The Gospel of Eve
The Gospel of Eve is mentioned by Epiphanius of Salamis (d.403, Panarion XXVI:2,3,5) as in use among the Borborites, an Ophite section of Gnostics. Preuschen (Antilegomena, Giessen, 1901, 80) prints the extracts quoted by Epiphanius. Harnack is doubtful if it can properly be called a gospel; Lipsius (Dictionary of Christian Biography II, London, 1882, 717) describes it as a Gnostic doctrinal treatise, though presented, it may be, in an historical form. The number of surviving fragments is also under dispute; for fragments belonging to this work have also been identified in Hippolytus of Rome (d.c.236, Refutations of All Heresies V:16.8,13-14), and in the Books of the Savior (3rd century). The Armenian Infancy Gospel 9 records the account of how Eve was present with Joseph at the first suckling of Jesus, and how she was tested to the virgin birth. Therefore, the interpretation that this work was originally the gospel transmitted by Eve, or with her as the central figure, is not entirely arbitrary (though this source is of the opinion that such reasoning does not operate in this case, and that what we have here to go with is a revelation of Gnostic provenance).
Eve, Our First Mother, and Joseph Arrive Hastily and See the Most Blessed and Holy Virgin Mary Become A Mother
1 I stood upon a high mountain and saw a tall man, and another of short stature, and heard as it were a sound of thunder and went nearer in order to hear. Then he spoke to me and said, "I am you and you art I, and where you are there am I, and I am sown in all things; and wherever you will, you gather me, but when you gather me, then you gather yourself."
2 I saw a tree which bore twelve fruits in the year, and he said to me, "This is the Tree of Life."
3 And when Joseph and our first mother saw this, they prostrated themselves face to face, and thanking God aloud, they glorified Him and said, "Be blessed, Lord God of our fathers, who have today, for you have made the redemption of man by your coming. I have been re-established again and raised from my fall and you have reinstated me in my former dignity now. My soul feels proud and my hope God my Savior has gladdened.
4 Having thus spoken, Eve our first mother saw a cloud rising to heaven from the cave, and the child was revealed openly, for it seemed like a sparkling light had landed before the manger of the cattle, and the child came to take the breast of his mother and drank of milk; then he returned to his place and sat down. At this sight, Joseph and our first mother, Eve, glorified God by thanking him, and they admired in amazement the wonders that had just happened. And they said, "Truly who has ever heard anything like this, or seen with his eyes all that has been done?"
5 And our first mother entered the cave, and she took the child into her arms and began to caress and kiss him tenderly, and she blessed God, for the child was excellently beautiful to see, shining and resplendent and the features blooming. And having wrapped him in swaddling clothes, she put him in the trough of the oxen. And our first mother Eve came out of the cave. Suddenly she saw a woman named Salome, who came from the city of Jerusalem. Our first mother Eve went before her and said: "I announce to you a recent good news: a young virgin, who knows absolutely no man, gave birth to a child."
6 Salome said, "I know that the whole city of Jerusalem has condemned her, as guilty and worthy of death. And because of her shame and dishonor, she fled the city to come here. And I, Salome, I learned in Jerusalem that this virgin gave birth to a male child, and I came with joy to see him." Our first mother Eve said, "Her virginity is holy and remains immaculate." Salome said, "And how did you know that she is a virgin?" Our first mother said, "I will bring you what I saw with my eyes. When I entered this cave, I saw a luminous cloud hovering over it. And there was heard in the heights a sound of words and the numerous army of spiritual choirs of angels who blessed and glorified God with full voice. And to heaven, rose like a shining cloud. "Salome said to her," By the living Lord, I will not believe your words until I see that virgin who knows no man who gave birth to a child, without a male." And our first mother, having entered the cave, said to the holy Virgin Mary, "Keep yourself ready, for here is Salome who wants to examine you and verify your virginity."
7 And when Salome entered the cave, she advanced her hand, and tried to approach the Virgin, suddenly a flame bursting from there with an intense ardor, burned her hand. With a sharp cry, she said: "Woe to me, miserable and unfortunate, whom my faults have seriously misled me! What did I do in my disorder? For I have sinned against my God, and blasphemed him, and in my unbelief I have tempted the living God. Behold, my hand also has become like a burning fire!"
8 But an angel standing there said, "Extend your hand toward the child; approach her and you will be healed." And falling at the feet of the child, she kissed him, and taking him in her arms she caressed him and said, "O newborn son of the great father and powerful, baby Jesus, Messiah, King of Israel, the Redeemer, the Lord's anointed, You have been revealed in the city of David. O light, you have risen on the earth and have been revealed for the redemption of the world."
9 Salome spoke these words and many others alike, and at the same moment her hand was healed; and rising, she adored the child. She wanted to go to Jerusalem. Then the angel spoke to her and said, "Salome, when you go to Jerusalem, wherever you go, do not tell anyone the vision lest it come to the knowledge of King Herod, before the baby Jesus goes to the temple for cleansing after forty days." Salome said, "Yes, Lord, your will be done." And when Salome returned to her house, she did not reveal to anyone the words that the angel had spoken to her.
1 I stood upon a high mountain and saw a tall man, and another of short stature, and heard as it were a sound of thunder and went nearer in order to hear. Then he spoke to me and said, "I am you and you art I, and where you are there am I, and I am sown in all things; and wherever you will, you gather me, but when you gather me, then you gather yourself."
2 I saw a tree which bore twelve fruits in the year, and he said to me, "This is the Tree of Life."
3 And when Joseph and our first mother saw this, they prostrated themselves face to face, and thanking God aloud, they glorified Him and said, "Be blessed, Lord God of our fathers, who have today, for you have made the redemption of man by your coming. I have been re-established again and raised from my fall and you have reinstated me in my former dignity now. My soul feels proud and my hope God my Savior has gladdened.
4 Having thus spoken, Eve our first mother saw a cloud rising to heaven from the cave, and the child was revealed openly, for it seemed like a sparkling light had landed before the manger of the cattle, and the child came to take the breast of his mother and drank of milk; then he returned to his place and sat down. At this sight, Joseph and our first mother, Eve, glorified God by thanking him, and they admired in amazement the wonders that had just happened. And they said, "Truly who has ever heard anything like this, or seen with his eyes all that has been done?"
5 And our first mother entered the cave, and she took the child into her arms and began to caress and kiss him tenderly, and she blessed God, for the child was excellently beautiful to see, shining and resplendent and the features blooming. And having wrapped him in swaddling clothes, she put him in the trough of the oxen. And our first mother Eve came out of the cave. Suddenly she saw a woman named Salome, who came from the city of Jerusalem. Our first mother Eve went before her and said: "I announce to you a recent good news: a young virgin, who knows absolutely no man, gave birth to a child."
6 Salome said, "I know that the whole city of Jerusalem has condemned her, as guilty and worthy of death. And because of her shame and dishonor, she fled the city to come here. And I, Salome, I learned in Jerusalem that this virgin gave birth to a male child, and I came with joy to see him." Our first mother Eve said, "Her virginity is holy and remains immaculate." Salome said, "And how did you know that she is a virgin?" Our first mother said, "I will bring you what I saw with my eyes. When I entered this cave, I saw a luminous cloud hovering over it. And there was heard in the heights a sound of words and the numerous army of spiritual choirs of angels who blessed and glorified God with full voice. And to heaven, rose like a shining cloud. "Salome said to her," By the living Lord, I will not believe your words until I see that virgin who knows no man who gave birth to a child, without a male." And our first mother, having entered the cave, said to the holy Virgin Mary, "Keep yourself ready, for here is Salome who wants to examine you and verify your virginity."
7 And when Salome entered the cave, she advanced her hand, and tried to approach the Virgin, suddenly a flame bursting from there with an intense ardor, burned her hand. With a sharp cry, she said: "Woe to me, miserable and unfortunate, whom my faults have seriously misled me! What did I do in my disorder? For I have sinned against my God, and blasphemed him, and in my unbelief I have tempted the living God. Behold, my hand also has become like a burning fire!"
8 But an angel standing there said, "Extend your hand toward the child; approach her and you will be healed." And falling at the feet of the child, she kissed him, and taking him in her arms she caressed him and said, "O newborn son of the great father and powerful, baby Jesus, Messiah, King of Israel, the Redeemer, the Lord's anointed, You have been revealed in the city of David. O light, you have risen on the earth and have been revealed for the redemption of the world."
9 Salome spoke these words and many others alike, and at the same moment her hand was healed; and rising, she adored the child. She wanted to go to Jerusalem. Then the angel spoke to her and said, "Salome, when you go to Jerusalem, wherever you go, do not tell anyone the vision lest it come to the knowledge of King Herod, before the baby Jesus goes to the temple for cleansing after forty days." Salome said, "Yes, Lord, your will be done." And when Salome returned to her house, she did not reveal to anyone the words that the angel had spoken to her.
The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs
A Latin version was made in the 13th century by Robert Grosseste, bishop of Lincoln, in a very literal Latin translation, with the collaboration of John of Basingstoke, archdeacon of Leicester, from a 10th century Greek manuscript now in the University Library at Cambridge (where it is numbered Ff.1.24). Matthew Paris (Historia Anglorum, 1252AD, p. 1112) gives the following account of the matter:
"This Master John had mentioned to Robert, Bishop of Lincoln, that when he was studying at Athens he had seen and heard from learned Greek doctors certain things unknown to the Latins. Among these he found the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, that is to say, of the sons of Jacob. Now it is plain that these really form part of the sacred volume, but have been long hidden through the jealousy of the Jews, on account of the evident prophecies about Christ which are clearly seen in them. Consequently this same bishop sent into Greece; and when he obtained them, he translated them from Greek into Latin, as well as certain other things."
From this Latin version, the Testaments were translated into German (1544); Dutch (1570); English (1581); Danish (1601); French (1713); and even into Icelandic (also during the 18th century).
The Life and Death of our Father Abraham the Just, Written According to the Apocalypse in Nice Words
A Rumanian version was discovered by M. Gaster (“The Apocalypse of Abraham: From the Rumanian Text, Discovered and Translated” in Transactions of the Society of Biblical Archaeology IX, London, 1893, 195-226). There are Rumanian texts which incline to both the longer and the shorter Greek versions, though that which inclines to the longer is by no means identical with it. The title of the latter manuscript is: “The Life and Death of our Father Abraham.”
1 Our father Abraham lived more than 175 years. In his lifetime he was vigorous, very gentle, compassionate and just towards all, and very hospitable. He dwelt not far from the place called Dria the Black, at the cross-road by which all strangers had to pass. He received the wayfarers and entertained them. Rich and poor, kings and princes, boyards and voyevods, all neighbours, the weak and the sick, all were treated with the greatest kindness, for Abraham was good and just, and loving all men, till he attained to extreme old age, and the time and the hour drew nigh when he was to taste the cup of death.
2 Then the Lord called the archangel Mihail, and said unto him: Go down, Mihail, to my friend Abraham, and remind him of death, for I have promised him to increase his property and to multiply his descendants like the stars of heaven and like the sand of the sea. And I have blessed him. Therefore he is now richer and more just than all in his goodness and hospitality which he displays until his end.
3 And the archangel Mihail, who sat before the Lord, went out of His presence and descended to Abraham in Dria the Black, And he found our father Abraham near the village with his servants and also other young men. And the archangel approached him. Abraham seeing him, thought he was a soldier, being so modest and fair in his appearance.
4 Then the aged Abraham arose in order to meet the archangel. And the archangel said, "Rejoice, venerable father, the chosen one of the Lord, righteous soul, friend of the Ruler of heaven." And Abraham said to the angel, "Rejoice, oh chief of the hosts! Thou, who art greater than any of the children of men, be welcome on my return home. Kindly relate me, oh young man, whence thou comest, and whence it is that thou art so beautiful?"
5 And the Arhistratig replied, "Oh, just man! I come from the Great City, and I am sent by the Great Ruler, to say to His chosen friend, that he should be prepared, because the Ruler calls him." And Abraham replied, " Well! Let us go back to the village."' And the Arhistratig said, "Let us go! "
6 And they went to the nearest village, and sat down to rest. And Abraham said to his servants, "Go to the field, where the horses are, and fetch two that are fit for riding, and get them ready, so that I may mount one, and the stranger the other one." But the Arhistratig said to Abraham, "Let them not bring the horses, because I do not ride on a beast with four legs. Oh, thou righteous soul, let us go on foot to thy pure abode." And Abraham replied, "Let it be so." And they walked from that village to his house.
7 On the way there grew a lofty and mighty cypress. And the tree exclaimed, by the will of God. with a loud voice of man: "Holy one! Holy one! Holy one! The Lord God calls thee!" And Abraham held his peace, and replied not, for he thought the Arhistratig had not heard the voice of the tree.
8 Then they approached the courtyard, and sat down. Isaac, the son of Abraham, saw the face of the angel, and said to his mother Sarah, "Look at the man who is sitting with my father, he does not appear to me to be born from a human being." And Isaac ran to the angel, and bowed down before him. And the angel blessed him, and said, "May God give thee what he has given to thy father and thy mother!"
9 And Abraham said to Isaac, "Take the basin and pour in some water, so that we may wash the feet of this stranger, who comes from afar to us, and who is weary." And Isaac ran to the well and poured water into the basin and brought it. And Abraham went to wash the feet of the angel, and Abraham sighed and wept on account of this stranger. And Isaac seeing his father weep, wept also, and his tears ran down. And the angel seeing them both weeping, wept with them, and his tears fell down into the basin. And these tears turned into precious stones. And when Abraham beheld this miracle, he took away the jewels and hid the secret in his heart.
10 And Abraham said to his beloved son, "Go into the room and get ready two beds, one for me and the other for the stranger, because he is a wayfarer; and prepare everything well and carefully, and put candles in the candlesticks, and prepare the table, and light the incense-burner, and bring sweet smelling herbs of the paradise and put them on the floor, so that they may scent the place, and light seven candles, and we will sit down and rejoice with the stranger, who is greater than any human being on the earth, and mightier than kings." And Isaac prepared everything carefully, according to the directions of his father. And Abraham went with the angel in the room, where the beds were ready, and they both sat down, one on one bed and one on the other, and between them stood the table with food.
11 And the Arhistratig arose and went out to take the air, and he ascended to heaven, and came before the Lord, and said to the Lord God, "Lord! Lord! know that Abraham is very powerful, so that I cannot mention to him of death, for I have never seen a man like unto him on the earth, just, compassionate, and avoiding all evil."
12 And the Lord spake to the Arhistratig, "Go to my friend Abraham, and eat of all that which will be put on the table; and I will send My Spirit unto his son Isaac, and I will show him the approach of his father's death, so that he may see all in a dream."
13 And the Arhistratig said, "The incorporeal beings of heaven do not eat, neither do they drink, and he has spread for me a table with all the good things of the earth; and now, O Lord, what shall I do? How can I become different, as we shall be all at one table?"
14 And the Lord answered him, "Go to My friend Abraham, and do not trouble thyself, for I will send spirits, who shall cause the food to disappear from thy hands and from thy mouth; all that is on the table shall disappear. And rejoice them with him. But thou shalt interpret Isaac's dreams unto him, so that Abraham may know the hour of his death. For he has numberless properties and lands and houses, because I have blessed him, and I have increased his possessions like the sands of the sea and like the stars in heaven."
15 Thereon the Artistratig descended to Abraham's table, and they sat down. And Isaac had provided the supper. And Abraham said his prayer, as it was his custom. And after the meal they arose, said a prayer, and sat down each one on his bed.
16 And Isaac said to his father, "I should like to sleep here also, because I love with all my heart to listen to the words of this stranger." But Abraham replied to his son, "No, my son! go thou to thy bed and rest, so that we may not inconvenience this stranger." Then Isaac received his father's blessing, and went to his bed to rest.
17 And the Lord showed Isaac in a dream the approaching death of his father. And after the third hour of the night Isaac awoke from his sleep, and arose from his bed, and ran quickly to his father, where he slept with the Arhistratig, and called aloud, "My father Abraham, open the door quickly, so that I may enter and cling to thy neck, and kiss thee before they take thee away from me."
18 And Abraham got up and opened the door. And Isaac entered, and he embraced his father, and wept aloud; and Abraham wept also; and the Arhistratig seeing this, wept with them. And Abraham said to Isaac, "My dear child, tell me truly what has appeared to thee, so that thou camest so frightened to me?"
19 And Isaac wept, and said to his father, 'I beheld the sun and the moon, with luminous and far-stretching rays, resting on my head, and seeing this I was glad; when suddenly the heaven opened and a luminous man descended from heaven. And he was brilliant. And he removed the sun from my head and ascended to heaven. And shortly afterwards, while I was still sad, I saw the luminous man again descending from heaven, and he removed the moon from my head. And I wept, and I said to him, "do not take from me my pride, but have pity on me and listen to me, for thou hast taken the sun from me. Do not also take away the moon!' And he replied, 'Let them go, because the Lord of heaven wishes that I should bring them to him.' And they left their rays upon me."
20 And the Arhistratig said to them, "Listen to me, oh Abraham the just! Thou art the sun, seen by thy son Isaac his father; and the luminous man, descending from heaven, will take away thy soul. And know, oh just Abraham! that thou wilt soon leave this world to go to the Lord." And Abraham replied, "Oh wonderful! I fear thou art the man who will take away my soul!" And the Arhistratig said to Abraham, "I am the angel Mihail, the greatest of the angels standing before the Lord; and I announce to thee the news of thy death. And thou wilt come to Him, according to thy covenant." And Abraham replied, "Now I understand that thou art he who will receive my soul----but I will not yield to thee!"
21 After these words of Abraham, the Arhistratig disappeared; for he went up to heaven and stood before the Lord, and related to him all that he had seen and heard in the house of Abraham, and how Abraham had said, "I will not yield to thee."
22 And the Lord replied to his Arhistratig, "Go to my friend Abraham, and say to him as follows: I am the Lord his God, who brought him out and led him to the Promised Land; and I have blessed him, so that his descendants shall become as numerous as the sands of the sea, and as the stars in the heaven. And say to him, How hast thou dared to oppose my Arhistratig Mihail, by saying that thou wouldst not follow him? "Does he not know that from the time of Adam and Eve all have died? That neither the kings, nor the forefathers have escaped death? because no one is immortal; but all have died and have gone down into hell. But to him I did not send either death, or sickness, or the scythe of death, which should mow him down; but I sent to him my Arhistratig. with a request, so that he might know my decision and put his house and lands in order. But why did he oppose my Arhistratig Mihail, saying that he would not follow? Does he not know, that I will send the angel of death, whose presence he could not endure?"
23 After receiving the command of the Lord, the Arhistratig descended to Abraham, fell at his feet, and repeated to him all that he had heard from the Lord. And Abraham the just said amidst many tears, "I entreat thee, Arhistratig of the heavenly powers, because thou had honoured me, a sinner, grant me one request. For the Lord God has always given me the things for which I have prayed, and has always fulfilled my wishes. And I know that I shall not escape death, but I shall certainly die. Know, therefore, that I expect that thou wilt fulfil this my request: I should like to see now, whilst still in the flesh, all the peoples and their deeds; then I will yield myself entirely."
24 And the Arhistratig ascended once more to heaven, and placed himself before the Lord, and told him all about Abraham. And the Lord replied to the Arhistratig, "Place Abraham the just in the chariot of the cherubim, and carry him to heaven." And the Arhistratig descended and took the just Abraham into the clouds and surrounded him with sixty angels.
25 And Abraham walked on the clouds, and he beheld another chariot behind him, and also some who walked. And in another part he saw people who were suffering, and much wrong-doing. And he said, "Oh Lord! command that the earth may open and swallow them." And in another direction he saw people plundering and stealing, and despoiling the stranger. And he exclaimed, "Oh Lord I command that fire shall come down from heaven and destroy them." And fire came from heaven and consumed them.
26 And instantly" there a voice came from heaven to the angels, and a thunder-clap reached the Arhistratig and he heard the words: "Turn round the chariot and depart with Abraham so that he may not see the people any more; for if he sees them living in sin he will destroy them all to the very last," because Abraham could not endure those who did evil. And the Lord continued: "I have created the world, and I do not wish that any human being shall be destroyed, for I do not desire the death of the wicked, but that he should repent and live. Lead the just Abraham to the first gate of heaven, so that he may see the last judgment, and that he also may repent even more than the sinners."
27 And the Arhistratig turned round Abraham's chariot, and brought him to the first gate of heaven. And Abraham beheld two paths, one narrow and difficult to pursue, and the other wide and extended. And on the narrow path he saw a man sitting on a golden chair, and his face was terrible like unto God. And he saw many souls pursued by angels on the broad way, and but few souls conducted by the angels on the narrow path. And the marvellous man, when he saw all the wounded and sick souls on the wide way, tore out the hair of his head and of his beard, and he cast himself from his golden chair unto the ground and wept. But when he saw many souls in the narrow path, he rose and sat on his golden chair in joy.
28 And Abraham asked the Arhistratig: "Lord! who is this marvellous man in such splendour? Sometimes he weeps, and sometimes he rejoices." The Arhistratig answered: "This is Adam, who was the first man created to adorn the world, for all are descended from him. And when he sees many souls traversing the narrow path he rejoices, because that is the entrance to heaven, by which the just go to paradise. And when he sees many souls going on the wide way he weeps and tears his hair, because that is the path of the sinners, by which they go to hell. In seven thousand years only one soul will be saved."
29 And while they were speaking, two angels brought innumerable souls, and struck them with a whip of fire; and one poor soul was supported by their hands and led on the narrow way.
30 And he beheld again at the doorway a golden chair, shining like fire; and on it there sat a man in the form of the Son of God. And in front of him stood a table of precious stones and pearls; and upon the table there lay a Bible, that is a big book of twelve yards in length, and eight yards in width. And there were two angels holding paper, ink, and pens. And at the head of the table there sat a luminous angel holding a scale in his hand; and at his left hand stood an angel of fire, who held in his hand a paper, and on it were inscribed the temptations and sins. And that man who sat |215 there condemned or liberated the souls. And of the two angels who stood to the right and left, the one on the right wrote the virtues, and the one on the left hand wrote down the sins; and the one at the head of the table weighed the souls; and the angel of fire examined the souls.
31 And Abraham asked the Arhistratig: " What is it that I see? " And the angel replied, "That, which thou seest, oh just Abraham, is the judgment in the other world." And he saw the soul of a man brought before the judge by an angel. And the angel said to the judge, "Open the book and see the record of his sins and of his virtues [. . .] and erase them, for he is neither to be condemned nor to be saved; therefore place him in the middle."
32 And Abraham said, "My lord! who are these judges, and these luminous angels?" And the Arhistratig replied, "Listen, oh just Abraham I He who sits in the chair and judges, is Abel, the son of Adam. He judges the righteous and the sinners. For the Lord hath said, that He will not judge mankind, but that they shall judge each other. And to him he has given the power to judge men, till the last judgment. Then the Son of God will judge perfectly and finally and for ever; and no other will be able to judge. Because men are descended from Adam, they must be first judged by a son of Adam; but at the second resurrection they will all be judged by the twelve Apostles; but at the third resurrection, our Lord and Saviour will judge them. For at the third time, at that terrible judgment, all will be ended. As it is written, 'By three witnesses shall the judgment be fulfilled.' And of the two angels the angel on the left records the evil deeds, and the angel on the right records the good actions; and he shines like the sun."
33 And Abraham asked his Arhistratig Mihail, "My lord! what is to be done with the soul which the angel brought in his hand, and which was placed in the middle?" The angel answered, "The judge has found that his good and his bad deeds shall be erased, and he is neither condemned nor saved, until the Lord, the Judge, shall come."
34 And Abraham asked, "What is wanting to this soul that it should be saved? " The angel answered, "If he had performed one more good deed, he would had been saved." And Abraham said, "We will say a prayer for this soul perhaps God will save it!" And the Arhistratig said "Amen! so shall it be!" And they both prayed, and God listened to them and saved this soul. And Abraham said "I pray thee, Arhistratig, tell me where is the soul?" And the angel answered, "It hath been saved, in answer to the prayer of thy holiness! "
35 And Abraham said, "Oh, Arhistratig, let us entreat God for the sins of those whom I cursed before! " And the Arhistratig listened to him, and they prayed for a long time, until there came a voice from heaven, saying, "Abraham! I have heard thy prayer for those whom it appeared to thee that I destroyed. But I have saved them, and have preserved them alive. At the last judgment I will separate them. For, even if I destroy some on earth, I do not deliver any one entirely to death; I wish that they may repent and live."
36 And the Lord said to the Arhistratig, "My servant! Turn the chariot, and take him back to his dwelling, for the end of his life is approaching, and he must put his house in order." And the Arhistratig turned the chariot of clouds and brought him back to his house. And Abraham went and sat on his bed.
37 And Sarah, the wife of Abraham, came and knelt at the angel's feet, and kissed them, and wept and thanked him, saying, "I thank thee, that thou hast brought back my lord, for it seemed to me, that he had withdrawn himself from our midst." And Isaac came and embraced his father; the servants also came and surrounded Abraham, thanking and blessing God.
38 And the Arhistratig said to Abraham, "Set thy house in order, and settle all with thy servants which concerns them; for thy last day draws near, when thy soul will depart from thy body; because the Lord has ordered it so, and He is just." And Abraham replied to the Arhistratig, "I will not obey thee!"
39. When the Arhistratig heard these words, he ascended at once to heaven, stood before the Lord, and said, "Lord! Sustainer of all! I fulfilled Thy will, and Thy friend Abraham has seen all the earth and the heaven, and whilst still living he beheld the Judgment from the chariot of clouds, and yet he says that he will not obey me. I would willingly give him time, because he has done so much good on the earth that no man is like unto him; he is like an immortal king, and he is worthy of immortality. Oh Lord! what dost Thou command?"
40 And the Lord said, "Call Death hither!" And the Arhistratig Mihail went to Death, and said, "Go, for the Immortal King calls thee." "When Death heard this, he trembled and ground his teeth, and went to the Mighty Lord, and stood before Him with much fear and trembling.
41 And the Lord said unto Death, "Go and disguise thy fearful face and thy countenance, and clothe thyself with gentleness and beauty and splendour; and go to My friend Abraham and receive his soul and bring it to Me; and thou shalt not frighten him, but take it away in all tenderness." When Death heard this, he went away from the presence of the Lord, and changed his fearful countenance, and became gentle and luminous, and of great beauty.
42 And Abraham sat under a sweet smelling tree, resting his hand on his knees, awaiting hopefully the return of the Arhistratig Mihail. And he noticed the approach of a worthy and fine-looking man, and it appeared to him that it was the Arhistratig. And the angel beheld him, and bowed to him, and said, "Rejoice, venerable Abraham, just soul, friend of the Lord, like unto the angels!" And Abraham replied, "Rejoice, shining light, luminous man! From whence has this resplendent man come? "
43 And Death answered, "I tell thee the truth. I am the poison of death!" And Abraham said, "Art thou the cup which poisonest? And art thou he who takest away the life of man and the beauty of woman? Art thou the poison of death?" And Death replied, "I am the poisoned cup of death; and I speak unto thee the truth, for thus has the Lord commanded me."
44 And Abraham said, "Why hast thou come hither? " Death replied, "I have come for thy righteous soul." And Abraham said, "I understand! But, I do not wish to die!" And Death was silent, for he would not give any further answer.
45 And Abraham arose and went in and seated himself on his bed. And Death seated himself also on the bed, at the feet of Abraham. And Abraham said, "Depart from me, for I would rest." And Death replied, "I shall not depart from thee until I have taken thy soul." And Abraham said, "Fulfil my wish: show me the bitterness of thy poison when thou takest the souls of mankind." And Death replied, "Thou could'st not in any case bear to see my fearful countenance." And Abraham said, "I will see it; in the Name of the Lord, for He is with me."
46 Then Death cast off all his beauty, and he assumed a fierce and murderous and all-consuming expression, like unto the wild beasts; and he assumed a dragon's head with seven faces, and his countenance was as seventeen fiery faces; and he became like unto a fierce and dreadful lion and like a poisonous snake, and he had a mane like a lion, and he was like a thunderbolt, and like the waves of the sea, and like the stream of a rapid torrent, and like a very wild dragon with three wings. And from the fear of Death, seven thousand boys and girls died, and even Abraham the just was in danger of his life.
47 All this Abraham saw, and he said to Death, "I pray thee, poisonous Death, hide thy fearful countenance, and appear in thy former beauty." And Death resumed his former beauty. And Abraham said, "What hast thou done to kill so many souls? Hast thou been sent to kill them also? " And Death replied, "No, my lord! I was sent only on thy account."
48 Abraham said, "Indeed? How could'st thou kill them when the Lord did not command thee to do it?" And Death answered, "Believe me, my lord, it is a wonder thou did'st not die with them. But I swear to thee in very truth, that I have in this hour the power of killing thee, and thy strength, will not avail thee. Therefore put in order all that thou wishest to arrange."
49 And Abraham said, "I acknowledge now that the weakness of death is upon me. and my soul grows faint. But, I pray thee, oh poisonous Death to tell me, why hast thou killed so many boys and girls? Let us now both entreat the Lord to restore these boys and girls to life, and perchance He may listen to us." And Death said, "Amen! so may it be." And Abraham arose and threw himself on the ground on his face, and Death also cast himself on the ground; and they both prayed to God for a long time. And God sent the spirit of life unto the dead, and they were restored to life again.
50 And Abraham returned thanks unto God, and went to his bed. Death also went to the bed. And Abraham said to Death, "Depart from me; I would rest, for soon thou wilt take away my soul." And Death replied, "I will not leave thee, until I shall have taken thy soul." And the patriarch Abraham became cross with him, and spoke angry words, and said unto Death, "Who has sent thee to me? Dost thou really believe that I will die?" And Abraham repeated again, "I will not follow thee."
51 And Death said, "Listen to me, oh, just Abraham! In seven epochs I shall destroy the whole world, and I shall cause all human beings and kings to go down into the earth, and to descend into hell; the kings, princes, rich and poor, old and young. Therefore I have shown thee the seven heads of a lion and the fiery faces, so that thou mayest arrange thy property and leave everything in order."
52 And Abraham said, "Depart from me, for I will see, if having the favour of God, I must still die, as thou doest demand of me!" And Death said, "I tell thee the truth, by God, there are seventy-two kinds of death, and I mow whomsoever I like; put therefore away thy doubts, oh just Abraham, and obey me, according to the will of the Universal Judge!" And Abraham said, "Depart from me for a while, so that I may rest for a time on my bed; for I have lost, all strength since mine eyes have beheld thee; all parts of my body are weak, my head is heavy as lead, and my spirit is trembling within me, so that I can no longer see thy face."
53 And Isaac came and cried bitterly; and all the servants gathered him and cried bitterly. And Abraham arose and set free all his servants and his maids. And he called his beloved son Isaac, and kissed him tenderly, and blessed him with the father's blessing. And he blessed his wife Sarah, and he took leave of her and of all.
54 And the hour of his death approached; and Death said to Abraham, "Come and kiss my right hand, so that thou mayest revive for a while." And Abraham was deceived, and kissed the hand of Death. But Death, when he gave him his hand, gave him also the cup with the poison of death. And at the same moment the Arhistratig Mihail and numberless angels came and received in their holy hands the pure and holy soul, and brought into the holy hands of the Lord's.
55 But the body was enveloped in clean and pure linen, and they sprinkled him with heavenly perfumes, and buried him with many heavenly songs. And all wept and lamented greatly. Isaac his beloved son, and Sarah, the mother of Isaac, and his servants, and his maids, and all his neighbours lamented for him, because they had lost their good and blessed father Abraham.
56 And they buried him in "Dria the black," with many hymns and with great honour. And they heard the voice of the Lord saying from heaven, "Take My friend Abraham and lead him into the paradise of joy, the abode of all the righteous; and to the eternal life, which is everlasting and without end."
1 Our father Abraham lived more than 175 years. In his lifetime he was vigorous, very gentle, compassionate and just towards all, and very hospitable. He dwelt not far from the place called Dria the Black, at the cross-road by which all strangers had to pass. He received the wayfarers and entertained them. Rich and poor, kings and princes, boyards and voyevods, all neighbours, the weak and the sick, all were treated with the greatest kindness, for Abraham was good and just, and loving all men, till he attained to extreme old age, and the time and the hour drew nigh when he was to taste the cup of death.
2 Then the Lord called the archangel Mihail, and said unto him: Go down, Mihail, to my friend Abraham, and remind him of death, for I have promised him to increase his property and to multiply his descendants like the stars of heaven and like the sand of the sea. And I have blessed him. Therefore he is now richer and more just than all in his goodness and hospitality which he displays until his end.
3 And the archangel Mihail, who sat before the Lord, went out of His presence and descended to Abraham in Dria the Black, And he found our father Abraham near the village with his servants and also other young men. And the archangel approached him. Abraham seeing him, thought he was a soldier, being so modest and fair in his appearance.
4 Then the aged Abraham arose in order to meet the archangel. And the archangel said, "Rejoice, venerable father, the chosen one of the Lord, righteous soul, friend of the Ruler of heaven." And Abraham said to the angel, "Rejoice, oh chief of the hosts! Thou, who art greater than any of the children of men, be welcome on my return home. Kindly relate me, oh young man, whence thou comest, and whence it is that thou art so beautiful?"
5 And the Arhistratig replied, "Oh, just man! I come from the Great City, and I am sent by the Great Ruler, to say to His chosen friend, that he should be prepared, because the Ruler calls him." And Abraham replied, " Well! Let us go back to the village."' And the Arhistratig said, "Let us go! "
6 And they went to the nearest village, and sat down to rest. And Abraham said to his servants, "Go to the field, where the horses are, and fetch two that are fit for riding, and get them ready, so that I may mount one, and the stranger the other one." But the Arhistratig said to Abraham, "Let them not bring the horses, because I do not ride on a beast with four legs. Oh, thou righteous soul, let us go on foot to thy pure abode." And Abraham replied, "Let it be so." And they walked from that village to his house.
7 On the way there grew a lofty and mighty cypress. And the tree exclaimed, by the will of God. with a loud voice of man: "Holy one! Holy one! Holy one! The Lord God calls thee!" And Abraham held his peace, and replied not, for he thought the Arhistratig had not heard the voice of the tree.
8 Then they approached the courtyard, and sat down. Isaac, the son of Abraham, saw the face of the angel, and said to his mother Sarah, "Look at the man who is sitting with my father, he does not appear to me to be born from a human being." And Isaac ran to the angel, and bowed down before him. And the angel blessed him, and said, "May God give thee what he has given to thy father and thy mother!"
9 And Abraham said to Isaac, "Take the basin and pour in some water, so that we may wash the feet of this stranger, who comes from afar to us, and who is weary." And Isaac ran to the well and poured water into the basin and brought it. And Abraham went to wash the feet of the angel, and Abraham sighed and wept on account of this stranger. And Isaac seeing his father weep, wept also, and his tears ran down. And the angel seeing them both weeping, wept with them, and his tears fell down into the basin. And these tears turned into precious stones. And when Abraham beheld this miracle, he took away the jewels and hid the secret in his heart.
10 And Abraham said to his beloved son, "Go into the room and get ready two beds, one for me and the other for the stranger, because he is a wayfarer; and prepare everything well and carefully, and put candles in the candlesticks, and prepare the table, and light the incense-burner, and bring sweet smelling herbs of the paradise and put them on the floor, so that they may scent the place, and light seven candles, and we will sit down and rejoice with the stranger, who is greater than any human being on the earth, and mightier than kings." And Isaac prepared everything carefully, according to the directions of his father. And Abraham went with the angel in the room, where the beds were ready, and they both sat down, one on one bed and one on the other, and between them stood the table with food.
11 And the Arhistratig arose and went out to take the air, and he ascended to heaven, and came before the Lord, and said to the Lord God, "Lord! Lord! know that Abraham is very powerful, so that I cannot mention to him of death, for I have never seen a man like unto him on the earth, just, compassionate, and avoiding all evil."
12 And the Lord spake to the Arhistratig, "Go to my friend Abraham, and eat of all that which will be put on the table; and I will send My Spirit unto his son Isaac, and I will show him the approach of his father's death, so that he may see all in a dream."
13 And the Arhistratig said, "The incorporeal beings of heaven do not eat, neither do they drink, and he has spread for me a table with all the good things of the earth; and now, O Lord, what shall I do? How can I become different, as we shall be all at one table?"
14 And the Lord answered him, "Go to My friend Abraham, and do not trouble thyself, for I will send spirits, who shall cause the food to disappear from thy hands and from thy mouth; all that is on the table shall disappear. And rejoice them with him. But thou shalt interpret Isaac's dreams unto him, so that Abraham may know the hour of his death. For he has numberless properties and lands and houses, because I have blessed him, and I have increased his possessions like the sands of the sea and like the stars in heaven."
15 Thereon the Artistratig descended to Abraham's table, and they sat down. And Isaac had provided the supper. And Abraham said his prayer, as it was his custom. And after the meal they arose, said a prayer, and sat down each one on his bed.
16 And Isaac said to his father, "I should like to sleep here also, because I love with all my heart to listen to the words of this stranger." But Abraham replied to his son, "No, my son! go thou to thy bed and rest, so that we may not inconvenience this stranger." Then Isaac received his father's blessing, and went to his bed to rest.
17 And the Lord showed Isaac in a dream the approaching death of his father. And after the third hour of the night Isaac awoke from his sleep, and arose from his bed, and ran quickly to his father, where he slept with the Arhistratig, and called aloud, "My father Abraham, open the door quickly, so that I may enter and cling to thy neck, and kiss thee before they take thee away from me."
18 And Abraham got up and opened the door. And Isaac entered, and he embraced his father, and wept aloud; and Abraham wept also; and the Arhistratig seeing this, wept with them. And Abraham said to Isaac, "My dear child, tell me truly what has appeared to thee, so that thou camest so frightened to me?"
19 And Isaac wept, and said to his father, 'I beheld the sun and the moon, with luminous and far-stretching rays, resting on my head, and seeing this I was glad; when suddenly the heaven opened and a luminous man descended from heaven. And he was brilliant. And he removed the sun from my head and ascended to heaven. And shortly afterwards, while I was still sad, I saw the luminous man again descending from heaven, and he removed the moon from my head. And I wept, and I said to him, "do not take from me my pride, but have pity on me and listen to me, for thou hast taken the sun from me. Do not also take away the moon!' And he replied, 'Let them go, because the Lord of heaven wishes that I should bring them to him.' And they left their rays upon me."
20 And the Arhistratig said to them, "Listen to me, oh Abraham the just! Thou art the sun, seen by thy son Isaac his father; and the luminous man, descending from heaven, will take away thy soul. And know, oh just Abraham! that thou wilt soon leave this world to go to the Lord." And Abraham replied, "Oh wonderful! I fear thou art the man who will take away my soul!" And the Arhistratig said to Abraham, "I am the angel Mihail, the greatest of the angels standing before the Lord; and I announce to thee the news of thy death. And thou wilt come to Him, according to thy covenant." And Abraham replied, "Now I understand that thou art he who will receive my soul----but I will not yield to thee!"
21 After these words of Abraham, the Arhistratig disappeared; for he went up to heaven and stood before the Lord, and related to him all that he had seen and heard in the house of Abraham, and how Abraham had said, "I will not yield to thee."
22 And the Lord replied to his Arhistratig, "Go to my friend Abraham, and say to him as follows: I am the Lord his God, who brought him out and led him to the Promised Land; and I have blessed him, so that his descendants shall become as numerous as the sands of the sea, and as the stars in the heaven. And say to him, How hast thou dared to oppose my Arhistratig Mihail, by saying that thou wouldst not follow him? "Does he not know that from the time of Adam and Eve all have died? That neither the kings, nor the forefathers have escaped death? because no one is immortal; but all have died and have gone down into hell. But to him I did not send either death, or sickness, or the scythe of death, which should mow him down; but I sent to him my Arhistratig. with a request, so that he might know my decision and put his house and lands in order. But why did he oppose my Arhistratig Mihail, saying that he would not follow? Does he not know, that I will send the angel of death, whose presence he could not endure?"
23 After receiving the command of the Lord, the Arhistratig descended to Abraham, fell at his feet, and repeated to him all that he had heard from the Lord. And Abraham the just said amidst many tears, "I entreat thee, Arhistratig of the heavenly powers, because thou had honoured me, a sinner, grant me one request. For the Lord God has always given me the things for which I have prayed, and has always fulfilled my wishes. And I know that I shall not escape death, but I shall certainly die. Know, therefore, that I expect that thou wilt fulfil this my request: I should like to see now, whilst still in the flesh, all the peoples and their deeds; then I will yield myself entirely."
24 And the Arhistratig ascended once more to heaven, and placed himself before the Lord, and told him all about Abraham. And the Lord replied to the Arhistratig, "Place Abraham the just in the chariot of the cherubim, and carry him to heaven." And the Arhistratig descended and took the just Abraham into the clouds and surrounded him with sixty angels.
25 And Abraham walked on the clouds, and he beheld another chariot behind him, and also some who walked. And in another part he saw people who were suffering, and much wrong-doing. And he said, "Oh Lord! command that the earth may open and swallow them." And in another direction he saw people plundering and stealing, and despoiling the stranger. And he exclaimed, "Oh Lord I command that fire shall come down from heaven and destroy them." And fire came from heaven and consumed them.
26 And instantly" there a voice came from heaven to the angels, and a thunder-clap reached the Arhistratig and he heard the words: "Turn round the chariot and depart with Abraham so that he may not see the people any more; for if he sees them living in sin he will destroy them all to the very last," because Abraham could not endure those who did evil. And the Lord continued: "I have created the world, and I do not wish that any human being shall be destroyed, for I do not desire the death of the wicked, but that he should repent and live. Lead the just Abraham to the first gate of heaven, so that he may see the last judgment, and that he also may repent even more than the sinners."
27 And the Arhistratig turned round Abraham's chariot, and brought him to the first gate of heaven. And Abraham beheld two paths, one narrow and difficult to pursue, and the other wide and extended. And on the narrow path he saw a man sitting on a golden chair, and his face was terrible like unto God. And he saw many souls pursued by angels on the broad way, and but few souls conducted by the angels on the narrow path. And the marvellous man, when he saw all the wounded and sick souls on the wide way, tore out the hair of his head and of his beard, and he cast himself from his golden chair unto the ground and wept. But when he saw many souls in the narrow path, he rose and sat on his golden chair in joy.
28 And Abraham asked the Arhistratig: "Lord! who is this marvellous man in such splendour? Sometimes he weeps, and sometimes he rejoices." The Arhistratig answered: "This is Adam, who was the first man created to adorn the world, for all are descended from him. And when he sees many souls traversing the narrow path he rejoices, because that is the entrance to heaven, by which the just go to paradise. And when he sees many souls going on the wide way he weeps and tears his hair, because that is the path of the sinners, by which they go to hell. In seven thousand years only one soul will be saved."
29 And while they were speaking, two angels brought innumerable souls, and struck them with a whip of fire; and one poor soul was supported by their hands and led on the narrow way.
30 And he beheld again at the doorway a golden chair, shining like fire; and on it there sat a man in the form of the Son of God. And in front of him stood a table of precious stones and pearls; and upon the table there lay a Bible, that is a big book of twelve yards in length, and eight yards in width. And there were two angels holding paper, ink, and pens. And at the head of the table there sat a luminous angel holding a scale in his hand; and at his left hand stood an angel of fire, who held in his hand a paper, and on it were inscribed the temptations and sins. And that man who sat |215 there condemned or liberated the souls. And of the two angels who stood to the right and left, the one on the right wrote the virtues, and the one on the left hand wrote down the sins; and the one at the head of the table weighed the souls; and the angel of fire examined the souls.
31 And Abraham asked the Arhistratig: " What is it that I see? " And the angel replied, "That, which thou seest, oh just Abraham, is the judgment in the other world." And he saw the soul of a man brought before the judge by an angel. And the angel said to the judge, "Open the book and see the record of his sins and of his virtues [. . .] and erase them, for he is neither to be condemned nor to be saved; therefore place him in the middle."
32 And Abraham said, "My lord! who are these judges, and these luminous angels?" And the Arhistratig replied, "Listen, oh just Abraham I He who sits in the chair and judges, is Abel, the son of Adam. He judges the righteous and the sinners. For the Lord hath said, that He will not judge mankind, but that they shall judge each other. And to him he has given the power to judge men, till the last judgment. Then the Son of God will judge perfectly and finally and for ever; and no other will be able to judge. Because men are descended from Adam, they must be first judged by a son of Adam; but at the second resurrection they will all be judged by the twelve Apostles; but at the third resurrection, our Lord and Saviour will judge them. For at the third time, at that terrible judgment, all will be ended. As it is written, 'By three witnesses shall the judgment be fulfilled.' And of the two angels the angel on the left records the evil deeds, and the angel on the right records the good actions; and he shines like the sun."
33 And Abraham asked his Arhistratig Mihail, "My lord! what is to be done with the soul which the angel brought in his hand, and which was placed in the middle?" The angel answered, "The judge has found that his good and his bad deeds shall be erased, and he is neither condemned nor saved, until the Lord, the Judge, shall come."
34 And Abraham asked, "What is wanting to this soul that it should be saved? " The angel answered, "If he had performed one more good deed, he would had been saved." And Abraham said, "We will say a prayer for this soul perhaps God will save it!" And the Arhistratig said "Amen! so shall it be!" And they both prayed, and God listened to them and saved this soul. And Abraham said "I pray thee, Arhistratig, tell me where is the soul?" And the angel answered, "It hath been saved, in answer to the prayer of thy holiness! "
35 And Abraham said, "Oh, Arhistratig, let us entreat God for the sins of those whom I cursed before! " And the Arhistratig listened to him, and they prayed for a long time, until there came a voice from heaven, saying, "Abraham! I have heard thy prayer for those whom it appeared to thee that I destroyed. But I have saved them, and have preserved them alive. At the last judgment I will separate them. For, even if I destroy some on earth, I do not deliver any one entirely to death; I wish that they may repent and live."
36 And the Lord said to the Arhistratig, "My servant! Turn the chariot, and take him back to his dwelling, for the end of his life is approaching, and he must put his house in order." And the Arhistratig turned the chariot of clouds and brought him back to his house. And Abraham went and sat on his bed.
37 And Sarah, the wife of Abraham, came and knelt at the angel's feet, and kissed them, and wept and thanked him, saying, "I thank thee, that thou hast brought back my lord, for it seemed to me, that he had withdrawn himself from our midst." And Isaac came and embraced his father; the servants also came and surrounded Abraham, thanking and blessing God.
38 And the Arhistratig said to Abraham, "Set thy house in order, and settle all with thy servants which concerns them; for thy last day draws near, when thy soul will depart from thy body; because the Lord has ordered it so, and He is just." And Abraham replied to the Arhistratig, "I will not obey thee!"
39. When the Arhistratig heard these words, he ascended at once to heaven, stood before the Lord, and said, "Lord! Sustainer of all! I fulfilled Thy will, and Thy friend Abraham has seen all the earth and the heaven, and whilst still living he beheld the Judgment from the chariot of clouds, and yet he says that he will not obey me. I would willingly give him time, because he has done so much good on the earth that no man is like unto him; he is like an immortal king, and he is worthy of immortality. Oh Lord! what dost Thou command?"
40 And the Lord said, "Call Death hither!" And the Arhistratig Mihail went to Death, and said, "Go, for the Immortal King calls thee." "When Death heard this, he trembled and ground his teeth, and went to the Mighty Lord, and stood before Him with much fear and trembling.
41 And the Lord said unto Death, "Go and disguise thy fearful face and thy countenance, and clothe thyself with gentleness and beauty and splendour; and go to My friend Abraham and receive his soul and bring it to Me; and thou shalt not frighten him, but take it away in all tenderness." When Death heard this, he went away from the presence of the Lord, and changed his fearful countenance, and became gentle and luminous, and of great beauty.
42 And Abraham sat under a sweet smelling tree, resting his hand on his knees, awaiting hopefully the return of the Arhistratig Mihail. And he noticed the approach of a worthy and fine-looking man, and it appeared to him that it was the Arhistratig. And the angel beheld him, and bowed to him, and said, "Rejoice, venerable Abraham, just soul, friend of the Lord, like unto the angels!" And Abraham replied, "Rejoice, shining light, luminous man! From whence has this resplendent man come? "
43 And Death answered, "I tell thee the truth. I am the poison of death!" And Abraham said, "Art thou the cup which poisonest? And art thou he who takest away the life of man and the beauty of woman? Art thou the poison of death?" And Death replied, "I am the poisoned cup of death; and I speak unto thee the truth, for thus has the Lord commanded me."
44 And Abraham said, "Why hast thou come hither? " Death replied, "I have come for thy righteous soul." And Abraham said, "I understand! But, I do not wish to die!" And Death was silent, for he would not give any further answer.
45 And Abraham arose and went in and seated himself on his bed. And Death seated himself also on the bed, at the feet of Abraham. And Abraham said, "Depart from me, for I would rest." And Death replied, "I shall not depart from thee until I have taken thy soul." And Abraham said, "Fulfil my wish: show me the bitterness of thy poison when thou takest the souls of mankind." And Death replied, "Thou could'st not in any case bear to see my fearful countenance." And Abraham said, "I will see it; in the Name of the Lord, for He is with me."
46 Then Death cast off all his beauty, and he assumed a fierce and murderous and all-consuming expression, like unto the wild beasts; and he assumed a dragon's head with seven faces, and his countenance was as seventeen fiery faces; and he became like unto a fierce and dreadful lion and like a poisonous snake, and he had a mane like a lion, and he was like a thunderbolt, and like the waves of the sea, and like the stream of a rapid torrent, and like a very wild dragon with three wings. And from the fear of Death, seven thousand boys and girls died, and even Abraham the just was in danger of his life.
47 All this Abraham saw, and he said to Death, "I pray thee, poisonous Death, hide thy fearful countenance, and appear in thy former beauty." And Death resumed his former beauty. And Abraham said, "What hast thou done to kill so many souls? Hast thou been sent to kill them also? " And Death replied, "No, my lord! I was sent only on thy account."
48 Abraham said, "Indeed? How could'st thou kill them when the Lord did not command thee to do it?" And Death answered, "Believe me, my lord, it is a wonder thou did'st not die with them. But I swear to thee in very truth, that I have in this hour the power of killing thee, and thy strength, will not avail thee. Therefore put in order all that thou wishest to arrange."
49 And Abraham said, "I acknowledge now that the weakness of death is upon me. and my soul grows faint. But, I pray thee, oh poisonous Death to tell me, why hast thou killed so many boys and girls? Let us now both entreat the Lord to restore these boys and girls to life, and perchance He may listen to us." And Death said, "Amen! so may it be." And Abraham arose and threw himself on the ground on his face, and Death also cast himself on the ground; and they both prayed to God for a long time. And God sent the spirit of life unto the dead, and they were restored to life again.
50 And Abraham returned thanks unto God, and went to his bed. Death also went to the bed. And Abraham said to Death, "Depart from me; I would rest, for soon thou wilt take away my soul." And Death replied, "I will not leave thee, until I shall have taken thy soul." And the patriarch Abraham became cross with him, and spoke angry words, and said unto Death, "Who has sent thee to me? Dost thou really believe that I will die?" And Abraham repeated again, "I will not follow thee."
51 And Death said, "Listen to me, oh, just Abraham! In seven epochs I shall destroy the whole world, and I shall cause all human beings and kings to go down into the earth, and to descend into hell; the kings, princes, rich and poor, old and young. Therefore I have shown thee the seven heads of a lion and the fiery faces, so that thou mayest arrange thy property and leave everything in order."
52 And Abraham said, "Depart from me, for I will see, if having the favour of God, I must still die, as thou doest demand of me!" And Death said, "I tell thee the truth, by God, there are seventy-two kinds of death, and I mow whomsoever I like; put therefore away thy doubts, oh just Abraham, and obey me, according to the will of the Universal Judge!" And Abraham said, "Depart from me for a while, so that I may rest for a time on my bed; for I have lost, all strength since mine eyes have beheld thee; all parts of my body are weak, my head is heavy as lead, and my spirit is trembling within me, so that I can no longer see thy face."
53 And Isaac came and cried bitterly; and all the servants gathered him and cried bitterly. And Abraham arose and set free all his servants and his maids. And he called his beloved son Isaac, and kissed him tenderly, and blessed him with the father's blessing. And he blessed his wife Sarah, and he took leave of her and of all.
54 And the hour of his death approached; and Death said to Abraham, "Come and kiss my right hand, so that thou mayest revive for a while." And Abraham was deceived, and kissed the hand of Death. But Death, when he gave him his hand, gave him also the cup with the poison of death. And at the same moment the Arhistratig Mihail and numberless angels came and received in their holy hands the pure and holy soul, and brought into the holy hands of the Lord's.
55 But the body was enveloped in clean and pure linen, and they sprinkled him with heavenly perfumes, and buried him with many heavenly songs. And all wept and lamented greatly. Isaac his beloved son, and Sarah, the mother of Isaac, and his servants, and his maids, and all his neighbours lamented for him, because they had lost their good and blessed father Abraham.
56 And they buried him in "Dria the black," with many hymns and with great honour. And they heard the voice of the Lord saying from heaven, "Take My friend Abraham and lead him into the paradise of joy, the abode of all the righteous; and to the eternal life, which is everlasting and without end."
The Testament of Solomon
A fragment of the Testament of Solomon from the late 3rd century AD may have been preserved in Coptic from the Nag Hammadi Library, as part of the text of On the Origin of the World 106-107:
"Then since Death was androgynous, he mixed with his nature and begot seven androgynous sons. These are the names of the males: Jealousy, Wrath, Weeping, Sighing, Mourning, Lamenting, Tearful Groaning. And these are the names of the females: Wrath, Grief, Lust, Sighing, Cursing, Bitterness, Quarrelsomeness. They had intercourse with one another, and each one begot seven so that they total forty-nine androgynous demons. Their names and their functions you will find in the Book of Solomon."
Significant for the possibility of the existence at one time of a Coptic Testament of Solomon is the fact that Solomon is mentioned in three other treatises from this library. At the Apocalypse of Adam 78-79:
"The fourth kingdom says of him that he came from a virgin. [. . .] Solomon sought her, he and Phersalo and Saul and his armies, which had been sent out. Solomon himself sent his army of demons to seek out the virgin. And they did not find the one whom they sought, but the virgin who was given to them. It was she whom they fetched. Solomon took her. The virgin became pregnant and gave birth to the child there."
At the Second Treatise of the Great Seth 63:
"Solomon was a laughingstock, since he thought that he was Christ, having become vain through the Hebdomad, as if he had become stronger than I and my brothers. But we are innocent with respect to him. I have not sinned."
And at the Testimony of Truth 70:
"Others have demons dwelling with them as did David the king. He is the one who laid the foundation of Jerusalem; and his son Solomon, whom he begat in adultery, is the one who built Jerusalem by means of the demons, because he received their powers. When he had finished building, he imprisoned the demons in the temple. He placed them in seven water pots. They remained a long time in the water pots, abandoned there. When the Romans went up to the Jerusalem they discovered the water pots, and immediately the demons ran out of the water pots as those who escape from prison. And the water pots remained pure thereafter. And since those days they dwell with men who are in ignorance, and they have remained upon the earth. Who, then, is David? And who is Solomon?"
The Apocryphon of Solomon, after Harnack
In the following saying from the Letter of Titus to His Fellow Celibates:
"They will be rejected according to the saying of Solomon: ‘In secrecy they carry out abortions and at the same time think they will live forever.’"
Harnack (“Der Apokryphe Brief des Paulusschulers Titus” in Sitzungsberichte der Berliner Akademie der Wissenschaften, Phil.-hist. Klasse XVII, 1925, 180-213) sees a statement from an otherwise lost Apocryphon of Solomon. It may be that another quotation also is derived from such a book. Somewhat earlier in the Letter, the following quotation may be from such an apocryphon: it is otherwise unattested:
"Solomon took these things into account, saying: ‘Blessed is the eunuch who has committed no offense with his hands.’
And again, 'If thou controllest the craving of thy heart, then art thou an athlete.'"
The Boy in the Tower
It is more doubtful whether this story belongs to the old stock. It occurs in the medieval vernaculars, and may perhaps be discovered in some Latin text. The composition is one of the English metrical versions [Manuscript Harley 3954, edited by Horstmann (Sammlung Altenblischer Legenden, 1878, 108); he also prints another infancy gospel]. The names in the English version (Joseph and Braudyn) are probably the versifier’s invention: both the infancy gospels printed by Horstmann contain many such names, which do not occur elsewhere. Other miracles which find a place in the vernacular versions or in the Vita Rhythmica (a long Latin rhyming composition of the 13th century, edited by Vogtlig (Bibl. d. Litterar. Vereins in Stuttgart, no. 180, 1888) are: (1) Jesus slides on a sunbeam, and other boys attempting this fall, are hurt, and are cured; (2) Jesus hangs his pitcher on a sunbeam, other boys’ attempting to do this suffer broken pitchers, which are mended; (3) Jesus brings bitter herbs to Mary and sweetens them by putting flour in the pot; (4) a lion carries off a shepherd’s boy and is made to bring him back; (5) Jesus finds a hunter killed by a snake and raises him from the dead; (6) Jesus cures one who had swallowed a viper in his sleep. James gives (MRJ, 69) only a partial translation; a complete, quite literal translation, the work of Dr. Ronald Herzman and Mr. Alan Lupack, is given below. In some versions the father, returning and finding the tower empty, is struck blind. The spelling has been modernized.
A rich man was in that city | That of Jesus had envy, | Joseph’s father, Braudyn was named, | Over his son he made mastery. | He said: ‘My son, you were dear to me, | Now you do against my will | To be with Jesus, of him to learn | You were well better to be still. | For his love you shall be kept | In a tower of lime and stone, | His love you shall rue, Joseph, | You will not gain any better dwelling place. | To you shall no man come or leap: | There you must cry and call alone | So that no man of you shall take keep, | Nor for hear your boon. | I swear by God Adonai | Lying there you shall not have: | Loud you may cry all you wish, | No help gain you to crave. | Jesus, that has shunted you thus | Out of prison shall you not bring | By no manner of charm | That he can read or sing of.’ | Joseph said right away: | ‘Father, you might do your will. | Jesus is full of much might, | He will not suffer me to die.’ | He left Joseph in that prison, | The doors were locked fast; | There lay Joseph all alone, | To him came Jesus right in haste. | ‘Joseph, fellow,’ spoke Jesus, | ‘For my love you lie here, | You shall see more of my virtue, | For so I will, my lover fair.’ | Jesus found a little hole | And bade Joseph take his finger: | Whole and sound as he was noble | He came out through it without a scratch. | Ever with Jesus he would be; | Nothing might prevent him: | Ever was Jesus to him so free, | He treated him as his companion.
A Teaching of Jesus Concerning the Hebrew Prophets
This is to be found in a single quotation from Augustine of Hippo Regius (d.430). It was used by an otherwise nameless adversary of the Law and the Prophets, whom Augustine refutes, and from which the following is quoted:
"The apostles having asked the Lord what they were to think about the Jewish prophets, who were thought in the past to have foretold his coming, he was troubled that they even yet had such thoughts, and answered: 'You have given up the living one who is before your eyes, and talk idly of the dead.'"
It is a work of tendency similar to that of the Gospel of the Birth of Mary, bordering on a hatred of the Old Covenant, of which Marcion of Sinope (d.160) was the noblest exponent.
The Book of Adam, after Harnack
Harnack (“Der Apokryphe Brief des Paulusschulers Titus” in Sitzungsberichte der Berliner Akademie der Wissenschaften, Phil.-hist. Klasse XVII, 1925, 192) says that the allusion in the Letter of Titus to His Fellow Celibates to the fall of Adam:
"So also did the first created man fall because of a virgin: when he saw a woman giving him a smile, he fell" is a remnant of a lost Book of Adam.
Ma'aseh Daniel
Ma‘aseh Daniel, or ‘The Story of Daniel,’ is a Judaeo-Persian work of uncertain historical provenance that is extant only in Ms. Bibliothèque Nationale Héb. 128/9, ff.72a-96b. The Hebrew rendering of this work that was published by Adolph Jellinek does not represent an independent version, but was translated directly from the 1869 German translation of Hermann Zotenberg. The present rendering is paragraphed and englished from the Hebrew translation of the Judaeo-Persian text published by Dan Shapira, “Qīṣṣa-ye Dāniyāl – ’o Ma‘aseh Danī’el – be-farsit-yehudit: Ha-ḥibbur we-targumo,” Sefunot n.s. 7 (1999): 337-66, at 353-66.
1 I am Daniel, one of the descendants of King Jeconiah of the family of David. When I was in Jerusalem; i.e., Bayt al-Maqdis; there was with us a certain man whose name was Jeremiah b. Hilqayah who constantly conducted himself in obedience to the Lord. There were also among us a number of people who broke off the yoke of the Lord from themselves. They were unable to bear the Name of the Lord, and they no longer proffered obedience to Him. They were occupied day and night with unworthy activities, and they engaged themselves in the worship of idols, in frequenting whores, and in corruption.
2 Then the Lord, may His Name be blessed, sent Jeremiah to them in order to reprove them and turn them back to His rule. At that time Zedekiah was the king. And Jeremiah was saying to them: ‘The Lord commands, Return to My rule! If not, I will strengthen the power of your enemy Nebuchadnezzar, and I will send him to destroy both Jerusalem and yourselves, thereby effecting desolation!’
3 And when Jeremiah had prophesied this way before King Zedekiah, the king said: ‘Go and do to Jeremiah anything that you want!’ At that time then they took Jeremiah and threw him into a pit. While there was no water in that pit, the pit was very cramped, and so they left Jeremiah amidst that cramped space without access to water. Then the Lord’s anger increased against them, and He sent Nebuchadnezzar and his army to lay siege against the gates of Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar himself stayed in Baghdad, and he dispatched Nebūzarādan with his army to Jerusalem.
4 Now Israel possessed two commandments, which while they were observing them, no enemy could achieve victory against them. One of them was sacrifice, and the other circumcision, and they did not maintain the observance of any other commandment. Every day they would put a dirham for this sacrifice in a basket and lower it from the wall with a rope into the camp of Nebuchadnezzar in order to purchase a lamb for this sacrifice. Now one day an Israelite youth was on the wall of Jerusalem, and so they asked him: ‘This lamb which you have been purchasing from us – what do you do with it?’ The youth answered them: ‘We offer it as an offering.’ Then they stopped selling them any more lambs and devised a stratagem: instead of a lamb they placed a pig in the basket and sent it to the wall. As soon as the basket had reached the top of the wall, they shot arrows at the pig, the blood spewed onto the wall, and the wall cracked open. That day was the ninth of the month Av. Nebūzarādan realized that the Lord was handing them over into his control. He entered Jerusalem and proceeded directly to the Temple. Zedekiah, the king of Judah, fled and the officers of Nebuchadnezzar chased after him and captured him. When they saw King Zedekiah, they said: ‘These eyes of yours are handsome!’ Then the order was given to kill two of his sons before his eyes, and afterwards they blinded his eyes. Then Nebūzarādan slaughtered a pig within the Temple of the Lord. Nebuchadnezzar himself did not come to Jerusalem – he remained in Riblah – but he had dispatched Nebūzarādan to Jerusalem in order to gain profit through these deeds.
5 After this, blood frothed on the threshold of the Temple of the Lord. Nebūzarādan summoned all the nobles, elders, and Jeremiah, and he asked them: ‘What is this frothing blood?’ They responded: ‘It is the blood of the cattle and the sheep which they offered as an offering to the Lord, but now they are not offering.’ Nebūzarādan commanded for a quantity of cattle and sheep to be brought, and they slaughtered them over that blood. However, the blood did not cease from frothing: it frothed even more violently than before. Nebūzarādan said: ‘This blood is not that of cattle or sheep! If you do not tell me the truth, I will kill all of you!’
6 Then Gedaliah b. Aḥiqam responded: ‘What can I say, O commander? We were ashamed of what we have done! There was a man, a prophet of God, whose name was Zechariah. He was a priest, and the day on which they murdered him was the Day of Atonement. He was reproving us, and they killed him, and his blood now lodges complaint before you!’ Then Nebūzarādan grew angry, and he commanded that three thousand Sages be brought, and they slaughtered them over the blood. However, its frothing persisted and did not cease. They next killed three thousand priests, but the blood did not calm. Next they brought two thousand Levites and killed them, but the blood did not calm. They brought next two thousand bridegrooms and brides, and they also killed them, but its frothing persisted and did not cease. Next they took two thousand children away from their teachers, wrapped them up in Torah scrolls, and threw them into a fire – even then the blood did not calm. At that moment the sympathies of the enemy were aroused, and they said: ‘O Zechariah! Is it your wish that all Israelites should be removed from the world?!?’ The blood still did not calm.
7 Now I Daniel was in a room teaching small children, and a soldier entered in order to kill us. But the Holy One, blessed be He, gave us favor in his eyes, and they did not kill me, or Hananiah, Mishael, or Azariah; instead, they took us into captivity. They took still more Israelites, women, children, the Temple vessels, the throne of the lordly Solomon upon whom be peace!, and the priestly vestments to Baghdad and dispatched them to their treasuries.
1 I am Daniel, one of the descendants of King Jeconiah of the family of David. When I was in Jerusalem; i.e., Bayt al-Maqdis; there was with us a certain man whose name was Jeremiah b. Hilqayah who constantly conducted himself in obedience to the Lord. There were also among us a number of people who broke off the yoke of the Lord from themselves. They were unable to bear the Name of the Lord, and they no longer proffered obedience to Him. They were occupied day and night with unworthy activities, and they engaged themselves in the worship of idols, in frequenting whores, and in corruption.
2 Then the Lord, may His Name be blessed, sent Jeremiah to them in order to reprove them and turn them back to His rule. At that time Zedekiah was the king. And Jeremiah was saying to them: ‘The Lord commands, Return to My rule! If not, I will strengthen the power of your enemy Nebuchadnezzar, and I will send him to destroy both Jerusalem and yourselves, thereby effecting desolation!’
3 And when Jeremiah had prophesied this way before King Zedekiah, the king said: ‘Go and do to Jeremiah anything that you want!’ At that time then they took Jeremiah and threw him into a pit. While there was no water in that pit, the pit was very cramped, and so they left Jeremiah amidst that cramped space without access to water. Then the Lord’s anger increased against them, and He sent Nebuchadnezzar and his army to lay siege against the gates of Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar himself stayed in Baghdad, and he dispatched Nebūzarādan with his army to Jerusalem.
4 Now Israel possessed two commandments, which while they were observing them, no enemy could achieve victory against them. One of them was sacrifice, and the other circumcision, and they did not maintain the observance of any other commandment. Every day they would put a dirham for this sacrifice in a basket and lower it from the wall with a rope into the camp of Nebuchadnezzar in order to purchase a lamb for this sacrifice. Now one day an Israelite youth was on the wall of Jerusalem, and so they asked him: ‘This lamb which you have been purchasing from us – what do you do with it?’ The youth answered them: ‘We offer it as an offering.’ Then they stopped selling them any more lambs and devised a stratagem: instead of a lamb they placed a pig in the basket and sent it to the wall. As soon as the basket had reached the top of the wall, they shot arrows at the pig, the blood spewed onto the wall, and the wall cracked open. That day was the ninth of the month Av. Nebūzarādan realized that the Lord was handing them over into his control. He entered Jerusalem and proceeded directly to the Temple. Zedekiah, the king of Judah, fled and the officers of Nebuchadnezzar chased after him and captured him. When they saw King Zedekiah, they said: ‘These eyes of yours are handsome!’ Then the order was given to kill two of his sons before his eyes, and afterwards they blinded his eyes. Then Nebūzarādan slaughtered a pig within the Temple of the Lord. Nebuchadnezzar himself did not come to Jerusalem – he remained in Riblah – but he had dispatched Nebūzarādan to Jerusalem in order to gain profit through these deeds.
5 After this, blood frothed on the threshold of the Temple of the Lord. Nebūzarādan summoned all the nobles, elders, and Jeremiah, and he asked them: ‘What is this frothing blood?’ They responded: ‘It is the blood of the cattle and the sheep which they offered as an offering to the Lord, but now they are not offering.’ Nebūzarādan commanded for a quantity of cattle and sheep to be brought, and they slaughtered them over that blood. However, the blood did not cease from frothing: it frothed even more violently than before. Nebūzarādan said: ‘This blood is not that of cattle or sheep! If you do not tell me the truth, I will kill all of you!’
6 Then Gedaliah b. Aḥiqam responded: ‘What can I say, O commander? We were ashamed of what we have done! There was a man, a prophet of God, whose name was Zechariah. He was a priest, and the day on which they murdered him was the Day of Atonement. He was reproving us, and they killed him, and his blood now lodges complaint before you!’ Then Nebūzarādan grew angry, and he commanded that three thousand Sages be brought, and they slaughtered them over the blood. However, its frothing persisted and did not cease. They next killed three thousand priests, but the blood did not calm. Next they brought two thousand Levites and killed them, but the blood did not calm. They brought next two thousand bridegrooms and brides, and they also killed them, but its frothing persisted and did not cease. Next they took two thousand children away from their teachers, wrapped them up in Torah scrolls, and threw them into a fire – even then the blood did not calm. At that moment the sympathies of the enemy were aroused, and they said: ‘O Zechariah! Is it your wish that all Israelites should be removed from the world?!?’ The blood still did not calm.
7 Now I Daniel was in a room teaching small children, and a soldier entered in order to kill us. But the Holy One, blessed be He, gave us favor in his eyes, and they did not kill me, or Hananiah, Mishael, or Azariah; instead, they took us into captivity. They took still more Israelites, women, children, the Temple vessels, the throne of the lordly Solomon upon whom be peace!, and the priestly vestments to Baghdad and dispatched them to their treasuries.