by Septuagint
[14] And in those times many shall rise up against the king of the south; and the children of the spoilers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; and they shall fail. [15] And the king of the north shall come in, and cast up a mound, and take strong cities: and the arms of the king of the south shall withstand, and his chosen ones shall rise up, but there shall be no strength to stand. [16] And he that comes in against him shall do according to his will, and there is no one to stand before him: and he shall stand in the land of beauty, and it shall be consumed by his hand.
[17] And he shall set his face to come in with the force of his whole kingdom, and shall cause everything to prosper with him: and he shall give him the daughter of women to corrupt her: but she shall not continue, neither be on his side. [18] And he shall turn his face to the islands, and shall take many, and cause princes to cease from their reproach: nevertheless his own reproach shall return to him. [19] Then he shall turn back his face to the strength of his own land: but he shall become weak, and fall, and not be found.
[20] And there shall arise out of his root one that shall cause a plant of the kingdom to pass over his place, earning kingly glory: and yet in those days shall he be broken, yet not openly, nor in war.
[21] One shall stand on his place, who has been set a nought, and they have not put upon him the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in prosperously, and obtain the kingdom by deceitful ways. [22] And the arms of him that overflows shall be washed away as with a flood from before him, and shall be broken, and so shall be the head of the covenant. [23] And because of the leagues made with him he shall work deceit: and he shall come up, and overpower them with a small nation. [24] And he shall enter with prosperity, and that into fertile districts; and he shall do what his fathers and his fathers’ fathers have not done; he shall scatter among them plunder, and spoils, and wealth; and he shall devise plans against Egypt, even for a time. [25] And his strength and his heart shall be stirred up against the king of the south with a great force; and the king of the south shall engage in war with a great and very strong force; but his forces shall not stand, for they shall devise plans against him: [26] and they shall eat his provisions, and shall crush him, and he shall carry away armies as with a flood, and many shall fall down slain.
[27] And as for both the kings, their hearts are set upon mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper; for yet the end is for a fixed time. [28] And he shall return to his land with much substance; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall perform great deeds, and return to his own land.
[29] At the set time he shall return, and shall come into the south, but the last expedition shall not be as the first. [30] For the Citians issuing forth shall come against him, and he shall be brought low, and shall return, and shall be incensed against the holy covenant: and he shall do thus, and shall return, and have intelligence with them that have forsaken the holy covenant.
[31] And seeds shall spring up out of him, and they shall profane the sanctuary of strength, and they shall remove the perpetual sacrifice, and make the abomination desolate. [32] And the transgressors shall bring about a covenant by deceitful ways: but a people knowing their God shall prevail, and do valiantly. [33] And the intelligent of the people shall understand much: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, and by captivity, and by spoil of many days. [34] And when they are weak they shall be helped with a little help: but many shall attach themselves to them with treachery.
[35] And some of them that understand shall fall, to try them as with fire, and to test them, and that they may be manifested at the time of the end, for the matter is yet for a set time.
[36] And he shall do according to his will, and the king shall exalt and magnify himself against every god, and shall speak great swelling words, and shall prosper until the indignation shall be accomplished: for it is coming to an end. [37] And he shall not regard any gods of his fathers, nor the desire of women, neither shall he regard any deity: for he shall magnify himself above all. [38] And he shall honour the god of forces on his place: and a god whom his fathers knew not he shall honour with gold, and silver, and precious stones, and desirable things. [39] And he shall do thus in the strong places of refuge with a strange god, and shall increase his glory: and he shall subject many to them, and shall distribute the land in gifts.
[40] And at the end of the time he shall conflict with the king of the south: and the king of the north shall come against him with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and they shall enter into the land: and he shall break in pieces, and pass on: [41] and he shall enter into the land of beauty, and many shall fail: but these shall escape out of his hand, Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. [42] And he shall stretch forth his hand over the land; and the land of Egypt shall not escape. [43] And he shall have the mastery over the secret treasures of gold and silver, and over all the desirable possessions of Egypt, and of the Libyans and Ethiopians in their strongholds. [44] But rumors and anxieties out of the east and from the north shall trouble him; and he shall come with great wrath to destroy many. [45] And he shall pitch the tabernacle of his palace between the seas in the holy mountain of beauty: but he shall come to his portion, and there is none to deliver him.
Chapter 12
[1] And at that time Michael the great prince shall stand up, that stands over the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of tribulation, such tribulation as has not been from the time that there was a nation on the earth until that time: at that time thy people shall be delivered, even every one that is written in the book. [2] And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to reproach and everlasting shame. [3] And the wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and some of the many righteous as the stars for ever and ever.
[4] And thou, Daniel, close the words, and seal the book to the time of the end; until many are taught, and knowledge is increased.
[5] And I Daniel saw, and, behold, two others stood, on one side of the bank of the river, and the other on the other side of the bank of the river. [6] And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was over the water of the river, When will be the end of the wonders which thou has mentioned? [7] And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was over the water of the river, and he lifted up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and sware by him that lives for ever, that it should be for a time of times and half a time: when the dispersion is ended they shall know all these things.
[8] And I heard, but I understood not: and I said, O Lord, what will be the end of these things? [9] And he said, Go, Daniel: for the words are closed and sealed up to the time of the end. [10] Many must be tested, and thoroughly whitened, and tried with fire, and sanctified; but the transgressors shall transgress: and none of the transgressors shall understand; but the wise shall understand. [11] And from the time of the removal of the perpetual sacrifice, when the abomination of desolation shall be set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. [12] Blessed is he that waits, and comes to the thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. [13] But go thou, and rest; for there are yet days and seasons to the fulfillment of the end; and thou shalt stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
Chapter 13
History of Susanna
[1] There dwelt a man in Babylon, called Joacim: [2] And he took a wife, whose name was Susanna, the daughter of Chelcias, a very fair woman, and one that feared the Lord. [3] Her parents also were righteous, and taught their daughter according to the law of Moses. [4] Now Joacim was a great rich man, and had a fair garden joining unto his house: and to him resorted the Jews; because he was more honourable than all others.
[5] The same year were appointed two of the ancients of the people to be judges, such as the Lord spake of, that wickedness came from Babylon from ancient judges, who seemed to govern the people. [6] These kept much at Joacim’s house: and all that had any suits in
law came unto them.
[7] Now when the people departed away at noon, Susanna went into her husband’s garden to walk. [8] And the two elders saw her going in every day, and walking; so that their lust was inflamed toward her. [9] And they perverted their own mind, and turned away their eyes, that they might not look unto heaven, nor remember just judgments. [10] And albeit they both were wounded with her love, yet durst not one shew another his grief. [11] For they were ashamed to declare their lust, that they desired to have to do with her. [12] Yet they watched diligently from day to day to see her.
[13] And the one said to the other, Let us now go home: for it is dinner time. [14] So when they were gone out, they parted the one from the other, and turning back again they came to the same place; and after that they had asked one another the cause, they acknowledged their lust: then appointed they a time both together, when they might find her alone.
[15] And it fell out, as they watched a fit time, she went in as before with two maids only, and she was desirous to wash herself in the garden: for it was hot. [16] And there was no body there save the two elders, that had hid themselves, and watched her. [17] Then she said to her maids, Bring me oil and washing balls, and shut the garden doors, that I may wash me.
[18] And they did as she bade them, and shut the garden doors, and went out themselves at privy doors to fetch the things that she had commanded them: but they saw not the elders, because they were hid.
[19] Now when the maids were gone forth, the two elders rose up, and ran unto her, saying, [20] Behold, the garden doors are shut, that no man can see us, and we are in love with thee; therefore consent unto us, and lie with us. [21] If thou wilt not, we will bear witness against thee, that a young man was with thee: and therefore thou didst send away thy maids from thee.
[22] Then Susanna sighed, and said, I am straitened on every side: for if I do this thing, it is death unto me: and if I do it not I cannot escape your hands. [23] It is better for me to fall into your hands, and not do it, than to sin in the sight of the Lord. [24] With that Susanna cried with a loud voice: and the two elders cried out against her.
[25] Then ran the one, and opened the garden door. [26] So when the servants of the house heard the cry in the garden, they rushed in at the privy door, to see what was done unto her. [27] But when the elders had declared their matter, the servants were greatly ashamed: for there was never such a report made of Susanna.
[28] And it came to pass the next day, when the people were assembled to her husband Joacim, the two elders came also full of mischievous imagination against Susanna to put her to death; [29] And said before the people, Send for Susanna, the daughter of Chelcias, Joacim’s wife. And so they sent. [30] So she came with her father and mother, her children, and all her kindred.
[31] Now Susanna was a very delicate woman, and beauteous to behold. [32] And these wicked men commanded to uncover her face, (for she was covered) that they might be filled with her beauty. [33] Therefore her friends and all that saw her wept.
[34] Then the two elders stood up in the midst of the people, and laid their hands upon her head. [35] And she weeping looked up toward heaven: for her heart trusted in the Lord.
[36] And the elders said, As we walked in the garden alone, this woman came in with two maids, and shut the garden doors, and sent the maids away. [37] Then a young man, who there was hid, came unto her, and lay with her. [38] Then we that stood in a corner of the garden, seeing this wickedness, ran unto them.
[39] And when we saw them together, the man we could not hold: for he was stronger than we, and opened the door, and leaped out. [40] But having taken this woman, we asked who the young man was, but she would not tell us: these things do we testify. [41] Then the assembly believed them as those that were the elders and judges of the people: so they condemned her to death.
[42] Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and said, O everlasting God, that knowest the secrets, and knowest all things before they be: [43] Thou knowest that they have borne false witness against me, and, behold, I must die; whereas I never did such things as these men have maliciously invented against me. [44] And the Lord heard her voice.
[45] Therefore when she was led to be put to death, the Lord raised up the holy spirit of a young youth whose name was Daniel: [46] Who cried with a loud voice, I am clear from the blood of this woman. [47] Then all the people turned them toward him, and said, What mean these words that thou hast spoken? [48] So he standing in the midst of them said, Are ye such fools, ye sons of Israel, that without examination or knowledge of the truth ye have condemned a daughter of Israel? [49] Return again to the place of judgment: for they have borne false witness against her.
[50] Wherefore all the people turned again in haste, and the elders said unto him, Come, sit down among us, and shew it us, seeing God hath given thee the honour of an elder. [51] Then said Daniel unto them, Put these two aside one far from another, and I will examine them.
[52] So when they were put asunder one from another, he called one of them, and said unto him, O thou that art waxen old in wickedness, now thy sins which thou hast committed aforetime are come to light. [53] For thou hast pronounced false judgment and hast condemned the innocent and hast let the guilty go free; albeit the Lord saith, The innocent and righteous shalt thou not slay. [54] Now then, if thou hast seen her, tell me, Under what tree sawest thou them companying together? Who answered, Under a mastick tree.
[55] And Daniel said, Very well; thou hast lied against thine own head; for even now the angel of God hath received the sentence of God to cut thee in two. [56] So he put him aside, and commanded to bring the other, and said unto him, O thou seed of Chanaan, and not of Juda, beauty hath deceived thee, and lust hath perverted thine heart. [57] Thus have ye dealt with the daughters of Israel, and they for fear companied with you: but the daughter of Juda would not abide your wickedness. [58] Now therefore tell me, Under what tree didst thou take them companying together? Who answered, Under an holm tree.
[59] Then said Daniel unto him, Well; thou hast also lied against thine own head: for the angel of God waiteth with the sword to cut thee in two, that he may destroy you. [60] With that all the assembly cried out with a loud voice, and praised God, who saveth them that trust in him. [61] And they arose against the two elders, for Daniel had convicted them of false witness by their own mouth: [62] And according to the law of Moses they did unto them in such sort as they maliciously intended to do to their neighbour: and they put them to death. Thus the innocent blood was saved the same day.
[63] Therefore Chelcias and his wife praised God for their daughter Susanna, with Joacim her husband, and all the kindred, because there was no dishonesty found in her. [64] From that day forth was Daniel had in great reputation in the sight of the people.
Chapter 14
Bel and the Dragon
[1] And king Astyages was gathered to his fathers, and Cyrus of Persia received his kingdom. [2] And Daniel conversed with the king, and was honoured above all his friends.
[3] Now the Babylonians had an idol, called Bel, and there were spent upon him every day twelve great measures of fine flour, and forty sheep, and six vessels of wine. [4] And the king worshipped it and went daily to adore it: but Daniel worshipped his own God. And the king said unto him, Why dost not thou worship Bel? [5] Who answered and said, Because I may not worship idols made with hands, but the living God, who hath created the heaven and the earth, and hath sovereignty over all flesh.
[6] Then said the king unto him, Thinkest thou not that Bel is a living God? seest thou not how much he eateth and drinketh every day? [7] Then Daniel smiled, and said, O king, be not deceived: for this is but clay within, and brass without, and did never eat or drink any thing.
[8] So the king was wroth, and called for his priests, and said unto them, If ye tell me not who this is that devoureth these expenses, ye shall die. [9] But if ye can certify me that Bel devoureth them, then Daniel shall die: for he hath spoken blasphemy against Bel. And Daniel said
unto the king, Let it be according to thy word.
[10] Now the priests of Bel were threescore and ten, beside their wives and children. And the king went with Daniel into the temple of Bel. [11] So Bel’s priests said, Lo, we go out: but thou, O king, set on the meat, and make ready the wine, and shut the door fast and seal it with thine own signet; [12] And to morrow when thou comest in, if thou findest not that Bel hath eaten up all, we will suffer death: or else Daniel, that speaketh falsely against us. [13] And they little regarded it: for under the table they had made a privy entrance, whereby they entered in continually, and consumed those things.
[14] So when they were gone forth, the king set meats before Bel. Now Daniel had commanded his servants to bring ashes, and those they strewed throughout all the temple in the presence of the king alone: then went they out, and shut the door, and sealed it with the king’s signet, and so departed. [15] Now in the night came the priests with their wives and children, as they were wont to do, and did eat and drink up all.
[16] In the morning betime the king arose, and Daniel with him. [17] And the king said, Daniel, are the seals whole? And he said, Yea, O king, they be whole. [18] And as soon as he had opened the dour, the king looked upon the table, and cried with a loud voice, Great art thou, O Bel, and with thee is no deceit at all.
[19] Then laughed Daniel, and held the king that he should not go in, and said, Behold now the pavement, and mark well whose footsteps are these. [20] And the king said, I see the footsteps of men, women, and children. And then the king was angry, [21] And took the priests with their wives and children, who shewed him the privy doors, where they came in, and consumed such things as were upon the table. [22] Therefore the king slew them, and delivered Bel into Daniel’s power, who destroyed him and his temple.