APOCALYPSE YAKOB

MATTITHYAH 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 Honiyah haTzaddik.

[02] First among his brethren and the glory of his people was Shimeon Yhochanan Honiyah, (Mercy of Yah), haKohen haGadol, who is surnamed Shimeon haTzaddik.

[03] In his days the House of א״ was strengthened, and the sanctuary of י״ 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] 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!

[06] 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 א״.

[07] 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:

[08] 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:

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

[10] 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.

[11] And all the sons of Ahron stood roundabout him, as a stand of cedars on the white heart mount Lebanon, as the branches of palm trees they stood roundabout him as he received the offerings to be offered.

[12] And from the father of this one, Honiyah (I) ben Yaddua, there was a line of haKohanim haGadolim, of sons, family, and brethren: Eleazar ben Honiyah, his brother, Menasheh ben Yaddua, his uncle, Honiyah (II) his son, and Shimeon ben Honiyah, and Honiyah (III) ben Shimeon.

[13] And it came to pass during the period of wrath, from the fifth year of the captivity of king Yhoyakin, after the nation was given into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babel, that three hundred and ninety years of the period of wrath were accomplished, (205 BC).

[14] And at this time י״ visited them, and He made to spring forth from Yisrael and from Ahron a root of the people of His planting, to inherit His Land, and to grow and blossom in the goodness of His Land.

[15] And they had understanding of their own iniquity, and they understood that they were not guiltless, and from that time they understood that, even as the blind, they also were yet groping in search of the Way for twenty years more, (185 BC).

[16] And א״ considered their works because they sought Him with a perfect heart:

[17] And He raised them up a Teacher of Righteousness, Honiyah, (III), ben Shimeon, Prince of the Covenant, haKohen haGadol, haTzaddik.

[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 and deceit, (175 BC), the wicked one opened up the treasury and robbed the sanctuary of י״ א״.

[21] And when Honiyah 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 Riblah at Baal-Hermon.

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

[24] And although Honiyah 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 Yhudim, but even many from the other surrounding peoples took great indignation, and were heavily grieved over the unjust murder of the Teacher of Righteousness, (170 BC).

[26] And all Yisrael mourned Honiyah ben Shimeon three days and three nights: moreover it had been revealed by the Spirit of the Holy One to Honiyah that one from his seed line would behold the מ̅ש of י״.

[27] And it came to pass two years after his murder, (168 BC), that Antiochus the king of the Seleucids came against the city, and sacked Yerushalem, killing many: and he defiled both the temple and the altar, setting up idols and sacrificing swine upon the altar.

[28] And there was war for three years, until Antiochus was defeated, (165 BC), and the temple and the altar were cleansed in that same year of his defeat, in the very same day wherein they had been defiled three years earlier.

[29] And thus the entire period of wrath was fulfilled, four hundred and thirty years from the fifth year of the captivity of Yhoyakin the king of Yhudah.

[30] And it came to pass in the days of Herod the king that a certain Mattithyah ben Theophilo with his wife of youth and covenant were walking upright, in all the commandments of י״, blameless:

[31] Moreover, being a chief Kohen, Mattithyah also prophesied: for king Herod had erected an image over the Great Gate of the sanctuary of י״ א״, a large golden eagle of great expense, which Herod had dedicated for the sanctuary.

[32] And Mattithyah the Kohen spoke out against the image and rebuked Herod concerning the unlawful act, and 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 remove him 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 א״ offspring.

[38] And Mattithyah prayed often, petitioning and beseeching א״ for an א״ 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 Elim, 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 י״.

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

[44] And they were two-as-one Tzaddik before א״, walking upright in all the ordinances and commandments of י״, blameless.

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

[46] And it came to pass that the Malak of י״ appeared to him in a vision, standing at the altar of incense, which incense ascends before י״ א״ with the prayers of the holy ones by the hand of the Malak.

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

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

[49] For the Malak of י״ appeared to him again in a vision, standing at the altar of incense, and the Malak informed him that his petition was heard, and the Malak named the name of his son Yohannai, (יאהנני), as it is written in Yeshayah the Prophet:

[50] י״ said to me, Take a great writing tablet, and write upon it with the stylus of a mortal man, (Enosh), For Maher-Shalal-Hashbaz, and I will stand up faithful witnesses unto Me: Uriyah (Light of Yah), and Zekaryah ben Berekyah, (Manchild of Yah, son of the Blessing of Yah).

[51] And Zekaryah ben Berekyah did indeed testify concerning his son Yohannai, in the day of his birth, for his tongue was yet tied, and their kinsmen questioned Elisheba his wife concerning the name of their son: he therefore wrote the name upon a writing tablet.

[52] And when he had written the name of his son upon the tablet, his tongue was loosed, and Zekaryah ben Berekyah was filled with Spirit Holy and the Light of Yah, and he both testified and prophesied concerning his son, Yohannai.

SEFER HENAH MAGOI MQEDEM

[01] In the days of king Herod a Star out of Yakob arose and appeared in the heavens, as it is written, A Star will arise out of Yakob, and the Scion will arise out of Yisrael.

[02] And those from the nations of the east (הנה מגוי מקדם, henah ma·goi m·qedem) beheld the Star, and understood the sign, and came to Yerushalem to find the Scion and to bow in obeisance unto the King of Yisrael.

[03] As it is written in Yeshayah the Prophet, A multitude of camels and dromedaries of Midian and Ephah shall cover you, and all of those from Sheba, (Seven), shall come: they shall bring gold and frankincense.

[04] And behold, these are the sons of Incense, that is, Ketura, those whom Abraham sent away to the east, those which became the nations immediately east of Yisrael.

[05] And having come to Yerushalem, they said, Where is the one producing the King of Yisrael? for we have seen his Star in the east, and have come to do obeisance unto him.

[06] But king Herod, having heard thereof, was troubled: and all Yerushalem with him, and he dispatched officers to summon those magoi, (those from the nations).

[07] 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 מ̅ש? where is he born? and they said, In Beith-Lehem, for thus it is written in the Prophet:

[08] And you, Beith-Lehem Ephrathah, though you be of nought to the heads of Yhudah: out of you shall come forth unto Me the one who is to be Ruler in Yisrael, whose goings forth are from before time, (mqedem), from the days of olam past.

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

[10] And those magoi said, We have seen a Star of great magnification shining among these stars, and obscuring their light, so that the other stars appeared not: and therefore we have understood by the sign, through one of our ancient Prophets, that a king is being born unto Yisrael:

[11] And thus we have come to bow in obeisance and do honor unto him: but we know not the seferim of your Prophets, as to where the king is to be born.

[12] Then Herod diligently inquired precisely from them concerning the timing of the appearance of the Star: but the chief speaker put no trust in Herod, and answered him not according the way of the sodot, but according to the physical, saying,

[13] It is written in our Torah, which Mosheh gave to Yithrow Reuel, our ancient Chief Kohen, Take the sum of all the community by their kindreds, by the houses of their fathers, with the number of their names: every male by their heads, from twenty years of age and upwards, every one that is able to enter into the forces.

[14] 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, and if he is suited to the discipline, he is a proselyte:

[15] The overseer will bring him into the Covenant that he may be converted to the truth and turn away from all perversity, 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.

[16] And according to what fate decrees, following the decision of the Many, he shall either approach or depart: 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 his deeds.

[17] And until he has completed one full year, he is a babe, and he may not mingle his property with that of the Many: and when he has completed one full year in the midst of the Community, the Many shall consider his case concerning his intelligence and his 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 until the second full year is complete.

[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 understood not, but gave them leave, and he sent them to Beith-Lehem, saying, Go search out the manchild: but as soon as you have made discovery, report back to me, that I also may come and do obeisance unto him.

[23] Those magoi therefore went forth, having heard concerning the king whom they sought, and behold, the Star which they had seen in the east went leading on before them.

[24] And having known the Star Malak, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joyfulness until, having arrived, they stood before the cave: for the Star Malak stood over the entrance.

[25] And behold, having entered into the abode, the Star Malak stood at the head of the manchild: and those magoi, 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 frankincense and myrrh.

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

[28] Then Herod became enraged, having seen that he was despised of those magoi, and he sent out an order of force to gather up all the manchild servants two years and under among those training to enter into the forces:

[29] In a rage of madness he ordered all the principal manchild servants of the entire nation, from twenty years of 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 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 dragon tears 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-Lehem and all the coasts thereof, from two years and under among those entering into the forces, according to the time which Herod had precisely exacted from those magoi.

[43] Then again was fulfilled that which י״ had spoken by the mouth of Yirmeyah the Prophet, saying,

[44] A voice in Ramah was heard, weeping and much lamentation, Rachel 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 servants of Yisrael from the hippodrome, wherein Herod had hedged them in, having marked them for death: one from every household in 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 י״, 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 י״.

APOCALYPSE YAKOB 1א

[01] In the Histories of the Twelve Tribes of Yisrael there is one named Yoakim, very wealthy, and he brought unto י״ his offerings twofold, saying,

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

[03] For the Great Day of י״ 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 latter days י״ א״ 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 י״ א״ 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 י״ 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 י״ א״ 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, י״ א״ 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 א״ 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 י״ א״.

[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, O י״.

[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, O י״.

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

[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, O י״.

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 1ב

[01] And behold, the Malak of י״ appeared, saying to her,

[02] Anna Hannah, י״ 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 Hannah said, By the Living י״ א״, if I beget male or female, I will present the child a gift unto י״ א״, and it shall minister unto Him all the days of its life.

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

[05] For the Malak of י״ had descended unto him, saying,

[06] Yokim Yoakim, י״ א״ has heard your petition, Go! for behold, Hannah 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 י״ א״.

[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 Hannah stood by the gate and saw him, and she ran out and hung about his neck, saying,

[11] Now I know that י״ א״ 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 י״ א״ 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 י״, and he saw no sin in his reflection.

[15] And Yoakim said, Now I know that י״ א״ has been gracious unto me, and has sent away all my sins.

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

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

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

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

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

[21] And Hannah nourished the child: and she called 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] And 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 י״ א״, you shall not walk anymore on this ground before I have brought you into the sanctuary of י״.

[25] And Hannah 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 2א

[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 א״ 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 א״ 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 Hannah made a song unto י״ א״, saying,

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

[10] י״ א״ has given me the fruit of His righteousness, uniquely flourishing before Him: who will announce to the sons of Ruben that Hannah is nursing?

[11] Hear, hear, O twelve tribes of Yisrael: for Hannah 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 א״ of 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 י״, that we may pay the vow that we have vowed, lest perchance the Master send for us, and our gift become unacceptable.

[16] And Hannah said, Let us abide also the third year, so that the child not seek after father or mother, and Yoakim agreed, saying, 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 י״.

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

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

[22] י״ א״ has magnified your name in all generations: concerning you shall י״ 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 י״ א״ dispatched Grace upon her, and behold, her feet danced, and all the house of Yisrael loved her.

[24] And her parents descended, marveling, and praising י״ א״ that the maiden Maryah had not turned back unto them.

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

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

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 2ב

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

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

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

[04] And whatever י״ א״ 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 Malak of י״ stood at the altar, saying, Zekaryah ben Berekyah, go forth and gather the widowers of the people, and let each one bring a rod:

[07] And to whomever י״ א״ 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 י״ א״ 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 י״ 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 י״ א״, and be mindful of what א״ did to Dathan, and Abiram, and Korah, how the earth opened up, and they were swallowed up on account of their contradictory words: even now you should fear, Yoseph, lest the same happen with your own house.

[19] So Yoseph feared, taking Maryah alongside into his safekeeping, but at his house he said to her, Maryah, I have received you alongside from the sanctuary of י״,

[20] But now I must leave you here in my house, י״ shall watch over you, for I must go off to build houses, and I shall return to you.

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

[22] 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 א״.

[23] So the officers went out to Natzara, which is nigh unto Tzipporah, and brought her back: and the virgins were led into the sanctuary of י״, and the Kohen said to them, Choose by lot who shall spin the gold, the white, the fine linen, the silk, the blue, and the double spun scarlet and the true purple.

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

[25] And behold, it was at this time that Zekaryah ben Berekyah fell silent, and Samuel stood in for Zekaryah until the appointed time when Zekaryah was able to speak again.

[26] And Maryah, having returned to her house in Natzara, took the scarlet and began to spin it.

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 3א

[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, the Master 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 the house and set down the pitcher.

[04] And having taken the true purple she sat upon her sewing seat, and began to draw it out, and behold, the Malak of י״ 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 by י״ א״ the Living and bring forth the same as every woman brings forth?

[07] And the Malak of י״ said to her, Not in that way, Maryah, for the Power of א״ 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 י̅א, for he shall deliver his people from their sins.

[09] And Maryah said, Behold, the maidservant of י״ 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, י״ א״ 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 Master has come unto me? for behold, what is within me leaped and blessed you!

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

[14] And she gazed up toward the heavens, saying, O י״, 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 departed to her house, the house of Yoseph in Natzara, and she 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 י״ א״?

[19] And what supplication can I utter concerning this maiden? for I received her a parthenos alongside me out of the sanctuary of י״, 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 א״, why have you done this? you have forgotten י״ א״?

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

[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 י״ א״, I know not how it is within me!

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 3ב

[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 י״, 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 Malak of י״ 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, and she will produce a son, and you shall call his name י̅א, for he will deliver his people from their sins.

[06] Moreover all this came to be so that what was spoken by י״ through the Prophet might be fulfilled, saying, Behold, a virgin shall retain seed ενγαστρι, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which is to say, א״ with us.

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

[08] But Hanan 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 Hanan 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 י״.

[11] 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 Hanan 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 י״ א״?

[15] You were brought up in the most holy things, and received nourishment from the hand of a Malak, and have learned the hymns of י״ א״, and have danced in His Presence: why have you done this?

[16] And she wept bitterly, saying, By the Living י״ א״, 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 י״ א״ 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 י״.

[21] And Yoseph stood, becoming tearful, and the chief Kohen said, I will have you drink of the water of conviction of י״, 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 י״ א״ 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 א״ of Yisrael.

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 4א

[01] But there came an order of force from king Herod, whosoever they be, to be registered in Beith-Lehem 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 matter be done howsoever י״ 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, for this is a desert place? and he found a nearby cave, and led her in, and left his sons with her.

[11] And understanding not, he went to seek a midwife in the countryside of Beith-Lehem.

[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 rising surely were not rising:

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

[21] And the face of every one was looking 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 4ב

[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 י״, 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 י״ א״, 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 י״ א״ 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 her knees before י״, saying,

[19] O י״ א״ of my fathers, remember that 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, O י״, that in Your Name I have performed my service, and I have received my wage at Your hand.

[22] And behold, the Malak of י״ stood, saying to her,

[23] Salome Shalome, the Master of all has heard your prayer: bring yourself unto the child, and magnify him, and you shall find shalom and joy.

[24] And Shalome went and magnified the manchild, 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 5א

[01] And behold, Yoseph was prepared to enter into Yhudah: but there came to be a great disturbance in Beith-Lehem, for those of the nations (ma·goi) from the east had come, saying,

[02] Where is the one producing the King of Yisrael? for we have seen his Star in the east, and have come to do obeisance unto him.

[03] But king Herod, having heard thereof, was troubled: and all Yerushalem with him, and he dispatched officers to summon those magoi, (those from the nations).

[04] And gathering all of the chief Kohanim and the Scribes of the people, he inquired by them in the Praetorion, saying,

[05] How is it written of the מ̅ש? where is he born?

[06] And they said, In Beith-Lehem, for thus it is written in the Prophet:

[07] And you, Beith-Lehem Ephrathah, though you be of nought to the heads of Yhudah: out of you shall come forth unto Me the one who is to be Ruler in Yisrael, whose goings forth are from before time, (mqedem), from the days of olam past.

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

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

[10] Therefore we have understood by the sign, through one of our ancient Prophets, that a king is being born unto Yisrael.

[11] And thus we have come to bow in obeisance and do honor unto him: but we know not the seferim of your Prophets, as to where the king is to be born.

[12] Then Herod diligently inquired precisely from them concerning the timing of the appearance of the Star:

[13] And having heard, Herod understood not, but gave them leave, and he sent them to Beith-Lehem, saying,

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

[15] Those magoi therefore went forth, having heard concerning the king whom they sought, and behold, the Star which they had seen in the east went leading on before them.

[16] And having known the Star Malak, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joyfulness until, having arrived, they stood before the cave: for the Star Malak stood over the entrance.

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

[18] And opening up their saddlebags they brought forth treasures, and presented gifts unto him: gold and frankincense and myrrh.

[19] And being supernaturally warned by revelation of the Malak, not to return to Herod, they departed by another way in returning to their own nations in the east.

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

[21] And he sent out an order of force to gather up all the manchild servants, from two years and under among those entering into the forces, according to the time which he had diligently exacted from those magoi.

[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 Yohannai, 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 א״, receive me, a 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 Malak of י״ was with her to guard in the way throughout.

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 5ב

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

[02] But answering, he said to them, I am a minister under א״, 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 power! (hand).

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

[08] And Zekaryah said, I am a Witness of א״, 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 י״.

[10] Zekaryah 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 BerekYah blessing of ZekarYah.

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

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

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

[20] And all the tribes of the people heard, and weeped, and sorely lamented, and they mourned Zekaryah 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 Zekaryah the Kohen.

[22] And the lot came up to Shimeon: for he it was to whom it had been revealed by the Holy Spirit that he would not taste death until he had seen the מ̅ש of י״, but Herod soon appointed another before his own death, since he had deposed Zekaryah Mattithyah:

[23] And as for Shimeon, he remained, abiding and serving at the Temple, even beyond the conclusion of the reign of Archelaus which was a short reign: years of ones.

[24] And I, Yakob, who wrote this history in Yerushalem, with a tumult arising at that time over of the expected death of Herod: I concealed myself, and went away into the wilderness, intending to tarry there until the uproar in Yerushalem had ended.

[25] But with the death of Herod, his dominion was divided, and Archelaus his son became ethnarch of Yhudah, and Shomron, and Idumea, and he ruled in place of his father years of ones, as it is written in Daniel the Prophet, (Daniel 11:20).

[26] And hearing that Archelaus reigned in Yhudah instead of his father, I feared to return there, moreover, having received a divine warning by way of a dream, I turned back to the desert of Yhudah.

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 6א

[01] In those days Yohannai the Immerser came preaching in the desert of Yhudah, saying, Change your hearts: for the kingdom of the heavens is at hand!

[02] This is the one spoken of through Yeshayah the Prophet, saying, Voice of the Cryer in the desert: Prepare yourselves the way of י״, make straight the highway of our א״ in the Arabah!

[03] And Yohannai himself was cast about in a most humble attire, for his mantle was of camel hair, and he had an apron of skins about his loins, such as Enosh, and his food was date-honey of the palm forests and tzappichith.

[04] Moreover he was a hairy certain one, such as is written of Eliyah, and his countenance is seemingly as that of a wild one: for his visage cannot be discerned for the locks of hair descending from the Naziri crown of his head.

[05] Yet he is not a wild one: for his words fall as rain, and distill as dew upon the heart, and form in the heart as manna from the heavens with the morning dawn.

[06] And it was in these days of Archelaus that he came preaching in the desert of Yhudah offering true freedom, saying,

[07] Elohim has sent me to show the Way of the Torah by which you shall be set free from tyrants: and no mortal shall rule over you, but only the Most High who sent me.

[08] And when the people heard this good message they rejoiced exceedingly.

[09] Moreover he did nothing else but to proclaim the kingdom of Elohim and immerse the people in the streams of the Yordan, and when their immersions were six plunges he sent them away, warning them that they should renounce all evil deeds:

[10] And that soon they would be given a righteous king who would complete the seventh plunge and set them free, and put all the wicked into subjection, but the same king himself would be subject to no one but the King Most High above him.

[11] And they brought him before Archelaus: and when the Doctors of the Torah had assembled, they asked him who he was and where he had been until that time.

[12] And he answered, saying, I am but Enosh, and as such the Spirit of Elohim has called me, and my food is tzappichith made with olive oil and honey.

[13] But when they threatened to torture him if he did not desist from his words and deeds, he answered, saying to them, It is needful rather for you to desist from your shameful works, and to submit yourselves unto י״.

[14] And a certain Scribe, Shimeon by name, rose up in anger, saying to the Immerser, We read and study the divine scrolls every day!

[15] But you, only now having come forth like a wild beast from the desert: you dare teach us and lead the multitudes astray with your accursed speeches?

[16] And Shimon launched himself forward to rend his cloak, but the Immerser stood unflinching, and in reproach he said to them all,

[17] I will not reveal to you the mystery of He who is among you: for you desire it not, and because of this, unspeakable misfortune shall come upon you, and that of your own doing.

[18] And when he had thus spoken, he went away to the other side of the Yordan:

[19] And because he was the son of a Kohen, none ventured to hinder him, and he continued to herald the kingdom of the heavens and immerse the people who went out to hear him.

[20] And the Immerser is the Witness, and touches not the one being immersed, but bears witness of all things whatsoever he has seen and heard.

[21] And the immersion which he heralds is an immersion of three plunges and three plunges, and the seventh plunge is not by him but by the Holy One.

[22] And with the first three plunges complete, the Spirit drives the talmid into the desert to fast and pray forty yom and forty laylah, and to be tested by the Tempter, and to be among the wild beasts which are written in the Prophets.

[23] And the one returning from the desert with the Spirit of holiness abiding and remaining upon him: the same is the one who is overcoming.

[24] And the one overcoming the testing of the Tempter returns to the Immerser: and that one completes the second three plunges under the Immerser who bears witness.

[25] And it is this one who hopes to hear the decree from the Father in the heavens, You are My Son, this day I have begotten you.

[26] Such is the immersion by water, that is, the washing in the living water of the Word.

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 6ב

[01] And it came to pass that Archelaus had a dream wherein he saw seven ears of corn, full of wheat and perfectly ripe, but the ears were suddenly devoured by oxen.

[02] And when he awoke, because the vision seemed of great importance to him, he sent for the seers whose study was employed concerning dreams.

[03] And while some were of one opinion, and some of another, (for none of them agreed in their interpretations), that same Shimon the Scribe, formerly of the Hessenin sect, (having been expelled by them), desired leave to speak his mind freely.

[04] And he said that the vision denoted a change in the affairs of Archelaus, and not for the better: for oxen, because that animal takes uneasy pains in its labors, denoted afflictions.

[05] And also further denoted a change of affairs because the land which is ploughed by oxen cannot remain in its former state: and that the ears of corn, being seven in number, determined the like number of years because an ear of corn grows once a year.

[06] And thus he said that the dream revealed that the time of the government of Archelaus was come to an end: and thus did Shimon the Scribe expound the dream.

[07] And on the fifth day after this dream there came to Archelaus another of the same name, Archelaus, having been sent to Yhudah by Caesar to recall him back to Rome: so Archelaus went to Rome, and there he was banished by Caesar.

[08] Immediately upon these things the territories of Archelaus were appointed to the province of Syria by Caesar, and Quirinius, one that had been consul, was sent by Caesar to take account of people and their goods in Syria, and to sell off the house of Archelaus.

[09] Therefore Quirinius himself came also into Yhudah, which was now added to the province of Syria, to take an account of their substance for taxation and to dispose of the monies and treasures of Archelaus.

[10] All of this was by the decree from Caesar Augustus which had gone out, that all the world should be enrolled for taxation.

[11] And this was the first enrolment which was done while Quirinius was the governor of Syria: all therefore went to enrol themselves, each one to his own patrilineal city.

[12] And Yoseph went up from the Galil out of the city of Natzara, into Yhudah, to the city of David which is called Beith-Lehem, being of the house and patrilineal descent of David, to enrol himself with Maryam his wife, being great with child.

[13] And this one was the opener of the matrix, of the seed of David according to the flesh: for at this time Yoseph had known his wife Maryam, and it was now seven years after י̅א the firstborn according to the Spirit.

[14] And it came to pass, while they were there, that the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered.

[15] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger: for there was no room for them in the inn.

[16]And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flocks: and a Malak of י״ stood by them, and the glory of י״ shone round about them, and they were in great fear.

[17] And the Malak said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day, in the city of David, a Saviour who is the מ̅ש of י״.

[18] And this shall be the sign unto you: you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger: and suddenly there was with the Malak a multitude of the heavenly host giving praises unto א״, saying,

[19] Glory to א״ in the highest, and on earth peace among men in whom He is well pleased.

[20]And it came to pass, when the Malakim departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us now go unto Beith-Lehem and see this thing which has come to pass, which י״ has made known unto us.

[21] And they came with haste, and found both Maryam and Yoseph, and the babe lying in the manger: and having seen it, they made known concerning the sayings which were spoken to them concerning this child.

[22] And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds: and Maryam kept all these sayings close, pondering them in her heart.

[23] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising א״ for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was spoken unto them.

[24] And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him, his name was called י̅א. according to the name spoken to Yoseph by the Malak of י״.

[25] And when the days of their purification according to the Torah of Mosheh were fulfilled, they brought him up to Yerushalem to present him unto י״,

[26] As it is written in the Torah of י״, Every male that opens the matrix shall be called holy unto י״, and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the Torah of י״, A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 7א

[01] Turtledove the first: And behold, Shimeon the righteous and devout one was there in Yerushalem: he to whom it had been revealed by the Holy Spirit that he would not taste death before he had seen the מ̅ש of י״, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

[02] And he came in the Spirit entering into the Temple: and when the parents brought in the manchild י̅א, that they might do concerning him after the custom of the Torah, Shimeon received him into his arms, and blessed א״, saying,

[03] Now let your servant depart, O י״, according to Your Word in peace: for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Yisrael.

[04] And his father and mother were astonished at the things which were spoken concerning him, and Shimeon blessed them, and said to Maryam his mother:

[05] Behold, this one is set for the falling and the rising of many in Yisrael, and for a sign which is spoken against, yea, and a sword shall pierce through your own soul, that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.

[06] Turtledove the second: And there was one Hannah the prophetess, a daughter of school of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, and she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity:

[07] And she was a widow of eighty-four years, who departed not from the Temple, worshiping with fastings and supplications night and day, and coming up at that very hour, she stood confessing in turn, giving thanks to א״, and she spoke concerning him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Yerushalem.

[08] And when they had accomplished all things that were according to the Torah of י״, they returned into the Galil, to their own city Natzara, so that what was foretold by י״ through the Prophet might be fulfilled, He shall be a Natzorai: and the child grew, and waxed strong, filling up with wisdom, and the grace of א״ was upon him.

[09] And his parents went every year to Yerushalem for the feast of Pesakh Matzot, and when he was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast:

[10] And when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the young lad י̅א tarried behind in Yerushalem, and his parents knew it not, but supposing him to be in the company, they went the journey of a day, then sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances.

[11] And when they found him not, they returned to Yerushalem seeking for him, and it came to pass after three days, they found him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and questioning them, and all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

[12] And when they saw him they were astonished, and his mother said to him, Son, why have you dealt with us in this manner? behold, your father and I sought you in sorrows: and he said to them, How is it that you sought me? you knew not that I must be in the house of my Father? but they understood not the saying which he spoke to them.

[13] And he went down with them, and came to Natzara, and he was subject unto them, that what was spoken by י״ through the Prophet might be fulfilled, saying, When י̅א is a youth, and I have loved him, I call for my Son out of Egypt: and his mother kept all these sayings close in her heart.

[14] And י̅א advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with א״ and men.

[15] And it came to pass in the beginning of the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Yhudah, Herod Antipas being tetrarch of the Galil, his brother Philip being tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, Lysanias being tetrarch of Abilene,

[16] Hanan and Kaiapha being Chief Kohanim, that the Word of א״ came unto Yohannai ben Zekaryah ben Berekyah in the wilderness.

[17] And thereafter he began to write in a scroll the great sodot revelations of all things whatsoever he had seen and heard in the vision, and he went into all the country round about the Yordan, proclaiming the immersion of repentance for the remission of sins, as it is written in Yeshayah the Prophet, saying,

[18] Every ravine shall be filled up, and every mountain and hill shall be leveled: and the crooked ways shall be straightened, and the rough places made into smooth ways, and all flesh shall see the salvation of א״.

[19] And he said to the crowds coming out to be immersed by him, O generation of vipers, who told to you to flee from the wrath about to come? make therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say in yourselves, We have a father Abraham:

[20] For I say to you that א״ is able to raise children to Abraham from these stones, and the axe is already laid at the root of the trees, therefore every tree not making good fruit shall be cut down and cast into fire.

[21] And the crowds asked him, saying, What therefore shall we do? and he answered them, saying, The one having two coats, let him give one unto he that has none, and the one having food, let him do likewise.

[22] And the publicans came to be immersed, and said to him, Teacher, what shall we do? and he said to them, Do nothing more than what is appointed unto you to do.

[23] And the soldiers asked him, saying, What shall we do? And he said to them, Do violence to no one, neither make false accusations, and be content with your wages.

[24] And the people were in expectation, and all were reasoning in their hearts concerning Yohannai, whether or not he may be the מ̅ש.

[25] And Yohannai answered to all, saying, I truly immerse you with water: but one mightier than I comes, of whom I am not even worthy to loose the latchet of his sandal: that one shall immerse you with Holy Spirit and fire:

[26] Whose winnowing fork in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor, and gather the wheat into his storehouse, and the chaff he will burn with inextinguishable fire. And truly with many other exhortations he preached the good news to the people.

APOKALYPSE YAKOB 7ב

[01] And after seven years, in the twenty-first year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, in the year following the death of Herod Philip the tetrarch, it came to pass that י̅א appeared publicly from the Galil at the Yordan, to Yohannai, to be immersed by him.

[02] And having gone through the first plunge, י̅א ascended from the water, and thereupon a great white light shone roundabout the whole place, so that Yohannai and the people looking on were all dismayed.

[03] And having gone through the second plunge, י̅א ascended from the water, and holy fire was kindled in the Yordan, and began to burn upon the waters of the river, and all those watching began to fear: and Yohannai would have stopped him but was held speechless.

[04] And having gone through the third plunge, י̅א ascended straightway from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened unto him, and he beheld Ruach Elohim descending as a dove, and coming upon him,

[05] And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying unto him, This is My Son, the Beloved, with whom I set seal.

[06] And the tongue of Yohannai was loosed, and he said, Adoni, who are you? I have need to be immersed by you! and you come to me?

[07] And answering, י̅א said to him, Let it suffice for now, for in this way it is fitting for us to fill up all righteousness. Then he left him.

[08] And י̅א was immediately led of the Spirit into the desert, to be tested of Belial, and when he had fasted forty yom and forty laylah, at the last he hungered.

[09] And the Tempter came and said to him, If you are a Son of א״, command that these stones become bread!

[10] And י̅א answered, saying, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of א״.

[11] Then Belial took him into the holy city, and set him on a pinnacle of the Temple, and said to him, If you are a Son of א״, cast yourself down, for it is written, He shall give His Malakim charge concerning you, and, On their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

[12] And י̅א said to him again, It is written, You shalt not put to the test י״ your א״.

[13] And again, Belial took him unto an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, and said to him, All these things will I give you, if you will fall down and worship me.

[14] Then י̅א said to him, Withdraw yourself, haSatan! For it is written, You shall worship י״ your א״, and Him alone shall you serve.

[15] Then Belial left him, and behold, Malakim came and ministered unto him.

[16] And י̅א then immediately returned to the place where Yohannai was immersing, and having spoken with him, Yohannai perceived that the Spirit yet remained upon him.

[17] And having gone through the fourth plunge, י̅א ascended from the water, and thereupon a great white light shone roundabout the whole place, and all the people looking on were astonished.

[18] And having gone through the fifth plunge, י̅א ascended from the water, and holy fire was kindled in the Yordan, and burned upon the waters of the river.

[19] And having gone through the sixth plunge, י̅א ascended straightway from the water, and behold the heavens were opened unto him again, and there came a voice out of the heavens, saying to him, You are My Son: this day I have begotten you.

[20] And י̅א was himself commencing about thirty years, according to the Torah, being the son of Yoseph ben Elim, ben Matthat, ben Levi, ben Melki, ben Yanna, ben Yoseph,

[21] ben Mattathyah, ben Amos, ben Nahum, ben Elihoenei, ben Nogah, ben Maath, ben Mattithyah,

[22] ben Shimei, ben Yoseph, ben Yhudah, ben Yhoanan, ben Rphayah, ben Zerbabel, ben Shalathiel, ben Neri, ben Melki, ben Addiy, ben Qosam, ben Elmodad, ben Er, ben Yhotzeh,

[23] ben Eliezer, ben Yhoram, ben Matthat, ben Levi, ben Shimeon, ben Yhudah, ben Yoseph, ben Yhonan, ben Eliakim, ben Meleah, ben Meynan, ben Mattathah, ben Nathan, ben David,

[24] ben Yishai, ben Obed, ben Boaz, ben Shalmon, ben Nahshon, ben Amminadab, ben Ram, ben Hetzrom, ben Pharetz, ben Yhudah, ben Yakob, ben Yitzhak, ben Abraham, ben Tharach,

[25] ben Nahor, ben Seruk, ben Reu, ben Pheleg, ben Eber, ben Shelah, ben Qainan, ben Arphakhshad, ben Shem, ben Noah, ben Lamek, ben Mathushelah, ben Henok, ben Yared,

[26] ben Mahalalel, ben Qainan, ben Enosh, ben Sheth, ben Adam, ben א״.

HEAVENLY TABLETS · SEFER HENOK · RISHON MEGALITHON · SEFER DANIEL

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

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