Apocalypse Yakob

SEFER OF THE ΜAGI

[01] In the days of king Herod a Star out of Yakob appeared in the Anatole Rising Light, as it is written, A Star will rise out of Yakob, and the Scion will rise out of Yisrael.

[02] And Magi from Anatole Damashek beheld the Star, and understood the sign, and they came to Yerushalem to do obeisance unto the Scion of Yisrael.

[03] And having come to Yerushalem, they said, Where is the one producing the king of Yisrael? for we have seen his Star in the Anatole Rising Light, and have come to do obeisance unto him.

[04] But king Herod, having heard thereof, was troubled: and all Yerushalem with him, and he dispatched officers to summon the Magi.

[05] And gathering all of the chief Kohanim and the Scribes of the people, he inquired by them in the Praetorion, saying, How is it written of the Meshiaĥ? where is he born? and they said, In Beith Leĥem, for thus it is written in the Prophet:

[06] And you, Beith Leĥem Ephrathah, though you be of nought unto the heads of Yhudah: out of you shall come forth unto Me the one who is to be Shepherd in Yisrael.

[07] Then Herod released them, and he interrogated the Magi privately, saying to them, What sign have you seen concerning the birth of a king?

[08] And the Magi said, We have seen a Star of great magnification shining among these stars, and obscuring their light, so that the stars appeared not:

[09] And therefore we understood that a king is being born unto Yisrael, and thus we have come to bow in obeisance and do honor unto him.

[10] And Herod diligently inquired precisely from them concerning the timing of the appearance of the Star, and they answered him, saying,

[11] It is written in our Law, Take the sum of all the community by their kindreds, by the houses of their fathers, with the number of their names:

[12] Every male by their heads, from twenty years of age and upwards, every one that is able to enter into the forces.

[13] Therefore our sages have said, Every man who freely volunteers to join the Council of the Community, he shall be examined on his intelligence and his deeds by the man who is the overseer at the head of the Many.

[14] And if he is suited to the discipline, he is a proselyte: he will bring him into the Covenant that he may be converted to the truth and turn away from all perversity.

[15] And he shall instruct him in all of the ordinances of the Community, and after, when he presents himself to the Many, they shall consider his case: and according to what fate decrees, following the decision of the Many, he shall either approach or depart.

[16] And when he approaches the Council, he shall not touch the pure food of the Many until he has been examined concerning his spirit and deeds: and until he has completed one full year, he is a babe, and he may not mingle his property with that of the Many.

[17] And when he has completed one full year in the midst of the Community, the Many shall consider his case concerning his intelligence and deeds with regard to the Torah:

[18] And if fate decrees that he approach the Company of the Community, following the decision of the Kohanim and the majority of the members of their Covenant, his property and his wages shall be given to the overseer of the revenues of the Many:

[19] But it shall be inscribed to his credit and shall not be spent to benefit the Many.

[20] He shall not touch the drink of the Many until he has completed a second full year in the midst of the members of the Community: he is a manchild servant.

[21] And when he has completed the second full year they shall examine him: and according to the decision of the Many, and if fate decrees that he approach the Community, he shall be enrolled and inscribed in his rank in the midst of his brethren.

[22] And having heard these things Herod gave them leave, and he sent them to Beith Leĥem, saying, Go search out the manchild: but as soon as you have made discovery, report to me, that I also may come and do obeisance unto him.

[23] The Magi therefore having heard of a king went forth, and behold, the Star Malak which they had seen in the Anatole Rising Light went leading on before them.

[24] And having known the Star Malak, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joyfulness until, having arrived, they entered into the cave.

[25] And behold, having entered into the abode, the Star Malak stood at the head of the manchild: and the Magi, discerning the manchild with his mother Maryam, lowered their faces to the ground, and bowed, and did obeisance unto him.

[26] And opening up their saddlebags they brought forth treasures, and presented gifts unto him: gold and libanon and smyrna-myrrh.

[27] And being supernaturally warned by revelation of the Malak, not to return to Herod, they departed by another way in returning to Damashek.

[28] Then Herod became enraged, having seen that he was despised of the Magi, and he sent out an order of force for all the manchild servants in training to enter the forces:

[29] In a rage of madness he ordered all the principal manchild servants of the entire nation, from twenty years age and two years under that, to be summoned unto him.

[30] And they were a great number that came from all twelve tribes, for those of the whole nation were called, and all heard of this call:

[31] And death was the penalty of such as should despise the epistles that were sent out.

[32] And now the king was in a mad rage against them all: the innocent as well as those that had afforded even the slightest grounds for accusation.

[33] And when they were come, he ordered them all to be shut up and hedged in at the hippodrome, and he sent for his sister Shalome and her husband, and said to them:

[34] I shall die in a short time, my pains are so great, which death ought to be cheerfully borne and welcomed by all men, but what principally troubles me is this:

[35] That I shall die without being lamented, and without such mourning as men would usually expect with the death of a king.

[36] He desired therefore, that as soon as they should see that he had breathed his last, they should have soldiers stationed roundabout the hippodrome, while they do not yet know that he is dead.

[37] And that they should not declare his death until this be done: that they should give orders to have those that are in the hippodrome shot through with their arrows.

[38] And that this slaughter of all the principal manchild servants of the whole nation of Yisrael would cause that he should not miss his final rejoicing on two accounts:

[39] For one, that as he is dying they will secure him in that his will be executed in what he charges them to do: and for two, that he shall have the honor of a noteworthy and memorable lamentation at his funeral fitting for a king.

[40] So he deplored his condition, with tears as of a dragon in his eyes, and entreated them by the kindness due from them, as being his kindred, and by the faithfulness they owed unto him for all his kindnesses unto them.

[41] And he begged of them that they would not hinder him of this great lamentation of the whole nation at his funeral: and they agreed not to transgress his command.

[42] And the manchild servants of the whole nation were summoned, and they gathered in Beith Leĥem and all the coasts thereof, from two years and under entering into the forces, according to the time which Herod had precisely exacted from the Magi.

[43] Then again was fulfilled what is spoken through Yirmeyah the Prophet, saying,

[44] A voice in Ramah was heard, weeping and much lamentation, Raĥel weeping for her sons: and she would not be comforted, for they are not.

[45] Also according to Mikah the Prophet, saying, Now shall the daughter of Ephraim be encompassed in a hedge of distress that is determined against us: with a rod they shall smite the tribes of Yisrael on the cheek.

[46] But it came to pass, with the expiration of Herod, that his sister Shalome released the manchild servant Yisrael from the hippodrome, wherein Herod had hedged them in, having marked them for death: one from every house of Yisrael.

[47] And they returned to their brethren as it is written in the Prophets.

[48] And again, from the same place in Mikah the Prophet, The one producing shall bring forth, and the remnant of their brethren shall return to the sons of Yisrael.

[49] And again, from the same place in Yirmeyah the Prophet, Thus says HE WHO WAS AND WHO IS, Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears:

[50] For your work shall be rewarded, and they shall return from the land of the enemy, and there is hope in your end, and your sons shall return to their own quarters.

[51] Ephraim is My beloved son, a pleasant manchild servant unto Me, for because My Word is in him, in remembering I will remember him, and thus I will hasten to help him:

[52] I will surely have mercy upon him, says HE WHO WAS AND WHO IS.

ΜATTITHYAH THE KOHEN

[01] In the Histories of the Kohanim there is a chief Kohen, in the latter days of Herod king of Yhudah, his name Mattithyah ben Theophilo ben Shimeon haTzaddik, (the Just).

[02] The first among his brethren and the glory of his people was Shimeon Yhoĥanan Ĥoniyah, (Mercy of Yah), haKohen haGadol, who is surnamed Shimeon haTzaddik.

[03] In his days the House of Elohim was strengthened, and the sanctuary of HE WHO WAS AND WHO IS was fortified.

[04] The wall of the square of the sanctuary was reinforced, and the pool was excavated: a reservoir with an expanse like that of the molten Sea for the Kohanim to wash in.

[05] And so it was that the period of wrath having come to a close, three hundred and ninety years after the nation was given into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babel:

[06] It came to pass that HE WHO WAS AND WHO IS visited them, and He made to spring forth from Yisrael and Ahron a Root of His planting, to inherit His Land, and to grow and blossom in the goodness of His Land.

[07] And they had understanding of their iniquity, and they understood that they were not guiltless, and they understood that even as the blind they also had been groping in search of the Way for twenty years unto that time.

[08] And Elohim considered their works because they sought Him with a perfect heart:

[09] And He raised them up a Teacher of Righteousness, Shimeon Yhoĥanan Ĥoniyah, Prince of the Covenant, haKohen haGadol, haTzaddik, the Upright.

[10] He cared for his nation and delivered it from destruction through righteousness: resplendent he was, appearing from the tent, coming forth from the curtain of the door!

[11] As the morning star shining in the midst of the clouds, even as the moon at her full: as the countenance of the sun when he shines forth in his strength, so he shone in the holy sanctuary of Elohim:

[12] As the seven colors of the rainbow shining in the bright cloud, as the blossoms on the branches in the springtime, and as the lilies on the banks of a stream:

[13] As the cedars of Lebanon that flourish in the summertime, and as the brilliant white fire of incense burning in the fire of a censor, as a hammered pure gold vessel adorned with every precious stone:

[14] As a fat olive tree budding in blossoms, and as a cypress tree standing majestically straightway into the heavens:

[15] So he was when he put on the robe of glory, clothed with perfection of power, and when he ascended the holy altar his heart radiated light through the vesture of holiness.

[16] And when he received the offerings at the hands of the Kohanim, he stationed himself before the sacrificial wood, as Yitzhak, and roundabout him stood his brethren as in the form of a wreath.

[17] Like a stand of cedars on the white heart mount Lebanon, as the branches of palm trees they stood roundabout him, all the sons of Ahron in their glory.

[18] But in the course of his ministration there rose up usurpers, evil men who were in league with foreign powers, engaging in wicked intrigues, on account of their lust for power and money.

[19] For there was a great sum of dedicated money stored in the sanctuary treasury, which was set aside for orphans, and for widows, and for the ebionim among the people, many talents of silver and gold.

[20] And when a wicked Kohen had usurped the office of Kohen by treachery, through intrigue and deceit, the wicked one opened up the treasury and robbed the sanctuary of HE WHO WAS AND WHO IS Elohim.

[21] And when Ĥoniyah knew of it he rebuked the wicked Kohen publicly, and fled to the sanctuary of asylum at Antiochea Paneion, that is, Panium, which is in the northern extremity of Eretz Yisrael.

[22] This Antiochea is at the foremost fountain of Yordan, Antiochea Panea, which Philippo built into Kaesarea Philippo: of old time it was called Ĥobah, (hidden, secret), and it has also been called Riblah at Baal-Ĥermon.

[23] But in his complete disregard for justice the wicked Kohen sent forth one from his league to silence the voice of Ĥoniyah, who came to Ĥoniyah in deceit, even giving his right hand with the oath:

[24] And though Ĥoniyah suspected him, yet he was persuaded to come forth from the sanctuary: but as soon as he came forth the wicked one slit his throat and shut him up.

[25] For which cause not only the Yhωdim, but even many from the other surrounding peoples took great indignation, and were heavily grieved over the unjust murder of the Teacher of Righteousness.

[26] And all Yisrael mourned Shimeon Yhoĥanan Ĥoniyah three days and three nights.

[27] Moreover it was revealed by the Spirit of the Holy One to Shimeon Yhoĥanan Ĥoniyah haTzaddik that his seed should not fail to witness the coming of the Meshiaĥ of HE WHO WAS AND WHO IS.

[28] And it came to pass in the process of time that a certain Mattithyah ben Theophilo ben Shimeon with his wife of youth and covenant were walking upright, in all the commandments of HE WHO WAS AND WHO IS, blameless.

[29] Moreover, being a chief Kohen, Mattithyah also prophesied:

[30] For king Herod had erected an image over the Great Gate of the sanctuary of HE WHO WAS AND WHO IS Elohim, a large golden eagle of great expense, which king Herod had dedicated to the sanctuary.

[31] And Mattithyah the Kohen spoke out against the image and rebuked king Herod concerning the unlawful act.

[32] The people were thus fond of Mattithyah, not only for his courage, but likewise for the many upright things which he did.

[33] But for these things Herod sought an occasion to slay him, that is to say, to cut off his voice, and that is by removing him from the office of Kohen:

[34] For whosoever hates his brother is a manslayer, in the doctrine of the Master, and to silence the voice of a man is as it were to slit his throat.

[35] He was cut off between the naos and the altar: for the altar of adamah is the soil of the heart, as it is written in the Torah, An altar of adamah shall you make unto Me.

[36] But Herod feared the people, and sought to take him away by stealthy entrapment, for the people held Mattithyah as a Prophet.

[37] And at that time Mattithyah had become an old man, in the Way of the Word, and yet he with his helpmate were without an Elohim offspring.

[38] And Mattithyah prayed often, petitioning and beseeching Elohim for an Elohim seed, that he might raise up holy seed in Yisrael.

[39] And it came to pass in the very night before the Great Fast that Mattithyah had a dream concerning his wife, and behold, his dream made him ceremonially impure.

[40] And being a Tzaddik, he made known his ritual impurity to the chief Kohanim, that another might stand in his place to perform the ceremonies of the Great Day.

[41] Thus it was that Mattithyah was temporarily disqualified from performing his office in the Great Day of the Fast: so the chief Kohanim elected his kinsman, Yoseph ben Elem, to stand in his place for one day, that is, the Great Day of the Fast.

[42] And in the morrow after, Mattithyah was restored to his office: and therein he faithfully continued his ministration in the sanctuary of HE WHO WAS AND WHO IS.

[43] In the days of Herod, king of Yhudah, there was a certain Kohen of the name Zakaryah, his wife being from the daughters of Ahron, and her name Elisheba.

[44] And they were two-as-one Tzaddik before Elohim, walking upright in all the ordinances and commandments of HE WHO WAS AND WHO IS, blameless.

[45] And to them there was no offspring, forasmuch as Elisheba was barren, and they were two-as-one advanced in their days.

[46] And it came to pass that the Malak of HE WHO IS AND WHO WAS appeared to him in a vision, standing at the altar of incense, which incense ascends before Elohim with the prayers of the holy ones by the hand of the Malak.

[47] And behold, the Malak called his name Zakaryah, being sent to inform him concerning Maryah, who had become twelve years age in the sanctuary of Elohim.

[48] Moreover the supplications of Zakaryah became more fervent, for himself and for Elisheba his wife of youth and wife of covenant, that he might be given an Elohim seed, that is, until a certain appointed time:

[49] For the Malak of HE WHO WAS AND WHO IS appeared to him again in a vision, standing at the altar of incense, and the Malak informed him that his petition was heard.

[50] And the Malak also named the name of his son, Yoĥanne ben ZkarYah ben BrekYah, in the way of the holy seed line, which is Spirit.

[51] As it is written, HE WHO WAS AND WHO IS said unto me, Take a great writing tablet, and write upon it with a chisel of Enosh: for Maher-Shalal-Ĥash-Baz, and I will record two witnesses faithful unto Me:

[52] Light of YH, (UriYah), and Manchild of YH, the son of the Blessing of YH, (ZkarYah ben BrekYah). It was in the sixth month after these things that Yoseph stood in for him.

In the most ancient Uncial Greek texts both the Nomina Sacra and Greek numerals are signified with an overstrike. The final lunate sigma held the same numerical value as the letter stigma, that is, the number six. This may be seen in texts where Greek letters are used as numbers, the most famous instance being the number six hundred sixty six, as found in Apokalypse Yoĥanne. In the manuscripts which employ letters for the number, (cf. P47, P115), it is readily seen that the letter for six is identical to the lunate sigma but is in all likelihood the letter stigma, and represents the number six.

LXX-Septuagint Nomina Sacra Key

ΙΗ – Ια Ηλ, Ιακωβ Ηλι, Ιωαννη Ηλια, (ΙωαννΗ), Ισραηλ, (Ισρα-Ηλ)

ΧΡ – Χρηστος, (Psa 34:8, Mat 11:30, 1Pet 2:3), Χριστος, (Lev 21:10-12)

ΘC – Θεος, Θεοτης, (Col 2:9), Θειος, (Acts 17:29), Θειοτης, (Rom 1:20)

ΘΝ – Θεον, Θειον, (Exo 31:3, Exo 35:31, Pro 2:17, Acts 17:29)

ΘΥ – Θεου, Θειου, (Exo 31:3, Exo 35:31, Pro 2:17, Acts 17:29)

ΘЄ – Θεε, (2Sam 7:25, Eze 4:14), Θεε, (Eze 40:7), Θειε

ΘΩ – Θεω, Θειω, (Exo 31:3, Exo 35:31, Pro 2:17, Acts 17:29)

ΚC – Κυριος, Κυρος, (2Chr 36:22-23, Ezra 1:1-2, Isa 44:28, Isa 45:1)

ΚΝ – Κυριον, Κυρον, (2Chr 36:22-23, Ezra 1:1-2, Isa 44:28, Isa 45:1)

ΚΥ – Κυριου, Κυρου, (2Chr 36:22-23, Ezra 1:1-2, Isa 44:28, Isa 45:1)

ΚЄ – Κυριε, Κυρε, (2Chr 36:22-23, Ezra 1:1-2, Isa 44:28, Isa 45:1)

ΚΩ – Κυριω, Κυρω, (2Chr 36:22-23, Ezra 1:1-2, Isa 44:28, Isa 45:1)

יהוה (the Tetragrammaton) = Gematria 26

ΚC = Kappa (20) + Stigma (6) = Gematria 26

יה = Yod (10) + Hei (5) = Gematria 15

ΘC = Theta (9) + Stigma (6) = Gematria 15

It is absolutely critical to determine the meaning of any particular Nomen Sacrum by the context, and especially regarding whether the Nomen Sacrum be arthrous or anarthrous, (with or without the article attached). The faithful are to be taught of Elah, and not of men, and therefore I have included every place in the Greek writings where the Nomina Sacra appear and have included the article and form if it be present. These things make a very big difference, but unfortunately, a difference which cannot be shown in English without the reader and-or translator making interpretive decisions. Currently I am having difficulty with the over-strike so the Nomina Sacra are simply in caps.

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 1a

[01] ΑΠΟΚΑΛΥΨΙC ΙΑΚΩΒ˙ In the Histories of the Twelve Tribes of Yisrael there is Yoakim, very wealthy, and he brought ΚΩ his offerings twofold, saying,

[02] That of my overabundance shall be for all the people, and that which I have released shall be unto ΚΩ τω ΘΩ for a reconciliation unto me.

[03] For the Great Day of ΚΥ was at hand and the sons of Yisrael brought their offerings:

[04] But Ruben stood against him, saying, It is not lawful for you to bring your gift offerings first because you have not produced seed in Yisrael.

[05] And Yokim was exceedingly grieved, and went away to the Scroll of the Twelve Tribes of the people, saying to himself,

[06] I shall look into the Scroll of the Twelve Tribes of Yisrael, to see whether I alone have not produced seed in Yisrael.

[07] And he searched and found that all the righteous had raised up holy seed in Yisrael.

[08] And he remembered the patriarch, father Abraham, how in his last day ΚC ὁ ΘC gave him a son, Yitzhak.

[09] And Yokim was exceedingly grieved, and shone himself not to his wife, but rather gave himself over to the wilderness.

[10] And Yokim pitched his tent in the wilderness, and fasted forty days and forty nights, saying, I will not descend, neither for food nor for drink, until ΚC my ὁ ΘC shall look upon me: and prayer shall be my food and drink.

[11] Moreover his wife Anna now mourned two mournings, and lamented two lamentings, saying, I bewail my widowhood, and I bewail my childlessness.

[12] But the Great Day of ΚΥ was at hand: and Yuthina her maidservant said, How long will you humble your soul? behold, the Great Day is at hand, it is unlawful to mourn.

[13] Take this headstall, which the lady over the works gave to me: for it is not proper that I should wear it, for I am your maidservant, and it has the character of royalty.

[14] And Anna said, Stand back, away from me, for I have never done such a thing, and yet ΚC ὁ ΘC has brought me very low.

[15] What if an evil doer gave it to you? and you come to make me partaker in your sin?

[16] And Yuthina her maidservant said, Why should I curse you?

[17] Just as you have not heard my voice, for the same reason, ΚC ὁ ΘC has shut up your womb so that you should not be given the fruit of offspring in Yisrael.

[18] And Anna was sorely grieved, but put off her garments of mourning, and cleansed her head, and put on her bridal garments:

[19] And about the ninth hour, she went down to the paradise garden to walk.

[20] And seeing a laurel tree she sat down beneath it, and petitioned the Master, saying, O ὁ ΘC of our fathers, bless me and hear my prayer, as You blessed the womb of Sarah and gave her a son, Yitzhak.

[21] And Anna gazed up toward the heavens, and saw a nest of sparrows in the laurel tree, and she made lamentation within herself, saying,

[22] Woe unto me! who begot me? and what womb produced me? for I have become a curse in the presence of the sons of Yisrael: I have become a reproach, and they have driven me in derision out of the sanctuary of ΚΥ my του ΘΥ.

[23] Woe unto me! unto what have I been likened? I am not like the birds of the heavens, for even the birds of the heavens are productive before You, ΚЄ.

[24] Woe unto me! unto what have I been likened? I am not like the beasts of the earth, for even the beasts of the earth are productive before You, ΚЄ.

[25] Woe unto me! unto what have I been likened? I am not like these waters, for even these waters are productive before You, ΚЄ.

[26] Woe unto me! unto what have I been likened? I am not like this earth, for even the earth brings forth fruit in due season and blesses You, ΚЄ.

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 1b

[01] And behold, the Angel of ΚΥ appeared, saying to her,

[02] Anna Ĥannah, ΚC has heard your petition, and you shall retain seed, and shall bring forth: and your seed shall be mentioned throughout all the habitable Land.

[03] And Ĥannah said, By the Living ΚC ὁ ΘC, if I beget male or female, I will present the child a gift unto ΚΩ my τω ΘΩ, and it shall minister unto Him all the days of its life.

[04] And behold, there came two Angels, saying to her, Behold, your gaber Yoakim is coming with his flocks!

[05] For the Angel of ΚΥ had descended unto him, saying,

[06] Yokim Yoakim, ΚC ὁ ΘC has heard your petition, Go! for behold, Ĥannah has retained seed ενγαστρι!

[07] And Yoakim descended, and called his shepherds, saying,

[08] Bring here unto me ten she-lambs, spotless and without blemish, and they shall be unto ΚΩ my τω ΘΩ.

[09] Bring also twelve young calves, and they shall be for the Kohanim and the Elders, and bring a hundred goats for all the people.

[10] And behold, Yoakim approached with his flocks, and Ĥannah stood by the gate and saw him, and she ran out and hung about his neck, saying,

[11] Now I know that ΚC ὁ ΘC has blessed me greatly, for the widow is no more a widow, and behold, the barren has retained seed ενγαστρι!

[12] And the first day Yoakim rested in his house: but the next day he brought his offering of gifts, and Yoakim said within himself,

[13] If ΚC ὁ ΘC is gracious unto me, the pure gold plate of the Kohen will show it to me.

[14] And Yoakim brought his offerings, and carefully observed the pure gold wreathen plate of the Kohen as he went up to the altar of ΚΥ, and he saw no sin in his reflection.

[15] And Yoakim said, Now I know that ΚC ὁ ΘC has been gracious unto me, and has sent away all my sins.

[16] And he descended from the sanctuary of ΚΥ, set right, and went to his house.

[17] And her months were filled, about six: and in the seventh month Ĥannah produced.

[18] And Ĥannah said to the midwife, What have I produced? and she said, A female.

[19] And Ĥannah said, My soul has been magnified this day, and she laid her down.

[20] And the days having been fulfilled, Ĥannah was cleansed of her impurity.

[21] And Ĥannah nourished the child: and she surnamed her name Maryah.

[22] And the child strengthened day by day, and when she was six months her mother stood her on the ground to test whether she could stand.

[23] She walked seven steps in a circle coming back into the bay of her mother.

[24] And her mother snatched her up, saying, By the Living ΚC my ὁ ΘC, you shall not walk anymore on this ground before I have brought you into the sanctuary of ΚΥ.

[25] And Ĥannah made a sanctuary in her bedchamber, and allowed nothing common or unclean to pass through her.

[26] And she called the undefiled daughters of the Hebrews and they entertained her.

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 2a

[01] And it came to be the first year for the child, and Yoakim made a great celebration:

[02] And he invited the chief Kohanim, and the Kohanim, and the Scribes, and the Elders of the Council, even the whole of the people of Yisrael.

[03] And Yoakim brought the child to the Kohanim, and they blessed her, saying,

[04] O ὁ ΘC of our fathers, bless this child, and give her an everlasting name to be named in all generations: and all the people said, So be it! Amen.

[05] And he brought her to the chief Kohanim, and they blessed her, saying,

[06] O ὁ ΘC Most High, look on this child, and bless her with a latter end blessing which none other shall equal.

[07] And her mother took her up into the sanctuary of her bedchamber and nursed her.

[08] And Ĥannah made a song unto ΚΩ τω ΘΩ, saying,

[09] I will sing a holy song unto ΚΩ my τω ΘΩ, for He has looked upon me, and has removed the reproach of my enemies.

[10] ΚC my ὁ ΘC has given me the fruit of His righteousness, uniquely flourishing before Him: who will announce to the sons of Ruben that Ĥannah is nursing?

[11] Hear, hear, O twelve tribes of Yisrael: for Ĥannah is nursing!

[12] And she laid her down in the bedchamber of her sanctuary and went out to serve.

[13] And when the feast ended, they descended, rejoicing and glorifying τον ΘΝ Yisrael.

[14] And it came to pass that unto the child her months were multiplied, and the child came to be the space of two years, and Yoakim said,

[15] Let us lead her up into the sanctuary of ΚΥ, that we may pay the vow that we have vowed, lest perchance the Master send for us, and our gift become unacceptable.

[16] And Ĥannah said, Let us abide also the third year, so that the child not seek after father or mother, and Yoakim said, So let us abide.

[17] And it came to pass that the maiden Maryah came to be the space of three years.

[18] At that time Yoakim said, Call the daughters of the undefiled Hebrews:

[19] And let them each take a lamp, and station with the lamps burning bright, so that the maiden not turn back, lest her heart be drawn away from the sanctuary of ΚΥ.

[20] And thus they did, until they had ascended up into the sanctuary of ΚΥ.

[21] And when the Kohen received her, he kissed her, and blessed her, and said,

[22] ΚC ὁ ΘC has magnified your name in all generations: concerning you shall ΚC manifest His redemption to the sons of Yisrael at the end of days.

[23] And he set her down on the third step of the altar, and ΚC ὁ ΘC dispatched Grace upon her, and behold, and her feet danced, and all the house of Yisrael loved her.

[24] And her parents descended, marveling, and praising ΚΝ τον ΘΝ that the maiden Maryah had not turned back unto them.

[25] And Maryah dwelt in the sanctuary of ΚΥ, abiding therein as if a dove, and she received nourishment by the hand of the Angel of ΚΥ.

[26] And it came to pass that the twelfth year of Maryah was at hand.

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 2b

[01] And when her twelfth year was near, the Kohanim held Council, saying,

[02] Behold, Maryah becomes twelve years old in the sanctuary of ΚΥ, what therefore shall we do with her, lest perchance she defile the sanctuary of ΚΥ του ΘΥ?

[03] And they said to the chief Kohen, You have stood at the incense altar of ΚΥ, enter in therefore, and make supplication concerning her:

[04] And whatever ΚC ὁ ΘC shall manifest unto you, that we shall do.

[05] Therefore the chief Kohen, having taken up the robe of the twelve bells for the most holy things, entered therein, and made supplication concerning her.

[06] And behold, the Angel of ΚΥ stood at the altar, saying, Zakaryah Zkaryah, go forth and gather the widowers of the people, and let each one bring a rod:

[07] And to whomever ΚC ὁ ΘC reveals a sign, unto that one she shall become wife.

[08] So the heralds were sent forth into all the land of Yhudah, and the trumpet of ΚΥ was sounded, and behold, all came running.

[09] Moreover Yoseph, a Tzaddik, cast off his tree-felling axe and went to their gathering:

[10] And when they had gathered together, they went to the Kohen, bringing their rods.

[11] And the Kohen, taking the rods, entered into the sanctuary and made supplication.

[12] And when he had ended his prayer, he took up the rods and came forth, and gave the rods back to them.

[13] And there was no sign among them, that is, until Yoseph took the last rod:

[14] And behold, a dove came out of the end of the staff and flew onto Yoseph's head!

[15] And the Kohen said to Yoseph, Yoseph, you have been chosen by lot to take alongside the parthenos of ΚΥ into your safekeeping!

[16] But Yoseph spoke against it, saying, I am an Elder and have sons!

[17] She is but a young maiden! Shall I become a mockery to the sons of Yisrael?

[18] And the Kohen said, Yoseph, you should fear ΚΝ your τον ΘΝ, and be mindful of what ὁ ΘC did to Dathan, and Abiram, and Korah, how the earth opened up, and they were swallowed up on account of their contradictory words.

[19] Even now you should fear, Yoseph, lest the same happen with your own house.

[20] So Yoseph feared, taking Maryah alongside into his safekeeping, but he said to her, Maryah, I have received you alongside from the sanctuary of ΚΥ,

[21] And now I leave you in my house: ΚC shall watch over you, for I must go off to build houses, and I shall come back to you.

[22] And the Kohanim held a Council, saying, Let us make a new veil for the sanctuary of ΚΥ, and the Kohen said, Call up the undefiled virgins of the tribe of David.

[23] And the officers went seeking, and they found seven: and the Kohen was reminded of the maiden Maryah, that she was of the tribe of David, and undefiled before τω ΘΩ.

[24] So the officers went out and brought her back: and they were led into the sanctuary of ΚΥ, and the Kohen said to them, Choose by lot who shall spin the gold, the white, the fine linen, the silk, the tekelet blue, and the double spun scarlet and the true purple.

[25] And the true purple and the scarlet fell by lot to Maryah, and having taken them, she departed and went away to her house.

[26] Moreover, at this appointed time, Zakaryah became silent: and Samuel stood in his place until when Zkaryah spoke.

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 3a

[01] And Maryah took up spinning the scarlet: and she took a pitcher, going forth to draw water, and behold, a voice, saying to her,

[02] Greetings, highly favored one, ὁ ΚC is with you: blessed are you among women!

[03] And Maryah looked roundabout to the right and to the left, to see from where the voice had come, and she went trembling into her house and set down the pitcher.

[04] And having taken the true purple she sat upon her θρονος, and began to draw it out, and behold, the Angel of ΚΥ stood before her, saying,

[05] Fear not, Maryah, for you have found favor in the Presence of the Master of All, and you shall retain seed from His Logos.

[06] But having heard this Maryah disputed within herself, saying, Shall I conceive from ΚΥ ΘΥ the Living and bring forth the same as every woman brings forth?

[07] And the Angel of ΚΥ said to her, Not that way, Maryah, for the δυναμις Power ΘΥ will cast a shade upon you: therefore also the holy one being generated from you will be called the Son of the Highest.

[08] And you shall call his name ΙΗ, for he shall deliver his people out of their sins.

[09] And Maryah said, Behold, the maidservant of ΚΥ is before Him, let it be unto me according to your word.

[10] And she made the true purple and brought it to the Kohen: and having taken it, the Kohen blessed her, and said, Maryah, ΚC ὁ ΘC has magnified your name, and you shall be blessed in all the generations of the earth.

[11] And Maryah went away full of joy to her kinswoman, Elisheba, and knocked at the door, and hearing, Elisheba put down the scarlet and ran to the door.

[12] And having opened unto her, she blessed her, and said, How is it that the mother of my του ΚΥ has come unto me? for behold, what is within me leaped and blessed you!

[13] But Maryah had forgotten the mysteries which the Angel Gabriel had spoken:

[14] And she gazed up toward the heaven, saying, ΚЄ, who am I that all the women of the earth should bless me?

[15] And she abode three months with Elisheba, and day by day her gaster swelled: and being fearful, Maryah went to her own house, and hid herself from the sons of Yisrael.

[16] And Maryah was sixteen years of age when these mysteries came to pass in her.

[17] And it came to be her sixth month, and behold, Yoseph returned from his building: and he entered into his house, and found that she was swelling up.

[18] And he smote his face, and threw himself to the ground on sackcloth, weeping bitterly, and he cried out, saying, How shall my face look toward ΚΝ τον ΘΝ?

[19] And what supplication can I utter concerning this maiden? for I received her a parthenos alongside me out of the sanctuary of ΚΥ, and yet I did not watch over her!

[20] Who has hunted me down? Who has done this evil in my house and defiled the parthenos? Has not the whole story of Adam been repeated within me?

[21] For just as Adam was in the hour of his gloriousness, and the serpent came and found Eve alone, and deceived her, in the same way has it happened unto me also!

[22] And Yoseph arose from the sackcloth, and called Maryah, and said to her, You were cared for by ΘΩ, why have you done this? you have forgotten ΚΥ your του ΘΥ?

[23] Why have you humiliated your own soul? you were brought up in the most holy things and received nourishment from the hand of an Angel!

[24] But she wept bitterly, saying, I am entirely pure and have not known a man!

[25] And Yoseph said to her, From where then is that which is in your hollow?

[26] And she said, By the Living ΚC my ὁ ΘC, I know not how it is within me!

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 3b

[01] And Yoseph was very fearful, and let her be, debating what he should do with her.

[02] And Yoseph said, If I conceal her sin, I find myself fighting against the Torah of ΚΥ, and if I reveal her to the sons of Yisrael, I fear, lest what is in her be angelic, and I may be delivering up innocent blood to a judgment of death.

[03] What therefore shall I do with her? and he said, I will put her away privately.

[04] And the night overtook him, and behold, the Angel of ΚΥ appeared to him by way of a dream revelation, saying,

[05] Yoseph, son of David, fear not concerning this maiden, for that being generated in her is from the Spirit of the Holy One.

[06] Moreover she will produce a son, and you shall call his name ΙΗ, for he will deliver his people from their sins.

[07] And Yoseph arose from the hypnos, and he glorified τον ΘΝ of Yisrael who had bestowed His Grace unto him: and he guarded the maiden.

[08] But Ĥanan the Scribe came to him, and said to him, Yoseph, why have you not appeared in the assembly of our Council? and he said to him, Because I was weary from the way, and I rested the first day.

[09] And Ĥanan turned, and saw Maryah swelled up: and he departed, running off to the Kohen, and said to him, Yoseph of whom you testified has grievously offended!

[10] And the Kohen said, How is that? and he said, The parthenos is defiled, whom Yoseph received alongside out of the sanctuary of ΚΥ!

[11] And he has stolen her nuptials and has not revealed it to the sons of Yisrael!

[12] And the Kohen said, Are you sure Yoseph has done these things? and Ĥanan the Scribe said to him, Send officers, and you will find the parthenos swollen up.

[13] So the officers went, and they found it as he said: and they brought her together with Yoseph as one to the tribunal.

[14] And the chief Kohen said, Maryam, why have you done this? and why have you humiliated your own soul, and forgotten ΚΥ your του ΘΥ?

[15] You were brought up in the most holy things, and received nourishment from the hand of an Angel, and have learned the hymns of ΚC ὁ ΘC, and have danced in His Presence: why have you done this?

[16] And she wept bitterly, saying, By the Living ΚC ὁ ΘC, I am entirely pure before Him, and I know not a man!

[17] Then the Kohen said to Yoseph, Why have you done this? and Yoseph said, By the Living ΚC my ὁ ΘC and the Witness of His Truth, I am entirely pure concerning her.

[18] And the Kohen said, Bear no false witness but speak the truth: have you not stolen her nuptials? and have you not concealed it from the sons of Yisrael?

[19] You have not bowed your head to the mighty Hand that your seed might be blessed.

[20] Yoseph remained silent, and the Kohen said, Surrender the parthenos whom you received alongside you out of the sanctuary of ΚΥ.

[21] And Yoseph stood, becoming tearful, and the chief Kohen said, I will have you drink of the water of conviction of ΚΥ, and it shall make manifest your sin in your own eyes.

[22] And taking it the Kohen gave Yoseph to drink, and sent him away, down into the wilderness: but he came forth out of the wilderness blameless.

[23] At the same time the Kohen gave Maryah to drink, and sent her away, down into the wilderness: but she ascended out of the wilderness blameless.

[24] And all the people were astonished that no sin had appeared in them.

[25] And the Kohen said to them as one, If ΚC ὁ ΘC has not made manifest any sin in you, then neither do I judge you: and he released them.

[26] And Yoseph took alongside Maryamne and departed, going away to his own house, rejoicing and glorifying τον ΘΝ Yisrael.

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 4a

[01] But there came an order of force from king Herod, whosoever they be, to be registered in Beith Leĥem of Yhudah.

[02] And Yoseph said, I shall register my sons: but what shall I do with this maiden? how shall I register her? as my wife? I have been shamed!

[03] As my daughter? all the sons of Yisrael know that she is not my daughter! let this day of ΚΥ be done howsoever He pleases.

[04] And he saddled the donkey, and seated her upon it: and his son led it, and Samuel followed behind.

[05] And they approached the third milestone, and Yoseph turned and saw her gloomy, and he said to himself, Perhaps what is in her is causing a tempest within her.

[06] And yet again Yoseph turned, and he saw her laughing, and he said to her, Maryamne, what is this about you, that I see in your countenance one time no doubt laughter, but the other time surely sorrow?

[07] And she said to him, Because, Yoseph, I see two people with my eyes: one weeping and lamenting, the other rejoicing and exulting.

[08] And it came to pass, as they came near, that the days were fulfilled wherein she should produce: and they were in the midst of the way.

[09] And Maryamne said to him, Yoseph, bring me down from the donkey: for what is within me presses upon me to come forth! and he took her off the donkey, saying,

[10] Where shall I take you to hide your nakedness, for this is a desert place? and he found a nearby cave, and led her in, and left his sons with her.

[11] And Yoseph went out to seek a midwife in the countryside of Beith Leĥem.

[12] And I, Yoseph, was walking and was not walking:

[13] And I gazed toward the vault of the heavens and I saw it standing still:

[14] And I looked into the sky and when I did I saw it utterly disturbed:

[15] And I noticed all the birds of the heavens and the sky were keeping silent:

[16] And I looked upon the earth and saw what looked to be the circle of a bowl:

[17] And the workers were reclining and their hands were laying placed within the bowl:

[18] And those that were biting surely were not biting:

[19] And those that were raising surely were not raising:

[20] And those that were lifting to their mouths surely were not lifting:

[21] And the face of every one was looking up toward the heavens:

[22] And I saw a flock of sheep being driven yet the sheep were standing still:

[23] And the shepherd raised his hand to drive the sheep but it froze in place above him:

[24] And I looked upon the channel of the river seeing kid-goats at the brink:

[25] And their mouths were opened up to the water but they surely were not drinking.

[26] Then suddenly everything returned to its natural course.

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 4b

[01] And I saw a woman coming down from the highlands, and she said to me, O Enosh, where are you going? and I said, I seek a midwife of the Hebrews.

[02] And answering, she said to me, Are you from Yisrael? and I said to her, Yea.

[03] Then she said, And who is it that has brought forth in the cave? and I said, She is a gift of betrothal unto me.

[04] And she said to me, Is she not your wife? and I said, She is Maryah, the one brought up in the most holy things of the sanctuary of ΚΥ, and by lot I obtained her to wife:

[05] And yet she is not my wife, but conceived, retaining seed from Spirit Holy.

[06] And the midwife said, How can this be true? and Yoseph said to her, Come and see!

[07] And the midwife went with him: and having come near, they stood by the cave, and behold, a luminous cloud enveloped the cave.

[08] And the midwife said, My soul has been magnified this day, for my eyes have seen a strange paradoxical thing: how deliverance unto Yisrael is indeed brought forth!

[09] And by and by the cloud began to dissipate from around the cave, and a great light shone within the cave, a light which eyes could not bear.

[10] And the light began to decrease little by little, until suddenly a babe appeared, and he went and received nourishment from his mother Maryah.

[11] And the midwife cried out, and said, O how great unto me is this day today! for I have seen this marvelous spectacle of renewal!

[12] And the midwife went forth from the cave, and encountered Salome, saying to her,

[13] Shalom Salome! I now have the vision of renewal to fully relate unto you: the parthenos does indeed bring forth, though her nature admits it not!

[14] And Salome said, By the Living ΚC my ὁ ΘC, unless I examine her condition with my own hand, I will not believe that a parthenos has brought forth!

[15] And the midwife Salome went back in, and said to Maryah, Brace yourself: for there is no small controversy having arisen within me concerning you!

[16] And Salome put forth her hand, and inspected, and Salome cried out, saying,

[17] Woe unto me! for my iniquity and my faithlessness! for I have put ΘΝ the Living to the test, and behold, my hand is withering up as if having been burned in the fire!

[18] And she fell to the knees before the Master, saying,

[19] O ὁ ΘC of my fathers, remember I am of the seed of Abraham, Yitzhak, and Yakob!

[20] Make me not an example unto bnei Yisrael, but restore me to the ebioniy:

[21] For You know, Master, that in Your Name I have performed my service, and I have received my wage at Your hand.

[22] And behold, the Angel of ΚΥ stood, saying to her,

[23] Salome Shalome, the Master of all has heard your prayer: bring your hand unto the child, and bear him up, and you shall find Peace and joy.

[24] And Shalome went and lifted him up, saying, I will do obeisance unto him: for truly a mighty king is born unto Yisrael!

[25] And Shalome was healed: and she went forth from the cave, having been set right.

[26] And behold, there came a voice, saying, Shalom Shalome, tell not the paradoxical thing which you have seen until the manchild has entered into Yerushalem.

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 5a

[01] And behold, Yoseph was prepared to enter into Yhudah: but there came to be a great disturbance in Beith Leĥem, for Magi had come, saying,

[02] Where is the king of Yisrael? for we have seen his Star in the Anatole Rising Light, and have come to honor and do obeisance unto him.

[03] And having heard, Herod was troubled, and he dispatched officers to the Magi.

[04] And he summoned unto himself also the chief Kohanim, and questioned them in the Praetorion, saying to them,

[05] How is it written of του ΧΡ? where is he supposed to be born?

[06] And the chief Kohanim said to him, In Beith Leĥem, for so it is written.

[07] And Herod released them, and he questioned the Magi, saying to them,

[08] What sign have you seen concerning the birth of a king?

[09] And the Magi said, We have seen a Star of great magnification shining among these stars, and obscuring their light, so that the stars appeared not.

[10] Therefore we understood that a king is being born unto Yisrael.

[11] Now therefore we have come to bow in obeisance and do honor unto him.

[12] And Herod gave them leave, and sent them to Beith Leĥem, saying,

[13] Go search out the child, but as soon as you have made discovery, report to me, so that I also may come and do obeisance unto him.

[14] The Magi therefore having heard of a king went forth, and behold, the Star which they had seen in the Anatole Rising Light went leading on before them.

[15] And having known the Star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joyfulness.

[16] And they followed the Star until, having come, they entered into the cave: for the Star stood at the head of the cave.

[17] And having entered into the cave, the Magi beheld him with his mother, Maryah.

[18] And having seen him, they opened up their saddlebags and brought forth gift offerings, gifts of gold and of libanon and of smyrna-myrrh.

[19] And being supernaturally warned by revelation from the Angel, not to return to Herod, they departed by another way to their own region.

[20] Then Herod became enraged, having seen that he was despised of the Magi:

[21] And he sent out a command to take up all the manchild servants, from two years and below, according to the time which he had diligently exacted from the Magi.

[22] And Maryah was terrified, hearing that the manchild servants were being taken up, and she concealed the manchild in the sukkah.

[23] Moreover Elisheba, hearing that they were searching for Yoĥanne, took him and went up into the mountain, looking roundabout for a place to conceal him.

[24] But there was no place to hide: then with a great sigh of distress, Elisheba said, O Mountain of ΘΥ, receive me, mother with son! for Elisheba was not able to pass.

[25] And immediately the mountain parted, opening up, and received her.

[26] And the mountain shone with bright light unto her: for the Angel of ΚΥ was with her to guard the way throughout.

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 5b

[01] Moreover Herod in search of Yoĥanne dispatched officers unto Zkaryah, saying to him, Where have you hidden your son?

[02] But answering, he said to them, I am a minister under του ΘΥ, and continually attending in His sanctuary: how shall I know where my son is?

[03] And the officers went away and reported all these things to Herod.

[04] And being enraged, Herod said, His son is about to become king over Yisrael!

[05] And he dispatched his officers to him again, saying, Tell me the truth!

[06] Where is your son? for you know that your blood is under my hand!

[07] And the officers departed and announced these things unto Zkaryah.

[08] And Zkaryah said, I am a Witness of του ΘΥ, and you may have my blood.

[09] Howbeit the Master will receive my spirit: for you will be shedding innocent blood in the forecourt of the sanctuary of ΚΥ.

[10] Zkaryah was slain at dawn: and the sons of Yisrael knew not that he was slain.

[11] And at the hour of the salutation, the Kohanim went out, but he came not forth to meet them after the custom of the BrekYah blessing of ZkarYah.

[12] And the Kohanim stood waiting for Zkaryah, to salute him at the prayer, and to glorify τον ΘΝ Most High: but with much delay they all began to fear.

[13] Moreover a certain one of them gathered courage, entering into the sanctuary, and he saw congealed blood beside the incense altar of ΚΥ.

[14] And he heard a voice crying, and saying, Zkaryah has been murdered: and his blood shall not be wiped away until the Avenger is come.

[15] And having heard this saying, he was terrified, and he went out and announced to the Kohanim all things whatsoever he had seen and heard.

[16] And taking courage, they went in, and they beheld what had happened.

[17] And the ceilings of the sanctuary were howling, and the tapestries were rent from the top even unto the bottom:

[18] And they found not his corpse, but found his blood having been turned to stone.

[19] And they were terrified, and went out, and having gone forth they announced to all the people that Zkaryah had been murdered.

[20] And all the tribes of the people heard, and weeped, and sorely lamented, and they mourned Zkaryah the Kohen three days and three nights.

[21] Moreover, with those three days having ended, the Kohanim deliberated who should be appointed to stand in the place of Zkaryah the Kohen.

[22] And the lot came up unto Shimeon: for he it was to whom it had been divinely revealed by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had seen the ΧΡ of ΚΥ.

[23] And I, Yakob, who wrote this history in Yerushalem, with a tumult having arisen at that time over of the expiration of Herod, I concealed myself.

[24] And I went away into the wilderness until the uproar in Yerushalem had ended:

[25] Glorifying the Master τον ΘΝ who gave me the wisdom to write this history.

[26] Grace be with all those revering τον ΚΝ. Amen.

HEAVENLY TABLETS · SEFER HENOK · RISHON MEGALITHON · SEFER DANIEL

APOCALYPSE YAKOB (Sefer of the Magi · Mattithyah the Kohen)

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