καὶ σάκκον ἐνδυσάμενος καὶ καταχεάμενος σποδιὰν διὰ τῆς πόλεως ἐφέρετο βοῶν , ὅτι μηδὲν ἀδικῆσαν ἔθνος ἀναιρεῖται , καὶ τοῦτο λέγων ἕως τῶν βασιλείων ἦλθεν καὶ πρὸς αὐτοῖς ἔστη · οὐ γὰρ ἐξῆν εἰσελθεῖν αὐτῷ τοιοῦτον περικειμένῳ σχῆμα .
²²¹ Now when Mordecai was informed of what was done, he rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth, and sprinkled ashes upon his head, and went about the city, crying out, that “a nation that had been injurious to no man was to be destroyed.” And he went on saying thus as far as to the king’s palace, and there he stood, for it was not lawful for him to go into it in that habit.	²²¹ When Mardochai was told of it, he rent his clothes and put on sackcloth and sprinkled ashes upon his head and went around the city, crying out, "A nation that has done no wrong is to be destroyed." He went on saying it as far as to the king's palace and stood outside it, for he was not allowed to go into it dressed like that.
²²¹ Barach

²²² τὸ δ᾽ αὐτὸ καὶ πάντες ἐποίησαν οἱ ἐν ταῖς πόλεσιν ἸουδαῖοιJews , ἐν αἷς τὰ περὶ τούτων προετέθη γράμματα , θρηνοῦντες καὶ τὰς κατηγγελμένας αὐτοῖς συμφορὰς ὀδυρόμενοι . ὡς δ᾽ ἀπήγγειλάν τινες τῇ βασιλίσσῃ τὸν Μαρδοχαῖον ἐν οὕτως οἰκτρῷ σχήματι πρὸ τῆς αὐλῆς ἑστῶτα , ταραχθεῖσα πρὸς τὴν‎ ἀκοὴν ἐξέπεμπεν τοὺς μεταμφιάσοντας αὐτόν .
²²² The same thing was done by all the Jews that were in the several cities wherein this decree was published, with lamentation and mourning, on account of the calamities denounced against them. But as soon as certain persons had told the queen that Mordecai stood before the court in a mourning habit, she was disturbed at this report, and sent out such as should change his garments;	²²² The same was done by all the Jews in the various cities where this decree was published, lamenting and mourning at what was proclaimed against them. When some people told the queen that Mardochai stood outside the palace dressed in mourning, she was troubled to hear it and sent people out to change his clothing.
²²² Barach

²²³ οὐ πεισθέντος δὲ ἀποδύσασθαι τὸν σάκκον , οὐ γὰρ ἐφ᾽ ᾧ τοῦτον ἀναγκασθείη λαβεῖν δεινῷ πεπαῦσθαι τοῦτο , προσκαλεσαμένη τὸν εὐνοῦχον Ἀχράθεον , καὶ γὰρ ἔτυχεν αὐτῇ παρών , ἀπέστειλεν ΜαρδοχαίῳMardochai γνωσόμενον , τίνος συμβεβηκότος αὐτῷ σκυθρωποῦ πενθεῖ καὶ τὸ σχῆμα τοῦτο περικείμενος οὐδ᾽ αὐτῆς παρακαλούσης ἀπέθετο .
²²³ but when he could not be induced to put off his sackcloth, because the sad occasion that forced him to put it on was not yet ceased, she called the eunuch Acratheus, for he was then present, and sent him to Mordecai, in order to know of him what sad accident had befallen him, for which he was in mourning, and would not put off the habit he had put on at her desire.	²²³ But he could not be induced to put off his sackcloth, since the sad reason that forced him to wear it had not yet ceased, so she called the eunuch Achratheus who happened to be with her and sent him to Mardochai, to learn what terrible thing had happened to put him into such mourning that he would not change his robe even at her request.
²²³ Barach

²²⁴ ὁ δὲ ΜαρδοχαῖοςMardochai ἐπέδειξε τῷ εὐνούχῳ τὴν‎ αἰτίαν τό τε γράμμα τὸ κατὰ τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews εἰς ἅπασαν τὴν‎ ὑπὸ τῷ βασιλεῖ χώραν διαπεμφθὲν καὶ τὴν‎ τῶν χρημάτων ὑπόσχεσιν , ᾗ τὴν‎ ἀπώλειαν τοῦ ἔθνους ᾐτεῖτο παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως Ἀμάνης .
²²⁴ Then did Mordecai inform the eunuch of the occasion of his mourning, and of the decree which was sent by the king into all the country, and of the promise of money whereby Haman brought the destruction of their nation.	²²⁴ Mardochai told the eunuch the reason for his mourning and about the decree sent by the king into the whole land and the promise of money by which Haman had asked the king for the destruction of their nation.
²²⁴ Barach

²²⁵ δοὺς δὲ αὐτῷ καὶ τὸ ἀντίγραφον τῶν ἐν Σούσοις προτεθέντων κομίσαι τῇ Ἐσθῆρι καὶ περὶ τούτων δεηθῆναι τοῦ βασιλέως ἐνετέλλετο καὶ σωτηρίας ἕνεκεν τοῦ ἔθνους μὴ ἀδοξῆσαι λαβεῖν σχῆμα ταπεινόν , ᾧ παραιτήσεται τοὺς ἸουδαίουςJews κινδυνεύοντας ἀπολέσθαι · τὸν γὰρ τὴν‎ δευτέραν ἔχοντα τῷ βασιλεῖ τιμὴν Ἀμάνην κατηγορήσαντ᾽ αὐτῶν παρωξυγκέναι κατ᾽ αὐτῶν τὸν βασιλέα .
²²⁵ He also gave him a copy of what was proclaimed at Shushan, to be carried to Esther; and he charged her to petition the king about this matter, and not to think it a dishonorable thing in her to put on a humble habit, for the safety of her nation, wherein she might deprecate the ruin of the Jews, who were in danger of it; for that Haman, whose dignity was only inferior to that of the king, had accused the Jews, and had irritated the king against them.	²²⁵ He gave him a copy of what was proclaimed at Susa, to bring to Esther, and bade her ask the king about this matter and not to think it a dishonour for her to humble herself for the safety of her nation. She should beg on behalf of the Jews, who were in danger of ruin because Haman, whose dignity was barely less than that of the king, had accused them and roused the king against them.
²²⁵ Barach

²²⁶ ταῦτα γνοῦσα πέμπει πάλιν πρὸς Μαρδοχαῖον δηλοῦσα , ὅτι μήτε κληθείη πρὸς τοῦ βασιλέως καὶ ὁ εἰσερχόμενος πρὸς αὐτὸν ἄκλητος ἀποθνήσκει , πλὴν εἰ μή τινα σώζειν βουλόμενος προτείνειεν τὸν χρυσῆν ῥάβδον · ᾧ γὰρ τοῦτο ποιήσειεν ὁ βασιλεὺς ἀκλήτῳ προσελθόντι , οὗτος οὐκ ἀποθνήσκει μόνος ,
²²⁶ When she was informed of this, she sent to Mordecai again, and told him that she was not called by the king, and that he who goes in to him without being called, is to be slain, unless when he is willing to save any one, he holds out his golden scepter to him; but that to whomsoever he does so, although he go in without being called, that person is so far from being slain, that he obtains pardon, and is entirely preserved.	²²⁶ When told of this, she sent to Mardochai again pointing out that she had not been called by the king and that anyone who went in to him uncalled must die, unless he held out his golden scepter to them, wishing to spare them; if he did that, even though they went in unbidden, that person is not killed but wins pardon and is spared.
²²⁶ Barach

²²⁷ ἀλλὰ συγγνώμης τυχὼν σώζεται . ΜαρδοχαῖοςMardochai δὲ τούτους κομίσαντος αὐτῷ τοῦ εὐνούχου παρὰ τῆς Ἐσθῆρος τοὺς λόγους ἀπαγγέλλειν ἐκέλευσεν αὐτῇ , μὴ τὴν‎ ἰδίαν οὕτως σκοπεῖν σωτηρίαν , ἀλλὰ τὴν‎ κοινὴν τοῦ ἔθνους · εἰ γὰρ ἀμελήσειεν τούτου νῦν , ἔσεσθαι μὲν αὐτῷ βοήθειαν παρὰ τοῦ θεοῦ πάντως , αὐτὴν δὲ καὶ τὸν πατρῷον οἶκον αὐτῆς ὑπὸ τῶν ὀλιγωρηθέντων διαφθαρήσεσθαι .
²²⁷ Now when the eunuch carried this message from Esther to Mordecai, he bade him also tell her that she must not only provide for her own preservation, but for the common preservation of her nation, for that if she now neglected this opportunity, there would certainly arise help to them from God some other way, but she and her father’s house would be destroyed by those whom she now despised.	²²⁷ When Mardochai heard Esther's message from the eunuch, he got him to tell her that she must not only provide for her own safety but also for that of all her nation; for if she did not act now, God would help them in no other way, and she and her father's house would be destroyed by those whom she now scorned.
²²⁷ Barach

²²⁸ ἡ δὲ Ἐσθήρα ἐπέστειλεν μὲν τῷ ΜαρδοχαίῳMardochai τὸν αὐτὸν πέμψασα διάκονον εἰς Σοῦσα πορευθέντι τοὺς ἐκεῖ ἸουδαίουςJews εἰς ἐκκλησίαν συναγαγεῖν καὶ νηστεῦσαι πάντων ἀποσχομένους ὑπὲρ αὐτῆς ἐπὶ τρεῖς ἡμέρας , τὸ δ᾽ αὐτὸ ποιήσασα μετὰ τῶν θεραπαινίδων τότε προσελεύσεσθαι τῷ βασιλεῖ παρὰ τὸν νόμον ὑπισχνεῖτο , κἂν ἀποθανεῖν δέῃ τοῦτο ὑπομενεῖν .
²²⁸ But Esther sent the very same eunuch back to Mordecai [to desire him] to go to Shushan, and to gather the Jews that were there together to a congregation, and to fast and abstain from all sorts of food, on her account, and [to let him know that] she with her maidens would do the same: and then she promised that she would go to the king, though it were against the law, and that if she must die for it, she would not refuse it.	²²⁸ Esther sent the same eunuch back to Mardochai, sending him to Susa to gather the Jews there to a meeting and to fast for her sake and that she and her girls would do the same; and then she promised to go to the king, even unlawfully and if she must die for doing so.
²²⁸ Barach

²²⁹ Καὶ ΜαρδοχαῖοςMardochai μὲν κατὰ τὰς Ἐσθῆρος ἐντολὰς τόν τε λαὸν ἐποίησεν νηστεῦσαι καὶ τὸν θεὸν αὐτὸς ἱκέτευσε μηδὲ νῦν ὑπεριδεῖν αὐτοῦ‎ τὸ ἔθνος ἀπολλύμενον , ἀλλ᾽ ὡς καὶ πρότερον αὐτοῦ‎ πολλάκις προενόησεν καὶ ἁμαρτόντι συνέγνω , καὶ νῦν αὐτὸ ῥύσασθαι τῆς κατηγγελμένης ἀπωλείας ·
²²⁹ Accordingly, Mordecai did as Esther had enjoined him, and made the people fast; and he besought God, together with them, not to overlook his nation, particularly at this time, when it was going to be destroyed; but that, as he had often before provided for them, and forgiven, when they had sinned, so he would now deliver them from that destruction which was denounced against them;	²²⁹ Mardochai did as Esther bade him and got the people to fast, and with them begged God not to ignore his nation at this time when it was due to be destroyed, but as he had often before provided for them and forgiven their sins, so he would now deliver them from the destruction threatening them.
²²⁹ Barach

²³⁰ οὐδὲ γὰρ ἁμαρτόν τι κινδυνεύειν ἀκλεῶς ἀποθανεῖν , ἀλλ᾽ αὐτὸν γὰρ εἶναι τὴν‎ αἰτίαν τῆς ἈμάνουAmanus ὀργῆς , ὅτι μὴ προσεκύνησα μηδ᾽ ἣν σοί , δέσποτα , φησίν , τιμὴν παρεῖχον , ταύτην ἐκείνῳ παρασχεῖν ὑπέμενον , ὀργισθεὶς ταῦτα
²³⁰ for although it was not all the nation that had offended, yet must they so ingloriously be slain, and that he was himself the occasion of the wrath of Haman, “Because,” said he, “I did not worship him, nor could I endure to pay that honor to him which I used to pay to thee, O Lord; for upon that his anger hath he contrived this present mischief against those that have not transgressed thy laws.”	²³⁰ For it was not because of any sin that they were in danger of being so shamefully killed, but he himself had caused Haman's anger. "Because," he said, "I did not worship him, nor could I bear to pay him the honour I used to pay to you, O Lord, and it was his anger that made him plan this present harm against those who have not broken your laws."
²³⁰ Barach

²³¹ κατὰ τῶν μὴ παραβαινόντων τοὺς σοὺς νόμους ἐμηχανήσατο . τὰς δ᾽ αὐτὰς ἠφίει καὶ τὸ πλῆθος φωνάς , παρακαλοῦν προνοῆσαι τὸν θεὸν τῆς σωτηρίας αὐτῶν καὶ τοὺς ἐν ἁπάσῃ τῇ γῇ ἸσραηλίταςIsraelites ἐξελέσθαι τῆς μελλούσης συμφορᾶς · καὶ γὰρ πρὸ ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτὴν εἶχον ἤδη καὶ προσεδόκων . ἱκέτευε δὲ καὶ Ἐσθήρα τὸν θεὸν τῷ πατρίῳ νόμῳ ῥίψασα κατὰ τῆς γῆς ἑαυτὴν καὶ πενθικὴν ἐσθῆτα περιθεμένη ,
²³¹ The same supplications did the multitude put up, and entreated that God would provide for their deliverance, and free the Israelites that were in all the earth from this calamity which was now coming upon them, for they had it before their eyes, and expected its coming. Accordingly, Esther made supplication to God after the manner of her country, by casting herself down upon the earth, and putting on her mourning garments,	²³¹ The people made the same prayers and begged God to save them and free the Israelites in all the world from this disaster now coming upon them, for it stood before their eyes and they fully expected it.
²³¹ Barach

²³² καὶ τροφῇ καὶ ποτῷ καὶ τοῖς ἡδέσιν ἀποταξαμένη τρισὶν ἡμέραις ᾔτει τὸν θεὸν ἐλεηθῆναι μὲν αὐτήν , δόξαι δ᾽ ὀφθεῖσαν τῷ βασιλεῖ πιθανὴν μὲν τοὺς λόγους παρακαλοῦσαν τὸ δὲ εἶδος εὐπρεπεστέραν τῆς τάχιον οὖσαν ,
²³² and bidding farewell to meat and drink, and all delicacies, for three days’ time; and she entreated God to have mercy upon her, and make her words appear persuasive to the king, and render her countenance more beautiful than it was before,	²³² So Esther prayed to God in the style of her people, lying on the ground and wearing a mourning robe and shunning food and drink and all delicacies for three days, begging God to have mercy on her and make her words persuasive to the king and her appearance more beautiful than before,
²³² Barach

²³³ ἵν᾽ ἀμφοτέροις καὶ πρὸς τὴν‎ παραίτησιν ὀργῆς , εἴ τι παροξυνθείη πρὸς αὐτὴν ὁ βασιλεύς , χρήσαιτο καὶ πρὸς τὴν‎ συνηγορίαν τῶν ὁμοεθνῶν ἐν τοῖς ἐσχάτοις σαλευόντων , μῖσός τε γενέσθαι τῷ βασιλεῖ πρὸς τοὺς ἐχθροὺς τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews καὶ τὴν‎ ἀπώλειαν αὐτοῖς τὴν‎ μέλλουσαν , ἐὰν ὀλιγωρηθῶσιν ὑπ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ , κατασκευάσοντας .
²³³ that both by her words and beauty she might succeed, for the averting of the king’s anger, in case he were at all irritated against her, and for the consolation of those of her own country, now they were in the utmost danger of perishing; as also that he would excite a hatred in the king against the enemies of the Jews, and those that had contrived their future destruction, if they proved to be condemned by him.	²³³ so that using both she might turn aside the king's anger, if he were angry with her, and bring comfort to her countrymen who were in the most extreme danger and arouse in the king a hatred toward the enemies of the Jews and those who planned their destruction, if he turned on them.
²³³ Barach

²³⁴ Ταῦθ᾽ ἱκετεύουσα τὸν θεὸν ἐπὶ τρεῖς ἡμέρας ἀποδύεται μὲν τὴν‎ ἐσθῆτα ἐκείνην καὶ τὸ σχῆμα μεταβάλλει , κοσμησαμένη δ᾽ ὡς ἐχρῆν τὴν‎ βασίλισσαν σὺν δυσὶν θεραπαίναις , ὧν ἡ μὲν ἐπερειδομένην αὐτὴν κούφως ἔφερεν , ἡ δὲ ἑπομένη τὸ βαθὺ τοῦ ἐνδύματος καὶ μέχρι τῆς γῆς κεχυμένον ἄκροις ἀπῃώρει τοῖς δακτύλοις , ἥκει πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα , μεστὴ μὲν τὸ πρόσωπον ἐρυθήματος , προσηνὲς δὲ καὶ σεμνὸν ἐπικειμένη τὸ κάλλος .
²³⁴ When Esther had used this supplication for three days, she put off those garments, and changed her habit, and adorned herself as became a queen, and took two of her handmaids with her, the one of which supported her, as she gently leaned upon her, and the other followed after, and lifted up her large train (which swept along the ground) with the extremities of her fingers. And thus she came to the king, having a blushing redness in her countenance, with a pleasant agreeableness in her behavior; yet did she go in to him with fear;	²³⁴ When she had prayed to God for three days like this, she put off that robe and changed her looks and dressed like a queen and took two of her serving girls, one of whom supported her and the other followed behind, with her fingers lifting up the train from the ground. So she came to the king with a blush on her cheeks and an expression of deference on her beautiful face.
²³⁴ Barach

²³⁵ εἰσῄει δὲ πρὸς αὐτὸν μετὰ δέους . ὡς δὲ κατὰ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ‎ καθεζομένου ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου γίνεται τὸν βασιλικὸν περικειμένου κόσμον , οὗτος δ᾽ ἦν ἐκ ποικίλης μὲν ἐσθῆτοςgarment, clothing ,
²³⁵ and as soon as she was come over against him, as he was sitting on his throne, in his royal apparel, which was a garment interwoven with gold and precious stones,	²³⁵ She went in to him with trepidation, and when she came face to face with him as he sat on his throne in his royal robes interwoven with gold and precious stones
²³⁵ Barach

²³⁶ χρυσοῦ δὲ καὶ λίθου πολυτελοῦς , φοβερώτερον καὶ δι᾽ αὐτὰ μᾶλλον θεασαμένη καί τι κἀκείνου προσιδόντος αὐτὴν ἀπηνέστερον καὶ διακεκαυμένῳ ὑπὸ τῆς ὀργῆς τῷ προσώπῳ , πάρεσις αὐτὴν εὐθὺς λαμβάνει καὶ τοῖς παρὰ πλευρὸν οὖσιν ἀχανὴς ἐπέπεσεν .
²³⁶ which made him seem to her more terrible, especially when he looked at her somewhat severely, and with a countenance on fire with anger, her joints failed her immediately, out of the dread she was in, and she fell down sideways in a swoon:	²³⁶ which made him seem to her more terrible, especially when he looked at her somewhat severely and with a face flushed with anger, her joints failed her from the dread she instantly felt and she fell down sideways in a swoon.
²³⁶ Barach

²³⁷ ὁ δὲ βασιλεὺς κατὰ βούλησιν οἶμαι τοῦ θεοῦ τὴν‎ διάνοιαν μετέβαλεν καὶ δείσας περὶ τῇ γυναικί , μὴ καὶ πάθῃ τι τῶν χειρόνων ὑπὸ τοῦ φόβου ,
²³⁷ but the king changed his mind, which happened, as I suppose, by the will of God, and was concerned for his wife, lest her fear should bring some very ill thing upon her,	²³⁷ But the king had a change of mind, by God's will I suppose, and was anxious that his wife's fear might do her harm.
²³⁷ Barach

²³⁸ ἀνεπήδησεν ἐκ τοῦ θρόνου , καὶ ταῖς ἀγκάλαις αὐτὴν ὑπολαβὼν ἀνεκτᾶτοto regain strength κατασπαζόμενός τε καὶ προσομιλῶν ἡδέως καὶ θαρρεῖν παρακαλῶν καὶ μηδὲν ὑποπτεύειν σκυθρωπόν , ὅτι πρὸς αὐτὸν ἄκλητος ἔλθοιto come/go · τὸν γὰρ νόμον τοῦτον πρὸς τοὺς ὑπηκόους κεῖσθαι , τὴν‎ δὲ ὁμοίως αὐτῷ βασιλεύουσαν πᾶσαν ἔχειν χρόνου .
²³⁸ and he leaped from his throne, and took her in his arms, and recovered her, by embracing her, and speaking comfortably to her, and exhorting her to be of good cheer, and not to suspect any thing that was sad on account of her coming to him without being called, because that law was made for subjects, but that she, who was a queen, as well as he a king, might be entirely secure;	²³⁸ He jumped from his throne and took her in his arms and revived her by embracing her and speaking comforting words to her and urging her to take heart and to fear no misfortune for coming to him without being called, because that law was made for subjects, but that she, as truly a queen as he was a king, should feel entirely secure.
²³⁸ Barach

²³⁹ ταῦτα λέγων τὸ σκῆπτρον αὐτῆς ἐνετίθει τῇ χειρὶ καὶ τὴν‎ ῥάβδον ἐξέτεινεν ἐπὶ τὸν αὐχένα αὐτῆς διὰ τὸν νόμον εὐλαβείας αὐτὴν ἀπολύων .
²³⁹ and as he said this, he put the scepter into her hand, and laid his rod upon her neck, on account of the law; and so freed her from her fear.	²³⁹ As he said this, he put the scepter into her hand and touched his staff to her neck according to the law, and so eased her fear.
²³⁹ Barach

²⁴⁰ ἡ δ᾽ ὑπὸ τούτων ἀναζωπυρήσασα , " δέσποτ᾽ , εἶπεν , οὐκ ἔχω σοι τὸ αἰφνίδιον τοῦ συμβεβηκότος μοι ῥᾳδίως εἰπεῖν · ὡς γὰρ εἶδόν σε μέγαν καὶ καλὸν καὶ φοβερόν , εὐθὺς
²⁴⁰ And after she had recovered herself by these encouragements, she said, “My lord, it is not easy for me, on the sudden, to say what hath happened, for as soon as I saw thee to be great, and comely, and terrible, my spirit departed from me, and I had no soul left in me.”	²⁴⁰ When this revived her she said, "My lord, it is not easy for me at this moment to say what has happened, for as soon as I saw you so great and handsome and terrible, my spirit left me and I had no soul within me."
²⁴⁰ Barach

²⁴¹ ὑπεχώρει μου τὸ πνεῦμα καὶ κατελειπόμην ὑπὸ τῆς ψυχῆς . μόλις δ᾽ αὐτῆς καὶ ταῦτα φθεγγομένης καὶ μετὰ ἀσθενείας αὐτόν τε ἀγωνία καὶ ταραχὴ κατελάμβανεν καὶ τὴν‎ Ἐσθῆρ᾽ εὐψυχεῖν καὶ τὰ κρείττω προσδοκᾶν παρεθάρρυνεν , ὡς αὐτοῦ‎ καὶ τὰ ἡμίση τῆς βασιλείας , εἰ δέοιτο τούτων , παραχωρήσοντος αὐτῇ .
²⁴¹ And while it was with difficulty, and in a low voice, that she could say thus much, the king was in a great agony and disorder, and encouraged Esther to be of good cheer, and to expect better fortune, since he was ready, if occasion should require it, to grant her the half of his kingdom.	²⁴¹ As it was only with difficulty and in a low voice that she could say this, the king was distressed and distraught and encouraged Esther to take heart and be more hopeful, since he was ready, if need be, to grant her the half of his kingdom.
²⁴¹ Barach

²⁴² ἡ δὲ Ἐσθήρα ἐφ᾽ ἑστίασιν αὐτὸν μετὰ ἈμάνουAmanus τοῦ φίλου πρὸς αὐτὴν ἐλθεῖν ἠξίωσεν · παρεσκευακέναι γὰρ αὐτὴν δεῖπνον ἔλεγεν . ὡς δ᾽ ἐπένευσεν καὶ παρῆσαν , μεταξὺ πίνων τὴν‎ Ἐσθῆρα ἐκέλευσε δηλοῦν αὐτῷ , τί βούλεται ·
²⁴² Accordingly, Esther desired that he and his friend Haman would come to her to a banquet, for she said she had prepared a supper for him. He consented to it; and when they were there, as they were drinking, he bid Esther to let him know what she desired;	²⁴² Esther then asked that he and his friend Haman would come to celebrate with her, saying that she had prepared him a supper. He consented to it, and since they were there and drinking together, he demanded that Esther let him know what she wanted.
²⁴² Barach

²⁴³ μηδενὸς γὰρ ἀτυχήσειν , μηδ᾽ ἂν τὸ μέρος τῆς βασιλείας ἐθελήσῃ [λαβεῖν ] . ἡ δὲ εἰς τὴν‎ ἐπιοῦσανthe next day ἀνεβάλλετο φράζειν αὐτῷ τὴν‎ αὐτῆς βούλησιν , εἰ πάλιν ἔλθοιto come/go πρὸς αὐτὴν μετὰ ἈμάνουAmanus ἐφ᾽ ἑστίασιν .
²⁴³ for that she should not be disappointed though she should desire the half of his kingdom. But she put off the discovery of her petition till the next day, if he would come again, together with Haman, to her banquet.	²⁴³ She would not be refused, he said, even if she asked for half of his kingdom. But she put off revealing her petition until the next day, if he would come again, along with Haman, to her banquet.
²⁴³ Barach

²⁴⁴ Τοῦ δὲ βασιλέως ὑποσχομένουto undergo; to promise ὁ Ἀμάνης ἐξῆλθεν περιχαρὴς ἐπὶ τῷ μόνον ἠξιῶσθαι συνδειπνεῖν τῷ βασιλεῖ παρὰ τῇ Ἐσθήρᾳ , καὶ ὅτι μηδεὶς τοσαύτης ἄλλος τυγχάνει παρὰ τοῖς βασιλεῦσι τιμῆς . ἰδὼν δ᾽ ἐν τῇ αὐλῇ Μαρδοχαῖον ὑπερηγανάκτησεν · οὐδὲν γὰρ αὐτῷ παρ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ θεασαμένου πρὸς τιμὴν ἐγένετο .
²⁴⁴ Now when the king had promised so to do, Haman went away very glad, because he alone had the honor of supping with the king at Esther’s banquet, and because no one else partook of the same honor with kings but himself; yet when he saw Mordecai in the court, he was very much displeased, for he paid him no manner of respect when he saw him.	²⁴⁴ When the king promised to do so, Haman went off feeling glad that he alone had the honour of sharing Esther's banquet with the king and that no one else would share this royal honour. But when he saw Mardochai in the courtyard he was very angry, for on seeing him he showed no sign of respect.
²⁴⁴ Barach

²⁴⁵ καὶ παρελθὼν πρὸς αὑτὸν τὴν‎ γυναῖκα Γάζασαν ἐκάλεσεν καὶ τοὺς φίλους . ὧν παρόντων διηγεῖτο τὴν‎ τιμήν , ἧς οὐ παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως ἀπολαύοι μόνον , ἀλλὰ καὶ παρὰ τῆς βασιλίσσης · καὶ γὰρ τήμερον ὡς δειπνήσειεν παρ᾽ αὐτῇ μόνος σὺν τῷ βασιλεῖ , κληθείη πάλιν εἰς τὴν‎ ἐπιοῦσανthe next day .
²⁴⁵ So he went home and called for his wife Zeresh, and his friends, and when they were come, he showed them what honor he enjoyed not only from the king, but from the queen also, for as he alone had that day supped with her, together with the king, so was he also invited again for the next day;	²⁴⁵ Going home he called his wife Gazasa and his friends and when they came, he told them of the honour he enjoyed not only from the king but also from the queen, for just as he had that day supped alone with her and the king, he was also invited again for the next day.
²⁴⁵ Barach

²⁴⁶ ἔλεγέν τε μὴ ἀρέσκεσθαι Μαρδοχαῖον ὁρῶντα ἐν τῇ αὐλῇ τὸν ἸουδαῖονJew . τῆς δὲ γυναικὸς αὐτοῦ‎ Γαζάσης εἰπούσης κελεῦσαι ξύλον κοπῆναι πηχῶν ἑξήκοντα καὶ πρωὶ παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως αἰτησάμενον ἀνασταυρῶσαι τὸν Μαρδοχαῖον , ἐπαινέσας τὴν‎ γνώμην προσέταξεν τοῖς οἰκέταις ξύλον ἑτοιμασαμένους στῆσαι τοῦτο ἐν τῇ αὐλῇ πρὸς τιμωρίαν ΜαρδοχαίῳMardochai .
²⁴⁶ “yet,” said he, “am I not pleased to see Mordecai the Jew in the court.” Hereupon his wife Zeresh advised him to give order that a gallows should be made fifty cubits high, and that in the morning he should ask it of the king that Mordecai might be hanged thereon. So he commended her advice, and gave order to his servants to prepare the gallows, and to place it in the court, for the punishment of Mordecai thereon,	²⁴⁶ He said he was not pleased to see Mardochai the Jew at court, and his wife Gazasa advised him to order a fifty feet high gallows to be made and in the morning to ask the king to crucify Mardochai on it. Praising her advice he had his servants prepare the gallows and place it in the court, for the punishment of Mardochai.
²⁴⁶ Barach

²⁴⁷ καὶ τοῦτο μὲν ἦν ἕτοιμον · ὁ δὲ θεὸς κατεγέλα τῆς ἈμάνουAmanus πονηρᾶς ἐλπίδος καὶ τὸ συμβησόμενον εἰδὼς ἐτέρπετο τῷ γενησομένῳ · τοῦ γὰρ βασιλέως διὰ νυκτὸς ἐκείνης ἀφαιρεῖται τὸν ὕπνον .
²⁴⁷ which was accordingly prepared. But God laughed to scorn the wicked expectations of Haman; and as he knew what the event would be, he was delighted at it, for that night he took away the king’s sleep;	²⁴⁷ So it was prepared; but God laughed to scorn Haman's wicked hopes, knowing what the outcome would be, and that night deprived the king of sleep.
²⁴⁷ Barach

²⁴⁸ ὁ δ᾽ οὐ βουλόμενος ἀργῶς ἀπολέσαι τὴν‎ ἀγρυπνίαν , ἀλλ᾽ εἴς τι τῶν τῇ βασιλείᾳ διαφερόντων αὐτὴν ἀναλῶσαι , τὸν γραμματέα κομίσαντα καὶ τῶν πρὸ αὐτοῦ‎ βασιλέων τὰ ὑπομνήματα καὶ τῶν ἰδίων πράξεων ἀναγινώσκειν αὐτῷ προσέταξεν .
²⁴⁸ and as the king was not willing to lose the time of his lying awake, but to spend it in something that might be of advantage to his kingdom, he commanded the scribe to bring him the chronicles of the former kings, and the records of his own actions;	²⁴⁸ Unwilling to waste the time while he lay awake and wishing to spend it on something useful to his kingdom, he ordered the scribe to bring him the chronicles of past kings and the records of his own deeds.
²⁴⁸ Barach

²⁴⁹ κομίσαντος δὲ καὶ ἀναγινώσκοντος εὑρέθη τις δι᾽ ἀριστείαν ἔν τινι γέρας εἰληφὼς χώραν , ἧς καὶ τὸ ὄνομα ἐγέγραπτο . ἕτερον δὲ διὰ πίστιν τετυχηκότα δωρεᾶς μηνύων ἦλθεν καὶ ἐπὶ Γαβαταῖον καὶ Θεοδέστην τοὺς ἐπιβουλεύσαντας εὐνούχους τῷ βασιλεῖ , ὧν μηνυτὴς ΜαρδοχαῖοςMardochai ἦν γεγενημένος .
²⁴⁹ and when he had brought them, and was reading them, one was found to have received a country on account of his excellent management on a certain occasion, and the name of the country was set down; another was found to have had a present made him on account of his fidelity: then the scribe came to Bigthan and Teresh, the eunuchs that had made a conspiracy against the king, which Mordecai had discovered;	²⁴⁹ When he brought them and was reading them out, one was found whose valour in some engagement was rewarded with a country and its name was in the records; another was found to have been rewarded with gifts for his fidelity. Then the scribe came to Gabataios and Theodestes, the eunuchs whose conspiracy against the king was uncovered by Mardochai.
²⁴⁹ Barach

²⁵⁰ φράσαντος δὲ τοῦτο μόνον τοῦ γραμματέως καὶ μεταβαίνοντος εἰς ἑτέραν πρᾶξιν ἐπέσχεν ὁ βασιλεὺς πυνθανόμενος , εἰ μὴ ἔχει γέρας αὐτῷ δοθὲν ἀναγεγραμμένον . ὁ δ᾽ ὡς ἔφη μηδὲν εἶναι , κελεύσας ἡσυχάζειν , τίς ἡ τῆς νυκτὸς ‎ὥρα , παρὰ τῶν ἐπὶ τούτῳ τεταγμένων ἐπυνθάνετο .
²⁵⁰ and when the scribe said no more but that, and was going on to another history, the king stopped him, and inquired “whether it was not added that Mordecai had a reward given him?” and when he said there was no such addition, he bade him leave off; and he inquired of those that were appointed for that purpose, what hour of the night it was;	²⁵⁰ When the scribe just mentioned it and was passing on to another account, the king stopped him to ask if there was any mention of Mardochai receiving a reward; and when he replied there was not, he made him stop and asked the men assigned to it what hour of the night it was.
²⁵⁰ Barach

²⁵¹ μαθὼν δ᾽ , ὡς ὄρθρος ἐστὶν ἤδη , προσέταξεν τῶν φίλων ὃν ἂν πρὸ τῆς αὐλῆς εὕρωσιν ἤδη παρόντα τοῦτον αὐτῷ δηλοῦν . ἔτυχέν τε ὥστε Ἀμάνην εὑρεθῆναι · θᾶττον γὰρ τῆς συνήθους ὥρας ἐληλύθει περὶ τοῦ Μαρδοχαίου θανάτου δεησόμενος αὐτοῦ‎ .
²⁵¹ and when he was informed that it was already day, he gave order, that if they found any one of his friends already come, and standing before the court, they should tell him. Now it happened that Haman was found there, for he was come sooner than ordinary to petition the king to have Mordecai put to death;	²⁵¹ When he learned that it was almost day, he bade them tell him if they found that any of his friends had already arrived and were standing in the courtyard. Now Haman was there, for he had come earlier than usual, to ask the king to have Mardochai put to death.
²⁵¹ Barach

²⁵² τῶν οὖν θεραπόντων εἰπόντων , ὅτι Ἀμάνης εἴη πρὸ τῆς αὐλῆς , ἐκέλευσεν αὐτὸν εἰσκαλέσαι . εἰσελθόντος δέ " φίλον , εἶπεν , εἰδὼς ἐμαυτῷ σὲ μόνον εὔνουν συμβουλεῦσαί μοι παρακαλῶ , πῶς ἂν τιμήσαιμι τινὰ στεργόμενον ὑπ᾽
²⁵² and when the servants said that Haman was before the court, he bid them call him in; and when he was come in, he said, “Because I know that thou art my only fast friend, I desire thee to give me advice how I may honor one that I greatly love, and that after a manner suitable to my magnificence.”	²⁵² When the servants said that Haman was just outside he had them call him in, and said to him when he arrived, "Because I know you are my only firm friend, I want you to advise me how to honour one whom I greatly love, in a way worthy of my magnificence."
²⁵² Barach

²⁵³ ἐμοῦ σφόδρα τῆς ἐμαυτοῦ μεγαλοφροσύνης ἀξίως . ὁ δὲ Ἀμάνης λογισάμενος , ἣν ἂν δῷ γνώμην ταύτην δώσειν ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ‎ , φιλεῖσθαι γὰρ ἑαυτὸν ὑπὸ τοῦ βασιλέως μόνον , ἣν ᾤετο ἀρίστηνbest εἶναι ταύτην φανερὰν ἐποίησεν .
²⁵³ Now Haman reasoned with himself, that what opinion he should give it would be for himself, since it was he alone who was beloved by the king: so he gave that advice which he thought of all other the best; for he said,	²⁵³ Now Haman reckoned that the advice he gave would apply to him, since only he was loved by the king, so he gave the advice he thought would be clearly best for himself.
²⁵³ Barach

²⁵⁴ εἶπεν γάρ " εἰ βούλοιο τὸν ἄνθρωπον ὃν φῂς ἀγαπᾶν δόξῃ περιβαλεῖν , ποίησον ἐφ᾽ ἵππου βαδίζειν τὴν‎ αὐτὴν ἐσθῆτά σοι φοροῦντα καὶ περιαυχένιον χρυσοῦν ἔχοντα καὶ προάγοντα τῶν ἀναγκαίων φίλων ἕνα κηρύσσειν δι᾽ ὅλης τῆς πόλεως , ὅτι ταύτης τυγχάνει τῆς τιμῆς ὃν ἂν ὁ βασιλεὺς τιμήσῃ .
²⁵⁴ “If thou wouldst truly honor a man whom thou sayest thou dost love, give order that he may ride on horseback, with the same garment on which thou wearest, and with a gold chain about his neck, and let one of thy intimate friends go before him, and proclaim through the whole city, that whosoever the king honoreth obtaineth this mark of his honor.”	²⁵⁴ He said, "If you would truly cover with honour the person you say you love, have him ride on horseback, clothed as you are yourself, with a gold chain around his neck, and let one of your close friends go ahead of him to proclaim throughout the city that this is the honour given to the one honoured by the king."
²⁵⁴ Barach

²⁵⁵ ὁ μὲν οὖν Ἀμάνης ταῦτα συνεβούλευσεν οἰόμενος εἰς αὐτὸν ἥξειν τοῦτο τὸ γέρας . ὁ δὲ βασιλεὺς ἡσθεὶς τῇ παραινέσει " προελθών . φησίν , ἔχεις γὰρ καὶ τὸν ἵππον καὶ τὴν‎ στολὴν καὶ τὸν στρεπτόν . ἐπιζήτησον Μαρδοχαῖον τὸν ἸουδαῖονJew καὶ ταῦτα ἐκείνῳ δοὺς προάγων αὐτοῦ‎ τὸν ἵππον , σὺ γάρ , ἔφη , μοι Φίλος ἀναγκαῖος , ἴσθι διάκονος ὧν χρηστὸς σύμβουλος ἐγένου . ταῦτα δὲ αὐτῷ παρ᾽ ἡμῶν
²⁵⁵ This was the advice which Haman gave, out of a supposal that such a reward would come to himself. Hereupon the king was pleased with the advice, and said, “Go thou therefore, for thou hast the horse, the garment, and the chain, ask for Mordecai the Jew, and give him those things, and go before his horse and proclaim accordingly; for thou art,” said he, “my intimate friend, and hast given me good advice; be thou then the minister of what thou hast advised me to. This shall be his reward from us, for preserving my life.”	²⁵⁵ This was what Haman advised, thinking that this prize would come to himself. The king was pleased with the advice and said, "Go then, as you have the horse, the garment and the chain, and ask for Mardochai the Jew and confer those things on him and go before his horse and proclaim accordingly, for you are my close friend and have given me good advice; so carry out the service you have advised. This shall be his reward from us, for saving my life."
²⁵⁵ Barach

²⁵⁶ ἔσται‎ σώσαντί μου τὴν‎ ψυχήν . τούτων ἀκούσας παρὰ πᾶσαν ἐλπίδα τὴν‎ διάνοιαν συνεχύθη καὶ πληγεὶς ὑπὸ ἀμηχανίας ἔξεισιν ἄγων τὸν ἵππον καὶ τὴν‎ πορφύραν καὶ τὸ χρυσοῦν περιαυχένιον , καὶ τὸν Μαρδοχαῖον εὑρὼν πρὸ τῆς αὐλῆς σάκκον ἐνδεδυμένον ἐκέλευσεν ἀποθέμενον ἐνδύσασθαι τὴν‎ πορφύραν .
²⁵⁶ When he heard this order, which was entirely unexpected, he was confounded in his mind, and knew not what to do. However, he went out and led the horse, and took the purple garment, and the golden chain for the neck, and finding Mordecai before the court, clothed in sackcloth, he bid him put that garment off, and put the purple garment on.	²⁵⁶ When he heard this entirely unexpected order, his mind was addled and he scarcely knew what to do. However, he went out and led the horse and got the purple garment and the golden chain for the neck and finding Mardochai in front of the palace, clothed in sackcloth, told him to put it off and put on the purple garment.
²⁵⁶ Barach

²⁵⁷ ὁ δὲ οὐκ εἰδὼς τἀληθές , ἀλλὰ χλευάζεσθαι νομίζων " ὦ κάκιστε πάντων ἀνθρώπων , εἶπεν , οὕτως ἡμῶν ταῖς συμφοραῖς ἐπεγγελᾷς ; πεισθεὶς δ᾽ , ὡς ὁ βασιλεὺς αὐτῷ γέρας τοῦτ᾽ εἴη δεδωκὼς ἀντὶ τῆς σωτηρίας , ἣν αὐτῷ παρέσχεν τοὺς ἐπιβουλεύσαντας εὐνούχους ἐλέγξας , ἐνδύεται τὴν‎ πορφύραν , ἣν ὁ βασιλεὺς φορῶν ἀεὶ διετέλει , καὶ περιτίθεται τὸ περιαυχένιον ,
²⁵⁷ But Mordecai, not knowing the truth of the matter, but thinking that it was done in mockery, said, “O thou wretch, the vilest of all mankind, dost thou thus laugh at our calamities?” But when he was satisfied that the king bestowed this honor upon him, for the deliverance he had procured him when he convicted the eunuchs who had conspired against him, he put on that purple garment which the king always wore, and put the chain about his neck,	²⁵⁷ But he, not knowing the truth and thinking that this was just a mockery, said, "You wretch, vilest of all mankind, is this how you laugh at our troubles?" When he was satisfied that the king was granting him this honour for saving him when he convicted the eunuchs who had plotted against him, he put on the purple garment which the king regularly wore and put the chain around his neck.
²⁵⁷ Barach

²⁵⁸ καὶ ἐπιβὰς ἐπὶ τὸν ἵππον ἐν κύκλῳ περιῄει τὴν‎ πόλιν ἈμάνουAmanus προάγοντος καὶ κηρύσσοντος , ὅτι τοῦτ᾽ ἔσται‎ παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως ᾧ ἂν στέρξῃ καὶ τιμῆς ἄξιον δοκιμάσῃ .
²⁵⁸ and got on horseback, and went round the city, while Haman went before and proclaimed, “This shall be the reward which the king will bestow on every one whom he loves, and esteems worthy of honor.”	²⁵⁸ He got on horseback and went around the city preceded by Haman who proclaimed, "This is the reward the king will bestow on one whom he loves and esteems worthy of honour."
²⁵⁸ Barach

²⁵⁹ ἐπεὶ δ᾽ ἐκπεριῆλθον τὴν‎ πόλιν , ὁ μὲν ΜαρδοχαῖοςMardochai εἰσῄει πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα , Ἀμάνης δ᾽ ὑπ᾽ αἰσχύνης πρὸς αὑτὸν παραγίνεται καὶ μετὰ δακρύων τῇ γυναικὶ καὶ τοῖς . φίλοις τὰ συμβεβηκότα διηγεῖτο . οἱ δ᾽ οὐκέτ᾽ ἀμύνασθαι τὸν Μαρδοχαῖον ἔλεγον δυνήσεσθαι · τὸν γὰρ θεὸν εἶναι σὺν αὐτῷ .
²⁵⁹ And when they had gone round the city, Mordecai went in to the king; but Haman went home, out of shame, and informed his wife and friends of what had happened, and this with tears; who said, that he would never be able to be revenged of Mordecai, for that God was with him.	²⁵⁹ When they had gone around the city, Mardochai went in to the king, but Haman went home feeling ashamed, and in tears told his wife and friends of what had happened, and they said that he could never take revenge on Mardochai, since God was with him.
²⁵⁹ Barach

²⁶⁰ Ταῦτα δὲ τούτων ἔτι πρὸς ἀλλήλους ὁμιλούντων ἧκον οἱ τῆς ἘσθήραςEsther εὐνοῦχοι τὸν Ἀμάνην ἐπὶ τὸ δεῖπνον ἐπισπεύδοντες .
²⁶⁰ Now while these men were thus talking one to another, Esther’s eunuchs hastened Haman away to come to supper;	²⁶⁰ While this conversation was going on, Esther's eunuchs hurried Haman away to the supper.
²⁶⁰ Barach

²⁶¹ Σαβουχάδας δὲ τῶν εὐνούχων εἷς ἰδὼν τὸν σταυρὸν ἐν τῇ ἈμάνουAmanus οἰκίᾳ πεπηγότα , ὃν ἐπὶ Μαρδοχαῖον παρεσκευάκεισαν , καὶ πυθόμενος παρά τινος τῶν οἰκετῶν , ἐπὶ τίνα τοῦτον ἦσαν ἑτοιμασάμενοι , γνούς , ὡς ἐπὶ τὸν τῆς βασιλίσσης θεῖον , τὸν γὰρ Ἀμάνην μέλλειν αὐτὸν αἰτεῖσθαι παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως πρὸς τιμωρίαν , τότε μὲν ἡσυχίαν ἦγεν .
²⁶¹ but one of the eunuchs, named Sabuchadas, saw the gallows that was fixed in Haman’s house, and inquired of one of his servants for what purpose they had prepared it. So he knew that it was for the queen’s uncle, because Haman was about to petition the king that he might be punished; but at present he held his peace.	²⁶¹ One of the eunuchs named Sabuchadas saw the gallows set up in Haman's house and asked one of his servants why they had prepared it. He learned that it was for the queen's uncle, as Haman had intended to ask the king to punish him, but had now stayed silent.
²⁶¹ Barach

²⁶² ὡς δὲ ὁ βασιλεὺς μετὰ τοῦ ἈμάνουAmanus εὐωχηθεὶς ἠξίου τὴν‎ βασίλισσαν λέγειν αὐτῷ , τίνος βούλεται δωρεᾶς τυχεῖν , ὡς ληψομένην οὗπερ ἂν ἐπιθυμίαν ἔχῃ , τὸν τοῦ λαοῦ κίνδυνον ἀπωδύρετο καὶ πρὸς ἀπώλειαν ἔλεγεν μετὰ τοῦ ἔθνους ἐκδεδόσθαι , διὸ καὶ ποιεῖσθαι περὶ τούτων τοὺς λόγους ·
²⁶² Now when the king, with Haman, were at the banquet, he desired the queen to tell him what gifts she desired to obtain, and assured her that she should have whatsoever she had a mind to. She then lamented the danger her people were in; and said that “she and her nation were given up to be destroyed, and that she, on that account, made this her petition;	²⁶² When the king and Haman were at the banquet, he bade the queen to tell him what gifts she wanted assuring her that she could have whatever she wanted. She then lamented the danger to her people and said that she and her nation were handed over to be destroyed and that that was why she made this petition.
²⁶² Barach

²⁶³ οὐ γὰρ ἂν ἠνωχληκέναι αὐτῷ , εἰ πρὸς δουλείαν πικρὰν ἐκέλευσεν αὐτοὺς ἀπεμποληθῆναι · μέτριον γὰρ τοῦτο τὸ κακόν · παρεκάλει τε τούτων ἀπαλλαγῆναι .
²⁶³ that she would not have troubled him if he had only given order that they should be sold into bitter servitude, for such a misfortune would not have been intolerable; but she desired that they might be delivered from such destruction.”	²⁶³ She would not have troubled him if he had only ordered them sold into harsh slavery, for such a misfortune would not be intolerable, but she wanted them saved from death.
²⁶³ Barach

²⁶⁴ ἐρωτήσαντος δὲ τοῦ βασιλέως , ὑπὸ τίνος εἴη ταῦτα γεγενημένα , κατηγόρει τὸ λοιπὸν ἤδη φανερῶς τοῦ ἈμάνουAmanus καὶ τοῦτον ὄντα πονηρὸν ἐπ᾽ αὐτοὺς κατεσκευακέναι τὴν‎ ἐπιβουλὴν ἤλεγχεν .
²⁶⁴ And when the king inquired of her whom was the author of this misery to them, she then openly accused Haman, and convicted him, that he had been the wicked instrument of this, and had formed this plot against them.	²⁶⁴ When the king asked her who had done this she accused Haman and publicly named that evil man as the instigator of this plot against them.
²⁶⁴ Barach

²⁶⁵ ταραχθέντος δὲ πρὸς τοῦτο τοῦ βασιλέως καὶ ἀναπηδήσαντος εἰς τοὺς κήπους ἐκ τοῦ συμποσίου , τῆς ἘσθήραςEsther ὁ Ἀμάνης ἤρξατο δεῖσθαι καὶ παρακαλεῖν συγγνῶναι τῶν ἡμαρτημένων · συνῆκε γὰρ αὐτὸς ἐν κακοῖς ὤν · ἐπί τε τῆς κλίνης αὐτοῦ‎ πεσόντος καὶ τὴν‎ βασίλισσαν παρακαλοῦντος ἐπεισελθὼν ὁ βασιλεὺς καὶ πρὸς τὴν‎ ὄψιν μᾶλλον παροξυνθεὶς εἶπεν , " ὦ κάκιστε πάντων , καὶ βιάζεσθαί μου
²⁶⁵ When the king was hereupon in disorder, and was gone hastily out of the banquet into the gardens, Haman began to intercede with Esther, and to beseech her to forgive him, as to what he had offended, for he perceived that he was in a very bad case. And as he had fallen upon the queen’s bed, and was making supplication to her, the king came in, and being still more provoked at what he saw, “O thou wretch,” said he, “thou vilest of mankind, dost thou aim to force in wife?”	²⁶⁵ When the king was troubled about this and quickly left the banquet to go into the gardens, Haman began to intercede with Esther, begging her to forgive the wrong he had done, for he knew the trouble he was in. As he leaned over the queen's bed imploring her, the king entered and was still more furious at what he saw. "Wretched villain" he said, "are you trying to rape my wife?"
²⁶⁵ Barach

²⁶⁶ τὴν‎ γυναῖκα ἐπιχειρεῖς ; ἈμάνουAmanus δὲ πρὸς τοῦτο καταπλαγέντος καὶ μηδὲν ἔτι φθέγξασθαι δυνηθέντος , καὶ Σαβουζάνης ὁ εὐνοῦχος παρελθὼν κατηγόρει τοῦ ἈμάνουAmanus , ὡς εὕροι σταυρὸν ἐπὶ τῆς οἰκίας αὐτοῦ‎ παρεσκευασμένον ἐπὶ Μαρδοχαῖον τοῦτο γὰρ αὐτῷ πυνθανομένῳ τὸν οἰκέτην εἰπεῖν , ὅτε καλέσων αὐτὸν ἐπὶ τὸ δεῖπνον ἔλθοιto come/go πρὸς αὐτόν . εἶναι δὲ τὸν σταυρὸν ἔλεγεν ἑξήκοντα πήχεων τὸ ὕψος .
²⁶⁶ And when Haman was astonished at this, and not able to speak one word more, Sabuchadas the eunuch came in and accused Haman, and said, He found a gallows at his house, prepared for Mordecai; for that the servant told him so much upon his inquiry, when he was sent to him to call him to supper. He said further, that the gallows was fifty cubits high:	²⁶⁶ At this Haman was stunned and unable to say a word, but Sabuchadas the eunuch came in to accuse him and said he had found a gallows at his house, prepared for Mardochai, because a servant had told him when he was sent to call him to supper. He added that the gallows was fifty feet high.
²⁶⁶ Barach

²⁶⁷ ὁ δὲ βασιλεὺς ἀκούσας οὐκ ἄλλῃ τιμωρίᾳ περιβάλλειν ἔκρινεν τὸν Ἀμάνην ἢ τῇ κατὰ Μαρδοχαίου νενοημένῃ , καὶ κελεύει παραχρῆμα αὐτὸν ἐξ ἐκείνου τοῦ σταυροῦ κρεμασθέντα ἀποθανεῖν .
²⁶⁷ which, when the king heard, he determined that Haman should be punished after no other manner than that which had been devised by him against Mordecai; so he gave order immediately that he should be hung upon those gallows, and be put to death after that manner.	²⁶⁷ When the king heard this, he decided that Haman be punished in the same way as he had planned for Mardochai, so immediately he ordered him to be hung upon that cross and so put to death.
²⁶⁷ Barach

²⁶⁸ ὅθεν ἐπέρχεταίto come in/upon μοι τὸ θεῖον θαυμάζειν καὶ τὴν‎ σοφίαν αὐτοῦ‎ καὶ δικαιοσύνην καταμανθάνειν , μὴ μόνον τὴν‎ ἈμάνουAmanus κολάσαντος πονηρίαν , ἀλλὰ καὶ τὴν‎ κατ᾽ ἄλλου μεμηχανημένην τιμωρίαν ταύτην ἐκείνου ποιήσαντος εἶναι καὶ τοῖς ἄλλοις μαθεῖν οὕτως [γνῶναι ] παρεσχηκότος , ὡς ἃ καθ᾽ ἑτέρου τις παρεσκεύασε ταῦτα λανθάνει καθ᾽ ἑαυτοῦ πρῶτον ἑτοιμασάμενος .
²⁶⁸ And from hence I cannot forbear to admire God, and to learn hence his wisdom and his justice, not only in punishing the wickedness of Haman, but in so disposing it, that he should undergo the very same punishment which he had contrived for another; as also because thereby he teaches others this lesson, that what mischiefs any one prepares against another, he, without knowing of it, first contrives it against himself.	²⁶⁸ This makes me admire God's wisdom and justice, not only in punishing Haman's ill-will, but also in arranging for him to suffer the very same penalty he had planned for another, thereby teaching us that whatever evils one prepares against another, he plans against himself.
²⁶⁸ Barach

²⁶⁹ Ἀμάνης μὲν οὖν ἀμετρήτως τῇ παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως χρώμενος τιμῇ τοῦτον διεφθάρη τὸν τρόπον , τὴν‎ δὲ οὐσίαν αὐτοῦ‎ ἐχαρίσατο τῇ βασιλίσσῃ . Μαρδοχαῖον δὲ προσκαλεσάμενος , καὶ γὰρ ἐδήλωσεν αὐτῷ τὴν‎ πρὸς αὐτὸν συγγένειαν Ἐσθήρα , ὃν ἔδωκεν Ἀμάνῃ δακτύλιον τοῦτον ΜαρδοχαίῳMardochai δίδωσι .
²⁶⁹ Wherefore Haman, who had immoderately abused the honor he had from the king, was destroyed after this manner, and the king granted his estate to the queen. He also called for Mordecai, (for Esther had informed him that she was akin to him,) and gave that ring to Mordecai which he had before given to Haman.	²⁶⁹ In this way Haman, who abused the honour he had received from the king, was destroyed, and the king granted his estate to the queen. He also called for Mardochai, when Esther told him that she was related to him, and gave him the ring he had earlier given to Haman.
²⁶⁹ Barach

²⁷⁰ δωρεῖται δὲ καὶ ἡ βασίλισσα ΜαρδοχαίῳMardochai τὴν‎ ἈμάνουAmanus κτῆσιν καὶ δεῖται τοῦ βασιλέως ἀπαλλάξαι τοῦ περὶ τῆς ζωῆς φόβου τὸ τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews ἔθνος , δηλοῦσα τὰ γραφέντα κατὰ πᾶσαν τὴν‎ χώραν ὑπὸ ἈμάνουAmanus τοῦ Ἀμαδάθου · τῆς γὰρ πατρίδος αὐτῇ διαφθαρείσης καὶ τῶν ὁμοφύλωνof the same race ἀπολομένων οὐκ ἂν ὑπομένειν τὸν βίον .
²⁷⁰ The queen also gave Haman’s estate to Mordecai; and prayed the king to deliver the nation of the Jews from the fear of death, and showed him what had been written over all the country by Haman the son of Ammedatha; for that if her country were destroyed, and her countrymen were to perish, she could not bear to live herself any longer.	²⁷⁰ The queen gave Haman's estate to Mardochai, and prayed the king to save the Jewish nation from the fear of death, showing him what had been written to all the land by Haman the son of Ammedatha. For if her nation were destroyed and her countrymen killed, she herself could not bear to live any longer.
²⁷⁰ Barach

²⁷¹ ὁ δὲ βασιλεὺς ὑπέσχετο μηδὲν ἄχαρι αὐτὴν μηδ᾽ οἷς ἐσπούδακεν ἐναντίον ἔσεσθαι , γράφειν δὲ ἃ βούλεται προσέταξε περὶ τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews ἐκείνην ἐκ τοῦ βασιλέως ὀνόματος καὶ σημηναμένην αὐτοῦ‎ τῇ σφραγῖδι πέμπειν εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν‎ βασιλείαν · τοὺς γὰρ ἀναγνωσομένους τὰς ὑπὸ τοῦ βασιλικοῦ σημαντῆρος ἠσφαλισμένας ἐπιστολὰς οὐδὲν περὶ τῶν ἐγγεγραμμένων ἐναντιώσεσθαι .
²⁷¹ So the king promised her that he would not do any thing that should be disagreeable to her, nor contradict what she desired; but he bid her write what she pleased about the Jews, in the king’s name, and seal it with his seal, and send it to all his kingdom, for that those who read epistles whose authority is secured by having the king’s seal to them, would no way contradict what was written therein.	²⁷¹ The king promised not to do anything against her, or to refuse whatever she wanted, but invited her to write her wishes regarding the Jews, in the king's name, and seal it with his seal and send it to all his kingdom. No one reading such letters whose authority is secured by the king's seal would in any way oppose what was written there.
²⁷¹ Barach

²⁷² μεταπεμφθέντας οὖν τοὺς βασιλικοὺς γραμματεῖς ἐκέλευσε γράφειν τοῖς ἔθνεσι περὶ τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews τοῖς τε οἰκονόμοις καὶ ἄρχουσιν ἀπὸ ἸνδικῆςIndia ἕως τῆς ΑἰθιοπίαςEthiopian ἑκατὸν εἰκοσιεπτὰ σατραπειῶν ἡγουμένοις . τὰ δὲ γραφέντα τοῦτον ἔχει τὸν τρόπον ·
²⁷² So he commanded the king’s scribes to be sent for, and to write to the nations, on the Jews’ behalf, and to his lieutenants and governors, that were over his hundred twenty and seven provinces, from India to Ethiopia. Now the contents of this epistle were these:	²⁷² He had the royal scribes sent for, to write on the Jews' behalf to the nations and to his lieutenants and governors of his hundred and twenty-seven provinces, from India to Ethiopia.
²⁷² Barach

²⁷³ " βασιλεὺς μέγας Ἀρταξέρξης τοῖς ἄρχουσι καὶ τὰ ἡμέτερα φρονοῦσι χαίρειν . πολλοὶ διὰ μέγεθος εὐεργεσίας καὶ τιμῆς , ἣν δι᾽ ὑπερβολὴν χρηστότητος τῶν παρεχόντων ἐκαρποῦντο , οὐκ εἰς τοὺς ὑποδεεστέρους μόνον ἐξυβρίζουσιν ,
²⁷³ “The great king Artaxerxes to our rulers, and those that are our faithful subjects, sendeth greeting. Many men there are who, on account of the greatness of the benefits bestowed on them, and because of the honor which they have obtained from the wonderful kind treatment of those that bestowed it, are not only injurious to their inferiors,	²⁷³ The contents of this letter were : "Great king Artaxerxes, to our officers and faithful subjects, greetings. Many there are who, despite the great benefits given to them and the honour they have obtained by the favour of their benefactors, not only harm their inferiors,
²⁷³ Barach

²⁷⁴ ἀλλ᾽ οὐδ᾽ αὐτοὺς ἀδικεῖν ὤκνησαν τοὺς εὐεργετοῦντας τὸ εὐχάριστον ἐξ ἀνθρώπων ἀναιροῦντες , καὶ δι᾽ ἀπειροκαλίαν τῶν οὐκ ἐξ ὧν προσεδόκησαν ἀγαθῶν κόρον εἰς τοὺς αἰτίους ἀφέντες λήσεσθαι τὸ θεῖον ἐπὶ τούτοις νομίζουσι καὶ τὴν‎ ἐξ αὐτοῦ‎ διαφεύξεσθαι δίκην .
²⁷⁴ but do not scruple to do evil to those that have been their benefactors, as if they would take away gratitude from among men, and by their insolent abuse of such benefits as they never expected, they turn the abundance they have against those that are the authors of it, and suppose that they shall lie concealed from God in that case, and avoid that vengeance which comes from him.	²⁷⁴ but also do not scruple to do harm their benefactors, as though to abolish gratitude from the human race. By abusing such undeserved benefits, they turn their plenty against those who gave it and think they can hide from God and avoid his vengeance.
²⁷⁴ Barach

²⁷⁵ ἔνιοι δὲ ἐκ τούτων προστασίαν πραγμάτων ἐπιτραπέντες παρὰ τῶν φίλων καὶ μῖσος ἴδιον ἔχοντες πρός τινας , παραλογισάμενοι τοὺς κρατοῦντας ψευδέσιν αἰτίαις καὶ διαβολαῖς ἔπεισαν κατὰ μηδὲν ἀδικούντων ὀργὴν ἀναλαβεῖν , ὑφ᾽ ἧς ἐκινδύνευσαν ἀπολέσθαι .
²⁷⁵ Some of these men, when they have had the management of affairs committed to them by their friends, and bearing private malice of their own against some others, by deceiving those that have the power, persuade them to be angry at such as have done them no harm, till they are in danger of perishing, and this by laying accusations and calumnies:	²⁷⁵ Some of these entrusted by their friends with leadership, have borne secret malice and deceived those in power, bring down anger upon people who have done them no harm, and by accusations and calumnies putting them in danger of death.
²⁷⁵ Barach

²⁷⁶ τοῦτο δὲ οὐκ ἐκ τῶν ἀρχαιοτέρων οὐδ᾽ ἀκοῇ γνωρίμων ἡμῖν οὕτως ἰδεῖν ἔστιν ἔχονto have, hold , ἀλλ᾽ ἐκ τῶν παρὰ τὰς ἡμετέρας ὄψεις τετολμημένων , ὡς διαβολαῖς μὲν καὶ κατηγορίαις μὴ προσέχειν ἔτι τοῦ λοιποῦ μηδ᾽ οἷς ἕτεροι πείθειν ἐπιχειροῦσιν , κρίνειν δ᾽ ὅσα τις αὐτὸς οἶδεν πεπραγμένα , καὶ κολάζειν μὲν ἂν ᾖ τοιαῦτα , χαρίζεσθαι δ᾽ ἂν ἑτέρως ἔχῃ , τοῖς ἔργοις αὐτοῖς ἀλλὰ μὴ τοῖς λέγουσι προστιθέμενον .
²⁷⁶ nor is this state of things to be discovered by ancient examples, or such as we have learned by report only, but by some examples of such impudent attempts under our own eyes; so that it is not fit to attend any longer to calumnies and accusations, nor to the persuasions of others, but to determine what any one knows of himself to have been really done, and to punish what justly deserves it, and to grant favors to such as are innocent.	²⁷⁶ This is not ancient history that we have learned only by report, but such shameless things were done under our own eyes. No longer should we attend to calumnies and accusations, or the persuasion of others, but each should decide what he knows to be real facts, and punish what justly deserves it and to help people who are innocent.
²⁷⁶ Barach

²⁷⁷ ὡς μὲν Ἀμάνης , Ἀμαδάθου μὲν παῖς ἈμαληκίτηςAmalekite δὲ τὸ γένος , ἀλλότριος ὢν τοῦ ΠερσῶνPersians αἵματος , ἐπιξενωθεὶς ἡμῖν ἀπέλαυσεν τῆς πρὸς ἅπαντας χρηστότητος ἐπὶ τοσοῦτον , ὡς πατέρα μου τὸ λοιπὸν προσαγορεύεσθαι καὶ προσκυνούμενον διατελεῖν καὶ μεθ᾽ ἡμᾶς τὰ δεύτερα τῆς βασιλικῆς παρὰ πάντων τιμῆς ἀποφέρεσθαι , τὴν‎ εὐτυχίαν οὐκ ἤνεγκεν οὐδὲ σώφρονι λογισμῷ τὸ μέγεθος τῶν ἀγαθῶν ἐταμίευσεν ,
²⁷⁷ This hath been the case of Haman, the son of Ammedatha, by birth an Amalekite, and alien from the blood of the Persians, who, when he was hospitably entertained by us, and partook of that kindness which we bear to all men to so great a degree, as to be called my father, and to be all along worshipped, and to have honor paid him by all in the second rank after the royal honor due to ourselves, he could not bear his good fortune, nor govern the magnitude of his prosperity with sound reason;	²⁷⁷ This was the case with Haman, son of Amadatha, by birth an Amalekite and not of Persian stock, who, though welcomed by us and enjoying our goodwill to the point that I called him 'my father' and had him revered and honoured by all, second only to the royal honour due to ourselves. But he could not carry his good fortune properly, nor govern the scale of his prosperity.
²⁷⁷ Barach

²⁷⁸ ἀλλὰ τῆς βασιλείας ἐπεβούλευσέ με καὶ τῆς ψυχῆς τὸν αἴτιον αὐτῷ τῆς ἐξουσίας ἀφελέσθαι , τὸν ΕὐεργέτηνEuergetes μου καὶ σωτῆρα Μαρδοχαῖον καὶ τὴν‎ κοινωνὸν ἡμῖν τοῦ τε βίου καὶ τῆς ἀρχῆς Ἐσθῆρα κακούργως καὶ μετὰ ἀπάτης πρὸς ἀπώλειαν αἰτησάμενος · τούτῳ γάρ με τῷ τρόπῳ τῶν εὐνοούντων ἐρημώσας ἐβούλετο τὴν‎ ἀρχὴν εἰς ἄλλους μεταβαλεῖν .
²⁷⁸ nay, he made a conspiracy against me and my life, who gave him his authority, by endeavoring to take away Mordecai, my benefactor, and my savior, and by basely and treacherously requiring to have Esther, the partner of my life, and of my dominion, brought to destruction; for he contrived by this means to deprive me of my faithful friends, and transfer the government to others:	²⁷⁸ Instead, he conspired against my very life, who had granted him his authority, by trying to destroy my benefactor and saviour, Mardochai, and seeking basely and treacherously to destroy Esther, the partner of my life and kingdom. In this way he sought to deprive me of my faithful friends and transfer the leadership to others.
²⁷⁸ Barach

²⁷⁹ ἐγὼ δὲ τοὺς ὑπὸ τοῦ ἀλιτηρίου πρὸς ἀπώλειαν ἐκδοθέντας ἸουδαίουςJews οὐ πονηροὺς κατανοήσας , ἀλλὰ τὸν ἄριστον πολιτευομένους τρόπον καὶ τῷ θεῷ προσανέχοντας , ὃς ἐμοί τε καὶ τοῖς προγόνοις ἡμῶν τὴν‎ βασιλείαν διεφύλαξεν , οὐ μόνον ἀπολύω τῆς ἐκ τῶν προαπεσταλμένων τιμωρίας , οἷς ποιήσετε καλῶς μὴ προσέχοντες ,
²⁷⁹ but since I perceived that these Jews, that were by this pernicious fellow devoted to destruction, were not wicked men, but conducted their lives after the best manner, and were men dedicated to the worship of that God who hath preserved the kingdom to me and to my ancestors, I do not only free them from the punishment which the former epistle, which was sent by Haman, ordered to be inflicted on them, to which if you refuse obedience, you shall do well;	²⁷⁹ Now since I see that these Jews, whom this wretch doomed to destruction, were not bad people, but live a good life dedicated to the worship of the God who has preserved the kingdom to me and to my ancestors, not only do I exempt them from the punishment ordered in the former letter sent by Haman, and you had better disregard;
²⁷⁹ Barach

²⁸⁰ ἀλλὰ καὶ τιμῆς αὐτοὺς ἁπάσης τυγχάνειν βούλομαι , καὶ τὸν ταῦτα κατ᾽ αὐτῶν μηχανησάμενον πρὸ τῶν πυλῶν τῶν ἐν Σούσοις ἀνεσταύρωσα μετὰ τῆς γενεᾶς , τοῦ πάντα ἐφορῶντος θεοῦ ταύτην αὐτῷ τὴν‎ δίκην ἐπιβαλόντος .
²⁸⁰ but I will that they have all honor paid to them. Accordingly, I have hanged up the man that contrived such things against them, with his family, before the gates of Shushan; that punishment being sent upon him by God, who seeth all things.	²⁸⁰ but I also want them to be paid every honour and have hanged before the gates of Susa the man who planned such things against them, along with his family, a punishment sent him by God, who sees all things,
²⁸⁰ Barach

²⁸¹ κελεύω δὲ ὑμᾶς τὸ ἀντίγραφον τῆς ἐπιστολῆς ἐκθέντας εἰς ἅπασαν τὴν‎ βασιλείαν τοὺς ἸουδαίουςJews ἀφεῖναι τοῖς ἰδίοις νόμοις χρωμένους ζῆν μετ᾽ εἰρήνης καὶ βοηθεῖν αὐτοῖς , ὅπως τοὺς ἐν οἷς ἠτύχησαν καιροῖς ἀδικήσαντας αὐτοὺς ἀμύνωνται , τῇ τρισκαιδεκάτῃ τοῦ δωδεκάτου μηνός , ὅς ἐστιν ἌδαρAdar , τῇ αὐτῇ ἡμέρᾳ ·
²⁸¹ And I give you in charge, that you publicly propose a copy of this epistle through all my kingdom, that the Jews may be permitted peaceably to use their own laws, and that you assist them, that at the same season whereto their miserable estate did belong, they may defend themselves the very same day from unjust violence, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is Adar;	²⁸¹ I also require you to publicly display a copy of this letter through all my kingdom, that the Jews may be allowed to follow their own laws in peace and that you help them, that just as they were about to suffer, now they may be protected from injustice, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is Adar.
²⁸¹ Barach

²⁸² ταύτην γὰρ αὐτοῖς ὁ θεὸς ἀντὶ ὀλεθρίας σωτήριον πεποίηκεν . ἔστι δ᾽ ἀγαθὴ τοῖς εὐνοοῦσιν ἡμῖν ὑπόμνησις δὲ τῆς τῶν ἐπιβουλευσάντων κολάσεως .
²⁸² for God hath made that day a day of salvation instead of a day of destruction to them; and may it be a good day to those that wish us well, and a memorial of the punishment of the conspirators against us:	²⁸² For God has made that day for them a day of salvation instead of destruction, and may it be a good day for those who wish us well and a memorial of the punishment of those who conspired against us.
²⁸² Barach

²⁸³ εἰδέναι μέντοι γε βούλομαι καὶ πόλιν καὶ πᾶν ἔθνος , ἐὰν τῶν γεγραμμένων τινὸς παρακούσῃ , ὅτι καὶ πυρὶ καὶ σιδήρῳ δαπανηθήσεται . τὰ μέντοι γεγραμμένα προτεθήτω καθ᾽ ὅλης τῆς ἡμῖν ὑπηκόουsubject, ovedient χώρας , καὶ παρασκευαζέσθωσαν πάντως εἰς τὴν‎ προγεγραμμένην ἡμέραν , ἵνα τοὺς ἐχθροὺς μετέλθωσιν ."
²⁸³ and I will that you take notice, that every city, and every nation, that shall disobey any thing that is contained in this epistle, shall be destroyed by fire and sword. However, let this epistle be published through all the country that is under our obedience, and let all the Jews, by all means, be ready against the day before mentioned, that they may avenge themselves upon their enemies.”	²⁸³ Take note, that any city or nation that disobeys the contents of this letter shall be destroyed by fire and sword. Let this letter be published through all the region under our obedience and let all the Jews be ready on the above-named day to avenge themselves upon their enemies."
²⁸³ Barach

²⁸⁴ Οἱ μὲν οὖν ἱππεῖς οἱ τὰς ἐπιστολὰς διακομίζοντες εὐθὺς ἐξορμήσαντες τὴν‎ προκειμένην ὁδὸν ἤνυον . ὁ δὲ ΜαρδοχαῖοςMardochai ὡς ἀναλαβὼν τὴν‎ βασιλικὴν στολὴν καὶ τὸν στέφανον τὸν χρυσοῦν καὶ τὸν στρεπτὸν περιθέμενος προῆλθεν , ἰδόντες αὐτὸν οὕτως τετιμημένον ὑπὸ τοῦ βασιλέως οἱ ἐν Σούσοις ὄντες ἸουδαῖοιJews κοινὴν ὑπέλαβον τὴν‎ εὐπραγίαν αὐτοῦ‎ .
²⁸⁴ Accordingly, the horsemen who carried the epistles proceeded on the ways which they were to go with speed: but as for Mordecai, as soon as he had assumed the royal garment, and the crown of gold, and had put the chain about his neck, he went forth in a public procession; and when the Jews who were at Shushan saw him in so great honor with the king, they thought his good fortune was common to themselves also,	²⁸⁴ The horsemen bearing the letters immediately sped on their ways as directed. Then Mardochai put on the royal garment and the crown of gold and the chain about his neck and went out in a public procession, and when the Jews in Susa saw him so honoured by the king, they felt that they shared in his good fortune themselves.
²⁸⁴ Barach

²⁸⁵ χαρὰ δὲ καὶ σωτήριον φέγγος ἐκτιθεμένων τῶν τοῦ βασιλέως γραμμάτων καὶ τοὺς κατὰ πόλιν τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews καὶ τοὺς κατὰ χώραν ἐπεῖχεν , ὡς πολλὰ καὶ τῶν ἄλλων ἐθνῶν διὰ τὸν ἐκ τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews φόβον περιτεμνόμενα τὴν‎ αἰδῶ τὸ ἀκίνδυνον αὐτοῖς ἐκ τούτου πραγματεύσασθαι .
²⁸⁵ and joy and a beam of salvation encompassed the Jews, both those that were in the cities, and those that were in the countries, upon the publication of the king’s letters, insomuch that many even of other nations circumcised their foreskin for fear of the Jews, that they might procure safety to themselves thereby;	²⁸⁵ At the publication of the king's letters a joyful glow of salvation bathed the Jews, both those in the cities and those throughout the land, and even in other nations many had their foreskins circumcised for fear of the Jews, to ensure their own safety.
²⁸⁵ Barach

²⁸⁶ καὶ γὰρ τοῦ δωδεκάτου μηνὸς τῇ τρισκαιδεκάτῃ , ὃς κατὰ μὲν ἙβραίουςHebrews ἌδαρAdar καλεῖται κατὰ δὲ ΜακεδόναςMacedonians ΔύστροςDystrus , οἱ κομίσαντες τὰ τοῦ βασιλέως γράμματα ἐδήλουν , ὅπως καθ᾽ ἣν ἡμέραν αὐτοὶ κινδυνεύσειν ἤμελλον ἐν ταύτῃ τοὺς ἐχθροὺς ἀπολέσωσιν .
²⁸⁶ for on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which according to the Hebrews is called Adar, but according to the Macedonians, Dystrus, those that carried the king’s epistle gave them notice, that the same day wherein their danger was to have been, on that very day should they destroy their enemies.	²⁸⁶ For on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which among the Hebrews is called Adar, but Dystrus among the Macedonians, the bearers of the king's letter announced that the day when they were to have been wiped out was the very day when they could destroy their enemies.
²⁸⁶ Barach

²⁸⁷ οἱ δὲ ἄρχοντες τῶν σατραπειῶν καὶ οἱ τύραννοι καὶ οἱ βασιλεῖς καὶ οἱ γραμματεῖς εἶχον ἐν τιμῇ τοὺς ἸουδαίουςJews · ὁ γὰρ ἐκ Μαρδοχαίου φόβος ἠνάγκαζεν αὐτοὺς σωφρονεῖν .
²⁸⁷ But now the rulers of the provinces, and the tyrants, and the kings, and the scribes, had the Jews in esteem; for the fear they were in of Mordecai forced them to act with discretion.	²⁸⁷ The officers of the satrapies and the tyrants and the kings and the scribes esteemed the Jews, for their fear of Mardochai made them act prudently.
²⁸⁷ Barach

²⁸⁸ τοῦ δὲ γράμματος τοῦ βασιλικοῦ διὰ πάσης τῆς ὑπ᾽ αὐτὸν χώρας γενομένου συνέπεσεν ὥστε καὶ τοὺς ἐν Σούσοις ἸουδαίουςJews ἀποκτεῖναι τῶν ἐχθρῶν περὶ πεντακοσίους .
²⁸⁸ Now when the royal decree was come to all the country that was subject to the king, it fell out that the Jews at Shushan slew five hundred of their enemies;	²⁸⁸ When the royal decree came to all the territory subject to the king, the Jews at Susa killed five hundred of their enemies.
²⁸⁸ Barach

²⁸⁹ τοῦ δὲ βασιλέως τῶν ἀπολωλότων δηλώσαντος τὸν ἀριθμὸν Ἐσθήρᾳ καὶ περὶ τῶν ἐπὶ τῆς χώρας τί ποτ᾽ εἴη γεγονὸς διαποροῦντος καὶ τί πρὸς τούτοις ἔτ᾽while, yet, still αὐτοῦ‎ γενέσθαι βούλεται πυνθανομένου , πραχθήσεσθαι γάρ , παρεκάλεσεν ἐπιτραπῆναι τοῖς ἸουδαίοιςJews καὶ τὴν‎ ἐπιοῦσανthe next day ἡμέραν οὕτως χρήσασθαι τοῖς ὑπολειπομένοις τῶν ἐχθρῶν καὶ τοὺς δέκα τοὺς ἈμάνουAmanus παῖδας ἀνασταυρῶσαι .
²⁸⁹ and when the king had told Esther the number of those that were slain in that city, but did not well know what had been done in the provinces, he asked her whether she would have any thing further done against them, for that it should be done accordingly: upon which she desired that the Jews might be permitted to treat their remaining enemies in the same manner the next day; as also that they might hang the ten sons of Haman upon the gallows.	²⁸⁹ Though the king told Esther the number of those killed in that city, he did not clearly know what had been done in the provinces so he asked if she wished anything further done against them and it would be done. She asked that the Jews be allowed to similarly treat their remaining enemies on the next day, and crucify the ten sons of Haman.
²⁸⁹ Barach

²⁹⁰ καὶ τοῦτο μὲν προσέταξε τοῖς ἸουδαίοιςJews ὁ βασιλεὺς μηδὲν ἀντιλέγειν Ἐσθῆρι δυνάμενος · οἱ δὲ πάλιν συστραφέντες τῇ τετράδι καὶ δεκάτῃ τοῦ ΔύστρουDystrus μηνὸς ἀπέκτειναν τῶν ἐναντίων ὡς τριακοσίους , καὶ οὐδενὸς τῶν ἐκείνοις ὑπαρχόντων ἥψαντο κτημάτων .
²⁹⁰ So the king permitted the Jews so to do, as desirous not to contradict Esther. So they gathered themselves together again on the fourteenth day of the month Dystrus, and slew about three hundred of their enemies, but touched nothing of what riches they had.	²⁹⁰ Not wishing to oppose Esther, the king let the Jews do so, and they assembled again on the fourteenth day of the month Dystrus and killed about three hundred of their enemies, but did not touch any their possessions.
²⁹⁰ Barach

²⁹¹ ἀπέθανον δὲ καὶ ὑπὸ τῶν ἐν τῇ χώρᾳ καὶ ταῖς ἄλλαις πόλεσιν ἸουδαίωνJews τῶν ἐχθρῶν αὐτοῖς ἑπτακισμύριοι καὶ πεντακισχίλιοι . Καὶ τούτους μὲν ἀπέκτειναν τῇ τρισκαιδεκάτῃ τοῦ μηνός , τὴν‎ δὲ ἐχομένην ἑορτάσιμον ἐποίησαν .
²⁹¹ Now there were slain by the Jews that were in the country, and in the other cities, seventy-five thousand of their enemies, and these were slain on the thirteenth day of the month, and the next day they kept as a festival.	²⁹¹ Seventy-five thousand of their enemies were killed by the Jews in the provinces and in the other cities on the thirteenth day of the month and they held a festival the next day.
²⁹¹ Barach

²⁹² ὁμοίως δὲ καὶ οἱ ἐν Σούσοις ἸουδαῖοιJews τὴν‎ τετράδα καὶ δεκάτην καὶ τὴν‎ ἐχομένην τοῦ αὐτοῦ‎ μηνὸς συναθροισθέντες εὐωχήθησαν . ὅθεν καὶ νῦν οἱ ἐν τῇ οἰκουμένῃ ἸουδαῖοιJews πάντες τὰς ἡμέρας ταύτας ἑορτάζουσιν διαπεμπόμενοι μερίδας ἀλλήλοις .
²⁹² In like manner the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together, and feasted on the fourteenth day, and that which followed it; whence it is that even now all the Jews that are in the habitable earth keep these days festival, and send portions to one another.	²⁹² Likewise the Jews in Susa gathered to celebrate on the fourteenth day and the following one. This is why even now all the Jews that are in the world keep festival on these days and send gifts to each other.
²⁹² Barach

²⁹³ ἔγραψεν δὲ ΜαρδοχαῖοςMardochai τοῖς ἐν τῇ ἈρταξέρξουArtaxerxes βασιλείᾳ [ζῶσιν ] ἸουδαίοιςJews ταύτας παραφυλάσσειν τὰς ἡμέρας καὶ ἑορτὴν ἄγειν αὐτὰς καὶ τοῖς ἐκγόνοις παραδοῦναι τοῦ πρὸς πάντα διαμεῖναι τὸν χρόνον τὴν‎ ἑορτὴν ἕνεκα καὶ μὴ λήθῃ παραπολέσθαι ·
²⁹³ Mordecai also wrote to the Jews that lived in the kingdom of Artaxerxes to observe these days, and celebrate them as festivals, and to deliver them down to posterity, that this festival might continue for all time to come, and that it might never be buried in oblivion;	²⁹³ Mardochai also wrote to the Jews in the kingdom of Artaxerxes to observe these days and celebrate them as festivals and pass them to their descendants that this festival should continue forever and never be lost to mind.
²⁹³ Barach

²⁹⁴ μελλήσαντας γὰρ αὐτοὺς ἐν ταύταις διαφθείρεσθαι ταῖς ἡμέραις ὑπὸ ἈμάνουAmanus δίκαια ποιήσειν , εἰ διαφυγόντες μὲν ἐν αὐταῖς τὸν κίνδυνον τοὺς δ᾽ ἐχθροὺς τιμωρησάμενοι παρατηρήσουσιν αὐτὰς εὐχαριστοῦντες τῷ θεῷ .
²⁹⁴ for since they were about to be destroyed on these days by Haman, they would do a right thing, upon escaping the danger in them, and on them inflicting punishment on their enemies, to observe those days, and give thanks to God on them;	²⁹⁴ Since on these days they were due to be wiped out by Haman, it was fitting that the days when they escaped the danger and punished their enemies be observed in thanksgiving to God.
²⁹⁴ Barach

²⁹⁵ διὰ ταῦτα μὲν οἱ ἸουδαῖοιJews τὰς προειρημένας ἡμέρας ἑορτάζουσιν προσαγορεύσαντες αὐτὰς φρουρέας . ὁ δὲ ΜαρδοχαῖοςMardochai μέγας τε ἦν καὶ λαμπρὸς παρὰ τῷ βασιλεῖ καὶ συνδιεῖπεν αὐτῷ τὴν‎ ἀρχὴν ἀπολαύων ἅμα καὶ τῆς κοινωνίας τοῦ βίου τῇ βασιλίσσῃ .
²⁹⁵ for which cause the Jews still keep the forementioned days, and call them days of Phurim (or Purim.) And Mordecai became a great and illustrious person with the king, and assisted him in the government of the people. He also lived with the queen;	²⁹⁵ So the Jews still keep those days and call them the Phrourea. and Mardochai became a great celebrity with the king and helped him to rule and enjoyed the queen's company.
²⁹⁵ Barach

²⁹⁶ ἦν δὲ καὶ τοῖς ἸουδαίοιςJews τὰ πράγματα δι᾽ αὐτοὺς ἀμείνω πάσης ἐλπίδος . Καὶ τὰ μὲν τούτοις βασιλεύοντος ἈρταξέρξουArtaxerxes συμβάντα τοῦτον εἶχεν τὸν τρόπον .
²⁹⁶ so that the affairs of the Jews were, by their means, better than they could ever have hoped for. And this was the state of the Jews under the reign of Artaxerxes.	²⁹⁶ Through them the affairs of the Jews were improved beyond all their hopes; such was the state of their affairs under the reign of Artaxerxes.
²⁹⁶ Barach

Chapter 7
[297-303]
Murderous rivalry about the high-priesthood.
The harm done by Bagoses, a general of Artaxerxes.

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²⁹⁷ Ἀποθανόντος δὲ τοῦ ἀρχιερέως ἘλεασίβουEliasib τὴν‎ ἀρχιερωσύνην ἸώδαςJudas ὁ παῖς αὐτοῦ‎ διεδέξατο . τελευτήσαντος δὲ καὶ τούτου τὴν‎ τιμὴν ἸωάννηςJohn υἱὸς ὢν αὐτοῦ‎ παρέλαβεν , δι᾽ ὃν καὶ ΒαγώσηςBagoses ὁ στρατηγὸς τοῦ [ἄλλου ] ἈρταξέρξουArtaxerxes τὸν ναὸν ἐμίανεν καὶ φόρους ἐπέταξε τοῖς ἸουδαίοιςJews , πρὶν τὰς καθημερινὰς ἐπιφέρειν θυσίας ὑπὲρ ἀρνὸς ἑκάστου τελεῖν αὐτοὺς δημοσίᾳ δραχμὰς πεντήκοντα .
²⁹⁷ When Eliashib the high priest was dead, his son Judas succeeded in the high priesthood; and when he was dead, his son John took that dignity; on whose account it was also that Bagoses, the general of another Artaxerxes’s army, polluted the temple, and imposed tributes on the Jews, that out of the public stock, before they offered the daily sacrifices, they should pay for every lamb fifty shekels.	²⁹⁷ When the high priest Eliasib died, his son Judas succeeded in the high priesthood, and when he died that dignity passed to his son John, whose fault it was that Bagoses, an army general of the other Artaxerxes, polluted the temple and imposed a tax on the Jews, that before offering the daily sacrifices they must pay fifty shekels for every lamb, from the public funds. The reason for this was as follows.
²⁹⁷ Barach

²⁹⁸ τούτου δὲ τὴν‎ αἰτίαν τοιαύτην συνέβη γενέσθαι · ἀδελφὸς ἦν τῷ ἸωάννῃJohn ἸησοῦςJesus, Joshua · τούτῳ φίλῳ τυγχάνοντι ὁ ΒαγώσηςBagoses ὑπέσχετο τὴν‎ ἀρχιερωσύνην παρέξειν .
²⁹⁸ Now Jesus was the brother of John, and was a friend of Bagoses, who had promised to procure him the high priesthood.	²⁹⁸ John's brother Joshua was a friend of Bagoses, who had promised to obtain him the high priesthood.
²⁹⁸ Barach

²⁹⁹ ἀπὸ ταύτης οὖν τῆς πεποιθήσεως ἸησοῦςJesus, Joshua ἐν τῷ ναῷ διενεχθεὶς τῷ ἸωάννῃJohn παρώξυνεν τὸν ἀδελφὸν ὥστ᾽ αὐτὸν ἀνελεῖν καὶ διὰ τὴν‎ ὀργὴν τηλικοῦτο ἀσέβημα δρᾶσαι κατ᾽ ἀδελφοῦ τὸν ἸωάννηνJohn ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ ὡς δεινὸν ἦν καὶ πρότερον , ὡς μήτε παρ᾽ ἝλλησινGreek μήτε παρὰ βαρβάροις ὠμὸν οὕτως καὶ ἀσεβὲς ἔργον γεγονέναι .
²⁹⁹ In confidence of whose support, Jesus quarreled with John in the temple, and so provoked his brother, that in his anger his brother slew him. Now it was a horrible thing for John, when he was high priest, to perpetrate so great a crime, and so much the more horrible, that there never was so cruel and impious a thing done, neither by the Greeks nor Barbarians.	²⁹⁹ Confident of his support, Joshua quarreled with John in the temple and so provoked his brother that in his anger he killed him—a horrible crime for the high priest John to commit against his brother in the temple, more cruel and impious than was ever done either by the Greeks or the Barbarians.
²⁹⁹ Barach

³⁰⁰ τὸ μέντοι θεῖον οὐκ ἠμέλησεν , ἀλλὰ καὶ ὁ λαὸς δι᾽ αὐτὴν τὴν‎ αἰτίαν ἐδουλώθη καὶ ὁ ναὸς ἐμιάνθη ὑπὸ ΠερσῶνPersians . ΒαγώσηςBagoses δὲ ὁ στρατηγὸς ἈρταξέρξουArtaxerxes γνούς , ὅτι ἸωάννηςJohn ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews τὸν ἴδιον ἀδελφὸν ἸησοῦνJesus, Joshua ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ ἐφόνευσεν , εὐθὺς ἐπιστὰς τοῖς ἸουδαίοιςJews μετὰ θυμοῦ ἤρξατο λέγειν ·
³⁰⁰ However, God did not neglect its punishment, but the people were on that very account enslaved, and the temple was polluted by the Persians. Now when Bagoses, the general of Artaxerxes’s army, knew that John, the high priest of the Jews, had slain his own brother Jesus in the temple, he came upon the Jews immediately, and began in anger to say to them, “Have you had the impudence to perpetrate a murder in your temple?”	³⁰⁰ But God did not fail to punish it and the people were enslaved on account of it and the temple was polluted by the Persians. When Bagoses, the general of Artaxerxes' army, knew that the Jewish high priest John had killed his brother Joshua in the temple, he immediately came upon the Jews and angrily began to say to them, "How dare you commit murder in your temple?"
³⁰⁰ Barach

³⁰¹ " ἐτολμήσατε ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ φόνον ἐργάσασθαι . πειρωμένου δ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὸν ναὸν ἐκώλυον αὐτόν . ὁ δὲ πρὸς αὐτοὺς ἔφη · " πῶς οὐκ ἐγὼ καθαρώτερός εἰμι τοῦ ἀνῃρημένου ἐν τῷ ναῷ ; καὶ τούτους ποιησάμενος τοὺς λόγους εἰς τὸν ναὸν εἰσέρχεται . ταύτῃ μὲν οὖν χρησάμενος τῇ ἐπινοίᾳ ΒαγώσηςBagoses τοὺς ἸουδαίουςJews ἔτεσιν ἑπτὰ ὑπὲρ τῆς ἸησοῦJesus, Joshua τελευτῆς μετῆλθεν .
³⁰¹ And as he was aiming to go into the temple, they forbade him so to do; but he said to them, “Am not I purer than he that was slain in the temple?” And when he had said these words, he went into the temple. Accordingly, Bagoses made use of this pretense, and punished the Jews seven years for the murder of Jesus.	³⁰¹ As he was trying to enter the temple, they stopped him but he asked them, "Am I not purer than the man who was killed in the temple?" and with these words entered the temple. So Bagoses used this pretext to punish the Jews for seven years for the murder of Joshua.
³⁰¹ Barach

³⁰² Καταστρέψαντος δὲ τοῦ ἸωάννουJohn τὸν βίον διαδέχεται τὴν‎ ἀρχιερωσύνην ὁ υἱὸς αὐτοῦ‎ Ἰαδδοῦς . ἦν δὲ καὶ τούτῳ ἀδελφὸς ΜανασσῆςManasses ὄνομα , ᾧ ΣαναβαλλέτηςSanballat ὁ πεμφθεὶς εἰς ΣαμάρειανSamaria ὑπὸ ΔαρείουDarius τοῦ τελευταίου βασιλέως σατράπης Χουθαῖος τὸ γένος , ἐξ ὧν καὶ οἱ ΣαμαρεῖςSamaritans εἰσιν ,
³⁰² Now when John had departed this life, his son Jaddua succeeded in the high priesthood. He had a brother, whose name was Manasseh. Now there was one Sanballat, who was sent by Darius, the last king [of Persia], into Samaria. He was a Cutheam by birth; of which stock were the Samaritans also.	³⁰² When John had departed this life, his son Jaddous succeeded in the high priesthood. He had a brother named Manasses, who had links with Sanballet, a Cuthean by birth, the same stock as the Samaritans, was was sent into Samaria by the last king, Darius.
³⁰² Barach

³⁰³ εἰδὼς λαμπρὰν οὖσαν τὴν‎ πόλιν ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem καὶ πολλὰ τοῖς ἈσσυρίοιςAssyrians καὶ τοῖς ἐν τῇ ΚοίλῃCoele ΣυρίᾳSyria κατοικοῦσιν τοὺς ἐν αὐτῇ βασιλεῖς πράγματα παρασχόντας , ἀσμένως συνῴκισεν τὴν‎ αὐτοῦ‎ θυγατέρα Νικασὼ καλουμένην , οἰόμενος τὴν‎ ἐπιγαμίαν ὅμηρον αὐτῷ γενήσεσθαι πρὸς τὴν‎ ἀπὸ τοῦ τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews ἔθνους παντὸς εὔνοιαν .
³⁰³ This man knew that the city Jerusalem was a famous city, and that their kings had given a great deal of trouble to the Assyrians, and the people of Celesyria; so that he willingly gave his daughter, whose name was Nicaso, in marriage to Manasseh, as thinking this alliance by marriage would be a pledge and security that the nation of the Jews should continue their good-will to him.	³⁰³ He knew that Jerusalem was a famous city and that their kings had given lots of trouble to the Assyrians and the people of Coele-Syria, so he willingly gave his daughter Nicaso to Manasses in marriage, thinking that the marriage would confirm the Jewish nation's goodwill toward him.
³⁰³ Barach

Chapter 8
[304-347]
The Samaritan Temple, on Mount Garizim.
Conquests of Alexander [the Great] of Macedon.
Successors to his Kingdom

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³⁰⁴ Κατὰ τοῦτον δὴ τὸν καιρὸν καὶ ΦίλιπποςPhilip ὁ ΜακεδόνωνMacedonians βασιλεὺς ἐν ΑἰγαῖςEgae ὑπὸ Παυσανίου τοῦ Κεράστου ἐκ δὲ τοῦ τῶν Ὀρεστῶν γένους δολοφονηθεὶς ἀπέθανεν .
³⁰⁴ About this time it was that Philip, king of Macedon, was treacherously assaulted and slain at Egae by Pausanias, the son of Cerastes, who was derived from the family of Oreste,	³⁰⁴ About this time king Philip of Macedon was treacherously attacked and killed at Egae by Pausanias, son of Cerastes, of the family of Oreste.
³⁰⁴ Barach

³⁰⁵ παραλαβὼν δ᾽ ὁ παῖς αὐτοῦ‎ τὴν‎ βασιλείαν ἈλέξανδροςAlexander καὶ διαβὰς τὸν ἙλλήσποντονHellespont , νικᾷ μὲν τοὺς ΔαρείουDarius στρατηγοὺς ἐπὶ Γρανίκῳ συμβαλὼν αὐτοῖς , ἐπελθὼν δὲ τὴν‎ ΛυδίανLydia καὶ τὴν‎ ἸωνίανIonia δουλωσάμενος καὶ τὴν‎ Καρίαν ἐπιδραμὼν τοῖς ἐν Παμφυλίᾳ τόποις ἐπέβαλεν , καθὼς ἐν ἄλλοις δεδήλωται .
³⁰⁵ and his son Alexander succeeded him in the kingdom; who, passing over the Hellespont, overcame the generals of Darius’s army in a battle fought at Granicum. So he marched over Lydia, and subdued Ionia, and overran Caria, and fell upon the places of Pamphylia, as has been related elsewhere.	³⁰⁵ His son Alexander succeeded to his kingdom and, crossing the Hellespont, overcame the generals of Darius' army in a battle fought at Granicum. He marched via Lydia and subdued Ionia and overran Caria and attacked the places of Pamphylia, as we have said before.
³⁰⁵ Barach

³⁰⁶ Οἱ δὲ τῶν ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem πρεσβύτεροι δεινοπαθοῦντες ἐπὶ τῷ τὸν Ἰαδδοῦ τοῦ ἀρχιερέως ἀδελφὸν ἀλλοφύλῳ συνοικοῦντα μετέχειν τῆς ἀρχιερωσύνης ἐστασίαζον πρὸς αὐτόν ·
³⁰⁶ But the elders of Jerusalem being very uneasy that the brother of Jaddua the high priest, though married to a foreigner, should be a partner with him in the high priesthood, quarreled with him;	³⁰⁶ Now the elders in Jerusalem were upset that the brother of Jaddous the high priest, although married to a foreigner, shared the high priesthood with him, and so rose up against him.
³⁰⁶ Barach

³⁰⁷ ἡγοῦντο γὰρ τὸν τούτου γάμον ἐπιβάθραν τοῖς παρανομεῖν περὶ τὰς τῶν γυναικῶν συνοικήσεις βουλησομένοις γενέσθαι καὶ τῆς πρὸς τοὺς ἀλλοφύλους αὐτοῖς κοινωνίας ἀρχὴν τοῦτο ἔσεσθαι .
³⁰⁷ for they esteemed this man’s marriage a step to such as should be desirous of transgressing about the marriage of [strange] wives, and that this would be the beginning of a mutual society with foreigners,	³⁰⁷ They thought that this marriage would encourage others to transgress and would start a trend of having intercourse with foreign women.
³⁰⁷ Barach

³⁰⁸ ὑπάρξαι μέντοι καὶ τῆς προτέρας αἰχμαλωσίας αὐτοῖς καὶ τῶν κακῶν αἴτιον τὸ περὶ τοὺς γάμους πλημμελῆσαί τινας καὶ ἀγαγέσθαι γυναῖκας οὐκ ἐπιχωρίας . ἐκέλευον οὖν τὸν ΜανασσῆνManasses διαζεύγνυσθαι τῆς γυναικὸς ἢ μὴ προσιέναι τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ .
³⁰⁸ although the offense of some about marriages, and their having married wives that were not of their own country, had been an occasion of their former captivity, and of the miseries they then underwent; so they commanded Manasseh to divorce his wife, or not to approach the altar,	³⁰⁸ Since this abuse whereby some had married wives that were not of their own country, had caused their former captivity and the woes they then endured, so they ordered Manasses to divorce his wife or not to approach the altar.
³⁰⁸ Barach

³⁰⁹ τοῦ δ᾽ ἀρχιερέως τῷ λαῷ συναγανακτοῦντος καὶ εἴργοντος τὸν ἀδελφὸν τοῦ βωμοῦ , παραγενόμενος ὁ ΜανασσῆςManasses πρὸς τὸν πενθερὸν Σαναβαλλέτην στέργειν μὲν ἔλεγεν αὐτοῦ‎ τὴν‎ θυγατέρα Νικασώ , τῆς μέντοι γε ἱερατικῆς τιμῆς μεγίστης οὔσης ἐν τῷ ἔθνει καὶ τῷ γένει παραμενούσης οὐ βούλεσθαι δι᾽ αὐτὴν στέρεσθαι .
³⁰⁹ the high priest himself joining with the people in their indignation against his brother, and driving him away from the altar. Whereupon Manasseh came to his father-in-law, Sanballat, and told him, that although he loved his daughter Nicaso, yet was he not willing to be deprived of his sacerdotal dignity on her account, which was the principal dignity in their nation, and always continued in the same family.	³⁰⁹ Even the high priest joined in the popular anger and drove his brother from the altar. So Manasses came to Sanballat his father-in-law, and told him that although he loved his daughter Nicaso, he was unwilling on account of her to lose the priestly dignity, the highest in their nation, which had always been retained in his family.
³⁰⁹ Barach

³¹⁰ τοῦ δὲ Σαναβαλλέτου μὴ μόνον τηρήσειν αὐτῷ τὴν‎ ἱερωσύνην , ἀλλὰ καὶ τὴν‎ ἀρχιερατικὴν παρέξειν δύναμιν καὶ τιμὴν ὑπισχνουμένουto promise to do καὶ πάντων ἀποδείξειν ὧν αὐτὸς ἐπῆρχεν τόπων ἡγεμόνα βουλόμενον συνοικεῖν αὐτοῦ‎ τῇ θυγατρί , καὶ λέγοντος οἰκοδομήσειν ναὸν ὅμοιον ὄντα τῷ ἐν τοῖς ἹεροσολύμοιςJerusalem ἐπὶ τοῦ ΓαριζεὶνGarizim ὄρους , ὃ τῶν κατὰ τὴν‎ ΣαμάρειανSamaria ὀρῶνto see ἐστιν ὑψηλότατον ,
³¹⁰ And then Sanballat promised him not only to preserve to him the honor of his priesthood, but to procure for him the power and dignity of a high priest, and would make him governor of all the places he himself now ruled, if he would keep his daughter for his wife. He also told him further, that he would build him a temple like that at Jerusalem, upon Mount Gerizzini, which is the highest of all the mountains that are in Samaria;	³¹⁰ Sanballat promised that if he would marry his daughter not only to maintain his priesthood but also he would win for him the power and dignity of high priest and make him ruler of all the places now ruled by himself. He also said that he would build him a temple like that in Jerusalem, upon Mount Garizim, the highest of the mountains in Samaria.
³¹⁰ Barach

³¹¹ καὶ ταῦτα ποιήσειν ἐπαγγελλομένου μετὰ τῆς ΔαρείουDarius γνώμης τοῦ βασιλέως , ἐπαρθεὶς ταῖς ὑποσχέσεσινa promise ὁ ΜανασσῆςManasses παρέμενεν τῷ Σαναβαλλέτῃ τὴν‎ ἀρχιερωσύνην οἰόμενος ἕξειν ΔαρείουDarius δόντος · καὶ γὰρ συνέβαινεν τὸν Σαναβαλλέτην ἤδη πρεσβύτερον εἶναι .
³¹¹ and he promised that he would do this with the approbation of Darius the king. Manasseh was elevated with these promises, and staid with Sanballat, upon a supposal that he should gain a high priesthood, as bestowed on him by Darius, for it happened that Sanballat was then in years.	³¹¹ He promised to do this with the approval of king Darius and Manasses was buoyed up by these promises and stayed with Sanballat, thinking to gain the high priesthood from Darius, since Sanballat was already old.
³¹¹ Barach

³¹² πολλῶν δὲ ἱερέων καὶ ἸσραηλιτῶνIsrael, Israelites τοιούτοις γάμοις ἐπιπεπλεγμένων κατεῖχεν οὐ μικρὰ ταραχὴ τοὺς ἹεροσολυμίταςJerusalem · ἀφίσταντο γὰρ ἅπαντες πρὸς τὸν ΜανασσῆνManasses τοῦ Σαναβαλλέτου χορηγοῦντος αὐτοῖς καὶ χρήματα καὶ χώραν εἰς γεωργίαν καὶ κατοίκησιν ἀπομερίζοντος καὶ παντὶ τρόπῳ τῷ γαμβρῷ συμφιλοκαλοῦντος .
³¹² But there was now a great disturbance among the people of Jerusalem, because many of those priests and Levites were entangled in such matches; for they all revolted to Manasseh, and Sanballat afforded them money, and divided among them land for tillage, and habitations also, and all this in order every way to gratify his son-in-law.	³¹² There was now a great unease in Jerusalem, since many of the priests and Israelites were entangled in such marriages. They all apostasized to Manasses, and Sanballat gave them money and shared out tillage land and dwellings among them and did everything possible to gratify his son-in-law.
³¹² Barach

³¹³ Κατὰ δὲ τοῦτον τὸν καιρὸν ΔαρεῖοςDarius ἀκούσας , ὅτι τὸν ἙλλήσποντονHellespont διαβὰς ἈλέξανδροςAlexander καὶ τοὺς σατράπας αὐτοῦ‎ τῇ κατὰ Γράνικον μάχῃ κρατήσας προσωτέρω χωρεῖ , στρατιὰν ἱππικήν τε καὶ πεζικὴν συνήθροιζεν ἀπαντῆσαι διαγνοὺς τοῖς ΜακεδόσινMacedonians πρὶν ἢ πᾶσαν αὐτοὺς ἐπιόντας καταστρέψασθαι τὴν‎ ἈσίανAsian .
³¹³ About this time it was that Darius heard how Alexander had passed over the Hellespont, and had beaten his lieutenants in the battle at Granicum, and was proceeding further; whereupon he gathered together an army of horse and foot, and determined that he would meet the Macedonians before they should assault and conquer all Asia.	³¹³ About this time Darius heard how Alexander had crossed the Hellespont and defeated his lieutenants in the battle at Granicum and was proceeding further, so he gathered an army of cavalry and infantry and decided to meet the Macedonians before they attacked and conquered all of Asia.
³¹³ Barach

³¹⁴ περαιωσάμενος οὖν τὸν ΕὐφράτηνEuphrates ποταμὸν καὶ τὸν ταῦρον τὸ Κιλίκιον ὄρος ὑπερελθὼν ἐν Ἰσσῷ τῆς ΚιλικίαςCilicia τοὺς πολεμίους ὡς ἐκεῖ μαχησόμενος αὐτοῖς ἐξεδέχετο .
³¹⁴ So he passed over the river Euphrates, and came over Taurus, the Cilician mountain, and at Issus of Cilicia he waited for the enemy, as ready there to give him battle.	³¹⁴ He crossed the river Euphrates and the Cilician Mount Taurus and waited for the enemy at Issus of Cilicia, intending to meet them in battle.
³¹⁴ Barach

³¹⁵ ἡσθεὶς δὲ τῇ ΔαρείουDarius καταβάσει ὁ ΣαναβαλλέτηςSanballat εὐθὺς ἔλεγεν τῷ ΜανασσῇManasseh τὰς ὑποσχέσεις τελέσειν , ὡς ἂν ΔαρεῖοςDarius κρατήσας τῶν πολεμίων ὑποστρέψῃ · πέπειστο γὰρ οὐκ αὐτὸς μόνος ἀλλὰ καὶ πάντες οἱ ἐν τῇ ἈσίᾳAsia μηδ᾽ εἰς χεῖρας τοῖς ΠέρσαιςPersia ἥξειν τοὺς ΜακεδόναςMacedonians διὰ τὸ πλῆθος .
³¹⁵ Upon which Sanballat was glad that Darius was come down; and told Manasseh that he would suddenly perform his promises to him, and this as soon as ever Darius should come back, after he had beaten his enemies; for not he only, but all those that were in Asia also, were persuaded that the Macedonians would not so much as come to a battle with the Persians, on account of their multitude.	³¹⁵ Sanballat was glad when Darius went there, and immediately told Manasses that he would fulfill his promises to him as soon as Darius returned from defeating his enemies. For not only he, but also everyone in Asia, thought that the Macedonians would not even come to grips with the Persians, due to their numbers.
³¹⁵ Barach

³¹⁶ ἀπέβη δ᾽ οὐχ ὡς προσεδόκων · συμβαλὼν γὰρ ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῖς ΜακεδόσινMacedonians ἡττήθη καὶ πολλὴν τῆς στρατιᾶς ἀπολέσας ληφθέντων αἰχμαλώτων αὐτοῦ‎ τῆς μητρὸς καὶ γυναικὸς καὶ τῶν τέκνων ἔφυγεν εἰς Πέρσας .
³¹⁶ But the event proved otherwise than they expected; for the king joined battle with the Macedonians, and was beaten, and lost a great part of his army. His mother also, and his wife and children, were taken captives, and he fled into Persia.	³¹⁶ But it turned out differently from what they expected, for when the king fought the Macedonians he was defeated and lost most of his army, and leaving his mother and his wife and children to be taken captive, he fled into Persia.
³¹⁶ Barach

³¹⁷ ἈλέξανδροςAlexander δ᾽ εἰς ΣυρίανSyria παραγενόμενος ΔαμασκὸνDamascus αἱρεῖ καὶ ΣιδῶνοςSidon κρατήσας ἐπολιόρκει ΤύρονTyre , ἠξίου τε ἀποστείλας γράμματα πρὸς τὸν τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews ἀρχιερέα συμμαχίαν τε αὐτῷ πέμπειν καὶ ἀγορὰν τῷ στρατεύματι παρασχεῖν καὶ ὅσα ΔαρείῳDarius πρότερον ἐτέλουν δῶρα τούτῳ διδόναι τὴν‎ ΜακεδόνωνMacedonians φιλίαν ἑλομένους ·
³¹⁷ So Alexander came into Syria, and took Damascus; and when he had obtained Sidon, he besieged Tyre, when he sent an epistle to the Jewish high priest, to send him some auxiliaries, and to supply his army with provisions; and that what presents he formerly sent to Darius, he would now send to him, and choose the friendship of the Macedonians, and that he should never repent of so doing.	³¹⁷ Alexander came into Syria and took Damascus, and after defeating Sidon he besieged Tyre. Then he sent a letter to the Jewish high priest asking him to send him some support and to supply his army with provisions, and to send him the gifts he had formerly sent to Darius, saying that if he elected to side with the Macedonians he would never repent of doing so.
³¹⁷ Barach

³¹⁸ οὐ γὰρ μετανοήσειν ἐπὶ τούτοις . τοῦ δ᾽ ἀρχιερέως ἀποκριναμένου τοῖς γραμματοφόροις , ὡς ὅρκους εἴη δεδωκὼς ΔαρείῳDarius μὴ βαστάζειν ὅπλα κατ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ , καὶ τούτους ἕως ἂν ᾖ ΔαρεῖοςDarius ἐν τοῖς ζῶσιν μὴ παραβήσεσθαι φήσαντος ,
³¹⁸ But the high priest answered the messengers, that he had given his oath to Darius not to bear arms against him; and he said that he would not transgress this while Darius was in the land of the living. Upon hearing this answer, Alexander was very angry;	³¹⁸ But the high priest answered the letter-bearers that he had sworn his oath to Darius not to bear arms against him, and that he would not transgress this while Darius was in the land of the living.
³¹⁸ Barach

³¹⁹ ἀκούσας ἈλέξανδροςAlexander παρωξύνθη , καὶ τὴν‎ μὲν ΤύρονTyre οὐκ ἔκρινεν καταλιπεῖν ὅσον οὐδέπω μέλλουσαν αἱρεῖσθαι , παραστησάμενος δὲ ταύτην ἠπείλει στρατεύσειν ἐπὶ τὸν τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews ἀρχιερέα καὶ διδάξειν πάντας , πρὸς τίνας δὴ αὐτοῖς φυλακτέον τοὺς ὅρκους ·
³¹⁹ and though he determined not to leave Tyre, which was just ready to be taken, yet as soon as he had taken it, he threatened that he would make an expedition against the Jewish high priest, and through him teach all men to whom they must keep their oaths.	³¹⁹ On hearing this, Alexander was very angry and though he decided not to leave Tyre, as it was on the point of being taken, he threatened that as soon as he captured it he would make war on the Jewish high priest and so teach all, to whom they must keep their oaths!
³¹⁹ Barach

³²⁰ ὅθεν πονικώτερον χρησάμενος τῇ πολιορκίᾳ λαμβάνει τὴν‎ ΤύρονTyre . καταστησάμενος δὲ τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ ἐπὶ τὴν‎ τῶν ΓαζαίωνGaza πόλιν ἦλθεν καὶ τήν τε ΓάζανGaza καὶ τὸν ἐν αὐτῇ φρούραρχον ὄνομα ΒαβημάσινBabelmeses ἐπολιόρκει .
³²⁰ So when he had, with a good deal of pains during the siege, taken Tyre, and had settled its affairs, he came to the city of Gaza, and besieged both the city and him that was governor of the garrison, whose name was Babemeses.	³²⁰ He took Tyre, at the cost of much effort during the siege, and after settling matters there he came to the city of Gaza and besieged both the city and the ruler of its garrison, named Babemeses.
³²⁰ Barach

³²¹ Νομίσας δὲ καιρὸν ἐπιτήδειον ἔχειν ὁ ΣαναβαλλέτηςSanballat τῆς ἐπιβολῆς ΔαρείουDarius μὲν ἀπέγνω , λαβὼν δὲ ὀκτακισχιλίους τῶν ἀρχομένων ὑπ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ πρὸς ἈλέξανδρονAlexander ἧκεν καὶ καταλαβὼν αὐτὸν ἀρχόμενον τῆς ΤύρουTyre πολιορκίας , ὧν τε αὐτὸς ἄρχει τόπων ἔλεγεν αὐτῷ παραδιδόναι τούτους καὶ δεσπότην αὐτὸν ἡδέως ἔχειν ἀντὶ ΔαρείουDarius τοῦ βασιλέως .
³²¹ But Sanballat thought he had now gotten a proper opportunity to make his attempt, so he renounced Darius, and taking with him seven thousand of his own subjects, he came to Alexander; and finding him beginning the siege of Tyre, he said to him, that he delivered up to him these men, who came out of places under his dominion, and did gladly accept of him for his lord instead of Darius.	³²¹ Sanballat saw this as a good chance to revolt, and repudiated Darius and taking seven thousand of his subjects, came to Alexander at the start of the siege of Tyre, saying that he would bring over to him these subjects of his and gladly take him as master instead of king Darius.
³²¹ Barach

³²² ἀσμένως δ᾽ αὐτὸν προσδεξαμένου θαρρῶν ἤδη περὶ τῶν προκειμένων ὁ ΣαναβαλλέτηςSanballat αὐτῷ λόγους προσέφερεν δηλῶν , ὡς γαμβρὸν μὲν ἔχοι Μανασσῆ τοῦ τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews ἀρχιερέως Ἰαδδοῦ ἀδελφόν , πολλοὺς δὲ καὶ ἄλλους αὐτῷ συμπαρόντας τῶν ὁμοεθνῶν θέλειν ἱερὸν ἐν τοῖς ὑπ᾽ ἐκείνῳ τόποις ἤδη κατασκευάσαι .
³²² So when Alexander had received him kindly, Sanballat thereupon took courage, and spake to him about his present affair. He told him that he had a son-in-law, Manasseh, who was brother to the high priest Jaddua; and that there were many others of his own nation, now with him, that were desirous to have a temple in the places subject to him;	³²² Being well received by him, Sanballat ventured to speak about his present concern : that he had a son-in-law, Manasses, a brother of the high priest Jaddous, and that besides him there were many others of his nation who wished to have a temple in the places subject to him.
³²² Barach

³²³ τοῦτο δ᾽ εἶναι καὶ τῷ βασιλεῖ συμφέρον εἰς δύο διῃρῆσθαι τὴν‎ ἸουδαίωνJews δύναμιν , ἵνα μὴ ὁμογνωμονοῦν τὸ ἔθνος μηδὲ συνεστός , εἰ νεωτερίσειέν ποτε , χαλεπὸν ᾖ τοῖς βασιλεῦσιν , καθὼς καὶ πρότερον τοῖς ἈσσυρίωνAssyrians ἄρξασιν ἐγένετο .
³²³ that it would be for the king’s advantage to have the strength of the Jews divided into two parts, lest when the nation is of one mind, and united, upon any attempt for innovation, it prove troublesome to kings, as it had formerly proved to the kings of Assyria.	³²³ It would benefit the king if the strength of the Jews were divided in two, for when the nation is of one mind and united, if they ever revolt it is more troublesome for their rulers, as it was for the kings of Assyria in the past.
³²³ Barach

³²⁴ συγχωρήσαντος δὲ ἈλεξάνδρουAlexander πᾶσαν εἰσενεγκάμενος σπουδὴν ᾠκοδόμησεν ὁ ΣαναβαλλέτηςSanballat τὸν ναὸν καὶ ἱερέα τὸν Μανασσῆ κατέστησεν , μέγιστον γέρας ἡγησάμενος τοῖς ἐκ τῆς θυγατρὸς γενησομένοις τοῦτ᾽ ἔσεσθαι .
³²⁴ Whereupon Alexander gave Sanballat leave so to do, who used the utmost diligence, and built the temple, and made Manasseh the priest, and deemed it a great reward that his daughter’s children should have that dignity;	³²⁴ So Alexander gave Sanballat permission and he built the temple with all speed and made Manasses its priest and considered it a great thing for his daughter's children to have that dignity.
³²⁴ Barach

³²⁵ μηνῶν δ᾽ ἑπτὰ τῇ ΤύρουTyre πολιορκίᾳ διεληλυθότων καὶ δύο τῇ ΓάζηςGaza ὁ μὲν ΣαναβαλλέτηςSanballat ἀπέθανεν . ἈλέξανδροςAlexander δ᾽ ἐξελὼν τὴν‎ ΓάζανGaza ἐπὶ τὴν‎ τῶν ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem πόλιν ἀναβαίνειν ἐσπουδάκει .
³²⁵ but when the seven months of the siege of Tyre were over, and the two months of the siege of Gaza, Sanballat died. Now Alexander, when he had taken Gaza, made haste to go up to Jerusalem;	³²⁵ But Sanballat died after the seven months of the siege of Tyre and the two months of the siege of Gaza, and after taking Gaza, Alexander hurried up to the city of Jerusalem.
³²⁵ Barach

³²⁶ ὁ δ᾽ ἀρχιερεὺς Ἰαδδοῦς τοῦτ᾽ ἀκούσας ἦν ἐν ἀγωνίᾳ καὶ δέει , πῶς ἀπαντήσει τοῖς ΜακεδόσινMacedonians ἀμηχανῶν ὀργιζομένου τοῦ βασιλέως ἐπὶ τῇ πρότερον ἀπειθείᾳ . παραγγείλας οὖν ἱκεσίαν τῷ λαῷ καὶ θυσίαν τῷ θεῷ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ προσφέρων ἐδεῖτο ὑπερασπίσαι τοῦ ἔθνους καὶ τῶν ἐπερχομένων κινδύνων ἀπαλλάξαι .
³²⁶ and Jaddua the high priest, when he heard that, was in an agony, and under terror, as not knowing how he should meet the Macedonians, since the king was displeased at his foregoing disobedience. He therefore ordained that the people should make supplications, and should join with him in offering sacrifice to God, whom he besought to protect that nation, and to deliver them from the perils that were coming upon them;	³²⁶ When he heard this, the high priest Jaddous was frantic with fear, not knowing how to meet the Macedonians, since the king was displeased with his earlier disobedience. So he got the people to pray and join him in sacrificing to God, whom he begged to protect the nation and save them from their impending dangers.
³²⁶ Barach

³²⁷ κατακοιμηθέντι δὲ μετὰ τὴν‎ θυσίαν ἐχρημάτισεν αὐτῷ κατὰ τοὺς ὕπνους ὁ θεὸς θαρρεῖν καὶ στεφανοῦντας τὴν‎ πόλιν ἀνοίγειν τὰς πύλας , καὶ τοὺς μὲν ἄλλους λευκαῖς ἐσθῆσιν , αὐτὸν δὲ μετὰ τῶν ἱερέων ταῖς νομίμοις στολαῖς ποιεῖσθαι τὴν‎ ὑπάντησιν μηδὲν προσδοκῶντας πείσεσθαι δεινὸν προνοουμένου τοῦ θεοῦ .
³²⁷ whereupon God warned him in a dream, which came upon him after he had offered sacrifice, that he should take courage, and adorn the city, and open the gates; that the rest should appear in white garments, but that he and the priests should meet the king in the habits proper to their order, without the dread of any ill consequences, which the providence of God would prevent.	³²⁷ In a dream which came to him after he had sacrificed, God told him to take heart and adorn the city and open its crowned gates, and have the rest of the people dress up in white while he and the priests should meet the king in their official vestments without fear, for the providence of God would protect them.
³²⁷ Barach

³²⁸ διαναστὰς δὲ ἐκ τοῦ ὕπνου ἔχαιρέν τε μεγάλως αὐτὸς καὶ τὸ χρηματισθὲν αὐτῷ πᾶσι μηνύσας καὶ ποιήσας ὅσα κατὰ τοὺς ὕπνους αὐτῷ παρηγγέλη τὴν‎ τοῦ βασιλέως παρουσίαν ἐξεδέχετο .
³²⁸ Upon which, when he rose from his sleep, he greatly rejoiced, and declared to all the warning he had received from God. According to which dream he acted entirely, and so waited for the coming of the king.	³²⁸ When he rose from his sleep, he was greatly heartened and declared to all the message he had received from God. He did all that the dream suggested and so waited for the king's arrival.
³²⁸ Barach

³²⁹ Πυθόμενος δ᾽ αὐτὸν οὐ πόρρω τῆς πόλεως ὄντα πρόεισι μετὰ τῶν ἱερέων καὶ τοῦ πολιτικοῦ πλήθους , ἱεροπρεπῆ καὶ διαφέρουσαν τῶν ἄλλων ἐθνῶν ποιούμενος τὴν‎ ὑπάντησιν εἰς τόπον τινὰ Σαφειν λεγόμενον . τὸ δὲ ὄνομα τοῦτο μεταφερόμενον εἰς τὴν‎ ἙλληνικὴνGreek γλῶτταν σκοπὸν σημαίνει · τά τε γὰρ ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem καὶ τὸν ναὸν συνέβαινεν ἐκεῖθεν ἀφορᾶσθαι .
³²⁹ And when he understood that he was not far from the city, he went out in procession, with the priests and the multitude of the citizens. The procession was venerable, and the manner of it different from that of other nations. It reached to a place called Sapha, which name, translated into Greek, signifies a prospect, for you have thence a prospect both of Jerusalem and of the temple.	³²⁹ Hearing that he was not far from the city, he went out in procession with the priests and the throng of the citizens, in a venerable procession, different from the way of other nations, to meet him at a place called Sapha. The name, translated into Greek, means a prospect, for from it one can see both Jerusalem and the temple.
³²⁹ Barach

³³⁰ τῶν δὲ ΦοινίκωνPhoenicians καὶ τῶν ἀκολουθούντων ΧαλδαίωνChaldean, Chaldees ὅσα βασιλέως ὀργὴν εἰκὸς ἦν ἐπιτρέψειν αὐτοῖς τήν τε πόλιν διαρπάσειν καὶ τὸν ἀρχιερέα μετ᾽ αἰκίας ἀπολέσειν λογιζομένων , τὰ ἐναντία τούτων ἐγένετο .
³³⁰ And when the Phoenicians and the Chaldeans that followed him thought they should have liberty to plunder the city, and torment the high priest to death, which the king’s displeasure fairly promised them, the very reverse of it happened;	³³⁰ When his Phoenician and Chaldean followers thought that due to the king's wrath they would be allowed to loot the city and torture the high priest to death, the opposite occurred,
³³⁰ Barach

³³¹ ὁ γὰρ ἈλέξανδροςAlexander ἔτι πόρρωθεν ἰδὼν τὸ μὲν πλῆθος ἐν ταῖς λευκαῖς ἐσθῆσιν , τοὺς δὲ ἱερεῖς προεστῶταςto set before ἐν ταῖς βυσσίναις αὐτῶν , τὸν δὲ ἀρχιερέα ἐν τῇ ὑακινθίνῳ καὶ διαχρύσῳ στολῇ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς ἔχοντα τὴν‎ κίδαριν καὶ τὸ χρυσοῦν ἐπ᾽ αὐτῆς ἔλασμα , ᾧ τὸ τοῦ θεοῦ ἐγέγραπτο ὄνομα , προσελθὼν μόνος προσεκύνησεν τὸ ὄνομα καὶ τὸν ἀρχιερέα πρῶτος ἠσπάσατο .
³³¹ for Alexander, when he saw the multitude at a distance, in white garments, while the priests stood clothed with fine linen, and the high priest in purple and scarlet clothing, with his mitre on his head, having the golden plate whereon the name of God was engraved, he approached by himself, and adored that name, and first saluted the high priest.	³³¹ for, on seeing the people in the distance, clothed in white and the priests clothed in fine linen and the high priest robed in purple and scarlet, with his mitre on his head, and the gold breastplate on which the name of God was engraved, Alexander approached by himself and adored the name and first greeted the high priest.
³³¹ Barach

³³² τῶν δὲ ἸουδαίωνJews ὁμοῦ πάντων μιᾷ φωνῇ τὸν ἈλέξανδρονAlexander ἀσπασαμένων καὶ κυκλωσαμένων αὐτόν , οἱ μὲν τῆς ΣυρίαςSyria βασιλεῖς καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ τοῦτο ποιήσαντος κατεπλάγησαν καὶ διεφθάρθαι τῷ βασιλεῖ τὴν‎ διάνοιαν ὑπελάμβανον ,
³³² The Jews also did all together, with one voice, salute Alexander, and encompass him about; whereupon the kings of Syria and the rest were surprised at what Alexander had done, and supposed him disordered in his mind.	³³² All together, with one voice, the Jews greeted Alexander and gathered around him; and the kings of Syria and the rest were surprised at what the king had done and thought him crazy in mind.
³³² Barach

³³³ Παρμενίωνος δὲ μόνου προσελθόντος αὐτῷ καὶ πυθομένου , τί δήποτε προσκυνούντων αὐτὸν ἁπάντων αὐτὸς προσκυνήσειεν τὸν ἸουδαίωνJews ἀρχιερέα ; " οὐ τοῦτον , εἶπεν , προσεκύνησα , τὸν δὲ θεόνGod , οὗ τὴν‎ ἀρχιερωσύνην οὗτος τετίμηται ·
³³³ However, Parmenio alone went up to him, and asked him how it came to pass that, when all others adored him, he should adore the high priest of the Jews? To whom he replied, “I did not adore him, but that God who hath honored him with his high priesthood;	³³³ Parmenio alone went up to him and asked how it was that, when all others adored him, he should adore the high priest of the Jews? He replied, "I did not adore him, but the God who has honoured him with his high priesthood.
³³³ Barach

³³⁴ τοῦτον γὰρ καὶ κατὰ τοὺς ὕπνους εἶδον ἐν τῷ νῦν σχήματι ἐν ΔίῳDius τῆς ΜακεδονίαςMacedonia τυγχάνων , καὶ πρὸς ἐμαυτὸν διασκεπτομένῳ μοι , πῶς ἂν κρατήσαιμι τῆς ἈσίαςAsia , παρεκελεύετο μὴ μέλλειν ἀλλὰ θαρσοῦντα διαβαίνειν · αὐτὸς γὰρ ἡγήσεσθαί μου τῆς στρατιᾶς καὶ τὴν‎ ΠερσῶνPersians παραδώσειν ἀρχήν .
³³⁴ for I saw this very person in a dream, in this very habit, when I was at Dios in Macedonia, who, when I was considering with myself how I might obtain the dominion of Asia, exhorted me to make no delay, but boldly to pass over the sea thither, for that he would conduct my army, and would give me the dominion over the Persians;	³³⁴ For in a dream I saw this man, dressed like this, when I was at Dios in Macedonia, and as I was considering within myself how to obtain the dominion of Asia, he urged me to make no delay, but to cross the sea boldly, for he would guide my army and give me mastery over the Persians.
³³⁴ Barach

³³⁵ ὅθεν ἄλλον μὲν οὐδένα θεασάμενος ἐν τοιαύτῃ στολῇ , τοῦτον δὲ νῦν ἰδὼν καὶ τῆς κατὰ τοὺς ὕπνους ἀναμνησθεὶς ὄψεώς τε καὶ παρακελεύσεως , νομίζω θείᾳ πομπῇ τὴν‎ στρατείαν πεποιημένος ΔαρεῖονDarius νικήσειν καὶ τὴν‎ ΠερσῶνPersians καταλύσειν δύναμιν καὶ πάνθ᾽ ὅσα κατὰ νοῦν ἐστί μοι προχωρήσειν .
³³⁵ whence it is that, having seen no other in that habit, and now seeing this person in it, and remembering that vision, and the exhortation which I had in my dream, I believe that I bring this army under the divine conduct, and shall therewith conquer Darius, and destroy the power of the Persians, and that all things will succeed according to what is in my own mind.”	³³⁵ For this reason, having seen no one else in that vestment and now seeing this man in it, and remembering the vision and the urging in my dream, I believe it is under divine guidance that I bring this army and with it shall conquer Darius and destroy the power of the Persians and that all will succeed according to my mind."
³³⁵ Barach

³³⁶ ταῦτ᾽ εἰπὼν πρὸς τὸν Παρμενίωνα καὶ δεξιωσάμενος τὸν ἀρχιερέα τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews παραθεόντων εἰς τὴν‎ πόλιν παραγίνεται . Καὶ ἀνελθὼνto go up ἐπὶ τὸ ἱερὸν θύει μὲν τῷ θεῷ κατὰ τὴν‎ τοῦ ἀρχιερέως ὑφήγησιν , αὐτὸν δὲ τὸν ἀρχιερέα καὶ τοὺς ἱερεῖς ἀξιοπρεπῶς ἐτίμησεν .
³³⁶ And when he had said this to Parmenio, and had given the high priest his right hand, the priests ran along by him, and he came into the city. And when he went up into the temple, he offered sacrifice to God, according to the high priest’s direction, and magnificently treated both the high priest and the priests.	³³⁶ When he had said this to Parmenio and had shaken the hand of the high priest, he came into the city with the Jews running alongside him. When he went up into the temple, he offered sacrifice to God, according to the high priest's direction and treated both the high priest and the priests handsomely.
³³⁶ Barach

³³⁷ δειχθείσης δ᾽ αὐτῷ τῆς ΔανιήλουDaniel βίβλου , ἐν ᾗ τινα τῶν ἙλλήνωνGreeks καταλύσειν τὴν‎ ΠερσῶνPersians ἀρχὴν ἐδήλου , νομίσας αὐτὸς εἶναι ὁ σημαινόμενος τότε μὲν ἡσθεὶς ἀπέλυσε τὸ πλῆθος , τῇ δ᾽ ἐπιούσῃ προσκαλεσάμενος ἐκέλευσεν αὐτοὺς αἰτεῖσθαι δωρεάς , ἃς ἂν αὐτοὶ θέλωσιν .
³³⁷ And when the Book of Daniel was showed him wherein Daniel declared that one of the Greeks should destroy the empire of the Persians, he supposed that himself was the person intended. And as he was then glad, he dismissed the multitude for the present; but the next day he called them to him, and bid them ask what favors they pleased of him;	³³⁷ When he was shown the Book of Daniel which declares that one of the Greeks would destroy the empire of the Persians, he thought it applied to himself and in his joy he dismissed the people, but the next day he called them and told them to ask him for whatever favours they pleased.
³³⁷ Barach

³³⁸ τοῦ δ᾽ ἀρχιερέως αἰτησαμένου χρήσασθαι τοῖς πατρίοις νόμοις καὶ τὸ ἕβδομον ἔτος ἀνείσφορον εἶναι , συνεχώρησεν πάντα . παρακαλεσάντων δ᾽ αὐτόν , ἵνα καὶ τοὺς ἐν ΒαβυλῶνιBabylon καὶ ΜηδίᾳMedia ἸουδαίουςJews τοῖς ἰδίοις ἐπιτρέψῃ νόμοις χρῆσθαι , ἀσμένως ὑπέσχετο ποιήσειν ἅπερ ἀξιοῦσιν .
³³⁸ whereupon the high priest desired that they might enjoy the laws of their forefathers, and might pay no tribute on the seventh year. He granted all they desired. And when they entreated him that he would permit the Jews in Babylon and Media to enjoy their own laws also, he willingly promised to do hereafter what they desired.	³³⁸ When the high priest asked that they should follow their ancestral laws and pay no tax on the seventh year, he granted all they wanted; and when they implored him to let the Jews in Babylon and Media enjoy their own laws also, he willingly promised to do later what they wanted.
³³⁸ Barach

³³⁹ εἰπόντος δ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ πρὸς τὸ πλῆθος , εἴ τινες αὐτῷ βούλονται συστρατεύειν τοῖς πατρίοις ἔθεσιν ἐμμένοντες καὶ κατὰ ταῦτα ζῶντες , ἑτοίμως ἔχειν ἐπάγεσθαιto bring on , πολλοὶ τὴν‎ σὺν αὐτῷ στρατείαν ἠγάπησαν .
³³⁹ And when he said to the multitude, that if any of them would enlist themselves in his army, on this condition, that they should continue under the laws of their forefathers, and live according to them, he was willing to take them with him, many were ready to accompany him in his wars.	³³⁹ When he told the people that if any of them enlisted in his army, on condition that they could keep their ancestral laws and live by them, he wanted to take them with him, many gladly joined him in his campaign.
³³⁹ Barach

³⁴⁰ Ὁ μὲν οὖν ἈλέξανδροςAlexander ταῦτα διοικησάμενος ἐν τοῖς ἹεροσολύμοιςJerusalem ἐξεστράτευσεν ἐπὶ τὰς ἐχομένας πόλεις . πάντων δ᾽ αὐτὸν πρὸς οὓς ἀφίκοιτοto reach φιλοφρόνως ἐκδεχομένων , ΣαμαρεῖταιSamaritans μητρόπολιν τότε τὴν‎ Σίκειμαν ἔχοντες κειμένην πρὸς τῷ ΓαριζεὶνGarizim ὄρει καὶ κατῳκημένην ὑπὸ τῶν ἀποστατῶν τοῦ ἸουδαίωνJews ἔθνους , ἰδόντες ὅτι τοὺς ἸουδαίουςJews ἈλέξανδροςAlexander οὕτω λαμπρῶς τετίμηκεν ἔγνωσαν αὑτοὺς ἸουδαίουςJews ὁμολογεῖν .
³⁴⁰ So when Alexander had thus settled matters at Jerusalem, he led his army into the neighboring cities; and when all the inhabitants to whom he came received him with great kindness, the Samaritans, who had then Shechem for their metropolis, (a city situate at Mount Gerizzim, and inhabited by apostates of the Jewish nation,) seeing that Alexander had so greatly honored the Jews, determined to profess themselves Jews;	³⁴⁰ When Alexander had so settled matters in Jerusalem, he led his army into the neighbouring cities and all those to whom he came received him warmly, and the Samaritans, whose capital was then Sikima beside Mount Garizim, settled by apostates from the Jewish nation, seeing that Alexander had so greatly honoured the Jews, decided to profess themselves Jews.
³⁴⁰ Barach

³⁴¹ εἰσὶν γὰρ οἱ ΣαμαρεῖςSamaritans τοιοῦτοι τὴν‎ φύσιν , ὡς ἤδη που καὶ πρότερον δεδηλώκαμεν · ἐν μὲν ταῖς συμφοραῖς ὄντας τοὺς ἸουδαίουςJews ἀρνοῦνται συγγενεῖς ὁμολογοῦντες τότε τὴν‎ ἀλήθειαν , ὅταν δέ τι λαμπρὸν περὶ αὐτοὺς ἴδωσιν ἐκ τύχης , ἐπιπηδῶσιν αὐτῶν τῇ κοινωνίᾳ προσήκειν αὐτοῖς λέγοντες καὶ ἐκ τῶν ἸωσήπουJoseph γενεαλογοῦντες αὑτοὺς ἐκγόνων ἘφραίμουEphron καὶ Μανασσοῦς .
³⁴¹ for such is the disposition of the Samaritans, as we have already elsewhere declared, that when the Jews are in adversity, they deny that they are of kin to them, and then they confess the truth; but when they perceive that some good fortune hath befallen them, they immediately pretend to have communion with them, saying that they belong to them, and derive their genealogy from the posterity of Joseph, Ephraim, and Manasseh.	³⁴¹ Such is the nature of the Samaritans, as already said elsewhere, that when the Jews are in difficulties, they deny that they are related to them ( acknowledging the truth, but when they notice good fortune coming to them, they immediately want to share it, by claiming descent from Joseph's children, Ephraim and Manasses.
³⁴¹ Barach

³⁴² μετὰ λαμπρότητος οὖν καὶ πολλὴν ἐνδεικνύμενοι τὴν‎ περὶ αὐτὸν προθυμίαν ἀπήντησαν τῷ βασιλεῖ μικροῦ δεῖν ἐγγὺς τῶν ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem . ἐπαινέσαντος δὲ αὐτοὺς ἈλεξάνδρουAlexander οἱ ΣικιμῖταιSikimites προσῆλθον αὐτῷ προσπαραλαβόντες καὶ οὓς ΣαναβαλλέτηςSanballat πρὸς αὐτὸν στρατιώτας ἀπέστειλεν καὶ παρεκάλουν παραγενόμενον εἰς τὴν‎ πόλιν αὐτῶν τιμῆσαι καὶ τὸ παρ᾽ αὐτοῖς ἱερόν .
³⁴² Accordingly, they made their address to the king with splendor, and showed great alacrity in meeting him at a little distance from Jerusalem. And when Alexander had commended them, the Shechemites approached to him, taking with them the troops that Sanballat had sent him, and they desired that he would come to their city, and do honor to their temple also;	³⁴² They greeted the king in festive eagerness, meeting him at a short distance from Jerusalem. When Alexander praised them, the Sikimites approached him, bringing the troops that Sanballat had sent him and asking him to come to their city and show honour to their temple too.
³⁴² Barach

³⁴³ ὁ δ᾽ ἐκεῖνο μὲν αὖθις ὑποστρέφωνto turn back, return ἰδεῖν ὑπέσχετο πρὸς αὐτούς , ἀξιούντωνto think worthy δὲ ἀφεῖναι τὸν φόρον αὐτοῖς τοῦ ἑβδοματικοῦ ἔτους , οὐδὲ γὰρ αὐτοὺς ἐν αὐτῷ σπείρειν , τίνες ὄντες ταῦτα παρακαλοῦσιν ἐπυνθάνετο . τῶν δ᾽ εἰπόντων ἙβραῖοιHebrews μὲν εἶναι ,
³⁴³ to whom he promised, that when he returned he would come to them. And when they petitioned that he would remit the tribute of the seventh year to them, because they did not sow thereon, he asked who they were that made such a petition;	³⁴³ He promised, to come to them on his return journey, and when they implored him to absolve them of the tax each seventh year, since on it they only sowed, he asked who they were to make such a petition.
³⁴³ Barach

³⁴⁴ χρηματίζειν δ᾽ οἱ ἐν ΣικίμοιςSikima ΣιδώνιοιSidonians , πάλιν αὐτοὺς ἐπηρώτησεν , εἰ τυγχάνουσιν ἸουδαῖοιJews . τῶν δ᾽ οὐκ εἶναι φαμένων " ἀλλ᾽ ἔγωγε ταῦτ᾽ , εἶπεν , ἸουδαίοιςJews ἔδωκα , ὑποστρέψας μέντοι γε καὶ διδαχθεὶς ὑφ᾽ ὑμῶν ἀκριβέστερον ποιήσω τὰ δόξαντα . τοῖς μὲν οὖν ΣικιμίταιςSikimites οὕτως ἀπετάξατο .
³⁴⁴ and when they said that they were Hebrews, but had the name of Sidonians, living at Shechem, he asked them again whether they were Jews; and when they said they were not Jews, “It was to the Jews,” said he, “that I granted that privilege; however, when I return, and am thoroughly informed by you of this matter, I will do what I shall think proper.” And in this manner he took leave of the Shechenlites;	³⁴⁴ When they said they were Hebrews living at Sikima, but called by the name of Sidonians, he asked them again if they were Jews. When they said they were not he replied, "It was to the Jews that I granted that privilege. But when I return and you tell me more fully about this matter, I will do what I think right ," and so he took leave of the Sikimites.
³⁴⁴ Barach

³⁴⁵ τοὺς δὲ τοῦ Σαναβαλλέτου στρατιώτας ἐκέλευσεν ἕπεσθαι εἰς ΑἴγυπτονEgypt · ἐκεῖ γὰρ αὐτοῖς δώσειν κλήρους γῆς · ὃ καὶ μετ᾽ ὀλίγον ἐποίησεν ἐν τῇ Θηβαίδι φρουρεῖν τὴν‎ χώραν αὐτοῖς προστάξας .
³⁴⁵ but ordered that the troops of Sanballat should follow him into Egypt, because there he designed to give them lands, which he did a little after in Thebais, when he ordered them to guard that country.	³⁴⁵ He ordered the troops of Sanballat to follow him into Egypt because he planned to give them lands there, which he did a little later in the Thebaid, leaving them as garrison to that land.
³⁴⁵ Barach

³⁴⁶ τελευτήσαντος δὲ ἈλεξάνδρουAlexander ἡ μὲν ἀρχὴ εἰς τοὺς διαδόχους ἐμερίσθη , τὸ δὲ ἐπὶ τοῦ ΓαριζεὶνGarizim ὄρους ἱερὸν ἔμεινεν . εἰ δέ τις αἰτίαν ἔσχεν παρὰ τοῖς Ἱεροσολυμίταις(people of ) Jerusalem κοινοφαγίας ἢ τῆς ἐν σαββάτοις παρανομίας ἤ τινος ἄλλου τοιούτου ἁμαρτήματος , παρὰ τοὺς Σικιμίτας ἔφευγεν λέγων ἀδίκως ἐκβεβλῆσθαι .
³⁴⁶ Now when Alexander was dead, the government was parted among his successors, but the temple upon Mount Gerizzim remained. And if any one were accused by those of Jerusalem of having eaten things common or of having broken the Sabbath, or of any other crime of the like nature,	³⁴⁶ When Alexander died, his domain was divided among his successors, but the temple remained on Mount Garizim there, and anyone accused by people in Jerusalem of eating unclean foods or of breaking the sabbath, or of any other similar crime, would flee to the Sikimites and claimed to be unjustly accused.
³⁴⁶ Barach

³⁴⁷ τετελευτήκει δὲ κατ᾽ ἐκεῖνον ἤδη τὸν καιρὸν καὶ ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς Ἰαδδοῦς καὶ τὴν‎ ἀρχιερωσύνην ὈνίαςOnias ὁ παῖς αὐτοῦ‎ παρειλήφει . τὰ μὲν δὴ περὶ τοὺς ἹεροσολυμίταςJerusalem ἐν τούτοις ἐτύγχανεν ὄντα .
³⁴⁷ he fled away to the Shechemites, and said that he was accused unjustly. About this time it was that Jaddua the high priest died, and Onias his son took the high priesthood. This was the state of the affairs of the people of Jerusalem at this time.	³⁴⁷ About this time the high priest Jaddous died and his son Onias took over the high priesthood. Such was the state of the affairs of the Jerusalemites at this time.
³⁴⁷ Barach

FLAVIUS JOSEPHUSJEWISH ANTIQUITIESBook 11

From the end of the Exile to the death of Alexander of Macedon

Chapter 1 [001-018] Cyrus of Persia releases the Jews from Babylon. He gives them money to rebuild their Temple

Chapter 2 [019-030] On Cyrus' death, the rebuilding of the Temple halts. Progress is blocked by Cambyses and others

Chapter 3 [031-074] In the reign of Darius the Persian,Zorobabel is allowed to rebuild the Temple

Chapter 4 [075-119]Cutheans (Samaritans) oppose rebuilding of the Temple.This sows seeds of future enmity

Chapter 5 [120-183] The goodwill of Xerxes toward the Jews. Ezra and Nehemias continue the reconstruction

Chapter 6 [184-296] Under Artaxerxes, Haman plots against the Jews. Esther and Mardochai; Feast of Purim

Chapter 7 [297-303] Murderous rivalry about the high-priesthood. The harm done by Bagoses, a general of Artaxerxes.

Chapter 8 [304-347] The Samaritan Temple, on Mount Garizim.Conquests of Alexander [the Great] of Macedon.Successors to his Kingdom

FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS
JEWISH ANTIQUITIES
Book 11