Introduction

Introduction to Sefer Meqabyan (The First Book of the Ethiopic Maccabees)

Within the Framework of the Ivri Heritage Bible

The text presented here is an authentic rendering of the first book of the Meqabyan (the Ethiopic Maccabees), capturing the fierce spiritual and physical warfare of the set-apart remnant against pagan oppression. Positioned as a critical prophetic and historical anchor within The Ivri Heritage Bible, this book acts as a majestic covenantal blueprint, cosmological guide, and eschatological chronicle for the assembly (Kehillah) that faithfully awaits the righteous Mishpat (judgment) of the Most High. Delivered directly through the unyielding testimonies of holy martyrs, the valiant deeds of the Maccabean gibborim (mighty warriors), and the visible intervention of the Malachei ha'Kodesh (holy angels), these revelations transform historical crisis into a strict structural, moral, and priestly constitution.

Textual Methodology: Restoring the Ancient Path

As a foundational book within The Ivri Heritage Bible, this edition of the Meqabyan utilizes a meticulous comparative textual methodology designed to strip away centuries of Western, Greco-Roman, and Eurocentric theological varnish, restoring the original Lashon Khodesh (Holy Tongue) concepts directly to the text.

The Historical Authority of the Ethiopic Repository

While the familiar accounts of the Hasmonean revolt were preserved via the Greek Septuagint text-types (found in 1 and 2 Maccabees), a completely distinct, independent, and deeply spiritual layer of history was uniquely rescued from Western suppression within the Ethiopic (Ge'ez) scriptural repository. Sefer Meqabyan does not chronicle the Judean conflicts against Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the Levant; rather, it details a localized, Semitic-underlay tradition centering on a Benjaminite warrior named Maccabaeus and his unyielding family in the lands of the East. This text represents a unique textual stream that aligns profoundly with the uncorrupted patriarchal chronologies, ancestral lineages, and eschatological frameworks found throughout the broader Ivri Heritage collection.

Correcting the Omissions of the Masoretic Text

A critical reason The Ivri Heritage Bible prioritizes ancient witnesses and historical accounts from this distinct repository is that late rabbinic copyists systematically altered, truncated, or completely excluded the books of the Maccabees from the standard Masoretic Text (MT) canon. This exclusion was driven by a desire to diminish the supernatural framework of the text, obscure the reality of bodily resurrection, and minimize the systemic cosmic warfare against the forces of HaSatan and Azazel. Multiple vital elements are exposed and corrected through the light of this text: 1. The Reality of the Bodily Resurrection (Techiyat ha'Metim) — While late rabbinic revisions often spiritualized or obscured the mechanics of the resurrection, this text provides comprehensive agricultural and elemental analogies explicitly validating how Yahuah will gather the nefesh (soul) from the four elements to reconstruct the physical body. 2. The Reality of Angelic Warfare — This text restores the active, visible participation of cosmic defenders, such as Mikha’el (Michael) and Raphael, showing that human battlefields are explicitly tied to the shifting authority of the heavenly realms. 3. The True Dimension of the False Messiah — The book bridges the prophetic gap between the ancient historical oppressor, Tseerutsanydan (Antiochus IV Epiphanes), and the final eschatological "child of the devil" who sets up his image globally prior to the Yom ha'Din (Day of Judgment).

Hebraic Messianic Nazarene Wordings

While adhering to the pristine layout of the ancient accounts, this translation completely eliminates Westernized, church-centric nomenclature. By implementing a strictly Hebraic Messianic Nazarene vocabulary, the narrative restores the original context directly to the reader. Artificial terms and Hellenized titles are completely discarded, replacing them with the true, restored names and terms: • Yahuah / Adonai: The personal Covenant Name of the Almighty Master of creation. • Yeshua / Mashiach: The true realization of Salvation and the Anointed One who will shine anew in the Malchut Shamayim (Kingdom of Heaven). • Torah / Mitzvot: The foundational law, statutes, and commandments of the Most High. • Borei / Melech Olam: The True Creator and Eternal King over all flesh.

Core Theological Themes and Structural Blueprint

The layout of "THE 1st BOOK OF MEQABYAN.docx" forms a complete mathematical, historical, and apocalyptic manual for a set-apart society. Within this edition, the text is organized around four major spiritual and administrative pillars:

1. The Blasphemy of Tseerutsanydan and the Stand of the Remnant (Chapters 1–2) The book opens with a stark indictment of Tseerutsanydan (Antiochus IV Epiphanes), a proud ruler whose reasoning was dulled by HaSatan into worshiping dead, lifeless elilim (idols) made of iron, brass, silver, and gold. In his blindness, he executes those who refuse to eat defiled sacrifices, demanding total subjugation under pain of the fire and the sword. In response, the narrative introduces the unyielding emunah (faith) of the Maccabean warriors from the tribe of Binyamin. Refusing to bow to the edicts of the king, these gibborim (mighty warriors) route hordes of pagan troops, backed by the sudden appearance of two radiant mal’achim (angels) wielding flashing swords of fire.

2. The Crowns of Martyrdom and the Preservation of the Set-Apart Flesh (Chapters 3–4) The narrative shifts focus to the profound spiritual victory of the martyrs—Abbyah, Silah, Fentos, and their brethren. Brought before the royal throne, they boldly mock the empty idols of wood and stone. Despite being subjected to horrific torture, starvation, wild beasts, and the fires of a blazing furnace pit, their souls are gathered into Gan Eden by holy angels. Demonstrating the absolute sovereignty of Yahuah, the fire cannot singe a single hair on their bodies, nor can the depths of the sea sink them. This supernatural preservation culminates in a terrifying bedroom vision that shakes the arrogant king, compelling him to cease his idolatry and acknowledge the true Borei.

3. The Elemental Mechanics of the Resurrection and Patriarchal Faithfulness (Chapters 5–14) The text transitions into a profound theological and cosmological discourse regarding the absolute certainty of the Techiyat ha’Metim (Resurrection of the Dead). Utilizing vivid, structural illustrations from everyday life—including the rotting and decaying of seed before it multiplies, and the transition from the darkness of night to the morning dawn—the text explains how Yahuah reassembles the human nefesh from the four distinct elements of earth, water, wind, and fire. This section anchors the resurrection directly to the burial customs of the ancient tzaddikim (the righteous), tracing the lineage of faith through Adam, Shet, Noach, Avraham, Yitzchak, and Ya’akov. It exposes the cyclic pattern of Israel’s historical lapses into idolatry—such as the golden calf at Chorev—and the enduring mercy of Yahuah, who repeatedly raised up deliverers like Mordechai and Ester to rescue them upon their teshuvah (repentance).

4. The Liberation of Israel, the War with Midyan, and the End of the Age (Chapters 15–36) Uniquely combining thematic arcs that are profoundly likened to the book of Exodus and the book of Revelation, the text chronicles both regional historical battles and deep eschatological milestones. It details the great war against King Akrandis of Midyan, where the three strong brothers—Yehudah, Shimon, and Yonatan—deliver Israel from severe physical bondage through strategic, fearless combat. From this historical lens, the text widens into a panoramic revelation of the final Ketz (End of Days). It unmasks the terrifying rise of the false Mashiach—the child of the devil—who will set up his image across the earth. Mirroring the historical liberation of Exodus and the apocalyptic triumph of Revelation, the narrative concludes with cosmic disruptions, the sounding of the shofar by the chief angel Mikha’el, ten devastating plagues falling upon the lawless goyim, and the final separation of the righteous, who will shine like stars in heaven, from the wicked who descend into the unquenchable fires of Gehinnom.

Glossary of Key Restored Terms

To grasp the authentic covenantal depth of Sefer Meqabyan within The Ivri Heritage Bible, the reader should understand the following key terms: • Tseerutsanydan: Antiochus IV Epiphanes; the arrogant, proud ruler who served as an archetype of wickedness and systemic idolatry. • Meqabyan / Makkabim: The Maccabees; the noble, striking warriors raised up by Yahuah to defend the Torah and deliver the remnant. • Techiyat ha'Metim: The Resurrection of the Dead; the inevitable physical awakening and reassembly of all flesh by the power of the divine Word. • Malchut Shamayim: The Kingdom of Heaven; the radiant, immeasurable realm of light prepared as an inheritance for righteous kings and servants. • Elilim: Idols or false deities; empty, lifeless images crafted by human hands that carry the deceptive, localized power of shedim (demons). • Teshuvah: Repentance; the necessary, sincere humbling of the heart and turning back to the statutes of Yahuah to obtain mercy and life. • Yom ha'Din: The Day of Judgment; the final, unalterable execution of divine justice where every human deed is thoroughly examined.

Through this restored, Hebraic, and pre-Masoretic lens, Sefer Meqabyan stands revealed not as an obscured, external work, but as the active, authoritative, and chronological blueprint for the preservation of our genuine heritage, the unmasking of wickedness, and the realization of righteousness under the unchanging clock of the Almighty.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 1

The Wickedness of Tseerutsanydan (Antiochus IV Epiphanes) and His Idolatry

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1There was a man named Tseerutsanydan (Antiochus IV Epiphanes), a lover of wickedness, who boasted proudly about his many horses and the strength of the soldiers under his command. 2He had a multitude of priests who ministered to his elilim (idols). Elilim he worshiped, bowing down and offering zevachim (sacrifices) to them both night and day. 3In the blindness of his lev (heart), he believed these elilim gave him lasting power and stability. In his mind, they were the source of all his dominion and control. 4And whenever they were represented in physical form, he believed they bestowed upon him all the authority he desired. So, he continued offering sacrifices to them without ceasing day and night. 5He appointed priests to carry out these acts of worship to his elilim. These priests, while feasting on the defiled offerings, deceived him, pretending the elilim were consuming the food both day and night. 6They also recruited others to follow their example, to make offerings, to feast, and to continue the same pattern of worship and sacrifice. 7Yet Tseerutsanydan placed his trust in lifeless elilim, things that could neither help nor bring any real gain. 8Because his days were short and his understanding darkened, it seemed to him that the elilim had created him, nourished him, and crowned him. He believed they were the source of his existence. 9For HaSatan had dulled his reasoning, so he would not recognize his true Borei (Creator)—He who brought him from death into life—nor would he or his kinsmen acknowledge the one who made them, bringing them from nothing into being. 10And so they were led toward the Esh Olam (eternal fire) of Gehinnom, along with all who called those false elohim by the name “el ” (deity). 11Though they were not elohim at all, since they never bring any good, it is fitting to call them what they are—dead things. 12For the power of HaSatan, who leads them astray, dwells in those lifeless images. He speaks what they want to hear and reveals to them the desires of their hearts. 13Therefore, Yahuah will bring mishpat (judgment) upon the elilim in which they trusted— elilim in whom the children of Adam placed their hope, though their thinking was no more than ashes. 14And when they see that the elilim gave them what they had longed for, they will be amazed. But according to their desires, they will go so far as to sacrifice their own sons and daughters—children born from their own bodies, shedding the blood of sons and daughters who were pure and innocent. 15And this did not grieve them. For HaSatan delighted in their offerings to the elilim. Through them he fulfilled his wicked schemes, leading them downward into Gehinnom, just as he was cast down into a place with no escape for all eternity, where he will suffer torment. 16But Tseerutsanydan was proud and boastful. He had 50 elilim fashioned as male figures and 20 made in the form of women. He gloried in these useless images, honoring them as he made sacrifices morning and evening. 17He gave commands that others must also offer sacrifices to these elilim, and he ate from those defiled offerings. He ordered others to eat as well, stirring them up toward even greater evil. 18He had five houses built to contain his elilim, each one crafted from beaten iron, brass, and lead. He adorned them with silver and gold, hung curtains around the houses, and set up a special tent to enshrine them. 19He appointed guards to watch over the elilim. And he regularly offered 40 sacrifices to them: 10 fattened oxen, 10 barren cows, 10 plump sterile goats, along with various birds of the air. 20He believed his elilim actually consumed these offerings. So, he brought them 50 measures of grapes and 50 platters of wheat mixed with oil. 21And he said to his priests, “Take these and give them to my elilim. Make them eat what I have slaughtered for them and make them drink the wine I have poured out. And if it isn’t enough, I’ll add even more.” 22He commanded everyone to eat and drink from those defiled sacrifices. But in his wickedness, he sent out his soldiers across every kingdom to find anyone who did not bow down or offer sacrifice. 23If they found such a person, they were to bring him back so he could be punished before the king’s eyes with esh (fire) and cherev (sword); his wealth would be plundered, his house burned, and all he owned destroyed. 24He declared, “These elohim are good and mighty. They created us in kindness, and anyone who does not worship them or offer sacrifice will suffer punishment and misery. 25For these elohim made the shamayim (heaven) and the aretz (earth), the vast sea, the sun and the moon, the stars, the rains, the winds, and every living thing in this world to be our food and our satisfaction. But all who do not worship them will face severe judgment and terrible suffering.”

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 2

The Faith of the Makabian Warriors and the Two Mal’achim

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1There was a man from the tribe of Binyamin (Benjamin) whose name was Maccabaeus. He had three sons, strong, noble, and striking in appearance, true warriors, and they were loved and respected above all others in the land of Midian, which was under the rule of Tseerutsanydan 2But when the king’s soldiers found them, they said, “Do you not bow down to Tseerutsanydan ’s elilim (idols)? Do you not offer zevachim (sacrifices) as he commands? If you refuse, we will arrest you and bring you before the king. Your goods will be seized and destroyed just as the king has decreed.” 3But the young men in all their beauty and boldness replied, “The One to whom we bow is our father’s Borei (Creator)—He who made Hashamayim (the heavens) and Ha’aretz (the earth) and all that is in them, the sea, the moon, the sun, the clouds, and the stars. He alone is the true Borei, and Him we worship and believe in.” 4There were four young men altogether standing against a hundred of the king’s soldiers armed with shields and spears. When the soldiers moved to seize these kedoshim (holy men), the warriors escaped from their grasp. No one could lay a hand on them, for they were mighty in strength, and they turned the tables by seizing shields and spears themselves. 5One among them had once strangled a panther with his bare hands as easily as one might kill a chicken. Another had slain a lion with a single stone, finishing it off with a single strike from a staff. Yet another had struck down a hundred men with a single cherev (sword). 6The ones they fought came from the lands of Bavel (Babylon) and Midian. These young men were truly gibborim (mighty warriors), and they carried themselves with strength, beauty, and honor. Their appearance was striking and full of wonder. 7But it was because they worshiped Yahuah and did not fear death. That fearless emunah (faith) is what made their beauty surpass all others. 8After they had escaped the troops, no one could capture them. The warriors fled to a high mountain where they took refuge. The soldiers returned to the city and locked the gates of the fortress. Then they threatened the people saying, “If you do not hand over the Maccabean warriors, we will burn your city to the ground. We will report to the king and your whole land will be destroyed.” 9Then all the people of the land, rich and poor alike, sons and daughters, orphans and widows, came out together, lifting their voices. They stretched their necks toward the mountain and cried out to the warriors, saying, “Do not bring ruin upon us. Do not let our land be destroyed because of this.” 10At their cries, the warriors wept together. A holy fear stirred within them, and they lifted their lev (hearts) to Yahuah. Turning their faces toward the east, they raised their hands and cried out to Yahuah with one voice, saying, 11“Adonai, shall we submit to those who tear down Your mitzvot (commandments) and disregard Your Torah (law)? This man puts his trust in silver and gold, in elilim of stone and wood, things shaped by human hands. But we refuse to listen to that wicked one who rejects Your Torah .” 12They said, “You alone are the Borei, the One who gives life and who takes it away. Yet he exalts himself like one of those false elohim he believes made him. In truth, he is the one who sheds blood and devours the flesh of men. We want nothing to do with him. We do not want to look upon the face of that criminal or hear his words.” 13They said, “But if You command us to go to him, we will obey because we trust in You. Even if it means walking to our deaths, we will go. But when he commands us to offer zevach (sacrifice) to his elilim , we will not listen to that wicked voice. Yet we believe in You, O Yahuah, You who examine the innermost thoughts and understanding, the Borei of our fathers: Avraham, Yitzchak, and Ya’akov , who walked in Your ways and stood firm in Your Torah . 14“You discern every thought of the lev. You help both the sinner who turns in teshuvah , and the tzaddik who stands; nothing is hidden from Your sight. Those who seek refuge are known by You. We have no other Borei but You alone. So, we are willing to give our bodies over to death for the sake of Your Kadosh Shem (holy Name). But grant us strength, stability, and shelter in this trial. For You alone are our ruler. 15“Just as You heard Ya’akov’s cry when Yisrael entered Mitzrayim (Egypt), so now we cry out. Be glorified in us, O Elohim, we beg you.” 16And then suddenly the warriors saw two mal’achim (angels) with radiant appearance standing before them. Blazing cherevot (swords) of esh like lightning flashed forth and struck their enemies, cutting through their necks and slaying them. But at once those two mal’achim stood whole again as they were before. Their beauty became even greater; they shone brighter than the sun, and their appearance was more glorious than ever.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 3

The Martyrs Abby, Sila, and Fentos Before the King

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1Behold, before your eyes stand the servants of Yahuah, Abbyah , Silah , and Fentos , who were once dead and have risen again. This is given as a sign to you that you too may rise after death and that your faces will shine like the sun in the Malchut Shamayim (Kingdom of Heaven). 2These men went forth with the troops and received the crown of martyrdom there. In that hour they lifted their lev (hearts) in worship. They gave praise. They bowed to Yahuah . Death did not shake them, nor did the king’s threats strike fear in their lev . 3They approached the soldiers like spotless kevasim (lambs), unafraid and pure. When the troops reached them, they captured them, beat them, bound them, and whipped them. Then they were taken to the king and brought before his throne. 4The king questioned them, saying, “Why do you stubborn men refuse to offer zevach (sacrifice) and bow before my elilim (idols)?” 5But these brothers, cleansed from sin, honored, chosen, and full of joy, shone like rare jewels of surpassing worth. Ceda , Abia , and Fentos replied to him with one voice. They said to that cursed king, “We will not bow, nor will we offer zevach to defiled elilim —lifeless things without wisdom or understanding.” 6And again, they said to him, “We will not bow to elilim made of silver and gold, mere works of human hands, nor to stone or wood, which have no reason, no soul, no understanding. They cannot help their friends or harm their enemies.” 7The king replied to them, saying, “Why do you speak this way? These elohim know who insults them and who does them wrong. Why do you dare insult the divine elilim ?” 8They answered him, “To us they are worthless and empty things. We will mock them. We will not honor them.” 9Then the king said, “I will punish you in proportion to your wickedness. I will ruin your beauty with lashes, with fierce torment, and with esh (fire). Now tell me plainly, will you offer zevach to my elilim or will you not? If you refuse, I will strike you down with the cherev (sword) and scourge you with whips.” 10But they replied, “We will not offer zevach , nor will we bow to defiled elilim .” 11Then the king ordered that they be beaten with heavy rods, then whipped with cords, and after that torn until their inner organs were exposed. After this, he bound them and kept them for a time in prison until he was compelled to issue a reward and finally had them executed. 12They seized the men harshly, binding them tightly and locking them away in the prison house where they remained for three days and three nights. 13After the third day, the king gave orders for a proclamation to be made that the counselors, nobles, elders of the land, and officials be gathered together. Then when King Terret Seean was seated in the public square, he commanded that the three honored men, Cela , Abia , and Fentos , be brought before him. They stood in his presence, wounded and still bound. 14The king asked them, “Now that you sat for three days, has your mind changed? Would you still cling to your former rebellion?” 15But the honored soldiers of Yahuah replied, “As for the suffering you caused us, we will not yield, nor will we bow to the sinful and evil elilim that you hold in esteem.” 16Enraged, the wicked king gave orders that they be raised up unto a high place, and that their wounds be reopened, their blood spilled out upon the ground. Then the king ordered that they be burned with torches to scorch and blacken their flesh. And his servants did just as he commanded. 17But those honored men said to him, “You who do not regard the Torah (law) of Yahuah, listen well. Our reward will be great in proportion to how much you increase our suffering.” 18The king then commanded that bears, tigers, and lions—wild beasts made more vicious from hunger—be released upon them to devour their flesh and crush their bones. So, he ordered the beast-keepers to unleash the animals upon them. And they did as he said, first binding the martyrs’ feet and cruelly pinning them down with tent stakes. 19The beasts were released, roaring fiercely. But when they reached the martyrs, they stopped, bowed before them, and did them no harm. Instead, the animals turned back toward their keepers, still roaring, terrifying the men who had released them. 20The beasts were driven into the public square where they were brought before the king. There they killed seventy-five soldiers from the king’s army. Panic spread among the people; one terror after another fell upon them. Even the king abandoned his throne and fled. The beasts were finally recaptured with great effort and returned to their dens. 21Then the two brothers of Cela , Abia , and Fentos came and unbound them from the prison. They said, “Come, let us flee before these goyim (heathens) and evildoers find us again.” 22But the martyrs replied to their brothers, saying, “It is not right for us to flee now that we have been set as a testimony. If you are afraid, then flee yourselves.” 23But their younger brothers said, “We will stand with you before the king. If you die, then we will die with you.” 24After this, the king stepped onto the balcony of his royal hall and saw that the honored men had not fled. All five brothers stood together. The captains who oversaw the troops confirmed to the king that they were indeed brethren, and the king became enraged, roaring like a wild boar of the wilderness. 25In his fury, the king even offered a reward to anyone who would punish all five of the brothers. He ordered them to be seized and thrown into the prison. There they were bound tightly and treated harshly, locked in with restraints made from hollow stalks. 26Then King Serrets said, “These stubborn young men have exhausted me. Why are their lev so hard? They act with rebellion and show strength and resolve. If I say they will turn back, they only become more defiant in their thoughts. So, I will bring down upon them punishment fit for their evil deeds. I will burn their flesh until it turns to ash and then scatter their ashes like dust across the mountains.” 27After saying this, he waited three days. Then he commanded that the honored men be brought before him. When they came, he gave orders for a fire to be lit in the great furnace pit. Into it, they added ingredients meant to inflame it with cruel force: fat, soap, berries, sea foam, resin, and sulfur were boiled in a great vat. 28When the fire blazed in the furnace pit, messengers came to the king saying, “We have done all that you commanded. Send in the men who are to be thrown in.” 29So, he gave the order and the soldiers did exactly as he commanded. And when the honored men stepped into the fire, they gave their souls into the hands of Yahuah. 30Those who had cast them in looked on and saw mal’achim (angels) receive their souls and carry them to Gan Eden (the Garden) where Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov dwell, where the tzaddikim (righteous ones) of Yahuah are gathered.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 4

The Bodies Preserved, the Kings Vision, and the Call to Repentance

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1When that wicked king saw that the kedoshim (martyrs) were dead, he gave orders to burn their bodies until only ashes remained and to scatter the ashes on the wind. But the fire could not even singe a single hair on their bodies. 2So, they pulled the corpses out of the pit. Again, they kept the fire burning over them from morning until evening, but still the flames could not consume them. 3Then they said, “Come now, let us cast their bodies into the sea.” They obeyed the king’s command and threw them into the sea, weighing the bodies down with great stones, iron slabs, and a millstone used for grinding by donkey. But they did not sink. 4The Ruach (Spirit) of Yahuah’s support rested upon them. They floated atop the waters, unsinkable despite all the evil schemes done against them. 5The king said, “Their death has wearied me more than their life. I will cast their corpses to the wild beasts to be devoured, but what more can I do?” 6So, the soldiers carried out his command, but the vultures and beasts would not touch the bodies. Instead, birds and carrion fowl covered them with their wings, shielding them from the burning sun. 7The five martyrs’ bodies lay there for fourteen days. And when the people looked upon them, their bodies gleamed like the sun, and mal’achim (angels) surrounded them like the light that encircles the Mishkan (tabernacle). 8The king, uncertain of what else to do, finally ordered a grave to be dug, and the bodies of the five martyrs were buried. 9But that night, as the king who had defied the Torah (law) of Yah lay upon his bed, the five martyrs appeared to him in a vision, standing before him, wielding cherevot (swords) and troubling his soul. It seemed to him as if they had broken into his chambers in the night. 10He awoke from sleep in terror and tried to flee from his bedroom to the hall. In his fear, it felt as though they would kill him, as though they were surrounding him. His knees trembled with dread, and he cried out, saying, “My adonim (lords), what do you want from me? What must I do for you?” 11They answered him, saying, “Are we not the very ones whom you ordered burned in the fire, the ones you commanded to be cast into the sea? Yet Yahuah preserved our bodies because we believed in Him. Your efforts to destroy us failed. For whoever trusts in Him shall not perish. Give glory and praise to Yahuah, for we who believed in Him were not disgraced in our suffering.” 12The king replied, “I did not know that such punishment would come upon me. What amends can I make to you? For I see now that I have done great evil to you. Please accept this reward I offer, lest you strike me down and drag my soul to She’ol while I still live. I have sinned against you. Please forgive me,” he said, “because the mercy of your Father Yah’s Torah is great.” 13But the honored martyrs answered him, saying, “Though you have done evil to us, we will not repay you with evil. For it is Yahuah who brings mishpat (judgment) upon every soul. It is Yahuah who will repay you for your deeds. We were shown to you alive and well to be a sign, because your time is short and your wisdom is dulled. Though it seemed to you that you killed us, in truth you prepared a blessing for us. 14“But you and your idol priests will descend into Gehinnom, a place with no escape forever. Woe to your elilim (idols) to whom you bow, having ceased to bow to Yah , who created you when you were but like spit upon the earth. Woe also to you who worship them, though you do not know Yah, who brought you from non-existence into life. Are you not like smoke today, only to vanish tomorrow?” 15Then the king asked them, “What do you command me to do for you? I will do whatever you ask.” 16They replied, “It is not for our sake that we instruct you, but for your own. Save yourself, lest you enter the Gehinnom of fire. Your elilim are made of silver and gold, of stone and wood. They have no reason, no soul, and no understanding. They are the work of human hands. They cannot kill or save. They cannot help a friend or harm an enemy. They cannot bring down or exalt. They cannot make rich or poor. They mislead you under the power of shedim (demons), spirits that do not desire anyone to be saved. 17“These elilim do not uproot or plant. And especially they have no desire to rescue people like you from death. Yet in your blindness, you believe they created you when in truth you created them. Because demonic powers have taken residence in them, they only echo back what you wish to hear, so they may drag you into the sea of Gehinnom and drown your soul. 18“But you, turn from this error, and let this be your reward: Because we have risen from death, may your worship of our Borei (Creator), Yah, benefit both your soul and ours,” they told him. 19The king was shaken and utterly amazed. Seeing all five martyrs appear before him, each with a drawn cherev, he was terrified. And because of this, he bowed before them. “Now I know that after death, those who have returned to dust will truly rise again. As for me, my time is short. Death is near.” 20After this, they disappeared from before the king’s face. And from that day forward, Tseerutsanydan, who had once been filled with arrogance, ceased worshiping his elilim. Though those idols had misled him many times, and though he had once found joy in them and in his own foolish reasoning, leading many others astray with him, at last he turned from them and worshiped Yahuah, his Borei. 21Yet he was not the only one who had fallen into error. Many had sacrificed their sons and daughters to shedim, caught in a web of sorcery and confusion—a twisted agreement of understanding taught to them by their father HaSatan in order to spread the very confusion and corruption that Yahuah despises. They defile themselves by marrying their own mothers. They abuse their aunts and their sisters, degrading their own bodies with every act of corruption. 22For HaSatan has hardened the minds of the wicked. And they say, “We will not turn back.” 23But Tseerutsanydan who did not know his Borei was consumed with pride, boasting continually in his elilim. If someone says, “How can Yahuah give His kingdom to one who does not know Him nor keep His Torah nor worship Him?” Know this: if they return to Him in true teshuvah (repentance), He is testing them for this very reason. For if they fully turn back in repentance, He will love them and preserve their portion in the kingdom. But if they harden their lev (hearts) and refuse, they will be punished with unending esh in the flames of Gehinnom. 24A king ought to fear his Borei, Yahuah, just as he is honored in his kingship. A judge must submit to his Borei and deliver righteous mishpatim (judgments) that reflect the honor of his authority. Elders, chiefs, envoys, and governors should also be subject to their Borei (creator) in proportion to the greatness of their rule. For Hashamayim and Ha’aretz belong to Him, the Adon (lord) who made all creation. There is no other Borei in heaven or on earth. He alone gives wealth or takes it away. He exalts and He brings low.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 5

The Downfall of the Proud and the Sovereignty of Yahuah

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1One of the sixty warriors grew proud, and Yahuah caused his body to swell from foot to head with just a spoonful of gafrit (sulfur). He died instantly from a single plague. 2And again, Hyram , who had forged to himself a bed of barzel (iron), became arrogant through his great strength and wealth. But Yahuah brought him down in mavet (death). 3Then Nebuchadnezzar, filled with ga'avah (pride), declared, “There is no king besides me. I am the creator who causes the shemesh (sun) to rise in this world.” Such was his boast rising from his overwhelming arrogance. 4But Yahuah cast him away from mankind and sent him into the wilderness for seven years. There he lived among the birds of the Shamayim (heavens) and the beasts of the wild until he came to understand that it was Yahuah who had created him. 5And when at last he acknowledged Yahuah in worship, Yahuah restored him to his kingdom. 6So, who among men who is not of Shamayim dares to be prideful against the Borei (Creator) who formed him? And what of those who tear down His Torah (law) and defy His order? Should they not have been swallowed up by the aretz (earth)? 7And you too desire to exalt yourself against your Borei. Yet He may bring you down as He did with them, casting you into the kever (grave) because of your ga'avah . 8And after they were sent to She'ol , where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth in total choshech (darkness), He may also cast you down into the deep pit of Gehenna , where no exit exists le'olam (forever). 9As for you, you are just a man. You will die and be forgotten like the proud kings before you who have departed from the land of the living. But I declare this: you are a ruined desolation, not Elohim (God). 10For Yahuah alone is the One who created the Shamayim and the aretz, and He created you as well. He brings down the proud and lifts up the lowly. He gives a firm foundation to those who are weary and worn. He puts an end to the arrogant who seem to prosper. And He raises up those who have returned to the dust, those buried in the kever (grave). 11He sets His servants free, giving them life, delivering them from the dominion of chet (sin). 12O king, said, “Why do you boast in your defiled elilim (idols) which are of no value? Yahuah is the One who created the Shamayim and the aretz, the vast seas. He made the shemesh and the yare'ach (moon), and He appointed the times and seasons. 13Man, labors in the field, plowing from morning until dusk, and the kochavim (stars) of Shamayim remain in order by His word. He calls all things in the Shamayim by name. Nothing happens without Yahuah ’s knowledge. 14He has commanded the mal'achim (angels) of Shamayim to serve Him and to praise His glorious Shem (Name). And mal'achim are sent to all who will inherit eternal life. 15Raphael was sent as a servant to Tobit. And he delivered Tobias from death in the land of Ragel. Holy Michael was sent to Gideon to guide him by gold so that he might destroy the Ishelites (Ishmaelites). And he was also sent to the prophet Moshe (Moses) when Yisrael crossed the Red Sea. 16For it was Yahuah alone who led them. There were no foreign elilim among them. He brought them into the fullness of the land (adamah). He fed them with grain from His own planting because He loved them deeply. He cherished them, giving them honey that hardened like rock. 17And that you might faithfully care for His people and do the will of Yahuah your Borei. He crowned you, Tseerutsanydan giving you rule over four kingdoms. Yes, He exalted you above all others. Your Borei truly crowned you so that you would love Yahuah in return. 18It is right that you should love Yahuah, your Borei, just as He loved you. He entrusted you with the care of many people. Now do Yahuah ’s will so that your days may be long upon the aretz and that He may dwell with you in strength and support. 19Walk in Yahuah ’s ways so that He may rise up as your defender against your enemies, so that He may seat you firmly upon your throne and hide you beneath His protective wing. 20Do you not know Yahuah chose and crowned you over Yisrael just as He once chose Sha’ul (Saul) from among the sons of Yisrael while he was still seeking his father’s donkeys? He crowned him king over His people and set him on the throne with all Yisrael. He gave him a high place and lifted him above his brothers. 21In the same way, Yahuah has crowned you to lead His people. So, from now on, listen and care for His people faithfully. Since Yahuah appointed you over them to give life or bring judgment, watch over them in matters of wrong and right, guard those who do evil and uphold those who do good. 22Because Yahuah has placed all this in your hands. Do His will. Whether you suffer hardship or find deliverance, repay each person according to their deeds—those who do good, those who do evil, and even those whose works are mixed between good and evil. 23For you are a servant of Yahuah, who rules over all that is in Shamayim. So, walk in Yahuah ’s will that He may fulfill your desires in every thought and every request you present before Him with sincere words. 24There is no one who rules over Him. For He alone rules over all. No one appoints Him. For He is the One who appoints all things. No one can remove Him, for He alone removes and establishes whom He wills. No one can rebuke Him, for He alone rebukes all. No one compels Him, for He alone directs all with diligence. 25The rule of Shamayim and aretz belongs to Him. No one escapes His authority. All are laid bare before Him. There is nothing hidden from His face. He sees everything, but none can fully see Him. 26He hears the prayers of those who cry out to Him, saying, “Save me.” For He made mankind in His own image. And He listens to the voice of the one who pleads. 27For He is the Melech Olam (eternal king). He lives forever. And from His unchanging nature, He provides for all.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 6

The Righteous Kings Inherit Light, the Wicked Cast into Gehenna, and the Downfall of Sha’ul

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1For Yahuah truly crowns kings who walk in His ways, and because of Him, they authored what is right and just. 2Those who followed Yahuah ’s will shall shine with immeasurable light. Yitzchaq (Isaac), Avraham, and Ya’aqov (Jacob), Shelomoh (Solomon), Dawid (David), and Chizqiyahu (Hezekiah)—they dwell in the Gan (garden) where all the glorious kings abide, surrounded by light. 3The hall of Shamayim (heaven) shines with perfect radiance. Far beyond the halls of aretz (earth), its very floor gleams with the appearance of kesef (silver), zahav (gold), and precious jewels. It is spotless and pure. Its brilliance is beyond the reach of human understanding. 4The hall of Shamayim glows like a treasure of radiant stones. Just as Yahuah , the knower of all nature, ordained, it is a hall that surpasses comprehension. It shines with pure and perfect light. Its floor is crafted of kesef and zahav , adorned with gems, white silk and blue silk, all of it clean and glorious. Truly, it is stunning beyond description. 5Those who held firmly to tzedakah (righteousness) and faithful obedience—these are the ones who shall inherit it by the rachamim (mercy) and selichah (forgiveness) of Yahuah. 6A healing stream flows from this place, shining brighter than the shemesh (sun). A mishkan (tabernacle) of light stands within it, surrounded by the fragrance of chen (grace). Around the house is a garden filled with delightful and beloved fruit, each kind with its own unique beauty and taste. 7There are olive trees and grape vines in abundance. The entire place is breath-taking, and its fruit carries a sweet and pleasing scent. When a person of flesh and blood enters into it, his soul is overcome. It must part from the body because of the overwhelming joy and fragrance of the tzaddikim (righteous ones) who dwell within. 8Radiant kings who walked in Yahuah ’s ways shall rejoice in His presence. Their honor and place are known in the Malchut Shamayim (Kingdom of Heaven), and they will dwell there firmly established le’olam (forever), where true Shalom (peace) is found. 9Their authority on aretz was renowned and honored, and their rule in Shamayim shall also be renowned and honored. They will be exalted in Shamayim, just as they honored Yahuah in this life. If they did good while in this world, they will rejoice in the next. 10But kings who ruled wickedly over the kingdoms Yahuah entrusted to them, who did not judge justly or uphold what is right, will not receive such honor. They ignored the cries of the poor and destitute. They did not judge in emet (truth) nor defend the refugee or the wronged orphan. 11They did not rescue the poor from the grasp of the wealthy who robbed them. They did not share from their table to feed the hungry, nor give from their cup to quench the thirsty. They closed their ears to the cries of the afflicted. 12And so Yahuah will cast them into Gehenna, a place of eternal choshech (darkness). On that great and dreadful day when He comes in mishpat (judgment), His charon (wrath) will fall upon them. 13Just as Dawid once cried in his Tehillim (Psalms): “ Adonai , do not rebuke me in Your anger, and do not chasten me in Your fury.” Their suffering and disgrace will overflow as vast as their former fame. 14Many nobles and kings now rule this world, yet they do not keep Yahuah ’s Torah. But Yahuah , who reigns over all, is enthroned in Shamayim . The souls and well-being of every person are in His care. He grants honor to those who honor Him, for He alone reigns supreme, and He loves those who love Him. 15Shamayim and aretz belong to Him. He examines and knows the innermost thoughts of the lev (heart) and mind. To the one who calls upon Him with sincere understanding, He will grant the reward of his petition. 16He will bring down the arrogant and powerful, especially those who do evil to orphans and widows. It was not by your own strength that you gained this kingdom. It was not by your power that you ascended the throne. Yahuah allowed this to test you just as He once tested Sha’ul (Saul) who ruled over his kin. 17He placed you on the throne not by your own might but to prove your heart. Sha’ul failed to obey the word of the prophet Shemu’el (Samuel) and the word of Yahua . He refused to fast for his army and failed to destroy the Amaleqi (Amalekite) king. 18So too, it was not by your strength that you received this kingdom. And Yahuah said to the prophet Shemu’el , “Go, for they have grieved Me by breaking My Torah , worshiping elilim (idols), bowing before them, building high places, and practicing detestable works that bring no benefit. 19Say to Sha’ul , ‘Go to the land of the Amaleqim (Amalekites) and destroy them completely, all their armies, their people, their possessions, and every animal.’ These were a people who provoked Yahuah to grief. And for this reason, He sent Sha’ul to bring destruction upon them. 20But Sha’ul spared their king and allowed many animals to live. He also preserved treasures, beautiful women, and handsome young men. 21And Yahuah said to Shemu’el , “Because he rejected My desire and disobeyed My mitzvah (command), go now and divide his kingdom. Anoint Dawid, son of Yishai (Jesse), to reign in his place over Yisrael , and let a tormenting ruach (spirit) come upon him to oppress and overthrow him. 22For though I gave him a kingdom to fulfill My will, he rejected Me. And because he refused to walk in My ways, I have removed from him the kingdom that had been his rightful portion. 23Go and say to him, ‘Will you truly turn away from Yahuah , who crowned you over His people Yisrael and placed you upon His throne of lordship?’ Say to him also, ‘You did not truly know Yahuah , the One who gave you all this honor and renown,’” He said. 24Then the prophet Shemu’el came to Sha’ul and found him sitting at his table, and King Agag of Amaleq was seated to his left. Shemu’el said to him, “Why have you ignored the command of Yahuah who told you to destroy the people and their livestock?” 25At that moment, Sha’ul was afraid. He rose from his throne and pleaded with Shemu’el , saying, “Intercede for me…” He grabbed hold of Shemu’el ’s garment. But Shemu’el would not return with him. And the robe tore in Sha’ul ’s hands. 26And Shemu’el said to Sha’ul , “ Yahuah has torn the kingdom from your hands and divided it.” 27Then Sha’ul said to Shemu’el before the people, “Honor me now and intercede for me before Yahuah that He might forgive my chet (sin).” Though he feared the word of Yahuah who created him, he still refused to put the Amaleqi king to death. So Shemu’el would not take back his words. 28Because of this, Shemu’el struck down King Agag of Amaleq , piercing him before he could swallow the food in his mouth. And a shed (demon) came upon Sha’ul, the same one who had cast aside the Torah of Yahuah . 29And because Yahuah is the Melech ha’Melachim (King of kings) who rules over all, He struck the sinful king on the head. And Sha’ul felt no shame. For all creation belongs to Him. He is the Adon who removes the authority of kings and nobles who do not fear Him, for no one rules over Him. 30As He once declared, “The Beit Dawid (house of David) shall increase in honor and renown, but the Beit Sha’ul (house of Saul) shall fall into disgrace and shame.” 31And so He removed the kingdom from Sha’ul and from his children, for it grieved Him, and He destroyed those who grieved Him with their evil works. Yahuah brought vengeance against Sha’ul ’s household. 32For anyone who refuses to stand against Yahuah ’s enemies is counted as His enemy. When a man has the power and position to bring justice, to destroy the sinner, and to punish those who reject Yahuah ’s Torah, yet chooses not to, he is counted as an enemy of Yahuah. 33And so Yahuah destroyed Sha’ul ’s house and his children.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 7

The Responsibility of Kings, the Coming Judgment, and the Resurrection of the Dead

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1And whether you are a king or a ruler, what truly makes you important? Was it not Yahuah who created you, bringing you from nothing into life, that you might walk in His ways? 2Live according to His mitzvot (commands) and fear His mishpat (judgment). Just as you become angry with your servants and exercise authority over them, so too does Yahuah have the right to be angry with you and rule over you. 3Just as you punish without mercy those who sin against you, so also will Yahuah strike you down and cast you into Gehenna, where there is no escape for all eternity. 4Just as you punish the one who disobeys you or fails to bring you tribute, why then do you not bring your tribute to Yahuah? It was He who created you so that people might honor you and fear your rule. He crowned you over creation so that you might care for His people in emet (truth). 5Why then do you not fear your Borei (Creator), Yahuah? Judge with tzedakah (righteousness) and emet as Yahuah appointed you to do. Show no partiality to the rich or the poor. 6Whom should you fear but Yahuah alone? Keep His worship and obey His Aseret ha’Dibrot (Ten Commandments). 7Just as Moshe (Moses) said to the B’nei Yisrael (children of Israel), “I have set before you water and fire. Stretch out your hand to what you desire. Do not turn aside to the right or the left.” 8Listen carefully to His word that I speak to you so you may hear and obey His mitzvot. Do not say, “She is across the sea or deep beneath the river. Who will bring her to me so I may hear and obey?” 9Do not say, “Who will ascend to Shamayim (heaven) and bring down the word of Yahuah to me so that I might hear and obey?” Yahuah ’s word is near you. Listen. 10You are to teach it with your mouth and give generously with your hand. You have not truly listened to your Borei, Yahuah, unless you have listened to His Sefer (Book). And you have not truly loved Him or kept His mitzvot unless you have kept His Torah . 11And you risk being cast into Gehenna forever, unless you love His mitzvot and walk in Yahuah ’s will. 12He honored and exalted you, setting you apart from among your kindred so that you might lead them in emet. And if you turn away from His ways, Gehenna awaits. 13He raised you above all others and crowned you over His people so that you might rule with tzedakah and emet, always remembering the Shem (Name) of your Borei who gave you your kingdom. 14There are some whom you punished for wronging you and others whom you forgave because you considered Yahuah ’s work. You judged with justice, correcting your thoughts to reflect tzedakah. 15Do not show partiality when people come before you in dispute. Though the aretz (earth) is under your authority, do not accept bribes to pardon the guilty or to condemn the innocent. 16If you walk in His will, Yahuah will lengthen your days in this world. But if you grieve Him, your days shall be cut short. 17Remember, you will rise again after death, and you will stand before Him to be examined for every work you have done, whether good or evil. 18If your deeds are good, you will dwell in the Gan (Garden), in the Malchut Shamayim (Kingdom of Heaven), in homes prepared for righteous kings where light is complete. Yahuah will not dishonor the authority He gave you. 19But if your works are evil, you will dwell in She’ol and Gehenna among evil kings. 20When you looked upon your own glory, your feared reputation, your warriors’ rewards, your shield and spear hanging before you, your horses and troops, your drummers and harp players—in that moment, your heart became proud. 21You stiffened your neck and forgot Yahuah, the One who gave you all this honor. And when He told you to leave it behind, you refused. You have entirely neglected the calling He gave you. 22And now He will take your rule and give it to another. For death will come upon you suddenly, and judgment will be executed at the appointed time of the Techiyat ha’Metim (Resurrection of the Dead). 23Every deed of mankind will be examined. He will search you thoroughly and pass judgment. Earthly kings will not be honored in that day. For He is the true Shofet (Judge). 24In the day of judgment, both rich and poor will stand side by side. The royal crowns in which kings once boasted will fall to the ground. Judgment is prepared and every soul will tremble. 25In that hour the works of both sinner and tzaddik (righteous) will be laid bare and judged. No one will be hidden. 26Just as a woman in labor cannot withhold the child within her when it is time to give birth, so the aretz cannot withhold the dead within it. They will return just as the clouds cannot hold back rain but release it as Yahuah commands. 27So it is with the word of Yahuah who created all things, bringing life out of nothingness and who has brought all into the kever (grave). And when the time of resurrection comes, it will not be possible for the dead to remain in the grave. 28As Moshe said, “Man shall not live by lechem (bread) alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of Yahuah.” And it is by His word that all the dead shall be awakened from their graves. 29Listen, it is certain the dead shall rise by the power of Yahuah ’s word. 30And again, Yahuah declared in the Torah concerning kings and nobles who refuse to walk in His ways, “The day has come for their destruction. I will repay and bring judgment upon them when their feet stumble.” 31And Yahuah said to those who understand His justice, “Know that I am Yahuah, your Borei. I kill and I give life. I bring down in affliction and I also show rachamim (mercy). I send to She’ol and I also raise up into the Gan, and there is none who can escape My authority.” 32He said, Yahuah declared this concerning nobles and kings who do not keep His Torah: just as earthly kingdoms fade from morning to evening, they pass away. But keep My chukkot (statutes) and My Torah so that you may enter into the Malchut Shamayim which endures le’olam (forever). 33He said, “For Yahuah calls the tzaddikim (righteous) to glory, but the sinner to tribulation. He will bring sorrow upon the sinner, but He will honor the righteous. He will cast out the one who refused to do His will, but the one who walked in His ways, He will appoint and establish.”

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 8

The Manner of the Resurrection and the Likenesses Thereof

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1Listen to me and I will tell you the way in which the dead shall rise. A plant will be sown and it will grow and bear fruit. Grape vines will stretch forth their branches, for Yahuah will bring forth the fruit called Imhibe Albo (Grapevine). The wine will be drawn from it. 2Understand this. Though the plant you sowed was small, it sprang up with branches, fruit, and leaves all at once. Yahuah causes its roots to drink from both aretz (earth) and mayim (water). Yet He nourishes its wood by esh (fire) and ruach (wind). 3The root draws mayim to feed the leaves, and the aretz gives strength and structure to the wood. So too is the nefesh (soul) that Yahuah created. It bears fruit among the elements, and in the same way, the dead shall rise again. 4When the nefesh was separated from the body, both returned to their respective origins. But Yahuah says, “Gather the souls from the four elements: aretz and mayim , ruach and esh .” 5The earthly part returned to the aretz , rooted in its own nature. The watery part returned to mayim , the wind to ruach , and the fire to esh , each remaining true to its nature. 6But the nefesh (soul) which Yahuah separates from the flesh returns to its Borei (Creator) until the day when He chooses to raise it again, reuniting it with the body. 7Until then He places it in the Gan (Garden), in the place He loves. Righteous souls dwell in houses of or (light) in the Gan. But the souls of sinners are sent away into houses of choshech (darkness) in She’ol until the time Yahuah appoints. 8As Yahuah said to the prophet Yechezkel (Ezekiel), “Call forth the souls from the four corners of the aretz that they may be gathered and become one branch.” 9And when He spoke this single word, the souls were gathered from the four directions. The nature of mayim brought forth lush vegetation. And the nature of esh brought forth flame. The nature of aretz returned to aretz. And the nature of ruach returned to ruach . 10Then Yahuah brought the nefesh from the Gan where He had placed it. By one word all was gathered and the Techiyat ha’Metim (Resurrection of the Dead) took place. 11Now let me show you a simple example close to your daily life. The day fades into dusk. You lie down to sleep. The night passes and you rise from your bed. Your time of sleep is a likeness of mavet (death). And your rising in the morning is a likeness of the resurrection. 12The night when all people sleep and all is covered in choshech is a picture of this present olam (world). But the morning light when darkness is dispelled and light fills the world and people rise and go out into the fields—that is the image of the resurrection from the dead. 13And so it is with the Malchut Shamayim (Kingdom of Heaven) where man is renewed. This is what the resurrection of the dead is like. For this passing world is the night. 14Just as Dawid (David) said, he set his example in the shemesh (sun). As the shemesh rises and shines, it is the symbol of the Malchut Shamayim. Just as the shemesh shines over this world today, so when the Mashiach (Anointed One) comes, he will shine anew in the Malchut Shamayim. 15Just as he said, “I am a sun that never sets, a torch that cannot be extinguished.” For Yahuah Himself is its light, and He will soon awaken the dead once more. 16Let me give you another example, from the food you sow by which you are sustained. Whether it is wheat, barley, lentils, or any seed sown into the aretz, none of it grows until it first dies and decays. 17Likewise, the human body when it decays and breaks down returns to the soil. The aretz consumes the body, even the skin. And once the earth has consumed it, it surrounds the seed-like body. 18Then Yahuah sends clouds to rain upon it as He wills, and roots grow into the soil, sending forth leaves. If the seed dies and decays, it can grow. And once it grows, it sends forth many buds. 19And by Yahuah ’s will, fruit is given to the buds that bloom, and He clothed the plant in husk and covering. See how much came from a single seed you planted. Yet you do not count the stalk, the leaf, the ear, or the husk as your portion. 20Do not be dull in understanding. Consider the seed that multiplies. And in the same way, know that the dead shall rise in the resurrection, and each one's suffering or reward will be according to their deeds. 21Listen carefully. If you sow wheat, it will not grow as barley, nor will barley produce wheat. So, let me ask, will you ever reap barley if you planted wheat? If you sow watercress, will you harvest linseed? 22Consider even among plants, if you plant a fig tree, will it ever grow as a nut tree? And if you plant almonds, will you reap grapes? If you plant sweet fruit, will it grow into something bitter? And if you plant something bitter, can it produce sweetness? 23So too with the nefesh. If a sinner dies, will he rise as a tzaddik (righteous one) at the resurrection? Or if a tzaddik dies, will he rise as a sinner? No. Each will receive judgment according to his own deeds. 24Every person will bear hardship in proportion to their chet (sin) and their works. No one will be judged for the sin of another. 25A tree planted on high ground sends out long branches, but it will wither unless Shamayim (heaven) sends rain. Its leaves will not be green. Even the cedar will be uprooted from its roots unless the summer rain falls upon it. 26So it is with the dead. They will not rise unless the dew of berachah (blessing) descends upon them, sent by the command of Yahuah.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 9

The Dew of Mercy and the Trumpet of Resurrection

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1Unless the rain of rachamim (mercy) commanded by Yahuah falls upon the high mountains and the region of Gilboa, no grass will grow there for cattle and wild beasts. 2The mountains of Elam and the mountains of Gil'ad (Gilead) will not produce lush leaves for sheep and goats, nor for the Orbee , the wild beasts, the ibexes, or the hart-beasts of the wilderness. 3In the same way, the tal (dew) of rachamim from Yahuah will not fall upon those who doubted and rebelled, those who earned mishpat (judgment) for themselves through error and wrongdoing. Such dead will not rise again. 4Deus and the people of Cyprus who worship elilim (idols), dig roots and devise evil schemes, those who practice sorcery, stir up conflict and lead others into strife— 5And those who are driven by lust, who have forsaken the Torah, including the peoples of Media and Athens, who trust in their elilim and who celebrate them with songs, violins, drums, and harps— 6These will not rise unless Yahuah Himself commands rachamim upon them. These are the ones who will be condemned on the day when the dead are raised and final mishpat is rendered. 7Those who clung to their own works and lusts and trusted in elilim —these have led themselves astray. 8You who are wasteful and dull of heart, do you truly believe the dead will not rise? When the shofar (trumpet) sounds, blown by the sar ha'mal'achim (chief angel) Mikha’el (Michael), then the dead will rise, for you will not remain in the kever (grave) le'olam (forever). 9Do not imagine otherwise. Hills and mountains will be made low, and the path will be cleared before them, and the Techiyat ha'Metim (Resurrection of the Dead) will be fulfilled for all who were made of flesh.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 10

The Certainty of the Resurrection

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1If the techiyat ha’metim (resurrection of the dead) were not true, then why were the tzaddikim (righteous ones) of old buried with their ancestors, beginning with Adam , Shet (Seth) and Hevel (Abel), Shem and Noach , Yitzchak (Isaac), Avraham , Yosef (Joseph), Ya’akov (Ja cob), and even Aharon (Aaron) and Moshe (Moses)? 2Why did they desire to be buried in one place rather than elsewhere? Was it not so that they might rise together with their kindred at the time of the techiyah (resurrection)? 3And was it not also so that their bones would not be mingled with the bones of the resha’im (wicked) and the idol worshippers? Why else would they have chosen not to be buried in another place? 4But do not deceive yourself by thinking, “How can the dead rise after they have decayed, when tens of thousands are buried in the same grave and their bodies have broken down into afar (dust)?” 5And when you look upon a kever (grave), do not let your dull thoughts say, “Not even a handful of earth remains here. How could the dead possibly rise?” 6Will you also say that the seed you planted will not grow? Even the seed you yourself sowed will surely grow. So likewise, the nefashot (souls) that Yah has sown shall quickly arise. 7For He created mankind in His emet (truth), bringing them from nothing into chayim (life). And by His saving davar (word), He will awaken them swiftly. He will not delay. 8Just as He once returned the living to mavet (death), placing them in the kever , why should it be impossible for Him to return them again from death to chayim ? 9Yeshuah (salvation) and techiyah (resurrection)—these are fully possible for Yah.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 11

Judgment upon the Idolatrous Nations and Unrepentant Jerusalem

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1Anon has fallen and her strongholds are ruined. For Yahuah has brought mishpat (judgment) upon them, repaying them according to their evil and the works of their hands. 2Those who worship elilim (idols) in Edom and Zevulun (Zebulun) shall be brought low at that time, as Yah has decreed. 3Who will defend those who sinned from youth and did not repent even in old age because of their avodah zarah (idolatry) and wickedness? 4Tzidon (Sidon) and Tzor (Tyre) shall mourn, for they committed sin and seductive immorality, and they bowed to elilim. 5Because of this, Yah will bring vengeance and destruction upon them, for they did not stand firm in the mitzvot (commands) of their Borei (Creator). 6And the daughters of Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) shall be brought to sorrow. She stood stubbornly, shedding the blood of nevi’im (prophets) and killing the righteous. 7Yet because she did not remain steadfast in the Aseret ha’Devarim (Ten Words/Laws) and in true avodah (worship), when the dead rise, Yerushalayim ’s sin will be laid bare. 8Then Yah will examine her by the chochmah (wisdom) of His nature. He will repay and destroy her for all the sins she committed in former times. 9For she did not cease from her wickedness from her youth, even into old age. She descended into the kever (grave) and became afar (dust), just like her forefathers who remained wrapped in their sin. 10And at the techiyah (resurrection), He will take vengeance on all who tore down Yah ’s Torah (law). They will be judged. 11For Moshe spoke of them, saying, “Their courts and their counsel have become like S’dom (Sodom). Their kin is as Amorah (Gomorrah), their laws corrupt, their deeds evil, their judgments are poison like the venom of serpents and the bite of vipers that brings ruin with it.”

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 12

The Sin of Jerusalem, the Judgment of HaSatan, and the Fate of the Righteous

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1Children of Yerushalayim , your sin mirrors that of S’dom and Amorah . This tribulation you now face is the very one spoken of by the nevi’im . 2Your affliction is like their affliction, rooted in unfaithfulness and pride, while your thoughts on the Torah remain fixed in adultery and arrogance. 3Outside of pride and sexual immorality, no showers of teshuvah (repentance) or humility have fallen upon your hearts. 4Your laws are guided not by tzedakah (righteousness) but by bribes alongside bloodshed, theft, and the abandonment of your Borei, Yahuah . 5You do not know Yah. You are consumed by your evil deeds and the elilim (idols) you worship. You boast in the work of your own hands, and your lusts have grown perverse, even toward males and beasts. 6Your minds are blinded, so you cannot perceive the emet (truth). Your ears are deafened, so you do not hear or obey Yah ’s ways. 7Your works reveal that you do not know Him. Your reasoning is as corrupt as the laws of S’dom , like the grapes of Amorah , sweet on the outside, but deadly within. 8If anyone examines your deeds, they find poison, a curse from the very day it was committed, a foundation already prepared for destruction. 9Your homes and thoughts are steeped in sin. Your bodies are temples of HaSatan ’s fire, hardened in wickedness. 10There is no good to be found in the thoughts of your hearts. When one among you is put to shame and purified, it is only as a warning, a chastisement leading to ruin. 11For those who have drunk from this cup of iniquity, their minds are now formed to destroy, and they have become vile, estranged from Yah. 12You are settled in your sin. And now your dwelling is fit only for shedim (demons). 13The offering of sacrifices to elilim has begun even in the Beit Yisrael (house of Israel). You turn again to the bamot (high places) and the asherim (sacred groves). 14You bow before foreign elilim and follow the customs of those around you. You hand over your sons and daughters to shedim, beings who know nothing of righteousness, but only evil. 15They shed innocent blood without restraint, pouring it out like wine from S’dom , continually offering it to idols. 16She gives glory and worship to Dagon, the false god of the P’lishtim (Philistines), offering him sacrifices from her herds and well-fed cattle. 17She seeks to be seen by shedim, taking pleasure in the ways they taught her to sacrifice and pour out wine to them, doing their will. 18She brings offerings to please them, forgetting her Borei, Yahuah, who has faithfully fed her, cherished her, and raised her from infancy to youth, from adulthood to old age, even until death. 19And I will bring mishpat (judgment) upon HaSatan at the time of the techiyah (resurrection). 20Because she would not return to My Torah, nor live according to My mitzvot , her dwelling in Gei-Hinnom (Gehenna) shall last le’olam (forever). 21If these elilim she serves are truly gods, let them rise with her and descend into Gei-Hinnom to rescue her when I strike and destroy her, along with all the priests of idolatry who sinned alongside her. 22Just as she defiled My sacred items and polluted My Mikdash (temple), so I made Yerushalayim wretched in return for all her sins. 23Though she was told, “Listen, you are Yahuah ’s chosen people. This is the house of Yisrael ’s Borei , Yerushalayim the holy city set apart, the dwelling place of the most high Shem (Name) of Yah .” 24She brought disgrace upon it, and I made her wretched, for she defiled the Shem I placed upon her. 25She boasts that she belongs to Me, that I am her Adon (Lord). Yet she mocks Me like a criminal, not fearing Me or obeying My will, though she calls Me her master. 26Others misled her and drew her away from Me. Now she is ruled by elilim that neither feed nor clothe her. Still she sacrifices to them and eats of those sacrifices. 27She sheds blood and drinks wine in their name. She burns incense and fills the air with its fragrance for them. She listens to her idols and obeys their commands. 28And again, she sacrifices her sons and daughters to idols. She praises them as if fulfilling their desires, proud of the words she speaks and the works her hands perform. 29Woe to her on the Yom ha’Din (day of final judgment). Woe also to her idols whom she loved and clung to. Together they shall descend into Gei-Hinnom , deeper than Sheol , where the worm never rests and the esh (fire) is never quenched. 30Woe to you, wretched children of Yerushalayim. You have forsaken Me, your Borei (Creator), and bowed down to strange gods. 31I will bring upon you tribulation in full measure according to your deeds. Because you grieved Me, rejected My davar (word), and did not walk in righteousness, you will be condemned by your own arrogance. 32You despised My davar and failed to live according to the Brit (covenant) we made—that you would keep My Torah and I would dwell with you in support and save you from your enemies. 33You did not keep My mitzvot. So, I will withhold My rescue in your time of distress. You cast all this aside, and so I have cast you off. 34Though I created you, since you would not obey My commands or heed My davar, I will judge you when the time comes. 35I honored you that you might be My people. But just as S’dom and Amorah turned away from Me, so have you turned away. I judged and destroyed them. And likewise, because you are of their kind, I will destroy you. 36I will blot out your name like theirs. For your sin mirrors theirs, defiling the marriage bed, lusting lawlessly with beasts and men, committing what is unnatural. 37Let their names perish from this world, that their wickedness may not endure among the tzaddikim. 38There is no fear of Yahuah in their faces. From the youngest child to the eldest, they serve HaSatan in all their wickedness. 39Yet He delays His wrath, offering them time to repent. But their deeds are corrupt, and they are full of sin and transgression. 40All manner of evil—robbery, arrogance, and greed—fills their thoughts and intentions. 41And because of this, Yahuah turned His face from them and laid waste to their lands. He will burn them with esh until even their deepest roots in the ground are destroyed. 42They will utterly perish le’olam (forever), with none left behind. For they became nothing but sin, and they will remain in ruin until the Yom Adonai (day of the Lord’s appearing) when the final judgment is executed. 43They grieved Me with their wickedness, and I will neither pardon nor forgive them. I turned away from them. For you will find no mercy when I rise in anger and take hold of you. 44For all your deeds are theft and corruption, adultery and greed, falsehood and deception, all wickedness and stumbling blocks that I despise. 45And you, O children of Yerushalayim, miserable and rebellious, you too shall be judged as they were. 46I created you for honor, but you cast yourself down. I called you My treasured people, but you gave yourself to another. I betrothed you in glory, but you chose shedim (demons). 47Therefore, I will repay you with destruction equal to the wickedness of your works. Because you did not listen to My words, and because you rejected the mitzvot I gave you in love, I will pour out fierce vengeance upon you. 48I am Yahuah, your Borei, and I will judge every sinner like you. On the Yom ha’Din , each will receive what their evil deserves. 49Since you ignored My davar and cast aside My justice, I will condemn you with the resha’im (wicked). 50Woe to you, S’dom and Amorah , who have no fear of Yah in your hearts. And likewise, woe to the daughters of Yerushalayim, who shall be judged alongside you in the esh of Gei-Hinnom. 51You will descend together into the pit that was prepared for you, where there is no escape le’olam. 52Woe to every soul who has committed your sins. Because you did not keep My davar or obey My mitzvot, you, along with all who disobeyed, shall descend into Sheol on the day that judgment is carried out. 53But those who obeyed My davar and kept My mitzvot shall inherit what sinners stored up. 54As Yahuah has decreed, the tzaddikim shall take the spoils gathered by the wicked, and the gentle shall dwell in joy, but wrongdoers and sinners shall weep in sorrow for all the evil they have committed in turning away from My commands. 55The one who keeps My davar and stands firm in My ways, he will receive My blessing and share honor at My side. 56All who follow My davar and remain steadfast in My mitzvot will enjoy the richness of the aretz and enter the garden where righteous kings abide, those whose thoughts are upright and clean.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 13

The Fall of the False Messiah and the Judgment of the Rebellious

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1As they shall be crushed and perish beneath My wrath when I seize them. Woe to the lands of Tzor (Tyre) and Tzidon (Sidon), and to all the region of Yehudah (Judah), who now walk in arrogance. 2Triumphant Yahuah has spoken. He has declared, "From among them shall rise the child of the devil, one full of pride, the false Mashiach, enemy of emet (truth), stiff-necked and boastful, knowing not his Borei (Creator)." 3And Yahuah who rules all has said, "I have made him an image of My anger, that My power might be revealed through his fall." 4This includes K’far Nachum (Capernaum), Shomron (Samaria), Galil (Galilee), Damesek (Damascus), Aram (Syria), Atuna (Athens), Kittim (Cyprus), and all the region of Yarden (Jordan). 5Peoples who hardened their hearts and lived in comfort in sin. The shadow of mavet (death) and deep darkness covers them. Shedim (demons) have clouded their minds, and they are led astray by proud spirits, having no fear of Yahuah. 6Woe to those who serve shedim and offer sacrifices in their names. They have denied Yahuah their Borei . Like mindless beasts they have become. 7For the false Mashiach, the devil's child who forsakes Yah 's Torah, will raise up his image in every place, claiming, "I am Elohim ." 8He shall glory in his vanity, in his evil works, in theft and adultery, and every wickedness done by man. But it is accounted by Yahuah, who sees all that this sin is not hidden. Its time is already measured. 9The sun will be darkened. The moon will turn to blood. And the stars will fall from the Shamayim (heavens). 10All the works of this world shall be swept away by the wonders that Yah will bring at the time of fulfillment, when He causes the aretz (earth) and all who dwell in sin to pass away. 11For Yahuah has rejoiced over His creation, and as swiftly as He formed what He loved, so swiftly shall He bring judgment. 12By the Adon 's (Lord’s) death, even the least of the devil's servants shall be cast down. Yah, who rules all, has said, "I shall judge and destroy, and after the day of My coming, shedim shall have no power." 13And on the day when he is judged by My wrath, the false Mashiach shall be cast into Gei-Hinnom (Gehenna), the place he longed for, the place of unending torment. He shall drag with him all who followed him into ruin, destruction, and shame. 14For I alone send to Gei-Hinnom, and lead into Gei-Hinnom, and he shall go there. 15For Yahuah strengthens the weak and humbles the mighty. He brings low the arrogant so that none may boast in their strength. For Yahuah is the Ruler. He judges rightly and saves the oppressed from the hand of those who wrong them. He will restore justice for the widows and the orphans. 16Woe to you who boast and harden your neck, who think that I will not reign over you or judge and destroy you. 17For in his pride and arrogance, he has said, "I will set my throne among the kochavim (stars) in Shamayim. I will be like the Most High, Yahuah." 18But as it was declared, how you have fallen from Shamayim, O shining one, like the morning star created before all. Woe to you. You dared to speak proudly in your arrogance, forgetting Yahuah, who made you by His authority. 19Why did you exalt yourself when you were bound for Gei-Hinnom by your own corrupted mind? You were cast down, cut off from the mal'achim (angels) who are like you. 20For they praise their Borei with humble thoughts, knowing He formed them from esh (fire) and ruach (wind). They do not stray from His command, nor allow treachery to enter their hearts, lest they ever depart from His will. 21But you betrayed with a hardened and arrogant mind. You became miserable, separated from your companions. For you loved sin and iniquity, robbery and corruption. 22Those who forget the Torat Yah (law of Yah), sinners from your kind, walk in your footsteps, living by your teachings and doing what you command. 23Woe to you, for the shedim you led astray in your malice will go down with you into Gei-Hinnom. 24And woe to you, children of Yahuah who were deceived by that lying devil. You wandered like him, pursuing gain from what he and his hosts taught you. You too will go down into Gei-Hinnom together, where there are no exits le'olam (forever). 25Do you not remember when Yah 's servant Moshe (Moses) was with you? You grieved Yah at the waters of contention, and at Chorev (Horeb), and in the conflict with the Amalekim (Amalekites), and again at Har Sinai (Mount Sinai). 26And again when you sent spies into Kena'an (Canaan) and they returned saying, "The journey is too long. The walls and fortresses reach the Shamayim, and mighty warriors live there." 27You lost heart and longed to return to Mitzrayim (Egypt) where you had once suffered. And in doing so, you grieved the davar (word) of Yahuah. 28You did not remember Yah who shielded you in times of trouble, who performed mighty wonders in Mitzrayim and led you by the authority of His mal'ach (angel). 29By day He covered you in a cloud so the sun would not scorch you. And by night He gave you a pillar of esh so your feet would not stumble in the dark. 30And when Pharaoh's army terrified you, you cried out to Moshe , and Moshe cried out to Yah . Then Yah sent His mal'ach to shelter you, that Pharaoh would not overtake you. 31He led them into Yericho (Jericho) with great signs and power. Yahuah Himself led Yisrael , for He had said it, and there were no foreign gods among them. 32He drowned their enemies in the sea in a single moment, and none who fled from His people were spared. Yisrael crossed through the sea on dry land. No harm from the Mitzrim (Egyptians) overtook them. 33He delivered them to Har Sinai and fed them with man (manna) for forty years. Yet even with all these blessings, Yisrael 's children continually grieved Yahuah. 34Though He did great and good things for them, they neglected to worship Him. From their youth to their old age, they kept evil in their hearts. 35For the mouth of Yah declared at Chorev, where the genealogies of the fathers were written, "The thoughts of Adam 's children are like ashes. Their works rush toward robbery. They pursue evil and despise uprightness. 36They gather wealth through violence, lie under oath, wrong their neighbors, rob and steal. Their hearts are filled with wickedness. All their lives they chase after evil deeds. 37The children of Yisrael who cast aside the Adon Yah (Lord Yahuah) have grieved Him from the earliest days until the end of the Olam (Age)."

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 14

The Flood, the Covenant with Noach, and the Rebellion of Yisrael

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1When Yahuah destroyed the children of Kayin (Cain) from the ancient generations through the flood, He washed the aretz (earth) with water because of their sins. He baptized the land through the waters of judgment and cleansed it from the corruption of Kayin 's descendants. 2As He declared, "I regret that I made man." He wiped out all the wrongdoers. None was spared except eight souls. 3After that, He multiplied them again, and they repopulated the aretz, sharing the inheritance of their forefather, Adam. 4Then Noach (Noah) entered into a Beriyt (covenant) with Yahuah . He and his children swore an oath not to eat what was dead or found already lifeless, not to serve any foreign gods besides Yah , their Borei (Creator), that Yah might be their loving Av (Father), and not strike them down in the vanity of their sin. 5They swore that He would continue to send early and spring rains to provide food for people and animals in due season—grass, grain, fruit, and all green things—so they might do what is right in His sight. 6But after Yah gave them this charge, the children of Yisrael grieved Him again through their sins. They did not walk in His Torah like their fathers Yitzchak (Isaac), Avraham (Abraham), and Ya'akov (Jacob), who never forsook the Torah of their Borei , Yah . 7From the least to the greatest, the children of Yisrael failed to uphold Yah 's Torah . Their ways became twisted and corrupt. Whether kohanim (priests) or leaders or soferim (scribes), every one of them turned away from Yah 's mitzvot (commands). 8They no longer lived according to the order of Yahuah or the Torah that Moshe (Moses) gave them, which had said in the Sefer Devarim (Book of Repetition/Deuteronomy): "Love Yah your Borei with all your body and all your understanding." 9Nor did they obey what was written in the Sefer ha'Torah (Book of the Law) which said, "Love your neighbor as yourself. Do not worship other gods. Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Do not covet your neighbor's donkey or ox or anything that belongs to your brother." 10Yet even after being commanded all these things, the sinful children of Yisrael returned to betrayal, practicing robbery, iniquity, adultery, lies, theft, and idol worship. 11The children of Yisrael saddened Yahuah at Chorev (Horeb) when they crafted a golden calf, an image of a grazing beast, and bowed before it, saying, "Behold, these are your gods who brought you out of Mitzrayim (Egypt)." 12They became proud of the work of their own hands. They ate and drank until they were full, and then rose up to sing and celebrate. 13And Yahuah spoke to Moshe, saying, "Your people whom you brought out of Mitzrayim and from the house of bondage have turned aside from My Torah . They have made for themselves the image of a calf and bowed to it." 14Because of this, Moshe was angered and descended from Har Sinai (Mount Sinai). While still angered at his people, Moshe came down with his trusted servant Yehoshua (Joshua). 15And when Yehoshua heard the sound from the camp, he said, "Listen, there is the sound of warriors in Yisrael 's camp." But Moshe replied, "This is not the cry of battle. It is the sound of singing from a people drunk on unboiled wine." 16Then he entered the camp, destroyed the image they had made, and crushed it into fine dust. He scattered it in the water and made the B'nei Yisrael (children of Israel) drink it near the mountain. 17Afterward, he commanded the Levi'im (Levites) to carry out judgment, instructing them to slay those who had sinned so greatly against Yahuah. 18The Levi'im obeyed, knowing that defying Yah was worse than slaying their own brothers and fathers; they acted according to Moshe 's word. 19Then Moshe said to them, "You have grieved Yahuah, who fed you, cared for you, brought you out of bondage, and swore to give you and your descendants the inheritance promised to your forefathers by doing this evil thing. You have made Yah irate, for they turned quickly to sin and wickedness, and did not cease from grieving Yah even then. 20They were not like their fathers, Avraham , Yitzchak , and Ya'akov , who pleased Yah with their righteous deeds. Because of their faithfulness, Yah gave them both the earthly inheritance and prepared for them the heavenly reward, a garden of delight reserved for the tzaddikim (righteous ones). 21This is what He has stored up for those who love Him—blessings beyond what any eye has seen or ear has heard or heart imagined. 22Their children denied Yahuah and did evil in His sight. Though He had fed them, cherished them, and watched over them from infancy, they chose instead to live content in the sin of their hearts. 23They gave no thought to Yah who had delivered them from the land of Mitzrayim, rescuing them from the burden of brick work and the cruelty of bondage. Instead, they continually grieved Him. 24And so, Yah stirred up foreign nations against them, outsiders who would rise up in hostility, and even among themselves they would fall into strife and conflict over what they once shared in unity.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 15

The War with Midyan, the Three Brothers, and Yisrael’s Unfaithfulness

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1And at that time people from Midyan (Midian) rose up in hostility against Yisrael, and they stirred their armies to war. Their king was named Akrandis, and he swiftly gathered many forces from Aram (Syria), Damesek (Damascus), and the sea coasts. 2Encamped beyond the Yarden (Jordan), he sent messengers who proclaimed, “Claim your goods. Pay tribute to me on behalf of Yisrael,” he said. “But if you do not pay the tax, I will come to punish you. I will seize your livestock, take your mares, and capture your children. I will carry you off to a land unknown to you. 3And there I will make you water carriers and gatherers of wood,” he declared. “Do not boast, saying, ‘We are Yahuah ’s kindred, and nothing can defeat us.’ Is it not Yah who sent me to destroy you and plunder your wealth? Was it not I whom Yahuah appointed to gather all your kindred? 4Did any of the other gods save the nations I have already destroyed? I captured their mares and horses, slew their warriors, and took their children. Unless you bring the tribute I have demanded, I will wipe you out just as I did them.” 5And so, he crossed the Yarden to plunder their flocks and goods and to capture their wives. Then the children of Yisrael wept in true mourning before Yahuah. From the depths of their hearts they cried out, but there was no one to come to their aid. 6And so Yahuah granted strength to three brothers, mighty in power and noble in appearance. Their names were Yehudah (Judas), Shimon (Simon), and Yonatan (Jonathan). 7When the people of Yisrael heard all this, sorrow pierced their hearts. A great cry arose from among them. The orphans, the widows, the leaders, the kohanim (priests), all Yisrael ’s kindred, sons and daughters, young and old alike, wept and cast ashes upon their heads. Even the nobles dressed in sackcloth. 8But the brothers, handsome and strong, came together and resolved, “Let us go and offer our very bodies to death for the sake of our people.” They encouraged one another, saying, “Take heart. Take heart.” They girded swords around their waists and gripped spears in their hands. Armed and resolute, they advanced to hold the warrior king to account. 9When they reached the enemy camp, Shimon struck the warrior king as he sat at his dinner table, cutting through his neck in a single blow while the food was still in his mouth. 10At the same moment, Yonatan and Yehudah fell upon the king’s armies to the left and right, cutting them down with the sword. Once their king was slain, terror struck the enemy, and they turned their spears on one another’s hearts. Their lines broke. They fled. Their bows were shattered and defeat overtook them. 11But the brothers, handsome and strong, were preserved from death. No harm befell them. For Yahuah Himself returned chastisement upon the enemy, and they fell by their own hands, depleted and broken. Dead and defeated, they fled across the Yarden. 12As they fled, they cast aside all their possessions. Their wealth remained behind. And when the children of Yisrael saw that their enemies had fled, they entered the camp and took for themselves the spoil and the treasure. 13Yahuah saved Yisrael through the hand of the brethren, by the hand of the Makkabim (Maccabees). He delivered them. 14For a short time, Yisrael grieved Yah, but afterward they returned once again to sin. The children of Yisrael failed to worship Yah as they ought. And Yah would again bring sorrow upon them, sending nations who knew them not, who would reap their fields, destroy their vineyards, plunder their flocks, slaughter them, and feed their livestock in Yisrael ’s presence. 15These enemies would seize their wives, daughters, and sons. For Yisrael continually saddened Yah, being a people who destroyed the Torah; they would witness their children dashed before them, each child’s head struck. They would not be saved.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 16

The Judgment upon the Nations That Know Not Yahuah

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1They who do this are Tzor (Tyre) and Tzidon (Sidon), and those dwelling beyond the Yarden (Jordan) River, and along the sea coast— Chevron (Hebron) and Gil’ad (Gilead), the Yevusi (Jebusite) and the Kena’ani (Canaanite), the Edomi (Edomite), the Girgashi (Girgashite), and the Amaleki (Amalekite). All these peoples act in such ways, each living strong within their own tribes, countries, regions, and tongues. Each is upheld in strength as Yahuah made them. 2And among them are some who know Yahuah, whose work is beautiful. But there are others whose deeds are evil, who do not know Yahuah who created them. 3And just as they committed sin, He ruled over them by the hand of King Shalmaneser in Aram (Syria). For Shalmaneser plundered and took the possessions of Damesek (Damascus) and shared the spoils of Shomron (Samaria) with the king of Mitzrayim (Egypt). 4By his hand Yahuah ruled over them in the region of Gilboa , as well as among the people of Paras (Persia) and Madai (Media), of Kapidokia (Cappadocia) and Kesarya (Caesarea), those who dwell in the western mountains and in the fortress of Gil’ad and Pathos which belongs to the land of Yehudah (Judah). 5These are peoples living in that region, stiff-necked mishpachot (kindreds) who neither know Yahuah nor keep His mitzvot (commands). 6And He shall repay them for their hardship in measure to their evil deeds and the work of their hands. For the mishpachot of Gil’ad and the region of Kesarya , together with the Amalekim (Amalekites), have conspired as one to destroy Yahuah ’s land, a land truly full—in which the Borei Yisrael (Creator of Israel) is praised. 7He who is most glorified and mighty, whom countless mal’achim (angels) in chariots drawn by keruvim (cherubim) serve, standing before Him in fear and trembling—He shall repay them according to their evil deeds and their handiwork.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 17

The Ways of the Wicked and the Path of the Righteous

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1The Amalekim (Amalekites) do not worship Yahuah, by whose authority and rule both aretz (earth) and Shamayim (heaven) were made. For they are breakers of the Torah, and do not walk in the work of emet (truth). 2They feel no fear in defiling His Mishkan (tabernacle), the Mikdash (temple). There is no fear of Yahuah before them, only bloodshed, adultery, eating what is strangled, what is sacrificed to elilim (idols), and all that is found dead. 3Such are the acts of these scorned sinners. They have no virtue nor true religion. For they hate goodly work, and they do not know Yahuah. They do not know the work of ahavah (love), only robbery, sin, oppression, and every hated deed. 4They busy themselves with games and song, just as their father, the shedim (devils), taught them. They have no virtue nor religion. 5He, the adversary, HaSatan, rules over them with his host of shedim, teaching them every evil work suited to their hearts—robbery and sin, theft and falsehood, the seizing of wealth, the eating of what was beaten and what was found dead, and the work of adultery. 6He teaches them all things like these: pursuing another man's wife, shedding blood, eating what was sacrificed to idols and what died of itself, killing souls in violence, fostering envy, winking with deceit, greed, and every evil work that Yahuah does not love. 7Shedim, their enemies, teach them these things that they might be separated from Yah 's Torah —He who rules over all the world. 8But Yah 's works are innocence and humility, not harming the brethren, but loving one's companion, living in harmony, and walking in ahavah with all. 9Be not hypocrites who flatter a man's face. Be not wrongdoers, nor robbers, nor those who pursue another man's wife. Do not be among those who deal in iniquity and evil works against their companion, nor among those who use charm and manipulation to harm another by violence. 10They sneer, shake their heads, and provoke others to evil. They sow discouragement to mislead, dragging others downward toward the fixed mishpat (judgment) of olam (eternity).

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 18

The Shortening of Man's Years and the Fall of the Watchers

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1Think upon this, that you shall go in death toward Yahuah, in whose hand all are held, and you shall stand before Him, that He might convict you for all the sin you have worked. 2For even the arrogant and the evil, and the children of the powerful, who were no stronger than them, were likewise in former times, because they beheld their own stature, their power, and their established authority. 3They did not care for Yahuah before them. They did not understand that He is their Borei (Creator) who brought them from not living into living. 4And when their fathers, being like unto mal'achim (angels), praised upon the mount with the holy mal’achim, yet when their covenant misled them, they descended toward this world where the definite mishpat (judgment) shall be done le'olam (forever). 5For Yahuah in antiquity created human flesh for them that it might humble their reasoning and test them to see whether they would keep His Torah and His mitzvot (commands). 6But they married wives from among Kayin 's (Cain's) children. Yet they did not keep His Torah. And He lowered them into Gei-Hinnom 's fire with their father devils. 7For Yah was vexed upon the offspring of Shet (Seth), who were wronged by others, and human lifespans were shortened because of their sin. And they drew Adam 's children into sin with them, and He lowered them into Sheol , where they shall receive their verdict. 8For the span of human life was divided because Shet 's children erred by mingling with Kayin 's children. Where once a man's years were nine hundred in antiquity, they returned to being one hundred and twenty years. 9And as they are flesh and blood, Yahuah said, "My Ruach (Spirit) of support shall not always strive upon them." 10And because of this thing, my years have been divided. For because of my sin and iniquity, my years have been shortened from those of my fathers who came before me. And now, even in infancy, they are dying. 11But the years of my fathers abounded, because they kept His Torah, and because they did not sadden Yahuah. 12For the years of my fathers abounded also because they corrected their daughters that they might teach them, and they chastened their sons, lest they abolish Yah 's Torah. 13Because they did not let their daughters and their sons demolish Yah 's Torah. Because of this, their years abounded in emet (truth).

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 19

The Deception of Music and Beauty, and the Fall of Shet's Line

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1As the descendants of Kayin (Cain) grew in number, they began crafting musical instruments—drums, harps, flutes, and violins. They filled their lives with songs and all sorts of entertainment. 2Kayin had children with the woman who had once been Hevel 's (Abel's) wife, a beautiful woman he had taken after murdering his brother out of jealousy. Kayin broke away from his family and moved westward to a place called Kefas. 3His children inherited their mother's beauty. When the sons of Shet (Seth) saw how attractive Kayin 's daughters were, they were drawn to them and without hesitation began taking them as wives. This mixing led them into error. Their hearts turned from Yahuah, and because of this, His aph (anger) burned against both Kayin 's line and Shet 's. 4The enemy, HaSatan, whispered lies, telling them, "You can become gods just like your Borei (Creator)." It was the same deception that led Adam and Chavah (Eve) astray. In their ignorance, they believed the lie and broke the Brit (covenant) with Yahuah, the very One who had breathed life into them and called them to worship His Shem (Name). 5But Yah humbled them. He stripped away the false godhood they had claimed and cast down the prideful heart of man. As David once said, Adam fell through the arrogance of the sinful one. And justly Yah judged and corrected both Adam and the deceiver. 6Now we, the children of Shet, who followed after Kayin 's example, have shared in their downfall. And because of this, the years Yahuah gave us are shorter than those of our forefathers. 7These early generations did what was right in Yah 's eyes. They stood firm in their emunah (faith), making sure their sons and daughters were raised to honor His Torah. And because of that, no enemy could overtake them. 8But even good works have little value if they are not passed down. If they did not teach their children, that righteousness would stop with them. Just as David said, they did not hide the emet (truth) from their children, but passed it on to the next generation, teaching them to praise Yahuah, to remember His wonders and His mighty power. 9It was not enough to know the truth themselves. They had to teach their children so their hearts would be shaped by it, too. That way, each new generation would trust in Yahuah, keep His Torah, and follow the example of those who pleased Him. 10Those who received the truth while still young stayed faithful, just as their fathers had done before them, learning the worship of Yah and the Aseret ha'Devarim (Ten Words/Laws) handed down through the generations. 11The children were trained by their fathers to walk in righteousness and to lift up praise to their Borei. They obeyed His Torah and loved Him with all their hearts. Because of that, when they prayed, He listened. He never turned away from their cries. 12For Yahuah is full of rachamim (mercy) and ready to forgive. And even when His anger was stirred, He never allowed it to consume them completely. His discipline was measured, never total destruction.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 20

The Reward of the Faithful

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1My brothers, remember, do not let it slip from your mind what was taught long ago: that Yahuah honors those who do what is right and stay faithful to Him. He blesses their families in this life, and their shem (name) will be remembered as something good and lasting, even into olam (eternity). 2Their children will not go hungry or be left in need. Because of their faithfulness, Yahuah Himself will rise up on their behalf. He will not hand them over to their enemies, but will deliver them from those who hate them, and so too for all who truly love His Shem. 3He will be their helper when trouble comes. He will protect them and forgive them all their sins.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 21

Trust in Yah and the Sovereignty of the Creator

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1David placed his trust in Yahuah, and Yahuah honored that trust. He became David 's refuge, saving him from the hand of King Sha'ul (Saul). 2Because David stayed faithful and walked in Yahuah 's ways, he was protected even when Avshalom (Absalom) rose against him, when the P'lishtim (Philistines) came to fight, when the Amalekim (Amalekites) threatened, and even when one of the giants of Refa'im came against him. 3Through all of it, Yahuah delivered David from his enemies. For victory comes through Yahuah alone. His hand can defeat any foe. But those kings who did not trust Him, He did not rescue. 4Chizkiyahu (Hezekiah) trusted Yahuah, and Yahuah saved him from Sancherev (Sennacherib), the proud and powerful king. 5But Chizkiyahu 's son, Menasheh (Manasseh), did not trust in Yahuah. Because of that, he was conquered and taken captive by his enemies. Though those who defeated him were not mightier in truth, they prevailed because Menasheh turned away from Yahuah. 6Yahuah took away the kingdom He had once given Menasheh. For Menasheh did not do what was right before Him. Had he remained faithful, Yahuah would have increased his years, given him strength and protection, and fought his battles. 7It is better to put your trust in Yahuah than in great armies or weapons. Those who believe in Him will be firmly established, lifted up, and honored. Yahuah shows no partiality. 8But those who rely on their own strength and wealth and not on Him will drift away from the blessings and honor He longs to give. He watches over those who trust in Him. 9But those who ignore Him, who never humble their hearts or keep His mitzvot (commands), He will not come quickly to their aid when trouble comes. 10But the one who stays faithful, who worships Yahuah and walks in His mitzvot , will find Him to be a shelter in times of trouble. Yahuah will give that person victory over enemies, allowing him to seize their land, livestock, and goods. 11The rain will fall in season. The crops will sprout, and the fields will yield grain and fruit in abundance. The early and late rains will come at just the right time, making the grass green and nourishing the land, so that all under His care will live in simchah (joy). 12They will feast on the goods taken from their foes, satisfied with the spoils—flocks, herds, food from the tables of their enemies, even taking captives from among them. Yahuah gives all this to the one He loves. 13But the one who turns from Him, He hands over to enemies. Their hands and feet will be bound, and they will become a laughingstock to their captors. Because they shed innocent blood and rejected Yahuah 's Torah, there will be no joy in their legacy. 14They will not stand when mishpat (judgment) comes. Those who do evil will receive the hardship they brought on themselves. But Yahuah has declared it: those who do good will not go unrewarded. He will guard them under His care. 15He is Adon (Lord) over everything He created. And His purpose is to bless His people with lasting shalom (peace), so that they might praise Him who made them. He gave His Torah for their good. 16Yet among all creation, only mankind dares to rebel. All other creatures live in harmony with what Yahuah commanded. They do their part, each in its own way, obeying His order. 17But man, who was given dominion over all beasts, birds, and every creature under Shamayim (heaven), chose to rise up against the very One who crowned him. 18Yahuah placed all creation—everything in the sea and on the land—under the care of Adam, the first man. He gave it as a gift that man might enjoy it, work with it, and rule over it. 19Beasts and animals were placed under human authority that they might serve those who honored the One who made them. But if people turn away from Yahuah 's Torah, He will strip them of the rulership He gave them. 20For He alone governs both Shamayim and aretz (earth), and He gives authority only to those who walk in His ways. Yahuah raises up and tears down. He gives life and He takes it away. He allows hardship. He brings healing. He punishes and pardons as He sees fit. 21There is no other like Him. No rival Borei (Creator) in all the Shamayim above or the aretz beneath. No one can question His ways or challenge His rule. He appoints leaders and removes them. He gives honor and He humbles. He wounds and He mends. He provides and He takes away. 22Yet He hears the cries of those who seek Him with a pure heart. He listens to their prayers and answers their requests, showing favor to those who live by His davar (word). 23He places both the mighty and the lowly under their influence. He blesses them wherever they dwell—on mountains and hills, by tree roots and in caves, on land and sea, throughout every tribe and nation. 24For those who obey their Borei, this is their reward. He will not withhold from them the abundance He has promised. Their praise will not be in vain. And He will grant them the honor He prepared long ago for the faithful. 25Like Yitzchak (Isaac), Avraham (Abraham), and Ya'akov (Jacob), and like Chizkiyahu (Hezekiah), David, and Shemu'el (Samuel)—men who never turned aside from His Torah —they shall rejoice in His Malchut (kingdom), sharing in the inheritance given to the fathers of old. 26What Yahuah promised them, He will surely give.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 22

The Memorial of the Righteous and the Fate of the Wicked

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1Reflect on those whose names are remembered for doing what is right. Let their good deeds never be forgotten. Live in such a way that your shem (name) may be counted among theirs, so that you too may rejoice with them in the Malchut ha'Shamayim (Kingdom of Heaven), in the place of or olam (eternal light) prepared for righteous kings and noble ones who followed Yah 's will. 2But also take note of the names of corrupt rulers. Know them and understand their shame. For after death, they will be disgraced before both Elohim and man. Though they had eyes to see and ears to hear, they ignored what was right. 3And if they refused to obey Yah while they lived, their mishpat (judgment) will be even heavier than that of the lawless or those who simply forgot His mitzvot. 4Be gentle. Be upright. Be sincere. But do not walk the same road as those who have cast off Yah 's Torah. His aph (anger) is set against their wickedness. 5Uphold justice. Defend the orphan. Rescue the widow from the hands of the oppressor. Be like a father to the fatherless. Stand in their defense against the rich and unjust. 6Let the tears of the orphan stir your heart, lest your heart be unmoved on the Yom ha'Din (Day of Judgment), and you be cast into the esh (fire) with the unrepentant. 7Set your feet on the path of ahavah (love) and unity. Yah watches over His faithful ones, and His ears are open to their prayers. So, pursue love and never turn from it. 8But His face is turned in anger toward those who do evil. Their names will be wiped out from the aretz (earth), and no high walls or strongholds will protect them. 9"I am Yah ," He says, "jealous for My kavod (glory). I will repay those who hate Me and disregard My words. I will not show them favor until they are brought low." 10But to those who honor Him and keep His mitzvot, He will honor them in return.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 23

The Way of Kayin and the Way of Hevel

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1Don't follow the way of Kayin (Cain), the one who murdered his own brother, who had only shown him love and trust. Kayin betrayed that love with bloodshed. 2He was driven by envy and jealousy over his sister. And in his bitterness, he struck down one who had done him no wrong. Anyone who acts out of envy, treachery, or cruelty toward their neighbor walks in Kayin 's footsteps. 3But Hevel (Abel) was innocent, gentle like a lamb. His blood was pure, like the blood of the unblemished korban (offering) that is given to Yah with a sincere heart. 4Kayin chose a path far from this. He strayed from the way of tzedakah (righteousness). Yet those who live with innocence like Hevel are deeply loved by Yahuah. They follow the same humble, faithful path. 5Those who walk in Hevel 's footsteps prove their ahavah (love) for Yah by their lives. But the resha'im (wicked) are left without favor. Their guilt is sealed upon them. The record of their sins is not hidden. 6It is inscribed on the tablets of their hearts, waiting for the Yom ha'Din (Day of Judgment). And when that day comes, their sins will be exposed before all people, before the mal'achim (angels), and before all creation. 7Shame will cover them, for they rejected the way of Yahuah and refused to walk in His emet (truth). Then the davar mishpat (word of judgment) will ring out against them: "Cast them into Gei-Hinnom (Gehenna), the place from which no one escapes le'olam (forever)."

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 24

Trust in Yah and the Warning Against Greed and Idolatry

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1When Gid'on (Gideon) placed his full trust in Yahuah , he overcame a vast army of the uncircumcised, so many in number they swarmed like locusts, uncountable and fierce. 2Listen, you nobles and kings. There is no Borei (Creator) besides Yah . Do not be fooled by foreign elilim (idols). They are nothing. "I am Yah , your Borei . I formed you in the womb. I nurtured you, fed you, and clothed you. So why do you turn from Me? 3Why bow to false gods? I gave you everything, not for My gain, but for your good. I only ask that you live by My Torah , walk in My ways, and honor My mitzvot (commands). That is how you find life, shalom (peace), and health for your body. 4What more do I require?" Yahuah, the Ruler over all things, declares, "Keep yourselves from idols. Turn away from sorcery, from speaking with unclean spirits, and from walking in darkness." 5Mishpat (judgment) is coming for those who do these things, for those who listen to false spirits, who follow their ways, who keep their company and obey their twisted counsel. 6Stay far from elilim. If you do not live in reverent obedience to Yahuah, then foreign peoples who care nothing for you will rise up against you. They will take the fruit of your labor and consume what you worked so hard to earn. 7Just as the nevi'im (prophets) declared— Chanokh (Enoch), Asaf (Asaph), and others—"Unless you walk in Yah 's will, others will feast on your toil." 8Beware of resha'im (wicked ones) who cloak themselves in new garments. They live only for eating, drinking, and adorning themselves with gold and silver. Their lives are consumed by sin, not by righteousness. 9From morning until night they chase after indulgence and wrongdoing. They refuse the path of shalom, though it is filled with goodness. Instead, they walk a path of sorrow and ruin. 10They do not know ahavah (love). They scorn unity. They have no reverence for Yahuah. Selfish and greedy, they hoard their food and wine, drunken in their excess. 11Lawless and shameless, they pursue seduction, bloodshed, theft, and violent robbery, especially against the poor and helpless. 12These are the ones who speak judgment without love and outside of the Torah . For they have no fear of Yah who formed them, and their faces show no reverence. They feel no shame when looking another in the eye. 13They show no respect to the aged or to elders. And when they hear someone mention riches in the world, they claim it for themselves before ever seeing it. For there is no fear of Yah in their eyes. 14And when at last they see it, they believe they are entitled to it. The nobles put their trust in wealth. They feast, but they are full of deceit. Their tongues do not speak emet (truth). They do not stand by in the evening what they said in the morning. 15They are deaf to suffering and the cries of the needy. Their rulers are quick to do evil, stirring up trouble for the one who rescued the oppressed from the greedy hands of the rich. 16Let that one defend the wronged and the outcast. And let not the rulers withhold justice because of it. But these are the ones who demand bribes, who steal what others own, who break the Torah, and because their deeds are corrupt, they are unjust. 17For they slaughter the calf with its mother and take the bird with its eggs, hoarding what is not theirs before all to see. They love to heap up wealth for themselves. But they do not show mercy to the sick or the poor. 18They take by force from those who have nothing. They hoard everything they find and grow fat on it, rejoicing in their gain. But they will vanish swiftly like a dung beetle that crawls from its hole and leaves no trail, never returning to its place. 19And because they did no good while they lived, sorrow will be upon their flesh when Yah strikes them and lays hold of them. When Yah turns from them, they will all fall at once in a single judgment. 20For He patiently endures their actions, hoping they will make teshuvah (repentance). But if they do not, He will not delay their ruin. They will perish when the time comes. 21And if they refuse to repent, He will bring them down quickly, just like those who came before, who rejected His Torah and denied Him what He was due. 22These are the ones who devour others and drink their blood. They plot and act violently to pursue sin. They never fear Yahuah. And from the moment they rise from sleep, they rush again into wickedness. 23Their deeds are their food and drink, leading only to ruin and evil, causing the destruction of many in this world.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 25

The Sovereignty of Yah and the Fleeting Wealth of Sinners

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1As their deeds are perverse, so are all who follow the path of HaSatan 's deception. Yahuah, Ruler of all, says, "Woe to your body when I strike and take hold of it." 2But they have no knowledge of Yah 's ways, for they have cast them aside and disregarded My Torah . In the end of days, I will bring distress upon them, measured out according to the evil they have done, and for the sins recorded before Me, I will bring mishpat (judgment) and destroy them on the day justice is rendered. 3For I, Yahuah, fill the Shamayim (heavens) from one end to the other, and all creation is under My command. There is no place in heaven, earth, the deep, or the sea where My rule does not reach. 4I give orders to the serpent beneath the earth, to the fish in the sea, to the birds in the heavens, and even to the wild donkey in the wilderness. For from one horizon to the next, all belongs to Me. 5I alone perform wonders and mighty acts, and none can flee from My dominion, neither on earth nor in heaven. No one dares say to Me, "Where are You going or what are You doing?" 6I give command to mal'achim (angels), rulers, and multitudes. Every creature whose name exists is Mine. The beasts of the field, the birds of the sky, and the cattle of the earth are all My possession. 7An east wind rises and dries up the west. And in the last days, the Yam Suf (Red Sea) shall be shaken and vanish by the command of Yahuah, who approaches in power and awe. For He rules both the dead and the living. 8And that sea shall be struck down along with Sheva , Nova , Hodu (India), Kush (Ethiopia), and every border and region. He sees all things from His high and incorruptible throne. 9His authority surpasses every other, and He preserves His assemblies within the shelter of His dominion. And to Him belongs all authority above every other. His Malchut (kingdom) surpasses all kingdoms. His rule covers the entire world. 10For He is able, and nothing is too hard for Him. He commands the clouds in heaven, causes grass to grow for the animals on earth, and brings forth fruit on the branches. 11He feeds every creature according to His will, providing food and fruit to all He has made—even the ants and locusts below the ground, the cattle, the wild beasts, and to the one who prays. He gives what was asked. 12He does not overlook the cry of the orphan or the widow. For the rebellion of the resha'im (wicked) is like a swirling wind, and the plans of the unjust are like a thick fog. But He listens to the humble and to those who come before Him in purity. 13Their bodies are fleeting like a bird in flight. Their beauty like silver or gold that will perish. Mishpat will come upon those who remembered their riches but forgot Yahuah 's Torah . 14And moths will consume their clothing. Weevils will devour the wheat and the full heads of barley. All of it will fade like a day gone by and like a word once spoken that never returns. 15So too is the wealth of sinners, and their luxury is but a passing shadow. Before Yah, a sinner's riches are as a bloodstained rag. 16But those who are kind will be honored, and Yah will not overlook them. For they were honored when they showed mercy to the poor. They listened to the cries of the afflicted and the orphan. And Yah will not forget them. 17For they cared for others without neglecting their own children, clothing the naked with garments Yah gave, sharing with the suffering and the stranger. 18They do not twist the mishpat (justice) of the tzaddikim (righteous), nor withhold a worker's wages. For Yah 's standards are emet (truth) and honor, sharp as a two-edged sword. 19They commit no injustice in their seasons, nor in their weights and measures.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 26

Faith, Virtue, and the Impartial Judgment of Yahuah

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1But the poor will reflect in the quiet of their beds. And if the rich refuse to accept them, they will be like dry wood without moisture. 2For a root cannot thrive without water, and a leaf cannot flourish without a root. Just as a leaf supports the flower and crowns the fruit, if the leaf withers, there will be no fruit. 3So too is emunah (faith) to a person's life. For without faith, a person has no true goodness. If a person is strong in faith, he produces tzedakah (virtue/righteousness). 4And Yahuah delights in the one who walks in emet (truth) and uprightness. To the one who seeks Him, He will grant their request and answer their words, and He will not deny the tzaddikim (righteous) their due for the true work they have done. 5For Yahuah is faithful, and because He loves what is true, He will not acquit sinners who refuse to make teshuvah (repentance) because of their evil deeds. 6And as every soul belongs to Him and is under His rule—the One who reigns over Shamayim (heaven) and aretz (earth)—He will not show partiality to the rich over the poor at the time of mishpat (judgment). 7He will justify no one without repentance.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 27

The Creation of the World and the Fall of Adam

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1He brought all creation from non-existence into life. He alone formed the hills and mountains. He set the aretz (earth) upon the waters. And to keep the sea from overflowing, He marked its boundaries with sand. 2For in His very first word, Yahuah said, "Let there be or (light)." Light came forth when the world was still covered in darkness. Yah created all things. He prepared the world and secured it as His rightful possession. 3He commanded, "Let the evening be dark." And again, Yah said, "Let there be light." And light broke through the dawn. 4Then He raised the waters above toward Shamayim (heaven). He stretched them out like a canopy. He fixed them in place with wind, and He gathered the lower waters into the depths. 5He enclosed the sea with borders of sand, and by His authority He kept the waters in balance, lest they overtake the land. Within them He placed animals and great creatures— Levi'atan (Leviathan) and Behemot (Behemoth)—and countless other beasts, both visible and hidden. 6On the third day, Yah caused the earth to bring forth plants, every kind of root, tree, and fruit-bearing plant, and the beautiful Gan (garden) for His creatures to behold. 7He made the garden delightful to look upon and pleasant to taste. He created grass and all seed-bearing plants to provide food for birds, livestock, and wild animals. Then came dusk and dawn. 8And on the fourth day He said, "Let there be lights in the heavens, the cosmos." Yahuah created the sun, the moon, and the stars, placing them in the heavens to shine upon the earth and to mark the times of day and night. 9From that time, the moon, sun, and stars have alternated between night and day. 10And on the fifth day, Yah created every living creature in the waters and every bird that soars in the sky—all that can be seen and all that cannot. All of it. 11And on the sixth day, He brought forth the livestock, the wild creatures, and all the rest. And after all was made and arranged, He formed Adam in His own likeness and image. 12To Adam He gave authority over every beast and animal He had made. Yes, even over the creatures of the sea, Levi'atan and Behemot included. He gave into his care every cow upon the earth and every sheep, the ones that are visible and those unseen. 13Then He placed Adam in the Gan Eden (Garden of Eden), the one He made in His image, so that he might eat, tend the plants, and lift praises to Yah. 14And to guard His mitzvah (command), He warned, "On the day you eat from this etz (tree) of the te'enah (fig), you shall surely die." He gave him a charge not to eat from the tree, for it brings death, revealing both good and evil, and leads to perishing. 15But my mother Chavah (Eve) was deceived by a cunning nachash (serpent), and she took from that tree and gave it also to my father Adam . 16And when Adam ate of that tree, death came upon both him and all his descendants. Because he broke the mitzvah and ate from the tree of which Yahuah said, "Do not eat." 17Yah was angered with Adam and drove him out of the garden. He sent him into the land that yields thorns and thistles, cursed on his account, so that by sweat and hardship he would labor to feed himself. 18And when Yahuah sent him to that place, Adam was filled with sorrow, yet labored and toiled, breaking the soil, eating only through effort and pain.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 28

The Cycle of Yisrael’s Rebellion and Deliverance

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1And after Adam 's children multiplied and spread, some among them honored and praised Yahuah, keeping His mitzvah (command) without breaking it. From among them came nevi’im (prophets) who spoke of things past and things yet to come, but also sinners who lied and committed injustice. 2Kayin (Cain), Adam 's firstborn, turned wicked and killed his brother Hevel (Abel). Yah brought judgment upon Kayin for murdering Hevel. And He cursed the ground because it had opened to receive Hevel 's blood. 3Yah said to Kayin , “Where is your brother, Hevel ?” Kayin, proud in his heart, replied, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” 4Hevel was a man of purity. But Kayin became a man of sin by shedding the blood of his own kindhearted brother. Then Shet (Seth), a righteous child, was born. Adam fathered sixty children in total. Some were good, others evil. 5Among them were those who were upright and those who were prophets, but also betrayers and transgressors. There were those who were blessed and righteous, who walked in the ways of their father Adam and upheld the teachings he passed to Shet, from Adam down to Noach (Noah), who was faithful and kept Yah 's Torah . 6And Noach taught Yah’s Torah to his children, warning them to keep it and not break it, and to pass it on just as he had received it from his father, so that they too would guard Yah 's Torah . And they lived on teaching their sons and their sons’ sons, continuing for generations after them. 7But HaSatan was active in those days, speaking through the ancestors, dwelling in grave-bound idols tied with binding oaths. And he overcame those who agreed with him, leading them to do all that he, the master of sin, commanded. And they lived according to his ways, worshiping elilim (idols) as was their custom until the coming of a righteous man, Avraham (Abraham), who upheld Yah 's Berit (covenant). 8For Avraham had walked in the Torah even before he was set apart from his kin. And Yahuah made an oath with him, sealed with wind and fire. Yah promised to give him a land to inherit and to bless him with descendants that would endure le’olam (forever). 9And He made the same promise to Yitzchak (Isaac), giving him the inheritance of his father Avraham . And to Ya’akov (Jacob) He did likewise, granting him the inheritance of his father Yitzchak . 10From Ya’akov 's line, He set apart their children, forming the twelve tribes of Yisrael , and made them kings and kohanim (priests), blessing them. Be blessed. And as countless as the sand by the sea, He gave them their ancestral inheritance. 11But though He fed and loved them, they continued to fall short and grieve Yahuah in every way. Yet when He brought judgment upon them, they would seek Him again in worship, turning from their sin to draw near to Yah because He loved them. And Yah forgave them. 12For He is good to all He has made. And He forgave them not because of their own deeds, but because of the faithfulness of their fathers. He stretches out His right hand generously to fill the hungry and shows mercy with His eye, causing grain to flourish and satisfy the people. 13He provides food for the young crows and for the beasts that call upon Him in their cries. He hears them, and He delivers the children of Yisrael from the hands of enemies lying in wait. 14Yet they fall back into sin, grieving Him once more. So, He stirs up their enemies within their borders, and those enemies destroy, slay, and take them captive. Then they cry out to Yah in sorrow and lamentation. 15And in that hour, He sends deliverance through the hands of nevi’im . At other times, He saves them through leaders and princes. But when they grieved Yah again, their enemies conquered and enslaved them. 16Then David arose and rescued them from the P’lishtim (Philistines). Yet once more they turned and offended Yah , and He stirred up nations against them to trouble them. 17There came a time when He delivered them through Yiftach (Jephthah). But again, they forgot Yah who had rescued them in their distress. Just as Yah sent hardship upon them, He raised up wicked enemies to oppress and enslave them completely. 18When they were worn down by tribulation and taken captive again, they cried out to Him, and He saved them by the hand of Gid’on (Gideon). Yet once more they grieved Yah through their actions. 19And again He raised up foreign nations to oppress them, and they returned in tears and cries to Yah. Then He delivered them again through Shimshon 's (Samson’s) hand. They had peace for a while, but rose up once more in their former sin, offending Yah again. 20And once more He stirred up other nations to trouble them. And again, they cried and wept to Yah, asking for deliverance, and He rescued them through the hands of Barak and Devorah (Deborah). 21Again, for a brief time they worshiped Yah , but once more they fell into their old sins and grieved Him. So He raised up other nations to trouble them. But He delivered them again through the hand of Yehudit (Judith). 22Yet after a short while they returned to their sins, provoking Yah as they had before. He stirred up peoples to rule over them. And they cried out and wept to Yah , for He had struck down Amalek (Amalekite), a warrior who came to fight in the land of Yehudah . And He saved them through the local children, and through Matityahu 's (Mattathias’s) hand. 23When that warrior fell, his army fled in panic; Yisrael 's children pursued them as far as the Yabok (Jabbok), leaving not a single survivor. 24After this they paused for a time but rose again in rebellion to grieve Yah. So He allowed nations to rule over them. And though they cried out and mourned, Yah turned away, for they had grieved Him time after time and broken His Torah. 25They were taken captive along with their kohanim and led into the land of Bavel (Babylon). Yet even in exile, the traitorous children of Yisrael continued to sadden Yah, committing sin and worshiping false gods. 26Yah was angered and purposed to destroy them in their sin. Haman (Haman) offered ten thousand talents of gold into the king’s treasury. On that day, he stirred wrath in King Ahasuerus 's heart, urging him not to spare the children of Yisrael in the Persian realm from Hodu (India) to Kush (Ethiopia). 27And so it was done. He composed a decree in the king’s name, stamped it with the royal seal to be sent throughout the Persian provinces. The seal was given into his hand, granting power to destroy them all in one day, as he desired, following the king’s command. 28When Haman promised that the people’s gold and silver would be given into the king’s treasury as reward, and when the children of Yisrael heard of this, they wept and cried out to Yahuah with all their hearts. And they reported it to Mordechai (Mordecai). 29And Mordechai passed it on to Ester (Esther). Then Ester said, “Fast, plead, and all you children of Yisrael, cry out to Yah from wherever you dwell.” 30Mordechai put on sackcloth and covered himself in dust. And Yisrael 's children fasted, prayed, and turned to teshuvah (repentance) in the land where they were. 31Ester, deeply distressed, wore sackcloth though she was queen. She covered herself in dust, shaved her head, and refused the perfumes worn by Persian royalty. And from her innermost being, she wept and cried out to her Father and Borei (Creator), Yah. 32Because of this, Yah gave her favor before King Ahasuerus of Paras (Persia), and she held a banquet in honor of her Father’s Name. Haman and the king came to the feast Ester had prepared. 33And just as Haman had planned to harm Mordechai, Yah turned the judgment upon him, and he was hanged on the high gallows. A new royal decree was issued so that no harm would come to Yisrael as had been planned before. 34Neither were they to be taxed, robbed, abused, or have their goods taken. And Yahuah forgave Yisrael when they returned in repentance, so that they might be loved and respected in the Persian land where they lived. The royal letter also forbade the destruction of their land or the seizure of their livestock. 35Yet when they grieve Him again, He will raise up nations to trouble them. Then they will weep and cry for His help, and He will come to deliver them from the hands of their oppressors.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 29

The Deliverance from Egypt and the Anointing of Kings

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1When the Mitzrayim (Egyptians) forced the children of Yisrael into harsh labor, making them mold bricks in slavery, adding to their burden by withholding mud and straw, and requiring the bricks to be baked, they were driven hard by taskmasters set over them to hasten the work. 2They cried out to Yahuah, pleading to be delivered from the toil of making Mitzrayim 's bricks. Then Yah sent Aharon (Aaron) and Mosheh (Moses) to help them. For He had chosen them to lead His people out from under Par'oh 's (Pharaoh's) rule, and they delivered them from that bondage. 3Because Par'oh in his pride refused to release Yisrael to worship Yah in the wilderness, Yah sent His servants to rescue them from the king's power, and they brought them out. 4For Yah brings down the proud, and He drowned Par'oh and his army in the Yam Suf (Red Sea) because of his arrogance. And just as He judged Par'oh , so He will judge all who do not walk uprightly in the kingdoms where He has placed them. 5Kings and nobles who reject His word are to fulfill His Beriyt (covenant), giving due wages to those who serve in righteousness and honoring His Shem Kadosh (Holy Name). 6Yahuah the Ruler of all declared, “If they will set My Malchut (kingdom) in order, I will establish their kingdom in return. Do good works for Me, and I will do good works for you. 7Keep My Torah , and I will watch over your bodies. Live faithfully in My Torah , and I will dwell in you with emet (truth) in your hearts. Love Me, and I will love your well-being. Draw near to Me, and I will bring healing to you.” 8Yahuah who rules over all said, “Believe in Me, and I will rescue you from your distress. Do not live in division. For Yahuah who reigns loves upright deeds.” 9He said, “Come near to Me, and I will come near to you, you sinners and betrayers. Wash your hands from sin and turn your hearts away from evil. And I will turn away My aph (anger) from you, and I will return to you with rachamim (mercy) and selichah (forgiveness). 10I will drive out the lawless ones and enemies who seek to bring evil upon you, just as I delivered My servant David from those who rose against him. 11From the deep hatred of his foes, from the hand of the warrior Golyat (Goliath), from King Sha’ul (Saul), who tried to kill him, and from his own son Avshalom (Absalom), who sought to seize his throne—I will rescue those who keep My Torah and honor My Beriyt as David did. 12I will bless them with honor, and they shall have shalom (peace) and simchah (joy), both in this life and in the Olam HaBa (World to Come). I will crown them so they may rejoice. 13They shall stand with kings who served Yah and were honored in the beauty of their faithful lives, just as the prophet Shemu'el (Samuel) served Yah from his earliest days. 14Yah being the Adon (Lord) Himself, chose Shemu'el . He was instructed to speak to Eli the elder kohen (priest). And when he ministered in Yah ’s Mishkan (tabernacle), his service was marked by mercy and was beloved. 15As he grew in his service in Yah ’s holy place, Yah appointed and anointed him so that he would guide the people and anoint kings by Yah ’s command. 16Because Yahuah loved him, He chose him from among Yisrael ’s children to appoint those whom He had selected. And Shemu'el fulfilled the Beriyt of Yah , his Borei (Creator), and was entrusted with the anointing of malchut (kingship). 17And during Sha’ul ’s reign, Yah said to His prophet Shemu'el , “Go, for I have chosen David , son of Yishai (Jesse) from the tribe of Yehudah (Judah). Anoint him.”

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 30

Yah's Sovereignty Over Honor and His Care for All Creation

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1"I rejected the house of Sha'ul (Saul) because he grieved Me by disobeying My davar (word). I turned away from him, for he did not keep My Torah. And I will never again raise a king from his lineage. 2Those who, like him, do not uphold My Torah, My word, and My order—I will strip My Malchut (kingdom) and My gifts from their descendants le'olam (forever), because they failed to honor Me. 3When I honored them, I will bring them down. And I will not lift them up again. Even though I once gave them glory, they refused to glorify Me. So I will not make them renowned. 4They did not return My goodness when I showed them kindness. And they withheld mercy from Me even when I forgave them. When I made them rulers over many, they did not make Me Ruler over their hearts. 5And though I gave them honor above others, they did not give Me honor in return. So I will not exalt or glorify them again, for they did not keep My Torah. 6I withdrew the gift I had given them. And I will not restore the blessing I withheld, according to the measure of My aph (anger) and oath." 7Yah who rules all has spoken. He says, "I will honor those who honor Me, and I will love those who love Me. Those who refuse to honor Me or obey My Torah, I will set them apart, away from the blessings I intended for them." 8Yah, who rules all, says, "I love those who love Me, and I will lift up the one who lifts Me up. For I, Yah, rule over all. None can escape My authority in Shamayim (heaven) or on aretz (earth). 9I am the One who kills and saves, who brings sorrow and grants forgiveness. Glory and honor belong to Me alone. I bestow honor on those I love. 10I am the Shofet (Judge), the Avenger, and the One who destroys, and I bring low those whom I reject. Yet I am the One who forgives those who love Me and continually call upon My Shem (Name). 11For I provide food for both the rich and the poor. I feed the birds and the beasts, the fish in the sea, the animals, and even the flowers. I do not only feed mankind. 12I feed crocodiles and whales, gophers and hippos, and even badgers. Everything that dwells in the water, all that soar on the wind—I sustain them all. I do not feed only man. 13All creation belongs to Me. I provide for all who seek Me with what is right and fitting."

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 31

Yah's Sovereign Decree Over All Authority

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1No king rules without My permission, and the humble are in their place by My decree. Even poverty comes not without My will. And the mighty rise by My word, but their strength is not their own; it is granted by Me. 2I gave My love to David. And to Shelomoh (Solomon) I gave wisdom, and I extended the life of Chizkiyahu (Hezekiah). I cut short the days of Golyat (Goliath). 3I gave strength to Shimshon (Samson). Yet I also took that strength away. I delivered My servant David from the hand of Golyat , the great warrior. And again, I rescued him from King Sha'ul (Saul) and from another warrior who rose against him. 4For he obeyed My mitzvah (command), and I saved him from every foe who fought against him. I loved David, and I love all nobles and kings who keep My Torah. 5Because they bring joy to Me, I will give them power and victory over their enemies. And so that they may inherit the land of their fathers, I will grant them the purified and radiant inheritance I swore to give to their ancestors.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 32

A Warning to Kings and Nobles

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1Yah who rules over all declares, “You nobles and kings, listen to My davar (word) and obey My mitzvah (command). Do not grieve Me by turning aside as the children of Yisrael did when they worshiped foreign elilim (idols). 2Though I, Yah their Borei (Creator), protected and delivered them. Yah who rules all says, “Hear My word, all of you whom I raised, loved, and nourished from your youth. 3I sent them into a fruitful land. I fed them with the richness of the earth in abundance. I gave them vineyards and olive trees they did not plant, and flowing wells of clear water they did not dig. 4Hear My word, lest you sadden Me as Yisrael did when they worshiped false gods, though I, Yahuah, am their Maker, who fed them with sheep’s milk and honeycomb and fine wheat, who clothed them in beauty and poured out My love upon them. 5Yet, because they did not return that love, I withheld from them all that they asked Me for.”

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 33

The Fate of the Disobedient and the Reward of the Faithful

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1Just as David once said, the children of Yisrael were fed with man (manna) dropped by mal’achim (angels), so now hear My word, and do not grieve Me as the children of Yisrael did when they worshiped idols. 2I, Yahuah their Borei, fed them with sweet man in the wilderness. I did all this so that they might worship Me rightly and in emet (truth), Yah who rules all declared. 3But they did not worship Me. So, I turned away from them, for they grieved Me and lived by the laws of gods that were not Mine. 4I will bring upon them the punishment they deserve according to their sin. Because they abandoned My worship and did not walk in My counsel or keep My order, I gave them over to the full weight of their own sin. 5And I will bring them down to Gei-Hinnom (Gehenna) under the certain mishpat (judgment) ordained in heaven. For they did not keep My Torah . So I will bring affliction upon them and shorten their days upon the aretz (earth). 6If you are a king, are you not still a man who shall die and return to dust, and soon become worms and decay? Today you boast and act proudly as if you would live forever. Yah who rules all declares that man who seems full of life today will be dead tomorrow. 7But if you keep My mitzvah and My word, I will give you a land of honor shared with kings who obeyed My Beriyt (covenant), whose dwelling places are full of light, whose crowns are splendid, whose thrones are silver and gold, and who sit in beauty and glory. So says Yah . 8And they shall rejoice in shalom (peace) within His land, a place near to those who lived by good and faithful works. 9But those who commit sin and did not keep My Torah , says Yah who rules all, they are not worthy to enter the land where the honored kings shall dwell.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 34

Prophecies of Kingdoms and the Day of Judgment

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1The kingdom of Madai (Media) shall fall, but the kingdom of Rom (Rome) will rise above that of Makedon (Macedonia), and the kingdom of Nin'veh (Nineveh) will surpass that of Paras (Persia). 2Kush ’s (Ethiopia’s) kingdom will overcome the kingdom of Iskindria (Alexandria), and new nations will rise. Mo’av ’s (Moab’s) kingdom will dominate over the kingdom of the Amalekim (Amalekites). 3Brother will rise against brother, and Yah will bring vengeance and destruction, just as He has declared, so that all may come to ruin. Nation will rise against nation, people against people, land against land. 4So He has said: there will be divisions and widespread ruin, famine, plague, earthquakes, and drought. For ahavah (love) has vanished from the world, and Yahuah ’s chastisement has come upon it. 5For the day is coming suddenly when Yah will appear, striking fear like lightning flashing from the east to the west. On the day when Yahuah judges the earth, each person will face their due punishment according to the weakness of their hands and the weight of their sin. 6For He has said, “I will repay them on the Yom ha’Din (Day of Judgment), the day when there is no escape, for their hour of destruction has come.” 7Then Yah will cast forever into Gei-Hinnom those who refuse to live by His Torah, those who persist in sin. This includes the peoples of the western isles and those in Novah , Hodu (India), Sheva (Sheba), Kush (Ethiopia), and Mitzrayim (Egypt)—all who dwell in those regions. 8In that day, they will know that I am Yahuah, Ruler of heaven and earth, who grants love and honor to souls, and who alone saves and destroys. 9I am the One who sends forth the sun, who directs it to its setting, who brings both good and evil upon the earth. I am the One who raises up foreign nations you do not know, who will come and destroy, consuming all your hard-earned possessions, your flocks of sheep and your cattle. 10They will take your children captive and strike them down before your eyes, and you will not be able to save them. For Yah ’s Ruach ha’Tomekh (Spirit of support) will not dwell in you, because you did not fear or obey Yah ’s mitzvah when it was spoken to you. 11He will bring ruin to your wealth and inheritance. But the one in whom Yah ’s Ruach ha’Tomekh dwells will understand all things. Just as N’vuchadnetzar (Nebuchadnezzar) said to Dani’el (Daniel), “Yah ’s Spirit of support is in me, and He has revealed this.” 12A person who has Yah ’s Ruach ha’Tomekh within him will understand all; what is hidden will be made known to him. He will perceive all that has been revealed and all that remains secret. For nothing is hidden from the one in whom Yah ’s Ruach dwells. 13But as for me, a man who will die tomorrow, my hidden sins and deeds will be uncovered. Just as silver and gold are tested in fire, so too shall sinners be examined on the Yom ha’Yah (Day of the Lord). 14For they did not keep Yah ’s command. On that day, all peoples and every deed among the children of Yisrael will be brought into mishpat (judgment).

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 35

The Judgment on the Arrogant Nobles

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1Because you did not judge righteously or defend the yatom (orphan), Yah brings affliction upon you. Woe to you nobles of Yisrael. 2Woe to those who go to drinking houses morning and night getting drunk, who show partiality in mishpat (judgment) and ignore justice for widows and orphans who dwell in sin and seduction. 3Yah said to the nobles of Yisrael, “Unless you walk in My mitzvah (command), keep My Torah, and love what I love, woe to you. I will bring upon you ruin, correction, and suffering. 4You will be consumed like what beetles and moths devour. Your footsteps and your dwelling will vanish. Your land will become desolate. 5And those who once looked upon it will clap their hands in shock. They will marvel and say, ‘Wasn’t this the land once full of abundance and highly desired? Yah has brought her low because of the sins of those who lived in her.’ 6They will say, ‘Because she became proud in heart, lifted herself up and hardened her neck, Yahuah has humbled her in the earth. She is now a wasteland, ruined by the pride of those who dwelt within her, and thorns and thistles have overtaken her.’ 7Woe to her, now she grows weeds and nettles. She has become a barren desert. Wild beasts will make their home there. 8For Yah ’s mishpat rests upon her. She will drink from the cup of His aph (wrath) because of her ga’avah (arrogance) and the wickedness of those within her. And she will become a place of dread for all who pass by.

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 36

The Last Judgment and the Faithfulness of the Fathers

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1People of Midyan (Midian), do not boast, for Yah is present, and He will bring your destruction. Amalekim (Amalekites), do not harden your necks in pride. Though you may rise high as the Shamayim (heavens), you shall be brought down to Gei-Hinnom (Gehenna). 2When Yisrael once entered the lands of Mitzrayim (Egypt), Mo'av (Moab), and the kingdom of Midyan , He warned them, "Do not boast, for you cannot deceive Yah with empty words." 3You descendants of Yishma'el (Ishmael), a servant child—why do you set your heart on an inheritance that is not yours? Do you not know that Yahuah will judge you when He rises to judge the aretz (earth) on the day appointed for your mishpat (judgment)? 4Yah who rules all says, "On that day you will receive your punishment in measure to your deeds. Why do you claim innocence? Why do you lift yourself up in defiance? I will deal with you just as you dealt with those who were not your people. For you chose what you loved, and it was sin. And I will forsake you in the very place you were sent." 5Yahuah who rules all declares, "I will do this to you. But if you do what is right and love what I love, then I will hear your every plea. And if you keep My Beriyt (covenant) with Me, I will keep My promises to you. 6I will trouble your enemies for your sake, and I will bless your children and your descendants. I will increase your sheep and cattle. And if you live faithfully in My mitzvah (command) and do what pleases Me," Yah who rules all says, "I will bless everything you possess." 7"But if you do not keep My Beriyt , if you do not stand firm in My Torah and My mitzvah , then every hardship previously spoken will come upon you. For you did not endure suffering in faithfulness to My command, and you did not walk thoroughly in My Torah. 8Therefore, you will not escape the wrath that will continually fall upon you because you did not love what I love. Even though I am the One who created you, bringing you from death into life—I gave all this into your hands: the power to kill and to heal, to build and to destroy, to honor and to humble, to raise up and to bring down— 9Yet you neglected My worship and My praise. Even though I gave you authority and honor above others under your rule, you will not escape the wrath that I will pour out upon you." 10But if you follow Yah ’s Beriyt and live by His mitzvot , He will love you so that you may rejoice with Him in His Malchut (kingdom) and share in the inheritance of those who dwell in the honored land. 11For He has declared, "If they remain in Me, I will bless them and honor them. I will give them joy in My Heikhal (temple), where prayers are lifted. For Yahuah who rules all has said, ‘They shall be loved and chosen like a worthy offering.’ Do not neglect to do what is good and beneficial so that you may pass from death into life." 12For those who do good works, Yahuah will preserve them in every good work, so they may serve Him as Iyov (Job) did, whom Yah protected from tribulation. Yah will guard them in righteous work so they may be His faithful servants like Avraham (Abraham), whom He delivered after he defeated the kings, and like Mosheh (Moses), whom He saved from the hand of the K'na'anim (Canaanites) and from Par'oh ’s (Pharaoh’s) grip. 13Avraham had lived among them and was afflicted day and night as they sought to make him bow to elilim (idols). But when they brought him before their idols over which they ruled, he endured suffering and refused to yield. 14For Avraham trusted in Yahuah from his youth. He was Yah ’s faithful friend. Though he was pressured, he remained steadfast in worshiping the One who created him. Because he truly loved Yahuah, he never ceased worshiping Him until his death, and he never strayed from His Torah . 15He taught his children to keep Yah ’s Torah as well. Just as their father Avraham kept Yah ’s Torah , so did his descendants. They did not turn aside from His mitzvot. 16Just as Yah once told His mal'achim (angels), "I have a friend in this world named Avraham." His children Yitzchak (Isaac) and Ya'akov (Jacob), whom Yah also spoke of as His servants, remained faithful to His Torah. 17Yahuah, who is praised alongside them and rules over all, declared, " Avraham is My friend, Yitzchak is My confidant, and Ya'akov is My beloved, the one My heart delights in." 18Yet when He loved the children of Yisrael , they lived on in disobedience and continually grieved Him. Still, He was patient and provided for them, feeding them man (manna) in the wilderness. Their garments did not wear out. He fed them man , the bread of wisdom like inera (honey?), and their feet never swelled. 19But their hearts always turned away from Yah . They were sinners from ancient times and had no real desire to be saved. They became like a warped bow, unlike their fathers Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, who served Yah with beautiful lives. 20They grieved Him continually, worshiping idols on the high places, eating in hilltop groves, caves, and shrines. They would slaughter cattle and offer sacrifices, finding joy in the works of their own hands. They would eat what remained of their offerings, drink the blood, and dance before shedim (demons) while singing. The demons took pleasure in their songs and games. 21They indulged in drunkenness and adultery without restraint, committing robbery and greed that Yah hates. They worship the idols of K'na'an (Canaan) and Midyan : Ba'al , Asherah , Dagon , Sarafion (Seraphim?), and Artamedes (Artemis?), the Greek gods. And they sacrificed to the idols of every nation around them. 22All of Yisrael worshiped idols just like the surrounding peoples, offering treasures to what they could see and hear, celebrating with noise, songs, and revelry. All the tribes of Yisrael have done the same. They say, "We will worship Yahuah." 23Yet they do not keep His mitzvah or His Torah which Mosheh gave them at Chorev (Horeb), instructing them to follow Yah ’s ways and turn away from idolatry, so that they would not worship strange gods instead of their Av (Father) and Borei (Creator), who gave them honey from manna , fed them grain from the land, and brought them into the richness of the earth, who nourished them with heavenly bread. 24Mosheh warned them, saying, "Do not worship other gods, for He alone is the Borei , and He provides for those who love Him. He will not withhold from those who desire Him." 25But they continued to grieve Yah even in the very moments when He made them joyful. And when He afflicted them, they would cry out to Him, and He would deliver them from the suffering that overtook them, and they would return to joy and live in peace for many years. 26Yet in time they would turn their hearts again to sin and grieve Yah as before. And He would stir up neighboring nations to rise against them, bringing destruction, burden, and oppression. 27Then once more they would truly turn and cry out to their Borei, Yah, and He would forgive them—not because of their own deeds, but for the sake of their fathers, Noach (Noah), Yitzchak , Avraham , and Ya'akov , who served Yah with beautiful and faithful lives from ancient times, to whom He gave His oath. 28And Yah loves those who keep His Torah . And because of this, He blesses them, multiplying their descendants like the stars in the heavens and the sand on the seashore. 29But when the dead are raised, those as countless as the sand of the sea, among them will be the souls of sinners separated from the children of Yisrael and cast into Gei-Hinnom . 30As Yah once said to Avraham, "Look up at the night sky and count the stars if you can." In the same way, He said, "Your children and the tzaddikim (righteous) shall shine in heaven like the stars. These stars represent the righteous souls born from Yisrael." 31And again He said, "Look down at the river bank and the shore. Try to count the grains of sand. In the same way, so shall your sinful descendants be who will descend into Gei-Hinnom at the Techiyat ha'Metim (Resurrection of the Dead). They are the souls of sinners." 32Avraham believed Yahuah, and because of that it was counted to him as tzedakah (righteousness). He found assurance in this life. And even when his wife Sarah was old, she gave birth to a son named Yitzchak . 33For he believed that those who do good works shall rise and enter the Malchut ha'Shamayim (Kingdom of Heaven), living forever, and they shall inherit the heavenly kingdom. And he also believed that those who do evil shall go to Gei-Hinnom to dwell in everlasting judgment when the dead are raised. 34But the tzaddikim who live by good works shall reign with Yah forever. He believed that final mishpat will be done in emet (truth) with no deceit. For sinners will be judged justly, and the righteous shall find chayei olam (eternal life) in the Malchut ha'Shamayim . 35Give glory and praise to Yahuah, the True One without falsehood. Thus, the first book that speaks the words of the Meccabayon is completed and fulfilled. Shalom.

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1 Meqabyan

Introduction

Introduction to Sefer Meqabyan (The First Book of the Ethiopic Maccabees)

Within the Framework of the Ivri Heritage Bible

Textual Methodology: Restoring the Ancient Path

The Historical Authority of the Ethiopic Repository

Correcting the Omissions of the Masoretic Text

Hebraic Messianic Nazarene Wordings

Core Theological Themes and Structural Blueprint

Glossary of Key Restored Terms

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 1

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 2

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 3

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 4

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 5

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 6

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 7

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 8

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 9

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 10

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 11

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 12

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 13

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 14

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 15

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 16

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 17

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 18

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 19

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 20

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 21

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 22

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 23

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 24

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 25

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 26

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 27

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 28

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 29

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 30

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 31

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 32

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 33

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 34

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 35

1 Meqabyan—Chapter 36