Septuagint Complete Greek and English Edition

by Septuagint

  [38] As for the truth, it endureth, and is Always strong; it liveth and conquereth for evermore. [39] With her there is no accepting of persons or rewards; but she doeth the things that are just, and refraineth from all unjust and wicked things; and all men do well like of her works. [40] Neither in her judgment is any unrighteousness; and she is the strength, kingdom, power, and majesty, of all ages. Blessed be the God of truth.

  [41] And with that he held his peace. And all the people then shouted, and said, Great is Truth, and mighty above all things. [42] Then said the king unto him, Ask what thou wilt more than is appointed in the writing, and we will give it thee, because thou art found wisest; and thou shalt sit next me, and shalt be called my cousin. [43] Then said he unto the king, Remember thy vow, which thou hast vowed to build Jerusalem, in the day when thou camest to thy kingdom, [44] And to send away all the vessels that were taken away out of Jerusalem, which Cyrus set apart, when he vowed to destroy Babylon, and to send them again thither. [45] Thou also hast vowed to build up the temple, which the Edomites burned when Judea was made desolate by the Chaldees. [46] And now, O lord the king, this is that which I require, and which I desire of thee, and this is the princely liberality proceeding from thyself: I desire therefore that thou make good the vow, the performance whereof with thine own mouth thou hast vowed to the King of heaven.

  [47] Then Darius the king stood up, and kissed him, and wrote letters for him unto all the treasurers and lieutenants and captains and governors, that they should safely convey on their way both him, and all those that go up with him to build Jerusalem. [48] He wrote letters also unto the lieutenants that were in Celosyria and Phenice, and unto them in Libanus, that they should bring cedar wood from Libanus unto Jerusalem, and that they should build the city with him.

  [49] Moreover he wrote for all the Jews that went out of his realm up into Jewry, concerning their freedom, that no officer, no ruler, no lieutenant, nor treasurer, should forcibly enter into their doors; [50] And that all the country which they hold should be free without tribute; and that the Edomites should give over the villages of the Jews which then they held: [51] Yea, that there should be yearly given twenty talents to the building of the temple, until the time that it were built; [52] And other ten talents yearly, to maintain the burnt offerings upon the altar every day, as they had a commandment to offer seventeen: [53] And that all they that went from Babylon to build the city should have free liberty, as well they as their posterity, and all the priests that went away. [54] He wrote also concerning. the charges, and the priests’ vestments wherein they minister; [55] And likewise for the charges of the Levites, to be given them until the day that the house were finished, and Jerusalem builded up. [56] And he commanded to give to all that kept the city pensions and wages. [57] He sent away also all the vessels from Babylon, that Cyrus had set apart; and all that Cyrus had given in commandment, the same charged he also to be done, and sent unto Jerusalem.

  [58] Now when this young man was gone forth, he lifted up his face to heaven toward Jerusalem, and praised the King of heaven, [59] And said, From thee cometh victory, from thee cometh wisdom, and thine is the glory, and I am thy servant. [60] Blessed art thou, who hast given me wisdom: for to thee I give thanks, O Lord of our fathers. [61] And so he took the letters, and went out, and came unto Babylon, and told it all his brethren. [62] And they praised the God of their fathers, because he had given them freedom and liberty [63] To go up, and to build Jerusalem, and the temple which is called by his name: and they feasted with instruments of musick and gladness seven days.

  Chapter 5

  [1] After this were the principal men of the families chosen according to their tribes, to go up with their wives and sons and daughters, with their menservants and maidservants, and their cattle. [2] And Darius sent with them a thousand horsemen, till they had brought them back to Jerusalem safely, and with musical instruments tabrets and flutes. [3] And all their brethren played, and he made them go up together with them.

  [4] And these are the names of the men which went up, according to their families among their tribes, after their several heads. [5] The priests, the sons of Phinees the son of Aaron: Jesus the son of Josedec, the son of Saraias, and Joacim the son of Zorobabel, the son of Salathiel, of the house of David, out of the kindred of Phares, of the tribe of Judah; [6] Who spake wise sentences before Darius the king of Persia in the second year of his reign, in the month Nisan, which is the first month. [7] And these are they of Jewry that came up from the captivity, where they dwelt as strangers, whom Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon. [8] And they returned unto Jerusalem, and to the other parts of Jewry, every man to his own city, who came with Zorobabel, with Jesus, Nehemias, and Zacharias, and Reesaias, Enenius, Mardocheus, Beelsarus, Aspharasus, Reelius, Roimus, and Baana, their guides.

  [9] The number of them of the nation, and their governors, sons of Phoros, two thousand an hundred seventy and two; the sons of Saphat, four hundred seventy and two:

  [10] The sons of Ares, seven hundred fifty and six:

  [11] The sons of Phaath Moab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve:

  [12] The sons of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four: the sons of Zathui, nine hundred forty and five: the sons of Corbe, seven hundred and five: the sons of Bani, six hundred forty and eight:

  [13] The sons of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three: the sons of Sadas, three thousand two hundred twenty and two:

  [14] The sons of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and seven: the sons of Bagoi, two thousand sixty and six: the sons of Adin, four hundred fifty and four:

  [15] The sons of Aterezias, ninety and two: the sons of Ceilan and Azetas threescore and seven: the sons of Azuran, four hundred thirty and two:

  [16] The sons of Ananias, an hundred and one: the sons of Arom, thirty two: and the sons of Bassa, three hundred twenty and three: the sons of Azephurith, an hundred and two:

  [17] The sons of Meterus, three thousand and five: the sons of Bethlomon, an hundred twenty and three:

  [18] They of Netophah, fifty and five: they of Anathoth, an hundred fifty and eight: they of Bethsamos, forty and two:

  [19] They of Kiriathiarius, twenty and five: they of Caphira and Beroth, seven hundred forty and three: they of Pira, seven hundred:

  [20] They of Chadias and Ammidoi, four hundred twenty and two: they of Cirama and Gabdes, six hundred twenty and one:

  [21] They of Macalon, an hundred twenty and two: they of Betolius, fifty and two: the sons of Nephis, an hundred fifty and six:

  [22] The sons of Calamolalus and Onus, seven hundred twenty and five: the sons of Jerechus, two hundred forty and five:

  [23] The sons of Annas, three thousand three hundred and thirty.

  [24] The priests: the sons of Jeddu, the son of Jesus among the sons of Sanasib, nine hundred seventy and two: the sons of Meruth, a thousand fifty and two:

  [25] The sons of Phassaron, a thousand forty and seven: the sons of Carme, a thousand and seventeen.

  [26] The Levites: the sons of Jessue, and Cadmiel, and Banuas, and Sudias, seventy and four.

  [27] The holy singers: the sons of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.

  [28] The porters: the sons of Salum, the sons of Jatal, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Dacobi, the sons of Teta, the sons of Sami, in all an hundred thirty and nine.

  [29] The servants of the temple: the sons of Esau, the sons of Asipha, the sons of Tabaoth, the sons of Ceras, the sons of Sud, the sons of Phaleas, the sons of Labana, the sons of Graba,

  [30] The sons of Acua, the sons of Uta, the sons of Cetab, the sons of Agaba, the sons of Subai, the sons of Anan, the sons of Cathua, the sons of Geddur,

  [31] The sons of Airus, the sons of Daisan, the sons of Noeba, the sons of Chaseba, the sons of Gazera, the sons of Azia, the sons of Phinees, the sons of Azara, the sons of Bastai, the sons of Asana, the sons of Meani, the sons of Naphisi, the sons of Acub, the sons of Acipha, the sons of Assur, the sons of Pharacim, the sons of
Basaloth,

  [32] The sons of Meeda, the sons of Coutha, the sons of Charea, the sons of Charcus, the sons of Aserer, the sons of Thomoi, the sons of Nasith, the sons of Atipha.

  [33] The sons of the servants of Solomon: the sons of Azaphion, the sons of Pharira, the sons of Jeeli, the sons of Lozon, the sons of Israel, the sons of Sapheth,

  [34] The sons of Hagia, the sons of Pharacareth, the sons of Sabi, the sons of Sarothie, the sons of Masias, the sons of Gar, the sons of Addus, the sons of Suba, the sons of Apherra, the sons of Barodis, the sons of Sabat, the sons of Allom.

  [35] All the ministers of the temple, and the sons of the servants of Solomon, were three hundred seventy and two.

  [36] These came up from Thermeleth and Thelersas, Charaathalar leading them, and Aalar; [37] Neither could they shew their families, nor their stock, how they were of Israel: the sons of Ladan, the son of Ban, the sons of Necodan, six hundred fifty and two.

  [38] And of the priests that usurped the office of the priesthood, and were not found: the sons of Obdia, the sons of Accoz, the sons of Addus, who married Augia one of the daughters of Barzelus, and was named after his name.

  [39] And when the description of the kindred of these men was sought in the register, and was not found, they were removed from executing the office of the priesthood: [40] For unto them said Nehemias and Atharias, that they should not be partakers of the holy things, till there arose up an high priest clothed with doctrine and truth.

  [41] So of Israel, from them of twelve years old and upward, they were all in number forty thousand, beside menservants and womenservants two thousand three hundred and sixty. [42] Their menservants and handmaids were seven thousand three hundred forty and seven: the singing men and singing women, two hundred forty and five: [43] Four hundred thirty and five camels, seven thousand thirty and six horses, two hundred forty and five mules, five thousand five hundred twenty and five beasts used to the yoke.

  [44] And certain of the chief of their families, when they came to the temple of God that is in Jerusalem, vowed to set up the house again in his own place according to their ability, [45] And to give into the holy treasury of the works a thousand pounds of gold, five thousand of silver, and an hundred priestly vestments. [46] And so dwelt the priests and the Levites and the people in Jerusalem, and in the country, the singers also and the porters; and all Israel in their villages.

  [47] But when the seventh month was at hand, and when the children of Israel were every man in his own place, they came all together with one consent into the open place of the first gate which is toward the east. [48] Then stood up Jesus the son of Josedec, and his brethren the priests and Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and his brethren, and made ready the altar of the God of Israel, [49] To offer burnt sacrifices upon it, according as it is expressly commanded in the book of Moses the man of God.

  [50] And there were gathered unto them out of the other nations of the land, and they erected the altar upon his own place, because all the nations of the land were at enmity with them, and oppressed them; and they offered sacrifices according to the time, and burnt offerings to the Lord both morning and evening. [51] Also they held the feast of tabernacles, as it is commanded in the law, and offered sacrifices daily, as was meet: [52] And after that, the continual oblations, and the sacrifice of the sabbaths, and of the new moons, and of all holy feasts.

  [53] And all they that had made any vow to God began to offer sacrifices to God from the first day of the seventh month, although the temple of the Lord was not yet built.

  [54] And they gave unto the masons and carpenters money, meat, and drink, with cheerfulness. [55] Unto them of Zidon also and Tyre they gave carrs, that they should bring cedar trees from Libanus, which should be brought by floats to the haven of Joppa, according as it was commanded them by Cyrus king of the Persians.

  [56] And in the second year and second month after his coming to the temple of God at Jerusalem began Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and Jesus the son of Josedec, and their brethren, and the priests, and the Levites, and all they that were come unto Jerusalem out of the captivity: [57] And they laid the foundation of the house of God in the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come to Jewry and Jerusalem. [58] And they appointed the Levites from twenty years old over the works of the Lord. Then stood up Jesus, and his sons and brethren, and Cadmiel his brother, and the sons of Madiabun, with the sons of Joda the son of Eliadun, with their sons and brethren, all Levites, with one accord setters forward of the business, labouring to advance the works in the house of God. So the workmen built the temple of the Lord.

  [59] And the priests stood arrayed in their vestments with musical instruments and trumpets; and the Levites the sons of Asaph had cymbals, [60] Singing songs of thanksgiving, and praising the Lord, according as David the king of Israel had ordained.

  [61] And they sung with loud voices songs to the praise of the Lord, because his mercy and glory is for ever in all Israel. [62] And all the people sounded trumpets, and shouted with a loud voice, singing songs of thanksgiving unto the Lord for the rearing up of the house of the Lord.

  [63] Also of the priests and Levites, and of the chief of their families, the ancients who had seen the former house came to the building of this with weeping and great crying. [64] But many with trumpets and joy shouted with loud voice, [65] Insomuch that the trumpets might not be heard for the weeping of the people: yet the multitude sounded marvellously, so that it was heard afar off.

  [66] Wherefore when the enemies of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin heard it, they came to know what that noise of trumpets should mean. [67] And they perceived that they that were of the captivity did build the temple unto the Lord God of Israel. [68] So they went to Zorobabel and Jesus, and to the chief of the families, and said unto them, We will build together with you. [69] For we likewise, as ye, do obey your Lord, and do sacrifice unto him from the days of Azbazareth the king of the Assyrians, who brought us hither.

  [70] Then Zorobabel and Jesus and the chief of the families of Israel said unto them, It is not for us and you to build together an house unto the Lord our God. [71] We ourselves alone will build unto the Lord of Israel, according as Cyrus the king of the Persians hath commanded us. [72] But the heathen of the land lying heavy upon the inhabitants of Judea, and holding them strait, hindered their building; [73] And by their secret plots, and popular persuasions and commotions, they hindered the finishing of the building all the time that king Cyrus lived: so they were hindered from building for the space of two years, until the reign of Darius.

  Chapter 6

  [1] Now in the second year of the reign of Darius Aggeus and Zacharias the son of Addo, the prophets, prophesied unto the Jews in Jewry and Jerusalem in the name of the Lord God of Israel, which was upon them.

  [2] Then stood up Zorobabel the son of Salatiel, and Jesus the son of Josedec, and began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, the prophets of the Lord being with them, and helping them. [3] At the same time came unto them Sisinnes the governor of Syria and Phenice, with Sathrabuzanes and his companions, and said unto them, [4] By whose appointment do ye build this house and this roof, and perform all the other things? and who are the workmen that perform these things?

  [5] Nevertheless the elders of the Jews obtained favour, because the Lord had visited the captivity; [6] And they were not hindered from building, until such time as signification was given unto Darius concerning them, and an answer received.

  [7] The copy of the letters which Sisinnes, governor of Syria and Phenice, and Sathrabuzanes, with their companions, rulers in Syria and Phenice, wrote and sent unto Darius; To king Darius, greeting: [8] Let all things be known unto our lord the king, that being come into the country of Judea, and entered into the city of Jerusalem we found in the city of Jerusalem the ancients of the Jews that were of the captivity [9] Building an house unto the Lord, great and new, of hewn and costly stones, and the timber already laid upon the walls. [10] And those works
are done with great speed, and the work goeth on prosperously in their hands, and with all glory and diligence is it made.

  [11] Then asked we these elders, saying, By whose commandment build ye this house, and lay the foundations of these works? [12] Therefore to the intent that we might give knowledge unto thee by writing, we demanded of them who were the chief doers, and we required of them the names in writing of their principal men. [13] So they gave us this answer, We are the servants of the Lord which made heaven and earth. [14] And as for this house, it was builded many years ago by a king of Israel great and strong, and was finished. [15] But when our fathers provoked God unto wrath, and sinned against the Lord of Israel which is in heaven, he gave them over into the power of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, of the Chaldees; [16] Who pulled down the house, and burned it, and carried away the people captives unto Babylon.

  [17] But in the first year that king Cyrus reigned over the country of Babylon Cyrus the king wrote to build up this house. [18] And the holy vessels of gold and of silver, that Nabuchodonosor had carried away out of the house at Jerusalem, and had set them in his own temple those Cyrus the king brought forth again out of the temple at Babylon, and they were delivered to Zorobabel and to Sanabassarus the ruler, [19] With commandment that he should carry away the same vessels, and put them in the temple at Jerusalem; and that the temple of the Lord should be built in his place. [20] Then the same Sanabassarus, being come hither, laid the foundations of the house of the Lord at Jerusalem; and from that time to this being still a building, it is not yet fully ended.

  [21] Now therefore, if it seem good unto the king, let search be made among the records of king Cyrus: [22] And if it be found that the building of the house of the Lord at Jerusalem hath been done with the consent of king Cyrus, and if our lord the king be so minded, let him signify unto us thereof.