圣经-旧约(天主教思高圣经)
不认识圣经,就是不认识基督,不认识基督,就是不认识基督所建立的天主教会。
旧约·厄则克耳
共48章:
绪论 蒙召作先知的神视
第一章(28)
被召的时间和地点
1:1 三十年四月五日,当我在革巴尔河畔,在俘虏之中的时候,天开了,我见了天主的异像,
1:2 时在耶苛泥雅王充军后第五年四月五日;
1:3 那时在加色丁地,靠近革巴尔河,上主的话传给步齐的儿子厄则克耳司祭,上主的手临于我。
四活物的奇像
1:4 我观望,看,有一阵暴风由北方吹来,刮来一大块火光四射的云彩,云中有一团旋转的火,火中有一种发亮的金属。
1:5 火中似乎有四个活物的形状,它们的外表是这样:都有人的形状。
1:6 每个有四种形像,每个有四只翅膀。
1:7 它们的脚是直立的脚,脚掌像牛蹄,发亮像磨光的铜。
1:8 在它们四面的翅膀下边,都有人手;四个活物各有自己的形像和翅膀。
1:9 它们的翅膀互相连接,在行走时不必转身,各朝着自己的前面行走。
1:10 关于它们外表的形像:它们四个的正面都具有人的形像,右边有狮的形像,左边牛的形像,背面有鹰的形像。
1:11 它们的翅膀向上伸开,每个用两只翅膀互相连接,用两只翅膀遮蔽身体。
1:12 每个朝着自己的前面行走;神力催迫它们往那里去,它们就往那里去;行走时不必转身。
1:13 在活物中间有壹种相似燃着的炭火,又好似火炬在活物中旋转。这火有亮光,由火中射出闪光。
1:14 活物来回疾驰,好象闪电。
四个轮子
1:15 我观望那些活物时,看,靠近那些活物的四面,在地上各有一个轮子。
1:16 那些轮子及其构造的外表,光泽有如橄榄石,四轮都有同样的形状。四轮结构的样式,好象轮子套在轮子中。
1:17 轮子转动时,可向四方旋转,前行时不必转辙。
1:18 轮辋高大,我看见四个轮辋都布满了眼睛。
1:19 活物行走时,轮子也在它们旁边转动;活物由地面升起时,轮子也升起。
1:20 神力催迫活物往那里去,它们就往神力催迫的方向去;轮子也同时与它们一起升起,因为活物的神力在轮子内。
1:21 活物行走,轮子也转动;活物站住,轮子也停住;活物由地上升起,轮子也随之升起,因为活物的神力在轮子内。
穹苍与宝座
1:22 在活物的头上,有相似穹苍的东西,好象发亮的水晶,在它们头上展开。
1:23 在穹苍下伸直它们的翅膀,一只的翅膀与另一只的翅膀彼此相接,又各有两只翅膀遮蔽着身体。
1:24 当它们行动时,我听见翅膀的飒飒声,像洪水之声,又像全能者的声音,又似军营中的喧噪之声。当它们站住时,就敛起翅膀。
1:25 那时,由它们头顶上的穹苍那里,发出一种响声;活物即站住,就敛起翅膀。
1:26 在她们头顶上的穹苍上面,有一块像蓝玉的石头,有宝座的形状;在这状如宝座之上,有一个外貌像人的坐在上头。
1:27 我望见在他相似腰部的上面,好象有发亮的金属,内里和周围好象一团火。我又望见在相似腰部的下面,好象有火的形状,周围有光环绕,
1:28 环绕在周围的光,犹如落雨时云彩中所出现的虹霓。这就是上主的光荣显现时的奇象。我一看见,就伏地掩面,同时也听见有一位讲话的声音。
第二章(10)
奉派为先知
2:1 他向我说:「人子,站起来!我要同你讲话。」
2:2 他向我讲话时,有一种神力进入我内,使我站起来,也听见他同我讲话。
2:3 他向我说:「人子,我派遣你到以色列子民,到反抗我的那个叛逆的人民那里去,他们和他们的祖先,直到今天还违背我。
2:4 那些子民虽厚颜无耻,心肠顽硬,我仍派遣你到他们那里,向他们说:吾主上主这样说:
2:5 他们或是听,或是不听──他们原是叛逆的家族──终究要承认在他们中有一位先知。
2:6 人子,你不必怕他们,也不要怕他们说什么,也不要怕他们反抗你,轻慢你,好象叫你坐在毒蝎之上;不要怕他们说什么,在他们面前,也不要胆怯,因为他们是叛逆的家族。
2:7 无论他们听,或是不听,你应向他们宣讲我的话,他们原是叛逆的家族。」
神见书卷
2:8 人子,你要听我向你讲的话,你不要叛逆,像叛逆的家族。你要张口,把我给你的吞下。」
2:9 我观望时,看,有一只手向我伸来,手上有一卷书。
2:10 他把那卷书在我面前展开,内外都写着字,写的是:「哀伤、悲叹和灾祸。」
第三章(27)
吞书卷
3:1 以后他向我说:「人子,将给你的吞下去。你吞下这卷书,然后去向以色列子民宣讲。」
3:2 我遂张开口,他便使我吞下那卷书,
3:3 并向我说:「人子,要吞到肚子里,要把我给你的这卷书充满你的五内。」我遂吃了,这卷书在我嘴里甘甜如蜜。
先知受训勉
3:4 然后他向我说:「人子,起来以色列家族那里去,向他们宣讲我所说的话。
3:5 你被派遣,并不是往言语不通,说话不懂的人民那里去,而是到以色列家族。
3:6 也不是到言语不通,说话不懂,而你听不明白他们他们话的各民族那里去;若是我派遣你到他们那里,他们必肯听你的话。
3:7 但是以色列家族却不肯听你,原来他们不肯听我,因为以色列家族都额坚心硬。
3:8 看,我要使你的脸坚硬,好象他们的脸,使你的额坚硬,好象他们的额。
3:9 使你的额好象金钢,比火石还坚硬。他们虽是叛你的家族,不必害怕他们,在他们面前不必胆怯。」
3:10 他又向我说:「人子,我向你说的一切话,要听到耳中,存在心里。
3:11 起来,到充军者,你百姓的子民那里,向他们宣讲,对他们说:吾主上主这样说。不管他们听不听。」
先知去见充军者
3:12 当上主的光荣由那地方升起时,神力也把我举起,我听见在我后面有轰轰之声很大,
3:13 是活物的翅膀彼此磨擦的响声,是靠近它们的轮子的响声,轰轰之声很大。
3:14 神力把我举起,把我提去;我走时,心中激动而苦闷,那时上主的手重压在我身上。
3:15 以后我到了特耳阿彼部的充军者那里,他们靠近革巴尔河居住。我在他们那里忧郁地居留了七天。
先知的任务
3:16 过了七天,上主的话传给我说:
3:17 「人子,我派你作以色列家族的守卫;当你由我口中听到什么话时,你应代我警告他们。
3:18 几时我向恶人说:你必丧亡!你若不警告他,也不宣讲,使恶人知所警惕,而脱离邪道,为得生存;那恶人要因自己的罪恶而丧亡,但我必向你追讨血债。
3:19 你若警告了恶人,而他不肯离开罪恶和邪道,那他必要因自己的罪恶而丧亡;至于你却救了你的灵魂。
3:20 几时一个义人离弃正义而行不义,我要在他面前安放绊脚石,使他死亡;若你没有警告他,他必因自己的罪恶而丧亡,他所行的正义,也不被记念;但我必向你追讨血债。
3:21 但若你警告了义人,使他不犯罪,而他没有犯罪:这样他必要生存,因为他听从了警告,你也救了你的灵魂。」
奉命缄口不言
3:22 我在那里时,上主的手临于我,他向我说:「起来,到平原里,去我要在那里同你说话。」
3:23 我就起身到了平原。看,上主的光荣停在那里,就如我在革巴尔河所见过的光荣;我遂伏地掩面。
3:24 有一种神力进入我身,使我站起来。他向我说:「你去,把你关锁在房中!
3:25 人子,你看人们要用绳索捆缚你;你被捆起后,便不能到他们中间。
3:26 我还要使你的舌头紧贴在上颚,使你成为哑吧,不能斥责他们,因为他们是叛逆的家族。
3:27 但是我给你说话时,要开启你的口。以后你要向他们说:『吾主上主这样说。』谁肯听,就让他听;谁不肯听,就让他不听好了,因为他们是叛逆的家族。」
一编 论犹大和耶路撒冷灭亡的预言(4-24)
第四章(17)
耶京被困的象征
4:1 人子,你拿一块砖,放在你面前,把一座耶路撒冷城刻划在上面。
4:2 安排围城的事;制造攻城的云梯,堆起攻城的高台,摆列攻城的阵营,四周架起破城机。
4:3 再拿一个铁鏊,将它立在你和城的中间,当作铁墙。然后朝着城板起面孔,使城好象被围困,你好象在攻城:这样给以色列家一个征兆。」
充军期限的象征
4:4 你要向左侧卧下!我把以色列家的罪恶放在你身上。你卧多少日子,就多少日子承担他们的罪恶。
4:5 我把他们犯罪的年数算为三百九十日,你要在这些日子内承担以色列家的罪恶。
4:6 满了那些日子,你要向右侧卧下,为承担犹大家的罪恶,共四十日;我给你规定一日算一年。
4:7 你要朝着被围困的耶路撒冷板起面孔,露出臂膊,向她预言。
4:8 看,我要用绳索捆缚你,叫你不能辗转反侧,直到你被困的日子期满。」
吃不洁与配给之物的象征
4:9 你要拿小麦、大麦、豆子、扁豆、黍米和粗麦,装在一个器皿里,用来为你做一些饼,在你三百九十日侧卧的日子内,就吃这些饼。
4:10 每天要按分量吃,每日二十「协刻耳,」按时食用。
4:11 喝水也要有分量,每日喝六分之一「歆」的水,按时而饮。
4:12 你吃那食物像吃烙的大麦饼,且用人粪在他们眼前烤。」
4:13 上主说:「以色列子民也要这样在我赶他们所到的异民中,吃不洁之物。」
4:14 我答说:「哎呀!吾主上主!我从来没有受过玷污;从幼年到现在,没有吃过自然死的,或被撕裂的兽肉;不洁的祭肉从未进过我的口。」
4:15 他向我说:「好罢!我许你用牛粪代人粪烤你的饼。」
4:16 他又向我说:「人子!看,我要断绝耶路撒冷的粮源,叫他们怀着焦虑吃配给的饭,怀着恐怖喝限制的水;
4:17 甚至缺少食粮和水,个个消瘦,因自己的罪恶而归于消灭。」
第五章(17)
剃须发的象征
5:1 人子,你拿一把快刀,当理发的剃刀用,剃去你的头发和胡须,然后拿一个天平,分开那些须发。
5:2 等被困的日子一满,把三分之一在城内用火烧掉;再拿三分之一在城四周用剑击砍;其它三分之一,要扬在风中,我要拔出剑来追赶他们。
5:3 但你要从胡须中取出几根来,系在你的衣服边上,
5:4 再从其中取出几根投入火中,让火烧掉;然后你向以色列全家说:
5:5 吾主上主这样说:这就是耶路撒冷!我将她安置在万民之中,使万国环绕着她;
5:6 但是她违背了我的法令,作恶甚于异民,违背我的法律甚于环绕她的列国,因为她们轻视了我的法令,没有照我的法律行事。
5:7 为此,吾主上主这样说:因为你们比环绕你们的异民更为叛逆,没有照我的法律行事;没有遵行我的法令,也没有按照环绕你们异民的法律行事;
5:8 因此吾主上主这样说:看,我要亲自对付你;在你中间,在异民眼前实行惩罚。
5:9 为了你的一切丑恶,我要对你实习未曾实行过的,将来也不会实行的事;
5:10 在你境内,为父的要吃自己的儿子,为子的要吃自己的父亲。我必如此在你境内实行惩罚,且把遗民分散到四方。
5:11 为此我指着我的生命起誓说:──吾主上主的断语──因为你用你的一切可憎和可恶之物玷污了我的圣所,我必将你铲除,我的眼决不怜视,一点也不怜惜。
5:12 你三分之一的人民要在你境内死于瘟疫,亡于饥荒;另三分之一,在你四周各地丧身刀下;其它三分之一,我要分散到各地。我且拔出剑来追赶他们。
5:13 这样,我的忿怒纔可以发泄,我的怒火在他们身上纔会平息,得到了报复;当我的愤怒在他们身上发泄时,他们要承认我,上主,在妒火中讲了话。
5:14 我要使你成为荒野,使你在环绕你的异民前,和所有的过客前,成为辱骂的对象。
5:15 当我大发愤怒,以严厉的惩罚在你身上施行裁判时,你就成为环绕你的异民凌辱、耻笑、警戒和警骇的对象:这是我上主说的。
5:16 当我向你们射出饥荒的毒箭──射出毁灭的箭,毁灭你们时──我必使饥荒在你们境内更加严重,断绝你们的粮源。
5:17 我必使饥荒和猛兽危害你们,掠去你们的子女,并使瘟疫和血案在你境内盛行,还有刀兵来打击你:这是我上主说的。」
第六章(14)
敬拜邪神之地必被消灭
6:1 上主的话传给我说:
6:2 「人子,你要面对以色列的群山,讲预言攻斥他们,
6:3 说以色列的群山,请听吾主上主的话:吾主上主这样对高山、丘陵、山溪、山谷说:看,我要使刀兵临于你们,荡平你们的丘坛;
6:4 破坏你们的祭坛,打碎你们的太阳柱,并使你们被杀的人倒在你们的偶像之前。
6:5 我还要把以色列尸体放在他们的偶像前,把你们的骨头散在你们的祭坛周围。
6:6 在你们居住的地方,城池变为荒野,丘坛遭受破坏,为叫你们的祭坛也成为荒凉,变为废墟,偶像被粉碎,被消灭,太阳柱被打碎,你们所制造的东西都铲除净尽。
6:7 被杀的人横卧在你们中间:如此你们要承认我是上主。」
遗民蒙恩获救
6:8 当我把你们分散到各国时,我还要把一些幸免于刀兵的人,残留在异民中。
6:9 你们被掳到异民中的遗民,必要想念我,因为我击碎了他们好淫而背弃我的心,也击碎了他们好淫而随从偶像的眼睛,那时他们必要为了一切邪神所行的事而自怨自艾。
6:10 如此,他们会承认,我上主说要对他们施行惩罚,并非空话。」
哀伤以色列作恶受罚
6:11 吾主上主这样说:「我要拍手顿足地说:祸哉!以色列家,因了一切丑恶的罪行,她必要亡于刀兵、饥荒和瘟疫:
6:12 远处的要死于瘟疫,近处的要丧身刀下,剩余而被围困的,要死于饥饿,我必要这样对他们发泄我的怒火。
6:13 几时被杀的人横卧在他们的祭坛四周,在他们的偶像中间,在各高山,各山顶,在各绿树下,在密茂的樟树下,即在他们给各偶像献香的地方,那时,你们必承认我是上主。
6:14 我要伸手打击他们,凡他们所居之地,我要使田地变为沙漠和荒野,自旷野直到黎贝拉:这样,他们必承认我是上主。」
第七章(27)
结局已到
7:1 上主的话传给我说:
7:2 「人子,你要说:吾主上主这样对以色列地域说:结局到了,大地四极的结局到了。
7:3 现今你的结局已到:我要向你发泄我的愤怒,按你的行为裁判你,按照你所有的丑行报复你。
7:4 我的眼决不怜视你,一点也不顾惜你;反之,我必按照你的行为报复你,使你的丑恶彰显在你中间;这样,你们必承认我是上主。
7:5 吾主上主这样说:「看,灾祸,那唯一的灾祸来了。
7:6 结局到了,那对付你的结局到了,看,已来到目前。
7:7 当地的居民啊!恶运已临于你,时辰已到,恐怖的日子已近,山上再听不到欢呼的声音。
7:8 现今我就快要向你发泄我的愤怒,在你身上尽泄我的怒火,要按照你的行为裁判你,按照你所有的丑行报复你。
7:9 我的眼决不怜视,一点也不顾惜;反之,我要照你的行为报复你,使你的丑恶彰显在你中间:这样你们必承认我是施罚的天主。」
同归于尽
7:10 看,那日子确已来到,恶运已定,暴行开花,傲慢发芽。
7:11 残暴兴起,成为作恶的令牌;他们中将一无所存,他们的财富没有了,豪华不见了,光荣一无所留。
7:12 时辰到了,日子近了;买主不要欢乐,卖主也不要忧愁,因为怒火要降在一切财富上。
7:13 卖主虽还活着,但不得再赎回他所卖的,因为惩罚一降在一切民众身上,谁也不能再挽回。无人在罪恶中能保全生命。
战争的惨状
7:14 你们吹喇叭,将一切准备便当;但无人出征上阵,因为我的怒火要降在所有人民身上。
7:15 外有刀兵,内有瘟疫饥荒;凡在乡间的,要丧身刀下;在城中的,要死于瘟疫饥荒。
7:16 那些侥幸逃亡的,到了山中,必像谷中哀鸣的鸽子,各人悲泣自己的罪恶。
7:17 人人双手疲惫无力,双膝软弱如水,
7:18 身穿苦衣,都为恐怖所笼罩;每人面带羞惭,头顶完全剃光。
7:19 他们将自己的银子丢在街头,金子为他们成了污秽之物;他们的金银,在上主发怒之日,不能拯救他们;金银不能使他们充饥,不能填满他们的肚腹,因为金银是他们犯罪的绊脚石。
7:20 他们既然把自己华丽的装饰品作为夸耀的东西,做成丑恶的偶像和怪物;
7:21 所以我要使偶像成为他们的不洁之物,我要把它交于外邦人手中作胜利品,给本地匪徒作为掠物,而予以亵渎。
7:22 我要转面不看他们,让外人亵渎我的宝藏,让野人侵入而加以亵渎,
7:23 并用来制造锁链;因为此地充满了血债,城中充满了残暴。
7:24 为此,我必叫最凶恶的异民来占据他们的房舍,消灭他们傲慢的势力,并使他们的圣所受到亵渎。
7:25 当恐怖来临时,他们寻求救援,却没有救援。
7:26 祸上加祸,噩耗接踵而来;那时人向先知要求异像,却毫无所得;司祭失去了教言,长老没有了主意,
7:27 君王失声痛哭,王侯惊惶失措,当地居民的手颤动无力。我必按他们的行为向他们报复,照他们的功过裁判他们:这样,他们必要承认我是天主。」
第八章(18)
神见耶京的神像
8:1 六年六月五日,当我坐在我屋内,犹大的长老门坐在我面前时,吾主上主的手临于我。
8:2 我观望,看,有一个形像,形状如人,在他相似腰部的下面,有一团火,在他腰部的上面好象有一道光辉,像发亮的金属。
8:3 他伸出一只像手的形状,抓住我的一绺头发,有一种神力把我提到天地之间,在神视中将我提往耶路撒冷去,到了内门的北门门口,在那里供奉着引起上主妒火的偶像。
8:4 在那里出现了以色列天主的光荣,相似我在平原所见的异像。
8:5 他向我说:「人子,举目向北方看!」我遂举目向北方看;看见在靠近祭坛的北门门口,有那引起上主妒火的偶像。
8:6 他又向我说:「人子,你看他们作的是什么﹖以色列家族在这里所行的极其丑恶之事,使我非离开我的圣所不可,但你还要看见更为丑恶的事。」
昆虫走兽神像
8:7 以后,他引我到外院的大门口,我看见在墙上有一个洞。
8:8 他向我说:「人子,把这墙穿一个洞!」我遂在墙上穿了一个洞,出现了一道门。
8:9 他又向我说:「你进去看一看他们在那里所做的穷凶极恶的丑行。」
8:10 我便进去,看见有各种爬虫和走兽的像,都是可憎恶的;还有以色列家的各种偶像,都刻画在四周的墙上。
8:11 以色列家族的七十长老,沙番的儿子雅匝尼雅也在他们中间,都站在那些像前,每人手中拿着香炉,烧的香烟如浓云,正在上腾。
8:12 他对我说:「人子,你看见了以色列的长老在黑暗中,每人在藏神像的暗室中所行的事吗﹖他们说:上主看不见我们,上主已离弃了此地。」
8:13 他又向我说:「你还要看见他们所行的更丑恶的事。」
塔慕次神及太阳神
8:14 以后,他引我到了上主的圣殿朝北的大门口。看,有些妇女坐在那里,哀悼塔慕次。
8:15 他向我说:「人子,你看见了吗﹖但你还要看见比这更丑恶的事。」
8:16 以后,他引我到了上主圣殿的内庭院内;看,在上主圣所的门口,在走廊和祭坛中间约有二十五个人,背向上主的圣所,面向东方,他们正在向东方朝拜太阳。
惩罚的恐吓
8:17 他又向我说:「人子,你看见了吗﹖在这里行的这些丑恶之事,为犹大家还不够吗﹖他们还将此地充满了残暴之事,时时惹我忿怒。看,他们还把枝条举到自己鼻子上。
8:18 我必大发愤怒,我的眼决不怜视,一点也不顾惜;极使他们在我耳旁高声喊叫,我仍不俯听他们。」
第九章(11)
击杀无记号者
9:1 以后我听见他高声喊说:「惩罚此城的,快来!每人手中应拿着毁灭的工具。」
9:2 看,有六个人从上边朝北的门走来,每人拿着破坏的武器。他们中间有一个人身穿细麻衣,腰间带著书记的墨盒。他们来到,就站在铜祭坛旁。
9:3 那停在革鲁宾上的以色列的天主光荣,就由革鲁宾身上升起,来到圣殿的门限上,叫将那身穿细麻衣,腰间带着墨盒的人召来。
9:4 上主对他说:「你要走遍此城,即走遍耶路撒冷,凡因城充发生的丑恶之事而悲痛哀号的人,要在他们额上划一个十字记号。」
9:5 以后我听见他向其余的人说:「你们也跟着他走遍全城击杀,你们的眼不要怜视,一点也不要顾惜;
9:6 把老人、少年、处女、婴儿和妇女都要杀尽灭绝;但凡额上有十字记号的人,不可走近。你们从圣所这里开始。」果然他们就从在圣殿前的长老开始。
9:7 以后又向他们说:「你们要玷污这圣殿,使被杀者充塞整个庭院,然后出去!」他们就出去,在城中击杀。
先知祈祷未获准
9:8 他们去击杀时,只留下我一人。我就伏地掩面呼求说:「哎!吾主上主,你在耶路撒冷发泄你的愤怒,要灭绝以色列的遗民吗﹖」
9:9 他回答我说:「以色列和犹大的家族,实在罪大恶极;此地充满了血债,满城都是暴行,他们还说:上主已离弃了此地,上主看不见。
9:10 因此,我的眼也决不怜视,一点也不顾惜;反而我要把他们的行为,归在他们头上。」
9:11 看啊,那身穿细麻衣,腰间带着墨盒的人,回来报告说:「我已照你的吩咐的做了。」
第十章(22)
取火炭异像
10:1 我观望时,见在革鲁宾头上,穹苍之上,有一块像碧玉的石头,看似宝座,出现在他们上边。
10:2 上主问那身穿细麻衣的人说:「你到革鲁宾下边的轮子中间,由革鲁宾中间取一满掬火炭,撒在城上。」他就在我眼前进去了。
10:3 当那人进去时,革鲁宾站在圣殿的右边,云彩弥漫了内院。
10:4 上主的光荣,由革鲁宾之间升起,停在圣殿的门限上,圣殿内充满了云彩,庭院中也充满了上主光荣的灿烂。
10:5 革鲁宾展翅的响声达于外院,像全能的天主讲话的声音。
10:6 以后他吩咐那身穿细麻衣的人说:「从轮子中间,从革鲁宾中间取火罢!」那人就前去,站在轮子旁边。
10:7 一位革鲁宾由革鲁宾中间伸手,到革鲁宾中间的火上取了火,放在那身穿细麻衣的手中;那人接过去就走了。
10:8 我看见革鲁宾在翅膀下的手好象人手。
10:9 我观望时,见革鲁宾旁边有四个轮子,每一位革鲁宾旁有一个轮子,轮子的外表光泽有如橄榄玉石。
10:10 轮子的外表,四个都有同样的形状,好象轮子套在轮子中。
10:11 转动时可向四面旋转,前行时不必回转。
10:12 在他们的身体、背、手、翅膀和四个轮子上,布满了眼睛。
10:13 我所说的轮子名叫「加耳加耳。」
10:14 每一个革鲁宾有四个形状:第一个形状是牛形,第二个形状是人形,第三个形状是狮形,第四个形状是鹰形。
10:15 以后革鲁宾上升去了;这是我在革巴尔河岸所见的活物。
10:16 革鲁宾前行时,轮子也在他们旁边转动;革鲁宾展开翅膀,由地面升起时,轮子也不离他们左右。
10:17 他们站住,轮子也停下;他们升起,轮子也同他们一起升起,因为轮子内有活物的神力。
上主的光荣离开圣殿
10:18 那时,上主的光荣离开了圣殿的门限,停在革鲁宾上。
10:19 革鲁宾展开翅膀,在我眼前由地面升起;当他们离去时,轮子也跟着离去。他们停在上主圣殿的东门门口时,以色列的天主的光荣就停在他们上面。
10:20 这就是我靠近革巴尔河,在以色列的天主下面所见的那些活物,现在我明白他们是革鲁宾。
10:21 每个有四样形状,每个有四个翅膀,在他们翅膀下有相似人的手。
10:22 关于他们的形像,和我靠近革巴尔河所见的形像一样,每个朝自己的前面进行。
第十一章(25)
惩罚犹大的首领
11:1 以后,神力把我提起,把我带到上主圣殿东面的东门那里。看,在大门口有二十五个人,我看见在他们中有阿组尔的儿子亚匝尼雅和贝纳雅的儿子培拉提雅,他们是民众的首领。
11:2 上主向我说:「人子,在这城中图谋不轨,出坏主意的就是这些人。
11:3 他们说:房屋不是刚建筑不久吗﹖城是锅,我们是肉。
11:4 为此你要发言反对他们;人子,发言罢!」
11:5 上主的神临于我,向我说:「你要说:上主这样说:以色列家,你们所说过的话,心中想的什么,我都知道。
11:6 你们在此城中杀害了许多人,街市上满了伤亡的人。
11:7 为此吾主上主这样说:你们在城内所杀害的人是肉,城是锅,但你们都要由城中赶出去。
11:8 你们怕刀剑,我必使刀剑临于你们──吾主上主的断语--
11:9 我要把你们由城中赶出,把你们交于外人手中,在你们身上实行惩罚。
11:10 你们要丧身刀下;我必要在以色列边境上惩罚你们;如此,你们要承认我是上主。
11:11 这城为你们决不是锅,你们也决不是其中的肉;我必要在以色列边境上惩罚你们。
11:12 如此你们必承认我是上主,因为你们没有遵行我的法令,没有实行我的法律,却照你们四邻异民的法律去行。」
11:13 我正在讲预言的时候,贝纳雅的儿子培拉提雅死了;我遂伏地掩面,高声哀呼说:「哎!吾主上主,你要灭尽以色列的遗民吗﹖」
遗民更新
11:14 上主的话传给我说:
11:15 「人子,耶路撒冷的居民论及你的同胞兄弟,同你一起被掳的人,即以色列全家族的人,这样说:他们远离了上主,这地应归于我们占有了。
11:16 为此你应宣讲说:吾主上主这样说:我虽迁移他们,远至异民之中,将他们分散到各国,但在他们所到的地方,我暂时仍是他们的圣所。
11:17 因此你应宣讲:吾主上主这样说:我要从各民族聚集你们,由你们分散所到的各国中召集你们,把以色列地域再赐给你们。
11:18 他们一回到那里,必灭绝那里的偶像,铲除那里的一切丑恶的事。
11:19 我必赐给他们另一颗心,在他们脏腑放上另一种精神;拿走他们铁石的心,给他们换上一颗血肉的心,
11:20 为使他们遵行我的法令,谨守我的法律,而一一实行:如此他们要作我的百姓,我要作他们的天主。
11:21 至于那些心中仍随从偶像和丑恶之事的人,我要把他们的行为归在他们的头上──吾主上主的断语。」
上主的光荣离开圣城
11:22 那时革鲁宾展开了翅膀,轮子也随着转动,以色列天主的光荣停在他们之上。
11:23 上主的光荣由城中升起,停在城东的山上。
11:24 神力把我提起,在异象中,即在天主的神力中,把我带到加色丁充军的人那里。我所见的异象就在我面前消失了。
11:25 我遂向充军的人讲述上主给我显示的一切事。
第十二章(28)
充军的象征
12:1 上主的话传给我说:
12:2 「人子,你是住在叛逆的家族中,他们有眼,却视而不见;有耳,却听而不闻;因为他们是叛逆的家族。
12:3 人子,你要白天在他们眼前准备充军的行囊,并在他们眼前从一地迁移到另一地;他们或者能看清自己是叛逆的家族。
12:4 你白天在他们眼前把行囊搬出,像搬出充军的行囊;傍晚在他们眼前出发,像充军者出发。
12:5 你还要在他们眼前在墙上穿一个洞,由那里走过去。
12:6 你当着他们的面,把行囊背在肩上,天黑时出发,并且蒙着脸,看不到地面:因为我要使你作为以色列家族的一个预兆。」
12:7 我遂遵命行了:白天我把行囊搬出,有如充军的行囊,傍晚用手在墙上穿了一个洞;到天黑时,当着他们的面,把行囊背在肩上出发。
预兆的意义
12:8 到了早晨,上主的话传给我说:
12:9 「人子,以色列家族,那叛逆的家族不是问你说:你在作什么﹖
12:10 你要回答他们说:吾主上主这样说:这神谕是有关耶路撒冷的君王和城中的以色列全家族。
12:11 并且说:我为你们是一个预兆:像我所行过的,也要实现在他们身上:他们要被掳充军异地。
12:12 君王在他们当中肩上背着重担,在黑夜出发,在墙上要穿一洞,为叫他出去;他要蒙着脸,以致他再不能亲眼看见这地方。
12:13 我要在他面前设下罗网,他必要陷在我的罗网中而被捉住;然后我他到加色丁人的地方巴比伦,但他一无所见,就死在那里。
12:14 我还要把他左右的护卫,以及一切军队,分散到四方,并拔出剑来追赶他们。
12:15 当我把他们驱散到异民中,把他们分散到各国时,他们必承认我是上主。
12:16 但我在他们中仍保留少数的人,免受刀兵、饥荒和瘟疫之害,为叫他们给他们所到之地的异民,讲述自己的丑恶之事,使那些人也认识我是上主。」
预示圣城的饥荒
12:17 上主的话传给我说:「
12:18 人子,你要战战兢兢地吃饭,怀着颤栗和惶恐喝水。
12:19 你应向此地的人民宣讲说:吾主上主论及耶路撒冷的居民和以色列地域这样说:他们要惶恐地吃饭,惊惧地喝水,为了那里的居民所行的残暴,那地方要被洗劫,变为荒芜之地。
12:20 人烟稠密的城市要变为旷野,那地方必变为沙漠:如此,你们必承认我是上主。」
先知所言必要实现
12:21 上主的话传给我说:「
12:22 人子,在以色列地域,有人说:日期迟延了,异象落空了。这流言是什么意思﹖
12:23 为此你应向他们说:吾主上主这样说:我必使这流言停止,以色列必不再说这流言;你该向他们说:日期近了,所有的异象必要实现。
12:24 在以色列家族内,决不再有虚伪的异象和欺诈的预言。
12:25 因为是我上主讲话,我讲的话必要实现,不再迟延。叛逆的家族!我说的话必在你们这一代实现──吾主上主的断语。」
12:26 上主的话传给我说:「
12:27 人子,以色列家族说:这人所见的异象是指遥远的来日;他说的预言,是指遥远的时期。
12:28 为此你要向他们说:吾主上主这样说:我说的一切话,不再迟延;我所说的话,必要实现──吾主上主的断语。」
第十三章(23)
攻斥假先知
13:1 上主的话传给我说:「
13:2 人子,你要斥责那些在以色列讲预言的先知,向那些随心所欲说预言的人说:你们应听上主的话!
13:3 吾主上主这样说:那些随心所欲,而一无所见的愚妄先知,是有祸的!
13:4 以色列!你的先知好象废墟中的狐狸。
13:5 你们没有上到缺口处,也没有围绕以色列家建筑围墙,好叫她在上主的日子,在战争中稳立。
13:6 他们所见的尽是空虚,所预言的尽是欺诈,反而说是「上主的断语;」其实上主并没有派遣他们,他们还指望自己的话能够实现。
13:7 你们岂不是见了幻像,说了欺诈的预言,还说是「上主的断语﹖」其实我并没有说过。
假先知必受惩罚
13:8 为此,吾主上主这样说:因为你们说的是谎话,见的是幻像,我必攻斥你们──吾主上主的断语──
13:9 我必伸手打击那些见幻像,说欺诈预言的先知。他们决不得参加我人民的议会,不得登记在以色列家族的名册上,也不得进入以色列地域:如此你们要承认我是上主。
13:10 因为他们迷惑我的人民说:「平安;」其实并没有平安。人民筑起墙来,看,他们就来墁泥。
13:11 你要向墁泥的人说;我要使骤雨降下,冰雹落下,暴风刮来,
13:12 那墙必要倾倒。那时,人岂不是要向你们说:你们所墁的泥在那里呢﹖
13:13 为此,吾主上主这样说:在我愤怒时,我要使暴风刮来,在怒火中使骤雨降下,在愤怒时使冰雹降下,破坏一切。
13:14 我要摧毁你们墁过泥的墙,使它倾倒在地,基础暴露;墙倾倒了,你们也要消失在其中:如此,你们要承认我是上主。
13:15 当我对那墙和在墙上墁泥的人发泄了我的愤怒,我要对你们说:墙没有了,墁墙的人也不见了。
13:16 这是指那些向耶路撒冷讲预言的以色列的先知,他们说见过平安的异象;其实并没有平安──吾主上主的断语。
攻斥假女先知
13:17 人子,你要转面向那些随心所欲,讲预言的你百姓中的女先知,你要斥责她们。
13:18 你宣讲说:吾主上主这样说:那些为手腕缝制各种带子,照头的大小制做各种头巾,以猎取人命的女人,是有祸的!你们猎取了我百姓的性命,难道能挽救你们自己的性命﹖
13:19 你们竟为了一掬麦子,一块饼,就在我百姓前亵渎了我,使不应死的人死去,使不应活的人活着,以欺骗我那好听信谎言的百姓。
13:20 为此,吾主上主这样说:看,我要把你们像捕鸟一样猎取人命的带子,从你们手腕上撕下,释放你们所猎取的人,像释放飞鸟;
13:21 撕破你们的头巾,由你们手中救出我的百姓;他们决不再做你们手中的猎物:如此,你们要承认我是上主。
13:22 因为你们以谎言使义人的心沮丧;其实,我并没有使义人悲哀;你们又鼓励恶人,使他不肯离开罪恶的路,以求生存。
13:23 为此,你们不得再见幻像,不得再说预言;反之,我要从你们手中救出我的百姓:如此,你们必承认我是上主。」
第十四章(23)
崇拜邪神不可救药
14:1 有些以色列的长老来见我,坐在我面前。
14:2 那时上主的话传给我说:「
14:3 人子,这些人心中供着他们自己的邪神,在自己面前放着犯罪的绊脚石,我岂能让他们来求问﹖
14:4 为此,你要告诉他们,对他们说:吾主上主这样说:以色列家族中的任何人,或心中仍供着自己的神,在自己面前仍放着犯罪的绊脚石,而来求见先知,我上主必按照他偶像的数目亲自答复他,
14:5 为能打动以色列家族的心,因为他们为了所有的偶像疏远了我。
14:6 为此,你应对以色列家族说:吾主上主这样说:回头罢!离开你们的偶像,放弃你们所有的丑恶!
14:7 以色列家族中任何人,甚或在以色列中侨居的外国人,如果疏远了我,把自己的邪神供在心中,把犯罪的绊脚石放在自己面前,而敢来见先知求问我,我上主必亲自答复他。
14:8 我必正面打击这样的人,使他成为一种警戒和笑柄,把他由人民中铲除:如此,你们必承认我是上主。
14:9 若一个先知受骗而发言,这是我上主哄骗了那先知;我要伸手打击他,从我人民以色列中间把他消灭。
14:10 求问者与先知的罪一样,都应负咎。
14:11 如此,以色列家族不再远离我而走入迷途,不再受任何罪恶的玷污;他们要作我的人民,我要作他们的天主:这是吾主上主的断语。」
义人得救恶人丧亡
14:12 上主的话传给我说:
14:13 「人子,若某地背信违约,犯罪得罪我,我必伸手打击她,断绝她的粮源,使饥荒降到那地,把人和兽从那地铲除。
14:14 纵然在那里有诺厄、达尼尔和约伯三个人,这三个人也只能为了自己的义德救自己──吾主上主的断语──
14:15 或者我使猛兽横行那地,灭绝人迹,使那地变为荒野,由于猛兽而没人敢经过。
14:16 纵然在那里有这三个人,我指着我的生命起誓──吾主上主的断语──他们也不能救自己的子女,只能救自己,那地方必变为荒芜。
14:17 或者我使刀兵来到那地,且吩咐说:刀兵应横行那地,铲除那里的人和兽类!
14:18 纵然在那里有这三个人,我指着我的生命起誓──吾主上主的断语──他们也不能救自己的子女,而只能救自己。
14:19 或者使那地发生瘟疫,以屠杀发泄我的愤怒,好从那里灭绝人和兽类,
14:20 纵然诺厄、达尼尔和约伯也在那里,我指着我的生命起誓──吾主上主的断语──他们连一子一女也救不出,只能因自己的义德救自己。
14:21 因为吾主上主这样说:我虽然使刀兵、饥荒、猛兽、瘟疫四大灾难降在耶路撒冷,为灭绝那里的人和兽类;
14:22 但是那里还有幸免的人,领着子女逃出。看,他们要到你们这里来,使你们看见他们的行为和动作,而对我加于耶路撒冷的灾难和我对她所行的一切,获得宽慰。
14:23 当你们看见他们的行为和动作时,你们必能获得安慰:这样你们必然知道:我在耶路撒冷行了所行的一切,并非无因──吾主上主的断语。」
第十五章(8)
耶路撒冷是不结果的葡萄树
15:1 上主的话传给我说:「
15:2 人子,树林中这棵葡萄树,到底有什么超越其它一切树木之处﹖
15:3 岂能取它的木材制造用具,或者能取出它一根枝条,在上面悬挂器具﹖
15:4 只有投入火中焚烧;火焚烧了它的两端,中间也在焚烧;它还能有什么用途﹖
15:5 当它完整时,还不能作什么用具,何况经火燃烧焚化之后,岂不是更不能制造什么用具﹖
15:6 为此,吾主上主这样说:我怎样把树林中的葡萄树投入火中焚烧,也必怎样对待耶路撒冷的居民。
15:7 我要翻脸打击他们:他们虽从火中逃出来,仍要为火焚烧。当我翻脸打击他们时,他们必承认我是上主。
15:8 因为他们背信违约,我必使那地方变为荒野──吾主上主的断语。」
第十六章(63)
以色列是上主的净配
16:1 上主的话传给我说:「
16:2 人子,你要去使耶路撒冷知道她的一切丑恶!
16:3 你要宣讲说:吾主上主这样对耶路撒冷说:你的起源和来历是出自客纳罕地,你的父亲是阿摩黎人,你的母亲是赫特人。
16:4 当你出生时,在你诞生的那一天,没有人割断你的脐带,用水洗净你,用盐擦你,用襁褓裹你;
16:5 没有一个人怜视你,为你做一件上述的事,对你表同情。反之,在你诞生之日,因为你惹人讨厌,就把你拋弃在田野间。
16:6 我从你身旁经过时,见你辗转在血污中,就向你说:你在血中生活罢!
16:7 生长有如田野间的花草。你遂渐渐发育长大,到了青春年华,你的乳房硕壮,头发蔓长,但还是赤身裸体。
16:8 我又经过你身旁时,看见了你,见你的时期即怀春期到了,我就向你展开了我的衣襟,遮盖了你得裸体,也向你发了誓,立了约──吾主上主的断语──你遂成了我的。
16:9 我用水洗净了你,涤除了你身上的血污;又用香膏傅抹了你,
16:10 给你穿上锦绣的衣服,穿上海狗皮鞋,蒙上细麻头巾,披上绸缎;
16:11 以后又用珠宝装饰你,给你腕上带上镯子,颈上挂上项链,
16:12 鼻子上套上环子,耳朵挂上金环,头上戴上花冠。
16:13 金银作你的点缀,细麻、绸缎和锦绣作你的衣服;细面、蜂蜜和油作你的饮食。你实在美丽绝伦,堪登后位。
16:14 因你的美丽,你的名声传遍了万国;因我用我的饰物点缀了你,你才如此美丽无瑕──吾主上主的断语。
以色列背弃天主
16:15 然而你仗恃你的美丽,凭着你的名声去行淫,与任何过客纵情淫乱。
16:16 你还用你的衣服,作为高丘的点缀,为在那里行淫。
16:17 又用我给你的金银饰物,制造男人的像,同它们行淫;
16:18 又将锦绣衣服,给它们穿上,把我给你的油和香料,供在它们前。
16:19 我给你的食品:细面、油和蜜,原是为养活你的,你却拿去供在它们前,作为甘饴的馨香──吾主上主的断语──
16:20 甚至你还祭杀你给我生的子女,作为它们的食品。你这淫行还算小吗﹖
16:21 你竟祭杀了我的子女,予以焚化,献给它们。
16:22 你行这些丑恶和淫乱之事时,却没有想起你幼年的时期,那时你本来赤身露体,辗转在血污中。
16:23 你除了行这一切邪恶之外──你有祸了,你有祸了,吾主上主的断语──
16:24 你还为自己建筑高台,在各街上建立丘坛。
16:25 又在所有的街头设立丘坛,去损害你的美丽,把你的脚伸向所有过客,纵情淫乱;
16:26 又与你那身体肥大的邻居埃及人行淫;你尽情淫荡,激起我的怒火。
16:27 我曾伸手打击你,削减了你的供应品,把你交给那仇恨你的培肋舍特城邑,她们对你那淫荡的行为都感到羞耻。
16:28 因你还不满足,又与亚述人行淫;与他们行淫之后,仍未获得满足,
16:29 又与商业之国的加色丁人纵欲淫乱,但你仍得不到满足。
16:30 你的心是何等的腐化──吾主上主的断语──你行的这一切,简直是无耻娼妇之所为!
16:31 你在各街头为你建筑高台,在各广场上建立丘坛,但你并不像娼妓只为获得淫资,
16:32 却是一个淫妇,虽有丈夫,仍接纳外人。
16:33 对妓女都给以缠头,但你却把缠头给你的情人,吸引他们从各方来与你行淫。
16:34 关于你,你行淫正与其它妇女相反,没有人追求你行淫,人不给你淫资,而你却拿出淫资给人:这就是你与人相反的地方。
淫妇所受之罚
16:35 为此,你这淫妇,听上主的话罢!
16:36 吾主上主这样说:因为你暴露了你的下身,揭开了你的裸体,同你的情人,同你的丑恶之神行淫,更因为你把子女的血献给它们;
16:37 为此,看,我要聚集你所恋爱的情人,你所爱的人,和你所恨的人;我由各方把他们聚集来打击你,我要在他们前揭开你的裸体,使他们看见你整个的裸体。
16:38 我要照奸妇和流血的女人的案件裁判你,对你发泄愤怒和妒火。
16:39 我要把你交在他们手中,他们要破坏你的高台,荡平你的丘坛,剥下你的衣服,夺去你的装饰,赤身露体地拋弃你。
16:40 他们还要召集联军来攻打你,用石头砸死你,用刀剑把你凌迟,
16:41 放火烧你的房舍,在众妇女前裁判你。我要这样停止你的淫乱,使你再也不能赠送淫资。
16:42 如此,我就平息了我向你发的愤怒,我的妒火也要远离你,我要宁静,不再发怒。
16:43 因为你不追念你幼年的日子,反在这些事上惹我愤怒;看,我要把你的行为报复在你头上──吾主上主的断语──使你再不与你所有的丑恶之物行淫。
选民比索多玛人更坏
16:44 凡说格言的必以格言指着你说:有其母,必有其女!
16:45 你真不愧是你母亲的女儿,因为她憎嫌了自己的丈夫和子女;你也不愧是你姊妹们的姊妹,因为她们也憎嫌了自己的丈夫和子女;你们的母亲是赫特人,你们的父亲是阿摩黎人﹖
16:46 你的姐姐是撒玛黎雅,她和她所有的女儿住在你的北面;你的妹妹是索多玛,她和她所有的女儿住在你的南面。
16:47 你没有走她们所走的路,没有行她们所行的丑事,为时很短;但后来你在你的一切行为上比她们更坏。
16:48 我指着我的生命起誓──吾主上主的断语──你的妹妹索多玛和她的女儿没有行过像你和你的女儿们所行的事。
16:49 你的妹妹索多玛的罪恶是:她和她的女儿生活奢华,饮食丰富,安享太平,却没有伸手扶助遭难和贫穷的人,
16:50 妄自尊大,在我面前行了丑恶的事;我一看见,就把她们予以消除。
16:51 连撒玛黎雅也没有犯过你一半的罪过,你行的败德之事更甚于她们;由于你行了这样多的丑恶,使你的姐姐却显得比你更正义。
16:52 现今,你应当承受你罪恶的羞辱,因为你好象为了你的姊妹作了担保人,因为你所犯的罪过比她们犯的更重,使她们显得比你更正义;现今,你应当害羞,承受羞辱,因为你使你的姊妹显得更正义。
预言以色列民与万民复兴
16:53 我要改变她们的命运:即索多玛和她女儿们的命运,撒玛黎雅和她女儿们的命运,同时我也改变你在她们中的命运;
16:54 为叫你承受你应受的羞辱时,你对自己所行的一切自觉惭愧,可使她们略得宽慰。
16:55 那时你的妹妹索多玛和她的女儿们,要恢复原状,撒玛黎雅和她的女儿们也要恢复原状,同时你和你的女儿也要恢复原状。
16:56 当你心高气傲时,你的妹妹索多玛在你的口中不是有过臭名吗﹖
16:57 但这是在暴露你的裸体之前。现今你却成了厄东的女儿们及其四邻,并培肋舍特的女儿们辱骂的对象,她们在四周都嘲笑你。
16:58 你应承当你淫荡和丑行的报应──吾主上主的断语──
16:59 吾主上主这样说:因为你轻视了誓言,破坏了盟约,我要照你所行的对待你;
16:60 然而我还纪念同你在你青年的时日所立的盟约,并且还要同你结一个永久的盟约。
16:61 当你收纳比你年长的姐姐和比你年幼的妹妹,我把她们交给你作你的女儿时,你要想起你的行为,自觉羞愧,但这并不是出于与你所立的盟约。
16:62 我要与你重订盟约,你要承认我是上主,
16:63 为的是当我宽恕你所行的一切时,你一回想就惭愧,面对这耻辱再不敢开口──吾主上主的断语。」
第十七章(24)
大鹰比喻
17:1 上主的话传给我说:
17:2 「人子,你要向以色列家族说寓言,讲比喻。
17:3 你应宣讲说:吾主上主这样说:有一只大鹰,翅膀庞大,翅翼广阔,羽毛丰满,异彩灿烂,飞到黎巴嫩,啄下香柏的树梢,
17:4 折下了嫩枝的尖端,带到贸易的地方,安放在商贾的城中。
17:5 它又取了本地的种子,种植在苗圃中,把它栽种在多水之旁,有如栽植柳树。
17:6 它果然长起,成了一棵蔓延而躯干矮小的葡萄树;蔓子向鹰伸展,根子向下生长;它遂成了一棵葡萄树,生出蔓子,长出枝子。
17:7 又有另一只大鹰,翅膀庞大,羽毛丰满;看,这里葡萄树往它那里伸展自己的根子,也把枝子蔓延到它那里,想获得比在被栽植的园圃中更多的滋润。
17:8 但它原是种植在多水的肥田中,为生长枝蔓,结出果实,成为一棵茂盛的葡萄树。
17:9 你应宣讲:吾主上主这样说:它能茂盛吗﹖那鹰岂不是要拔出它的根子,啄下它的果实,使正在生出的枝叶枯萎;为拔出它的根子,并不需要强有力的手和众多的人。
17:10 它虽被栽植,但岂能茂盛﹖东风一吹来,岂不全要枯萎﹖它必在生长的园圃中枯萎。」
比喻的释义
17:11 上主的话又传给我说:
17:12 「请向这叛逆的家族说:你们明白不明白这有什么意思﹖你要说:看,巴比伦王来到耶路撒冷,捉住城中的君王和官员,把他穿了王室的一个后裔同他立了约叫他宣了誓带到巴比伦来见他。
17:13 他挑选了王室的一个后裔,同他立了约,叫他宣了誓;以后掳走了那地的贵族,
17:14 为使那王国衰微,不再有野心,使她遵守盟约,得以生存。
17:15 但是耶路撒冷的君王却背叛了他,派使臣到埃及去,要求给他战马和大军。他作了这事,岂能顺利获得救援﹖他破坏了盟约,岂能幸免逃脱﹖
17:16 我指着我的生命起誓:──吾主上主的断语──他必要死在立他为王者的地方,即巴比伦,因为他没有尊重自己的誓言,破坏了同他所立的盟约。
17:17 当人们堆起高台,建造云梯,屠杀许多生灵时,法郎却没有率领大军,也没有召集人马来协助他作战。
17:18 他既然不尊重誓言,破坏了盟约,举手宣誓之后,而又行了这一切,他决不会逃脱。
17:19 因此,吾主上主这样说:我指着我的生命起誓:因为他轻视了我的誓言,破坏了我的盟约,报复必临在他的头上。
17:20 我要在他上面张开罗网,叫他陷在我的网中而被逮捕;以后带他到巴比伦去,由于他背叛我的罪过,我要在那里栽判他。
17:21 他军中所有的精兵都要亡于刀下,剩余的逃散到四方。那时你们便要承认是我上主说了这话。」
论默西亚的预言
17:22 吾主上主这样说:「我要亲自由高大的香柏树梢上取下一枝条,从嫩枝的尖上折下一根嫩芽,亲自把它栽植在高山峻岭之上,
17:23 栽植在以色列的高山上,它要生长枝叶,结出果实,成为一棵高大的香柏;各种飞鸟要栖在它下,栖在他枝叶的荫影之下。
17:24 如此,田野间的一切树木都承认我是上主,都知道我曾使高大的树矮小,使矮小的树高大,使绿树枯萎,使枯木发绿,我上主言出必行。
第十八章(32)
行善者生作恶者死
18:1 上主的话传给我说:
18:2 「在以色列地区内,你们有这样流行的俗话说:『祖先吃了酸葡萄,而子孙的牙酸倒』这话有什么意思﹖
18:3 我指着我的生命起誓──吾主上主的断语──在以色列决不能再容许这俗话流行。
18:4 所有的生命都属于我,祖先的生命与子孙的生命全属于我;谁犯罪,谁丧亡。
18:5 一个人若正义,必行公道正义的事。
18:6 他不上山吃祭物,不举目瞻仰以色列家族的偶像,不污辱近人的妻子,不接近经期中的妇女,
18:7 不欺压任何人,清还债户的抵押,不抢劫,施给饥饿者食物,给赤身者衣穿,
18:8 不放重利,不取息金,使自己的手远避邪恶,在人与人之间执行公正的审断,
18:9 遵行我的法度,谨守我的诫命,行事忠信:这样的人纔是正义的,必得生存──吾主的断语──
18:10 倘若这人生了一个儿子,性暴好杀,只行这类的事;
18:11 对上述的事不但不作,反而上山吃祭物,污辱近人的妻子,
18:12 欺压贫穷无告的人,抢劫,不清还抵押,举目瞻仰偶像,行丑恶之事,
18:13 放重利,取利息:这样的人决不能生存,因为他行了这些丑事,必要丧亡,他的血债必由他自己来负。
18:14 倘若这人生了一个儿子,这儿子虽看见了他父亲所行的一切罪过,但考虑之后,却未依照去做;
18:15 不在山上吃祭物,不举目瞻仰以色列家族的偶像,不污辱近人的妻子,
18:16 不欺压,不索取抵押,不抢劫,施给饥饿者食物,给赤身者衣穿,
18:17 使自己的手戒绝邪恶,不取重利和利息,谨守我的法律,遵行我的法度:这人必不因他父亲的罪而丧亡,必得生存。
18:18 至于他的父亲,由于暴行,抢劫,在自己人民中从未行过善。看,他必因自己的罪而丧亡。
18:19 你们或问:儿子为什么不承当父亲的罪过﹖因为儿子遵行法律和正义,谨守了我一切法度,而一一遵行,他必得生存。
18:20 谁犯罪,谁就该丧亡;儿子不承当父亲的罪过,父亲不承当儿子的罪过;义人的正义归于义人自己,恶人的邪恶也归于恶人自己。
18:21 若恶人悔改,远离所犯的罪过,遵守我的法度,遵行我的法律和正义,必得生存,不至丧亡。
18:22 他所行的一切邪恶必被遗忘;他必因所行的正义而得生存。
18:23 我岂能喜欢恶人的丧亡﹖──吾主上主的断语──我岂不更喜欢他离开旧道而得生存﹖
18:24 若义人离弃了正义而行恶,一如恶人所惯行的丑恶,他岂能生存﹖他行过的正义必被遗忘,因为他背信违约,犯了罪过,必要丧亡。
18:25 你们或说:上主的作法不公平!以色列家族,请听我说:是我的作法不公平吗﹖岂不是你们的作法不公平﹖
18:26 若是义人离弃正义而行恶,因而丧亡,是因为他所行的恶而丧亡。
18:27 若恶人远离他所行的恶事,而遵行法律和正义,必能保全自己的生命,
18:28 因为他考虑之后,离弃了所行的一切恶事,他必生存,不至丧亡。
18:29 若以色列家族还说:吾主的作法不公平。以色列家族!是我的作法不公平吗﹖岂不是你们的作法不公平﹖
劝充军者改恶迁善
18:30 以色列家族!我要照各人的行为裁判你们──吾主上主的断语──你们应回心转意,离开你们的一切罪恶,避免它们再做你们犯罪的绊脚石。
18:31 由你们身上拋契一切得罪我的恶行罢!你们应改造一个新心,一种新的精神!以色列家族,为何你们偏要丧亡﹖
18:32 因为我不喜欢任何人丧亡──吾主上主的断语──你们回心转意罢!你们必得生存!
第十九章(14)
母狮与幼狮的寓言
19:1 你应为以色列的君王唱一篇哀歌,
19:2 说:「你的母亲原像什么﹖她像群狮中的一只牝狮,卧在壮狮中养大了幼狮。
19:3 它养大了一只幼小的。它就长成了壮狮,学会了撕裂猎物,吞噬人类。
19:4 列国于是下令追捕它,它遂在她们所设的陷阱中被捕,人便用鼻环把它牵到埃及地。
19:5 母狮见自己所等待的,所希望的落了空,就另取了一只幼狮,使它成为壮狮。
19:6 它在群狮中徘徊,成了壮狮,学会了撕裂猎物,吞噬人类。
19:7 它把裂物带到自己的穴中,恐吓羊群,那地方和居民对它的吼声,无不惊惧。
19:8 于是各国由四周各地追踪它,设下罗网捕捉它,终于在她们的陷阱中被捕。
19:9 然后给它带上鼻环,把它装在笼中,将他解送到巴比伦王那里,将它囚禁在狱中,免得在以色列的山上再听到它的吼声。
葡萄树的寓言
19:10 你的母亲像园中的一棵葡萄树,栽植在水旁,因为水多,果实累累,枝叶繁茂。
19:11 她生出一根粗壮的枝条,可作统治者的令牌,它的躯干高大,超过其它的枝叶。因它身量高大,在密茂的枝叶中,也可以见到。
19:12 但是在狂怒中,它竟被拔出,拋弃在地上,东风吹干了它的果实,它粗壮的枝干被折断而干枯,为火所焚烧。
19:13 现今它被栽植在沙漠中,在那枯燥干旱的地方。
19:14 由枝梢上冒出一团火,焚烧了它的枝叶和果实,没有给它留下一根粗壮的枝条,作统治者的令牌。」这是一篇哀歌,可为追悼之用。
第二十章(44)
斥责以民在埃及犯的罪
20:1 七年五月十日,有些以色列长老前来求问上主,他们坐在我面前。
20:2 上主的话传给我说:
20:3 「人子,你要向以色列长老发言,对他们说:吾主上主这样说:你们是为求问我而来的吗﹖我指着我的生命起誓:我决不让你们求问──吾主上主的断语──
20:4 人子,你应开庭审问他们,叫他们知道他们祖先的丑恶。
20:5 你向他们说:吾主上主这样说:在我拣选以色列之日,便向雅各伯的后裔举手起誓,并在埃及地显示给他们,向他们举手起誓说:我是上主,你们的天主。
20:6 在那一天,我曾向他们举手起誓,要领他们出离埃及地,到我早给他们拣选的流奶流蜜的地方去,那是普世最肥美的地方。
20:7 那时我向他们说:你们每人都该拋弃自己最喜爱的偶像,不要为埃及的神像所玷污:我是上主,你们的天主;
20:8 但他们竟背弃我,不肯听从我,没有人拋弃自己所喜爱的偶像,也没有人丢开埃及的神像。那时我本想在他们身上发泄我的愤怒,在埃及地域向他们尽泄我的怒气。
20:9 然而我为了我的名没有这样作,免得我的名在异民眼前,即在他们居留的地方,受到亵渎,因为我曾在他们眼前显示给他们,要领我的百姓离开埃及地。
在旷野犯的罪过
20:10 我引他们离开埃及地,领他们到了旷野,
20:11 给他们颁布了我的诫命,给他们启示了我的法律:凡遵守那些法律的,便可赖以生存。
20:12 我还给他们规定了我的安息日,作为我与他们中间的记号,为承认我就是祝圣他们的上主。
20:13 但是以色列家族在旷野中背弃了我,没有奉行我的法度,轻视了我的法律,即遵行的人可赖以生存的法律,并对我的安息日大加亵渎;那时我本想在他们身上发泄我的愤怒,在旷野中消灭他们。
20:14 然而我为了我的名,没有这样作,免得我的名在异民前受亵渎,因为我曾在异民眼前将他们引领出来。
20:15 甚至在旷野中我也亲自向他们举手起过誓,不再领他们进入我曾赐给他们那流奶流蜜之地,即普世最肥美的地方;
20:16 因为他们拋弃了我的法律,没有奉行我的法度,并且亵渎了我的安息日,因为他们的心随从了他们的偶像;
20:17 但是我的眼睛还怜视了他们,没有击杀他们,也没有在旷也中消灭他们。
20:18 以后,我在旷野中向他们的后代说:你们不要追随你们祖先的习惯,不要遵行他们的惯例,也不要为他们的偶像所玷污。
20:19 我是上主你们的天主;你们应奉行我的法度,谨守我的法律,要一一履行;
20:20 要圣化我的安息日,作为我与你们之间的记号,承认我是上主,你们的天主。
20:21 然而他们的后代也背弃了我,没有奉行我的法度,也没有遵守我的法律,即遵行的人可赖以生存的法律,并且也亵渎了我的安息日。我本想在他们身上发泄我的愤怒,在旷野中尽泄我的怒气,
20:22 但是为了我的名我缩回了手,没有那样作,免得我的名在异民前受到亵渎,因为我刚由他们面前将他们领出来。
20:23 并且在旷野中我也亲自向他们举手起过誓,要将他们分散在异民中,将他们放逐在各国中;
20:24 因为他们没有遵行我的法律,且轻视了我的法度,亵渎了我的安息日,他们的眼目转向了他们的祖先的偶像。
20:25 为此,我容许他们有不良的法度,和不能赖以生存的法律;
20:26 并使他们因自己的祭献成为不洁,让他们将头胎所生的,予以焚化祭祀,为使他们灭绝;如此,他们要承认我是上主。
在客纳罕犯的罪过
20:27 人子,为此你应告诉以色列家族,向他们说:吾主上主这样说:你们的祖先,连在这事上也亵渎了我,对我背信违约:
20:28 当我引领他们进入曾向他举手誓许要赐给他们的地域时,他们无论看见那一座高丘,那一棵密茂的树木,就在那里祭杀牺牲,在那里献上甘饴的馨香,并在那里行奠酒礼。
20:29 我曾向他们说:「高丘」算是什么﹖你们竟往那里去;直到今日人还叫那地方为「巴玛。」
20:30 为此你要告诉以色列家族:吾主上主这样说:你们仍追随你们祖先的行径而玷污自己,仍同他们的邪神犯奸淫;
20:31 你们仍奉献供物,火化你们的子女,为了你们的一切偶,像使自己受玷污直到今日。以色列家族,我还能让你们求我吗﹖我指着我的生命起誓:──吾主上主的断语──我决不让你们求问。
以民的净化
20:32 你们幻想说:我们要像异民,像各地的的人民一样敬拜木石,你们心中所想的决不能成功!
20:33 我指着我的生命起誓:──吾主上主的断语──我必以强力的手,伸出的臂,暴发怒气,统治你们。
20:34 我必以强力的手,伸出的臂,暴发的怒气,把你们由万民中领出,由你们所散居的各地聚集起来;
20:35 把你们引领到异民的旷野中,在那里面对面地惩罚你们。
20:36 我怎样在埃及地的旷野中,惩罚了你们的祖先,也怎样惩罚你们──吾主上主的断语──
20:37 我要使你们在我的杖下经过,引你们受盟约的束缚。
20:38 我要从你们中分别出那些反叛和背弃我的人,我也要将他们由流徙之地领出,但是他们却不得进入以色列地域;如此你们必承认我是上主。
以民净化后归依上主
20:39 你们以色列家族,吾主上主这样说:你们每人去崇拜自己的偶像罢!可是你们终于要听从我,不再以你们的祭献和偶像来亵渎我的圣名,
20:40 因为在我的圣山上,在以色列的高山上──吾主上主的断语──凡住在本地的以色列家族,都要在那里事奉我。我要在那里悦纳你们,在那里等待你们的祭品,和你们一切圣物中最优美的祭物。
20:41 当我把你们由异民中领出来,由你们所散居的各地聚集起来时,我要悦纳你们,好象甘饴的馨香;如此,借着你们,我在异民眼前显为神圣。
20:42 当我引领你们进入以色列地域时,即我举手起誓要赐给你们祖先的那地方时,你们必承认我是上主。
20:43 在那里你们记起你们的行为,及所有玷污自己的行事,你们自己对所作的一切丑恶,也必感到厌恶。
20:44 以色列家族,为了我的名,我没有照你们的恶行和败坏的行为对待你们:如此,你们该承认我是上主──吾主上主的断语。』
第二十一章(37)
惩罚犹大
21:1 上主的话传给我说:
21:2 「人子,你转面向南,向南方发言,讲预言攻斥乃革布地方的树林,
21:3 向乃革布的树林说:你听上主的话罢!吾主上主这样说:看,我要在你那里点火,烧尽你那里所有的绿树和枯木;燃起的火焰决不熄灭,必由南方到北方烧尽一切。
21:4 凡有血肉的人都看到这火是我上主点燃的,决不能扑灭。」
21:5 我遂喊说:「哎,吾主上主啊!他们评论我说:这人只会说寓言!」
惩罚以民的剑
21:6 上主的话传给我说:
21:7 「人子,你转面向耶路撒冷,发言攻斥圣所,讲预言攻斥以色列地域,
21:8 向以色列地域说:吾主上主这样说:看,我要攻击你,我要拔剑出鞘,铲除你境内的义人和恶人,
21:9 因为我要铲除你境内的义人和恶人,为此,我的剑从鞘内抽出,攻击由南至北一切有血肉的人;
21:10 这样,凡有血肉的人都知道:是我,上主拔剑出鞘,决不再放回。
21:11 人子,你应哀叹!应在他们眼前伤心痛苦哀叹。
21:12 假使有人问你说:你为什么哀叹﹖你就说:是为了一个凶信,当这事来到,所有的心灵必要沮丧,手臂必要无力,精神必要颓唐,膝盖必要软弱如水。看,灾祸来到时,必将如此──吾主上主的断语。」
剑喻巴比伦
21:13 上主的话传给我说:
21:14 「人子,讲预言罢!吾主这样说:你要说:有一把剑:是一把磨快而擦亮的剑。
21:15 磨快了,是为大屠杀;擦亮了,是为闪烁发光。
21:16 把它拿去擦亮,好握在掌中;这把磨快的剑,这把擦亮的剑,是为交在屠杀者的手中。
21:17 人子,你要哀号痛哭,因为剑击在我百姓身上,砍在以色列的一切首领身上。他们同我的百姓都丧身刀下。为此你应击股示哀,
21:18 因为已试过一次,这要怎么办﹖它连令牌都轻视了,以致不叫它存在──吾主上主的断语──
21:19 人子,你讲预言,且鼓掌罢!那剑将是双刃的,是屠杀的剑;那把大屠杀的剑向他们挥起,
21:20 叫他们胆颤心惊,死亡的人加多。我将屠杀的剑尖指向他们所有的门户上:剑擦亮了,是为闪烁;磨快了,是为屠杀。
21:21 你的刀锋无论转向何方,或向左,或向右,都应是锋利的。
21:22 我也要亲自鼓掌,以平息我的愤怒:这是我上主说的。」
剑指向耶路撒冷
21:23 上主的话传给我说:
21:24 「人子,你应划出两条路,叫巴比伦王的剑沿路而来。这两条路应由一地出发;又划出一只手,置于通往城市的道路起点。
21:25 你所划的路,一条使剑至阿孟子民的辣巴特;一条使剑至犹大的坚城耶路撒冷。
21:26 因为巴比伦王站在岔路上,在两条路口上占卜、摇签、求问「忒辣芬,」窥察牲肝。
21:27 在他右手中出现了指向耶路撒冷的签,他便下令屠杀,吶喊冲锋,架起攻城门机,堆起高台,建造云梯。
21:28 可是在曾经发过誓愿的以色列子民看来,那签是假的。但他却想起了他们的罪过,为使他们俯首就擒。
21:29 为此吾主上主这样说:因为你们显露了你们的过犯,在你们的行为上,现出你们的恶行,使我想起了你们的罪恶;你们既然使我想起你们的罪恶,你们必在他们手中俯首就擒。
21:30 你这无耻而万恶的以色列首领,你的日子到了,犯罪的时候完了。
21:31 吾主上主这样说:取下头巾,摘去冠冕,一切都要转变:卑下的要高升,崇高的要降低。
21:32 我必要使他的国澈底灭亡,再也不能存在,直到那掌权者来到,我再交给他。」
剑指向阿孟
21:33 人子,你应讲预言说,吾主上主这样攻斥阿孟子民和他们的侮辱说:你要说:有一把剑,拔出是为屠杀,磨快是为毁灭,擦亮是为闪烁──
21:34 那时人所给予你的,是虚假的异像,欺骗的占卜──是为砍在作恶犯罪者的脖子上,他们的日子到了,犯罪的时候完了。
21:35 把剑插入鞘内,我要在你受造之地,在你生长之地裁判你。
21:36 我要在你身上发泄我的怒气,在你身上点起我的怒火,将你交在善于破坏的野蛮人手中。
21:37 你要成为烈火的燃料;你的血要倾流在国中,以后再没有人记念你,因为我上主说了。」
第二十二章(31)
耶路撒冷的罪过
22:1 上主的话传给我说:
22:2 「人子,你应开庭裁判这座流人血的城,叫她知道自己的丑恶。
22:3 你应说:吾主上主这样说:那流人血,使时辰迫近,制造偶像,自染不洁的城,是有祸的!
22:4 因你倾流人血,自负血债;因你制造偶像,自染不洁,致使你的日子已近,你的年限已到;为此,我要使你成为万民所侮辱,万邦所耻笑的对象。
22:5 那离你近,离你远的,都要耻笑你为一恶名多乱的城。
22:6 看,以色列的首领,在你中间各逞其能,倾流人的血。
22:7 在你中间有人轻视父母,在你中间有人压迫外方人,在你中间也有人欺压孤儿寡妇。
22:8 你藐视了我的圣物,亵渎了我的安息日。
22:9 在你中间有人诽谤,好倾流人血。在你中间有人到山上吃祭物,在你中间有人行淫乱。
22:10 在你中间有人揭开父亲的下体,在你中间有人玷污行经不洁的妇女。
22:11 在你中间有人同邻人的妻子行丑恶之事,有人奸污自己的儿媳,有人玷辱自己的姊妹,即父亲的女儿。
22:12 在你中间有人接受贿赂,以倾流人血。你收息金,放重利,用强力剥削你的近人,而你竟忘了我──吾主上主的断语──
22:13 看,对对你所放的重利,对在你中间所流的血债,我要鼓掌。
22:14 在我与你算账的那天,难道你的心还能忍受,你的手还能坚强﹖我,上主言出必行。
22:15 我要将你驱逐在异民中,将你散布在各地,消除你的污秽。
22:16 以后在异民眼前,我必再使你做我的产业:如此你要承认我是上主。」
以民像渣滓
22:17 上主的话传给我说:
22:18 「人子,以色列家族对我好象是渣滓,他们成了炉中的铜、锡、铁和铝,他们都成了银渣。
22:19 因此吾主上主这样说:因为你们都成了渣滓,为此,看,我必将你们聚集在耶路撒冷,
22:20 就如把银、铜、铁、铅和锡聚集在炼炉中,在上面吹火,使它们镕化;照样,我也要把你们聚集在我的怒火和愤恨中,将你们拋在里面镕化。
22:21 我要聚集你们,在你们身上吹起我的怒火,使你们镕化在耶路撒冷;
22:22 就像银子在炼炉中镕化,你们也照样在城中镕化:如此,你们就承认我是上主,是我在你们身上发泄了怒火。」
以民的罪与当受之罚
22:23 上主的话传给我说:
22:24 「人子,你应对此城说:你是一块在震怒之日无雨无水之地。
22:25 城中的王侯像司裂猎物的吼狮,他们吞噬人民,抢夺财物和珍宝,增加了城中的寡妇。
22:26 城中司祭违犯我的法律,亵渎我的圣物,不分别圣与俗,不辨明洁与不洁,且掩目不顾我的安息日,致使我在他们中蒙受亵渎。
22:27 城中的首长像撕裂猎物的豺狼,倾流人血,杀害人命,以图谋不义之财。
22:28 城中的先知还为他们掩饰罪过,所见的都是假异象,所说的都是欺诈的预言。他们说:吾主上主这样说,其实上主并没有说。
22:29 本地的人民蛮横强暴,劫夺抢掠,欺压穷苦贫困的人,迫害外方人,无法无天。
22:30 我在他们中找寻一个能修理城墙的人,能在我面前为保护本地,站在缺口处,免得我去破坏那地方的人;但我没找到一个。
22:31 为此,我向他们发泄我的怒气,用我的怒火消灭他们,把他们的行为报复在他们头上──吾主上主的断语。
第二十三章(49)
淫乱两姊妹喻
23:1 上主的话传给我说:
23:2 「人子,有两个女人,同是一母的女儿,
23:3 她们在埃及行过淫,年轻时当过娼,在那里有人抚弄过她们的乳房,在那里有人糟蹋了她们的童身。
23:4 她们的名字,大的叫敖曷拉,她妹妹叫敖曷里巴。她们本来属于我,也给我生了子女。至于她们的名字:敖曷拉是指撒玛黎雅,敖曷里巴是指耶路撒冷。
姐姐的罪行
23:5 敖曷拉属我时,已行邪淫,恋爱了她的情人,邻邦亚述人,
23:6 即那穿紫红衣服的将领和公卿,全是英俊的青年,善于骑马的骑士。
23:7 于是她与所有的亚述青年行淫,并为她所恋爱的情人及其偶像所玷污。
23:8 但她仍没有放弃埃及的淫荡,因为他们在她青年时曾同她共寝过,糟蹋过她的童身,在她身上发泄过淫欲。
23:9 为此我把她交在她情人手中,即她所热恋的亚述人手中。
23:10 他们必要揭露她的私处,掳去她的子女,用刀把她杀死:如此,因所加于她身上的惩罚,她成了妇女的警戒。
妹妹的罪行
23:11 她妹妹敖曷里巴虽看见了这一切,但她的情欲更甚于她姐姐,她的淫乱也远超过她姐姐的淫乱。
23:12 她也恋爱那些身为将领公卿的邻邦亚述子民,他们都是衣着华美,善于骑马的骑士,而且都是英俊的青年。
23:13 我也见了她受玷污,她们两的行径完全一样。
23:14 她的淫行有增无减。当她看见绘画在墙上的人──用丹青绘画的加色丁人像,
23:15 腰间束着佩带,头上缠着突出的头巾,都有军官的模样,相似巴比伦人,加色丁即是他们的出生地──
23:16 她的眼一看见,就爱上了他们,遣派使者往加色丁,到他们那里去。
23:17 巴比伦人一来到她那里,登上爱情的床,行了淫,玷污了她;她所玷污之后,遂即厌弃了他们。
23:18 她既暴露了自己的淫行,揭开了自己的私处,因此我也厌弃她,如同厌弃她姐姐一样。
23:19 她又想念年轻时在埃及行淫的日子,遂增强了她的淫欲。
23:20 她仍恋爱体壮似驴,精足似马的情人。
23:21 于是你渴望你年轻时的淫行,那时埃及人曾抚摸过你的胸怀,抚弄过你青春的乳房。
妹妹应受的惩罚
23:22 因此,敖曷里巴!吾主上主这样说:看,我要鼓动你所厌弃的情人来攻击你,引他们从四周来攻击你,
23:23 即巴比伦人和一切加色丁人,培科得、芍亚和科亚,以及一切同他们联合的亚述人,英俊的青年,一切长官和公卿、军官和将领,一切善于骑马的人。
23:24 他们率领大军、车辆和辎重车,大队士卒,都佩着甲、盾和盔,由四周攻击你。我让他们处罚你,照他们的法律判决你。
23:25 如此,我要在你身上发泄我的妒火,让他们以愤怒待你,割去你的鼻子和耳朵;其余的都死于刀下;他们还要掳去你的子女,余下的都为火烧死。
23:26 他们还要剥光你的衣服,夺去你的装饰品。
23:27 这样,我才消除你心中的淫荡,和由埃及地开始的淫行,使你再不敢举目看他们,再不想念埃及。
23:28 因为吾主上主这样说:看,我要将你交在你所恼恨的人手中,和你所厌恶的人手中。
23:29 他们要以恼恨对待你,夺去你的一切财物,赤身露体的拋弃你:因此你放荡的私处,好色和淫乱都要暴露出来。
23:30 他们这样对待你,是因为你同异民行了淫,受了他们偶像的玷污。
23:31 你既然走了你姐姐的路,我也要把她的苦爵放在你手中。
23:32 吾主上主这样说:你要喝你姐姐又深又大,容量又多的苦爵,你要成为耻笑和辱骂的对象,
23:33 你要酩酊大醉,满怀忧愁。你姐姐撒玛黎雅的爵是惊惶和毁灭的爵,
23:34 你必要喝,且要喝尽,连渣滓也要吞下;你还要抓破你自己的乳房:这是我所说的──吾主上主的断语──
23:35 为此吾主上主这样说:因为你忘了我,把我拋在背后,你也要亲自承担你好色和淫乱的惩罚。」
两姊妹必受情人之害
23:36 上主对我说:「人子,你要审判敖曷拉和敖曷里巴,向她们说明她们的丑恶:
23:37 她们犯了奸淫,手上带着杀人的血,同偶像犯了奸淫,还焚化了她们给我所生的子女,祭祀偶像。
23:38 此外,她们还对我行了这事:在那一天她们还玷污了我的圣所,亵渎了我的安息日,
23:39 因为当她们给她们的偶像祭杀自己的子女时,同一天也进了我的圣所,加以亵渎。的确,她们在我圣殿中这样行了。
23:40 并且他们还想从远方召人来,便遣使者到他们那里。看,他们果然来了,你就为了他们而沐浴,画眼,佩戴珠宝。
23:41 以后你坐在华丽的床上,床前安放桌子,上面摆上本来献给我的香和油。
23:42 在她那里可以听到旷野来的群众的欢乐嘈杂声,他们在她们姐妹的腕上带上镯子,在她们头上戴上花冠。
23:43 那时我就关于这老淫妇说:现今她当然又要去行淫。
23:44 的确,人都到她们那里,就如到娼妓那里,也照样到淫妇敖曷拉和敖曷里巴那里。
23:45 但正义的人必要裁判她们,如裁判奸妇和流血的人,因为她们是奸妇,血还在她们手上。
23:46 因为吾主上主这样说:我要使许多人来攻击她们,叫她们饱受虐待并遭受抢掠。
23:47 这群人要用石头砸死她们,用刀砍碎她们,屠杀她们的子女,火烧她们的房屋。
23:48 如此,我要把淫乱由此地铲除,使所有的妇女受到警戒,不敢效法你们的淫行。
23:49 我要使你们的淫行归在你们身上。承担敬拜偶像的罪罚:如此,你们纔承认我是上主。
第二十四章(27)
锈锅的寓言
24:1 九年十月十日,上主的话传给我说:
24:2 「人子,你要记下今天的日期,就是在今天这一日,巴比伦王开始围困耶路撒冷。
24:3 你要向叛逆的家族讲一个寓言,给他们说:吾主上主这样说:你要安放一口锅,安好后,里面倒上水,
24:4 把肉块、后腿和肩上的好肉放到锅里,用最好的骨头填满,
24:5 再放上最好的羊肉,然后在锅下堆起木柴,烹煮肉块,连其中的骨头也煮烂。
24:6 因此吾主上主这样说:负血债的城,有锈而锈不退的锅,是有祸的!从锅中一块一块地取出来,不必拈阄。
24:7 因为在其中所流的血,是流在光滑的石崖上,而没有流在土中,用尘土掩盖;
24:8 为的是激起我的愤怒,施行报复,所以我也使她的血流在光滑的石头上,不得掩盖。
24:9 因此吾主上主这样说:负血债的城是有祸的!我要亲自使火堆扩大。
24:10 你再加添木柴,点上火,把肉块煮化,把汤熬干,把骨头烤焦;
24:11 然后把空锅放在火炭上烧热,把铜烧红,把其中的污秽烧净,把锅锈烧尽。
24:12 但因锅锈过多,虽用尽气力,火也烧不掉。
24:13 这就是你淫行的污秽,我原设法使你洁净,你却不愿意洁净;那么,直到我在你身上来泄尽我的愤怒,你的污秽得不到洁净。
24:14 我上主言出必行,决不退缩,决不怜恤,决不翻悔。我必照你的行径,照你的行为审判你──吾主上主的断语。」
妻死的征兆
24:15 上主的话传给我说:
24:16 「人子,看,我要把你眼中所喜悦的猝然夺去,但你不可哀悼,不可哭泣,不可流泪,
24:17 只可默默叹息,却不可哀悼死者。头上仍缠着头巾,脚上仍穿著鞋,不可遮盖胡须,也不可吃丧食。」
24:18 早晨我向百姓讲了这事,晚上我的妻子便死了;次日早晨我便照吩咐给我的作了。
24:19 百姓问我说:「你能不能告诉我们:你这样作对我们有什么意思﹖」
24:20 我回答他们说:「上主的话传给我说:
24:21 你要告诉以色列家族:吾主上主这样说:看,我要把我的圣所,即你们所夸耀的势力,眼目所喜爱,心灵所系恋的地方,加以亵渎,你们所遗留下的子女要死于刀下。
24:22 那时你们要作我所作的:不遮盖你们的胡须,不吃丧食,
24:23 你们的头仍缠着头巾,脚仍穿著鞋,不举哀,不哭泣,但因你们的罪恶而消沉,而彼此伤叹。
24:24 厄则克耳为你们是一个预兆:当那事来到时,你们要照他所作的去作。那时你们必承认我是上主。」
先知任务的转变
24:25 人子,在我从他们中取去他们的堡垒,即他们所夸耀的喜乐,眼目所喜爱,心灵所系恋的子女的那一天,
24:26 那天必有一个逃难的来到你这里,报告你这消息。
24:27 在那一天你要向那逃难的开口说话,不再作哑吧。这样,你为他们是一个预兆,那时他们将承认我是上主。」
二编 论列国灭亡的预言(25-32)
第二十五章(17)
阿孟的灭亡
25:1 上主的话传给我说:
25:2 「人子,你面向阿孟子民,讲预言攻击他们,
25:3 向阿孟子民说:你们听吾主上主的话!吾主上主这样说:因为你讥笑我的圣殿说:『哈哈!圣殿可受了亵渎!』对以色列地域说:『它可荒芜了!』对犹大家族说:『他们可被掳去了!』
25:4 为此,看,我要将你交给东方的子民作为产业,他们要在你那里设立自己的帐幕,在那里定居,吃你的果实,喝你的奶。
25:5 我要使辣巴成为牧放骆驼之地,使阿孟人的地方成为羊栈;如此你们必承认我是上主。
25:6 因为吾主上主这样说:因为你们对以色列地方所遭受的一切,曾手舞足蹈,满心喜欢;
25:7 因此,看,我要伸手打击你,将你交给异族作为掠物;我要从人民中铲除你,由各国中消灭你;我要使你灭绝;如此,你必承认我是上主。」
摩阿布的灭亡
25:8 吾主上主这样说:「因为摩阿布【和色依尔】说:看犹大家族与所有异民并无不同!
25:9 为此,看,我要暴露摩阿布的山区,以及她边垂的城池,暴露她全国的精华,如贝特耶史摩特,巴耳默红和克黎雅塔殷。
25:10 我要将他们同阿孟子民一起交给东方的子民作为产业,使他们在异民中再不被人提及。
25:11 我要向摩阿布施行惩罚:如此,他们必承认我是上主。」
厄东的灭亡
25:12 吾主上主这样说:「因为厄东曾对犹大家族复仇雪耻,因对他们复仇而犯了重罪;
25:13 为此,吾主上主这样说:我要伸手打击厄东,将人与走兽由境内铲除,使她成为旷野,从特曼到德丹的人都要死于刀下。
25:14 我要藉我的百姓以色列的手替我报复厄东,他们要按我的怒气和愤恨对待厄东,如此他们便知道这是我的报复──吾主上主的断语。」
培肋舍特的灭亡
25:15 吾主上主这样说:「因为培肋舍特人以极残忍的报复心来施行报复,为了他们的世仇,企图消灭以色列;
25:16 为此吾主上主这样说:我要伸手打击培肋舍特人,铲除革勒提人,毁灭残留在海滨的人。
25:17 我要在他们身上以盛怒的惩罚施行严厉的报复;当我在他们身上施行报复时,他们便承认我是上主。」
第二十六章(21)
消灭提洛的决定
26:1 十一年十一月一日,上主的话传给我说:
26:2 「人子,因为提洛讥笑耶路撒冷说:『哈哈!众民的门户已破坏,已转让与我;我要富强,她反要荒芜。』
26:3 为此吾主上主这样说:提洛,看,我要攻击你,引领众民像滚来的海潮来攻击你。
26:4 他们要破坏提洛的城墙,荡平角楼,而我要扫除其中的尘土,使她成为光滑的盘石,
26:5 作为海中晒网的地方:这是我,上主亲自说的──吾主上主的断语──她必成为异民的掠物。
26:6 那在陆地上的属城,必毁于刀剑:如此,他们要承认我是上主。
拿步高毁灭提洛
26:7 因为吾主上主这样说:看,我要使王中之王,巴比伦王拿步高,从北方率领战马、战车、骑兵和庞大的联军来攻打提洛。
26:8 他要用刀剑屠杀你陆上的属城,竖起攻你的云梯,筑起攻你的高台,设立攻你的高楯,
26:9 支起破城机撞击你的城墙,用铁器击毁你的角楼。
26:10 你要为他大批战马所掀起的尘土所掩盖,你的城墙要为他的骑兵、车轮和战车的轰轰声所震动;当他进入你的城门时,好象进入一座已征服的城。
26:11 他战马的铁蹄要踏遍你的街道,他将用刀剑屠杀你的人民,且把你的神柱推倒在地。
26:12 他们要抢掠你的财富,劫夺你的货品,破坏你的城垣,拆毁你豪华的宫室,并把你的石头、木材和瓦砾拋到海中。
26:13 我要使你的歌声停止,再也听不到你的琴声。
26:14 我要使你成为光滑的盘石,成为晒网的干地;你将永不得重建,因为是我,上主说的──吾主上主的断语。
列国震惊
26:15 吾主上主论提洛这样说:当屠刀在你中间屠杀之时,受伤者呻吟之际,你倾倒之声,群岛听了,岂不震动﹖
26:16 所有海上的王子都要由宝座上下来,除去朝服,脱下锦衣,皆为恐怖所笼罩,坐在地上,不停地战栗,为你而惊骇。
26:17 他们且作哀歌凭吊你说:你这居于水上,海上称霸的名城,你和你的居民曾威胁过陆上的居民,怎么灭亡了呢﹖
26:18 现今,群岛在你倾覆之日大为震动,海中岛屿为了你的结局,甚为恐惧。
26:19 因为吾主上主这样说:当我使你成为一座荒芜,像无人居住的城池时,当我使深渊上升,使大水淹没你时,
26:20 我要把你推下,与先前下到阴府的古人在一起;我要使你住在极深之处,即住在久已荒芜之地;与下到阴府的人在一起,以致你再不得返回,在生活的大地上复兴。
26:21 我要使你成为恐怖的对象,永不复存在;即便人找你,也永远再找不到──吾主上主的断语。」
第二十七章(36)
提洛像只豪华的船
27:1 上主的话传给我说:
27:2 「人子,你唱哀歌凭吊提洛,
27:3 向位于海口,同许多岛屿及人民通商的提洛说:吾主上主这样说:提洛,你曾说过:我是一只完美华丽的船;
27:4 你的领域伸入海心,你的建筑者造成了你的豪华:
27:5 他们用色尼尔的松柏制造了你的舷板,以黎巴嫩的香柏做了你的桅樯,
27:6 以巴商的橡木做了你的橹桨,用由基廷岛运来的松柏做了嵌有象牙的甲板,
27:7 用埃及的绣花麻布做了你的帆幔,作了你的旗帜,用厄里沙岛的紫色与朱色的布做了你的船蓬;
27:8 漆冬和阿尔瓦得的居民给你摇橹,责默尔的技工在你那里作你的舵手,
27:9 革巴耳的长老和技工在你那里修理你的漏洞。
各国的市场
一切航海的船只和海员都到你那里,交易货物。
27:10 波斯、路丁和普特人在你队伍中作你的军人,他们将盾牌和铜盔悬在你中间,增加你的光彩。
27:11 阿尔瓦得和赫肋客子民围绕在你的城墙上,加玛得人在你的角楼中;他们把自己的盾,挂在四周的城墙上,使你的华丽更为圆满。
27:12 塔尔史士因你的财帛丰富,作你的客商以银、铁、锡、铅来与你交易。
27:13 雅汪、突巴耳、默舍客和你通商,以人口和铜器与你交易货物。
27:14 由托加尔玛地方,有人以马、战马、骡子来交换货物。
27:15 德丹人也和你通商,许多岛民作你手下的商人,以象牙角和乌木作送给你的贡物。
27:16 阿兰人因你的出品多,也作你的客商,以紫宝石、红布、刺绣、细麻、珊瑚和红玛瑙与你交换货物。
27:17 犹大和以色列地也和你通商,以米尼特谷、蜡、蜜、油和香料与你交易货物。
27:18 大马士革因你出产多,财帛丰富,也作你的客商,以赫耳朋酒和匝哈尔羊毛与你交易。
27:19 此外丹、雅汪和乌匝耳也与你交易,以钢铁、肉桂和香菖蒲交换你的货物。
27:20 德丹以骑马的坐垫和你交易。
27:21 阿剌伯和刻达尔的一切酋长也作你手下的商人,以羔羊、山羊和公羊与你交换货品。
27:22 舍巴和辣阿玛的买卖人也作你的顾客,以各种上等的香料,各种宝石和黄金和你交换货品。
27:23 哈郎、加乃、厄登和舍巴的商人,亚述和一切玛待人也与你通商。
27:24 他们在你的商场上,以华丽的衣服、朱色的外氅、刺绣、花毯、编织的结实绳索与你交易。
27:25 塔尔史士船只载运你的货物。
提洛灭亡似船沉海底
你在海上满了载,极其沉重。
27:26 你的桨夫将你划到汪洋大海,东风将你在海中吹毁。
27:27 你的财帛、商品、货物,你的水手、舵手、船工,同你交易的商人,在你中间的一切战士,以及在你中间所有的民众,都在你沉没之日,溺死海中。
27:28 海岸都因你舵手的狂叫声而震动。
27:29 所有摇橹的人、水手和航海的舵手都要离船登岸,
27:30 狂呼吶喊哀吊你,在头上撒灰,辗转于尘埃之中,
27:31 并且为你而剃光了头,穿上苦衣,痛心哭泣,悲痛哀悼你。
27:32 他们在痛苦中,向你唱哀歌,追悼你说:『有谁相似沉没于海中的提洛﹖
27:33 你的货品由海中运出时,曾使许多民族满足;以你大量的财帛和货物,使陆地上的列王丰富。
27:34 现今你沉入海中,落在海底,你的财物和所有的人,都随着你而沉没了。』
27:35 群岛所有的居民都为你而惊骇,那里的列王都极为战栗,面带忧色。
27:36 各国的商人都要嗤笑你;你竟成了恐怖的对象,且永远不复存在。」
第二十八章(26)
吊提洛王哀歌
第一篇
28:1 上主的话传给我说:
28:2 「人子,你要向提洛的王子说:吾主上主这样说:因为你心高气傲地说:『我是神,我在海心坐在神位上。』其实,你只是人,而不是神,你心中却自以为是神。
28:3 看,至于明智,你胜过达尼尔,任何秘密都不能隐瞒你。
28:4 你凭你的智能和聪明发了财,把金银储满你宝库。
28:5 你在贸易上凭你的丰富智能,不断增加你的财富;因你的财富,你便心高气傲,
28:6 为此吾主上主这样说:因为你心中自以为是神,
28:7 为此,看我要率领外方人,即列国最蛮横的人来攻打你,他们要拔出剑来攻击你以智能所得的美丽,玷污你的光华,
28:8 将你拋入深渊,使你在海中遭受惨死。
28:9 在杀戮你的面前,你还敢说『我是神』吗﹖在击杀你的人手中,你只是人,而不是神。
28:10 你必在外方人手中死去,像未受割损的人死去一样:这是我,上主说的──吾主上主的断语。」
第二篇
28:11 上主的话传给我说:
28:12 「人子,你要为提洛的王子唱哀歌,哀悼他说:吾主上主这样说:你原是一个完美的的模型,满备智能,十分美观。
28:13 你曾住在「伊甸」──天主的乐园内,有各种宝石作你的服饰,如赤玉、青玉、金钢石、橄榄玉、红玛瑙、水苍玉、蓝玉、紫宝石、翡翠;衣边和绣花是用金做的,在你受造的那天,都已准备好了。
28:14 我曾立你为革鲁宾,作光耀的守卫,在天主的圣山上,在烈火的石中往来。
28:15 从你受造之日起,你的行为原是齐全的,直到你犯了罪之时。
28:16 因你生意兴隆,你就充满了欺压,犯了重罪,因此我从天主的山上将你赶走,从烈火石中将你这作守卫的革鲁宾铲除。
28:17 你因美丽而心高气傲,为了你的光耀,你失去了智能,所以我要把你拋在地上,叫你在列王面前出丑。
28:18 因你罪过众多,因你经商不公,亵渎了你的圣所,所以我要使火由你中间冒出,将你烧毁,在众目昭彰之下,使你成为地上的尘埃。
28:19 万民中凡认识你的,都因你而惊骇。你将成为恐怖的对象,且永远不复存在。」
漆冬的灭亡
28:20 上主的话传给我说:
28:21 「人子,你应面向漆冬,讲预言攻击她,
28:22 对她说:吾主上主这样说:漆冬,看,我要攻击你,在你中间受光荣;当我对她施行惩罚,对她显示我的圣善时,他们必承认我是上主。
28:23 我要在她境内散发瘟疫,使血倾流在街市上,刀剑由四周向她袭击,伤亡的人横卧在她中间:这样,他们必承认我是上主。
28:24 以色列的四邻中,为以色列家族再没有刺人的荆棘和恼人的蒺藜,敢于轻视他们:这样,他们必承认我是上主。」
以民的复兴
28:25 吾主上主这样说:「当我把分散在各民族中的以色列家族聚集起来时,我要在异民前,在他们身上显示为圣:他们要住在我所赐予我仆人雅各伯的地域内。
28:26 他们要安全地住在那里,建造房屋,栽植葡萄园;当我向一般轻视过他们的四邻施行惩罚时,他们必平安地住在那里。那么他们必承认我,上主,是他们的天主。」
第二十九章(21)
第一篇 论埃及的神谕
29:1 十年十月十二日,上主的话传给我说:
29:2 「子,你面向埃及王法郎,讲预言攻击他和埃及全国。
29:3 你应发言说:吾主上主这样说:埃及王法郎,你这卧在河中的大鳄鱼!看,我要攻击你;你曾说过:『河是我的,是我造成的。』
29:4 但是我要用钩子钩住你的鳃,使你河中的鱼都附在你的鳞上,将你和你河中所有附在你鳞上的鱼,从河中拉上来;
29:5 将你和你河中的鱼拋在旷野;你要倒毙在地面上,而无人收殓,也无人掩埋;我要把你交给地上的走兽和空中的飞鸟作食物;
29:6 如此,所有埃及的居民便承认我是上主,因为你曾作过支持以色列家族的芦苇,
29:7 当他们手中握着你时,你就破裂了,刺伤了他们的手掌;他们依靠你时,你就折断了,使他们的腰颤栗;
29:8 为此,吾主上主这样说:看,我要使刀临于你,消灭你境内的人和兽,
29:9 埃及地将成为荒野沙漠:这样,他们便承认我是上主;因为你说过:『河是我的,是我造成的。』
29:10 为此,看,我要攻击你和你的河,我要使埃及地,由米革多耳到色威乃,直到雇士边界,都成为荒野和沙漠。
29:11 人足不再经过那里,兽蹄也不从那里踏过;无人居住凡四十年之久。
29:12 我要使埃及地成为荒芜地中最荒芜的,使她的城变为荒废城中最荒废的,凡四十年之久;我便要把埃及人分散到外邦,散布在各地。
29:13 因为吾主上主这样说:过了四十年,我必从各民族中把四散的埃及人聚集起来,
29:14 我要转变埃及人的命运,领他们回到他们出生的帕特洛斯地方,他们要在那里成立一个小国。
29:15 在万国中她是最小的,再也不得高踞万民之上;我还要减少他们的人数,使她不再统治列国,
29:16 也不再做以色列家族的靠山,却使以色列记起求救于他们的罪行:如此,他们必承认我是上主。」
第二篇 论埃及的神谕
29:17 二十七年一月一日,上主的话传给我说:
29:18 「人子,巴比伦王拿步高为攻打提洛,使自己的军队服了重役,他们的头都秃了肩也磨破了;但是他和他的军队为攻打提洛所服的重役,从提洛却没有报酬;
29:19 为此吾主上主这样说:看,我必将埃及地交给巴比伦王拿步高,他要运走她的财富,夺去她的掠物,抢去她的战利品,作为自己军队的报酬。
29:20 我将埃及地赐给他,作为他服役的报酬,因为他们为我而工作──吾主上主的断语──
29:21 在那一天我要给以色列兴起一位大能者,我要使你在他们中间开口:如此他们必承认我是上主。」
第三十章(26)
第三篇 论埃及的神谕
30:1 上主的话传给我说:
30:2 「人子,你要讲预言说:吾主上主这样说:你们应悲哀;祸哉,那一日!
30:3 因为那一日近了,上主的日子近了,那是密云的日子,是异民的终期。
30:4 刀剑必临于埃及;伤亡者横卧在埃及时,恐怖必笼罩着雇士。她的财富必被抢去,她的基础必被拆毁。
30:5 雇士、普特、路得和一切杂族,利比亚和同他们结盟的本地人,都要丧身刀下。
30:6 上主这样说:凡支持埃及的人都要丧亡,她骄傲的势力必要衰落,由米革多耳到色威乃的人,必丧身刀下──吾主上主的断语──
30:7 她要在荒芜地带中,成为最荒芜的;她的城在荒废的城中,将成为最荒废的。
30:8 当我在埃及点火时,凡辅佐她的都要毁灭,那时他们便承认我是上主。
30:9 在那一日,我必派遣使主,乘着船,恐吓安居的雇士;恐怖必要笼罩他们,如埃及的日子。看,已来到了。
30:10 吾主上主这样说:我要藉巴比伦王拿步高的手,消灭埃及的民众。
30:11 他和跟他来的人民,是万民中最凶残的;他们被派来,是为破坏此地;他们将拔刀攻打埃及,使此地充满伤亡的人。
30:12 我要使河流成为干地,把此地卖给恶人,藉外人的手破坏此地和此地的一切:这是我,上主说的。
30:13 吾主上主这样说:我必要消灭偶像,使邪神由诺夫绝迹,由埃及再不出现王侯;使恐怖降在埃及地,
30:14 使帕特洛斯变为旷野,在左罕点火,对诺施行惩罚。
30:15 我要向新──埃及的要塞,发泄我的怒气,铲除诺的民众。
30:16 我要在埃及点火,新必因恐怖而战栗,诺必被破坏,诺夫白日遭受敌人攻击。
30:17 翁及丕贝色特的壮丁必丧身刀下,二城的人都要被掳去。
30:18 当我在塔黑培乃斯打断埃及的令牌,消灭她骄傲的势力时,白日将变为黑暗,乌云笼罩着她,她的女儿也要被掳去。
30:19 当我对埃及施行惩罚时,他们必承认我是上主。」
第四篇 论埃及的神谕
30:20 十一年一月初七日,上主的话传给我说:
30:21 「人子,我打断了埃及王法郎的臂膊,看,没有人包扎,没有人敷药,或用绷带裹起,使臂膊有力拿剑。
30:22 为此,吾主上主这样说:看,我要打击埃及王法郎,打断他那还有力量的臂膊,使刀由他手中跌落。
30:23 我要将埃及人分散到外邦,把他们散布在各地。
30:24 我必要加强巴比伦王的臂膊,把我的刀放在他手中;我要打断法郎的臂膊,使他在那人面前呻吟,像受伤的人呻吟一样。
30:25 我要加强巴比伦王的臂膊,而法郎的臂膊反要衰弱;当我把我的刀交在巴比伦王手中,使他伸向埃及地时,他们便要承认我是上主。
30:26 我要将埃及人分散到外邦,把他们散布在各地:如此,他们便要承认我是上主。」
第三十一章(18)
第五篇 论埃及的神谕
31:1 十一年三月一日,上主的话传给我说:
31:2 「人子,你要向埃及王法郎和他的民众说:你的伟大相似谁呢﹖
31:3 看,你是一棵黎巴嫩香柏,枝叶美观,荫影浓密,枝干高大,树梢插入云霄。
31:4 水使它长大,渊泉使它长高;河水由四周流入栽植它之地,支流灌溉田中其它的树木。
31:5 为此它的枝干高过田间的一切树木,因为水多,生长时枝业繁茂,枝条特长。
31:6 天上的一切飞鸟在它枝干上筑巢,田间的野兽在他的枝叶下生子,各国的人民住在它的荫影下。
31:7 它的枝叶广阔,高大华丽,因为它的根深入多水之地。
31:8 天主乐园中的香柏,都不能同它相比,扁柏不及它的枝干,枫树不及它的枝桠,天主乐园中所有的树木都没有它那样美丽。
31:9 我使它枝叶茂盛而美丽,致令「伊甸」──天主乐园──中所有的树木都嫉妒它。
31:10 因此吾主上主这样说:因它枝干高大,枝梢插入云霄,遂因自己高大而心高气傲。
31:11 我必将它交在列国最强的人手中,他们要任意对待它;我必要因它的罪行而将它铲除;
31:12 列国最凶残的人必要将它伐倒,把它拋弃在山上;它的枝桠,倒卧在山谷中,枝条折落在一切洼地上;万国的人民都要离开它的荫影,而弃舍它;
31:13 天上飞鸟都栖在它倒了的枝干上,田间的各种野兽都停在它的枝条下,
31:14 这是为使一切有水滋润的树木,不要因自己的躯干高大而自负,不要再让枝梢插入云霄,免得各种有水滋润的树木,因高耸而自大,因为他们都要归于死亡,降到阴间,到那些已降入深渊的人子中。
31:15 吾主上主这样说:在它下到阴府的那天,我要使人哀吊它;为了它我要使深渊闭塞,使江河凝结,洪水停流,使黎巴嫩为它举哀,使田间所有的树木因它而枯萎。
31:16 当我使它下到阴府与已在深渊的人在一起时,也使列国因它下坠之声而战栗;那时「伊甸」中的各种树木,黎巴嫩一切有水滋润的华丽而高大的树木,在阴间都感到安慰。
31:17 那些在各国住在它荫影下帮助过它的的人,也随它下到阴府,同那丧身刀下的人在一起。
31:18 「伊甸」的树木中,就华丽和高大说,你相似那一棵﹖你也要同「伊甸」的树木一起被推入阴间,在未受割损的人中,同丧身刀下的人卧在一起:这是指法郎和他所有的人民说的──吾主上主的断语。」
第三十二章(32)
第六篇 论埃及的神谕
32:1 十一年十二月一日,上主的话传给我说:
32:2 「人子,你要唱哀歌追悼埃及王法郎,向他说:你曾自比作列国的雄狮,其实你却似海中的鳄鱼,冲入你的河中,用爪搅混了水,弄污了河流。
32:3 吾主上主这样说:我要藉列国的联军向你张开我的罗网,用我的往把你拖上来。
32:4 我要把你丢在地上,拋在田野间,使天上的各种飞鸟落在你身上,使地上的各种野兽吃你个饱。
32:5 我要把你的肉丢在山上,用你的尸首填满山谷,
32:6 用你的流汁灌溉大地,以你的血灌溉至山边,以你的腐尸填满沟壑。
32:7 当你被消灭时,我要遮蔽天空,使星辰也昏暗;以云彩遮住太阳,使月亮不放光明。
32:8 我要使天上一切照在你身上的光体变为黑暗,使黑暗笼罩你的国土──吾主上主的断语--
32:9 当我在列国把你灭亡的消息,传到你不认识的国家时,我要使许多民族心神忧伤。
32:10 当我在他们面前挥动我的刀剑时,我要使许多民族,为了你而惊骇,使她们的君王惊惶失措;在你倾覆之日,他们每人都为自己的性命而战栗,
32:11 因为吾主上主这样说:巴比伦王的刀剑必临于你。
32:12 我必使你的民众丧身在众英雄,即列国中最凶残之人的刀下;他们必要破坏埃及的光华,消灭她的民众。
32:13 我要从大水之旁,把她所有的牲畜灭绝,人脚不再搅混此水,兽蹄也不再使水混浊;
32:14 那时,我要澄清他们的水,使他们的河徐徐流下如油一般──吾主上主的断语──
32:15 当我使埃及地荒芜,使其它所有的一切荒废,打击其中所有居民时,他们必要承认我是上主。
32:16 这是列国女子所要唱的哀歌,她们咏唱此歌凭吊埃及其人民──吾主上主的断语。」
第七篇 论埃及的神谕
32:17 十二年一月十五日,上主的话传给我说:
32:18 「人子,你要哀悼埃及的民众,因为我要将她和各强国的女儿推入阴间,同已下到阴府的人在一起。
32:19 你比谁更华美呢﹖你下去罢!同未受割损的人卧在一起罢!
32:20 他们必倒在丧身刀下的人中,刀已交出,必使她和她的群众一起丧亡。
32:21 最英勇的战士和她的同盟,必从阴府中论及她说:他们也下来了,同未受割损的人,同那些丧身刀下的人,卧在一起。
32:22 在那里有亚述,她的民众都围绕着她的坟墓:他们都是被杀而丧身刀下的。
32:23 他们的坟墓位于极深的坑中,她的民众围绕着她的坟墓:他们都是被杀而丧身刀下的,他们曾在活人地上,散布过恐怖。
32:24 在那里有厄蓝,她的民众都围绕着她的坟墓:他们都是被杀而丧身刀下的,未受割损而降入阴间的;他们曾在活人地上,散布过恐怖,所以他们与已下到深渊的人一同蒙受羞辱。
32:25 在丧亡者中为她安置了床榻,她的民众围绕着她的坟墓:他们全是未受割损,丧身刀下的,因为他们曾在活人地上,散布过恐怖,所以被安置在被杀的人中,与已下到深渊的人一同蒙受羞辱。
32:26 在那里有默舍客和突巴耳,她们的民众都围绕着她们的坟墓:他们全是未受割损,丧身刀下的;他们曾在活人地上散布过恐怖。
32:27 他们不得与古代已死的英雄卧在一起,这些人带着武器降入阴府,人们把他们的刀剑放在他们头下,盾牌放在他们的骨骸上,因为他们曾在活人地上,散布过恐怖。
32:28 至于你,你要卧在未受割损的人中,同丧身刀下的人在一起。
32:29 在那里有厄东和她的君王,以及她所有的首长,他们虽然英勇,却同丧身刀下的人被安置在一起,同未受割损而下到深渊的人卧在一起。
32:30 在那里有北方的一切首领和所有的漆冬人,他们虽然英勇,令人惊骇,也同被杀者一起下去了;他们同未受割损的人和丧身刀下的卧在一起,与已下到深渊的人一同蒙受羞辱。
32:31 法郎看见那些人,便为自己所有的人民,感到安慰,因为法郎和他的军队也都是丧身刀下的──吾主上主的断语──
32:32 因为他曾在活人地上,散布过恐怖,所以法郎和他所有的人民,也都要卧在未受割损的人中,与丧身刀下的人在一起──吾主上主的断语。」
三编 以色列的复兴(33-48)
第三十三章(33)
先知作以民的警卫
33:1 上主的话传给我说:
33:2 「人子,你应告诉你民族的子女,向他们说:当我使刀剑临于一地,那地的百姓就应从自己的人中选出一人,立他作为他们的警卫,
33:3 他一见刀剑临近那地,就吹号筒,警告人民;
33:4 人民听见号筒的声音,若不加戒备;刀剑来了,将他除掉,他的血债应归他自己承当,
33:5 因为他听见号声,而不加戒备,他的血债应由他自己承当,那发警告的必安全无恙。
33:6 警卫若见刀剑来临,却不吹号筒,人民因此没有受到警告;刀剑来了,即便除掉他们中一人,这人虽因自己的罪恶被除掉,但我也要由警卫手中追讨他的血债。
33:7 人子,我也这样立你作以色列家族的警卫;你听了我口中的话,应代我警告他们。
33:8 为此,当我告诉恶人:『恶人,你必丧亡!』你若不讲话,也不警告恶人离开邪道,那恶人虽因自己的罪恶而丧亡,但我要由你手中追讨他的血债。
33:9 你若警告恶人叫他离开邪道,但他不肯归正,离开邪道,他必因自己的罪恶而丧亡,你却救了自己。」
悔改者存作恶者亡
33:10 人子,你应告诉以色列家族:你们曾这样说:『我的过犯和罪恶重压着我们,我们必因此消灭,我们还怎能生存﹖』
33:11 你要告诉他们:我指着我的生命起誓──吾主上主的断语──我决不喜欢恶人丧亡,但却喜欢恶人归正,离开邪道,好能生存。以色列家族啊!归正罢!归正罢!离开你们的邪道罢!何必要死去呢﹖
33:12 人子,你要告诉你民族的子女:义人的正义在他犯罪之日不能救他;恶人的罪过在恶人悔改之日,也不会使它丧亡在他罪过中;义人在他犯罪之日,不能因着他的正义而生存。
33:13 几时我向义人说:他必生存;但他却依仗自己的正义行恶,他所有的正义必不再被记念,他必因他所犯的罪恶而丧亡。
33:14 几时我向恶人说:你必丧亡;但他由罪恶中悔改,且遵行法律和正义,
33:15 清偿抵押,归还劫物,遵行生命的诫命,再不作恶,他必生存,不致死亡。
33:16 他所犯的一切罪过,不再被提起,因他遵行法律和正义,必定生存。
33:17 如果你民族的子女还说:『吾主的作法不公平。』其实是他们的作法不公平。
33:18 几时义人离弃正义而去行恶,他必因此而丧亡;
33:19 几时恶人离弃罪恶,而遵行法律和正义,他必因此而生存。
33:20 你们怎么还说:『吾主的作法不公平﹖』以色列家族,我必照你们每人的行为审判你们。」
耶京失陷的消息
33:21 我们充军后十一年十月五日,有一个从耶路撒冷逃到我这里的人说:『京城陷落了。』
33:22 在逃难者来的前一晚上,上主的手临于我,开了我的口;及至他早晨来到我这里以前,我的口已开了,我不再作哑吧。
残存犹大者必被消灭
33:23 上主的话传给我说:
33:24 「人子,在以色列地区住在那些废墟里的人仍说道:亚巴郎只一个人就占据了此地,我们人数众多,此地应归我们占有。
33:25 为此你应告诉他们:吾主上主这样说:你们吃了带血的祭物,举目仰望了你们的偶像,且杀人流血,而你们还要占据此地﹖
33:26 你们仍仗着刀剑,行丑恶之事,每人玷污近人的妻子,而你们还要占据此地﹖
33:27 你应告诉他们:吾主上主这样说:我指着我的生命起誓:那在废墟中的,必丧身刀下;在原野的,我要把他们交给野兽吞噬;在堡垒和山洞中的,必死于瘟疫。
33:28 我要使此地变为沙漠和荒野,使她再不能夸耀自己的势力;我要使以色列的山变为荒丘,再无人经过。
33:29 为了他们所行的丑恶,我使此地变为沙漠和荒野时,他们必承认我是上主。
宣讲的后果
33:30 人子,你民族的子女在墙下及他们的门口,彼此谈论你说:来,我们去听听由上主那里传出了什么话﹖
33:31 他们便成群结队地来到你这里,像我的百姓般坐在你面前,听你的话,但不去实行;他们口头上说的是甜言蜜语,但他们的心却在追求不义的利益。
33:32 你对他们好象唱情歌的人,歌喉悦耳,弹奏美妙;他们喜欢听你说的话,却不去实行。
33:33 当这事来时──看,已来了!──他们必承认在他们中有位先知。」
第三十四章(31)
谴责牧者
34:1 上主的话传给我说:
34:2 「人子,你应说预言攻斥以色列的牧者,向他们讲预言说:吾主上主这样说:祸哉以色列的牧者!你们只知牧养自己;牧人岂不应该牧养羊群﹖
34:3 你们吃羊奶,穿羊毛衣,宰肥羊,却不牧养羊群:
34:4 瘦弱的,你们不扶养;患病的,你们不医治;受伤的,你们不包扎;迷路的,你们不领回;遗失的,你们不寻找,反而用强力和残暴去管治他们。
34:5 因为没有牧人,羊都四散了;羊四散后,便成了一切野兽的食物。
34:6 我的羊在群山峻岭中迷了路,我的羊四散在全地面上,没有人去寻,没有人去找。
34:7 为此牧者啊,听上主的话罢!
34:8 我指着我的生命起誓──吾主上主的断语──因为我的羊群由于没有牧者,成了猎物;我的羊群成了一切野兽的食物,因为我的牧者不寻找我的羊,只知牧养自己,而不牧养我的羊:
34:9 为此,牧者啊,听上主的话罢!
34:10 吾主上主这样说:我要攻击那些牧者,从他们手里追讨我的羊,我不再让他们牧放羊群;这样,牧者便不能再牧养自己了;我要从他们口中救出我的羊,不再作他们的食物。
上主为善牧
34:11 因为吾主上主这样说:看,我要亲自去寻找我的羊,我要亲自照顾我的羊。
34:12 犹如牧人在羊群失散的那日怎样寻找他的羊,我也怎样寻找我的羊;我要把那些曾在阴云和黑暗之日四散在各地的羊,从那些地方救回来。
34:13 我要从各民族中将他们领出,从各国将他们聚集起来,领他们回到自己的地域;我要在以色列的群山上,溪水畔,以及本国的一切牧场上牧放他们。
34:14 我要在茂盛的草原上牧放他们,在以色列的高山上有他们的羊栈,在那里他们要卧在舒适的羊栈里,在以色列的群山上,在肥美的牧场上吃草。
34:15 我要亲自牧放我的羊,亲自使他们卧下──吾主上主的断语──
34:16 失落的我要寻找;迷路的,我要领回;受伤的,我要包扎;病弱的,我要疗养;肥胖和强壮的,我要看守;我要按正义牧放他们。
惩罚恶羊
34:17 我的羊群啊!关于你们,吾主上主这样说:看,我要在羊与羊,绵羊与山羊之间,施行审判。
34:18 你们在茂盛的草场上吃饱后,就用蹄子把吃剩的践踏;喝足了清水,就用蹄子把剩下的弄脏,你们还以为是件小事吗﹖
34:19 我的羊群就该吃你们蹄子踏过的草,喝你们蹄子弄脏的水﹖
34:20 为此,吾主上主向他们这样说:看我要,亲自在肥羊与瘦羊之间施行审判,
34:21 因为你们用臀部,和肩膀排挤,用角抵撞一切病弱的,直到把他们赶到外面;
34:22 因此我要拯救我的羊,使之不再作猎物;我要在羊与羊之间施行审判。
有关默西亚的预言
34:23 我要为他们兴起一个牧人,那即是我的仆人达味,他要牧放他们,作他们的牧人。
34:24 我,上主要作他们的天主,我的仆人达味在他们中作领袖:这是我上主说的。
34:25 我要同他们订立平安盟约,使猛兽由那地上灭绝,他们便可在旷野中安居,在森林里安眠。
34:26 我要祝福他们和我山丘的四周,按时降雨,那是满带幸福的雨;
34:27 因此田间的树木要结果,地要有出产;他们将安居在本乡。当我打断他们所负的轭,由奴役他们者的手中救出他们时,他们必承认我是上主。
34:28 他们不再作异民的猎物,地里的野兽也不吞噬他们,他们反而要安居乐业,不再受人恐吓。
34:29 我要使植物为他们而茂盛,他们在这地上不再为饥荒所消灭,也不再受异民的羞辱:
34:30 如此,他们必承认我上主是他们的天主,且与他们同在,而他们──以色列家族,是我的百姓──吾主上主的断语──
34:31 你们作我的羊群,是我牧场上的羊群;我是你们的天主──吾主上主的断语。」
第三十五章
反对厄东的神谕
35:1 上主的话传给我说:
35:2 「人子,你要面向色依尔山,讲预言攻斥它,
35:3 对它说:吾主上主这样说:色依尔山啊!看,我要攻击你,伸手打击你,使你变成沙漠和荒野。
35:4 我要使你的城市变成废墟,你将成为沙漠:如此,你便承认我是上主。
35:5 因为在以色列子民遭难时,在他们罪恶满盈时,你怀着永不忘的仇恨将他们交于刀剑:
35:6 为此,我指着我的生命起誓──吾主上主的断语──你既仇恨了血,血也必迫害你。
35:7 我必使色依尔山成为沙漠和荒野,由其中灭绝来往经过的人。
35:8 我要使你的群山、丘陵、山谷和溪涧,堆满伤亡的人,使刀剑伤亡的人横卧其中。
35:9 我要使你永久变为荒芜,你的城邑再没有人居住:如此,你们便承认我是上主。
35:10 因为你说过:这两个民族,这两个地域应属于我,虽然雅威住在那里,我还要去占领;
35:11 为此,我指着我的生命起誓,──吾主上主的断语──就如你怎样怀着仇恨对待他们,同样我也必以怒火和妒恨来对待你;当我惩罚你时,我叫你知道我在他们中,
35:12 并要你知道,我上主听见了你向以色列的群山所讲的一切诅咒的话,说:它们已荒芜了,已交给我们享用。
35:13 当你们开口说大话攻斥我,说出许多凌辱我的话时,我都听见了。
35:14 吾主上主这样说:当全地欢跃时,我要使你荒芜,
35:15 就如在以色列家的产业荒芜时,你曾喜乐;同样,我也要这样对待你;色依尔山必变成荒野,全厄东必被消灭:如此,人必承认我是上主。」
第三十六章(38)
以色列山受祝福
36:1 人子,你向以色列群山讲预言说:以色列群山,听上主的话罢!
36:2 吾主上主这样说:因为敌人曾论你们说:『哈!永远荒凉了,那地已成了我们的产业。』
36:3 为此你要预言说:吾主上主这样说:因人使你们荒凉了,从各方面侵蚀你们,使你们成为残余民族的产业,并使你们成为人们的口头禅和话柄:
36:4 为此,以色列群山!你们听吾主上主的话罢!吾主上主这样对高山、丘陵、溪涧、山谷、荒凉的废墟,以及那些曾为四周残余民族的掠物和笑柄而被遗弃的城邑说:
36:5 吾主上主这样说:我必在我妒火中发言攻斥各残余的民族和整个厄东,她们心里怀着幸灾乐祸,和轻视的心情,将我的地方据为自己的产业,劫掠它当作战利品。
36:6 为此,你向以色列地域讲预言,对高山、丘陵、溪涧和山谷说:吾主上主这样说:因为你们遭受了异民的凌辱,看,我必在妒火和愤怒中发言。
36:7 为此,吾主上主这样说:我举手起誓:你们四周的异民必要遭受他们当受的凌辱。
36:8 以色列群山,你们要给我的百姓以色列生出枝叶,结出果实,因为他们快来到了。
36:9 看,我偕同你们,眷顾你们,使你们得以耕种,得以播种,
36:10 在你们那里增加全以色列家族的人数,使城邑再有居民,废墟得以重建。
36:11 我要在你们那里,使人和牲畜的数目增多,他们要增加繁殖;我要使你们再有居民,如同昔日一样,优待你们胜过先前,如此,你们便承认我是上主。
36:12 我要引领人,即我的百姓以色列到你们上面,他们要占领你,你要成为他们的产业,再不使他们丧失子女。
36:13 吾主上主这样说:因为人向你说:你吞噬了人,并使你的百姓丧失子女;
36:14 从此你不再吞噬人,也不再使你的百姓丧失子女──吾主上主的断语──
36:15 我不再让在你那里听到异民的凌辱,你也不再受异民咒骂,也不再使你的百姓丧失子女──吾主上主的断语。」
上主施救是为了自己的荣名
36:16 上主的话传给我说:
36:17 「人子,以色列家族住在自己的地域时,以自己的品行和作为玷污了此地,他们的品行在我面前好似经期的污秽。
36:18 因他们在此地所流的血,又因他们的偶像玷污了此地,我遂在他们身上发泄我的愤怒,
36:19 将他们分散在异民中,散布在各国,照他们的品行和作为惩罚了他们。
36:20 他们到了应去的异民那里,还亵渎了我的圣名,因为人们论及他们说:『这些人原是雅威的百姓,但他们却应当离开他的地域!』
36:21 我遂怜惜我的圣名,即以色列家族在他们所到的异民中所亵渎的圣名。
36:22 为此,你要告诉以色列家族,吾主上主这样说:以色列家族,我作这事并不是为了你们,而是为了我的圣名,即你们在所到的异民中所亵渎的圣名。
36:23 我要使我的大名显圣,即在异民中被亵渎,即你们在他们中所亵渎的圣名;当我在你们身上,在他们眼前显为圣的时候,异民就要承认我是上主──吾主上主的断语。
36:24 我要把你们从异民中领出,从各地聚集你们,领你们回到你们的地域。
36:25 那时,我要在你们身上洒清水,洁净你们,净化你们,脱离各种不洁和各种偶像。
36:26 我还要赐给你们一颗新心,在你们五内放上一种新的精神,从你们的肉身内取去铁石的心,给你们换上一颗血肉的心。
36:27 我要将我的神赐与你们五内,使你们遵行我的规律,恪守我的诫命,且一一实行。
36:28 如此,你们要居住在我赐给你们祖先的地方;你们要作我的百姓,我作你们的天主。
36:29 我要救你们脱离各种不洁,命五谷丰登,不再让你们遭受饥荒。
36:30 我要使树上的果实,天间的出产丰收,免得你们因饥荒受异民凌辱。
36:31 那时你们记起了你们的恶行和那些不好的行为,连你们自己对你们的罪过和丑恶之事,也感觉讨厌。
36:32 你们应清楚知道:我作这事并不是为了你们──吾主上主的断语──以色列家族!对你们的品行害羞惭愧罢们!
以色列的复兴
36:33 吾主上主这样说:在我洁化你们脱离各种罪过的那天,使城邑有人居住,废墟得以重建,
36:34 在过客眼中曾为荒芜的地方,再得以耕种之时,
36:35 人们要说:那曾荒废的地方,如今成了「伊甸」乐园;荒芜废弃和破坏的城邑,如今成了设防安居之地。
36:36 如此,你们四周的残余民族便承认,是我上主重建了破坏的城,种植了荒废的地。我上主言出必行。
36:37 吾主上主这样说:我还要让以色列家族求我实行这事:叫他们的人数繁殖,多如羊群;
36:38 就如被奉献的羊群,就如在庆节日耶路撒冷的羊群有多少,荒芜的城邑也要充满那么多的人群:如此,他们便承认我是上主。」
第三十七章(28)
枯骨复生的神视
37:1 上主的手临于我,上主的神引我出去,把我放在平原中,那里布满了骨头;
37:2 他领我在骨头周围走了一遭;见平原上骨头的确很多,又很干枯。
37:3 他问我说:「人子,这些骨头可以复生吗﹖」我答说:「吾主上主!你知道。」
37:4 他对我说:「你可向这些骨头讲预言,向他们说:干枯的骨头,听上主的话罢!
37:5 吾主上主对这些骨头这样说:看,我要使气息进入你们内,你们必要复活。
37:6 我给你们放上筋,加上肉,包上皮,把气息注入你们内,你们就复活了:如此,你们便要承认我是上主。」
37:7 于是我遵命讲预言。正当我讲预言时,忽然有一个响声,一阵震动,骨头与骨头互乡结合起来。
37:8 我望见他们身上有了筋,生了肉,包了皮,但他们还没有气息。
37:9 上主对我说:「你应向气息讲预言!人子,应向气息讲预言说:吾主上主这样说:气息,你应由四方来,吹在这些被杀的人身上,使他们复活。」
37:10 我遵命一讲了预言,气息就进入他们内,他们遂复活了,并且站了起来;实在是一支庞大的军队。
枯骨的寓意
37:11 上主对我说:「人子,这些骨头就是以色列家族。他们常说:我们的骨头干枯了,绝望了,我们都完了!
37:12 为此,你向他们讲预言说:吾主上主这样说:看,我要亲自打开你们的坟墓;我的百姓,我要从你们的坟墓中把你们领出来,引你们进入以色列地域。
37:13 我的百姓!当我打开你们的坟墓,把你们从坟墓内领出来的时候,你们便承认我是上主。
37:14 我要把我的神注入你们内,使你们复活,叫你们安居在你们的地域内,那时,你们便要承认我,上主言出必行-吾主上主的断语。」
新以色列复合的象征
37:15 上主的话传给我说:
37:16 「人子,你拿一块木头,上面写:『犹大和他的同族以色列子民。』再拿另一块木头,上面写:『若瑟──厄弗辣因的木头──和他的同族的以色列子民。』
37:17 以后,你把两块木头连成一块,在你手中成为一块。
37:18 若你民族的子民询问你说:这是什么意思,你不能告诉我们吗﹖
37:19 你要回答他们说:吾主上主这样说:看,我要拿若瑟的──即在厄弗辣因手中的──和他的同族以色列支派的木头,将它同犹大的木头连结成为一块木头,在我手中只成为一块。
37:20 你应把在上面写过字的两块木头,拿在你手中,在他们面前,
37:21 对他们说:吾主上主这样说:看,我要把以色列子民从他们所到的异民中领出,把他们由各方聚集起来,引他们回到自己的地域;
37:22 我要使他们在那地和以色列山上成为一个民族,他们只有一位国王,不再是两个民族,不再分为两个国家;
37:23 他们也不再为他们的偶像、怪物和各种邪恶所玷污;我要把他们由他们因背约所犯的各种罪过中救拔出来,净化他们,成为我的民族,我作他们的天主。
37:24 我的仆人达味要作他们的国王,他们全体只有一个牧人;他们要遵行我的法律,谨守我的诫命,且一一实行;
37:25 他们要安居在我赐给我的仆人雅各伯,即他们的祖先所居住的地方;他们、他们的儿子,他们的子子孙孙直到永远住在那里;我的仆人达味永远作他们的领袖。
37:26 我要同他们订立和平的盟约,同他们订立永远的盟约;我要厚待他们,使他们昌盛,且在他们中立我的圣所,直到永远。
37:27 我的住所也设在他们中间;我要作他们的天主,他们要作我的百姓。
37:28 当我的圣所永远在他们中间时,异民便承认我是祝圣以色列的天主。」
第三十八章(23)
哥格攻击以色列
38:1 上主的话传给我说:
38:2 「人子,你面向哥格和玛哥格地,即面向默舍克和突巴耳的最高领袖,讲预言攻斥他,
38:3 说:吾主上主这样说:默舍客和突巴耳的最高领袖,看,我要攻击你,
38:4 我要用钩子钩住你的牙床,把你拖出来,使你带领你的大军、马队和骑兵出征,都是全副武装,戴着盔甲和盾牌的大军,都手持刀剑。
38:5 还有波斯、雇士和普特人同他们联盟,都带着盾牌和铜盔。
38:6 哥默尔及其队伍,极北方的托加尔玛家族及其队伍,还有许多人民同你联合。
38:7 你和同你联合的各种队伍都要戒备武装起来,好为我服务。
38:8 多日之后,你要奉到命令;到末年,你要去攻击那脱离兵灾已复原的地方,那里的居民是由各民族聚集起来的;你要去攻击那久已荒凉的以色列山,那里的居民是由各民族归来,已安居在那里。
38:9 你和你的大军,以及同你联合的各种队伍都一起上去,有如狂风来临,有如浓云遮地。
哥格的恶谋
38:10 吾主上主这样说:到那一天,你要心起恶念,筹划一个恶计。
38:11 你要想:我要进攻不设防的地方,进攻安居无忧的人民;他们住的地方没有围墙,没有门闩,也没有门。
38:12 我要去抢夺劫掠,下手攻击已为人居住的废墟,攻击那由各民族汇集而来,已有牲畜财物,已安居在地中心的人民。
38:13 舍巴、德丹、塔尔史士的商人和客商都问你说:你来岂不是为了抢夺﹖集合你的联军岂不是为了劫掠,夺去金银,带走牲畜和财物,拿去大批掠物﹖
哥格被歼灭
38:14 人子,为此你要讲预言,向哥格说:吾主上主这样说:当我的百姓以色列安居的那一天,你不是就起了身,
38:15 离开你的住处,由极北之地而来,率领许多民族都骑着马,实在是一支庞大的联军,极强大的队伍,
38:16 上来进攻我的百姓以色列,有如密云遮地一般﹖哥格!到末日我要领你来攻打我的地方,为的是当我在异民眼前,在你身上显圣时,叫他们认识我。
38:17 吾主上主这样说:你就是我昔日藉我的仆人以色列的先知在那些岁月中所预言的:我要领你进攻他们的那一位。
38:18 到哥格进攻以色列的那一天──吾主上主的断语──我的怒气要从我的鼻孔发出;
38:19 我要在妒忌怒火中说:的确,到那一天,以色列地必要发生大地震;
38:20 海里的鱼,空中的飞鸟,田间的走兽,地上所有的爬虫,地面上所有的人,都要在我面前战栗;山要崩裂,悬崖要塌陷,所有墙垣要倾倒地上。
38:21 我要召刀剑到我的各山上来攻击他──吾主上主的断语──人们要用刀剑互相残杀。
38:22 我要以瘟疫和残杀惩罚他,且要在他和他的军队以及同他联合的众民身上,降下暴雨、冰雹、火焰和硫磺。
38:23 如此,我要显示我的伟大和神圣,且在众民眼前显示我自己,使他们承认我是上主。」
第三十九章(29)
哥格失败
39:1 人子,你讲预言攻斥哥格说:吾主上主这样说:默舍客和突巴耳的最高领袖哥格,看,我要攻击你,
39:2 我要引诱你,挟持你,使你从极北之地上来,领你到以色列的山上,
39:3 在那里我要打掉你左手上的弓,打落你右手上的箭。
39:4 你和你所有的军队,以及同你联合的众民,都要丧亡在以色列的山上;我要使你成为各种猛禽和野兽的食物。
39:5 你要丧亡在原野之上,这原是我亲口说的──吾主上主的断语──
39:6 我要使火降到玛哥格和那些安居在群岛的人们身上:如此,他们必承认我是上主。
39:7 我也要在我的百姓以色列中间,显扬我的圣名,再不让我的名受到亵渎:如此,异民便承认我是上主,是以色列的圣者。
39:8 看,我所说的那一天,已经来近,必要实现──吾主上主的断语。
哥格的惨败
39:9 那时,住在以色列各城的人必要出来,点火焚烧武器:有大小盾牌、弓、箭、枪和茅;他们将用来烧火,七年之久。
39:10 他们不必到田间拾柴,也不必到林中伐木,因为也武器可作柴烧;他们还要抢夺那些抢夺过他们的人,劫掠那些劫掠过他们的人──吾主上主的断语──
39:11 在那一天,我要在以色列把一出名的地方,即死海以东阿巴陵山谷,给哥格作坟地;这山谷使过路的人止步,哥格和他的一切军队要埋在那里,因此人叫那地方为『哥格群众谷。』
39:12 以色列家族埋葬他们,为清除此地,要费时七个月。
39:13 那地方的全体百姓都要埋葬他们。在我显示光荣的日子,为他们也要光荣──吾主上主的断语──
39:14 他们还要派定一些人不断巡逻那地,寻找在那地方遗留下的尸体,为清除那地;七个月之后它们仍继续寻找。
39:15 过路的人经过那地的时候,若发见一个人的骨骸,就在他旁边放一个记号,等待埋葬的人将他埋葬在『哥格群众谷。』
39:16 那里有一座城,要叫哈摩纳。他们就这样清除了那地。
39:17 吾主上主这样说:人子,你要向各种飞鸟,各样野兽说:你们应集合前来,从四方来参加我给你们在以色列山上所准备的隆重祭餐,你们要吃肉饮血。
39:18 你们要吃将士的肉,饮各地王侯的血;还有山羊、绵羊、公山羊、牛犊,都是巴商的肥畜。
39:19 你们要在我给你们准备的祭餐中,吃肉吃到饱,饮血饮到醉。
39:20 你们在我的宴席上要饱食马肉,战马、将士和所有军人的肉──吾主上主的断语。
天主的圣名得光荣
39:21 我要在异民中显示我的光荣,万民要看见我所施行的惩罚,看见是我举手打击了他们。
39:22 从那天起,以色列家族必要承认我,上主是他们的天主。
39:23 异民也要知道以色列家族充军,是为了他们的罪恶,因为他们违背了我,我遂掩面不顾他们,把他们交在敌人手中,全都丧身刀下。
39:24 我按他们的罪过和恶行对待了他们,掩面不看他们。
39:25 为此吾主上主这样说:现今我要转变雅各伯的命运,怜恤以色列家族。为我的圣名而大发妒火。
39:26 当他们安居在自己的地域中,没有人来惊扰时,他们将忘记自己的耻辱和违背我所犯的一切抗命之罪。
39:27 当我从各民族中把他们领回,从他们敌人的地方聚集他们,在众异民眼前,在他们身上显圣时,
39:28 他们必承认我上主是他们的天主,因为我将他们放逐于异民之中以后,又把他们聚集到自己的地方,一个也没有留在异民中。
39:29 我不再掩面不看他们,因为我将我的神已倾注于以色列家族──吾主上主的断语。」
第四十章(49)
新圣殿的神视
40:1 我们充军后第二十五年,京城被毁后第十四年,年初,月之初十日,就在这一天,上主的手临于我。
40:2 在神视中领我来到以色列地,把我放在最高的山上,山的南方有座像城的建筑物。
40:3 他领我到了那里,看,有一个人,面色似铜,手中拿着一条麻绳和测量竿。他站在门楼旁。
40:4 那人对我说:「人子,你要用眼看,用耳听,留意我向你指示的一切,因为我引你到这里来,为叫你看见;凡你所见的,你要告诉以色列家族。」
垣墙
40:5 看,在殿外四周有一道围墙。那人手中拿的测量竿长六肘──肘是一肘加一掌──他用竿量了墙:宽一竿,高一竿。
外东门
40:6 他来到面朝东的门楼,上了石级,量了门限,宽一竿;
40:7 量了守卫房:长一竿,宽一竿;房与房之间相离五肘;内里门廊的门限,为一竿。
40:8 又量了内里的门廊,
40:9 为八肘,壁柱厚二肘,门廊是在内里。
40:10 东门楼的守卫房,这边三间,那边三间;三间的尺寸相同,两边壁柱的尺寸也相同。
40:11 量了门口的宽度,为十肘;门的信道为十三肘宽。
40:12 守卫房前面有栅栏,两边各突出一肘。守卫房各边为六肘。
40:13 量了门楼,由守卫房顶到对面守卫房顶,宽二十五肘;门与门相对。
40:14 量了门廊,为二十肘;通过门廊,即是外院。
40:15 由门楼的前面到内里门廊的前面,共五十肘。
40:16 门楼四周,在守卫房和墙壁上,有向内斜带棂的窗户;走廊四周也有这样向内的窗户。壁柱上有棕榈枝。
外院
40:17 他引我到了外院;看,有廊房,在庭院四周修的有铺道,铺道上有廊房三十间。
40:18 在各门楼旁边也有铺道,同门楼一样长,这是低铺道。
40:19 他由下门楼前面,量到内院门楼前面,共一百肘宽。然后他向北走去。
外北门
40:20 看,在外院有一座面朝北的门楼。他量的门楼的宽和长。
40:21 守卫房,两边各有三间;壁柱和走廊,如上面所有的尺寸一样:五十肘长,二十五肘宽。
40:22 窗户、走廊、棕榈枝、如朝东的门楼所有的尺寸一样。上去的台阶有七级,直达面前的走廊。
40:23 外北门的对面有一座通内院的门楼,与东门楼一样;量了门楼与门楼的距离,为一百肘。
外南门
40:24 他又领我往南走,看,朝南有一座门楼;他量了壁柱和走廊,尺寸与前面的相同。
40:25 走廊四周也有窗户,一如上述的窗户。门楼五十肘长,二十五肘宽。
40:26 上去的台阶有七级,直达面前的走廊;两边的壁柱上都有棕榈枝。
40:27 通内院朝南也有一座门楼。量了二门楼之间的距离,为一百肘。
内南门
40:28 他领我由南门走进内院,量了南门楼,尺寸与上述者相同。
40:29 守卫房、壁柱和走廊,一如上述的尺寸;走廊四周也有窗户;门楼五十肘长,二十五肘宽。
40:30 四周共五十肘长,二十五肘宽。
40:31 门廊面向外院,壁柱上也有棕榈枝。上去台阶有八级。
内东门
40:32 他引我到了面朝东的内院门楼,量了门楼,尺寸有如上述。
40:33 守卫房、壁柱和走廊,尺寸有如上述;走廊四周也有窗户。门楼长五十肘,宽二十五肘。
40:34 门廊面向外院;两边壁柱上也有棕榈枝。上去的台阶有八级。
内北门
40:35 他引我到了北门楼,量了门楼,尺寸有如上述。
40:36 守卫房、壁柱和走廊,四周也有窗户;门楼长五十肘,宽二十五肘。
40:37 门廊面向外院;两边壁柱上也有棕榈枝。上去的台阶有八级。
宰牲石桌
40:38 在门楼的门廊两旁,各有一间有门的厢房,在里面洗涤全燔祭牲。
40:39 在门廊两边,每边有两张桌子,在上面宰杀全燔祭、赎罪祭和赎过祭牺牲。
40:40 在登上门廊的入口处的北面,靠外的一面有两张桌子,在门廊的另一面也有两张桌子。
40:41 门楼旁边,每边有四张桌子,共八张,在上面宰杀祭牲。
40:42 又有四张为全燔祭用的桌子,都是四方石头砌成的:长一肘半,宽一肘半,高一肘;上面放宰杀全燔祭牺牲和其它祭牲的用具。
40:43 屋内四周钉有一掌长的挂钩,桌上放有祭肉。
司祭厢房
40:44 他领我走到内院,看见在内院中,有两座厢房:一座靠北门的厢房,面朝南;一座看南门的厢房,面朝北。
40:45 他对我说:「那面朝南的厢房是为在殿内供职的司祭之用,
40:46 那面朝北的厢房是为在祭坛前供职的司祭之用,他们是肋未的后代中,走近祭坛供职的匝多克的子孙。」
40:47 他量了庭院:长一百肘,宽一百肘,为四方形;在殿前有一祭坛。
圣殿走廊
40:48 他领我进了圣殿的门廊,量了门廊的壁柱,两边各有五肘。门宽十四肘,墙壁每边三肘。
40:49 门廊长二十肘,宽十二肘;上去的台阶有十级。靠着壁柱,有二柱,每边一柱。
第四十一章(26)
圣所
41:1 他领我到了圣所,量了壁柱,两边,各厚六肘;
41:2 门口宽十肘;门口两边的墙,各为五肘;他又量了圣所的长度为四十肘,宽为二十肘。
至圣所
41:3 他进到里面,量了门口的壁柱,厚二肘,入口六肘,门口总宽七肘。
41:4 量了圣所的尽头长二十肘,宽二十肘。以后对我说:「这是至圣所。」
厢楼
41:5 他量了殿墙,厚六肘;沿殿周围的厢房,宽四肘。
41:6 厢房一层在另一层之上,共三层,每层三十间。厢房周围靠着殿墙,有突出的墙,为衔接厢房,免得嵌在殿墙内。
41:7 厢房越高越宽,因为周围圣殿的墙越高越窄,为此上边的房间较宽。人由下层可登至中层,再登往上层。
41:8 我见殿周围有一高台,为厢房的基础,台脚高一竿,即六肘。
41:9 厢房的外墙厚五肘。在靠殿的厢房之前的人行道,也宽五肘。
41:10 厢房之外有二十肘宽的空地,环绕着殿的四周。
41:11 厢房的门向着人行道:一朝北,一朝南;人行道宽五肘。
无顶建筑物
41:12 在空地的西面有一建筑物:宽七十肘,长九十肘;这建筑物周围的墙厚五肘。
圣殿面积
41:13 他量了圣殿,长一百肘:包括空地、建筑物和墙,共长一百肘。
41:14 圣殿的前面和东边的空地,共宽一百肘。
41:15 他量了圣殿后边的建筑,连空地和墙在内,由这一端到另一端,共长一百肘。
圣所内部的装修
至于圣所内部和外边的门廊、
41:16 门框、带棂的窗和三面的围墙,以及门限周围都镶上木板,由地到窗──窗是遮蔽的;
41:17 直到门上边,以至殿的内部和外部;周围所有的,里面和外面的墙上,都有雕像,
41:18 雕刻着革鲁宾和棕榈枝,棕榈枝在革鲁宾与革鲁宾之间;革鲁宾有两个面貌:
41:19 人的面貌向着这边的棕榈枝,狮的面貌向着那边的棕榈枝;全殿四周都是这样。
41:20 由地到门上边,圣所的墙上都雕刻着革鲁宾和棕榈枝。
41:21 圣所的门框是方的。在至圣所前面,有一座看似木头的祭坛:
41:22 高三肘,长宽各二肘;角、底座和镶板,都是木的。以后他对我说:「这是在上主前的祭桌。」
41:23 圣所与至圣所各有两门,
41:24 门各有两扇,每扇又有两页;可以折叠。每一扇门都有两页。
41:25 门扇上都雕刻着革鲁宾和棕榈枝,像墙上刻的一样。门廊外的前面有木做的飞檐。
41:26 门廊两边与靠殿的厢房墙上,有有棂的窗和棕榈枝,还有飞檐。
第四十二章(20)
司祭的楼房
42:1 以后他领我出来,到了内院的北部,引我来到位于空地前,向北的建筑物前的楼房那里。
42:2 楼长一百肘,宽五十肘,
42:3 是在内院空地与外院铺道的前面,走廊与走廊相对,楼房共有三层。
42:4 楼房前面有向内的过道,宽十肘,长一百肘,门都朝北。
42:5 楼上层房屋比下层与中曾的较窄,因为上层有走廊占去了面积。
42:6 因为楼房有三层,没有像外院所有的柱子,上层的比地上的下层和中层的较窄。
42:7 沿着楼房外边,靠着外院有道墙,长五十肘,立在楼房前面,
42:8 因为靠近外院的楼房长五十肘,靠近殿的楼房为一百肘。
42:9 在这些房屋下边,有个向东方的入口,为由外院来的人进入。
42:10 入口开在院墙的横面。在南边,在空地与建筑物的前面,也有楼房。
42:11 在楼房前面有相似北边的楼房所有的信道。长、宽、出路、位置和门与北边的楼房完全一样。
42:12 在南边楼房的下边,在墙的开端,空地和建筑之前有一入口,为由东边来的人进入。
42:13 以后他又对我说:「空地前南北两面的楼房,都是圣的,走近上主的司祭在那里吃至圣之物,并在那里存放至圣之物,如供物、赎罪祭与赎过祭肉,因为此地是圣的。
42:14 司祭进入此处之后,不可直接由此圣地出去,前往外院,必须先在那里脱去自己供职时所穿的衣服,因为那些衣服也是圣的,应换上别的衣服,然后方可走近人民所在的地方。
隔开圣与俗的垣墙
42:15 他测量完了圣殿的内部,就领我从面朝东的门出来,量了周围:
42:16 他用测量竿量了东边,依测量竿为五百肘;
42:17 他又量了北边,依测量竿为五百肘;
42:18 又量了南边,依测量竿为五百肘;
42:19 又转身量了西边,依测量竿为五百肘。
42:20 他周围量了四边环绕圣殿的垣墙,长五百肘,宽五百肘,为分开圣地与俗地。
第四十三章(27)
上主返回圣殿
43:1 他领我到了面朝东的门那里。
43:2 看,以色列天主的光荣由东方而来,有一种响声,像大水的澎湃声,大地也因他的光荣而炫耀。
43:3 我所见的神视与我前次来摧毁城市时所见的神视相似,神视的情形也与我以前在革巴尔河畔所见的神视一样。于是我就伏地掩面。
43:4 上主的光荣由朝东的门进入圣殿。
43:5 神力将我提起,领我进入内院。看,上主的充满了圣殿。
新圣殿为天主所居
43:6 当那人站在我身旁时,我听见殿内有一位向我说话的,
43:7 对我说:「人子,这是安放我宝座的地方,这是我脚掌所踏的地方,我愿在这里永远住在以色列子民中。以色列家族,他们和他们的的君王,不再以淫乱和自己君王的尸体,玷污我的圣名。
43:8 因为他们靠着我的门限安置他们的门限,在我与他们之间仅有一墙之隔。他们曾以自己所行的邪恶之事玷污了我的圣名,为此,我发怒将他们予以消灭。
43:9 现今他们要从我面前,除去他们的淫乱和君王的尸体,这样我要永远住在他们中。
43:10 人子,你要向以色列家族阐述这圣殿,使他们对自己的所行感到惭愧;阐述圣殿的完美和构造,
43:11 叫他们对自己的所行的丑事而感到惭愧。你要划出殿的图形、结构、出路、进口和所有的式样,并将各种规定和和种法律告知他们,在他们眼前写出好叫他们遵守各种法律和规定,一一奉行。
43:12 这是关于圣殿的规定:山顶周围所有之地,是神圣不可侵犯的。
全燔祭坛
43:13 祭坛按肘──肘为一肘加一掌──的尺寸如下:底座高一肘,边宽一肘,在底座四周边缘有一掌深的沟漕:这是坛座。
43:14 地上的底座到下层台座高二肘,边宽一肘;从小台座到大台座高四肘,边宽一肘。
43:15 至于坛炉,高四肘;坛炉之上有四个角突出,高一肘。
43:16 坛炉一二肘畏,十二肘宽;四面成一正方形。
43:17 台座十四肘长,面面共十四肘宽;四周有半肘的沟槽;周围还有宽一肘的底座。石阶向东。
祝圣祭坛礼
43:18 以后他对我说:「人子,吾主上主这样说:祭坛造成之日,在上面献全燔祭和洒血的规定如下:
43:19 你应给那走近我事奉我的匝多克的后裔肋未司祭──吾主上主的断语──一头牛犊,献为赎罪祭。
43:20 你要取血涂在祭坛的四角,台座的四角和周围的沟槽上,应这样为祭坛赎罪取洁。
43:21 此外,再取一头公牛作赎罪祭,在圣殿固定的地方,圣所之外,将它焚化。
43:22 第二天要献一只无瑕的小公山羊为赎罪祭,如献公牛犊所行的一样,为祭坛取洁。
43:23 你行完赎罪祭之后,应献一头无瑕的公牛和羊群中一只无瑕瑕的公羊,
43:24 把它献在上主前,司祭在上面撒上盐,献予上主为全燔祭。
43:25 七天之久,你应每天献一只公山羊为赎罪祭,还应献一头公牛和羊群中一只公羊,都应纯洁无瑕。
43:26 七天之久为祭坛赎罪取洁,予以祝圣。
43:27 这日期满了,即第八日及以后,司祭才可以在祭坛上奉献你们的全燔祭与和平祭,如此我才喜悦你们──吾主上主的断语。」
第四十四章(31)
东门的用途
44:1 他领我回到圣殿朝东的外门,门却关着。
44:2 他对我说:「这门必关闭不开,任何人不得由此门而入,因为上主以色列的天主已由此门而入,为此常应关闭。
44:3 至于元首,因为他是元首,惟有他可坐在里面,在上主前进食;他由门廊的路而入,亦由原路而出。」
外方人不准进圣殿
44:4 以后,他领我由北门到圣殿,我一看,看见上主的光荣上主的殿,我便伏地掩面。
44:5 上主对我说:「人子,我对你所说上主殿内的所有定和法律,你要留心,要眼看耳听,又要注意准入圣殿的规则。
44:6 你对叛逆的以色列家族说:吾主上主这样说:以色列家族,你们所行的一切丑恶之事,该够了吧!
44:7 当你们奉献给我食品、脂肪和牲血时,竟引领心身未受割损的外方人进入我的圣所,亵渎我的殿宇;这样以你们的一切丑恶,破坏了我的盟约。
44:8 你们的既不在我圣所内供职,却派他们代你们在我圣所内供职。
44:9 为此吾主上主这样说:一切心身未受割损的外邦人,以及所有在以色列子民中的外邦人,不得进入我的圣所。
肋未人只可充侍役
44:10 至于肋未人,当以色列堕落,离开我而追随他们的偶像时,他们也脱离了我,他们必要承认自己的罪债。
44:11 他们在我圣所内供职,只能充当看守殿门的,作的侍役,为百姓宰杀全燔祭和其它祭牲,站在他们面前,给他们服务。
44:12 因为他们曾在百姓的偶像前给他们服务过,做了以色列家族的胖脚石,为此我必举手反对他们──吾主上主的断语──他们必要承担自己的罪债。
44:13 他们不得走近我,也不得接我的的一切圣物,和至圣之物;反要自己的羞辱和所行的一切丑恶。
44:14 我只委派他们在圣殿供职,服各种劳役,做其中应做的一切事务。
对司祭的各种规定
44:15 惟有那些在以色列子民堕落我时,仍然为我的圣所供职的匝多克的儿子,肋未司祭们,可走近我,服事我,侍立我前,给我奉献脂油与牲血──吾主上主的断语──
44:16 他们可进入我的圣所,起近我的祭桌,服事我,奉行给我供职的事。
44:17 几时他们进入内院的门,应身穿麻衣;当他们在内院门内或在圣殿供职时,不可穿羊毛衣。
44:18 他们头上应戴麻布头巾,腰间应穿麻巾裤子,不可穿容易出汗的衣服。
44:19 但他们几时要出去到外院百姓那里时,应脱去供职的衣服,放在圣所的厢房内,穿上别的衣服,免得因自己的祭服使百姓沾污圣洁。
44:20 你们不可剃头,也不可让头发自由生长,应该修剪头发。
44:21 任何司祭要进入内院时,不可饮酒。
44:22 他们不可娶寡妇或弃妇为妻,应娶以色列家族的处女为妻;或娶司祭的寡妇。
44:23 二十应教训我的百姓区别圣与俗,知道洁与不洁。
44:24 在诉讼上,他们应充任裁判,按我的法律定断;他们在我的各种庆节上,应遵守规我的法律和规律,又应圣化我的安息日。
44:25 他们不可走近死人,免得沾染不洁;但为父母子女、兄弟和未嫁的姊妹,可自染不洁。
44:26 在他取洁以后,再过七天,
44:27 他要进入圣所,进内院,为在圣所内供职的那一天,应奉献赎罪祭──吾主上主的断语──
44:28 他们不可有产业;在以色列也不可分给他们地业我是他们的地业。
44:29 他们可以吃素餐,赎罪祭和赎过祭:凡在以色列所献的禁物,都应归于他们。
44:30 各种初熟之物,和你们藉举祭所献的一切祭物,都应归于司祭;此外,将你们粗麦面中最好的一份,分与司祭,好叫祝福降在你们家庭中。
44:31 凡自然死或被猛兽撕裂的飞禽走兽,司祭都不可吃。」
第四十五章(25)
献于上主的保留地
45:1 「当你们抽签分地作为产业时,应将一块圣地献给上主,当作献地,长二万五千肘,宽二万肘。凡在这范围之内的地全是圣的。
45:2 其中一个作为圣所,长百肘;四面成方形,周围有空地,宽五十肘。
45:3 在这一区量出二万五千肘,一万肘宽的地方其中应有圣所;
45:4 这块圣地,应归于在圣所内为服事上主供职的司祭,作为的住处和他们羊群的牧场。
45:5 另一块五千肘长,一万肘宽的地方,归于在殿内服务的肋未人,作为他们的地业,及他们居住的城邑。
京城和元首之地
45:6 再划出建京城的地段,宽五千肘,长二万五千肘,在保留的献地之旁,归于全以色列家族。
45:7 在保留的献地,和建城的地段的两旁,紧靠着保留的献地和建城的地段,由西边往西,由东边往东的土地,全归于元首。西边的边界,东边的边界,其长与其它支派所分得的土地相同。
45:8 这是在以色列划归元首的领土:这样,我的元首不再压迫我的百姓,并将土地留给以色列家族及他们的各支派o
元首的义务与权利
45:9 吾主上主这样说:「以色列的元首,你们该舒了吧!你们应放弃强暴与抢掠,实行正义与公道,你们不要再向我的人民横征暴敛──吾主上主的断语──
45:10 你们应用公平的天平,准确的「厄法」,准确的「巴特」。
45:11 「厄法」和「巴特」的容量应当相等:即一「巴特」等于「荷默尔」的十分之一,十分之一「荷默尔」即一「厄法。」分量应依照「荷默尔」而十定。
45:12 一「协刻耳」应为二十「革辣。」二十「协刻耳」加二十五「协刻耳」,再加十五「协刻耳」,为你们是一「米纳」。
45:13 你们应奉上的献仪如下:由一「荷默尔」小麦,,应献六分之一「厄法」;由一「荷默尔」大麦,也应献六分之一「厄法」。
45:14 对油的规定由一「苛尔」油,应献十分之一「巴特」,因为十「巴特」为一「荷尔」。
45:15 由以色列茂盛的牧场,每二百只羊中取出一只羔羊献为供物,做全燔祭与笸平祭,为自己赎罪──吾主上主的断语──
45:16 全国人民应将这样的献仪交给以色列的元首;
45:17 元首在庆节、月朔和安息日,以及以色列家族所有的庆节,应备办全燔祭、素祭和奠祭,又应备办赎罪祭、素祭、全燔祭与和平祭,为以色列家族赎罪。」
各庆节的祭献
45:18 吾主上主这样说:「正月初一,你应取一头无瑕的公牛犊,为圣所取洁。
45:19 司祭应取赎罪祭祭牲的血,涂在圣殿的门框上,祭坛座的四角上,和内院的门框上。
45:20 正月初七,为那不慎误犯的人,也应照样行,为圣殿取洁。
45:21 正月十四,你们应过逾越节,七天吃无酵饼。
45:22 在那一天,元首应为自己和本国人民献一头公牛犊,为赎罪祭。
45:23 七天的庆节,他应向上主献全燔祭;七天内每天应献七头无瑕的公牛犊,和七只无瑕的公羊;每天献一只小山羊,为赎罪祭。
45:24 还应献素祭:为每头公牛犊献一「厄法」面;为一「厄法」面加一「辛」油。
45:25 七月十五日的庆节,他应献同样的祭品;七天之久应献同样的赎罪祭、全燔祭、素祭和油。」
第四十六章(24)
安息日与月朔的祭献
46:1 吾主上主这样说:「内院朝东的大门,六天劳作的日子应关闭,安息日应敞开,月朔之日,也应敞开。
46:2 元首应由外门经门廊进入,站在门框旁,此时司祭奉献给他的全燔祭与和平祭。他在门限上朝拜后,就出去。这门直到晚上不应关闭。
46:3 安息日和月朔,本国的人民也在这门口,在上主前朝拜。
46:4 安息日,元首应献于上主的全燔祭,应是无瑕的羔羊六只,无瑕的公羊一只。
46:5 至于同献的素祭,为一只公羊献一「厄法」面,为羔羊的素可随奉献。为一「厄法」面加一「辛」油。
46:6 在月朔之日,应献无瑕的公牛犊一头,羔羊六只,公羊一只,都应是无瑕的。
46:7 至于同祭的素祭,为一头公牛献一「厄法」面,为一只公羊献一「厄法」面,为羔羊的素祭随意奉献。为一「厄法」应加一「辛」油。
46:8 元首住入时,应从门廊进,并由原路出。
46:9 每逢庆日,本国人到上主面前时,凡由北门进来朝拜的,应由南门出去;由南门进来的,应由北门出去。谁也不可从他进来的门出去,但该从对面的门出去。
46:10 元首常应在百姓中,几时百姓进来,他也进来;几时百姓出去,他也出去。
其它祭献的规定
46:11 每逢庆日和庆典,同献的素祭,为每头公牛犊,献一「厄法」面,为每只公羊献一「厄法」面,为羔羊可随意奉献;为一「厄法」面加一「辛」油。
46:12 几时元首自愿献全燔祭或和平祭,作为上主的自愿祭,就给他敞开朝东的门,他献的全燔祭或和平祭,像安息日所行的一样,以后就出去;他出去后,即关上大门。
46:13 你应每日奉献给上主一只无瑕当年的羔羊为全燔祭,应每天早晨奉献。
46:14 每天早晨又应同时献素祭,献六分之一「厄法」及三分之一「辛」油调和的细面,献给上主作素祭:这是恒常全燔祭的规定。
46:15 为此每天早晨应奉献羔羊,素祭和油:这是恒常的全燔祭。」
元首的产业
46:16 吾主上主这样说:「如果元首将自己的一分产业赐给自己的儿子,这产业就归他的儿子所有。他们可据为己有。
46:17 但是,如果他将自己的一分产业赐给自己的一个臣仆,直到「释放年」归他所有;以后,仍归元首。只有赐给儿子的产业,永归儿子。
46:18 元首不应强取人民的业,夺取他们的的土地,他应拿自己的土地给儿子作产业,免得我百姓中有人从自己的土地上疲赶走。」
煮祭牲之所
46:19 以后,他领我由大门旁的入口,到圣所北面的司祭楼房那里。看,西面的尽头有块地方。
46:20 他对我说:「这是司祭煮赎过祭和赎罪祭牲并烤素祭的地方,免得带到外院仗百姓沾染圣洁。」
46:21 他引我到了外院,叫我走遍庭院金角,在庭院的每个角上有个小庭院。
46:22 庭院四角的小庭院,长金十肘,宽三十肘,都有一样的尺寸。
46:23 四个小庭院的周围有垣墙,周围垣墙下边设有炉灶。
46:24 他对我说:「这些都是圣殿的侍役为百姓煮祭牲的灶房。」
第四十七章(23)
圣殿下水涌成河
47:1 以后,他领我回到圣殿门口,看,有水从圣殿下面涌出,流向东方──因为圣殿正面朝东;水从圣殿的右边经圣殿经祭坛的南边流出。
47:2 随后他引我由北门出来,带我由外面转到朝东的外门。看,水从右边流出。
47:3 那人手拿绳索向东走去,量了一千肘,遂叫我由水中走过,水深及踝。
47:4 他再量了一千肘,再叫我由水中走过,水深及膝。又量了一千肘,又叫我走过,水深及腰。
47:5 他又量了一千肘,水已成河,不能走过,因为水已高涨,成了可供游泳的水,不能走过去的河。
47:6 于是他对我说:「人子,你看见了吗﹖」遂我回到了河岸。
河流的好处
47:7 当我回来时,看,沿河两岸,树木很多。
47:8 于是他对我说:「这水流往东方,下至阿辣巴,而入于?ぉぱ魏V校K毂涑珊盟?
9 这河所流过的地方,凡蠕动的生物都得生活,鱼也繁多,因为凡这水所到的地方百物必能生存。
47:10 渔夫要住在海边,自恩革狄到恩厄革拉因,都是晒网的地方。那里的鱼种类很多,像大海的一样。
47:11 但所有的池沼和湖泽却不改变,留作产盐之区。
47:12 沿河两岸,畏有各种果木树,枝叶总不凋零,果实决不匮乏,且按月结果,因为水我出自圣所;树上的果实可当作食物,枝叶可当作药材。」
圣地的边界
47:13 吾主上主这样说:「这是你们按以色列十二支派分地为业的界限?ぉと羯Φ昧椒荨?
14 你们应彼此平分我举手誓许给你们祖先的土地,应抽签分这地作你们的产业。
47:15 以下是国土的边界:北方由大海经赫特隆经哈玛特口,经责达得,
47:16 经贝洛达与位于大马士革边界与哈玛特边界之间的息贝辣因,直到靠近豪郎边界的哈匝尔厄南。
47:17 所以这边界是由大海到哈匝尔厄南,北面有大马士革为界,再向北有哈玛特为界:这是北方的边界。
47:18 东方的边界是在豪郎与大马士革之间,在基肋阿得与以色列之间有约旦河为界,直到东海,再到塔玛尔:这是东方的边界。
47:19 南方向阳的边界是由塔玛尔到默黎巴卡德士水,沿河直到大海:这是南方向阳的边界。
47:20 西方的边界是以大海为界,直到哈玛特口的对面:这是西方的边界。
外方人应分之地
47:21 你们应按以色列的支派分开此地。
47:22 你们应为你们,并为住在你们中作客,且在你们中已生有子女的外方人,抽签分开这地为产业。你们应你们为生在以色列子民间的人一样,他们将与你们在以色列支派中签分地作为产业。
47:23 将来如有外方人在一支派中作客,也要分给他们产业──吾主上主的断语。」
第四十八章(35)
七支派平分北部
48:1 各支派的姓名如下:由极北瑞起,沿赫特隆路至哈玛特口,再至哈匝尔厄南,;──北有大马士革边界,有哈马特边界──每支派由东界到西界各有一份:这是丹的一份。
48:2 靠近丹的边界,由东界到西界,是阿协尔的一份;
48:3 靠近阿协尔的边界,由东界到西界,是纳斐塔里的边界,
48:4 靠近纳纳斐塔里的边界,由东界到西界,是默纳协的边界,
48:5 靠近默纳协的边界,由东界到西界是厄法辣因的一份。
48:6 靠近厄弗辣因的边界,由东界到西界,是勒乌本的一份。
48:7 靠近勒乌本的边界,由东界到西界是犹大的一份。
中部保留地
48:8 靠近犹大的边界,由东界到西界,是你们应保留的献地,宽二万五千肘,长由东界到西界,如每支派分得的一份一样,中间是圣所。
48:9 你们为上主保留的献地,长二万五千肘,宽一万肘。
48:10 这块所献的圣地应归司祭,北面长二万五千肘,西面宽一肘,东面宽一万肘,南面宽二五千肘,衵间是上主的圣所。
48:11 这地应归疲祝圣作上主司祭的匝多克的子孙,他们谨慎遵行了我的礼规,当以色列子民堕落时,他们没有像肋未人一样落时下去。
48:12 属司祭之地是献地中至圣之地,靠近近肋未人的边界。
48:13 属肋未人的地与司祭的边界平行,长二万五千肘,宽一万肘,总计长二万五千肘,宽二万肘。
48:14 其中的地不可变卖,不可交换也不可转让,这是地中最好的一份,因为是祝圣于上主的。
京城和元首之地
48:15 由二万五千肘的面积所余的五千肘应列为俗地,作为居住的城市和郊区,城市应在中心。
48:16 城市的面积如下:北面四千五百肘,北面四千五百肘,南面四千五百肘,东面四千五百肘。
48:17 城市外的郊区是:北面二百五十肘,南面二百五十肘,东面二百五十肘,西面二百五十肘。
48:18 至于那与所献圣地平行的所余之地,东面长一万肘,西面长一万肘,甚中出产应作为城内居民的食粮。
48:19 城内的居民是由以色列各支派分派来住的。
48:20 整个献地为二万五千肘长,二万五千肘宽,为一方形,是你们应保留的所献圣地和城市地段。
48:21 在所献圣地和城市地段的两所余之地,二万五千肘由东至东面的边界,由西至西面的边界,与各支派所分之地平行,都归元首,所献圣地与圣所在中间。
48:22 除在属元首的地中间,有肋未人的产业和城市地段外,凡在犹大边界和本雅明边界饮间的土地,皆归元首所有。
五个支派平分南部
48:23 至于其余的支派:由东界到西界,是本雅明的一份。
48:24 靠近本雅明的边界由东界至西界是西默盎的一份。
48:25 靠近西默盎的一边界,由东界至西界是依撒加尔的一份。
48:26 靠近依撒加尔的边界,由东界至西界是则布隆的一份。
48:27 靠近则布隆的边界,由东界至西界,是加得的一份。
48:28 靠近加得的边界,是南方向阳的边界,由塔玛尔到默黎巴卡德士水沿河直到大海。
48:29 这是你们各支派抽签平分的土地,是你们应得的产业──吾主上主的断语。
新京城的面积与门
48:30 城的出口如下:北面为四千五百肘,
48:31 北面有三门:一为勒乌本门,一为犹大门,一为肋未门。城门都是照以色列支的名字派起的。
48:32 东面为四千五百肘,有三门:一为若瑟门,一为本雅明门,一为丹门。
48:33 南面为四千五百肘,有三门:一为西默盎门,一为依撒加尔门,一为则步隆门。
48:34 西面为四千五百肘,有三门:一为加得门,一为阿协尔门,一为纳斐塔里门。
48:35 周围共一万八千肘。这城从那天起名叫「上主在那里。」
BOOK ENDS. Seraphim, April 2009.
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
1:1 In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, as I was among the exiles on the bank of the river Chebar, heaven opened and I saw visions from God.
1:2 On the fifth of the month – it was the fifth year of exile for King Jehoiachin –
1:3 the word of Yahweh was addressed to the priest Ezekiel son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldaeans, on the bank of the river Chebar.[*a]
The vision of the ‘Chariot of Yahweh’
There the hand of Yahweh came on me.
1:4 I looked; a stormy wind blew from the north, a great cloud with light around it, a fire from which flashes of lightning darted, and in the centre a sheen like bronze at the heart of the fire.
1:5 In the centre I saw what seemed four animals. They looked like this. They were of human form.
1:6 Each had four faces, each had four wings.
1:7 Their legs were straight; they had hooves like oxen, glittering like polished brass.
1:8 Human hands showed under their wings; the faces of all four were turned to the four quarters[*b].
1:9 Their wings touched each other; they did not turn as they moved; each one went straight forward.
1:10 As to what they looked like, they had human faces, and all four had a lion’s face to the right, and all four had a bull’s face to the left, and all four had an eagle’s face.
1:11 Their wings were spread upwards; each had two wings that touched, and two wings that covered his body;
1:12 and they all went straight forward; they went where the spirit urged them; they did not turn as they moved.
1:13 Between these animals something could be seen like flaming brands or torches, darting between the animals; the fire flashed light, and lightning streaked from the fire.
1:14 And the creatures ran to and fro like thunderbolts.
1:15 I looked at the animals; there was a wheel on the ground by each of them, one beside each of the four.
1:16 The wheels glittered as if made of chrysolite. All four looked alike, and seemed to be made one inside the other.
1:17 They went forward four ways and kept their course unswervingly.
1:18 Their rims seemed enormous when I looked at them and all four rims had eyes all the way round.
1:19 When the animals went forward, the wheels went forward beside them; and when the animals left the ground, the wheels too left the ground.
1:20 Where the spirit urged them, there the wheels went, since the spirit of the animal was in the wheels.
1:21 When the animals moved on, they moved on; when the former halted, the latter halted; when the former left the ground, the wheels too left the ground, since the spirit of the animal was in the wheels.
1:22 Over the heads of the animals a sort of vault, gleaming like crystal, arched above their heads;
1:23 under this vault their wings stretched out to one another, and each had two covering his body.
1:24 I heard the noise of their wings as they moved; it sounded like rushing water, like the voice of Shaddai, a noise like a storm, like the noise of a camp; when they halted, they folded their wings,
1:25 and there was a noise.
1:26 Above the vault over their heads was something that looked like a sapphire; it was shaped like a throne and high up on this throne was a being that looked like a man.
1:27 I saw him shine like bronze, and close to and all around him from what seemed his loins upwards was what looked like fire; and from what seemed his loins downwards I saw what looked like fire, and a light all round
1:28 like a bow in the clouds on rainy days; that is how the surrounding light appeared. It was something that looked like the glory of Yahweh. I looked, and prostrated myself, and I heard a voice speaking.
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 2
The vision of the scroll[*a]
2:1 It said, ‘Son of man, stand up; I am going to speak to you’.
2:2 As he said these words the spirit came into me and made me stand up, and I heard him speaking to me.
2:3 He said, ‘Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to the rebels who have turned against me. Till now they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me.
2:4 The sons are defiant and obstinate; I am sending you to them, to say, “The Lord Yahweh says this”.
2:5 Whether they listen or not, this set of rebels shall know there is a prophet among them.
2:6 And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them, do not be afraid when they say, “There are thorns all round you and scorpions under you”. There is no need to be afraid either of their words or of their looks, for they are a set of rebels.
2:7 You must deliver my words to them whether they listen or not, for they are a set of rebels.
2:8 ‘You, son of man, listen to the words I say; do not be a rebel like that rebellious set. Open your mouth and eat what I am about to give you.’
2:9 I looked. A hand was there, stretching out to me and holding a scroll.
2:10 He unrolled it in front of me; it was written on back and front; on it was written ‘lamentations, wailings, moanings’.
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 3
3:1 He said, ‘Son of man, eat what is given to you; eat this scroll, then go and speak to the House of Israel’.
3:2 I opened my mouth; he gave me the scroll to eat
3:3 and said, ‘Son of man, feed and be satisfied by the scroll I am giving you’. I ate it, and it tasted sweet as honey.
3:4 Then he said, ‘Son of man, go to the House of Israel and tell them what I have said.
3:5 You are not being sent to a nation that speaks a difficult foreign language; you are being sent to the House of Israel.
3:6 Not to big nations that speak difficult foreign languages, and whose words you would not understand – if I sent you to them, they would listen to you;
3:7 but the House of Israel will not listen to you because it will not listen to me. The whole House of Israel is stubborn and obstinate.
3:8 But now, I will make you as defiant as they are, and as obstinate as they are;
3:9 I am going to make your resolution as hard as a diamond and diamond is harder than flint. So do not be afraid of them, do not be overawed by them for they are a set of rebels.’
3:10 Then he said, ‘Son of man, remember everything I say to you, listen closely,
3:11 and go to your exiled countrymen and talk to them. Tell them, “The Lord Yahweh says this”, whether they listen or not.’
3:12 The spirit lifted me up, and behind me I could hear a tumultuous shouting, ‘Blessed be the glory of Yahweh in his dwelling place’.
3:13 This was the sound of the animals’ wings beating against each other, and the sound of the wheels beside them; a tumultuous shouting.
3:14 The spirit lifted me up and took me; my heart, as I went, overflowed with bitterness and anger, and the hand of Yahweh lay heavy on me.
3:15 I came to Tel Abib, to the exiles beside the river Chebar where is they were then living; and I stayed with them for seven days like a man stunned.
The prophet as sentry
3:16 After seven days the word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
3:17 ‘Son of man, I have appointed you as sentry to the House of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from me, warn them in my Name.
3:18 If I say to a wicked man: You are to die, and you do not warn him; if you do not speak and warn him to renounce his evil ways and so live, then he shall die for his sin, but I will hold you responsible for his death.
3:19 If, however, you do warn a wicked man and he does not renounce his wickedness and his evil ways, then he shall die for his sin, but you yourself will have saved your life.
3:20 When the upright man renounces his integrity to do evil and I set a trap for him, he too shall die; since you failed to warn him, he shall die for his sin and the integrity he practised will no longer be remembered; but I will hold you responsible for his death.
3:21 If, however, you warn the upright man not to sin and he abstains from sinning, he shall live, thanks to your warning, and you too will have saved your life.’
- BEFORE THE SIEGE OF JERUSALEM
Ezekiel is struck dumb
3:22 While I was there the hand of Yahweh came on me; he said, ‘Get up, go out into the valley; I am going to speak to you’.
3:23 I got up and went out into the valley; the glory of Yahweh was resting there, like the glory I had seen by the river Chebar, and I prostrated myself.
3:24 The spirit of Yahweh then entered me, and made me stand up, and spoke to me.
3:25 He said, ‘Go and shut yourself in your house. ‘Son of man, bonds are now about to be laid on you; you will be bound with them and not be able to mix with others.
3:26 I am going to make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth; you will be dumb; you will stop warning them, for they are a set of rebels.
3:27 When I speak to you, I shall open your mouth and you will tell them, “The Lord Yahweh says this”. Whoever will listen, let him listen; whoever will not, let him not; for they are a set of rebels.
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 4
The siege of Jerusalem foretold
4:1 ‘Son of man, take a brick and lay it in front of you; on it scratch a city, Jerusalem.
4:2 You are then to besiege it, trench round it, build earthworks, pitch camps and bring up battering-rams all round.
4:3 Then take an iron pan and place it as if it were an iron wall between you and the city. Then turn to it; it is being besieged and you are besieging it. This is a sign for the House of Israel.
4:4 ‘Lie down on your left side and take the sin of the House of Israel on yourself. I am making you bear their sin for as many days as you lie there.
4:5 I myself have set the years they will sin at a hundred and ninety days; during these you are to bear the sin of the House of Israel.
4:6 And at the end of these days, you are to lie down again on your right side and bear the sin of the House of Judah for forty days. I have set the length for you as one day for one year.
4:7 And you are to turn towards the siege of Jerusalem, lift your bare arm and prophesy against it.
4:8 I have laid bonds on you, and you must not turn over until the period of your seclusion is finished.
4:9 ‘You must then take wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet and spelt; put them all in the same pot and make yourself some bread. You are to eat it for as many days as you have been lying on your side, a hundred and ninety days.
4:10 As regards this food you are to measure out a daily portion of twenty shekels and make it last the whole day.
4:11 And you are to drink water sparingly; your drink is to be the sixth of a hin and to last the whole day.
4:12 Take this food in the shape of a barley cake baked where they can see you, over human dung.
4:13 And say, “Yahweh, the God of Israel, says this: This is the way the Israelites will have to eat their defiled food, wherever I disperse them among the nations”.’
4:14 I then said, ‘Lord Yahweh, my soul is not defiled. From my childhood until now, I have never eaten an animal that has died a natural death or been savaged; no unclean flesh has ever entered my mouth.’
4:15 ‘Very well,’ he said ‘I grant you cow’s dung instead of human dung; you are to bake your bread on that.’
4:16 He then said, ‘Son of man, I mean to destroy the stock of bread in Jerusalem; in their distress they will eat bread strictly weighed; in terror they will drink water grudgingly measured,
4:17 since bread and water will be scarce; they will all pine and waste away as a result of their sins.
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 5
5:1 ‘Son of man, take a sharp blade, sharp as a barbers razor; take it and use it on your head and beard. Then take scales and divide the hair you have cut off.
5:2 You are to set fire to a third in the centre of the city, while the time of the siege is working itself out. Then take another third and toss it by swordpoint all round the city. The last third you are to scatter to the wind, while I unsheathe the sword behind them.
5:3 Then take a few hairs and wrap them in the folds of your cloak;
5:4 and of these again take a few, and throw them on the fire and burn them. From them will issue fire, and you are to say to the entire House of Israel,
5:5 “The Lord Yahweh says this: This is Jerusalem, which I have placed in the middle of the nations, surrounded with foreign countries.
5:6 She is so perverse that she has rebelled more against my observances than the nations, and more against my laws than the surrounding countries; for she has rejected my observances and refused to keep my laws.
5:7 Therefore, the Lord Yahweh says this: Since you are more rebellious than the nations round you, since you do not keep my laws or respect my observances, and since you do not even respect the observances of the surrounding nations,
5:8 so then, the Lord Yahweh says this: I have now set myself against you, I will inflict punishments upon you for all the nations to see.
5:9 On account of all your filthy practices I will do things to you that I have never done before and that I will never do again.
5:10 Fathers among you will eat their children, and children eat their fathers. I will inflict punishments on you and disperse what remains of you to the winds.
5:11 Therefore, as I live – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – as sure as you have defiled my sanctuary with all your horrors and all your filthy practices, I too will reject pitilessly; I will not spare, either.
5:12 A third of your inhabitants shall die of plague or starve to death inside you; a third shall fall by the sword, outside you; a third I will scatter to every wind, while I unsheathe the sword behind them.
5:13 My anger will be satisfied; I mean to satisfy my fury against them and be avenged; they will know that I, Yahweh, have spoken in my jealousy, when I have exhausted my fury against them.
5:14 I mean to reduce you to a ruin, an object of contempt to surrounding nations, in the eyes of all who pass by.
5:15 You will become an object of contempt and shame, an example and a thing of horror, to all the surrounding nations, when I execute my judgements on you in anger and fury, with bitter punishments. I, Yahweh, have spoken.
5:16 Against you I mean to send the deadly arrows of starvation – which will destroy you, since I shall send them to destroy you – and I will destroy your stock of bread.
5:17 Against you I mean to send famine and wild animals, to rob you of your children; plague and bloodshed shall visit you. I will summon the sword against you. I, Yahweh, have spoken.”‘
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 6
Against the mountains of Israel
6:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
6:2 ‘Son of man, turn towards the mountains of Israel and prophesy against them.
6:3 Say, “Mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord Yahweh. The Lord Yahweh says this to mountains and hills and ravines and valleys: Listen; I am going to summon the sword against you and destroy your high places.
6:4 Your altars will be wrecked, and your incense burners smashed; your inhabitants are going to be cut to pieces and thrown down in front of your idols,
6:5 and their bones spread all round your altars.
6:6 Throughout your territory the towns will be destroyed and the high places wrecked, to the ruin and wrecking of your altars, the shattering and abolition of your idols, the smashing of your incense burners and the utter destruction of all your works.
6:7 Among you men will fall, and be cut to pieces; and so you will learn that I am Yahweh.
6:8 But I shall spare some of you; they will escape the sword and be dispersed by me among the nations.
6:9 Your survivors will remember me among the nations where they have been deported. I shall have broken their wanton hearts for having deserted me, and blinded their adulterous eyes for having fawned on idols. They will loathe themselves for all the wrong they have caused by their filthy practices,
6:10 and so they will learn that I am Yahweh; I have said, and I have meant it, that I am going to inflict all these disasters on them.
The sins of Israel
6:11 The Lord Yahweh says this: Clap your hands, stamp your feet, and say: Alas! for all the abominable sins of the House of Israel, which is about to perish by sword, famine and plague.
6:12 Far off, they will die by plague; near at hand they will fall by the sword; those who are spared and besieged will die of hunger, since I mean to satisfy my fury against them.
6:13 You will know that I am Yahweh when their corpses, cut to pieces, lie there among their idols, all round their altars, on every high hill, on every mountain top, under every spreading tree, under every leafy oak, in fact wherever they offer an appeasing fragrance to all their idols.
6:14 I mean to stretch out my hand against them and reduce the country to an empty wasteland from the desert to Riblah,[*a] the length and breadth of the country; and so they will learn that I am Yahweh.”‘
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 7
The end is near
7:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
7:2 ‘Son of man, say, “The Lord Yahweh says this to the land of Israel: Finished! The end is coming for the four quarters of the land.
7:3 Now all is over with you; I mean to unleash my anger on you, and judge you as your conduct deserves and force you to answer for all your filthy practices.
7:4 I mean to show you no pity, I will not spare you; I am going to call you to account for your conduct and for the filthy practices that you parade; and so you will learn that I am Yahweh.
7:5 The Lord Yahweh says this: Now disaster is going to follow on disaster.
7:6 The end is coming, the end is coming for you; it is coming now.
7:7 Now, it is your turn, you who live in this country. The time has come, the day is near; no joy now, only tumult, on the mountains.
7:8 Soon I am going to pour out my fury on you and exhaust my anger at you; I will judge you as your conduct deserves and call you to account for all your filthy practices.
7:9 I mean to show you neither pity nor mercy, since I am going to call you to account for your conduct and for the filthy practices which you parade; and so you will learn that I am Yahweh, and that I strike.
7:10 Here is the day! It has come; your turn has come, the scourge is ready, pride is at its peak.
7:11 Violence has risen to become the scourge of wickedness…
7:12 The time has come and the day is near. Let neither buyer rejoice, nor seller regret, for anger rages against all alike.
7:13 The seller will not recover what he has sold; they will all carry on sinning and be none the stronger for it.
7:14 The trumpet will sound, all will be ready; but no one will go into battle, since my anger rages against all alike.
The sins of Israel
7:15 Outside, the sword; inside, plague and famine. Anyone who is found in the countryside will die by the sword; anyone who is found in the city will be devoured by famine and plague.
7:16 Their fugitives will run away and make for the mountains; I shall slaughter them all like doves of the valleys, each for his sin.
7:17 With limp hands and quaking knees,
7:18 they will put on sackcloth; and shudder all over. All their faces will be red with shame and every head will be shaved.
7:19 They will throw their silver down in the streets and their gold will fill them with horror. Never again will they have enough to eat, never again will they fill their bellies, since this has been the cause of their crimes.
7:20 They used to pride themselves on the beauty of their jewellery, out of which they made their loathsome images and idols. That is why I mean to make it an object of horror to them.
7:21 I intend to hand it over to be the plunder of foreigners and loot for local brigands, who will profane it.
7:22 I shall turn my face from them; my treasury will be profaned; barbarians will force their way in and profane it.
7:23 Forge yourself a chain; for the country is filled with bloody murders, the city is full of violent crime.
7:24 I am going to summon the cruellest of the nations to seize their houses. I will break the pride of their grandees; their sanctuaries will be profaned.
7:25 Anguish is on its way: they will look for peace and there will be none.
7:26 Disaster will follow on disaster, rumour on rumour; they will pester the prophet for a vision; the priest will be at a loss over the law and the elders on how to advise.
7:27 The king will go into mourning, the prince be plunged in grief, the hands of the country people tremble. I mean to treat them as their conduct deserves, and judge them as their own verdicts merit; and so they will learn that I am Yahweh.”‘
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 8
A vision of the sins of Jerusalem
8:1 In the sixth year, on the fifth day of the sixth month,[*a] as I was sitting at home and the elders of Judah were sitting with me, when the hand of the Lord Yahweh fell on me.
8:2 I looked and saw something that looked like a man. Downwards from what seemed to be his loins he was fire; and upwards from his loins he seemed to shine like polished bronze.
8:3 He stretched out what seemed to be a hand and took me by the hair; and the spirit lifted me into the air and, in visions from God, took me to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the inner north gate, where the idol of Jealousy stands, provoking jealousy.[*b]
8:4 There I saw the glory of the God of Israel, as I had seen it in the valley.
8:5 He said, ‘Son of man, raise your eyes to the north’. I raised my eyes to the north, and there, to the north of the altar gate, stood this statue of Jealousy at the entrance.
8:6 He said, ‘Son of man, do you see what they are doing? Do you see all the filth practised here by the House of Israel, to drive me out of my sanctuary? You will see filthier practices yet.’
8:7 He next took me to the entrance to the court. I looked; there was a hole in the wall.
8:8 He said, ‘Son of man, break through the wall’. I broke through the wall; there was a door.
8:9 He said, ‘Go in and look at the filthy things they are doing inside’.
8:10 I went in and looked: all sorts of images of snakes and repulsive animals and all the idols of the House of Israel drawn on the wall all round.
8:11 Seventy elders of the House of Israel were standing in front of the idols, among them Jaazaniah son of Shaphan, each one, censer in hand; the fragrance of incense was rising.
8:12 He said, ‘Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the House of Israel do in the dark, each in his painted room? They say, “Yahweh cannot see us; Yahweh has abandoned the country”.’
8:13 He said, ‘You will see them at filthier practices still’.
8:14 He next took me to the entrance of the north gate of the Temple of Yahweh where women were sitting, weeping for Tammuz.[*c]
8:15 He said, ‘Son of man, do you see that? You will see even filthier things than that.’
8:16 He then led me to the inner court of the Temple of Yahweh. And there, at the entrance to the sanctuary of Yahweh, between the porch and the altar, there were about twenty-five men, with their backs to the sanctuary of Yahweh and their faces turned to the east. They were bowing to the east, towards the sun.
8:17 He said to me, ‘Son of man, do you see that? Is it not bad enough for the House of Judah to do the filthy things that they are doing here? But they fill the country with violence and provoke my anger further; look at them now putting that branch to their nostrils.
8:18 My anger forces me to it; I will show neither pity nor mercy. They may shout as loud as they like; I will not listen to them.’
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 9
The punishment
9:1 Then as I listened he shouted, ‘Come here, you scourges of the city, and bring your weapons of destruction’.
9:2 Immediately six men advanced from the upper north gate, each holding a deadly weapon. In the middle of them was a man in white, with a scribe’s ink horn in his belt. They came in and halted in front of the bronze altar.
9:3 The glory of the God of Israel rose off the cherubs where it had been and went up to the threshold of the Temple. He called the man in white with a scribe’s ink horn in his belt
9:4 and said, ‘Go all through the city, all through Jerusalem, and mark a cross on the foreheads of all who deplore and disapprove of all the filth practised in it’.
9:5 I heard him say to the others, ‘Follow him through the city, and strike. Show neither pity nor mercy;
9:6 old men, young men, virgins, children, women, kill and exterminate them all. But do not touch anyone with a cross on his forehead. Begin at my sanctuary.’ So they began with the old men in front of the Temple.
9:7 He said to them, ‘Defile the Temple; fill the courts with corpses, and go’. They went out and hacked their way through the city.
9:8 While they were hacking them down, I stayed behind; I fell face downwards and exclaimed, ‘Ah, Lord Yahweh, are you going to annihilate all that is left of Israel as you turn your anger on Jerusalem?’
9:9 He said, ‘The guilt of the House of Israel and Judah is immense, boundless; the country is full of bloodshed, the city overflows with wickedness, for they say, “Yahweh has abandoned the country, Yahweh cannot see”.
9:10 Right, then, I too will show no pity, I too will not spare. I mean to call them to account for all their behaviour.’
9:11 The man in white with the scribe’s ink horn in his belt then came back and made his report, ‘I have carried out your orders’.
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 10
10:1 I looked, and I saw that above the vault over the cherubs’ heads there was something that looked like a sapphire, and there showed above them the semblance of a throne.
10:2 He then said to the man in white, ‘Go under the chariot, beneath the cherubs; take a handful of burning coal from between the cherubs and scatter it over the city’. He went in as I watched.
10:3 The cherubs were on the right of the Temple as the man went in, and the cloud filled the inner court.
10:4 The glory of Yahweh rose off the cherubs and up to the threshold of the Temple; the Temple was filled with the cloud and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of Yahweh.
10:5 The noise of the cherubs’ wings could be heard even in the outer court, like the thunder of God Almighty when he speaks.
10:6 When he ordered the man in white to take the fire from under the chariot, between the cherubs, the man went and stopped by the wheel;
10:7 one cherub stretched his hand towards the fire which was between the cherubs, took some and put it into the hands of the man in white, who took it and went off.
10:8 I then saw that the cherubs had what seemed to be a human hand under their wings.
10:9 I looked; there were four wheels at the side of the cherubs, one wheel at the side of each cherub, and the wheels glittered as if made of chrysolite.
10:10 All four looked alike, and seemed to be one inside the other.
10:11 They went forward four ways and kept their course unswervingly, moving the way they faced and never swerving off their course.
10:12 Their bodies, their backs, their hands, their wings, and the wheels – the wheels of all four – were covered in eyes all over.
10:13 I heard that the wheels were called ‘galgal’.
10:14 Each cherub had four faces: the first face was the face of the cherub, the second face the face of a man, the third the face of a lion, the fourth the face of an eagle.
10:15 The cherubs rose; this was the creature I had seen by the river Chebar.
10:16 As the cherubs went forward, the wheels went forward beside them; and the wheels did not swerve even when the cherubs spread their wings to leave the ground.
10:17 When the former stopped, the latter stopped; when the former rose, the latter rose with them, since the spirit of the creature was in them.
The glory of Yahweh leaves the Temple
10:18 The glory of Yahweh came out from the Temple threshold and paused over the cherubs.
10:19 The cherubs spread their wings and rose from the ground to leave, and as I watched the wheels rose with them. They paused at the entrance to the east gate of the Temple of Yahweh, and the glory of the God of Israel hovered over them.
10:20 This was the creature that I had seen supporting the God of Israel beside the river Chebar, and I was now certain that these were cherubs.
10:21 Each had four faces and four wings and what seemed to be human hands under their wings.
10:22 Their faces were just as I had seen them beside the river Chebar. Each moved straight forward.
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 11
The sins of Jerusalem (continued)
11:1 The spirit lifted me up and carried me to the east gate of the Temple of Yahweh, the gate that looks eastwards. There at the entrance to the gate stood twenty-five men, among whom I saw Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, leaders of the people.
11:2 Yahweh said, ‘Son of man, these are the wicked schemers who are spreading their bad advice through this city.
11:3 They say, “Shall we not soon be building houses? Here is the cooking pot and we are the meat.”[*a]
11:4 Therefore prophesy against them, prophesy, son of man.’
11:5 The spirit of Yahweh fell on me, and he said to me, ‘Say, “Yahweh says this: I know what you are saying, House of Israel, I know how insolent you are.
11:6 You have filled this city with more and more corpses of murdered men, you have strewn its streets with your victims.
11:7 And so, the Lord Yahweh says this: The corpses you have thrown into it are the meat, and the city is the cooking pot; but I mean to drive you out.
11:8 You are afraid of the sword and I will summon it against you – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
11:9 I shall drive you from the city and hand you over to foreigners, and I shall carry out my sentence on you;
11:10 you will fall by the sword on the soil of Israel; I shall execute justice on you; and so you will learn that I am Yahweh.
11:11 This city will be no cooking pot for you, and you will never be the meat inside; I am going to execute justice on you on the soil of Israel;
11:12 and so you will learn that I am Yahweh, whose laws you have not obeyed and whose observances you have not kept; instead, you have adopted the manners of the nations round you.”‘
11:13 Now as I was prophesying, Pelatiah son of Benaiah dropped dead. I prostrated myself and cried aloud, ‘Ah, Lord Yahweh, are you going to wipe out all that is left of Israel?’
The new covenant promised to the exiles
11:14 The word of Yahweh was then addressed to me as follows,
11:15 ‘Son of man, your brothers, your kinsmen, the whole House of Israel, these are told by the citizens of Jerusalem, “You have been sent away from Yahweh; it is to us that the land was given as our domain”.
11:16 Say therefore, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Yes, I have sent them far away among the nations and I have dispersed them to foreign countries; and for a while I have been a sanctuary for them in the country to which they have gone”.
11:17 Then say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: I will gather you together from the peoples, I will bring you all back from the countries where you have been scattered and I will give you the land of Israel. They will come and will purge it of all the horrors and the filthy practices
11:18 I will give them a single heart and I will put a new spirit in them;
11:19 I will remove the heart of stone from their bodies and give them a heart of flesh instead,
11:20 so that they will keep my laws and respect my observances and put them into practice. Then they shall be my people and I will be their God.
11:21 But those whose hearts are set on their idols and their filthy practices I will call to account for their conduct – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.”‘
The glory of Yahweh leaves Jerusalem
11:22 The cherubs then spread their wings and the wheels began to move with them, while the glory of the God of Israel hovered over them.
11:23 And the glory of Yahweh rose to leave the city and paused on the mountain to the east of the city.
11:24 The spirit lifted me up in vision, in the spirit of God, and took me to the Chaldaeans, away to the exiles, and so the vision I had seen faded;
11:25 and then I told the exiles everything that Yahweh had shown me.
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 12
The mime of the emigrant
12:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
12:2 ‘Son of man, you are living with that set of rebels who have eyes and never see, ears and never hear, for they are a set of rebels.
12:3 You, son of man, pack an exile’s bundle and emigrate by daylight when they can see you, emigrate from where you are to somewhere else while they watch. Perhaps they will admit then that they are a set of rebels.
12:4 You will pack your baggage like an exile’s bundle, by daylight, for them to see, and leave like an exile in the evening, making sure that they are looking.
12:5 As they watch, make a hole in the wall, and go out through it.
12:6 As they watch, you will shoulder your pack and go out into the dark; you will cover your face so that you cannot see the country, since I have made you a symbol for the House of Israel.’
12:7 I did as I had been told. I packed my baggage like an exile’s bundle, by daylight; and in the evening I made a hole through the wall with my hand. I went out into the dark and shouldered my pack as they watched.
12:8 The next morning the word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
12:9 ‘Son of man, did not the House of Israel, did not that set of rebels, ask you what you were doing?
12:10 Say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: This oracle is directed against Jerusalem and the whole House of Israel wherever they are living”.
12:11 Say, “I am a symbol for you; the thing I have done will be done to them; they will go into exile, into banishment”.
12:12 Their ruler will shoulder his pack in the dark and go out through the wall; a hole will be made to let him out; he will cover his face rather than see the country,[*a]
12:13 I shall throw my net over him and catch him in my mesh; I shall take him to Babylon, to the land of the Chaldaeans, though he will not see it; and there he will die.
12:14 And all those who form his court, his guards and all his troops, I shall scatter to all the winds and unsheathe the sword behind them.
12:15 They will learn that I am Yahweh, when I scatter them throughout the nations and disperse them in foreign countries.
12:16 However, I intend to leave some of them unscathed by sword, famine and plague, to describe all their filthy practices to the peoples among whom they will go, so that these too may learn that I am Yahweh.’
12:17 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
12:18 ‘Son of man, you are to tremble as you eat your bread and to behave restlessly and anxiously as you drink your water,
12:19 and you are to say to the people of the country, “The Lord Yahweh says this to the citizens of Jerusalem scattered throughout Israel: They are going to eat their bread in anxiety, and drink their water in fear, until the country and those who live in it are free of the violence of all its inhabitants.
12:20 The inhabited towns are going to be destroyed and the country will be reduced to desert; and so you will learn that I am Yahweh.”‘
Popular proverbs
12:21 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
12:22 ‘Son of man, what do you mean by this proverb common throughout the land of Israel: Days go by and visions fade?
12:23 ‘Very well, tell them, “The Lord Yahweh says this: I will put an end to this proverb; it shall never be heard in Israel again”. Instead, tell them: “The day is coming when every vision will come true.”
12:24 From now on there will be no empty vision, no deceitful prophecy in the House of Israel,
12:25 since it is I, Yahweh, who will speak. What I say is said and will soon come true; since what I pronounce I will fulfil in your own lifetime, you set of rebels – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.’
12:26 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
12:27 ‘Son of man, the House of Israel is saying, “The vision that this man sees concerns the distant future; he is prophesying for times far ahead”.
12:28 Very well, tell them, “The Lord Yahweh says this: There will be no further delay in the fulfilling of any of my words. What I say is said and will come true – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.”‘
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 13
Against the false prophets
13:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
13:2 ‘Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel; prophesy, and say to those who make up prophecies out of their own heads, “Hear the word of Yahweh.
13:3 The Lord Yahweh says this: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, without seeing anything!
13:4 Like jackals in a ruin, so are your prophets, Israel.
13:5 You have never ventured into the breach; you have never bothered to fortify the House of Israel, to hold fast in battle on the day of Yahweh.
13:6 They have empty visions and give lying prophecies and say: It is Yahweh who speaks, although Yahweh has not sent them; and they are still waiting for their words to come true.
13:7 Can you deny that you have only empty visions, that you utter only lying prophecies when you say: It is Yahweh who speaks, when I myself have not spoken?
13:8 Very well, the Lord Yahweh says this: Because of your empty words and lying visions, I have now set myself against you – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
13:9 I am going to stretch my hand over the prophets who have empty visions and give lying predictions; they will not be admitted to the council of my people, their names will not be entered in the Book of the House of Israel, they will not set foot on the soil of Israel; and you will learn that I am the Lord Yahweh,
13:10 since they have misled my people by saying: Peace! when there is no peace. Instead of my people rebuilding the wall, these men come and slap on plaster.
13:11 Tell these plasterers: It will rain hard, it will hail, it will blow a gale,
13:12 and down will come the wall. Will not people ask: Where is the plaster you slapped on it?
13:13 Well then, the Lord Yahweh says this: I am going to unleash a stormy wind in my anger, torrential rain in my wrath, hailstones in my destructive fury.
13:14 I mean to shatter the wall you slapped with plaster, to throw it down and lay its foundations bare. It will fall and you will perish under it; and so you will learn that I am Yahweh.
13:15 When I have exhausted my anger against the wall and those who plastered it, I shall say to you: The wall is gone, and so are those who slapped it over with plaster,
13:16 these prophets of Israel who prophesy about Jerusalem and have visions of peace for her when there is no peace – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.”
The false prophetesses
13:17 ‘And you, son of man, turn to the daughters of your people who make up is prophecies out of their own heads; prophesy against them.
13:18 Say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Trouble is coming to the women who sew frills round wrists,[*a] who make veils for people of all sizes, the better to ensnare lives! You ensnare the lives of the men of my people while looking after your own.
13:19 You dishonour me in front of my people for a few handfuls of barley, a few bits of bread, killing those who ought not to die and sparing those who ought not to live, lying to my people who love to listen to lies.
13:20 Well then, the Lord Yahweh says this. We shall see about these frills you use for snaring lives like birds. I intend to rip them off your arms, and free those lives you try to snare like birds.
13:21 I am going to rip your veils to pieces and rescue my people from you; they will no longer be fair game for you. And so you will learn that I am Yahweh.
13:22 Since you distress with lies the heart of the upright man whom I would never distress, and since you encourage the wicked man not to give up his wicked ways and find life again,
13:23 very well, you will have no more empty visions, and you will not make any more predictions. I mean to rescue my people from you, and then you will learn that I am Yahweh.”‘
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 14
Against idolatry
14:1 When some elders of Israel had come to my house and sat down with me,
14:2 the word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
14:3 ‘Son of man, these people have enshrined their own idols in their hearts, they cling to the cause of their sins; am I going to let myself be consulted by them?
14:4 Well then, speak to them; tell them this, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Every member of the House of Israel who enshrines his own idols in his heart, or who, clinging to the cause of his sins, comes looking for the prophet, will get his answer from me, Yahweh, on account of his hundreds of idols”;
14:5 and in this way I hope to touch the heart of the House of Israel who have deserted me in favour of a pack of idols.
14:6 ‘Say therefore to the House of Israel, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Come back, renounce your idols and give up all your filthy practices;
14:7 for if any member of the House of Israel – or even any foreigner living in Israel – deserts me to enshrine his own idols in his heart, and, clinging to the cause of his sins, then comes looking for the prophet to consult me, he will get his answer from me, Yahweh.
14:8 I will turn against this man; I will make him an example and a byword; I will cut him off from my people; and you will learn that I am Yahweh.
14:9 If the prophet is led astray and speaks, it is I, Yahweh, who have led that prophet astray; I will stretch out my hand against him and will wipe him out from my people Israel.
14:10 They will bear the weight of their faults, and the fault of the prophet will be as grave as the fault of the man who consults him.
14:11 So the House of Israel will not desert me any more; it will not defile itself with any more of these sins. They shall be my people, and I will be their God – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.”‘
Individual responsibility
14:12 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
14:13 ‘Son of man, if a country were to sin against me by faithlessness, and if I were to stretch out my hand against it and destroy its stock of bread and send famine to it to kill its men and beasts,
14:14 and if in that country there were these three men, Noah, Danel and Job,[*a] these men would have their lives spared because of their integrity – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
14:15 Were I to unleash wild animals on that country to rob it of its children and reduce it to such a desert that no one would dare to cross it because of the animals,
14:16 and if these three men were in that country, then, as I live – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – they would not be able to save either son or daughter; they alone would be saved, and the country would become a desert.
14:17 If I were to bring the sword into that country and say: Let the sword pass through the country; I will strike down men and beasts with it,
14:18 and if these three men were in that country, then, as I live – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – they would not be able to save either son or daughter; they alone would be saved.
14:19 If I were to send the plague into that country and satisfy my anger with them by bloodshed, cutting off men and beasts,
14:20 if Noah and Danel and Job were in the country, as I live – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – they would not be able to save either son or daughter, though they would save their own lives because of their integrity.
14:21 ‘The Lord Yahweh says this: Now, if I do send my four dreadful scourges against Jerusalem – sword, famine, wild animals and plague – to cut off its men and beasts,
14:22 and if any survivors are left there to contrive the escape of son and daughter, they will come for you to see their conduct and actions and so be comforted in spite of the scourges I shall have brought on Jerusalem, in spite of everything I shall have brought on her.
14:23 They will comfort you, when you see their conduct and actions, and so you will learn that I have not done all I have done against her for nothing – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.’
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 15
A parable of the vine
15:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows:
15:2 ‘Son of man, how is the wood of the vine better than wood from the branch of a forest tree?
15:3 Do people use its wood to carve it into something? Do they make a peg out of it, and hang things on it?
15:4 There it is, thrown on the fire for fuel. The fire burns off both ends; the middle is charred; is it fit for carving now?
15:5 While it was intact, it was impossible to carve; burned and charred, will it be now fit for carving?
15:6 Therefore, the Lord Yahweh says this: As the wood of the vine among the forest trees, which I have thrown on the fire for fuel, so have I treated the citizens of Jerusalem.
15:7 I have turned my face against them. They have escaped the fire, but the fire will devour them yet. And you will learn that I am Yahweh, when I turn my face against them.
15:8 I mean to reduce the country to desert, to punish their faithlessness to me – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.’
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 16
An allegorical history of Israel
16:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
16:2 ‘Son of man, confront Jerusalem with her filthy crimes.
16:3 Say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: By origin and birth you belong to the land of Canaan. Your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite.
16:4 At birth, the very day you were born, there was no one to cut your navel-string, or wash you in cleansing water, or rub you with salt, or wrap you in napkins.
16:5 No one leaned kindly over you to do anything like that for you. You were exposed in the open fields; you were as unloved as that on the day you were born.
16:6 I saw you struggling in your blood as I was passing, and I said to you as you lay in your blood: Live,
16:7 and grow like the grass of the fields. You developed, you grew, you reached marriageable age. Your breasts and your hair both grew, but you were quite naked.
16:8 Then I saw you as I was passing. Your time had come, the time for love. I spread part of my cloak over you and covered your nakedness; I bound myself by oath, I made a covenant with you – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – and you became mine.
16:9 I bathed you in water, I washed the blood off you, I anointed you with oil.
16:10 I gave you embroidered dresses, fine leather shoes, a linen headband and a cloak of silk.
16:11 I loaded you with jewels, gave you bracelets for your wrists and a necklace for your throat.
16:12 I gave you nose-ring and earrings; I put a beautiful diadem on your head.
16:13 You were loaded with gold and silver, and dressed in fine linen and embroidered silks. Your food was the finest flour, honey and oil. You grew more and more beautiful; and you rose to be queen.
16:14 The fame of your beauty spread through the nations, since it was perfect, because I had clothed you with my own splendour – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
16:15 You have become infatuated with your own beauty; you have used your fame to make yourself a prostitute; you have offered your services to all comers…
16:16 You have taken your clothes to brighten your high places and there you have played the whore…
16:17 You have taken my presents of gold and silver jewellery and made yourself human images to use in your whorings.
16:18 You have taken your embroidered clothes and put them on the images, and the oil and incense which are rightly mine you have offered to them.
16:19 The bread I gave you, the finest flour, oil and honey with which I used to feed you, you have now offered to them as an appeasing fragrance.
16:20 You have even – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – taken the sons and daughters you bore me and sacrificed them as food to the images. Was it not enough for you just to be a whore?
16:21 You have slaughtered my children and handed them over as a burnt offering to them,
16:22 and in all your filthy practices and your whorings you have never remembered your youth or the time when you were quite naked and struggling in your own blood.
16:23 To crown your wickedness – trouble for you, it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks –
16:24 you have built yourself a mound and made a high place at every cross-roads.
16:25 At the beginning of every road you have built a high place to defile your beauty there and to give your body to every comer; you have piled whoring on whoring.
16:26 You have lain down for those big-membered neighbours, the Egyptians; you have piled whoring on whoring to provoke me,
16:27 and now I have raised my hand against you. I have rationed your food, I have handed you over to the mercy of your enemies, the daughters of the Philistines, who are sick of your filthy ways.
16:28 Still unsatisfied, you have prostituted yourself to the Assyrians; you have played the whore and not been satisfied even then.[*a]
16:29 You have piled whoring on whoring with Canaanite and Chaldaean, and even then not been satisfied.
16:30 How easily led you were – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – to behave no better than a bold-faced whore!
16:31 When you built yourself a mound at the beginning of every road and made a high place at every crossroads, you were not, like the whore, out for money:
16:32 an adulteress welcomes strangers instead of her husband;
16:33 a prostitute is paid. But you, in your whoring, have given your presents away to all your lovers; you have offered them gifts to attract them from everywhere.
16:34 In your whoring you have done the exact opposite from other women; no one was running after you, so you went and paid them; they did not pay you since your behaviour was so outrageous.
16:35 Well then, whore, hear the word of Yahweh.
16:36 The Lord Yahweh says this: For having undressed and let yourself be seen naked while whoring with your lovers and with your filthy idols, and for giving them your children’s blood –
16:37 for all this, I am going to band together all the lovers who have pleasured you, both those you liked and those you disliked, I am going to band them together against you from all around; I will strip you in front of them, and let them see you naked.
16:38 And I mean to punish you like women who commit adultery and murder;
16:39 I intend to hand you over to fury and jealousy; I will hand you over to them; they will level your mound and demolish your high places; they will tear your clothes off, take your jewels and leave you completely naked.
16:40 They will then whip up the crowd against you; you will be stoned and run through with a sword;
16:41 they will set your houses on fire and execute justice on you with crowds of women looking on; I will put an end to your whoring: no more paid lovers for you.
16:42 I will exhaust my fury against you. My jealousy will then leave you; I shall be appeased and my anger will stop.
16:43 Since you have never remembered your youth, since in all this you have done nothing but provoke me, I in my turn intend to bring your conduct down on your own head – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks. Have you not been disgusting with all your filthy practices?
16:44 Now all the proverb-makers will make up a proverb about you: Like mother, like daughter.
16:45 Yes; you are a true daughter of your mother, who hated her husband and her children; a true sister of your sisters, who hated their husbands and their children. Your mother was a Hittite and your father an Amorite.
16:46 Your elder sister is Samaria, who lives on your left with her daughters. Your younger sister is Sodom, who lives on your right with her daughters.
16:47 You have not failed to copy their behaviour; throughout your career you have shown yourself more corrupt than they were.
16:48 As I live – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – your sister Sodom and her daughters have not been as bad as you and your daughters.
16:49 The crime of your sister Sodom was pride, gluttony, arrogance, complacency; such were the sins of Sodom and her daughters. They never helped the poor and needy;
16:50 they were proud and engaged in filthy practices in front of me; that is why I have swept them away as you have seen.
16:51 And yet Samaria never committed half the crimes that you have. You have done far filthier things than they did. By your filthy practices you have made your sisters seem almost innocent,
16:52 and now you have to bear the shame for all those faults of which you have cleared your sisters; since the grossness of the sins for which you bear the guilt is more horrible than theirs, they now appear more virtuous than you are. Be ashamed, then; bear the shame of having put your sisters in the right.
16:53 I will restore them. I will restore Sodom and her daughters. I will restore Samaria and her daughters; and, after that, I will restore you along with them,
16:54 that you may bear your shame and be ashamed of all you have done, and console them.
16:55 Your sister Sodom and her daughters will be restored to what they were. Samaria and her daughters will be restored to what they were. You and your daughters will be restored to what you were.
16:56 Did you not gloat over your sister Sodom when you were still in your finery,
16:57 before you were stripped naked? Now the daughters of Edom and all the women around are jeering at you, and the daughters of the Philistines are treating you like something beneath them, and so are all your neighbours.
16:58 You have brought it on yourself by your brazenness and filth – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
16:59 For the Lord Yahweh says this: I will treat you as you deserve, you who have despised your oath even to the extent of breaking a covenant,
16:60 but I will remember the covenant that I made with you when you were a girl, and I will conclude a covenant with you that shall last for ever.
16:61 And you for your part will remember your past behaviour and be covered with shame when I take your elder and younger sisters and make them your daughters, although this was not included in this covenant.
16:62 I am going to renew my covenant with you; and you will learn that I am Yahweh,
16:63 and so remember and be covered with shame, and in your confusion be reduced to silence, when I have pardoned you for all that you have done – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.”‘
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 17
The allegory of the eagle
17:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
17:2 ‘Son of man, ask them a riddle; propound a parable to the House of Israel.
17:3 Say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: A large eagle,[*a] with huge wings and a wide span, covered with speckled feathers, came to Lebanon. He took hold of the top of the cedar,
17:4 plucked off the top branch, carried it off to the land of merchants, and set it down in a city of shopkeepers.
17:5 Then he carried off a seedling vine, and planted it in fertile soil; by the side of a wide stream, as a border he set it.
17:6 The seedling grew, and turned into a vine, not tall but well spread out; its branches grew up towards the eagle, its roots grew down. It turned into a vine; it sent out stems and put out sprays.
17:7 There was another large eagle, with huge wings and thickly feathered. And now the vine twisted its roots toward him, stretched its branches towards him away from the bed where it was planted for him to water them.
17:8 It was in a fertile field, by the side of a wide stream, that the vine had been planted, to grow shoots, bear fruit and become a noble vine.”
17:9 Say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Will this vine thrive? Will not the eagle break its roots, and snap up the fruit, so that all the new leaves will wither when they shoot? It will take no effort and no strong nation to pull it up by the roots.
17:10 It is planted there; will it thrive? Will it not shrivel when the east wind blows? It will wither on the soil where it was growing.”‘
17:11 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows:
17:12 ‘Say to that set of rebels, “Do you not know what this means?” Say this, “Listen; the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem; he carried away the king and the princes, and took them to where he lives in Babylon.
17:13 He took a member of the royal family and made a treaty with him, forcing him to swear loyalty, after having already deported the chief men of the land,
17:14 so that the kingdom would remain modest and without ambition and so maintain his treaty faithfully.
17:15 But the prince rebelled and sent envoys to Egypt, asking for horses and a large number of troops. Is he going to thrive? Will a man who has done this go unpunished? Can he break a treaty and go unpunished?
17:16 As I live, I swear – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks: In Babylon, in the country of the king who put him on the throne, whose oath he has ignored, whose treaty he has broken, there will he die.
17:17 Despite the pharaoh’s great army and hordes of men, he will not be able to save him by fighting, however many earthworks are raised, however many trenches dug to the loss of many lives.
17:18 He has ignored the oath and broken the treaty by which he was bound. He has done all this and shall not go unpunished.
17:19 “And so, the Lord Yahweh says this: As I live, I swear: my oath which he has ignored, my treaty which he has broken, I will make them both recoil on his own head.
17:20 I mean to throw my net over him and catch him in my mesh; I mean to take him to Babylon and punish him there for breaking his oath to me.
17:21 The pick of his army will fall by the sword, and the survivors be scattered to all the winds. And so you will learn that I, Yahweh, have spoken.
17:22 The Lord Yahweh says this: From the top of the cedar, from the highest branch I will take a shoot and plant it myself on a very high mountain.
17:23 I will plant it on the high mountain of Israel. It will sprout branches and bear fruit, and become a noble cedar. Every kind of bird will live beneath it, every winged creature rest in the shade of its branches.
17:24 And every tree of the field will learn that I, Yahweh, am the one who stunts tall trees and makes the low ones grow, who withers green trees and makes the withered green. I, Yahweh, have spoken, and I will do it.”‘
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 18
Individual responsibility
18:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
18:2 ‘Why do you keep repeating this proverb in the land of Israel: The fathers have eaten unripe grapes; and the children’s teeth are set on edge?
18:3 ‘As I live – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – there will no longer be any reason to repeat this proverb in Israel.
18:4 See now: all life belongs to me; the father’s life and the son’s life, both alike belong to me. The man who has sinned, he is the one who shall die.
18:5 ‘The upright man is law-abiding and honest;
18:6 he does not eat on the mountains[*a] or raise his eyes to the idols of the House of Israel, does not seduce his neighbour’s wife or sleep with a woman during her periods.
18:7 He oppresses no one, returns pledges, never steals, gives his own bread to the hungry, his clothes to the naked.
18:8 He never charges usury on loans, takes no interest, abstains from evil, gives honest judgement between man and man,
18:9 keeps my laws and sincerely respects my observances – such a man is truly upright. It is Yahweh who speaks.
18:10 ‘But if anyone has a son prone to violence and bloodshed, who commits one of these misdeeds –
18:11 even though the father never has – a son who dares to eat on the mountains and to seduce his neighbour’s wife,
18:12 who oppresses the poor and needy, steals, fails to return pledges, raises his eyes to idols, engages in filthy practices,
18:13 charges usury on loans and takes interest, then this son shall certainly not live; having committed all these appalling crimes he will have to die, and his blood be on his own head.
18:14 But if he in turn has a son who, in spite of seeing all the sins that his father has committed, does not imitate him,
18:15 does not eat on the mountains or raise his eyes to the idols of the House of Israel, does not seduce his neighbour’s wife,
18:16 oppresses no one, takes no pledges, never steals, gives his own bread to the hungry, clothes to the naked,
18:17 abstains from evil, does not charge usury or take interest, respects my observances and keeps my laws, he will not die is for his father’s sins, this son shall certainly live.
18:18 Because the father was violent, robbed others and never did good among my people, be sure he shall die for his sins.
18:19 But you object, “Why does the son not suffer for the sins of his father?” The son, however, has been law-abiding and honest, has kept all my laws and followed them, and so he shall certainly live.
18:20 The man who has sinned is the one who must die; a son is not to suffer for the sins of his father, nor a father for the sins of his son. To the upright man his integrity will be credited, to the wicked his wickedness.
18:21 ‘But if the wicked man renounces all the sins he has committed, respects my laws and is law-abiding and honest, he will certainly live; he will not die.
18:22 All the sins he committed will be forgotten from then on; he shall live because of the integrity he has practised.
18:23 What! Am I likely to take pleasure in the death of a wicked man – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – and not prefer to see him renounce his wickedness and live?
18:24 ‘But if the upright man renounces his integrity, commits sin, copies the wicked man and practises every kind of filth, is he to live? All the integrity he has practised shall be forgotten from then on; but this is because he himself has broken faith and committed sin, and for this he shall die.
18:25 But you object, “What the Lord does is unjust”. Listen, you House of Israel: is what I do unjust? Is it not what you do that is unjust?
18:26 When the upright man renounces his integrity to commit sin and dies because of this, he dies because of the evil that he himself has committed.
18:27 When the sinner renounces sin to become law-abiding and honest, he deserves to live.
18:28 He has chosen to renounce all his previous sins; he shall certainly live; he shall not die.
18:29 And yet the House of Israel objects, “What the Lord does is unjust”. Is what I do unjust, you House of Israel? Is it not what you do that is unjust?
18:30 House of Israel, in future I mean to judge each of you by what he does – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks. Repent, renounce all your sins, avoid all occasions of sin!
18:31 Shake off all the sins you have committed against me, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why are you so anxious to die, House of Israel?
18:32 I take no pleasure in the death of anyone – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks. Repent and live!
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 19
A lamentation over the rulers of Israel
19:1 ‘As for you, raise a dirge for the princes of Israel.
19:2 Say: “What was your mother? A lioness surrounded by lions; lying among the cubs she nursed her whelps.
19:3 She reared one of her whelps and it grew into a young lion; he learnt to tear his prey; he became a man-eater.
19:4 The nations combined against him; he was caught in their pit; they dragged him off with hooks to the land of Egypt.[*a]
19:5 Her expectation thwarted, her hope dashed, she took another of her whelps and made a young lion of him.
19:6 He grew to prowl with other lions, and grew into a young lion; he learned to tear his prey; he became a man-eater.
19:7 He stormed their palaces, and sacked their cities; the country and its inhabitants were alarmed by the sound of his roars.
19:8 The nations marched out against him from the surrounding provinces; they spread their net for him; he was caught in their pit.
19:9 They caged him with hooks (they took him to the king of Babylon); they took him into a fortress, so that his voice could never again be heard on the mountains of Israel.[*b]
19:10 “Your mother was like a vine planted beside the water, fruitful and leafy, because the water flowed so full.
19:11 It put out strong branches that turned to royal sceptres; they reached up, reached so high they touched the clouds; men admired them for their height and their thick foliage.
19:12 But it was rooted up and thrown on the ground; the east wind dried up its fruit; it was broken up; its strong branch withered away; fire consumed it all.
19:13 Now it has been transplanted into the desert, the waterless country of drought;
19:14 fire has come out of its stem, consumed its branches and fruit. No more strong branch for her, no more kingly sceptre.” This is a dirge; it was used as such.
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 20
An account of Israel’s infidelities
20:1 In the seventh year, on the tenth day of the fifth month,[*a] some of the elders of Israel came to consult Yahweh and sat down in front of me.
20:2 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
20:3 ‘Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel. Say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Have you come to consult me?” As I live, I am not going to let myself be consulted by them – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
20:4 Are you ready to judge them? Are you ready to judge them, son of man? Confront them with the filthy practices of their fathers.
20:5 Say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: On the day when I chose Israel, when I raised my hand over the descendants of the House of Jacob, I told them then in the land of Egypt; I raised my hand over them and said: I am Yahweh your God.
20:6 On that day I raised my hand over them and swore to lead them out of the land of Egypt and bring them into the land I had chosen for them, a land where milk and honey flow, and the noblest of them all.
20:7 I said: Each one of you must reject those horrors that attract you; do not pollute yourselves with the idols of Egypt; I am Yahweh, your God.
20:8 But they rebelled against me and would not listen to me. Not one of them rejected those horrors that attracted them; they did not give up the idols of Egypt. I resolved to discharge my anger on them and exhaust my fury against them in Egypt.
20:9 But respect for my own name kept me from allowing it to be profaned in the opinion of the nations among whom they were living, for I had given them my word that in the sight of those nations I would lead my people out of the land of Egypt.
20:10 So I led them out of Egypt and into the wilderness.
20:11 I gave them my laws and taught them my observances, which must be practised by all who want to live.
20:12 I even gave them my sabbaths to be a sign between me and them, so that they might learn that I, Yahweh, am the one who sanctifies them.
20:13 The House of Israel, however, rebelled against me in the wilderness; they refused to keep my laws, they scorned my observances, which must be practised by all who wish to live, and they profaned my sabbaths. Then I resolved to discharge my anger on them in the wilderness and to destroy them.
20:14 But respect for my own name kept me from allowing it to be profaned in the opinion of the nations, in whose sight I had brought them out.
20:15 However, I did raise my hand over them in the wilderness and swear that I would not lead them to the land which I had given them, a land where milk and honey flow, the noblest of them all,
20:16 since they had scorned my observances, had refused to keep my laws and had profaned my sabbaths, their hearts being so attached to idols.
20:17 In spite of this, I took pity on them; I refrained from destroying them, and I did not kill them all in the wilderness.
20:18 I said to their children in the wilderness: Do not live by your ancestors’ standards, do not practise the observances they practised, do not defile yourselves with their idols.
20:19 I am Yahweh your God. Keep my laws, respect my observances and practise them.
20:20 Keep my sabbaths holy; let them be a sign between me and you, so that men may learn that I am Yahweh your God.
20:21 The sons, however, rebelled against me; they refused to keep my laws, they did not respect or practise my observances, which must be practised by all who want to live; they profaned my sabbaths. I then resolved to discharge my anger on them and exhaust my fury against them in the wilderness.
20:22 But I restrained my hand; respect for my own name kept me from allowing it to be profaned in the opinion of the nations, under whose eyes I had brought them out.
20:23 Once again, however, I raised my hand over them in the wilderness, swearing to scatter them throughout the nations and disperse them in foreign countries,
20:24 because they had not followed my observances but had rejected my laws and profaned my sabbaths, and because they had kept their eyes fastened on their ancestors’ idols.
20:25 I even gave them laws that were not good and observances by which they could never live;
20:26 and I polluted them with their own offerings, making them sacrifice all their first-born; which was to punish them, so that they would learn that I am Yahweh.”
20:27 ‘For this reason, son of man, speak to the House of Israel. Say to them, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Here is another way by which your ancestors outraged me, behaving treacherously to me,
20:28 even though I led them into the land which I had solemnly sworn to give them. There they saw all sorts of high hills, all kinds of leafy trees, and there they performed their sacrifices and made offerings that provoked my anger; there they laid their appeasing fragrance and poured their libations.
20:29 I said to them: What is the name of the high place where you go? And they gave, and still give it, the name of Bamah.”[*b]
20:30 Very well, say to the House of Israel, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Since you insist on defiling yourselves by behaving like your fathers, by whoring with their idols,
20:31 by offering your gifts and by burning your children as sacrifices, polluting yourselves with your pack of idols to this very day, how can I let you consult me, House of Israel? As I live – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – I am not going to let myself be consulted by you.
20:32 And that dream ever haunting your mind will never come true, when you say: We shall be like the nations, like foreign tribes worshipping wood and stone.
20:33 As I live I swear it – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – I am the one who will reign over you, with a strong hand and outstretched arm, through the discharge of my anger.
20:34 With a strong hand and outstretched arm, through the discharge of my anger, I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you together from foreign countries among which you have been scattered.
20:35 I will lead you into the Desert of the Nations[*c] and condemn you to your face.
20:36 As I judged your fathers in the desert of the land of Egypt, so will I judge you – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
20:37 I mean to make you pass under my crook[*d] and I will bring a few of you back;
20:38 I will sort out the rebels who have rebelled against me. I intend to bring them out of the country where they are staying, but they shall not enter the land of Israel, and you will learn that I am Yahweh.
20:39 House of Israel, the Lord Yahweh says this: Go on, all of you, worship your idols, but I swear that you will hear me irk the end. You will stop profaning my Holy Name with your offerings and your idols.
20:40 For on my holy mountain, on the high mountain of Israel – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – it is where the whole House of Israel, resettled in the country, will worship me. There I will welcome you, and there expect your presents, your choicest gifts and all your holy offerings.
20:41 will welcome you like an appeasing fragrance when I bring you out from among the peoples; I mean to gather you together from the foreign countries in which you have been scattered; through you I intend to display my holiness for all the nations to see;
20:42 and you will learn that I am Yahweh, when I bring you back to the soil of Israel, to the land I solemnly swore to give to your fathers.
20:43 There you will remember your past behaviour and all the misdeeds by which you have defiled yourselves, and you will loathe yourselves for all the sins that you have committed.
20:44 Then you will learn that I am Yahweh, when I treat you as respect for my own name requires, and not as your wicked behaviour and corrupt actions deserve, House of Israel. It is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.”‘
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 21
The sword of Yahweh
21:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
21:2 ‘Son of man, turn to the right; utter your word towards the south, prophesy against the forest land of the Negeb.
21:3 Say to the forest of the Negeb, “Hear the word of Yahweh. The Lord Yahweh says this: Listen; I am about to kindle a fire in you that will burn up every green tree as well as every dry one; it will be an unquenchable blaze and every face will be scorched by it from the Negeb to the North.
21:4 All mankind will see that it was I, Yahweh, who kindled it, and it will not be put out.”‘
21:5 I said, ‘Lord Yahweh, they say of me, “What a storyteller this man is!”‘
21:6 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
21:7 ‘Son of man, turn towards Jerusalem, curse their sanctuary and prophesy against the land of Israel.
21:8 Say to the land of Israel, “Yahweh says this: Now I set myself against you; I am about to unsheathe my sword and to kill both upright man and sinner.
21:9 My sword will leave its sheath to kill upright and sinful alike and turn against all mankind from the Negeb to the North.
21:10 All mankind is going to learn that I, Yahweh, am the one who has drawn the sword from its sheath; it will not go back again.”
21:11 ‘Son of man, groan as though your heart were breaking. Bitterly utter your groans where they can see you.
21:12 And if they say, “Why these groans?” reply, “The news has made all hearts sink, has numbed hands, troubled spirits, caused knees to tremble. Now it has come, it is here; it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.”‘
21:13 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
21:14 ‘Son of man, prophesy. Say, “The Lord says this”. Say: “The sword, the sword sharpened and polished!
21:15 Sharpened for slaughter, polished to flash like lightning…
21:16 polished only to be wielded, sharpened and polished to fit the slaughterer’s hand!
21:17 Yes, shout and howl, son of man; it is meant for my people, for all the princes of Israel, doomed like my people to the sword. So beat your breast;
21:18 this is no first attempt, and what would happen, were there no haughty sceptre? – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
21:19 Son of man, prophesy and clap your hands. Let the sword be twice, three times, as cruel, the butcher’s sword, the great sword of slaughter, menacing all around.
21:20 To make hearts sink and to increase the number of victims I have posted a sword at every gate to flash like lightning, polished for havoc.
21:21 Behind! To the right! To the left! In front!
21:22 And I too will clap my hands; I will exhaust my wrath. I, Yahweh, have spoken.”‘
The king of Babylon at the crossroads
21:23 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
21:24 ‘Son of man, mark out two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to come along, making both of them begin from the same country. Put up a signpost where they begin, showing the way to a city,
21:25 showing the sword the way to Rabbah of the Ammonites, and the way to Judah, to the fortress of Jerusalem.
21:26 For the king of Babylon has halted at the fork where these two roads diverge, to take the omens. He has shaken the arrows, questioned the teraphim, inspected the liver.
21:27 Into his right hand the lot for Jerusalem falls; there he must set up battering-rams, give the word for slaughter, raise the war cry, level battering-rams against the gates, cast up earthworks, build entrenchments.
21:28 The citizens believe that these omens are idle, whatever oaths have been sworn. But he is evidence of their crimes, and these will bring about their capture.
21:29 And so, thus says the Lord Yahweh. Since you give evidence of your crimes by parading your sins and flaunting your wickedness in everything you do, and since this evidence now produced against you, you will be punished.
21:30 As for you, prince of Israel, vile criminal on the last of whose crimes the day is about to dawn,
21:31 the Lord Yahweh says this: They will take away your turban and remove your crown; everything will be changed; the low will be high and the high brought low.
21:32 To ruin, and to ruin on ruin, am I going to bring it, to such ruin as was never known before this man came who is appointed to inflict the punishment which I am determined to impose on it.
The punishment of Ammon
21:33 ‘Son of man, prophesy and say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: To the Ammonites with their insults, say: The sword, the sword is drawn for slaughter, polished to destroy, to flash like lightning –
21:34 while you have empty visions and consult lying omens – to slaughter the vile criminals on the last of whose crimes the day is about to dawn.
21:35 Put it back in the scabbard. In the place where you were created, in the country where you were born, there I will judge you;
21:36 I am going to discharge my anger on you, blow the flames of my fury against you and hand you over to barbarous men whose trade is destruction.
21:37 You will be fuel to the fire, your blood will flow through the country, you will leave no memory behind you; for I, Yahweh, have spoken.”‘
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 22
The crimes of Jerusalem
22:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
22:2 ‘Son of man, are you prepared to judge? Are you prepared to judge the murderous city? Confront her with all her filthy crimes!
22:3 Say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: City shedding blood inside yourself to bring your hour closer, setting up idols on your soil to defile yourself,
22:4 you have incurred guilt by the blood you have shed, you have defiled yourself with the idols you have made, you have brought your hour closer, you have come to the end of your time. And so I have made you an object of scorn to the nations and a laughing-stock to every country.
22:5 Near and far, they will scoff at you, the turbulent city with a tarnished name
22:6 where all the princes of Israel live, each one busy shedding blood, and a law to himself;
22:7 where people despise their fathers and mothers; where they ill-treat the settler; where they oppress the widow and the orphan;
22:8 where you have no reverence for my sanctuaries and profane my sabbaths;
22:9 where informers incite to bloodshed; where there are people who eat on the mountains and couple promiscuously;
22:10 where men uncover their father’s nakedness; where they force women in their unclean condition;
22:11 where one man engages in filthy practices with his neighbour’s wife, another defiles himself with his daughter-in-law, another violates his sister, his own father’s daughter;
22:12 where people take bribes for shedding blood; you charge usury and interest, you rob your neighbour by extortion, you forget all about me – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
22:13 Now I will clap my hands at your acts of banditry and the blood that flows in you.
22:14 Will your heart be able to resist, will your hands be strong on the day I call you to account? I, Yahweh, have spoken, and I will do it.
22:15 I mean to disperse you throughout the nations, to scatter you in foreign countries, and to take your foulness from you.
22:16 I shall be dishonoured by you in the opinion of the nations; and so you will learn that I am Yahweh.”‘
22:17 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
22:18 ‘Son of man, the House of Israel, as I see it, is base metal; they are all copper, tin, iron, lead, in the melting-pot; they are base metal.
22:19 And so, the Lord Yahweh says this: Since you are all base metal, I will collect you inside Jerusalem.
22:20 As silver, copper, iron, lead and tin are thrown into the melting-pot together, and the fire is stoked underneath to melt it all down, so I will collect you in my furious anger and melt you down;
22:21 I will collect you and stoke the fire of my fury for you, and melt you down inside the city.
22:22 As silver is melted in the melting-pot, so you will be melted down inside the city; and thus you will learn that I, Yahweh, am the one who has discharged my anger on you.’
22:23 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
22:24 ‘Son of man, say to her, “You are a land that has not received rain or shower on the day of anger,
22:25 and whose princes are like a roaring lion tearing its prey inside her. They have eaten the people, seized wealth and jewels and widowed many inside her.
22:26 Her priests have violated my Law and desecrated my sanctuaries; they have drawn no distinction between sacred and profane, they have not taught people the difference between clean and unclean; they have turned their eyes away from my sabbaths and I have been dishonoured by them.
22:27 Her leaders in the city are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood and killing people to steal their possessions.
22:28 Her prophets have whitewashed these crimes with their empty visions and lying prophecies. They have said: Yahweh says this; although Yahweh has not spoken.
22:29 The people of the country have taken to extortion and banditry; they have oppressed the poor and needy and ill-treated the settler for no reason.
22:30 I have been looking for someone among them to build a wall and man the breach in front of me, to defend the country and prevent me from destroying it; but I have not found anyone.
22:31 Hence I have discharged my anger on them; I have destroyed them in the fire of my fury. I have made their conduct recoil on their own heads – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.”‘
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 23
An allegorical history of Jerusalem and Samaria
23:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
23:2 ‘Son of man, there were once two women, daughters of the same mother.
23:3 They became prostitutes in Egypt, when they were girls. There their nipples were handled, there their virgin breasts were first fondled.
23:4 Their names were: Oholah the elder, Oholibah her sister. They belonged to me and bore sons and daughters. As regards their names, Samaria is Oholah, Jerusalem Oholibah.
23:5 Now Oholah played the whore, although she belonged to me; she lusted for her lovers, her neighbours the Assyrians,
23:6 dressed in purple, governors and nobles, all of them young and desirable, and skilful horsemen.
23:7 She granted them her favours – they were all the flower of the Assyrians – and she defiled herself with all the idols of all those she lusted for.
23:8 She did not renounce the whoring begun in Egypt, where men had slept with her from her girlhood, fondling her virgin breast, debauching her.
23:9 ‘And that is why I have handed her over to her lovers, to those Assyrians for whom she lusted.
23:10 They uncovered her nakedness, they seized her sons and daughters and put her to the sword. She became notorious among women for the justice done on her.
23:11 ‘Though her sister Oholibah saw all this, her own lust and whorings were even more shameful than her sister’s.
23:12 She lusted for her neighbours the Assyrians, governor and nobles, dressed in sumptuous clothes, skilful horsemen, all young and desirable.
23:13 I saw that she was unchaste, that both sisters were as bad as each other.
23:14 She began whoring worse than ever; no sooner had she seen wall carvings of men, paintings of Chaldaeans coloured vermilion,
23:15 men with sashes round their waists and elaborate turbans on their heads, all so imperious of bearing, portraits of Babylonians from Chaldaea,
23:16 than she fell in love with them at first sight and sent messengers to them in Chaldaea.
23:17 The Babylonians came to her, shared her love-bed and defiled her with their debauchery. Once defiled she lost interest in them.
23:18 She flaunted her whoring, she stripped naked; then I turned away from her as I had turned away from her sister.
23:19 She began whoring worse than ever, remembering her girlhood, when she had played the whore in the land of Egypt,
23:20 when she had been infatuated by profligates big-membered as donkeys, ejaculating as violently as stallions.
23:21 ‘You were hankering for the debauchery of your girlhood, when they used to handle your nipples in Egypt and fondle your young breasts.
23:22 And so, Oholibah, the Lord Yahweh says this: I intend to call up against you those of your lovers in whom you have lost interest; I will bring them against you from everywhere,
23:23 the Babylonians and all the Chaldaeans, the men of Pekod and Shoa and Koa,[*a] and all the Assyrians with them, young and desirable, all governors and nobles, all famous officers and horsemen.
23:24 They will advance on you from the North, with chariots and wagons, at the head of a horde of peoples. From every side they will arm against you with shield, buckler and helmet. I have told them to pass sentence on you; they will pass sentence on you as they think fit.
23:25 I shall direct my jealousy against you; they will treat you with fury; they will cut off your nose and ears, and what is left of your family will fall by the sword; they will seize your sons and daughters, and what is left of you will be burnt.
23:26 They will strip off your garments and rob you of your jewels.
23:27 I mean to put an end to your debauchery and to the whorings you began in Egypt; you will not look to the Egyptians any more, you will never think of them again.
23:28 For the Lord Yahweh says this: I now hand you over to those you hate, to those in whom you have lost interest.
23:29 They will treat you with hatred, they will rob you of the fruit of your labours and leave you completely naked. And thus your shameful whoring will be exposed. Your debauchery and your whorings
23:30 are the cause of these afflictions, since by playing the whore with the nations you have defiled yourself with their idols.
23:31 As you have copied your sister’s behaviour, I will put her cup in your hand.
23:32 The Lord Yahweh says this: You will drink your sister’s cup, a cup that is wide and deep, leading to laughter and mockery, so ample the draught it holds.
23:33 You will be filled with drunkenness and sorrow. Cup of affliction and devastation, the cup of your sister Samaria,
23:34 you will drink it, you will drain it; then it will be shattered to pieces and lacerate your breast. I have spoken – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
23:35 ‘And so, the Lord Yahweh says this: Since you have forgotten me and have turned your back on me, you too will have to bear the weight of your debauchery and whorings.’
23:36 And Yahweh said to me, ‘Son of man, are you willing to judge Oholah and Oholibah and charge them with their filthy crimes?
23:37 They have been adulteresses, their hands are dripping with blood, they have committed adultery with their idols. As for the children they had borne me, they have made them pass through the fire to be consumed.
23:38 And here is something else they have done to me: they have defiled my sanctuary the same day and have profaned my sabbaths.
23:39 The same day as sacrificing their children to their idols, they have been to my sanctuary and profaned it. Yes, this is what they have done in my own house.
23:40 ‘Worse still, these men summoned from distant countries, invited by messenger, arrived; you bathed and painted your eyes, put on your jewels
23:41 and sat on a sumptuous bed, by which stood a table on which you had put my incense and my oil.
23:42 The revelry of a carefree company re-echoed because of the crowd of men brought in from the desert; they put bracelets on the women’s arms and magnificent crowns on their heads.
23:43 I thought: The prostitutes are at work in the house of a woman worn out with adulteries. And she is still playing the whore too,
23:44 and men keep visiting her just like a prostitute, just as they went to those profligate women Oholah and Oholibah.
23:45 But upright men will judge them as adulteresses and murderesses are judged, since they are adulteresses and their hands are dripping with blood.
23:46 ‘The Lord Yahweh says this: Summon an assembly to deal with them, and hand them over to terror and pillage;
23:47 let the assembly stone them and hack them to death with the sword; let their sons and daughters be slaughtered and their houses be set on fire.
23:48 I mean to purge the land of debauchery; all the women will thus be warned, and ape your debauchery no more.
23:49 Your debauchery will recoil on your own heads, and you will bear the weight of your idolatrous sins; and so you will learn that I am the Lord Yahweh.’
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 24
A prophecy of the siege of Jerusalem
24:1 In the ninth year, on the tenth day of the tenth month,[*a] the word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
24:2 “Son of man, write down today’s date, since this is the very day the king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem.
24:3 So pronounce a parable for this set of rebels. Say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Put the pot on the fire; put it on; pour water into it.
24:4 Put cuts of meat in too, the best cuts, leg and shoulder. Fill it with the best bones.
24:5 Take the best of the flock. Then heap wood underneath; make the pot boil and bubble until even the bones are cooked.
24:6 For the Lord Yahweh says this: Trouble for the bloodstained city, that rusty cooking-pot whose rust can never be scoured away! Empty it scrap by scrap, drawing no lots.
24:7 For her blood is in her; she has put it on the naked rock; she has not shed it on the ground to hide it in dust.
24:8 To make my anger overflow, to take revenge, I have put her blood on the naked rock, unhidden.
24:9 So, the Lord Yahweh says this: Trouble for the bloodstained city! I too plan to build a great fire.
24:10 Heap on the wood, light it, cook the meat, prepare the spices, let the bones burn.
24:11 Set the pot empty to heat on the coals; let the bronze glow red-hot, the filth inside melt away, the rust inside be consumed.
24:12 But all that rust will not disappear in the flames.
24:13 I have tried to purge you of the filth of your debauchery, but you would not let yourself be purged of your filth. So now you will not be purged until my anger has been exhausted against you.
24:14 I, Yahweh, have spoken; my word will come true; I shall act and not relent; I shall show no pity, no compassion. I intend to judge you as your conduct and actions deserve – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.”‘
The personal ordeals of the prophet
24:15 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
24:16 ‘Son of man, I am about to deprive you suddenly of the delight of your eyes. But you are not to lament, not to weep, not to let your tears run down.
24:17 Groan in silence, do not go into mourning for the dead, knot your turban round your head, put your sandals on your feet, do not cover your beard, do not eat common bread.’
24:18 I told this to the people in the morning, and my wife died in the evening, and the next morning I did as I had been ordered.
24:19 The people then said to me, ‘Are you not going to explain what meaning these actions have for us?’
24:20 I replied, ‘The word of Yahweh has been addressed to me as follows,
24:21 “Say to the House of Israel: The Lord Yahweh says this. I am about to profane my sanctuary, the pride of your strength, the delight of your eyes, the passion of your souls. Those of your sons and daughters whom you have left behind will fall by the sword.
24:22 And you are to do as I have done; you must not cover your beards or eat common bread;
24:23 ‘you must keep your turbans on your heads and your sandals on your feet; you must not lament or weep. You shall waste away owing to your sins and groan among yourselves.
24:24 Ezekiel is to be a sign for you. You are to do just as he has done. And when this happens, you will learn that I am Yahweh.”
24:25 ‘And, son of man, on the very day I deprive them of their sons and daughters who are their strength, their pride and glory, the delight of their eyes, the joy of their hearts,
24:26 on that very day a fugitive will come and bring you news of this.
24:27 On that day your mouth will be opened to speak to the fugitive; you will speak and not be dumb any more; you are to be a sign for them, and they will learn that I am Yahweh.’
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 25
- ORACLES AGAINST THE NATIONS
Against the Ammonites
25:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
25:2 Son of man, turn towards the Ammonites and prophesy against them.
25:3 Say to the Ammonites, “Hear the word of the Lord Yahweh. The Lord Yahweh says this: You cried: Aha! over my sanctuary when it was profaned, and over the land of Israel when it was ravaged, and over the House of Judah when it went into exile,
25:4 and because of that I am going to hand you over to the sons of the East[*a]; they will pitch their camps inside your frontiers, they will settle there. They are going to eat your fruit, and drink your milk.
25:5 I intend to turn Rabbah into a camel yard and the towns of Ammon into sheepfolds. And so you will learn that I am Yahweh.
25:6 The Lord Yahweh says this: Since you have clapped your hands and danced for joy, inwardly full of malice against the land of Israel,
25:7 I mean to stretch out my hand against you for this; I will hand you over to be looted by the peoples, obliterate you as a nation, wipe you out as a country. I will reduce you to nothing, and so you will learn that I am Yahweh.
Against Moab
25:8 The Lord Yahweh says this: Since Moab and Seir[*b] have said: Look at the House of Judah; it is no different from any other nation;
25:9 very well, I will strip the hillsides of Moab bare and destroy her towns throughout the country, including her pride, Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon and Kiriath-aim.
25:10 I shall hand her over to the sons of the East, the enemies of the Ammonites; I shall hand her over so that the Ammonites will not even be remembered as a nation.
25:11 Thus shall I punish Moab, and everyone will learn that I am Yahweh.
Against Edom
25:12 The Lord Yahweh says this: Since Edom has taken revenge on the House of Judah and committed great crimes in doing so,
25:13 very well, the Lord Yahweh says this: I will stretch out my hand against Edom too and wipe out all the men and animals in the country. I shall reduce it to desert; people will be put to the sword from Teman to Dedan.
25:14 I shall unleash my revenge on Edom by means of my people Israel. They will treat Edom as my anger and fury dictate, and everyone will learn that this is my vengeance – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
Against the Philistines
25:15 The Lord Yahweh says this: Since the Philistines have acted in revenge and taken revenge maliciously, and with persistent hatred have done their best to destroy,
25:16 very well, thus speaks the Lord Yahweh: I will stretch out my hand against the Philistines; I shall destroy the Cherethites[*c] and wipe out all the rest of the coastal peoples.
25:17 I shall perform frightful acts of vengeance and inflict furious punishments on them; and when I exact vengeance on them they will learn that I am Yahweh.”‘
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 26
Against Tyre
26:1 In the eleventh year, on the first of the month,[*a] the word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows:
26:2 ‘Son of man, since Tyre has jeered at Jerusalem, “Aha! It is shattered, that gate of nations; it is opening to me; its wealth is ruined”,
26:3 very well, the Lord Yahweh says this: Now, Tyre, I set myself against you. I mean to cause many nations to surge against you like the sea and its waves.
26:4 They will destroy the walls of Tyre, they will demolish her towers; I will sweep away her dust and leave her a naked rock.
26:5 She will be a drying-ground in mid-ocean for fishing nets. For I have spoken – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – she will be the prey of the nations.
26:6 As for her daughters on the mainland, these will be put to the sword, and everyone will learn that I am Yahweh.
26:7 For the Lord Yahweh says this. From the North, I am sending Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, king of kings, against Tyre with horses and chariots and horsemen, a horde of many races.
26:8 He will put your daughters on the mainland to the sword. He will build siege-works against you, cast up a mound against you, raise a siege-tower against you;
26:9 he will break down your walls with his battering-rams, and demolish your towers with his siege-engines.[*b]
26:10 His horses are so many their dust will hide you. Noise of his horsemen and his chariots and wagons will make your walls tremble as he rides through your gates like a man entering a conquered city.
26:11 His horses’ hoofs will trample through your streets; he will put your people to the sword, and throw your massive pillars to the ground.
26:12 Your wealth will be seized, your merchandise looted, your walls razed, your luxurious houses shattered, your stones, your timbers, your very dust, thrown into the sea.
26:13 I will stop your music and songs; the sound of your harps will not be heard again.
26:14 I will reduce you to a naked rock, and make you into a drying-ground for fishing nets, never to be rebuilt; for I, Yahweh, have spoken – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
26:15 The Lord Yahweh says this to Tyre: When they hear of your fall, the groans of your wounded and the havoc inside your walls, will not the islands shake?
26:16 The rulers of the sea will all get off their thrones, lay aside their cloaks and take off their embroidered robes. Dressed in terror they will sit on the ground unable to stop trembling, terrified at your fate.
26:17 ‘They will raise a dirge and say to you: “You are destroyed then, swept from the seas, city of pride, you who were mighty on the sea, you and your citizens, who used to terrorise the continent far and near.
26:18 Now the islands are trembling on the day of your fall; the islands of the sea are terrified by your end.”
26:19 ‘For the Lord Yahweh says this: ‘When I make you as desolate as any depopulated city, when I bring up the deep against you and the ocean covers you,
26:20 I will cast you down with those who go down to the pit, down to the men of old; I will make you live in the regions underground, in the eternal solitudes, with those who go down to the pit, so that you can never come back and be restored to the land of the living.
26:21 I will make you an object of terror; you will not exist. People will look for you and never find you again – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.’
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 27
A lamentation over the fall of Tyre
27:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
27:2 ‘Son of man, raise the dirge over Tyre.
27:3 Say to Tyre, that city standing at the edge of the sea, doing business with the nations in innumerable islands, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Tyre, you used to say: I am a ship perfect in beauty.
27:4 Your frontiers stretched far out to sea; those who built you made you perfect in beauty.
27:5 Cypress from Senir[*a] they used for all your planking. They took a cedar from Lebanon to make you a mast. From the tallest
27:6 oaks of Bashan they made your oars. They built you a deck of cedar inlaid with ivory from the Kittim[*b] isles.
27:7 Embroidered linen of Egypt was used for your sail and for your flag. Purple and scarlet from the Elishah islands formed your deck-tent.
27:8 Men from Sidon and from Arvad[*c] were your oarsmen. Your sages, Tyre, were aboard serving as sailors.
27:9 The elders and craftsmen of Gebal[*d] were there to caulk your seams. All the ships of the sea and the sailors in them visited you to trade with you.
27:10 Men of Persia and Lud and Put served in your army and were your warriors. They hung up shield and helmet in you. They brought you glory.
27:11 The sons of Arvad and their army manned your walls all round and kept watch from your bastions. They hung their shields all round your walls and helped make your beauty perfect.
27:12 Tarshish was your client, profiting from your abundant wealth. People paid you in silver and iron, tin and lead for your merchandise.
27:13 Javan, Tubal and Meshech[*e] traded with you. For your merchandise they bartered men and bronze implements.
27:14 The people of Beth-togarmah[*f] traded you horses, chargers, mules.
27:15 The sons of Dedan traded with you; many shores were your clients; you were paid in ivory tusks and ebony.
27:16 Edom was your client, because of the variety and quantity of your goods; she exchanged carbuncles, purple, embroideries, fine linen, coral and rubies against your goods.
27:17 Judah and the land of Israel also traded with you, supplying you with corn from Minnith, wax, honey, tallow and balm.
27:18 Damascus was your client, because of the plentifulness of your goods and the immensity of your wealth, furnishing you with wine from Helbon and wool from Zahar.
27:19 Dan and Javan, from Uzal onwards, supplied you with wrought iron, cassia and calamus in exchange for your goods.
27:20 Dedan traded with you in horse-cloths.
27:21 Arabia and even the sheikhs of Kedar were all your clients; they paid in lambs, rams and he-goats.
27:22 The merchants of Sheba and Raamah traded with you; they supplied you with the best quality spices, precious stones and gold against your goods.
27:23 Haran, Canneh and Eden, traders of Sheba, Asshur and Chilmad[*g] traded with you.
27:24 They traded rich clothes, embroidered and purple cloaks, multi-coloured materials and strong plaited cords in your markets.
27:25 The ships of Tarshish crossed the seas for your trade. Then you were rich and glorious surrounded by the seas.
27:26 Out to the open sea your oarsmen rowed you. The east wind has shattered you, surrounded by the seas.
27:27 Your riches, your goods, your cargo, your crew, your sailors, your caulkers, your commercial agents, all the soldiers you carry with you, the whole host who are aboard: all will sink surrounded by the seas on the day of your shipwreck.
27:28 When they hear the cries of your sailors the coasts will tremble.
27:29 Then the oarsmen will all desert their ships. The sailors and seafaring people will stay ashore.
27:30 They will raise their voices for you, and weep bitterly. They will throw dust on their heads, and roll in ashes;
27:31 they will shave their heads for you, and put sackcloth round their waists. They will raise a bitter dirge over you, in their despair;
27:32 they will raise a dirge and mourn for you, they will bewail you: Who could compare with haughty Tyre surrounded by the seas?
27:33 When you unloaded your goods to satisfy so many peoples, you made the kings of the earth rich with your excess of wealth and goods.
27:34 Now you are shattered by the waves, surrounded by the seas. Your cargo and all your crew have foundered with you.
27:35 All those who live in the distant islands have been horrified at your fate. Their kings have been panic-stricken, their faces quite cast down.
27:36 The traders of the nations have whistled at your fate, since you have become an object of dread, gone for ever.”‘
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 28
Against the king of Tyre
28:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
28:2 ‘Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre, “The Lord Yahweh say this: Being swollen with pride, you have said: I am a god; I am sitting on the throne of God, surrounded by the seas. Though you are a man and not a god, you consider yourself the equal of God.
28:3 You are wiser now than Danel; there is no sage as wise as you.
28:4 By your wisdom and your intelligence you have amassed great wealth; you have piles of gold and silver inside your treasure-houses.
28:5 Such is your skill in trading, your wealth has continued to increase, and with this your heart has grown more arrogant.
28:6 And so, the Lord Yahweh says this: Since you consider yourself the equal of God,
28:7 very well, I am going to bring foreigners against you, the most barbarous of the nations. They will draw sword against your fine wisdom, they will defile your glory;
28:8 they will throw you down into the pit and you will die a violent death surrounded by the seas.
28:9 Are you still going to say: I am a god, when your murderers confront you? No, you are a man and not a god in the clutches of your murderers!
28:10 You will die like the uncircumcised – at the hand of foreigners. For I have spoken – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.”‘
The fall of the king of Tyre
28:11 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
28:12 ‘Son of man, raise a dirge over the king of Tyre. Say to him, “The Lord Yahweh says this: You were once an exemplar of perfection, full of wisdom, perfect in beauty;
28:13 you were in Eden, in the garden of God. A thousand gems formed your mantle. Sard, topaz, diamond, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire, carbuncle, emerald, the gold of which your flutes and tambourines are made, all were prepared on the day of your creation.
28:14 I had provided you with a guardian cherub; you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked amid red-hot coals.
28:15 Your behaviour was exemplary from the day of your creation until the day when evil was first found in you.
28:16 Your busy trading has filled you with violence and sin. I have thrown you down from the mountain of God, and the guardian cherub has destroyed you from amid the coals.
28:17 Your heart has grown swollen with pride on account of your beauty. You have corrupted your wisdom owing to your splendour. I have thrown you to the ground; I have made you a spectacle for other kings.
28:18 By the immense number of your sins, by the dishonesty of your trading, you have defiled your sanctuaries. I have brought fire out of you to consume you. I have made you ashes on the ground before the eyes of all who saw you.
28:19 Of the nations, all who know you are lost in amazement over you. You are an object of terror; gone for ever.”‘
Against Sidon[*a]
28:20 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
28:21 ‘Son of man, turn towards Sidon and prophesy against her.
28:22 Say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Sidon, now I set myself against you; I will show my glory through you. Men shall learn that I am Yahweh, since I will execute sentence on her and display my holiness in her.
28:23 I will send the plague to her; blood shall flow in her streets, and in her the dead will fall under the sword raised against her on all sides, and so men will learn that I am Yahweh.
Israel delivered from the nations
28:24 No more, for the House of Israel, shall any of the hostile nations surrounding her be a thorn that wounds or a briar that tears; and so men will learn that I am the Lord Yahweh.
28:25 The Lord Yahweh says this. When I gather the House of Israel from the peoples among whom it is dispersed, this is how I am going to display my holiness in the sight of the nations. They shall live on the soil that I gave to my servant Jacob.
28:26 They shall live there in confidence, build houses, plant vineyards; they shall live in confidence. When I inflict punishments on all the hostile surrounding nations, then men will learn that I am Yahweh their God.”‘
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 29
Against Egypt
29:1 In the tenth year, on the twelfth day of the tenth month,[*a] the word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
29:2 ‘Son of man, turn towards Pharaoh king of Egypt and prophesy against him and against the whole of Egypt.
29:3 Speak to him and say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Now I set myself against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, you great crocodile wallowing in your Niles, you have said: My Niles are mine, I made them.
29:4 I am going to put hooks through your jaws, make your Nile fish stick to your scales, and pull you out of your Niles with all your Nile fish sticking to your scales.
29:5 I shall drop you in the desert, with all your Nile fish. You will fall on open ground and not be taken up or buried. I shall give you as food to the beasts of the earth and the birds of heaven,
29:6 so that all the inhabitants of Egypt may learn that I am Yahweh, since they have given no more support than a reed to the House of Israel.
29:7 Whenever they grasped you, you broke in their hands and cut their hands all over. Whenever they leaned on you, you broke and left their loins shaking.
29:8 For this reason, the Lord Yahweh says this: I am sending the sword against you, to kill your men and your beasts.
29:9 Egypt will be reduced to desert and desolation, and men will learn that I am Yahweh. Since he has said: The Nile is mine, I made it,
29:10 very well, now I set myself against you and your Niles. I mean to reduce Egypt to desert and desolation, from Migdol to Syene and beyond to the frontiers of Ethiopia.[*b]
29:11 The feet of men will not pass that way, the feet of animals will not pass that way. For forty years it will remain uninhabited.
29:12 I intend to reduce the land of Egypt to a waste among wasted countries; for forty years its cities will be a waste among ruined cities. And I shall scatter the Egyptians among the nations, dispersing them throughout the peoples.
29:13 And the Lord Yahweh says this: After forty years have passed, I will gather the inhabitants of Egypt from the nations where they have been scattered.
29:14 I will bring the Egyptian captives back and reinstall them in the land of Pathros,[*c] the land they came from. There they will constitute a weak kingdom.
29:15 Egypt will be the weakest of kingdoms and no longer dominate other nations; I shall reduce her, and she will not rule any more over the nations.
29:16 She will no longer be anything for the House of Israel to trust in, but will be living evidence of the sins of Israel at the time when Israel turned to her for help. And men will learn that I am the Lord Yahweh.”‘
29:17 In the twenty-seventh year, on the first day of the first month,[*d] the word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows:
29:18 ‘Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon mobilised his army for a great expedition against Tyre. Their heads have all gone bald, their shoulders are all chafed, but even so he has derived no profit from the expedition mounted against Tyre either for himself or for his army.
29:19 Since this is so, the Lord Yahweh says this: I am going to hand Egypt over to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. He will levy his share of riches there instead, will loot it and carry off the booty to pay his army.
29:20 In reward for his efforts against Tyre I am handing the land of Egypt over to him, since he has been working for me – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
29:21 ‘On that day I will cause the House of Israel to sprout a horn, and I shall allow you to open your mouth for all to hear. And so they will learn that I am Yahweh.’
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 30
Against Egypt: the day of Yahweh
30:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
30:2 ‘Son of man, prophesy and say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Howl: Alas, the day!
30:3 For the day is near, the day of Yahweh is near; it will be a day dark with cloud, the end of an epoch for the nations.
30:4 The sword will come on Egypt, and terror will visit Ethiopia when the slaughtered fall in Egypt, when her riches are carried away, when her foundations are destroyed.
30:5 Cush and Put and Lud, the whole of Arabia and Cub and the sons of my covenant will fall by the sword along with them.
30:6 Yahweh says this: The supports of Egypt will fall; the pride of her strength will crumble; people will fall by the sword from Migdol to Syene – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
30:7 They will be laid waste among wasted countries; her cities will rank with other ruined cities.
30:8 They will learn that I am Yahweh when I set fire to Egypt and all her supports are shattered.
30:9 On that day messengers despatched by me will set out in boats to shake the complacency of Ethiopia Terror will run through her inhabitants on the day of Egypt – it is coming now!
30:10 The Lord Yahweh says this: I intend to destroy the huge population of Egypt at the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.
30:11 He and his people, most barbarous of nations, will be sent to ravage the country. They will draw the sword against Egypt and fill the country with corpses.
30:12 I am going to dry up the arms of the Nile, hand the country over to brigands. and lay the whole country waste and everything in it, at the hand of foreigners. I, Yahweh, have spoken.
30:13 The Lord Yahweh says this: I mean to destroy the idols, and take the rams away from Noph.[*a] The land of Egypt will be left without a ruler. I shall spread terror through the land of Egypt.
30:14 I shall lay Pathros waste, set Zoan on fire, inflict my punishments on No.
30:15 I shall discharge my fury on Sin, the stronghold of Egypt; I shall wipe out the crowding population of No.
30:16 I shall set fire to Egypt; Sin will be racked with anguish; there will be a flood at No, the waters will inundate it.
30:17 The young men of On and Pi-beseth will fall by the sword and the cities themselves go into captivity.
30:18 At Tahpanhes day will turn to darkness when I shatter the yoke of Egypt there, when the pride of her strength ceases. A cloud will cover her, and her daughters will go into captivity.
30:19 Such will be the punishments that I am going to inflict on Egypt. And so men will learn that I am Yahweh.”‘
30:20 In the eleventh year, on the seventh day of the first month,[*b] the word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
30:21 ‘Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; you can see that no one has bound up his wound to heal it, given it a bandage or a dressing to make the arm strong enough to wield the sword again.
30:22 And so, the Lord Yahweh says this: Now I set myself against Pharaoh king of Egypt; I intend to break his arms, the sound one and the broken one, and make the sword drop from his hand.
30:23 I shall scatter Egypt among the nations and disperse her throughout the countries.
30:24 I shall strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon and put my sword in his hand. I shall break Pharaoh’s arms and, confronted with his enemy, he will groan like a dying man.
30:25 I shall strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and the arms of Pharaoh will fall. And so men will learn that I am Yahweh, when I put my sword into the hands of the king of Babylon and he wields it against the land of Egypt.
30:26 I mean to scatter Egypt among the nations and disperse her throughout the countries; and men will learn that I am Yahweh.’
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 31
The cedar
31:1 In the eleventh year, on the first day of the third month, the word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
31:2 ‘Son of man, say to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to all his subjects: “To what shall I compare you in your greatness?
31:3 Surely, to a cedar of Lebanon with noble branches, thick-set needles and lofty trunk. Its top pierces the clouds.
31:4 The waters have made it grow, the deep has made it tall, pouring its rivers round the place where it is planted, sending its streams to all the other trees.
31:5 This is why its trunk grew taller than all the other trees; its branches increased in number, its boughs stretched wide, because the plentiful waters reached it.
31:6 All the birds of heaven used to nest in its branches; under its boughs all wild animals used to drop their young; in its shade every kind of people sat.
31:7 It was beautiful in its size, in the span of its boughs; its roots went deep into plentiful waters.
31:8 No cedar equalled it in the garden of God, no cypress had branches such as these; no plane tree could match its boughs, no tree in the garden of God could rival its beauty.
31:9 I had made it lovely with branching green. It was the envy of every tree in Eden, in the garden of God.
31:10 “Very well then, the Lord Yahweh says this: Since it has raised itself to its full height, has lifted its top to the clouds, and has grown arrogant in its height,
31:11 I have handed it over to the prince of the nations[*a] to do with it as its wickedness deserves; I have destroyed it.
31:12 Foreigners, the most barbarous of the nations, have cut it down and felled it. On the mountains, in all the valleys, lie its branches; its broken boughs fill every ravine throughout the country; everybody in the country has left its shade and deserted it.
31:13 On the wreckage perch all the birds of heaven; all the wild animals have made their dens under its branches.
31:14 In future let no tree rise in pride beside the waters, none push its top through the clouds, no well-watered tree stretch its whole height towards them. For all of them are doomed to death, to the regions underground, with the common run of mankind, with those who go down to the pit.
31:15 The Lord Yahweh says this: On the day it went down to Sheol, I closed the deep over it in sign of mourning. I stopped its rivers, the plentiful waters dried up; I made Lebanon dark for its sake, and all the trees of the fields wilted for its sake.
31:16 With the noise when it fell I made the nations quake, as I hurled it down to Sheol, with those who go down to the pit. In the regions underground all the trees of Eden took comfort, all the noble and lovely trees of Lebanon nourished by the waters.
31:17 And with it went down to Sheol, to the victims of the sword, all those nations who used to live in its shade.
31:18 Was anyone of all the trees of Eden your equal in glory and size, for you to be hurled with the trees of Eden down to the regions underground? With the uncircumcised there you lie; with the victims of the sword lie Pharaoh and all his subjects – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.”‘
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 32
The crocodile
32:1 In the twelfth year, on the first day of the twelfth month,[*a] the word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
32:2 ‘Son of man, raise the dirge for Pharaoh king of Egypt. Say to him, “Young lion of nations, you have been wiped out. You were like a crocodile in the water; you snorted through your nostrils, you churned the water with your feet, you muddied its streams.
32:3 “The Lord Yahweh says this: I am going to throw my net over you in a great concourse of nations; they will drag you ashore in my net.
32:4 I mean to leave you on land, drop you on the ground; make all the birds settle on you, glut all the beasts of the earth with you,
32:5 lay your carcase on the mountainside, fill the valleys with your offal.
32:6 I intend to water the country with what flows from you, with your blood, on the mountainsides, and the ravines will be full of it.
32:7 When I extinguish you I will cover the skies, and darken the stars. I will cover the sun with clouds and the moon will not give its light.
32:8 I will dim every luminary in heaven for you, and cover your country in darkness – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
32:9 I shall grieve the heart of many peoples when I lead your captives among the nations, into countries unknown to you.
32:10 I shall stun many peoples with shock at your fate; their kings will be panic-stricken at your fate, when I brandish my sword before their eyes. On the day of your fall, each will tremble continuously for his life.
32:11 For the Lord Yahweh says this: The sword of the king of Babylon will follow you.
32:12 ‘I shall make your throngs of subjects fall at the swords of my warriors, who are the most barbarous of the nations. They will annihilate the pride of Egypt, and her whole population will be destroyed.
32:13 I shall make all her cattle perish too on the banks of the deep waters. The feet of men will not muddy them again, the feet of animals will not muddy them again.
32:14 Then I shall calm her waters; I shall make her rivers glide like oil – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
32:15 When I reduce Egypt to desert and the country is stripped of its contents, when I strike all those who live there, they will learn that I am Yahweh.
32:16 Such is the dirge that the daughters of the nations will raise. They will raise it over Egypt and her huge population. This is the dirge they will raise – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.”‘
Egypt goes down to Sheol
32:17 In the twelfth year, on the fifteenth day of the first month, the word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
32:18 ‘Son of man, raise the dirge over the huge population of Egypt; send them down, her and the daughters of the nations in their majesty, to the regions underground, with those who go down to the pit.
32:20 ‘With those who have fallen by the sword they too will fall; her strength shall be totally extinguished.
32:21a In Sheol the greatest heroes will address her,
32:19 “Do you excel anyone in beauty now?
32:21b Come down, make your bed with the uncircumcised who have fallen by the sword.
32:22 ‘Assyria is there with all her warriors round her tomb; all killed, all victims of the sword;
32:23 their graves have been made in the deepest part of the pit, with her army round her tomb, all killed, all victims of the sword, yet she once spread terror throughout the land of the living.
32:24 ‘Elam is there, with all her troops round her tomb; all killed, all victims of the sword, they have gone down uncircumcised to the regions underground, yet she once spread terror throughout the land of the living. They endure the disgrace of those who go down to the pit.
32:25 In the middle of the slaughtered a bed has been made for her, with all her troops round her tomb, all of them uncircumcised, put to the sword, yet she once spread terror throughout the land of the living. They endure the disgrace of those who go down to the pit. They have been put among the slaughtered.
32:26 ‘Meshech is there, and Tubal, with all her troops round her tomb, all of them uncircumcised, put to the sword for having spread terror throughout the land of the living.
32:27 They do not lie with the heroes who fell long ago, those who went fully armed down to Sheol, who had their swords laid under their heads and their shields put under their bones, since the heroes inspired the land of the living with terror.
32:28 Instead, you shall lie with the uncircumcised, with those who have fallen to the sword.
32:29 ‘Edom is there, her kings and all her princes who, despite their valour, have been laid with those who have fallen by the sword. They lie with the uncircumcised, with those who go down to the pit.
32:30 ‘All the princes of the North and all the Sidonians are there, having gone down with the slaughtered, in spite of the terror their power inspired. Uncircumcised they lie with those who were victims of the sword. They endure the disgrace of those who go down to the pit.
32:31 Pharaoh will see them and take comfort at the sight of such a host put to the sword, Pharaoh and his whole army – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
32:32 He who once spread terror throughout the land of the living now lies with the uncircumcised, with those who were victims of the sword, Pharaoh and his whole army. It is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 33
III. DURING AND AFTER THE SIEGE OF JERUSALEM
The prophet as sentry
33:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
33:2 ‘Son of man, speak to the members of your nation. Say to them, “When I send the sword against a country, the people of that country select one of themselves and post him as a sentry;
33:3 if he sees the sword coming against the country, he sounds his horn to alert the people.
33:4 If someone hears the sound of the horn, but pays no attention, the sword will overtake him and destroy him; he will have been responsible for his own death.
33:5 He has heard the sound of the horn and paid no attention; his death will be his own responsibility. But the life of someone who pays attention to the warning will be secure.
33:6 “If, however, the sentry has seen the sword coming but has not blown his horn, and so the people are not alerted and the sword overtakes them and destroys one of them, the latter shall indeed die for his sin, but I will hold the sentry responsible for his death.”
33:7 ‘Son of man, I have appointed you as sentry to the House of Israel. When you hear a word from my mouth, warn them in my name.
33:8 If I say to a wicked man: Wicked wretch, you are to die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked man to renounce his ways, then he shall die for his sin, but I will hold you responsible for his death.
33:9 If, however, you do warn a wicked man to renounce his ways and repent, and he does not repent, then he shall die for his sin, but you yourself will have saved your life.
Conversion and perversity
33:10 ‘Son of man, say to the House of Israel, “You are continually saying: Our sins and crimes weigh heavily on us; we are wasting away because of them. How are we to go on living?”
33:11 Say to them, “As I live – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – I take pleasure, not in the death of a wicked man, but in the turning back of a wicked man who changes his ways to win life. Come back, come back from your evil ways. Why are you so anxious to die, House of Israel?”
33:12 ‘And you, son of man, say to the members of your nation, “The integrity of an upright man will not save him once he has chosen to sin; the wickedness of a wicked man will no longer condemn him once he renounces wickedness, nor will an upright man live on the strength of his integrity once he has chosen to sin.
33:13 If I say to an upright man: You are to live, and then, trusting in his own integrity, he turns to evil, all his integrity will no longer be remembered; because he has sinned, he shall die.
33:14 If, however, I say to a wicked man: You are to die, and he renounces his sins and does what is lawful and right,
33:15 if he returns pledges, restores what he has stolen, keeps the laws that give life and stops committing sin – he shall live, and will not die.
33:16 All his previous sins will no longer be remembered – he has done what is lawful and right; he shall live.
33:17 “The members of your nation object: What the Lord does is unjust; but it is what you do that is unjust.
33:18 When an upright man renounces his integrity and commits sin, he dies for it.
33:19 And when a wicked man renounces his wickedness and does what is lawful and right, because of this he lives.
33:20 You object: What the Lord does is unjust; but I mean to judge each of you by what he does, House of Israel.”‘
The taking of the city
33:21 In the twelfth year of our captivity, on the fifth day of the tenth month,[*a] a fugitive arrived from Jerusalem and said to me, ‘The city has been taken’.
33:22 Now the hand of the Lord had been on me the evening before the fugitive arrived; he had opened my mouth before the man came to me the next morning; my mouth had been opened and I was dumb no longer.[*b]
The ravaging of the country
33:23 The word of Yahweh was then addressed to me as follows,
33:24 ‘Son of man, the people living in those ruins in the land of Israel say, “Abraham was alone when he was given possession of this land. Now we are many and we hold the country as our domain.”
33:25 ‘Very well, tell them, “The Lord Yahweh says this: You eat blood, you raise your eyes to your idols, you shed blood; are you likely to keep possession of the land?
33:26 You rely on your swords, you engage in filthy practices, you each commit adultery with your neighbour’s wife; are you likely to retain possession of the land?”
33:27 Tell them this, “The Lord Yahweh says this: As I live, I swear it, those in the ruins will fall to the sword, those in the countryside I will give to wild animals to devour, those in strongholds and caves will die of plague.
33:28 I intend to reduce the land to desert and desolation and it will no longer take pride in its strength. The mountains of Israel will be deserted and no one will pass that way again.
33:29 And so men will learn that I am Yahweh, when I reduce the land to desert and desolation on account of all their filthy practices.”
The results of the preaching
33:30 ‘Son of man, the members of your nation are talking about you on the ramparts and in doorways. They keep saying, “Come and hear the word that has come from Yahweh”.
33:31 They throng towards you; my people sit down in front of you and listen to your words, but they do not act on them. They cannot tell the truth and their hearts are set on dishonest gain.
33:32 As far as they are concerned, you are like a love song beautifully sung to music. They listen to your words, but no one puts them into practice.
33:33 When the thing takes place – and it is beginning now – they will learn that there has been a prophet among them.’
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 34
The shepherds of Israel
34:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
34:2 ‘Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them, “Shepherds, the Lord Yahweh says this: Trouble for the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Shepherds ought to feed their flock,
34:3 yet you have fed on milk, you have dressed yourselves in wool, you have sacrificed the fattest sheep, but failed to feed the flock.
34:4 You have failed to make weak sheep strong, or to care for the sick ones, or bandage the wounded ones. You have failed to bring back strays or look for the lost. On the contrary, you have ruled them cruelly and violently.
34:5 For lack of a shepherd they have scattered, to become the prey of any wild animal; they have scattered far.
34:6 My flock is straying this way and that, on mountains and on high hills; my flock has been scattered all over the country; no one bothers about them and no one looks for them.
34:7 Well then, shepherds, hear the word of Yahweh.
34:8 As I live, I swear it – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – since my flock has been looted and for lack of a shepherd is now the prey of any wild animal, since my shepherds have stopped bothering about my flock, since my shepherds feed themselves rather than my flock,
34:9 in view of all this, shepherds, hear the word of Yahweh.
34:10 The Lord Yahweh says this: I am going to call the shepherds to account. I am going to take my flock back from them and I shall not allow them to feed my flock. In this way the shepherds will stop feeding themselves. I shall rescue my sheep from their mouths; they will not prey on them any more.
34:11 For the Lord Yahweh says this: I am going to look after my flock myself and keep all of it in view.
34:12 As a shepherd keeps all his flock in view when he stands up in the middle of his scattered sheep, so shall I keep my sheep in view. I shall rescue them from wherever they have been scattered during the mist and darkness.
34:13 I shall bring them out of the countries where they are; I shall gather them together from foreign countries and bring them back to their own land. I shall pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in every inhabited place in the land.
34:14 I shall feed them in good pasturage; the high mountains of Israel will be their grazing ground. There they will rest in good grazing ground; they will browse in rich pastures on the mountains of Israel.
34:15 I myself will pasture my sheep, I myself will show them where to rest – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
34:16 I shall look for the lost one, bring back the stray, bandage the wounded and make the weak strong. I shall watch over the fat and healthy. I shall be a true shepherd to them.
34:17 As for you, my sheep, the Lord Yahweh says this: I will judge between sheep and sheep, between rams and he-goats.
34:18 Not content to graze in good pastures, you trample down the rest; not content to drink clear water, you muddy the rest with your feet.
34:19 And my sheep must graze on what your feet have trampled, drink what your feet have muddied.
34:20 Very well then, the Lord Yahweh says this: I myself am now about to judge between fat sheep and lean sheep.
34:21 Since you have butted all the weak sheep with your rumps and shoulders and horns, until you have chased them away,
34:22 I am going to come and rescue my sheep from being cheated; I will judge between sheep and sheep.
34:23 I mean to raise up one shepherd, my servant David, and to put him in charge of them and he will pasture them; he will pasture them and be their shepherd.
34:24 I, Yahweh, will be their God, and my servant David shall be their ruler. I, Yahweh, have spoken.
34:25 I shall make a covenant of peace with them; I shall rid the country of wild animals. They will be able to live safely in the wilderness and go to sleep in the woods.
34:26 I shall settle them round my hill;[*a] I shall send rain at the proper time; it will be a fertile rain.
34:27 The trees of the countryside will yield their fruit and the earth its produce; they will feel safe on their own farms. And men will learn that I am Yahweh when I break their yokestraps and release them from their captors.
34:28 No more will they be a prey to foreign countries, no more will they be eaten by wild animals in this country. They will live without fear and no one will disturb them again.
34:29 I shall make splendid vegetation grow for them; no more will they suffer from famine in this land; no more will they have to bear the insults of other nations.
34:30 And men will learn that I, their God, am with them and that they, the House of Israel, are my people – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
34:31 And you, my sheep, are the flock I shall pasture, and I am your God – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.”‘
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 35
Against the mountains of Edom
35:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
35:2 ‘Son of man, turn towards the mountain of Seir and prophesy against it.
35:3 Say to it, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Now I set myself against you, mountain of Seir; I am stretching out my hand against you; I am going to reduce you to desert and desolation,
35:4 I lay your towns in ruins, and make you a desolation, and so you will learn that I am Yahweh.
35:5 Since, nourishing a long-standing hatred, you betrayed the sons of Israel to the sword during their trouble, at the time of their last crime,
35:6 very well, as I live – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – I mean to hand you over to bloodshed, and bloodshed will pursue you. I swear it; you have sinned by shedding blood, and bloodshed will pursue you.
35:7 I intend to reduce the mountain of Seir to desert and desolation, and I will eliminate everyone who travels up and down the country.
35:8 I shall fill its mountains with corpses; people will fall, struck down by the sword on your hills, in your valleys, in every one of your ravines.
35:9 I am going to reduce you to desolation, for ever your towns will remain uninhabited, and so you will learn that I am Yahweh.
35:10 Since you said to the two nations, the two countries:[*a] You belong to me; we are going to take possession here where Yahweh used to be:
35:11 very well, as I live – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – in anger and fury I will do exactly what you did because you hated them. I shall make it clear that I am punishing you on their behalf;
35:12 then you will know that I, Yahweh, have overheard all the outrageous things you have said about the mountains of Israel, such as: They have been abandoned, they have been left for us to devour.
35:13 You have talked arrogantly about me, too, you have repeatedly slandered me; I have heard!
35:14 The Lord Yahweh says this: To the joy of the whole country, I am going to reduce you to desert.
35:15 Since you rejoiced when the domain of the House of Israel became a desert, I will do the same to you, mountain of Seir; you will become a desert, and so will the whole of Edom; and so men will learn that I am Yahweh.”
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 36
Oracle on the mountains of Israel
36:1 ‘Son of man, prophesy this to the mountains of Israel. Say, “Mountains of Israel, hear the word of Yahweh”.
36:2 The Lord Yahweh says this: Since the enemy has insulted you by saying, “Aha! These eternal heights have now become our domain”,
36:3 you must prophesy. Say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Since you have been ravaged and seized on by surrounding countries, and taken over by the rest of the nations, and made the subject of people’s talk and gossip,
36:4 now, mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord Yahweh: The Lord Yahweh says this to mountains and hills, to ravines and valleys, to abandoned ruins and the empty plundered cities that have become the laughing-stock of all the surrounding nations.
36:5 Yes, the Lord Yahweh says this: I swear it by the fierceness of my jealousy; I am speaking to the rest of the nations and to the whole of Edom who so exultantly and contemptuously took possession of my country and plundered it.”
36:6 ‘This being so, prophesy this about the land of Israel. Say to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys, “The Lord Yahweh says this: I am speaking in my jealousy and rage; because you are enduring the insults of the nations,
36:7 very well, the Lord Yahweh says this: I raise my hand and I swear that the nations round you shall have their own insults to bear.
36:8 Mountains of Israel, you will grow branches and bear fruit for my people Israel, who will soon return.
36:9 Yes, I am coming to you, I have turned to you; you will be tilled and sown.
36:10 I shall multiply the men who live on you, the whole House of Israel, yes, all. The cities will be lived in again and the ruins rebuilt.
36:11 I shall multiply the men and animals that live on you; there will be many of them and they will be fertile. I shall repopulate you as you were before; I shall make you more prosperous than you were before, and so you will learn that I am Yahweh.
36:12 Thanks to me, men will tread your soil again, my people Israel; they will have you for their own domain, and never again will you rob them of their children.
36:13 The Lord Yahweh says this: Since people have said of you: You are a maneater, you have robbed your nation of its children,
36:14 very well, you will eat no more men, never rob your nation of its children again – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
36:15 I shall never again let you hear the insults of the nations, you will never again have to bear the taunts of the foreigners, you will never again rob the nation of its children – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.”‘
36:16 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows:
36:17 ‘Son of man, the members of the House of Israel used to live in their own land, but they defiled it by their conduct and actions; to me their conduct was as unclean as a woman’s menstruation.
36:18 I then discharged my fury at them because of the blood they shed in their land and the idols with which they defiled it.
36:19 I scattered them among the nations and dispersed them in foreign countries. I sentenced them as their conduct and actions deserved.
36:20 And now they have profaned my holy name among the nations where they have gone, so that people say of them, These are the people of Yahweh; they have been exiled from his land”.
36:21 But I have been concerned about my holy name, which the House of Israel has profaned among the nations where they have gone.
36:22 And so, say to the House of Israel, “The Lord Yahweh says this: I am not doing this for your sake, House of Israel, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone.
36:23 I mean to display the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned among them. And the nations will learn that I am Yahweh – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – when I display my holiness for your sake before their eyes.
36:24 Then I am going to take you from among the nations and gather you together from all the foreign countries, and bring you home to your own land.
36:25 I shall pour clean water over you and you will be cleansed; I shall cleanse you of all your defilement and all your idols.
36:26 I shall give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you; I shall remove the heart of stone from your bodies and give you a heart of flesh instead.
36:27 I shall put my spirit in you, and make you keep my laws and sincerely respect my observances.
36:28 You will live in the land which I gave your ancestors. You shall be my people and I will be your God.
36:29 I shall rescue you from all your defilement. I shall summon the corn and make it plentiful, and no more bring famines on you.
36:30 I shall increase the yield of fruit trees and fields so that you will no longer have the ignominy of famine among the nations.
36:31 Then you will remember your evil conduct and actions. You will loathe yourselves for your sins and your filthy practices.
36:32 I assure you that I am not doing this for your sake – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks. Be ashamed and blush for your conduct, House of Israel.
36:33 The Lord Yahweh says this: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will repopulate the cities and cause the ruins to be rebuilt.
36:34 Waste land, once desolate for every passer-by to see, will now be farmed again.
36:35 Everyone will say: This land, so recently a waste, is now like a garden of Eden, and the ruined cities once abandoned and levelled to the ground are now strongholds with people living in them.
36:36 And the nations left round you will know that I, Yahweh, have rebuilt what was destroyed and replanted what was ruined. I, Yahweh, have spoken, and I will do it.
36:37 The Lord Yahweh says this: To grant them further favour, I shall encourage the House of Israel to look for me, and shall increase them like a flock of men,
36:38 like a flock of sacrificial animals, like the flock in Jerusalem on her solemn feasts. And so your ruined cities will be filled with a human flock. And men will learn that I am Yahweh.”‘
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 37
The dry bones
37:1 The hand of Yahweh was laid on me, and he carried me away by the spirit of Yahweh and set me down in the middle of a valley, a valley full of bones.
37:2 He made me walk up and down among them. There were vast quantities of these bones on the ground the whole length of the valley; and they were quite dried up.
37:3 He said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ I said, ‘You know, Lord Yahweh’.
37:4 He said, ‘Prophesy over these bones. Say, “Dry bones, hear the word of Yahweh.
37:5 The Lord Yahweh says this to these bones: I am now going to make the breath[*a] enter you, and you will live.
37:6 I shall put sinews on you, I shall make flesh grow on you, I shall cover you with skin and give you breath, and you will live; and you will learn that I am Yahweh.”‘
37:7 I prophesied as I had been ordered. While I was prophesying, there was a noise, a sound of clattering; and the bones joined together.
37:8 I looked, and saw that they were covered with sinews; flesh was growing on them and skin was covering them, but there was no breath in them.
37:9 He said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man. Say to the breath, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Come from the four winds, breath; breathe on these dead; let them live!”‘
37:10 I prophesied as he had ordered me, and the breath entered them; they came to life again and stood up on their feet, a great, an immense army.
37:11 Then he said, ‘Son of man, these bones are the whole House of Israel. They keep saying, “Our bones are dried up, our hope has gone; we are as good as dead”.
37:12 So prophesy. Say to them, “The Lord Yahweh says this: I am now going to open your graves; I mean to raise you from your graves, my people, and lead you back to the soil of Israel.
37:13 And you will know that I am Yahweh, when I open your graves and raise you from your graves, my people.
37:14 And I shall put my spirit in you, and you will live, and I shall resettle you on your own soil; and you will know that I, Yahweh, have said and done this – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.”
Judah and Israel in one kingdom
37:15 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
37:16 ‘Son of man, take a stick and write on it, “Judah and those Israelites loyal to him”. Take another stick and write on it, “Joseph, the wood of Ephraim, and all the House of Israel loyal to him”.
37:17 ‘Join one to the other to make a single piece of wood, a single stick in your hand.
37:18 And when the members of your nation say, “Tell us what you mean”,
37:19 say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: I am taking the stick of Joseph, now in the hand of Ephraim, and those tribes of Israel loyal to him, and I am going to put the stick of Judah with them. I shall make one stick out of the two, and I shall hold them as one.”
37:20 ‘Keep the pieces of wood you have written on in your hand where they can see,
37:21 and say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: I am going to take the sons of Israel from the nations where they have gone. I shall gather them together from everywhere and bring them home to their own soil.
37:22 I shall make them into one nation in my own land and on the mountains of Israel, and one king is to be king of them all; they will no longer form two nations, nor be two separate kingdoms.
37:23 They will any longer defile themselves with their idols and their filthy practices and all their sins. I shall rescue them from all the betrayals they have been guilty of; I shall cleanse them; they shall be my people and I will be their God.
37:24 My servant David will reign over them, one shepherd for all; they will follow my observances, respect my laws and practise them.
37:25 They will live in the land that I gave my servant Jacob, the land in which your ancestors lived. They will live in it, they, their children, their children’s children, for ever. David my servant is to be their prince for ever.
37:26 I shall make a covenant of peace with them, an eternal covenant with them. I shall resettle them and increase them; I shall settle my sanctuary among them for ever.
37:27 I shall make my home above them; I will be their God, they shall be my people.
37:28 And the nations will learn that I am Yahweh the sanctifier of Israel, when my sanctuary is with them for ever.”‘
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 38
Against Gog, king of Magog[*a]
38:1 The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows,
38:2 ‘Son of man, turn towards Gog and the country of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him.
38:3 Say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: I am against you, Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal.
38:4 I will turn you round, fixing hooks in your jaws, and drag you and your troops along, all the horses and well-armoured horsemen, and all that great army carrying shields and bucklers, and wielding swords.
38:5 Persia and Cush and Put are with them, all with buckler and helmet;
38:6 Gomer and all its troops, northernmost Beth-togarmah and all its troops,[*b] and many nations with you.
38:7 Be ready, be well prepared, you and all your troops and the others rallying round you, and hold yourself at my service.
38:8 Many days will pass before you are given orders; in years to come you will march against this country. Its inhabitants will have been living undisturbed, remote from all other peoples, since they escaped the sword and were gathered in from various nations, here in the long-deserted mountains of Israel.
38:9 Like a storm you will come up and onwards, and cover the land like a cloud, you, your army and many nations with you.
38:10 The Lord Yahweh says this: On that day, a thought is going to enter your mind and you will work out a wicked plan.
38:11 You will say: I will attack this undefended country and march against this peaceful nation living undisturbed. They all live in towns that have no walls or bars or gates.
38:12 To plunder them for loot, I am going to reach out my hand towards the ruins they live in, against this nation gathered out of other nations, these stock-breeders and tradesmen who live at the navel of the earth.[*c]
38:13 Sheba and Dedan, the traders of Tarshish and all its young lions will ask you: Have you come for plunder? Are you massing your troops with a view to looting? To make off with gold and silver, seize cattle and goods, and come away with unlimited spoil?”
38:14 ‘And so, son of man, say in prophecy to Gog, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Is it not true that you are planning to set out at a time when my people Israel is living undisturbed?
38:15 You plan to leave your home in the far north, you and many nations with you, a great army of countless troops all mounted.
38:16 You plan to invade Israel, my people. You will be like a cloud covering the earth. I myself am going to bring you in days to come to attack my country, so that the nations may learn what I am, when I have used you, Gog, to display my holiness to them.
38:17 The Lord Yahweh says this: It was of you that I spoke in the past through my servants the prophets of Israel, who prophesied and foretold your invasion.
38:18 On the day Gog attacks the land of Israel – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – I shall grow angry. In my anger,
38:19 my jealousy and the heat of my fury I say it: I swear that on that day there will be a fearful quaking in the land of Israel.
38:20 At my presence the fish in the sea and the birds of heaven, the wild beasts and all the reptiles that crawl along the ground, and all men on earth, will quake. Mountains will fall, cliffs crumble, walls collapse, and
38:21 I will confront him with every sort of terror – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks. His men will turn their swords on each other,
38:22 I will punish him with plague and bloodshed and send torrential rain, hailstones, fire and brimstone against him and his hordes and against the many nations with him.
38:23 I mean to display my greatness and holiness and to compel the many nations to acknowledge me; this is how they will learn that I am Yahweh.”
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 39
39:1 ‘Son of man, prophesy against Gog. Say, “The Lord Yahweh says this: Now I set myself against you, Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal.
39:2 I will turn you round, lead you on, and bring you from the farthest north to attack the mountains of Israel.
39:3 I will break the bow in your left hand and dash the arrows out of your right.
39:4 You will be killed on the mountains of Israel, you and all your hordes, and the nations with you. I shall make you food for carrion birds and wild beasts.
39:5 You will fall in the open countryside. I have spoken – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
39:6 I will send fire to Magog and on those living undisturbed on islands, and they will learn that I am Yahweh.
39:7 I am going to see that my holy name is known among my people Israel, and I will no longer allow my holy name to be profaned; the nations shall learn that I am Yahweh, holy in Israel.
39:8 All this is going to happen, all this is going to take place – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks. This is the day I predicted.
39:9 The citizens of the towns of Israel will go out and use these arms for firewood: shields and bucklers, bows and arrows, clubs and javelins. For seven years they will feed the fire with them.
39:10 Men will stop looking for wood in the countryside or cutting it in the forest; they will be feeding the fire with arms. They will plunder those who plundered them, and take spoil from those who despoiled them – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
39:11 On that day, I shall give Gog a famous spot in Israel for his grave – the valley of the Abarim,[*a] on the east of the Sea – the valley that turns back the traveller – and there Gog and his whole army will be buried, and it shall be called the Valley of Hamon-gog.
39:12 The House of Israel will take seven months to bury them and cleanse the country.
39:13 All the people of the country will dig their graves, and be honoured for this on the day when I reveal my glory – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
39:14 Men will be selected to go continually up and down the country to bury those left on the ground and cleanse it. For seven months they will go searching.
39:15 If one of them sees any human bones as they go up and down the country he will put a mark beside them until the gravediggers have buried them in the valley of Hamon-gog –
39:16 the name of the town is to be Hamonah – and so have cleansed the country.”
39:17 ‘Son of man, the Lord Yahweh says this. Speak to every kind of bird and to all wild beasts, “Muster, come here, meet from everywhere around for the sacrifice I am making for you, a great sacrifice on the mountains of Israel; you will eat flesh and drink blood.
39:18 You will eat the flesh of heroes, you will drink the blood of the princes of the world. They are all rams and lambs, goats and fat bulls of Bashan.
39:19 You will feed full on fat, drink yourselves drunk with blood, at this sacrifice I am making for you.
39:20 You will glut yourselves at my table on horses and chargers, on heroes and common soldiers – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.”
Conclusion
39:21 ‘That is how I shall display my glory to the nations, and all nations will feel my sentence when I judge, and feel my hand when I strike them.
39:22 The House of Israel will know that I am Yahweh their God, from that day forward for ever.
39:23 And the nations will learn that the House of Israel was exiled for their sin in behaving so treacherously to me that I had to avert my face from them because they had rebelled against me, and to hand them over to their enemies; and they all perished by the sword.
39:24 I treated them as their filthy sins deserved and hid my face from them.
39:25 And so, thus says the Lord Yahweh: Now I am going to bring back the captives of Jacob, now I am going to take pity on the whole House of Israel and show myself jealous for my holy name.
39:26 ‘They will forget the disgrace of having so often betrayed me when they were living safely in their own land, with no one to disturb them.
39:27 When I bring them home from the peoples, when I bring them back from the countries of their enemies, when I reveal my holiness in them for many nations to see,
39:28 they will know that I am Yahweh their God, when I rescue the captives from the pagans and reunite them in their own country, not leaving a single one behind.
39:29 I shall never hide my face from them again, since I shall pour out my spirit on the House of Israel – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.’
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 40
- THE TORAH OF EZEKIEL
The future Temple
40:1 In the twenty-fifth year of our captivity, at the beginning of the year, on the tenth day of the month, fourteen years after the destruction of the city,[*a] the hand of Yahweh came on me.
40:2 In a divine vision he took me away to the land of Israel and put me down on a very high mountain, on the south of which there seemed to be built a city.
40:3 He took me to it, and there I saw a man who seemed to be made of bronze. He had a flax cord and a measuring rod in his hand and was standing in the gateway.
40:4 The man said to me, ‘Son of man, look carefully, listen closely and pay attention to everything I show you, since you have only been brought here for me to show it to you. Tell the House of Israel everything that you see.’
The outer wall
40:5 The Temple was surrounded with a wall, and the man was holding a measuring rod that was six cubits long, each cubit a forearm and a handbreadth. He measured the thickness of this construction – one rod; and its height – one rod.
The east gate
40:6 He went to the east gate, climbed the steps and measured its threshold: one rod deep.
40:7 Each guardroom one rod by one rod; and the walls between the guardrooms five cubits thick; and the threshold of the gate inwards from the porch of the gate: one rod.
40:9 He measured the porch of the gate: eight cubits; its jambs: two cubits; the porch of the gate was at the inner end.
40:10 There were three guardrooms on each side of the east gate, all three the same size; the walls between them all the same thickness each side.
40:11 He measured the width of the entrance: ten cubits; and the width all down the gateway: thirteen cubits.
40:12 There was a rail in front of the guardrooms; each rail on either side was one cubit. And the guardrooms on either side were six cubits square.
40:13 He measured the width of the gate from the back wall of one guardroom to the back wall of the other; it was twenty-five cubits across from window to window.
40:14 He measured the porch: twenty cubits; after the porch of the gate came the outer court.
40:15 From the entrance end of the gate to the porch opposite: fifty cubits.
40:16 On each side of the gate there were splayed openings both in the guardrooms and in the spaces between, and there were openings all round inside the porch as well, and palm trees decorating the jambs.
The outer court
40:17 He took me through to the outer court that had rooms and a paved terrace going all the way round; there were thirty rooms on this terrace.
40:18 This terrace, which came right up to the sides of the gates and matched their depth, is the Lower Terrace.
40:19 He measured across the outer court from the lower gate to the outside of the inner court: a hundred cubits on the eastern and northern sides.
The north gate
40:20 He measured the length and breadth of the north gate of the outer court.
40:21 It had three guardrooms on each side; the thickness of the walls between them, and its porch too, all measured the same as those of the first gate: fifty cubits by twenty-five cubits.
40:22 Its windows, its porch and its palm-tree decoration all measured the same as those of the east gate. There were seven steps up to it, and its porch was at the inner end.
40:23 In the inner court there was, opposite the north gate, a gate like the one opposite the east gate. He measured the distance from one gate to the other: a hundred cubits.
The south gate
40:24 He took me to the south side where there was a south gate; he measured its guardrooms, wall-thicknesses and porch; they were of the same dimensions as the others.
40:25 All round it and its porch were windows, like the other windows; it measured fifty cubits by twenty-five cubits,
40:26 and it had seven steps up to it; its porch was at the inner end and had palm-tree decoration on its jambs, one on each side.
40:27 The inner court had a south gate; he measured the distance southwards from one gate to the other: a hundred cubits.
The inner court. The south gate
40:28 He then took me into the inner court by the south gate; he measured the south gate which was the same size as the others.
40:29 Its guardrooms, wall-thicknesses and porch all measured the same as the others. It and its porch had windows all round. It measured fifty cubits by twenty-five cubits.
40:30 Its porch, measured, in all, all round, was twenty-five cubits by five cubits.
40:31 The porch gave on to the outer court. It had palm trees on its jambs, each side, and eight steps leading up to it.
The east gate
40:32 He took me to the east gate and measured it. It was the same size as the others.
40:33 Its guardrooms, the thickness of its walls, its porch all measured the same as the others. It and its porch had windows all round. Its area was fifty cubits by twenty-five cubits.
40:34 Its porch gave on to the outer court. There were palm trees on its jambs on either side, and eight steps leading up to it.
The north gate
40:35 He took me to the north gate and measured it.
40:36 Its guardrooms, the thickness of its walls and its porch all measured the same as the others. It had windows all round. Its area was fifty cubits by twenty-five cubits.
40:37 Its porch gave on to the outer court. There were palm trees on its jambs on either side, and eight steps leading up to it.
Subsidiary buildings at the gate
40:38 There was a room entered from the porch of the gates. It was here that they washed the holocaust.
40:39 And on either side of the porch of the gate there were two tables for slaughtering the holocaust, the sacrifice for sin and the sacrifice of reparation.
40:40 Going northward up to the gate, there were two tables outside and two more tables at the porch end of the gate.
40:41 Four tables on the inside and four tables on the outside of the porch; in all, eight tables on which the sacrifices were offered.
40:42 There were also four tables of dressed stone for holocausts, a cubit and a half long, a cubit and a half wide and a cubit high, on which all the things necessary for killing the holocaust and the sacrifices were put.
40:43 Rims, a handbreadth broad, went all round the top, and on these tables was put the sacrificial flesh.
40:44 He took me into the inner court; there were two lodges in the inner court, one at the side of the north gate, facing south, the other at the side of the south gate, facing north.
40:45 He told me, ‘The lodge looking south is for the priests in charge of the Temple,
40:46 and the lodge looking north is for the priests who serve the altar. These are the sons of Zadok, those of the sons of Levi who approach Yahweh to serve him.’
The inner court
40:47 He measured the inner court. It was a quadrangle, a hundred cubits by a hundred cubits, with the altar in front of the Temple.
The Temple.[*b] The Ulam
40:48 He took me to the Ulam of the Temple and measured its door jambs – five cubits each side; and the width of the entrance was fourteen cubits with a three-cubit wall each side.
40:49 The Ulam was twenty cubits by twelve cubits. There were ten steps leading up to it, and there were columns by the door jambs, one on each side.
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 41
The Hekal
41:1 He took me into the Hekal and measured its door jambs: six cubits deep on the one side, six cubits deep on the other.
41:2 The width of the entrance was ten cubits. The walls each side of the entrance were five cubits on the one side and five cubits on the other. He measured its length: forty cubits; and its width: twenty cubits.
The Debir
41:3 He went in and measured the door jambs at the entrance: two cubits; then the entrance: six cubits; and the walls each side of the entrance: seven cubits.
41:4 He measured its length: twenty cubits; and its width measured across the end wall of the Hekal: twenty cubits. He then said to me, ‘This is the most holy place’.
The side cells
41:5 He measured the wall of the Temple: six cubits. The width of the side cells was four cubits, all round the Temple.
41:6 The cells were one above the other, thirty of them in three stories. The supports for the surrounding cells were fixed into the Temple wall, so that the cells were not recessed into the wall of the Temple.
41:7 The width of the cells increased, story by story, for they surrounded the Temple in the stories that went right round it, and hence . . .
41:8 Then I saw that there was a paved terrace all round the Temple. The height of this, which formed the base of the side cells, was a full rod of six cubits.
41:9 The outer wall of the side cells was five cubits thick and the pavement formed a verandah outside the cells of the Temple.
41:10 Beyond the rooms came an area twenty cubits wide right round the Temple.
41:11 And for getting from the side cells on to the verandah there was one entrance on the north side and one entrance on the south side. The width of the verandah was five cubits right round.
The building on the west side
41:12 The building to the west of this surrounding area was seventy cubits by ninety cubits, and the wall of the building was five cubits thick, all round.
41:13 He measured the length of the Temple: a hundred cubits. The length of the court plus the building and its walls: a hundred cubits.
41:14 The breadth of the facade of the Temple with the quadrangle: a hundred cubits.
41:15 He measured the length of the building plus the surrounding area at the back, plus the side depth of its door: a hundred cubits.
Particulars of the Temple Itself
41:16 The inside of the Hekal and the porches of the court, their thresholds, the window screens, the three sets of doors, one at each threshold, were all panelled with wood, from floor to windows, and the windows were screened with lattice-work.
41:17 From the door to the inner part of the Temple, and right round the whole wall of the inner room, outside and inside, were carved
41:18 cherubs and palm trees, palm trees and cherubs alternating; each cherub had two faces –
41:19 the face of a man turned towards the palm tree one side and the face of a lion towards the palm tree the other side, all round the Temple.
41:20 The cherubs and palm trees were carved from the floor to above the entrance, as also on the wall of the hall.
41:21 The pillars of the Temple were square.
The wooden altar
In front of the Debir, there appeared to be
41:22 a wooden altar, three cubits high and two cubits square. Its corners, base and sides were of wood. He said to me, ‘This is the table in front of Yahweh’.
The doors
41:23 There was a double door for the Hekal, and a double door for the Debir,
41:24 These doors had two hinged leaves, two leaves for the one door, two leaves for the other.
41:25 On them, on the doors of the Hekal, were carved cherubs and palm trees like those carved on the walls. A wooden screen outside went across the front of the Ulam.
41:26 There were screened windows with flanking palm trees on the walls of the Ulam, and of the cells to the side of the Temple and on the screens,
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 42
Outbuildings of the Temple
42:1 He took me northward into the court and led me to the rooms facing the outer court, those to the north of the building.
42:2 They were one hundred cubits long on the north side and fifty cubits wide.
42:3 On the sides facing the porches of the inner court and the paving of the outer court was a gallery in front of the triple gallery.
42:4 and in front of the rooms was a walk, ten cubits broad measured inwards and a hundred cubits long; their doors looked north.
42:5 The top floor rooms were narrow because the galleries took up part of the width, being narrower than those on the ground floor or those on the middle floor of the building,
42:6 since these were divided into three stories and had no columns such as the court had. Hence they were narrower than the ground floor ones or the middle floor ones below them.
42:7 ‘The outer wall parallel to the rooms, facing them and giving on to the outer court, was fifty cubits long,
42:8 the length of the rooms facing the outer court being fifty cubits, while on the side facing the Temple it was a hundred cubits.
42:9 Beneath the rooms there was an entrance from the east, leading in from the outer court.
42:10 In the thickness of the wall of the court, on the south side fronting the court and the building, were rooms.
42:11A walk ran in front of them, as with the rooms built on the north side; they were of the same length and breadth, and had similar design and doors in and out.
42:12 They were like the entrances of the southern rooms; one entrance at the end of each walk, fronting the eastern wall, being the way in.
42:13 He said to me, ‘The northern and southern rooms giving on to the court are the rooms of the Debir, in which the priests who approach Yahweh will eat the most holy things. In them will be placed the most holy things: the oblation, the sacrifice for sin and the sacrifice of reparation, since this is a holy place.
42:14 Once the priests have entered, they will not go out of the holy place into the outer court without leaving their liturgical vestments there, since these vestments are holy; they will put on other clothes before going near places assigned to the people.’
Measurements of the court
42:15 When he had finished measuring the inside of the Temple, he took me out to the east gate and measured the whole area of the court.
42:16 He measured the east side with his measuring rod: a total of five hundred cubits by the measuring rod.
42:17 He then measured the north side: a total of five hundred cubits by the measuring rod.
42:18 He then measured the south side: five hundred cubits by the measuring rod
42:19 was the total. On the west side he measured five hundred cubits by the measuring rod.
42:20 He measured the entire enclosing wall on all four sides: length five hundred, breadth five hundred, separating the sacred from the profane.
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 43
The return of Yahweh
43:1 He took me to the gate, the one facing east.
43:2 I saw the glory of the God of Israel approaching from the east. A sound came with it, like the sound of the ocean, and the earth shone with his glory.
43:3 This vision was like the one I had seen when I had come for the destruction of the city, and like the one I had seen on the bank of the river Chebar. Then I prostrated myself.
43:4 The glory of Yahweh arrived at the Temple by the east gate.
43:5 The spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; I saw the glory of Yahweh fill the Temple.
43:6 And I heard someone speaking to me from the Temple while the man stood beside me.
43:7 The voice said, ‘Son of man, this is the dais of my throne, the step on which I rest my feet. I shall live here among the sons of Israel for ever; and the House of Israel, they and their kings, will no longer defile my holy name with their whorings and the corpses of their kings,
43:8 setting their threshold beside my threshold and their pillars beside my pillars, with a party wall shared by them and me. They used to defile my holy name by their filthy practices, and this is why I destroyed them in my anger.
43:9 From now on they will banish their whorings and the corpses of their kings from my presence and I shall live among them for ever.
43:10 ‘Son of man, describe this Temple to the House of Israel, to shame them out of their filthy practices. Let them draw up the plan,
43:11 and, if they are ashamed of their behaviour, show them the design and plan of the Temple, its exits and entrances, its shape, how all of it is arranged, the entire design and all its principles. Give them all this in writing so that they can see and take note of its design and the way it is all arranged and carry it out.
43:12 This is the charter of the Temple: all the surrounding area on top of the mountain is a most holy area. Such is the charter of the Temple.’
The altar
43:13 Here are the dimensions of the altar, in cubits each of a cubit plus a handbreadth. The base: one cubit high and one cubit wide. The ledge all round it: one span. This is the height of the altar:
43:14 from the ground level of the base up to the lower plinth, two cubits high and one cubit wide; from the lesser plinth to the greater plinth, four cubits high and one cubit wide.
43:15 The altar hearth: four cubits high, with four horns projecting from the hearth,
43:16 the hearth being square: twelve cubits by twelve cubits;
43:17 and the square plinth: fourteen cubits by fourteen cubits; and the ledge all round: half a cubit; and the base: one cubit all round. The steps were on the east side.
The consecration of the altar
43:18 He said to me, ‘Son of man, the Lord Yahweh says this: As regards the altar, this is how things are to be done when it has been built for the offering of the holocaust and for the pouring of blood.
43:19 To those levitical priests of the race of Zadok who approach me to serve me – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – you must give a young bull as a sacrifice for sin.
43:20 You are to take some of its blood and put it on the four horns and the four corners of the plinth and the surrounding ledge. In this way you will purify it and make atonement on it.
43:21 Then take the bull of the sacrifice for sin and burn it in that part of the Temple which is cut off from the sanctuary.
43:22 On the second day, you must offer an unblemished he-goat as the sacrifice for sin, and the altar is to be purified again as with the bull.
43:23 When you have finished the purification you must offer a young bull without blemish and an unblemished ram chosen from the flock.
43:24 You are to present them before Yahweh, and the priests will sprinkle salt on them and offer them as a holocaust to Yahweh.
43:25 As a sacrifice for sin, every day for seven days you must offer a he-goat, a bull and an unblemished ram from the flock,
43:26 for a week. In this way the altar will be atoned for and will be purified and inaugurated.
43:27 At the end of that time, on the eighth day and afterwards, the priest is to offer your holocausts and your communion sacrifices on the altar, and I will look kindly on you – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.’
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 44
The use of the east gate
44:1 He brought me back to the outer east gate of the sanctuary. It was shut.
44:2 Yahweh said to me, ‘This gate will be kept shut. No one will open it or go through it, since Yahweh the God of Israel has been through it. And so it must be kept shut.
44:3 The prince himself, however, may sit there to take his meal in the presence of Yahweh. He is to enter and leave through the porch of the gate.’
Rules of admission to the Temple
44:4 He led me through the north gate to the front of the Temple. I looked; I saw the glory of Yahweh filling the Temple of Yahweh, and I prostrated myself.
44:5 Yahweh said to me, ‘Son of man, pay attention, look carefully and listen closely to everything I explain; these are all the arrangements of the Temple of Yahweh and all its laws. Be careful about which men are admitted to the Temple and which are excluded from the sanctuary.
44:6 And say to the rebels of the House of Israel, “The Lord Yahweh says this: You have gone beyond all bounds with all your filthy practices, House of Israel,
44:7 by admitting aliens, uncircumcised in heart and body, to frequent my sanctuary and profane my Temple, while you offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and break my covenant with all your filthy practices.
44:8 Instead of performing your duties to me in the Holy Place, you have deputed someone else to perform your duties in my sanctuary.
44:9 The Lord Yahweh says this: No alien, uncircumcised in heart and body, is to enter my sanctuary, none of those aliens living among the Israelites.
The Levites
44:10 As regards the Levites who abandoned me when Israel strayed far from me to follow its idols, they must bear the weight of their own sin.
44:11 They are to be servants in my sanctuary, responsible for guarding the Temple gates and serving the Temple. They will kill the holocaust and the sacrifice for the people, and hold themselves at the service of the people.
44:12 Since they used to be at their service in front of their idols and were an occasion of sin to the House of Israel, very well, I raise my hand against them – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks; they must bear the weight of their sin.
44:13 They are never to approach me again to perform the priestly office in my presence, or to touch my holy things and my most holy things; they must bear the disgrace of their filthy practices.
44:14 I shall give them the responsibility of working in the Temple; I shall make them responsible for serving it and for everything to be done in it.
The priests
44:15 As regards the levitical priests, the sons of Zadok, who did their duty to me in the sanctuary when the Israelites strayed far from me, they may still approach me to serve me; they may stand in my presence to offer me the fat and blood – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
44:16 They may enter my sanctuary and approach my table to serve me; they may perform my liturgy.
44:17 Once they enter the gates of the inner court, they are to wear linen vestments; they are to wear no wool when they serve inside the gates of the inner court and in the Temple.
44:18 They are to wear linen caps on their heads, and linen breeches about their loins; they are not to wear belts of. . .
44:19 When they go out to the people in the outer court, they are to remove the vestments in which they have performed the liturgy and leave them in the rooms of the Holy Place, and put on other clothes, so as not to hallow the people with their vestments.
44:20 They are neither to shave their heads nor to let their hair grow long, but must cut their hair to a reasonable length.
44:21 No priest is to drink wine on the day he enters the inner court.
44:22 They are not to marry widows or divorced women, but only virgins of the race of Israel; they may, however, marry widows, if the widow of a priest.
44:23 They are to teach my people the difference between what is sacred and what is profane and make them understand the difference between what is clean and what is unclean.
44:24 They are to be judges in disputes; they must judge in the spirit of my statutes; they must follow my laws and ordinances at all my feasts and keep my sabbaths holy.
44:25 They are not to go near a dead man, in case they become unclean, except in these permissible cases, that is, for father, mother, daughter, son, brother or unmarried sister.
44:26 After one of them has been purified, seven days must elapse;
44:27 then, on the day when he enters the Holy Place – enters the inner court to minister in the Holy Place – he is to offer his sacrifice for sin – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
44:28 They are to have no inheritance; I myself will be their inheritance. You are to give them no patrimony in Israel; I myself will be their patrimony.
44:29 Their food is to be the oblation, the sacrifice for sin and the sacrifice of reparation. Everything in Israel put under the ban shall be for them.
44:30 The best of all your first-fruits, of every sort of due and of all that you offer, is to go to the priests; and the best of your dough you are also to give to the priests, so that a blessing may rest on your house.
44:31 Priests are not to eat the flesh of anything that has died a natural death or been savaged, neither of a bird nor of any other creature.
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 45
The division of the country. The portion for Yahweh
45:1 When you divide the country into portions by lot, you are to allocate the sacred portion of the country to Yahweh: twenty-five thousand cubits long and twenty thousand wide. The whole of this land is to be sacred,
45:2 and of this an area five hundred by five hundred cubits square is to be for the sanctuary, with a boundary fifty cubits wide right round.
45:3 Out of this area you are also to measure a section twenty-five thousand by ten thousand cubits, in which there shall stand the sanctuary, the Holy of Holies.
45:4 This is to be the sacred portion of the country; it shall belong to the priests who officiate in the sanctuary and approach Yahweh to serve him. There they are to have their houses and also a district set apart for the sanctuary.
45:5 An area twenty-five thousand by ten thousand cubits is to be kept for the Levites serving the Temple to own, with towns to live in.
45:6 You are to give the city possession of an area five thousand by twenty-five thousand cubits, near the land belonging to the sanctuary; this is to be for the whole House of Israel.
The portion for the prince
45:7 The prince is to have a domain either side of the land belonging to the Holy Place and of the land belonging to the city, and adjacent to the land belonging to the Holy Place and the land belonging to the city, stretching westwards from the west and eastwards from the east, its size equal to one of the portions between the west and the east frontiers[*a]
45:8 of the country. This is to be his possession in Israel. Then my princes will no longer oppress my people; they must leave the rest of the country for the House of Israel, for its tribes.
45:9 The Lord Yahweh says this: Let this be enough for you, princes of Israel! Give up your violence and plundering, practise justice and integrity, crush my people no more with taxation – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
45:10 Have scales that are fair, a fair ephah, a fair bath.
45:11 Let the ephah and bath be equal, let the bath hold one tenth of a homer and the ephah one tenth of a homer. Let the measures be based on the homer.
45:12 The shekel is to be twenty gerahs. Twenty shekels, twenty-five shekels and fifteen shekels are to make one mina.
Offerings for worship
45:13 ‘This is the offering that you are to levy: the sixth of an ephah for every homer of wheat, and the sixth of an ephah for every homer of barley.
45:14 The dues on oil: one bath of oil out of every ten baths or out of every cor (which is equal to ten baths or one homer, since ten baths equal one homer).
45:15 You are to levy one sheep on every flock of two hundred from the patrimony of Israel for the oblation, the holocaust and the communion sacrifice. This is to form your atonement – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
45:16 Let all the people of the country be subject to this due for the prince of Israel.
45:17 The prince is to make himself responsible for providing the holocausts, oblation and libation for feasts, New Moons and sabbaths, for all the solemn festivals of the House of Israel. He is to provide the sacrifice for sin, oblation, holocaust and communion sacrifices atoning for the House of Israel.
The feast of the Passover
45:18 The Lord Yahweh says this: On the first day of the first month, you must take a young bull without blemish, to purify the sanctuary.
45:19 The priest is to take blood from the sacrifice for sin and put it on the doorposts of the Temple, on the four corners of the altar plinth and on the doorposts of the gates of the inner court.
45:20 You must do the same on the seventh of the month, on behalf of anyone who has sinned through inadvertence or ignorance. This is how you are to make atonement for the Temple.
45:21 On the fourteenth day of the first month, you must celebrate the feast of the Passover. For seven days everyone is to eat unleavened loaves.
45:22 On that day, the prince must offer a bull as a sacrifice for sin, for himself and all the people in the country.
45:23 For the seven days of the feast, he must offer Yahweh a holocaust of seven bulls and seven rams without blemish, daily for a week, and one he-goat daily as a sacrifice for sin,
45:24 offering one ephah for each bull and one ephah for each ram, and a hin of oil for every ephah for the oblation.
The feast of Tabernacles
45:25 For the feast that falls on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, he must do the same for seven days, offering the sacrifice for sin, the holocaust, oblation and the oil.
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 46
The sabbath and the New Moon
46:1 Thus speaks the Lord Yahweh: The east gate of the inner court must be kept shut for the six working days. On the sabbath day it is to be opened, as also on the day of the New Moon;
46:2 and the prince is to go in through the porch of the outer gate and take his position by the doorposts of the gate. The priests must then offer his holocaust and his communion sacrifice. He must prostrate himself on the threshold of the gate and go out, and the gate is not to be shut again until the evening.
46:3 The people of the country are to prostrate themselves in the presence of Yahweh at the entrance to the gate on sabbaths and days of the New Moon.
46:4 The holocaust offered to Yahweh by the prince on the sabbath day is to consist of six unblemished lambs and one unblemished ram,
46:5 and an oblation of one ephah for the ram, and such oblation as he pleases for the lambs, and a hin of oil for every ephah.
46:6 On the day of the New Moon it is to consist of a young bull without blemish, six unblemished lambs and one unblemished ram,
46:7 when he must make an oblation of one ephah for the bull and one ephah for the ram, and what he pleases for the lambs, and a hin of oil for every ephah.
Miscellaneous regulations
46:8 When the prince goes in, he is to enter by the porch of the gate, and he must leave by the same way.
46:9 When the people of the country come into the presence of Yahweh at the solemn festivals, those who have come in by the north gate to prostrate themselves are to go out by the south gate, and those who have come in by the south gate are to go out by the north gate; no one is to turn back to leave through the gate by which he entered but is to go out on the opposite side.
46:10 The prince is to come with them, coming in like them and going out like them.
46:11 On feast days and solemn festivals the oblation must be one ephah for every bull, one ephah for every ram, what he pleases for the lambs, and a hin of oil for every ephah.
46:12 When the prince offers Yahweh a voluntary holocaust or a voluntary communion sacrifice, the east gate is to be opened for him, and he is to offer his holocaust and his communion sacrifice as he does on the sabbath day; when he has gone out, the gate is to be shut after him.
46:13 Every day he must offer an unblemished lamb one year old as a holocaust to Yahweh; he must offer this every morning.
46:14 Every morning in addition he is to offer an oblation of one sixth of an ephah and one third of a hin of oil, for mixing with the flour. This is the oblation to Yahweh, an eternal law fixed in perpetuity.
46:15 The lamb, is the oblation and the oil are to be offered morning after morning for ever.
46:16 The Lord Yahweh says this. If the prince presents his sons with part of his hereditary portion, the gift is to pass into the ownership of his sons, and become their hereditary property.
46:17 If, however, he presents part of his hereditary portion to one of his servants, it shall only belong to the man until the year of liberation[*a] and is then to revert to the prince. Only his sons may retain his hereditary portion.
46:18 The prince may not take any part of the people’s hereditary portion and thus rob them of their rightful possessions; he must provide the patrimony of his sons out of his own property, so that no member of my people is robbed of his rightful possessions.”‘
46:19 He took me through the entrance at the side of the north gate that leads to the rooms of the Holy Place set apart for the priests. And there before us, to the west, was a space at the end.
46:20 He said to me, ‘This is where the priests are to boil the slaughtered animals for the sacrifice for sin and the sacrifice of reparation, and where they are to bake the oblation, without having to carry them into the outer court and so run the risk of hallowing the people’.
46:21 He took me into the outer court and led me to each of its four corners; in each corner of the outer court was a compound;
46:22 in other words, the four corners of the court contained four small compounds, forty cubits by thirty, all four being the same size.
46:23 Each of the four was enclosed by a wall, with hearths all round the bottom of the wall.
46:24 He said, ‘These are the kitchens where the Temple servants are to boil the sacrifices offered by the people’.
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 47
The spring in the Temple
47:1 He brought me back to the entrance of the Temple, where a stream came out from under the Temple threshold and flowed eastwards, since the Temple faced east. The water flowed from under the right side of the Temple, south of the altar.
47:2 He took me out by the north gate and led me right round outside as far as the outer east gate where the water flowed out on the right-hand side.
47:3 The man went to the east holding his measuring line and measured off a thousand cubits; he then made me wade across the stream; the water reached my ankles.
47:4 He measured off another thousand and made me wade across the stream again; the water reached my knees. He measured off another thousand and made me wade across again; the water reached my waist.
47:5 He measured off another thousand; it was now a river which I could not cross; the stream had swollen and was now deep water, a river impossible to cross.
47:6 He then said, ‘Do you see, son of man?’ He took me further, then brought me back to the bank of the river.
47:7 When I got back, there were many trees on each bank of the river.
47:8 He said, ‘This water flows east down to the Arabah and to the sea; and flowing into the sea it makes its waters wholesome.
47:9 Wherever the river flows, all living creatures teeming in it will live. Fish will be very plentiful, for wherever the water goes it brings health, and life teems wherever the river flows.
47:10 There will be fishermen on its banks. Fishing nets will be spread from En-gedi to En-eglaim. The fish will be as varied and as plentiful as the fish of the Great Sea[*a]
47:11 The marshes and lagoons, however, will not become wholesome, but will remain salt.
47:12 Along the river, on either bank, will grow every kind of fruit tree with leaves that never wither and fruit that never fails; they will bear new fruit every month, because this water comes from the sanctuary. And their fruit will be good to eat and the leaves medicinal.
The frontiers of the land
47:13 ‘The Lord Yahweh says this: Here are the frontiers of the territories to be allotted between the twelve tribes of Israel, with two portions for Joseph.
47:14 You must share it out equally between you, since I swore to your fathers that I would give them this land which now falls to you as your inheritance.
47:15 Here are the frontiers of the land. On the north, from the Great Sea by way of Hethion to the Pass of Hamath and on to Zedad,
47:16 Berothah, Sibraim lying between the territories of Damascus and Hamath – and to Hazer-hat-ticon on the borders of Hauran.
47:17 The frontier will extend from the sea to Hazer-enon, marching with the frontier of Damascus to the north of it and the frontier of Hamath also on the north; so much for the northern frontier.
47:18 On the east is the Jordan will serve as frontier between Hauran and Damascus, between Gilead and the land of Israel, down to the Eastern Sea[*b] as far as Tamar; so much for the eastern frontier.
47:19 On the south, from Tamar southward to the waters of Meribah in Kadesh, to the Wadi and the Great Sea; so much for the southern frontier.
47:20 On the west the Great Sea will serve as frontier up to the point opposite the Pass of Hamath; so much for the western frontier.
47:21 You are to share out this land among yourselves, between the tribes of Israel.
47:22 You are to divide it into inheritances for yourselves and the aliens settled among you who have begotten children with you, since you are to treat them as citizens of Israel. They are to draw lots with you for their inheritance, with the tribes of Israel.
47:23 You must give the alien his inheritance in the tribe in which he is living – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
JB EZEKIEL Chapter 48
The division of the land
48:1 ‘This is the list of the tribes. In the far north by way of Hethlon to the Pass of Hamath, to Hazer-enon, with the frontier of Damascus lying to the north, and marching with Hamath – the land from the eastern frontier to the western frontier: Dan, one portion.
48:2 Bordering Dan, from the eastern frontier to the western frontier: Asher, one portion.
48:3 Bordering Asher, from the eastern frontier to the western frontier: Naphtali, one portion.
48:4 Bordering Naphtali, from the eastern frontier to the western frontier: Manasseh, one portion.
48:5 Bordering Manasseh, from the eastern frontier to the western frontier: Ephraim, one portion.
48:6 Bordering Ephraim, from the eastern frontier to the western frontier: Reuben, one portion.
48:7 Bordering Reuben, from the eastern frontier to the western frontier: Judah, one portion.
48:8 Bordering Judah, from the eastern frontier to the western frontier, is the part you are to set aside, twenty-five thousand cubits wide, and as long as each of the other portions from the eastern frontier to the western frontier. The sanctuary will be in the centre of it.
48:9 ‘The part you must set aside for Yahweh is to be twenty-five thousand cubits long and ten thousand cubits wide.
48:10 This consecrated portion is to belong to the priests, being, on the north side, twenty-five thousand cubits; on the west side ten thousand cubits wide, on the east side ten thousand cubits wide and on the south side twenty-five thousand cubits long, and the sanctuary of Yahweh will be in the centre of it.
48:11 This is to belong to the consecrated priests, to those of the sons of Zadok who maintained my liturgy and did not go astray with the straying Israelites, as the Levites went astray.
48:12 And so their portion is to be taken out of the most holy portion of the land, near the territory of the Levites.
48:13 The territory of the Levites, like the territory of the priests, is to be twenty-five thousand cubits long and ten thousand wide the whole length being twenty-five thousand and the width ten thousand.
48:14 It will be illegal for them to sell or exchange any part of it, and the domain can never be alienated, since it is consecrated to Yahweh.
48:15 As regards the remainder, an area of five thousand cubits by twenty-five thousand, this is to be for the common use of the city, for houses and pastures. The city is to stand in the centre.
48:16 Here are its measurements: on the north side, four thousand five hundred cubits; on the south side, four thousand five hundred cubits; on the east side, four thousand five hundred cubits; on the west side, four thousand five hundred cubits.
48:17 And the city pastures are to extend two hundred and fifty cubits to the north, two hundred and fifty to the south, two hundred and fifty to the east, two hundred and fifty to the west.
48:18 One strip, contiguous to the consecrated portion, must be left over, consisting of ten thousand cubits to eastward and ten thousand to westward, marching with the consecrated portion; this will bring in a revenue for feeding the municipal workmen.
48:19 These municipal workpeople are to be drawn from all the tribes of Israel.
48:20 The portion is to have a total area of twenty-five thousand cubits by twenty-five thousand. You are to allocate a quarter of the sacred portion to form the city.
48:21 What is left over shall be for the prince, on either side of the sacred portion and of the common land belonging to the city, marching with the twenty-five thousand cubits to eastward to the eastern frontier, and marching with the twenty-five thousand cubits to westward to the western frontier – running parallel with the other portions and belonging to the prince. In the centre will be the consecrated portion and the sanctuary of the Temple.
48:22 Thus, apart from the property of the Levites and the property of the city which lie inside the prince’s portion, everything between the borders of Judah and the borders of Benjamin is to belong to the prince.
48:23 Here are the rest of the tribes: from the eastern frontier to the western frontier: Benjamin, one portion.
48:24 Bordering Benjamin, from the eastern frontier to the western frontier: Simeon, one portion.
48:25 Bordering Simeon, from the eastern frontier to the western frontier: Issachar, one portion.
48:26 Bordering Issachar, from the eastern frontier to the western frontier: Zebulun, one portion.
48:27 Bordering Zebulun, from the eastern frontier to the western frontier: Gad, one portion.
48:28 The southern border of Gad will be formed by the southern frontier running through Tamar to the waters of Meribah in Kadesh, to the Wadi and the Great Sea.
48:29 This is how you are to divide the land into patrimonies for the tribes of Israel; and these are to be their portions – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.
The gates of Jerusalem
48:30 Here are the ways out of the city. On the north side, being four thousand five hundred cubits long,
48:31 three gates: the gate of Reuben, the gate of Judah, the gate of Levi; the gates of the city are to be named after the tribes of Israel.
48:32 On the east side, being four thousand five hundred cubits long, three gates: the gate of Joseph, the gate of Benjamin, the gate of Dan.
48:33 On the south side, being four thousand five hundred cubits long, three gates: the gate of Simeon, the gate of Issachar, the gate of Zebulun.
48:34 On the west side, being four thousand five hundred cubits long, three gates: the gate of Gad, the gate of Asher, the gate of Naphtali.
48:35 Total perimeter: eighteen thousand cubits. The name of the city in future is to be: Yahweh-is-there.’
END OF JB EZEKIEL [48 Chapters].